Remove Entities from Space "Error! Reference source not found."!
Dazai looked on as his first was floated away with Mori and Chuuya trailing behind. He then looked at his second; the poor thing looked so exhausted. Though physical, his skin was nice and smooth; his heartbeat was a steady thump, but the longer he held the rookie detective. The more notable it was on how exhausted and worn thin he truly was. There was this feeling in his chest; he couldn't define it, but it brought on the need for more sake.
The screen flashed, Dazai and those still in the theater gazed up at the screen. The blinding white screen illuminated the seats, the stairs, and the remaining audience.
"You wanted to say something screen bro?" Tachihara questioned.
The projector loudly roared and started to erratically flip from one episode to the next, a blur of chaos between faces and places. Then nothing but black, leaving all with limited sight. Some looked in the direction of the screen in shock, others in confusion, but most in concern. Dazai lifted his younger one up for a quick escape from the theater. Blood-red words appeared on the screen as if being typed, read as words appeared by a voice that sounded like Atsushi.
"You have thirty seconds till this room vanishes and all entities become nonexistent. The countdown starts now."
There was a pause before the collective slowly but hastily headed to the door. Despite how they felt about the matter, everyone was capable of acting to protect themselves and their coworkers. Dazai started to walk with Atsushi on his back. Kunikida followed after him with some miscellaneous items. Following, Haruno and the president both left in an orderly fashion. Gin and Hirusto casually picked up some of the stuff they had brought in and started on their way to the door.
Then there was Tachihara, who jumped over the seat in a pure panic—followed closely behind Ranpo, who was acting full of worry. Once they reached the door, they both turned around.
Ranpo looked at a pile of snacks where he had been sitting. Some snacks were rare and hard to find, making them invaluable. He couldn't stomach the thought that they may disappear from existence as if they had never been here, to begin with. He bolts. Next to him was the redhead, similar was focused on a pile of stuff. That stuff was money, money that was taken from some of Japan's most dangerous people. He couldn't leave without it. The mafioso would be dead if he did so, crushed by gravity. So he ran. Scrambling to stuff his pockets full of dough. Ranpo tried to do the same with his snacks, but both failed in their effort.
"17."
"16."
Yosano, a little worried about the development, turned back to see what the holdup was. An embarrassing display of two individuals trying to carry way too much is what greeted her. She ran over to Ranpo and forced him out, resulting in him dropping almost all of his snacks.
"10."
Tachihara was failing to get up the steps with the bills falling out of his grasp and him reaching for them again. Gin was watching, amused by her coworker, but as the counter was close to reaching zero. She had to move; his time was up. She pulled him out by his jacket's hood. The result was similar to Ranpo dropping a good amount of money in the process. He cried as he watched the money fall and crumble to the floor room. The room began disappearing, the seats and items flying into a white void. An intense burst of wind pushed them out, shutting the door behind them.
"Thank you for your patience." a chuckle followed the statement. "We will be re-creating the theater for your viewing enjoyment." said a voice that sounded like Dazai cheerfully. The real Dazai found amusement in the display, scratching the itch, which made him wonder about the identity of ScreenBro.
The rest stood in shock. ScreenBro had talked. To be technically he, she, they, it used two agency members' voices to communicate, but the point remained. A cry broke any more profound thought into the matter.
"NOOOOOO! FUCK Me!" Tachihara exclaimed as he clawed at the door. "This can't be happening to me. Let me back in! Please just let me back in. I've made my mistakes but this is just cruel!" Tears poured out of his eyes.
Gin watched the display in disappointment. The man was an idiot sometimes. Tachihara kept his dramatics ongoing as Ranpo wailed on the floor. It looked like they both were in some great agony.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Chuuya asked, having just got back from helping Mori.
Dazai turned to the Chibi in annoyance. Chuuya seemingly picked up on where it was pointed to, which wasn't him for once. "Akutagawa is fine."
Dazai started to the infirmary with his other apprentice resting on his back. Yosano joined him as the infirmary door closed. Chuuya turned back to the two on the floor, pointing at the dramatics.
"So, what is going on?" Chuuya voiced.
"It would appear that the theater is under re-construct."
Chuuya gave the blond glasses a strange look; the other further explained. "The room vanished and Ranpo lost some snacks in the room."
"And the other one?"
Kunikida pushed up his glasses, shining in the light of the eclipsed sun. "The money we bet on."
Chuuya turned to the other ginger, a red glow encompassing his person.
"Huuuhhh!" He exclaimed, sounding like a motorcycle starting up. Tachihara turned to the executive. The mafioso proceeds to crawl/run on all four over to the exec, pleading and holding his legs in place.
"Get off of me." The hat wearing yelled.
"Please don't kill me." Tachihara exclaimed. Still trying to kick Tachihara off. He just won't let go of chuuya's legs.
"Why shouldn't I?! You've been a dumbass this whole time. You have insulted me more times in the last two days than in the years of knowing you."
"They weren't insults."
"And now you lost my money."
"It got sucked off into the theater's gaping hole."
"I don't want your excuses. I want my money back! You ConMan!" Chuuya yelled, picking up the other ginger and shaking him silly, small crumbles of paper falling out of his pockets. The others watched the display with disinterest, more concern about the theater though only one showed no interest in the fact that the theater vanished. That person was Ranpo, who continued to mourn his lost snacks on the floor. The president looked slightly disappointed. Yet, was not surprised by his subordinate's actions. The president look the right of him to see a new hall with a large door on the same side as the theater doors. The older man made his way to the new area and opened it to find a very beautiful lounge room filled with board games and vintage arcade games in the middle and on the left corner a sitting area allowing for a good amount of comfort from how plush they were. The room was well lit and seem to be pleasant on the eyes. He heard the others drift in matching his astoundment at the inclusion.
"This is sick," said Tanizaki.
"Oh, we're sooo playing a few rounds in here." said Tachihara, his hair in every direction from his tassel with Chuuya.
"Agreed." Chuuya excitedly punched his hand.
"Let's not forget, what the main priority here is people." said Kunikida
"Yeah. Yeah. Killjoy." said Naomi.
"Is Atsushi going to be okay?" Kyouko voiced her inner thoughts.
"What matters is that you're okay?" Kouyou states, kneeling to the younger. She roamed over the young girl, feature Kyouko flinched away from her touch. The executive let her hands fall and moved back to her sides. It felt like someone had just ripped her heart out and walked away with it. She didn't know how to make her see. She wouldn't be hurt if it wasn't for suicidal manic. "You need to stop this Kyouyo. This life isn't for you. The longer you remain the more danger that weretiger will come to and eventually you will be left with his corpse."
Kyouko stared in fear at the older woman. Atsushi had saved her, but that was in the future, a future that was no longer her own. Even by a few minutes, everything was up for grabs. She couldn't return to the darkest; she wanted to feel the sun on her skin and the wind in her hair. But if it cost Atsushi his life, it wasn't worth it.
"Doctor Yosano is one of the best doctors in Yokohama." Naomi cut in, seeing the distress on the girl's face. "She won't let anything bad happen to him in her infirmary," Naomi said, slightly pulling Kyouko towards her. The executive gave the secretary a stern stare-down, but Naomi remained strong.
Kunikida, noticing the confrontation, stepped in, "Hey, why don't you two go get a better look at the room."
The young girl looked at the ground as Naomi led her away. Kouyou watched, and she clenched her umbrella. The woman locked eyes with the glasses-wearing detective. The blond opened his mouth, "She is old enough to know that she doesn't want your life."
"Who are you to tell me anything about raising a child. Have you seen them grow and nurture them knowing that no one will protect them as you would, put your own needs to the wayside for your heart beating outside of your chest. She is fourteen; she knows nothing of how cruel the world is. And you with your pretension think you can tell me anything."
Kunikida took a moment to process what the woman was saying to him. He let out a breath and removed his glasses. It was hard to describe the clarity removing his glasses gave him. But he was quickly reminded of his time as a teacher and the parents coming in to plead for their children. He understood the struggle of wanting to guide the youth. Kouyou was a mother, and she didn't think she was wrong. How could he show her this approach would only drive a wedge between them? The detective looked at the group showing Kyouko how to play the pinball machine. The corners of his mouth twitched up.
"I want you to look at her."
Kouyou looked at him as if he had grown two heads, but she slowly did what he asked. She locked on to her Kyouko; everyone at the agency was fawning over her. Showing the fourteen-year-old all the games in the room and explaining in detail what they were and how they worked. The thing that made the anger stop was the smile that graced her face. The older woman had never seen her look so happy. Was there no time for them?
"We will take good care of her. I can do that for you." Kunikida vowed.
"Why would you do something like that for your enemy?" Kouyou questioned, baffled by the blond.
"I'm not really sure. I just been thinking a lot about everything, Dazai being the demon prodigy, Atsushi's words about saving Kyouko. It's given me perspective."
"...I don't think I can let go that easily."
Kunikida could only nod his head in agreement hearing the pain in her voice. 'Of course not.' He thought. That was the last thing Kouyou said before walking away from the detective and her own heart. However, he would surely see more of the woman in their future.
Doctor Mori found himself inspecting Akutagawa; it was as bland as some of the early episodes of this little show. There was just nothing for him to do with the youth. He had no idea what would be needed, with him being unconscious. To be fair, the boss could guess the Rashomon user's injuries. The older man plops himself down onto the seat next to the cot. He started to pull out his tools for an IV. Once done, he set up Akutagawa's arm for the drip. He took a calming breath, but the door burst open before he could put the needle in. The boss turned his head to the group coming in.
A pleasant smile grazed as he spotted his former executive carrying his new apprentice and former trainee. 'Now, that would be more interesting.' A gleam shined in his eyes as Dazai laid Atsushi on the cot by the door. The good doctor hastful walked past the two to reach her supplies.
Two of his favorite people had entered the room, and a fascinating detective who only grew more enticing by the passing minutes. He watched from the corner of his eye as Yosano fluttered around the room. He never grew bored of watching her at work. The graceful dance of analyzing a patient's treatment only another doctor could appreciate. Turning his focus on his patient, the doctor felt around for his vein, feeling the soft thump of Akutagawa's heart under his fingers. He wiped the skin before slowly pressing his needle into his arm, the blood pooling into the cannula. Once it was established, he removed the band around the top of the younger's arm. He was taking off the vial of blood, taping down the needle, and connecting to the line where the saline was hanging above the cot. Mori raised from his seat, watching the saline flow down the line. He looked over at the other two, Yosano's face twisting in concern as she examined her patient. What was even more noticeable was Atsushi's complexion; he looked pale, which was not the case while in the theater. Mori watched, marveling at how fast his skin seemed to go to an average complexion. 'A truly marvelous healing fracture within seconds of Dazai letting go of the boy, his ability kicks in.'
