Notes:
I say I'll publish on a certain date and schedule, I find myself publishing early... I seriously don't know what's going on with me XD.
14/9/2024, The fanfic has been beta read! I recommend beta reading it now since it is much better!
The Megazord eyed the Rock Minotaur and the robot monster, which was a muscular black humanoid with metallic grey joints, mouthpiece, red eyes, and three horns on top of its head.
The Megazord then glanced up at the Wood Griffon, then right at the Metal Cyclops, then left at the Plant Satyr, then finally backwards at the Crystal Centaur.
"As if five Kaijuu weren't enough, now we have a robot monster.", Masumi snorted.
"Surprised they're not attacking him though.", Makoto commented.
"Well, if we go by Akako's explanation, then a robot monster isn't the enemy.", Kaito pointed out.
"Hakuba, Kyogoku, think you can manipulate the Kaijuu related to your elements?", Shinichi asked.
"They're too large, we haven't practiced on something like this before.", Saguru replied with Makoto nodding in agreement.
"We can test dat theory as a last option sa we don' lose our focus, but now, we have ta beat dem all.", Heiji commented.
"The Robot monster will be hardest as we have no idea of his abilities yet.", Ran pointed out, "We can get an idea of out they can do from their elements and the creatures they represent.".
The Metal Cyclops formed a Club with spikes out his body and held it with both his hands, the Crystal Centaur did the same to form a bow and pulled a string to create a Crystal arrow, the Plant Satyr formed Pan Pipes, the Minotaur formed a double-bladed axe, while the Griffon just extended his metal claws.
As Ran finished her sentence, the robot monster raised his hand, and a broadsword appeared in his hand as he spoke in a booming voice, "The name is Barbatos... Ready to die?".
"Yeah, we should end him first.", Shinichi nodded in annoyance at Barbatos's confident tone.
"Rangers,", The voice of Kaiden came out of the Megazord's communicator, surprising the Rangers.
"Sensei?!", They chorused.
"We spent the last two months since you became Rangers training on the main part of your elements, but we were going to later on after the Heist learn about side and combined elements, but some of you actually used them whether accidentally or without even knowing they're a sub-element.", Kaiden started, "I'll explain as fast as I can before the monsters decide to change their minds about waiting for you to make the first move.".
"Go on.", Shinichi nodded.
"Each element on Elementia of the seven had a main element where nearly everyone is a master at it, but you rarely find a master for a sub-element connected to the main element.".
"Pyro's main element is Fire, and the sub-elements are Heat Manipulation and Combustion Manipulation.".
"Electro's main element is Electricity, and the sub-elements are Nerves Manipulation, Lightning & Thunder Manipulation.".
"Hydro's main element is Water, and the sub-elements are Blood Manipulation, and Healing using Water.".
"Aero's main element is Wind, and the sub-elements are: Breathing Manipulation and Flight.".
"Geo's main element is Earth or Rock, and the sub-elements are Metal, Sand, and Crystal.".
"Dendro's main element is Forest which is both Plant and Wood and the sub-elements are: Healing and Poison Manipulation through the plant toxins.".
"Cryo's main element is Ice and the sub-elements are Snow Manipulation and Cold Manipulation.".
"If we go by the fact that every element is used by equal strength; then Hydro may beat Pyro, and Pyro may beat Dendro, Hydro, and Cryo. Electro may beat Hydro, Cryo and Dendro, but Geo and Aero may beat Electro, while Geo may beat Aero, and Aero may beat Pyro, and so on.".
"The combined elements can be only done if two or more use their elements combined or if an Elementian was born with a very rare condition known as Duo Elementian having two elements.".
"Glass: Pyro Fire & Geo Sand.
Boil: Pyro Heat & Hydro Water
Steam: Pyro Fire & Cryo Ice.
Storm: Hydro Water, Aero Wind, Electro Thunder & Lightning.
Gale: Hydro Water & Electro Electricity.
Scorch: Pyro Fire & Aero Wind.
Swift: Aero Wind & Electro Thunder & Lightning.
Explosion: Geo Earth & Electro Electricity.
Magnet: Geo Metal & Electro Electricity.
Dust: Pyro Fire, Geo Earth, Dendro Wood, & Aero Wind.
Mud: Geo Earth & Hydro Water.
Lava: Pyro Fire & Geo Earth.
Life: Pyro Heat, Electro Nerves, Hydro Blood, Aero Breathing, Geo Metal, Dendro Poison, & Cryo Cold, or any of them alone.".
"I notified you so you could know what elements to combine, use, and not use against the monsters.", Kaiden said before the communicator turned off.
The Rangers' eyes widened under their helmets at the discovery of what they were capable of doing with their powers, alone and united.
"No wonder Akuma wants to kill us.", Ran mumbled.
"But how did our predecessors die then?", Masumi wondered with a faint voice.
"Let's just focus on this battle, other people's lives are at stake.", Shinichi said, earning a nod from the other Rangers.
The Rangers tightened their grip on the controllers of their Megazord as Shinichi cried, "Fight as one... Rangers Together!".
"Neo Savages Forever!", The other Rangers chorused just as the Megazord's eyes glowed and charged towards Barbatos.
The Plant Satyr reacted first by playing a musical tune with his pan pipes, and plant vines erupted from the ground under the Rangers, just as the Wood Griffon roared before shooting down at the Rangers thousands of wood spikes at the Megazord.
Suzaku's wings spread before the Megazord jumped and flew high toward the Wood Spikes, the vines following behind.
The Megazord's body suddenly became engulfed in flames, burning all the spikes that were sent towards it before it raised its fist, and went through the Wood Griffon's body, creating a huge hole in its stomach, and burning the Wood Griffon, just as the vines wrapped around the Griffon instead burning them too.
"Oh no! The people down there!", Sonoko cried in horror as she watched the burned Wood Griffon and plant vines fall toward the streets.
"Protego Maxima!", Dracule, Alaina, and Akako chorused, creating an invisible shield around everyone and every building in Ekoda, and once the dead Wood Griffon and plant vines touched it, they exploded into ashes.
"Ain't Magic cool?", Hansel whistled with a smile.
"You mean awesome!", Gretel corrected with a smile.
"I'm worried about them...", Aoko mumbled.
"Right back at ya.", Kazuha nodded.
"SONOKO! KAZUHA!". Both girls turned around once they saw Hina (the one who shouted) and Eisuke running towards them, Lupin following behind, with Masaki walking calmly instead (who all teleported here).
"Are you girls, okay?", Eisuke asked worriedly.
"We are thanks to...", Sonoko trailed off once she realized she was going to expose the Rangers.
"They know Sonoko, they figured it out and I heard them. You don't have to worry.", Masaki assured the teen before she walked towards her and pulled her into a hug.
