Chapter Text
"I never asked you to give a shit about me. It’s freaking arrogant of you, and it pisses me off. You never knew the real Souta Crawford. All you saw was the friendly mask, the ‘Handyman’ of Kanai Ward that everyone’s sooo enamored by."
Yuma hated lying to his friends like that. The girls were just trying to help, as flustered as he was by their… sleepover at Yoshiko’s house. In her living room. They’d all gone to sleep surrounding him, Waruna and Pucci flush up against him while the others had grumbled about it. Luckily or unluckily, they kept Yoshiko from offering her lap again for Yuma to rest his head on… Kurane and Waruna were rather pushy about Yoshiko backing off with such… lewdness.
… Such a shame, really. Yuma could have used the distraction from his thoughts and memories. Part of him was scared to even fall asleep, because if he had nightmares of the tragedies that happened, and he woke up screaming… The girls would force him to share, even just a little, what had him so spooked.
And naturally, Yuma couldn’t share about the Mystery Labyrinth. So he was stuck between a rock and a hard place there. Shinigami kept trying to soothe him, which… Yuma wasn’t used to that. He just wasn’t. Shinigami was always so tough, so snarky… But in hindsight, perhaps if she had been like her typical self, Yuma would have been helluva lot worse off. Shinigami being nice, being concerned… It was weird, but Yuma would adjust. Everyone’s kindness was like a cool, soothing balm on his soul.
‘… I don’t deserve them. I really don’t.’ Yuma had miserably thought to himself that night, as he lied awake amidst the girls who’d passed out much earlier.
To be fair to them, they’d tried to stay up to make sure he was okay. All of them, even Fubuki, who was usually so oblivious. But the series of incidents had been rough on everybody, and they all needed the rest. Plus, Yuma hadn’t helped matters by faking the girls out, pretending to fall asleep.
Waruna and Pucci were the hardest to fool. He’d felt Waruna’s stinkeye for so long, even with his eyes closed. And Pucci? Well. She didn’t have her headphones on, let’s put it that way. Yuma’s almost certain that he hadn’t fooled her. That young woman knew what sleeping sounded like, and Yuma wasn’t that phenomenal of an actor.
Still, Pucci fell asleep like the others. She seemed to sense that Yuma didn’t want to talk about it, and he was… grateful… Everyone else believed he was sleeping like a baby. And the one person (besides Shinigami) that knew for a fact he wasn’t, she hadn’t tried pressing him while they were the only ones left awake. Pucci could have tried, and Yuma probably would have coughed something up. He didn’t like lying to the first real friend he’d made on the Amaterasu Express.
But Pucci knew he just needed… time. So she let him off the hook for one night.
… She did cuddle the heck out of him, though. Yuma couldn’t help feeling like a teddy bear. Having so many friends fret over him… Yuma wanted to say he was glad to have their affection. They were all being so compassionate and caring.
It’s just… Yuma didn’t feel worthy. Not at all. The Amaterasu Express, the Nail Man Killings, the Aetheria murders, and now the Red Rain massacres… Was Yuma really growing as a detective? He felt more like a survivor than a detective. Maybe he did work out the truth eventually, but there was so much luck involved.
The way he passed out early on the Amaterasu Express and derailed Zilch’s plans.
The way Halara kept rescuing him from Peacekeeper clutches during the Nail Man case – even rounded up the suspects and worked out the truth before he did…
Karen being spooked enough to drop Aiko’s hairpin. Subsequently faking her death and sparing Yoshiko and Waruna from becoming murderers…
The chaos with the Red Rain case… Icardi hadn’t helped, but there was so much luck…!
Yuma just didn’t know if he could be called a detective. Much less the kind of detective he wanted to become… A detective that saves people. The train detectives, the watchmaker and his son, the Aetheria girls, Shachi and the Resistance… Maybe they’re all still alive. But what about Zilch? Priest Elijah and Jason? Karen and her father? Souta, Hayate, Daryan, and all the people they massacred? The friends he managed to ‘help’ felt like consolation prizes. And from Yuma’s perspective, he hadn’t really done much himself to save them. If he navigated the Mystery Labyrinths, it’s because he had Shinigami and his fellow detectives’ help.
