Vol 4.
Ch.3
On My Mind
"What am I doing here? I was taking a walk!" Alu replied, dusting herself off, frowning at Tomoe. "I thought you were being taken care of!"
"Taken care of?" Tomoe scowled. "The government pigs were trying to just ship me off to some orphanage! Like I was going to allow that!" He scoffed.
"But, you would have gotten an education," Alu began and Tomoe began to snicker, sarcastic.
"Really? You think orphanages are a paradise?" He scoffed.
Alu quieted. She pursed her lips. "No," she began, but Tomoe cut her off.
"Whatever, what would you know anyways? You abandoned us to the government so that you could go run off yourself! You're not much older than me, why aren't you shacking up in an orphanage,yourself?" He retorted.
Alu could tell this boy was angry and had a lot of pent up hostility. She held up her hands. "I don't really fit into the orphanage system," she pointed out.
"Well neither do I!" Tomoe retorted. "I'm sick and tired of having adults decide for me how to live my life! You said you'd do something to change that but you didn't! You just threw us to the government here! From one Oppressor to another!"
"The Japanese Government isn't the enemy," Alu frowned, worried about what had happened with this kid since they'd last parted.
"Says you," Tomoe scoffed. "I refuse to be held captive anymore! They won't treat me like a person so why should I bother!"
"What does that mean?" Alu asked, sharply, puzzled.
Tomoe's eyes narrowed. "They insisted on me going to some facility to be 'tested' before being placed in an orphanage—or wherever they plan to dump useless test subjects."
"Tested?" Alu frowned. This was news to her.
"That's right! If they test you and you have an ability, you get shipped to some special facility for brats that are trained and brainwashed to serve this damn country obediently!" Tomoe snarled.
"What?" Alu's eyes widened. Her pupils felt like they were shrinking a little from the shock as she gazed at Tomoe. "No, the government is trying to help—"
"They've got you brainwashed too," Tomoe scoffed. "Oh shit—hide me!" He quickly dashed over to her, and hid behind her, as some men dressed in suits ran towards them in the alley.
"Hey you!" One of the men said, catching Tomoe's figure hiding behind Alu.
"I'm not going with you!" Tomoe snapped at them.
"Hold on," Alu said, gazing at the men in suits. "Are you with the Division of Unusual Powers?"
"We are," the men said, surprised, gazing at Alu. "Hold on, we know you," they stared at her.
"You're that girl!" One of them said, finally.
Alu wondered if Officer Chief Taneda had her broadcasted. "I'm asking a question," she said, sighing. "Why is this boy not placed in a care facility?"
"He has to be tested, but he ran away," one of the men explained. "I don't know what he's told you—but it's a simple procedure."
"I want to hear about it," Alu said curtly.
The two men exchanged glances. "Well, we test anyone who comes into our borders to be under our care," one of them explained. "They will be properly documented then and sent to be cared for in an orphanage that will best suit their needs."
"Liars!" Tomoe spit.
"I don't know what this boy has told you," the man said to Alu, exasperated. "But we do this perfectly legally! However, he caused quite a ruckus and not only that, he escaped without letting us verify if he has an ability or not. If he doesn't then he'd just be placed and if he did, he'd have to be placed somewhere that would be able to handle his ability."
Alu gazed at the distrustful boy, glaring at the men from behind her. She pursed her lips. The Division of Unusual Powers was a respectable organization. That, she knew, was the image they projected anyways. She thought about what Tomoe had said though. Something was bothering her. She didn't feel right just handing Tomoe over to these guys, but she did have to talk to a particular dimple faced agent from this organization anyhow.
Talk about a Segway.
She looked at the men. "Take me to Agent Sakaguchi," she said.
"Agent Sakaguchi?" The darker haired agent asked. "He's on an assignment right now, I'm sorry. I'd be happy to escort you though if you wish, Miss Alu."
Alu sensed Tomoe trying to make a run for it. With a sigh she tripped the boy with one of her red fox tails and as it disappeared she swiftly knocked the boy out with a blow to the back of the neck. He crumpled to the floor. She moved aside, gesturing. "He stays with me, is that alright?"
The men looked at each other but one of them went over to pick up the unconscious boy. "Of course," he said, picking Tomoe up in his arms.
Alu was troubled.