Again, Sonoko started tearing up as she returned Masaki's hug, the woman to her was a better mother figure sometimes than her real mother, and it was reassuring to have her here.
"Lupin...", Sonoko sniffed as she knelt to pet the dog, who let out a weak bark, sadness for the loss of his friend and happiness that Sonoko was okay.
Hidemi and Rei teleported in white light, not wearing their helmets, with Rei walking towards them while Hidemi ran towards Eisuke.
"Ei-chan! Are you okay?", She asked worriedly once she reached a surprised Eisuke.
"N-neesan?!", He cried.
"Masaki-san called me and Furuya was with me, so he came.", Hidemi said.
"You too are FAUSD?", Eisuke blinked.
"Wait... Furuya?", Sonoko noticed what Hidemi called Rei as she broke the hug with Masaki.
"Let me guess, ya guys aren' who ya say ya are...", Kazuha guessed.
Ryu sighed before pointing at Hidemi, "Hondou Hidemi, CIA Agent and FAUSD Agent codenamed Daredevil. She is undercover in the Organization Snake is from, the Black Organization, as News Reporter Mizunashi Rena and an agent codenamed Kir.".
He then pointed at Rei, "Furuya Rei, NPA SB Agent and FAUSD Agent codenamed Zero. He is undercover in the same organization as Poirot Waiter Amuro Tooru and an agent codenamed Bourbon.".
"Okay... I'm starting to question the identities of every person I know now.", Sonoko mumbled.
"This is starting to sound like those old spy movies.", Akako mumbled.
"That's nothing, I wonder what you will say when you go deeper.", Alaina chuckled at Akako's comment.
"Well, Sonoko...", Nina trailed off as she pulled out a cigarette and lit it on with her lighter, "At least, according to what Ran told me, you're correct about Furuya being interested in Masumi and vice versa.".
"Not true.", Rei grumbled as he looked away, his blushing face not helping.
Nina chuckled as she placed the cigarette in her mouth before taking a breath.
"Kazama,", Rei started making Nina side-eye him, "Did Masumi kill?".
She simply nodded.
"How is she?", He asked, worry clear in his tone. Nina decided not to tease him again, seeing he was genuinely concerned about the girl.
"She didn't show her emotions. But she was closed off after the battle here ended.", Nina replied, making Rei nod silently.
Several white lights appeared on the roof, and more FAUSD agents teleported behind them, but no one turned around, except the teens (but Ryu) who were curious to know who else was there.
"Take care of the dead bodies, especially those who haven't returned to their human form, and take the unconscious ones, whether human or hybrid.", Dan ordered before he looked at the group as the FAUSD agents started working, a woman wearing her FAUSD helmet standing next to him.
"Ryuuga.", The woman called.
The woman's voice was unfamiliar and distorted, but Ryu could recognize from the tone who that was.
He turned around in disbelief as he mumbled, "K-Kaachan?".
"Is that-", Hidemi guessed.
"Second Vice Chief Mirror, yes.", Rei nodded, "Only very few know her real identity. And only she gets to decide who to know her, not even Chief Kuroda. So, if she appeared here, it means she trusts the Rangers, the girls, you, your brother, Hinata, and Masaki-san.".
Mirror pressed the button on her suit and retracted her helmet, revealing her identity.
Masaki raised her eyebrows in surprise, Kazuha, Aoko, Eisuke, Hinata, and Sonoko had their jaws dropped, Akako was confused, and Hidemi's eyes widened.
"You've gotta be kidding me...", Hidemi mumbled in disbelief, "Vermouth?".
"Chris Vineyard?!", Kazuha, Aoko, Eisuke, Sonoko, and Hinata chorused.
"Kaachan.", Nina smiled widely as she went towards Vermouth and hugged her.
"It's been a while, Nina.", Vermouth said with a warm smile before she and her daughter broke the hug.
Vermouth then walked towards Ryu, who was now looking at his feet. She placed her hands on her waist as she raised an eyebrow, "So you needed to be told by Akemi and Shiho that I helped save you so you can forgive me?".
"When Shiho told you some of the poison vials were missing or destroyed in her lab with no evidence of who did it on the cameras, who did you think did it?", Her voice didn't rise but it was scolding and harsh, making Ryu feel ridiculously small, especially with some of his friends watching.
"Or was I supposed to barge in to get you out immediately, expose us both with your father and sister, and get us all with Akemi and Shiho killed?", She nearly shouted at this point, her voice rising by every word.
"Gomenasai, Kaachan.", Ryu said ashamed.
Vermouth remained looking at him sternly with disappointment before she let out a sigh and hugged her son, "Just don't think in that stupid manner again.".
"Finally, the family is reunited properly.", Dan laughed as he walked towards the group.
Hidemi's eyes looked at Dan, then Nina, then Vermouth, then Ryu before she said, "Vermouth is married to the second man in the Interpol and the mother of an NPA SB agent and a teenager... Now I've seen everything.".
"Don't forget that her daughter is married to a Nagano Police Officer. And that she is a grandmother to two kids, four if we count Takeda and Maki.", Rei said with a slight smirk at the last sentence.
"And only those kids are allowed to call me Grandma, Rei.", Vermouth threatened Rei, like a woman would threaten her older son.
"I said nothing.", Rei said innocently.
"Can someone please tell me what is going on here?", Aoko asked confused.
"Later, but now, let's make sure the Rangers win the battle.", Vermouth said as they all looked back toward the battle.
The Satyr frowned before it played the pan pipes again, causing more plant vines to erupt from all around the flying Megazord, and attack it, just as the Crystal Centaur shot multiple Crystal arrows at the Megazord, while the Minotaur and Cyclops threw their metal battle axe and rock club.
The Megazord glanced around swiftly before he flew down towards Barbatos, the weapons and vines following him.
Barbatos narrowed his red eyes as he raised his broadsword, ready for anything.
The Megazord, at the last moment, moved upwards, causing the arrows, battle axe, and club to hit Barbatos, stabbing his body, and with the vines that now wrapped around him, he was forced to let go of his broadsword, and the main weapons of the Minotaur and Cyclops were trapped because of the vines momentarily.
The Tiger's head shot a large beam of electricity at the Cyclops as the Megazord flew around, until the Rock Cyclops exploded into multiple large pieces, before the Megazord moved his wings swiftly and in power, sending gusts of wind that threw the pieces of the cyclops at the Minotaur and Centaur standing down, just as the Megazord opened its mouth and let out a breath of fire towards the flying rocks, the wind amplifying the fire.
Both Minotaur and Centaur tried to move but when they looked at their feet, they noticed vines, rocks, metal, and ice all wrapped around their feet. The Megazord had done that while attacking the Cyclops.
