Mediziner's Notes: I focused on Kagerou for this one because the poor guy doesn't get enough love... I'm also one of the few who see Shadowmaru and Kagerou as Brothers. Likewise with the Build Team seeing one another as Brothers. This chapter in particular needed a lot of refining... Meaning that I had to redo large chunks of this chapter back then when I was uploading it... Yeow...
This Chapter was originally uploaded: 10/2/2020 on DeviantART.
The Leader within Cover Art is drawn and commissioned by Erilmadith-Everyoung on DeviantART. You can also find Radiant Prism's full reference there, too.
Enjoy!
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Two weeks have passed and the Brave Police haven't been able to find anymore clues as to where these thieves were hiding from. A couple of police officers have searched underground but turned up with no source of traces. The second cargo ship had been targeted but somehow, even these thieves managed to slip from under Shadowmaru and Kagerou's enhanced radar systems which put them on edge. Complaints rose within the news as supplies of hydrogen peroxide needed for various uses were running short. A third ship came in, and this time the two ninjas along with the rest of the Brave Police were guarding that ship while both Duke and Dumpson, along with a couple of police officers' help managed to make trips to get the contents to their respective locations. What was especially strange however was that there were no further thefts of the hydrogen peroxide. "This is getting on my nerves, whoever those criminals were having somehow made improvements to some form of stealth technology that they could sneak past even Shadowmaru and Kagerou combined!" Dumpson grumbled.
"I'm not happy about it either, Power Joe." Dumpson frowned. "But at least people won't have to worry about shortage of the hydrogen peroxide for a while."
"Even if they've stopped stealing it, they're still wandering around!" Drill Boy chimed in. "Ah, but at least Shadowmaru and Kagerou are having their technology improved, right?"
"It better work, it's already infuriating enough that these ones have been able to slip past us!" Power Joe snapped.
"That's enough, Power Joe." Deckerd spoke. "None of us are happy either, but we need to keep calm otherwise we could miss our chance to notice the criminal somehow managing to slip up." Yuuta, who was on Deckerd's desk was helping him with any clues that could lead to how the criminals were getting around places easily without being seen right away. If they were under the radar in a similar manner to Shadowmaru and Kagerou, he took a wild guess that they could most likely only be seen visually... At least that's what he believed if he thought about how Deckerd couldn't detect Shadowmaru no matter what types of systems he used for scanning.
"I'm heading out, I need some fresh air." Radiant Prism announced, heading for the exit.
"Oh? Where are you going, rookie?" Gunmax asked, his attention turning to the German Brave.
"I'm not going to sit around doing nothing, I don't have a desk of my own nor do I have much to do other than just stand around, I need some time up in the air and I could perhaps find something while patrolling. If these criminals attack at night, then I'll be taking on night patrols. I know there's no orders for this but I prefer to spend as much time out in the skies than remain grounded for so long." As soon as she left, Deckerd and Duke faced one another, seemingly thinking for a moment, then addressed Drill Boy.
"Drill Boy, we'd like for you to join Radiant Prism in the skies." Deckerd told him.
"Eh? But what about the case?"
"We can't risk another repeat of what happened to Radiant Prism last time." Duke pointed out. "The last time she was on her own, the criminals she's hunting for had nearly finished her off were it not for Shadowmaru and Kagerou intervening and saving her life. We can't risk those same criminals attacking her a second time and you're the only other Brave who can fly while Shadowmaru and Kagerou are receiving updates and tweaks to their systems so that we can hopefully track down the criminals that have been escaping us."
Drill Boy frowned. "Oh... Right, I forgot about that..."
"Drill Boy, go join Radiant Prism and keep her protected from the criminals that may try to attack her again. we'll update you later on the situation." McCrane ordered.
"Okay!" Getting up, Drill boy then ran out the door as fast as he could while Dumpson yelled at him to push his chair in but his younger Brother was already gone, grumbling that he didn't hear him while Power Joe muttered about how childish Drill Boy was for forgetting one simple basic office rule.
"Mmm, Deckerd... Do you think it's possible that the criminals somehow managed to scan and copy Shadowmaru or Kagerou's advanced tech?" Yuuta asked with a frown, looking up at his friend. "If we've been having this much trouble finding those criminals that stole that hydro stuff, I'm worried they might've found some way to get copies of it and use it for the wrong things."
