Here it is! At last the chapter I've dreamed of writing since I first thought up this story.

Seriously, I had dreams of this chapter.

So please, enjoy.


For five years he'd imagined this moment over and over in his mind. Those long, silent days and nights trapped in solitude with nobody to keep company but his own thoughts. How many scenarios had he envisioned? How many times had he'd wondered what he'd say or do if he ever saw the man he'd once called his 'best friend?' The man who'd found him naked and starving in the slums and gave up his meager ration of stale bread to save his life. The man he'd fought with, laughed with, confided in. The man he would've died for who betrayed him.

In all of Chuuya's wildest dreams he never imagined their reunion to be like this. Him, playing tour guide to Suribatchi City for Yokohama's Prince and Princess, and Shirase appearing genuinely surprised to see him again.

"Chuuya, is it really you?"

"Shirase." Chuuya's voice was chillingly calm, his face unreadable from the shadow cast of his hat.

Shirase fumbled to his feet, hesitant as he took in the changes of his old friend. "Chuuya, I can't believe it, you're really here."

Dazai stepped next to his perplexed sister, pocketing his hands, inquisitive. "Friend of yours, Chuuya?" He asked. Chuuya didn't answer.

Shirase stepped closer with his palms turned up, pleading. "Chuuya, I… I'm so happy to see you. I-I thought… I…"

"You thought I was dead." There was no emotion in the statement. It was almost alarming how collected Chuuya was. His next words were just as steady. "I'm happy to see you again, Shirase…"

Shirase gaped. "You-- you are?"

"Yes…" The beginnings of a smile started forming Shirase's lips… only to be replaced with pain when Chuuya's gloved fist slammed into his cheek, then again into his eye. He would've fallen back but Chuuya grabbed the lapels of his jacket and forced him to meet his murderous eyes.. "Because now I can kill you myself."

The siblings, who were watching the spectacle didn't know what to make of it, but Dazai was the one to state the obvious; leaning closer to Akiko. "So, not a friend, I'm guessing." She shook her head.

"Chuuya, please wait--"

Too late, Chuuya punched Shirase again… then again. He refrained from using For The Tainted Sorrow, knowing that if he did, his ex-friend would die much too quickly. He had no intention of letting Shirase off that easy, mercy wasn't optional.

Another punch, followed by a kick to the stomach had Shirase crumbling to knees coughing blood and bile. Chuuya gave him no time to gather his bearings; hoisting him back up to endure another onslaught of punches. He was so disoriented that he couldn't even lift his arms. Over and over again, the gravity user was relentless, his leather gloves grew tighter the more they pounded into Shirase's face, rendering him unrecognizable from the swollen black eyes and bloody cheeks.

He slumped in Chuuya's grasp, who had tired of holding him up, so Chuuya threw him to the ground before releasing a painful roar and threw himself on top of Shirase then proceeded to wail on him more, like a wild animal in blind rage. Five years of pent-up pain and resentment… anger, all came pouring out and showed no signs of stopping. Even when Shirase went limp and seemed to stop breathing, Chuuya kept on and on.

He didn't care about his hat laying in the dirt. Had forgotten about why he was there. Didn't even register the fountain of tears streaming down his face or the primal screaming tearing through his chest. All he knew at that moment was excruciating pain rising up from the deepest parts of his heart.

He started to see red… could feel the last threads of control slipping through his fingers…

Then a pair of strong arms grabbed him from behind and pulled him off of Shirase, while a beautiful gold butterfly flew past his vision and straight to the broken body at his feet.

"Ability: Thou Shalt Not Die!"

Chuuya's red vision turned blue from dozens of butterflies emerging from Akiko's hands and covering Shirase's body. He blinked and suddenly was aware of where he was again. Remembering who he was with. Then he was aware of being locked in Dazai's grasp, the prince's arms were hooked under his, holding him like a scarecrow and he started to struggle.

