Naegi knocked on the Utsugi household's door.
"Who is it?" The door creaked open, revealing a large, middle-aged man peeking from inside.
"I'm Makoto Naegi. I believe this dog is yours?" Naegi held out the golden retriever, who nearly spilled out of his grip
Naegi credits the man for his nigh inaudible grasp and quick recovery. "Never seen the mutt before."
Just as Utsugi motioned to close the door, Naegi placed his foot in the opening.
"It's against the law to lie to a detective. And abandoning pets has been a punishable offence for quite some time now." Naegi said all this with an inoffensive smile, almost contradicting the weight that came with showing off his badge.
Utsugi opened the door fully now. Without the obstruction, Naegi was able to take a good look at the owner's unkempt appearance.
The sight elicited a deep sadness.
"My apologies…officer. But…"
"Dad. Has Chuck come back yet?" A child's voice interrupted their budding conversation. Utsugi immediately shut the door. But from how close Naegi was, the father-daughter conversation was still very audible
"Haven't found him yet, now go back to sleep. I'm sure he'll turn up sooner or later."
The door reopened a few minutes later. Naegi assumed Utsugi had gone to put his daughter to sleep. The look he gave the young detective when he returned was of self-scorn. Regardless, Naegi gave him the dog.
He rubbed the back of his neck, staring down at Chuck with reluctant acceptance. "You see…Naegi-san- "
"I like dogs." Naegi cut off the perplexed man. "Me and the guys back at the station do. We've been short on attack dogs and good ones aren't all too easy to come by…" He emphasized his wounded hand.
The older man scrunched his face for a few moments, then he caught on.
"Ha…haha." He laughed. "Chuck here's got all the potential you need. All he does is jump on whatever poor sucker gets in his sights. If you need a dog, I'll hand him over free-of-charge."
"That'd be a great help." Naegi took the retriever back into his arms in an official trade-off.
"Officer." Utsugi called. "Not my place to say but…he eats three meals day. He likes long walks and can't stand being alone for more than 4 hours. He's also not too comfortable with strangers. I'm sure you know that."
"I'll keep it in mind." He nods and departed the premises. Chuck struggled in his grasp all the while, but Naegi refused to unhand him. Mainly because the detective was sure he'd run back home.
Sadly, that wasn't home anymore.
Chuck stopped struggling eventually, finding comfort in Naegi's embrace. Fearing the dog might catch a cold, Naegi foisted the critter into his tuxedo, and allowed its head to peek out.
"What happened?" Momota asked
"I thought about it and…I decided the little guy living there would cause more problems than it'd fix. Sorry for making you drive all the way out here."
"I don't really mind, but what'll you do with him?"
"If I can't find him a new home, then I'll take him in myself." He'd have to avoid Yukizome though…
"Mind if I take a little nap on the way?" Naegi's eyes were starting to close.
"Uh sure. I'll wake you when I need directions."
"Don't be a stranger and give me a call sometime!" Momota yelled.
"I will." Naegi waved goodbye as his new acquaintance drove off into the distance. He covered his mouth with a yawn. He left the station early but still managed to be later than ever. Typical.
"At least it was eventful." With dog in one arm, he takes off his glasses with the other. The lenses fogged up with the cold winds. His thumb glides over the small, rectangular glass as the door to his apartment building slid open.
Naegi raised an eyebrow. Out came a woman dressed inappropriately for the weather. She had white hair—no, bleach blonde fit better, considering the modicum of clothing she wore was designated beach wear. A white bikini underneath a yellow coat was all that covered tanned flesh.
She wasn't a tenant, he'd kept a watchful enough eye on the other resident that he'd have remembered someone with that distinct appearance.
White sandals plant tread on the fresh snow.
They make eye contact.
It's too late to look away.
"Lovely evening, isn't it?" She addresses him.
"It is, and you know what they say about Valentine's." Naegi joked.
"'Love is in the air'." She follows up flawlessly. "I think it's silly to make a parade of it. We should love strangers, neighbours, friends and families every day."
