City Of The Cursed

by Anonymous Designer

Something is stirring beneath Yokohama, an evil the likes of which hasn't been seen in hundreds of years. It threatens the lives of all gifted, hellbent on destroying the world to start anew. It's up to ability wielder's Dazai Osamu and his sister Akiko to team up with death row inmate, Chuuya Nakahara to investigate the dark history of Suribatchi city. Inspired by The Mummy 1999

14. Meetings, Reunions, & Plots Oh My!

I'm back! I know it's been forever but that's real life for you. It's a pain.

I hope this chapter makes up for my long absence.

Also full disclosure, I'm not a medical professional and have zero knowledge of the subject. I'm going on purely my own personal experiences.

---

Dazai had to admit he was mildly impressed. It was rare for someone to arrive undetected by his radar; even rarer for them to hold the same soulless abyss in their eyes as a result of witnessing the true honors of life.

Most choose to ignore the savagery of reality, some are fortunate to never encounter it. Others try prying back the curtain and lose their minds as a result. A brave few dive all in and either sink or swim.

But there is only a select few who have swam realitie's black waters, weathered its mighty rogue waves, and fought its man-eating beast who have emerged from its depths soaked in blood, alive but dead inside.

The man currently standing with a gun pointed at Dazai's forehead was one of those select few.

His hardened brown eyes reflected nothing, as if their light had burned out. Their light had burned out, long ago the Prince surmised. Sad, given that he clearly wasn't much older than Dazai, though his gruff exterior could deceive untrained novices into believing otherwise.

Dazai was no novice. He recognized every characteristic about this man from his firm, asserted grip on the gun, to his stoic poker face that gave away nothing. But most of all, the Prince recognized the look in his eyes. It was the same look Dazai saw every day in his father and uncle; in the mirror. The look of a killer.

Only ten seconds after first laying eyes on this man, Dazai knew without a shred of doubt that he was facing down a true hunter of men… one who never fails to nab his prey.

He must have recognized it in Dazai as well– a predator always recognizes another predator in the wilderness after all– and right now he had Dazai pinned by his hunters' stare with no means of escape.

Not that the Prince intended to try.

Truth be told it was the first time since… he didn't know when, that he'd been so profoundly intrigued by someone. "So these quadrupeds belong to you, do they? Well, you certainly earn points for obedience training, and their performance is above average… However, your handlership needs work." He tapped the brute in the belly with his shoe. "I recommend less biscuit rewards and more of a firm backhand."

"I find patience and encouragement gains better results. When the trust barriers are breached, loyalty and acquiescence comes naturally." Oda retorted.

"Ah, but see, when you're too complacent, you leave yourself open to mutiny. The only reason a commander would be so nonchalant about such things is either, A: he's ignorant. Or B: he's the most ferocious of the pack so there's no point in worrying about it. You don't strike me as ignorant."

"And you don't strike me as a dog person."

"I'm not. I despise the slobbery beast with every fiber of my being. I'm guessing you have an affinity for strays?"

"I like dogs fine but I'm more of a cat person."

Dazai's attention set on the purple bruising rimming around the taller man's left eye, stringing a cord of recognition. "And was it a cat who gave you that shiner?"

"More like a lioness." Oda gruffed, grip still firm on his gun but Dazai wasn't fazed. "Let my men go and we can talk like civilized individuals."

"And if I don't?"

"Then I'll have to resort to uncivilized methods." He cocked his gun to emphasize.

"I've got a better idea…" Chuuya said, stepping in front of Dazai. "How about I save us all some time?" Smirking when the gun was now pointed at him. "First: you shoot, then I'll retaliate by blowing your ass all the way across the sea. After that I'll beat the living shit out of those two and any other asshats you have lurking about until they talk… and then we can all call it a day."

Behind him, Dazai let out a heavy sigh. Not the least bit surprised that the newcomer glanced over Chuuya's head to address him.

"Is he always this charming?"

"I'd like to say you get used to it, but you really don't." He said before yanking Chuuya back and stepping forward. "Stand down, Chuuya, I'll handle this."

"What? Are you sure?"

"Definitely." The Prince smiled darkly.

From behind, the blonde gifted shouted, "Boss, be careful! This freak has some kinda weird neutralizing power–" only to be silenced by Chuuya's boot.

"Shut it!"

For Oda, this situation was nothing but a waste of time. Every second that ticked by was another that little Sakura's condition worsened.

He was far from in the mood to play games. "I'll warn you one last time, let my men go."

"Now where would the fun be in that?" A second later, a bullet grazed his cheek in response. Not that it alarmed him; Instead, he swiped the small waterfall of blood running down his cheek with his thumb and licked it off. "Well… this just became entertaining."

From a hidden space in his coat, the Prince drew his own gun and fired twice. Impressed when the other man dogged the first but willingly allowed the second to skim past his face, inflicting the same bloody scratch he'd just received.

Oda advanced forward, meeting Dazai in the middle; raising his right hand as if about to punch but his opponent saw through the ruse and blocked it before batting his gun hand away, directing the shot at the ground instead.

Dazai took the opportunity to fire again when Oda jumped into the air, the bullet narrowly missing his arm. Not that it hindered Oda. He recovered almost immediately and shot again in midair forcing the Prince to leap back as well to dodge the onslaught of ammunition.

It was only when the two men stood opposite of each other, weapons pointed at their heads, did Dazai feel the sting on his left shoulder from where Oda's bullet grazed. Blood soaking into his bandages. However, instead of pain, he felt invigorated, eager to find confirmation that this stranger was every bit as talented as he suspected.

He certainly didn't disappoint.

Dazai squeezed the trigger once again but Oda ducked and rushed to grab his gun hand, attempting to shoot him in the stomach but Dazai flipped over Oda's head; releasing two more shots before landing on his feet and both simultaneously sending single bullets scraping by wisps of hair, then resuming their deadly melee of hand to hand combat.

Observing the fight; Chuuya's ability acted as a shield against the bullets for both himself and his nervous hostages. Best he could tell only one brawler was thinking about the safety of the onlookers and it sure as hell wasn't Dazai.

He wouldn't have expected anything less. However, he wasn't expecting to see his nemesis look so delighted engaging in… anything really, but there was no denying that Dazai appeared to be having the time of his life testing their newest enemy. And regardless of the stoic expression, so was said enemy.

The two brawlers were segmented in a fearsome ballet of munition, swerves, blocks, kicks, and flips. Until the last of the amo ran out when Dazai diverted the last of Oda's bullets, grabbed his arm and spun them both around to fire the last of his.

Elated that the taller man dogged even at such close range.

Breaking apart to reload their weapons. Neither broke eye contact during the new contest of speed. Amazingly, Oda disposed of the empty slug and loaded a fresh magazine from a hidden strap on his wrist in less time than it took to inhale air, Dazai just milliseconds behind, before resuming their previous standoff.

Several heartbeats passed with the two men daring the other to move. The tension was too thick to breathe, yet surprisingly the mood remained light.

At least for Dazai. A soft chortle left his throat looking past the hot gun barrel pointed at his forehead to praise the man holding it. "My God, you're fast…" He marveled

Expression unmoved up until this point, Oda nevertheless aloud a single impressed smirk to wrinkle his hardened features. "Likewise… Your highness."

Dazai's brow lifted slightly. "Oh, so you know who I am then?"

"I wasn't a hundred percent sure until now." He admitted. "You're Dazai Osamu, Crown Prince of Yokohama. Son and heir of his majesty, King Mori. An honor to make your acquaintance."

Behind Chuuya, the gifted and obese detainees expressions drastically changed to the equivalent of being dropped down a trapdoor. Open-mouthed in disbelief and eyes bugging with a mix of awe and fear.

