Chapter 4
Mori was stirring his wine glass before him while propping his head on his folded fingers. Not far away from him, Elise was drawing something in her sketchbook. Suddenly, his phone vibrated and his ring tone rang.
"Yes?" he immediately replied after confirming who the caller is.
"Please excuse me for giving you a sudden call." Hirotsu apologized. Faint chaotic noises were also recognized in the background which bothered Mori.
"It's fine, anyway, what's the matter? I can hear some noises from there"
"I just want to inform that the Armed Detective Agency received a surprise attack from the Despair gang."
"Oh, really?" Mori seemed to be amused then crossed his legs as he placed the wine glass on the table. "So, the Despair gang knew that Dazai-kun left the mafia, huh"
"Yes, it seemed to be that way" Hirotsu answered at the same time amused by the quick presumption of his boss.
"Well, thank you for your report. Continue with your current work, Hirotsu- san" then he hanged the call.
"Perhaps I underestimated them a little" Mori mumbled and held his wine glass again. Soon, he scrolled down his contacts and tapped it.
"""""
Chuuya was walking in abyss. Above, below, left, right… wherever he looked, everything was the same, darkness. He did not know where he is heading nor the reason why he is walking toward that direction. No, probably he was lost. He tried to speak, but no words nor sound came out from his mouth.
Suddenly, out of the blue, someone struggled his neck from behind, fingers digging deeper and deeper into his skin as if the stranger wants to crush his neck. Chuuya tried to released himself from the grab but nothing budged the stranger. It was futile.
Frustrating it was, all he could do was to listen the malicious chuckle he could hear from behind. He immediately recognized this chuckle, it was him in Corruption form. A moment later, he was stunned when he noticed that the velvet swirls were slowly creeping out throughout his body, gradually draining out his energy to control over his consciousness.
"S-Ss-Stop- "
Chuuya uttered between his breath. His vision begun to blur and his body was weakening. Finally, his Corruption ungrasp his hand and watches the mafioso breathing hard as his knees were completely on the ground, while he lightly held his neck to ease the burning pain whenever he coughed.
Albeit the other released his grasp, the velvet swirls did not stop its spreading. It continuously tainting mafioso's body until his body became paralyzed. Soon, his body dropped on the ground then cringed as he writhed in agony.
Just before he was about to completely faint, his Corruption form walked and stood before him, enjoying as he watches the mafioso's energy being drained away.
Chuuya, though he was barely keeping his consciousness, he grimaced when he saw trickles of blood were dripping out from different portion of his body. Gradually Chuuya's vision darkened as the husky chuckles echoed throughout his ear until he completely shut his eyes.
"""""
Chuuya gasped awake as his eyes were wide open in horror, beads of sweat were trickling down his pale face. It took few moments for him to process his mind to realized that he was staring the ceiling of his office while lying on his sofa. He then looked to his side, realizing that he dropped his favorite hat on the floor.
"Another nightmare, huh…" he mumbled and sighed in exasperation. He then stretched his hands and took his hat in order to place it on the beside table. He recalled that he decided to take a nap when he realized that he had a slight fever, plus it was because the annoying headache came back and incessantly disturbing his concentration. But instead of having a comfy sleep, he had a disturbing nightmare.
Chuuya caressed his neck, though no one is grabbing his neck this time, a tinge of stifle sensation was felt. Soon after, the phone inside his coat pocket vibrated. He immediately pulled it out and answered after having a brief check who the caller was.
"Yes, boss?"
"Oh, Chuuya-kun, base from your voice it seemed like you were taking a nap" his words flinched Chuuya in surprise. "Anyway, I received a news that 'they' just targeted the Armed Detective Agency."
"The Detective Agency too? But why-" Chuuya's eyes widened in realization and pulled his body into a sitting position. "They targeted Dazai"
"It seems to be that way. I think some of their crew have already reached here in Yokohama."