"I don't disagree, but you're thinking of another kind of love." Naegi said.
"Culture differences, then." She replies dismissively.
"Oh, you're not from around here?"
"That's right. I'm new to this snowy town."
"That makes sense." He watches her head tilt. "To be honest, I thought you were dressed lightly. Summer isn't for a few months." He explained.
She studied him. Then laughed. It was so abrupt, it took him off-guard. "You…are unexpectedly serious." She giggled, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.
"When you're laughing that much, I'd think I was more of a comedian…" He said dryly.
"No, I was laughing at myself. You see, it's not everyday I make mistakes. I wish someone had warned me it would be so cold!" She's awfully upbeat for having made a glaring error. It made her initial impressions look subdued. "You wouldn't have a spare coat lying around, would you?"
"I might have a few jackets." They weren't far apart in size. His clothes might fit her.
"Simply divine." Her smile widens. "But sorry, that was a joke. It'd speak badly of me if I borrowed from a man I just met. But if it was an offering…"
"Offering?"
"Don't worry about it. That'd be backwards." She waved her hand flippantly. "Besides, I'm not cold at all~" She singsongs.
That's was a hard sell, but…going by her confidence combined with how she'd conversed outside without as much as a shudder, she made it believable. "Well then, see you around, Mr. Serious." The playful woman passed him by.
He snuck a glance at her retreating back, for a moment. Then walked into his apartment building.
Now he just needed to sneak in and avo- Oh crap.
"Good evening, Naegi-kun~" said an orange-haired acquaintance awaiting, arms folded intimidatingly.
"Y-You too, Yukizome-san." He shifts nervously in front of the landlady standing in front of the elevators like a stone guardian.
"Aren't you just a little too late?" Chisa Yukizome oozed a foreboding aura. Naegi lent a helping hand to Yukizome in his senior high school year. To return the favor, the self-styled maid had taken it upon herself to act as Naegi's guardian once he'd finished school, despite his protests. There were just some people that couldn't be argued with. "What's with the dog? We don't allow pets here."
"I found him on the streets. Thought I'd keep him for the night and hand him over to the chief tomorrow."
Yukizome made a contemplative gesture. "A stray? But he's wearing a collar, who'd be stupid enough to abandon it?"
"Not stupid. Desperate."
"Geez…I can take a guess at what happened. Alright, you can keep it for the night, as long as he stays out of everyone else's sights, got it?"
Naegi nodded happily.
Yukizome ruffled his hair. "You're so precious. If someone doesn't take you up soon, I just might have to."
Naegi blushed "I'm only 23…" And wasn't looking for any sort of intimate relationship.
"Exactly! That's the prime age for hot, adult romance and marriage. Bag someone before it's too late." Yukizome projected, occupied by her own fantasies.
"But…Yukizome-san, you're even old-er than me and still single." The bolded is what Naegi would have said…until his life flashed before his eyes. His mind diverted all its resources into transmitting a single, life-saving message through time.
'Code red: Back up, Makoto!'
"What was that?" She stretched out the vowels in a sickly-sweet voice.
"N-Nothing. I-I was just wondering how everything's going with Munakata-san." He said, hurriedly.
The raw sadistic aura Yukizome emanated, melted into depression.
Oh right…Valentine's day…and he's not here. Nice going, me. "Was he…busy?"
"So, he says, but when is he never busy? Just because he worked his way up to Director doesn't mean he has to spend every minute of the day working."
"Well, I mean. Munakata's in charge of this division." Hope's Peak functioned under the leadership of an oligarchy called the Future Foundation, with a single director corresponding to the 14 respective divisions that comprised the city. All candidates for the position were first-class citizens on the uppermost layer of Hope's Peak and Munakata - newly instated as District 14's director – was one such man.
Yukizome heaved a dramatic sigh, before her lips twitched into a smile. "I know, I'm just venting. I supported him the whole way, and I knew it'd end up like this."
