Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He looked down at his friend, his greasy long pink hair sticking to his tear stained face. Hearing him groan as he held onto his chest, trying to keep his breathing steady. He knew what he needed to do, they had been on the streets for almost a week. Kojiro breathed out, pushing his thick dark green hair back. He had no choice. He stood up and started walking out of the alleyway.

“Kojiro? Where are you going?” The pink haired boy asked, biting his lip ring on his bottom lip.

“I need to get you food. It’ll help make you better.” He mumbled.

“But-”

“Stay here, Kaoru. I promise I’ll be back soon.”  Kojiro didn’t want to leave him, but he felt responsible for their situation.

Why did I do it? I should have just brushed it off but… why did I have to act out like that? I didn’t mean to. I didn’t want Kaoru to dragged into this. And now… now I have to…

Kojiro looked over at the little stall at the end of the street. The man behind the counter was busy restocking a shelf, by the time he reached the stall he hadn’t noticed him. As long as he was fast he could do it. Kojiro extended his hand and swiped one of the many boxes of candy and quickly ran down the street. Thinking he got away, he made his way back to alleyway but suddenly a young boy with short black hair stood in front of him, making him come to halt. The boy grinned, taking the pink lollipop out of his mouth.

“You know stealing is a crime right?” He asked.

Kojiro sighed, gripping tightly onto the box. “P-Please, my friend he-”

“Yeah, yeah, you have a sick friend who needs food because you’ve been on the streets for a little over week or so and you’re both starving, bla, bla, bla. Buy why only one box of pocky?” The boy asked. “Anyone else would have stolen something more substantial. But your ability can turn just one of those sticks into a lifesaving medicine, right?”

Kojiro’s grip on the box loosened causing it to drop to the ground. His red eyes widened and his jaw slightly opened.

“H-How- have you been spying on us?”

“Oh how rude of me. Ranpo Edogawa, the world’s greatest detective at your service.” He smiled, putting the lollipop back in his mouth. “So, you want a job and actually pay for that candy or do you just want to keep stealing?”

“Ranpo! I told you not to wonder off!” A tall, white haired man snapped. He looked over at the filthy teen in front of him and softened his expression. “I’m so sorry, has my colleague been causing you trouble.”

“Nope, nothing of the sort. In fact I just offered him a job.” Ranpo smirked. “His special ability can prove to be quiet useful. And he even has experience in the kitchen.”

“HOW?!” Kojiro yelled. “How do you know that?!”

“I told you, I’m the world’s greatest detective.” He shrugged. “And that’s not all. I know you’re only homeless because you used your ability on a customer. That much is obvious. And no, it's because I saw your wanted face all over the news. By the way terrible disguise, you're not even making an effort to hide your face.”

Kojiro fell to his knees, holding back his tears. “I- I didn’t mean to.” He sobbed. “I was just so… so angry at him. He wouldn’t stop harassing the waitress. He kept saying how his salad wasn’t organic enough so he kept sending it back. He yelled at the waitress who served him and threw the bowl at her. So I was told to take out his second serving. I couldn’t help it. I was so angry I wanted him to choke on his meal…”

“And so he did?” Ranpo asked.

“He didn’t even eat the first mouthful and he already began coughing up blood.” Kojiro whispered. “I was accused of poisoning him but… I didn’t…”

“An ability that can alter the effects of any food depending on how you feel about them.” The young boy smirked. “So if you were touch that pocky and give it to your friend it would… heal him?”

“I didn’t know my ability would hurt someone I didn’t like.” Kojiro admitted. “I've only ever cooked for my friends. So when they ate my food they said they felt… stronger… somehow. One time when my sister was sick I made her something and she was suddenly cured. But it doesn’t work on physical injuries. Only sickness.”

“We could always use another healer. My name is Yukichi Fukuzawa.” The older man said, picking up the box of candy. “Before we do anything else, we need to pay for this and you need to apologise for stealing. Afterwards we’ll find your friend, then you can come back with us.”

Kojiro looked up the man, a singular tear ran down his dirt covered cheek. “You-you mean-?”

The man extended his hand, helping the young boy up.

**

Light footsteps could be heard approaching the young boy who felt close to passing out. He grumbled, trying to keep his golden eyes open, but he was unable to focus on the dark figures approaching him.

“K-Kojiro?” He murmured weakly.

“Oh you poor thing.” A man's soft voice spoke, kneeling beside him. He placed his cold hand on Kaoru’s burning forehead and sighed. “Such a high fever. You’re lucky I found you.”

Kaoru’s eyes focused on the slim built man with jet black hair. His purple eyes remained fixed on him as he passed him a bottle of water.

“Go ahead, drink, you need it.”

Kaoru took the water and almost drank the whole bottle in one go. He gasped finally taking in as much water as he could.

“Th-thank you, Sir.” He mumbled.

“Why are you all alone out here?” The man asked. “Someone so young should not be dying on the streets like this.” He stroked a strand of the boy's hair behind his ear revealing his several piercings.

“He… he’s not coming back for me... is he?” Kaoru mumbled. He cried out clinging to his chest as he began coughing.

“Aspergillosis.” The man spoke. “This alleyway is filthy. But I guess this wasn’t your only hiding spot. You’ve been surrounded by a mould infestation haven’t you? Not that this place is helping with your symptoms.”

“How can you tell?” He coughed.

“I’ve seen it all before. I used to be a physician.” He smiled. “My name is Ogai Mori, and this one of my newest recruits, Chuuya Nakahara. He’s actually the one who spotted you.”

Kaoru looked up at the small ginger haired boy. His hat covered most of his face but those sapphire eyes of his stood out.

I didn’t even see him standing there.

“If you come with me I can promise you a safe space to stay.” Mori said, holding out his hand. “You’ll never get sick and you’ll never know the feeling of sleeping on the ground again. But first, let’s get you something to eat.”

Without a second thought, Kaoru took the stranger’s hand.

“What’s your name?” Mori asked.

“You can call me Kaoru.” He mumbled.

He was led over to a black car where a small girl with long blonde hair stood outside.

“What took you so long!” She snapped. “You promised we’d get cakes!” She huffed.

“Sorry, Elise, we’ll get desserts right now.” Mori smiled sweetly.

Elise pouted and climbed into the back of the car.

“Isn’t she adorable?” Mori blushed.

“Is she… your daughter?” Kaoru asked.

Mori indicated for him to climb into the back with her, which he did without any further questions.

Chuuya placed his hand of Mori’s arm and pulled him back slightly. “Boss, are you sure?” He asked in a hushed voice. “We don’t even know if he-”

“He’s the one.” Mori confirmed. “I recognise that look in his eyes. He’s the one from the restaurant who used his ability to shock that man.” He smirked. “Very bold of him to leave his hiding spot knowing he's a wanted criminal, he must have known that place was making him sick and thought hiding outdoors would-”

“Rintaro!” Elise screamed.

“Coming Elise.” Mori sang, climbing into the driver’s seat.

Chuuya climbed into the back, sitting beside Elise so she was in the middle.

Kaoru looked out of the window, watching the street pass by. His golden eyes widened spotting a familiar figure, standing with two other people. One of who was taking a pocky from Kojiro’s hand.

“That bastard!” He yelled.

Mori came to a halt just as Kaoru kicked the door open. Before he could say anything the pink haired teen landed a punch directly across Kojiro’s face.

“I knew it! You never planned to come back for me did you?!” He shouted.

“Kaoru! I was-”

“SHUT UP!” He screamed. “I trusted you!”

“Kaoru, listen to me, this is-”

Before he could introduce the two people he just met, wires shot out of the building behind them and wrapped around his throat.

“Kaoru, NO! Don’t do this!” Kojiro begged.

“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t let this electrical current run through your veins!” He yelled, trying his best to hide the pain in his chest.

Kojiro froze, unable to answer. He should have gone straight back to him. He regretted not pushing Ranpo aside and going back to Kaoru. He could have explained himself later.

“I needed you.” Kaoru mumbled.

Kojiro placed his warm hand on Kaoru’s face. “I’m here now.” He smiled. “Just get these things off me. Look, I found us a place to stay. We can-”

“Shut it.” He spat, releasing his ability. He shook his head and returned to the car. “I already found my place with someone who wants to help me.”

“You!” Fukuzawa growled, seeing Mori smirking in the driver’s seat. “What diabolical plan do you have for this child?!”

“Child? He’s more than capable of making his own decisions. Besides, he was in agony. The poor boy is starved and very sick. I guess my doctor’s instincts kicked in.” He shrugged.

“Kaoru, don’t!” Kojiro pleaded, seeing him stepping back into the car and slamming the door behind him.

“Goodbye Kojiro.” He mumbled as the car drove off.

The sound of Kojiro yelling at him to come back suddenly drowned out. He sighed and held onto his chest, finally heavily coughing into his already filthy hands.

“Don’t worry, Kaoru. With me you’ll be better in no time.” Mori smiled. “Welcome to the Port Mafia.”

**

Kojiro fell to his knees, unable to run after the car transporting his friend any further. He groaned trying to catch his breath before yelling out a cry of despair. “Why?! Kaoru, I'm sorry! I know you hate being alone for too long but... I'm sorry.” He sobbed.

“He chose to become a part of the Port Mafia.” Fukuzawa said, placing his hand on Kojiro’s shaking shoulder.

“Don’t worry.” Ranpo said, patting Kojiro on the head. “The Armed Detective Agency has an act for stealing members of the Port Mafia. We have two already. Who knows, one day it could be three.” He laughed.

“Not now, Ranpo.” Fukuzawa sighed. “Come on, Kojiro. Let’s get you to your new home.” He said, helping him up off the floor.

“It won’t be home without Kaoru.” Kojiro mumbled.

Chapter Text

(8 years later)

It had been so long since Kojiro had seen those sparkling golden eyes, but he remembered them so clearly. The way they narrowed in hatred at him. They way they burned directly into his soul. If only he was given the chance to explain.

He was informed that Kaoru hadn’t been sighted in any of the Port Mafia’s activities since he was taken away by them. A day that still makes his heart sink just to think about. If only there was a way to get him back. Just to be able to speak to him again. He knew he could make it right.

