I think the chapter title says it all...;)


In hindsight they probably should've listened to Ango. At least that's what Dazai thought listening to Chuuya's manic laughter. He was really beginning to think so when a long crack started from the pillar the slug was tied to, running down the foundation and spider webbing up the wall, splitting it apart.

Chuuya finally stopped laughing, his crimson locks shaded his features, but his lips curled into a fox-like grin that sent shivers down the spines of all watching him. Nobody dared breath, much less move. Even the guard who was nursing a bloody nose thanks to Akiko's sharp elbow didn't seem to register the pain he was in from the terror wrecking his body.

The princess lowered her gun, eyes wide and lips parted at what she was seeing. The prince however, was less awed and more put off by seeing all of those bullets floating around Chuuya's body. This was a bad idea, he thought.

A second later… BOOM!

The entire prison shook when a crushing kinetic energy force of gravity caved in the whole area around the pillar Chuuya was tied to. It looked as if a wrecking ball had just slammed into it. Dust and gravel clouded the air like smoke, causing many to cough and blink in a desperate attempt to rid themselves of the debris filling their eyes and lungs, but Dazai and Akiko never took their sights off of Chuuya-- who was now engulfed in the debris cloud.

Finally, the dust settled…

The pillar was a pile of stones and the floor beneath it was a twisted, shallow crater where the only spot still intact was the small patch Chuuya was now standing on. Free of all his binds and stretching his arms over his before tucking them into his jumpsuit pockets. All the while the bullets remained levitating.

He looked back up at Akiko and smiled. "That was one hell of a shot, Beautiful. Seems I'm in your debt… Give me five minutes and I'm all yours." He ignored her narrowed eyes and fixed the warden and firing squad with a murderous glare, making the warden jump when he spoke directly to him. "I told you to call me a runt again, mother fucker." He loved how the warden was visibly whimpering, the squad next to him not much better. "I believe these belong to you. Have them back!" Chuuya jumped, rotating his weightless body and kicked the bullet back at his executioners with twice as much force as when they were fired at him.

The warden soiled himself seeing all who had been standing right next to him lying motionless and bloodied on the ground. He squealed when suddenly his body rebelled against him and he was dragged across the way and forced to come face to face with a pair of predatorial blue eyes. "So, go ahead. Call me a runt again, mother fucker." Chuuya growled.

The warden shook his head. Tears and snot poured down his face, only adding to Chuuya's anger. "A pathetic worm like you isn't worth the blood on my boots. Get outta my sight!" One gravity infused kick to the face and the warden was thrown into the wall on the other side of the arena. Body completely broken.

Ango finally gained the ability to talk again and glared at Akiko. "What have you done?" He asked, breaking free from Dazai's grip. "You're both under arrest for obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting a convicted felon, as well as association to multiple accounts of murder!"

Dazai and Akiko scowled, not the first time they've heard that speech but definitely not the right time to start reciting it. It was Dazai who voiced the issue. "I think you should save the arrest warrant till after we make it out of here alive!"

"And who's fault is that?! You Agency members are all the same. No consideration for the consequences of your actions and a complete lack of respect for--"

The dais began to rumble. No, the entire prison was vibrating. All standing on it turned to see Chuuya now eminenting and burning red aura. The stone floor beneath his feet started cracking until it literally… uprooted. Creating a small pedestal Chuuya used to elevate himself until he was eye level with Ango and Dazai. He acknowledged Akiko with a warm smile. "I've got no qualms with you, Beautiful…" Then he faced Dazai and his expression hardened. "You on the other hand… I owe you for all the pipsqueak remarks earlier." A swipe of his feet cut the stone pedestal in half and a firm kick sent a piece of it hurdling at Dazai like a missile.

Reacting quickly, Dazai shoved Ango to the left then leapt to the right, taking Akiko with him as the boulder drove into the dais, destroying it. The siblings rolled on the ground with Dazai trying to shield his sister from the crumbling pieces of dais and wall.

Akiko coughed into her brother's coat before meeting his condescending, I told you so expression. "And to think we had the perfect opportunity to let him die..." He snarked and the princess rolled her eyes as he pulled them both to their feet.

Akiko spotted her medical bag then turned back to her brother. "I'll handle the casualties. You handle him!" She gestured at Chuuya, who was still floating on a small piece of floor. Dazai raised his brows.