While listening to his words Chuuya got up from his sofa, wore his hat and reached out for his coat that he hanged on the coat rack. "I have already sent some of our men to patrol around the city. We don't know their full plan so it will be careless for us if we will miss some important information"
"Understood" then their call ended. Flipping his long black coat behind his back and placed it over his shoulder, he left his office despite he sensed a whiff of uneasiness behind his door.
"""""
The members of the Armed Detective Agency went to their respective mission. At first, Atsushi and Kyouka pleaded if they could stay beside Dazai to protect him but due to the request of clients were quite urgent, they had no choice but to separate. In the end, everyone went to their work by partners.
"So, Kuniki~da-kun, you are responsible to protect my life~" Dazai remarked cheerfully, totally irritating his partner.
"Protect your own life, you idiot!" Kunikida retorted and fixed his eyeglasses, but the other just grinned and walked beside him. Taking back his composure, Kunikida begun to speak.
"Did you notice it, Dazai?"
Dazai smiled as he tilted his head to his side, letting his dark unkempt hair brush against his cheek. "Of course, I do. Their plan is rather prosaic-"
"""""
Few hours ago…
"By the way," right after Ranpo stated his enigmatic reminder about Chuuya, he also added another cryptic line before he went out to his work with Tanizaki. "I would like to remind everyone to stay alert to the places where you are going"
His words planted another seed of anxiety and uneasiness to each member of the agency. Ranpo put on his glasses and stared each of the ability-users, scrutinizing them as he meets his eyes with theirs which only gives nervousness to everyone.
"Let me remind two things" Ranpo said, his emerald eyes were glinted with seriousness. "One, our clients are our enemy, and two, no matter what happens accomplish your mission today" he stated as he raised one finger at a time for each reminder. "Depending on the places you are going, some may engage into a battle, hostage or bomb threat"
The atmosphere of the agency became heavy, cold sweat was felt as they exchanged uneasy glances to one another. "So, they are challenging us, eigh?" Dazai smirked and placed his hands in his pocket. "What shall we do, president?"
Then everyone gave their full attention to Fukuzawa, who was already closing his eyes contemplating for his final decision. It didn't take more than a minute before he opened his eyes. "Let's accept their challenge." He replied with authority. "As what Ranpo said, though we might face difficult cases, it is still a fact that if we will not solve this case it will cause trouble to our citizens here in Yokohama"
His words lifted everyone's spirit, reminding them again that they are Armed Detective Agency, an agency that has the job to solve the problems that militaries or governments can't handle. It will just bring shame to their names if they will overthrow their responsibilities.
"Just remember to stay calm and no matter what come back safely. Don't forget that our main mission for today is to protect the citizen and capture the Despair gang"
"""""
Kunikida and Dazai was walking down the street heading towards to the destination their 'client' gave it to them. "They are trying to split us up and even pulled us away from the Osanbashi port." Dazai said while looking at his partner. "I guess Ranpo-san have already noticed it as soon as the agency received lots of clients that time"
Kunikida nodded in agreement. "No wonder he brought Tanizaki with him. He is the best person to protect Ranpo-san from danger." He then took his green notebook and started writing down something with his fountain pen. Dazai did a discreet gaze to his other side then smirked.
"Kunikida-kun, don't you think it's strange?" Dazai drawled as he placed his hands inside his coat pockets. The detectives had already arrived to the destination where they are supposed to meet their client but no one was there waiting for them. Albeit they have already sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere around them they still continued and went inside the ruined building. "Our client invited us here in this dirty abandoned warehouse as if they will celebrate a shabby party for us" Dazai purposely remarked loud as if he is taunting the other party. Gradually they heard several footsteps echoing behind their backs with some kind of metallic objects being dragged as it scratches the floor.
"I'm sorry but I am not fond of attending parties, especially if the host is so rude towards their guests" Kunikida remarked then the detectives turned their back which they were welcomed with brute-looking men, most of them had piercing in their ears or nose, metallic poles and bats in their hands while wearing an annoying cocky grin in their rough faces. The thing that caught their eyes were the tattoos imprinted in their skin, the skull which is the sign that they are definitely belong to the gang.