"I doubt it, Yuuta." Deckerd shook his helm with a with a small smile. "Shadowmaru and Kagerou are equipped with a protection system. To explain this, if any criminal gets the idea of attempting to copy or tamper with their special equipment, that same system can impressively destroy the criminal's device in many ways as a defence mechanism." Deep down, Deckerd had his suspicions that it was possible that with most criminals getting their hands on stolen technology over the years is allowing the more potentially dangerous criminals a step closer to defeating them. He and his team wouldn't back down from even whatever criminals could throw at them and would do so until they all cease to function. Protecting the innocent from the dangers that criminals bring are always the top priority of the Brave Police on the same level how police officers help keep citizens safe.
Yuuta could notice that Deckerd had quite a bit on his mind, noticing one of his servos closing into a tight fist. "Yeah..." He muttered, knowing he was going to talk to him back at home. He wasn't surprised though, but after the day that the Fahrzeurgs attacked two years ago, the very few major criminals they'd get occasionally were becoming a lot more powerful than the ones dealt with before had sometimes worried him on certain points, but couldn't be sure. He didn't dare dwell on it though, more criminals have been getting more and more craftier with being able to gather illegal robotics be it smuggled from other countries or flat out stealing it from a source. He never doubted Deckerd and the others since the Brave Police were always victorious in their battles against those vile criminals, and the years he's been working with them always kept him going no matter how severe the situation around him was. 'Mmm... Saejima did tell me that I should learn what it means to be a real police officer... By getting a jump start about some of the basics early but I'm still way too young to be a full police officer like the adults even though he's made an exception for me back when I was ten... Now I'm almost 13. I hope I can still work with Deckerd...' He thought worriedly.
"Yuuta? Everything alright?"
"Ah, sorry Deckerd... I didn't mean to lose track." Yuuta smiled a little sheepishly. "I guess I'm just thinking about what Saejima told me before..."
With a small smile, Deckerd brought his servo over to Yuuta, letting him climb in as he brought him over to the loft. "Go ahead and take a break." He told his friend gently, patiently waiting until he was off then moved his servo away. "We've been working for quite sometime since coming into the station."
"Okay." Yuuta nodded as he went over to his bag that leaned off to the side of his desk, digging into it until he found what he needed then left the office.
Having just gotten his drink from the vending machine, Yuuta walked away and sat down at the nearest chair, taking a sip of his juice. The way to the nearest vending machine wasn't a great one, having overheard a couple of cops talk about the Brave Police having trouble catching a couple of small criminals but bio-machines weren't the easiest to get, especially when they were roughly around than the average adult male except the suits they piloted were just slightly taller. He had half a mind to say that they're getting closer to the case, but knew better than to have a go at someone. Moving the cup just so slightly, he watched the liquid in it swirl. "It's not our faults that these criminals have been giving us a hard time..." He muttered to himself quietly with a small pout. "It's not like we can catch the criminal in a single day. But Deckerd though... Something about the expression he made looked like he was concerned about the criminals we're dealing with." With a small sigh, he took another sip of his juice while briefly watching as fellow cops passed by every now and then.
"Oh, Yuuta. There you are." The young boy looked up to see Saejima addressing him.
"Oh, Mr. Saejima. Are you on break too?"
"Mm." The man took his seat next to Yuuta after getting himself a drink of coffee from the vending machine, taking a sip. "I've also heard you and the others are helping Radiant Prism overcome her fear of people. Has she been making any progress so far?"
"Erm..." Yuuta looked away, his focus on the floor as he talked. "Well, Gunmax last had her surrounded by the others in my school since she's not like any jet you'd see flying in the skies, but I don't think it worked because she was so quiet which immediately told me how scared she was." He replied with a frown. "But, I think maybe Power Joe might be better at knowing how to help her get over her fear. But... I just didn't want to tell the others since they'd want to help out too, so I'm just leaving them be to help in their way."
"I see." Saejima took a sip of his coffee, thinking for a moment then spoke again. "There is also the matter of Kagerou."
"Eh?"
"He's still very wary of Deckerd and the Build Team from what we've seen. However we did take notice that he has no problems interacting with Duke, Gunmax, and Drill Boy." Saejima paused as he frowned. "I understand that Shadowmaru wants Kagerou to work alongside the Brave Police but if he can't learn to trust the others and especially people, it will become a problem later on... And Shadowmaru may force us to make a decision he doesn't want to happen, should Kagerou fail to make any progress on trusting the other Braves and people in general..."
Yuuta was alarmed, the team has just got Kagerou back not too long ago and the fact that he's still having issues trusting people again was that much of a problem made him become concerned for Shadowmaru. Recalling how happy he was to have his Brother back, and then now there's the risk of the dangers of people wanting to shut Kagerou down would only make the situation even more worse than what he's still struggling with. The thought of his friend putting on such a devastated expression was enough for him to nearly tear up. He then puts on a serious expression, knowing what he'd have to do. "Mr. Saejima, I'm going to make sure that never happens." He told him, finishing his juice. "The last thing I need is for Shadowmaru to feel hurt all over again and I don't want him to lose Kagerou a second time."