The amplified fire hit the rocks, turning the large pieces into lava, and once they landed on the Minotaur and the Cyclops, they started melting instantly from the heat of the fire and the amount of lava.
The Megazord then dashed towards the Satyr, electricity, and wind surrounding its body, while the Satyr placed the pan pipes, but he didn't have a chance, as the Megazord easily and swiftly went through its body, creating a huge hole in its body, and the power of electricity caused his body to start burning simply.
Barbatos then let out a cry as he freed himself from the vines, tearing them apart, and sending the arrows, club, and axe towards the Megazord.
The Megazord then pulled out both of its Neo Striker, changing into their blade mode, and swiftly swung them, cutting the weapons into tiny pieces, before it slowly landed on the ground, standing across Barbatos, who knelt to hold his broadsword before he stood straight and faced the Megazord.
"I'm impressed... I didn't think you'd destroy the Kaijuu before facing me.", Barbatos said surprised.
He took the chance that the Megazord couldn't see his back and a small part opened in his back, before a red core flew out of it, before turning invisible.
Madeira's drone instantly caught the red core on its scanner and rushed towards it, still invisible. The drone's arms caught the red core before its back opened, placing the core inside and then closing it, before it flew away from battle, its mission accomplished.
Madeira, who was not that interested in the Megazord battle, raised her eyebrows in interest once she saw through her drone the core that left the robot's body before turning invisible, and a smirk slowly appeared on her face when her drone got the red core.
"Mission accomplished.", She said.
Barbatos let out a battle cry as he charged towards the Megazord before jumping high and sending his broadsword down onto the Megazord's head, but the Mecha formed a cross with its blades, blocking the strike from the broadsword, before the wolf opened his mouth and sent a beam of white Neo energy at Barbatos, sending him a few feet away, but the robot monster remained standing on his feet.
"NEO LANCE!", The Rangers chorused as the Megazord attached the back of Neo Strikers into each other, forming a lance of two blades, before the Megazord charged towards Barbatos spinning the Lance.
While spinning the lance, the Megazord was swinging it back and forth, right, and left, cutting off the broadsword with the arms of Barbatos into several pieces.
"U-Unbelievable!", Barbatos cried in disbelief as he walked backwards away from the Megazord.
The Megazord raised the lance above his head, the blades starting to be engulfed by all the main elements the Rangers could use before changing into seven-colored energy.
"SAVAGE MAELSTROM!", The Rangers chorused as the colored beams shot from the Lance blades, destroying Barbatos instantly.
The Police officers, including Ginzo and Mamoru, who had arrived near the building and watched everything, remained standing in awe.
"Unbelievable.", Ginzo mumbled.
And the people standing in the streets erupted in cheers while Mamoru spat, "Monsters in disguise.".
"Come on! We still must use the elevator or the stairs to reach the roof!", He cried at the police officers as he led them into the building, the officers instantly following him.
The Rangers, helmet-less again, teleported out of the Megazord onto the roof (with the Megazord disbanding and the Zords returning to the Neomatrix), and that was when they saw the new arrivals.
"They know everything.", Masaki said as she glanced at Eisuke and Hina.
"Hey, are you okay?", Rei asked as he rushed towards Masumi.
Masumi looked sideways as she replied, "I... I really don't know.".
"Wait... what is she doin' here?", Heiji said once he noticed Vermouth, bringing the attention of the other Rangers to her, while the latter remained silent.
Ran looked back and forth between Vermouth and Nina seeing the resemblance at once with them standing next to each other, next to seeing the hand Dan placed on Vermouth's shoulder, she understood.
Vermouth was Nina and Ryu's mother, Dan's wife, and was on their side.
Ran let go of the tears she held at once.
"Sharon-san...", She mumbled.
It was more than enough for Vermouth to move closer and embrace her angel.
Ran started to cry quietly in the arms of the woman she always idolized and saw as a mother figure since she was a little girl.
"I killed...", Ran sniffed in a broken voice.
"You had to, Angel. It was either that guy or Sonoko. You did the right thing.", Vermouth soothed.
At their interaction, Masumi slightly relaxed but she didn't let her guard down until she understood the full story. Makoto, Saguru,and Heiji relaxed completely, however, but looked curious.
Shinichi and Kaito, however, looked at Vermouth.
"You're not an enemy?", Kaito asked in an almost begging tone, hoping that his godmother was not loyal to the Organization.
"Never was Kai-chan.", Vermouth shook her head with a smile.
"Makes sense... You had every chance to hand me over...", Shinichi mumbled, a small smile slowly appearing on his face.
Ran felt that it was time for her to let go, and give Kaito and Shinichi, Vermouth's godsons, and those of a real relation to her to have their moment.
Ran let go of Vermouth and moved to walk away, but Vermouth simply pulled her to stand close to her, before she embraced both boys.
She raised her head and looked at a confused Ran and mouthed, "You're all my kids.".
Ran smiled warmly as she wiped her tears.
"I'm so glad you're not evil, Baa-chan.", Kaito mumbled as he and Shinichi ended their hug with Vermouth
"Hey now, don't make me reconsider my allegiance.", Vermouth joked as she pinched Kaito's cheek.
"I... We got so many questions to ask.", Shinichi said.
"Yeah, starting with why you poisoned my mother.", Masumi frowned.
"Not now, I can hear people getting closer, probably the police.", Vermouth said.
"Good thing we got rid of some of the dead bodies then.", Hansel said as he saw the remaining dead bodies of the animal hybrids, back to their human form, with Jinpachi's and Kuroshiki's.
"We should all go, while the girls stay. You guys are going to say the Rangers and Kaitou Kid saved you, but the Rangers left, and Kid killed the evil guys.", Kaito said as he demorphed, back into his suit, before he placed the monocle and hat on.
"K-Kaito...", Sonoko's eyes widened at the latest information of her childhood friend being the phantom thief.
"Kuroba, this is dangerous.", Saguru argued.
"No, I told Nakamori I'll bring the ones who did this in body bags, and the press half of it hates me while the others don't while the police force hates me. I can't put you all at risk, nor give the Organization the chance to use the press against us.", Kaito insisted as he mumbled, "I dragged you all into this one way or another, I have to pay the price or part of it.".
Dan sighed heavily, "You and your stubbornness.". He pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons before he and the rest of the FAUSD agents teleported in white light with Hina and Eisuke.
Shinichi went to pick up the shield device Nina had set up before he walked back towards Kaito.
"Be careful, just because you feel guilty, don't let them shoot you.", Shinichi warned.
"Don't worry, I've got this.", Kaito nodded, "I just want to keep us safe, and threaten the Organization indirectly.".
"This is just too much information for one day.", Kazuha said as she rubbed her temples.