"T-That's no reason to give up- "
"Who said anything about giving up!?" Yukizome looked at him like he'd grown a second head. "It might look like I'm complaining now but love conquers all barriers! And I'll tear down any walls that get in my way, even his security if that's what it takes to reach Kyosuke!" She yelled, conspiring against law enforcement right in front of the young detective.
"R-Right, I don't know what I was thinking…"
"Wait, isn't Juzo part of Kyosuke's security? Would that mean I'd have to kick his butt too?" Yukizome deliberated with herself while Naegi slipped away.
"Love does strange things to people." He muttered, not knowing whether Munakata was lucky or unlucky. But Naegi didn't feel like being in his shoes.
…
'That was three life-threatening incidences in one day.' Naegi thought as he walked up the stairs to his apartment room.
Maybe Kirigiri was right about his recklessness.
I'm beat. Thank goodness the day's over.
His footsteps halt upon entering the corridor. His crossed paths a trendily dressed woman. Her hair was dyed an unusual hue. Not quite pink, but not blond either.
…It just won't end, will it?
"Hey there, Naegi~" Junko Enoshima greeted him with a mischievous smile, her arms locked around a man he didn't recognize. Using his expert detective analysis and keen eyes of observation. He surmised they were going out on a date.
Me and my big mouth – His regret came from the fact that he'd met Enoshima at an awkward time and, his neighbour found some twisted glee in making him uncomfortable whenever possible. With her widening grin, he's sure this time will be like all the others.
"He's cute. Your Valentine's date?" Enoshima points to the dog.
Naegi returned her mockery with a plastered smile. "I found him on the side walk so I decided to take care of him."
"Oh my gosh, you're sweeter than a cinnamon roll. If I ever pumped out a kid and put them up for adoption, I'd totally want you to be the father."
Naegi dropped the pretenses after the crude joke.
"Wow, killer glare. Come on. how about hooking up with us? It'll be fun." Enoshima tugged the arm of the man besides her. The black-haired male looked about as annoyed as Naegi did.
A joke at his expense, clearly.
"I'll take a rain-check. I can't be the second bit late for work or my partner will bite my head off." Adding onto that, he was beat. A night out with Enoshima was the very last thing he needed or wanted.
Enoshima pouted. "Boring! But I get you. Good night, Naegi." They passed each other.
"She's always messing with me." He muttered. Naegi didn't know much about his next-door neighbour, save that she lived on the wild side of life.
Making sure there was nobody else in the hallway, Naegi proceeded to shimmy the door handle until it clicked open. His apartment door didn't need a key, nor did he use one. Instead, there was a trick to opening the door that only he, Yukizome and Sayaka knew about. You needed to turn the knob, then lift on the door and pull.
The apartment's interior reflected his own nature; there was nothing special or jaw-dropping inside that could pass for an attraction. At most, what stood out was a shelf filled to the brim with history books.
…
He stepped out of the shower, approaching a small picture frame stationed on his desk. Inside it was a worn-out photo dear to the detective. It was taken long ago when he was barely 4 years old and surrounded by his family; one little sister and two loving parents.
He put the frame down, side by side with his removed glasses. Next, he found Chuck lying asleep on his bed. "When did you climb up there?" Naegi's question was answered with a low whine.
"Looks like you're even more tired than I am." Expected given the poor state he found the animal in…along with the fact he'd sedated it. Naegi slipped into the bed.
"Good night."
"For the next week, you are to follow my directions to the letter, is that understood."
"Yes, Kirigiri-san." *arf*
"If I tell you to be quiet around suspects, you'll zip it."
"Yes, Kirigiri-san." *arf*
"If I tell you not to interfere with my work, you will maintain at least a 5-meter distance from me."
"Yes, Kirigiri-san." *arf*
"And when I tell you to get on your knees and massage my feet, you'll do it without question."
"Yes, Kirigiri-run that one by me again!" *arf!*
"So close." Kirigiri feigned disappointment.
Naegi scratched the back of his head. She was in a good mood if she was just teasing. "I almost thought you were still mad about yesterday and wanted to get rid of me-"
"Now why would I ever want to do that?" He could almost hear her teething grinding against each other.