"Oh sure. Give me the easy job!" He said sarcastically.

"Dazai, you're the only one here who can stop him so do it!" She shouted before sprinting for her bag, throwing it open and removing her personal favorite 'tool,' a large razor sharp meat

cleaver as long as her leg that she usually carried over her shoulder. She admired the way the sharp edge gleamed, she knew it was as eager to get to work as she was.

A giddy smile and she was off.

Dazai shook his exasperated, then looked back at Chuuya. "That's easy for you to say sis, you like pain." He spotted Ango climbing out of some debris. He appeared uninjured but his suit was ruined and his glasses were bent and missing a lens. Dazai chose to ignore his furious stare when every siren and alarm in the whole damn prison went off and bars automatically appeared over all exits. Like that's gonna help.

Closing his eyes and counting down from three to one on his fingers, the prince sighed when-- right on cue-- every armed forces unit and upstart officer surrounded the area carrying shields and firearms, and every single one of them pointed at the levitating redhead now sporting an annoying scowl. Like pests needing extermination. Yep… Today definitely sucks.

Hirotsu appeared, squeezing between several officers, frantically looking for his charges in all the chaos. Relief washed over him upon spotting his prince and he made haste to his side. "My prince, I'm here to assist you!"

Dazai scowled. "Well you sure took your sweet time Hirotsu. I hope you signed enough disclosure agreements, because we're sure as hell gonna need them!"

"Apologies sir…" Hirotsu lowered his head. "Words cannot express how utterly remorseful I am to have--"

"Oh save it! And where the hell is Randou?"

"I'm not sure, I saw him in the lobby but he complained about the air conditioning being too high, then vanished."

"Damn it! I really need him right now! Without him I can't--"

Dazai was cut off when a black blur torpedoed him from behind. Hirotsu stood in shock as his prince skidded across the floor by something inhuman, leaving a deep trench in his wake.

When he came to a stop, Dazai was flipped onto his back and a small foot weighed down his chest; heavier and heavier. He tasted blood and could feel it running down his head. Words couldn't describe the level of pain the prince was feeling but he refused to show it. Especially to the arrogant little brat who thinks he's so big and bad just because he defies all laws of nature. Big whoopty doo… Two can play at that game.

Chuuya snickered looking down at Dazai, his hands never leaving their pockets. "Well… Not so high and mighty now, are you, asshole?

Dazai spit blood, his features darkening to a point that almost made the gravity user shudder. His voice also became dangerously grim. "I think you should know I really hate pain. If you're going to kill me, make it quick and painless. The sooner the better."

Chuuya scuffed. "You really are a suicidal nutcase."

"And you're just a cocky overconfident child. I hate people like you."

Wanting to wipe that smug look off his face, Chuuya swiped his boot over Dazai's face, causing him to spit more blood. "News flash punk, I'm twenty-three, not a child. And I hate condescending pricks like you more than anything in the world." He growled. "I've been meaning to ask, what's with the bandages? You tryna get a head start on Halloween or something?"

"If I were going to do that, I'd just have a mask made of your face. I'd scare all the little children. And for your information, I too am twenty-three, but at least I grew up past needing a highchair."

"Bastard. I'm really gonna enjoy tearing you apart. Tell you what, I can kill you now or I can kill you after you tell me what all this crap with Arahabaki is about? I'm fine either way.

"Oh really?" Dazai's face turned from dark to amused. "How interesting… So you are invested in Arahabaki, for what reasons I wonder?"

"That's my business! Dazai, was it?" Chuuya was sure that the name left a bad taste in his mouth. "Well Dazai you better start talking. Otherwise I'll have to pull my trump card."

The prince's smile could've frozen fire, and his snicker wasn't much better. "A trump card? Could it be a card of power? If so, that just makes my job a whole lot easier.

Chuuya was about to question further, were it not for the silver glint in the corner of his eye; jumping into the air and flying back to perch himself on the side of the wall like a refrigerator magnet. Narrowly avoiding Akiko about to chop him in half.