“Hey, Earth to Nanjo! Is that enough sugar?”

Kojiro suddenly snapped out of his wondering day dream and pulled the bag of sugar away from the mixing bowl.

“Dammit!” He hissed, spilling the little grains over the table. “Thanks, Dazai, I don’t know what came over me.” He mumbled, putting the nearly empty bag of sugar down. “Well, that’s going to be way too sweet now.”

“Well I know Ranpo won’t complain.” Dazia smiled, sticking his finger into the heap of sugar.

“Do you mind?!” He shouted, slapping his hand away. “This cake isn’t for Ranpo it’s for-”

“Cake?” As if by called by séance Ranpo appeared, peering his head up from under the table.

“No!” Kojiro yelled. “The president wanted me to send this to-”

“Cake!” Ranpo shouted.

Kojiro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Sure, you can have it. It’s not like I can deliver this now it’s got half a bag of sugar in it.”

Ranpo cheered and ran back to his seat, patiently waiting for the cake to be finished while Kojiro starting mixing the sugar into the cake mix.

“So errm, why are you making that here and not at your apartment?” Dazai asked.

Kojiro narrowed his eyes, giving Dazai a death glare. “You mean the apartment you half destroyed a week ago?” He growled.

“Did I start that fire? My bad.” He laughed, scratching the back of his head.

“Not to mention I'm now stuck babysitting you after that catastrophe. If you’re trying to make my life more difficult then mission accomplished, but it’s not appreciated.”

“I thought the toaster would make a good bath toy, I’m sorry.” Dazai groaned.

“Sometimes I have a hard time remembering you’re an adult.” He grumbled, pouring the cake mix into a baking tin.

“Hey, Joe, Dazai, the president wants to see you.” A short white haired boy said, walking into the office.

“Just in time, Atsushi. Can you put this in the oven?” Kojiro asked, passing him the cake tin. “It’s only because I doubt it’ll make it if I give it to Ranpo.” He whispered.

“Sure, no problem.” He smiled.

“350 degrees and leave it for about thirty three minutes. If it doesn’t look done then leave for another five but no longer.” He said, leaving the office with Dazai.

“Got it.” He nodded.

**

Blood soaked the marble floor of the office. Anything that was electrical had exploded; computers, phones, even the lights had been shattered, leaving the office in complete darkness but for the sun light poking through the blinds. Pieces of the monitors was stuck in the faces of the few people who still had skin attached to them. Blood leaked from their ears caused by the high frequencies from the fire alarm which had bust their ear drums. A black leather boot slammed down on one man’s still heavily panting chest.

“Hello? I asked you a question, can you hear me?” A tall slim man with long pink hair growled, applying more pressure to the man’s chest.

He cried out just as his ribs snapped below the man’s boot.

He groaned, removing his boot off the corpse.

“I’m surprised he even survived after all that commotion.” Chuuya said, entering the room. “Honestly, Kaoru, we were supposed to be undercover for this.”

“Great, now we have to find this damn thing without help.” Kaoru sighed, walking across the blood soaked floor towards the metal door.

“Well it was your brilliant plan to blow everything up, including the alarms.” Chuuya said, sticking his finger inside his still ringing ear.

“I didn’t think it would set off the whole building. I only aimed for it to take out security.” He hissed, pulling the door open.

“Yeah, and instead you blew every electrical item in this place. Maybe even the whole street. You let your temper get the better of you again.”

“Look who’s talking.” Kaoru laughed. “Besides, that asshole had it coming. Did you see the way he looked at me?”

“Let’s just find this memory stick and leave already. The cops are going to be on our asses the second they see this place’s security system malfunctioned.”

“You think the detective agency will also be looking for it?” Kaoru already knew the answer and he dreaded hearing it said out loud.

“I imagine they’ll already be on their way.” Chuuya reluctantly confirmed. 

Kaoru nodded, searching though all of the files as quickly as he could. A sudden noise from the room next to them broke his concentration.

Chuuya walked over to the crack in the door and groaned seeing a man with spikey blue hair fall out of the circular portal, landing on his ass in the puddle of blood. A second man, whose long white hair had been braided followed. “Shit. The court jesters are here. Well, the boss did say everyone was after this thing.”

“What exactly is on that drive that is so important?” Kaoru asked.

“Didn’t ask.” He shrugged, quietly closing the door and moving over to a cabinet to help search. “It’s not our place to know. We just have to retrieve it for the boss.”

**

“Damn you, Nikolai!” The blue haired man growled, keeping his hands on his ass as he stood up. “Did you have to throw me out like that?” His blood red eyes widened feeling the wet patch on his ass where he landed. He removed his hands and looked down at the red liquid covering his skin.

“I said to brace yourself.” The white hair man shrugged innocently. “Anyway, let’s just do what he came here to do. Wait… isn’t this office a little… dead?” Nikolai looked down at all of the corpses.

Adam growled, clenching his hands into a tight fist. “He’s already here.”

“Then we better get a move on.” He grinned, placing his hand on his accomplice’s shoulder.

The man smirked, pulling out five red roses from inside his cape. He knelt down placing one of the roses onto the corpse closest to him.

“Special ability… A Rose From The Dead.” The moment his ability was activated, the pure white eyes from the corpse flashed open.

**

Kaoru sighed slamming the drawer. “It’s not here!” He yelled.

“Shush!” Chuuya hissed. “In case you’re forgetting those two clowns from the Decay of Angels are in that other room.”

Chuuya pulled the door open, shocked to see not only the two members from the rival group not there, but a few of the corpses were also missing.

“Shit!” He yelled. “We need to search the rest of this building, fast!”

**

Dazai held the window open for Kojiro to climb in. The two of them looked around the dingy basement. A few dusty cabinets sat at the other end of the room, looking like they hadn’t been opened in years.

Dazai flicked the light switch, but the room remained in darkness.

Kaoru? Kojiro thought. Is it possible he’s here?

“Well, you search this floor, I’ll be upstairs.” Dazai said. “If you see-”

“Yeah, I know.” Kojiro interrupted. “The President made it very clear.”

Dazai nodded and climbed up the few steps leading to the reception area. “Ohh.” He muttered, seeing the security guards faces crushed by what looked like the pieces of the broken floor. The metal detectors had been torn apart and the wires had been used to strangle at least two of the guards. Thin red line could be seen under their skin from where they were electrocuted.

Dazia looked up seeing two corpses leaving one of the rooms.

“Oh, so they’re here too.” He smirked. “What fun.” He ignored the zombies and made his way up the stairs. He didn’t need to waste his time fighting them, they could only follow one order from their master, and he knew their order was to search for the drive. As long as he didn’t intervene, the corpses would act like he wasn’t there. “Guess I’ll let Joe look for the drive while I find the master of puppets.”

**

Kaoru and Chuuya made their way down the spiral staircase avoiding the corpse walking past them. The ginger rolled his eyes, pushing the zombie over the hand rail, and smirked seeing it fall face first down the towards the bottom floor, hitting every bar on the way down.

“Was that necessary?” Kaoru asked. “It wasn’t going to do anything.”

“Well thanks to your ability the elevator is out and now we have to search a fifteen story building on foot!” Chuuya growled.

“It wouldn’t have happened if the security guard didn’t touch my ass.”

“He was checking you for weapons!” The ginger yelled. “You set off the damn alarms!”

“I forgot the knife was in there! Will you drop it already?” Kaoru snapped.

“Helloooo?” A voice from below called out.

The two men froze and looked down from where the familiar voice came from.

“Does this corpse belong to anyone here?” Dazai asked, kicking the dead bodies’ head.

“What the fuck is he doing here?” Chuuya hissed. “I really don’t want to deal with his shit right now.”

Kaoru sighed. “You go ahead and search this floor. I’ll deal with him.”

Chuuya nodded in agreement and opened the door to the fifth floor, and then closing it behind him. Kaoru made his way down the stairs stopping when he was just two steps above Dazai.

“Oh, it’s you.” Dazai smirked. “I thought all this electrical failure was your handy work. Kinda rude of you to destroy everything though. This is going to be expensive to fix.”

“There will be nothing to fix by the time we’re done.” Kaoru said, folding his arms over his chest.

“Easy to see where you get your fashion sense from.” Dazai scoffed, taking in Kaoru’s new look. Tight black jeans with knee high black leather boots and a silky burgundy shirt with a black tie and a black fedora hat with a silver chain and pink ribbon tied around it. He carried his black suit jacket over his left shoulder where his long pony tail also rested.

Kaoru gritted his teeth, aiming to kick Dazai in the face but he jumped down one extra step avoiding the kick.

“Really? You want to do this here?” He asked, raising his eyebrow. “Seems Chuuya has been more of a bad influence on you than I thought. He’s not just given you poor taste in clothes, but also-”

A wire shot out of the wall, wrapping around Dazai’s ankles making him fall to his knees.

“Huh, wha-?” A second wire wrapped around his wrists and pulled him towards the wall. The wire shot up to the banister, securing his hands above his head.

“I may not have destroyed everything in this building. I do have some restraint after all.” Kaoru smirked, walking passed him.

Dazai groaned, watching the pink haired mobster step down on to the floor below. He sighed, pulling on the wires, snapping them instantly. “As I thought. You left one untouched just in case. And now you can’t use anything in here to your advantage.” He chuckled, untying his ankles and running up the stairs towards the top floor.

**

Kojiro slammed the drawer shut and let out a defeated sigh. Memories of his past with Kaoru flashed through his mind, he couldn't focus on anything else. Anger and regret filled him knowing he couldn’t change the past. A sudden sound behind him made him snap back. He turned to around, coming face to face the drooling corpse. He cried out and stumbled back.

“Dammit, what are the Decay of Angels doing here?” He muttered, running around the zombie and out of the basement. He slammed the door shut and slowly walked backwards. He turned to see the mess the Port Mafia executives had made.

Oh Kaoru. He stepped over the electrocuted corpses and began rummaging through the desk until he found a small memory stick. The initials F.D marked in black ink could be seen on the white stick.

“Found it!” He cheered.

A large brick fell on top of his head, knocking him down to the ground. The red edges around the brick faded as two pairs of footsteps approached him.