Chuuya on the other hand remained unfazed but made a point to flip all the ragtag bullets he'd been collecting in his net of gravity and direct them straight at Oda's head… Well, almost all. There were a couple stubborn rogues directed at Dazai that wouldn't budge. Couldn't be helped.

"I'd like to say the feeling is mutual since you seem to know all about me." Dazai quipped, "but I'm afraid I didn't catch your name…"

"Names Oda. Oda Sakunosuke."

Dazai furrowed his brows. "Interesting… Well then, now that we're properly introduced, what will you do now that you've got the King's heir at gunpoint?"

Several intense moments passed. It was complete silence save for the erratic beating of the two hostage's hearts. Oda appeared to be contemplating his opinions, while Dazai's dark eyes dared him to make the first move.

Sure enough, he did.

Oda switched his gun to safety and lowered it slowly, unsurprised that the Prince refused to do the same.

Flabbergasting his subordinates and Chuuya when he tossed the weapon at Dazai's feet then lowered to one knee. Gunbarrel following his every move.

Posture distinguished and demeanor serious once more, he spoke with authoritative courtesy yet managed to retain an edge of contrite. "First: allow me to apologize on behalf of my men. They were under my orders to guard this area and believed to be implementing those orders. I take full responsibility and accept all repercussions on their behalf, your highness."

"Boss no!" The obese man hollered, a stern look from Oda silenced him real quick. Something Dazai took note of.

"Well aren't you the exemplar…" He commended, though the underlay in his voice might've suggested chiding. "Most might think It's admirable for a leader to martyr themselves for the benefit of their charges, I however hold no such postulations. Fortunately for you I'm not holding it against them, they aren't the first ignorant stooges to try to kill me and likely won't be the last. What's ironic is if they had succeeded, they would've had my gratitude. Oh well…" He shrugged. "Since I arrived at this waste dump I've been looking for anything even remotely intriguing to warrant my valuable time, so far it's all proven so predictably pedestrian. Hazardous but predictable. The only thing I've found the least bit interesting here is you so answer me this, I recall the name, Oda Sakunosuke. Allegedly he was Emperor Natsume's most loyal vassal, said to be the greatest warrior of his time… among other things. Any relation?"

Oda gave a cordial nod. "My ancestor, your highness. I'm his last living descendant."

"I thought so." His eyes shifted down to the taller man's shoes, immediately recognizing their shapes as the ones he and Chuuya had been following. "I'm also going to take a wild guess that you weren't out on a leisurely stroll through the garbage; judging by that black eye, you must be here on behalf of my sister…"

For the second time since meeting the Prince, Oda couldn't help but smirk. "Her highness the Princess is one hell of a woman. Haven't been socked that hard since my old man caught me drinking his hooch."

Uncharacteristically silent for most of the exchange; oddly content with letting Dazai deal with the latest encroacher, the ground started to shake in resemblance to a small earthquake beneath Chuuya's immense power. The very mention of Akiko diminished whatever cooperation he held for Dazai's simi-hostel parley. "If you hurt her, I swear to God i'll–"

"Pipe down Junior!" Oda said, ignoring the sudden outburst and the barrage of floating bullets close to piercing his skin. "The adults are talking."

"What'd you just say to me?" Chuuya growled.

"Wait, I know you." He batted the bullets away. "You're that Sheep kid who got snatched up by the GSS a few years back. I'm surprised you're still alive given the Ministry's policy." Actually not surprised at all but certainly unnerved. He'd hoped never to see the hot tempered redhead in Suribatchi again. This whole fiasco just got more problematic.

Regardless, he maintained his stolid facade but not enough for Dazai not to notice his fleeting alarm upon recognizing Chuuya.

"Listen here you bastard, you better–"

"Back off Chuuya. I said I'd handle this." Dazai intervened.

"The hell I will! You heard what he said."

"Yes. And given that it's my sister in question, I strongly suggest you stand back and shut your mouth."

"And I suggest you go shove your– wait, have you had that gun this whole time?"

"Oh this?" He waved. "I lifted it off one of our government pals the other day, I thought it might come in handy out here."

"And you didn't think to use it earlier?"

"I had limited amo and I thought they were going to kill you so I saw no need in wasting it."

Some might think It's possible to eventually grow accustomed to the Dark Prince's obnoxious sense of humor. To them Chuuya would say they were delusional ass kissers before sending them into orbit. "You really are the scum of the earth."

"And you should look in a mirror the next time you call someone that."

Thank goodness Oda interrupted before they went into another childish bout. "Sorry to cut this little lover's spat short, but could we please get back to the matter at hand?"

"The hell do you mean by lover's spat?" Chuuya gruffed.

Dazai ignored him. "An excellent idea, start talking." He ordered, Oda obeyed.

"To answer your earlier question, yes, it was Princess Akiko who sent me to find you." He looked at Chuuya, "And to answer yours, her highness is safe and unharmed back at my base. Aside from a small head wound she suffered during the explosion, she's right as rain."

"And you expect us to believe that?" Dazai piqued.

"She said you'd need confirmation. Said to mention something about a broken statue that belonged to King Fukuzawa. A cat statue to be exact."

Dazai's posture relaxed, his lips formed a small smile, he lowered his gun, much to Chuuya's confusion. "Alright Oda Sakunosuke… I believe you, now tell me everything."

So Oda did. Reaffirming from when he'd gone to investigate the explosion and found Akiko, her regaining consciousness and reacting hostile, how he discovered her identity, and of course he revealed everything about little Sakura, her illness, and how the Princess agreed to help her but needed her medical bag to do so.

Both Dazai and Chuuya listened intently. Searching for any false truths in Oda's story right up until he reached the end.

"--My ward's life hangs in the balance, time is not on her side."

While Dazai processed all the new information, Chuuya still wasn't fully convinced. "If the kid is so sick, why wouldn't Akiko just use her ability?"

"Because Sis hates using her ability on children." The Prince clarified. "She'd like to avoid it if possible. As someone who's been on the receiving end of her ability, would you wish that on a child?"

Fair enough. Chuuya couldn't forget the feeling of the drill digging through his intestines, spinning them around like pasta on a fork. No way would he want to inflect that kind of pain and trauma on a helpless child.

"Tell me," Dazai said to Oda. "When you happened upon the blast aftermath, did you see anyone else there?"

"I saw someone flee the scene as I was arriving. I must've scared them away. They wore a cloak and hood so I didn't see their face, only that they were tall and bore the profile of a man. I've encountered someone similar before but I never saw their face either time. Only that their ability was unlike any other I'd encountered before. That's all I know."

"Was this ability you encountered by any chance a skinny old man wielding a death scythe?"

Oda's eyes widened. "How did you know that?"

"Because that's the reason we're here. I'll explain in depth after I see my sister." There was much that needed to be discussed but only when all parties were present, and one last suspicion he needed to confirm. "Am I correct in assuming that your noble heritage compels you to serve royalty?"

Oda lowered his head. "On the honor of my ancestor I give you my word, your highness, that as long as you and the Princess are here in Suribatchi City, you are both under my protection. I'll aid you anyway I can and guide you safely back home."

"That's my job, you prick!" Chuuya shouted.

"Yeah? Well you've done a piss poor job so far."

Before Chuuya decided to use the ceiling as the hammer to play a lethal game of Whack-A-Mole (Oda addition,) Dazai tapped him on the shoulder, subduing his powers, then pointed to their hostages. "Go untie them."

"You're seriously going to listen to this guy?"

