Chapter Text
The stench of gunpowder laid heavily in the still cold air, almost covering the strong odour of mould and dust. The warehouse had clearly been abandoned for a long time. The metal eroded from years of disrepair. Cobwebs covered every corner and crevice. It was a stereotypical place where you would think crooks and crime took place.
It took a minute for Ranpo to get Atsushi's location down to the building. It took 7 for Kyoka to get there. It took 5 for the Agency to bust down the doors.
It took 10 to get the boss.
Heavy footsteps sounded throughout the room as Kyouka slowly stepped towards the boss. Her eyes were filled with an emptiness which could only belong to a Mafia member. Dazai watched from the doorway as the scene unfolded. They didn't have long before the rest of the agency was done rounding up the stay crooks.
They didn't need long anyway.
“Where is Atsushi Nakajima” her voice was demanding, scratchy with lack of use but their intent was crystal clear.
The boss was already shaking in fear. The blood had long drained from his face, too scared to make a sound. It looked out of place for all of the atrocities he had committed.
Kyouka didn't ask twice.
A scream filled the tense silence, cries filled the air as Kyouka's blade stabbed straight through the boss's hand.
“Ple-please! I- I really don't know anything! This is- is a underground clinic!” The boss cried out
Kyouka ignored the bossed cries as she twisted her knife. Her eyes were empty as she watched his white coat turn red.
“Where is Atsushi, the Were-Tiger.”
“I don't know-!”
“You do.” Dazai spoke up. His voice was as cold as ice, he leaned against the doorframe. He was bored of watching this ‘doctor’ stumble over his words. Like a dog chasing its tail the doctor froze as he tried to come up with any red hearing to get them off his tail.
“Yo-you have to believe me! Please…! I really don't know who you're talking about!”
“Kyouka”
A desperate scream rang out throughout the room as Kyouka swiftly stabbed the man through his shoulder.
“AGH! Are you crazy or something!? Have you not listened to what I've been saying this whole time!” The man spat at Kyouka.
The girl stabbed the man in the stomach.
The man screamed as he spat blood from his mouth. Dazai still hadn't moved from his spot in the doorway, his eyes burning holes into Kyoka's back.
She didn't like this. After she left the Mafia she didn't want to torture anyone again.
“HE'S IN THE BASEMENT! H-HE'S IN THE BASEMENT!” The man's cries turned more and more unligible as time went on.
But if it kept Atsushi, her brother in everything but name in the light then so be it.
“Come on Kyouka! We have a tiger to save after all!” Dazai cheered as he waited for her to leave the room. That cherry tone was as fake as they came, Kyouka could see the underlying malice behind his facade.
Kyouka didn't say anything of course, that was their silent agreement as ex Mafia members.
If the stench of gunpowder got stronger after she left, she paid it no mind.
It didn't take long to find Atsushi after that.
He looked like he could have come out of Snow White. A darker version of Snow White. The boy lay peacefully under the harsh operating light. His white clothing caked with dried blood, *his* blood.
Kyouka stood frozen by Atsushi's side. Her eyes took in an image she never wanted to see her brother in.
It reminded her too much of those unfortunate enough to be ‘treated’ by Mori.
Kyouka watched as Yosano rushed into the room, butterflies filled her vision.
The rest of her day blurred together.
Hurried footsteps, and shouting filled her memory. Only one thing stood out.
When the Agency had finally gotten Atsushi out of that building. He was there for only a moment, but Kyouka knew what she saw. On top of the opposite roof stood a tall black figure.
He was gone the next moment, clearly not wanting to stick around after he got confirmation.
Kyouka would keep her mouth shut. She always thought there was something bigger between Atsushi and Akutagawa.