"We'll be waiting for you.", Shinichi said before he and the Rangers teleported in their colored lights.
"Police!", Mamoru cried as he kicked the door open and he rushed in with Ginzo, the Kid Task Force, and some Tokyo police officers including Megure, Takagi, Sato, Shiratori, and Chiba.
"Oh my...", Megure trailed off as he and everyone else stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of the dead bodies.
"I've got Suzuki Jinpachi here!", Chiba cried once he found Jinpachi's body.
"What happened here?", Mamoru mumbled before his eyes widened, once they landed on Kuroshiki's body, and he instantly recognized his wife's killer.
"You...", He mumbled with a mixture of emotions; disbelief and anger at seeing the man years later, disappointment that he couldn't bring him to justice, and relief that he was dead and wouldn't hurt anyone anymore.
Ginzo then spotted his daughter with the three other girls, "AOKO!", He cried as he ran towards her, but he stopped, once he saw the figure standing on the edge of the building, his cape flowing with the wind.
"Kid?", He said in disbelief.
Kaitou Kid slightly moved his head to face Ginzo and the Police sideways, "I had some help from the Power Rangers in battling those creeps, but I took care of the killing part.".
"You... killed?", Takagi said in disbelief, how come the most non-dangerous thief could kill.
Sato shared the same look of disbelief before she narrowed her eyes once she glanced at the different injuries on the dead bodies, having a gut feeling that this wasn't Kid's doing.
"It was my fault Suzuki-san and the innocent people died, so it was only fair I brought those who did it in body bags.", Kid said before he looked at Aoko apologetically before smiling.
The Phantom Thief then jumped off the ledge, spread his cape glider, and flew away from the reach of the police.
Ginzo rushed again towards his daughter and hugged her, but he didn't take his eyes off Kaitou Kid, feeling guilty about the sudden change in Kid's character.
Shiratori walked towards the dead bodies that seemed to have died of asphyxiation and said to himself, "How can one guy be capable of choking more than one muscular guy to death? Something here isn't right.".
"Are you okay girls?", Ginzo asked once he turned to the other three girls who silently nodded.
Mamoru's eyes locked in on Kazuha, and knowing that Kid's story was a lie, but he had no proof of it, he pulled out his phone and called someone.
He may be the Superintendent General of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the number one man in Tokyo's police, but that didn't mean he wasn't friends with other police officers.
Like the Osaka Prefecture Chief Criminal Investigator; Toyama Ginshiro.
"Toyama, it's Hakuba. I need to tell you something quick, you and Sakura need to handle.", Mamoru said.
The funeral that was held for Suzuki Jirokichi the next day was no less than anyone for a multi-billionaire who had left our world, with it being held at the Suzuki graveyard where he was buried. All the Rangers (with Shinichi as Conan), Ryu, Aoko, Kazuha, Daisuke, Masaki, Hina, Eisuke, and Kazumi attended, supporting Sonoko, who had her right arm wrapped around Makoto's arm, while her left hand was constantly petting Lupin, both supporting each other. All of Japan's people in high positions attended the funeral, showing their condolences to a solemn Shiro and tearful Tomoko. Ayako, Sonoko's elder sister, was supported by her husband Tomizawa Yuzo as she silently cried.
Dracule, Alaina, Hansel, Gretel, Kogoro, Eri, Ginzo, Midoriko, Mamoru, and the other Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department attended the funeral.
"What's on your mind?", Midoriko whispered to Ginzo once she noticed his distant look.
"Remember what I told you I said to Kid? When I arrived there, at the same time Superintendent Hakuba, I found dead men with the mastermind dead too...", He explained before he looked at her, "You don't think... my words made him turn into a killer, do you?".
"We don't know for sure yet Gin-chan, the investigation isn't over... so don't blame yourself for this.", Midoriko reassured her husband, but she too wondered about it.
Did Ginzo's words truly turn a nonviolent thief like Kaito Kid become a killer, or was there another story going on?
Ryu had a distant look on his face, feeling lost. He was not new to killing, nor failing to save someone, but he was new when it came to not saving someone important to someone close to him or someone he knew.
He didn't return to the present day except when he felt a small hand hold his.
"It's not your fault.", Haibara said.
Ryu merely glanced down at her before he scoffed, "Tell that to my conscience.".
"You couldn't have known they'd attack the way they did.", She argued, "And you saved your friends.".
Ryu sighed, knowing Haibara was right, but his conscience couldn't help but take the blame for everything that happened, especially since it happened during his race.
"Thanks, Shiho.", He mumbled.
At any different time, she would tease him for thanking her since he was always the tough guy who never needed help, but now it was serious.
"Don't thank me for doing what should have been done.", Haibara said before she looked at Conan, who stood near Ryu, "The same is true for you, Kudo-kun... and anyone else would've killed that hybrid if he was in your place.".
"Tell that to my conscience as a detective and a human.", Conan mumbled.
"You all have done what could be done, and none of you could've known that the Organization could've attacked this way.", Agasa said as he approached Conan, "The deaths of the innocents including the Imp and Suzuki-san aren't on your hands.".
Conan knew logically it was not his nor his teammates' fault, but his conscience still blamed him for what he had done, for not saving Akaza and Jirokichi, so he found himself unable to say anything, in response, especially when the Detective Boys, who came to support Sonoko, started crying, as they felt pity for her and liked the old man.
"Kogoro,", Eri whispered to Kogoro before motioning her head towards Ran who was standing ahead of them, "Does Ran seem different to you?".
"How so?", Kogoro asked, not taking his eyes off Ran who was keeping her eyes on Sonoko.
"She's... more introverted... serious... and now she seems conflicted.", Eri said.
Kogoro nodded, "Yeah... I've noticed too. She rarely talks to me nowadays too.".
Eri and Kogoro weren't exactly having low voices as Ran, with her enhanced hearing, heard every word her parents had said. She let out a deep sigh.
"I wish I could tell you...", She mumbled as she closed her eyes, "But will you accept me if you knew I killed?".
"This is Dracule Van Helsin', my instructor an' FAUSD Guardian.", Heiji introduced Dracule as he approached him to Kazuha.
"Pleasure to meet the girl he never stops talking about.", Dracule slightly smirked once Heiji blushed as he and a smiling Kazuha shook hands.
"Sa yar da one who had trainin' him?", Kazuha asked curiously and in awe, as she recalled Heiji's exceptional new skills in battle.
"Not exactly, you'll be meeting his first instructor soon. But I did teach him the One Sword Style techniques he used in the previous battle.", Dracule said before he turned serious, "And the deaths that happened aren't on your hands, and you killed for self-defense, you hear me?".
"Easier for ya ta say...", Heiji mumbled solemnly.