"I trust Akiko, now go release them." Chuuya scuffed but obeyed, taking the less than gentle approach while Dazai picked up the gun Oda had discarded at his feet. "Rise." He ordered, before handing the weapon back to its owner, who was hesitant. "I'm choosing to trust you… for now."

"Fair enough, your highness." Oda retorted, stuffing his gun back in the holster.

Dazai rolled his eyes, annoyed. "Stop with the highness crap. I only make people I loathe stand on ceremony. Call me Dazai,... Odasaku."

As much of a relief as dropping the constant formalities was, Oda still wasn't willing to let his guard down. Even coming away with a black eye and sore stones, meeting the Princess had been a welcome surprise, rumors if her beauty and medical skill weren't exaggerated and Sakura stood a chance of living. Such was also the case for the Prince, with one exception… He was far more dangerous than the rumors say. "They call you the Dark Prince, is that because you're heir to the throne of night, or because you're the devil?"

Blinking by such a straightforward question, Oda was becoming more fascinating by the minute. "It's both actually, as I'm sure you've already guessed?"

"I try to give people the benefit of the doubt but you certainly don't look like a Prince."

"And you don't look like a mercenary… appearances can be deceiving."

"That's an understatement." Chuuya said, having relieved the delinquents of their bonds, glaring at Oad. "Just because Dazai trusts you doesn't mean I will. If anything it makes me trust you even less. So if you're lying about taking advantage of Akiko, I'll shred you to pieces. Got that?"

Oda smirked. Could this kid be any more obvious? "I've killed many men for committing the crime you're insinuating, I don't partake and neither do my men. Not to mention the fact that I doubt anyone could take advantage of her highness. All I did was try to clean her wound and even barely conscious with a concussion, she managed to punch me in the face, kick me in the jewels, and bite me. I'm just grateful she wasn't armed."

Suddenly exalting with pride, Chuuya couldn't help but snicker, picturing his beautiful charge shaking off an explosion like a foot cramp and unleashing her fury on the nearest unfortunate. "That's definitely Akiko." He chimed, thinking back to when he narrowly avoided decapitation the first time they met… and remembering the burning of his lips screaming for another taste of hers.

"You're hardly in any position to judge someone about taking advantage of my sister, Chuuya." Apparently Dazai hadn't forgotten either. "At least Odasaku here practices formal respect. That alone makes him lightyears ahead of you."

"Oh, so despite trying to kill you five minutes ago, he kisses your ass and that automatically makes him better than me?"

The Prince piqued as if the answer should be obvious? "Yes."

"Bastard." Chuuya rolled his eyes. "You're just going to buy into all that song and dance he was spewing when we've got no idea who he even is?"

"What are you talking about? I know exactly who he is" Dazai chuckled. "He's the leader of Mimic."

Surprise blanketed over Chuuya's face, behind him, the blonde gifted gasped while his colleague looked unsure if he had heard right. All eyes directed at Oda, who had turned several shades paler.

"How do you know that?" He murmured.

From his other coat pocket, Dazai procured the engraved outdated firearm he'd found before the GSO arrived and handed it to Oda. "I'm guessing this belongs to you… or someone close to you?"

Oda ran his fingers over the engraving, his breath hitched and his eyes brightened as if reuniting with an old friend after years apart. "This was my grandfather's. I thought– I thought I'd lost it forever." Explanations could wait, for now he was just so relieved to have his heirloom back. "Thank you, your– Dazai…"

The Prince nodded in response before furrowing his brow. "One more thing: Your left arm, let me see it. All of it."

An unusual request to the other men present, borderline ridiculous. But for whatever reason, Oda didn't seem to mind. Without question he immediately pulled up his coat sleeve and removed his ammunition holder, presenting his arm to Dazai for inspection.

After a thorough examination, the Prince looked pleased by the results. Nothing. Then went to retrieve Akiko's medical bag. "Lead the way, Odasaku. I'm betting the sun is set by now and you're the only chance of wayfinding through the labyrinth at night."

He nodded, securing his holder back to his wrist. The new nickname bestowed to him, Odasaku, would take some getting used to but for now, all that mattered was saving Sakura, and getting Chuuya out of Suribatchi City as soon as possible.

He turned to his men, "Let's go, and behave yourselves."

"Yes boss."

"Yes boss."

"Come on, Chuuya!" Dazai called. "Or don't, I'm fine leaving you behind."

The gravity user sneered but followed behind. Pausing at the exit to look over his former home one more time. He hadn't got a proper goodbye five years ago, now maybe his heart could have a small bit of closure. It wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, perhaps that was because it's not a place that makes a home, it was people. The Sheep had been his home, but they were gone now, scattered across the continent like leaves in the wind. He could say goodbye to this place and that time to gain closure, that wasn't what weighed on him. What did was wondering if he'd ever find another home he'd love as much.

There was only one way to find out, face forward and keep walking.

---

Life had not turned out the way Karma hoped it would. It wasn't so long ago, the scrawny kid from downtown use to spend his days securing around the city, lifting wallets, pilfering food from distracted shop keepers, and dreaming about joining the Agency to work his way right to the top of a respected position of power under Prince Dazai if not not the King's themselves.

He'd fantasize about controlling the city and enjoying all the luxuries money had to offer. Becoming a distinguished, admired member of high society… Possibly even winning the heart of the unimaginably gorgeous Princess Akiko. His innocent disposition would always blush imagining such scenarios, he was only a drop in the oceans worth of men who longed to be her Prince after all, but that hadn't been enough to snuff out the flicker of hope to make a name for himself one day.

What did was the literal tight collar around neck, and the serpent comparable, sadist who held the leash that was his life. Now, all those glorious hopes and dreams were a distant memory he couldn't even use for comfort to sleep at night. All his life he'd survived on luck, then one day his luck ran out.

Now not a minute went by he didn't curse the day he'd misjudged his target and attempted to steal his wallet unnoticed. It was his poor judgment that cost him his freedom and forced him into servitude, fearing for his life twenty-four seven.

His spirit, broken, will, broken. Forced– along with many others– to endure non stop abuse from the wicked man currently vigorously tapping his foot against the checkerboard marble floor he had been laboriously scrubbing for hours now.

"Don't stop until you can see your reflection in the marble, little cretin." Ace barked. Karma nodded fiercely, scrubbing faster and harder, trying not to wince from the blisters and cuts on his pruney fingers. Thankfully, Ace moved on to observe the progress of two other collar bound hierodules wobbling atop the high ladder; cleaning the grand chandelier.

Poor fools were doing their best to polish the priceless crystals and avoid invoking the wrath of their quote on quote employer.

Hard to consider yourself an employee when you don't get paid and your employer perceives you as less than an insect.

"Pick up the pace you worthless worms!" He shouted, startling both nearly to fall to disaster. "I want every crystal gleaming like a fresh cut diamond; that luminarie had better rival the sun at high noon by the time you're done. It'll be an extra five years to your 'service times' if it doesn't." The threat was more than enough to jolt them into haste.

A labored huff followed with heavy thuds directed Ace and Karma's attention to the other end of the floor where slot machines and roulette tables were being moved back to accommodate large crates being brought in on trolleys.

"Be careful with those! Just one bottle of that Dom Pérignon could buy ten French vineyards!"

With the location for the masquerade ball abruptly changed due to the gruesome scene at the museum a few days ago, preparations were well underway at the lavish casino owned conjointly by Yokohama's King's, but operated and managed by the Agency executive who- not so secretly- coveted their possession of power.

Unlike himself and the event curators who viewed the circumstances for the relocation as a tragedy, Karma knew Ace saw it as an fortuitous opportunity. A way to turn his natural habitat into the sight of his pre-coronation where he could worm his way ever closer to the throne regardless of the figures who already had legitimate claims.

