Atsushi's younger sister
Case 01:The calm before the storm
It was seven am in the morning, and you're already wide awake. Eyes bright and filled with excitement. You went to the kitchen and greeted Kyouka.
"Morning onee-chan."-you greeted happily.
"Good morning, y/n."- she greeted back.
"Excited for the day, y/n?"-Atsushi entered the kitchen, hands full with groceries.
"Yes. We're gonna make sandwich together right?"-you asked.
"Yup, got all the ingredients right here."-Atsushi said, placing the groceries on the table.
"Yayy! Let's do it together."-you said and the trio started making sandwiches together.
-Timeskip-
"Do you want me to carry you?"-Atsushi asked.
"No. I'm a big girl now."-y/n refused.
You hopped happily, holding hands with Atsushi and Kyouka. It's gonna be a long and fun day.
You saw Dazai not far away and waved your hand.
"Osamu onio-chan."-you called out to him.
Dazai saw you and immediately ran towards you. He then lifted and hugged you.
"Oh my little y/n. Onii-chan missed you so much."-Dazai said.
You haven't met him for a while because Dazai and Kunikida were assigned on a long mission. So you stay with Atsushi while he was gone. Since both of them are neighbours at the dorm, you sometimes spend a night at Dazai's dorm. Ranpo wanted you to stay with him but his house was a bit far from the dorm so you refused. Even if you didn't stay at the same room as Atsushi, you don't wanna be separated too far from Atsushi.
"Let's go then."-Dazai said.
You tapped Dazai's shoulder. He whipped his head towards you and smiled.
"Osamu onii-chan. Can you please let me down?"-you asked politely.
"Eh...why? You don't want me to carry you?"-Dazai pouted.
"I'm confused which one is a child now."-Kunikida came from behind, adjusting his glasses.
"Do you want me to carry you instead."-Ranpo approached the group.
"No. I'm a big girl now."-you crossed your arm.
"Look at our big girl. I'm so proud of you."-Ranpo said, patting your head.
"We should get going. We don't wanna be late."-Kunikida said.
Atsushi gave eye signal to Ranpo. Dazai noticed them and immediately understood. Dazai putted you on the ground.
"Y/n. What about you go with Dazai-san first. Me and Ranpo have something to do."-Atsushi said as he hand over the sandwiches to Kyouka.
"Work?"-you asked, feeling a bit sad.
"Nope. I'll be back okay. Today is a very very special day."-Atsushi said as he kneels to talk to you.
"Okay onii-chan."-you said.
"Let's go then princess."-Dazai said, offering to hold your hand.
You held his hand and walked with him. Kunikida and Kyouka were already walked ahead, leaving just you and Dazai.
"Were you worried about Atsushi?"-Dazai asked.
You nodded your head. Both of you still keeping the pace from earlier.
"He'll be alright. You know how strong he is right?"-Dazai tried to comfort you.
"I know that."-you replied.
"So don't worry about him okay. He will be okay."-Dazai said.
You held his hand tighter.
"And we're here. At the same office we saw everyday."-Dazai cheered.
You brightened up when you saw the others. You let Dazai's hand go and ran towards them. They were doing all sorts of things. From decorating, arranging chairs and keeping the food on the plates.
"Oh, hi y/n."-Kenji greeted.
"Hello Kenji onii-chan."-you greeted back.
"Come here y/n."-President Fukuzawa said, he was already sitting on one of the chairs.
You approached the president. He tapped the chair beside him and nodded his head. You climbed the chairs as it's a bit higher than you and then sat. You know president is a kind person but his stern face still scared you a bit.
"The food's all ready."-Naomi said before placing the foods on the table.
The others were already enjoying their off day. The president took a sandwich and putted it inside his mouth. You watched his expression as he savour the taste.
"Hmm. This is quite good."-Fukuzawa complimented.
"I made those with Atsushi onii-chan and Kyouka onee-chan."-you said happily.
"Good job y/n."-Fukuzawa complimented.
Dazai approached them with a smile. He tapped your shoulder.
"Y/n. Come with me. Let's do something fun."-Dazai said.
"Okay let's go."-you said happily as the president complimented your sandwiches earlier.
Dazai picked you up gently. He was about to walked with you in his arm but he forgot something cause you said you're already a bug girl. He then let you walked by his side.
"You need to close your eyes okay?"-Dazai said.
"Oh? Okay Osamu onii-chan."-you answered.
You tried to sneak a peek but Dazai knew your plan, so he covered your eyes with his hand instead. After 5 minutes, you heard Dazai's voice saying you can open your eyes. When you opened your eyes, you saw Atsushi holding a cake. A birthday cake.
"Happy birthday y/n."-Atsushi said happily.
He placed the cake on the small table and light up the candles.
"Let's sing happy birthday to our beautiful princess."-Ranpo said happily.
They all started singing together. You smiled happily as you watched everyone. Even the president sang. You feel like crying. No more being alone in birthday anymore. It used to just be you and Atsushi but now, there's a lot of amazing people to celebrate it with.
"Make a wish,y/n."-Dazai said.
You took a deep breath, closed your eyes and wished. "I hope everyone will be safe from danger. To be together forever. And to never fight with one another." You blew the candles and they cheered.
"It's time to celebrate."-Ranpo cheered and lifted you up. -"Happy birthday y/n!"
Everyone celebrated it with their own way. Talking and drinking, playing games. Ranpo then put you down. You noticed a man not far away from them. He wore a black coat with his hair covering his eyes. He looked anxious. Atsushi came and gave you a piece of your birthday cake but instead of sitting down, you approached the man. He was shocked to see you. You use your own ability and know this is not a normal man. He is an ability user.
"Hello, are you okay?"-you asked.
He nodded slowly. Ranpo saw the both of you and approached you fast.
"Oh you're here."- Ranpo said.
"Y/n this is my friend. His name is Ranpo."- Ranpo said, introducing the man.
"Hello, Edgar onii-chan. My name is y/n."-you greeted him politely.