"It's not...", Dracule sighed, "As a Van Helsing, my main duty is to hunt down dangerous supernatural beings like I told you about, but also protect the innocent of them... how many innocent people do you think died from both sides?".
At Heiji's silence, Dracule continued, "If we go by since I was 15, then a lot, as I'm 25 now.".
"Heiji... I'm pretty sure both our parents had experienced somethin' like dis... If yar not convinced, why don' ya talk ta him?", Kazuha suggested.
Heiji raised an eyebrow, "An' how will I bring dis up?".
"Yar a detective so yar pound ta deal with dis at one point.", Kazuha pointed out.
Heiji remained silent before he sighed with a nod, "Alright... I'll try talkin' ta him... After I'm sure both girls are okay.", he said the last sentence as he glanced at Sonoko and Akako.
"Alaina will take care of Koizumi, and Suzuki already has her friends and family.", Dracule reassured him. Heiji said nothing as he glanced at him before he looked back at the girls.
Masumi remained silent, raising her head only when she felt the sky starting to rain, and she found the weather fitting for the sad atmosphere of what happened yesterday.
"It's not your fault.". She glanced down and was slightly surprised to see Mary there, wearing a fedora to hide her face.
"You did your best.". Masumi then glanced behind her to see Shukichi who had spoken, he too wearing a fedora, approaching her with Subaru and an unfamiliar woman, who had green eyes, wearing round glasses, and chestnut brown hair.
"And if you didn't kill those hybrids, they would've killed you or your friends.", The woman said, and Masumi recognized her from her voice; Akemi. She was wearing a disguise as she was supposed to be dead.
"It's not easy.", Masumi mumbled.
"Well, listen to me when I tell you you had no choice, as I too had people die by my hands without any choice.", Haibara said as she approached Masumi, referring to her experiments as Sherry.
"You know... I never wanted you to get involved in any law enforcement stuff because of this...", Subaru said.
"And then there is the guilt of failing to save someone.", Rei said as he approached Masumi, making Subaru frown.
"Those innocent people in the crowds, Jirokichi, and Akaza... We couldn't save them.", Masumi recalled.
"No one could've known that an attack was going to happen like that.", Rei argued.
Masumi said nothing for a few seconds before she spoke up, "Mama... Now I see why you said killing is awful... it feels like... nothing.".
Mary said nothing but sighed heavily, knowing that Masumi's words were correct and that that nothing feeling of killing can be intoxicating.
Rei then silently walked to stand next to Masumi, and held her hand in support, and Masumi found herself resting her head on his shoulder without second thought nor care in the world. She was glad that he was here to support her.
Why him specifically that she was glad that he was supporting her, when she knew he would do so as a friend, and her family was there for her, she had no idea, but she was willing to figure it out when this was over.
"He was a great person, very generous, and he loved life.", Sonoko whimpered as she knelt to pet Lupin, who whimpered in agreement with her.
Makoto said nothing as he let Sonoko speak, giving her the chance to let out all her emotions.
"He is in a better place now, Sonoko.", Masaki said as she, Eisuke, and Hina approached her.
"You... think so? I just don't want him to be alone.", Sonoko mumbled as she stood up.
"If what I've seen from Hideo's visits to me is anything, then Suzuki is probably now having a blast.", Masaki assured her.
"And we will be by your side anyways.", Hina said.
"Yeah, if you need anything, we'll all do it for you.", Eisuke nodded.
"I promised Jirokichi-san before he died to bring you back and to protect you.", Makoto told Sonoko as he held her hand, "And I'll continue to do so, until the end of time, as the man who loves you to death.".
Sonoko's face blushed a crimson red before she rested her head on his shoulder and she whispered back, "And I do love you too, Makoto.".
Masaki smiled warmly at the scene while Hina and Eisuke shared a look with a blush, before they held each other's hands, happy for Sonoko and Makoto and affected by the scene.
"I don't know whatever made you think taking the whole blame of the killings was going to protect your Ranger identity.", Jii told Kaito in a scolding tone, who raised his eyebrow in response while Aoko blinked in confusion next to him.
"Agasa told me.", Jii replied.
"Funny... Agasa told me too.", Kashiko said as she approached the group with Saguru and Akako, both holding hands.
"How do you guys even know Agasa-Hakase?", Kaito asked confused.
"Small world. School friends.", Kashiko shrugged before she turned to Saguru, "I studied in Japan before I moved to Britain to work as a Nurse, where I met your mother.".
"Ah, Mother told me that story before, and how you agreed to be her butler after being framed in the hospital by another Nurse for something she did.", Saguru recalled.
"She's still behind bars there.", Kashiko recalled.
"I still don't understand why Agasa told you.", Kaito said.
"We already had our doubts, you disappear when they appear.", Jii replied.
"And considering we watch you both more than anyone, we know your abilities and attitude, and noticed the change instantly when the Power Rangers appeared, particularly the Green and White Rangers.", Kashiko added.
"I think... it's nice to have people who know you and care for you know your secret, to support you when you need them.", Aoko voiced her opinion.
Kaito simply looked at her, digesting her words slowly, but he said nothing.
"I think you're right...", Akako finally spoke up, "I don't think I would've been able to stand here if I didn't have you all by my side.".
"We'll always be there for you Akako-chan.", Aoko said before she embraced the other girl, just as Mamoru approached them.
"Saguru, a word?", Mamoru said as he motioned for Saguru to follow him.
"I'll be back.", Saguru whispered to Akako before he followed his father.
Once Mamoru and Saguru were far away from anyone, Mamoru said, "Do you know who the murdered people by Kid were, as he says?".
"As he says? You don't believe him?", Saguru asked, pretending to be oblivious to everything while keeping a poker face on just in case Mamoru wanted to read his facial expressions.
"No, I don't.", Mamoru said and decided not to clarify before he said, "Kuroshiki Orochi.".
Saguru nodded, "Yeah... I saw him when he abducted the girls with the other men, and when Jinpachi killed Jirokichi. I saw everything and gave my statement to the police yesterday.".
"Makes me wonder where were you after Kuroshiki disappeared.", Mamoru said suspiciously.
"I tried to go there, but the Rangers arrived and told me to stay where I was until I heard on the news that everything was over. I was near the stadium when I met them.", Saguru lied.
"I find it weird how those Rangers appear during any danger as if they were there when it happened.", Mamoru said to himself before he looked at Saguru in disappointment, "And how you weren't able to capture Kaitou Kid.".
"Excuse me?", Saguru asked, surprised by the change of the conversation.
"You call yourself a detective when you couldn't bring in a phantom thief? A phantom thief who might as well be a killer now. Disappointing.", Mamoru grumbled before he walked away, leaving Saguru alone, who had a blank face expression but was clenching his fists tightly.