Having finished his coffee, Saejima smiled. "If anyone can help Kagerou, it's you who can do that, Yuuta. I have no doubt that with the many obstacles you've overcome throughout the years with the others, this sort of obstacle would be nothing compared to what you've previously tackled. Even I myself wish for Kagerou to work alongside the others, and I promise to ensure there will never be any attempts for anyone to try otherwise."
"Everyone's happiness matters to me, even though I feel bad that I might've been a bit of a handful to most of them." Yuuta replied with a brief sheepish smile. "But, seeing Deckerd and the others look so happy is what I value the most out of everything I do together with them, and I hope to make Kagerou smile too."
Checking his watch, Saejima noticed the time as he stood up. "I have to get back to work now, you should too. Deckerd might be worried about you if you're taking too long of a break." He showed the time to Yuuta.
"Oh no! I didn't mean to take that long of a break! I need to get back before the others worry!" Getting up, Yuuta went to throw away his empty cup into the bin, apologised to Saejima but made sure to tell him that he'll help Kagerou learn to trust people again then excused himself to return back to the office.
...
Having made it to the office door, Yuuta was just about to open it but stopped a few centimeters short of the handle when he heard some concerning commotion on the other side. 'An argument...?' He carefully leaned against the door, listening to what's going on. He could hear Deckerd explaining to Kagerou that nobody is going to reformat or take him away from the others, but Kagerou would only snap back telling him that he doesn't understand what it was like to go through a reformat. Others voiced their disagreement and Deckerd began to explain about how he underwent the same thing, explaining that much like how he valued his memories with Shadowmaru, Deckerd himself also valued his memories with Yuuta and he couldn't do anything but when he knew that his best friend was in trouble, he managed to regain them back. Yuuta next heard Shadowmaru began speaking, explaining about how much like how Deckerd regained his memories when Yuuta was in danger, the same miracle happened back then when he knew he was in danger.
The Ninja Detective admitted that he wanted to go down with him because he didn't want to be separated from him again despite that he had been already reformatted, admitting that he too valued the memories he had shared with him during their training together. The thought of being part of the Brave Police never mattered to him at the time much to the surprise of others, but was quick to explain that he always wanted to make sure no one would separate them. Kagerou clearly hesitated and still couldn't deny what he heard but Yuuta could bear no more and burst into the room, causing everyone to cease and turned to their boss.
"Y-Yuuta..." Deckerd was alarmed, seeing his friends' teary eyes made him concerned that something happened to him. The young boy didn't register his friend, but rather his focus was on the prototype.
"K-Kagerou, Mr. Saejima doesn't want you to be taken away or anything like that..." He managed to say slowly, wiping away his tears. "He's actually very worried about that if you don't learn to trust people again and trust Deckerd and the Build Team, the police higherups will become terrified that you might go rogue again..." He walked up to the edge of the loft, genuinely and deeply concerned. "I don't want that either, because I want you to stay with us and be our friend. The others and I also want to know you better, Kagerou." He paused with a small smile. "And... I want to be your friend, too." He looked over to Shadowmaru, then back to Kagerou once again. "Shadowmaru was so happy to have you back, and it made me so happy seeing how happy he is, but because you keep pushing people away and seeing how you're so reluctant towards Deckerd, McCrane, Power Joe, and Dumpson. It makes me so sad, and it even breaks my heart to see you do that because you're slowly destroying Shadowmaru's smile."
"Shadowmaru's... Smile?" Kagerou repeated slowly.
Yuuta nodded. "I... No, we want you to be happy with us, Kagerou. I want to see you become a police officer like Deckerd, Shadowmaru, and the others." He continued with a small sad smile. "I'm so sorry for not really taking your feelings into consideration, but I want to help you in any way I can because I want to be your friend."
Kagerou stared at the small human completely astonished, he had believed that deep down this small boy was so afraid of him, especially after what he had done... But to see how he forgave him for all that he'd done in the past, something he had believed prevented him from truly becoming part of the Brave Police alongside Shadowmaru...
Yuuta was giving him a second chance, a chance that he feels he never deserved... He was entirely at a loss of what to say.