Not that it mattered. Those realities never diverted Ace from his ambitions, as far as he was concerned Prince Dazai was simply a minor obstacle that needed to be removed and Kunikida wasn't even worth the effort. All he needed was a single key and his future would be set in stone. Or so he believed.

His train of thought must've diverted down its fantasy route because Karma heard him sigh dreamily and chanced a quick glance at Ace now twirling around like a daydreaming school girl imagining dancing with her crush. A complete one-eighty change from his mood only a moment earlier. "This is it!" He exclaimed. "This is where it will happen. Not long now till I'm whisking Princess Akiko off her feet; the two of us dancing the night away on this very floor…" He stopped to look up at the clear glass dome roof, reaching up at the stars starting to peek through the darkening sky. "It'll be right here where I'll secure my future as King with her as my Queen."

From his seat atop a crate of mask, Edgar paused writing his latest masterpiece to challenge his nemesis while Karl the racoon slept soundly over his shoulders. "For a man so raring for a night of enchantment to woo a maiden fair, the lady must be without comparison."

Stuck with the annoying job of babysitting the eccentric raccoon lover while their mutual aquatic acquiescence was off on his own venture, Ace had made a point to forget his lingering presence all together. Normally he'd have taken the imbecile's life jewel and made him watch as he fed his ringed tail companion to a pack of dogs before putting him to work scrubbing floors with Karma. Sadly, Lovecraft deemed him necessary to their goals. "Oh she certainly is. The most eligible woman in the city, an absolute stunning beauty… the King's only daughter. She's the golden prize that shall initiate my dynasty."

The avidity leeching in his voice made Edgar shudder. He spoke as if the Princess were some hollow possession he already owned, and while a novice when it came to the fairer sex, the writer was fairly certain women of today didn't appreciate being founded as such. He'd only recently met the wannabe King but so far there was little to be desired. Surely a woman of stature could find someone with better character.

He knew better than to voice those opinions, one didn't need to know Ace long before discerning that patients and empathy were qualities he sorely lacked. "So who will the other King be?"

"Other King?" Ace coiled his long neck around like a snake, Edgar might've mistook him for one given the chilling hiss in his voice. "What Other King?"

Clearly he was trapezing a dangerous line and stumbled to defuse the detonation before the catastrophe. "I-it's ju-ust there's two Kings, right? From what I understand they each hold

sovereignty over different sectors of the city… if you have your sights set on usurping the Prince's birthright then who shall allocate the second crown?"

The noise that erupted from Ace was a cross between laughing and braying, he almost doubled over with sheer hilarity, thankfully the security system was currently under maintenance for the grand event so they could talk openly. His staff certainly weren't going to reveal anything. "Just what kind of fool are you, really? I have no intention of sharing my crown with anyone."

"But I thought–"

"Those old goats and their absurd conjoint way of governing is absolutely aberrant. When I am King, it will be I and I alone. One King, one crown, one throne… As it should be." He pulled out his deck of cards and began to shuffle. "Mori and Fukuzawa have had their time, true they managed to pull Yokohama from the brink of desolation, I'll grant them that… Even my dolt father was right to bend the knee to their new regime– one of the few wise decisions the bastard ever made. They revitalized Yokohama into more than just a port city, in less than twenty years it's steadily becoming the mightiest gifted metropolis in the world… under my rule, it will be."

It was the King of Spades he drew from the top of the deck, his personal favorite; walked over to gaze out the nearest window. "Do you know what I see every time I look out over it?"

Edgar tapped his chin with his pen. "Architecture?"

"Potential." He hissed. "If those fools weren't so occupied with pleasing the public and humoring the Ministry into believing they actually hold decisive power, The Agency's influence would grow in ways even The Order of the Clock Tower or Guild could only dream of."

Slightly ashen by the mention of his former association back in the states, the organization he'd abandoned in order to chase his ambitious dreams here on the other side of the world, the gifted writer was more troubled by the insinuations. "B-but… isn't putting the people first what a King is supposed to do?"

Ace snorted. "Worrying about scum beneath your feet is for weaklings. A true King doesn't bother himself with the affairs of peasants. Besides that, non-gifted plebeians have no business casually roaming about, polluting Yokohama with their mediocrity. And the upperclassmen are nothing but hungry opportunists who's only value is the information and skeletons they've so diligently accumulated over the years. Without it, they are as common as the rest of the low born filth."

Refraining from pointing out that kind of mindset is what led to countless revolutions over the course of history; the image of Ace being led to Madame La Guillotine as crowds cheered was certainly curative. Edgar had told himself he'd do whatever it took to get a rematch with Ranpo but his callow mind hadn't anticipated what that might entail. Was his end really worth these means? He wanted acknowledgment from the person he most admired in the world, not to start wars and topple monarchies.

Of course insubordination would mean certain death, if not by Ace's hands than definitely Lovecraft's. Quite the dilemma he'd fallen into, a sentiment shared by the poor scared faced boy still obediently scrubbing the intended dance floor.

Silent, but observant.

"Soon… very soon the sun will rise on my reign. Once the dead eyed squid removes that cretin, Dazai, and Mori and Fukuzawa are dispatched into early abdication, everything I see will be mine." With my ace in the whole as insurance. He chuckled at the irony.

The way he leered at the playing card in his hand reminded Karma of an obsessed hyena, drooling over a piece of meat.

That visage was what prevented Edgar from inquiring how exactly he planned to supplant their Majesties so soon after marrying the Princess. He seemed to be disregarding some critical issues standing between him and the throne he so desired. Namely…

"Are you not fearful of the Soukoku? Their Majesties aside, don't new pairs appear every few years or so?" Despite not having been born native to this land, the gifted warriors legend was known worldwide, long before the current generation seized power and crowned themselves, Edgar definitely wasn't incognizant to their fame.

"Oh please, Mori and Director Taneda have been in a silent race with each other for years, searching for the next set of diamonds and have both come up empty handed. Many doubt they'll ever find them, that Mori and Fukuzawa are the last, but it's no matter. Whether or not they show themselves is irrelevant because Yokohama will no longer have need for its outdated lores and traditions once I sit the throne."

Karma gaped. He really is delusional.

"That's not to say I wouldn't have some use for them– I do appreciate fine jewels after all– and if they try to overrule me, I'll simply add their life gems to my kingdom's collection. No one will dare challenge me when I hold supreme power."

It all sounded insane to Edgar. Ace's conjuncture was beginning to look less like sovereignty and more like tyranny. He never claimed to be an expert on the subject, he didn't have to be to know that Ace wearing the crown would mean ruin for his kingdom.

Though again, he knew better than to voice his opinions. Opting to retreat quietly back to his living quarters with his black and gray pet, where he would continue to question his recent life choices that put him in affiliation with such a mad man.

Karma thought he was going to throw up, knowing full well what the kingdom's collection insinuated. Not only did his warden intend on ruling Yokohama, he would do so by holding the people against their will as he did his servants. He might disappear over his circumstances but at least he knew why he ended up with a collar. Pickpocketing might be a minor crime but a crime nonetheless, small in comparison to some of Ace's other lackeys.

But imagining all the innocent men, women, and children who would live under a reign of terror… his blood ran cold.

~Crash!~

The sound of shattered glass forced his attention on the lowly kindred soul near the staircase, quaking from head to toe, staring at a damaged box… and millions of glass shards glistening on the floor formerly known as champagne flutes.

Oh no!

He didn't have to look to know Ace was already traipsing towards the disaster. Seemingly composed to those who didn't know better.

