Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

An ordinary day.

An ordinary day meant; there had been 2 to 3 attacks to the agency, Dazai tried to not so elegantly end his life in front of the staff, Kunikida -of course- punished the said behavior by strangling him, but Dazai ended up enjoying it. There had been terrifying screams coming from Yosano's operation room but no one dared to check. Also Ranpo refused attending multiple cases until the police department had to call the president's personal number.

 

Therefore everything was going smoothly.

 

Until it wasn't.

 

"What do you mean you can't come with me? I'm not asking you to come. I'm telling you!" Ranpo scoffed and flicked the weretiger's forehead. A bit harsher than necessary maybe. His tone was obviously scolding.

 

What's the fun in going to cases alone? He had better things to use his brain for than deducing which train to take.

 

Atsushi huffed in pain and placed a hand over his forehead where Ranpo flicked him before speaking. His tone far too apologetic. "I'm really sorry Ranpo. I promised Kyouka I'd take her to the festival next week and we have to go shopping for clothes"

 

Right. The summer festivals. A surprised he had forgotten about it. Especially considering how much him and Yosano used to enjoy attending them.

 

The sweet memories managed to earn Atsushi a chance to escape as Ranpo simply waved him off.

 

Well. Atsushi was occupied. He knew better than asking Kunikida, the poor guy was dealing with enough already, and Dazai? Yeah. No thank you. They both knew too much about each other to do something this simple. It would be far too awkward.

 

Yosano hadn't left the infirmary ever since Tanizaki arrived with scary injuries all over him from an attack. He had been reckless and didn't wait for back up. So no wonder Yosano was taking her sweet time healing him. A life lesson on how important health is or something.

 

Better leave it to her then, Ranpo thought.

 

That left the best option.

 

"Ooooh President!!—"

 

"My apologies..— Can you wait a moment, Ranpo?"

 

Fukuzawa quickly said as he stood up and turned around to step away from Ranpo. He was on the phone with someone. Speaking urgently.

 

Of course he'd be far too busy for something as insignificant as guiding him to a case. Ranpo puffed his cheeks and shoved his hands inside his pockets.

 

They used to do it together. But now the president barely had time to spare him. Sure, he wasn't a kid anymore but he still missed those simpler times sometimes.

 

Not that he'd ever admit that out loud of course.

 

Ranpo was leaned onto the doorframe with his hands in his pockets. Cheeks puffy with mild annoyance as he stared down. Fukuzawa finally hung up the phone and placed it into the pocket of his yukata.

 

"What is it that you need?"

 

"I'm supposed to go to a case but no one's free to take me there."

 

"Ah. I see. I'm quite busy as well. Would you like me to call—"

 

"Nah. It's fine. You owe me a movie night though!"

 

"Of course.", Fukuzawa responded with a soft smile

 

They both knew it was an empty promise. Neither of them had time for those silly things anymore. But he could still wait eagerly for that day until disappointment would eventually replace his excitement.

 

He gave a smirk to the president before leaving. It didn't matter if things were rough right now. Everyone was okay. He'd be okay as long as his friends are.

 

--

 

First take the left, then take the right. The library must be right in front of you now!

 

"Sir, this is a dry cleaning." The lady in the corner sighed. She looked far too ordinary to be a police officer. And this place had far too many washing machines for a library.

 

"Are you sure? My deductions are telling me there's supposed to be a library here! A crime scene! Are you a police undercover? It's okay. I'm master detective Ranpo Edogawa. I'm finally here to save your day!"

 

She gave an exasperated sigh before standing up and opening one of the machines. Taking out a few pieces of clothing.

 

Rude. But a good way to prove this place is in fact not a library.

 

He left the place with a tired expression and leaned back on a wall. He could still make it in time. He probably took the wrong train.

 

Therefore he dragged himself back to the train station. It was as crowded as it could be. But he still squeezed his way through to take a look at the big map in the middle of the place.

 

Chiba. He was in Chiba. He was supposed to be in Shinjuku. Which is in the exact opposite direction.

 

It would be okay. He just had to figure out which train went to Shinjuku from here.

 

He stared at the map. Okay. There was a gray line and it was leading to Shinjuku. But there was also a brighter gray one overlapping. Going to an entirely different place. He squeezed his eyes. Which one was which? He could tell they were supposed to be red and blue but their shades were far too close in his gray scaled vision. There was also a purple one? Just a really darker gray in his eyes. But the "purple" one was taking a different route entirely! Plus, the lines were so thin. Everything was overlapping. Enough for him to let out an exasperated sigh.

 

"This one!"

 

Ranpo turned around and looked down to find a short girl, no older than 13, staring up at him with mismatched green and brown eyes. He could tell because those were the color of his eyes also. She had short messy black hair and a green sweater. Nothing about her was unusual but he could sense it. Something was wrong. As if she didn't quite belong to the scene.

 

She was pointing at the map he then realized.

 

"That's the one going to Shinjuku!"

 

He raised his eyebrows and blinked down before turning to look at the map again. Then he looked back down at the girl. Embarrassment creeping on him as he huffed and crossed his arms with a roll of his eyes.

 

"Pft. Yeah. I knew that."

 

She seemed surprised. Tilting her head to the side before speaking. Looking rather suspicious. Well yeah. Ranpo wasn't exactly trying to be slick with his lie.

 

"You did?"

 

"Not important. Where are your parents?"

 

She seemed startled by the question, Ranpo realized. Not only that but she seemed rather caught off guard by the people around. Was it the amount of people around?

 

No. Not really. Ranpo deduced she seemed startled about the fact that there were people around. The existence of humans seemed to be the cause of this little distress. As stupid as that sounded. His face didn't give anything away. But upon seeing she won't be responding to the question he fixed his hat and placed a bright smile on his face and spoke.

 

"Well. You, little girl, just won a ticket to accompany the world's greatest detective to a bizarre mystery case!"

 

Ranpo said with a dramatic pose. The kid looked quite young so he supposed he could just humor her for now. Then take her to the agency after he's done with the case.

 

"Nuh uh."

 

"Excuse me?"

 

Ranpo blinked twice at the girl who now crossed her arms. Staring up at him with a frown. She eventually pointed an accusing finger to Ranpo's direction. Her tone a bit too close to disappointment.

 

"You lied to me! Are you trying to kidnap me? Because I dont want to fight any blood-covered screaming eyeballs right now!"

 

Ranpo blinked down with a...concerned expression. He wished he didn't know better. Maybe then he could've brushed this off as an illusion of children's big wide imagination.

 

"I'm sorry. I was embarrassed."

