Our trio arrive in Suribatchi City and run into some trouble.

Meanwhile something sinister is afoot but we also go back in time to before The Agency was born.

Apologies for the wait. First I spent a week cooking Thanksgiving dinner, then all of my devices went out on me.

Yokohama: 16 Years Ago…

Blood trickled down the corner of his lip. The incessant cackling of his assailants like a flock of rambunctious roosters irritated his ears to no end, not that he showed it.

"Doctor Mori," The leader mused, pointing his gun directly at the bound man's head. "Thanks to your clinic being neutral territory for the underground, you must get all kinds of juicy info from your criminal clientele. Word around town is you got a side business selling espionage on the black market…" The man motioned for his two goons to force the doctor to look at him so he could press the barrel directly to his forehead.

It took everything in Mori to keep from rolling his eyes.

"You're gonna tell me where the Port Mafia is keeping their weapons stashed. The boss is stark raving mad, going on insane killing sprees, rampaging the city." He snickered, "So me and my buddies are going to use their weapons for our own business and turn them--"

"Would you mind shutting up?"

The goons scowled confused.

"You know, I love everything about this city," Mori said, unfazed by the interrogation. "I especially love it's dark side. Whether or not that's due to some grand design or my own free will matters not to me." He fixed his captors with a manic expression. "It's trash like you littering my beloved city that makes me completely sick to my stomach."

The goons snarled, their leader ready to bash the doctor's head with the handle of his gun, when the back door swung open with a loud 'creek' and in walked a tall, silver haired man wearing traditional attire, complete with a katana at his hip.

Mori blinked, making sure the years of solidarity hadn't finally made him go insane… well, more insane than usual. Only mildly relieved to learn that wasn't the case, but mostly peeved. "Well…" He said, looking past the thugs. "I'd heard rumors you were back in the country, but for the lone wolf to return to the den of his birth after so many years, that can only mean you're here on business."

Fukuzawa was stoic as always. "And I had heard you started an underground clinic, treating filth like this." He eyed the three thugs, scrutiny evident. "Have I come at a bad time?"

"Not at all." Mori replied. "I was just taking out the trash."

The leader looked stupefied, fumbling for his words. "H-how did you get past my men outside?" He asked Fukuzawa. "There were over fifty of them…"

"I killed them all." Fukuzawa said blandly as he approached.

The leader panicked and pointed his gun back at Mori. "S-stay back! Or I'll kill him, I swear!"

Fukuzawa didn't even flinch when he said, "Have fun."

"How could you?!" Mori cried.

"You let yourself be caught so you could gather information, doctor. We both know you're only pretending to be bound to that chair." The thugs gasped. "How long do you intend to keep up this ludicrous farce?"

Both goons who'd been holding Mori stammered back when their captive grinned wickedly, all three then gasped when the rope binding him coiled to the ground, having been cut with expert precision. The poor men never knew what happened, one second they were standing in shock, the next they were in a heap on the floor, their life's blood spewing from their carotid artery like gizers, dead within seconds.

Mori chuckled, swiping his scalpels of his latest victim's blood, not carrying that he himself was covered in it. He fixed Fukuzawa with a lax crease of his brow. "I had it under control, you know,"

"I know."

"Are you here to kill me?"

"If I were, you'd be dead already." Fukuzawa said gruffly.

"Touche." Mori nodded, retracting his blades. Then called for Elise, the girl skipped from her hiding spot and proceeded poking the dead bodies with curiosity.

"Can I play with them, Rintaro?" She asked innocently.

"Of course my darling. Play to your heart's content." Mori said, strolling to a small refrigerator in the corner. Elise clapped merrily and Fukuzawa glowered, revolted.

Mori took something from the fridge that Fukuzawa couldn't see, at first. "Well then, if you're not here to collect my head for your employers…" He held up a bottle of Sake and two cups. "Care for a drink?" A glance at the brand and Fukuzawa cursed his weakness.

"As I recall, you never wanted to set foot in Yokohama ever again, Fukuzawa." Mori said, filling the cups. "What could possibly have changed your mind, if not your line of work?"

Fukuzawa pulled up a seat and accepted the offered drink, downing it in one gulp then motioning for more. Mori blinked, bewildered. It wasn't like his old partner to drink so radically. Usually he'd practice moderation and sip to savor the taste. Seems the years apart really had changed both of them. Only after his second cup, did Fukuzawa reveal his reasoning.

"Information." He said solemnly. "Recently an old friend of mine and his wife were killed in a car accident. They named me executor of their will, but before I lay them to rest, I need to be certain they're deaths were indeed an accident and not deliberate."

Mori pondered for a moment, taking a sip, then fixed Fukuzawa with a furrowed brow. "Are you referring to Detective Edogawa, The Clairvoyant?" His tone gave Fukuzawa the answer he needed.

"So it wasn't an accident, then."

"I'm afraid not." Mori sighed. "He was interfering with the boss' recent human trafficking enterprise. That, along with investigating whatever nonsense the boss was founding for the government over in Suribatchi City before the explosion a few months ago, and well," Mori averted his eyes, "He was too much of an inconvenience."