Yuma hated feeling this way. Hated being hung up on Souta and wishing that he knew who Souta was… An ex-detective so deeply scarred by Amaterasu. It made Yuma think about the Chief, and how he was clearly suffering with all his friends now dead… Yuma felt like the biggest heel in the world. He didn’t know if there was a way to save the former detectives, but he couldn’t shake the irrational idea that there was. Perhaps he’s too much of an idealist. Everyone’s always on his case about being so naïve and trusting…
Yuma can’t help it. He wants to rely on others. Wants them all to get along and communicate with each other. Souta’s betrayal stings for those very reasons… Souta gave up. Had suspicions of Yuma from the get-go. And could Yuma necessarily say Souta was wrong? No. Because Yuma didn’t know himself. Who he was before he lost his memories. It’s frustrating, and Yuma just hates this all so much… Kanai Ward needs to be saved from Amaterasu. They need to find that Ultimate Secret. Yuma needs his memories back…
Yuma needs to be better. That’s how he really feels. He hates feeling useless and powerless, and for once he just wants to help without things going all wrong…! Is that so much to ask? Let him keep everyone safe and happy, and… and let him just help… Please. Yuma really, really needs this… He feels so worthless…
Eventually Yuma fell asleep, but… It was because of too much overthinking. And it wasn’t a fitful slumber…
~*~
The next morning, the detectives and Aetheria students reluctantly split up. It was a school day, so Yoshiko insisted they at least needed to check in with Aetheria before deciding if they would… ditch. After all, four kids cutting class might lead to the school calling their parents… No need to ruffle feathers.
Especially not after the bombs the past couple days…
Waruna whined, insisting that Aetheria would cancel classes over crap like this. They were exceptional circumstances. … But Yoshiko was having none of it, hauling her and Kurane both (poor gloomy girl tried to cling to Yuma), while Kurumi reluctantly followed them like a kicked puppy. Who knew having the honor student as a friend would be so rough…? At least when it came to attending school?
This left Yuma with Pucci and Fubuki as they made their way back to the agency. Yuma was left with Yoshiko’s phone again, the honor student claiming they’d get him a replacement later that day. But they absolutely wanted him ‘equipped’ in case some godawful emergency came up. … Again. The Red Rain incidents left the girls in this cagey mindset that leaving Yuma alone was a bad idea… But it’s school, so they needed to go. And this is the best compromise.
After a relatively peaceful stroll through drowsy Kanai Ward in the early morning (Pucci and Fubuki flanking both of his sides rather possessively), they arrived at the agency where Yakou clearly brought the sub up to the surface already. … That, or he never submerged last night. Both were equally possible.
Yuma’s not sure which possibility makes him feel worse to consider. The idea Yakou was up pretty early, or the idea Yakou didn’t care to try submerging and protecting himself (the girls had at least left a note, letting the Chief know Yuma would be staying at Yoshiko’s, thank goodness).
Either way, Yuma wouldn’t know the truth because Zange and Halara were there with Shachi, while the Chief had gone out on a meat bun dash. … Oh. And Vivia was there, too. Back in the fireplace. Desuhiko, Melami, and Aphex would show up soon enough. And Yakou right after them, almost like he’d timed it – Yuma didn’t miss Zange narrowing his eye at the bluenet, who avoided the suspicious gaze.
Yuma sat down on the purple couch with Pucci and Fubuki still on either side of him. Privately, he was relieved all the detectives (and Shachi) were here. It’s a reminder of who was saved after the last couple of perilous days. … He also felt numb, though. Unable to meet Yakou’s gaze for very long. Pucci noticed, and clasped his hand consolingly.
Yuma swallowed thickly and mustered a small smile at her. Tried to shove back the feelings of unworthiness.
Everyone else handled most of the talking as they exchanged information from the past couple days. That’s to say – everyone but Yuma, Fubuki, and Aphex recounted what they had been up to, and they in turn talked about everything involving the Resistance, the bombs, the prison… all of it. Yuma was occasionally prompted when Fubuki couldn’t remember some details, and he mustered the strength to share their experiences.
… The time in the detention center with Yomi had not been kind…
As the sharing winded down, Vivia piped up from his spot in the fireplace.
“Oh, I just remembered… When I was watching from above, a resident said something that was rather concerning…”
Yuma wrinkled his nose mildly and tilted his head curiously at the gloomy man.
“’Above’…? What does that mean? Is it something to do with your Forte?” Beside him, Pucci seemed rather invested as well.
But the green-haired pale man sighed lowly.
“Sorry, Yuma. I’m so tired, I don’t want to talk more than I need to…”
The lilac-haired trainee winced in guilt, and Halara gestured vaguely.
“Alright. Let’s focus on the important information. What did you hear that concerned you?”
“It’s… about that homunculus research.” Vivia explained. “The resident is… an old man. He used to work for Amaterasu Corporation… According to him, something happened ten years ago… Amaterasu set up a secret lab somewhere in Kanai Ward to conduct their homunculus research. That lab still exists… somewhere.”