She sat in the car, letting what Tomoe said go over in her mind. Why couldn't things be simple? Would the Japanese government really be brainwashing children to serve the country with their powers through government supervision from a young age? It sounded like something any world government would actually be doing, to be honest. Alu frowned. It wasn't a bad thing to train kids to control their gifts and then have them decide how to use them. The issue was Alu was worried that it wasn't a choice but a requirement for the care these kids would be receiving. Sort of an involuntary military program, so to speak.
Alu rubbed her temple with a hand, gazing at the scenery going by. She was already dealing with people like Gide and Fyodor, she really didn't want to have to worry about a fight being picked with the "good" guys too.
"Thanks, uh, for your help," the lighter haired of the two agents said, glancing at Alu from the front passenger seat.
Alu blinked at the awkward politeness. It was nice though. She could tell these guys were just trying to do their jobs. Apparently Tomoe could be a handful. "I plan to overlook Tomoe," Alu said, seriously. "I'll let you test him, but I plan to have a talk before any decisions about what's to be done are made."
"That will be something to discuss with the higher ups," the lighter haired man said, with a nod.
Alu watched as Tomoe was carried into the building the car stopped in the underground garage of. Having gotten out herself, she spotted some familiar heads bobbing away from another parked vehicle. A familiar scruffy bearded individual in a light colored coat with mahogany hair, and a dark haired man with round glasses were making their way towards the elevators. Alu glanced at the agents she was accompanying. "I'll catch up to Tomoe later," she said quickly before dashing towards the familiar two men, leaving the other two agents puzzled.
"Hey! Odasaku!" Alu called out.
Ango and Odasaku turned, both with the same look of surprise on their faces, seeing Alu and hearing her call out to them. She dashed over, with a small smile. "Miss Alu?" Ango said, glancing at Odasaku, wondering if he'd told her about his plans or not.
"Why are you here?" Odasaku asked, surprised.
"Oh, I'm here to watch one of the kids—Tomoe— from that earlier incident," Alu said, hands on her hips. "What I wanna know is, what are you two boys up to?" She beamed at them, honestly just wanting to make some friendly conversation.
Ango pursed his lips. She clearly didn't know. That same thought was crossing Odasaku's mind as well. Neither man knew how she would take the news of Odasaku's decision to work for the Division of Unusual Powers if the circumstances were pertaining to her involvement. Alu gazed at them, still smiling. "I'm glad to see you two getting along," she added, brightly. "I know Dazai is pretty weird about Mister Sakaguchi but at least you two are hanging out again!"
"Uh," Odasaku eloquently replied.
"We are both currently headed in to receive our assignments," Ango said, finally, figuring it was better not to beat around the bush. Besides, he was still trying to earn this girl's trust.
"Your assignments? But Odasaku doesn't work here," Alu replied, puzzled.
"Miss!" The lighter haired agent walked over, interrupting them. Alu turned to him. The others looked as well though they appreciated the momentary interruption. "You left this in the back seat."
He held out the brown parcel Ranpo had given her earlier. Alu's eyes widened. "Oh! Hey, thanks! Can't believe I forgot it," she said, sheepishly taking it. The light haired man nodded and glanced at Ango. "Sir, I apologize for the interruption."
"You're fine," Ango said, waving a hand dismissively.
The light haired man nodded and departed, leaving Alu once more with the other two. Alu turned back to them, tucking the parcel under her arm to open later. "So what's going on?" Alu asked, directly to both men, still smiling but definitely in a more serious mood.
Odasaku wasn't one to keep secrets. He found that took a lot more energy than he cared for. He sighed. "I'm working here now."
Alu stared at him.
She looked to Ango.
Ango had his lips drawn into a thin line but he just nodded, affirming Odasaku's statement. Alu furrowed her brow, confused. "But, I thought you were happy with the ADA?" She said, confused, to Odasaku.
Odasaku didn't want Alu to feel guilty. He didn't want her to know that she was the reason for his switch. He eyed her and just shrugged. "I owe them for what they did for my orphans," he said, which wasn't technically a lie. It was thanks to Ango's division that he was able to even have a safe haven for his orphans when the ADA's hands were tied. President Fukuzawa even acknowledged that they were more limited between the two agencies when it came to resources.
"Still," Alu frowned. Something didn't feel right but she couldn't quite place a finger on it. "Well, if that's what you want," she said finally. She glanced to Ango. "I need to talk to you," she said.
Ango blinked, and Odasaku seemed to relax a little bit. At least she seemed to accept his answer. "Yes?" He asked, politely.
