Vol.2
Chapter 9
Stuck in A Dark Place Reaching For A Light
Juubi was quiet for a moment before his lips curled back into a smirk. "Fucking finally."
Alu took a deep breath and she suddenly felt a sword pressed to her shoulder from behind her. She blinked with confusion. She slowly turned her head. There, brandishing his sword, eyes red from crying, was Fukuzawa. He had his blade drawn, and pointed right at her.
"What did he mean—when he said you could fix this?" His voice was hollow. "You are saying you can fix the damage….that you caused to Kunikida?"
Alu eyed this man, who looked like the angel of death, itself. She put a hand on his sword blade pointing at her. But she looked at him straight on. Her confidence was back—she wasn't going to let that woman win. "I have an ability," she said curtly, " and I can use it to save him..and everyone else important to you."
Fukuzawa withdrew his blade finally, closing his eyes, breathing hard. He sheathed his word, hand shaky. His silence was his way of accepting her answer. Alu nodded, grateful. Fukuzawa wasn't a man of many words to begin with, Alu could tell. But she understood his distress and why he was acting the way he was.
She turned to Juubi and closed her eyes. Juubi leapt at her, and her body began to glow, a brilliant shade of silver. "Ability...Rewrite...activate… 'the gunshot rang out that Ango shot—however the man, Odasaku, though he had jumped in front to stop it from reaching its original target, wasn't able to take the bullet in place of the original target because..."
Fukuzawa's eyes widened, and he had to take a step back—the illumination was so bright he was blinded. He covered his eyes with an arm.
BANG.
…The target was prepared this time for the bullet coming for them.
The gunshot rang out that Ango shot—however, although Odasaku had jumped in front to stop it, he had another vision—just then— of the girl taking the bullet anyways!?
Odasaku found himself shoved by the girl out of the way of the bullet he was trying to shield her from and he fell back as the bullet struck her out of the corner of his eye.
Odasaku yelled out, "Ango! Stop!" Alu stood there, and Odasaku felt himself filled with horror at Ango's actions. Since when did shooting teenage girls count as justice to the Division of Unusual Powers?! Odasaku saw Alu sort of fall and filled with rage, he tackled Ango with a yell. "This isn't right!"
Dazai dashed over to Odasaku and Ango, angry with Ango as well. He helped Odasaku wrestle the gun out of Ango's grasp. Ango growled. "What the hell you two! Are you two as crazy as her, now?!"
"Shut it," Dazai snapped and he knocked Ango out swiftly. Ango crumpled like a limp noodle and Dazai breathed hard with Odasaku by his side. Odasaku grimaced.
"Dammit…" Odasaku murmured. He quickly looked up at Alu. He was worried she'd been hit badly— but his eyes widened with shock.
Alu stood, glowing with a silver outline, silver fox ears on her brown and silver hair, with ten silvery tails snaking out from behind her lower back. Her eyes were a brilliant crystal blue and purple, and in her hand, she held the bullet, letting the heated piece of metal just clink to the ground as she let it fall out of the palm of her hand. The collar around her neck cracked as she literally ripped it in half off her neck and the lightning that had been snaking its way through her body before—was no more.
Dazai himself, stared at her. But he was staring because he had been certain—not even moments before— that they had actually lost. And yet somehow, again, here was Odasaku, alive and this girl was doing yet another incredibly unpredictable thing to turn the tables around. Dazai didn't know whether to laugh or cry or honestly, what to feel. But as his gaze snapped back to Odasaku who was staring at her—all he felt was guilt. Because he had once again pushed his own feelings onto that girl—and it wasn't her fault that she couldn't always be there to save his friend. Dazai wasn't good with apologies or even acknowledging he was in the wrong because usually he just laughed at being in the wrong anyhow.
"Dazai," Alu said, calling out to him, breaking him out of his guilty train of thought.
Dazai blinked, head snapping up to attention. He blinked at her, a bit agitated. "What?"