 

Ranpo made all sorts of disgusted faces as he confessed. He will so remember this before going to sleep and toss and turn all night. But he barely had the energy to disagree with this child. And he didn't have anyone with him who could do the negotiating for him.

 

At least this honesty seemed to work on the kid as she suddenly dropped the disappointed look and chuckled with a light sound. Waving her hand dismissively as she speaks with a light voice.

 

"Oh I was just joking! It's okay! You don't have to be embarrassed." She said with a tilt of her head. Snickering lightly when Ranpo gave an even more concerned look at her direction.

 

She was at first nervous. It had been a long time since she last interacted with a human being. But it wasn't..that bad. Sure everything was extremely different from where she came from but it wasn't as terrifying as she thought it could be.

 

She quickly bounced forward and gripped onto Ranpo's cape. Pointing excitedly at a train that just arrived.

 

"Come on! That's our train!!"

 

Ranpo blinked. Oh hell no he wasn't missing this train a second time. The interrogation could wait. He quickly held the younger kid by her wrist and started sprinting to the train, carelessly pushing everyone out of their way. The kid was startled at first but Ranpo realized she eventually caught up and joined him with a small laugh.

 

--

 

They managed to find somewhere to sit on on the train. Ranpo huffed and threw himself to the seat with a tired expression. An hour and half. This was going to take an hour and half. Maybe he should just give up on going to the case and get off in Yokohama.

 

No. The police department had been informed that he would come. As much as he enjoyed causing chaos he didn't want Fukuzawa to work overtime to write more apology letters on his behalf.

 

Perhaps it was an opportunity to talk to this kid— At the mention of her. He stared next to him and realized she had an extremely surprised look on her face as she watched outside the window. Had she never been on a train? This seemed like a possible idea.

 

"You seem excited. First time riding a train?" He asked with a small smile. Raising an eyebrow. He couldnt necessarily make fun of her. He reacted the same when he got on a train for the first time with his parents.

 

"Yeah! We don't exactly have trains in where I came from. At least not trains like this one."

 

He would've asked if she's from the countryside if he didn't know better. So he simply brushed off the thought and responded with a simple nod before he realized he forgot to ask the kid her name. He shifted in his seat and turned to face the kid who was currently sitting on her knees with her back turned to the rest of the passengers. Too focused watching outside. Definitely not a proper way to sit but who was he to scold her?

 

"Well. We never really met officially. I'll go first. I'm Ranpo! The greatest detective in all of Yokohama! Well. The whole world, actually!"

 

A normal reaction to him saying that would be suspicion. And he made peace with that. It just made things even more enjoyable as he could destroy those suspicions with ease. But genuine enthusiasm and excitement wasn't what he was used to. So when she suddenly turned to him with literal stars in her eyes Ranpo couldn't help but feel surprised.

 

"That's so cool! Even your clothes are perfect for a detective!" She said excitedly and suddenly held his cape up as if making a point. And Ranpo only felt at ease. He forgot how easy it was talking to kids than adults. No wonder he used to have a huge dislike for the latter.

 

"Mhm! Well, You! My dear assistant of the day. What's your name?" He asked with a warm smile. Perhaps this was a bit more enjoyable than he thought it would be.

 

"I'm Adeleine! I'm an artist— see?" She says as she suddenly takes out a paint brush. Holding it up for Ranpo to see. "I love drawing for my friends and the things I draw come to life!!"

 

She seemed really eager about it. Especially about drawing for her friends part.

 

Ranpo nod in acknowledgement. Good. He was certain wherever this kid came from had plenty to do with supernatural abilities but it was pleasant to confirm his theory before anything else.

 

"That's cool! So you're an ability user too?"

 

Ranpo asked carefully with a surprised look. Trying his best to look natural with his excitement. He had to figure out where exactly this kid came from. An illegal ability research company seemed like the best option so far. She was clearly startled by the way there were people around and..as much as he couldn't explain the blood covered eyeball with that one he could always assume it was a part of the tests and she just described it this way. Although he'd admittedly expect her to be much more hateful towards people if that was the case.

 

Fine it didn't quite fit and he was well aware. But what else could it be anyways?

 

"A what?" She asked with a small smile. Clearly confused.

 

That, Ranpo wasn't expecting. Yeah. She clearly wasn't from around here. And Ranpo was suddenly less sure how much this 'around here' would extend.

 

"An Ability user. Humans don't usually have super natural abilities. But there are some like you and I." He didn't really like having this conversation. For multiple reasons. Abilities usually brought tragedy. And this kid was far too young to be going through that.

 

"If your drawings come to life like you say they do then congrats. You're also an ability user!" He said with a smile. It really wasn't good news. But he wasn't about to explain this to a child.

 

He suspected whatever she might posses isn't actually like an ability. At least an ability from 'this world'. But right now it'd be easier to brush it off as one. Besides. He had an amazing way to test this theory once they make it to the agency. Dazai's 'no longer human' deactivates every ability as long as he's touching the user. If this 'ability' is something other-worldly like he's suspecting then this would be the easiest way to prove it.

 

"I'm an ability user? That's such a cool name! All my friends also are, then. But wait. Is it a title only for humans? Because if so then my friends are not ability users. Wait..then what would that make them??"

 

Yep. Definitely something otherworldly.

 

-

 

Once they finally got off the train an hour later, Ranpo's head felt like a bowl of soup. So other world's existed. This kid was from one of them. They had godly balls accidentally destroying other universes and galactic wars as a weekly event.

 

Of course Ranpo wouldn't just believe that. So he asked if she escaped from an asylum instead. Made sure to check all the missing children posts on the internet and checked twice if she was on any substances.

 

Each test recieved him a laugh from Adeleine. Calling him silly but claiming she was enjoying this game. So when the opportunity first arrived he grabbed her a piece of paper to draw on.

 

And so she carefully draw a generic magnifying glass on the paper. Saying it's for Ranpo because every detective needs one.

 

And then the drawing casually came to life.

 

She simply held it for Ranpo to take with a smile on her face. Ranpo reached and took the item with suspicion. Holding it up to his eye and..well. it worked perfectly.

 

The rest of the walk to the crime scene was spent with Adeleine telling Ranpo more about where she came from. She didn't seem even mildly startled by the horrors she was telling Ranpo though.

 

This all felt like a fever dream. So before they went to approach the police officers Ranpo told her to not talk about this to anyone. It's a secret between detectives he said with a cheeky smile and Adeleine was more than happy to join in the fun. So they made their way to the police officer.