Fukuzawa's nostrils flared, he was close to shattering his sake cup in his hand. "I want the name of the one who carried out the order."

Mori poured himself another cup. "I don't give information away for free, Yukichi. What's in it for me?"

Hand moving to his sword hilt, Fukuzawa growled. "My silence regarding your plan to kill the boss and usurp control over the Port Mafia."

Mori visibly stiffened. Blinking once… twice… then chuckled, of course his former partner would know. He reached into his pocket and passed a folded piece of paper to Fukuzawa, who pondered.

"You knew I was coming." They both knew it wasn't a question.

Mori half snorted, kicking back in his chair. "Not much happens in Yokohama, I'm not aware of, mut. I didn't need my mark to tell me you were near, I simply had to heed the bloodlust in the air overwhelming my own, why do you think I threw it a bone?" He said, pointedly.

"I thought it was a little too convenient." Fukuzawa said, glancing at the dead bodies then back to Mori. "It sickens me to say this, but you have my gratitude." He pocketed the paper without looking and finished his drink, then got up to leave but paused at the doorway. "If anyone cancontrol the night, it's you, doctor. You and Taneda might be able to pull Yokohama from its tragic predicament."

"Will that be enough?" Mori asked. "The upstart director is talented, but his idealism is his Achilles heel. Once he antagonizes certain government officials, he'll no doubt end up the same as your friend and his wife. I agree the night is in desperate need of reforming, hence why I intend on taking the pillar for myself… but don't forget there are three pillars, Fukuzawa. One has been vacant for too long." His tone indicated he was trying to make a point.

Fukuzawa regarded him suspiciously. "What are you suggesting?"

Mori waited for a beat before shaking his head. "Nothing." He lied. "Perhaps the alcohol is getting to me?" Unlikely but he turned his attention to Elise, now busy braiding one of the dead goons' hair. Then he spoke with a far away expression. "I had hoped when we killed that monster and his vampiric hostage, our home would know peace once more. How wrong I was. If our mentors could see us now, they'd kill us themselves."

Fukuzawa wasn't about to deny that fact. He had long since renounced the calling the mark on his left hand chose him to answer. And Mori wasn't any better, but at least he hadn't abandoned Yokohama all together. "You've never been the type to remain in the past, doctor. Nor do you crave peace. Power and bloodshed is what nourishes you."

"How right you are. But you're wrong about one thing. I long to see this city thrive once again. Even if peace is an illusion, that's the purpose of the night pillar. To rule the darkness so that the city may bask in the warmth of light. Only someone without a conscience can shepperd shadows. Thankfully that's something I sorely lack." He seemed proud of that last bit.

"Perhaps a new generation will succeed where we failed?" Fukuzawa was grim. "All things must come to an end, even…" He stammered, "...even Yokohama. But I believe no matter what misfortunes befall, it will continue to live on stronger than days past."

"I wish I was as optimistic as you." Mori sighed while pouring another drink and nudging it in Fukuzawa's direction, then raising his own in a toast. "To our city."

Fukuzawa took the offered cup and raised it high. "To a new era."

The men downed their drinks and Fukuzawa made to leave.

"Yukichi…" Mori called. "If you ever get tired of looking for a place to die, I could always use a right hand man when I take over the Mafia. Or I suppose I should say 'left hand man'."

Clutching the doorknob, Fukuzawa didn't even bother looking at his old partner this time. "We're not Soukoku anymore, Ogai, and I'd sooner fall on my own sword than ever work for the likes of you."

Mori laughed. "The feeling's mutual, I assure you. Still, the offer stands."

Fukuzawa snorted, then left Mori to his musings. Elise was now painting the corpse with all kinds of fingerprints and glitter while Mori turned his focus to the window; the moon gleaming down. No, he was no longer a Soukoku, but like Fukuzawa, he chose to believe in the future.

Somewhere out there were two lumps of coal waiting to be polished. And the calico coated creature currently licking his paw over Mori's clinic would insure his current generations of diamonds would be the ones to do it.

Yokohama: Present Day

The last time Chuuya had been in a helicopter he was tied and unconscious. What's more he had been flying away from Suribatchi City, not towards it. And his company was furious, steroids pumped GSS officers, not Yokohama's Dark Prince and Angel Princess. He had woken up in a brightly lit jail cell with anti-gifted handcuffs around his wrist, and there he stayed for five years waiting to die.

Never once had he imagined he'd ever see the cursed city he once called home again, much less return to it in a state of the art corporate helicopter, flown by a shy teenager with a sister fetish. It was all just so surreal.

Trying his best to peer out the glass window, he spotted the ominous broken tower-- a landmark for Suribatchi city-- get bigger as they got closer. Chuuya cast his eyes lower to see the massive crater in the middle of the peninsula like a bowl. His jaw clenched remembering what he'd found beneath the central point of it… that voice.