Chuuya grinned when he saw the enormous cleaver she wielded like an extension of her body. He didn't miss the adorable crinkle of her nose and the pout of her lips, or the irritated way she tossed her gorgeous black hair back as she helped her brother to his feet. The way her violet eyes burned like wildflowers basking in the sunshine when she pinned him with a death glare only seemed to entice him more. He swore his heart skipped a beat. She's even more beautiful when she's tryna kill me. All thoughts made his body react. He didn't even try to hide his amusement when he spoke. "Gorgeous, smart, and knows how to fight?... If you like wine and rock music, you've got the whole package. Beautiful."

Akiko slung her clever over her shoulder and planted her other hand on her hip and glowered. "You know, unlike my brother I've got nothing against short guys. What I do have a problem with is misogynistic pigs who believe they can take whatever they want whenever they want from a lady."

"Aw, don't tell me you're mad about that kiss earlier? I rather enjoyed it."

The princess threw her head back in mock laughter. "Ha! I'd hardly call that a kiss. But if you'd be so kind as to come down here so I can cut off your annoying limbs, I might see fit to let you keep your tongue since you seem to be under the delusion it's God's gift to the world."

"Kinky. But you could at least buy me dinner before asking me to demonstrate how I use my tongue."

Akiko blinked, warmth creeping up her neck straight to her cheeks. She shook away the fluster and replaced it with anger. "You know what, forget your limbs, I'm gonna cut off your damn head so I can sew that big mouth of yours shut."

Now it was Chuuya who laughed. "Just finishing what you started."

Dazai stepped forward, looking between the two. "Sorry to interrupt, but will you two get a room before I hurl? Thanks…"

Akiko looked offended by the insinuation while Chuuya just snorted. "Why don't you get lost. The lady and I were having a conversation."

Tucking his hands back in his coat, the prince gestured for his sister to leave before a smirk curled his lips and his features darkened once again. "Go on sis. They need you over there. Leave the little slug to me."

"STOP CALLING ME LITTLE, DAMN IT!" Chuuya shouted. And Dazai chuckled.

"Oh, So hight jabs are one of your Achilles heels? That just makes this so much better." He snickered.

Akiko raised a brow, recognizing her brother's expression. She knew it was best to relent and give him his space, still he needed reminding. "Remember Dazai, we're supposed to bring him back alive. But dad said nothing about bringing him back in one piece."

"I know. Don't worry, I've got him all figured out now."

Akiko sighed, "You baited him into attacking you, didn't you?"

"I had to know exactly what I was dealing with. Get going and wait for my signal."

"Fine. Just be sure to give me plenty more casualties to play with afterwards."

"And they call me insane." Dazai mumbled as Akiko ran to help more injured Hirotsu came and offered his assistance but Dazai ordered him to find Randou instead. Now it was just him facing off against Chuuya. "Now, where were we?" He feigned indifference, "Oh right… you were going to tell me everything you know about Arahabaki."

"I'm not telling you anything, asshole." Chuuya said. "First I'm going to beat the living shit out of you, then I'm gonna finish taking out every other asshole in this joint."

Dazai smirked, "Is that so? Hmm… You said your name was Chuuya, correct? Well then Chuuya, let's make a bet. Come at me with all you've got and if you win you can do just that, but if I win…" His face morphed into a cheeky grin that made Chuuya see red. "You tell me everything you know and become my dog for the rest of your life."

"That does it!" The wall Chuuya was stuck too caved in under his weight as he used it for momentum and shot off, pinballing in a compressed area surrounding Dazai and picking up speed. "You asked for it, bastard!" He called, bouncing off the Iron railing above, taking out several armed men in the process. Faster, faster, and faster. Dazai yawned, unfazed by the display. It was getting tedious, honestly he should've brought his favorite book to read. His nonchalant attitude was really infuriating Chuuya, he would obliterate this arrogant ass. Nobody looks down on him and lives. And nobody survives his ability, it was gravity itself! Now he'd use it to teach this bandaged, suicidal lunatic a lesson. He began condensing gravity into a single fist as he continued flying through the air. He had to keep going to throw his opponent off, the jerk would never know where he'd strike from until it was too late. "Take this!!!" He chose to attack from the right side. There was enough force in his fist to punch a whole through a mountain, it would vaporize bastard.