"If only you knew I did figure out who Kid is, and I was the one to avenge Mother.", Saguru mumbled in English under his breath.
The Rangers with Ryu, Kazuha, Aoko, Sonoko, and Lupin, left when the funeral ended, and went to a small graveyard, built behind Akako's house, with three gravestones present.
Koizumi Akio
A Loving Husband, Father, Master, & Archaeologist
13 March 1970 – 1 April 2002
Koizumi Hanako
A Loving Wife, Mother, Mistress & Witch
28 December 1971 – 1 April 2002
Akaza The Imp
A Loving Servant, Guardian, & Friend
28 February 1909 – 10 August 2009
Akako sat in front of the three graveyards, silently crying.
She turned slightly once she felt Saguru kneel next to her and put his arms around her, "You all didn't have to come...".
"He was like a father ta ya, we have ta support ya...", Kazuha answered.
"He tried to save us as well.", Aoko added.
"And I kind of understand what you're going through.", Sonoko mumbled, her voice hoarse from crying. Lupin nodded from her side with a sad whimper.
Akako said nothing and looked at the graveyards at once, not wanting her new friends to see her crying like a flood silently, only Saguru got to see that, as she rested her head on his shoulder.
The Rangers had a blank expression on their faces. This was the first time someone died in their battles, they failed to save two people, and they weren't just random innocents, but people they knew or close to their close ones, not to mention the innocents who died during that attack.
Akaza was the imp who served as Akako's guardian and parent when her parents died when she was 7, and she was their friend (Kaito's best friend now), and Saguru's girlfriend.
Suzuki Jirokichi was Sonoko's uncle, who Ran, Shinichi, Kaito, Ryu, and Daisuke often saw growing up, and the man held admiration for Shinichi, whether as himself or as Kid Killer Edogawa Conan, and he too held admiration for Kaito, whether as himself or as Kaitou Kid.
This battle showed them many things and reminded them of many things.
Evil wasn't just the Black Organization like Snake and the other agents nor Akuma and his chaos army, there were people like Kuroshiki who were obsessed with raw power and delusional and people like Jinpachi who were obsessed with money.
Snake was a syndicate criminal, Kuroshiki was a Magi, and Jinpachi was a businessman, but they all shared the same place in the end; Hell.
That no matter how experienced you are or how prepared, things can get out of hand, and you can never save everyone.
And the Rangers swore, that if this option was the only option to not have innocent people die, then they would send people like them to hell by their own hands...
A week later,
Akako found herself sitting on the edge of a high building, her feet dangling, and her eyes staring at the full moon above.
"You've been avoiding me since the funeral.". She didn't even glance at Saguru who walked to sit beside her on the edge.
"Because I shouldn't be your friend...", Akako mumbled, "I lied to you. I-".
"Already knew.", Saguru interrupted, surprising Akako. "I used to read a lot about Magi and their life, so I knew they had no newspaper whatsoever, so I figured you were hiding something. I did some digging but only found out that your parents died around the time Kuroshiki's killing spree stopped. Then Alaina spoke to me and told me everything about the Koizumi family."
"So, if you know everything, why the hell do you insist on dealing with me? You should hate me and loathe my existence!", Akako cried in anger as she pushed Saguru away.
But Saguru caught her hands and said, "Because I love you Akako, I've loved you since my eyes met your gorgeous ones, and I'm not going to let you push me away because of delusions.".
"Saguru... I... We...", Akako found herself at a loss for words of what she could say back.
"Just ignore the dark voices in your head, saying we won't be able to work together and speak what you feel in your heart.", Saguru insisted.
"I... I do love you...", Akako finally spoke her emotions before she threw herself at Saguru, hugging him instantly.
"Woah, careful! You might have us fall off the building.", Saguru joked in delight.
"Please, I can teleport us out of here before we even leave the edge.", Akako scoffed with a smile.
Saguru's Neomatrix beeped and he had to let go off Akako to answer, "Saguru here.".
"We have been called to meet Chief Kuroda in his office, come on.", He heard Shinichi say before the call ended.
"Trouble?", Akako guessed from Saguru's frown.
"Considering the exposure of our identities, our killings, and everything that's happened, yes.", Saguru sighed before he held Akako's hand and teleported with her in green light.
Saguru arrived with Akako into Kuroda's office and saw who else was there; the other Rangers, Sonoko, Lupin, Kazuha, Aoko, Hina, Masaki, Eisuke, Hidemi, Rei, The Van Helsings, Takaaki, Nina, Ryu, Vermouth, and Dan.
Kuroda was sitting at his desk, his facial expression showed suppressed anger.
"Tell me now... since this happened because of you... Kaitou Kid... why the hell do you do these stupid heists?", Kuroda nearly spat.
"Kuroda!", Vermouth said sternly.
"We spoke about this, Hyoue.", Dan narrowed his eyes.
"Don't baby him just because he is your godson when people died because of him!", Kuroda cried.
"That's not fair!", Aoko cried in Kaito's defense.
"You're right it isn't, since the other Rangers had a hand in this failure when the bad guys appeared!", Kuroda spat at the Rangers, who remained silent.
"Ya weren' dere ta know what happened!", Kazuha argued.
"And seeing isn't like hearing old man!", Sonoko cried.
"And you should calm yourself, since Suzuki and I, the ones affected the most don't blame them, while you have no reason to be so pissed.", Akako said calmly.
"Oh? And the innocents that died are nothing?", Kuroda snorted.
At that moment, the door to Kuroda's office was opened, and in walked Kaiden, Static, and Akira.
"They've been avenged, Kuroda-san.", Akira spoke up.
"And the other living ones are being interrogated and then they'll be transported to prison.", Static said as Kaiden closed the door.
"Don't let misguided anger have you say the wrong things.", Kaiden advised him before he noticed the people he didn't know, "Greetings, I'm Kaiden Orionson, the Rangers' mentor.".
"Former Prince Akira Of Dragonia but I go by Akira Kaidenson, the Rangers' Martial Arts instructor.", Akira nodded with a smile.
"Neo Static 2.0, the tech genius.", Static said with a wide smile as he waved.
"Pleasure to meet you.", The four girls chorused while Dracule, Hansel, and Gretel nodded.
"Nice to see you again, Kaiden-san.", Alaina said.
"Likewise, Alaina-san.", Kaiden nodded with a smile.
"Don't you all ignore me!", Kuroda cried as he slammed his hands on his desk and stood up, "Those Rangers have to pay!".
"If we have to pay then so do you for failing to save Irene!", Kaito cried, making Kuroda's eyes widen.
"W-what?!".
"This is what's making you mad, right?! You see us in your place when you failed to save Irene 10 years ago from the Organization, and Dracule told Heiji who told us, when we were interested in the people in your picture.", Kaito cried, "If we are a failure, even after avenging those people, then you're a bigger failure for not saving Irene even after you woke up from your coma.".