"I need you and Mister Oda to come with me," she said.
"Do you have a plan?" Odasaku asked her, frowning as he made sure Ango was at least lying down next to the unconscious boy, Tomoe, now.
"Nope!" Alu beamed at them both. Odasaku and Dazai exchanged very concerned almost comical glances.
Alu went over to Kunikida and she squatted next to him. Kunikida was still breathing hard from where she'd earlier tore her claw like fist through his stomach. Her eyes flickered. She wrapped him up in one of her tails. Her tail glowed with a silvery glow and the wound on Kunikida, completely healed.
Kunikida's eyes snapped open and he yelped, finding himself landing on his butt as Alu released him from one of her tails.
"W-What? I'm alive? I'm alive?" Kunikida hopped up and patted himself down. "I'm alive...I'm…"
"Ah, we're not out of the woods yet," Dazai piped in, chipper.
Kunikida wanted to cry. I'm so going to die after all.
Alu was glad that Kunikida was so energetic. She felt really guilty considering she was the one who had basically almost practically killed him as it was. She shouldn't feel negative. She had to prioritize her feelings right now. Even though it was hard. Even though her throat clenched. But she was going to smile. She was going to be positive and act like nothing happened. "We're going to get Miss Yosano back from that woman—and save everyone."
In the meantime, Odasaku just let his mouth hang open. He sort of walked over to Alu, gazing at her, completely dumbstruck. "You...did you just...heal him?"
Alu blinked at him, glad for a distraction from her guilt. "Yeah?"
Dazai was also completely floored—but well— this girl already proved to be full of surprises. His mouth twitched. Huh, he felt like smiling...despite all the stress of this situation. He straightened up, coming over and patting Odasaku's shoulder. "Now, don't have a heart attack," he teased Odasaku.
"Please," Fukuzawa's voice quietly shook, slicing through the momentary good mood.
Alu quieted, and she watched as Fukuzawa, still clinging to Ranpo, attempted to rise with the boy in his arms. Alu knew what he was asking. Her eyes flickered. "Bring Ranpo over to me," she said softly.
Fukuzawa didn't need to be told twice. Wordlessly, he brought Ranpo over, and though he refused to let that boy leave his arms, he looked to Alu. Alu allowed one of her glowing silver tails to brush over Ranpo's body. As it did, his own body began to glow with the same silver hue.
Everyone was silent, watching with abject awe and amazement, as one of Alu's silver tails healed the wound that had been on his chest moments before.
Ranpo coughed. "Ugh…" he groaned, his voice cracking.
The first thing Ranpo felt was a tight hug and the feeling of his recently resuscitated lungs being crushed by his boss…
no…
His second father.
Alu watched this but she turned away, looking to Kunikida again. She wanted to smile like she had with Odasaku and Dazai but the image—the fresh rawness of what she'd done to Kunikida— made her throat tighten. She wanted to treat him like nothing had happened—but it had. Kunikida looked at her but if he was talking, she couldn't hear it.
I hurt someone…and if I'm not careful, I'll only end up losing control again… Alu shook her head. Everyone here is here because …they have their own reason. Ranpo clearly brought these different groups together. If that's the case, then…
Alu glanced once more to where Ranpo was struggling to breathe, comically, stuck in Fukuzawa's "loving" embrace. "I can't breathe—" Ranpo complained.
Fukuzawa couldn't speak. Ranpo was okay. Ranpo was alive. He was alive. That girl… he owed her. For saving Kunikida. For saving Ranpo. For being there, just, period. He owed her so much, but right now, all he cared about, was pushing back that horrible reality where Ranpo had been for a mere few minutes—gone from his grasp. If this was what it felt like to be a parent- Fukuzawa wanted to quit. No, he needed to quit. He needed to, and yet…
He hugged Ranpo tightly.