"Take it easy, Slug." Dazai said, tightening his hold. "You beat the ragdoll nice and dead. Let my sister work." When Chuuya fought more, Dazai bent to his ear and whispered. "You've done enough, Chuuya. Rest." It was an order but surprisingly lacked the usual malice and arrogance Chuuya had come to associate with Dazai's voice. Something in this command gave Chuuya a strange sense of peace, like that one word from the person he hated most in the world was all he needed to drive those inner demons away and stay grounded. Coherence returned.

A gasp for air had Chuuya focusing back on the individuals in front of him.

Akiko moved back… and Shirase sat up confused but alive, all evidence of his fatal beating vanished, like it never happened. It took a moment but Akiko helped him to his feet, then he faced Chuuya again, solemnly. "Chuuya, I don't blame you for reacting that way. Gods know I deserve it. But please, please believe that I'm sorry."

Anger surged through his body, wrangling free of Dazai's hold and stomping forward. Akiko stood between them, raising her hand and ordering Chuuya to stop. He ignored her, grabbing Shirase by the lapels again. "You're sorry?... YOU'RE SORRY!!!... You sent me to prison to die, and you're sorry!"

Behind him, Dazai and Akiko shared a mystified look.

Now Shirase was desperately trying to stave out Chuuya's grip. "It wasn't me Chuuya!"

"The hell it wasn't! I was there! It was you who gave me the poisoned booze. You who called the GSS. YOU WHO GRINNED LIKE A FUCKING CAT AS THEY CARTED ME OFF!!!"

"I HAD NO CHOICE!!!" Shirase shouted back, making Chuuya raise an eyebrow. "I-I had no choice…" His eyes fell downcast with shame. "The GSO, they got the drop on me one night at the docks, they injected me with some crazy truth serum and forced me to tell them everything I knew about you, then they forced me to help them apprehend you, they never told me why they wanted you, only that if I didn't help them they'd kill all of the Sheep."

"You expect me to believe that?!" Chuuya growled, shaking him. "Don't think I forgot what you said about wanting them dead."

"I only said those things so you'd hate me!" Taken back, Shirase used the opportunity to break free, dusting off before meeting Chuuya's eyes. "Chuuya, you were my best friend… hell, you were my brother. Do you think it didn't kill me betraying you like that? I needed for you to hate me as much as I hated myself."

Chuuya began to tremble, fighting back the urge to beat him to death again. "You must really take me for an idiot if you think I'd buy any of that bull shit. We both know they couldn't have found our base without help. Instead you were willing to let us all die for a first class ticket into the city, you son of a bitch!"

"That's not what happened!" Shirase shouted. "Chuuya, they learned our run patterns and planted tainted goods for us to steal. We'd all been poisoned and would've died without an antidote, they said they'd only hand it over if I helped them get you. Our friends… the little ones… Yuan… they were all going to die Chuuya, what would you have done?!"

"I would never betray my friends! I'd have obliterated anyone who threatened them!"

"That's easy for you to say, you're gifted! I couldn't challenge the government, it was either betray my best friend or let a bunch of kids die! I wish I could change things but I can't, damn it!" There was a rock nearby that became the unfortunate victim of Shirase's anger, then he shrugged in defeat. "It doesn't matter now. After you were taken away and everyone found out what happened, they wanted nothing to do with me. Can't say I blame em'."

The mention of his other friends hit Chuuya like a ton of bricks. His hands balled into fist at his side, he forced himself to ask the question that had weighed so heavily on his mind for years. "W-what happened to them, Shirase?"

Taking a deep breath, Shirase lifted his jacket sleeve, staring at the old bracelet around his wrist. "The government did give the Sheep amnesty in Yokohama as…" He grimaced, "as a reward. The little ones went to orphanages, while the bigger kids went into foster care. But the others… The Ministry helped them get mediocre jobs and the means to start over. Last I heard, Akira was working a crane at the docks and Saya's driving a moving truck."