Fist just millimeters from his target… Dazai lifted a single finger, halting Chuuya's attack midair. One blink and Chuuya saw the sly smirk on Dazai's face just as a sky blue light enveloped his blood red aura. He felt his power leave him, almost the same feeling as when those damned ani-gifted cuffs were placed on his wrist. And then he was on the ground before even realizing he was falling. Eyes wide staring at Dazai's hand clutching his now powerless fist. "W-what the hell?" He breathed.

A dry chuckle left Dazai, combined with his dark smirk, Chuuya was sure he was looking into the eyes of the devil himself. "See? If you weren't so impulsive and actually took the time to think and observe…" Dazai said matter of factly, "you would have realized you're not the only one with a card of power up their sleeve, slug." Chuuya's eyes widened. "My ability allows me to nullify any and all other abilities with a single touch. Even the most biblical such as yours become obsolete when facing me. I'm what you call, anti-gifted. And the name of my power is No Longer Human."

Chuuya was stunned. In all his life no one had ever countered his ability. He may have been the only gifted member of the Sheep but that didn't mean he hadn't met other gifteds before. It never mattered what they did, his gift had always been superior. A constant form of security that set his mind at ease when growing up on the streets. Yet, this… this… Dazai not only got the better of him, he rendered his power completely useless. He was so flabbergasted he didn't even notice when Dazai raised his left fist until it slammed right into his nose with a force that even the gravity user had to admit was impressive, and sent him sailing back into the wall.

His nose was broken, that he was sure about but he couldn't even bother to care. One look at that smug mug; knowing he'd just been bested by a condescending asshole like that, made Chuuya's whole body shake with anger. He was so enraged he wasn't sure he wouldn't lose control. Hell, right now he wanted to lose control. Let's see how smug the jerk would be when a meteor disintegrated him. No! He wouldn't do that and risk her being caught in the carnage. That didn't mean he wouldn't improvise.

Sending a kinetic energy pulse through the wall, he shot up to the ceiling taking debris with him and started raining it down on Dazai, who dogged it with ease. Never once losing his composure. Exactly what Chuuya wanted. Once Dazai backed into a corner, Chuuya sent a massive piece of stone plummeting his way, leaving the prince no choice but to jump, tuck, and roll when the small meteorite decimated a large section of walkway on the level above the area. Guards scrambling to get out of the way.

Dazai got back to his feet observing the damage and sighed, knowing he'd be getting an earful later-- most likely from his uncle, but couldn't worry about that right now. He had to stay focused. Unfortunately the few seconds he'd been distracted trying to avoid being crushed was more than enough for Chuuya to act. He barreled out of the dust cloud from Dazai's blind spot, rotated his body and drove his boot heel directly into Dazai's gut. Knocking the wind right out of him and causing him to retch blood.

He caught himself before falling, dodging Chuuya's attempted punch. He jumped back, and Chuuya followed. Dazai was impressed to see he wasn't infusing gravity with his combat attacks, simply using it to manoeuvre himself. So he's not as dense as he looks… even so… Even with his body screaming in pain, Dazai continued evading Chuuya's attacks with ease. Jumping, leaping, flipping. All while retaining an amused smile that just kept egging Chuuya further.

Finally Dazai backflipped and Chuuya sailed past him. When he came back up, he shifted his weight spinning to the left, aiming to throw a solid right hook. Meanwhile, Chuuya managed his airborne flip, turning back to Dazai and readied his right leg. Raising it high over his head and bringing it down full force.

Dazai's fist met Chuuya's foot with a clap of thunder, a cosmic light show of crimson and indigo resonated with each other, responding to one another… canceling the other out. The gale force

winds screaming from such a colossal storm of power was enough to have every onlooker struggling to stay grounded.

But not the two men at it's center.

Seething blue eyes met cocky brown.

For a moment, Dazai almost felt an inkling of elation and life, while Chuuya tried desperately to ignore a slight tingle coming from his left arm, as well as a little voice way in the back of his head saying he was having fun.

There was a split second after No Longer Human naturalized For The Tainted Sorrow where Chuuya took the opportunity to catch himself and reactivate his ability once he and Dazai ceased to touch and flip back to the ground. If he wasn't annoyed before, seeing the arrogant jerk keep his hands inside his pockets just like he did, and still look so unaffected by anything that just transpired, made Chuuya livid. Just what the hell is this guy's deal?

"If I didn't know better," Chuuya murmured, "I'd say you weren't taking this seriously… Is this all some kinda game to you?