Desuhiko throbbed with excitement.
“A secret lab for homunculus research… That sounds super shady!! It’s exactly what we’re looking for!”
“Looks like we need to search for that lab to figure out Kanai Ward’s Ultimate Secret.” Halara concurred.
Fubuki nodded contentedly.
“Very well~! I shall personally go and find this secret lab!”
Shachi rubbed the back of his head as he flashed an awkward smile at the excitable detectives.
“A-Actually… That lines up with the info I needed to share with you all! As thanks for Yuma and everyone here for helping the Resistance make it through all those ordeals…” He folded his arms across his chest and frowned thoughtfully as he registered that he had all their attention. “Where to start…? I guess some background would help. I worked with Amaterasu the past fifteen years, right up until Dohya District was flooded by the unending rain. I worked in land development; it was our job to buy up promising land for the company. As you can imagine… I got to know both Kanai Ward and Amaterasu pretty well, as a result.”
Yakou quietly regarded Shachi with an unreadable expression as he brought up his history with Amaterasu. But in the end, he kept silent. Pucci stroked her chin as she considered the leader of the Resistance.
“Land development… I’ve investigated your sort before. Acquiring property is very… delicate. But if the company is large like Amaterasu, money is never the problem. If someone refuses to sell land to your company, it’s for personal reasons; and usually that company will want the land regardless…”
At the stout young woman’s musings, Shachi chuckled nervously as he nodded his head concedingly.
“Y… Yeah… There were some sticky negotiations for sure. Kanai Ward’s an old town, but Amaterasu has kept it pretty modernized. My biggest project was buying up land in Dohya District, where they filled it with rows and rows of research facilities before the rain. But honestly, I was one of the people assigned to scouting out prospective land for Amaterasu’s big research projects. When they told me some of their specs, what they wanted to accomplish, I had to comb Kanai Ward for months to find locations that were to their standards. And in the end, I wound up purchasing every bit of land that I found! Because even if most sites couldn’t be used for their homunculus project, they could still use the properties for other enterprises. The company was proud of the work I was doing, and everything seemed to be going so well. For Amaterasu and Dohya…”
Zange grunted as he sat on the white couch across from Yuma.
“So you knew about the homunculus project before most people… And you remained with Amaterasu regardless.” He leered at Shachi while leaning forward on his cane.
The bald man grimaced slightly, but nodded nevertheless.
“… Listen. Back then, all I was allowed to understand about that project is that it was a joint venture with the Unified Government. The UG commissioned the whole thing… That was about ten years ago. Barring a few very rare individuals in the company, everyone seemed enthralled with the idea of a ‘homunculus’. If Dr. Huesca could pull it off. Or Dr. Goro, but that guy… he got arrested for human experimentation, and he got razed for going around the company’s back. Dr. Huesca wasn’t well-liked, but no one could deny the guy was a genius. We all wanted to believe that he was a better man than his archrival, Goro. That he’d know which lines not to cross… No one really knew how or where this research was gonna be conducted, but most people in Amaterasu knew the ‘why’ it was happening. It was no secret.”
Aphex gestured vaguely.
“Lemme guess? Something like, ‘we want to crack the code for immortality’?
Shachi hummed uncertainly as he ran a hand over his head uneasily.
“Ah… Well. You’re kinda close…? Goro’s the one that was obsessed with the immortality aspect. Huesca and the UG… they wanted to use immortality. Not for something boring like medical purposes, for improving quality of life; they wanted undying soldiers. Cuz the UG has tons of enemies, and it seems like every few years there’s some kind of unrest in the world. Huesca and the UG have a long history together; in hindsight, I suppose it was inevitable Amaterasu would be approached someday for something this barbaric.”
The office fell eerily quiet. These revelations… were both huge and practically insignificant. On the one hand, this didn’t give them a “lead”, per se. Not on the surface. “Dr. Huesca” was something concrete to latch onto; someone to seek out. But they’d need more details.
What made these revelations huge… was the fact the Unified Government was wrapped up in this. And not coincidentally. This was a project that the UG commissioned, and they wanted this homunculus for military purposes.
Suddenly everything in Kanai Ward felt that much heavier and darker. No longer were they pursuing a mere murderer or finding lost pets. They jumped right into the deep end of the pool. Getting to the meat of why they were summoned to Kanai Ward… Possibly. They still didn’t know the Great Global Mystery or Kanai Ward’s Ultimate Secret, but they latched onto a government conspiracy.