Chuuya smirked admiring his handy work while Kaoru bent down to retrieve the memory stick from Kojiro’s warm palm.

“I told you to be gentle with him.” He mumbled, placing the stick in his jacket pocket.

“Hey, I could have dropped the whole upper floor on his head if I wanted to.” Chuuya spat. “Now what do we do with him?”

Kaoru looked down at the unconscious detective with a small smile on his face.

**

Dazai kicked the doors open seeing Adam lounging in an office chair in front of numerous broken monitors, twisting a rose in-between his fingers.

“Thought I’d find you here.” Dazai said with a cocky smile. “I was thinking; if I was a master manipulator of the dead, where would I hide while my minions do my dirty work? Ah, the top floor where I can watch everything work out on the mon- oh wait, they don’t work because a certain someone got to them first.”

Adam snickered, standing up from the chair.

“It’s a shame I can’t view my wondrous work, yes, but never the less they always do as I command. And as I’m sure you’re aware the fresher the corpse the more reliable they are.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But since there’s no other cadavers around, you have no one to protect you.”

“We can change that.” Adam shrugged, taking out three daggers from his belt. “Why don’t I make your wish come true and end your wretched life?”

“Can’t, I’ve been banned from trying to die for a month.” Dazai pouted.

“Awww shame.” Adam grinned about to throw the knifes, but a spinning circle appeared near his arm. A white gloved hand reached out, grabbing onto his wrist.

“Sorry Matador, gotta make our escape now!” Nikolai said, pulling Adam into the portal.

Before Dazai could question it, the sound of police sirens outside of the building filled his ears. He sighed and turned back around. “Time to go.” He muttered.

Chapter Text

“He could have waited until I left. Unbelievable.” Dazai grumbled all the way back to the Agency. He stomped up the stairs and pushed the door open getting everyone’s attention. Atsushi picked something up off the table and hid it behind his back.

“You and Joe are back earlier than expected.” He laughed uncomfortable. “Soo errr, how’d it go?”

Dazia slammed the door and flopped down on the sofa, groaning into the pillow. “Everyone else was already there. Port Mafia, the Decay of Angels and to top it off Joe abandoned me when the cops showed up. Where is he anyway?”

Everyone fell silent and looked at each other.

“You mean to tell us… he didn’t come back with you?”

Dazia looked up at the blonde man with glasses. “Do you see him four eyes? Honestly Kunikida, I think your prescription needs- AH!”

Kunikida grabbed onto Dazai’s collar, pulling him up towards his face. “You left him there?!”

“No, he left me!” Dazai snapped. “I told you, the cops showed up and he was nowhere to be seen. I thought he came back here.”

Kunikida threw Dazai back down on the sofa and readjusted his glasses.

“Well…” Atsushi said, putting the burnt cake he hid behind his back on the table. “Guess I don’t need to hide this anymore.”

Ranpo stuck his fork in to the cake but it crumbled before he could put it near his mouth.

“What did you do to it, Atsushi?!” He complained.

“I don't know!” He sobbed.

“Now is not the time for this!” Kunikida yelled. “In case you’re forgetting Kojiro is missing!”

“Is it possible the cops got him?” Atsushi asked.

“Nope. He was long gone before they got there.” Ranpo said, still sticking his fork into the ruined cake, hoping to find an edible bit.

“Huh, then where-?”

“It’s obvious isn’t it?” He asked, interrupting Atsushi’s question. “Dazai mentioned the Port Mafia was there. And we all know of a certain someone there who has unfinished business with him.”

**

Kojiro groaned, finally becoming conscious again. His head pounded from where he was hit, but he couldn’t remember how it happened. “Huh, no! Where is it?!” He tried to search for the memory stick, but he was unable to move his arms.

He looked up seeing there were chained above his head. His back was pressed up against a large, abrasive rock. He tugged on the chains, but he was unable to break them.

“Looks like there’s a limit to your strength after all.”

His eyes widened hearing that familiar voice. The sound of heavy boots stomping down the stairs echoed through the dungeon.

“Kaoru.” He mumbled, meeting those cold, hate filled eyes once again.

“So generous of you to go through the trouble of getting this for me.” The mafia executive smirked, holding up the white memory stick. “The boss will be more than pleased.”

“Kaoru, please, don’t do this!” He shouted. “You can still come back with me. If you just let me explain about-”

“Are you still clinging onto the past?” Kaoru laughed, sliding the stick into his jacket. “Come on now, I’ve completely forgotten about what happened however many years ago it was now. You know I don’t hold a grudge.” His expression did not match his words.

Kojiro knew he was still bitter about being left in the alley too long. He also knew he wasn’t going to be given the chance to explain himself. Step by step Kaoru made his way over to the prisoner.

“Are you going to kill me?” He finally asked, just as the shorter man stopped in front of him.

“Well I was considering flaying you.” Kaoru shrugged. “But, that takes a lot of effort and I’m so busy. I guess I’ll just have to leave you down here to rot since I’m not allowed to hurt you.” He smirked.

“The Agency will know I’m here.” Kojiro warned. “Ranpo has probably already figured it out. They’ll be here.”

“Not that they’ll doing anything due to fear of being in breach of the truce.”

“You’re the one who broke it by kidnapping me!” Kojiro yelled.

“I did no such thing. You were injured and I took care of your wound. Then the cops showed up and I got you out, which you’re welcome by the way.” Kaoru explained. “If I had left you there they would have thought you had killed those guards and arrested you. And since the cameras are busted no one would be able to prove your innocence.”

“Uh huh, and the chains?” He asked, tapping the lock of the shackles.

“Just a precaution.” Kaoru shrugged. “I was afraid you would strangle me with those big gorilla hands of yours the second you saw me.” He said, trying to sound like a damsel in distress.

A quick smirk appeared and then disappeared. “Well, that wasn’t my initial plan but I could go with that.”

Before Kaoru could react the shackles around Kojiro’s wrists unlocked. He dashed forward, grabbing the pink haired thug around his waist before throwing him against the wall.

Kaoru growled, steadying his balance. “Did Dazai teach you that dirty trick?!” He spat. He patted his jacket pocket and yelled out a cry of frustration feeling the stick was missing. “Go ahead and run, you won’t get far.”

**

Kojiro pushed open the double doors and slammed them behind him, almost out of breath. He turned around, and groaned seeing he was a dark room with a desk at the end of the room. He exhaled knowing this was Mori’s office. He noticed an untouched cream bun on the desk and made his way towards it.

“Special ability, Love Like Cyanide.” He smirked, placing the tip of his right index finger onto the dessert. The edge flashed a red colour before returning to normal. “Choke on that you son of a bitch.”

He turned to escape from the room while he had the chance, but before he could reach for the door it opened from the other side. Kojiro froze seeing the one person he didn’t want to see enter.  

“Joe, what a surprise to see you here.” Mori smiled, entering the room with Elise right behind him. “Having seconds thoughts about with the Agency?”

“Actually I took a wrong turn and ended up in here thinking it was the exit.”

“Well that’s hardly surprising. Everyone gets lost when they’re new here. Take a left at the hallway and you’ll find the stairs. From there you should find the way out. Now unless you’re planning on working for me, get out, before the Agency thinks something has happened to you. I have no intention of breaking our truce.”

Kojiro took a step forward but then stopped. “The President is still waiting for you to decide which member of the Agency you want.”

“Hum?” Mori mumbled, taking his seat behind his desk. “Oh, that won’t be necessary. You can tell him I don’t need any of you.”

“Just like that?” Kojiro frowned.

“Well we already had a new recruit recently so… your boss can think of what I did for him as a little favour.” He smirked.

Kojiro gritted his teeth, not believing his intentions were pure.

What are you planning?

He took another step to leave the room but a long wire flew around the corner, wrapping around his neck.

“You’re not getting away from me that easy!” Kaoru snarled.

“That is enough!” Mori shouted, slamming his hands down on the desk. “Kaoru, release him at once.”

“But he-!”

“I said NOW!!” He yelled. “Let him leave. We have no business with him.”

“But-”

“Enough! Ugh, honestly, every time the two of are you are near each other you behave like children. It’s a good thing you don’t work together.”

Kaoru sighed, releasing his ability and sending the wire back down the hallway to where it came from.

“Mine!” Elise cheered, picking up the cream bun from the table.

Kojiro smirked taking his leave. Kaoru’s eyes widened seeing the look of Kojiro’s face.

“No don’t!” He yelled, running towards Elise and snatching the bun out of his hands.

“Hey give it back!” She cried, punching his right leg.

Kaoru took a bite of the dessert, making Elise scream louder.

“Kaoru no!” Kojiro shouted.

Kaoru choked from ingesting a mouth full of the cake. He collapsed to his knees as thick blood poured from his lips.

Elise finally stopped screaming seeing the effects of the dessert. Mori scowled, standing up from his seat. Kaoru clutched onto his throat, spitting out the cake.

“You… tried to harm my darling Elise?” He spat.

“Actually I was hoping it would kill you.” Kojiro snarled, turning to run out of the building. Kaoru, I’m so sorry. Dammit, why did you eat it?!

“You… saved me.” Elise said, placing her hand on his shoulder.

Kaoru couldn’t speak through the river of blood, pouring out his mouth.

“What the fuck?!” Chuuya yelled, running into the room and wrapping his around Kaoru’s shoulder. “Who did this? Tell me now!”

“Take Kaoru to the infirmary.” Mori instructed. “It appears the truce has been broken.”

“No!” Kaoru coughed, spitting out another mouthful of blood. “It was my fault. Kojiro was only here because of me.”

“So you broke the truce?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“He had something we wanted. But I wasn’t going to hurt him. I only wanted to mess with him a little.”

“Typical childish behaviour. I expected you to have grown out of that by now. Never mind, I’ll fix this mess myself. I refuse to go to war with the Agency.”

Chuuya helped Kaoru towards the medical ward, keeping him as steady as possible.

“If that thing was meant to kill the boss, you’re lucky to be alive.” He said, helping Kaoru lay down in the bed.

He retched, spitting out a little bit more blood.