Yosano scrunched her nose, raising her glasses. Atsushi was severely injured, mentally and physically. He needed sleep, a good meal, and limited movement. However, she doubted that anyone had time for that. She could still remember the feeling of death clenching around right before her ability to heal the older injuries.
The good doctor slowly put her tools down. "Dazai–," She turned to the younger, looking at Doctor Mori. His eyes slid over to the good doctor. "He isn't well. His ability is trying to heal the damage, but it's mostly all in his head, and the injuries he needs to heal are not healing. I could give him a drip or–?"
Dazai focused on Yosano. "Or."
"He is unconscious and unable to dictate what he would like." Her eyes asked something of him as she continued, "My ability might be able to help." She sighed, looking at her heels. "The conditions for use of it, is always with the mindset, the need for treatment. This overrides a lot of the medical processes but I have no idea if it will help him, and technically he doesn't need it." She drifted her eyes to Doctor Mori and Akutagawa. "either of them."
"I do agree it would appear his ability is working overtime in healing everything almost like he can't actually find the cause." Two sets of eyes locked onto the mafia boss.
"Oh, I didn't realize this was a private conversation. I'll just be over here." He turned to his patient, grabbing a vile of morphine and a surge.
Yosano took a deep breath in, turning away from the other doctor. "I don't want to use my ability to heal him, however if you think I should, then I will." She looked directly at the ex-mafioso. "Do you want me to use my ability, Dazai?"
The real question finally left her mouth. The mentor looked down at his mentee as he slept peacefully, but he knew it was anything but daydreams. Atsushi's ability was like his own in many ways. The user was given abilities that always remain active, though for Atsushi; it grew with every step he took in accepting himself. There was a base-level activation. No Longer Human and Beast beneath the Moonlight had a crossover, something he was sure Mori had taken note of in the fight with Akutagawa. The youth could tear through an ability. Dazai looked across at the other doctor; he was certain that Mori wanted a closer look at the boy. It made his skin crawl. None of this mattered because right now, Atsushi was in a lot of pain, and all he could tell the doctor was to give him the drip. But there was no telling when he would wake up. Dazai opened his mouth to answer the good doctor but was cut off by Mori.
"If not too much trouble I could look him over. No one can go wrong with a second opinion."
Dazai closed his eyes for a second. The presence of Mori was unneeded yet unavoidable. He wanted to ignore the older man and pretend he wasn't there. "No, thank you, Doctor Mori. Give him the drip."
"Okay, then."
"One last thing," She moved closer to her colleague. "I need you to keep the physical contact to a minimum."
Dazai seemed to mull this over, his face appearing as if the doctor had just asked something so bizarre that it was absurd. "I can keep my hands to myself, Doctor."
Her eyes narrowed. She didn't believe him but didn't argue on the matter, not with Doctor Mori so close by listening to them. Dazai pulled away from her so she could focus on Atsushi. He grabbed a chair and put himself in the corner to watch both Doctors as they worked on his apprentice. He pulled out his favorite book, only to spot Sensei under Atsushi's cot. He was unsure when he arrived in this place, but he was seemingly sleeping his retirement away.
Over time both doctors faded away, leaving one conscious person, two people unconscious, and one cat. Said cat made his way to him and sat at his foot.
"Is there something you would like to discuss, Sensei?" The cat nuzzles his leg, turning himself from cat to human. The older man leaned onto the railing of Atsushi's cot as he looked at the former mafioso.
"That was fun, wasn't it."
"Something like that." Dazai adjusted himself in the folding chair.
"So, the guild?"
"I believe so. I am still putting it together. Though I can think of one individual that might be behind this chaos."
"Besides you of course." Sensei added.
"Of course…" He turned a page in his book in his normal emotionless voice. "You're not angry with me, Sensei?"
"To what anger would you have earned that I myself have not resided in with my own." Natsumo looked at the older apprentice. "As long as you acknowledge the response to said actions. What does it matter."
Dazai hummed in response to his statement.
"One thing: limit your contact with young Nakajima."
"First, the doctor, now you. I am that incapable of keeping my hands to myself."
"I think that Atsushi and you are very close with one another. Maybe it started as you trying to repair his feelings on human contact." He looked at the detective on the bed. "Now, however, you both gain something from it. Which is why we are telling you that he needs to heal so no matter what you see in there, keep your hands to yourself or better yet pet young Akutagawa."
Dazai grimaced at the thought of physical contact with Akutagawa. It felt wrong. It just wasn't their dynamic with one another. "The response to said actions, better known as consequence." Sensei walked around to the right side of Atsushi. Dazai eyed the older man.
"It is time for my third nap of the day, so if you don't mind." Natsume activated his ability once in cat form, walked on top of Atsushi, and made himself comfortable on his stomach. The cat ensured that Dazai remained at a distance from his younger apprentice. He went back to his book as purring started up across from him. He grimaced.
The comfort of a weighted blanket that's the first thing that came to mind for Akutagawa. Next was the unpleasant smell of disinfectant, the way it sterilized everything until it burned the nose with its cleanliness. He loathes this place. Slowly, dark with red spots became the pale white of the ceil. As more of his senses came online, he realized he was in an infirmary. He cursed to the chilled air. He looked to the left; there was a window, the white void, the only thing one could view from the window. Honestly, there was no purpose in having the window there; it was just a reminder of his current predicament. He turned to see someone beside him with a calico cat on his belly. 'Damn, weretiger.' He rolled his eyes at the other, sleeping peacefully. That was when he noticed it. Across from the younger was a man. In particular, the Man in Black with his bandages decorating his body; the only visible part of human features was his piercing eye. He felt his heart quicken. The man was looking back at him as if he could look right through him.
He blinked, and the Man in Black was gone; in his place was Dazai, wearing his rain-colored sweater and tan lounge pants. He was reading his favorite book, and his eyes remained on his person. The way his body slouched in on him in an attempt to make himself more comfortable. The hand that was barely holding up the book in hand slightly dipped, only for the holder to pull it back up. The eyes that didn't even pertain to retain the continents of the book in hand. He looked up to the ceiling.
A sound came from Atsushi that sounded like a groan. The mad dog cursed, 'Fucking Weretiger.' The younger of them all, however, remained asleep. He felt like he couldn't escape him. Forced to watch his pathetic story, watch as he bitched and moaned about every little thing he wished he had. The worst part of it was having to watch his mentor fawn over the tiger boy. Petting and praising him as if his mentor had finally found a god he would be willing to worship. It was a mockery. And even now, while he was in the stupid bed, he was here watching over Atsushi Nakajima. Anger filled his body, and he was expelling it out with every breath. He lost to that. 'Why!' The question clawed at him. The current mafioso knew that Dazai was aware of his consciousness. Dazai was always quiet like a corpse, but he knew Dazai wouldn't remain so.
He started, "I guess you are happy that your pet won?" Akutagawa spits out.
Dazai continued to read his book, seeming more awake despite his exhaustion. "Why would you think something like that?"
There's a pause; the sounds of movement of the people outside the room can be heard. He didn't know what to say. He was in no position to piss Dazai off. He hated being confined to a bed, unable even to move. A thought hit him like a punch to the face. Where was his coat? His eyes roamed the room in search of it then he saw it. In the chair, Dazai was sitting in, a black torn coat hanging on the back. As if to sense his line of thought, Dazai finally started to move, leaving his book on the chair. The detective made his way to the stool next to his bed without his long coat. The man looked even more narrow. He didn't take any space, but the man seemed to be the only thing he could focus on. Gracefully, he sat next to him and looked him in the eyes. It was disorienting to see two maroon orbs instead of the steady blood orb he was used to. Dazai asked again, "Why would you think I would want your loss, Akutagawa?"
Akutagawa swallowed, hoping to push down the bile that formed in his throat from sleep. He didn't know what would be an acceptable answer to the man's question. He didn't know. He gripped at his sheets, trying to think. Dazai tilted his head. Abruptly, he stood up and walked to the door. He had to say something, anything.
"Because your attention is always something you readily give to someone else." His voice came out dry and rough. Dazai continued to the door and, once there, locked the door. The cat that rested on the weretiger moved slightly, but its eyes remained closed. The man returned to his seat in front of him. He leaned on his knees, hunching over.
"I didn't want you to lose." Akutagawa was caught off guard by the statement. It was simple, but it threw him across the room. Dazai looks down on him, the light behind his figure. His mentor's eyes grazed over his apprentice. The mafioso struggled to understand there was a tightness; it felt like flowers blooming in his rib cage.
Then Dazai continued, "but that was always going to play out like that. And I know, you know why."
They held each other's gaze. Dazai righted himself, sitting up straight. He turned to his other apprentice and watched the cat rise and fall with Atsushi's slow breath. Sensei looked back at him and buried himself into the younger's blanket, his butt wiggling. The corners of Dazai's mouth turned downward.
"I will go get Doctor Yosano, and I'm sure the others would like to know how you're feeling." He sat up from the chair. Once, he reached the door in more of a whisper. "You did well while I was gone." With that, he opened the door to the infirmary and left, closing the door behind him. What was Akutagawa to say to that? There was nothing in his head. Dazai would remain someone beyond his comprehension; flowers keep blooming, turning his slack jaw expression into a gentle smile. The mafioso fell asleep to the sound of gently purring and the little ins and outs of Atsushi Nakajima.
Dazai walked out of the room to find a collection of people on the other side, all sitting in different courtyard areas. Once they noticed him, they rushed at him, demanding the well-being of the two in the room. He raised his hands up in defense, "Why don't you ask the doctor?"
"We're asking you!?" Shouted Chuuya, seemingly, enjoying the mayhem.
A lot of them agreed with him.
"So…" said Tanizaki.
"They both just need some sleep," seeing the questions in their heads. "and no you can't see them." Dazai put his hand on his hip. "So, where's Doctor Yosano?"
"In the cafeteria with Ranpo. Just as unhelpful as you." Tachihara groaned.
