Goro

Emerging from the door, we found ourselves floating in a dark-red void, filled to the brim with more doors opening and closing to reveal strange locations. Cirno was the last one in, apparently entering by touching the door on her own back.

Marisa looked around. "The hell is this place?"

"I don't know," Reimu said, "but if I had to guess, some kind of space in between spaces."

Aya looked at Cirno's back. "Looks like her door will lead us back to the forest."

"Then I am your only escape!" Cirno proclaimed. "You must all defend me if you wish to get out of here alive!"

"You can just regenerate indefinitely though," Aya said.

"Let's not quarrel," I said sharply. "We're in enemy territory now, and we don't know what kinds of hazards to expect."

"Let's stick together and search for clues," Marisa said. "That perp's gotta be in here somewhere."

"They're probably very strong, too," Reimu said. "We should be ready for a hell of a fight."

"Understood," I said. I drew my gun, and led the group forward.

The enemies we encountered here were mostly spirits, energy spheres and yin-yang balls which shot out starbursts, curving and straight lasers, and falling red lasers, coming from all angles and making it harder to dodge. All around us, doors swung open and closed, showing all sorts of different locales, from places in Gensokyo to backstrees in Outside cities to places which could only be alien planets. At one point, we encountered a pair of doors facing each other, which opened. After a moment, figures resembling Mike, Sully and Boo flew out one door into the other, with Randall giving chase, before closing and floating away. We simply shrugged and proceeded onward.

After a while, we came across our first, actual other person in this place: a girl in a pink dress with brown hair resembling Mai holding a ginger stalk.

"Hello?" I said to her.

"Hello!" she smiled. "Have you seen my friend Mai?"

"Mai?" Aya said. "I mean, there was a girl like that out in the forest, but, who are you?"

"I am Satano Nishida, a faithful servant of Matara-sama. She sent me to go looking for Mai because she's a bit of a scatterbrain who gets lost."

"Matara-sama, hmm?" Reimu said.

"Also, she told me to blast you with lasers if I saw you."

Aya nodded. "Ah, so that's- WAIT, WHAT?"

Satano then blasted us with green amulets. We quickly focused all of our lasers onto her to force her to retreat. Like Mai, she danced in place as she attacked, and soon we drove her off further into the void.

"Yes, run! Run like the little bitch you are!" Cirno taunted.

"Sheesh," Marisa said, before shrugging, "well, guess it wouldn't be Gensokyo if people didn't get into fights at the drop of a hat."

"She said something about a 'Matara-sama," I noted. "Could those dancers be working for her?"

"Possibly," Aya said, "and I'll bet she's the culprit too."

"Matara-sama…" Reimu thought for a moment. "Do you think… could she be Matarajin?"

"Who?" I asked.

"Matarajin is a Buddhist deity who has many roles and many faces, due to being associated with all sorts of different figures, creatures and spirits," Reimu explained. "Essentially, throw a bunch of gods in a blender and you get Matarajin."

Aya shuddered. "So… Matarajin is our opponent?"

"And she's a chick?!" Marisa said.

I shook my head. "God or not, she's the one behind this incident. We should be able to find her if we continue onward."

"Yes," Reimu said. "I never let my opponents win, even if they're a god."

As we continued on, the spinning yin-yang orbs were joined by supercharged fairies who rained down torrents of lasers upon us, forcing us to focus in and micrododge even more. Having only used spell cards for barely three months at this point, this incident was proving to be a real trial by fire, testing my skills and reflexes to their limits, but I was still able to keep up with the others in the end. At one point, Cirno was struck, causing her to explode only to re-form on the spot.

"FOOL!" she shouted. "You can't kill me! I'll just keep coming back, again and again, until I have prevailed!"

Marisa smiled. "Y'know, she's actually kinda fun to watch in times like this."

"Indeed," Aya said. "Nothing like having a super-powered baby have her bottle."

"I wouldn't call her a 'baby' right now," I said.

"True, but-" Reimu's eyes widened. "Hold on, are hers bigger than mine?!"

After the wave of fairies and orbs, we encountered the two dancers, Satano and Mai, speaking with each other.

"Don't get lost again!" Satano chided.

"Sorry sorry," Mai replied. "I just got lost trying to find recruits-"

"Lover's argument?" I asked.