He almost breathed a sigh of relief, he'd feared for their lives so long. Of course the ones his age would be okay, but thinking about the kids separated in the system tore at Chuuya's heart, then another person came to mind that only made it worse. "What about Yuan, where is she?"

Shirase winced. "After we got to the city, she got a job sweeping floors at a hair salon, she saved up enough money for a train ticket to Tokyo, she went there for a fresh start. I heard she's waiting tables to put herself through beauty school." He fiddled with something in his pockets, a familiar blue bracelet, Chuuya would know anywhere. "Out of everyone, she took your apprehension the worst. She… she loved you so much, Chuuya."

Yet another dagger in Chuuya's heart. As if Yuan's old bracelet was carving the essential organ out of his chest.

Silent for most of the confrontation, the spectating agents watched as Chuuya tentatively accepted the circular piece of blue plastic. From the corner of his eye, Dazai noticed his sister's tensed shoulders and tight jawline, practically glaring at the band. He rolled his eyes before intervening.

"Ok, that's it!" Everyone looked at the Prince. "I can't take anymore of this tasteless soap opera. So then, Chuuya, either get the little quisling to tell us why he's following us, or kill him again so we can get on with our mission."

"Why don't you mind your own business, lunatic?" Chuuya said.

Shirase raised a brow, "Who's this freaky clown hangin' with you, Chuuya?"

Dazai grinned at Chuuya's scowl. "Why, I'm Chuuya's owner, of course." He said merrily, "Chuuya's my dog-- I'll be it, a very poor one-- I suppose I should be grateful that he's housebroken at least."

Shirase looked confused while Chuuya was trying his best to keep from ripping Dazai to shreds. "I swear I'm going to kill you…"

"Bad Chuuya!" Dazai scolded with a flick to Chuuya's nose, making him seeth more. "Keep that up and I'll have to have you neutered." He held his chin in thought, "Actually that's not a bad idea…"

"Why you… You think just because your dad's the King, you get to toy with people?"

"Hmmm?... Did you say something?"

"You fucking--"

"Hang on!..." Shirase cut in, looking at Dazai with new light. "You're dad's the King?... So then you're … you're the Prince of Yokohama?" He sounded almost awestruck. Then blinked and turned his gaze to Akiko. "That means… you must be…"

"A doctor." Akiko finished. More than a little irritated. "And my brother's right. We wave a case to solve. So why were you following us?"

Shirase seemed to lose the ability to speak so Dazai decided to answer for him. "The answer is obvious, Sis. He's guiding the GSO operatives around Suribatchi City like Chuuya's doing for us."

Chuuya gasped. "Is that true?" He demanded. "You're working for the government?" Again, Shirase didn't answer.

"See for yourself, I lifted this off him earlier." Dazai tossed Chuuya a plastic card, finally breaking Shirase's silence.

"Hey! That's mine!"

Sure enough, a Ministry identification card, complete with Shirase's picture. Though it was only clearance to minimal access. Chuuya's expression said explain but his eyes said you're dead. Shirase relented.

"Ok, yes, I'm working for them, but it's not what you think. I wasn't following you, I was just scouting ahead, the entrances into the crater have changed. The normal one up ahead is gone, the only way in is the south entrance through the tunnels."

"Fuck!" Chuuya cursed.

"Is the south entrance far? Akiko asked.

Chuuya nodded "At the far end of the panicula, it's a pain in the ass, you'll see why when we get there. We'll probably need to make camp when we get there and head in, in the morning at first light. Hopefully our GSS pals will be too busy analyzing that scene to chase after us."

Dazai sighed, "Well then, Sis, let's go on ahead to see if the ragdoll is telling the truth. Chuuya can catch up when he's done with his little novela drama."