“… No wonder you stayed.” Halara murmured softly. A UG-Amaterasu partnership? Even if you wanted to defy Amaterasu on ethical grounds, it’s unwise to piss off the UG. Leaving the company or leaking information during this collaboration would just paint a target on your back. The UG protected its secrets zealously. You threatened them? You got rubbed out.
That’s nothing to speak of what Amaterasu would have done to Shachi.
The charismatic leader chuckled weakly.
“There was a bit of pride, too! Don’t get me wrong. Even having an idea of what they were working on, I just… focused on the fact Amaterasu hired me, someone that was born and raised in Dohya. I was lucky they even looked my way! Amaterasu does so much more than just military advancement. I wanted to believe that some of the land I purchased for them went towards more… noble pursuits. It at least gave me the strength to believe in Amaterasu for all those years. That we weren’t… evil. I can’t apologize enough for remaining so blind… But I promise, the Resistance and I are on your side. We fight Amaterasu because it’s the right thing to do, and we’ll do it the right way!”
He turned around and strode toward Yakou and his desk, where he set down some slips of paper, which contained… lists of some kind.
“Amaterasu hardly told me anything back then. Once I reported the locations in Kanai that I scoped out, they just said to buy up everything! … But if there is some secret lab out there, even now, then I’d start looking at the Restricted Area. Higher-ups ordered me to buy that small village and make it my highest priority. This was about four or five years ago. The fact they closed the area off because of some ‘gas leak’ three years ago… It’s very suspicious. But I listed off the other areas that I remembered purchasing, in case you wanted to scope out those places, too. Every little bit helps, right?”
Yakou blinked dumbly as he flipped through the notes and muttered.
“Th-This is… a lot… I-I didn’t even know Amaterasu bought some of these places! I just figured they were s-sponsors… Huh.” Three whole pages of addresses. A lot more than he expected from the Resistance. … But then, he hadn’t known Shachi used to work in Serika’s company…
Yakou didn’t say anything as Halara took the notes from him to browse the lists with hawkish eyes. Shachi chuckled weakly.
“I had to confirm a couple of those with a buddy of mine that also used to be in the same department. I was with Amaterasu for fifteen years, and we bought a ton of land~! The Restricted Area’s at the top of that list for your benefit. I figure it’s the most suspicious, but you’d appreciate the other properties I could remember! I know you’re detectives and need to investigate everything you can.”
“… We’ll make copies.” Halara intoned, still skimming the lists. Not really thanking the man for his contribution, but not belittling Shachi’s kindness either.
They were possible leads. When searching for a secret lab, every little bit helps.
Zange grunted as his expression remained serious.
“I would recommend leaving the Restricted Area alone for today. If it’s as taboo as the locals make it out to be, we’ll only incur Amaterasu’s wrath further. They’ll know if we approach it.”
Aphex scowled while gesturing vaguely.
“You serious?! It’s the shadiest spot in town, and you want us to ignore it?!”
Melami shook her head slowly.
“We’re not ignoring it… We’re holding off after what a whirlwind the past few days have been. Amaterasu’s CEO himself said Yomi should leave us alone if we don’t agitate him. And for all we know, walking recklessly into the Restricted Area will get the Peacekeepers to come down on us again. The least we can do is be careful, Aphex. One night’s sleep isn’t enough to recover from the latest incident. Let’s hold off for a few days, to be safe.”
Aphex growled in frustration before heaving a bitter sigh as he looked Yuma’s way.
“… I guess that’s fair. Fuck.” He grumbled sourly and didn’t meet the rookie’s eyes. Of course his instincts wanted him to rush off headlong into trouble, but it was more than just his life at stake. If something happened to the agency, it wouldn’t be long before the Resistance got taken out.
Then Kanai Ward would have nobody.
… Aphex hated tiptoeing around investigations. Made him antsy. But he didn’t have a choice this time.
Desuhiko flashed a smarmy grin.
“Hey~! At least we got other places to poke around in, yeah~? Who knows what we’ll find next?”
Despite the intention of the question being more hopeful in nature, Yuma’s stomach dropped at the possibilities. They didn’t know what was around the next corner. That’s just it. Yuma had learned to not be blissfully ignorant of Kanai Ward; this city was so… bleak. Amaterasu suffered a massive blow with this recent incident, but a wounded animal could still be dangerous. Perhaps even moreso than before.
Yakou sighed as he raked a hand through his frizzy hair.
“Alright, alright… Let’s go searching for that secret lab. If Amaterasu’s messing around with something twisted like this, I can’t just bury my head in the sand. So I won’t stop you guys, but be careful. Investigate together. Avoid the Peacekeepers if you can help it!”