"She's the birthday girl for today."-Ranpo said and patted your head.
"Ohh happy birthday. I...I didn't bring any present though."-Edgar panicked.
Ranpo went to grab some food leaving you with Edgar. The person you just met today.
"It's okay Edgar onii-chan. Do you want cake?"-y/n asked.
"Sure. I...I would love to."-Edgar replied.
You gave your plate to him and ran back to Atsushi.
"Onii-chan. Cake."-you said.
"You've finished your cake?"-he asked.
"No. I gave it to that person."-you said, pointing your finger to Edgar.
"Who's that?"-Atsushi asked.
"His name is Edgar onii-chan, friend with Ranpo onii-chan."-you said.
"I'll give you more cake okay."-Atsushi said and smiled.
He came back with a new plate. You saw Edgar eating alone. You felt a bit sympathy to him. You understand how it is to be alone in a new place.
"Can I eat with him?"-you asked.
Atsushi was hesitating to answer you. Maybe because Edgar is a stranger and he worried if that person can harm you.
"Sure."-Atsushi finally answered.
"Yayy. Thank you onii-chan."-you replied happily and sat with Edgar.
"Let's eat together, Edgar onii-chan."-you said.
"S...sure."-Edgar said, scratching his head.
"Me too "-Ranpo said and sat beside you.
Edgar brightened up once again when Ranpo sat there. Everyone spend the day eating, talking and celebrating. It really is a calm before the storm.
Case 02: A living emotional support
You walked around the office, trying to help everyone. Atsushi have gone with Tanizaki to solve a murder. It was actually a mission for Ranpo but he sent both of them to go on his behalf. Knowing Ranpo, he must have his own reason. You say on Atsushi's chair since everyone was busy with their own work.
"Do you wanna help, my beautiful y/n?"-Dazai asked.
You raise your head and smiled.
"Can I?"-you asked.
"Yes. To be honest. You're the only one who can do it."-Dazai said, kneeling in front of you.
You were confused.
"Can I carry you in my arm again? I know you're a big girl now. I missed carrying you."-Dazai pouted.
"Okay Osamu onii-chan."-you replied and hug his neck.
"Yes!! Let's go."-he said and lifted you.
"Where are we going Osamu onii-chan."-you asked.
"To help someone. He needs you the most now."-Dazai replied, patting your head.
"Who?"-you asked again.
"You'll see who it is later."-Dazai said.
*Later
You saw Atsushi crying on the bench alone. Dazai have told you the truth earlier. The director of the orphanage died in an accident to meet both you and Atsushi. He was way too harsh before. Imprisoning Atsushi, saying inappropriate things to you. But the truth is, he's doing it in purpose. He imprisoned Atsushi so he won't attack the orphanage. He trained you to be tougher.
You ran towards Atsushi as fast as you can. Climbed on the bench and immediately hugged him.
"Onii-chan. Don't be sad. I'm here with you."-yoou said, comforting him.
Atsushi hugged you back, still crying. You tried your best to be the best support for him right now. Dazai was right. Atsushi needed you the most right now. You stayed in Atsushi's embrace until he felt better. It doesn't matter how long it will take. Even hours. You wanna stay with him.
"Thank you y/n for being with me. I love you so much."Atsushi said and kissed your forehead.
"I love you too onii-chan."-you replied and snuggled against his shoulder.
You were happy to see Atsushi smiling again.
Case 03: Dreaming of the past
You watched the president who was lying on the bed.
"Ojii-chan. Will you be alright?"-you asked.
You wasn't expecting an answer from the unconscious man in front of you. You climbed the bed and cuddled with him.
"Get well soon ojii-chan. Osamu ojii-chan said doctor Yosano can't heal you."-you said weakly.
Lucy watched the both of you from the corner with a sad face. She then approached you.
"Y/n-chan. Come here. Let him rest."-she said.
You sat down, hesitating to leave the president. After a few minutes, you jumped down the bed.
You took a white tiger plushie and hugged it.
"Cute plushie."-Lucy said.
"Naomi onee-chan made it."-you replied.
"Wanna eat something?"-she asked.
You shaked your head. You wanna stay awake longer, but your energy have almost drained. Your eyes became heavier till all you see is black.
***
"Y/n"
You heard someone calling you. His voice is familiar. You opened your eyes slowly and saw Atsushi.
"Ojii-chan."-you stood up and tried to hug him.
Yet he disappeared like ashes. You sobbed even more. You can hear his voice everywhere. Frontz back, left and right. He's everywhere. You covered your ears with your hand, closed your eyes and kneeled on the ground. The voice, it's overwhelming.
You opened your eyes again again, but you're in a different. It's strange yet feel so familiar. You were inside a large glass. There were people Infront of you.
"Who are they?"-you thought.
One of them nodded their head. You didn't know if they're a girl or a boy l, but they're definitely planning something. They moved closer to the glass and they looked like they were saying something.
But you couldn't hear anything. The glass you're in were sound-proof. Yet somehow you can listen to someone calling your name again. The voice sound so familiar to you. You looked over to your right side. Atsushi is there.
"Ojii-chan."-you tried to scream, but there are something blocking your voice cord.
He moved to face you yet...he looked... different.
"I can't see you y/n."-he said.-"Where's my eyes?"
His skin began to crumble. You tried to scream. That was when you slowly heard someone calling you again. They're voice sounds far. The minutes passed by and the voice seems louder and louder.
"Hey y/n"
You opened your eyes, feeling a bit hard to breath and clothes from the sweat.
"Hey you okay?"-Lucy asked.
You tried to control your breath.
"Is ojii-chan okay?"-you asked.
"Well, he left earlier."-Lucy said.
"Eh, why?"-you asked.
"He got something to handle, y/n-chan. Atsushi also asked me to keep you safe here in Anne's room."-Lucy said.
"I'm worried about the others."-you replied.
"They're stronger than they seemed y/n. So stay with me for a while."-Lucy tried to comfort you.