"Tomoe said something that's just troubling me," she said, glancing to the men. "Actually, hey, if you work here too, you can help out, Odasaku!" She said, thoughtful.
Odasaku wondered what that meant. She clasped her hands together, smiling at the men. "What do you need?" Odasaku asked, curious.
"I'll meet you guys at your usual hang out," she said brightly.
"Our usual?" Ango repeated, confused.
"It's not something to discuss in the garage," Alu pointed out, gazing at Ango. Ango immediately picked up on the hint. He nodded.
"Where would you like to meet us?" He asked.
"Well, I don't know about you but I get thirsty after work," she said brightly. "The moon will be bright tonight, so let's meet up then and get dinner together!"
Odasaku and Ango had one place come to both their minds. They wondered again, if this girl knew of it too. "You're underage," Ango found himself pointing out, stiffly.
"I'll sit at a booth," Alu waved a hand dismissively. "C'mon! I know you guys hang out there all the time," she waved a hand. "Or at least, you did…" she trailed off. She recalled seeing a vague memory of Dazai's. She hadn't told him but sometimes she could see memories and sense things when she was in close vicinity of a particular individual. Another ability of Juubi's, so to speak.
"You want us to meet you at Bar Lupin?" Odasaku asked, frowning.
"Yes," Alu said with a smile. "See you boys later! Try to play nice!" She waved and she dashed off for the elevator, leaving the two men standing, both wondering what the heck it was she wanted to discuss with them later.
Alu felt bad for leaving Tomoe, but she knew she'd see him again soon enough. She knew where the Division HeadQuarters were now, thanks to the drive though she had a feeling it wasn't the only building. She wanted to go ahead and let Ango and Odasaku do their jobs as well. She was surprised that Odasaku chose the Division of Unusual Powers after he'd already decided to work with the ADA. She had to wonder if Officer Chief Taneda had said something to convince him to come over instead. The orphans seemed plausible but that just didn't seem like all there was to it. There was something missing, Alu just couldn't figure out what.
For the time being, she would entrust Tomoe to Ango Sakaguchi's organization. She didn't trust Officer Chief Taneda, but there was something she wanted to trust in Ango. She knew that he, Dazai, and Odasaku had some sort of history together—something that had turned bitter in recent months. She didn't really know what, but she wanted to learn more about these three. She felt it was crucial not just for them—but for the functionality of the city itself. These men were a part of the city's heartbeat, that much she was certain of.
Growl.
Ugh, her stomach hurt so bad, but she didn't go back to the employee apartments. She always felt awkward staying in one place too long—she didn't like this constant debt she was racking up with everyone it seemed. She groaned. She still had no cellphone either, not that owning a cellphone normally bothered her. She just knew it was the only way for her to contact Elise and now it was gone.
Sighing a mushroom cloud, Alu wondered if it was mooching for her to get Odasaku or Ango to buy her something to eat at Bar Lupin later. No, she wanted to pay for her own stuff. She paced a bit on the riverbank where she was lounging before, just staying out of the way of people and machinery. She also had a nice view of the bridges that were spread out here.
She sat down with a huff, splaying her legs as she sat on her butt, resting her palms in the grass. It was another clear sunny day. It was honestly hard to believe the drama that had happened a few days ago. Juubi was under control—by that he was mostly distant and unresponsive— and she was a bit worried about what he had done when she'd gone unconscious. The thing was, she knew he hadn't wreaked complete havoc because otherwise every government agency would be pointing snipers at her. Juubi typically left that impression on people. It wasn't a great status to be in.
"What the heck should I do," Alu wondered out loud. She rested her chin in her hands, before just lying on her back, arms behind her head, looking up at the clouds in the sky, passing by. Why couldn't life just be simple? Alu groaned. She had to figure out what new drama was popping up with that Tomoe boy, and somehow get in touch with Ryou and give him a major lecture! She also wanted to find that Fyodor guy again. Apparently the fox had no luck and Fyodor's presence had dissipated from any obvious immediate vicinity. Alu frowned. Juubi had said it was like he'd been wiped. But that wasn't possible. No, that man no doubt had some allies of his own with unique abilities that covered his tracks.
It would make sense, for a man like Fyodor. Alu wondered what sort of person Fyodor was and what he was like when he was a kid, himself. Honestly, sometimes adults felt like just big lost kids with too much autonomy and not enough neurons to spark together. She sighed another mushroom cloud.
