So this was originally going to be one huge, action packed chapter. But once I reached a certain point and realized just HOW big, I started debating if I should keep it like that or not. Then the title for the next chapter popped in my head and I decided to split it into two chapters.

Without further ado...


The walk through the penitentiary wasn't pleasant. Not just the walk through, the whole process of Dazai and Akiko walking in and setting off all kinds of alarms due to her assortment of 'medical supplies' she carried everywhere she went. After twenty minutes of being harrassed by the guards demanding she hand over her bag-- and Akiko adamantly refusing-- and Dazai having to hold his sister back to keep her from disemboweling someone…

Finally, the warden appeared and settled the issue. Allowing Akiko to keep her bag and escorting the prince and princess to his office to hear what they had to say.

Leaving Hirotsu to fill out a mountain of entrance and disclosure forms at the front desk on their behalf.

After presenting the Silver Oracle to the warden and informing him of their case and the rumors regarding national security, the siblings had the unfortunate task of pleading the issue of staying the execution of Inmate A5158 and allow him to be released into Agency custody. That warranted an even greater headache.

Almost an hour of arguing and negotiating, the warden was completely obstinate in his decision. He claimed no rumor could be as dangerous to public safety as Inmate A5158, and that his orders came from the highest authority within the Gifted Special Operations Division, Director Taneda Santoka. Or He who rules the day, as the media calls him.

Inmate A5158 had to die by government authority that afternoon without delay. The order was absolute.

Finally Dazai had to restore to a rather whimsical cliched form of entrapment that involved the warden himself being caught on camera not only entering one of Mori's many nighttime clubs, but partaking in their obscene activities when his wife believed he was working late. Red faced and furious, the warden agreed to a short meeting between the siblings and Inmate A5158.

They had a limited amount of time to question the prisoner and discover if he had any relevant information before his execution could commence. The siblings weren't happy but both agreed it was a start at least. It gave them time to find a way to improvise, as their father had reminded them they're being experts at.

Now they were currently being led to the deepest level of solitary confinement for gifted convicts by several armed escorts, along with a representative from the Ministry sent to witness A5158's execution. Director Taneda's personal assistant and right hand man, Ango Sakaguchi. Quite the achievements for a man not much older than Dazai.

"The government really wants this guy dead, Sis." Dazai whispered to Akiko, careful to stay a few paces back so the others wouldn't hear. "They're even sending lackey's to make sure the deed is done."

"I know. So much for them being cooperative… Whoever this guy is, they can't take the chance of him implementing the hierarchy in any way. If you hadn't brought up those photos, there's no way they'd have let us this far. What's more… Now we have creepy glasses over there to worry about. I have no idea what we're going to do. You?"

"I'm currently hypothesizing a few ideas but in order for me to settle on one, I need more info. Also, I'm not one hundred percent convinced this is about the prisoner having incriminating evidence against the government."

"I thought the same. They do nothing with the guy for five years, then suddenly decide to kill him? Something else is definitely going on."

Dazai agreed, about to speak further but was cut off by Ango.

"Words of advice for future endeavors…" Ango said, startling them. "If you're going to plot against someone, practice discretion so as not to put them on your trail. The two of you couldn't be more obvious if a sign was hanging above you."

Dazai noted the habitual way the government agent pushed his spectacles up. As well the rather unprofessional way he kept his gun holstered to his backside. So he's hiding multiple firearms in various places… he keeps that one noticeable to mislead possible assailant attacks from behind. As well as a last resort for the front. He's that confident… Interesting. "And I suppose you're here to make sure nothing interferes with today's execution? The director must've gotten word the king's sent us here and sent you to make sure we couldn't carry out our mission."

Ango didn't look back at Dazai but the prince knew he'd hit a perfect bullseye from the way his posture wavered just for a split second. "I'm here under orders. It's my job to ensure the danger to public safety, genocidal gifted, Inmate A5158 is disposed of promptly."

"And yet you people waited five years before issuing the death sentence." Akiko retorted. "What gave you pause for so long? His ability?"

"Even I don't presume to know the reasonings for my boss's actions. And even if I did, I'm under no obligation to share information with you."

Akiko was about to run and slug the wormy prick but Dazai snached her arm and shook his head. It was obvious Ango was trying to egg them on. Instead he chose to play civil a little while longer "What is his ability, anyway? The file didn't say."