 

As expected the police officers already knew Ranpo and showed far too much respect, making it rather boring in Ranpo's opinion. A police officer eventually told Ranpo he'd be leading him to the dead body. So just like any other responsible adult would Ranpo asked Adeleine to wait near the police officer. He wouldn't be taking too long anyways.

 

"No."

 

"Pardon?"

 

"I'm not just going to wait here! You said I was your assistant. I can't help with the investigation when the crime scene is all the way over there." She huffed.

 

However Ranpo knew better than showing that kid a literal dead body. And he had to take a look at it if he wanted to solve the case. Well this just wouldn't do.

 

"Uh.. how about you stay here and watch my back? Warn me if the murder tries to strike again."

 

She didn't seem too convinced. But she simply puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. Obviously unhappy and perhaps a bit disappointed. Ranpo did tell her she'd be helping.. so it was partially his fault. He might as well finish with this quickly. Perhaps they could buy sweets on their way back to the agency. That seemed like a good idea to cheer her up.

 

And so Ranpo left Adeine with a tall black haired police man.

 

The man's name was familiar. Ranpo didn’t work personally with him before but he knew he was a local.

 

He left. Letting the rest of the group lead him to the dead body.

 

And he was really glad he left the kid with the police officer. Because the victim looked no older than she was. He had gotten quite used to the sight of dead. But children were a different case. He slightly kneeled down and inspected the injury. They apparently found him in the alleyway. He was a local who came to the library to take his study books he forgot the day before. And someone must've lured him to that alleyway.

 

He watched as two police officers fully removed the white cloth blanketing the boy's body. He was laying on his back with a clear stab wound despite how Ranpo hadn't been handed any autopsy reports. He took out his glasses and wore them. As much as they technically didn't hold any magical powers, it still made it easier to focus.

 

The answers came to him extremely fast per usual. Yet he wasn't happy with the conclusion he came to.

 

The victim had a clear stab wound. One's immediate assumption would be that he passed away from blood loss. But there wasn't nearly enough blood to support that. Nor were there any scars that could be left from a possible struggle. If the victim had been stabbed he wouldn't immediately die. There would be signs of struggle. At least more than one cut. So this was a show to hide the truth.

 

He turned the body around as realization hit him. Revealing a huge bruise on thr back of the victims head. And not so surprisingly the police officer seemed surprised at the new clue too. He had been placed like that on purpose. Indicating whoever did that had an access to the investigation. One of the police officers. Especially considering the wound that clearly caused the death looked far too much like it was caused by a baton.

 

-

 

"Sooo...Mister police officer. I'm Adeleine! I'm detective Ranpo's assistant and I'm on duty to make sure he doesn't get ambushed!" Adeleine was far from content. She was promised a fun detective adventure and she was stuck with this police officer she didn't even know the name of.

 

"It's a delight to have you here young lady. If Ranpo picked you to be his assistant you must be quite special?"

 

The police officer responded with a friendly smile. And oh boy Adeleine was more than excited to tell him about her 'special ability'. Ranpo did tell her not to talk about it. But it was fine. Because the nice police officer was on their side after all.

 

"I am! I am an ability user! Well. That's what Ranpo called it at least. Anything I draw comes to life!!"

 

The police officer raised an eyebrow but his smile didn't flatter. He then kneeled down to pat the kid's head.

 

"Is that so? I must be very lucky then. Let me get you some ice cream to show my gratitude?" He chuckled and jerked his head to an ice cream shop down the street.

 

Adelieine had literal stars in her eyes at the suggestion. But she knew she had to wait here. She promised she'd watch Ranpo's back! So as unfortunate as it was she had to say no that very kind offer.

 

"I wish..but I promised Ranpo I'd be here to watch his back. I can't leave!" She shook her head. But the ice cream shop was so colorful and she could see a bunch of other kids on the line with their parents.

 

That's what it meant to have a family. Going and getting ice cream together.

 

"Ah. You're such a thoughtful young lady. But you know, I heard the detective has a big sweet tooth! And sometimes his coworkers have to bribe him with soft drinks! I'm sure he'd forgive you for leaving if we got him some ice cream too!" The police officer suggested with a tilt of his head.

 

Wow. This guy really wanted to go get ice cream. Perhaps he didn't have a family therefore no one to go with? Well..in that case Adeleine would have to agree going with him. Poor guy! It's probably very lonely. And if what he said was true then she could maybe surprise the detective by getting him the world's biggest ice cream.

 

"Mmm. I guess we can go then! But we'll ve very quick, alright?" She said with a serious voice. Raising a finger as if scolding a child. The police officer only seemed amused by that behavior. He laughed before standing up and offering her his hand.

 

"Whatever you say. We'll go and come back in the blink of an eye."

Chapter Text

Adeleine was more than happy going on an "ice-cream-eating-advanture" than a "stand-here-and-wait-advanture". She was honestly upset with the detective but she wouldn't mention it. Maybe it was just something she couldn't help with. So Ranpo ended up saying that to make her feel better. It didn't make her feel better. But she did appreciate the effort.

 

Well, regardless, she was about to prove him wrong. Because ever since she mentioned being an 'ability user' this police officers expression changed drastically. He looked like just found treasure! This was a pretty suspicious thing in her opinion. If she figured out the culprit before Ranpo then she could show him just how much help she could be! And she had to say. With so many clues. She was likely much closer to the answer than the detective himself was!

 

So of course, she took the obvious bait on purpose. However she didn't really..plan ahead. To how she would catch the culprit. She still had her paintbrush though. So it couldn't be too hard ...probably.

 

"So, Mister police officer. Where exactly are we going?" She asked with a sly smile. Really getting into that master detective act Ranpo seemed to put up as he talked about his amazing skills back at the train.

 

This would be easy. She would just use her paint brush and capture him before he can escape!

 

"Ah. So you noticed? I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything less. But I do need to thank that detective. Just when we lost our young ability user he brings me a new one." The police officer responded immediately. Pausing in his tracks and staring down at the much shorter kid.

 

She would've expected him to..at least deny it.

 

And that crooked smile the man wore.

 

Adeleine didn't really realize how intimidating he was until then.

 

But she already won. Right? She figured out the culprit.

 

The disturbing sight had been more than enough clue to make her realize the police officer wouldnt back down without a fight.

 

A shame she only realized after she was suddenly dragged to the nearest alleyway and thrown to the ground.

 

This felt different than how things worked in her world. The pain felt much more..vivid. for starters. And everything just felt..so much sharper. Adeleine stared down at her knees and saw small red scratches. Blood trickling down her legs.

 

As if the mere sight pulled a trigger the small injury suddenly started stinging more. She couldn't stop a frown forming on her face as she tried to stand up. Stumbling back and trying to brush the dust off of her skirt.