Akiko was hesitant, cutting Shirase a look of wariness before ordering Chuuya to hurry up after them, then going with her brother. She looked uneasy. "Dazai--"

"I know." He interrupted. "I'm not buying his story either. He's most likely, trouble. But he's Chuuya's problem, not ours."

Akiko couldn't argue with that.

Meanwhile, Shirase waited for them to be out of earshot. "I can't believe it, that's really them… The Prince and Princess of Yokohama. Gods, the Princess is even more beautiful than the rumors say."

"She is…" Chuuya agreed. "If it weren't for her I'd be dead right now, she's… amazing."

Shirase piqued, observing the way Chuuya watched her, he sighed. "You never were one to listen to warning signs, but you've gotta know that's impossible, Chuuya. It's hopeless to think guys like us have any kind of shot with a girl like her. She probably has a line of pompous dick's to the moon waiting to swoop in on white horses and whisk her away to their castles."

"Mind your own damn business, Shirase. You don't get to pretend to be my friend anymore." Chuuya snipped.

"I never pretended, I was your friend."

"Which only makes it worse!... Five years I sat in that box wondering what I did to make you stab me in the back like that… Now, there's no point anymore. We can't change the past, so I'm done wondering. I'm done caring…" Chuuya pocketed Yuan's bracelet, strode passed Shirase and picked up his hat, dusting it off. "I'm done with you."

"Chuuya please, just listen…" Shirase pleaded with his palms up. "Come away with me! Let's ditch the corporate suits and snobby royals and get outta town, I know that guy who'll help us but we need to leave right now."

Chuuya could have laughed; a slight twinge of curiosity about whatever alleged source of aid his old friend turned traitor had, but quickly vanished. "Now you're just insane."

"Chuuya, I'm sorry!"

This time he did laugh. "You say that like it means something. It's your turn to listen, Shirase. I already killed you once, that was enough for me. But come near me again and I won't hesitate to do it again. Go back to sucking off the GSO."

"And what about you!" Shirase challenged. "Are you really going to bow down to the King's, become some Agency lap dog?"

"I owe them a debt, that's all. Whatever I do nows' got nothin to do with you or the Sheep, that part of my life is gone. This is the only time I'll warn you…Stay the hell out of my life and fuck off." Chuuya turned on his heels and started heading the direction Dazai and Akiko went. Leaving Shirase to stew in his own anger.

"Go if you want, but never forget you had nothing and no one before I found you, Chuuya! Nothing at all! What I did was bad but those Agency snobs will use you and throw you away like the garbage they think we are! You wait and see!"

Chuuya refused to look back, he had to keep moving forward. If he didn't, the grief of his old life would eat him alive.


Turns out Shirase hadn't lied about the normal entrance into the crater. It hadn't been blocked off, it was af if it never existed. The trio had no choice but to keep heading south.

When Dazai asked why Chuuya couldn't just fly them down into the crater, his response was because there was no guarantee that wherever he dropped them off would be the same as before even with the anchors. It was best for them to all enter the crater together at the same time and stay together.

After treading along the rest of the afternoon, they finally reached the edge overlooking the ocean and decided to make camp since Chuuya said the best time to find the tunnels was daybreak. He hadn't said anything about his confrontation with Shirase and the siblings didn't ask.

Now after a mediocre meal and decompression, Dazai laid by the fire with his arms acting as a pillow behind his head; his trench coat had been chivalrously draped over his sister's shoulders as she read her newest medical book on the latest surgical techniques she and her father would test out together later on.

Until she removed her reading glasses and started trying to work out the tight knots in her neck. "Ugh! I swear, when we're done with this case I'm taking a month-long vacation to the onsen resort."

"Only a month?" Dazai mused. "Your last vacation was three months at dad's villa in the Riviera."

"What can I say, the spas and boutiques there are spectacular." Akiko smirked. "But nothing feels better than a nice long soak in a hot spring with a fine bottle of warm sake."

"Or in your case five bottles… and the attendant who served it."

