Chapter Text
Everything was over.
Fukuchi’s head had been displayed to the whole world as humanity’s traitor and President Yukichi had been declared its new shining hero.
Under his banner, the world’s recovery was assured. ADA’s reputation too, had cleared up upon the exposure of the traitor’s conspiracy. The book was resealed, the powers that be were horrified by the ability it exhibited.
Fyodor’s plans had failed and he is now in absolute containment under ADA.
Bram regained his freedom and is now rebuilding his life in the modern era. There was much that he lost, but now he has the opportunity to gain so much more. His new body can now hold close and protect those he finds dear. He released his hold over his coven and turned them as close to humans as best he could.
Sigma, while overloaded with information and in a coma, will soon be able to figure out Fyodor’s true nature and he will be dealt with permanently for good. No longer will the world be filled with fear against the worst mastermind of history.
The ADA gained new members.
Lucy Montgomery, Bram Stoker, and eventually Sigma once he awakens.
However, it also lost one. It wasn’t through death nor resignation, but through separation. Now that the world is finally back in its place did the Port Mafia finally cash in with what they were owed, a member of the detective agency.
They had come to our headquarters.
There were only two, Mori himself and the executive Kouyou Ozaki. Mori did all the talking, Ozaki herself was just there as a precaution. She avoided speaking up, likely for Kyouka’s sake. In the meeting room, the Mafia boss intended to declare his new member.
Only, they weren’t given the opportunity to choose. Someone spoke up to volunteer all on their own.
“Don’t take anyone, I will suffice.” That was what I, Kunikida Doppo, had outrageously pushed.
If I can stop any of the members from falling into such a hell then I’ll do it.
“You would naturally want the best of the best, right? So it has to be me.” It was nothing but a bold-faced lie. Someone like me wasn’t such a high value for one to take compared to let’s say, Yosano and Dazai. Still, I acted like a big shot. “I’ll agree to whatever terms you may have, as long as it’s only me who joins you.”
That was the daring but foolish statement that I had said that would change my life forever.
“What are you talking about Kunikida?!” Dazai all but growled, only being held back by Kenji and Atsushi. “Have you gone crazy?!”
Bram looked at me in disapproval. “Are you sure about this, young one? Aya would not take the news well.”
(Aya…)
I couldn’t give them an answer and willed myself to look at Mori eye to eye.
Yosano and Kyouka stood in silence, eyes shifting between me and Mori. Lucy tried to look bigger in front of the two girls to shield them. Naomi clung to her older brother, silently pleading for him to not speak up. Ranpo had opened his eyes as if heavily assessing the situation.
The other members wanted to protest, but none could step forward other than me. None of them wanted to be in the mafia’s hands.
Mori, who had met with us to discuss “moving the staff around” looked pleasantly surprised. His dark empty eyes filled with delight and narrowed in amusement.
“Then we shall have you. Welcome to the mafia, Kunikida-kun!”
Instead of relief, all I felt was fear. Even I did not want to fall into the mafia.
However, I couldn’t show it. I must not let them hesitate to hand me over to the mafia. There was no way I could look back to the other agency members. I’m scared, but if I can stop a member from falling into Mori’s hands then I’ll gladly take it.
Fighting myself to not shake, I bowed. “Thank you… boss.”
I didn’t want to hear their arguments.
I didn’t want for anyone to experience or re-experience the life a mafioso lived.
I didn’t want them to be worried about me.
“Kunikida please, don’t. Mori, didn't you intend to take me back?” I had never seen him make such a face before. “I’ll go back instead.” It made me feel sick.
Don't.
You don't need to return to such a place. Please don't return there.
“He wants me.” I argued. “He has decided, so you should stop talking.”
He grabbed my collar. “You bastard!”
However, with him weakened from his stay at Meursault, he was easily flicked away by my hand. “I’m going.” I’ve decided.
“You….” I would’ve enjoyed the desperation he had on his face if today were a normal day. Though I’m glad to know he can make this face at least once. “What about your ideals?”
“Sorry.” I simply picked through my vest pocket and handed him my notebook. “I don’t think I’ll be needing this anymore.”
“Kunikida-!”
There was nothing he could do now. I’ve decided and Mori agreed.
Steeling my expression, I ignored Dazai’s pleas. The way Mori smirked at Dazai’s desperation was sick. I didn’t want Mori to gain leverage from the agency’s members either because of me. So I engraved a curse called a ‘contract’ between the two of us.
Hopefully powerful enough for others to not interfere. I outlined my conditions, and Mori outlined his.
> I must listen to the higher-ups’ orders no matter what.
> I must go through the training they subject me to before getting fielded.
> I must be ready to give my life to Port Mafia and Port Mafia alone. Anything less is a disgrace to my and the agency’s name and finally-
> I must never see anyone from the ADA ever again.
I, too, cursed him. That if he failed to follow his word and he brought harm to the agency, I’ll be free to return with no consequences. There was a certain relief to some ADA members, but both Mori and I knew that he would never allow me to go back to the agency ever again as long as he was alive. I’m sure the President, Ranpo, and Dazai caught on as well.
Even if it’s just as small of a lie as this, I wanted them all to have a little peace of mind. The contract was presided over by the President and Mori with the other members and a mafia executive as witness.
This is what I can do for the agency.
I left the light and stood in the darkness, becoming a mere shadow to those I left behind. Nothing else was left to say.
Bidding them a farewell, I left with a smile that I hoped didn't show any fear.