"You idiot," his breath hitched, as he growled, weakly at Ranpo. He was angry of course— Ranpo had gone and put himself into harm's way—but wasn't it natural to be this upset when it came to the well being of one's child?
No amount of anger—could replace the amount of love he felt for his stupid kid. He would never abandon his son.
That was the honest to goddamn truth.
Ranpo quieted. But he snuggled, in a rare cuddly moment, to Fukuzawa. "Yeah, I know," he didn't exactly get hugs from the President often. Fukuzawa was very reserved to an almost anal point, and Ranpo usually initiated any and mostly all hugs if there was a moment for them.
"Hey, Ranpo…you planned for this outcome in advance, didn't you." It wasn't a question. It was a flat out statement. Alu said this casually, trotting over, a hand on her hips, looking at him.
Fukuzawa froze. He looked to Ranpo, eyes wide. Ranpo finally managed to wriggle free like a worm from his grasp and he straightened up, himself, not looking at Fukuzawa. "Yes, I did," he confessed, looking right at Alu, his eyes still closed. He seemed pretty calm about being called out.
"Ranpo…how…?" Fukuzawa was always both incredibly incensed—and amazed—(in either order) at Ranpo's skill for apparently predicting the outcome of any situation he or others were involved in.
Ranpo looked to Fukuzawa, and for the first time—his expression was actually apologetic. "To be honest, there were actually two ways this could have gone down. I just rolled the dice and took a gamble, you could say. Of course, my hunch for the better outcome was inevitably correct."
Alu sighed. Yep, that sounded about right. Ranpo could seriously be one hell of a cocky moron.
"So let me get this straight," Kunikida stomped over to Ranpo, vein popping, "You planned all of this? Okay Mister Great Detective, did you plan for me to get my insides ripped out too?! Huh?! You know, not all of us know everything there is to know about that girl! Some of us could have actually died because of—!"
"Kunikida, shut up," Ranpo said sharply.
Alu grimaced, flinching. She felt bad about that already. She clenched her fists, unable to look in Kunikida's direction.
Kunikida let out a noise like an angry hot air balloon deflating prematurely. "What did you—"
Ranpo just pointed in Alu's direction.
Kunikida turned to growl—and his eyes widened with shock.
Alu had tears rolling down her face again. She tried to smile though. "Sorry," she said weakly, tilting her head, embarrassed and guilty. Although whether or not anyone could hear her apology because of how soft she had spoken, was up to the individual in question.
Kunikida's eyes flashed. He realized his insensitive remark was what caused this without Ranpo even saying anything. Damn, that Ranpo. He always knew how to read a situation—when it was suitable to him.
Fukuzawa himself stood near Ranpo, though his thoughts on the girl were not immediately apparent. However he looked to Ranpo with some concern on his face. Ranpo just glanced at him and Fukuzawa knew without him saying anything that they shouldn't interfere at this time. While Fukuzawa didn't want to appear insensitive to a girl's tears—well, he didn't exactly know how he'd be of any use comforting her anyways… But he would have to talk to Kunikida later about his tact and word choice.
"I'm sorry…" Alu said again, wiping her eyes. She didn't know why, but it seemed like no matter how many times she thought it, or wanted to say it, it wouldn't be enough to express how much she regretted almost taking—no she had… she had pretty much ended Kunikida's life in that one moment—all because of her own selfish pride…her refusal to ask for help. "Sorry…" she couldn't stop the tears. She told herself she would be stronger. She wouldn't tremble like a leaf. But here she was, positively incapable of stopping herself from trembling. She hated feeling like a cry baby. A powerless crybaby who couldn't take back what she'd done.
She breathed hard, and even Juubi, though he prowled in the recesses of her mind, was quiet. Whether or not it was to give her space or what, Alu didn't know.
To be honest, Juubi knew that Alu needed to get these feelings expressed. He knew better than anyone, that bottling things up would only lead to problems down the line. Better she cry it out like a brat so he wouldn't have to deal with her whining for as long. Her moping was just as annoying as her positivity.