Seeing those barbarians made Dazai to sigh deeply in disappointment. "I knew it." He said, this time his voice wasn't filled with energy rather in a sluggish way. "This is what I expected, that's why I didn't want to work today… Why do I even have to face these ugly people instead of planning and searching for a beautiful woman who can have a double suicide with me?" he grumbled as he raised his arm to his side in query.
Kunikida just stepped forward, ignoring his partner's whines and gave his stern stare to his clients or rather their opponents. "So, you are the Despair gang, am I right?"
The man who is standing in front of the gang consisting of around 15-20 men, showed his mischievous and arrogant grin, cocking his head and spoke. "Exactly. We are here to destroy you filthy detectives, even before our boss will come to kill you!" he shouted which rang detectives' ears, dubious whether he is using a hidden microphone or not. "And of course, we will destroy that damn Port Mafia! We will definitely take this Yokohama and make this place as our main base!" then everyone in the gang burst out laughing like pirates who have gone drunk after finding a treasure island.
Hearing these words, Kunikida activated his ability, Doppo Poet then a pistol appeared in his hand while Dazai just smirked as he walked beside his partner. "I don't care if you want to destroy the Port Mafia, but unfortunately you may not fulfill your wish" Dazai said then their laughs abruptly stopped and gave their dark stares to the detectives.
"There are two reasons. First of all, you guys do not know the real power of Port Mafia, and second-"
"We will never allow like brute gang like you to wreck Yokohama!" Kunikida exclaimed then he lunged straight towards the gang, a signal to begin the battle. The gangs too didn't take their time to prepare themselves, lifting their weapons and dashed towards their target.
Kunikida was alone lunging forward towards the overwhelming and aggressive men so they thought that they could beat him easily, but it was not. Few moments before some of the gang members tried to swing their metal poles or bats straight to the detective's pate, Kunikida ripped several pages of his notebook and shouted 'Doppo Poet!' then immediately a bright light flashed before him, turning these papers into round-looking objects which then came flying above their heads. It didn't take so long before they realized that it was grenades.
Startled, the gang tried to run away to avoid the impact but it was too late. The grenades exploded and not just only grenades but it was also mixed with light bombs which forced them to closed their eyes and blind their vision. Bodies flew and abruptly landed on the cold floor while some even hit themselves against the rusted walls. The men groaned in pain as they struggled to stand, cursing under their breath.
"Damn it!" one of the men exclaimed as he grabbed the metal bat he saw in front of him. "I'm going to beat you guys and—" before he could even end his ranting, a cloud of smoke formed and surrounded them as if it is going to devour them.
The gang got puzzled and panicked. They didn't know what was going on anymore until they noticed that their vision got blurry and their body weakened, slowly their energy is being drained out by some kind of unknown force.
"Tch, i-it's a s-sleeping gas…!"
"Bingo~ You are correct~!" A cheerful voice praised, his voice was also a bit throaty. Two shadows of men were formed in midst of the thick mist. "I'm sorry but we had already presumed that you guys will be ambushing us so we took this counter plan" Dazai smiled behind the small gas mask that Kunikida made.
The men who are barely conscious gritted their teeth in annoyance. They have underestimated the agency, no, they might have overestimated their own ability and confidence that they could defeat them after their gang gained more power and superb leader. They were wrong.
"Oi" Kunikida kneeled down and grabbed the collar of man's shirt, who had loud voice as if he has microphone inside his throat, pulling him up to force him to look into his eyes. "Tell us the reason why you guys are trying to separate us" he demanded but the man just did a weak chuckle and grinned.
"Re…ven…ge and Des…pai-" finally the sleeping gas conquered his body, leaving a simple yet enigmatic words at the end. But before the moment he had completely shut his eyes, with the last energy he got he tapped the screen of his cellphone, which he discreetly opened it without letting the detectives knowing. The moment he loses his consciousness, suddenly from afar they heard a loud explosion followed by a blaze of fire appeared before their eyes.
"Dazai!"