“That wasn’t intended to kill anyone.” He said. “If it was he would have broken the truce causing a war between our organisations.”

Chuuya stroked a strand of Kaoru's light pink hair behind his ear and placed his hand on his forehead. “You’re looking a lot better already. In fact, if not for that blood splatter down there, I wouldn’t be able to tell you were sick.”

“I feel…” Kaoru mumbled, sitting up from the bed. “Maybe there’s something about Kojiro’s ability we don’t know about.”

**

Nikolai led the way down the dark hallway, lit only by blue flames that flickered in the wall holders. He pushed the two arched doors cheering with his arms open wide.

“We’re baaaaack!” He grinned.

Adam pushed his arms away so that he could enter the pitch black room. He looked over the tall, dark figure sitting up on the kind size bed.

“You’re late.” A deep Russian accent spoke.

“So what did the doctor say, Fyodor? Will you ever play the cello again?”

“Did you at least get what I asked for.” Fyodor asked, ignoring his sarcastic comment.

“No memory drive could be found, but then again we were-”

“I don’t CARE ABOUT THE MEMORY STICK!!” He yelled, making the jester cower slightly. “You were asked to track down Sigma! The information he carries is far more valuable. I can’t believe he woke up after I… ugh!”

“Well we tried but… it seems he’s… gone.” Adam shrugged.

““Gone”?” The Russian spat. “No, no, no, not my Sigma. He’s still out there. And it won’t be long before he informs every one of my plan.”

“Oh you worry too much.” Nikolai chuckled. “Cookie won’t do anything so rash. Fear runs through his veins.”

“No…” Fyodor’s voice was almost like a whisper. “Fear is the reason he will sell the information he has. He thinks it will buy him his safety. Find him and bring him to me!”

“As you wish.” Adam nodded, leading the way out.

When the two underlings left the room, Adam softly closed the doors behind him. Taking the lead down the hallway.

“So what now?” Nikolai asked. “We searched everywhere, it’s not like he can hiding anywhere. No one would take in a terrorist like him.”

“He may have a terrorist mark against his name, but the information he has could mean someone has him locked away somewhere. Let's face it, it wouldn't be the first time that's happened.” Adam guessed.

“You mean a government organisation? Hum, makes sense.”

“Why are you still here, Nikolai? Didn’t you plan to have Fyodor killed not long ago?”

“Oh that was just a fun little game I designed.” He grinned. “I knew he’d survive. I mean this is Fyodor we’re talking about after all. I knew he’d enjoy the prison escape much more if I put in a little test in there. Okay, quiz time, which-”

“No.” Adam snapped, quickening his pace to get away from Nikolai.

**

“You’re back!” A small, blonde boy cried, jumping up at Kojiro and wrapping his arms around his neck. “I thought we were going to starve!” He sobbed.

“I missed you too, Kenji.” Kojiro muttered. Even if the only thing you were worried about was not tasting my cooking again.

Atsushi pushed what was left of the crumbled cake back and sat up on the table to hide it. “So errrm funny story about what happened with the cake. You see I was just putting it in the oven when someone-”

“Atsushi ruined it.” Ranpo interrupted.

“RANPO! YOU PROMISED!” He cried.

“What? Your lie was stupid.”

Atsushi sniffed and revealing the pile of burnt crumbs. “I’ll buy a new one, not that it’ll be better than yours but I could-”

“Relax.” Kojiro smiled softly. “I can make another. In lighter news, I did get this.” He said, taking out the white memory stick.

Kunikida took it from his grasp and instantly plugged it into the laptop. “Ok, let’s see what we got here.” He said, waiting for everything to download. “Hmm.” He grumbled, clicking on a few of the folders. He let out an exhausted sighed and pulled the stick out.

“What’s wrong?” Dazai asked.

“You’re clearly a bad influence on Kojiro.”

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“F.D stands for Finance Department!” He shouted, throwing the memory stick across the room.

“Oh.” Kojiro muttered. “My bad, I should have checked what was on it first.” He let out an uneasy laugh and scratched the back of his head.

**

Kaoru held up the white memory stick with the black initials F.D. Mori’s smile widened seeing the device.

“And that’s the one?” He asked.

“As I expected, Kojiro fell for it.” Kaoru said.

“Very good, hand the device over to Sigma at the casino for me. Have him confirm if this information is accurate.” Mori instructed.

“Why don’t you just get him to use his ability? Surely that would be easier.” Chuuya suggested.

“Yes, but then he’d also get information out of me. Maybe he’ll see something I don’t want him to.” He explained. “It’s for his own safety. Now leave.”

The two of the bowed their heads and turned for the exit.

“Oh and Kaoru.” Mori said, making him stop in his tracks. “Thank you for saving my darling Elise. I don’t know what I would have done if I saw her in that state.”

“I’ll gladly give my life to protect yours, boss.” He said, leaving the room and shutting the door behind him.

“Yes… I’m aware.” He smirked.

Chapter Text

Kaoru made his way through the empty casino, followed by Chuuya. It wasn’t his favourite place to come during open hours, but as soon as everyone had left it was great place for him and Chuuya to get a drink. Ever since Sigma joined the Port Mafia they had both made a vow to be his protectors under the boss’s orders. Even after his “faked” death, many who had wished him dead, knew he was still alive. For that reason, Sigma was ordered to never leave the casino without his bodyguards.

Kaoru placed the memory drive on the bar and pushed it over to the long haired man who was pouring out three glasses of different kind of wines. One white, one red and one rosé. Half of the man’s layered hair was lilac, while the other half was jet black. His sad, empty eyes remained fixed on the glasses, making sure the wine didn’t spill.

“Boss wants you to confirm if this information is correct.” Kaoru said, getting straight to the point.

The man exhaled, placing the empty bottle down on the bar. “Guess Mori still doesn’t want me to touch him, huh?” He grumbled, snatching the device off the table.

“What I want to know is who else got information out of that rat.” Chuuya said, taking a seat at the bar and picking up the red glass of wine. “What do you think, Sigma? Do you think that Russian piece of shit would trust anyone else?”

“I doubt he would tell anyone else.” Sigma said, plugging in the memory drive and accessing the data. “The only reason he willing gave up the information to me was because he was sure I would die. Which means, this is either a fake that was set up to bate us, or…” He trailed off opening one of the documents.

“Sigma?” Kaoru asked, picking up the white glass of wine.

He pulled out the drive and threw it back on the bar. His shaking hand covered his mouth as he let out a small whimper.

“It’s true.” He whispered. “He’s actually still alive and… and he’s…”

“What is on that thing?” Chuuya asked, picking it up.

“Don’t!” Sigma warned. “Trust me… you won’t like it.”

“If we’re all fucked we need to know.” He snapped.

Sigma let out a small laugh and shook his head. “We’re more than fucked. Since Fyodor would never have let this information get out to anyone else…” He looked down at his shaking hands and quickly crossed them over his chest. “I never told anyone else about what I saw when I touched him. Unless someone else touched me while I was still unconscious there’s no other way this information would have gotten out.”

“So is it the end of the world or what?” Chuuya asked.

“Worse.” He muttered.

**

Kojiro groaned as he stepped out of the Yosano’s surgery room.

“Don’t be a stranger now.” She sang, shutting the door.

Kojiro flopped on the sofa, burying his head into the cushions. “I wasn’t even that badly injured!” He cried. “Did she have to use the chainsaw?”

“At least your headache is gone now right?” Dazai asked.

“Obviously.” He growled, sitting up. “Doesn’t mean it was worth getting sliced to pieces, an aspirin would have done the trick.”

The door swung open, getting their attention. Fukuzawa entered the room and approached the two men.

“Just you two here?” He asked.

“Yosano is just finishing up, everyone else left.” Kojiro confirmed.

“Are you all healed now?”

“I wasn’t that badly hurt, I got hit on the head, it’s not a big deal.”

“But you were attacked.” Fukuzawa said.

“No I… I was just careless that’s all.” He sighed. Last thing I need is to cause problems with the Port Mafia, especially since Kaoru was involved. It’s best they don’t know about that.

“I’m sure you’ll be more careful next time.” The president said, not buying his obvious lie. “In any case I’ll need you both to accompany me, we have a meeting with the Port Mafia.”

“What? Now?” Kojiro gasped as his head shot up.

“Ugh why?” Dazai whined. “It’s late.”

“They said it couldn’t wait. It’s to do with what was on that memory stick I sent you both out for.”

Riight, the one Kaoru stole off me. Kojiro kept his thoughts to himself, stood up from the sofa.

“We’ll be right beside you, Pres.” He said confidently.

**

The three members of the Armed Detective Agency silently made their way down the dimly lit street. Kojiro’s jaw clenched seeing Mori standing in between Chuuya and Kaoru at the end of the road. He could see a dark shadow standing behind them but was unable to see any facial features through the hooded cloak.

“About time.” Mori smiled, taking a step forward. “I was starting to thing you wouldn’t show.”

“Probably because it’s an obvious trap.” Kojiro spat.

Mori let out a small laugh. “Why would I lie to you? With a common enemy we’re basically on the same side.”

Kojiro tightened his fist into a tight ball. Trying to hold back his anger at the mob boss. He looked up seeing Kaoru take out the small drive. He threw it over towards him, but before he had a chance to react Dazai caught it in his right hand.

“So this is what we were after earlier?” He asked.

“It’s not like you would have known what to do with it.” Chuuya growled.

Dazai smirked catching a glimpse of the hooded figure.

“Port Mafia treating you well, Sigma?”

Wires shot out from the ground as well as huge chunks of concrete. Kaoru and Chuuya aimed their attacked directly at Dazai.

“Oh sorry, was that supposed to be a secret?” He giggled.

“Boys please.” Mori said softly. “I’m sure he meant no harm towards him. I told you both not to use your ability against them tonight.”

The two Port Mafia executives lowered their guard, removing their ability.

“They’re very protective you see?” Mori chuckled.

“So you got these two to protect Sigma at all costs?” Dazai asked. “Smart move. Two hotheads who attack before they think. Perfect bodyguards. Or should I say… sacrifices?”

“What?!” Kaoru snapped.

“How dare you!” Chuuya yelled.