 

It was rare to feel something so intense. So terrifying. It would be fine. Though. She wasn't an easy target like this big bad guy thought she was. So she quickly reached for her paintbrush and and started drawing on the nearest surface. Which was the wall near her.

 

This would be an easy fight. According to Ranpo, not many people possessed magic like she did. So if she simply painted the enemies they defeated before from her world like she often did, she could easily win this!

 

So she did that. Quickly drawing the 'ice dragon' assuming freezing their culprit would be the easiest way to capture him.

 

But the ice dragon never bounced out of the wall like it always did. And before she realized, the so called police officer had already caught on and grabbed her by her wrist. Trying to pry the paint brush off of her hands.

 

She didn't let go. In fact, with a quick movement she managed to get some of the paint on the man's face. Smiling slightly when the man literally howled in pain.

 

Adeleine gripped the paint brush with both of her hands. Using all her strength to take it back. But before she could break free, she recieved a strong kick straight to her stomach. Which sent her literally flying back to the wall, considering her size difference with her enemy.

 

She cried out in frustration. It wasn't supposed to hurt this much. She wrapped her arms around herself in desperation as she heard footsteps approaching where she sat. She couldn't help the tears welling up in her eyes. Adeleine pulled her knees up to her chest and didn't dare staring up. This wasn't like her world. This was nothing like her world. And she had no idea what would happen to her now.

 

-

 

If there had been a reward for being the worst babysitter Ranpo likely would've won it.

 

Ranpo was immediately back up on his feet. Pushing every police officer out of his way with a surprising amount of strength. He had no idea as to why this supposed police officer would like to abduct a child but that was a question for later.

 

His suspicions were confirmed when he made his way back to where he left the two. A few police officers following after him in panic and asking far too many questions for him to answer at the moment. This was a busy street. They could've gone anywhere. But considering there are other officers around he couldn't have forcefully drag her with him—.

 

Ranpo immediately spotted the ice-cream shop down the street. The easiest way to get her to follow him would be that spot. It was a crowded street. He must've dragged her to a nearby alleyway.

 

So after giving a brief explanation to the officers and telling them to cut off every way out of the main area, he placed a hand over his hat and started sprinting down the street as fast as he could.

 

This was embarrassing. He had this kid for less than 2 hours and she had gone and gotten herself kidnapped already. Was he that terrible of an example? His instructions were extremely clearly. But again..this was a child. And he only had himself to blame for this situation. He could've brought her with him. Or at least bother checking if the police officer is safe or not before leaving her with him. He could pay more attention. If he dod he probably would've sensed something was wrong— but no. Of course he couldn't be bothered do something as simple as that. Now he had no idea where the kid was and if anything happened to her Ranpo doubt he could forgive himself.

 

He had to calm down now.

 

He could let those thoughts eat him out at around 4am tonight. Now he had to save that kid before anything happened to her. The man wouldn't kill her..no. something must've piqued his interest. Ranpo doubt the guy was just trying to kidnap random children off the streets.

 

There must've been a connection. But Ranpo didn't know what. He barely know anything about the case.

 

He bumped into a few people. Nearly losing his balance. His eyes searching every alleyway he runs by.

 

This was getting ridiculous. He couldnt do anything even if he caught up with them. What had gotten into him? He was acting without thinking. Extremely abnormal of him considering he'd usually settle on thinking and not acting at all.

 

Regardless, he pushed through a crowd of people again and stopped by the entrance of another alleyway right next to the ice cream shop. He was panting from all the running. He could barely walk up the stairs to the agency. What made him think he could make a run for it? He took in a sharp breath before reaching for his phone. Cringing at just how sweaty his palms were.

 

Atsushi said him and kyouka would go shopping. Likely wouldn't even notice him calling. Everyone else was back at the agency. It would be too late. Did Adeleine even realize something was wrong? If she did, what would he do to her? Ranpo's grip on the telephone was growing tighter and tighter and despite his raising panic he couldn't move a muscle.

 

The ringing of his phone brought him back to his senses. He let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding as he saw the name of the caller.

 

It was Dazai.

 

He blinked and tried to brush off the obvious panic from his voice as he answered the call.

 

"Hey Ranpo! I found this nice ice cream shop at Shinjuku center. You want me to get you anything?"

 

His voice didn't only come from the phone but also from his front left. He lowered the phone with a dumbfounded expression and turned his eyes to where the voice came from.

 

He swallowed thickly upon facing a smiling Dazai sitting at a window table inside the shop all by himself. Waving at him with his free hand. His usual cheerfulness showing.

 

Ranpo didn't know if it was relief that washed over him or even more distress.

 

-

 

Why did her magic not work? She didn't need a canvas for her drawings to come to life. And she knew her brush still worked because when she showed it to Ranpo it was working just fine.

 

"If you don't cause me any more trouble I can actually get you ice cream as a reward."

 

She didn't respond. Merely scoffed at the words. She had to figure out a way to get her brush back.

 

However the man wasnt very pleased with Adeleine refusing to respond, as his next action was crouching down and grabbing a handful of her hair in a painful grip.

 

"Do you understand?"

 

Shed be lying if she said she wasn't scared. But now that the man's face was close by, Adeleine didn't think twice before poking the man's eyes with her fingers. As hard as she could. Digging her nails to the man's already damaged eyes.

 

That clearly caused much more damaged than the paint did. The man let go of her immediately and clutched at his face. Adeleine took the opportunity and pushed herself up to her feet. Ignoring the sticky feeling on her fingers.

 

She looked ground for a second seeing the man had dropped her paint brush she reached over to grab it. But before she could do so, the man who had already healed from her previous attack grabbed her by her wrist and easily switched their positions again. This time throwing her back against the wall but not letting go.

 

She grunted and stared at the man with a haunted expression as he took out a gun and pressed it painfully against her skull. Adeleine didn't stand a chance in terms of physical strength. Let alone now that she didn't have her paintbrush brush.

 

She didn't realize she was crying until then. Making a pathetic noise as she tried to break free from the man's grasp. Which only caused the gun to be pressed against her head tighter.

 

Then suddenly, the pressure on her head grew weak. As the police officers attention clearly shifted to something..or someone else. Adeleine made a surprised noise as the man suddenly wrapped his arm around her neck. Holding her in a painfully tight grip as he kept holding the gun against her head.

 

Despite the awkward position, she managed to raise her head up enough to see who was standing in front of them.

 

This was likely the shittiest and most risky plan Ranpo made in a while. But again, when were his plans not shitty and risky? He was only bothered by it because he didn't like putting other lives at risk. Even if he's sure everything will turn out fine. And right now was even worse considering this was a literal kid.