"Because it's classified. Though I suppose it doesn't matter now. A5158's ability is a true menace that can't be allowed to wander freely or go unchecked. The level of destruction he could cause is uncanny… It's gravitational manipulation."

Akiko's brows furrowed. "You mean he controls gravity?"

"The official title is 'For The Tainted Sorrow.' He not only controls gravity, he bends it to his will. Anything he touches can be weaponized, even the most mundane of objects. He's been kept restrained by anti-gifted bonds since his apprehension five years ago."

That made Dazai pique. Someone that powerful couldn't have been restrained so easily. "How did you catch him then?"

"It was a joint effort. A fellow street rat he trusted slipped him elephant tranquilizers in exchange for amnesty within Yokohama out of the slums in Suribatchi."

That really rubbed Akiko the wrong way. She hated the way the Ministry deceived people, at least the Agency kept its promises. Not always ethical but always reliable. Now she was starting to feel sorry for this A5158. To be betrayed by a comrade like that? It just wasn't right. She was brought out of her reverie by her brother's deduction.

"That explains the six GSS officers he killed. No doubt his apprehension didn't go as smoothly as you'd hoped."

Ango's silence said everything.

The rest of the tour was relatively uneventful. Just the occasional howler or whistle directed at Akiko, but that all stopped when they reached solitary confinement. It was almost too quiet for anyone's liking. The guards guiding them said that Inmate A5158 was the only one currently being held down here. They also explained he was to be executed by firing squad in an exhibition room just a couple floors up in the next half hour.

The clock really was ticking.

At last they reached their destination. A large dark room with a state of the art cubic cell-- open on all sides but with only one way in or out-- sitting in the middle. The cube was lit bright as day inside, revealing several toiletries, an untouched food try, and a single cot in the center. And sitting on that cot was Inmate A5158.

Despite sitting down, it was easy to discern his short stature. Dazai doubted he'd reach his chest. The size small prison jumpsuit that covered his arms and legs still hung loose over his petite build, though his toned muscles were a clear indication he'd worked out.

He kept his head down. Akiko guessed he was glaring and the thick cuffs binding his hands together, judging by the hard set way of his chiseled jawline. His fiery red hair was longer than in his mugshots. One section in the back now draped over his shoulder.

The princess briefly wondered if it was as soft as it looked but quickly shook away the thought. Only for her to momentarily forget how to breathe when he finally looked up. The photos didn't do his eyes justice. Dazzling lapis orbs, pale enough to shine like stars but dark enough burn a hole right through her soul. Eyes filled with a lifetime's worth of hardships and pain, yet still held a betraying warmth that gave away everything he tried to hide.

She could've gazed at those eyes forever had her brother not stepped forward, obstructing her vision.

"Inmate A5158?" Dazai started.

"Do I know you?"

Akiko ignored the shiver running down her spine as the prisoner spoke.

"I'm an agent from the Agency. I've come to ask you a few questions regarding… Arahabaki."

Several heartbeats passed before… "Fuck off... Whatever you're selling I'm not interested. Let a man die in peace."

Dazai's eyes narrowed and his voice almost became simplistic, but Akiko knew him well enough to know that wasn't the case. "That's right. You're scheduled for execution within the hour… How I envy you."

That made the prisoner scuff. "Geez! What kinda suicidal nutcase are you?" He straightened his back and gave Dazai a once over before looking away. "If you'd like to take my place, I'd be more than happy to oblige you. Otherwise, piss off!"

The prince gave Ango-- who had been silent the whole time-- a sideways glance pursing his lips. "You're seriously going to tell me that this pipsqueak is a threat to national security?"

Something snapped in Inmate A5158. His face turned bright red, his brow frowned as his left eye twitched, and the vain just about his forehead started throbbing. "Who are you calling a pipsqueak asshole?!"

"See? The only thing big about him is his mouth."

"I believe you of all people know how deceiving appearances can be." Ango said, pushing up his glasses.

Dazai blinked, looking back at the hotheaded redhead, then back at Ango. "Yeah, not seeing it. Sorry."

"You got something to say then come say it to my face, punk!" The Inmate shouted.