Shadowmaru couldn't help but smile at his boss' words, knowing that he too wanted to help Kagerou as much as he did. 'There's no one else who can replace you, Mini-Boss... You've always proven us time and again how much you care about us so genuinely.' He thought, listening as the others gave praise to his kind words. Turning his attention, he began to privately contact Deckerd if he could be alone with both Yuuta and Kagerou for a time, explaining that he could just be the key to helping Kagerou let go of his pain.
-Alright, the others and I should get to searching for any clues the criminal might have left behind that could help.- Deckerd agreed. -I trust you ensure that Kagerou won't hurt Yuuta?-
"Mini-boss will be fine, I'll firmly make sure of this." Replied Shadowmaru
Getting up, Deckerd told Yuuta that he and the others will go ahead to begin searching for anymore clues that the criminal might have left behind and the young boy nodded in agreement, watching as the others file out to begin work as per Deckerd's orders. When only Yuuta and the two identical ninjas remained, Shadowmaru began helping his Brother, showing him proper etiquette and how to perform some tasks, such as questioning others for valuable info, how to carefully pick up people or other sorts all while Yuuta helped along with happily.
The part about picking up people took longer than the other tasks, Shadowmaru had to show Kagerou how to properly pick up people and help them feel secure as he told him to stop when he was making a grabbing motion towards Yuuta, who clearly scrambled away out of fear. "Like this." He instructed, lowering a servo- Palm upwards to their Boss, who happily climbed in. "Now, hold out your servo like how I have mine." He patiently watched as Kagerou hesitated, but did as told. Once doing so, Shadowmaru proceeded bring his servo close to his, allowing Yuuta to relocate himself onto the prototype's servo. He could tell that Kagerou was still struggling to understand how he and the others valued the young boy greatly more than any other human, but can also see that the gentle innocence radiating from Yuuta was effecting him a little, he was something else than what he had originally thought.
"Mini-Boss is the reason that we're all here, yourself included." Shadowmaru explained. "I understand it might be a little strange for you since you two never properly met, but I assure you that he's nothing like anyone we've seen or interacted with before.
"Yes... I can see tha-"
-Shadowmaru, we could really use you and Kagerou right about now.- Came Gunmax's voice over the communications badge.
Answering without hesitation, Shadowmaru spoke. "What's going on, Gunmax?"
-Some criminals showed up, I think we might be onto something and they're coming in full force. Aerial Radiance and I are holding them back as best as we can but without the kid, Deckerd and the others are going to get trampled by the criminals.-
"We'll be there shortly." Hanging up, he instructed Kagerou to set Yuuta down and that they would regroup with him back down in the repair bay. With a nod, Kagerou followed his Brother down to the repair bay while Yuuta went through the door, where the three of them met up again in the repair bay. Gently scooping Yuuta up, Shadowmaru walked outside and leapt into the skies, shapeshifting into his jet form while expertly placing Yuuta mid-change inside his cockpit and flew off in the direction of the danger once he was secured. Kagerou shapeshifted into his avian form, easily catching up to the two but then slowly began to hesitate when they got near the battlefield where he could see that Gunmax Armour and Aerial Radiance, the latter whom had been shielding Deckerd and the others from taking too much damage, being forced to use their handguns to return fire.
The sight of the destruction was giving him flashbacks to when the Brave Police confronted him and hesitated. Using his advanced systems, he listened into the conversations between the other Braves, hearing Yuuta give the command to Brave up. 'Ungh... I-I can't do this...' He thought, feeling like the horrible memories were tearing him apart. He began to descend, shapeshifting when he neared the ground and just crouched there, clutching his helm. He didn't register that people screamed in fear upon sight of him, some having recognised him from back then. Still listening, he could hear the others express that these criminals they were fighting were more or less androids that were designed to look human. Shapeshifting once more into his car mode, Kagerou drove off, relocating himself elsewhere until he found himself an underground parking lot to hide in. He noticed Shadowmaru hadn't register that he had fled, but he did strongly remember that after his training long ago that he was going to be implemented with the rest of the Brave Police...
Without him...
Finding himself a place to be alone and away from curious eyes, Kagerou fell to his knees, still clutching his helm as if in agonising pain. "Shadow... Maru..." He strained silently.
Meanwhile, the other Braves were able to push against the small army of androids, but they haven't succeeded in locating the mastermind behind the crime. The large tank-like mecha was tough and shots were ricocheting off of it's armoured plating. Everyone was at a loss of how to proceed with trying to stop the large machine. Shadowmaru made double checks and scanned the target in more depth, immediately learning that there were no signs of life inside it, which told him enough that the tank was being remotely controlled by someone, meaning that they wouldn't have to worry about accidentally hurting anyone that would've been inside otherwise.
