Yu woke up to the sound of Nanako knocking on his door.

"Big bro! Breakfast is ready!" She cried.

Yu got up, got dressed, and walked downstairs, the realization that this would most likely be the last time he got to eat with his family in a long time finally sinking in. It was a delicious rice omelette with some bacon, and the three Narukamis ate in silence. Finally, Nanako spoke up.

"When's big bro coming back?"

"If all goes well, then… about March." Dojima answered.

"I won't see big bro for a year?!" Nanako asked, distraught.

"I'll send you letters and call you. Don't worry, I won't forget you." Yu responded.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Yaaay!" Nanako cheered, returning to her usual happy self. The rest of the meal went by with a happier mood. Once the dishes were done, Yu got his suitcase and the three went to the station.

"Well, this is it. Good luck son, I know you'll do great. I love you." Dojima said, hugging his son.

"Love you too dad. And don't worry Nanako, I'll remember my promise."

"Stay safe big bro." Nanako said as the siblings hugged tightly, tears in her eyes. It took awhile to pry her off so he wouldn't miss his train.

Yu looked around on the train and saw that it was mostly packed. There was only one spot open, and it was between a boy with frizzy black hair and glasses, and a boy with dark blue hair that covered his left eye who was sleeping with his MP3 playing. He saw on their bags "Property of Akira Kurusu" and "Property of Minato Arisato." He recognized the uniforms: The blue haired boy, Minato, wore the Yasogami high uniform, his former school, while the frizzy haired boy, Akira, wore the Gekkoukan high uniform, a school that he visited as a culture exchange during his previous school year.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" Yu asked

The blue haired boy stirred awake, while the frizzy haired boy simply said.

"Go ahead."

Yu took a seat in between them and the blue haired boy yawned.

"What was our last stop?" he asked

"Yasoinaba." Yu answered

"Damn, that was mine."

"Don't worry, you can get off next stop."

"I think I'll do just that."

Yu then noticed something strange. There was a beautiful blue butterfly just floating down the train car. Yu looked around and saw that no one was paying it any mind, except for him. Suddenly, Yu felt sleepy and closed his eyes, the sound of the train car and passengers slowly being muffled out. In his dream, he saw a man sitting behind what looked like a prison reception desk. The man was dressed in a black-collared and long-sleeved shirt under a blue suit complemented with a blue necktie and wore a hat similar to a flight attendant. But what struck out the most was his platinum blonde hair and yellow eyes. The man smiled as Yu approached.

"Greetings. My name is Theodore. Welcome to the Rehabilitation Center for the Troubled. If you wish to utilize our services, please sign here."

Theodore reached under the desk and pulled out a slip of paper and pen, and slid them across the desk. Yu picked them up and began to read, confused by what this paper said.

This story is a work of fiction

Similarities between events, or persons, living or dead are purely coincidental

By signing this contract, I agree to dedicate myself completely towards my rehabilitation

Only those who have agreed to the above shall receive aid

Do you accept these terms and conditions?

"Uhhhh…. Sure, I guess." Yu said, signing his name. After all, it was only a dream. The words on the paper began to shift and form new words.

The contract has been sealed.

The world is not as it should be.

Distortion fills reality, and ruin draws near

Those who oppose ruin are known as Tricksters

You are one such Trickster

The time to act is now

Seek the truth, at any cost, if the world is to survive

You have one year.

"What the hell?" was all Yu could think before he was woken up.

"Shibuya. This is Shibuya." the announcer spoke. Yu looked around: The blue haired boy was gone, and so was the frizzy haired boy. Yu simply shrugged and got off and out of the subway, trying to make his way through the throes of people. Once in Shibuya Square, he started trying to make sense of the huge city crowd before him. Everyone was moving somewhere, none taking a second for granted. That's when he heard his phone beep. He looked at it and saw something most peculiar: an app he never installed. It was creepy and in the shape of an eye with a black and red color scheme, a star in the center, acting as the iris. Yu pushed on it to try and drag it to the trash bin, but instead, the weird app expanded to the point it covered his entire screen. The world got eerily quiet.

Yu looked up and saw that time had frozen. No one was moving, not even the birds, and in the center of Shibuya stood a pillar of electricity, dancing with wild abandon. Yu had to squint, but he could swear there was a figure in the pillar. And the figure looked like… him? The electricity parted slightly, and Yu saw it for a brief moment: A man that looked almost exactly like him, save for one feature: his eyes were an unholy yellow, and his grin was so wide there was no way it could be natural. The electricity cracked loudly and in a blinding flash, everything was back to normal. Yu looked at the eye on his phone.