Dazai made a mockery show of moving a hand to his brow and looking in all directions like a sailor. "Huh? Who said that? I don't see anybody…" Finally his gaze landed back to the Inmate. "Oh wait, it was you. Sorry, didn't see you there with you being so tiny and all." He cooed.

"Why you…" The Inmate growled, "I'm gonna--"

"That's enough!" Akiko couldn't take it anymore. Her jackass brother was wasting time and making zero progress so she had no choice but to step forward. "God Dazai, what the blazing hell is wrong with--"

"Well now, what do we have here?"

Akiko paused, meeting the prisoners' intense stare. His irritated demeanor changed to pure arrogance. His lips curved into a cheeky grin before he whistled obscenely. "Aren't you a sight to behold!" He said, eyeing her up and down. "Forgive me for being too forward, but it's been a long time since I've seen anything even half as beautiful as you… Beautiful."

Most would've rolled their eyes and found his flattery obnoxious. Akiko wouldn't pretend to disagree, there was little the princess hated more than misogynist after all. However, yet again his mannerisms said one thing but his eyes said another. That truth being the moment Akiko entered Inmate A5158's line of vision, he looked at har as if seeing the sun for the first time. It was almost enough to make her shiver.

Still, the princess had to keep her usual composure and at least act indifferent. So she planted a hand on her hip and cocked her head. "I'd like to say I'm flattered, but keep that up and I'll happily cut out your spleen and feed it to you."

"Feisty…" He chuckled, "I like that."

"Ok, that's enough of that." Dazai intervened. "You're dealing with me, shrimp, not my sister."

Akiko glared at her brother and Inmate A5158 snorted. "Sister? There's no way a beauty like her is related to mackerel faced, shithead like you. Or did she get all the looks in the family?"

The siblings blinked, then Dazai sighed and turned away. "Well we tried sis. Let's just tell dad the Arahabaki rumors were a bust. Having met this guy, I'm all for letting him get axed. I'll even pull up a chair and some popcorn."

Akiko was about to argue the matter when…

"Oh right! Arahabaki," the prisoner exclaimed, causing all present to look back. "Now that you mention it, that name does ring a bell." He furrowed his brows as if in deep thought, then mock ah-ha'd like a light switched on. "Oh yeah, I remember now. I may have come across it once or twice."

Dazai quipped. "Well, isn't that convenient. Very well, I'm all ears."

"Forget it shithead. I'm done talking to you. I'll only share what I know with her," his smug grin gestured to Akiko, "and her alone."

"Or we can leave now and forget you ever existed. I personally like that option…"

"Dazai." Akiko huffed and then faced one of the guards who had escorted them. "Let me in there." Wide eyes and protest filled the air but the princess was unfazed. "Look, you can keep my bag out here, you've already searched me so you know I don't have anything hidden, I'll even leave my hairpin. Just put restraints on him so we can have a talk without any funny business."

"Out of the question!" Ango said. "It's too risky, you have no idea what Inmate A5158 is capable of."

"I actually agree with the government lackey." Dazai mumbled. "He's bluffing sis, he doesn't know anything, he just wants to flirt with you so he can still for time."

"And if that is the case you can say I told you so later. As it is, if there's even the slightest chance he's telling the truth we have to know. You had your chance and fuzzed it up like always. At least he's willing to cooperate with me." She tossed her hair and cracked a confident smile. "Besides, if he tries anything, I'll break his kneecaps."

Dazai regarded his sister's almost hopeful tone. She does love to break kneecaps, he thought. And he knew the hotheaded pipsqueak was in anti-gifted cuffs, if there was even the faintest possibility he could help with the case… still Dazai would much rather see this fowl mouthed slug fry than tolerate his presence any longer. But ultimately he couldn't fight his baby sister when she set her mind to something. "Fine. Five minutes, that's all." Ango moved to object but the prince raised a hand and added, "Just long enough to tell if he's lying, just be careful sis."

Akiko laughed, handing Dazai her butterfly hairpin. "Come on big brother, you know how boring safety is." He couldn't argue with that.

A few minutes later Inmate A5158 had been secured with a harness chained to the floor and Akiko was seated on a fold up chair a few feet away from him with her arms and legs crossed. With no walls between them, she had to make her own. Especially with how those pricing eyes and cocky smirk taunted her so,

Ango observed next to Dazai from outside the cubic, unease evident from the way his shoulders tensed. "Just so we're clear," he started, "I have no qualms with you but my orders are absolute. Therefore if you or your sister do anything to jeopardize the execution of Inmate A5158, I won't hesitate to treat you as A-level security risk as well."