“Now, now, calm down all of you.” Mori commanded. “No one is a sacrifice. I just need two of my trustworthy subordinates to protect a vulnerable person is all. Anyway, down to business. On the drive you will see Fyodor’s plans. Sigma has confirmed this is what he saw when he touched him. We don’t know how else this information got out, only that it means our time on this planet is limited.”

“Not just the planet.” Sigma added. “Fyodor plans to wipe out all existence. He’s insane. He wants to create a new world with only those he deems worthy of living.”

“In other words, only the ones he can control will live.” Kaoru mumbled.

Dazia sighed, tossing the memory drive into the air and catching it. “Yeah, I figured as much. Guessing that means we’re all first on his list to be exterminated.”

“That’s one part of his plan, yes.” Sigma said, removing his hood. “As much as we all hate this, we have to work together.”

“Why would we trust any of you?!” Kojiro growled.

“If you want to fight Fyodor on your own, be my guest.” Kaoru snapped. “Just don’t expect us to help you when you fail.” He turned on his heels and walked towards the black car parked behind them. “You now know what you have to do. So make your choice. Join us, or don’t. It doesn’t matter to me either way.” He climbed in to the back of the car and slammed the door.

“I know you two have a history, Kojiro, but it would benefit you all if we worked together.” Mori smirked.

He indicated for Chuuya and Sigma to follow him back inside the car. The two Mafia members obeyed his silent order without a word.

Kojiro’s fist tightened even more seeing the car pull away. It was like he was reliving seeing Kaoru getting taken away from him all over again.

“Ok, so… we’re not teaming up with them right?” Dazia asked.

Fukuzawa let out a low groan. “I’ll overlook what’s on the drive tonight. We’ll discuss this more in the morning.”

“I don’t mind doing it.” Kojiro said. “It’s not like I’ll be able to sleep tonight anyway.”

“No, I need you and Dazia to go out first thing tomorrow morning.” Fukuzawa said. “There’s been reports of fires starting all over town. A hooded figure has been spotted escaping each scene, but no one has been able catch them. I believe it might be another gifted.”

“Hmm, a fire gifted? Interesting.” Dazai muttered.

“Since the fires are started in random places Ranpo suspects it’s someone who can’t control their ability. He says you should wait for them by ramen shack two blocks away from the Agency at 7am.”

“That’s very specific. It won't even be open at that time.” Kojiro said.

“Ranpo is certain that’s where the fire starter will be.”

“How does he come to these conclusions?” He asked.

“He’s never been wrong before. Just be there and catch the gifted then bring them back to the Agency. We can’t run the risk of anyone else catching this person.”

“You got it.” Dazai said, handing the drive over to Fukuzawa.

**

The boy’s icy blue eyes shot open hearing the heavy, metal door slide open. Bright lights streamed into the room, making him squint and look away from the opening.

He looked back up to see someone stepping into the light and blocking it from his vision. The tall, slim man slowly approached him with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Y-you?” The young boy stuttered, rubbing his tired eyes.

“It’s time, little Langa.” Adam smirked, extending his right hand towards the boy. “Show us what you can do.”

Chapter Text

Kojiro and Dazai waited across the street from the ramen shack where Ranpo had told them to wait. Dazai yawned and leaded back against the wall, closing his eyes. Kojiro noticed he seemed to be falling asleep an gave him a kick in the shin.

“Ow!” He cried out.

“Pay attention.” Kojiro hissed.

“I’m pretty sure we’ll find the guy the moment a fire starts.”

“I would prefer it if we caught them before that happens.” He snapped. “You really think it’s a gifted?”

Neither of them had reason to doubt Ranpo’s deduction, but to think someone with such a dangerous ability had been in hiding all this time and possibly causing fires in many other cities made Kojiro feel uneasy. After his time living on the streets, hiding from the cops, he knew how frightened this person must be. Even more so if he had an ability that could get him spotted so easily.

“There.” Dazai said, pointing to a small figure with a dingy looking hoodie covering his face.

Strands of fiery red hair poked out of the hood and his singed fingers pulled the ash covered fabric over his dirty face.

“Sure looks like he’s been in a fire recently, huh?”

A wave of sorrow covered Kojiro’s face, seeing the kid picking the lock to the ramen shack and rushing inside before quickly closing the door.

“He’s just a child.”

Dazai ran across the road, not bothering to check if it was clear. Kojiro groaned and ran after him. They walked towards the back of the restaurant noticing a window had been left open overnight.

“Why would he come here?” Kojiro whispered, climbing inside the dark seating area.

Dazai placed a finger to his lips and pointed towards the young boy who was kneeling by one of the fridges. He opened the door and pulled out a couple of a tub filled with kimchi. He pulled off the lid and scoffed a hand full into his mouth before taking out some lettuce leaves and using it to pick up the kimchi.

Kojiro silently sighed remembering when he was homeless and would eat anything he could find too.

“Damn, the kid is starved. I can’t watch this.” He took a step forwards, Dazia tried to pull him back but missed is opportunity to stop him.

The young teenager took out a jar of anchovies and dipped his fingers inside before quickly eating the salty fish.

“Hungry?”

The red head yelled out, dropping the jar on the floor. Fear filled his bright orange eyes and his shaking hands began to glow.

“No, no, not again… g-GET OUT!!” He screamed.

But a sudden hand slamming down on the kid’s shoulder made the glowing disappear.

“I’d rather we left together.” Dazai smiled, keeping his hand firmly on the teenager’s shoulder.

He looked down at his hands seeing the fire didn’t shoot out of him like usual. “Huh, wh-what happened?”

“My name is Osamu Dazai, and my ability is called No Longer Human. With a slight touch I will nullify any ability. So as long as I’m touching you, you can’t start a fire.”

The boy’s eyes shimmered. He let out a loud sob and wrapped his arms around Dazai. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Um… okay…”

“I’m Kojiro Nanjo, but most people called me Joe.” He said, taking off his jacket and placing it around the boy’s filthy clothing. “We’re from the Armed Detective Agency. We can keep you safe.”

“Could you… take this ability away from me?” He mumbled.

“No.” Dazai answered honestly, while trying to pry the teenager’s tight grip off him. “But we might be able to help you control it.”

The teenager nodded and finally pulled away from Dazai, but still allow him to keep his hand on his shoulder. “I’m Reki.”

**

Reki watched Kojiro toss the vegetables in with the meat and noodles in the large wok. The red-head’s mouth watered just smelling it.

“OK, now we pour in the stock.” Kojiro said, tipping in the warm light brown water. “One tablespoon of soy. Two of white wine vinegar. Two tablespoons of hot pepper sauce and just a little teaspoon of sugar. Perfect.”

Reki couldn’t contain his drooling anymore. The moment the older man poured out his portion, Reki snatched the bowl and quickly slurped up the noodles and thinly cut beef. Kojiro had never seen anyone eat so fast before.

“Easy kid, you’ll choke.”

But before Kojiro could express his full concern the empty bowl was placed down on the table. Reki repressed his hiccup and covered his mouth.

“You want seconds?”

Reki nodded slowly nodded his head and this time took his time to savour to taste of his meal. Kojiro sighed hoping the president would return soon so he could discuss the young teen’s future as a member of the Armed Detective Agency.

He wanted to ask him so many questions about his ability and how he became homeless. He could hazard a guess, but a part of him also didn’t want to know.

Reki placed his chopsticks down and wiped the thin drizzle of the broth of his lips. “That was the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten. Thank you. I guess I should be leaving now.”

Kojiro gently grabbed onto the boy’s wrist, making him tense. “You’re free to stay here as long as you want.”

“Thanks but, I’ll just be a burden on you guys. I’ve thought about it and… I’d rather not hurt you as well.”

“We can help you.” Kojiro said, his voice almost as soft as the look in his eyes.

The young teen laughed and shook his head. “You will fail. Many have already tried. I’m tired of hurting nice people.”

Kojiro opened his mouth to speak but a large hole appeared in the room, cutting him off. He frowned and pulled Reki behind him just as three figures stepped out of the portal.

“How about you hurt these assholes instead?” He growled.

His expression quickly changed seeing a young boy around Reki’s age. His skin was pale and his bright sapphire eyes lit up the room.

“The Decay of Angels are using children to carry out their business now? You’re worse than Mori.” Kojiro spat.

“And what is that you're hiding behind you?” Adam laughed. “It’s not like the Armed Detective Agency isn’t also using little ones to their advantage.”

“I’m looking after this kid, nothing more.”

“And that’s what we’re doing with Little Langa here.” He smirked, stroking a strand of the young boy's light blue hair behind his ear.

“You’re disgusting, Ainosuke.”

His face dropped hearing someone use his real name. His fangs ground together as a small growl exited his clenched jaw.

Reki began to feel his body burn up. He hands started glowing far brighter than before. “Oh no…” He muttered. “Please not here.” He made a dash towards the window just as flames began started spreading around his body.

Langa opened his palm, ice shooting out of his deathly pale skin and enclosed Reki, extinguishing his flames instantly. Though a part of him was just relieved he didn’t burn down another building.

He whimpered, feeling his body temperature drop in rapidly. “Th-tha-ks.” He stuttered.

Adam giggled. “Impressive reflexes. I knew I had a good feeling about you.”

“We don’t have a lot of time, so we’ll make this quick.” Nikolai said, clapping his hands together. “We need Sigma back, so be a doll and get him for us.”

“He’s not here.” Kojiro said, checking to make sure Reki was unharmed.

“The ice won’t hurt him.” Langa said, noticing the worried looked on the green haired detective’s face. “The moment we get what we want I promise I’ll release him.”

“Well I don’t have what you want. Sigma isn’t with us. I don’t know where he is, now release the kid.”

Nikolai sighed and shrugged. “The hard way it is.” A portal opened with several guns poking out and aiming towards Kojiro’s head. “Remember now?”

A calm expression remained on his face. “I never knew where he was to begin with.”

“You’re a convincing liar, I like you.” The jester laughed, turning the aim of the guns towards Reki. “How about now?”

Fear filled the teen’s watering eyes as a small whimper escaped his lips. Kojiro stepped in front of Reki, allowing the barrels of the pistols to press against his forehead. “Last I heard Fyodor killed him, now leave. Unless you want to be here when the president arrives in the next couple of minutes.”