Dazai walks to the cafeteria to find the good doctor eating a bowl of leftovers next to her face at the table where Doctor Mori was Ranpo. There was no need to pretend, not that he had ever bothered. He truly despised the doctor. He would laugh at the display, but he loathed his former boss more than Ranpo.
He walked through the battlefield to get something that would drink up the alcohol, sighing in relief once he got to the kitchen. He went to the shelf that Ranpo continued to raid for the show viewing. He saw many snacks, all colored with vibrant colors and letters, very appealing to children. Dazai reached for one of the many snacks.
"Don't even think about grabbing that one." yelled Ranpo from his seat.
Dazai pouted, "Can I have one of your snacks, Ranpo?" putting on his best pleading voice.
"I don't know. They're my snacks."
Dazai pouted more.
"They're not your snacks Ranpo," Yosano stated, emphasizing your; Ranpo eyed the woman. He huffs, "You're lucky she's here."
"YAY!" Putting his hand together before grabbing a bootload of snacks and sitting down across from her as she continued with her meal. They just sat in each other's presence.
"How's the cereal?"
"It's good."
"Do you like the snacks, Dazai?" Ranpo said through clenched teeth.
"Oh, very filling." He gave a toothy grin.
"I imagine, you haven't been eating much," Mori jumped in.
The three remained silent; the two former associates of Mori continued to munch away while Ranpo continued to watch the man like a hawk. Mori deflates; it was clear that none of them wanted him there. The doctor looked around the room. Somehow in the short time they had been here, it felt homely. Despite putting two groups with differing views, they could coexist, at least for now. It had given him an opportunity. An opportunity he had no intent of losing out on. Mori just needed to find the right approach. Yet, it still left them all very uncomfortable with the atmosphere. The doctor decided to break it. He slapped his hands on the table, rising from his seat.
"Well, it has been lovely sitting with you all." Mori remarked, dusting off his pants.
He made his way to the door, vanishing behind the dark wooden panels that made it up. Finally, out of sight for those in the cafeteria.
Yosano narrowed at the door in contemplation. "Sometimes you remind me of him."
"I know." Dazai rested his head on his hand.
"It's gotten better though that look in your eyes has faded a little."
He looked away.
"Doc, is this going to be our new normal?" Dazai asked.
"Do you want it to be?" Yosano was trying to figure out where Dazai's mind was at right now.
"Doctor, can I ask you to look over Akutagawa?" The ex-executive deflected. She deflated; maybe Yosano could find hope that he was asking something of her that was not a part of her job at the agency. He was asking out of concern. Yosano could only hope. Still, she wanted to say no, but…
"Okay…" The woman said through her teeth, then proceeded to get up from the bench.
"Thank you, Doctor Yosano." His eyes were downcasted.
"Anytime." She smiled down at him.
Akutagawa woke up to a doctor poking and prodding at him, seeming to enjoy how his face twisted in pain. The person seemed to be Mori, but the light made it hard to tell. Once the person moved away from him, it was clear it was Doctor Yosano. She continued examining, not minding the pain she might be causing.
"I get it." His voice came out dry again; the mafioso wondered if it was a side effect of the medicine. It wouldn't surprise him.
"Oh, you're awake. Apologies." She wasn't sorry. "Dazai wanted me to check on you, however I don't like you." She sighed. "I am still a Doctor and you're still a patient."
"Why don't you just ask the boss to look me over."
"Because Dazai asked me and he doesn't do that."
Akutagawa looked away from the good doctor. His mind supplied the word, 'Friends.' He looked at the white sheets that covered his body, giving him warmth. 'Dazai didn't have any friends.'
"Your health is abysmal." She said Yosano had noticed his cough during the viewing. It didn't sound right, but now, looking him over, it was clear the cough was not a good sign.
"I'm aware."
"Are you on any medicine?"
"Doctor, if this is not about the current issue just leave it."
She narrowed her eyes, annoyed that she couldn't do anything else without pushing the Mafioso. Yosano grabbed a needle and a bottle of morphine. Akutagawa eyes her wearily; he doesn't like doctors. Mori gave him creeps when he took up the needle, but he was a component. He couldn't be sure that this doctor was that, but it seemed that she and Mori had a history. Further, Mori viewed the good doctor in a positive light. He closed his eyes, letting her go about her inspections.
He noted her gentleness as Yosano went about everything, checking on his injuries. Her gloved hands using a stethoscope, listen to his lungs. It was uncomfortable to touch without Rashomon.
"I don't need a doctor for that." He growled; she wasn't letting it go. The good doctor let out a huff in annoyance.
"Fine." pulling away from the other's body. "Well, you just need sleep and once you're off the drip I will give you some pills."
He narrowed his eyes at the woman as she gently picked up the cat that landed on top of the kid, placing him down on the ground. The cat trotted over to the other bed next to the kid and laid down on it. The good doctor was already going through the same ritual she had with him. However, Akutagawa noticed small things in her care of the weretiger that wasn't there for him. They both sat in the quiet that was present in the room. The door opened to the great detective holding lots of snacks. The older looked remorseful as he looked on at the weretiger's body. He looked better than he had this whole time of being here.
"How long do you think he will be out?" Yosano asked her senior.
He raises his glasses and puts them on; there is a pause before he responds. "He should come through by the end of the day."
Yosano hmmed in acknowledgment, tilted her head to the older, and eyed the snacks pile. Guessing where her head was, he answered the unasked question. "I brought snacks he would like, for when he wakes up."
All she could do was smile.
Akutagawa and the cat got a front-row seat to the display of care. The mafioso found himself scowling at the touching display. Yosano barely knew Atsushi; all of them barely knew the kid, but all of them seemed fond of him.
"What is it about Atsushi that makes you both so…" Akutagawa trailed off, two sets of eyes on his person.
"It's just Atsushi." said Yosano, not really sure when the fondness had occurred. The detective continued for her.
"The kid is sweet and means well. And yes his morals can use improvement. He is better than most of us. Actually, out of all of us he is exempt. He might think it is normal that everyone should think this way the inheritance= of a good deed but the reality is that not everyone does. Though it is not to be forgotten the other reason why he feels he must put his life on the line for someone else. For the most part, it is to put the best foot forward and that is to be mired." Ranpo reached forward, having sat the snack on the table beside the bed, and lightly petted Atsushi. The weretiger leaned into the touch craving more from the hand weaving through his hair.
Ranpo arched forward to the boy's ear and whispered, "Sorry, I should've been more helpful. You wouldn't be in this pain if I had, Atsushi."
The younger one didn't even move at the words whispered to him. Ranpo sighed, "Well, I will take my leave."
He petted Atsushi once more, and then gracefully; he made his way to the door. The man took one last look at the youngest before looking at Yosano. "Don't take too long, Akiko." He walked to the door, shutting it behind him.
He awoke to the sound of the weretiger mumbling about something, the sun thing had gone down now there was a gently light that was present in the room like a night light. 'Who was that beast talking to?' He wondered if the weretiger was having a Psychotic break. "Who were you talking to weretiger?" his voice sounded raw.
The weretiger replied panic. "I was talking to myself."
"Sure."
They sat in the quiet the sounds of gently purring took the room which only annoyed him further.
"Seriously, when did you develop a kinship with your kind?"
"Ha. Ha. Ha… Sensei and I just have an understanding."
"I thought his name was Mii-chan?"
"It is… it's just…." The feline blushed and stuttered out the words.
"So, you talk to cats now."
"Well, I wouldn't say that."
"Then what would you call it?"
"We just came to an understanding."
"Your kind."
"Whatever." Atsushi rolls to the side of the door causing Sensei to move his position. The cat let out what it seemed to be a meow of disagreement at the white haired man's action.
"Sorry, Sensei." There was a pause then he heard the weretiger's vocal cords warm up as he paused unsure what to say. But like the feline always did he started up. "Don't you want to… you know?"
"I haven't gotten that far yet. So, if I were you I would keep my wits about me."
The sheets moved as he got as comfortable as he could. He was done with this conversation. And they all sat in the quiet neither could reach a peaceful sleep and how could they, neither was any closer to making sense of the other. So, they just laid there drifting in and out of sleep.
The sun, if that's what you could call it, showed its head giving light to the room and causing pain to the eyes of the humans in the room. Akutagawa groaned, 'I need to get out of this damn bed.' Pulling the sheets closer to him trying to keep his warmth. 'Who's bright idea was it to have him and that beast in the same room for an extended amount of time?'
"Gods, how long has it been? The fucking sun is up!"
"Hmm."
"That's it I'm getting out of here." Akutagawa rises from his cot pain shot through him so fast he is pushed back down. 'Why didn't they give us more drugs?'
"How's the escape going?"
"I don't see you making any attempts."
"Doctor Yosano would kill me if I tried to leave. I have no desire to die again."
The purring started back up again and it was an instant headache. He needed to get out of this place.
Doctors' days were long and unforgiving. Mori and Yosano had a clock that kept them in line. Long days and long nights so why was Yosano shocked to see Mori up and about eating a bowl of miso soup. The mafia boss sat in front of the cafeteria looking out into the yard. He took another spoonful, savoring the flavor before noticing Yosano.
"The doors of the theater are open."
She turned to the theater and there in the dark was a shining new theater for their viewing pleasure.
"I guess our time is up."
"We could give them more time."
"Sure we could but I am sure that the person in control won't like that very much."
"You wouldn't like that."
He took another spoonful with a wolfish smile. "I'm always one for a good show."
"I will decide if Atsushi is allowed to go back."
"Let's be honest, Atsushi is fine. Akutagawa, I will decide in a few minutes." He looked down at the bowl in his hand. "This soup I made is quite tasty. Would you like me to make you a bowl, Doctor Yosano?" His mouth turned up and his eyes crinkled up at her.
"I will be going to look at my patient now, Doctor Mori. If you'll excuse me." She dismissed walking away from the man.
"Of course, I wouldn't want to keep you from your duties." The smell of tofu, green onions, and seaweed greet his senses. 'What a lovely morning.'
"Good Morning you two." Yosano greeted the two walking into the infirmary happy to be away from Mori.
"Good Morning." Atsushi said, sitting up and propping up a pillow while Akutagawa only grunt at the greeting.