The two jolted to face us. "Welcome to the Land of the Backdoor!" Satano proclaimed.

"We are servants of Matara-sama, given an important task by her, to find more dancers to serve under her!"

"Is that the reason the seasons are out of whack, and the youkai are going ballistic?" Reimu asked.

"Matara-sama does as she wants," Mai said. "Don't ask us why, maybe she's bored."

"Sounds like Yukari to me," Marisa said.

"Anyway, you all are doing well to reach this place, using the power of seasons!" Satano smiled. "Let's see if you'll make good servants for Matara-sama!"

"I shall make her my servant, thank you very much!" Cirno boasted.

"Alright." I tipped my hat. "We'll show you what we're made of!"

The two started by immediately firing off amulets colored opposite of their user, which began to flood the area fast.

"Shoot," Marisa said. "This'll be difficult with two of 'em. Want me to blast 'em?"

"I have an idea," I said. "I haven't tried it before, but it could work. Back me up."

"Understood," Marisa said.

I whipped out a Principality-backed Justice card, which was based on Hama instakills. This was my first instakill card, so I was unsure how it would manifest or would work. Upon activation, light, inscribed amulets began to fling out from me in a disparate, unorganized pattern which I attempted to focus on Mai. Some of the amulets fizzled before touching her, but I figured that if just one of them hit…

"Peh! Ametuer! You can't even make your bullets work!"

"I only need to hit once," I calmly replied.

"As if! Let me show you my power! Bamboo Sign: Bamboo Spear- AAAAAGH!"

Finally, one of the amulets struck, prompting all of Mai's cards to appear before her and shatter all at once. I smirked. If an instakill hits, there are no ifs, ands, buts or saves: you're dead.

"Wha- NO FAIR!" She cried out. "I… I accept defeat. You'll need to take it from here, Satano."

"Me?" Satano looked worried as all of us gazed upon her like sharks. She attempted to attack us with a card clearly meant to be used in tandem with Mai, but our combined assault put her down in seconds, with me, as always, landing the finishing shot.

"You still wanna go?" Cirno asked.

Mai panted. "You guys… are monsters." She looked at me. "Especially you, leading a posse of girls into this place and cheating with spell cards."

"It's not cheating if the card is working within the rules, however loose they are," I said.

"Well, whatever. Thing is, you still haven't passed the test yet. All of you, apart from Akechi-kun, were given your power by Matara-sama. In other words, you haven't shown your true power."

"What is that supposed to mean, she gave us this power?" Reimu asked harshly.

"We mean exactly that," Satano said. "Matara-sama doesn't want weaklings working under her, so she-" Then a phone rang, which she answered (was it an iPhone 7?). From what I could tell, whoever was on the other end wasn't too happy.

"Welp, sounds like we're in for a scolding," Satano said, shaking her head.

"Perhaps you should get a different boss," Aya suggested.

"I hear Lawson's is always hiring," I said.

"Sorry, we have a duty to Matara-sama," Mai admitted.

"Ah. Well, what a shame…"

We proceeded further into the void, until it was pitch-black. Ahead of us, powerful sunflower fairies, and a series of large, shadowy doors leading further and further into the abyss. No doubt we were approaching the incident's mastermind herself. Cirno, brazen as ever, forged ahead freezing and burning all in sight, while the rest of us conserved our strength for the fight ahead.

After flying for what seemed to be an eternity, we eventually caught sight of a figure, seated on a throne with pink, green, blue and orange flames behind it. The figure was clad in yellow and green, and her head capped by a black hat.

"There she is!" Aya said, pointing to her.

"Is that Matarajin?" Reimu asked.

"It's gotta be!" Marisa said. "C'mon, let's go bust her ass!"

"Finally, the time to strike at the grand meddler has come!" Cirno boasted.

I drew my gun. "Alright, let's be careful. We're dealing with a powerful god, we don't know what to expect."

"Right, Matarajin is quite powerful," Reimu affirmed. "But, I think we can manage so long as we combine our strength."

"That's the spirit, Rei!" Marisa smiled. "Now, let's finish this!"

We approached Matara, who sat atop her throne holding one flame in her hand while staring forward, confidantly, toward us.

"So," Reimu said, floating forward and pointing at her with her gohei. "You're the one responsible for the seasonal imbalance, and the youkai going crazy, is what I've heard."