A moment later Dazai burst into a fit of chuckles. "Wow! That's probably the most subtle-- not so subtle, threat I've ever gotten. I'll be sure to keep that in mind." His eyes darkened before zeroing in on the government agent. "Why don't you tell me the real reason you want him dead. It's clear to me now it has nothing to do with Arahabaki and illegal dealings within the government."

"That's where you're wrong. It has everything to do with that… and your ratched father's thirst for power."

Dazai's brows frowned. "What do you mean by that?" Ango said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the conversation going on inside the cell. Dazai did the same but was still mulling over the comment.

Inside, it was Akiko who started the conversation. "So," she broke the silence, "you said you wanted to me, so talk."

He chuckled, really loving her straight forwardness. "Why don't you start by telling me your name? It's only polite."

Akiko took a deep breath, trying and failing to hide her irritation. "I'm Doctor Yosano." That's it Akiko, keep things professional.

"A doctor?" He smiled, "So you're smart and beautiful… wow! You just keep getting better and better… but why don't we try your first name? Or would rather I keep calling you, Beautiful? I don't mind of course."

"Of course…" She sniped. No, she couldn't give him her first name. That was too intimate. But you wouldn't mind that at all. A voice said. No! Don't go there. Still she couldn't have him calling her Beautiful through the whole interview, that was worse than her first name. And then an idea came to her. "Tell you what, introductions go both ways, so why not tell me your name? All that was on your file was Inmate A5158."

He snorted. "Of course it was. I'm just another number to be wiped out, to them."

"So?..."

He studied her for a heartbeat before deciding. "Chuuya."

She raised an eyebrow in question. "Chuuya?..."

"Nakahara."

"Chuuya Nakahara…" She tested the name. Finding she liked the way it felt rolling off her tongue. Deciding then and there to drop just one of her walls, softening her features. "I'm Akiko."

It was Dazai's turn to tense.

"Please, allow me to apologize for my brother, Dazai's, behavior earlier. He has a tendency to be… shall we say rude?"

Chuuya scuffed. "Rude I can handle, he's an asshole."

"I doubt you'd be surprised by how many would agree with you,"

Lighthearted laughter from both sides broke the tension in the air. And the princess chose to use the opportunity. Her voice turned serious again but not as sharp as before. "What do you know about Arahabaki?"

"Who says I know anything?"

"You did."

Chuuya stiffened. His armor wavered just a bit before his arrogant facade returned. "What makes you think I wasn't just lying so I could spend what little time I have left in the company of a beautiful woman?"

Akiko saw right through him. "I know lies. Ones who are so skilled their lies are made truth. You Chuuya, are no lier. It's painfully clear you know more than you're letting on. So I'm asking you to share because it could be of great help to our case."

For a while, Chuuya said nothing. Looking away from the princess and staring off at nothing. She could tell he was having an internal debate, until… "What's in it for me?" She blinked when he met her eyes once more. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm on limited time. Why would I give up valuable information that could get me off?"

Touche. He made a good point but Akiko knew how to challenge it. "And do you have valuable information?"

"That depends on you."

"If you have anything worth sharing, Chuuya, you have my word the Agency will do everything to help you." She wasn't lying. But somehow she figured Chuuya didn't buy it, and that it

probably wasn't wise to make such a statement with Ango standing right out the door. Turns out, she was correct about both.

"See, that's the thing," Chuuya snickered. "I made the mistake of trusting someone before and it got me here. So forgive me, Beautiful, if I'm not completely sold on just your word alone."

Even from behind, Dazai could tell Akiko was losing patience. Ango wasn't much better. Damn it! Where the hell was Randou and Hirotsu?

Daunted, Akiko leaned forward resting her arms on her black skirt, tone becoming dangerously low. "I understand your reasons, but unlike some, the Agency keeps its promises. And right now there's been numerous sightings of a psychotic individual, who's been dead for many years-- who should stay dead-- walking around claiming to have been revived by Arahabaki." Chuuya visibly tensed, pupils dilating a fraction, and teeth beginning to grind.