"Well he was cute." She defended. "And it was his first time, he needed to loosen up. Besides, you're not exactly in any position to judge such things big brother… I doubt anyone can add up the number of innocent maidens who's panties you've waltzed off… or tried to have strangle you to death."

"Comes with the Prince title I'm afraid, little sister." Akiko rolled her eyes at her brother's proud smirk. "Speaking of waltz… How over the moon do you think dad is right now since he's basically hosting the ball?"

"I'm sure Uncle's ready to cut off his smug face and feed it to Sensei Mii. No doubt Dad's just itching for me to get home so he can drag me and Elise to every shop in town to find our perfect dresses."

Dazai sighed. "He's only dragging us to the ball so he knows those ten years of ballroom dance classes he forced us to endure didn't go to waste. What a living hell those were."

The princess smiled then pursed her lips. "You're just sore because you could never beat me at the Tango."

Dazai directed a single glaring eye at his sister. "It's not that I couldn't beat you, it's that you were too strong a dancer Sis. Nobody can keep up with you!"

"I know." Akiko beamed, which made her brother relent as she started to chuckle. Then she glanced on the other side of the fire where Chuuya was laying propped up on his supply bag with a cigarette wedged between teeth, fiddling with the hunting knife she'd lent him. Her smile faded and her brows frowned. "Do you think he's okay?"

"When Is dad not okay?"

"Not him… Chuuya." Honestly sometimes her brother begged to be hit in the head.

Dazai shrugged. "Who cares about him?"

"Dazai…" Akiko scolded. "How would you feel if your best friend did that to you?"

"I don't have a best friend, Sis. If I did, he'd probably die before me, which wouldn't be fair."

"You're unbelievable."

"Ugh! Fine…" He groaned. "I don't know why you care so much, but he clearly got out a lot of his issues today. I think if he survived living out here, and survived five years in the GSO Penitentiary, he'll survive a little emotional turmoil. But it's none of our business so just let him mope. It'll give me plenty of teasing amo for later."

Now Akiko did hit her brother upside the head, if only to wipe off his cheeky grin. Still, even if she couldn't imagine what Chuuya was feeling right now, she knew him being emotionally unbalanced when they'd need him focused wasn't a gamble they could afford to make if the labyrinth was as dangerous as they say. She needed to make sure Chuuya got all of his issues out.

There was only one thing to do.

She waited till Dazai was asleep, not easy given his irregular sleep patterns. Then rummaged through her bag for her desired item and got up-- not really surprised to see Chuuya still awake and playing with the knife.

Crimson brows raised in confusion when she stood over him, arms crossed and nose crinkled. "Get up." She demanded. His eyes darted around, as if to make sure she was actually talking to him, she tapped her foot. "You heard me. Get. Up."

Chuuya quickly scrambled to his feet, still confused. But unwilling to incite the princess' wrath. "Is-- is something wrong?" He asked, piqued when he looked over and saw Dazai fast asleep.

Akiko clicked her tongue. "Yes. You." Now he was really confused. She scuffed. "Right now you're angry. Anger leads to incompetence, if what you say about the labyrinth is true then we can't have you incompetent. We need you clear-headed and on your A-game."

Understanding dawned on him with an amused grin that caused a chuckle to escape his lips. Her annoyance only made it worse till he got control, expression serious but mirthful. "What do you suggest we do to fix that... Beautiful?" He asked, intrigued by her answer.

She gestured to the knife on the ground. "Do you know how to use it or is it just for picking your nails?"

Not what he was hoping but was curious about where she was going with this. "I know how to use it."

"Prove it!" She challenged, surprising him by pulling the knife's twin from her skirt. Where was she hiding that?

He blinked. "You're challenging me to a knife fight?"

The corners of Akiko's lips turned up, she nodded. "At the Agency, everyone has to be clear minded and on their toes at all times. When we're frustrated or angry, we fight it out. Keeps our senses sharp and beats paying therapy bills. What you need right now is to fight out all of that pent up rage. And I'm happy to oblige you… unless you're afraid of losing to a woman?"

