A/N ANNNNNNNDDD We're back...a day late. But Chapter 25 is here. The Kaneshiro arc is over and the Futaba arc starting, this has been such a fun ride so far. Once again thank you everyone who has been sticking to this story so far. As mention in the now replaced Authors note, I will be updating every two weeks instead of every week, just due to job, moving, convention season etc.

So every so few chapters I want to add some world information regarding the statuses of out favorite outlaws. Updated from chapter 15. Enjoy the chapter and feel free to review.

Ren Amamiya (Joker) Age:25 y/o

Outlaw/Wanted $500

Prefer: Revolvers/Pistols

Morgana Amamiya (Mona) Age: 17y/o

Outlaw/Wanted $100

Prefer: Pistols/Rifles

Ryuji Sakamoto (Skull) Age: 25 y/o

Outlaw/Wanted

Prefer: Shotguns/Rifles

Ann Takamaki (Panther) Age: 24 y/o

Outlaw/Prostitute

Prefer: Pistol/Lasso

Yusuke Kitaguwa (Fox) Age: 25 y/o

Outlaw/Artist

Prefer: Throwing knives

Makoto Nijima (N/A yet) Age: 25y/o

Citizen/Outlaw

Prefer: Revolvers

Futaba Sakurai (N/A) Age: 16 y/o

Citizen/Technician

Prefer:Tools/Pliers

Goro Akechi Age: 26y/o

Detective/Bounty Hunter

Prefer: Pistols


Chapter 25

Things were just becoming a downhill spiral for Ace Detective Goro Akechi. It took him about 30 minutes before he could get feeling in his legs, another 45 for full upper body. He had to sit propped up on a wall while his coworkers around him rounded up Kaneshiro'S men.

"You have a habit of coming across high-profile cases son," he heard a voice above him say.

"Captain!?" It was very rare for the Captain of their agency to be out of the office. His hunchback and receding hairline showed his longevity.

"May I ask why you're on the ground?"

"I was struck by some fast working paralysis poison, a mistake on my part. It won't happen again Sir."

"Good, cause I will need your full report on the train ride back. The horses could rest back in the cargo trains. I'll have Kaneshiro's gang place in the compartment behind the horse dung where they belong. Understood?"

"Yes Captain," Goro Akechi said as he shakingly got up with the affect wearing off.

It was a silent trip back to headquarters as Akechi wrote down his notes for his full report. Loki sat across from him in the cabin, silent as always. Akechi still couldn't believe he made a rookie mistake. Confronting a mask person and no weapon drawn, he should be lucky he was hit with a poison and not a bullet.

He finally made it back to the headquarters building dumping what he had on his desk. Pulling down his filling cabinet revealed a small bed with sheets neatly placed. Sleeping on the station bench plus train chair caused aching in his back, it was nice to have a mattress underneath him. The young Detective had arrange a full squad to protect Kaneshiro and his men just in case before he came here. With that thought, he felt he deserves a small nap.

A would be nap as knocking was heard from the door, "Come in," he says sighing.

"Detective Akechi, the arraignment is done, he's ready for questioning.

"Already?"

"Yes Sir."

"Alright, but I want the protection squad to stick with him as he transitions room to room."

"Will do Sir." Hardly anytime to relax his body he re-equips his gun belt and vest, reties his shoes, and sets off.

Walking to the back up holding rooms as the original is still being patch up, he sees Kaneshiro's men were still in various jails awaiting their day at the noose. A squad of four stood by Kaneshiro himself, two outside the door and two inside.

"Has there been any other persons coming through here?"

"No Detective," the guard on the right said. Nodding he checks himself and walks inside.

"All these bodyguards just for me, I feel so special," Kaneshiro smirked.

"I'm trying to keep you alive so I can get to the bottom of this. After all you've been a wanted man for a very long time. How fortunate I get sent on a dirt mission to end of up hitting gold." He continues while opening a folder that contains many notes on said man's activities. "Robbed 4 banks, 12 stage coaches, 6 counts of murder and 7 counts of aggravated assault. You've racked up a record Mr Kaneshiro. Anything else you like to add?"