Yosano quickly got to work checking on Atsushi. Checking how much remained of his previous injuries and to see what was on the mend. Mori walked in to get started on his inspection of Akutagawa who seemed to be trying to hide his pain. He let out a sigh at the show the boy was putting on. Once it was, they had completed the look over. The results of which neither Doctor was happy about. Atsushi was not feeling the pain from the last episode and was quite confident he was ready to sit through another showing despite the wounds still on his gut. Akutagawa was still in a lot of pain and would need to be on a good amount of drugs to enjoy the view. Mori wasn't even opposed to doing it but it would not be the best choice for his health. They sighed.
"Well, though I don't really want to give you a clean bill of health, however with the current situation there's not much of a choice."
"Sweet." Atsushi said, kicking off his blankets.
"Un, ah, Kitty Cat. I will be watching you like a hawk. I see you do anything too much and you are right back here."
"Yes, Doctor."
Akutagawa looked at his doctor who seemed more interested in looking at the other side of the room. He exhales, "Boss?"
"You already know what the problem is." His eyes were still locked on the wereboy.
"Yes, sir."
"Take the drugs. I gave you that should numb the pain a little. I'm giving you some high dose and you better not take more than one every four hours. I will check back in later in the day." He sighed, turning to Ryuunosuke. It wasn't like he was sadist and in this case the issue that put Akutagawa here didn't happen, yet. He hoped that Akutgawa would learn and grow from this chance he had been given. Mori lends a little closer to his subordinate. "We'll need to talk soon about future steps."
"Of course, sir."
"Try to let this be a learning lesson."
Mori rose from his seat and became his last check before calling it a day, having removed the IV. Yosano not far behind him in her own process, starting to clean up the area as Atsushi seemed ready to run out of the room. The weretiger was almost out of the room to only open the door to his mentor holding flowers and a paper shopping bag.
"So, great to see you up and about." Dazai's pleasant smile greeted him.
"Dazai?" A question lingered on his tongue as the other occupants turned to the new addition.
"Where did you get the flowers?"
Dazai gently steered the other back to his cot. "Flowers are what you give to the sick, yes?"
"What's in the bag?" Yosano asked, narrowing her eyes.
"A gift for my apprentices."
That caused Akutagawa to rise from his sleeping position.
"For both of us." Atsushi asked, meeting Akutagawa's eyes.
"Well, of course. You both got injured so you both get a get-well gift."
Moving past his mentee, he placed the paper bag on the cot Atsushi was just laying on to pull out the items. Two hoodies came out, one white the other black matching the primary colors of Atsushi's and Akutagawa's work outfits. Those in the room took a long gaze at the items. Many questions came to mind but the one they all came to as the most important was where did he get it. They stare at it for a long time, noting that the two items are a design. The white one being a tiger and the black one being a hedgehog Yosano saw this and brightened at the articles of clothes. Mori took a seat at the desk like a cabinet on the other side of the cots, his tooth grin present.
"We're not wearing that." Atsushi said to his mentor.
"But Atsushi." The mentor pouted.
"No." The weretiger repeated a little more sternly.
"But Atsushi!" Growing more like a child in the way he said it.
The exchange between the two continues in this line. It felt like the two created their own bubble leaving everyone else on the outside. Akutagawa hadn't seen this side of him in the years they had known each other. But during the view this side of his mentor had been on display. The mafioso knew there was nothing behind his gentle smile; it was like all things were a means to an end.
"Okay, enough you two." Yosano walked over to the hoodies and picked up the item. Her eyes lit up and how comfy the garment felt in her fingers. Seeing this expression on Yosano, Doctor Mori also wanted a feel and was pleasantly surprised by its warmth and gentleness.
"See they feel amazing, don't they think the kiddies should wear it while they recover. I mean think about it, their normal outfits are so uncomfy."
"Well," Mori started to look over at Yosano.
"Honestly," Yosano started to agree with Dazai.
"No, don't let him just get away with it." Said the weretiger.
"Put those on and we'll leave your medicine on the counter."
Dazai gave an evil smirk showing that he won as the doctors put together the pills the two would need. Finally, both doctors filed out of the room and Dazai followed after them but before leaving, turned back to the two.
"You put those on as the doctors say, I will grant both one wish." And with that he was gone. Both looked at each unmused by Dazai's antics.
Dazai dragged the two by the scruff of their clothes ahead of the others starting into the theater. The two remained docile in nature. They all notice the slight changes in the theater. One: the theater had more seats with the addition of columns on both sides with the inclusion of a staircase on either side. The Second and most notable change was the addition of a projector room; however, from Dazai point of view, it appears to be no noticeable way in the room. He continued down the main steps dragging behind him Atsushi and Akutagawa. Finally, reaching Dazai's row, he placed Atsushi in his seat and Akutagawa in Kyouko's spot. Satisfied, he let go of the two, crossing his arms and looking down at the two.
"Remember, be good boys. I will be right back, Dazai just need to go grab a drink."
With that, he exited the theater leaving the two rivals alone in a well-lit theater. Atsushi relaxed into his spot, trying to fight off sleep. Nausea wouldn't leave him. It was like he wasn't even present here. Surprisingly, the oversized hoodie helped though he wasn't a fan of the style. However, it was soft and warm, like a heat blanket or a gentle hug. Atsushi's breath started to get deep. He wanted to drift. His eyes closed slower with each blink. The detective's body felt like lead. His head swayed. Atsushi forced himself to wake up; he needed to focus. He could do this. He will sit here and watch even with that mad dog beside him… He was fine.
Akutagawa was also in a lot of pain though much better compared to when he woke up, that and the morphine that was still swimming in his blood, despite how high he was at the moment. It still was annoying that he was seated next to the weretiger. Similar to Atsushi, he was forced to remove his work clothes and shoved into a hoodie that was black. It had cute small ears, though. From his guess, the face on the top looked like a hedgehog.
He sighed, trust Dazai to find a way to annoy him. The mafioso was sitting next to his rival/enemy, forced to wear a ridiculous hoodie by his mentor and two doctors, and shoved them both into some pain relief pills. The worst part was his coat was confiscated. 'Dammit, all this was just too much.' No, the worst part was that he was still stuck in this stupid theater. Akutagawa looked over at the weretiger, who was ten seconds away from passing out.
A smirk graced his face, "Rashomon."
Using his ability, he pushed Atsushi off the chair, watching as he fell on his ass. Atsushi whipped his head around to the older, a strong scowl present on his face as he clenched his stomach. Akutagawa looked down at the younger. 'We couldn't even go for blows if they really wanted to,' The mafioso thought. The detective dusts himself off, Rashomon still present in the room. "You're going to let me sit back down."
Akutagawa looked away from his junior. He hadn't even begun to process that he had lost to the weretiger, but… Dazai's words rang in his head, 'I didn't want you to lose but that was always going to play out like that. And I know, you know why.' He let Rashomon sink back into the hoodie, allowing the other to reclaim his seat.
"Satisfied."
He let out a low growl then he turned to the white hair man. "I could ask you the same?"
"You killed me over five times." Atsushi turned away.
"And yet you still breathe." He said, unhinging his jaw.
Atsushi avoided Akutagawa's steel gaze as he pushed the button on the side of the chair, making it move downward. Once he was comfortable, he curled in on himself with the intent to end the conversation. They both remained silent as the others started to pour in, some attendees giving them odd stares. Finally, Dazai came and sat between the two; in his hands were two coats, one black, the other beige. First, draping the beige over Atsushi and tucking him in. Then he turned to Akutagawa and side-eyed him. He pushed the button and lowered his seat a little. Dazai leaned into the younger's space.
"I'm giving this back but you can't use your ability." then he added. "You need to recover, so you can have your re-match."
Akutagawa's eyes brightened as Dazai placed the coat on his lap. 'It fits him better.' He lingered on the coat before focusing on the screen above. He heard a shuffle and looked over to Sensei, making himself comfortable, slotted between Atsushi and the chair's armrest. The cat gave him a look as if warning him again. 'Dramatic.' Dazai pulled the sake to his lip, enjoying how the fruity liquid tasted on his tongue. 'Now i don't need to worry about Kunikida taking my drink.'
The rest of the audience looked at the three. Three appeared as two misbehaving children and an absent father who had drunk his days away ever since his partner left him, taking the kids with them, who he now only saw on weekends. They guessed he took them out to see a movie, but the movie was inappropriate for the young children's eyes. What a shitty dad.
The projector started up, sounding more pleasant than it ever had. The scene opens immediately with a title card and the words, "We made it back alive." Spoken by Atsushi.
"Yes, I love the voice over man. It's just so fun."
"Yay." Fake joy came from Akutagawa.
The door of the Armed Detective Agency opens and closes. Atsushi sits alone outside of the door, thinking, 'Still…'
"Why are you so stressed out? You should be stressed free now after beating Akuatagawa to a pulp." Tachihara now has a spot in the last column after Kunikida, who had switched with Kyouko. He was shocked to see Atsushi seemingly asleep. He shook his head.' Yeah, that checks out.'
"Yeah, Atsushi it's not like Imma is going to come after you or anything. I could be dead right now."
Atsushi opened his mouth, but only air came out. He hadn't thought about the damage he had done to the other. He curled further in on himself.
Many agreed it wasn't like Akutagawa was known for his forgiving nature. So many loose ends.
'I wonder if the Agency can look past the people Kyouka has murdered.'
"Yeah, good point." Tanizaki pawed at his sweater; the whole viewing was stressful.
"The agency will be fine." said Naomi, more comforting to her brother than the rest of the agency.
"I have no reason not to take her in." The president voiced.
"Actually, you have all the reasons. The number one reason being she's an assassin." Hirusto said for Gin.
This got a hearty laugh out of the port mafia's boss. Dropping the mood to the floor. "You are as you alway have been, Fukuaza." His mind supplied, 'A bleeding heart.'
He finally gets up and reaches for the door, preparing himself for the worst. 'What'll I do if she and the Agency are hostile to each other?' He shakes off the thought.
The president continued to sip his tea.
"You really won't fight him on this?" Kouyou.
Mori tilted his head, "Well, I have no reason to do such a thing, especially after all the money we have lost from our tangle with the agency. I am just glad the boat sinking was in the future. I think It's for the best that I call it a day here."
It was odd with how the mafia was coming after Atsushi. The agency thought he would put more effort into his capture of the weretiger. It felt like a dark cloud that hung over all of them started to disappear then the mafia boss smiled, "However, you are free to do whatever you like, Kouyou."