He relayed the information to the others, to which Deckerd gave the order to find whoever might be responsible for controlling the tank nearby. Shadowmaru had located a suitable spot not too far from the others but also safe from incoming attacks, needing to make sure to set Yuuta down before he could join the others in the search. "Be careful on climbing out, Mini-Boss." He told him, partially shapeshifting out his servo so that he could get him down safely... But only for a surprise attack to occur and Shadowmaru found himself captured before he could react, wires wrapping around his body as he immediately told Yuuta to stay inside, to which he sat back in the cockpit seat immediately as Shadowmaru closed the cockpit glass keeping him safe. No one was going to try and pry their way to his Boss.
"Shadowmaru!" Super Build Tiger exclaimed, intending on getting rid of the set of drones that captured Shadowmaru and Yuuta, but were suddenly electrocuted from behind that was enough to not only knock them out, but the effort also caused them to separate back to normal.
"Super Build Ti- Aghk!" J-Decker fell forward as something wrapped around his ankles, Duke Fire attempted to assist J-Decker but even he had also fallen when he was caught by the wires wrapping around his legs. Both of them struggled to undo the wires wrapped around their legs as they ceased upon realising they were being pulled away from one another. They attempted to regroup, both of them were met with a powerful electric shock upon doing so.
A small robot roughly about half the size of both J-Decker and Duke Fire approached them while dragging Gunmax Armour behind it. The latter had taken quite a beating, and was unable to move due to his damaged motor controls. A screen on the robot's chest turned on, revealing a person with a devious grin. "Ah, you Brave Police fell into my trap as I had calculated." They cackled, proceeding to command their robot to throw Gunmax Armour at the two combiners. Next, the criminal commanded the drones that had a secure hold of Shadowmaru, relocating towards them once they were closer to the ground, rows of electrified wires were protruding from the drone and pointed towards the Ninja Detective. "But now that I've got your little sneaky companion and as a bonus, the child who's been a thorn in the sides of many other criminals throughout the years-" When the Brave Police struggled to break free upon the sight of their Boss taken hostage, the wires inched closer towards Shadowmaru, hearing Yuuta's muffled cry of fear at the sight of the electrified wires. "Hmhmhmhm I don't think so, Brave Police! While your friend here can survive the electrical shock, I can't say the same for the child he has with him!"
"D-Dammit!" Gunmax Armour cursed, wishing he could move and fight back. If he weren't lying around like a stringless marionette, he would've been trying to find a way to outsmart the criminal and save them both.
The threat was enough to stop them from struggling as they yielded, not wanting any harm to come to their Boss. Aerial Radiance tried to get herself free, but J-Decker's words told her to stop lest they risk injuring or even losing Yuuta. "B-But..."
"That's an order!" Deckerd stated sternly.
Aerial Radiance reluctantly did as told, no longer struggling against the wires that held her down but clearly didn't like this. Was there nothing anyone could do or some sort of opportunity that no one could spot? She tried to look for any, but couldn't find any that would otherwise give her and the others an advantage. Immediately, she took notice to something having sparkled in the skies, and in that split second, a few of the wires that held Shadowmaru were severed.
"What!? More Brave Police!?" Trying to look at where the attacker came from, there was Kagerou flying overhead, having appeared as he readied another set of shuriken.
"Kagerou!" J-Decker exclaimed.
Narrowing his optics, Kagerou began diving towards the robot that held Shadowmaru which was already uncoiling a new set of wires to strengthen it's grip on him. "You're not taking my Brother away!" In the blink of an eye, he threw his shuriken, but the robot had avoided the incoming projectiles by using Shadowmaru as a shield, causing the Ninja Detective to yell in agony and Yuuta flinched, exclaiming in fear. Fearing what he's done, Kagerou ceased throwing anymore shuriken as he tried to get to the retreating robot but the same drones that held Shadowmaru honed in on the prototype, attempting to block his path. Kagerou brought out his kusarigama and made short work of them, but more drones came out of the mecha tank as he destroyed some while a few others he dodged until he broke free of the blocking drones. Unfortunately he was too late as his target had already fled inside the armoured tank, with both Shadowmaru and Yuuta in tow.
Throwing another set of shuriken, hoping to tear some sort of hole into the tank, he was stunned to see that there wasn't even a scratch but instead it just richocheted in a different direction. Unsure what to do, he brought out his Kusarigama and dived towards the tank, worried about losing his little Brother.