The one responsible for the catastrophe knew better. He tried to stand but his shaking legs forced him to remain fumbling on his knees. He resembled an abused dog in fear of its next beating by the time his 'employer' stood over him. "I--i--i'm s-so so-rry sir. I-i-it was an accident… I-I'll c-clean it up ri-ght away!" He quickly began picking up pieces of glass but Ace's shoe stopped his hand mid-grab. The man yelped as sharp spears dug into his palm.

Then Ace forced his attention back by yanking him by the collar. Eyes wide with fear when he looked up at the coiled smile like a snake about to devour its prey, and the blood left his face from the sound of the calm voice dripping venom as it spoke. "Of course it was an accident… Much like you being born."

Without another word, Ace plucked the ruby from the man's collar and tossed him back.

Karma and the other spectators watched in silent pity, knowing what was coming. The unfortunate man knew as well, scrambling over bits of glass to beg at Ace's feet. "No! Please sir don't!"

His pleas were ignored. Ace dropped the life stone to the floor; waited just long enough for a speck of hope to brighten its owner's eye and reach out for it… before stomping it into dust.

A moment passed, then another… then another… then the man gasped and grabbed his chest. Horrible sounds between choking and gurgling wrecked his throat, bringing blood and froth as he wriggled on the floor. His head fell to the side, facing Karma. The boy couldn't stand the gruesome sight; averted his gaze as the dying man finally stilled into a lifeless corpse.

Nobody dared move for fear they would be next.

They would be next eventually, Karma realized. He couldn't say for certain that the other's had come to the same conclusion but he was sure the truth was beginning to take root in the back of their minds.

No matter what they did or how long they served, they would never be free. Ace had lied about their sentences, to him they were lower than dirt, he didn't view them as human beings, they were possessions. Tools that could be used up and thrown away like Kleenex.

And not just them, Yokohama. In his sick, deranged mind, he was already a King who owned his kingdom. Freedom was a myth, the only way to be released was to suffer the same painful fate as that frothy corpse. What an idiot I've been; we've all been.

Ace wiped the bodily fluids from his shoe and dusted himself off. "The sharks will eat well tonight. Clean this mess up and get back to work… And someone get me a status update on the Beluga caviar!" He shouted as he hurried up the stairs.

No, life hadn't turned out anything like Karma hoped. A stronger man wouldn't cry but he wasn't strong and barely a man. He was just a boy who made a mistake that cost him his future. What was the point of continuing on like this if none of it mattered?

He wanted to live. That's why. Despite cruel reality literally staring him in the face, he still clung on to hope and his insignificant existence. Praying for a miracle, to be given the chance to serve the organization he so admired… And vowing to repay Ace's merciless nature tenfold if the opportunity ever presented itself.

---

"I've brought you some more tea, Princess… I mean, Doctor."

Akiko shot her chaperone an irritated jeer but graciously accepted the steaming beverage. "Thank you, Gide." Annoying as it was to so often have her given designation title eclipse her hard earned occupational one, she wouldn't hold it against him. In the few short hours she'd been under the foreign man's supervision, she discerned a few things about him.

He was obviously former military. A highly ranked officer given the authority he exuded, and judging by his apparent age possibly served in the Great War like her father and uncle. He was alive so clearly he never faced them in battle. She still hadn't pinpointed his exact nationality, his appearance suggested Swedish but the mild French tonality in his voice suggested something else.

He was also a man loyal to his word. Oda had tasked him with looking after her and frail little Sakura and he'd been steadfast on duty. Guarding the makeshift infirmary and retrieving

anything she or the poor girl needed while they awaited Oda's return… Hopefully with her brother, Chuuya, and most of all her medical bag in tow.

"How is she?" Gide asked forlornly.

Akiko frowned, looking back at Sakura, still sleeping but struggling for every raspy breath. "I'm worried she's developed pleurisy. If that happens, I'll have no other choice but to use my ability on her."

"Would that be so bad?"

"With no other options, no. But… I try to avoid using Thou Shalt Not Die on little children if I can." While dismembering and reassembling people like puzzle pieces was exhilarating, there was a profound difference with children.

They were small and pure, ignorant to the real horrors of life and should remain that way for as long as possible. More than that, she loved children and faltered at the thought of robbing them of their innocence. Like mine was. "Is she the only child here?"

"I'm afraid not. Oda has a habit of taking in orphans. When Sakura started ailing, he had no choice but to isolate her here, away from the others."

Understandable. "Where did he find her?"

Gide grimmest. "On the docks. It's a sad thing but many young ones are abandoned there more often than you'd think. Unfortunate to be born to parents who are either too young, impoverished, or worse. Sakura was about three when he found her. She was one of the youngest he'd ever taken in."

Her heart sank. How could anyone leave a child out in the cold; in gutters like unwanted pets? Especially infants, it was a death sentence. There were orphanages and hospitals, shelters with sanctuary policies for these very reasons. She refused to judge a person without knowing their circumstance but it still riled her knowing that without Oda at the right place and time, Sakura– and who knows how many others– would have been left like garbage.

She made a mental note to discuss the issue with her father and uncle when she was back home. The Agency was going to start a sanctuary system of its own, she'd see to it personally. "He's a good man then… Oda."

Gide nodded. "He's the greatest man I've ever known.

"I've already guessed that you're not originally from here, does that mean you were a lost stray he saved too?" The way he shifted under her gaze confirmed it. For an imposing man like Gide to follow someone half his age and foreign nationality, said a lot about Oda's character.

"You could say that. The more accurate description would be that I… and my men, were dead men walking that he breathed new life into. We were given a purpose again thanks to him."

Akiko smiled warmly. Not wanting to pry more than the older man was willing to divulge, she opted for the gentler question. "So where are you from?"

He started rubbing the back of his neck, apprehensive. "France originally. I was born in Paris."

"I speak French, if you would prefer?" She'd said in his native tongue, making him beam.

"Your highness is most considerate, I thank you for the sentiment… But no. I buried that nostalgia along with the rest of my former life. I'm happier that way."

Sakura's harsh coughs interrupted their conversation. Her raw hacking battered her tiny body like punches to the gut, she raspped and wheezed for air but every breath was harder than the last. Akiko jumped into action, easing the child through the terrible spell while Gide stood attentive.

The bount left Sakura weaker than before–if that was possible– and her fever was getting worse by the minute. Her strength was diminishing, Akiko wasn't sure if she'd survive another episode like that. Damn it, Dazai, where are you? She needed her bag now! "Gide, can you get me another fresh compress for her head?"

"Of course. I'll only be a few minutes." He said, hurrying out the door. There wasn't a need to close it, he was certain the Princess wouldn't abandon her patient and the other's were on the other side of the compound awaiting Pop's dinner so nobody would disturb her.

Or so he thought.

The Princess was so preoccupied monitoring Sakura's heart rate; failed to notice half a dozen innocent eyes curiously peering into the room until her ears picked up not so subtle murmuring.

"Who is she?"

"Shhhhh… You know we aren't supposed to be here."

"But what about Sakura?"

"Will you be quiet!"

"Whoever she is, she sure is pretty."

"How would you know? She could be an enemy. We gotta watch her close, make sure she ain't up to no good."

"She doesn't look like an enemy."

"That's just what an enemy would want you to think, idiot!"

"But somebody that pretty couldn't possibly be bad."

"Actually it's the pretty ones you need to be the most cautious of!" Akiko mused from how startled the children were. One boy, the tallest among them, jumped back so suddenly, his sunglasses fell off.