A voice that apparently others had heard and led them to their deaths.

Just what the hell was going on?

"There's no safe place for me to land!" Junichiro shouted. "You're going to have to parachute down!"

"Can't you get us closer to the crater?" Dazai asked.

"Sorry, no!" Junichiro responded. "There's some kind of magnetic field emanating from the center. If I get too close, all my systems will die and we'll crash."

That didn't make sense. Chuuya clearly remembered a helicopter flying directly above him the night he was captured. He had been in the center, he was sure of it. Could the maze phenomenon have gotten more powerful over the past five years?

Junichiro flew towards the east side, the vicinity of Cone Street, where gifteds had heard the voice. Seemed the logical place to start, but the plan was to reach Suribatchi and make their way to the crater on foot. There was no telling how long the investigation would take, but Dazai, Akiko, and Chuuya were prepared to be there several days.

They approached their destination.

"Your supply bags are in the compartment at your feet with the parachutes." Junichiro said. "There should be enough to last each of you a week, hopefully it won't take you guys that long though."

Akiko scooted to open the compartment, retrieving three small duffel bags with enough food and toiletries for each, passing them to her brother and Chuuya. She reached for the parachutes, only to make a startling discovery. "Tanizaki, who was in charge of the supply's and parachutes this morning?" She asked, making the three men with her pique with interest.

"I was. Why?" Junichiro stuttered.

"Because there's only one parachute in here." Akiko held it up to prove her statement.

Junichiro gasped and Dazai jumped to inspect the compartment himself, empty. It wasn't like the elder Tanizaki sibling to be careless when preparing for a mission. Unless… "Junichiro," Dazai prodded. "This morning when you were prepping the chopper, was Naomi with you by any chance?"

"Y-yes."

The three passengers sighed. Explains everything. Guess they should be grateful he hadn't been too distracted to pack supplies, but that didn't solve their current problem. They were now hovering over their landing zone with only one able to chute. There was no choice but to turn back.

Chuuya had other ideas. "You're not afraid of heights are you, Beautiful?" He asked Akiko.

The princess blinked. Was that some kind of joke? Then her eyes brightened and he knew she was thinking the same thing he was. She smiled and asked, "Can you?"

Chuuya scuffed as if to say Who do you think you're talking to? Before taking both of their duffels and moving to locate the side latch. Some point in between that, Dazai clued into the plan and was more than a little against it.

"Forget it, slug!" He exclaimed, waving his hands. "Out of the question!"

"Would you rather I take you?" Chuuya quipped. "The only way that would ever happen, asshole, is if we were over a volcano I could drop you in."

"My ability would nullify yours and we'd both plummet, idiot." Dazai countered proudly. "Of course I would find something to hold on to because there's no way I'd ever achieve my dream of double suicide with you."

Chuuya pursued his lips, activating his ability so his hat wouldn't fly off from the rush of air when he threw open the door. From his vantage point, could see the endless sea of rusty, multicolored tin roofs, stretching over the peninsula like a quilt. I'm home. He extended his arm, offering Akiko his hand. "It's now or never, Beautiful."

Akiko zipped up her medical bag and made sure her butterfly hairpin was secure, accepting his hand, excited. Despite both wearing gloves, she swore she felt a spark and momentarily wished they had forgotten the accessories all together.

"You can't be serious, sis!" Dazai said.

"Don't be such a baby, Dazai." Akiko retorted. "The sooner we get down there, the sooner we can solve this case. It's not like Chuuya will drop me."

"Never." Chuuya promised. Smirking at Dazai like he'd just won the game.

The prince gave a pointed look. "That's not what I'm worried about." He gruffed.

"Well, you work that out, okay big brother?" Akiko snarked before nodding at Chuuya, she appeared enthusiastic, almost like a kid about to board a rollercoaster for the first time. Chuuya shouldered their supply bags and scooped her up bridal style, she squeaked at the feeling of being lighter than air and hadn't expected to feel warm. Was that his ability or her? Judging by the way her cheeks stung with heat, it was definitely the latter

Chuuya snickered at Dazai's scowl. "See you at the bottom, shithead…" He shared a mutual amused glance with the princess then added, "...Actually, I hope I don't." With that he leapt out into the air, grinning the whole way down from Akiko's girlish squeals of delight. He made the whole experience worth her while by interchanging the speeds in which they descended, not allowing fickle hindrances like wind ruffle their clothes or blow strands of hair to obscure her dazzling smile. The gift of gravity really did have more than a few perks.

Dazai meanwhile had been left to moap and fumble to strap on his parachute. Junichiro winced; managed a sympathetic smile. "G-good luck, Prince Dazai."

The prince glowered, grabbing his bag, about to jump. "When you get back home, give my dad a message from me." He ordered the pilot. "Tell him when this is all over I'm going to make escargot out of that little slug and feed it to him."

He jumped out of the chopper, leaving the elder Tanizaki bemused.

Chuuya slowed to a float and softly stepped down to solid ground, after five long years locked away, he was officially back… home? Does a forsaken gutter classify as a home? Can you have a home without having one, or is it people who make a real home?

