Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hi everyone, my name is Kurumi Wendy. I am Homunculus from Kanai Ward; I know weird right? Just a little while ago I believed I was human just like the rest of you. So anyway, let me catch you up to speed on everything that has happened over the last few months and then we can talk about where we are heading next.

……………………..

I was finally let into a familiar room the one on top Kanai tower.

“Well, hello there” said Makoto Kagutsuchi turning to face me from his desk. Makoto for reference is the leader of Kanai Ward and saved us Homunculus from being eradicated three years ago. Makoto was wearing is standard purple suit and mask today….well most days it seemed to be his preferred outfit.

“Hello Mr. Kagutsuchi” I began.

“Makoto please we are friends after all” Makoto said sitting on his large couch.

“Ok Mr. Makoto” I said awkwardly taking a seat in a chair across from him.

“Just Makoto is fine” Makoto insisted

“Ok Makoto I would like too.” I squeaked

“Leave Kanai Ward” Makoto finished for me.

“How did you know?” I asked, shocked.

“Well, I can tell for the last few weeks there has been an unease in you, since Number one……no that feels wrong I should say Yuma left.” Makoto said. I blushed a little and I could tell by my face warming up.

“Forgive me I am still not used to……. relationships” Makoto said.

“It’s just” I began till Makoto put up a hand slicing me.

“Granted” Makoto said.

“Wait granted just like that?” I asked, shocked at how easy it was. I know people could leave now but because of the deal with the Unified World Government, Makoto had clear anyone who left Kanai Ward.

“Yes in fact I was hoping you would volunteer to find Yuma for me” Makoto said leaning back on the couch.

“Wait your looking for him too?” I asked.

“Why yes he disappeared a few days ago and I am afraid its just not like him, well actually it very much like him but I am usually able to find him if I try hard enough” Makota said in his playful voice while pointing to the one eye on his mask.

“I see, why are you looking for him?” I asked.

“Might be the same reason you’re looking for him” Makoto said.

“I doubt that” I said my burning more.

“Well putting that aside, you will need some things before you leave” Makoto said.

“Things?” I asked puzzled.

“Well if you’re going to the outside world, you will need a new raincoat for better protection from the sun. You will also need Ramen, lots of Ramen. We might as well get the new suncream as well I’ll make some calls and you can go collect them.” Makoto said.

“Wow, thank you!!” I said……”Makoto”.

“You are very welcome….wait what’s that your holding?” Makoto pointed at what I been holding.

I had the only thing Yuma left me when he skipped town, a strange purple and black book with a lock on it. “It's actually something Yuma left me, it seems important and since you and Yuma are close, I was wondering if you could hold it for me?”

“But why? He left it for you?” Makoto sounded dead serious for the first time in this conversation.

“Well, the thing is, he said he would come back for it. What if I lost it or it gets messed up on the journey. Besides I can’t even open it” I said holding the book out to Makoto.

“No, I can’t, you should take that with you as well, in fact I insist” Makoto said.

“Why what is it?” I asked taking another look at the book.

“It’s Yuma’s ace in the sleeve or quite simply his greatest card one could say” Makoto said.

“Really this book?” I tried to pry the book open again.

“I wouldn’t open that unless your life was in danger, it would be best if you returned it to Yuma though. Maybe Yuma foresaw something that even I couldn’t see that’s why he left it behind” Makoto said almost dreamily.

“Like what?” I asked.

Makoto’s voice lowered and stared at me in the eyes though his mask. “Maybe he wants to rival my Hot balloon empire.”

“What???” I asked.

“Just kidding hehe” Makoto giggled to himself. “I think that you will need that at some point and if not, Yuma will need it when you find him. Think about it he trusted you to return it to him and I think you should do just that.” Makoto pushed my hand back towards my body.

“Ok I'll bring it” I notified Makoto.

Makoto smiled though his mask and stood up “Well it’s been a pleasure I'll make those calls and you should be able to pick up everything today. I think the detectives are heading out as well. If you hurry, you can see them off as well before you depart yourself.” Makoto said extending his hand to me.

“Ok, I think I’ll do just that, but I have a question before I go” I said grabbing his hand.

“Why wear the mask everyone knows who you are?” I asked.

“Why wear the mask?” Makoto paused. “Well, it’s to remind me of everything I have done for the last three years. The good and the bad all the people I hurt along the way” Makoto actually for moment sounded sorrowful? His voice changed instantly back to normal “Or maybe it’s because as a child I was banished for being the ugly duckling of my family and told that showing my face in public could scar someone for life. Beside there is someone already with my face and he wears it better I think you can agree.” Makoto finished pulling me up.

My face burned as I turned to leave the room. I turned around just when Makoto was walking back to his desk. “Hey Makoto thank you!! For everything you have done. Without you we wouldn’t be alive today you saved us when no one could or would.” I said and then Makoto turned slowly around.

“……………..Your welcome………., now hurry alone we have a friend to find” Makoto said.

……………………….

Makoto......................

After the rather touching display Yuma’s girlfriend left the room. Leaving the book of death was an odd move indeed I thought Yuma would have taken it with him for sure. What was the big picture I was not seeing I thought as I looked out the window at unrelenting rain clouds protecting my beloved Kanai Ward. There were too many loose pieces and so much to do in preparation. The ones that created me will come for Kanai Ward and the Homunculus very soon and I must finish my research before then or it will truly be the end. Yuma what have you planned?.......... What am I not seeing?