Chuuya shook his head like he wasn't taking her seriously. "Alright, you're on." He said, pick up his knife with a showy twirl. "I'm assuming abilities are off limits?"

Akiko nodded. "Don't worry, if I hit anything vital I'll heal you."

"Well that's reassuring. And a little arrogant to assume you'll land a hit on me." He said as they moved away from the camp to have more space to move. "Any end goals in mind?"

Akiko thought for a moment then loosened her black tie so it hung more lax around her neck. "My tie, your hat. First to remove either wins." Chuuya agreed, stroding a few paces away then turning to face her, knife ready in hand.

"You know, I didn't think you were a Dinner and a Movie date kinda girl, but I can't say I had you pegged as a Knife Fight Under The Stars type." He said with that sly smirk that didn't make her heart race.

She gazed up at his meaning and sure enough, not a cloud in the night sky, just a blanket of endless stars. Almost breathtaking. She'd never given much thought about how obscured the city lights made them, how tragic to be denied such a glorious sight.

She shook herself out of her daze, attention back to her opponent and smirked. "Sorry, but you're going to have to beat me if you want to know what kind of date I like."

"Fair enough." Chuuya said. "What do I get if I win?"

Akiko tapped her chin in thought. "Hmm… how about I let you keep that knife for good?"

"Deal!" He agreed and took his stance.

Akiko did the same, holding the hilt of her knife close to her chest. "But I should warn you… I haven't lost a knife fight since I was twelve years old." She said proudly.

Chuuya laughed dryly but didn't respond. Gripping his blade like a professional. Impressed to see she left no openings.

Everything was still. Only the faint crackling of the dying fire and distant splashing of ocean waves broke through cold silence. Chuuya's lapis irises darkened, boring into the princess' lilac ones. A gentle breeze blew soft wisp of flame red hair and midnight black, they didn't care. The rest of the world vanished around them.

Begin!

Akiko opened by charging with a quick swipe of her blade that Chuuya dodged with ease. She'd expected as much… and so did he, because when she spun to swipe again he blocked with his own blade then used momentum to push her back. He may have taken her off guard to strike, were it not a predictable move. When he moved to strike, she ducked. Using her agility to her advantage, slashing at Chuuya's belly like she wanted to gut him. Fortunately he jumped back and returned to his defensive position.

Akiko did the same. Now they were circling each other, looking for the perfect opportunity.

"You're good." Chuuya complemented.

"You're not so bad either." She reciprocated. "But you've been on the defense since we started. That's boring… Show me what you can really do, Chuuya."

He smirked. If that's how she wants it. He attacked. Surprising her by extending his blade to jab her in the chest, she blocked. Then he began a series of onslaught attacks that forced her into defense. She knew what he was doing and wouldn't be fooled, she just had to hold her ground for the right moment. It came when he shifted to slash right for her tie and she quickly blocked, batted his knife back and spun with a precise kick to his abdomen.

Chuuya didn't have time to grab his middle because he was too busy holding off a furious bout of offensive attacks from one incredibly feisty princess. Seriously, she could have ruled the slums if she'd had the same upbringing as him. Every one of her moves was perfectly timed and executed. She was exhilarating, but it was in her attacks that Chuuya started to notice a change in her demeanor. He'd dare to say she was angry. Perhaps he wasn't the one who needed to fight out their issues?

He might've been concerned were he not spurred on by his own inner turmoil.

That gave him the motivation he needed to stop seeing this as a game, and start fighting for real. To his amazement, it seemed to please her. Before long they're match became an endless flurry of swipes, lashes, kicks, blocks, slashes, and dodges. Sparks flew from the friction of the combating blades… and from their dulling wielders.