"Oh no you don't!" Exclaimed the criminal. Immediately, the tank launched a large missile into the sky, causing the other Brave Police to free themselves and with an instinct to stop it before it detonated, fearing it might be a bomb that could devastate a large portion of the city. Kagerou, with precised aiming, threw a shuriken into it. However, the missile exploded, not with high explosives, but instead it exploded into a large flashbang, causing everyone to go blind from the effects. Kagerou attempted to get a lock on to where the criminal's armoured tank was, but unfortunately he found that the flashbang missile was also loaded with a radar scrambler.
Once everyone recovered and the flash and the radar scrambler wore off, there was only the destruction that was left behind and the armoured tank was already gone. There was no sight of where it was if it had flown off or burrowed underground. The droids that accompanied it, that were used to pin them down were also gone, save for the ones that were already destroyed were the only things left behind.
J-Decker looked around, but couldn't see anything. Yuuta was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Shadowmaru... This was bad, how was he going to explain this to the commissioners now? "This is embarrassing..." Gunmax Armour said as he was helped up somewhat by the Build Team, who had regained consciousness. "Oi J-Decker, we'll get the kid back no matter what so try not to look so glum... He wouldn't want to see you with such a face." He said slowly, not really good at these things, but knowing how his teammate and Yuuta were so close, of course he was going to be affected the most by his disappearance.
"Without Yuuta, we're at a disadvantage..." Drill Boy frowned, Dumpson adding in with a shake of his helm. "Without him, the four of us can't form Super Build Tiger." He replied grimly.
"With Boss having been taken away, we'll need to call for backup." Power Joe spoke next. "Regina once told us that in case of a critical situation, we can have her team help us out."
J-Decker didn't like this, while he recalled Regina's offer should there be any difficulties in dealing with a criminal, they were free to request assistance from the Scotland Yard but... Even if they did that, they were at a disadvantage... Without Yuuta and the given command to allow them to become their combined forms, there was no way he, Duke, and the Build Team could combine should they need it. His attention then turned to Kagerou, who looked devastated. Approaching the prototype, he hesitated slightly knowing that he clearly remembered when he intended to capture him and store him away, he wasn't sure how Kagerou was going to react but spoke.
"Kagerou..." He addressed slowly. "May I speak with you in private?"
The blue and black coloured ninja looked back at him, a mix of not only fear, but was also downright devastation that he lost his Brother. He hesitated, but recalled Yuuta's words about how he wanted to be his friend, and that the others also wanted to be his friend.
"I want you to stay with us and be our friend. The others and I also want to know you better, Kagerou. And... I want to be your friend, too."
'Friend...' He thought, he never forgot what the young boy had said but the fact did remain that he genuinely wanted to be friends with him... At the same time, he found himself wanting that... He wanted friends instead of having to run from those that seek to see him reformatted or intending to hurt him. He hesitantly nodded to J-Decker, he wanted to try and be what Shadowmaru is: Brave Police.
Because he couldn't get out of his super form on his own, J-Decker and Kagerou had flown elsewhere to a more rural area where they could speak privately. Private communications were a no go because Kagerou lacked a communications badge, due to not being a full official member of the Brave Police yet. Holding up his servo, palm upwards, Kagerou balanced expertly on the tips of the combiner's digits. "What is it that you want to talk about? Currently I'm in no mood for conversation..." Kagerou began, not looking at the large combiner. His wings were folded more tightly against his body and arms crossed over his chest. J-Decker knew how he felt about losing Shadowmaru... This felt like a mirror of what would've happened if Shadowmaru had been captured instead of the prototype.
"Kagerou, I'm sorry this had happened... I know you're not an official member of the Brave Police entirely, but... Please... The others and I need your help to see if you can find any clues or traces the criminal might've left behind... You're the only one who can easily look into things in more detail than me and the others could since you also possess the same systems that Shadowmaru has. Much like how you deeply value your Brother, the rest of the team and I, and Shadowmaru included deeply value Yuuta because he's very special to us. I'm not asking as an order, but as a request that you please find them both. I'm sure Shadowmaru has high hopes that you can track down where he and Yuuta have been taken to."
Kagerou began to hesitate, but J-Decker continued.
"Years ago, when we were looking into Excellence Co. after the Vice-Commissioner gave us possible clues related that they might have taken your Super A.I., we didn't have any proof to act but Shadowmaru had already gone on his own after them despite that we didn't have any proof if they've committed any crime previously or actively. Despite this, he still determined to retrieve your Super A.I. and I know very well that he had also strongly valued the memories you two shared together." He paused, thinking about how they would've been in trouble had the situation been different. "Even though you couldn't remember this at the time, we all did and eventually the rest of us were driven to save you because Shadowmaru had already gone on board... I think it was at this point that even the rest of us wanted to bring you back because we couldn't stand the thought of others using anyone's or even our own Super A.I. against our own will, I saw it as a severe crime in the same way a person takes away another person's rights of freedom..."