......To be Continued...........

Chapter Text

Kurumi Wendy…………

After gathering all the stuff Makoto told me too, I saw off the master detectives at the old nocturnal detective agency and headed off myself. I boarded the Amaterasu Express…wait why did you guys’ just wince? Well anyway it was not crowded at all, why would it be the world was afraid of us and we were afraid of the world, well most of us. The train set off and I watched the sky till the protective clouds over Kanai Ward that I hated for so long and now loved with all my heart fade away. To a night sky where I could actually see stars. I spent most of the night rereading the letter Yuma left for me. “

Yuma left before I could tell him how I felt. Although Makoto had explained Yuma regained his memories and lost some making him a different person. Even with that Yuma still felt the need to leave a note and his book, if it is important enough to come back for then he must feel the same way. Well, that was my hopeful thinking on the matter. As the sun came up, I pulled over the hood on my new raincoat, even though I was wearing the new suncream I did not want to take the chance. If you don’t remember the sun causes us Homunculus to lose our memories and eat people in a berserk state. One incident like this would put Kanai Ward in danger from the UFG, So I had to be really careful as I looked for Yuma. I probably shouldn’t blab to everyone I wasn’t human it most likely would scare most people. I probably needed to do most of my looking at night and sleep though the day unless I was inside because the raincoat would give me away….you know unless it was raining. The train should drop me off at a place named Sheda. I didn’t recognize it but all my memories are in Kanai Ward, so I was not surprised, but Makoto ordered map had a note that said check here please. I decided to get some sleep as I planned for the train to arrive in the early evening just after sunset.

I woke up when the train chimed that we had arrived in Sheda but I was not expecting this as I looked out the window. The sun was setting over a huge vast city that made Kanai Ward look like a small playground. “Wow!” I let out. I quickly got my bag and watched the sunset before stuffing my coat and Yuma’s book inside the backpack. If you’re wondering what I was wearing here you go, some tennis shoes, black knee socks, a white skirt and a white blouse. Not my school uniform but there was a resemblance for sure. I headed out into the city wondering where I should start. Thanks to Makoto I had plenty of money for hotels and essentials and he made sure he was just a call away to provide more. I walked around some blocks trying to get my bearings. If Yuma was here this was going to take awhile to find him. Good thing I had plenty of time, I thought as I walked down a street that was not very lit. I started feeling a bit unsafe, not zombie unsafe but enough to go back to where I came and try another street. But then I heard a sleezy voice say “Hey hotstuff don’t be like that, we will be nice to you all you do is be nice to us”.

I looked down an ally and there were two guys holding a girl against a building. “Hey what going on!” I yelled.

“Oh look what we have here one for me and the other one for you” One of the guys said approaching me while the other one kept the girl pinned to the wall.

“Um this is not good” I muttered looking for something to grab to fight.

“Hey what’s going on here!” A man’s voice yelled behind me.

“Crap let’s get out of here!” Both men ran down the ally to the other side of the ally and turned the corner.

I turned around and there was a good-looking guy with white hair, a green jacket, white shirt and jeans on. “Everyone ok?” he asked.

“Yea thank you” I said.

“Strange most crime doesn’t happen here. But don’t worry the master detectives probably already caught them” The man sighed with a smirk.

“Wait there are master detectives here?” I asked.

“Of course, you are in the world capital I mean the WDO is just right over there” The white hair man lazily pointed to a tall building towering over us a few blocks away.

“Wow that’s crazy!” I said staring at the huge building. I was only snapped out of my daze when I noticed to girl who was assaulted wobbling a little.

“Are you ok?” I asked running up to her. “wow!” I muttered she was gorgeous. She had a beautiful black dress on a little wrinkled from the attack, Black knee-high boots with a heel and two long pig tails of pink and white hair going all the way down to her ankles.

“I will have to Boom-kill those people” The girl muttered to herself brushing wall dirt off her dress. She looked up as I approached and tilted her head her pink eyes went wide “Flatty?”

“Flatty?” I asked.

“Oh, right this is the first time seeing me, what was your name again?” The woman asked.

“It’s Kurumi and what do you mean this is my first time seeing you? Have we met?” I asked confused.

“Wait where is that guy?” The woman asked.

I turned around and the white hair guy was gone.

“Well, he creeped me out so good riddance” The woman said “Well seeya flatty”.

“Wait what?” I asked as I noticed the women limping away. “Are you hurt?” I asked catching up to her.

“No just never walked so much in my life” The women wined.

“How about I help you” I said putting her arm over my shoulder between my backpack and neck.

“Hmmm okay I guess” The women said.

“Um where are you headed” I asked.

“Wherever Master is” The women said.

“Master?” I asked.

“Yea somehow I got turned into this lame human form” She sighed.

“Human form?” I asked I was so confused was this woman crazy I started wandering. “How about this I get us to a hotel, and we decide from there where this Master…..could be” I suggested.

“Fine” The women sighed she seemed annoyed with me for some reason. “So, what’s your name?” I asked awkwardly as I guided the women towards a huge Hotel that was luckily around the corner.

“Its… Shinigami” she said with a sigh.

“Shinigami like a death god?” I asked.

“Not like a death god” she said annoyed with me for sure. Wait did this mean she thought she was a death god…..I’ve seen zombies and I am a Homunculus, but this lady was crazy which meant I couldn’t leave her alone.