Nikolai tutted and retracted his ability. Reki tried to let out a breath of relief but it ended up sounding more like a shiver.

“Well I wouldn’t want to upset him now would I?” He said, turning back towards Adam and Langa. “At least now we know where Sigma is hiding.”

Before another word could be spoken the three disappeared into the void.

Hey wait, I’M STILL FROZEN!! Reki felt a rush of panic realising he couldn’t breathe. His body temperature drastically rose. He was able to make a sight whimpering sound getting Kojiro’s attention. The moment he saw the teenager’s body glowing he rushed behind the table just as the ice around Reki melted in the blazing fire surrounding his body.

“Well that took care of that.” Reki said, with a breath of relief. “But now how I do I turn this off?”

Kojiro grabbed the nearby fire extinguisher and sprayed it all over Reki until the flames went out.

The red head sighed and lifted up his foam covered thumbs as if thanking him without opening his mouth.

Kojiro wrapped an arm over Reki’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up. We have a shower room downstairs.”

Chapter Text

Kaoru and Chuuya remained silent while their boss informed them of their next task. They knew it was only a matter of time before the Hunting Dogs tracked down Sigma, as well as Fyodor. With two dangerous foes closing in on them, it was more vital he remained close to his bodyguards.

“Speaking of the Hunting Dogs, I’ve heard they have a new target as well as Sigma.” Mori continued. “It seems there’s an underground gang. Their members are… something special. One in particular has a gift they say can kill with just a look. If The Hunting Dogs catch him first, it would be a waste of talent.”

“You want us to catch this guy? What about Sigma?” Chuuya asked.

“He will be a valuable asset on this mission.” The boss answered. “With his ability we can see what this particular gifted wants and with that we can offer it to him. We have a location on where he was last seen, unfortunately, the Dogs got there first. News spread that some of the group was captured, but their leader escaped. This, is how we get him on our side.”

Kaoru shook his head. “Wait, hold on, you… want us to go up against The Hunting Dogs to earn this guy’s trust? While we have Sigma?”

“Sigma will only be used to see if this group is trustworthy enough to join us. After that, then you go after the Dogs.”

“You’re asking the impossible, Sir.” He sighed. “We won’t stand a chance against them. Especially now they have a new leader. I've heard this one is a real piece of work.”

“That’s why you need to convince this gifted to join us.” Mori threw a file down on the table, skidding it towards the pinkette. “This is all the information we have on him. I recommend checking out the abandoned hide out, now that The Hunting Dogs are gone, he might have returned. Good luck.”

They both still had so many questions, but they took what they were offered and bowed to their boss before taking their leave.

Kaoru flicked through the few pages he was given and sighed. “Let’s just hope this guy is in the mood to listen to us. I’m starting to think that idiot Dazai is right, we are just sacrifices.”

“Don’t listen to him.” Chuuya grumbled. “Anyway, you really think this guy kills with just a look?”

“I don’t know. Let’s just not do anything to piss him off.”

**

Once Nikolai had released Ainosuke and Langa he happily skipped down the hall towards Fyodor’s room. Langa looked down at his hands, feeling his icy ability rushing through his fingers. Ainosuke smile and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You did good Little Langa, although, I would like to you take out an entire room of people next time. Let’s see how far you can push yourself.”

“Yes, Sir.” He mumbled.

He smiled and patted the boy’s shoulder. “There’s no need for such formalities. Just call me “Adam”, alright?”

Langa nodded and remained where he was while Ainosuke went to catch up with Nikolai.

“Nice to see you’ve moved on.” The white haired jester smirked.

“What are you talking about?” Ainosuke snapped.

“Ohh, you know… before you were all so depressed about your lover betraying you for the ACK-!”

His words were cut off by a large gloved hand grabbing onto his throat and pinning him against the wall.

“You have some nerve to bring that up right now.” Ainosuke growled.

“Ah so the wound is still fresh, huh?” Nikolai laughed.

Ainosuke tightened his grip, gritting his sharp fangs together. “You dare mention this again, and I will rip out your throat.” He finally released his grip and stormed down the hallway.

“Not my fault your puppy ran away to the farm.” The jester giggled. “I’m sure he’ll come back when he’s hungry though.”

Ainosuke clenched his fists and let out a growl of frustration, trying to ignore Nikolai's remarks.

What is with these guys? Langa thought. He turned around and headed to his room, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground. I really don’t want to be here.

**

The two Port Mafia executives entered the run down shack. The wooden floor was coated in blood and scorch marks. Hard to tell if it was fresh or if it had been there for a while. Empty ramen pots were scattered around the room, a couple seem to be lodged inside the floorboards while others were stuck in the wall. The cracks surrounding the plastic cups looked like they were forced inside but no damage was done to the cups themselves.

“The fuck is this?” Chuuya muttered. “You sure we got the right place?”

“Unless you’re the Hunting Bitch, get out.” A voice snarled.

The two intruders looked around, but couldn’t figure out where the voice was coming from.

“Are you Marito Jin?” Kaoru asked.

“Depends who's asking.” The voice replied. “You don’t look like you belong to The Hunting Dogs.”

“We’re with Port Mafia.” Chuuya said. “If you agree to our terms, we can help you. We heard about what happened to the rest of your gang. If you-”

A sudden thud cut off the redhead’s sentence. Landing in front of him was a tall, green haired teenager. His thin yellow and white shirt was half open revealing his perfectly sculpted chest. His left shoulder was exposed showing a pink and green butterfly.

“I don’t like the Mafia either.” He spoke. “When I was a child one of your men held a gun to my head. I only survived because that’s when my little sister’s ability kicked in. Apparently your boss wanted me dead.”

“I don’t recall Mori mentioning this.” Kaoru said.

The teenager scowled and shook his head. “No, I don’t believe that was his name.”

“There’s been a change in management since you were a child.” Chuuya explained. “I can assure you no one in the Port Mafia wants you dead. In fact we want you to join us. If you agree, we’ll give you anything you want.”

Marito laughed. “How ridiculous.” He said, calming down. “You can’t give me anything I want. Now leave. The moment that red haired bitch tries to hunt me down again I’m going to tear her limb from limb until she gives me back my family.”

“If you’re on about Teruko, we want her dead too.” Kaoru said. “She’s after someone we’re trying to protect. Sounds like we have a common enemy.”

“She took my friends and my little sister.” Marito glared, his bright fuscia eyes glistening with rage. “No one harms the people I care about. If she shows up, she’s mine.”

“How did you evade capture?” Chuuya questioned.

Marito sighed. “Trust me, it wasn’t by choice. Everyone used their ability to protect me. I hate that they did that. Now I’m stuck waiting for the Dogs to find me again so I can find out where they took them… if they’re still alive.”

With a look of defeat on the teenagers face, Chuuya leaned in towards Kaoru. “Now?” He whispered.

Before he could reply they felt a presence appear behind them. The two Mafia executives span around meeting the intruder. Glowing yellow wires shot out from the walls and floor surrounding Kaoru like a protective barrier. While glowing red debris lifted from the ground, hovering around Chuuya. Marito looked up during the commotion and growled seeing a short woman with long red hair.

“Am I interrupting something?” She giggled. “What’s this, not the Port Mafia helping out a wanted criminal.”

“Teruko, you bitch!” Marito yelled. “Where are they?! TELL ME WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO THEM!!”

“Hm? No idea what ya talking about.” She laughed.

“I’LL KILL YOU!!”

“Then you’ll never know.” She smirked.

Chuuya groaned, stomping on the ground, causing more debris to float up. “Good thing we did hold back.” He grumbled.

Kaoru hushed him while keeping his eyes fixed on the enemy.

“I’ll make this easy for ya.” Teruko said. “You two step aside and I’ll take the long haired brat and pretend I never saw you. Deal?”

“If you want him you’ll have to go through us.” Kaoru spat.

“Ugh, such a pain.” She groaned, withdrawing her sword. “And I was hoping to give torturing people a rest today.”

“YOU FUCKING BITCH!!” Marito yelled, barging past the Port Mafia executives and rushing towards The Hunting Dog.

“Wait!” Kaoru yelled.

But the triggered teenager had already began a flurry of harsh kicks, each one just slightly missing the shorter redhead.

“If you’ve hurt any one of them I’ll fucking kill you!”

“HA! Oh I did more than that.” She laughed, dodging each attack. “The dark haired one always acted so tough. But even he had a weakness.”

“FUCK YOU!” Marito lifted his right leg high in the air, ready to deliver an axe kick to Teruko’s shoulder, but she dived back just in time to miss it.

“And that sweet little pink hair one. Oh he was so cute, how he begged for death.” She mocked.

“SHUT YOU’RE FUCKING MOUTH!!” Marito roared.

“But the one I enjoyed most was the girl.” A crooked smile appeared on her face, seeing Marito’s pupil’s shrink. His movements froze hearing her words. “She called out to you. Her final words… Big brother… save me…”

Marito’s fists clenched into a tight ball until his nails penetrated his palms. His body shook with anger. His eyes filled with pure hatred. It was indeed a look that could kill.

Teruko laughed and dashed towards the teen, readying her sword. Before she could land her attack, wires wrapped around her arms, pinning them to her side. Her sword fell to the floor, as more wires wrapped around her waist, keeping her arms secured behind her back. She let out a high pitch scream, feeling the shock of electricity rushing through her body.

“If his ability is to kill with a look, it isn’t working.” Chuuya mumbled, noticing Marito didn’t use his ability.

“Clearly it’s not his ability.” Kaoru said, making sure he was satisfied with his handy work.

Teruko yelled out, struggling against the binds. Kaoru smirked setting off another shock through The Hunting Dog’s body, making her cry out in pain.

Marito stomped his foot down in front of her, cracking the ground beneath him. “Tell me the truth. Where are they?”

Teruko spat at him, earning her another electric shock. This time her screams were louder.

“Answer him.” Kaoru demanded.

“You’re free to check the facility if you want to find their corpses.” She laughed, but soon screamed louder as pain shot through her entire body.