Odasaku and Dazai both weren't sure what to do in this situation. It wasn't like saying "it's okay, it was an accident" would suddenly fix what had already happened. They were both ex-assassins after all. They knew better than anyone, that saying "sorry" wouldn't bring back the people that died at their hands.
But, despite this, Odasaku clenched his fist. This girl had so much weight on her and it was clear that she was not someone capable of separating herself from the kill. Odasaku's blood boiled at whoever had forced this girl into such a corner of almost taking someone else's life.
Odasaku hugged her first.
Alu blinked, confused, startled.
"Don't be so hard on yourself," Odasaku said, gruffly, patting her head.
Alu trembled. "But…I…" She knew it was stupid. Of course she looked pathetic to these guys. After all, they were ex-mafia. They knew how to compose themselves. She wanted to compose herself too, but Kunikida's words stung because they were completely true. None of them could know what she was capable of—because she was afraid of pushing too far. She already knew her fox power was really just Juubi. That wasn't her. It was Juubi who had saved Ranpo and Kunikida. It was Juubi cleaning up after her.
"Kunikida…is right," she said, shakily, pulling away from Odasaku's arms. "It wasn't even me…it's my…it's my fox that managed to even fix what happened…"
"Your Fox?" Odasaku asked, a bit confused. He was only confused because he knew her ability was to turn into some sort of powerful fox…thing? So why was she treating it like she had another living being instead?
Alu's eyes flickered. Oh right, it wasn't like she'd formally introduced Juubi to them. Most likely he'd alienate them all with his snarky attitude and lack of social propriety.
"No, I apologize," Kunikida said curtly, walking over, agitated now. He was flustered. "I was insensitive, and I should…of course you didn't mean to do that, I shouldn't have insinuated…"
Dazai twitched. Someone was watching them! He whirled, taking his eyes off of Odasaku and Alu. His gaze fell upon a familiar brat's face.
"Aww, does this mean you all won't kill each other, anymore?" A bored little girl's voice said from behind them all.
Everyone turned, but Ranpo was the only one —besides Alu, who was distracted— to not be surprised from the little girl's timing. "As you can see, whatever your lady boss was doing to the girl, has been annulled by her own will power," Ranpo stated.
"Oh, Poop," the girl huffed. "Well, that's okay!" She continued, beaming brightly at everyone and clasping her hands behind her back, she tilted her head, smiling at them.
Alu, realizing she was still close to Odasaku, felt a small blush creep onto her face. It was mostly embarrassment since she wasn't used to getting hugged by well— anyone. She also didn't exactly want to be treated like some little kid that needed comforting even though privately she wasn't opposed to someone kind like Odasaku being nice to her. Odasaku wasn't acting out of a sense of pity. Actually…Alu's eyes flickered.
She couldn't necessarily assume on anyone else's behalf, but she realized that this whole time, she had been afraid of being pitied.
But with this group standing with her, she wondered if that was even something to worry about.
You're overthinking again, Juubi growled in her head. Dammit, just do that annoying thing you always do!
Huh? Alu blinked, a bit irked. Juubi was being his usual annoying self. Despite her irritation, Alu was relieved though. Having Juubi being quiet for as long as he had, made her realize that she didn't like being left alone with just her own thoughts. After all this was over, maybe she'd get Juubi one of his favorite Japanese dishes.
"What I always do…" Alu stepped back a bit, turning to look at the girl now who just stood, humming, before them.
"Hey, I don't know what your boss lady is planning but," Kunikida turned his attention to the little girl. "It's not too late to do the right thing."
The little girl blinked at him. "Huh? What are you smoking?" She asked, tilting her head, frowning.
Dazai almost wanted to laugh. Actually, messing with that blonde guy looked like a really fun way to pass the time on a normal day. He'd have to keep that in mind… "Pfft," he said, smiling next to Odasaku. "Never a dull moment hanging around here, huh, Odasaku?"