"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.", Masumi quoted coldly.
"And Kuroba isn't doing this for fun, because in case you don't know, he almost died more than once in these heists.", Shinichi spoke up.
"My father, Kuroba Toichi was the first Kaitou Kid while my mother, Kuroba Chikage was the Phantom Lady. She retired when she married my father. 9 years ago, the Organization asked my father to find the stone of immortality, Pandora, and steal it for them. My father refused and went against them, so they killed him in an accident in his magic show.", Kaito explained.
"I stumbled across his secret a year ago, and swore to avenge him by destroying Pandora, bringing the Organization to justice, all while being the villain in front of everyone, but I never meant to hurt anyone by any means.", Kaito said, looking at Aoko while saying the last sentence, as this was the first time he told her the story alongside the others who didn't know.
"Kaito...", Aoko said in pity as she placed her hand on his shoulder in support, "It's okay... you don't have to worry about me... I said I'll support you no matter what.".
Kaito smiled at her gratefully while Heiji whistled, "Man, ya and Kudo are indeed cousins.".
"Especially when they both got involved with the same Organization.", Makoto agreed.
"But at least Shinichi got shrunk, which is the biggest difference.", Saguru said.
"Shrunk, phantom thief, whatever they had to do or experienced, they're all awful.", Ran pointed out.
Kaito then looked back at Kuroda, who was now silent with a blank facial expression, "Still think I'm a failure and doing stupid heists for fun?".
At that moment, Kuroda's office door opened, and a gentle feminine voice said, "Well, this is the first time I've seen a teenager other than Irene put my husband in his place.".
Everyone's eyes fell on the newcomer. She was the woman standing next to Kuroda in the image, but her eyes had lost some life in them, and she wore a long doctor's coat.
"Unless we count Chris and Dan, who put my husband in his place with their antics.", She chuckled.
"You know us, Cerine.", Vermouth smirked with Dan sharing her expression.
"Cerine...", Kaito's eyes widened once he recognized Kuroda's wife and bowed as he said instantly, "I apologize for what I said! I-".
"It's alright, Kuroba-kun.", Kuroda Cerine assured Kaito as she walked closer to Kuroda.
"My husband needed to be stopped indeed before he said something stupid, out of his anger and sadness about the people who died last week, which reminded him of when he lost Irene.", Cerine explained as she placed a hand on Kuroda's shoulder, making the man look at her.
At his silence, Cerine raised an eyebrow, making Kuroda sigh before he sat back on his chair and said, "I apologize for my outburst. I meant nothing of what I said.".
"I apologize too. I was just defending myself.", Kaito replied.
"So now what?", Static asked curiously.
"As the top Psychiatrist here in FAUSD, I decided, even before Dan and Chris requested it, to have you Rangers with Koizumi-san, Ryu, Toyama-san, Nakamori-san, and Suzuki-san attend therapy. After everything you saw and have been through that's the least that I could do to you.", Cerine said and her gentle facial expression turned into a stern one once she saw the teens about to argue, "And don't even think about saying no.".
The Teens shivered from her attitude in shock and fear before chorusing, "H-Hai!".
"What else did you guys expect from Kuroda's wife?", Dan laughed.
"Um...", Sonoko spoke up bringing the attention to her, "This may sound weird... but can I learn how to fight? So I can defend myself and protect the ones I love.".
Lupin barked in agreement.
Masaki smiled as she placed a hand on Sonoko's shoulder, "Consider yourself an Iron Fist student from now on," She then looked down at Lupin and said, "Both of you.".
"I do too.", Aoko spoke up.
"I need ta improve my fightin' as well.", Kazuha nodded.
"I haven't practiced offensive Magic in a while.", Akako said.
"Then you'll get back to that with me.", Alaina told Akako.
"I think I can make an unstoppable warrior out of you.", Gretel said as she tilted her head while eyeing Kazuha in interest.
"Give me a few weeks and you'll give some police officers a run for their money.", Hansel smiled at Aoko.
"I personally will work with Akira and Static and the other Rangers' instructors to help improve their fighting skills and powers.", Kaiden said, he and the other two he mentioned smiling.
"If I do have enough free time, I might help in training.", Vermouth shrugged before she pulled out her phone and said, "But I need to speak to someone first.". And then she teleported in white light.
"Furuya and I need to go back to the Organization as we were tasked with a mission and we have to report it.", Hidemi said before she looked at Eisuke in worry.
"Don't worry.", Dan spoke up, "I looked into the files you brought on him from the American Schools and the guy is a walking Hacker and Computer Genius, he'll be greatly beneficial for FAUSD in that field.".
"I did nothing special.", Eisuke chuckled.
"Yeah, almost hacking into the Pentagon at the age of twelve is nothing.", Hidemi rolled her eyes before she and Furuya teleported in white lights.
"You did what?!", Hina and Sonoko chorused in disbelief at Eisuke.
"It wasn't that hard actually so it's nothing special.", Eisuke insisted humbly.
"I suppose before the therapy session, we show our new guests around, as I believe seeing something interesting and new will lift their spirits.", Takaaki voiced his opinion, earning a nod of agreement from Cerine.
"I agree, Takaaki, and I see no problem in doing so.", Cerine nodded.
"Then allow us to show you around!", Hansel led the group as they all but Kaiden, Takaaki, Dan, and Kuroda left the room.
"Takaaki, I want you to work with Shukichi on the possible strategies and tactics to beat the enemy Planets' stand-alone or combined, and the weakness of their military and species from the database.", Kuroda ordered.
"I'll do so, but I'll contact him tomorrow as I heard from him during his visit here that he'll be on a date with his girlfriend.", Takaaki nodded.
"You may leave.", Kuroda nodded and Takaaki bowed before he left the room.
"So Kaiden, care to tell me why you didn't tell the Rangers about their powers in full detail from the first time?", Kuroda asked suspiciously.
"If you tell a four-year-old that this solar system has nine planets, that Earth is round and moving, that galaxies exist, will he believe you? No.", Kaiden said wisely, "I told them what their mind could accept at that moment, and I told them as we advance in training, they'll learn more, so I'm sure their shock and surprise weren't about knowing that they were capable of new powers but at how strong those powers can be when mastered.".
"Which is why we need to find a way to get Elementia on our side, that planet has remained neutral for years now.", Dan added.
"Since the planet suffered civil war among the kingdoms, it's a miracle Akuma wasn't able to play with their mind like he did on Transyl.", Kuroda sighed before he looked away, uncomfortable.
"Something happened, Kuroda-san?", Kaiden noticed.
"You've been uncomfortable about something other than the heist.", Dan noted.