"No."

"Of course you would say that. Are you in any association with the notorious gang known Medjed?

"I own more respect than those halfwits."

"What about the Inaba gang?"

"Nope" Akechi was hoping he would get info on other local targets to bring them down. Rivals gangs are out for blood and would do anything to cause sabotage.

"I see, have you perhaps heard of the Phantom Thieves.

"Doesn't ring a bell."

"Mmm, they must be new, the last report I got was of them fleeing Madarame's art exhibition. Shame he is now dead."

"WHAT!?" Kaneshiro jumped up from his seat but didn't go far as he was handcuff to the table.

"A fan of his?" The detective questioned. He wasn't trying to spring something by mentioning Madarame, he was just stating the facts. His intention was to see if the Phantom Thieves struck more than once.

"No."

"Okay. Have you ever met a person name Azazel Mr. Kaneshiro? Akechi looked intensely at the captured gang leader. The moment he mentioned this name, he saw an eyebrow twitch in recognition. Oh…he is getting somewhere he thought to himself.

"I first heard that name while talking to an associate of his a Mr. Kobayakawa, unfortunately he met a bloody end."

The young Detective could see the smug look was gone, his answers quieted, jaw clench. The fish had taken the bait, now Akechi needs to reel it in, "You seem tense Mr. Kaneshiro? Friends of yours?"

"No matter what I say, I'll still have a rope around my neck."

"Perhaps, but you could leave this world on good consciousness."

"Fuck you!" he yelled.

"Very poetic of you." Akechi points to the left guard. You, go and bring me the case files of Kobayakawa and Asmodeus.

"You're not getting it yourself Detective?"

"No, I think I'll stay right here with our prisioner." Akechi learned his lesson from Madarame, he wasn't going to slip out only to come back with a dead gang leader. Thankfully the guard he place followed through and left to get the files.

"I know you know more than what you let on Kaneshiro, so cut the chase and tell me what you know, and maybe we'll give you a extra week to breath."

"You don't even know who's on the other side of the chest board do you?"

"What?"

Kaneshiro chuckled, "That man gets what he wants. If Azazel and Asmodeus are dead….I won't see the end of the rope. And to think that kid in the funny mask has a head start."

Akechi was about to ask another question when the door flew open, "Sir I got the files you asked for," the guard said.

"Thank you." He checks them over to make sure its all there. He could still see the bodyguard stiffen in position.

"You have something else to say?"

"Uh yes Detective, on my way from the file room, the Captain wanted to see you, said its urgent?"

"Tell him not now."

"But Sir…."

"I SAID…not now. If he's looking for a report he will need to hold on."

"Of course." He goes to leave again, leaving the room back to the three of Akechi, Kaneshiro and the second guard. The other two still standing dutifully outside the room.

Akechi was trying to reveal more information the next couple minutes when the door slammed open again, this time with the Captain behind it.

"Detective, when I request you to come to my office, I expect an appearance immediately. Gather what you have and come with me now."

"You stay here!" Akechi grumbled to Kaneshiro as he gets up to leave. He looks at the two guards standing on each side of the door. This was Kaneshiro's only way out and in. No windows or nothing. "You two, do not let another soul in that not me. Understood?"

"Of course Detective."

The Captain leisurely made his way back to his office with Akechi in tow. Opening the door he sees Sae sitting in the chair closes to the desk.

"Sit down Goro," The older man said lighting up a cigar. The young Detective took a seat next to the elder Nijima sibling. "I understand you are still writing your report, but you been acting a bit rebellious lately and dare say disrespecting."

"Those are not my intentions Sir, I'm just trying to get to the bottom of this case, but lately I've ran into some unforseen circumstances.

"So I've heard. Miss Nijima, how have the arrest and conviction rates been?"

"Capture rate has remain high, we have recently capture two high ranking members of the Yoshimori gang." She responded calmly.

"Good, good." The Captain took a few more puffs while looking out the window. "I've been getting concern about this Medjed gang appearances lately, Miss Nijima has been convicting associates of there. I want you two to investigate their last known sighting."