"Okay, Lucy onee-chan."-you replied.
But you keep on thinking about your dream earlier. It's so weird yet it feel like it's true.
*Author's note
I'm sorry it was late. I was busy due to my sister's wedding and I feel like this chapter will be a bit different from the manga timeline.( Yes I do read the manga). So please tell me if this is alright or not. Thank you so much for reading:)
Case 04: This dream again
"How's the others?"-you asked Lucy.
"They haven't inform anything yet,y/n-chan."-Lucy answered.
You know she's already at the end of her patience line because you've been asking the same question for the past 30 minutes.
"If I keep asking that, she'll probably get mad for real."-you thought.
"Lucy onee-chan."-you called her name one more time.
"Haven't got any news yet, y/n."-Lucy said, with a more stern voice than before.
"I know. Do you have pencils and papers."-you asked.
"Yes. Wait here."-Lucy yawned and stood up.
She then walked away.
"I think she's tired. Poor Lucy onee-chan. She needs to sleep."-you thought.
You sighed and reminded yourself not to disturb her. She came back with a set of colour pencils and some plain white paper.
"Here you go."-Lucy said and gave it to you.
"Thank you."-you said.
"Sure."-she yawned again.
"I think you should get some sleep onee-chan."-you suggested.
She stared suspiciously at you.
"I won't run or do anything. Trust me. Even if I did, I can't do anything. So please get some rest."-you bowed.
Lucy sighed.
"Alright. Don't run away okay?"-Lucy said and walked away.
"I won't."-you said and smiled at her.
You then placed the papers and those pencils on the floor before lying prone on the floor.
"What should I draw?"-you thought.
You stared at the blank papers, squeezing your brain to find ideas.
"Ah! I know!"-you said, grabbed a black pencils and start drawing.
***
You fluttered your eyes slowly. Didn't even remember when you fell asleep again. You looked at the picture you're drawing. It was the scene you saw from the dream of yours. It was actually scary. Just who were those people. Were they evil?
You tried harder to fight the sleepiness but you're too weak. At long last, you're in deep slumber. Embracing the white tiger plushie close to your heart.
***
You opened your eyes and saw unfamiliar room. You looked around and you're surrounded by mirrors. Huge and small. Different sizes as well. You saw your reflection everywhere and it's confusing your brain.
You hit the mirror with your tiny hand. But when was this? You're only seven years old. When did this happened? You hit it again and again and you watched the mirror cracked. The mirror was smashed to pieces. Behind the mirror, there was another room. A black room to be exact. You stepped in, and you felt your surroundings warped into a black hole.
You were so afraid you closed your eyes. And when you opened them again, you saw yourself on a table. The same people were there. They were doing something to you yet you were helpless. You tried to scream but they can't hear you.
"Wait stop. What were you doing to me? What happened here?"-you asked.
You keep on screaming and screaming, and soon tears started rolling down your cheeks.
"Please listen to me. Stop that "-Your breath hitched.
Eyes widened when one of them bring up a syringe filled with unknown liquid inside of it. You marched forward, trying to stop them but....bam... there was a glass in front. Stopping you from doing anything. So you started banging on the glass, trying to distract the attention of those people. The more you hit the glasses, the more drained you feel. So you kneeled down on the floor trying to catch your breath. That's when you heard it.
"Y/n"
A familiar voice.
"Are you okay?"
Who was that?
"Open your eyes baby. Please."
Is this a dream??
"Please listen to my voice. You're safe here."
"With me."
You closed your eyes instead. You started to feel warm embrace filled with love and care. Warm liquid were on your cheeks. Is this person crying? Slowly, you feel your consciousness being warped back to reality and when you fluttered open your eyes, you saw Atsushi hugging you. He was crying. Lucy and Ranpo were behind him, worried expression pasted on their face as well.
"Y/n, you alright? You were crying and screaming earlier. I tried to wake you up, but you seems responsive to my call. What happened?"-Atsushi asked.
You were still dazed and didn't quite responding to his question.
"Y/n?"-he asked.
"Nii-chan here."-you said.
"Yes, I'm here."-Atsushi asked as he cupped your face with his hand gently.
You started crying as soon as you knew he was there. He panicked and tried to calm you down. Ranpo hurried to you and rubbed circle on your back, helping the already panicking Atsushi.
"I'm here too y/n."Ranpo said with a smile.
"Ranpo onii-chan."-you sobbed.
"Yes y/n, we're here."-Atsushi said, trying to calm you down.
"Nii-chan here. They can't hurt me."-you cried harder.
Atsushi and Ranpo looked at each other, surprised.
"Who is it?"-Atsushi asked.
"Bad people. White cloth. Scary."-You can't form a full sentences due to how hard you were crying.
"I'll protect you y/n. Both me and Ranpo-san will protect you. Don't be scared now. You know how strong I am right?"-Atsushi asked.
You nodded.
"Good. We'll protect you."-Atsushi said and kissed your forehead.
***
Ranpo picked up the pictures you draw earlier. He looked at those pictures one by one and stopped at one particular drawing.
"Now this might be the one she's talking about."-Ranpo said.-"Now this is intriguing. I wonder what happened in her past life."
Case 05: The first errand and the mysterious man
It was a fine morning, you sat beside Atsushi per usual. You looked around, everyone was so busy. There's a lot of work they needed to handle, the aftermath of the previous event. You were so bored but you didn't want to disturb anyone. You sighed softly.
"You alright,y/n?"-Atsushi asked.
You nodded your head and smiled.
Dazai entered the office cheerfully like usual and started greeting everyone. You jumped from your chair and approached him. He noticed it and kneeled down. You hugged him. He looks fine now.
"Osamu onii-chan, are you okay now?"-you asked.
"Oh. My sweet y/n is worried about me. Yes, I'm fine now. Not injured anymore."-Dazai said and patted your head.
Dazai stood up and gave signal to Atsushi. What were they planning, you wonder.