"I know, Kunikida-kun. Honestly, I didn't think that the bomb will be this strong" he said as walked beside his partner. "I have already contacted the police and they might also come with the fire fighters soon." It didn't take no longer than two minutes before they could hear the sirens and the sharp breaks of the cars.
"""""
Kunikida and Dazai watched the police cars leaving with the captured Despair gang until they couldn't see the vehicles from their sight. The sky had already turned soft orange, tainting the clouds into flaming hues as it gives a warm atmosphere.
The detectives started heading towards the station. "Dazai, can't you walk faster?" Kunikida grumbled after writing some notes in his notebook filled with his ideals and plans. "We are already 2 minutes late with our schedule" Dazai just yawned and didn't even bothered to raise his speed.
"Kuniki~da-kun, don't you know I'm tired?" he drawled as he raised his hand while his hands were still inserted in his coat pockets. "The guy that I interrogated was persistent. It took more than 10 minutes to finally open his mouth. You should thank me instead" he remarked while flapping his coat like wings.
His carefree attitude never failed to snap the line of patience of Kunikida. "It's true that thanks to your superb and horrifying interrogating skills we were able to learn some part of their scheme, but I also can't understand why you can stay calm like that!"
Dazai shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Because it's meaningless to be panic, that's all. Besides I think we should inform this to President, so that he can give his next command to everyone". Hearing his words, Kunikida realized that he almost forgot to inform everyone that he and Dazai had obtained.
They learned 3 important points. First, their main goal is Chuuya. The Despair will do anything to destroy the executive. 2nd, sub-groups of Despair have already arrived here in Yokohama to ambush the Port Mafia and the Agency. And lastly, to separate Dazai from Chuuya as much as possible.
Kunikida pondered over the last goal that the Despair member had stated but decided to ask Dazai later, who might have even a slight idea about these words. At first, his top priority is to contact President. Pulling out his cellphone from his pocket he slid his thumb over the screen to find President's contact number while both of them continued walking towards the train station. Kunikida didn't want to waste any second, especially they are late for about few minutes.
But when he was about to tap President's contact number, the screen turned black and a battery sign pop out telling that his cellphone is out of battery. Muttering under his breath, he turned back to see Dazai who was gleefully singing the suicide song he had composed.
"Hey, Dazai, my cellphone is out of battery, can you contact our President inste-" before he could finish his sentence, Kunikida spotted something glistening behind them. It took only few moments before he could realize what was it. His face instantly turned pale and grabbed Dazai's arm.
"Dazai!" Kunikida yanked him sidewards which surprised his partner but immediately realized the reason behind. Just the moment when they duck over the ground, a bullet barely scratched Dazai's shoulder. Without any haste, the detectives rushed behind the ship cargo container and leaned their backs against it.
"An ambush, eigh?" Dazai mumbled then whistled in amusement, bullets continued shooting towards their direction but failed to hit them as it repels against the metal wall. "I thought we were able to lose our track on him but it seemed like it didn't totally work out. That guy took one point from me" He refers to the sniper he and Kunikida noticed while they were on their way going to the abandoned warehouse. He then sighed as he thought that another load of work has ruined his plan for his suicide trials for today.
"So, the Despair gang are not only a gathering of bonehead barbarians" Kunikida commented as he already took his stance while carrying the gun he had made with his ability. "Do you think he is the only sniper?"
Dazai smirked grimly and shook his head. "Nope". That very moment, they noticed someone's presence from the opposite side of the ship cargo container and saw a well- built man already pointing dual pistol before them. "Speaking of the devil-" Without wasting another second, the detectives swiftly turned and hid behind the other corner of the container.
Ceaseless gunshots hitting the metal wall, giving no chance for the detectives to escape from both sides. Kunikida checked the time through his wrist watch then clicked his tongue in irritation as he observed the clock of the hand had already passed the time for the next two schedules. "It seems like they are not trying to let us go that easily"
"It can't be help, I am too popular though I'm not happy even to slightest having a scary-looking guy as my fan" Dazai remarked casually which only just annoyed his partner. "By the way, they are jamming the connection. I can't contact our boss."
Another load of irritation was added on Kunikida.