Once upon a time, that had been his belief until the colleges he'd considered the closest thing to family he'd ever have betrayed him. Now, he had no idea what to call it. Not that it mattered anymore. He set Akiko to her feet and observed their surroundings.

They had landed near a sturdy chain link fence line with barbed wire running along the top, undoubtedly a means to keep people from climbing over, not that security measures like it were enough to hinder the residents of Suribatchi. There weren't any tin shacks, only garbage cans, and remnants from old abandoned construction projects like timber and rusty iron rails. Most likely a failed attempt to build a bridge connecting Yokohama and Suribatchi.

The area was quiet. Almost too quiet.

Akiko smoothed out her skirt and grinned. "That certainly beats a parachute." She said, "Your ability really is amazing, Chuuya."

"Anytime you want to go for a ride, just say the word." He smirked.

Akiko raised an eyebrow, "Are we still referring to your ability?"

"I wasn't."

The princess chuckled and took her supply bag from him. "Hate to break it to you, but I already joined the Mile High Club, it wasn't all it's cracked up to be."

"That's only because you were inside a plane. You should try without, sometime."

A tempting offer. Very tempting. Just what were all of the advantages to bending gravity to one's will she wondered. Such thoughts were dangerous waters to tread, because if she wasn't careful, she just might dive in headfirst. Would that be so bad? For the moment, yes. They needed to focus. "Any sign of Dazai?"

Way to ruin the mood. Chuuya huffed, "Hopefully he drifted to the ocean and got eaten by sharks." One could only hope.

Akiko scanned the sky but saw no trace of her brother, meaning he landed, he couldn't be far. She cupped a hand around her mouth and hollered his name once… twice… three times. But nothing. Chuuya probably should've stopped her for fear of alerting undesirables to their location. But he was confident enough in his power to know he could protect her. Besides, after the week he's had, he could stand for a good fight to loosen up.

It was on Akiko's seventh call did they finally hear a faint…

"Over here!"

Chuuya raced after Akiko to where the response came. They found a wide alleyway twice as littered as where they had landed. There was a cluster of graffiti painted oil barrels, toppled over in all directions, except one.

Dazai had somehow managed to land bottom first inside one of the barrels, folding in on himself, and appeared to be sinking lower and lower with his legs sticking straight up over his head. If that wasn't odd enough, his parachute was nowhere to be seen. Only his supply bag sat by the barrels, like it had been deliberately dropped. "Would one of you mind giving me a hand?" Dazai muttered.

Both Akiko and Chuuya piqued at the prince's pitiful state. It was the latter who asked, "Just what the hell did you do to get like that? You look like a mackerel trying to escape the tank." Chuuya laughed.

Akiko was less amused. "Dazai, this better not be another one of your suicide attempts." She growled.

Dazai snickered, averting his eyes. "Guilty."

"Damn it Dazai!" Akiko shouted, "We don't have time for this crap!"

"I couldn't resist, ok. I read about this fascinating way to commit suicide by stuffing yourself into a barrel. After I discarded my parachute, I saw these empty oil barrels and thought it'd be a good opportunity to test it. Unfortunately it seems it was used as a torture method too, because I'm suffering here."

Over the years, rumors spread like wildfire about Yokohama's prince being mentally unstable, disturbed even. They were one hundred percent correct. Honestly, it was a wonder how he's made it this far.

"If it's working so much, why do you want to stop?" Chuuya asked.

"Because, I'm interested in suicide, not pain." Dazai responded. "I want the sweet release of death without the suffering, thank you very much."

Chuuya huffed and proceeded to kick the barrel over- with a little more force than necessary. "You really are nuts."

Dazai scrambled to his feet, stretching his sore muscles and cracking his neck. "Like I care what you think." He muttered. "So, we're finally here." The prince looked around, appraising the whole area.

Chuuya stepped in front of Dazai and Akiko and made a swiping motion with his arm. "Welcome to Suribatchi City, you're majesties." His tone was condescending but his eyes were dead serious.

"So where do we start?" Akiko asked.

Dazai cocked his head, regarding his little sister. "Activity seemed to be prominent near Cone Street and the crater, therefore we should start by searching the area for any signs of the old boss, then make our way to the center of the crater where numbskull over there claimed to hear the voice manipulating people."

Chuuya snorted. "Is that all? Look, moron, the crater isn't somewhere you can just look around nonchalantly. Without an anchor, you'll be lost forever."

Akiko raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Chuuya explained the maze phenomenon as best he could. How it was confined to the underground before the explosion, then extended to the giant bowl left behind. How people needed a clear focal point to either a place or another person, how the Sheep had each worn membership bracelets for that very reason. It was to keep from wandering aimlessly with no end.

"This all sounds like an ability to me." Dazai said. "If I can find the source, I can nullify it."

"But Dazai we wouldn't know where to look." Akiko pointed out. She faced Chuuya and asked him, "Is there any way you can guide us without an anchor?"