"I guess," Odasaku replied with a sigh, frowning and assessing the little girl, himself.
"I'm not smoking anything!" Kunikida spluttered.
Alu giggled though. "I don't know Kunikida, maybe tone it down a little?" She said, though she wasn't looking at him still. She couldn't look at him without feeling the guilt well up. Even if she knew he wasn't actually angry with her—she was still angry with herself. But still, at this moment, getting those kids—and Miss Yosano back was the priority.
"I just want to let this little girl know that it's not too late to follow the correct ideals!" Kunikida whined.
"You took Miss Yosano," Alu said, walking towards the little girl. "Please, like Kunikida said…return her safely."
The others, except Ranpo, tensed, unsure of whether to stop Alu from getting so close to the little girl or to give them both space. Dazai exchanged glances with Odasaku. They didn't speak. They didn't have to. They knew if anything was going to happen that they'd both be by that girl's side without a doubt.
Meanwhile, Kunikida glanced at President Fukuzawa for directions.
President Fukuzawa just looked to Ranpo. Ranpo stayed close to Fukuzawa's side, however his expression showed absolutely no signs of distress or alarm. Fukuzawa knew that Ranpo was planning something—or rather, watching things play out.
"Sir, what are your orders?" Kunikida asked, anxious.
President Fukuzawa was still feeling particularly emotionally drained from just everything that had transpired up to this point. Ranpo glanced at Fukuzawa and merely blinked. Ah, so Ranpo was planning something. It wasn't their time to take action. He looked at Kunikida though. "Standby…if that girl requires our assistance…we will be ready," Fukuzawa stated, serious.
Kunikida nodded. "Yes, sir."
The little girl looked at Alu. "Okay! Let's make a trade then!" She pointed at Alu with a huge smile.
Alu sighed. Well, this was an anti-climatic cliche. But whatever. As long as it got Miss Yosano back. "Alright, so let me guess, me for Miss Yosano?"
The little girl giggled. "No silly! Miss Yosano's life…in exchange for that Mister Samurai's head!"
Alu's eyes widened with shock.
Kunikida and the President's eyes widened with bewilderment as well. With sudden speed, Fukuzawa looked only to find that Ranpo had pushed him without any warning. Losing his balance—which for him was unusual considering he was a martial artist— Fukuzawa found himself falling onto his side hard. With a grunt, he looked up quickly, reflexively—to see Ranpo, holding his sword, pointing it right at him.
Kunikida yelled at Ranpo. "Ranpo! What the hell!"
He tried to go over but Ranpo yelled back. "Don't come any closer, Kunikida. If you do, I'll only cut him down, quicker!"
Dazai and Odasaku exchanged glances of bewilderment, themselves. They didn't know what they were actually supposed to do. As though to answer their question, Alu spoke up, or rather, she began to laugh.
She ran a hand through her hair while everyone else was worried she'd actually cracked. "I see how it is," she said, smirking at the little girl. "So, what? You really think playing with peoples' lives like this will end well?"
The little girl tilted her head. "I'm not the one who came up with that," she said, pouting. She pointed at Ranpo. "He's the one that told me to say that."
It was silent for a moment.
Ranpo turned on his heel, during this time and he mouthed the words, words that Fukuzawa lip read with ease, as his eyes widened with shock as he realized what Ranpo was about to do. No. Not this time. "Ranpo! Wait! Please!" Ranpo's eyes glinted though and he threw the sword like it was a knife, aimed straight for the little girl.
So this was his plan to get that girl to activate her black hole ability? Fukuzawa didn't know what Ranpo's aim was, but he refused to let his son do this on his own. He was going to be Ranpo's shield— consequences be damned.
The little girl's eyes widened with shock. Quickly, she opened a black hole near her, and the sword went into it instead. But, Ranpo was right behind the blade, Fukuzawa in tow—-and they both got swallowed up— Fukuzawa's sword and all.