Dazai smirked. "Everything's a game to me. And I always win."

"You make me sick! It's egotistical pricks like you that really piss me off."

Suddenly, Dazai's whole demeanor changed. Once arrogant and sheepish, now glower and reserved. "My ego has nothing to do with it, Chuuya. I'm cursed to walk through and observe this predictable stage show called life where reality is in the things one believes but can never make me believe."

"Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Something caught Dazai's eye in the pile of rubble behind Chuuya, fortunately he seemed ignorant. I guess it's time?... Closing his eyes, the prince mentality prepared himself for the final bount. "I wouldn't expect someone as rambunctious as you to understand. Let's finish this."

"Fine by me." Chuuya said, then ran forward, not bothering with his ability. Dazai met him halfway and avoided every swing Chuuya took at him. Kicking off a rigorous game of who could best the other without supernatural assistance. Two superhumans caught in a deadly dance of blows and counterattacks, both refusing to relent. Chuuya swiped to left, flipping back for a spin kick to Dazai's head, but Dazai spun grabbing his ankle and whirled the smaller man over his shoulder, But Chuuya used his other foot to break free and catch him off guard long enough to land a hit to Dazai's face. He smirked with pride for finally gaining the upper hand before panic set in when Dazai showed no sign of discompose, instead Dazai grabbed Chuuya's arm, pulled him down and rotated them both, forcing Chuuya to face him while he held a firm grip on his arm and shoulder.

"I win." Dazai smiled, making Chuuya's blood run cold as a long bang rang in his ears and a sharp sting hit his back, ripping straight through him.

Time slowed. Chuuya tasted blood but couldn't register it flowing from his mouth. His wide blue eyes blinked down and he saw the small gaping hole in his chest. Another blink and he noticed Dazai wasn't standing at his full height, instead he was crouched so his bolo tie was level with Chuuya's heart. That's when he noticed the metal emblem in the center of the tie was completely caved in due to the bloody bullet now embedded in it. Another blink back to Dazai's eyes and he knew… somehow he knew the psychotic bastard planned every second of this down to this very moment. He wanted to curse but no words came. Instead he collapsed in a heap to the ground on his back.

Glancing the opposite direction, he saw the four-eyed government hack looking pretty worse for wear but still standing firm with a small gun-- small enough to fit in one's shoe-- aimed high in his grip. The last thing he registered before his heart stopped was Dazai calling out a familiar name, and wishing she'd been the last thing he saw before he died.

Darkness. That was all. Cold, empty darkness enveloped him. No up or down, just an endless abyss of nothingness. How nostalgic. It was just as he remembered. Floating along with no sense of time or reason. He had hoped never to return to this lonely existence, hoping it would just remain a bad dream he could wake up from and allow the warm radiance of sunlight to drive the memories away. That wouldn't be the case this time. He'd continue floating, not existing, let the darkness swallow him whole. This time he knew no strange cosmic hand would reach in and pull him into life. He couldn't tell if his eyes were open or closed… or if he even had eyes, or even a body. He had no choice but to allow the silent current carry him into oblivion...

Something blue fluttered over his vision. A blinding blot of color chasing away the endless black. It came closer and he could faintly recall the name of the shape… a.. butterfly? Yes. A blue butterfly, dotted with gold rapidly beating its gorgeous wings, releasing warm, almost comforting dust that seeped into his being. Making him feel… alive again. He felt a tug on his soul marveling at the beautiful creature, and then his vision filled with the image of an even more beautiful creature. The same one he had wished to see before he returned to darkness. An ethereal glow framed Akiko's porcelain features. Her dazzling eyes and warm smile shattered the lonely seclusion of his soul and the soft touch of her hand on his cheek demolished every barrier he'd built around his heart. She was without a doubt an angel.

"Welcome back to the land of the living." She mused.

Chuuya blinked and was suddenly aware he was back at the penitentiary, air filled his lungs again and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he'd been shot but felt no pain, matter of fact his face no longer hurt from when the warden and Dazai hit him. If anything, he felt better than he'd ever felt in his life. Slowly, he tried sitting up.

"W--what the hell happened to me?" He murmured, looking down at his chest and seeing his jumpsuit covered in his blood and the small bullet hole through the fabric. But when he examined it, there was no wound.