The combiner frowned internally, feeling bad that they failed to stop the sub from descending and descending until it imploded... Despite that he and his teammates were built to be sturdy, the power of nature- Especially the deepest depths of the ocean was no match for them to withstand.
Kagerou easily sensed and knew what J-Decker thought about, but the fact that Shadowmaru had gone so far to save him, and even avoided detection- His radar detection at the time when he was connected to that sub... It meant a whole lot.
Before he was being reformatted, he never doubted that his little Brother would find and attempt to save him despite that there would have been an incredibly large risk of being captured and also have his own Super A.I. reformatted to be used against his will. Seemingly with a new sense of determination, he gave a nod. "I'll try my best, J-Decker. It has been a long time since I've been able to use my systems at full capacity, but I will do anything to save Shadowmaru from whatever the criminal intends to do." He seemed to hesitate, feeling awkward. "As that child once said... He wanted to be my friend despite what I've done... I want to try and befriend others, so I don't feel like I have just Shadowmaru to rely on if things don't... Go according to plan. And I also want to make up for having scared people."
J-Decker was pleased to hear this, he had no doubt that Yuuta certainly had made an effect on him just as how he'd done so with many people around him. "I'll begin my search right away."
"Thank you, Kagerou." J-Decker watched as Kagerou then leapt off of his large servo.
"SHAPESHIFT!" Changing into his flying form, Kagerou then flew off back towards the city.
Watching the prototype fly off for a short time until he couldn't see him anymore. Knowing the others were waiting for him back at the station, he took to the skies and made his way back to the city as well, knowing that the others were informing the Commissioners about what happened. He frowned about the thought that he'd have to tell the bad news to his sisters after work.
...
"What? Yuuta and Shadowmaru were taken?" King exclaimed in surprise. He and Bishop had just come to Japan not that long ago from Australia after having dealt with a criminal there that had fled the country. They both frowned at learning the bad news that a criminal had taken a fellow Brave along with their Boss. Whoever this criminal was, must have been loaded with illegally stolen weaponry or technology that were most likely prototypes still needing to be perfected, at least that's their suspicion from what they've been told.
"I'm afraid so... Kagerou is looking into the information but we could use the help searching for the others... And a bit of extra firepower."
"Of course we'll help out, but Rook, Pawn, Ten, Ace, and Jack are taken up with a case back home, so only King and I are available at the moment to help out." Bishop said.
"...Wait, did you say extra firepower?" King inquired. "Surely you lot know you can combine without a command needed, right?"
"Not without Yuuta, no." Deckerd frowned as Duke chimed in. "Without his command, we cannot become our respective forms. Only Gunmax can become his combined form because he was originally being deployed to help the highway patrol, he can combine at will if he so chooses but we cannot. There is also Radiant Prism, who doesn't need Boss' command to become her combined form, Aerial Radiance."
Both King and Bishop looked at one another, they weren't sure what to make of the Japanese Brave Police unable to combine on their own. Bishop was the most puzzled than the two because he and King, along with Rook and Pawn could combine into their respective combined form without the need of Regina's command, as the same for when King needs to combine with Ace, Jack, and Ten instead depending on the situation. They had free will of their own form, but Deckerd and the rest of the Japanese Braves? Why were they tethered to the command of one person to combine? "Alright." King spoke up, having taken the time to think things out. "We'll do our best to help out in any way we can. Just ask us where we should patrol and we'll get right to it." He finished as Bishop silently nodded.
"Thank you, King, Bishop." Deckerd smiled.
A little bit later after the two Scotland Yard members were given the routes to begin their search, Deckerd felt like he was getting the worst headache as he sighed heavily, his face buried into his servo. Duke hadn't failed to notice this as he told Deckerd that everyone is doing their best to find Yuuta, and wouldn't give up no matter what. Despite this, Deckerd still wore a worried expression.
"Deckerd..."
"Sorry I'm... I'm trying not to think about it." Deckerd replied slowly. "I know this has happened a few times in the past, but... Something just... I don't know, something just tells me that something big is happening compared to the last few times Yuuta was captured... For what reason, I don't know but I just have this bad feeling that he's must be so frightened right now." It was clear that Deckerd was feeling insecure without his best friend at his side, Duke was well aware of how close the two of them were. "Not only that, but what if we might get something similar to what Shinjo did to Kagerou? I'm honestly hoping the criminal doesn't do something like that with Shadowmaru's body..."