Matara smiled. "Hmhm, I see. Welcome. I was expecting that someone would come and want to discuss my activities with me personally, but I did not anticipate that an entire posse would show up." She shook her head. "Still, it doesn't matter. Even a group such as yours would not be able to challenge my considerable might as the Hidden God."

"But we wield the power of the four seasons!" Aya declared. "With our combined strength, there is nothing that can stand in our way!"

"Fool," Matara dismissed. "It was I that scattered the powers of the seasons into Gensokyo. Each of you only wield one season, while I, Hidden Goddess Matara, can control the energy of all seasons. Don't you see? This is all a display of strength, to show Gensokyo the power of 'she who waits behind the door, operating in the background, influencing events in the front.'"

Reimu tapped her gohei on her shoulder. "Tch, so this is all just you showing off your power? What an incredibly petty reason to throw Gensokyo off balance."

"Don't most of our incidents involve people pullin' that kinda shit, though?" Marisa asked.

"I grow tired of this pointless bickering!" Cirno proclaimed. "Lay down your magic and submit to my glory!"

"Oh, a fairy?" Matara said. "Surprising to see a fairy here in the Land of the Backdoor." She smiled. "But don't let it go to your head. That power of yours was supplied by me and me alone. Just as easily as I can grant it, so too can I revoke it!"

"Even if you can, I will still freeze you solid like leftover beef!" Cirno shot back.

I shook my head. "This banter will get us nowhere." I shot her a glare. "Explain to me why you are doing this!"

Matara smiled again. "Hmm… hmhmhm. If it isn't the famed Akechi-san. I have heard all about you and your exploits, how you came to Gensokyo under unique circumstances."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You know well what I mean, but I will respect your wish and not reveal your circumstances to the fairy."

My eyes widened. "Wait, you mean-"

"Correct," she replied. "And now here you are, leading a group of fine ladies charged with seasonal power to overthrow a god, even though you lack that power yourself. I must say, it must take equal parts courage and ignorance to pull off such a feat."

"I am neither a fool nor a coward," I shot back. "I do what it takes to uphold justice, even if it means risking my life." I swept my hand. "I shall stop you, or die trying."

Matara soon powered up. "Then so be it. You all shall learn the error of your ways."

"Here we go!" Reimu said.

And so our battle began: Matara, without even getting up from her throne, came at us with multicolored cloverleaf patterns, directional lasers, and spiralling green daggers, while we all focused on taking her down. Even Cirno, meatheaded as she was, focused on assisting us, knowing that the stakes of this fight were high, and that no errors would be forgiven. After a short time, however, we passed through a door, taking us out above the Misty Lake, whose shores were still lined with brown grass, and with the hot sun's rays bearing down on us.

Matara held up a red orb. "The scorching heat of summer shall parch the land, baking the dry bones of those who have succumbed to dehydration." In a flash, Cirno's aura of summer was drained, and Matara let loose a wave of red lasers.

"What the?! No way… my power!" Cirno complained. The rest of us managed to dodge and attack, while Cirno struggled to counter the assault with her normal projectiles, before eventually getting struck down toward the lake.

"Grr… Curse you Matara!" she yelled as she fell. "I will get my revenge! You'll see!"

"Geh," Marisa grunted. She ain't no joke!"

After clearing the card, we passed through another door, leading us above the great Youkai Forest. After spewing yellow daggers, Matara held up a yellow orb.

"The breezes of autumn scatter leaves into the air, and harvests bring forth their share. A bad harvest portends famine, and leaves one open to the ravages of winter!"

Just like Cirno, Aya had her seasonal power drained to power the card, which took the form of yellow lasers attacking us from behind. Aya attempted to retaliate with her standard cards, but was caught off-guard and fell toward the forest.

"Goddammit!" Aya cursed as she tumbled.

"This is bad," Reimu commented. "She's striking us down one-by-one!"

"She's still no match for Gensokyo's premier incident resolvers!" Marisa said confidently.

"I will not be intimidated!" I proclaimed, delivering the shot that broke the card.

"You still believe you can defeat me?" Matara said. "Very well, let us continue."

We were transported to the Forest of Magic next, where Matara threw blue daggers above the landscape of white. In time, we forced the use of another spell card.