She fiddled with the parcel next to her. She still hadn't opened it. She still found it a bit odd how Ranpo had easily found her that morning, but then again, it was Ranpo. She gazed at the parcel. She may as well open it. She finally ripped open the packaging and inside was a detective cap. She blinked. Oh, it was the one she had thrown at him before. Ah. She held it in her hands. She felt her heart sink a little. Did Ranpo still expect her to join the ADA after everything? She wondered if he saw the argument as water under the bridge.
Alu bit her lower lip, chewing the inside of her cheek, lost in thought. She had to admit, she felt a bit lonely right about now. She didn't have a way to even contact Elise. She couldn't contact anyone else now either. Dazai probably had to relocate after Fyodor used that little girl, Yari, to find where he lived. She didn't know the other agency members that well and didn't think she should get too involved anyways with them. Her goal was to help Odasaku and his orphans after all, although it would seem Odasaku had decided to work with the Division of Unusual Powers.
Why was that though?
Alu's eyes flickered. She was getting this gnawing feeling that it was somehow related to herself? But how could that be? Alu's stomach growled loudly again. Alu felt a bit weak. Juubi growled in her mind. Apparently her hunger was starting to aggravate him.
If you're hungry, just catch something in the river.
No thanks, you know how polluted that water is?
You're going to faint at this rate. Eat something.
I'd love to, but I'm pretty sure my old hangout's stash is already looted.
You're thinking about that damn Osamu Dazai. I'll sniff him out for you if you like.
Juubi. You know I don't like you eavesdropping on my mind!
Well, stop having girly thoughts about him and then I won't!
What? Girly thoughts? What does that mean!
Alu blushed, irritated. Honestly, Juubi was scolding her like she was some little girl having daydreams about a boy! Yeah, Dazai was a boy but Alu wasn't daydreaming about him! Far from it. He wasn't her type anyways. He was way too gloomy and violent. Even if he did have a softer side it didn't suddenly replace his darker personality which often seemed to surface! Alu rolled her eyes. Juubi was either being overprotective or just overly annoying.
Hmph. Just follow my directions.
Alu got to her feet, grumpy but let Juubi guide her. She tucked the hat under her arm, figuring she'd figure out what to do with it later. Suddenly, she swayed, feeling dizzy. Oh no, she was too hungry to move well it seemed. She collapsed to the grass.
Ah, shit. You're too weak.
Alu was dizzy. Suddenly the sun seemed a lot warmer. Sweating a little, Alu felt her ears begin to ring loudly. She curled up, clinging to the hat. She figured she'd just take a bit of a nap. Alu's eyes fluttered closed.
"You're rather hopeless, aren't you?" A bratty voice remarked, causing Alu's eyes to pop open a few minutes later.
Squatting next to her, holding out what looked to be a granola bar, was Ranpo. Alu sat up weakly, gazing at the bar stupidly. "You again?" She asked, dumbly.
"Oi, Oi, take it already, will ya! My arm hurts!" Ranpo complained, practically shoving it at her. Alu let out a gasp of surprise, but quickly took the granola bar. She nibbled it, grateful for food and confused as to why Edogawa was here.
"Thanks," she mumbled, in between bites. Juubi just growled in her mind. He didn't like anyone who got close to Alu—especially if they were boys. Alu rolled her eyes. She knew Juubi thought she was a weak starry eyed girl who would swoon for a man but he really didn't know her that well then.
"So, what are you doing out here?" Ranpo asked, tilting his head at her, not wearing his glasses, eyes shut like they were usually when he was relaxed.
"I was just thinking," Alu replied, licking her fingers, the granola bar was already finished. She crumpled the wrapper into her jacket pocket, and blinked when Ranpo just held out another one, already unwrapped for her. She took it though, and nibbled again, feeling oddly like some sort of small animal that Ranpo was feeding. It was a bit embarrassing. "Sorry," she found herself mumbling.
"Hmm?" Ranpo sat next to her, cross legged on the bank.
"You followed me, guess you were worried," she said, staring at the half eaten Granola bar.
"I wasn't worried," Ranpo said bluntly, "But I knew you'd go wandering off and get yourself into another jam if I gave it enough time," he grinned at her, pleased with his rationality. Alu wanted to punch him. He really had no social tact sometimes. She sulked, nibbling the bar.
"Your confidence in me is astounding," she muttered.
"Hey, hey, you're the one who was passed out on the riverbank," Ranpo pointed out, matter-of-factly.