A dark grin contorted the beautiful woman's features turning her beauty sour. Kouyou would do as she pleased on the matter, 'Kyouko has no idea how cruel that world can be.' The agency was not out of the woods yet.
He enters with a bland expression and mutters, "Good morning, everyone.." only to stop in sheer disbelief.
Standing on a table with the entire Agency around her is Kyouka Izumi dressed in a maid outfit.
"Can you turn around for me?" Naomi asks her cheerily as Tanizaki snaps pictures.
"What the fuck are you lot doing to her!"
Many lean away from the executive, including her oldest, Chuuya. He knew a mad Kouyou was a Kouyou looking for blood and he was not going to be in the bloodbath.
Kyouko was the only one unfazed by the outburst. She couldn't be there, not with the warmth that was spreading in her chest. The ex-assassin looked on in wonder as she watched herself twirl for her audience. She has never dressed in anything like that before, she looked down at her knight in a fur coat. He paid a heavy cost for saving her, it made the world to her. A small smile graced her face.
"So cute!"
Atsushi slides over to Tanizaki, who is definitely fully invested in whatever he's doing, "W..what is going on here?"
"It's pretty amazing, right?" Tanizaki turns his head to look at Atsushi, "She looks pretty incredible in just about anything!"
"Were you lot, playing dress up with my kid."
"Future us." Ranpo corrected.
She eyed the agency members, her eyes screamed, 'I am going to kill every last one of you.'
Atsushi raises his hand in dismissal with a sarcastic tone, "That's not what I meant."
He goes back to taking pictures happily. Atsushi tries to squeeze by them and whines at Kunikida, who is off to the side and clicking through a computer, "Kunikidaaa?"
"You're his mom, you need to be more responsible," said Yosano.
"Not my problem, that's Dazai's job."
"I'm trying but having some support for our children would be nice."
"First, I was your mother, now I'm your wife. What in the Alabama is this?"
"It's our dynamic. I can't do this alone." Dazai said, fanning tears. "My first left me and now you do the same."
"Don't drag me into your fiction."
"Well, how would you know that I talking about you, Chuuyaa?"
"Fuck You." Looking away from the two orphans pleading for help.
"Don't blame this on me," He says with a gleam in his eyes, "You wanted to save her."
Many in the Audience turned to Kunikida. The president sighed, "Kunikida."
"I know how that sounds but that's future-me."
"So, you disagree with your future self." Haruno jumps in, eyes staring him down.
"Venomously."
"It's not like it's ten years in the future. It's like what, maybe a day or less." Tanizaki mumbled.
"I have no relation to that man on screen." The accused man pointed at himself on screen.
Atsushi blinks tiredly, "Is this really alright?"
"Yeah, I'm not sure myself," Tanizaki agrees, having scooted closer to Atsushi in the confusion. He and Atsushi both look over as Kenji and the girls fawn over her dress.
"She does look cute though the only thing better would be if we stuff Atsushi in one too."
Many ohh at the thought. Chuuya knew the burden of having a cute face. He looked at the boy curled in on himself, 'It has begun.' He could only shake his head, he looked a little bit over at Akutagawa while Atsushi looked content in the bubble he created. Akutagawa seemed annoyed with his attire constantly pulling at the hood to cover as much of his face.
He was reminded of when Big Sis took him out shopping insisting to buy anything he laid his eyes on. He smiled, she wasn't bad, she just cared deeply, with the ever present fear that someone or something would destroy the things she cared about.
"What about me?" Dazai questioned with a pout in his face. Chuuya rolled his eyes.
"No one wants to see your bandage ass in a maid costume."
"You're just jealous that I would look better in it." He did a little pose.
"As If."
"Even if everyone else is fine with it, Ranpo's a real stickler for the rules," Atsushi whispers to Tanizaki.
"Bruh, when was that established the only thing I have seen this dude do is devour sweets. Even now he's stuff it down his throat." Hirsuto said for Gin, the annoyance clear in his dubbing.
Ranpo only looked in their general direction hastefully devouring his snack then with a clear throat. "I very much care for work rules that don't apply to me."
"Ranpo they very much do." The president sighed.
"But do they?"
The president started to stare down the detective.
"Nevermind…"
Tanizaki shakes his head, "Oh, don't worry about him."
Just as he says that Ranpo bursts into the room with a paper bag full of candy, "I'm back!"
Atsushi and Tanizaki watch as Ranpo throws himself into the situation and practically shouts at Kyouka, "Look what I brought!"
Most of the audience was flabbergasted by the detective completely lost for words. The mafia couldn't understand how they even functioned as an agency.
He rummages through the bag as Yosano watches him with a dry expression on her face. Tanizaki elaborates for a very confused Atsushi, "Ranpo's actually into it the most."
"I can't and here I thought you hated new people. She even was a part of the port mafia." Higuchi said, throwing up her hands.
"I don't hate new people."
"Just Atsushi." Chuuya supplied.
"I don't hate Atsushi."
Ranpo holds out what appears to be some sort of sugar candy called 'Mixy Mixy Mixy Mix Grape Flavor,'
"So, what is it?" said Hirustu.
The focus was on the great detective. "I shouldn't have said that,"
"But you had a reason right." Tanizaki pushed.
"No, I was just being petty."
"Bullshit." said Chuuya. "If you are anything like that ass for brains. You had a reason. So, just tell us."
"I just don't like chaos and Atsushi brings it to the forefront. Just looking around, we're in a pocket dimension watching a story about our lives where Atsushi is the main character."
"Now, hold on a second. I've been thinking what if Atsushi isn't the main character." Tachihara proclaimed, seemingly proud of his statement.
A collective, "huh!" shot through the air.
"But Screenbro said it was Atsushi." said Yosano.
"Fuck screenbro if they hadn't done that whole vanishing act. I would not be in debt, right now to four mafia bosses…"
"Actually, I'm no longer a mafia boss so please only refer to me as Dazai, the most trusted and prettiest member of the Armed Detective Agency."
"That's too long." Atsushi deadpanned
"And untrue." Kunikida yelled.
"Let's get back on top when you gonna pay our money back." said Chuuya taking the lead in the lench mob.
The group stared at the redhead they had forgotten about the lost money and now…
"Oh." Naomi let out.
Chuuya let out a growl at the other redhead. "You give other redheads a bad name."
"Wait, hold on." The man on trial raised his hands in defense.
"You lost the money?" Atsushi asked, his face broken.
Tachihara looked at Atsushi speechless trying to find the words.
"I died for that." He cried.
"Okay, I will get everyone their money, I promise."
"And how do we know you ain't gonna run away." Tanizaki exclaimed.
"Half of the people in this room are wanted criminals. I wouldn't lie about this."
"Actually, that's exactly why you should lie about this." Said Yosano, Ranpo nodding along in agreement.
"Okay, well the other half are cops."
"We're a private agency…." Said Kunikida pushing up his glasses.
"Same difference, I'm not like Dazai. I ain't got no death wish."
"Can't we talk about this later. ScreenBro destroyed the theater and put it back to add more seats. Doesn't that seem odd?"
Dazai looked at Atsushi who looked back both trying not to think about the room.
"I mean, we kind of needed more room with YOU always switching sides." Chuuya stated, with many nodders.
"Nevermind that, I was thinking about Dazai's character and how he has had a lot of screen time." Tachihare switching topics quickly away from himself.
"He's the mentor character." said Naomi.
"But is he? Listen to me, Dazai," The group leaned in to hear him better. "is the main character." Then Tachihara mouthed a boom with his hand opening away from his head like it was a bomb.
And honestly, he wasn't terrible wrong about that many tv shows have done a switch in who the main character, one example being Gurren Lagann. Tachihara continued, "Think about it we all know he has hated every second he's been on screen. And lets be honestly none of us would have tolerate seat through Dazai's story but Atsushi's."
An outcry took the audience, though everyone had differing thoughts, most didn't actually oppose watching Dazai; it was more the mental toll of doing so. Dazai had a deep frown that grace his face. The idea appalled him to even consider his story being told, he wasn't someone virtuous it was not is baseline. His baseline was...
The yelling increased and was finally broken by the voice of Ranpo. "Well, technically you're not wrong."
All eyes went to the detective.
"Dazai is the main character." He stated unfazed.
"Nope, I'm out of here." Chuuya got up from his chair.
"I'm not done Mister Fancy Hat." Ranpo put one finger up as to halt the executive who stop in place and glared at the older man.
"Atsushi is also the main character. The show has two main protaginst to allow from a more interesting story. Though we haven't seen what that will entail for the future episode."
Chuuya let out a sigh and returned to his seat. He really wasn't a fan of anything Dazai focused... 'Wait, does that mean our past will be shown.' He turned to Dazai who seemed to have the same thought.
"This is the snack that changes color when you mix it!"
"Seems interesting." Naomi mumbled.
"I better it will be overly sweet." Haruni.
He leans over to give it to Kyouka as Kenji beams down on both of them, "Go ahead! Try it!"
Kyouka stares down at it in wonder.
'This man is a child. I am supposed to believe this is better.' Kouyou thought glaring at the screen
Tanizaki and Atsushi watch as Ranpo narrates Kyouka through the process of eating Mixy Mixy Mixy Mix Grape Flavor, "First you open the bag! Then put the two pouches of powder in the …."
He fades out as Atsushi sighs with actual pain, "They're like children. Young ones"
"So true." Chuuya said.
"CHildren." Hirusto said for Gin.
"Seriously, is this an agency or a daycare?" said Higuchi, she wondered how they had ever struggled against them. She looked at her boss who was barely functioning while that weretiger looked shining and new sleeping it off like a bad hangover. Her finger at to reach her guns.
"Look what you get!" Ranpo said at the end of explanation as Kyouka stares down at cute little sugary snack in her hands, pink smoke covers her and she almost appears to be blushing.
Kouyou looked down at her umbrella. It was small but it was everything she wondered if the child had flown too close to the sun.
Ranpo grins at her, "Let me try a little bite!" before literally eating the entire thing, to the horror of everyone around him.
"Children is right," Tanizaki agrees as Naomi whines at Ranpo for ruining their fun.
Many in the audience shock their heads. It was getting worse.
"Guess that's par for the course for Ranpo," Atsushi says nervously, before shooting Tanizaki a look, "So do you happen to know who asked her to visit the Agency?"
Before Tanizaki can answer, another voice speaks up, "It was me."