"Y/n, do you wanna come with me?"-Atsushi asked.
"Where?"-you turned around to face him.
"Well, take a walk around the town. You know relaxing."-Atsushi said.
"What about your work?"-you asked again.
"I gave my all to finished all the work as fast as I can. So as you can see, I've finished them all."-Atsushi said and pointed at his desk.
"Good job Atsushi."-Kunikida said, adjusting his glasses.
"Okay, I'll follow you."-you replied and followed Atsushi from behind.
You carefully looked around, searching for the man in black before. Sure, he helped Atsushi before but you can't be too sure of him now. Don't want to lose Atsushi again.
"Onii-chan, where are we going?"-you asked.
"Well, y/n. Can you help me?"-he asked back.
"Yes, what is it?"-you said as he kneeled down to your eye level.
He gave you some money and a shopping list. You looked at him confused.
"Here's what you need to do. I want you to buy me a few things in there. This is your first assignment as the member of the detective agency."-he said and smiled.
You nodded and entered the store. You looked around. The store's almost empty at this time of the day. It's fine, I can do this, you tried to motivate yourself.
You walked to the cart but unfortunately, the staff stacked the cart too high for you to reach. You tiptoes, trying your best to grab the cart. That was when someone else grabbed it. You thought they only took it for themselves but it was later handed over to you. You suspiciously took it and looked at the person. It was a middle aged man. Maybe the same age with the president. He was wearing a white shirt.
"Thank you mister."-you said and bowed, but instead of answering he just left quietly.
You shrugged and continue with your own assignment.
"So onii-chan want two chocolates, white and dark."-you read the list.
You walked around the store to find it. You can feel eyes were observing you from far away, but you decided to brush the feelings off.
"Oh yes. Found chocolate."-you said before proceeding to take two of them, white and dark.
Just like the that was given.
"Next will be soda. Let's go to the drink section."-you said cheerfully.
You walked there, but there were more than one options.
"But which one? Hmmm. Let's see. It was supposed to have berry flavour. Ooohh this one."-you said happily.
Thankfully it's a small bottle so it wasn't really heavy for you to hold. You picked one and placed it inside your shopping cart.
"Next, milk?"-you said confused."-what is this for?"
Even though you were confused, you picked one cartoon of milk and moved towards the cashier.
"Hello, what can I... Kid, are your parents here?"-The girl asked.
"Onii-chan is outside. He gave me an assignment."-you replied and struggled a bit to place the cart on the counter.
"Alright then kid."-She replied.
*After paying everything.
"Good thing the money I have is enough for everything."-you thought as you walked outside with a paper bag in your hand.
"Ooh, you done y/n?"
You turned around and saw Atsushi there. He was crouching with a heavy breath.
"Onii-chan, you okay?"-you asked and approached him.
He smiled and pulled you into his embrace.
"I'm okay. Good job y/n. You got everything we need?"-he asked.
"What do you need this for?"-you asked back.
"It's for you."-Atsushi said and patted your head.-"That soda is for me of course. Let's go somewhere else."
"Where?"-you asked again.
"Picnic."-he said, adjusting the backpack and offering to hold the paper bag.
You handed the paper bag to him. He used his other hand to hold yours.
"Let's go!"-you said.
You noticed the same man from the store. He as observing both you and Atsushi. He looked creepy.
"Should I tell onii-chan about him"-you thought and held his hand tighter.
*At the park
You and Atsushi were having fun. You don't know when did he bring picnic mat and the bento. He didn't bring any backpack this morning when both of you stepped outside of the office.
"Onii-chan, when did you bring the mat and bento?"-you asked.
"Well....this morning."-he sheepishly smiled.
"You don't have the beg this morning onii-chan. You took it while I was still inside the store right?"-you said, hugging his arm.
Ooohh, miss detective. Where's your evidence?"-he asked.
"You were crouching down, holding your chest and were breathing heavily. My investigation shows that you were running to get those items. Am I right?"-you said
"Oh my. Ranpo-san must have been so proud of his little assistant."-he said and hugged you.-"My little sister is all grown up now."
You hugged him back. That's when you noticed the same man. He was still observing the two of you. You remember what Dazai told you about Atsushi before.
[People hunt Atsushi for money. So look out for him okay. I'm counting on you if I'm not around.]
You gasped. We need to get out of here.
"Onii-chan, let's go back."-you said.
"Well, it's quite late and we already finished the snacks and our bento. So, sure."-he said and patted your head.
Both of stood up, tidy up the bento and the picnic mat and walked away.
*Meanwhile
A man held his camera closed to his chest and smiled. His phone rang. He picked it up, observing the name on his screen. He answered the call with a wide smile.
"Yes, I found subject N347-T."-he said and his smile grew even wider.
Case 06: Kidnapped
"Wait here, okay? I need to go to the restroom."-Atsushi said.
"Okay onii-chan."-you replied and waited patiently on the bench.
He placed the backpack on his hand and rushed to the toilet. You sighed.
"Who was that guy? He seems dangerous."-you sighed one more time.
Someone approached you. It was the man from before.
"Hello there. Can we talk over there?"-he asked.
"I'm waiting for my onii-chan."-you replied.
You didn't trust him at all. Seeing how he acted earlier.
"Onii-chan, please hurry up. I'm scared of this old man."-you thought and prayed Atsushi would be there.
You saw Atsushi waving his hand to you with a broad smile on his face. But then you feel like you're floating. Strange, you don't have any gift that includes floating. It felt like someone had lifted you. You noticed the colors on Atsushi's face drained.
"I got her. Start the engine. The Tiger man will chase us."-The man from before said to the phone he was holding.
It was too fast for you to process everything. From your scream to Atsushi's tiger trying to chase you. Before you know it, you were already inside a van.
"Onii-chan! Help!"-you cried as you screamed as loud as you could.
You ran to the back of the van, banging on the wall.
"Someone help me!"-you screamed.