We finally made it into the hotel with clear glass tile and chandeliers on the ceiling. It was a lot nicer than even the one in Kanai Ward. “Hello, could I get one room for tonight I asked the clerk wearing a suit at the front desk.

“We don’t allow…..how should I put this.... ladies of the night to stay here” The guy said in snide voice.

“Ladies of the night, that’s not we are” I said. The man flipped his head at Shinigami.

“Of course, he means me no one wants flatty like you” Shinigami said still annoyed.

My face went red “Why do you keep calling me that, look we are not ladies of night or whatever. This woman got mugged and we would like room please.” I pleaded.

The man gave us look then sighed “Very well payment please.”

I paid the rude clerk and took Shinigami upstairs to our room. Our hotel room was nice thanks to unlimited funds from Makoto it was no big deal. Nice white carpet, a huge flat screen and two queen-size beds and a couch, a few tables even. I took Shinigami to the first bed and gently sat her on top of it.

“You should get some rest and then we can look for your friend after” I said.

“Hmmm sounds good” Shinigami said nuzzling into her pillow her eyes already closed.

There was definitely something weird about Shinigami but couldn’t put finger on it. She claimed to know me, but I had never seen her before.

“ZZZZZ” She snored drool coming from her mouth.

I decided to take a bath in the other room. I didn’t feel right about leaving her so my search for Yuma would have to start tomorrow night I decided. After about an hour I came back to the main room and Shinigami was still snoring loudly. I looked though my backpack for some ramen when I heard a voice from somewhere in my backpack. “Well, hi Kurumi!” said Makoto’s voice.

I took out a tablet and saw Makoto on the screen “Makoto?” I asked.

“Oh, did not mean to startle you but I wanted to check in and see how things were going,” Makoto said in usual playful tone.

“Well, I had to call it early tonight some girl got mugged and I am letting her rest a bit.” I said.

“hmmm strange for a crime to happen in that city” Makoto said almost to himself.

“You mean because of the Master Detectives?” I asked.

“Why yes Sheda is the world capital after all, Home of the UG and the WDO” Makoto informed me. “I see from your face you have questions, but they can wait till after the announcement please turn to channel 75 on the tv in your hotel.”

I decided to hold my questions for now and obeyed. I turned the tv on and changed the channel and there was a flag in the backround and a blonde hair woman in front of a podium she had a very cute musical note hair clip on.

“Hello everyone thank you for tuning in. As you know the world is in a state of shock over the news that have come out of Kanai Ward. Yes, it is all true Kanai Ward is a city of immortal man-made beings known as Homunculi. The UG began 10 years researching a new military unit to take down the threats of this world. The Amaetrasu Corporation the greatest independent tech giant in the world and the UG’s own research team was contracted to make this vision possible. 3 years ago the UG under Doctor Yamada we were able to make the first true Homunculi. The Amaetrasu Corporation did not take the loss well and accidently created imperfect versions of ours in a haste to catch up. The defective homunculi created by Amaetrasu ravaged Kanai Ward killing every single resident in the span of a week. No one escaped but our own homunculi were based on the world’s greatest mind the WDO’s own number one and found a way to stop the rampage. He goes by the Makoto Kagutsuchi and is the current CEO of Amaetrasu Corporation. I know this all comes as a shock as some of you had friends and family in that city, As Kanai Ward is no longer isolated from the rest of the world, please be mindful that these beings will cause you no harm unless provoked. Hopefully with enough understanding with each other we can all live in peace thank you” The women said as she left the podium the sounds of questions being tossed at her were overwhelming before I finally shut off the tv.

What the lady said was true we, I guess even I killed everyone in Kanai Ward 3 years ago.

“Kurumi?’ Makoto got me out of my daze, and I looked into the tablet.

“Well looks like the world knows about us now” I said.

“Indeed I made a promise after all, but right now we need to talk about what just happened” Makoto said.

“You mean what that woman on the tv said?” I asked.

“Yes but she’s not just any women…..Kaede Akamatsu is the President of the UG.” Makoto said.

“Seriously!” I said.

“Why yes did I seem I was joking? I must work on that. Notice the last name Akamatsu?” Makoto asked.

“What about it?” trying to rack my brain.

“Well, isn’t funny Akamatsu and Amaetrasu sound somewhat close, don’t they? Well, there is a reason for that, President Akamatsu is the granddaughter of the CEO I took over for. It’s a fact that her family built this company from the ground up. Make no mistake how peaceful the message she used..... this is a declaration of war on Kanai Ward.

“War with who” I asked shell shocked.

“The World” Makoto said.

......To Be Continued...........

Chapter Text

“Wait war, with the world?” I asked.

“Is it such a hard thing to imagine? We are monsters to the rest of the world. The only reason the UG has not committed to a full out war is because the current administration is responsible for the cover up in the first place. I still have a little bit of leverage but sooner or later the UG will test my love for Kanai Ward. It would be best to find Yuma before that point…… for the world’s sake.

“What does Yuma have to do with this?” I sounded more panicked than I wanted to.

“Yuma stepped down as Number One of the WDO because he saw the hidden corruption inside the UG and the WDO. It is why he took the book of death in the first place.” Makoto said.

“Book of death?” I asked.

“Inside the vaults of the WDO they have procured many different artifacts over the years. The book of Death is one of those artifacts. This book is said to summon a death god” Makoto said as if it was no big deal.

“A death god that can’t be real” My eyes darted to sleeping girl next to me.