"With all due respect Captain I will like to continue with my original case."

"Are you questioning my orders again boy?"

"No Sir, I just want to follow my lead before it gets cold," the young Detective answered back.

"And when I give you an order, I expect you to do it. When I promoted you I wanted the best of the best, not some dirt laced kid no one wanted from the orphanage. So you will follow through on the assignment I give you. Do not disappoint me. Am I clear?"

"Yes Sir."

"Yes Captain."

"You may resume your duties, I expect you all to leave at 0900 tomorrow on assignment." Nodding back, the two were dismiss from the Captains office.

"It's been awhile since he's been riled up like that. What did you do?" Sae Nijima asked her companion.

"I was interviewing Kaneshiro, and he interrupted."

"I see, mind if I join in?" Typically Akechi has let her in on a few questioning he had. But he also was worried if Makoto would be mentioned. He was still trying to figure out how to break it to her.

"Not this time Miss Nijima, sorry."

"Then I will start pulling the files we have on Medjed. Good luck." She left him be as he raced down the flight of stairs to get back to Kaneshiro. His heart relaxes as he sees the two guards still there in the same positioning.

"No on has come through here right?" He questions them.

"No Detective, just you." Akechi opens the door to find Kaneshiro right where he left him looking incredibly bored.

"I hope you've been comfortable since I left Mr. Kaneshiro."

"Ugh…"

"I believe we left off about the man in the mask, was it a white mask with black lining on the eyes by any chance?"

".….yeah."

"Was he also wearing a black duster coat as well? Red gloves?"

"From what I can remember before his little bitch shot me in the foot. Nijimas have been a thorn in my side."

"Nijima you say?"

"Yes, rambling about her dead father. Can I get a smoke?" Kaneshiro demanded. Akechi snapped his fingers at the inside room guard to surrender a smoke to the larger man.

"Anyone else during this confrontation with the white mask?" Kaneshiro went on to describe some kid with bright hair with a skull mask, another woman wearing some feline red mask on her face also with blond hair. Some of the descriptions were matching the notes from the Madarame case. He will swallow his pride and continue with the Captains job, but this was his true mission.

"Thank you for your time Mr. Kaneshiro, if you gentlemen will be so kind as to escort him back to his cage so he can await his day at the noose.

"Bastards!" Kaneshiro yelled in his face.

"You bought yourself a few extra days under tight security. Count that as good fortune." With that said, the ace Detective went back to gather his thoughts and notes. The same persons seen fleeing the Madrame exhibit match those in the Kaneshiro case. All of these cases are connected for a reason. Or connected to someone. And this outlaw Ren Amamiya was seen at two crime scenes. But who is he chasing according to Kaneshiro's word and why? What does he know that Akechi doesn't?


Present Day, 1885

It had been a full two weeks since they escaped Northsbury. The Phantom Thieves were relaxing in the main based of operation, the bottom floor of Boss's Saloon. With the money received, they were able to upgraded their weapons, fitting clothes for everyone, and update their horse equipment. It was also nice going back to consistent meals. Ren only wished Futuba would just join them. She had seem distant lately the entire time they came back, Dr. Takemi has been frequenting the establishment on her behalf. He just hopes whatever has her down will be resolve.

"Hey kid, if you're done staring at nothing, give me a hand in this." He heard Boss tell him. The older man was unloading a cart full of alcohol barrels. His stock has been depleting faster than normal no thanks to Ryuji challenging every stranger.

"So when do you think you'll head out again? I heard your informer is stopping in person soon."

"It depends on what he finds Boss," the older brother grunts while lifting another barrel.

"And what of the girl?" Boss asked. Ren knew who he was referring too. It also wasn't the first time he brought Makoto up.

"She has been on her best behavior and hasn't caused anyone any trouble."

"Her sister is a top prosecutor for the SUI, she could have the Feds here any minute now for all we know!" Ren sets down the barrel to confront Boss, they been having this merry go round for awhile.


Two weeks ago…..