Chuuya shrugged. "I don't have my bracelet anymore…" The words sounded painful coming out. "But could probably get you as far as the Sheep's old territory. From there, I can't make any promises. The only way I made it to the center before was those whispers guiding me."

"I guess that will have to be enough for now." Though Akiko was less than optimistic. The idea of being lost in an endless maze of slums for the rest of her life wasn't exactly appealing. "But we'll all need anchors for each other, so that even if we get lost, we will find one another." She pondered a moment then grabbed her scalpel and motioned for Dazai. He looked apprehensive but couldn't refuse her.

A quick swipe and Akiko collected a lock of Dazai's hair, much to his annoyance then moved on to Chuuya, who held out a piece for her to cut. She divided the locks evenly between them, the boys looked at her expectantly.

"Not on your life," She flipped her hair pointedly. "Dazai, the bandages you're wearing are the ones I gave you from my infirmary, right?" He nodded. Perfect, that would suffice for him. That just left Chuuya. Rummaging through her medical bag, she found the right item, tossing it to the gravity user.

Chuuya inspected the large serrated hunting knife. Recently sharpened. He tested the weight and feel, then noticed Akiko's initials engraved on the blade. He preened.

"It's one of two." She said, "I haven't engraved the other yet but that should work for an anchor. You can keep it until we get back to the Agency, I want it back in mint condition."

Impressed and appreciating the way the sun gleamed off the blade, Chuuya tucked the knife in his belt. Hopefully he'll get a chance to use it. Given that this was the place all undesirables coagulated, the odds were almost guaranteed.

"You're seriously giving the criminal a weapon?" Dazai complained.

"He's not a criminal, Dazai." Akiko said, definitely. "Ranpo said we can trust him, that should be more than enough for you."

"Ranpo's also twenty-nine and can't even buy a train ticket on his own."

That threw Chuuya for a loop. When he met Ranpo, he was sure the egocentric slob was barely out of his teen years. His whole demeanor was that of a child, to think he was actually six years older then Chuuya was now… He was brought out of his daze by Akiko's witty comebacks at her brother.

"Like you're one to talk, you can't even drive a car!" Akiko said, crossing her arms.

"I drive just fine!" Dazai shouted, flailing his hands in the air. "It's the rest of the city that gets in my way!"

It was almost comical. Watching Dazai and Akiko banter like this. It was the first time since meeting them that Chuuya could believe they were siblings. Thankfully not siblings like the

Tanizaki's, but siblings who fought and bickered, yet still maintained a familial bond. He was certain Dazai had no redeeming qualities whatsoever but it was clear if the prince had anything even remotely resembling a heart, his little sister held most of it. That was clear yesterday when he'd asked Hirotsu if Ace had gone near her.

The protectiveness in his voice had practically been primal.

He could tell Akiko wasn't protective of her brother, rather she did her best to reassure him. Of what, Chuuya didn't know, but so far she's been the only person he'd met who didn't push Dazai the way everyone else did. Whereas their father and the rest of the Agency viewed Dazai as a future king. She saw him as something else.

As entertaining as they were, their bickering was starting to escalate louder. It was only a matter of time before…

"Well, well. Wat's ha'v we got here?"

The siblings stopped bickering and-- along with Chuuya-- followed the direction of the new voice.

A brawny thug at least a head taller than Dazai and three times as muscled, stood blocking the way to the ally Chuuya and Akiko came from. He had a shaved head, the left arm covered with tattoos, and was holding a pipe over his shoulders like he should be carrying buckets of water on each end. He was accompanied by four other smaller built fellers looking just as menacing. They grinned nastily, eyeing the trio like they were a delicious feast, specifically Akiko.

"Looks like sum lost kittens wandered too far from home, Boss." Said one of the thugs on the big guy's right. "They sure ain't from arounds here."

The boss threw his head back and laughed. "No, d'ay ain't. How nice of em to brings us some goodies…" He pointed to the duffel bags. "Brings em to me, will ya boys."

Chuuya stepped between the prince and princess, hands stuffed in his pockets and regarded the burly newcomers like ants he needed to step on. "The only ones lost around here is you fuckers. But I'd be happy to kick your asses back from where you came."

The men blinked, then collectively started laughing like a pack of hyenas. One even fell to the ground holding his midsection. "That's a goods one, shrimp!" The boss wheezed. "Ya thinks yous can take all'a us? I've tak'n shit's bigger den you!" He continued laughing and the others followed suit.

Chuuya's jaw clenched and his eyes burned with anger. He looked about ready to explode. "Call me Shimp again, dickhead, and you'll be shitting your own teeth." He growled.

"Hang on." Dazai said. "They might have information, we should interrogate one of them."

Chuuya cut Dazai an annoyed look. "Sure. If there's anything left of them, you can interrogate that."

The thugs quit laughing, seemingly having enough fooling around. The leader pointed his pipe at Dazai and Chuuya. "I's gots no use fer ya's. Boys, kill da shrimp and da mummy wrapped freak." He pointed to Akiko and grinned hungrily. "I'm takin' da pretty broad back ta base fer a sums alone time." He chuckled, stalking towards her.