"Hope I never see you, or whatever that was, ever again." Yu muttered as he dragged it to the recycling bin. He looked at the time, and decided he had to get going. Pulling up his notes, he looked at the directions to the Hachiko statue Sae said would be their meeting place. Yu wondered what she was like. Dojima said she would be about 25 by now, still relatively young, and she had a sister about Yu's age. Before he knew it, he found the statue. Now all that was left was to wait. Yu wondered about what she was like. If Dojima was right, and she really was so busy that she couldn't even be with her sister, Yu could only imagine how she'd treat him. There'd be a curfew, no doubt, and that was likely to be the least of his worries. Yu's analysing was brought to a screeching halt when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Yu Narukami?" A woman asked from behind.

Yu turned around and saw a tall woman, six feet at least, bright beautiful silver hair that was parted to one side and flowed past her shoulders, and piercing red eyes that looked like they belonged to a hawk. She wore almost all black business clothes that seemed to fit her like an extension of herself, the only accessory being a necklace in the shape of a section sign, violet nails and a pair of earrings. The woman exuded an aura of confidence, seriousness, and power.

"Y-Yes?" Yu stammered, feeling intimidated.

"My name is Sae Niijima. Follow me, we'll be taking my car." She ordered, turning around and walking through the massive crowds of Tokyo. Yu followed her to her car, a black Cadillac, and got in the passenger seat. As they started to drive, Sae spoke up.

"I trust you are aware of your situation?"

"Yea. I'm going to be with you for one whole year. If I go by without issues, then I'll have my record cleared and I can go back to my normal life in the middle of nowhere."

Sae didn't even show a twinge of amusement, simply nodding her head.

"That is mostly correct. You won't be living in the same room as my sister and me. You'll have a seperate room right next to ours. Most of your things should already be in there. Sadly, neither of us had the time to unpack them."

"It's alright. There are somethings that I'd rather not let you see."

The car screeched to a halt at a red light and Sae turned her piercing gaze to Yu, who thought he was going to have a heart attack.

"Like what? Drugs? Contraband? Weapons?" She demanded as she seemed to burn holes into Yu's very soul.

Yu was breathless. He thought his dad was terrifying when he was angry, but this woman was on another level. He opened his mouth, but his mouth went dry and a knot formed in his throat, words refusing to form. Sae simply scowled.

"Fine. Makoto and I will help you unpack. If we find anything suspicious, I'm throwing you out, debt or no debt."

She stepped on the gas as the light turned green, the air so tense you could punch it. Yu took in the sights. He had never been in a city before, so everything seemed overwhelming to the teen. The sights of the skyscrapers and the massive ads, the sounds of bustling traffic and street vendors, and the crowds of people packed together like sausages. If Yu had arrived of his own free will, he would have seen this like an adventure. But he was a prisoner, not a tourist, and this was punishment, not a vacation. By now, they arrived at the lobby of the apartment complex. It was rather luxurious, and they soon got into an elevator, Sae still scowling. They went to their room number: 915.

"Makoto will most likely be inside. Treat her with the utmost respect. Understood?"

Yu was too terrified to do anything but nod. Sae opened the door.

"Hi sis! How'd it go?" A girl asked.

"Fine. For now." Sae replied as Yu stepped in meekly.

"For now? What's that mean?" The girl asked.

Yu examined her. She was around his height, was still in her Shujin Academy uniform, had brown hair braided across the top of her head. Or was it a headband? Yu couldn't tell. But he did see the same piercing red eyes that Sae.

"He made a slip of tongue, and now, I'm curious as to what exactly his father shipped us."

"Oh. I thought he had a knife on him or gave you some trouble."

"No, and if he did, he'd be covered in bruises.".

"Umm…. W-what?" Yu could only meekly ask.

"Sis here knows kickboxing, and I know aikido." Makoto stated proudly.

Yu gulped as a bead of sweat made its way down his brow.

This woman isn't my probation officer, she's my prison warden.

"Now, let's get you unpacked Narukami." Sae said, grab walking over to a nearby door. She pulled out a key and swiftly unlocked it. Makoto tapped his shoulder.

"Is it porn?" She mouthed.

Yu automatically blushed and furiously shook his head, getting a sigh of relief from Makoto as they followed Sae into his room. Inside was a simple bedroom for one person, a rack for storing any souvenirs, and tucked in the corner was the door to his bathroom. There were two windows that granted a view of the city, and in between the windows was a workbench, complete with tools and some basic supplies. Scattered everywhere were cardboard boxes.

"Well, let's begin, shall we?" Sae asked, pulling up a box.