“hmmm it does sound crazy, but I can assure you the WDO have two of these books in their procession the Book of Death and” Makoto started to say before I turned the Ipad to the girl sleeping and Makoto lost the ease in his voice.

“……Well this is strange” Makoto said.

I flipped the tablet back to me “Err you not telling me?”

“You can see her too?” Makoto asked.

“Yea of course” I began.

“No that is strange, it appears you atr acquainted with Yuma’s death god. I must admit she does look different no horns or crown that I remember” Makoto said.

“Yuma’s death god!?” I said shocked.

“Why yes that book Yuma left you is her book, however the fact we can both see her means something is very wrong.” Makoto said.

“You’re kidding me?” I gave him an awkward stare while waiting for the punch line.

“Why is it hard to believe when you and I exist? I assure you this is no joke, this news is a very unsettling development. Could you wake her up for me?” Makoto asked.

“You just told me she’s a death god what if she kills me?” I asked.

“Hmmm II doubt that would be the case, my short time with her I could tell she cared about Yuma deeply and your important to Yuma so she wont kill you” Makoto said simply. I could feel my cheeks blush at that and gently shook Shinigami awake. Shinigami opened her pink eyes as I pointed the Tablet at her. “Well, hi there Shinigami, was it?” Makoto said waving at her.

“Masked guy” Shinigami said groggily slowly sitting up.

“Ah that hurts I thought you would remember my name.. its Mako” Makoto was interrupted.

“Yea yea what do you want mask freak?” Shinigaimi asked yawning.

“Very well, I would like to start with why we can see you. As we have no pact with you, I am confused” Makoto said.

Shinigami sighed “Well I am not quite sure…..I am a nasty human now!”

“Human? how?” Makoto asked.

“Hmmmm I cant remember” Shinigami said with a sigh.

“Oh you and Yuma are quite the pair” Makoto said.

“Master! You know where he is!” Shinigami asked with glee in her voice.

“Master? Wait you been looking for Yuma!?” I asked.

“duh!” Shinigami made a face at me that got me bit angry and I gave huff in response.

“Don’t fight you two, Shinigami what’s the last thing you remember?” Makoto asked.

Shinigami put her finger to her chin and said “I remember the mystery labyrinth crumbling around me”.

“Wait you didn’t escape with Yuma?” Makoto asked.

“No I sent master through the emergency exit severing our pact in the process” Shinigami said.

“I see I was wondering how Yuma escaped this also explains why he didn’t have any memory of you. Don’t worry about it too much I filled him on what I knew” Makoto said.

“Thanks for that I guess, but anyway a creepy voice said something and Wham! I woke up in that alleyway” Shinigami said.

“Hmmm do you remember what the voice said?” Makoto said.

“No not even a little….do you know where Master is or not?” Shinigami wanted to know.

“We lost track of Yuma ourselves and Kurumi here was in the process of finding him, I think it would be a good Idea for you two to stick together. You know what say two heads are better than one” Makoto said in normal voice.

“Me travel with the flatty I pass” Shinigami said watching my face turn red out of hurt or anger I couldn’t tell anymore. Not only did Yuma have a girl calling him Master and to top that off she obviously hated me for no reason I could think of.

“Don’t be like that, Kurumi would be terribly useful to you finding Yuma. She was after all the best informant in Kanai Ward. She also helped you and Yuma solve Kanai Ward’s ultimate secret.” Makoto said.

“Fine ill tag along with the flatty for now” Shinigami said.

“Oh and Kurumi” Makoto said as I turned the tablet back to me.

“Yes?” I asked.

“Keep me in the loop there is an important announcement at the WDO tomorrow afternoon that I will need you too relay to me” Makoto said seriously.

Chapter Text

I decided that was enough for the night after Makoto told me and slept instead. Well tried to sleep over the snores of the sleeping death god in the room, I mean seriously creepy. I decided to get up around 8 am and made myself some ramen. After few bites at the table before I hear. “What no meat buns today”. I looked over and Shinigami was hovering over my shoulder looking at the ramen. For those of those that don’t remember…….the meat buns I once called my comfort food turned out to be people. I choked a little on the Ramen before I answered back.

“No we don’t eat meat buns anymore” I answered as Shinigami sat down across from me with a smirk.

“So I can expect you go eating people mode soon?” Shinigami taunted.

“Actually” I explained about the ramen and how it was able to stabilize us as long as we ate it twice a day and such.

“hmmm so now you don’t need people munches anymore?” Shinigami asked.

“No the other Yuma figured out a way to feed us without you know…..murder” I said my face burning. This discussion was making me sick. I know I had not idea I was eating people but still knowing I did made me feel sick. “Can we talk about something else, like have we met before?” I asked.

“Awwww that was most exciting thing about you! I guess you should know flatty yes, we have met well kinda” Shinigami explained to me how she was with Yuma the whole time. “So yea all those mysteries in Kanai Ward was solved by yours truly with a little help from Master of course.”

“Really so the god of death is a detective spirit?” I asked, finishing up my Ramen with a slurp.

“Well, she is now” Shinigami said with glee.

I wanted to ask her why she didn’t like me very much but decided I had enough problems to deal with at the moment. “We should get going to the WDO” I said as I put my bowl away.

“Ok time to find Master!” Shinigami said charging forward only face plant into the door. “Ouch! I am not used to ……opening doors” she said rubbing her head as I opened the door for her.

………….

“So no rain coat its pretty sunny right now aren’t you going to be like I need brains pretty soon or faint?” Shinigami said.