"…I'll be quiet."
"Let's get straight down to business." Three files laid on Togami's desk. "I'd prefer to have forwarded this to you the normal way but since Kirigiri happens to be stuck in the stone ages."
It wasn't that long ago, Togami-kun – Naegi wanted to say.
*bark*
"…Stop your whining. What have you got for us?" Kirigiri asked.
"Three independent cases. The first is a report of a victim in the Beryl sector. A doctor at a major general hospital was found dead last night."
"You've confirmed the cause?" Kirigiri looked over the file. Naegi peered at the folder from behind.
"Most likely poison, but it's a different strain than we've ever encountered. We can't even confirm the poison, there was just a foreign substance in the victim's body that faded not long after he was found and came to that conclusion."
"No point going to the morgue then." Naegi hated the morgue and would accept any reason not to go. Kirigiri, recognizing his phobia in all her benevolence, would obviously not stand for it. "We're going whether you like it or not."
*bark*
"Any suspects?"
"None so far. We'll have you two investigate the hospital later."
"Later date? This is a low priority case?" Kirigiri raised her brow.
*bark*
Togami nodded, reaching for the second file "I'm leaving our most recent serial murder case to you, Kirigiri. Others might join you at any point if it goes haywire."
"This is awful." Naegi looked through the photos. Men were murdered and then crucified in plain sight.
"The victims are all male? Any chance we've got a female lead?"
"Don't be a bigot, Kirigiri. Guys can hate their own gender enough to kill too. In fact, if they were Naegi, I'd be the first to advocate genocide." Togami said.
"Real funny." Naegi remarked, sarcastically. "Any patterns to his crimes, before they happen?"
"Nothing worthwhile in here. There are too few headcounts to pin down the killer's patterns." Kirigiri replied.
"You'll have to think of something, before the media gets on my ass." Togami crossed his fingers.
"And the last?" Kirigiri asked.
*arf*
Togami's tone suddenly changed into a wary one. "Here."
Kirigiri and Naegi read through it. "Um…Togami? There are two subjects here. Isn't this a single file?"
"It is. Or rather I believe so." Togami said grimly. "There have been some…recent disappearances. The number of missing persons is small for now, but not enough to escape my notice. And they're all happening in the lower-class areas."
"I get that. How do they relate to um…"
"A cult from the sounds of it." Kirigiri filled in.
"Yes. And I've heard of a few similar cases outside Hope's Peak. It's possible they have ties and branches in the outskirts of the city."
A pin could be heard falling in the room with how quite it had gotten upon Togami's declaration.
"Outside the city? I find that hard to believe." Kirigiri's doubt was warranted. Religions weren't easily formed anymore and connections from outside the city were unbelievably rare. Hope's Peak was a nation onto itself, with small ties to the outside world. How could a cult have caught on from abroad?
Togami crossed his fingers. "We don't know anything about them besides their name, but they emerged around the time of the disappearances."
"And you've got a hunch they're linked…hence the mixed dossier." Naegi finished.
Togami nodded. "The serial murder should be top priority, but I want you both to give some serious thought to this sect. Overlook a few cockroaches in your home, and you're in for an infestation. I'd appreciate if you could gather information. "
*bark*
"We could get Owada to help. His bar fishes a ton of news." Naegi said, happily. It was an excuse to see an old friend…not that he needed one.
"Rejected. Any other ideas?"
Naegi blinked. "Why?"
"Civvies have no place in police business."
"What the-…you still don't get along huh?"
"Be quiet."
They fight like cats and dogs… speaking of which
*Bark*
"Naegi…what the hell is that?" The dam finally broke loose.
"You should have just kept ignoring it." Kirigiri sighed, at last acknowledging the dog that trailed behind Naegi for the past several minutes.
"Chuck." Naegi smiled innocently. He referred. to the puppy who'd been circling around them the whole time. Now the golden retriever had settled besides Kirigiri's leg. Miss. Lilac shifted away.
"Fantastic. Now why is it here?" Kirigiri wasn't one for close contact and dogs were naturally…touchy.