“You’re lying.” Marito growled. “They’re alive, aren’t they? AREN’T THEY?!” He stomped down on her left leg, crushing her femur as he grabbed onto her ankle and tore her leg clean off before discarding it.

Her cries of anguish filled the shack. Blood gushed out from her wound, soaking her attacker's boots.

The two Mafia executives looked at each other, almost shocked by what he did.

Marito leaned over and grabbed onto Teruko’s other ankle, tightening his grip around her boot. “ANSWER MY QUESTION ALREADY!!” Without giving her a chance to open her mouth and ripped off her other leg.

At this point she couldn’t even scream. No words came out of her mouth, only harsh panting.

“Tell me where you’re keeping them, and maybe I’ll show you mercy... not that you deserve it.” Marito snarled, pressing the torn off leg against her chest.

“Even if you did break in, you’ll never get them back.” The redhead spat.

Marito finally dropped the leg, causing it almost fall through the floor. He grabbed onto her left shoulder and tore off her arm with ease. Her screams once again filled the shack. Pained sobs escaped her mouth. The wires binding her slipped down towards the floor.

Teruko rolled around one the floor, sobbing uncontrollably in a pool of her own blood.

“That makes three.” Marito said, throwing the severed arm at her. She cried out as it landed harshly on against her rib cage. “Now for the final one.” He said, stomping down on her chest, crushing her ribs in the process. “I said I would tear off your limbs. I always keep my promises. Even to a heartless bitch like you. You hurt the people I care about. I’m sure you understand why I can’t let you live.”

He gripped tightly onto her final limb, digging his long fingers into her arm. “You’ve done so well to stay alive during your punishment.” He smirked. “I thank you for giving me this satisfaction. But I’m bored of you now.” With that he ripped off her other arm. Blood spurting from her mouth as she let out one final cry. Red sticky liquid covered her now lifeless body.

Chuuya finally realised his ability, allowing the debris to fall to the ground. “Well shit.” He mumbled. “That’s some ability you got there kid.”

Marito sighed and dropped the arm, cracking the ground as it landed. “Things become denser the longer I hold onto them. Even a pebble can crush someone’s head like it’s a boulder if I hold onto it long enough. But my most dangerous weapon is my own body. A small kick can remove a person’s head if I wish it. As you saw a flick of my wrist can tear people’s limbs off.”

“I see why you’re the leader.” Chuuya smirked, almost impressed by his ability. “Someone like you should be with someone who can help you use your gift to its full potential.”

Marito looked over at them and shook his head in disbelief. “How can I trust you? You think I didn’t notice your backup out the back? Still waiting for your signal to attack me?!”

At that point a tall, masked figure pushed open the back door. Before he stepped inside the building, the wires on the ground wrapped around Marito’s wrists and ankles, making him fall to the floor.

“YOU BASTARDS!!” He yelled.

“Please keep still.” The masked man spoke softly. “I won’t hurt you.” He pulled off one of his black leather gloves and gently placed his fingers on Marito’s cheek.

“AH! What do you think you’re doing?! LET ME GO!!” He thrashed against the bonds, but suddenly stopped feeling something from this man’s touch.

A feeling that he could trust them. A feeling that they weren’t going to cause him harm and that they will help him if he agrees to their plan.

“What is this?” He muttered. “Some form of mind control?”

The man removed is mask, revealing his kind face and soft pink eyes. “My name is Sigma. This is Kaoru Sakurayashiki and Chuuya Nakahara. I apologise for deceiving you like this, but we needed to be sure you could be trusted.”

“Ha! Me be trusted? You’re the ones who work for the Port Mafia!”

“Point taken.” Sigma smiled. “Release him. What he says is true. He just wants his family back.”

Kaoru released his ability, freeing the teen. “We know where The Hunting Dogs keep prisoners. If any of your friends are alive, they’ll be there.” He said. “We’ll help you free them if you agree to join us afterwards.”

“If they’re alive…” He mumbled.  “How do I know this bitch wasn’t lying?”

As if suddenly remembering, Sigma knelt down beside Teruko’s blooded corpse and placed his hand on her forehead. He closed his eyes taking in a deep breath. As much as he hated her and what she did to him, he never wanted her to end up like this.

He finally took his hand off her and stood back up. “There’s three young boys being held in a cell, they’re all alive at least.”

“And my sister?” Marito asked.

Sigma sighed with a look of regret on his face. “Unfortunately, that’s all I could get out of her. Once the body is dead I’m limited to what I can get out. Her memories died with her before I could find where anyone else was.”

“FUCK!” He yelled, kicking one of Teruko’s legs and splattering it against the wall.

“If the others are alive, maybe she is too.” He said, trying to calm the angered teen down.

Marito nodded his head, taking in a deep breath. “Okay. Help me save them and you can use me any way you wish.”

Chapter Text

Reki withdrew a breath of relief, leaving the steamy shower room. His towel was wrapped around his reddened waist after his long, boiling hot shower. The redhead came to a pause when he noticed a tall, slim man standing in front of him. His blonde hair was tied back and he held tightly onto a book with a pen.

“And just who are you?” He asked.

Reki stammered, blushing deeper as he held onto his towel, so it wouldn’t slip off.

“Kunikida, don’t scare him.”

Reki relaxed hearing Kojiro’s friendly voice.

“This is Reki, he’ll be joining us. He’s a fire user.”

“Ah, the one Ranpo was looking into. The walking disaster.”

Reki’s mouth opened in protest but then he quickly shut it again. It wasn’t far from the truth after all. In fact, if it wasn’t for the kid with ice powers he could have burned down the whole building. A shameful realisation that it took an enemy to save him from being homeless again.

“Is the president back yet?” Kojiro asked, changing the subject.

The blonde sighed and pushed up his glasses. “It seems he’s agreed to meet with Mori alone. I tried to make him change his mind, but he refused to listen to me. I don’t know if he found something useful on the USB or not, but he wouldn’t talk to me about it. Anyway, where’s Dazai? It’s always bad news when he’s not around.”

Kojiro shrugged. “Beats me. He disappeared after we got Reki back here. I just assumed he went to bother you.”

Kunikida growled. “On this one occasion, I wish that were true. Probably found a new way to kill himself.” He walked passed Reki, but stopped to give him one last look. “Just because you’re here now doesn’t mean you get to stay. The President gets the final say in the matter.” He walked out of the building, leaving Reki feeling more nervous than before.

“Ah, don’t take him too seriously, kid.” Kojiro said reassuringly. “He’s got a lot going on right now. Anyway, I got you some clean clothes.” He smiled, handing him a plastic bag.

Reki thanked him with a huge smile on his face. It had been a while since he’d received anything new to wear, that wasn’t covered in holes from being accidentally burned.

Kojiro waited outside the shower room while Reki changed.

“NO WAY!!” A voice cried from outside the Agency. “We can’t let him know about this.” The voice suddenly got quieter but Kojiro could just about make out what was being said.

“Atsushi, calm down.” He heard Kunikida mumble.

“But it will crush him if he finds out. Are you sure this is what happened? Anyone could have-”

At that point the door swung open, making Atsushi yelp and jump back. “Oh… hi Joe…”

“Having a secret meeting outside?” He asked.

“Oh you know just… enjoying the nice weather.” The younger boy said coyly, while scratching the back of his head.

Kunikida on the other hand was not planning on playing along. “We received news about-”

“Come on, don’t-”

“One of The Hunting Dogs is dead and they think Kaoru had something to do with it.” He said sternly.

Kojiro felt his heart drop. He knew his old friend was capable of many things, but he wasn’t one to kill for no reason. What Atsushi said was close, but Kojiro felt more than crushed. All light had faded from his eyes hearing this news, almost as if his soul had left his body.

“It’s not true.” He denied quietly. “Kaoru wouldn’t-”

Kunikida handed him the tablet showing the pictures of Teruko’s torn up corpse. Zoomed in parts of her body was shown that had marks from where the electric currents ran through her.

Kojiro shook his head. “He wouldn’t do this. This is too much even for him. He wouldn’t…. he-”

“He’s not the person you knew back then, Nanjo.” Kunikida tried to sound sympathetic, but his voice held a sharp tone. “Look at what he did to retrieved that drive. I saw the names of all the men who were killed from electrocution. He’s a murder, accept that!”

“I won’t!” He yelled. “You don’t know Kaoru. This is all just a misunderstanding! The Hunting Dogs are after Sigma right? Maybe they found out Kaoru is...”

The blonde shook his head, retrieving the tablet from Kojiro. “I’m sorry but, it seems he’s teamed up with an underground criminal organisation. Killing a Hunting Dog is one thing, but now… if what we heard is true, then that means he’ll be working to break out the other gang members who are being held for questioning.”

Kojiro gasped, feeling a tightness in his chest. If this was true then he’ll either be captured by the Hunting Dogs or killed on the spot. Why would he do something so reckless? To go up against all the of the Hunting Dogs was stupidly suicidal, even Dazai wouldn’t attempt it. But that was mainly because he knows he’ll be tortured before being executed.

“I don’t want you to get any stupid ideas, so I’m warning you-”

“Um Kunikida,” Atsushi softly interrupted. “he already left.”

The blonde’s eyes widened seeing Kojiro had already disappeared. “Wh-where?”

Atushi pointed in the direction where Kojiro ran off. All Kunikida saw was a black motorbike speeding off down the road.

“Why didn’t you stop him?!” He yelled.

“If we hold him back he’ll only break out and go off on his own anyway. Even after all this time, Kaoru is still his greatest weakness.”

Kunikida let out a low groan as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “We need to stop him before he gets himself in danger.”

**

Tetcho looked down at the photographs of the blooded corpse of the Vice-Captain. Her once pale flesh was more red than anything. Her face, contorted in agony. It didn't even look like her anymore. He didn’t even want to know what exactly happened. He closed the file and let out a deep breath. The door behind him opened, making him stand to attention.

A tall, dark haired man stepped into the room and quietly closed the door behind him.

Tetcho bowed to him, averting his angered expression. “Captain! Did you find the ones who did this?”

“I told you, just call me Tadashi.” He spoke softly. “There’s no need to treat me like your boss, I prefer to think of us as equals.”