 

"If you take another step, I'll shoot a bullet right through her skull." The man spoke. As much as he tried to appear threatening Adeleine could feel him tense up. He was scared.

 

She turned her sight to Ranpo. Who looked absolutely unphased. She was surprised by how brave he looked. He looked extremely sure of himself. Adeleine wondered how Ranpo would save her and capture the culprit. Not to be rude, but if anything Ranpo looked rather defenseless. Maybe he was good at fighting or something? That must be it. Considering how unphased he seemed.

 

"Nothing exciting happens these days, am I right? Please tell me you have a better plan than waving that thing around?" Ranpo asked with a lopsided smile. Tilting his head and offering the police officer an almost pitying look.

 

Adeleine watched in awe. He wasn't scared at all. No wonder this guy was the greatest detective in the whole world. He didn't fear anything.

 

Adeleine's expression grew hopeful. And Ranpo's shoulder's relaxed ever so slightly.

 

But he couldn't help but bite his lower lip as the police officer suddenly gripped onto the kid much harder. Pressing the muzzle of the gun against her head with much more pressure than before. Throwing a wild, almost desperate look at the detective.

 

"Don't be so cocky now, detective. You're quite useless without your friends. No ability to defend yourself. Let alone defend this brat. Walk away if you value your life."

 

Adeleine raised her eyebrows at the statement. That couldn't be true. Why would he look wo relaxed or come here alone in the first place? This was clearly a mean way for that so called police officer to get the upper hand. She made an annoyed noise and started struggling again. Stepping on the man's foot as hard as she could.

 

Ranpo was hardly phased by the wording. It was absolutely wrong, first of all. He'd hardly call himself useless. But before he could response he watched with a look far too close to panic, as Adeleine tried to struggle out of the man's hold.

 

He felt his smile drop as the man snaked his arm around Adeleine's throat tighter. Making her caugh out in surprise. He tried to keep a natural expression as the man glared up at him. Clearly threatening.

 

"Now, now. Let's not get testy. We both know you won't shoot your precious package. What would your boss think if you lost not one but two young ability users in a day?"

 

Who exactly did he work for? Ranpo had no idea. But they were collecting young ability users. That much was clear. So technically, unless Ranpo played his cards horribly wrong, he wouldn't shoot Adeleine.

 

The police officer smirked in response. It was an ugly and crazed sight Ranpo had to actively hold back an eye roll.

 

"Oh fine. You got me there. But do tell me, what exactly makes you think your life is not any risk?" The officer chuckled and pointed the gun at him.

 

Ranpo was far too used to the sight. He didn't even need to try to look unphased. He narrowed his eyes and felt a strange guilt clench inside his chest as he saw Adeleine looking back at him with wide eyes. She was worried and scared. Ranpo sighed and offered him a gentle smile.

 

"A shame the poor kid will have to watch me scratch off the remainings of you from the pavement."

 

So dramatic, Ranpo thought sarcastically and glanced at the man with narrowed eyes. Too bad Ranpo already got what he wanted.

 

He just needed to make sure the man would be pointing the gun somewhere else before Dazai attacks and snatches it off of him. To make sure the kid wouldn't be caught in the cross fire.

 

He didn't even spare Dazai a glance as the man speed walked over to them. Somehow without making any noise at all. Ranpo simply bounced off the way seconds before the police officer fired the gun.

 

The bullet merely scratched his cape and before anyone realized, the so called police officer was smacked down to the ground with a loud thud.

 

On top of him was Dazai with a natural expression. Although Ranpo could tell how annoyed he was in truth.

 

"Are you alright?" Dazai turned to him eventually. He wanted to roll his eyes to the absurdity of the question. Without responding he glanced down and held up his cape where it was damaged for Dazai to see.

 

"Yeah. Nothing a little sewing can't save."

 

And after responding he dropped his gaze at Adeleine, who seemed almost frozen in place as she glanced between her kidnapper and Ranpo.

 

This was her fault, she couldn't help but think. If she just did what she was told then Ranpo would figure it out and none of this would happen. He wouldn't get nearly shot because of her—..

 

"You followed him on purpose. You knew it was a trap." Ranpo stated quietly. Clenching his fists. It was his turn to give her a disappointed look. He wasn't angry. He was just— worried. Far too worried for this kid he had known for only less than a day.

 

Oh.

 

He didn't really appreciate the sudden feeling of dejavu wash over him.

 

This felt far too much like how him and Fukuzawa met 13 years ago. How he got himself 'kidnapped' by a 'police officer' to prove something so useless. That he was 'enough' and that he could 'help'.

 

Well no wonder Fukuzawa slapped him across the face that night. Ranpo definitely understood now why he had been so furious then.

 

Not furious exactly. Worried. He bad been worried because it was so sickening to see a child experience a near death situation right before his eyes. And unlike Fukuzawa he wasn't strong. Useless in terms of strength. So he just watched. Merely played the role of a distraction as Dazai took care of the actual issue.

 

Jeez he hadn't felt this shitty in so long.

 

When Ranpo next opened his eyes he had an extra weight clinging onto him for dear life. Crying quietly and hugging him as she apologized for what felt like a hundredth time. He blinked and looked over to his coworker. Who only gave him a dumbfounded look.

 

Ranpo's sucked in a shaky breath and raised a hand to gently pat her head. Awkwardly wrapping his other arm around her to return the hug.

 

Ranpo held Adeleine close as a group of officers walked past them and dragged the culprit to a car. All Ranpo could hear was the quiet apologies, however. The rest of the voices were muffled and barely audible in the back of his head. It was his fault things ended up that way. So it felt extra bad to hear her apologize to him. As If she was scared Ranpo would just— leave her or something like that.

 

The same way he was scared he'd be left alone. Abandoned.

 

He ever so slightly tightened his hold and closed his eyes.
He wouldn't let anything like this happen ever again. He would figure out a way to bring that kid back to where she came from. And make sure no harm comes her way till then.

Chapter Text

"Chocolate, Vanilla and..oh Ranpo look! They have red bean paste too! Your favorite, right?" Dazai pointed excitedly as they three stood in front of the ice cream shop.

 

The weird man wrapped in bandages who's name was 'Dazai' apparently offered to buy them ice cream. Soon eventually Adeleine found out that he was a coworker of Ranpo. He was the one who fought off that evil guy after all. So she supposed it would be fine to trust him.

 

Adeleine never realized but Ranpo knew well Dazai watched them as Ranpo -quite hopelessly- tried to comfort Adeleline.