“Don’t worry I am feeling it” I said a little lightheaded as I was wearing another shirt and skirt combo not the most practical wear for day light but I didn’t bring long pants. I assumed I could just go out at night but I should have planned for everything. “Makoto invented a new suncream. I have about four hours till the cream wears off. The suncream can repel most of the sun’s harmful effects on me.” I replied.

“Isn’t that a little risky? I mean I have no problem with the sun melting you flatty, However I expect it would put Master in a poor mood” Shinigami said rather rudely.

My face blushed a bit at Yuma caring about me but still what was his relationship with her? We started heading towards the skyscraper known as the WDO headquarters. “We need to discuss how we are going to get in” I said.

“Don’t we just walk right in?” Shinigami asked.

“No I don’t think they would let us in. This announcement is like a meeting between Master Detectives, or it would be televised” I said.

“So, Master might be there!” Shinigami said I hadent told her Yuma quit yet but hey she hardly listened to me anyway.

“Yes, hopefully Makoto told me that we would find help somewhere here” I said.

“Who’s that?” Shinigami asked.

I looked at her puzzled till I remembered her rude nicknames for people. “Masked guy” I answered.

“Oh, that guy, yea I am not a fan” Shinigami said.

I thought about defending Makoto, but luckily, I heard a voice “Kurumi! Well, hey there girl”

“Desuhiko!” I said running up to him with a big smile.

Desuhiko was dressed like he always was with his huge backpack on his back. “Hey what are you doing here? Did you miss me a little too much?” He asked with a grin.

“I definitely missed you but I just saw you the other day” I said with a smile.

“Well I don’t blame you and WHO ARE YOU!” Desuhiko yelled running up to Shinigami.

“Oh, blah! Hello shortie detective” Shinigami said super annoyed. So it was not just me which was nice I guess I thought for second…… Desuhiko eyes were glazed over he didn’t pick up on it.

“You’re an Angel!” Desuhiko said I swear his eyes turned into hearts.

“Angel? Farthest thing from it shortie” Shinigami said scooting a little closer to me. Nice at least she seems to like me more than Desuhiko.

“This is Shinigami” I introduced.

“Your friends are amazing, I am Desuhiko Thunderbolt Master Detective! But I am so much more than a Master Detective sweet thing I have layers” Desuhiko announced taking bow and winking at Shinigami.

I whispered in Shinigami’s ear I take it you know him too?” I asked.

“Yea should have left him the mystery labyrinth to have his soul wither away” Shinigami sighed. Mystery Labyrinth? Another thing to ask about. I added the mental note to the ever-growing list in my head.

“Wait what are you two doing here I thought you went off to find Yuma?” Desuhiko asked.

“I did but the trail seems to have led here according to Makoto. I thought you were being sent on assignment” I said.

“I was however everything is on hold today there is some major announcement today at the WDO. All the Master Detectives got called in, so I am stuck here for another day or two.” Desuhiko got a little close Shinigami as he said “How about dinner tonight hot stuff we can talk about us?”

“Ah Desuhiko can we come with you to the WDO announcement may give me a clue on Yuma” I asked feeling a little invisible next Desuhiko’s full attention on big chest…….ok I am bad at being mean I’m sorry!

“it's Master Detectives only sorry” Desuhiko said.

“Oh” I said a little disappointedly, but I jumped back slightly as Shinigami closed the distance between me and Desuhiko.

“You know dinner would be fun after… you know you get us in to your little detective thing.” Shinigami whispering softy and stroking his face.

Desuhiko’s face turned red and after a moment “Ok fine how much trouble could I get into anyway you’re not bad guys. Also, an informant is like a detective right” he said.

“Yea that’s right!” I said excitedly.

“Ok but we will have to disguise you guys as detectives or something” Desuhiko said putting down his bag.

“Oh, how about these” I said taking two WDO I.D cards from my purse. It was small and green but I got it at the hotel’s gift shop so I could carry the Suncream, Ramen and the I. D’s Makoto somehow stashed in my bag. Oh, yea Makoto notified me last night I had them and I would need them……wait did he know Desuhiko would be here on this corner at this time?

My thoughts were interrupted when Shinigami said out of disgust “I am not getting in the bag.”

I looked at her “Please it’s the only way we can get inside, you want to find Master…..I mean Yuma don’t you?” I asked.

“Wait Yuma has he gone missing or something?’ Desuhiko wanted to know.

“Err maybe we don’t quite know” I admitted.

“WAIT I have a bigger question how is YUMA her MASTER????” Desuhiko asked pointing at Shinigami.

I rolled my eyes “It’s a long story over dinner….after” I put the I.D’S in his face.

“Hmmm ok” Desuhiko said with sigh taking the I.D’s “Lets see here Melami Goldmine and Pucci Lavmin, these I.D’s look very real. Ok ladies after you” Desuhiko said unzipping his bag.

Shinigami sighed ”this is so nasty” I had to admit I agreed with her.

“I promise I won’t look on a detective’s honor” Desuhiko said.

True to his word Desuhiko didn’t look and was able to transform us in a matter of seconds. Shinigami was now Melami Goldmine and I was Pucci Lavmin. We were dressed in Master Detective outfits now yay long sleeves, but we still had skirts.

Shinigami glanced at herself up and down “Oh these people” She commented which was missed by Desuhiko.

“Ok follow me” Desuhiko said as he led the way.

“These people you mean these are real Master Detectives?” I asked in Shinigami’s ear as we walked.