Somewhere along the way, Chuuya forgot about the ache in his heart; focused only on the adrenaline coursing through his veins and the thrill of the fight. Who knew fighting without his gift could be so euphoric? Or was it the woman who moved with deadly grace and fierce determination, filling his senses with her intoxicating jasmine scented perfume that was setting his blood on fire?

Eventually their strikes became more fluent, less aggressive, more swift to counter the flawlessly synced dance of their footwork. When their bodies drifted closer together, Akiko used the opportunity to swipe upward with Chuuya's hat as her intended target, but he counted by jumping back, her blade barely grazing the rim.

They both tried to take defensive stances again, but the heaving of their chest, trying to catch their breaths had them half doubled over. Never breaking eye contact. Chuuya was the first to comment. "You don't like to lose, do you?"

Akiko shook her head. "Not in my repute. You're the same way." He nodded in agreement.

"I know why I needed a good fight, but what's your excuse? Have I done something to offend you?"

She half snorted, half laughed. "Don't flatter yourself. Two of my colleagues were brutally murdered and I'm passed about it. My brother doesn't like to fight me when I'm pissed because he knows I won't hold back. You don't seem to mind."

"And that's the only reason?" Chuuya rebuffed.

"Of course." She'd already recovered from her hysterical episode the day before, and she was in no way thinking about the look on Chuuya's face when inquired about his old girlfriend, or the way he held that token from her. She'd feel much better once the killers were brought to justice… maybe strap them to her table for a while. "Let's end this."

Chuuya smiled. "Let's…"

They charged at once, knives clashing in the middle, it was Akiko who drove off the other knife. Spinning and thrust he's at most of Chuuya's vital points. He blocked all with ease and narrowly managed to dodge a cut to his left cheek. Then he paired her attacks with his own, only these weren't meant for harm.

He made sure to occupy her with a barrage of attacks to counter. Forcing her to stay on defense before baiting her to attack. It happened when he stepped back and she shifted her weight to use the knife to knock his hat off…

Only she didn't move fast enough. For a split second, her body was frozen in place. No, not frozen… weighted. And Chuuya used the opportunity to knock Akiko's knife clean out of her hand. She gasped.

And then she found herself pulled close to Chuuya's chest, his left arm holding a tight grip on her waist, while his right held the monogrammed hunters knife to her throat.

They stayed embraced like that for some time, straining to catch their breath. Then Chuuya slowly moved the tip of his blade down her collar and used the tip to cut the black tie from around her neck. He held it up and grinned.

"I win."

Akiko's eyes burned with rage, she shoved out of his grasp. "You cheated! I know you used your ability just then!"

Chuuya chuckled. "You know what they say, Beautiful… 'All's fair in life and war.'"

"Love."

"Excuse me?"

Akiko crossed her arms. "The saying is 'All's fair in love and war.'"

Chuuya pursed his lips. "That makes more sense, actually. Life's anything but fair. Not that I know much about the other either."

The princess piqued. He didn't? She looked away. "Neither do I." Before he could inquire further, she asked… "Feel any better?"

Chuuya thought about it. "Actually, I do. Thanks, Doctor."

The briefest of smiles graced her lips before she stomped over to retrieve her weapon.

"So are you going to tell me your idea of a good date, or not?"

She rolled her eyes. "Or not." She answered. "You didn't really beat me. If you ever dance with me again and win fair and square, then maybe I'll tell you." Chuuya nodded, like he'd happily accept that challenge. "You can hold on to the knife though." She said as she strode past him. "You might need it."

Chuuya wouldn't disagree, but then he remembered something else. "Don't you want your tie back?" He asked, holding it up."

Akiko looked over her shoulder with mild annoyance. "It's ruined now so throw it away. I have others." With that she went back to her side of the camp, leaving Chuuya more than a little marveled.

He should have discarded the ripped piece of cloth that held the faint scent of jasmine, but instead he tucked it in his back pocket. Perhaps Shirase was right about the odds being against him, but Chuuya had beaten impossible odds all his life.