"Bruh, why every time this guy is introduced they get to play guitar riffs." Said Hirusto for Gin.
"All I know is that our boss better have a cool introduction." Said Tachihara
It's Fukuzawa, who always seems to have the best dramatic timing. Atsushi gasps aloud, "President!"
Fukuzawa walks over to the Agency, "What's our current status?"
Fukuzawa felt weird seeing a version of himself on screen actions that were him and yet not. He was certain of one thing he would do the same. He couldn't throw her out, the silver haired man knew he would fail to do anything against a child. To him they were all his kids. Mori knew this, he would take her to him so why would he worry. He knew where she was, he knew where dazai was, he knew where Yosano was.
He finally looks down at her as she speaks, "Please let me stay here."
They stare at each other and she goes on, "I'll do anything."
Many shock their heads no way would the president be able to fight that.
"I don't recommend it," Kunikida adds as he gets up from his chair, "Not because of your background," He addresses Kyouka with that sentence, "Or not having a job for you. It's for your own sake. It's a difficult life."
"Yeah, look no further than Atsushi, they told him that it would be a better story if he joined…" Tachihara said.
"Besides," Atsushi has cut in now, "If you stay here, the Mafia will find you. Shouldn't you run away as far as you can?"
"Listen to the weretiger he knows." said Yosano.
Kyouka stays silent for a second before muttering, "Akutagawa. He told me that the only thing I was good for was killing people." Akutagawa's cold eyes linger in her mind, she frowns, "But he's wrong. I have to prove that to myself."
Akutagawa let out a breath.
Atsushi's eyes widen in shock but fade into acceptance. It's silent for a beat and then he speaks up, "President." Kyouka turns to see that he's right next to her.
"I'd like to vouch for her," Atsushi says with a polite bow.
Kyouyo was felt some bloom in her heart, hope. Hope for a tomorrow that would allow for a brighter world. One thing she knew she would never be able to re-pay this kindest but she would try for the rest her life even if that lead to the end of it.
Kyouka shoots him a glance and then looks back up at Fukuzawa, "Please consider."
Fukuzawa's face remains unchanged.
"Please consider?" she says again, her eyes wet and big.
Fukuzawa's face remains unchanged.
"Damn, what a powerful ability." Ranpo mumbled.
"hmmm…" Yosano agreed.
"It's over for the old man." Chuuya mused.
"P...please..co..onsider?"
Fukuzawa's face changes trying to hold his indifference to her plea.
The camera changes to his back showing the kids.
"Very well."
"A very strong ability." said Haruno with a giggle.
Many shock their heads in agreement.
The entire ADA stares in abject confusion, "What?"
"I'll take her in," Fukuzawa continues.
The opening plays as soon as he says that.
"Man, we got to enjoy this masterpiece while we have it. Who knows when we get the next opening if it will even be this good." Tachihara doing a slight dance in his chair.
"I don't really like it all that much." said Haruno.
The music stopped as Tachihara brain stopped thinking. He turned to the glasses wearing secretary. "Sorry, what did you say I couldn't hear you."
"I said I'm not a fan of it." Bitting back at the mafiso. Tachihara frowned at the woman. They stared one another down sizing each other up.
"I thought we were friends."
"Well, you thought wrong."
Tachihara quickly sat back down signel for the opening to continue.
The scene opens on a body lying in a medical bed, with red light flooding in through the dim windows. The person is hooked up to several machines and even an IV. The beeping of the machines coincides with their horrible raspy breathing.
"Damnnn, I was kind of joking about the damage." Tachihara said seeing his boss so badly injured.
"You know for someone who is always talking about how much you hate violence. You sure did a number on my brother." said Hirusto accompanied by a low growl coming from the other Akutagawa siblings.
Atsushi didn't know what to say to it. Looking at future Akutagawa injuries and the current who was also struggling.
The angle shifts and the person is revealed to be Akutagawa, with an oxygen mask over his face and bandages around every part of his body. He's unconscious and it somehow makes him look much, much weaker.
"Sprain fracture of the lower jaw, avulsion of the frontal bone,"
"Oh, shit it's happening." Tachihara said hitting his armrest.
Many could recognize the voice of one Mori. The scene felt cold and removed from the happiness in the agency. He hadn't even shown up on camera yet he already captured everyone's attention. The way his words cared detail the exten of Akutagawa injuries left no more thought on Atsushi ability to harm and kill. Whether or not Atsushi had every done so now was in the air. But it wasn't a question on why if any of them had ever felt the contect Atsushi had with kyouyo they would do the same in his shoes, in his skin.
"femoral muscles and first degree burns over the entire body," narrates a voice as the camera drags on every one of Akutagawa's injuries.
Atsushi looked away from the screen in an emotion he didn't want to define. First, the scene of Dazai's training, now this… His own actions had no one else to blame. He had done this… He felt bad. He thought he got what he deserved, but he did this… It wasn't karma. It was himself.
"To top it off he's in a coma," finishes the voice as it shifts to a dimly lit large dining room table. There are many seats at the table but only one is filled,
The tiger was now fully awake and hanging on every word the doctor said. During Atsushi's interactions with the mafia boss, he never really felt it. He guessed it didn't match what he imagined a mafia boss was. A scary older man, someone like Hirusto, but Doctor Mori though sometimes catches the vibe; other times, he misses it. But then there was Dazai, who made pretty clear his thoughts on the doctor and his insistence, in his own way, to stay away from the man. Doctor Mori was a threat because he didn't look like a threat.
"That's the price he paid for failing his mission."
Akutagawa's nose flared at the comment, 'failed.'
Higuchi stands at the other end of the table, silent. Behind her, a younger girl with long blonde hair and a frilly dress draws something on the floor. Higuchi swallows and nods, "I apologize."
"Elise!" Mori shouted from his seat. Everyone in the know grimaced at how his voice pitched up. "Isn't she lovely."
Atsushi was about to respond back that she was, but Dazai put a hand on his head. The cat in his lap began to hiss at the hand, looking ready to attack the hand. Dazai pulled his hand back as if it was burning, fast removal of the hand and the buzzing thoughts of who was Doctor Mori.
The voice sighs tiredly, "He may never regain consciousness again."
Slowly, everyone turned to Atsushi. Akutagawa looked ten seconds away, ripping Atsushi from his chair and impaling him with Rashomon.
"He may never regain consciousness?!" Higuchi shouted from her seat, hand reaching for her guns.
"I-I…" Atsushi sat up from his spot, hand up in defense.
"You got some nerve kid!" Chuuya in anger.
Higuchi flinches with her eyes but her body remains still, "No way..."
"Don't feel too bad." The voice doesn't appear to be that concerned.
"Yeah, Atsushi, don't feel too bad he may never wake up again let alone walk. But, hey, it's not like he had anyone who would care." Said Hirusto for Gin, his older voice somehow made the words hurt more.
"I…"
"Yes, you did fail in attacking the Agency and capturing the weretiger, and you allowed the transport ship to sink. But you all did your best in the end, did you not?" The tone implies that whoever the voice is, they weren't actually happy with these results.
"I don't know man feels like a trap." Haruno questioned.
Higuchi's eyes glisten as they go on, "Effort is what's important. Results come second, don't you agree?"
"I don't know, man feels like he's about to say just kidding and kick you out of the building," said Tanizaki.
"Oh, that's cute you think when people get fired from the mafia they get to keep their lives." Tachihara coo'd.
"Honestly, not bad for everything that happens." Hirusto, though he was sure the boss would add something to it.
Behind the silent Higuchi, the little girl hums to herself as she continues drawing on the floor.
The voice keeps going, "The remnants of the group Akutagawa annihilated, Karma Transit? Apparently they're regrouping. Soon they'll want revenge."
"Oh, that's where the other shoe went." said Tachihara.
The little girl's art is revealed to be a childishly sketched out drawing of Akutagawa, with his head chopped off, happily smiling as blood pours out of his neck.
"Um, what the fuck." said Naomi.
"I thought she liked Akutagawa." Said Tachihara.
"I didn't cut off his head. I- I- I-" Atsushi cried.
"She does it just that Akutagawa makes his own bed. Wouldn't you agree, Dazai?"
Dazai only crossed his arms at Mori's statement, he would not engage in this conversation about his first's failures.
Higuchi jerks back again, startled. The voice now, was a man, sitting at the other side of the table. the poorly lit man sighs at her, the candleholders blocking his face. He speaks, the boss's voice taking a manic quality. "Listen to me. The mafia is a business which employs violence as its currency." It cuts closer to the boss. "It's allowed to desire and kill as it chooses. Retaliation must be weighed in terms of expenditure and liability…"
"Oh, yeah… He's pissed." said Naomi.
"You don't really seem angry now, sir." Hirusto said for gin.
"Well, There is always room to learn from one's mistake plus my feelings on the bounty have changed."
'What was his angle this time?' Dazai wondered.
The little girl draws another line with her red crayon.
Higuchi seems to understand what he's saying, "But, how can you say that? Akutagawa has accomplished so much for the Port Mafia."
"Well, I'm not sending him to the gallows. I only ask that you do your job."
"Indeed," agrees the voice, "He is competent. But his level of violence is high even by our standards."
Dazai clenched his jaw at the statement.
At this point, the little girl from earlier has crawled up onto the table and is smiling at Higuchi, unperturbed by whatever is happening.
No one knew what to say; some were unsure if Elise was a person or something else. And those who knew grew more annoyed with the girl. But the one most affected was Doctor Yosano; she was disgusted by what the ability had turned into, what he made her into. She didn't want to see it.
"But what about yourself?" The voice seems to almost smile as Higuchi flinches for what seems to be the millionth time, "Tell me, Higuchi."
His voice though sound neutral yet it emphasizes his point. "Have you ever felt that you were truly suited for this job?"
"I don't feel like she is fine… I mean the girl carries a glock wherever she goes." said Haruno.
"In a world with people who can literally control gravity." said Naomi.
"Dazai's ability is useless." Tanizaki added.
"Dazai doesn't count, he is a super genius." Chuuya corrected.
"Well, there's Ranpo." Atsushi said thoughtlessly, still rubbing off sleep.
Ranpo turned to the source with all the agency.
"What about my ability?"
"Well… It's like you know, like Dazai's big brain."
"I prefer a wet brain." The suicidal man putting his hand on his chest finger spread apart.