He basically just reiterated what Melami said, but everyone nodded all the same. To them, it was… progress for Yakou to green light the investigation. To not urge them to hide… A conflict with Amaterasu was all but inevitable at this point; even if they kept their heads down for weeks, Yomi would remain aggro. The fact the leader of the Peacekeepers was busy recuperating his latest losses, this was their biggest opportunity to hunt for Kanai’s Ultimate Secret.
Fubuki was the first to jump up and tug Yuma along – Pucci latching onto Yuma’s other hand to not be separated. The temperamental young woman growled lowly at the airhead’s hyper energy, but they were the first to leave the office all the same. Desuhiko was the next, Melami following after him.
… Pucci came back – with Yoshiko’s phone in hand – to take a picture of the lists of addresses, then bolted after Fubuki and Yuma with another agitated hiss, muttering about, “Damn airheads.”
Yakou was the next to sprint out, pointedly ignoring Zange’s probing stare. Clearly, the Chief wasn’t about to heed his own advice about the “buddy system.” So the veteran detective tagged along with Shachi, while Halara went with Aphex.
This left Vivia alone in the office, staring after everyone with seemingly lazy eyes.
“… The Book of Death, huh.” The green-haired man mumbled, having watched Shinigami attempt to console Yuma a lot just now. “It’s dangerous… very dangerous… So dangerous… it could destroy Kanai Ward… or even the world…”
Vivia then grunted a little as he emerged from the fireplace and withdrew pocketknife that he extended from its sheath and stared at it with a grave expression.
“… I must do something.”
For the Chief, who was so rattled by his former friends’ betrayal.
For Yuma, who was out of control in his pursuit of the truth.
For everyone’s sake… Their peace and quiet…
Vivia must act.
~*~
“The past that should’ve been completely sealed…”
“The crime that should’ve been completely sealed…”
“When that gate opens up…”
“The past will have its revenge on the future.”
“Eventually, after a restful slumber…”
“The fate of the world will be decided.”
“Will it be destroyed? Can it even be saved?”
“The world that we believe in.”
~*~
“They’re really tearing it down…” Yuma murmured as they stood outside the hotel in Kamasaki. Across the street, Peacekeepers and construction workers were using equipment to demolish the remnants of the old office building that used to contain the Nocturnal Detective Agency.
… It was a bitter sight. Yuma had really enjoyed the view from that rooftop… But that had gotten blown up in the explosion. So really, it was just the bottom half of the building being torn down.
Still, the demolition was painful to watch. But Yuma couldn’t tear his eyes away.
“I-I’m sorry I couldn’t help save the old office, Yuma…” Fubuki mumbled, giving him a one-armed hug to comfort him. “If I had just been able to use Time Leap…!”
Yuma swallowed thickly and shook his head. He willed his tears to stay back.
“It’s not your fault, Fubuki… Souta was prepared for us. He knew our Fortes…”
“B-But…!” The heiress tried to protest, but regrettably came up blank.
It really did all come back to Souta, didn’t it? The Chief’s longtime friend who betrayed them all… Not that Fubuki understood how the case resolved as it did, but she had heard everyone confirm the details enough times. The Chief’s former coworkers had tried to deal a fatal blow to Amaterasu, and had only partially succeeded.
They had all fallen into Souta’s rhythm… And were nearly sacrificed…
Pucci pursed her lips as she held onto Yuma’s free hand. She had stared at that eyesore of a collapsing building for long enough, and more importantly seeing Yuma so numb hurt her so profoundly. She squeezed his hand and tugged him back the way they came.
“… Let’s go have breakfast. In the rush this morning to get Kurane and them off to school, we barely had a bite to eat. I prefer ramen to those meat buns anyway.” She couldn’t quite place why that one stand’s ramen was so exquisite. But the contrast between that ramen and the meat buns all around town was so jarring.
Eating that ramen felt right… Even though eating ramen on the daily couldn’t possibly be healthy.
Yuma stared at his first friend with a conflicted expression. On the one hand, she was being sincere. He could hear her stomach gurgling. But on the other… he could sense that Pucci was looking out for him. That she was trying to cheer him – and Fubuki – up.
He smiled nervously up at the bluenette.
“L-Let’s go! I’m sure you’ll like it, too, Fubuki. Er… Have you ever had ramen before??”
The heiress tilted her head curiously.
“No…? But that sounds like an adventure~! Let’s do it~!”