"Can you shut her up? It's annoying."
"Fine, fine."
"I want my onii-chan. I want to go back."-you screamed again.
You were too busy crying and failed to notice a shadow loomed over you. You felt a sharp pain in the back of your neck, and you watched the entire surroundings become pitch black.
*Meanwhile, Atsushi's side
"This is my fault. I shouldn't leave her alone."-Atsushi scolded himself as he kneeled on the floor.
He took out his phone and called Dazai.
(Atsushi-kun, what's up?)
"Dazai-san."-Atsushi tried his best not to control his tears.
(What happened?)
"Someone took y/n away while I went to the toilet. I can't help her."-Atsushi explained.
(Atsushi, listen. I need you to go back to the office.)
"Okay. I'll be there."-he proceeded to end the call.
He sighed.
"Y/n. I'll save you no matter what."-he said.
*Later
Atsushi entered the office, looking a bit dejected. He basically threw his backpack on the floor and went towards the others.
"So they've started their operation?"-Fukuzawa said.
"Even the president is here. What's going on?"-Atsushi thought as he said next to Kenji.
"I'm sorry everyone."-Atsushi bowed.
"It's not your fault. They might have targeted y/n for some time now."-Dazai replied.
"They? Who?"-Atsushi asked.
"Remember y/n's dream? The unusual drawing when y/n was still in Lucy's room. I think that has something to do with it. But we still don't know who they are not. Can we locate their exact location yet?"-Kunikida explained?
"You mean, it wasn't a random dream, but it might be a piece of her memory?"-Kenji asked.
"Yes. Too bad Ranpo senpai isn't here right now. We might need his help."-Dazai said.
"Everyone. Do your best. Find our missing member, y/n!"-Fukuzawa gave out his absolute order.
"Yes sir!"
Atsushi felt relieved when he heard the president's order.
"We belong here. Me and y/n."-he thought.
*A few moments later
"Where are we heading, Kunikida-san?"-Atsushi asked.
Both of them were walking towards an old building. It was ancient and abandoned.
"To acquire some information."-Kunikida replied.
Atsushi nodded his head, trying to hide his sadness as much as he could.
"Atsushi."-Kunikida called out.
"Yeah Kunikida-san?"-Atsushi asked. He halted his position as he heard Kunikida call out his name.
"We'll find her. She's already the official member of the armed detective agency and those who dare to hurt one of us will pay the consequences of their action.-"Kunikida declared and continued walking.
Atsushi let out a relief sigh again.
"Just hold on, y/n. We're coming to save you."-Atsushi said.
"Hurry up! We don't have all day!"
"Yes, I'm coming."-Atsushi said and darted towards Kunikida.
They walked to another floor.
"We're here."-Kunikida said and knocked on the door three times.
The door opened slightly.
"P-password?"
There was a voice coming from inside the pitch black room.
"Robert Capa."-Kunikida adjusted his glasses.
"Gerda Taro."
The door swung open.
"Hi there Kunikida. Fancy seeing you here."-he said.
Atsushi entered the room and his jaw dropped as soon as he laid eyes on the man in front of him,
"Oh hi, man tiger."-he said, standing there with only his pink boxer.
"H-hi. You know me?"-Atsushi's sweat dropped.
"Well, you had such a beautiful bounty on your head before. Who wouldn't know about you?"-the man said again.
"Have you searched for the info I asked?"-Kunikida asked.
"Yup, Here is all I have. The name is Kazuya, by the way, if you're curious to know. Yeah, I'm talking to you, man tiger "-the man said as he threw a file towards Kunikida.
"Thanks. Payment like usual."-Kunikida said and left.
Atsushi bowed politely to Kazuya and followed Kunikida in haste.
"Kunikida-san. Wait up."-Atsushi said.
"Hurry up, Atsushi. We still need to find their exact location"-Kunikida said. The legs still haven't stopped moving at all.
"Stay safe, y/n. We're going to save you."
*Back to y/n's POV
You opened your eyes slowly and the scene of an old yet still constructed building came barging to your mind. Soon your nose caught up to a familiar nauseating smell. You groaned as you tried to sit down. You felt the soft material under your hand.
"Am I in bed? Or a futon." What happened after I fainted?"-you thought.
As you were still thinking about the current situation you're in, you were pulled away by a sudden embrace from a middle-aged woman.
"Welcome home, my child."-she said, patting her head gently.
You trembled. You don't remember her, but your body trembled like a lead and there are voices inside your head.
"This evil woman."
"Run run run!"
"Save yourself from her! Run!"
"Who is this?"-you thought, body frozen from the sudden contact with a stranger.
*Meanwhile, at the port mafia
"This is a mission for you. Hope you can do it well."-Mori said to the person in front of him.
"Understood sir."-the person said.
Case 07: The truth
You stared at the food in front of you. Her white hair was made in a perfect bun, her green eyes watched you from head to toe eagerly. She has introduced herself as your mother yet it felt so heavy to accept. Not because of her peculiar appearance, or her heavy fashion. It’s just that you spent years at the orphanage, without a single clue of who your biological parents are. Now this woman just came barging in your life, self-claiming that she is your mother.
” I have a mother all this time? But why am I at the orphanage?”-you thought.
You scooped the food gently, being careful if there’s any tricks or poison in them. They looked like a normal okonomiyaki* though. Shining egg with drizzle of ketchup on top, hiding rice underneath it. It was still piping hot as she just finished cooking it. You put a spoonful into your mouth.
“Onii-chan’s cooking is better.”-you thought.
“How is it? Delicious?”-she asked.
You can sense danger if you said no to that question, so you just nodded your head. But you accidentally switched the wrong button.
“Oh daughter, seems like after years of staying away from me, you have forgotten the top rules of the house.”-she slammed the table harshly, making you jumped on your seat.
You watched as her sweet face changed, glaring you like she want to kill you. She squeezed your cheeks with her hand.