Naegi was sure after he explained the circumstances, Togami would understand and accept.
"I refuse." Togami refused.
Time for Plan B "Please. Look at him, he'd be the best police dog ever." Naegi held the scruffy animal in the chief's face.
"Raising dogs is a serious responsibility."
"I know that. I'll even help!"
"With your help, the mutt would work harder fetching our suspects sandwiches than catching them."
Naegi recoiled.
Togami exhaled "However, in light of your recent stellar performances…I can accept this small request."
"You're the best, Togami-kun!" Naegi beamed. Mimicking his temporary owner's gratitude, Chuck slipped out of Naegi's grasp and jumped onto Togami.
"What the…get off." Togami grabbed the dog by its small waist and held it away from his chest.
"Sorry about that. I'll need to work on the disciplining part." Naegi said.
"Discipline? Who are you kidding? If it hadn't jumped me, you would have. I'd happily take the lesser of two evils."
"Guilty as charged." Naegi blushed.
Togami sighed loudly and exaggeratedly. He looked to his PC and said. "Alter ego. Scan the collar and find me a bio on the previous owners."
"Just a minute." The robotic voice said.
"…He belonged to the Utsugi family. The wife was placed is due for cold sleep at a medical ward. Pity, but cases like these still pop up and there's no treatment for M0."
Naegi winced. "These accidents shouldn't happen."
"Really? I think she hit the jackpot." Togami reached inside his pocket and pulled out a wallet attached to his trousers by a chain. A blue sapphire was pinned in the middle; a mark of high status. "You know the story. Humanity was pushed to the brink; no known medicine could fight off the airborne sickness until The Gopher project. However, some couldn't acclimate to the crystals." The transfusion of crystal-fluid into the bloodstream wasn't without risks.
The nature of the five classes of gemstones was a hierarchy, for many reasons. The first and earliest to be discovered was synergy.
At a young age, children undergo blood or DNA testing to discern affinity for each class. Quartz, the lowest class, reacts to the entire population. The further up the ladder you went, the more selective and skewed the rates became. If the subject qualifies for the upper ranks, they would also be receptive to the lower ranks. An extraordinary individual like Momota, could have qualified for every rank, but Naegi couldn't go higher than Beryl.
This synergy was later found to extend to blood ties. Marriage between different classes were disadvantageous, both for the spouse with higher status crystals, and the child, who could inherit lower ones.
In any case, that was the gateway exam. Whether you survived the surgery was up to chance on how well the body adapts. Once you reached the diamond class, the success rate was abysmally low. Even if the procedure was successful, synchronization levels can drop, days, weeks, months or years after with no warning, resulting in death. Death in this context wasn't just sudden illness. Instead, people of all kinds and ages would succumb to violent, destructive impulses. Eventually, they commit suicide.
That is The Mercury Virus or Mercury Zero (M0) – denoting the point where synergy between the body and the crystals destabilizes and falls to 0%.
What determined compatibility? Why did the crystals behave so selectively towards the same species? Beyond genetics, nobody knew. And with insufficient information, victims were cryogenically frozen until a cure was devised. If a cure was devised.
"I can see why they would abandon the dog. Records show the husband's earnings weren't stable enough to live in the Topaz sector, so they were forced to move." Togami said.
Naegi coughed. "Um, Togami-kun? They didn't abandon Chuck. I bought him."
"Of course, I shouldn't doubt that the poor bastard who's begging for a promotion to pay off astonishing loans, would go out of his way to purchase a canine." Togami's eyes rolled skyward.
"Why do you know about my loans?"
"Keeping tabs on employees is my job." Togami donned a snide smirk. One wiped away by the golden retriever's tongue, both figuratively and literally.
"I think he likes you." Naegi smirked, ignoring his friend's killer glare. "…hey, Kirigiri-san, you want to pet him?"
Kirigiri takes a brief look at him. "It bit your hand."
"Oh…well, it won't happen again. He got a lot friendlier afterwards."
"I won't take my chances."