The walk really wasn’t that far. Fubuki recognized the alleyway as the same one attached to that abandoned casino they stayed at just the other day. Funny how there was a ramen stand right here, and so close to the sewers where they walk to the agency… Small world!
“A-Ah… I see you’re back again! W-Welcome!” The stall owner greeted the three detectives as they sat down. The man’s smile was pleasant, his eyes kind, but it must have been pretty hot in the kitchen today because the owner seemed pretty sweaty.
Yuma smiled blandly back at the owner while he massaged the back of his head bashfully.
“S-S-Sorry to impose on you again… I-I know we were quite lively last time…” He thought back to the lunch date he had with Kurane and Pucci. Of course his dear friend was right here again, and she seemed rather unapologetic about the ‘last time.’
At least Fubuki wouldn’t make things weird! … Probably.
The stall owner waved him off, smile still perfectly genuine and welcoming.
“Oh, not at all~! I’m grateful you enjoyed my cooking enough to come back. And it’s good for business if you bring your friends~!” Despite how sweaty he looked, the dark-haired man did wink at Yuma, who stared back at the stranger bemusedly.
“… R-Right. Of course we’d introduce our friends here.” He awkwardly winked back, believing it was some social cue that he didn’t know about.
“She’s just a friend.” Pucci deadpanned, nodding sagely.
Fubuki flashed a closed-eyed beam pleasantly.
“We are all adventurer-detective-soulmates~!”
At hearing Pucci’s frustrated growl, Yuma’s eyes slightly bugged out and he rushed to head off that potential argument, diverting the conversation. S-Seriously?! Soulmates?! Where was Fubuki getting these ideas from?
“A-Ah, um…! A-And you’re so nice, s-sir!! E-Easily one of the kindest people we’ve met in Kanai Ward.” The trainee coughed awkwardly, avoiding Pucci’s pointed gaze. … Why did he feel like a husband that was just caught cheating? All he did was keep things civilized!!
The stall owner hummed thoughtfully as he nodded slowly in consideration.
“W… Well… I’m fairly new to this city, t-“ He abruptly cut himself off with an awkward cough. “S-Sorry. I mean, I got here not too long ago. W-Weeks. Um… So you guys are new… too?”
Yuma tilted his head curiously at how nervous the man was getting. It’s strange, but he felt a certain… kinship with this man. He was probably just not trying to assume too much. There were so many quirky people in this town, and it’s rare for Kanai to have visitors…
“Y-Yeah.” The trainee mumbled with a short nod. “Funny, we’ve only been here a few weeks as well… Does the name ‘World Detective Organization’ mean anything to you?”
Yuma hadn’t forgotten about the cloaked man that he’d bumped into a couple times. There was no reason to suspect this stall owner was that mysterious figure. … But it sure is an odd coincidence that this guy showed up in Kanai about the same time as them.
The owner’s eyes bugged out briefly before he recomposed himself, shaking his head slightly.
“I… I know about them, of course! They’re as famous as the UG or Amaterasu… I can’t say they’re significant to me, though. I just drifted into this town all on my own. I wanted a fresh start.”
“A fresh start…” Yuma echoed faintly, feeling that peculiar sense of resonance again.
A new beginning is precisely what Yuma got, ever since waking up and rushing onto the Amaterasu Express. It’s not what he imagined at all; Yuma honestly thought that following the path of his former self would be like relearning to ride a bicycle. … But it’s not. He’s arguably one of the worst detectives in their group, and he was only barely skirting along. None of his memories had returned yet, and he kept… he kept…
Yuma kept failing people… Yuma didn’t want his mind to go there, but it’s the truth. He couldn’t save the real Zilch or the fake one. Couldn’t save Priest Elijah or Jason. Couldn’t save Aiko, Ayako, Karen or her dad. Couldn’t save all the people that got blown to smithereens from Red Rain’s plot. Couldn’t save Souta, Hayate, and Daryan…
What good is the truth if it’s only a cold comfort to the living…? Yuma kept getting backstabbed because he wasn’t trustworthy enough… He was just an outsider. Here on some mission to unearth some great secret that Number One wouldn’t give them any hints about. A guy that surrendered his memories for… for death god powers. For all that Yuma knew, people were right to treat him with suspicion!