The trio silently went to work, and Yu hoped that he would find the objects of his fears before they did and could discreetly tuck it out of view so Sae wouldn't get suspicious. He looked over to his new guardian. She opened the boxes and inspected the contents thoroughly, but instead of chucking it to the side or to the floor, she put it in a neat, organized pile. Makoto did the same, mostly unpacking clothes, hygiene products, video game consoles and games, DVDs, and other things. Yu found the box he was looking for and saw it: The objects he knew he could not let Sae and Makoto see. He looked over to the girls, Makoto pointing at a box in a far flung corner. Sae turned her back to get it, and Yu sprung into action. Thankfully, the box made no noise as he skillfully hid it among the pile of boxes that were already unpacked. Shortly after, they finished, Makoto let out a sigh.

"Looks like we're done here. And, there was nothing out of the ordinary in any of the boxes." Makoto said, wiping a small drop of sweat.

Mission successful

"All… except the one Narukami moved when he thought I wasn't looking." Sae said, glaring daggers at Yu yet again.

DAMNIT!

Makoto turned to him and crossed her arms, her face plastered with disapproval.

"Well?" The older Niijima asked.

Yu sighed and hung his head in defeat. It was time to face the music. He grabbed the box and put in on the table. He backed away after opening it. As the girls moved to investigate, there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it." Yu said, wanting to excuse himself from what was to come.

He opened the door and saw a boy about his age. He had shaggy, dark brown hair and wore a tan pea coat with a black tie, black trousers, and black gloves. Yu noted that he had a police badge strapped on his coat, carried a briefcase with an "A" branded on it, and there was an outline in his coat. An outline that looked suspiciously like a gun.

"Oh, hello there. I haven't seen you…. At all, really. Who are you and why are you in the Niijima residence?" The boy asked.

"Hey Sae-sama, do you have a brother or other relative I'm not aware of?" Yu asked, not answering the boy's question.

"No, why?"

"There's someone here and he has red eyes like yours. Almost exactly like yours."

"THIS is what he was hiding?" They heard Sae ask, ignoring his statement.

Shortly after, the two boys heard laughter, and Sae walked out of Yu's room, a hand to her face. There was a slight blush on her cheeks as she regarded Yu.

"Narukami, I owe you an apology. And I can completely understand why you'd want to hide… that." Sae said meekly.

"Hello Sae-san. May I come in?" the boy in the door asked.

"Of course. Yu Narukami, meet Goro Akechi, my partner in the prosecutor's office."

"Goro Akechi? As in Detective Prince Goro Akechi?"

"That's correct. Though, please, treat me like you would a normal person. And you are?"

"Goro Akechi, meet Yu Narukami, my ward for the coming year." Sae introduced.

"Narukami? As in Dojima Narukami?"

"Yea. Though please, treat me like you would a normal person." Yu parroted.

"As you wish. Sae-san, you said he was your ward?" Akechi asked.

"He's here on probation. He's been charged-" Sae began.

"Falsely." Yu interrupted.

"... of assault. He's now staying with my sister and me for a year."

"What was Makoto laughing at?" Akechi asked.

"How do you know it wasn't Sae-sama?" Yu asked.

"Because Sae-san never laughs or jokes. She's one of those types who smiles like this."

Akechi then proceeded to do the most overdone, comical frown that could be mustered on the human face. As if to prove his point, Sae frowned as well, though not as over-the-top as Akechi's. The red-eyed teen smiled.

"See? Right there. Sae's smiling right now."

Her frown grew worse.

"She knows it's true. Words can't describe her joy right at this moment."

She was now giving Akechi the same look she gave Yu when she drove him here.

"And neither can her face." Akechi added, grinning like an idiot.

"You know Akechi, I just remembered that I have two fat stacks of paperwork that need to be done. Thanks for volunteering." Sae said, her expression softening with every word. Akechi's face went from glee to horror.

"Hey Yu-kun do you know if, oh hi Akechi-kun." Makoto greeted, trying to hold back laughter.

"Hello Makoto-san. What were you laughing at?"

"Well, Yu's father, for whatever reason, decided it would be a good idea to send along costumes. A butler and panda costume to be specific."

"A… a panda?" Akechi asked, confused.

"They were from plays." Yu explained.

"Do they still fit?" Makoto asked, trying to hide her excitement.

"Maybe, I don't know. I haven't tried one on."

"You'll have to try the panda costume." Makoto said, a gleam in her eyes and a shine in her smile.

"Maybe some other time. Today's been eventful enough." Sae said, shaking her head.

"Speaking of events, I take it Yu's the reason you missed our celebration?" Akechi asked.

Sae looked puzzled for a moment, then gave a grimace.