Akiko tensed, but not from fear.

"The fuck you are!" Chuuya growled. He was about to push her behind him but hesitated as soon as he noticed how foreboding her demeanor became.

"Excuse me, but did you just call me Broad?" She asked, voice calm but held an icy edge that sent a shiver down Chuuya's spine.

"Uh-oh. They called her a Broad..." Dazai muttered.

The leader snorted, lowering his pipe. "What's difference it make what's i's calls ya, girly? Ur's mine now." He reached his beefy hand to grab Akiko, only for her to grab it with her dainty gloved one.

"You really shouldn't have done that." Dazai said, pulling out his book and dragging Chuuya back a few feet, much to the gravity wielder's protest.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing idiot?" Chuuya said, struggling.

Dazai said nothing, just dusted off one of the tipped over barrels and took a seat to read his book.

The thugs looked baffled, but none more so than the leader, who's hand Akiko was now twisting with almost inhuman strength. He cried out in pain just as the princess locked eyes with him. Her normal violet irises were near red with bloodlust and her smile was manic. And when she spoke, she growled like a wild animal. "You perverts know nothing about how to treat a lady. I guess I'll have to teach you…"

There was a loud snap! And the burly man's hand was now facing the opposite direction. Everyone present-- including Chuuya-- blinked...1...2… And the man screamed from the top of his lungs. He used his other hand to swing his pipe but Akiko let go of his broken hand and ducked, she took the opportunity to grab the pipe herself and yank it out of his grasp then spun around and bashed her assailant upside the head, so hard it bent the pipe.

The gang leader fell to the ground with an unconscious thud.

The other four starred in disbelief. And they weren't the only ones. Chuuya wore an expression like a fish out of water. Besides him, Dazai hummed nonchalantly and licked his thumb to turn the next page.

"S-s-she t-took out Boss…" One of the men stammered.

Another shook his head, seethed. "Get her!" He shouted and all four swarmed Akiko.

She didn't bother retrieving her cleaver, she could handle these pigs on her own. A tall blonde who clearly had more muscle than brains lunged for her but she sidestepped with grace and shifted her weight, punching him in the eye. Another managed to grab her arm. Big mistake! Because the princess stomped on his foot, her red heel made the man stammer and she used the advantage to flip him over her shoulder. He landed hard on his back and yelped when her heel came slamming down on his nose, breaking it.

Two down, two to go.

Chuuya was at a loss for words. He didn't know what to make of what he was witnessing. It was clear from the beginning that Akiko wasn't the stereotypical princess found in books and movies. The damsel in distress, locked in a tower waiting to be rescued by a handsome prince. But to see her wiping the floor with several street hoods twice her size… in heels! And showing no signs of hindrance or exhaustion was simply incredible!

He saw one of the remaining two cretins pull out a switch blade while the other started to circle her and tensed. It was a unison assault. "Um... Shouldn't we?..." Chuuya stammered, glancing at Dazai, who was nose deep in his book.

"Pttt!..." The prince snorted. "You can jump in if you want but I don't recommend it. You'll only get in her way and end up in the pile with the rest of them. Believe me, there's a reason she's called the Angel of Death."

Right on cue proving his point the switch blade holder went flying through the air, landing in a pile of rubble and groaning in pain. Only one remained and it was clear from his ashen complexion and quivering lip, he was having second thoughts about challenging Akiko.

She fixed him with a frown, curling her lips in disgust. "Let this be a lesson to you worms…" Akiko said, stomping towards the shaking hoodlum. He yipped when she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him down to her level. "Women are not consolation prizes to be used for your worthless ego's. You boys better learn how to treat a lady with respect, or I'll come back here, cut off whatever sorry excuses of twigs you think passes for dicks and throw you in a jail cell where a much bigger guy than your boss will make ladies out of all of you! Understood?"

The thug whimpered. "Y--y-es ma'am

Satisfied, Akiko shoved him back then spun and roundhouse kicked him right in the cheek, sending him sailing to join his friend in the rubble.

All five of their would-be muggers now lay incapacitated. No doubt regretting their life choices.

"Have fun sis?" Dazai asked, closing his book.

Akiko laughed sarcastically, dusting off her skirt. "Please, I had a better time pummeling the wimps who surrounded me outside the parlor I got my tattoo from."

Chuuya, who had been standing awestruck, was shaken out of his haze by that statement; pupils blew wide. "Y-you have a tattoo?... Where?" His eyes darted over her, as if trying to pinpoint the exact location.

The warrior princess gave him one of her signature devious smirks. "Wouldn't you like to know?..." She said, enjoying the way his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. There was nothing Chuuya wanted to know more. His eyes must've conveyed his thoughts because Akiko's cheeks turned just a slight shade rosier but she wouldn't look away.