“In this house, you replied my question with your mouth. Not with sign language. Not with nodding your head. Not with anything else. Do you understand me?”-she asked.
You tried answering her question but your voice barely came out of your throat. Dissatisfied with your answer, she squeezed your cheeks even harder.
“What was that? I cannot hear you.”-she yelled.
“Yes.”-your replied.
“Still can’t hear you.”-she yelled again.
“Yes!”-you yelled.
“Still wrong, who am I-she asked”
“Yes, mother!”-you yelled loudly.
She finally let go of your aching cheeks and smiled.
“That’s my good girl. Now eat up my dear. I made it special for you. Just how you like it.”-she said.
She ran her fingers through your hair.
“Oh you have such beautiful hair. Guess I have to thank Jinko for taking care of you. For raising you into such a fine young lady.”-she said.
But then, alarm started ringing loudly, and the room was lightening up with red blinking emergency light.
“Aarghhh! What is it now? I’m trying to spend more time with my daughter. Just like any sane parents would do.”-she whined.
The intercom buzzed.
[Madam, there’s an intruder.]
“Tch, I’m coming. Turn the emergency alarm off, it’s too noisy for my daughter to eat peacefully.”-she said.
She turned towards you and grabbed a handcuff.
“You stay here. Don’t go anywhere.”-she said and handcuffed your left hand to the chair. - “Finished the food okay?”
She left the room. You stared at the handcuff, inspecting every inch of it.
“I need to get out of here”-you jumped from the chair. - “If I can’t force open the handcuff, I’ll just drag this chair along with me.”
And with all your strength, you tried to drag the chair. You thought you might have at least moved the chair, you stared at it. That’s when you realized, the chairs haven’t moved at all.
“Oh no. Is that why she’s so confident to leave me here, taking the guards here.”-you sighed.
You dropped weakly to the floor, already wasted a mountain of energy, trying to drag a concrete chair along with you.
“I can’t give up. I need to think. If it was Osamu onii-chan, what would he do?”-you thought.
You were too busy, too immersed on your thought when there’s a sudden explosion. Destroying the wall. Debris and dust went flying everywhere. If your hand wasn’t handcuffed to the sturdy chair, you might have flown away to the ceiling right now. Someone literally made the explosion.
“You over there.”
You yelped. You closed your eyes and curled into a ball, trying to hide from whoever approaching you right now. Something thud on the floor. You opened your eyes slowly and saw half of the chair laying on the floor in front of you, together with the other half of the handcuff. You narrowed your eyes, trying to get a clearer view of the person in front of you.
It was the man in black who were hunting Atsushi before.
“I’m here to rescue you.”-he said, with a poker face.
It’s hard to guess what’s going on behind that straight face of him.
“Did onii-chan send you here?”-you asked.
You were a bit disappointed that Atsushi didn’t rescue you by himself. But then a thought came across your mind. ‘As long as I can be with him again, then it’s fine.’
“Huh, why would Jinko send me here. I received an order from the boss. Now come along with me if you want to survive.”
You didn’t trust him yet but it’s better than staying in the room. You followed him from behind carefully. He coughed once.
“Is he sick? He’s always coughing.”-you thought.
Both of you walked past an interesting room. You glared at the name. DATA RESTORATION ROOM
“That lady knew who I am and this place feels familiar. Feels like I’ve spent my time here before.”-you thought.
You ran inside as fast as you can, while Akutagawa walked forward without knowing you were no longer with him. You looked around the room. It was filled with dust and spider web. Like no one have been using the room for a very long time.
You saw files and books everywhere, yet it was too high for you to reach.
“Doubt I can reach that.”-you thought.
You scanned the whole room. You remembered Doppo onii-chan teaching you not to give up, and try searching other method to achieve whatever your goal is. Then your eyes caught something interesting. A library moving sturdy stairs. It might be a little broken and sturdy, but you have confidence that it can still support your weight.
“This might take a while.”-you thought.
*Meanwhile, in Akutagawa’s POV
I sighed. Why would I save this little girl? Boss said she might be dangerous. But she doesn’t seem dangerous to me.
“Stay close to me if you want to survive. Don’t wander around.”
No answer. Is she too scared to reply to my question? I turned around and saw no one. I took a deep breath, curses filling up my mind.
“These siblings really are genius in making my blood boil. Now I have to find her.”
*Y/n’s POV
You checked the file one by one. Most of it were useless. ACCOUNTING DATA. MAINTENANCE. PURCHASE DATA. None of it were quite useful. Then a thick and dusty blue file attracted your eyes. You climbed the stairs again and grabbed the file. It almost slipped from your hand due to the weight. You hugged the book close to you as you climbed down the stairs slowly. You slammed the book on the floor and dust flew everywhere in the room.
GOLD PROJECT: GIFTED
When you opened the book, it was filled with patients whose pictures were already crossed. The big FAILURE were plastered on each of the profile. You felt your heart sank as you flipped the pages. As you reached pages 64, you saw yourself. But instead of the word FAILURE on your profile, it has the the word MIA instead. But the information wasn’t enough.
“This is not enough. Wait, what’s this?”-you thought.
There was an additional note written on the next page.
17/JAN- THIS TEST SUBJECT’S GROWTH HAVE BEEN GRIEVELY DISTURBED. THIS MENTIONED SUBJECT WILL FOREVER BE STUCKED AS A CHILD DUE TO THE SIDE EFFECT OF THE EXPERIMENT. SUBJECT STARTED EXPERIENCING AGE REGRESSION AND THE SYMPTOMS GETS WORST EACH PASSING DAY UNTIL SHE IS FULLY REGRESSED BACK TO BEING A CHILD.
26/FEB- SUBECTS SHOW POSITIVE RESULT TO THE EXPERIMENT. SUBJECT IS THE SOLE HOPE FOR THIS EXPERIMENT
25/MAY- SUBJECT BECAME MORE AND MORE ADAPT TO THE WHOLE EXPERIMENT.