"Winter is a time of cold and dark," she said, readying a blue orb. "Let the black frosts and blizzards consume you and take you to Hell!" Predictably, she drained Marisa's winter power, but something strange happened when she did. She summoned a figure beside her…

"No way," Marisa said, wide-eyed. "Is that a-"

"Hee-ho hee-ho heee!" Without warning, the Black Frost shot black orbs which turned to blue and white, as well as black hands which I recognized as Deathbound. Marisa went for a Master Spark, but the colossal rainbow laser was absorbed by a wall of hands shielding Matara. Then, one of the hands came from below and pulled Marisa downward, conveniently toward her house.

"Heeey!" she cried out. "Let me go! I patented this attack, 'ya hag!"

I gave Reimu a puzzled look.

"I'll tell you another time," she said. "We need to win this fight, no matter what!"

"Understood," I said. I started to feel fear, fear that we would be beaten, but I refused to give in, instead focusing on defeating Matara for good.

Passing through yet another door, we appeared above the Shrine, still covered in cherry petals, as Matara threw green and pink daggers. Reimu braced herself for what would inevitably happen next.

"Spring is a time of magic, of life, and of jubilation," Matara said, holding a green orb. "The fleeing petals of sakuras captivate the soul, and today, shall be your downfall!" Draining Reimu's spring power, many balls of pink bounced around. Reimu attempted to guard against them with her yin-yang orbs, but failed to see one come from an undefended angle. Alas, it struck her, and the great Hakurei Shrine maiden, keeper of Gensokyo's balance, failed at her task.

"This… can't be…" was all she could mumble as she fell toward the Shrine. At this point, I realized I was in trouble: a rookie incident resolver, now the last resistance against Matara's might. A lesser man would surrender at this point, but I would not, not after everything I had faced in the past. Certainly, Ren wouldn't forgive me if I failed now, while Shido would probably cackle madly at my loss. So, mustering every ounce of guile I had, I struck her with the shot needed to break the card.

We passed through one last door, leading back to the Land of the Backdoor. There, we faced each other tensely. My sweaty palms gripped the handle of my gun tightly while I defiantly hid my fear, while Matara kept smiling at me.

…

"Hmm." She closed her eyes. "It appears that it is just you and me now, Ace Detective Akechi."

"What do you intend to do?" I asked. "What is your purpose in creating this incident?"

Matara revealed one last card. "This is the point at which I finish you off by stealing your own season, and using it against you." She then dismissed the card. "Alas, you lack a season, so it would not be worthwhile to waste it, as it would be rather simple to counter, not to mention unfulfilling to witness."

"So you concede defeat," I said.

"I didn't say that," Matara dismissed. "Make no mistake: I possess far more power than you have seen just now. I am the Hidden Goddess, born from the congealed cognition of the masses. But you have proven to me that you are as talented as has been rumored. An ace detective, cast into Gensokyo by the collapse of a cognitive realm, and seeking to clear your name of your past crimes. Perhaps it was because of that determination that you succeeded where some of Gensokyo's strongest fighters, including the Hakurei, failed."

"How do you know of my past?" I asked. "And, more importantly, how can you wield the power of a Persona?"

Matara chuckled. "Because I can access the cognitive world, of course. I have seen many incidents occur in that realm over the past few years: the girl who imposed her twisted, ideal reality onto the world. The faceless fiend who lost his bet when humans proved their will to overcome the worst of circumstances. The group who repelled the moon's curse, and the boy who gave his body to seal her power. The great, tainted goddess Izanami, who stirred discord in a small mountain town to see how humans would react. The mechanical false god who rigged the game against you and the Phantom Thieves, attempting to justify his rule over a corrupt, complacent populace." She grinned. "And, of course, the man wracked with sorrow who attempted to eliminate all suffering, whose efforts endangered Gensokyo. That, I could not ignore, so I used my power over backdoors to give the Phantom Thieves the power to best him, and send those two to eliminate him."

"So, it was you who sent Reimu and Marisa to kill Dr. Maruki," I said.

"Indeed I did," she replied. "I will admit, those two attempting to kill each other, then Reimu sparing Maruki rather than killing him, those I did not expect. But a master planner always backs up their plan, and then backs up those backup plans in turn, and can always adapt any plan to account for deviations. Maruki is imprisoned at the Shrine. Reimu may not have killed him, but so long as his threat to the Barrier is neutralized, and his disruptive, godly power stricken from him, my goal has been achieved."