What was his real self? Why did the WDO assign him to this case? As much as he treasured all the friends he’d accumulated through such heartache and hardship, Yuma would prefer to know who he exactly is before he endangers those same wonderful friends. It’s so… frustrating… Did he even know what he was signing up for with Shinigami? Did he know and just didn’t care because his amnesiac self would take the brunt of the hell they would face…? Why even throw away what you are?! Yuma just can’t understand. Even weeks after first waking up, he hasn’t gotten any closer to understanding his past self…
“Masterrr!!! Are you still quibbling over that junk?!” Shinigami flailed her stubby arms petulantly. “I thought we got past your emo arc! Seriously, aren’t you happy about all the pals you’ve been making?! Don’t let the crap that traitor said get to you!!! He doubted you just cuz of your amnesia! Who did that bastard think he was, anyway?!”
Yuma slumped his shoulders miserably.
‘Shinigami… Souta’s Phantom and his soul were too calm about the Mystery Labyrinth…! He suspected I was behind Zilch, Priest Elijah, and Jason’s deaths… He connected the dots. And aren’t you always saying it’s a detective’s job to doubt others…? So even to the bitter end, he embodied the virtues of detectives…’
Shinigami groaned. Giving pep talks wasn’t her Forte, and she really needed her Master to stop diving down this particular rabbithole. Because rightly or wrongly, Souta had been poking at some really sensitive stuff. It wasn’t just some crazy theory – he was right that there was more to Yuma than meets the eye.
… The bastard just wasn’t necessarily right about the part about Yuma being a coldblooded killer. Okay, sure, Shinigami had been craving the culprit executions, but that wasn’t on Yuma’s head! She just… got too used to how the Mystery Labyrinths were solved. She never even entertained other possible solutions to them. Yuma opened her eyes, and she’s sorry for getting carried away…
Shinigami promised to look after this guy. From her perspective… she wasn’t doing that great of a job… She needed to fix this. Before Yuma wound up in some truly dark places. Shinigami would never forgive herself if Yuma lost his way because some sonuvabitch that used to be buddy-buddy with the Chief got into his head.
“W… Well…! Just cuz it was Fuzzhead’s old pal, and he had some detective spirit, that doesn’t make him right about you!!! He spent, what? Days with you? A week?!”
‘But you can argue that’s the same for everyone…’ Yuma protested miserably. ‘It’s easy for you whine and deflect all the questions about my past; for all I know, I’m doing exactly what you want! This is a big deal for me because it’s my identity! Why I’m here, why I made a pact with you… I-If people doubt me, I want to know if it’s justified. Maybe all the betrayals are warranted… Maybe I don’t deserve anyone.’
Shinigami wanted to bludgeon her head against a wall. Damn that Souta Crawford!!! He thoroughly got under her Master’s skin… And this isn’t something the death goddess could fix on her own. Yuma had always been a little suspicious of how tight-lipped she was about his past, but now in the wake of Crawford’s machinations… those seeds of doubt were flourishing into a veritable garden of distrust.
Again, it’s partly her fault for snubbing Yuma every time he tried poking into his past. Yes, it was part of the contract and Yuma wouldn’t get his memories back so long as their pact was active… But Shinigami knew she could’ve been gentler about it. Her whole bratty attitude probably grated on the trainee… It’s little wonder he complained so often.
Ugh. Looks like she’d have to jump to last resorts. Leaving Yuma to stew in all this bitterness, self-depreciation, and guilt was out of the question. If it meant tapping out and let someone else have a turn… Well. Shinigami didn’t like it. She would just have to suck it up. Her fault for letting others be Yuma’s emotional anchor in times of need.
Damn hussies…
“If you won’t take my word for it, why don’t you go and check to see how everybody’s doing?!” The little puffball of a spirit grumped as she crossed her arms with a huff.
Yuma blinked dubiously at the death goddess.
‘P-Pardon…?’
Shinigami growled impatiently and got in his face.
“You’ve helped out a bunch of bozos here, haven’t you?! The loonies at the church, those Aetheria brats, the Resistance shmucks…! If you’re such a terrible person, maybe it’ll show in how they’re doing?!”
Yuma’s eyes bugged out slightly as he shook his head.
‘Th… That won’t prove anything!!’ He insisted stubbornly. He already knew the girls were well enough off, barring Waruna’s parents who were in the hospital… But the girls were fine because they stuck together and stayed out of the worst of the Red Rain incidents. That didn’t have anything to do with him!
Shinigami scoffed airily.
“So solving the murder cases didn’t help them out?! Master, pull yourself together!!! Even if it’s not all perfect, you know this city would have been worse off if the truths remained buried! That culty Priest guy would’ve kept killin’! Those twerps you saved from being arrested mighta been pinned for that girl’s murder! Who knows what Fuzzhead’s dick of a ‘friend’ woulda done if you let him get away?! Each time you coulda died, stuck in the Mystery Labyrinth forever!!! Go see all your new pals if you don’t believe me! You’re changing this city for the better!!”