Suddenly nauseous, Dazai cleared his throat and stepped between his sister and Chuuya, interrupting whatever flirtatious game they were playing. "Well, if you're done, we should get moving."

While Chuuya glared at Dazai like he was debating the best way to rip him apart, Akiko just nodded in agreement and took her medical bag, following her brother out of the alley. Chuuya speared a last glance at the muggers groaning from their landing spots. A small bit of red energy to drive them deeper into the ground was all that was needed to insure they wouldn't come after them again.

They walked for hours. Honestly, the Island of Suribatchi City wasn't very big but the maze of slums were so cluttered together that it seemed endless. They weren't even inside the crater yet but it felt like they were going in circles. Even Chuuya had momentarily feared the phenomenon widened its range in the five years he was gone, but subsided once they passed a new street of multicolored awnings.

They kept their eyes and ears peeled for signs or clues of the old boss and the whispers, but so far nothing. Which only added to concern, it was only a matter of time before these incidents escalated even worse and the public didn't need that, especially so soon after the Azure King. Not to mention the clock was ticking before Director Taneda stepped in as well.

There had been more thugs of course, far more than Akiko had fought, but Chuuya was only too happy to handle them while Dazai and Akiko watched. Five years in solitary confinement, it was clear he needed to let loose a little. No better therapy than battle.

It was nearing sundown and they'd barely gotten away from Cone Street visienty. They'd need to find shelter before dark. If Dazai or Akiko were disquieted by the thought of sleeping in the slums they didn't show it. Actually, they hadn't said anything about the state of the slums. Chuuya had half expected some form of detestation or superiority complex from them, growing up privileged and all, but instead they seemed oddly content.

"We should find somewhere to bed down." Chuuya told them. "The suns going down and believe me, you don't want to be wandering around here in the dark."

"Aww… is poor wittle Chuuya scared?" Dazai teased.

"Like hell I am, asshole!" Chuuya shouted, making Dazai chuckle from his obvious response. "I just mean there's no lighting out here so it'll be harder to look for clues."

"He has a point, Dazai." Akiko said. "Maybe if we find a place to rest we can go over the reports again and see if we missed something."

Dazai frowned, pondering. "Fine." He relented, then winced feeling the familiar call of nature. "Uh… Can you excuse me for a minute, I really have to pee!" Before his colleagues could say anything, the prince ran around the nearest corner like his feet were on fire.

Akiko huffed. "Well I guess we can look for a shelter nearby." Chuuya nodded. They stayed silent to long for the princess' liking. She knew what was coming and thought it best to get it over with. "You can ask me, you know, I know you're dying too."

Chuuya hesitated. "Where did you learn how to fight like that?"

It never failed to irritate her, how surprised people were. As if her sex and size automatically made her incapable of self defense. As unfair as the assumption was, it did hold advantages for her to exploit. "I'm not an Agency member for nothing." She said it like it should be obvious. "But if you must know, it was my dad and uncle. They personally trained me, Dazai, and Kunikida."

"What about Ranpo?" Chuuya asked.

Akiko laughed. "Physical activity is not Ranpo's forte. His weapon is his mind. Still they made sure we could all defend ourselves in one way or another. Me and Dazai especially, when you're the child of one of the most powerful men in the city, you instantly become a target."

"Understandable. But what you did this morning was--"

"Improper?... Emasculating?... Unbecoming of a lady?..." She'd heard it all before, and it only encouraged her further. It was near impossible to meet a man who was completely enthusiastic about strong, Intelligent, independent women.

"Amazing…" Chuuya smirked.

Or was it?

"You gotta be tough to live in this world. Not give a damn about the rules or what anyone else thinks. This best way to do that is to make your own rules and tell the world to fuck off. Especially when you do it for the right reasons. With an attitude like that… Well, it'll just make the world more beautiful."

Akiko stopped walking. She just had to stop and study the gravity wielder, his words rang with the bell of truth and there wasn't one insincere line on his face. Now it was her turn to be amazed. When he noticed she wasn't beside him anymore and turned to look back at her with puzzlement, she had to tell him. "If that's really your philosophy on life, Chuuya, then you'd fit right in The Agency." She smiled and Chuuya averted his gaze, shrugging it off like nothing then continuing ahead.

They rounded a left corner and Chuuya brightened. "That should work!" He exclaimed. However when Akiko saw what he was so enthusiastic about, her reaction was much different.

Before them was an old cargo shipping container, covered with graffiti. Time and the elements had rusted the outer walls but aside from that, it appeared to be in well enough condition for a makeshift shelter for the night. Chuuya ran to inspect it, using gravity to help lift the old latch on the door and peering inside. "Doesn't look like anybody's lived here," He said, "and the inside is sound enough, this should be good to camp out in tonight."

"NO!" Akiko screamed.

When Chuuya turned to see what alarmed her, he saw her collapsed to the ground, her medical bag in a dirty heap beside her, and scrambling back like something was biting at her heels. He ran to her. "Akiko!... What's wrong?" He tried to touch her but she spatted his hand and screamed No! Over and over.