“Sure was” Shinigami said loudly.

“Keep it down please, what if we run into them. We need to come up with a plan if that happens” I said.

“Well, that can't happen unless they sell shish kabobs at these things…..then we might” Shinigami giggled.

I didn’t understand the joke but arrived at the doorway to the WDO too soon for me to ask about it. The WDO sure was huge and grand. Glass tiles under our feet everywhere with red rug lined hallways down at least 20 halls. We climbed the stairs to the elevator where security was checking I.D’s. I gave mine and Shinigami’s to a man and he scanned it with pen looking device before handing them back to me. Thankfully Shinigami was being quiet and looking at each one of the Master Detectives joining the growing line from where we were standing looking for Yuma. We boarded the large elevator next to Desuhiko and 15 other Master Detectives.

The elevator stopped at floor 127 and when the doors opened, we were in a grand ballroom lined with reg carpet. A stage with a podium was at the end with hundreds of tables which were set up in front of the stage with chairs. The ball room was filled with Master Detectives talking to one another as Desuhiko guided us to an empty table, and we naturally sat together with Shinigami in the middle of the circular table. It was better Shinigami didn’t get the chance to interact with others or that was my thought process.

“Are we eating?” I asked.

“Yea they serve us lunch at these things. Normally it’s pretty good” Desuhiko said.

“Can you even eat people food…..you know food that people eat not food with people as the tasty main ingredient?” Shinigami asked.

“Shhhh of course I can it just can’t sustain me” I said frustrated.

“Wait Shin….I mean Melami you're not from Kanai Ward?” Desuhiko whispered confused.

“No Shorty I am” Shinigami said before I interrupted her.

“Shh not here I promise we will tell you later” I said.

Thankfully a voice stopped this conversation dead. “Oh, Desuhiko how dare you sit here” Fubuki said with a smile.

hi Fubuki!” I said before remembering who I was pretending to be.

“Oh, have we met?” Fubuki asked.

“No not at all you shettled sk” Shinigami said before clapping my hand over mouth.

“Princess care to join?” Desuhiko asked.

“Sure” Fubuki said taking a chair next to Desuhiko.

Some other Master Detectives took seats at our table till it was filled. I kept making faces at Shinigami to be quiet while she sulked and told me how boring I was while Desuhiko distracted Fubuki with small talk. After about 30 minutes all the tables were filled, and we served lunch by maids and waiters. It was steak and wine now I was too young to drink, so Shinigami drank mine instead while I made an excuse that I wasn’t feeling great to the other members at the table.

The lights dimmed and a girl in a purple suit much darker than Makoto’s and not as flashy wearing a white bouse under it. Her long Lavender hair was in braid over her shoulder as walked up to the podium and addressed us.“As some of you know I am director Kirigiri of the WDO. Let start by thanking you for your all your efforts on solving the world’s mysteries. We have a lot of business to talk about today so all assignments out of Sheda are postpone until further notice. This caused a lot of chatter to start happening around us. “Please settle down you will understand once I finish” Director Kirigiri said as her purple eyes scanned the room waiting for silence. “As you heard the news last night of the shocking revelation about Kanai Ward has emerged. As you know we sent many Master Detectives to Kanai Ward, and few came back. Please rise Desuhiko Thunderbolt, Fubuki Clockford, Halara Nightmare and Vivia Twilight. Halara and Vivia stood up at a table more towards the front. “These four incredible Master Detectives helped solve the Globel Kidnapping Case as well as many unsolved cases about Kanai Ward and the unfortunate massacre of the city’s people” The Director finished as the room was filled with claps and cheers at the four of them. They all sat back down as the Director continued “Even though we are better off knowing some changes have taken place as we believe the Former Number One of the WDO is responsible for the incident that killed so many Master Detectives in Kanai Ward. We have an arrest warrant issued for him now to bring him back dead or alive.

A file with Yuma’s picture was placed next to my food by a maid and likewise every Detective got one. I was in too much shock to care though. My mouth hung open as the Director said, “We believe him to be the Master Mind behind Kanai Ward’s Globel Kidnapping Case and Project Homunculus”.

Chapter Text

The room fell silent as Director Kirigiri made her statement. Desuhiko’s face was one of confusion. I couldn’t see the other detectives, but I am sure they had the same face. As I scanned through the file, I became angrier this was clearly a frame job. I felt my blood boil when I was about to stand not knowing what I was doing till I felt a hand gently placed on my shoulder. It was Fubuki her face was super sweaty, and she was panting she placed herself in the seat between me and Desuhiko pulling him down with her.

“But…” I whined.

“…I know you made that quite clear and…I agree with you” Fubuki said between pants.

“Are you …ok” I asked. What did I make clear? I thought.

“Flatty listen to the Sheltered Skank this time” Shinigami said in a whisper next to me calmly not taking her eyes off Director Kirigiri. Shinigami looked serious for the first time since I met her.

“Princess what’s the matter?” Desuhiko asked.

“Later….” Fubuki said reaching over to her glass drinking it dry in one gulp.

I was very surprised not a word was said in Yuma’s defense...... Halara and Vivia just sat in their chairs!

“Yes, this is very troubling news and must be investigated as quickly as possible. With that being said, we have evidence that the former Number One is somewhere in this city and as of now the city is locked down” Director Kirigiri informed us.

“Wait what do you mean locked down? this is the capital of the world!” a Detective yelled from another table.