 

Funny enough, even after the tears had stopped; Adeleine still refused to let go of Ranpo's arm. Clinging onto him like a kicked puppy. Dazai personally found it hilarious while Ranpo was unsure what to feel. He wanted to take care of her— of course. He was fully aware what happened was his fault. And although he wasn't the one to get attached fast...the dejavu hit him a bit too hard to recover quick enough. He had already adopted an arm-full of trouble before he even realized.

 

But was he truly suitable for this? Seriously. She had been holding onto his arm for dear life ever since they left the alleyway. And he absolutely knew that look. She felt bad. Clearly.

 

But not because she nearly got killed, no. She seemed more upset at the fact that she 'disappointed' him. She was upset because she felt useless. And it was as clear as day, Ranpo could tell she barely acknowledged the importance of her well being. He knew that recklessness all too well.

 

Ever since they first met, the way she looked around and the way she talked to people..Ranpo didn't know why or how exactly but he knew the kid was overly isolated from humanity for a long time. From what she had told him it seemed she was the only human being in where she came from. Which was..weird. absurd. But he didn't force answers out of her.

 

For now he'd just have to make sure she'd safe– and then figure out a way to take her back h—

 

"Uhhh. Ranpo??"

 

"Huh. Oh. Yeah. Right. Red bean paste sounds good. What flavor do you want?"

 

Ranpo responded perhaps a bit too quickly as he was brought back to his senses. Dazai sending him a small concerned look. As if he needed it..he shook off the thought. He'd think about what to do later.

 

Ranpo glanced down at Adeleine. She was currently fidgeting with her paint brush. Which had been returned to her by Dazai after all the chaos. She barely raised her head to look at the options. She was far too short to see them Ranpo realized.

 

He slightly leaned down and picked Adeleine up. Ranpo wasn't exactly strong but he wasn't too weak to carry a 12 year old. Seriously. Most of the time he only seemed weak because everyone else at the agency was insanely strong.

 

"Do you have mint chocolate?" She asked as she looked down at the colorful signs attached to each ice cream bowl. That seemed to uplift her mood a bit. Ranpo smiled in relief.

 

The man who worked there was a short young adult with curly blond hair. He gave them a brief nod and a smile before reaching for the ice cream bowl which had a turquoise text on it. However his expression dropped at the sight. He raised his head with an apologetic smile as he spoke.

 

"Ah. My apologies miss. It seems we don't have any left."

 

Oh. Way to kill her barely uplifted mood. Ranpo's smile thinned. Turning his gaze at Adeleine he realized she seemed equally upset. Ranpo wasted no time before stepping closer and pointing at a sign with pastel pink text on it that read 'cotton candy'.

 

"How about this one? A big scoop of cotton candy ice cream!"

 

The young man chuckled with a pleasant sound before reaching for that bowl instead, "Yeah, I can do that, sir."

 

Adeleine raised her eyebrows. It wasn't that bad of an idea. She gave a small nod of approval and before she even realized, she was handed a big scoop of soft pink cotton candy ice cream.

 

The ice cream was nice and round. The pink ball reminded her of someone and she smiled slightly. The sprinkles on top of it only added to her satisfaction.

 

Ranpo, who was actively arguing with Dazai over something meaningless and also eating his ice cream simultaneously, glanced at her for a brief moment.

 

Mission accomplished, then. She sure seemed happy.

 

-

 

"The Armed Detective Agency?" Adeleine asked with a tilt of her head as they stood in front of a tall building made out of red bricks.

 

The entrance was through a Cafe. The bell on the door ringed cheerfully as they entered. Dazai in the front wore a foolish smile and called out to the waitress with what she assumed was supposed to be a "charming" voice.

 

"Yeah. We deal with cases the police can't handle, mostly with ability users. Everyone in there has abilities. There are two kids your age too—..Kenji and Kyouka. I'm sure you'll get along." Ranpo said, trying to sound not too interested. He barely gave Dazai an explanation. Although he doubt he actually had to give him one. But the rest of the agency—

 

How was he supposed to explain them she came quite literally from a different world?

 

Regardless, he'd make it work; he thought as he stared down at the kid. She was still slightly holding onto his arm. Her green sweater had wrinkles and dust all over it. And her hat was missing.

 

He didn't get a chance to ask what exactly happened earlier. He was unsure if she'd like to talk about it to begin with but..

 

They had to talk.

 

"Come on, Dazai. We're already late. I don't want to watch Kunikida strangle you a second time today." He huffed as he stood in front of the staircase. Giving dazai an exhausted look as the taller man obnoxiously tried to flirt with the waitress. Trying to convince her to do a double suicide with him.

 

Seriously. Not the best thing to talk about in front of a kid.

 

Dazai laughed and walked over to them after waving at the waitress. Poor woman seemed almost thankful when Ranpo called Dazai.

 

"Aw, yeah, you're right as always..But I wasn't exactly slacking off this time!"

 

"I suppose that's true." He shrugged. But spared a small, thankful smile at his direction anyways.

 

Dazai's smile thinned. But Ranpo knew it was a genuine smile. One filled with understanding. Although they never exchanged words, there was a small agreement between the. A different level of understanding each other. Never mentioned but always there. And Ranpo definitely appreciated it more on days like these.

 

They climbed up the stairs quietly. Dazai in front of them walking with his hands in his pockets. Adeleined eyed the bandages that covered the most of his skin. Was he hurt? She could always draw him some food.

 

Ranpo and Adeleine trailed after Dazai. Adeleine holding Ranpo's arm and the side of his cape. Almost hiding behind him.

 

"Everything alright?" He asked quietly. Slightly turning his head to look at the shorter kid. She seemed startled hearing the question but quickly recovered and placed a thin smile on her face

 

"A bit shy is all..and I'm still sorry I caused you trouble like that. I just—" Ranpo slowed down and she paused in her tracks. Remembering how Ranpo's first words upon seeing her was basically calling her out on getting kidnapped on purpose. He seemed very disappointed.

 

She sniffled quietly before continuing, "—I just..really...Really wanted to help you."

 

Ranpo opened his eyes. Staring down at Adeleine as she tried to brush off her tears with one hand. The dust and mud on her hands causing the whipped tears to leave smudges over her face.

 

"I really don't care if you help me or not. I was..upset. Because I didn't want you to get hurt. Because you're still just a kid."

 

He kneeled down enough to be on eye level with her. His voice quiet and lacking the confidence it usually has. He narrowed his eyes, a bit embarrassed with his speech clearly.