I glared at her. "Even so, even if I can believe your story, why would you, someone who carelessly disrupts Gensokyo's balance, care about the Hakurei Border and its integrity?"

Matara got up from her seat, and floated in the air with power. "Because I am a Gensokyo Sage."

…?!

My eyes widened. "You're… you're what?"

Matara bowed. "Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Okina Matara. Ruler of the Land of the Backdoor, the god of many faces, and the so-called 'lost sage' of Gensokyo. I, together with Kasen and Yukari, created the Barrier with the help of the Gensokyo Guardian Dragons, those three dragons each of us sought out and made contracts with." She shook her head. "Of course, one could consider me the most powerful of them all, for I could recreate Gensokyo from scratch if I felt like it."

I looked around, then faced her again. "Then, why do this? Why create an incident which endangers countless lives and throws the seasons into chaos?"

Okina chuckled. "You could say it is a 'talent search' of sorts. Recently, I've been looking to retire my two dancers, Satano and Mai, although they do not know this. You see, they were once ordinary human girls, until I took them under my wing, so that I could use them to channel my power…" She coughed into her hand. "...ah, please excuse this old lady. As I was saying, they serve under me, but have been losing their humanity. So, I was looking for a new individual to serve as a proxy of sorts, one who I do not need to directly control to continue exerting my influence, and also allow me to have a front-facing presence once again."

I kept staring at her. "Hmm… so in other words, you stirred up an incident hoping to find someone you could use as a minion."

"More like an agent," Okina said. "Among other things, I am just as interested in this new incident, involving the Fortresses, as you are. Surely, this presents a threat to Gensokyo, but even I do not know what it is - certainly, whoever is causing it is good at staying in the shadows, away from my many eyes and doors. I see you do not yet have the direct support of a Sage in solving this incident. Why not accept the aid of the only one who has complete and total knowledge of the Collective Unconscious?"

I shook my head. "I refuse."

"Oh?"

"I've spent my entire life under someone else's thumb," I said. "My bastard father, the Antisocial force, that damn God of Control… I've only ever known being someone's pawn, and now that I have the chance to live my own life on my own terms, the last thing I want is to be forced into servitude yet again. And yet such a relationship is what you are proposing right now."

Okina thought for a moment, then said, "ah. You certainly have a point. I have observed you for long enough to understand your position." She smiled again. "Then, let me rephrase my offer. Your strength is creating mutually beneficial relationships to further your objectives. I am another person who wants to solve the mystery of Ethos; as a Sage, it is my duty to do so. If you agree to work with me, you will gain access to my vast web of connections, as well my services and powers. Not only that, but trips to the Outside are not out of the question."

"Trips to the Outside?" I asked. "Is that possible?"

"Let's just say Boss makes very good coffee," she said. "Don't worry, neither of those pompous maids, Kasen or Yukari, will know of our deal, because knowledge of the Metaverse must be kept to a select few."

I considered her offer for a partnership. This deal seemed to be all kinds of shady: here was a goddess who caused an incident, basically for the hell of it, who was also a Sage. Furthermore, she was looking to replace her dancers, so I ran the risk of being controlled by someone, taking advantage of my past and desire to be liked, once again. Yet, she also had direct experience with the Metaverse, was aware of incidents even I didn't know about, and directly intervened to stop Maruki's madness, so her desire to protect Gensokyo was genuine. She also promised not to tell the other Sages, meaning we could have the backing of a Sage without our plan coming to light and potentially being ruined. Plus, trips to the Outside, even if I did desire to stay here, were quite tempting, even if only to gather intelligence…

I extended my hand. "Very well. I accept."

Okina took my hand and shook it. "Then, it is done. May this be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship."

I am thou, thou art I. Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Star Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…

"One last thing before I dismiss you for the day," she said. "I'll undo the meddling with the seasons, and tame the youkai that went mad with power. I'll also provide the best spring that I can muster."

"That's a promise?" I said warily.

"See for yourself." She produced a set of sliding doors, like the ones in the rear of the shrine, showing the cherry petal blizzard calm down, and give way to a clear, beautiful sakura display. Hesitating, I stepped forward.

Once out of the Land of the Backdoor, I was faced with a breathtaking scene: a blue sky with patchy clouds. Gently warm, but not hot, air as the sun shined above. And all around, the sakuras, fully blooming and scattering petals in the breeze, in a display far grander than any I had seen in my life.