"W--where did these sightings start and when?" He asked.

Akiko piqued from his change in demeanor. "Suribatchi city… a few days ago."

"Then it's not Arahabaki. Whoever's causing it, has nothing to do with that-- that thing." The way he spat 'thing,' like it left a bad taste in his mouth gave the princess pause.

"And you know this, how?"

Chuuya motioned Akiko closer. She figured he wanted few people to hear so she compiled just a hair. He motioned again and she scooted to the edge of her seat. Another gesture, like he wanted to whisper in her ear, had her leaning in closer and closer… Time stopped when his lips made contact with hers. Softer than expected but firm nonetheless. A jolt of electricity surged from the spot they were connected, sending waves of heat coursing through her body and straight to her core. Her lilac eyes were blown wide, pinpointed on his closed ones. She should be shoving him away and demonstrating all the ways her father taught her how to use a scalpel on this retch's manhood, but instead she was so tempted to close her eyes and--

No sooner had his lips met hers did he pull them back and preen at her reaction. "Get me outta here and I just might tell you. Beautiful."

Akiko blinked in stunned silence then suddenly Chuuya was being hurled back by multiple guards. More than what had escorted them down there. While the familiar tall form of her brother pulled her to her feet and shielded her from Chuuya's view.

"You've got some nerve, slug." Dazai growled.

His dark tone made the princess come out of her daze, she didn't have to see her brother's face to know he was furious. No question he and everyone else outside saw the whole thing. A glance over his shoulder and she saw several guards manhandling a struggling, removing the harness tying him down.

Ango stepped in with... the warden? Pushed his glasses up and said. "It's time A5158, your clocks run out. Guards, take this man to the arena, where he will be executed by firing squad."

Dazai pushed Akiko back out of the guards' way as they made for the door, carrying a fuming Chuuya trying every way he could to break free. Just before they hauled him out, he made eye contact with her one more time. Stunning sapphires pleading with her violets. "If you want me to trust you, then prove it! Beautiful." He smiled sincerely before being dragged out of sight.

Ango lingered a moment longer. "Now that your business here is done, I strongly suggest you leave." With that he followed the procession leading to Chuuya's death.

Akiko was livid. For what exactly, she couldn't say. Ango's snobby, her interview being cut off, a man about to be killed for corrupted reasons… or the fact that said man went and stole a kiss from her that made her insides feel like jelly. Whatever the reason, she couldn't stand for it and would make sure her brother knew. "Dazai, we have to stop this!"

Dazai scowled. "I disagree. I say let them make Swiss cheese out of the twerp."

Akiko knocked her brother upside the head before fisting his trench coat and pulling him down to her level. "You idiot! He knows more then he's letting on. If we want to solve this case, we need him!"

Dazai blinked before sighing heavily. "I know… Damn it, I knew today was going to suck."

Recognizing the scheming glint in her brother's eye, Akiko raised a single black eyebrow. "You have a plan." Not a question, she knew him too well.

Dazai nodded, breaking from her grasp and heading for the door. "I do. But we're gonna need Randou and Hirotsu. As much as I dislike the punk, something that Ango guy said doesn't sit well with me. There's more to this whole conspiracy than meets the eye."

"What did he say?"

"I'll tell you later but for now we better hurry." He tossed her her hairpin and she quickly secured it before grabbing her bag. Dazai couldn't help but notice her slight fluster and decided to probe the issue. "Are you sure your not just looking to save him for other reasons, Sis?"

She glowered. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh… It's not like you to be so, affected. I certainly hope you didn't let him get under your skin."

"Dazai, the day I let anyone get under my skin is the day you find something worth living for. Just drop it!"

"Fine." The prince would let it go… for now.

Without another word the siblings marched out of the solitary confinement area and towards where everyone had left.

The arena Ango had mentioned before wasn't your typical colosseum with an opened roof and bleacher stands. It was more of a stone pit in the center of the penitentiary. Prison cells encircled the upper levels, high and moved back enough to keep their occupants from seeing what took place below. However, that didn't keep them from hearing it, nor from starting an uproar of excited howls and profanities. Treating the horrendous actions as more of a celebratory event.