Despite embarrassment reddening all their cheeks, the taller boy stood firm and proud; pointed a finger at Akiko. "You don't scare me!" He declared, "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The boy was bold, obviously considers himself a tough guy. How cute. She folded her arms and approached him. "I'm Dr. Yosano, Oda asked me to care for your sister while he's away."

"Ha! Like I'd buy a bologna story like that… there ain't no doctors out here, and Oda would never leave us with a stranger."

"There is now." She rebuffed. "I'm waiting for Oda to bring the supplies I need to treat her. That's why he left"

The boy huffed. Mirroring Akiko's folded arm pose, except his was more fidgety and forced. "A likely story. Don't take me for a dummy, I'll have you know I happen to be Oda's right hand man, he tells me everything."

"Oh does he?" As precious as the big kid act was, she had a feeling this boy often made loud boasts he couldn't back up.

"Yeah! And he didn't say nothin' about you. Nice try lady, but ya can't fool me."

"I believe her, Kosuke." Said a shy boy holding a picture book. "If she wanted to hurt us, she would've done so already." He looked up and smiled at her. "H-hi. I'm Shinji, and this is big brother Kosuke."

"Don't tell her our names, idiot! She could be a spy or something."

Shinji ignored his brother, "Sorry about big brother. He's just worried about Sakura, we all are."

Upon mentioning them, the two remaining boys hurried into the room, eager to know their little sister's status.

"How is Sakura? Oda hasn't let us see her since she got all sick'n stuff."

"She ain't gonna die, is she?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it." She reassured them. It was quite the ragtag group Oda chose to foster. None were nearly as raw or foulmouthed as Chuuya or some of the other street smart characters she knew. Perhaps it was their ages, or that Oda had done well at sheltering them. "Look boys, I know you're worried about your sister, but Oda was right, you shouldn't be here."

"You're not the boss of us!" Kosuke shouted. "How do I know you're not just pretending to be all goodie-goodie, when really you're waiting for the perfect chance to strike and kill all of us?"

Maybe cute wasn't the right conclusion of the lead boy's character, irritating was closer. Still, she couldn't help but admire his gusto. "You don't. But as it stands, I'm the only hope she's got. So you can either take your chances with me and give yourselves the opportunity to see Sakura healthy again, or you can lock me away and start digging her grave personally since you will be the reason she's dead. Do you think you can live with that?" Maybe she was harsher than needed, but if this kid insisted on acting like a grown-up, she would treat him as such.

She knew she had him when his confidence started withering into terror, and his mouth kept bobbing up and down, unable to think of another bold response. The thought of his little sister's blood on his hands was too horrifying to bear. The other boys looked a little ashen as well, until an older voice boomed from the doorway, drawing all their attention.

"Children!" Gide bellowed. Having returned with new rags and a bowl of cool water. "What on earth?… Oda specifically told you under no circumstances were you allowed here. Sakura is very ill!"

The boy's shrinked, eyes downcast in shame. Shinji was the first to speak up. "W-we just wanted to– to see her, Mr. Gide. We didn't mean any bad."

"Be that as it may, you still knew better." His stern gaze moved to Kosuke. "Especially you. As if disobeying Oda and dragging your brother's along wasn't bad enough, you come here and harass her highness, the Princess with your impertinence when she's our guest of horror and has been nothing less than a godsend to your sister." He looked at Akiko, remorseful. "Forgive me, Princess, I should've known they'd plot a folly like this."

"It's fine, Guide." Akiko said, accepting the fresh compress' and returning to Sakura's side. "As Shinji said, they didn't mean any harm. Go easy on them."

"Oda can decide on their punishments later. For now, all of you apologize to her highness."

Truth be told, all four boy's hadn't registered much after Gide's scolding of Kosuke. Too staggered by one word.

"PRINCESS?!" They exclaimed.

"Your a–a Princess?" Shinji gasped.

"She is." Gide answered. "And a renowned physician, here to save sweet Sakura's life."

While Kosuke and the other two were busy gawking in disbelief, Shinji was the first to recover, hugging his book to his chest and beaming. "I knew she was too pretty to be bad!" He nudged his big brother. "See big brother, I told you she wasn't an enemy, she's a real life fairy tail Princess sent here to heal Sakura just like in my books."

Cheeks suddenly flushed brighter red than before, Kosuke shrugged off his brother's excitement; spun around in a huff. "Big deal. I- I knew she was a Princess from the start. I… I was testing to see how long It'd take you guys to figure it out."

"Sure you were."

Sakura's rattled groans interrupted the boy's banter, all watched in fear as she started writhing in pain and coughing profusely until spouts of red started spurting her pale white lips.

"Get them out of here!" Akiko ordered, wiping the blood away. Gide obeyed and proceeded to herd the children out the door to give her the space she needed.

This was terrible. She didn't need her stethoscope, she knew Sakura had developed pleurisy. Every shallow breath the child took was riddled with pain. Her dry mewls and rapid heart rate only added to the confirmation. To make matters worse, she was suffering and her strength was dwindling but she still wasn't close enough to death for Thou Shalt Not Die. The Princess cursed.

Gide returned quickly, unsure if his presence was welcomed. "Is there anything I can do, Doctor?"

Akiko shook her head, no. "At the moment there's barely anything I can do. Damn it! I need my bag. Where is my useless brother when I need him?"

"Useless?..." Called a voice down the hall. A voice revealed to be Dazai a moment later, Oda and Chuuya right behind. "Now Sis, only Kunikida gets to call me useless. Mainly because it's the most pleasant on his list."

Akiko exhaled a huge sigh of relief, happy to see her brother and Chuuya– who looked just as relieved to see her– and even happier to see her bag in Dazai's hand.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you." She rushed forward and Dazai opened his arms wide for an embrace… That she ignored. Snatching her medical bag and kissed the handle. "I was so worried about you."

The Prince scowled. "Nice to see you too, baby sister. You could at least pretend to show concern for me. Or maybe I should tell uncle Fukuzawa it was you who actually broke his priceless terracotta cat statue and not your delinquent, two-timing boyfriend?"

Akiko rolled her eyes. "That would only implicate you too, big brother. Since you were the one who handed me the statue to hit him with, then framed him for the damage after I healed him." She stood on her tip-toes to peck his cut cheek, making him wince. "It's good to see you." Her gaze shifted. "You too, Chuuya."

The redhead smiled, mollified to find her safe and unharmed as Oda had promised. "Likewise, Beautiful. Let's not do that again, this Mackerel's incessant singing is abuse nobody should have to suffer."

"Need I remind you, Slug, it was you who activated the trap and got us lost?"

"None of that matters now!" Akiko exclaimed. "For now, I need everyone out so I can work." She pulled out her stethoscope and went back to Sakura while everyone but Oda stepped out the door.

"How is she?" He asked.

"She's not good, I can tell you that much. Please, just wait outside until I know more."

---

He stood outside the doorway alongside Dazai while Chuuya and Gide lingered behind, watching Akiko examine and treat Sakura. Or at least attempt to treat, judging by the way her lovely features grew somber, he thought best to prepare for the worst.

Dazai must've picked up on his inner turmoil. "Odasaku… Despite her age, my sister is the best damn doctor in the country, you would be hard pressed to find anyone in Yokohama who doesn't owe their lives to her. Believe me when I say that girl couldn't be in better hands."

"For once I agree with the asshole." Chuuya said, leaning back against the wall. "I'd be dead right now if it weren't for Akiko… Not only is she brilliant, she's got a good heart that's bigger than all of us. If your little girl stands any chance, it's with her."

The ghost of a smile graced Gide's face, understanding evidently.