"Guess you have a point," Alu grimaced. She looked at the half eaten granola bar in her hand, clutching the hat in her other. She didn't know how to bring up their previous fight. A part of her wanted to move on from it. But another part wavered and wondered if he'd even taken the time like she had to at least consider the other side of the argument. He really seemed convinced that Ryou was a black and white kind of personality. Alu didn't believe that, but glancing at him from the corner of her eye, she wasn't sure if she could talk to him about Ryou without starting another fight.
"You're thinking about that kid again," Ranpo said, conversationally, picking some grass and playing with it between his fingers.
"I can't help it," Alu said, looking away. "He's so young and yet I'm worried he is being influenced by bad people."
"Well, that's cuz he is," Ranpo shrugged. "But you can't save every kid that's misguided," he said, gazing at Alu, green eyes glinting for the first time. His tone was relaxed but Alu knew there was a warning tone to it as well.
"What would you do?" Alu found herself asking, gazing at Ranpo. She didn't want to argue with him, but she did want to at least hear his opinion.
Ranpo just began to tie a knot with the blades of grass between his fingers. "You know the answer to that, repeating it would be a waste of time," he finally replied, with a shrug. He wasn't being rude but he did sound a little disinterested.
Alu huffed. She knew Ranpo's answer, but his dismissive attitude was a little frustrating to her. She bit back a remark she was thinking and just got to her feet, chomping the remainder of the second granola bar vigorously and chewing. She appreciated the silence between them. She still felt uneasy about the situation with that boy, Ryou. What would a man like Fyodor gain from working with that strange woman, Ms. Austen? Fyodor wasn't the messenger type, Alu's eyes narrowed. She looked at Ranpo. "Is there a reason you're disassociated from caring?"
Ranpo paused. He looked up at her, puzzled. "I'm not disassociated. I just don't see a point to stressing about things that aren't in our control."
"Ryou isn't a thing," Alu huffed. "He's a kid who needs help."
"No, you see a kid and you think he needs help," Ranpo corrected her with a sigh.
Alu crossed her arms. "You're a private investigator right?"
"Detective, yeah," Ranpo shrugged. "But I'm not here to play hero. I find out the truth, simple as that."
"But there has to be more to why you chose to become a detective, right?" Alu found herself asking.
Ranpo blinked at her. "Well, you know about my parents, so…" he trailed off.
Alu pursed her lips. She did know about them. She'd read up on some old articles after all. She had wanted to know more about that agency when she'd first come to the city, and while she didn't find a lot on Fukuzawa she had found some stuff on this guy. She knew his dad had been known as an incredible detective himself, up until the accident when Ranpo was only a young teen. "I learned about your dad…yeah," she admitted.
She fidgeted and finally just sat next to Ranpo, letting her legs go into a butterfly position, and resting her hands on her ankles, like she was a kinder gardener again sitting on a colored tile carpet in class. She looked to Ranpo, with a small sad smile. Ranpo glanced to her. His expression was neutral and Alu found she wasn't actually sure what he was thinking. It was odd, she wasn't used to finding someone she couldn't read well. Of course, people like Dazai and Fyodor were mysterious in their own way but she could still hypothesize about them. With Ranpo, she honestly didn't really know. Ranpo looked away after a moment, finishing knotting the grass and he just tossed it aside, getting to his feet. Alu blinked. "I'm heading back," he said.
"Oh, okay," Alu stared after him, not sure what to say.
"You coming?" Ranpo frowned, tilting his head at her, impatiently.
Alu blinked. "Huh?"
"For someone who is sharp you're rather slow when it comes to the obvious," Ranpo remarked.
Alu rolled her eyes. "For someone who is really good at deduction you don't seem to realize that what you say makes people want to punch you," she retorted.
"Heh," Ranpo actually smirked. "Nah, I get that a lot."
"What, you enjoy making people aggravated?" Alu sighed, getting to her feet.
"No, I can't control how people react," he shrugged, dismissively. "It's not my problem if they get all emotional."
Ah, spoken like someone who truly was outside the social norm spectrum. Of course, Alu knew she was socially awkward too, but this guy really didn't know or rather, didn't care to take advantage of obvious social clues. For a detective he was intentionally ignoring them which she found a bit ironic. She sighed. "Wonder which one of your parents you take after," she found herself thinking out loud before she could stop herself.
Ranpo was quiet. Alu began to sweat. Uh oh, had she gone and once again opened the can of worms? "Who knows," he finally replied before he put his hands behind his head, and began to walk away.