"Mine is an ability, it's nothing special." He plays with his glasses in his pocket.
"Yeah, you're right." Atsushi sighs with relief now that the agency's killer eyes had focused back on the screen, he followed suit deciding to keep his mouth shut.
The title card clicks into place reading, "First, an Unsuitable Profession for Her."
"So, I guess this is an episode about you." Hirstuo spoke for gin. Gin looking at the bodyguard.
"It would seem so." Higuchi was avoiding eye contact with the younger Akuatagawa.
"What do they mean by First…" Chuuya questioned.
A sink runs quickly and Higuchi leans over it, her head down. She washes her hands quietly and holds a handkerchief in her mouth. She looks rather tired. Once she's done washing her hands, she takes the handkerchief out of her mouth and dries them with it.
"I look terrible," she observes after looking at herself in the mirror.
"Well, I'm glad you said it cause I didn't want to be the one to point it out." Tachihara rubbing his finger under his nose.
There's a sharp slash of a knife and rather quickly, Higuchi is held at knifepoint by none other than Gin.
"That's a sufficient demonstration, Gin," says Hirotsu's dry voice.
"Oh, shit! The man came out of nowhere." said Tanizaki.
"Yeah, that's Gin for you, guy's a weirdo." Tachihara stated.
A knife was thrown in his direction to which Tachihara moved his head to the side. "Watch it, emo reject. At least Akutagawa pulls it off."
"Says the guy who thinks a bandage on his nose is stylish." Hirusto read out quickly.
"Hey, bandages are cool." From the resident bandage enthusiast.
"No, there's a sign of a need to be committed." Chuuya hard rolled his eyes.
Gin lets Higuchi go with a sharp twist of his knife. Higuchi immediately hacks loudly, trying to catch his breath.
"Hey, Higuchi, are you doing okay?" said Chuuya.
"Actually, I'm feeling fine."
"This shit again, seriously make up your mind ScreenBro. Pain facture or no pain facture." Tachihara yelled out.
"Maybe we shouldn't piss him off." said Kunikida.
"I want answer damnit." Yelled the bandage on his nose, redhead.
"Children." Kouyou warned.
"Sorry, Big sis."
Standing outside the bathroom door are Tachihara and Hirotsu, the latter looking formal and the former… propped up with one leg and smirking.
"That's me. Oh man, look how cool I am." Tachihara boasted.
"Yeah, you're nothing like that." Naomi commented.
"This is me off dutee," gesturing to himself. Many of the mafia side eyes the captain no one believed him.
"The Black Lizard," Higuchi breathes out regain airflow to her lungs.
"This is some heavy drama." Ranpo slurped his juice box.
"It's our life's. Not that you lot are ones to talk." Said Hirusto for Gin.
Tachihara's voice replies as cool as he can, "You gotta excuse Gin. The boss has him doing a whole lot of infiltrating and assassinating, he'll slice anybody's throat now. Even one of our own."
"So, is this a new thing… the whole assignment?" Yosano questioned.
"Not really, Gin is always doing extra work." said Hirusto.
"Couldn't be me, I don't do over 40 hours a week." Tachihara said, putting his arms behind his head.
"Oh." Mori questioned, raising his eyebrow.
"Unless you asked, boss."
Mori only narrowed his eyes at the captain.
'Shit, now even the boss. I'm so dead.' the redhead thought.
Gin side-eyed Higuchi with a level of intensity matching someone related to Akutagawa.
Higuchi had been on the other end of this state from the older brother. He was pissed at her for her failure. Akutagawa wouldn't be in the position if it weren't for her. She looked down at her pant suit if she had done a better job.
"If he'd been serious, you'd be dead," Tachihara finishes with a flourish.
Higuchi sighs, "Does the boss intend to take me out?" Her blue eyes stared at his steel.
"Not today," Hirotsu says with a puff of his cigarette.
Hiristsu wants to light one right now but he has been trying to be on his best behavior on that end however he was reaching a limit. Despite everything that was shown he really didn't feel much of the surprise even the win from Atsushi. He was unsurprised. No, it was proof of Dazai's judgment. 'The youngest executive.'
"—just to gloat?"
Hirotsu glares at her, "If I were you, I'd re-evaluate my current situation before an assassin arrives at my doorstep."
Higuchi had a high level of importance yet it was not earned the same way as Akutagawa. That boy was chosen by Dazai to be his mentee. The demon prodigy would never task something he felt you couldn't do but he would diff make sure that you would be utilized to the fullest. Failure to meet that requirement was awarded with several bullets. Dazai worked for the benefit of completing the task while Mori worked for the Mafia's betterment. Some would confuse the two but there were
"You, along with Akutagawa, are a strike force under the boss and the executives' direct supervision. As such, you are our superior."
"But–" Tachihara said as an add on.
Atsushi hung on every word that came out of the older gentleman's mouth. Hirusto for what he could recall. He would never understand Akutagawa, it wouldn't even be that far to call Akutagawa an executive and yet. He couldn't see that, he just yearned for the next enemy to prove over and over and over that he was strong. 'That he wasn't left behind,' something in his mind supplied.
"But do not mistake our position for obedience."
The mafia's dog looked on as Hirusto gave his speech, 'It was true.' He looked to the floor at the white fluffy socks that Dazai had stuffed him into like the stupid hoodie. But in this moment, he just felt a crushing defeat. He hadn't really thought much outside of Gin but they needed him around, the crawling feeling of death showed it head. It was always there, he accepted he would die young but maybe there were still a few loose ends to tie. Even with the chance of redemption, it felt like a piece of the puzzle was missing.
'You know what you did wrong.' Dazai words from before came to mind.
'Did he?' Akutagawa began to wonder.
Akutagawa's activation of Rashomon is shown, his silhouette behind it as Hirotsu keeps talking, "It is Akutagawa's power that commands our respect. Tell me…" The current broken form of Akutagawa is shown again, "During the time Akutagawa will be indisposed; Do you possess something that could compel us to obey you?"
It was a good question what happened in this pause, no one was like him, not even Chuuya. Who would or could fill this role. Another thing that the audience started to acknowledge is that it was clear Dazai had made him someone irreplaceable.
Akutagawa form is shown with Higuchi reaching to touch his hand. "I don't need help from you!" Akutagawa's rage-filled voice says in her mind, she freezes.
Anyone could see how unhealthy their dynamic is, so many complex emotions on both sides. It was clear that Dazai was at the center of these complex emotions on Akutagawa's side. All the audience could do is take in any deep breath. He just could see past the back of that man.
The past version of Higuchi runs up to him, "Akutagawa! Please wait!"
She meets with him in front of the building, "This is suicide! Even for you!"
Tachihara got a chuckle from that. Akutagawa gave him a death glare which was quite effect even in the ridiculous hoodie he was wearing.
She tries to catch up with him to stop his reckless behavior. "You're walking into a building full of security guards!"
Akutagawa brushes past her, ignoring her completely. "We don't even have instructions on how to back you.." As she yells at him, she grabs his arm, desperate to help.
Kouyou was once again feeling tired of the lad's Antics. She could remember all the clean up work that went into this accident leaving her poor chuuya exhaust and fed up with the childish behavior. Akutagawa was great in center area she can acknowledge with how many jobs she gives him which he complete in record time but the lad lack subtlety and common sense. Her evidence to the account was the mess he made of the weretiger's kidnapping and how he used and abused her poor Kyouyo. The executive could think of so many ways to teach the boy a lesson. First, while they were here and the second when they were home with all her fun toys.
Akutagawa throws her off, "Silences!" Higuchi stumbles backward, fear in her eyes, fear for his sanity.
Dazai started to develop a frown at the past Akutagawa's actions. 'So much work to do.' Akutagawa could sense this shift in the man's composer.
"Just what would you know?" He shouts at her. She stares at him in abject shock and then the building behind her explodes. She turns around along with Akutagawa to watch the building erupt into flames.
The theater flashes as the explosion goes off. It was a side of Akutagawa that was not new but evolved showing the root of the issue. Chuuya found a deep frown on his feature set. He loathed how it affected Akutagawa the way it never really left, just fester.
Akutagawa's eyes are somehow even colder, "There it is. A beacon visible from anywhere in the city. A powerful beacon for the one who left without a word." His voice snarls the last bit.
Atsushi was on the edge of his seat, his chair still reclined. He felt the anger from their fight bubble up again. 'He just hurts people. No attempt to find a better answer.'
The building's smoke is massive and covers the sky. The fumes and ashes fall down on Higuchi and him.
The weretiger's breath grows more ragit as he watches the building in flames. There were no questions on what he was doing there, he just knew that these people that were now trapped in a burning building had lifes not like that dog would care. It didn't matter to him all he wanted was Dazai to show himself.
Atsushi opened his mouth to get ready to curse the older man out, but a hand glided into his hair. His mind slowly drifted, but it wasn't because of the comfort he found in the bandage-wrapped hand. It was the drugs floating around his system. His vision blurred, making the two people on the screen into objects and shapes. In the distance, he heard a loud hiss from his side, and the silver-haired youth fell back into his seat. Soon all he saw was the back of his eyelid.
Akutagawa stares into the smoke, almost frozen, "The one who left without acknowledging my ability."
It was in the back of his head. It felt like he was drowning in a sea of negative space. Raising slowly, he felt his ability come back to the forefront. He usually likes it when Dazai pets him, but it is clear that Dazai just used his ability to shut him up. His head was now pounding away. He turned to the man, who met his anger with an obnoxious grin. Atsushi felt something close to a hiss fall out of his jaw.
"Sir!" Higuchi turns to him as he continues to keep his eyes above him, "Please allow me to do my part in helping you!"
Akutagawa's dead eyes pan to her, and the rage he holds spills out, "I don't need help from you!"
It was so much rage. though he wasn't a higuchi fan there was no need to treat her like that. She was his biggest supporter and he just pushed her around.
Higuchi's eyes widened.
As the flashback finishes, Akutagawa's voice plays one final time, this time mournful instead of angry, "I need no one's help."
The demon prodigy was his invention. It was a typical kidnapping job, something he could do in his sleep, and then he just had to show up after years of looking for him to search for answers for his disappearance. He didn't understand. He thought he had some clarity on his mentor. But then he left without a word, one second he was being told off by the man and shot at then he woke up to a new reality without him, in an infirmary no less. Was the development supposed to make him happy? To find him at this agency, with these people and that apprentice lacking common sense. All this pain in his chest for…
"A dead man…"
Dazai heard his first apprentice lament.