Oda wasn't quite as appeased. "She's not my little girl." He said. "She deserves better than this… they all do." A man of few words, but words that hold weight. The Prince has a sneaking suspicion he knew Oda's meaning but refrained from further elaboration when his sister stepped out of the room. Expression grim.

Never one to beat around the bush, she gave Oda the full account of Sakura's condition. "She's developed pleurisy, as I feared." He grimaced. "And she's so dehydrated that I can't find a good vein to administer medication. Without sustainable oxygen and fluids she won't make it through the night…. I have no choice but to use my ability, though you're not going to like it." She wasn't wrong, after explaining the conditions of her gift, Oda was less than favorable to the opinion.

"You're saying you have to kill her?" It was incomprehensible.

"To save her, yes. It'll be over and done quickly."

"No! Out of the question."

She didn't blame him for his apprehension, but arguing the matter wouldn't help either. Thankfully Gide saved her the trouble.

"Sakunosuke, I understand your reservations but given the circumstances– if Sakura's going to die anyway– then at least give her highness a chance."

"And if she fails? What then?" Unwise as it was to challenge a royal, a child's life was at stake. Even if she shared his reluctance, he needed to know the lengths of responsibility she would take.

She didn't waver, firm in her convictions. "If I fail her, if she dies by my hand, you can take my life as collateral."

Her declaration shocked everyone except her big brother, while Oda wore his mask of stoicism. "A life for a life? Why would you wager that?"

"As a mercenary, you deal in blood. As a doctor, I took an oath to put others' lives above my own. I couldn't live with myself if I killed a child with my own hands, if Sakura's life is being gambled, it's only fair I wager mine as well."

Oda had to admit, he admired her fortitude. Here she was, the Princess of Yokohama, offering herself as an equal sacrifice to one of his wards without hesitation. Normally individuals of high standing disregarded commoners' lives as less than mediocre. It was clear he chose the right royals to aid with his long dormant family honor. "And you're okay with this?" He asked Dazai.

The Prince shrugged. "You'd have an easier time negotiating with a rampaging rhinoceros than getting my sister to change her mind. Besides that she's right, you mercenary's deal in blood, thanks to our dad we're very well versed in Yakuza codes of honor. If Akiko making a blood wager is the only way to appease you, Odasaku. Then despite my personal feelings, I have no choice but to accept it."

"Well I don't!" Chuuya shouted, wedging himself between Akiko and Oda. "So much for all that protection and honor crap he was spewing before! There's no way she's putting her life on the line like that."

"Nobody cares about your opinion, Chuuya." Dazai snarked.

"This is bullshit and you know it!"

"Dazai's right, Chuuya!" He met Akiko's furious glare. "This has nothing to do with you,

"The hell it doesn't! Akiko, I'm not going to stand by and watch you gamble your life away."

"And just who the hell do you think you are to try and stop me?! You don't speak for me, you barely know me, so unless you want to be disemboweled and gagged with your own spleen, I suggest you stand aside."

Maybe he had overstepped, but the fear of losing her before felt like a heated dagger embedded into his heart. He wasn't about to risk feeling that way again. Akiko was stubborn, hotheaded, and unyielding, especially over something she cared about. Well, so was Chuuya, infact, he had her beat.

Refusing to back down, challenging the angry blaze burning in her eyes with the inferno raging in his. Of course she wouldn't change her mind but that didn't mean he wouldn't use the loophole. "I'll do it."

Akiko's anger turned to puzzlement.

Chuuya spun around to face Oda. "I'll do the hard bit on the kid and Akiko will heal her. If it doesn't work, the fault is mine so you can kill me and only me."

"Now I'm completely fine with that." Dazai said cheerfully.

"Shut up, Dazai!" Akiko spat before grabbing Chuuya's shoulder and forcing him back towards her. "Are you crazy? I just said this doesn't concern you!"

"Well I'm making it." He rebuffed. "I promised your dad I'd protect you out here and I don't go back on my word."

"I don't need protecting!" She wanted to stab him for even suggesting that.

"No you don't." He agreed. "But you're disregarding the fact that losing a phenomenal doctor like you would be a tragedy to everyone who needs one. "

Akiko was stunned by his words, so much in fact she felt that damn heat again rushing to her cheeks… NO! She blinked, then shook it off and crossed her arms with a stomp of her foot. Forcing herself to focus on her anger and not anything else. "And just how do you plan on assisting me?"

Chuuya pulled off his right glove and opened his palm, then a swirling red sphere of energy appeared. "Concentrated gravity around the heart. It crushes the muscle and pops the organ like a balloon. It's quick and a hundred percent effective." He looked back at Oda. "So how about it, do we have a deal?"

Oda's gaze went back to Sakura, suffering in her bed. She was doomed either way. He took a deep breath. "Just do whatever it takes to save her."

Agreement made. The Princess shot her brother a knowing glance that he reciprocated as she stepped back into the room, followed by their hot-tempered guide– whom the Prince glared at– and closed the door behind him.

Dazai stepped in front of the door to stand guard. Fortunately neither Oda or Gide made an attempt to breach him. Instead, Oda plopped himself on the floor and leaned his head back against the wall with his eyes closed, praying to no God in particular.

---

Chuuya stood back while Akiko got Sakura ready. She hadn't said anything to him, a busy mind or the silent treatment he hadn't yet discerned. Something told him it was the latter but he didn't really care. She could be mad at him all she wanted, as long as she was alive.

Since Dazai woke him up in that pile of blast debris with Akiko nowhere in sight, his mind had been plagued with nothing but terrifying images and thoughts. After the joy of finding her safe and unharmed, he refused to entertain any absurd notion of her otherwise. Sure his life was on the line again, but the thought of death was far less frightening in comparison to the thought of a world without Yokohama's Angel Princess.

"How could you do that?" Not the silent treatment then. "You had no right." Her voice was low but sharp and she wouldn't look at him.

He had to tread carefully. "The way I see it, I owe you from when you saved me back at the prison. You saved my life so it's only natural I return the favor."

"This isn't saving my life, Chuuya. It's making my predicament harder by putting your life in my hands as well as this little girl's."

He smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, if I gotta put my life in anyone's hands, I'd want it to be yours."

She wasn't having it. "Don't play this off as some joke."

"I'm not. It's the god's honest truth." Because it was.

Akiko snuffed, "I don't believe in Gods." Life had proven that there was no such thing as higher powers and merciful, loving deities. She didn't need her scientific knowledge to know that. If they did exist then the horrors she's seen would have never been allowed to happen.

"You should," He said, coming to stand beside her. "because they do exist."

Once again, Chuuya utterly dumbfounded her. How could someone like him be a believer in such nonsense? Yet he looked so certain, almost as if…

Sakura groaned, shivering from the absence of her blankets. Akiko tried to comfort her and– to her astonishment– so did Chuuya. He crouched down and started brushing strands of hair on her forehead, his mournful gaze showed how he'd gladly take her place if he could. And the gentle kiss placed on her brow followed by a soft apology told her this was going to be just as difficult for him, perhaps more so.

"I'm sorry, little Princess." Then he stood and removed his glove.

Bewildered by the tender act, she finally met his eyes, anger outmatched by fascination. "Why are you doing this… really?"

"Because I knew you didn't want to." No witty comebacks, only the truth. "Not only that, regardless of your gifts conditions, your hands are meant for healing. You shouldn't have to harm a child."

It took a moment for his explanation to sink in but when it did, Akiko found the boiling anger she'd felt before had diminished, replaced with something new… Gratitude. "Neither should you."

"Let's do this." Chuuya said.

Akiko moved to the head of the bed and took hold of Sakura's shoulders while Chuuya positioned his hand over her heart. He looked at Akiko inquisitively and she nodded that she was ready.