I peeked around the shrine, and saw Reimu, Marisa, and Aya sitting out front drinking tea, which Aunn served them all.

"At least everything's back to normal," Aya said.

"Yeah, it was like a wave of spring came through and wiped away all the craziness," Marisa said. "The youkai seemed to have calmed back down, too."

"I wonder if he actually managed to beat that 'hidden god' for us," Reimu said. She took a sip. "I just hope he's okay…"

"Did someone call for me?" I said, coming around to meet them.

Reimu spat out her tea. "Where'd you come from?!"

"Took a shortcut," I chuckled.

"He's like that gap hag, seriously," Aya groaned. "You really are a lot of trouble, aren't you?"

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"We were worried about you, 'ya dummy!" Marisa shouted.

"More like you were worried about him, am I right?" Reimu giggled.

"WHA- whaddya mean?" Marisa stammered, blushing.

Aya grinned. "You know, I thought I heard you one night saying his name while-"

"STOP IT!" Marisa pleaded. "YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED AT ALL!" Reimu and Aya laughed at Marisa's expense, while I just politely stayed out of it, thank you very much.

"So the true culprit was actually a Gensokyo Sage?" Byakuren asked.

"Indeed," I said, to the group of Day Breakers who had convened onto the Shrine grounds. "It would seem that the 'Lost Sage' has returned to the foreground."

"But why would she do such a thing?" Youmu asked. "Even Yukari-sama wouldn't go so far as to-"

Reimu cocked an eyebrow.

"...well, right, sorry."

"She probably just got bored, like everyone else who causes incidents around here," Nitori said.

"How common are these incidents?" Mamiko asked. "It seems highly irresponsible for someone in her role to wreak havoc across Gensokyo in this way."

"This place has no common sense," Marisa said. "The sooner you embrace that, the better off you'll be."

Reimu sighed. "Still, to think our opponent was a Sage. Even I couldn't defeat her." She faced me. "So, how did you do it?"

"Let's just say I talked her down, and made some… concessions," I said. "Also, her final spell card wouldn't work, as I held no season to steal, so we called it a draw. She also took an interest in me, and has asked certain favors of me, in exchange for her assisting me investigating Ethos."

Everyone's eyes widened. "Hold on," Youmu asked. "How does she-"

"Among other things, she was the one who tried to kill Dr. Maruki by sending Reimu to assassinate him," I explained. "She has also apparently been watching incidents in the Collective Unconscious for quite some time. There is no doubt she is quite powerful. That I was able to end the battle peacefully is a miracle."

Marisa grinned. "Bet it's because of your mad womanizing powers. Even a god can't resist you, ze."

"I don't think there's anyone he can't make a deal with," Aya added.

"Shrine maidens, witches, ghosts, hell ravens, gods… you're really something, aren't you?" Nitori said.

"I suppose you have your own Yukari now," Reimu said. "Now you'll know how I… feel…"

Youmu looked around. "Speaking of which, doesn't Yukari-sama usually come out of hibernation for Hanami?"

"She's never missed it, I hear," Byakuren said.

Marisa poked Reimu's cheek. "Ohoho, so 'ya finally admit you miss Yukari sometimes over-"

*WHACK*

"Owiee…" Marisa said, covering the bandage that suddenly appeared on her head after Reimu whacked it.

"Perhaps she'll come out later," I suggested. "For now, we should get back to focusing on Seiga-"

"Aw, c'mon dude, you seriously think you can get out of your first post-incident party?" Marisa said. "And it's the first day of Hanami, too! We're gonna have a big, fat celebration for the Ace Detective who stopped a god on the first day of Spring!"

Nitori pulled out a remote and deactivated a cloak surrounding six large kegs of sake and an assortment of Hanami food. Reimu then got up, went over to the sliding door, threw it open and shouted "alright, everyone, get 'yer asses over here!"

I glanced at Maruki in the cell, who probably felt the same feeling I did as girls tried to cram through the door all at once.

Outside, I became a celebrity detective to be loved, and recognized, after a lonely childhood where I was passed from home to home, a bastard child whose existence was a scandal, and with no real family to call my own.

But that lonely life was now almost preferable to this room which was soon to be ripe with the stench of drunk, rude bitches, all fixated on me.