"Simple, you died and came back." Akiko said.

Chuuya's eyes widened. "How?"

Akiko smirked, there would be time to explain later. For now they had to complete the mission. "It was all part of Dazai's plan." Now that flabbergasted the gravity wielder more. But Akiko didn't care. Instead she glanced over his shoulder. "Alright Randou, he's all yours." She said, rising to her feet and doning on her right glove.

Chuuya didn't even notice the tall man dressed for a winter blizzard approach him until a raspy voice said, "Right away, princess." Then found himself inside a giant yellow cube that wouldn't break no matter how much he wailed on it.

"Hey! What the hell?! What is this?" Chuuya pounded on the walls but nothing worked. Even his ability had no effect.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Dazai appeared, hands tucked in his coat. "It's pointless to try and escape Randou's subspace. His ability is quite handy when it comes to apprehension. Not to mention transportation."

"You flatter me sir." Randou said. "If you don't mind, can we be on our way? It's much too cold here for me." He shivered.

"In a minute. We just have one last order of business." Dazai fixed Chuuya with a cheeky smile. "Well then, Chuuya Nakahara. On behalf of the Agency, I hereby offer you sanctuary in exchange for your full cooperation with matters concerning our case. Do you accept?"

Chuuya sneered. "I've got no idea what you're playing at, asshole. But there's no way I'd ever cooperate with a lunatic like you! You just killed me, damn it!"

Dazai seemed to ignore Chuuya's outburst. Turning on his heel with his back to him. "Oh by the way, you really only have two options here. One, we hand you back over to the government and they execute you. Or two, you come with us and live to see another day. Personally I'm all for the former, but I did just win the bet. Meaning if you do choose the latter, I get to make you my dog, and believe me when I say I'll work you to the bone." He snickered.

Chuuya ground his teeth. Understanding now he was trapped. "Like hell I will! I'm nobody's lackey, you bastard!!!"

"Hmm, well then, I guess it's back to solitary confinement for you. Take him back, Randou."

"Of course sir."

"Alright, that's enough!" Akiko injected. Glaring at her brother. "Dazai, really, you're insufferable." She ignored his offended scowl and approached Chuuya. "Just ignore him. Listen Chuuya, the Agency can help you but we need you to accept the offer of sanctuary, right now." She nodded her head and that was when Chuuya finally noticed the army of angry prison guards with a mansouri of firearms surrounding them, just itching for the opportunity to shoot.

He raised an eyebrow at Akiko. "Why should I?"

"Because, as difficult as it is to believe. We are trying to save your life. Claim sanctuary and you'll not only be free from this prison, you'll be exonerated and your record wiped clean. I promise you that."

Despite his reservations, something in Akiko's pleading eyes told him he could trust her. Maybe it was the fact she'd saved his life, twice now. Or maybe he just wanted to believe her. Either way, his options were limited and even if he had to tolerate that shithead, Dazai, he'd still be out of this hellhole. With a deep breath, he decided. "Fine."

Akiko nodded then turned to join her brother facing a very unhappy Ango. "All right, listen up. This man," she pointed at Chuuya, "has claimed sanctuary with the Agency. We will be taking him back with us."

"Absolutely not!" Ango uncharacteristically shouted. "Inmate A5158 is to be executed promptly, and you two are under arrest!"

"Inmate A5158 was successfully executed by government authority." Dazai pointed out making both Ango and Chuuya stammer. "Funny thing about paperwork, if not written correctly it can leave so much room for loopholes. Especially when you see criminals as nothing but numbers."

The wheels in Ango's head started turning, then it hit him. "Y--you planned this." He accused Dazai. "All of it."

"That's right." Akiko smirked, hands on her hips. "Every official document referred to the prisoner as A5158. The execution degree was that he was to be killed by government authority. Well, it just so happens that Inmate A5158 was in fact killed by a government official. Chuuya Nakahara however is now under Agency protection, directly under the king's themselves."

"And as for the matter of location..." Dazai interjected, "Randou here is an Agency executive. That subspacial prison he's holding Chuuya in is technically Agency jurisdiction, therefore Chuuya just requested protection from the Agency… on Agency soil. Which means as of right now the GSO has no authority over him."