“Right.” Tetcho nodded. “So about Teruko’s murderer, I’ve believe-”

“It doesn’t matter.” Tadashi interrupted, taking off his red cap and placing it on the table. “If she had listened to my instructions, she wouldn’t have been killed.”

“But Sir-!”

“She made an enemy of Marito Jin.” He interrupted. “Someone we really don’t want to get on the bad side of. But as usual, she thought she knew best. And now he’ll be coming here to kill us all for her mistake.”

“He’s a criminal!”

“He’s a child. His gang caused minor inconveniences at best. I specifically told you two to work together to located The Decay of Angels, especially this one.” Tadashi snapped, pushing a file with Ainosuke’s photograph attached.

“Our leads came up dead Cap- I mean, Tad-”

“Then you find MORE leads. I shouldn’t have to tell the new Vice-Captain how to do his job.”

Tetcho sighed, hearing all responsibility fell to him now. “Yes, of course.”

“I want Ainosuke Shindo found, if you hear anything, even the slightly hint as to his whereabouts, tell me instantly. And no more solo side missions.”

Tetcho agreed, nodding his head. The lights above him shattered, leaving the room in darkness.

“Is that-?!”

“It appears they’ve arrived.” Tadashi said, picking up his cap and placing it on his head. “I want you out. Leave Jin to me. I'd rather not cause more bloodshed between us.”

“I can help-!”

“Just stick to your own mission. If I have to order you then so be it, but I would hope you would be respectful enough to listen to me. Unlike the previous Vice-Captain.”

With that, Tadashi took his leave, leaving Tetcho filled with mixed emotions of sorrow and rage. He just didn’t know which was stronger.

“Fine.” He spat. “I’ll find this bastard for you. And then you will be the one who needs to respect me.”

Chapter Text

The entrance way, once filled with security guards, was now nothing but a blood soaked battlefield. One guard who stood by the first barrier had his right arm and head completely torn off, while all the others had their heads smashed in.

Kaoru withdrew a sharp breath, taking in the scene. “And just like that, our target has took off.”

“Well it’s not like it was a bright idea to stop him.” Chuuya said. “Clearly once he has his mind set on something he’s going to do it. Gotta admit, he kinda reminds me of myself when I was his age.”

“You really think Marito is the type of person we want joining the Port Mafia?”

“I think we’d be in a worse position if he didn’t. Now come on, he’s probably destroyed half of this prison already.”

Once the two of them made their way through the rubble of the destroyed hallway they couldn’t find any trace of where the teenager went. Each direction was scattered with bodies, almost as if he had already rushed through each room. They knew it was clear reinforcements would be on their way soon, so they decided to each take a different path. It's no like there was any guards around to stop them.

Taking the right path, Kaoru walked down the empty corridor, more corpses littered the blood soaked flooring. A noise coming from one of the rooms which caught his attention, glowing yellow wires shot out of the wall, sparks surrounding the cables. He slowly walked towards the open door and groaned seeing five corpses rising from the ground.

Red petals from the roses stuck to their gaping wounds. Each one blocking the screens monitoring the cells.

“Ugh, again?” Kaoru mumbled, looking around for the gifted who did this. But he was no where to be seen. “Why is it every time I have a job to do he shows up and does this crap? Doesn’t the phrase “rest in peace” mean anything to him?” With a short breath Kaoru activated his ability, electrocuting the zombies. “Well they were already dead to begin with.”

Once the corpses fell back down to the ground, he stepped towards the screens. Three young boys were shown in separate cells. The two dark haired boys stood with their hands restrained above their heads, and blindfolds covering their eyes. While the third boy with short light pink hair, much like Kaoru’s, was chained down to the chair, blindfolded, with a ball gag shoved in his mouth. It looked like there was a glowing red barrier surrounding him. He guessed it was something to hold back his ability.

He looked over towards the screen in the top right hand corner, seeing Marito was approaching the holding cells, while still holding onto the severed arm and head.

“You won’t get far with just those.” Kaoru mumbled, typing something on the keyboard. “Looks like those barriers need to be deactivated from here and with fingerprint and retina scans.”

Before he could deactivate the barrier a heavy footstep behind him caught him off guard. He span around meeting a pair saddened wine red eyes.

“Kaoru?” Kojiro mumbled, his gaze fixed on the electrocuted corpses. “Dammit… you killed them?”

“Huh? They were already dead when I got here.” Kaoru said, turning back towards the monitor.

“I can’t defend you anymore… you… you really are a murderer.”

Kaoru groaned, slamming his finger down on the button to remove the glowing red barrier. “It’s all up to you now, Marito.” He mumbled, witnessing the teen grabbing into a guard’s head and bashing his face into a wall, blood spurting in all directions across the metal plates. “Damn, that kid really is something else. And I thought Q was a psychopath.”

He turned to leave the room but Kojiro stood in the way. His eyes glistened with a mix of sorrow and defeat.

“Get out of my way, Kojiro.”

“Or what you’ll kill me too?!” He shouted.

“If that’s what it takes, then yes.” He growled, raising the sparking cables high in the air.

Kunikida was right. This isn’t Kaoru anymore. “Then you really are gone.” Kojiro whispered, trying to hide his sobs. “Why… why did you have to join the Port Mafia? What did Mori do to you?!”

“He saved me. He was there for me when no one else was.” Kaoru growled. “I needed you and you weren’t there!”

“Kaoru, please-”

The Mafia executive ran forward, pushing Kojiro up against the wall. “I know we have a truce so I can’t kill you, yet, but it's not like you've accepted our offer.”

“Dammit, why won’t you let me explain? After all this time are you really this pissed at me?! Well if there’s one thing you’ve always been good at its holding a grudge.”

A long, sharp, metal object shot in-between the two men, making Kaoru jump back. He turned to the side seeing Tetcho retreating his sword.

“Great, another Dog to deal with.” Kaoru grumbled.

“You’re the one who killed Teruko.” He snarled.

“Ha!” The pinkette laughed. “As much as I would love to take credit for that, it was all the kid’s doing.”

“Don’t lie to me!” He yelled. “I saw those marks on her body caused by your ability.”

“I may have had a little fun with her first.” Kaoru shrugged. “It’s not like it’s any different to how she treated people.”

“She was just doing her job!” He yelled, extending his sword towards the thug.

But Kaoru showed no signs of moving. He grinned levitating the wires around him. Kojiro dashed forward, pushing him out of the way of the attack.

Kaoru groaned, feeling the heavier man land on top of him. “What the hell are you doing? I don’t need you to protect me, idiot!”

“I wasn’t trying to protect you, idiot!” Kojiro snapped. “I know that look in your eyes, you would have killed him!”

Tetcho pulled back his attack and smirked. “Bold of you to assume I’m that easy to kill.”

“Please believe me, Kaoru didn’t kill your friend.”

“Maybe I did.” Kaoru shrugged.

“SHUT UP!!” He yelled, unable to take anymore. “I don’t believe it. I WON’T!”

“You said it yourself, I’m a murderer.” He growled.

Tetcho approached the two men, pointing his sword towards Kaoru. Kojiro frowned and leaned forward, blocking his target.

“Get out of the way.” The Hunting Dog ordered. “This is between me and him.”

“I won’t let you hurt him.” Kojiro said, refusing to move.

“I don’t want to have to kill you too, but if you don’t move then I won’t hold back. He isn’t getting away. It’s not like you can do anything to me anyway. Your ability is nothing compared to mine.” He grinned, extending is sword to the point where it was mere millimetres away from Kojiro’s forehead.

“Is that really what you think?” Kaoru laughed. “I see you’ve underestimated him. Kojiro never uses his ability to its full potential, so it’s an honest mistake.”

A green aura surrounded Kojiro, keeping a hateful gaze on the one who threatened the man below him.

“What are you- ack!” Tetcho choked on a mouthful of blood, stumbling back slightly. His grip loosened on his blade, causing it to clang against the round. He gripped at his throat, feeling more thick liquid rising in his throat. “What is…” He coughed into his hands, soaking them in sticky red liquid.

Seeing the threat had been eliminated Kojiro stood up and kicked the sword away from Tetcho. “My ability affects everything I touch, and depending on how I feel about it, depends on what happens to them.” He explained. “The only thing I hate more than Mori, is someone who tries to harm to ones I care about.”

“But I haven’t eaten anything you’ve touched!” Tetcho choked, confused by how he was poisoned by Kojiro's ability.

“It’s not just food. It’s everything that can be digested, injected… inhaled.”

Tetcho covered his mouth and nose, trying not to breath.

“You get it now?” Kojiro asked. “I can make the very air you breathe toxic. Can you feel it? Your organs melting the more breaths you take? I didn't want to have to hurt you. But you left me no choice. The second I leave this room you can breathe normally. Now stay away from us, that’s the only way you’ll survive.”

He turned back around, but Kaoru was already gone. He cursed under his breath and ran down the hallway, leaving the new Vice-Captain to be able to take a safe breath. He spat out another mouthful of blood and reached for his sword. He gritted his blood coated teeth, holding back his groans of agony.

“So, your loyalties lie with that criminal? I swear you will pay for that.” He spat.

**

Tadashi came to a halt in the darkened corridor, sensing a presence close by. He kept his eyes forward and maintained his formal posture.

“I wasn’t expecting you to show up here.” He spoke in a monotone voice.

“I missed you, puppy.” Ainosuke said, stepping out of the shadows.

“You have no right to call me that.” Tadashi span around meeting his former lover face to face.

“You’re the one who betrayed me, Tadashi.” Ainosuke reminded. “You could have had it all.”

The Hunting Dog laughed. “You want to talk about betrayal?! You teamed up with a terrorist! What did he promise you, Ainosuke? Do you really think you’ll get anything out of this? Fyodor is just using you, can't you see that?! Please surrender. If you help us I can-”

Ainosuke’s roaring laughter cut him off. “Is that why you think I’ve come here? Me?! Surrender, haha, to YOU?! No, no, no puppy, I’m here… to make you surrender to me.”

Tadashi withdrew his sword, keeping a tight grip on the hilt. “Then it appears we no longer have anything to talk about.”