"I forgot that was today."

"Celebration? For what?" Yu asked.

"Don't you watch the news? Sis and Akechi were able to put that plagiarizing artist, Madarame, behind bars." Makoto explained.

"Really?"

Akechi did a dramatic pose and began to explain, as if he was in an advertisement for a new TV show.

"Sae-san and I are the top dogs in the SIU. Whenever people tell us 'the chances of winning are almost zero' we say 'so you're telling us… there's a chance?'"

"We do not sa-" Sae started.

"Wherever crime lurks, we are there to cut it down like the foul weed it is!" Akechi continued, striking another dramatic pose.

"Ok Akechi, you've had your fu-" Makoto tried to interrupt.

"We are… Sae Niijima and Goro Akechi! The Dynamic Detective Duo!" Akechi said striking one final dramatic pose, earning him a smack on the back of the head from Sae.

"In terms you can actually understand, Akechi and I are the best of the best in the SIU. Often times, we are sent on cases that have little to no chance of winning in court because of how powerful and rich the individuals are. Sometimes they are, in fact, innocent, but more often than not, the ones we are charged with bringing to justice are often the social elite. As a result, we often make headlines."

"Isn't Akechi a little young to be doing police work? Especially for the Special Investigations Unit?"

"I may still be in highschool, but my skills are like a fine wine, they only get better with age!" Akechi said proudly.

The Niijimas rolled their eyes, but Yu smirked at Akechi's enthusiasm.

"It's getting rather late. Why don't you head home Akechi? I'll make the celebration up to you sometime." Sae promised.

"Alright Sae-san. Goodnight Narukami-san, Makoto-san." Akechi said, picking up his suitcase and heading out.

"Well… he's something." Yu said.

"Oh, you have no idea. I just wish he wouldn't treat our cases like some game. In any event, let's eat dinner." Sae suggested.

The three of them went and chowed down their meals, Narukami nodding in approval.

"Tish ikh weary guk." He said

"Don't talk with food in your mouth Narukami." Sae ordered.

Yu swallowed and spoke again.

"I said 'this is very good.' Almost like I never left home."

"Thank you." Makoto said.

"You made this?"

"Of course. Sis is often busy with work, so I have to do all the cooking."

"Wow. Dad wasn't kidding when he said you were busy."

"Very. Speaking of busy, after we finish dinner, I want the two of you to go straight to bed. We'll have to go to Shujin to get the paperwork finalized tomorrow."

"Alright Sis. You want me to come along?"

"Of course."

Makoto smiled warmly at that. Yu made a mental note of just how little they get to interact with each other. The trio finished off their meals and Yu and Makoto did the dishes.

"Oh, before we go to bed, we should exchange contact info Makoto. Sae-sama already gave me hers when we first talked back home" Yu suggested. Makoto pulled out her phone and Yu waited for her to give him her number, only to receive a text.

Makoto: No need. Sis already gave me your number.

Yu looked up at Makoto, who had the corners of her lips pulled into a smile. He added her to his contacts and went to his room and changed into his PJs. He shot her a text back as he sat down on his bed.

Yu: You couldn't have told me that in person? We were in the same room.'

Makoto: No, this way you already have my number. Now go to bed, we have a big day tomorrow.

Yu smiled as he laid down on his bed.

Not as big as this.

"Narukami, it's me. Are you decent?" a voice asked after a few light knocks.

"I am Sae-san. I'll get the door." Yu asked, getting up to let her in.

Sae opened the door and let herself in.

"Or not."

"I came to give you this Narukami. It's your room keys. One leads to the hallway, the other leads to the living room. Makoto and I have the spares so we can come in whenever we wish, so don't lose either. Understood?"

"Yes."

I understand you basically admitted you can invade my privacy whenever you want.

"Good.".

The two stood in silence, Sae's determined face melted into a more confused one, like she was unsure of how to start. Finally, she opened her mouth.

"Also… we got off on the wrong foot today and I would like to apologize for that. It was hardly fair of me to judge you after a few minutes of knowing you, and if this is to work, I can't treat you like a suspect. So, tomorrow morning, let's start over. That sound alright?"

"... Sure. Give me a chance, and I'll make sure you don't regret it." Yu said, smiling and extending his hand.

"Alright. I'll give you a chance, fair and square." Sae said, shaking his hand.

After that, Sae walked off to be and Yu went to charge his phone, and saw something peculiar: The app he thought he deleted was now back.

That's odd. Hoped to never see you again.

Yu tapped the app. Nothing happened. Maybe the stress was starting to get to him. He deleted the app again and started to charge his phone. He then pulled back the covers and began to sleep.