 

When he returned his gaze at her, Adeleine looked dumbfounded. As if he spoke some alien language to her. The sight made his embarrassment grow and he groaned in exhaustion before taking his hat off and putting it on Adeleine's head. Holding the cap over her face so he wouldn't have to bare the sight any longer.

 

"You can have this for now. You've..done a good job today, alright?" He said with puffed cheeks. His hands shoved inside his pockets. Not that he minded being sentimental. It was just..idiotic of him to care this much about a kid he met today.

 

Was this world's sick way of making fun of him? Either that or history in fact repeats itself.

 

"Thank you." She answered quietly. Using her free hand to adjust the hat on her face.

 

"You two coming?" Dazai eventually called from the top of the staircase. Ranpo rolled his eyes and nod his head. Knowing well Dazai was watching and seeing right through him.

 

"Mhm! Sorry for making you wait, Mister Dazai." Adeleine responded eagerly, to Ranpo's surprise. She gave a squeeze to his arm where she was holding it and started dragging Ranpo upstairs with a big smile that reached her eyes.

 

Ranpo made an alarmed noise but couldn't help but feel relieved at the sight. And from the corner of his eye he could see Dazai playfully smirking at him.

 

-

 

"So..your name is Adeleine?" A boy with white hair and funny clothing asked her as she stood in the middle of the office.

 

She was circled by many funny looking people.

 

"Uh— yeah.." She responded with a small nod and smile.

 

"Is that Ranpo's hat.?" A girl with navy blue hair peeked her head behind the white haired boy. She seemed a bit shy. But her voice was filled with surprise and a tiny bit of..envy?

 

"Where did you meet him?" A very tall blond man asked her before she could respond to the previous question.

 

"Well—"

 

"Oooo! I really like you paint brush! Are you an artist?" A much shorter blond boy suddenly appeared behind her and caused her to jump in surprise.

 

She opened her mouth to respond but before she could make the words come out she was grabbed by someone, twirled and and squeezed in a tight hug. An ear bleeding, high pitched scream filled the air as she managed to peek an eye open to see a girl wearing a school uniform. She had beautiful long black hair.

 

"KYAAA!! ISN'T SHE JUST THE CUTEST? LOOK AT HER SKIRT AND LEG WARMERS!!"

 

"Naomi.! You're going to scare her." An exasperated boy with ginger hair appeared behind them and right on cue Adeleine recieved just enough space to take in a deep breath.

 

"Calm down everyone. At least give her time to respond before asking another question." A pretty woman with short black hair sighed. Adeleine really liked her butterfly hair pin. And when the woman gave her a smile Adeleine felt a bit shy.

 

This felt warm. This felt like home. She was surrounded by people like her. This felt like soothing an ache she didn't feel before. Filling a hole she never realized that was there to begin with.

 

"Oh, president!" Naomi exclaimed with excitement. Still weakly hugging Adeleine but with enough space for her to breathe this time. She raised her head and saw a tall man with silver hair come out of a room. He was quite tall and his expression was a bit intimidating. Dazai and Ranpo trailed after him. Both smiling.

 

-

 

"She's quite literally from another dimension." Ranpo told Fukuzawa as him and Dazai tried to explain him the situation.

 

Fukuzawa wished it was a joke but it clearly wasn't. Not when both Ranpo and Dazai seemed dead serious about it. And he knew well Ranpo absolutely despised responsibility. He wouldn't just bring a child here for the fun of it.

 

He believed them. But told them not to inform the rest of the agency just yet. There were far too many questions. He'd let the rest of them know in a meeting tomorrow. For now they'd have to think of what to do with her.

 

He sends Ranpo off to work alone for once and he comes back with a child from some other world. Seriously. What are the odds?

 

According to them, she had an 'ability'. Of course they don't call them that and everyone is kind of..magical? Apparently? It was a lot to take in at once.

 

"I suggest she stays with us until we find a way to get her back." Ranpos suddenly spoke up. Fukuzawa raised his eyebrows in surprise.

 

This certainly wasn't what he had in mind. Maybe give her to a foster family until they figure it out— something along these lines.

 

"That so called police officer must have been working under someone. They're searching for young ability users and today just made her an open target." Dazai added with a thin smile. Ranpo supposed even he didn't know who exactly they were dealing with.

 

Which made him a bit stressfull, honestly. It wasn't fun not knowing what they're dealing with.

 

"I agree with Ranpo. It'd be safer for her to stay with us." Dazai added after a few seconds. Fukuzawa narrowed his eyes and considered it. She was an ability user and not like they didn't already have two fourteen year olds in the agency.

 

He's going to say yes. Ranpo thought in relief. He didn't know why he was so..eager about all that -or if this was even the right word for it- but he just wanted her to be safe.

 

"She looks no older than thirteen. She can't be alone." Fukuzawa looked back at them with a thoughtful expression. Normally they could easily provide her a room in the dormitory provided by the agency but she was a literal child.

 

"I'm sure Yosano wouldn't mind having her over for a while." Ranpo said with a shrug. She absolutely wouldn't. The amount of sharp objects in there would probably be considering but..Yosano was good at understanding people. Or he thought she was at least. She was very good at understanding him.

 

Fukuzawa sighed and nod eventually, "Alright. We'll ask her, then.". It was rare to see Ranpo so enthusiastic about an extra responsibility. But taking care of a child wasn't an easy task. He knew that well. So he couldnt help but worry a bit.

 

-

 

And so they made their way to the main office. Everyone straightened their posture the moment Fukuzawa entered the room. Ranpo however payed no mind to it and simply speed walked towards Adeleine and upon seeing the way she looked..happy. he felt himself relax.

 

"Ta-da! A welcome gift to the agency." Ranpo suddenly took out a big colorful lollipop from inside his sleeve. Adeleine's eyes took the shape of literal stars. She quickly took the treat and suddenly hugged the taller boy. Ranpo made a noise of surprise but was quick to return it.

 

"She'll be staying, president? What about her parents—?" Tanizaki asked but in return he recieved a light kick by Naomi. Who gave her a stern look.

 

Oh. Right. This did come out a bit insensitive.

 

Adeleine unburied her face from Ranpo's cape and she suddenly looked..a bit taken back. Her parents..

 

She didn't remember them. Not even a tiny bit. Was her world used to be like this one? Filled with people like her? What did it mean to have an actual family? She didn't even know the basics of how a 'family' functioned. She subconsciously curled her fingers around the cape a bit tighter. However she wasn't expecting to see a Light pat on her head in return. She stared back up and saw Ranpo giving her a weak smile.

 

They were friends now. It was nice having a friend. She was starting to feel lonely.

 

"Sorry..this was. A bit insensitive.." Tanizaki cleaned his throat before speaking. His voice weak and scared but Adeleine gave him a small nod anyways.