Their group had reconvene 4 days after escaping Northsbury, Makoto had been riding behind Ren on Arsene. Ren himself hadn't slept much as they were constantly on the run confusing their pursuers. Only resting for a few hours to let his stead rest. Ren only had a few snacks to spare giving her the rest of the crackers he carried around.

"We should've lost them now, lets head back to our main base to rest," the leader order. They really could use all the rest after the tense past days. Ryuji and Makoto's bullet wounds still left phantom pains every now and then, the others dealt with their own aches.

Ren didn't relax until he step foot in Boss's Saloon, legs giving way from exhaustion. Riding and keeping a lookout for days on end could do that to a man. Joker is skilled but Ren is human. Morgana and Ryuji had help carry him to his room upstairs. The blonde gunslinger could see a room at the end of the hall crack open before being slammed shut.

Ren had rested in bed for nearly a full day, leaving him be is what the gang agreed to. When he did wake up and recover, it took him a moment to recognize where he was. Walking down to the bar in just his pants and long shirt, Boss greeted him with a cup of coffee and a plate of bacon and eggs.

"Thanks Boss."

"That woman was here just a few moments before you came down."

"Huh?" Ren muttered still waking up.

"The one you brought back, the Nijima girl."

"She just needs a place to stay for now Boss."

"Are you crazy kid! Who hasn't heard the name Nijima. For all we know they could believe she been kidnap with you being her captor. Or what if she alerts her sister to her location?"

"She isn't like that Boss, she won't rat us out to her sister. You have to trust me on this."

"You I trust kid, it hers thats yet to be seen." Ren didn't have the energy to continue arguing against his former guardian. Being so early in the morning, he never notice the young brown hair woman overhearing their conversation from the washroom.


Boss hasn't been outright rude to her, he's treated her like a guest in his Saloon. But he's clearly more wary of her than the other members of the group. Enjoying talks with Ann, lecturing Ryuji on breaking things, traveling discussions with the quiet artist. Boss has even taken a liking to Shinya, though Ren thinks its the kid earning him money at Poker in his place.

Nevertheless, the older Amamiya sibling finishes his task with Boss and goes to sit on the bench outside.

"So this is the life of the infamous outlaw?" Ren hears a feminine voice beside him. Looking up he sees Dr. Takemi with her white coat and medicine bag in hand.

"It's been a slow morning. You're here early," he comments.

"I came down to check up on my patient, I take it shes been in the same place as last time?"

"No changes. I've notice she's been eating less food from the tray outside her door."

"Hmm. I'll take note of that. And how about you my guinea pig, feeling off anywhere?"

"I'm feeling fine Dr. The last of any bruising is gone."

"Good, I'll go ahead upstairs then." She left him by the bench and went to meet Futaba. Ren enjoyed the morning summer breeze. It was warming up that he didn't need his black duster coat, just a clean long sleeve shirt tuck comfortably under his deep red vest; Ann's fashion picked for him. His new black sturdy pants and boots put him in a eased mood.

Boss protects the townfolks and the folks protects them, Ren guesses he could afford taking a nap in the open.

Dr. Tae Takemi greeted Boss as she walked in the building, the owner was still doing inventory. "She's still in her room," the older man directed her.

Knocking three times she waited for an answer. "Futaba, its Doctor Takemi, can you please open up?" She didn't hear any noise that indicated the young girl was moving.

"If you do not open up I will get Boss to break down the door." It was a few moments before the door was wedge open a little. Dr. Takemi cautiously walked in seeing shuffling on the bed as the girl in question was attempting to hide herself from the world.

"Good morning Futuba." She look at the food left on the bedside stand, Ren was right her breakfast hardly touch save for a few spoonful of eggs gone. She eyed the girl hiding under the cover once more, it was sorta an improvement, if one considers hiding from under the bed to under the sheets.

"If you're ready, lets being out sessions."


A/N So many naps being taking this chapter. Medjed is here, Futuba is back, Kaneshiro has a slippery mouth. And Dr. Takemi is awesome. As mention previously, the next chapter will be out two weeks from now either thursday or friday. I hope you all enjoyed and feel free to leave a comment/review.