Director Kirigiri took moment till the room was quiet before she cleared her throat “No one will be allowed to leave or enter the city till the former Number One is found this is that important…….so important that anyone who tries to leave without permission will be executed on the spot. I would make sure you make arrangements for lodging in the meantime this mission has no time limit” Director Kirigiri finished as she was joined on stage by a blonde and a bunch of official looking staff people in suits.

I instantly recognized the Blonde her musical note hairclip was becoming iconic to me.

“Hello Master Detectives and Detectives alike today the UG and the WDO team up to take down the greatest threat for the security of our society. The world cannot handle another Tragedy like 20 years ago.” Kaede Akamatsu said.

“Wait your saying? You think the former Number One would bring that kind of calamity to our doorstep” Halara spoke calmly as the room was silent other than President Akamatsu. Halara’s table was close to the stage that President Akamatsu could hear her clearly.

Fubuki was suddenly alert next to me clasping her necklace.

“Halara was it? yes I actually think it could be worse then before. The former Number One took something from the WDO vault before he resigned. This is highly classified but Ill release the information for your security levels. Everyone in this room may not tell a living soul from what I am about tell you. In the WDO vaults there is a book and it is named the Book of Death. The Book of Death contains a death god and could destroy the world.” President Akamatsu said the Detectives as gasps and panicked talking filled the room.

Shinigami looked to be on edge next to me and Desuhiko was looking at me and then Shinigami. Desuhiko maybe dense at times but he wasn’t stupid Shinigami looked more outwardly appearance probably got him to put the pieces together in his mind…..or he was just confused I wasn’t sure, but this was bad.

“A death god you expect us to believe that?.... we are Detectives not” Halara began.

“Well yes I do Expect you to believe that. The WDO has confirmed to me the book does exist and contains a death god isn’t that correct Director?” President Akamatsu asked. To Halara’s surprise Director Kirigiri nodded her head and that caused everyone to fall silent.

“With out further interruptions the formal Number One is in possession of that Book. Until we get it back into safe hands. We must all work together and find him and the book by any means necessary.

You mean the book……that was currently in my bag….. the one I carried everywhere! the book Yuma left for me……. THAT BOOK! I thought. I was very aware of my bag on my lap and Shinigami scooted close to me and the bag like she was protecting it. It was a subtitle scoot so no one noticed other Fubuki and Desuhiko which might be a problem too!

Fubuki grabbed my hand and held it captive in hers not even looking at me while she whispered something in Desuhiko’s ear. Desuhiko’s eyes were going wide with shock from whatever she was telling him. Was she holding my hand to calm me down or keep me from escaping I wasn’t sure.

“To head up the Investigation the WDO’s new Number One will head the investigation. Please welcome this highly talented Master Detective.”

To my surprise a white hair man lazily sauntered up to the podium like he didn’t have a care in the world. I was happy I was disguised because it was the man I met last night when I ran into Shinigami.

“Hello I am Nagito Komaeda many of you know of me and while it is a pain….we must hunt down my predecessor for the sake of Hope” Nagito said with a smile.

I noticed behind him Director Kirigiri looked bothered by him and maybe annoyed. I know that look well over the last day because that is the same way Shinigami gave me all the time.

“Please lend me all your skills and strength my fellow Master Detectives and I know we will succeed because..... Luck will be on our side. Nagito said with a smile.

Chapter Text

It was strange that smile seemed to hold a lot more weight than what Nagito was saying. The air suddenly was filled with anxiety like someone came around a corner and yelled Boo! Scaring the crap out of you.

“We need to go now” Shinigami said as I saw what she saw Nagito was staring right at us…..out of all the tables! My horrors were confirmed when his mellow voice said in his mic “Desuhiko what’s the matter buddy something you want to confess?”

Suddenly I was launched up to my feet not by Shinigami, but by Fubuki…..was she turning me in?..... Nope she broke into a run in the opposite direction though the entrance. “My Bag!” I just noticed I didn’t have it! As I was forced to run by Fubuki’s grip on my hand.

“Flatty I got it” said Shinigami from behind me.

“How could they know I snuck them in?!” Desuhiko cried somewhere behind me as the alarms started blaring.

We ran down the hallway, Fubuki was looking way more fatigued than she should as we passed the elevators. Fubuki seemed to know that security was on the elevators as the doors opened and she kicked open the emergency stairs.

“That was quite a kick” I said as Fubuki still pulled me forward.

“Thanks, Halara has recently been teaching me a little so I can be a coffee fencing, bad guy kicking, adventurer Detective” Fubuki said right before we ran into four security agents before I could even scream, we were grabbed around the necks in a choke hold.

Shinigami and Desuhiko stopped right in their tracks

“Hold up you all are under” a Security guard shouted right before a strong kick in his face by Halara out of nowhere… she must have jumped four floors down the middle of the stairs where we were caught. The two guards holding me and Fubuki had their heads knocked together and fell to the floor with Vivia standing behind them.

“I want to die someday” Vivia said with a sigh.

The one security guard left was clearly afraid for his life at this point and ran towards Shinigami and Desuhiko to escape….. Desuhiko screamed like a girl and Shinigami punched the security guy in the face and he tumbled safely to the floor.

“What is going on?” Halara asked.

Before we could answer we heard someone tumble to the floor right before the next set of stairs.

“Fubuki!!!!” I cried as Vivie cradled her.

We heard a noise above us as more security was coming from the upper floors.

“We got to move!” Desuhiko said.