Yuma flinched mildly before staring down at his ramen in thought.
‘… Alright, Shinigami. I have my doubts… But I’ll try checking in with everyone.’ It’s the least he could do. With Yomi as worked up as he was… Yuma was worried something would befall his friends.
… The secret lab could wait for now. The other detectives had that search handled; Yuma needed this. For his peace of mind.
~*~
Seventeen years ago…
The sun was bright as Martina stared up at the towering headquarters of Amaterasu. Though she kept a tight lid on her emotions and kept her nerves from showing, she did feel… Hmm. What did she feel? Not nervous… Martina had waited for this day for so long. She wasn’t anxious…
Perhaps she was excited? Thrilled that this day had finally arrived…? Martina had woken up early and made sure that her new pristine Peacekeeper uniform didn’t have a single wrinkle. Made sure that not a single hair was out of place. As the esteemed Vice Director’s sister, Martina wished to make a flawless first impression.
A voice calmly spoke up beside her as a figure suddenly stood to her right.
“Don’t get starry-eyed now, Martina. You’re better than that. You’ve been an intern for the past year, you should be past these first-day jitters.”
Martina flicked her gaze to her brother, somewhat flustered at his usual cold, detached assessment of how she conducted herself. Like her, Ivan was dressed in his slightly more decorated Peacekeeper uniform (as the Vice Director, he had a medal or two that he had earned in service to Amaterasu), and unlike Martina he hadn’t taken hours to make his appearance immaculate.
… The fact that he always seemed clean, professional, and prepared for all eventualities… Martina could admit to being somewhat jealous of her big brother. Without even trying, he just seemed so… capable. Of course as the Vice Director he needed to be. But as far back as she can remember, Ivan always radiated this… this confidence. He always got results. Got all the top marks…
Perhaps there was a certain amount of idol worship in how she admired Ivan. But as far as Amaterasu was concerned, her high praises of him were fairly spot-on.
Though it did hurt a little that he was staring down at his pocket watch and not at her. But she supposed that Ivan had always been able to read her like a book…
“I-I’m not…” Martina stammered briefly before quickly recomposing herself. “… These aren’t jitters. I’m just… eager to prove myself. I wish to protect Amaterasu as vicariously as you do.”
Ivan snapped his pocket watch closed and re-pinned it to his uniform. He heaved a small sigh and flashed her an unreadable look.
“Do not be in such a rush to grow up, Martina. As has been our family creed for generations, we live to serve – but this does not mean you must forsake your own happiness. Take the time to make some friends while you can. Don’t commit your whole life to this one vocation. Amaterasu is a laudable company in many ways, but it’s not worth throwing your life away for. Have some dignity.”
Martina huffed out a small laugh as she smiled thinly at her big brother.
“If you’re trying to ask me to take it easy so that I don’t catch up to you~… I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I vow to work just as hard, and one day… One day I’ll show you that I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. One day you’ll acknowledge me, even if the greatest I can ever hope to be is your assistant.”
Ivan thinned his lips, his expression still something that Martina couldn’t discern. He averted his gaze to the towering skyscraper above them as he muttered softly. To the point that Martina nearly missed what he said.
“And what if I already acknowledge you…? What if you’re already perfect the way you are, Martina?”
The grey-haired young woman was at a loss for words. Ivan sounded serious, and she just… didn’t understand. What was the issue? Martina simply desired to rise up through the ranks, to prove her own worth…
Ivan said to not be in such a rush to grow up. That sounded… ominous. She did recall how tense her brother could be after a long day’s work, how he never seemed to have time for himself. As the years went by, Ivan seemed more tired as he hung out with her like old times; before long, it seemed like he was checking in with her more than genuinely enjoying their time together… Always so straight-nosed and no-nonsense.
Perhaps that’s what he was worried about…? Ivan didn’t want her to suffer the same pitfalls? As a prodigy, he had higher expectations on him, and Martina envied how easy he made everything look. Maybe Ivan missed out on life somewhat, in his rapid ascension in the ranks?
Well, Martina wasn’t too worried. As proficient as she was, there was a wide gulf between her and Ivan in terms of ability. Yes, that meant Martina had to work that much harder to prove herself (to teachers, to their parents, to the Amaterasu higher-ups), but…
She would be fine! Really! Her slower progress through the ranks would surely afford some time for socializing. Ivan didn’t need to be a worrywart. She could take care of herself.
… Years later, Martina would regret not giving her brother’s words of warning more consideration.