19/JULY- EXPERIMENT: PARTIALLY SUCCESFUL
ABILITY: UNKNOWN
20/JULY- SUBJECT HAVE BEEN ABDUCTED FROM THE FACILITY! ALL HAND HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO RETRIEVE THE SUBJECT BACK TO LAB
You read the report one by one. It was all signed by the same person. Doctor Shiho Kaera. You wondered if this crazy doctor is the woman who claimed to be your mother earlier.
“So I’m not a child?”-you asked yourself, mentioning the question out loud.
“So here you are.”
You turned around and saw the woman from earlier. White hair sticking out her perfectly made bun. Signing that she has messed up her own hair.
“I don’t know how you escape the handcuff, but I won’t let you escape. Not again. I won’t repeat the same mistake again.”-she said.
She approached you slowly. You stood up, looking for a chance to escape her grasp.
“I don’t want to lose my daughter again, please.”-she begged.
“Stop lying! You’re not my mother!”-you yelled angrily.
She saw the book in your hand.
“Oh, so you saw the reports. Alright, I’ll stop pretending now.”-she sighed, scratching her head.
“What am I? Just who am I?”-you asked.
“Well, as you can already see from the file. You are our test subject. Oh wait, scratch that, you are MY test subject.”-she said.
You tried observing her expressions. Try searching for a possibility of lies within her statement. You did exactly how Ranpo taught you before. But there was none. No sign of lying. Even worse no sign of regret and guilt in her eyes.
“Why does it say here that my growth has been effected?”-you asked.
You felt different now for some unknown reason. Like you’ve already grown up. But those childish feelings and thought were still there, trying to infiltrate your mind.
“It is what it is. You’re not an eight years old like you think you are. Like all those bastards from the agency thought you are. You are already old enough, probably around teenager. It’s just that, due to the chemicals used in the experiment, you regressed. Which is a good thing for me if you asked. You stayed as a child helped with the experiment a lot. You were so fucking obedient. You really viewed me as your mother. You followed me around the lab, like a chick following her mother hen.”-she laughed hysterically.
You dropped the thick book on the floor. You felt suffocated. You felt like something have blocked your throat. Trapping the oxygen from entering your lungs. You heard her voice amidst your struggle to catch a proper breath.
“Guards cease her and bring her to her cell. Misbehaving child should be punished after all”-she ordered.
Heavily armed guards started making their way to you. You tried to scream but there’s no sound escaping your mouth. You tried to escape them yet your body refused to move. You felt like you’re glued on the floor. The last thing that came to your mind is a scream for help. Onii-chan help me please. I don’t want to die here.
The your heard a thud. Like something have been dropped to the floor harshly. You opened your eyes slowly. The guards were now on the floor, writhing and groaning in pain. Someone have attacked them. No it’s not it. SOMETHING have attacked them. Something that is NOT HUMAN.
“Oh my god. To be able to use that ability! The experiment is successful.”-she cheered despite her guards were injured and was attacked right in front of her.
You catch your breath. Your brain lagged, trying to grasp the current situation your in.
“What happened? Did I do that?”-you asked.
“Yes my dear. You’ve done it before. Now you’ve done it again.”-she said happily.
“I didn’t do anything.”-you replied.
“Ohh. Ability to read someone else’s special ability. Oh dear, that’s not yours. It was someone else. You copied her ability and make it your own.”
“Why should I trust you? I don’t even know who you are.”-you said.
“You’ve seen my name in that report. Not just once. Multiple time actually. I wrote that report. My name is all over the book.”-she mentioned.
“Doctor Kaera.”-you mumbled.
“Chief researcher of this stinky, ugly hell hole. I know your real ability cause I’m the one who did the experiment on you.”-she laughed.
You remember the dream. A man and a woman in white. All the crazy thing that they did to you.
“Maybe you should check your right hand real quick.”-she said.
You slowly lifted your right hand. You gasped, speechless of what you saw.
“Wait how?”-you asked.
“Well, simple. It’s simple. It’s your ability. How it works? It’s all chemist, biology stuff. Bla blab la, too long. You copied other ability. Just like you did before, you just don’t remember how to do it except the first ability you copied. Which is the reading other’s ability. And just now, you copied Jinko’s ability. That’s why you have a tiger’s paw.”-she explained, looking proud of her research.
You glared at her. There was so many things to process all at once, it’s making your brain lagged and confused.
“Now come with me. I’m the only one who can help you with it.”-she said as she opened her arms wide, hoping that you’ll jump to her embrace.
“No!”-you screamed and ran away as fast as you can.
“Aww shucks.”-she sighed.
*Later
You crouched down on the floor. You’ve been running for the past 30 minutes and you eight years old body couldn’t take it anymore.
“Is it true? That I can copy other people’s ability?”-you asked yourself.
You saw a broken ceiling. Not too big yet it might be too heavy for an eight years old like you to handle them.
“Alright, let’s do this.”-you said to yourself. - “I guess I need to imagine the person. Probably I was thinking of onii-chan earlier and how he might use his power.”
You tried to imagine Kenji onii-chan and tried to lift the broke ceiling. It was heavy.
“Of course not. What am I thinking?”-you sighed.
You looked at the broken ceiling in front of you. Doesn’t hurt to try again, you thought. You repeated the process. Imagine the person, the power. How they do it. And…you lifted it. You threw it across the already messed up room out of shocked. Shock that you can actually lift something so heavy. So this is Kenji onii-chan’s power. It’s incredible.
“I really can do it. And I didn’t turn into…into…
Your brain started to become fuzzy and cloudy. The world gets darker each passing seconds. You collapsed to the ground.
*Meanwhile
“Kunikida-san, I’m in.”
“Will start this rescue mission immediately.”
Case 08: monsters
You opened your eyes slowly. Did I pass out? Probably. You felt your childish feeling came back. You still feel like a teenager but the desire to play around felt like a ghost that was ready to possess you anytime.
You stood up and brush the dust from your body.