"You have told me about it before... About how Shadowmaru went on his own to infiltrate that submarine that held the man responsible for stealing Kagerou's Super A.I. years ago." Duke Frowned. "I couldn't imagine the sorrow Shadowmaru felt when he failed to rescue his Brother..."
"I'm more worried about either a repeat of Kagerou attempting to rescue Shadowmaru and failing, or somehow Kagerou himself gets captured again and lost. Yuuta's words... About how he wanted to protect everyone's smile, including Shadowmaru's..." He was about to say more, but the sound of someone entering caught his and Duke's attention both of them looking to see Radiant Prism had come in.
"Something wrong, Radiant Prism?" Deckerd asked.
"No, McCrane asked me to inform the both of you that he and the rest of the Build Team have just finished their repairs and have begun their search for your friend." Replied the German Brave. "My repairs were completed just shortly after theirs was done."
"You should join King, Bishop, and the others in the search for Boss and Shadowmaru." Duke chimed in. "We need every able Brave to help in the search and that includes you as well. Because we're a flyer short, it's only you and Drill Boy while Kagerou is attempting to pick up anything we might miss in our search."
"Yes sir." Radiant Prism turned in the direction of the door, leaving to begin the search at once. Once she was gone, Duke focused his attention back to Deckerd.
"Deckerd, I doubt that the criminal would try anything in the same manner as Shinjo did. The records on that criminal didn't say anything about that he'd attempt at doing similar or at all what he did. For now, we should focus on relocating Boss and Shadowmaru with the others in the search as well." Deckerd nodded, both of them getting out of their seats as the two left the office and the station altogether, joining the others in the search. Others would occasionally update every now and then, just to be sure they weren't being targeted but it seems like after every few updates from each member, they weren't the primary targets. Kagerou however hasn't replied, which meant that he was still looking for any traces or clues that could help him in his search. Deckerd was clearly sad, it showed in his headlights as he tried to keep focus. While he was much stronger than that of a human, he felt weak and vulnerable without his best friend nearby to cheer him and his friends on or congratulate them whenever they've managed to defeat a criminal.
He glanced up at the skies while waiting at a red light, seeing Drill Boy flying overhead while shortly afterwards he could see Radiant Prism further ahead investigating a different part of the city. 'Be brave Yuuta...' He thought to himself. When the light changed colour, he continued on and kept searching. Along the way he'd run into Gunmax, then later Power Joe, but neither of those two have found anything yet from when they updated him.
Half an hour into the search, Deckerd had parked himself in one of the parking lots, needing a break as he sighed sadly. He registered a sound but didn't pay much attention to it at all. But what did draw his attention was the sound of flapping, and the sound of metal meeting concrete as he saw Kagerou had landed in front of him.
"Kagerou, did you find anything?" Deckerd asked, hoping there is something he found that could lift up his and the others' spirits.
"Somewhat, these criminals are unusually clever but what I've found might be a possible clue, I think Shadowmaru might've found a flaw from that armoured tank that took him and the child away." He then extended his wings. "Shapeshift out of your vehicle form, it's faster if I carry you there."
Deckerd was puzzled, and perhaps a bit stunned at this. "Er... I could simply drive to the location?"
"Currently from where you are, there is an unusually large amount of traffic in certain areas that would force you to take a longer route. But the least I can do is bring you outside of the city, then lead you to the location."
"Alright." Backing up, Deckerd needed room so that he could ensure nothing was obstructing him which would otherwise put him back in his vehicle mode. "CHANGE!" Upon Deckerd changing out of his vehicle mode, Kagerou took to the skies, flying over him for a moment as he positioned himself over Deckerd, then allowed himself to slowly descend until his talons latched onto the Brave Detective's shoulders then began lifting him up into the skies which made the Brave Detective heavily uncomfortable. "Try not to move too much as I'm carrying you." Kagerou told him as he began to ascend.
He was just about to contact the others but didn't need to as he was beginning to receive questions from the others about why was he so high up in the skies while Drill Boy and Radiant Prism met up with the two. "Wha... Kagerou, why are you carrying Deckerd so high in the skies?" Drill Boy asked, clearly stunned at seeing the sight of the prototype carrying him up so high in the skies.
"Cars don't... Fly, unless Deckerd is combined then he could." Radiant Prism replied slowly, not sure what to make of this scene. The sight of the aerials, and the comments he was receiving from a few of the Build Team members and Gunmax was extremely embarrassing to Deckerd, but Kagerou did say that it was faster to at least get him out of the city.
He could only frown, being up like this without his combiner was embarrassing to no ends.