"A photo I had of Irene, Cerine, and I was missing. I was able to notice it missing at once because this one was taken days before she was abducted.", Kuroda revealed, "I think someone has been searching around my house, but for some reason he or she took nothing, but this photo.".
Dan and Kaiden said nothing before they glanced at each other, sharing a look, as Kuroda let out a heavy sigh and relaxed in his chair.
"I wonder what that photo means to that person...".
Rum walked into the empty room where the core was present. He had asked Madeira to place it in this room once she let him know that her drone got the core, but nothing happened when she touched it.
He decided when she told him that he wanted to have a private conversation with whoever was the mastermind behind the robot attacks and the main enemy of the Rangers.
He stood across it for a few moments before he said, "I know you somehow can see me.".
The red core shot a beam before changing into a hologram monitor, displaying the image of Akuma sitting on his throne with Blaze and Genesis on his left side while Kaguya, Kisame, and Reaper stood on his right.
"Greetings, Human. I'm called Akuma, the leader of the Chaos Army, and soon to be the ruler of the new world I'll form. My generals; Blaze, Genesis, Kaguya Mishima, Kisame, and Reaper.", Akuma introduced.
"New world huh? I like what you're thinking.", Rum slightly smirked, "I'm Rum, the second man in the Black Organization, and I'm assuming you wanted to contact us.".
"Indeed. I believe we can succeed in our goals if we work together.", Akuma nodded.
"What will we get if we team up with you?", Rum asked.
"You dare question Lord Akuma?", Blaze hissed.
Rum narrowed his eyes, "Listen, boy... We've been around for more than half a century with not a single law enforcement including FAUSD on Earth capable of taking us down, I'm sure that tells you what we are capable of...".
"You... you know about FAUSD?", Blaze asked in disbelief.
"Blaze... Interrupt me again, and you won't see the light of day.", Akuma said, annoyance clear in his tone.
"Forgive me, my lord.", Blaze said as he looked away.
"I assumed you're powerful from the animal hybrids you made, and I believe there is more.", Akuma said.
"Super soldiers, animal hybrids, special bombs, mecha, you name it. We are capable of doing anything, and no one can stop us.", Rum smirked before he let out a short laugh, "And I think you already know from the animal hybrids that we have what might you be looking for, a portal to bring you here.".
Akuma narrowed his eyes as he spoke with a tone that showed interest, "I like it when the one I'm speaking to understands my thinking with no effort.".
"You still haven't answered my previous question though.", Rum raised an eyebrow.
"You see, whenever I succeed in taking down the authority of a planet, I let one of my soldiers who is from the same planet rule this planet. So, I control this planet and use its resources, technology, soldiers, and anything on it as I please. While I and my generals with some soldiers travel from Planet to Planet to do the same.", Akuma explained, "We start from the hardest and strongest according to FAUSD's grading, and down we go. While our people take care of everything on the newly conquered planet.".
"And if you succeed in taking down FAUSD, the Power Rangers, and destroy all the law enforcement here or bend them to your will, you'll have us lead the new Earth... Am I right?", Rum asked. His tone showed interest, hunger for pain, and excitement.
Akuma relaxed on his throne as he placed a leg over the other and rested his elbow on the throne's arm, before resting his face on his fist as he said with a pleased tone, "Precisely...".
"So... You want the Rangers dead to take their powers?", Rum asked with a mysterious tone.
"I want to take their powers to destroy them. I want to end the Power Rangers once and for all, no more Rangers in the future.", Akuma nearly growled.
A hologram screen appeared behind Rum. It was empty and showed nothing but a line, which would vibrate like waves when a sound would come from it.
"I... agree...", A distorted deep voice spoke slowly.
Rum raised an eyebrow in surprise as he turned to face the screen behind him, "I haven't heard from you in a while Boss, and now you finally make an appearance?".
"Nothing interesting... had happened... to have me appear...", The voice replied.
"So, you're the boss, the number one man?", Akuma asked.
"I am... Forgive me... I prefer to remain incognito... even from those closest to me...", The Boss replied.
"A wise policy... Now I'm sure I'll be working with the right people.", Akuma nodded, "I'll let you take the lead with everything since you're more experienced on this planet... but I want no move to be taken without us knowing.".
"I agree... Our first step... would be checking... if we have NOC... in our lines... while Madeira... works on the portal...", The Boss replied in agreement.
Rum smirked evilly as he looked far behind the screen of the core, "Leave the NOC issue for me... I have someone who could take care of it.".
Under the glowing moonlight, on one of the building's roofs in Beika City, lay a beautiful pale woman on her back on the edge, her hands behind her head on her silver hair that was tied in a ponytail.
She heard her phone ringing, so she pulled it out of her pocket and answered.
"I need you to infiltrate the police records and get me the list of all the NOCs existing, not just in our organization, but in any criminal syndicate. It would be a bigger hit if we eliminated other agents not just rats hiding among us. You've got a week to plan this and act on it. And if Kuroda Hyoue gets involved in this, kill him.", Rum said with his voice distorted, "I'm counting on you.".
The woman opened her eyes, showing her bright blue left eye and her light silver blue (almost transparent) right eye, "Roger that.".
"Don't let me down, Curaçao.", Rum replied before he ended the call.
She placed the phone back in her pocket as she stood up, looking down at the streets below before she looked at the lower building ahead, which was meters below the one she stood on.
She walked towards the other end of the roof, before she dashed at top speed, and jumped off the edge, into incredible heights, like an agile cat, before she landed gracefully with both of her feet on the other building.
"Kuroda Hyoue...", The woman mumbled as she pulled out a folded photo from her pocket and unfolded it, showing the image of a younger Kuroda with Cerine, and a girl of middle school age, an identical copy of her.
She flipped the photo and read what was on its back, "The last photo of Cerine and I with our heart; Irene.".
The woman looked up as she mumbled, "First, he ordered me to kill Kuroda whenever I see him, then when I infiltrated Kuroda's house, I found the images of his wife who I look like, and now I find this photo today during my search... where Kuroda's daughter looks exactly like me.".
"Is that who I am... Kuroda Irene? Is that my real name and identity?", She mumbled as her eyes started to become human, but she shook her head, her eyes turning cold and empty again.
"No...", She said as she placed the photo back in her pocket, "I'm Curaçao, Black Organization Rank 4 Agent and Rum's right hand... That's who I am.".
Curaçao narrowed her eyes, "That's who I'll always be...".
Notes:
Yup you guessed it.
The Darkest Nightmare Arc is the one coming up! Publish Date will be on 27/9, because I seriously need to beta-read all my fics not just this, and I just end up forgetting.
I hope you all enjoyed this three-chapter arc, and comments will be appreciated!