The same energy he demonstrated before appeared again in his palm, smaller and more concentrated.

"On three?" Akiko agreed. "One…"

"Two…"

"THREE!" They said together, and the ball of gravity disappeared into Sakura's chest. She let out a quick, pained gasp then her head fell ever so slightly to the side, lifeless. However, no sooner had her body gone slack, that a tempest of brilliant blue butterflies encased her like a cocoon. Fluttering their healing magic to bring her back to the mortal plain.

It was a beautiful splendor. Like something from a dream. A sight Chuuya found almost as beautiful as the one responsible for it.

The spectacle didn't last long. The butterflies vanished almost as quickly as they appeared and Chuuya had been too captivated to notice the strong heartbeat return beneath his palm.

Only when Sakura inhaled deeply, a breath free of strain, and color returned to her deathly pale skin, did Chuuya realize they had succeeded. He moved out of Akiko's way when she rushed back to Sakura's side to examine her again. This time her expression brightened; the first time all day she could genuinely smile.

One that made it all worth it for Chuuya.

"Thank you." She said,

"You're welcome."

---

Patients had always been one of Oda's strongest virtues, however, now it was being tested. It hadn't been very long since the Princess closed the infirmary door but he felt every second.

Nobody bothered speaking and Dazai stood firm at his post, until his demeanor changed. A knowing smirk broke his composure and he stepped aside from the door just as the nob turned and his sister and Chuuya stepped out.

Oda was on his feet in an instant, desperate for the news. Begging for good but preparing for bad. He glanced at Chuuya, who gave nothing away, then to the Princess who sighed heavily… and smiled.

"She's going to be fine."

Relief flooded both him and Gide, he didn't wait to hear more before dashing past Akiko, straight to Sakura, now resting peacefully. Oda all but collapsed with elation, taking her small hand in both of his as hot tears slid down his face.

"I've given her a shot of morphine so she'll sleep till tomorrow," Akiko said, coming to stand beside him. "as well as a shot of dexamethasone to keep her lungs from inflaming. I doubt she'll remember any of her ordeal when she wakes but aside from that, she should make a full recovery."

His sobs were near uncontrollable now. He let go of Sakura's hand and fell before the Princess, kissing both of her hands, surprising her. "You truly are an angel, my lady. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you so much. I apologize for earlier, I was impertinent and out of line."

Akiko shook her head. "There's nothing to apologize for, Oda. You feared for her life. It's understandable."

He stood and turned to Chuuya. "Thank you, too."

Chuuya shrugged it off, no big deal. "You already thanked the one who deserves it. No gratitude needed on my part."

"Even so, you have it." Chuuya nodded in response. "Gide, have rooms ready for our guests, restrict some of the facilities for they're use only as well."

"Right away, Sakunosuke." He was about to leave but was stopped by the Princess.

"Actually Oda, I'd like to stay here and monitor Sakura. If that's alright with you."

"Of course, my lady. I'll have another bed brought here."

Dazai stepped forward. "After the day I've had, I'm not leaving my sister. I don't care how cramped the room is."

"How about the room across from this one, your highness?" Gide suggested. "I'll even arrange an extra bed for the Princess just in case."

"That will be fine, Gide. Though completely unnecessary." Akiko said, glaring at her brother.

"I'll also have dinner brought for each of you. I believe Pops made crab stew since his curry wouldn't be ready till tomorrow."

Suddenly, Dazai brightened like the sun. "Did you say crab?" He asked optimistically.

"Is that a problem, your highness?"

"Crab is Dazai's favorite." Akiko explained. "He eats so much of it that it's a wonder he hasn't sprouted claws."

Gide chuckled at the Prince's enthusiasm, "I'll be sure to inform our cook." Then he remembered something. "Sakunosuke, you'd best see to the other children. They were so worried about Sakura, they disobeyed your orders and snuck over to visit her before you arrived."

Oda huffed. "Of course they did. I'll bet I know who the ringleader was too." He glanced at Sakura one more time then went to join his lieutenant, not before addressing the royal siblings and Chuuya one last time. "Again, you have my thanks. And I'm true to my word, as long as you're here, you're under my protection. All of Mimic is at your service."

Chuuya was still more hesitant than his colleagues; both acknowledged their new host graciously. Dazai made a point to speak for all of them.

"And we'll gladly accept, Odasaku."

The two men bowed then proceeded down the hall. Once out of range, Gide's expression darkened.

"Sakunosuke, the boy, Chuuya–"

"I know, Gide. I'm working on it."

"The Princess' ability, could she be?..."

"I don't know, but I'm wondering the exact same thing you are."

If Oda's suspicions were correct then whatever recent events led to these unique encounters, were anything but coincidence.

---

Beneath cloud-obscured moonlight he crept. Slightly, quickly. Over and around rusty cans and old trash.

He had to get this meeting over fast, lest any of the government hacks paying him to show them around this shithole, wake up back at their makeshift camp and suspect him. The four-eyed snob with the rod up his ass was especially hard to mislead.

He was so pompous and creepy, how anyone could work with him was a mystery. Thank goodness he deemed Shirase inconsequential, believing him no more than a dumb, loyal, street rat, happy to serve those he owes his good fortunes too.

Good fortunes my ass.

The only good the Ministry did for him was carting Chuuya off and letting him rot in a cell. It would've been better if they had just killed him right away but no, for some reason those morons waited years, then allowed him to escape.

Now he was free to make Shirase's life a living hell again. The biggest mistake he'd ever made was not leaving him to starve when he first met him. He'd regretted it ever since.

But things would be different this time. He refused to go back to how it was before where Chuuya had everything and he had nothing.

He arrived at the designated meet zone. Far enough away from camp to remain unheard, but not so far that he couldn't play not so far into the labyrinth, that he needed an anchor.

Shirase looked around but there was no sign of the one who had demanded an audience in the first place. He almost wondered if he was in the right spot… until an enormous scythe hooked around his neck.

He jolted back from the blade and spun around to face the one holding it. "Jeez! I told you it was a bad idea to meet out here. I've got bureaucratic ass-kissers constantly nagging me like I'm some kinda errand boy. Bastards even signed me up for staff duty at the ball without even asking me."

A downward swipe of the scythe emphasized how little the individual cared. Shirase threw up his hands in defense. "Hey, it wasn't my fault! I did exactly what you said. I tried luring Chuuya away from the Prince and Princess but he wouldn't budge. I even used the bullshit excuse about having no choice but to hand him over to the government. He didn't go for it. I was almost beaten to death as a result." Another swipe, this time he fell back on the ground to dodge. "Just give me another chance, please!"

The blade was raised over him, Shirase started to cower, knowing he was about to meet his permanent end.

"Stop."

He dared to crack open one eye when the new voice entered the scene. It belonged to the tallest man he had ever seen. His pale complexion and hollow back eyes made him look like a corpse. And curiously, his long dreadlocks were dripping wet despite it not raining.

"This one can still be of use to the master." Lovecraft said. "We no longer need the boy's blood." He held up a vial of red liquid– blood Shirase guessed– "It's the representatives of the Day pillar that need to be dealt with next. This one can aid in that."

Hesitantly, Lovecraft's associate lowered they're instrument of death.

Shirase's fear vanished, replaced with a wicked smile.

Perhaps good fortune was finally blessing him…

---

So to everyone who thought best not to trust Shirase, you were right.

Finally, Dazai has found somebody he likes. More to come there.

I won't give way to much about the next chapter but I will say that it stars with another Mori Fukuzawa flashback. My favorites.

Also just know that even if my updates are spaced out. I have not, nor do I will I abandon this story.

Until next time.