Ango was livid. He wrecked his brain trying to find a way to counter this. How could he have been so naive and fell right into this trap? "That may be so, but that doesn't change the fact that you are under arrest for aiding a convicted felon and being accessories to multiple murders."

Akiko raised an eyebrow, "What murders?"

Sure enough, Ango circled around and saw every guard, firing squad member, and even the warden all on their feet, looking dazed but alive nonetheless.

"As for the other charge. I believe I helped apprehend said criminal, and even managed to ensure he was successfully executed." Dazai snarked.

Ango was getting desperate. "T-that still doesn't account for the property damages!"

Dazai shrugged. "Send the bill to our father. If he wasn't prepared to pay for it, he never would've sent sis and me."

Now it was Chuuya turn to be shell shocked. Did that lunatic really concoct a whole plan to free him on a loophole he just learned about an hour ago? Was momentarily killing him a necessary part of of it? More importantly, did Chuuya fall right into the plot without knowing? Who was this guy

Ango stuttered, unsure how to proceed. "Even so. You won't be leaving this premises, we have you all surrounded!" A raise of his hand and every gruad prepared to take action.

Dazai sighed. "Hirotsu, would you mind?"

The man in question stepped forward, removing his gloves. "Not at all my prince." Hirotsu knelt down, placing his hands on the ground. "Ability: Falling Camellias." A purple shockwave rippled from the old man and through the floor. A moment later, Ango and the rest of the surrounding men were all thrown back, landing in various places unharmed but subdued all the same. Hirotsu stood and bowed his head. "The path is clear sir."

"Thank you. Let's get going before they call reinforcements."

"Right." Akiko grabbed her bag. "Randou, keep him in there till we reach the car, then switch to restraints."

Randou nodded. "As you wish, miss."

"You don't trust me?" Chuuya asked and Akiko chuckled.

"At the moment, that's the safest place you can be. Just until we're out of the penitentiary."

"Besides, dogs like you belong in a cage." Dazai snickered, and his sister slugged him in the shoulder.

"Why you!" Chuuya shouted, "Just wait until I get outta here! I'm gonna--"

"Be quiet, boy!" Hirotsu glowered. "You should be great to the prince and princess for saving you."

Chuuya blinked. "Excuse me?" He asked, then looked back at Dazai and Akiko. "Just who the hell are you people anyway?"

Hirotsu raised an eyebrow. "You don't know? Well then, allow me to enlighten you…" He gestured to his charges. "These are the adopted children of Yokohama's own king of the night, Ogai Mori." Chuuya's mouth dropped. "Your life was just saved by the Agency's highest ranking executive aside from the king's themselves. Yokohama's dark prince, Dazai Osamu and his sister. The angel princess of death, Doctor Akiko Yosano."

For once Chuuya was speechless. He had heard rumors about the legendary prince and princess, everyone had. Two orphans like himself with extraordinary gifts, fortunate enough to be taken in by one of the great Soukoku warriors who saved the city. A prince with an ability no other could surpass, said to be brilliant but insane. A princess with a gift of healing, described as the most beautiful woman in all of the city. Having interacted personally-- some ways intimately-- with them, Chuuya could attest to every one of those rumors being true.

"Ok Hirotsu, that's enough introductions." Akiko sounded annoyed. "It's bad enough we have to hear it from dad." Dazai nobbed.

"Can we be off now?" Randou shivered. "It's much too cold here for me." Of course he was the only one who thought so, the siblings and Hirotsu still agreed and left the prison with Chuuya in tow. Unsure if this was the worst day of his life or the luckiest.

Dazai was positive that his initial fears from before were correct. Today was in fact the worst day of his life. And now he had to get a new bolo tie.

While Akiko was relieved to have saved Chuuya's life, she was determined not to admit how relieved she was.

Meanwhile, Ango watched as the Agency agents carried A5158-- Chuuya Nakahara away back to his boss's rivals. Knowing they got exactly what they wanted. He wasn't looking forward to this call, and unfortunately his phone hadn't been damaged in the commotion. He sighed when he hit the speed dial and director Taneda answered on the first ring, expecting good news. "Sir, I'm afraid we failed our objective. The diamond is in possession of the king's now."


To quote a dear friend of mine, "You gotta love a loophole." Lol!

And leave it to Dazai to always have an unconventional plan.

And just what could Ango and the director's reasonings have been for wanting Chuuya dead?...