Higuchi reaches for the unconscious Akutagawa's hand again, before drawing away.
There was something Naomi would hate to admit to herself about the person who hurt her brother, her friends, and herself. Akutagawa had fallen into a life full of crime, and one must adapt. The scary thing about this truth was Dazai's role in it. Dazai had this ability to pull people in and change them for the better or, the worse. However, she had seen that with Atsushi being a precise work in progress. He was different. He is less afraid of sharing his thoughts and more willing to engage. And being here, she saw how Dazai's care brightened Atsushi in a way that no one could. Dazai's choice to stick his head out for the boy led to the events on the boat. What had Dazai done for Akutagawa that lent him to do all this for the others? The part-timer turned her gaze to the three in front of her, the two in question wearing the most ridiculous hoodies.
"I'm home." Higuchi said to a quiet apartment.
"You live with someone, Higuchi?"
"That's none of your bussense, Tachihara!"
This whole thing made her feel raw and hurt. She just felt exposed and she didn't need anyone to know about the other sides of her life.
She says it shakily and then remembers her boss's words, "Have you ever felt that you were truly suited for this job?"
This question seemed to linger in her mind and now even if it was in the future was finally given a voice. She was normal. Nothing special about her or what she brought to the table anyone could do her job, yet...
She throws her bag to the floor and collapses to her knees, her hands buried in her face.
"No," She whispers aloud, "Of course, I haven't."
'How could she…' Haruno thought. She understood trying to make sense of this secret world full with people who can do extraordinary things and then there was just you. She felt even more useless compared to Higuchi. Haruno couldn't shoot for the life of her, maybe that would be her downfall.
The scene shows a group of armed men as they rush into the room where Akutagawa lays. They shout unhearable orders at each other and then shove their guns in the unconscious mafioso's face. As soon as they determine that Akutagawa is not awake, they pull the plug on his ventilator with a sharp beep.
A phone rings. Higuchi picks it up, her voice sleepy, "This is Higuchi."
The voice tells her something and she jerks in alarm, "What did you say?"
"The kidnapper has become the kidnappie." said Tanizaki, pleased by the development.
She turns and bolts, hastifuly putting her equipment on and running as fast as she can.
The scene cuts a bit showing Higuchi now fully armed and running through a warehouse. In her mind, she recalls the Black Lizard watching her pack her weapons.
"Think this over," Hirotsu tells her, "The boss won't be happy."
"I don't think the boss cares. The guy kind of gave the vibe he knew this was going to happen." said Ranpo.
"Honestly, it wasn't that hard to guess. The way this episode made it. I think it is pretty clear that Akutagawa is a rising star. You make enemies when you rise that quickly." said the Good Doctor.
Tachihara nods in agreement, "Are you crazy? You're gonna get yourself killed. Akutagawa was taken by a bunch of foreign mercenaries hired by what was left of Karma Transit. There's a crapload of em. Each and every one of those guys are armed to the teeth."
"I think this is the first time you sounded so serious." Atsushi pondered.
"Well, I'm on the clock plus Akutagawa is my fri–" Tachihara paused, almost horrified by what he was going to say. He rephased, "Akutagawa is my boss."
Atsushi looked at him wondering why he changed directions. Was it a crime to admit that he cared for Akutagawa's safety?
Tachihara's cool demeanor breaks a bit and his voice gets a bit more desperate, "The boss'll issue orders for a retrieval operation," She walks past him. "Just wait until then!" He reaches for Higuchi as she attempts to walk past him.
Tachihara didn't like it. He knew the rules, and the boss made his disappointment at their behavior in trying to capture the weretiger pretty clear. He sighed; the redhead didn't know what to make of his recent slip-ups. He needed to move back to his seat. The longer he spent time with the weretiger, the more his disposition towards the light became clear.
She jerks away, "There will be NO order!"
Tachihara stands, staring at her in shock. She pants a bit, before sighing, "This attack on Akutagawa was personal. If we retaliate as an organization we risk triggering more conflicts on a larger scale. The brass don't care about private disputes. They'll turn a blind eye to all of this. Akutagawa has already been cut off."
Akutagawa could chew on nothing as he watched his subordinates against the tides that were the boss's command. He got off lucky and yet… It felt like Higuchi was paying a higher cost than him.
Tachihara lets out a tch in annoyance. "Even so, what do you hope to accomplish by yourself?"
"Maybe," She replies, "I can't do anything."
Gin found herself sad for Higuchi during this viewing; she had seen a lot more of her brother's behavior around the woman. She didn't know what to make of it. The assassin could understand some of it but it just felt like he was using her for his chew toy.
"But still I have to try. I can't just wait."
'You have someone willing to go to the end of the earth for you.' Atsushi angled his head to Akutagawa. Akutagawa seemed to be looking down at his coat in his lap.
She runs towards where the mercenaries are keeping Akutagawa. 'I know where I stand. I know I'm not suited for this job. I know I don't have the respect of my subordinates. It's not easy to leave the Port Mafia. But not impossible. I've thought about it often. But each time, I could never go through with it.'
Higuchi looked on, just hoping she would make it in time to save him. This feeling in her chest expands, eating her up whole. 'Why didn't I tell him it was a bad idea. I could've saved him from all of this…' A stray tear fell from her eye unwillingly. She was frustrated with herself and her constant inability to save him, to be of use. She watches herself get to the location pulling her gun out to take down the people that took him. 'Maybe just this once I can be of use to you.' Higuchi pleas, in her head, watching intently at the bullets flying.
She fires quickly, knocking him over, but realizes that she's been shot in the leg.
'Damnit,' She hissed to herself through the pain, 'I can't rescue Akutagawa in this state.'
"She's trying so hard to save you." Atsushi opened his mouth with venom on each word, clearly intended for Akutagawa.
Akutagawa ignored the weretiger and stared blankly head with his arms crossed. The weretiger continued, "You know all you ever do is abuse people and despite that they still want to help you. And You Just–" He broke off in anger.
The mafioso took a breath in and then out. He could feel Atsushi wanting to ramp up again but was broken off by the sound of Higuchi falling to the floor.
She crashes to the floor, clutching her shoulder. Shadows of the enemy taking over the screen. They stare at each other for a couple of minutes before one of the one in middle points a gun at her. She looks up at them, gasping out, "I could never walk away," as she prepares for death.
Chuuya liked Higuchi. She had this energy about her and thought the boss had a point. He didn't share it. She was one crazy girl and could keep up when she needed to. Chuuya crossed his arms as a gun raised at her.
"Because the truth is," said on a black screen.
No one really had the time to process as the guy was shown falling to the ground, Higuchi still alive.
The Black Lizard storms into the warehouse as upbeat music begins. Higuchi whips around just as Tachihara shouts, "Let's Take Em All Out GUYS!"
"Tachihara being the hero they need." Tanizaki yelled out, getting hyped.
"It's what I'm here for." Putting his hands up like he was god.
"Don't let it go to your head." Chuuya threw out.
"You got it, sir." Finger guns in Chuuya direction, who only scowled at the other redhead.
He and Gin charge into the fray as Higuchi watches in sheer disbelief, "You all came. But.. why? "
Hirotsu looks down at her, after all, she's still on the floor. His smile is small but there, "If our superior is in danger, we can't sit by and do nothing."
Higuchi's eyes water and tears threaten to spill out of them.
'Could I hope that I have their support?' Higuchi wondered if her efforts had been seen by her peers.
"Okayyy," Tachihara stares at the bodies on the floor, "Looks like we're done here."
Higuchi utterly ignores him and stumbles into the room where Akutagawa's bed and body lay. She pants and leans against the door for a second, before saying "Akutagawa?"
Akutagawa's frown deepened on his face; what was worse was outside of the pain that he was feeling was care. What did that even mean? Care. Someone is trying to reach for something inside of himself. He knew once his anger was felt, it became a driving force to his Rashomon, but did Higuchi deceive his rage? She almost died on numerous occasions. This was different despite the people in her way. She reached for him.
She crashes against his bedside, barely managing to choke out her words, "Please wake up."
The audience is shown Higuchi through Akutagawa's eyes.
The man wearing the most ridiculous black hoodie stared at the screen, his future self had lost and now… He was anger so fucking anger, for all of this... It was a low.
His dead eyes oddly full and less black, grayer almost. His voice is raspy and weak but he says, "Is that you, Higuchi?"
Never had anyone outside of two hear the mafioso sounds so raw and vulnerable. It made them uncomfortable.
She's leaning over him, but her face softens and she rummages through her bag and pulls out the handkerchief, "You're bleeding."
He lifts a hand and stops her from wiping the blood off of his face. She freezes, unsure. He turns his head away from her and says while watching her with his weirdly alive eyes, "I'm sorry."
Tanizaki was more confused now than ever by the mafioso actions. He had never bothered to show any sort of care or affection to the woman. 'Just how hard did Atsushi punch this dude?'
Higuchi stares at him until the tears start building and dripping down her cheeks. Outside the Black Lizard quietly listens in with smiles on their faces.
'It's not easy to leave the Port Mafia, but I never went through with it, because…'
"It's my job," She tells him with a smile and tears sliding down her cheeks.
Some light sniffles were heard at the last line of the episode. No one tried to find out who those individuals were; it didn't matter.
Screen shows its normal half title card before glitching out.
To Dazai sitting in his room with sake bottles and cans around him as he reads a manga. "I'll tell them I escaped tomorrow."
"How about you do your job for once and tell us immediately!" Kunikida yelled from his chair. "Not only that, don't you need medical attention?"
"Aww, are you worried about me?"
Kunikida tried and failed to straggle his partner, his ex-partner was enjoying the view without having to be on the other side. It was refreshing.
Loud Jazz music begins making a good portion cover their ears.
"Broo What The Fuck!" Tachihara groans, slightly rolling in his seat from the loud noise. Everyone was unpleased by the noise but the most unpleased were the felines of the group who quickly covered their ears.
Words appeared on the screen as they normally did however with no voiceover. Bungo Stray Dogs Wan! Special
Then it switched to a light gray blue color with Atsushi in a chibi form rising from the left side, waving his hands up and down. He said, "Bungo Preschool." Looking and sounding like a child.
"A~hhhh." The audience voiced, then they collectively thought, 'What The Fuck is this?'