He noticed her eyes, bloodshot and full of terror, following her line of vision he saw her looking into the dark opening of the shipping container. Her body trembled and tears began pouring from her eyes. Chuuya tried to console her but she was paralyzed with fear. She wouldn't respond to any of his questions. He was starting to panic when out of nowhere a strong hand grabbed him by the shoulder and threw him out of the way.

Dazai had arrived: and was now crouched over his sister. "What did you do?" He demanded, not even bothering to look at Chuuya.

Instead of a rude retort like normal, Chuuya stammered with his words. "I-I didn't do anything. I went to check out that cargo hold for a possible shelter and as soon as I opened it, she just lost it."

Dazai's eyes widened. "You opened a…" he glanced over his shoulder at the enormous metal box then cursed. "You fucking idiot!" He muttered, before focusing back on his sister. "Sis?... Akiko?"

Suddenly, Akiko became aware of her brother's presence and lunged at him, burying her face in his chest and clutching his coat for dear life. "Don't take me back!" She cried. "Not the dark… not again, Dazai!" Her breath was erratic and her whole body was shaking violently. Dazai wrapped his arms around her, trying to lull her tears.

Chuuya watched the scene apprehensively, he wanted to help but thought best to stay back and let Dazai comfort her. He stood there for several minutes just listening to Akiko's muffled sobs.

When she started quieting down, he tried approaching again until Dazai looked up glaring daggers at him. "Stay back."He warned. "You've already done enough."

The accusation stung, it probably wasn't a good idea to ask but he was worried. "What's wrong with her?

"Nothing that concerns you." Dazai bit back. He tossed Chuuya Akiko's medical bag and scooped her up in his arms, walking back in the direction they'd just come from. "We'll find somewhere else to bed down for the night." He left no room for argument.

Chuuya looked like he wanted to ask more but thought better not to. He looked back at the cargo hold, wondering what it was that made Akiko so terrified. A few minutes ago he was certain nothing could break her down. Then he remembered his medical exam. What she said about why the king's overthrew the Port Mafia. How dark her eyes got, remembering.

Then another thought worked it's way forward. Dazai and Akiko had been adopted by Mori. It was kind of an unspoken assumption that they had come from an orphanage… But what if that hadn't been the case?

What if the truth about how Yokohama's Prince and Princess came to be was far worse than anything Chuuya could've imagined?

It was almost midnight when the limo reached the designated harbor.

Ace was irritated enough as is. Not only did Mori reject his renovations ideas for the casino, but he'd also been irked to learn that his princess and her oaf of a brother left for Suribatchi City of all places with the filthy maggot who should be rotting in ground right now.

Needless to say, he wasn't in the best of mood at the moment and trudging down a moldy wet pier in the middle of the night wasn't improving it any.

He came to a stop when he noticed the obscenely tall man with dreadlock hair and heavy black raincoat standing on the end of the dock, gazing out at the sea.

"So… you came." Lovecraft said, still looking at the ocean despite the darkness.

Ace pulled the letter from his coat. "Then you were the one who sent me this?" His voice was impatient.

"An associate of mine did, at my behest. I require your assistance. You will be of great use to my master when he returns."

Ace piqued. "You're master?" This man was clearly insane. Reeked of old fish and insane. He tossed the letter into the sea and glowered. "I have no idea who you are or what you're playing at, but you've wasted my time and I'm not someone whose time you want to waste. I should take your gem right now and crush it under my boot! To think, some freak in dreads said he'd make me King! Ha! Preposterous. Do you have any idea who I am? You dare try to make a mockery of me? I'll make you wish you were never born!"

Ace raised his hand to activate his ability, only to frown when it didn't work. He watched in horror as Lovecraft's body began to dislocate and wriggle like an octopus. It only got worse when his form grew, towering over Ace and causing him to fall back, face turning as ash white as his hair staring up at the hideous creature. He wanted to scream but nothing came out, only whimpers.

A moment later, the monster shrunk and Lovecraft now stood in human form over a terrified Ace. "Are you ready to cooperate?" He asked with no emotion.

Ace clutched his chest, hoping to keep his heart from bursting out. He quickly took on a more humble tone after clearing his throat. "What must I do?"

Across the way, hiding in the shadows, an Agency stealth recruit struggled to stop shaking from what she'd just witnessed. Her partner wasn't any better. "We have to tell the King's." She whispered, grabbing her partner to leave.

Both were so aghast, neither noticed the massive death scythe until it had already decapitated one of them. The other had a moment to recognize her murderer and exclaim, "It's you!" And the instrument of death claimed it's second victim belonging to The Agency.

And so it begins.

Aww... And Chuuya and Akiko were starting to get close! I know I'm one of the rare few who ship them but still, can't always be sunshine and rainbows.Quick heads up so there's no confusion. There will be some chapters that go back in time to Mori and Fukuzawa before The Agency. I love them and want to show what made them go into business together other then just being Soukoku.Next time, the trio get some unwanted company. Any guesses who it might be?