Akiko tucked herself into her sleeping bag, thankfully feeling lighter than before. Her irritation was gone, replaced with butterflies in her belly-- not the ones from her ability. How could I have been so stupid? Then confusion befell her. Why did I care so much? Followed by the irrefutable realization. He beat me… She'd never tell him that she was reaching her limit and he would've won regardless, she was skilled enough to know a stronger opponent. Whether he cheated or not, didn't matter. Chuuya had beaten her in a knife fight. Thank goodness Dazai didn't see. She thought before settling in for sleep.

Unknownst to her, Dazai hadn't been as asleep as she thought. And his hand balled into a fist hard enough for his nails to draw blood.


By first light, the trio was up, made breakfast, and packed up camp. Ready for Chuuya to guide the rest of the way to the south entrance.

Which turned out to be an unfinished sewer pipe on the cliffside, large enough for a person to walk through.

"There it is." Chuuya said, pointing downward where a hint of circular shaped metal peaked out against foamy white rocks by the ocean.

Chuuya wanted to float them down but Dazai insisted he and Akiko use rope, refusing to have a repeat of the helicopter fiasco. Much to their annoyance. Once they reached the pipe, the Prince did a once over and noticed the rising tide. "Well, we can count our blessings that our government pest hasn't made it here yet. Hopefully the tide will hinder their pursuit. Let's just hope there's other ways out of the crater."

"There were five years ago." Chuuya said. "Now I can't say for sure so we better be safe than sorry." He removed his right glove and used Akiko's knife to cut his hand then pressed it to the pipe wall, leaving a handprint.

"That's how you get Tetanus, you know?" Dazai snarked. "Do your other hand too."

Chuuya groaned, tossing Dazai the knife. "It's another anchor, Idiot! You two should do the same so we can find our way back."

"Eww! No thank you."

"Just do it, Dazai!" He whipped around to see Akiko donning her glove, having already left a bloody print next to Chuuya's. "It's just a precaution."

Dazai scowled. "Ugh, fine." Not even wincing from the swift cut to his palm. He left his mark by his sister's, then gave the blade back to Chuuya.

"Alright, look alive your majesty's. This is where things get interesting." Chuuya waved his arm for the siblings to follow and together the trio strolled down the pipe to the entrance of the crater… and the labyrinth phenomenon within.

Unaware that the three bloody handprints left behind, turned to two… Because one was absorbed into the foundation.


Another fit of coughs wrecked the small body. Chilled despite the beads of sweat rolling down her small brow.

It had been two days since little Sakura's uncomfortable rasp turned into full-blown pneumonia and she was only getting worse. Bedridden and delirious with fever.

Oda was reaching his wits ends. It was hard enough trying to keep the other children's worries at bay, but trying to control his own was nearing impossibility. Without proper medical care, Sakura would die. But he wasn't sure she'd survive the difficult course out of the labyrinth and onto the mainland. She couldn't even get out of bed.

Truly, Oda was between a rock and a hard place. He had no choice but to gamble with a four year old's life.

Her sickly complexion and rattled breathing tore through his heart like a red-hot poker. He placed another cool rag to her forehead and took his seat on the edge of her cot. Grateful Gide had moved the other children to the other side of the base, despite their protest. He couldn't risk their lives too.

Oda tucked Sakura's favorite doll into the crook of her arm and kissed her clammy cheek. A stray tear slipped from his eye. Please, if there is a God. Let her live.

The urgent sound of running boots tore him from his prayers. Gide entered the doorway. Red eyes wide with fear. "Sakunosuke! We have a big problem."


There we have it...

What do you think, was Shirase really sincere with his apology? Do you believe his reasons for betraying Chuuya?

Or is Dazai right as usual?

Hmm... I won't say to much, but I will say that Akiko's tie may have some significance later on... Much later on.

Until next time!