“Right Vivia you take point” Halara said as she effortlessly picked up Fubuki and flung her over her shoulder like a bag of flower.

Vivia sighed but led the way and I followed, Halara and Fubuki, Shinigami and Desuhiko brought up the real as we quickly descended. It seemed like the security guards had no idea where we actually were but once they found the knocked-out guards it would only be moments till we were cornered. We made it to the lobby and outside without much of an incident, just a bunch of people in the lobby gawking at us. Funny how easy that was but all a sudden I lost all my strength. I fell to the ground.

“What’s wrong!” Desuhiko grabbed me cradling me.

I felt this way once before I remembered and looked up…..It was the sun!!!!!!. “The suncream must be wearing off” I wheezed. We were at that lunch way longer than I anticipated.

“Don’t tell me” Halara said with a sick look on her face.

“Its Krurumi!” Desuhiko said and he opened his backpack and loaded me inside. “Hang tight” Desuhiko said before he zipped it up.

…….. Halara Nightmare……….

They were going to owe me big for this and pay full interest for whatever this was?

Suddenly I heard another thud behind me. This time it was the blonde Master Detective flat on the ground.

“I am not use to running” The blonde wheezed.

This wasn't good whoever it was obviously not a Master Detective, Desuhiko must have used his forte on this one too. I had my hands full with Fubuki and now Desuhiko had his backpack full with Kurumi and oh yes this was fantastic now the entrance doors of the WDO burst open and hundreds of Master Detectives and security pouring out.

Vivia scooped up the blonde in a cradle and we ran for our lives. This was a gamble why was this happening, we ran blocks, an army was catching up to us and there was nothing left to wager.

“That’s the Hotel!” The blonde in Vivia arms yelled pointing towards it. We ran towards the hotel are only chance when the hotel doors burst open…..

“This can’t be” I said in shock. As PeaceKeepers marched out and instead of attacking us, they walked right passed us and created a line between us and the army approaching. They were fully covered in gear and the sun seemed not to be an issue.

The army of Master Detectives stopped in their tracks looking confused and after a few moments the top Brass including President Kaede Akamatsu, Director Kirigiri and the new number one Nagito Komaeda walked to the for front.

“What is the meaning of this” President Akamatsu barked at the Peacekeepers who did not move nor replied in anyway.

After some more yelling a familiar voice practically sang out “Oh President Akamatsu so nice for you to join us”.

I looked up and above us as Makoto Kagutsuchi was flying down on a hot air balloon

Everyone was speechless as Makoto landed a little bit away as soon as he got out the hot ballon vanished into thin air, and he casually strolled.

“Well hello Ms. President and Director of the WDO how we can be at service today?” Makoto said casually.

“Mr. Kagutsuchi? What are “The President stammered clearly stunned like we all were.

“Just Makoto is fine, here what do you mean?” Makoto said, tilting his head.

“IN Sheda the city is on lockdown, there is no way you could have known” Kaede said nervously.

“It’s a great thing my people were not on time we would have had to turn around, but they arrived 18 hours ahead of schedule by lucky circumstance” Makoto said with glee.

“Luck….. I find that hard to believe” Nagito said folding his arms with a playful smirk.

“Wait you abandoned your precious Kanai Ward? I thought I would never see the day” Kaede said recovering taking a step closer to the purple suited, masked freak before her. I thought that with a lot of respect if I wore a mask it would make my opponents fear me too, I would suspect but it’s unbecoming for a Detective that seeks the truth.

“I would never abandon Kanai Ward with such threats on the horizon I am still very much in my office.” Makoto said pointing at the hotel roof. “This an advanced holographic display I can see you as if we are all in the same room and you all can clearly see me, I believe this beta test was a remarkable success.

“But the balloon” Kaede stammered.

“What ballon? Oh yes it disappeared proof enough it wasn’t real. Before you ask one must make a grand entrance, it’s only polite. You of all people know you can't fly into Sheda without permission” Makoto said.

Kaede pinched the bridge of her perfect little nose “You are obstructing an arrest of those people behind your Peacekeepers”

“Am I? For what Crime?” Makoto asked.

“For…’ Kaede stammered looking at Director Kirigiri.

“For injuring security” Kirigiri said sighing like she knew he had them.

“Hmm I have a feeling they wouldn’t be assaulting Security if they weren’t attacked….self-defense is protected here in Sheda still? Or did the laws change since you became President?

Kaede’s face turned bright pink “No for sneaking into the WDO!”

“They were summoned to the WDO? Didn’t you conduct a meeting of some sort and call every Detective and Master Detective to that meeting?” They were invited, correct?” Makoto asked.

Kaede stood silent

“Infact these Master Detectives were on their way to give the WDO their resignations but were summoned before they could. Makoto said.

“Wait what” I said and Makoto ignored it.

“Is that right” Director Kirigiri said more as a statement then a question.

“Yes, they are part of the Kanai Ward Detective Agency. I made them Citizens last week and per our arrangement since they broke no laws you must leave them be. Plus, if you take one more step you will be stepping on ground officially owned by Kani Ward.

“What do you mean?” Kaede asked.

“Well since we are allowed to participate in the world market now, through several legal shell companies, I bought this Hotel, the merger was final early this morning. Also, per our arrangement Kanai Ward is allowed to have embassy built here, I decided to use this Hotel. So, Ms. President I would think very carefully about your next move” Makoto said playfully but I could detect malice in the undertones of his voice.