“That woman is crazy. She doesn’t care when the guards died. She doesn’t even spare a glance to the fallen guards.”-you sighed.
As you’re walking alongside the messed up path, you couldn’t stop yourself from recalling memories with the others.
The precious time where Doppo onii-chan read you stories. Osamu onii-chan sang that weird song again and again while petting your head. You didn’t understand why he would sing a song about a double suicide but you enjoyed every part of it. Kenji onii-chan who will lift you up and spun around while laughing with you.
Akiko onee-chan who will patch you up for any wound without using her gift. You remembered Naomi onee-chan and Juniichiro onii-chan do a fashion contest on a mall’s closet. Kirako onee-chan who like to knit scarves and gloves for you to the point where Atsushi have to buy a closet just to store them. Even the president who soften down and let you sit down on his lap and sometimes invite you for an evening walk with him. Feeding cats and how he looks happy as the cats didn’t run away from him.
Or when Izumi onee-chan hugged you all night because the heater broke down. But when Atsushi came to mind, you got overwhelm with memories with him. From the time at the orphanage till present. He is always there with you. Like how he spent the whole night awake because you caught a fever. The time where both of you speak nothing at all, just embracing each other. When he let his guard down and cried while gently stroking down your back.
Remembering all that, you felt your legs became wobbly and you kneeled down on the floor. You felt hot tears streaming down your eyes. It wasn’t long since you got separated with him but you missed him so much, it’s hard to describe. You missed everyone on the agency. They’re your family.
“But will they still accept me if they know the real me. I’m a monster.”-you sobbed.
“That’s right. You’re a monster.”
You turned around, snot dripping from your nose. It was her.
“They will never accept a monster like you. But I will. I will love you and I will cherish you with all my heart.”-she said.
You stay at your position, wasn’t planning to run to her embrace. Body exhausted from running. You might have age but you still have a child’s body after all. Seeing you haven’t made any movement at all, she started making her ways to you instead. That’s when the ceiling broke down, debris went everywhere. Your sight blurred for a while.
“Still searching for you Kunikida-san.”
You recognized the voice immediately. You used the remaining energy to scream and hoping that it will attract his attention.
“Onii-chan!”-you cried.
“y/n, you here?”
Atsushi emerged from the dust.
“I’m here y/n. Come here.”-he said.
You ran towards him but something made you stopped. Your thoughts and realization hit you like a truck.
“But I’m a monster.”-you finally let it out.
“Yeah y/n you’re a monster.”-Doctor Kaera said.
She was stuck under the ceiling that was broken by Atsushi earlier but she doesn’t care about that. Still trying to make you changed your mind. Still trying to make you stay with her.
“You’re a monster. No one will accept you now. But I will. I will accept…
“I’m a monster too!”-Atsushi yelled to drown the negative thought in your head.
He approached you slowly and kneeled down in front of you.
“I’m a monster too. But it’s okay, no matter how crazy we are the agency will still accept us. It doesn’t matter that you’re a monster, you’re still my little sister. Now we can be monsters siblings right?”-he said, looking at you with the softest expression.
You nodded and immediately hugged him. The warm embrace calms your raging heart down.
“Oh how touching. Guards seized both of them. Now I have the Jinko too. This is perfect.
She is mad. Her mind has gone senile.
“Two of you? Where are the rest? Aarghhh, don’t care. Just seized them both right now.”-she ordered her guards again.
Atsushi picked you up, transforming both his hand to protect you.
“Run Atsushi-kun. I’ll handle this.”
Tanizaki came from the opposite direction. He was ready to throw hands with the guards there. Atsushi nodded his head and started running on full speed.
***
You opened your eyes slowly and saw Atsushi in his tiger form curling next to you. You stroked his back, and you listened to him carefully. He was purring. You don’t know a tiger can purr. His fur is so soft.
“You’re awake princess?”
You turned around and saw Dazai. You were so happy to see him.
“Osamu onii-chan.”-you ran towards him happily.
“I’m glad that we got you back safely. Can I hold you?”-he asked.
You nodded your head. Dazai gently picked you up and brought you outside. On your way out, you watched everyone who was scattered across the floor, except for the president who seems to be asleep on his chair. They must have been working so hard to find you. You felt a sharp stab of guilty. Because of you, everyone got so worried. Dazai seems to have read your mind.
“What’s on your mind, sweet princess?”-he asked.
“I’m sorry. I make everyone worried. Maybe she’s right.”-you sobbed.
“Did she called you a monster?”-he asked.
You nodded weakly.
“Nonsense. You are one of us y/n and those who dare to mess with the agency shall pay.”-he said.
You stared at his handsome face. You looked around. This is an unfamiliar place.
“This is our secret hideout. The organization have been destroyed. There were a few children that we managed to rescue as well.”-he explained.
You stared at him, amazed.
“Osamu onii-chan. How did you even know what I want to ask?”-you asked.
“Because I’m an amazing older brother.”-he said with a smug face.
“That scary onii-chan save me. You know the one who cough a lot.”-you said.
“Ohh Akutagawa. We got to thank him later then.”-he said as he softly kissed your cheek.
“But I ditched him. Ehe.”-you smile sheepishly.
Your age regression has made its way on your mind again.
“Hahaha, I can imagine how angry he is.”-he laughed.
“Osamu onii-chan, did everyone knew…
“Yup, I found the rest of your file. But don’t you worry princess. You’re still our precious youngest sister and member of the agency. About your ability, do you wanna practice more? I’m sure it’s gonna be useful.”-he kissed your forehead.
“I want to.”-you replied.
Soon both of you heard a panicking Atsushi searching for you.
“Over here Atsushi-kun.”-Dazai said.
Atsushi came over with a worried face. He immediately took you from Dazai’s arm and hugged you/
“Oh thank god. I thought I lose you again.”-Atsushi said and snuggled closer to you.
Dazai were smiling softly before joining the two of you.
“Welcome home, Atsushi-kun. Welcome home y/n.”-he said softly.
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