There was a mounted dais for observation purposes directly across the pillar erected in the center of the pit where condemned souls were secured to meet their fate. Standing on that dais now was Ango and another fully armed guard, watching as the wriggling Inmate A5158-- he refused to address the prisoner by his name-- was being flushed against said pillar.

One guard held Chuuya's neck while another grabbed his feet. The warden stepped forward pressing a button on the side and what could only be described as automatic shackles appeared and wrapped around Chuuya's neck and feet. His hands remained bound in front of him with anti-gifted cuffs.

Straight across from him, just below the dais, he saw twenty or so guards loading rifles.

Pleased to see the prisoner subdued, the warden stepped forward. "Any last words, runt?"

Chuuya glowered. "Yeah, let me out of these cuffs and call me runt again, mother fucker." The warden's fist made contact with Chuuya's face, causing him to spit blood to the side. He couldn't find it in him to care when he spotted Akiko and her shity brother, Dazai, she said his name was, walking up to the dais and joining that four-eyed bastard. He had to admit, she was just as beautiful from a distance as she was up close. He could still feel the tingling on his lips from when he kissed her. He knew for a fact it wasn't just the burning sting from the fresh spilt in the corner of his lip.

The memory made him smirk.

On the dais, Akiko was being held by the large guard under Ango's orders. "I apologize doctor," he said, "but given your recent dalliance with Inmate A5158--"

"His name is Chuuya!" She snapped.

"As well as the nature of your ability, I cannot allow you free leave until his execution has been completed."

"And what about me?" Dazai asked.

"I think we both know it's pointless to try and restrain you. Besides, unlike her, there's nothing you can do to aid A5158."

Dazai shrugged before turning his gaze to Chuuya. "Those shackles around his neck and ankles, their not anti-gifted resistants like the ones on his hands." He observed, making Ango raise an eyebrow.

The guard holding Akiko shook his head, "Nah, but they're solid titanium. More than enough to hold a punny runt like him."

Below, the warden was instructing the firing squad, ready to take aim. Akiko's features darkened. "Dazai, remember what dad said…"

"Yeah." He sighed, "But it seems we won't be able to keep the property damaged to a minimum."

The firing squad cocked their rifles, taking positions and the warden called…

"Ready men!"

Chuuya had ceased his struggling, his face unreadable. However instead of facing his death, his eyes turned upward until landing on Akiko. For a moment, she swore he smiled at her and... winked.

"Aim!"

It was instantaneous. Dazai and Akiko sheared a knowing look then Akiko dug her heel into the guards foot, causing him to pull back enough for her to sock him in the face with her elbow. Dazai moved behind Ango before he could react, grabbing the gun he kept hidden at his back and twisting one of his arms behind.

"Sorry pal," He sneered in Ango's ear. "But my orders are absolute."

Dazai tossed the gun to his sister, who caught it with ease then spun around, aiming down below. Directly at the keyhole in the center of Chuuya's handcuffs… she fired.

"Fire!"

Dozens of shots fired at once, failing to notice the single shot that came a second before them. Or the large anti-gifted shackles falling to the ground. What the men below and all other onlookers did notice was the hundreds of bullets now encased in a red outline, hovering directly over Chuuya's body but never penetrating.

And then, as if just being told the funniest joke in the world. Chuuya began to laugh.


And if you're wondering why I chose to break it apart... the next chapter is titled (For The Tainted Sorrow vs. No Longer Human)(Ducks behind a rock)Ok... please here me out. I LOVE Dazai Chuuya. They are the best part of BSD to me. But I am part of a micro tiny group of the fandom that ships Chuuya and Akiko.The reason is simple. I think they are perfect for each other. Both have hot tempers, both love wine and fights, both value life and loyalty above all else. And most of all, due to her ability, Akiko is literally the only one besides Dazai who can save Chuuya's life. She may not be able to stop him like Dazai but she can still save him.And well, all BSD is missing is a forbidden romance between a detective and a mafia member... Unless Atsushi and Kyouka count as such? IDK...I also love Ranpo and Akiko but I view them more as siblings. I just don't see the heat there.And ok, Chuuya is my #1 favorite character and Akiko is my #2, with Dazai coming in at #3. And I really wanted to showcase that here.And when I was dreaming up this story I asked myself, what if there was a way to make Dazai and Chuuya annoy each other even more?That said, I still love Dazai and Chuuya the most.