 

"We decided she could stay with Yosano for the mean time. If you're okay with that, Yosano?" Ranpo asked while still holding her. Yosano looked surprised for a second but gave a small nod of her head.

 

"I don't mind of course. But she has to promise she'll be good. I have far too many sharp objects around." She said with a playful smile. Which Ranpo slightly winced to. She would never hurt anyone for the fun of it but the playful threats weren't any less creepy despite how well aware he was of that fact.

 

He was about to respond but suddenly there was a tug on his cape.

 

"But I want to stay with you." Adeleine said and everyone but Dazai seemed surprised at the way she sounded extremely sincere. Especially Fukuzawa. He'd ask Dazai what exactly happened later.

 

"Huh— uh, no. That's—" Ranpo tried to respond but couldn't come up with an excuse when Adeleine suddenly cut him off.

 

"But you said I was your assistant!" She pouted. They both knew this wasn't the reason she wanted to stay with him, but Ranpo sadly couldn't call it out right now.

 

"Honestly, I do stay up late. Don't you go to sleep at 9pm and wake up strictly at 7? Sounds like the perfect schedule for a kid to me." Yosano chuckled. Clearly amused by the clinginess of the child. And also how Ranpo for some reason couldn't brush it off like he normally would.

 

"What?? No! That's absolutely not happening!" I can't even take care of myself alone, Ranpo nearly added. He sucked at house chores. Seriously. Everything was a mess- he literally occasionally had to ask the other members to come help him with the clean up!

 

So no way. There was absolutely no way she would be staying at Ranpo's apartment.

 

-

 

"Take off your shoes before entering." Ranpo sighed with exhaustion.

 

"Okay!" Adeleine responded without missing a beat. She placed her shoes on a corner and rushed inside. Running around and knowing how thin the walls are, probably bothering poor Kunikida who's room is right under his.

 

Ranpo followed after her and made his way to his room. Which was a mess with many papers and books. Far too many mechanical pencils with chewed tops and empty sweet bags.

 

He cringed at the sight before kneeling down to grab the books off of the floor. He wouldn't be cleaning them any time soon but at least they could stay on the table. He then moved to the bookshelf and eyed the small folding knife before deciding to take it.

 

He didn't think it could do any harm but..something inside him just felt uneasy with the thought of leaving it in front of a child.

 

Ranpo quickly took of his detective clothes and wore the plainest shirt and pants he could find. He absolutely did have many funny looking pyjamas but..he was far too exhausted for any of that.

 

Now the hard part.

 

This kid was a good 20 centimeters shorter than him. How was he supposed to find her clothes—?

 

"Mister Ranpo! Look!" She suddenly called from the other room and Ranpos thoughts were cut off. He turned around and saw Adeleine in the doorway. She was wearing a faint pink-ish sleepware with far too many ruffles and bows.

 

He saw the drawings on the alleyway. Which made him think her brush stopped working for some reason. But apparently not..?

 

"Do you like it?? I can make you a brown one so you can match with me!!" She suggested with a big smile but Ranpo was extremely quick refusing the offer. He followed her to the tiny living room after. Seeing she used the old case files Ranpo left on the floor to draw on. With an exasperated sigh he picked them up and carelessly threw them on top of the small coffee table.

 

"I thought your brush stopped working?" He asked with a curious look as he opened a cabinet to take out s futon for himself. Glancing at the small balcony in the process.

 

The sky was clear and the stars were shining so very brightly.

 

"I thought so too. But apparently not! I tried to draw an ice dragon to capture that evil officer but.." her excitement died a bit too quickly and Ranpo winced. "It..didn't work."

 

If she so confidently draw it, it must've worked before. Why did it not work here then?

 

Well this was not rocket science. Probably because those things didn't exist in this world. Through abilities maybe, sure, but not naturally.

 

He took out an extra pillow and placed it over the futon. "Probably because ice dragons don't exist in our world."

 

"They dont-?"

 

"Uh. No."

 

It was nearly 10PM Ranpo realized. He sighed and led Adeleine to his room. He really had no problem sleeping on the floor. But even if he wasn't, Fukuzawa taught him well enough to know how to treat a guest.

 

Honestly he only cared enough because he was growing an emotional attachment on accident. But he could still lie to himself.

 

"Are you sure you don't want to sleep here?" Adeleine asked with a tilt of her head as Ranpo pulled the covers over her.

 

"Nah. I'm good. Anything you want for breakfast?" He asked with a cheeky smile.

 

"Pancakes!" Adeleine responded eagerly and earned a bigger smile from Ranpo. He sucked at cooking, but this was probably the only dish he cared enough to learn how to cook.

 

"Pancakes it is then!" He confirmed. Before standing up getting ready to leave. But suddenly, there was a hand on his wrist.

 

"..thank you." Adeleine spoke after a moment of silence. Ranpo stared at her quietly before chuckling. Which caused Adeleine to wear a dumbfounded expression instead.

 

"Thank you. Couldn't have solved the case without the help of my loyal assistant." He said brightly. Turning off the light switch in the process.

 

Adeleine was left with a dumbfounded look on her face until Ranpo left.

 

Is this how it felt to have family?

 

She felt a smile forming up as she stared at the starry night.

 

But it died down just as quickly, as a sudden guilt took its place instead.

 

Her friends cared about her. And she loved them. She loved them more than anything, actually. She shouldn't be happy. She didn't even realize she was itching for human interaction until now.

 

Her friends were more than enough. Then why did she feel so guilty for being happy right now.?

 

She was making it sound like her friends weren't enough. But they were. Adeleine loved them more than anything. And this..ache she felt inside her. She didn't even realize it was there until now.

 

Adeleine curled on herself. Trying to think of her adventures with Ribbon and the others instead. They must've gotten worried sick while she was over here, smiling and laughing.

 

The guilt swallowed her whole as she tossed and turned around.

 

She missed her friends.

 

She missed Ribbon.

Chapter Text

Ranpo closed the door to his room and left Adeleine inside. Hoping she'd get at least a bit of sleep. Today had been..rather rough. After all.

 

He brushed the thought off and went over to get a glass of water instead. He had a lot of thinking to do and it was well past his bed time.

 

Not like he managed to keep the usual schedule after the events of the decay of angel.

 

Everything turned out to be fine. It was all that mattered. And Ranpo would never let anyone get this close to hurting his friends again. Never again. Especially with the added responsibility he had to be extra cautious.

 

Despite the fact that he didn't understand why he cared so much.

 

And that's what stressed him. Because this enemy was someone they didn't know and he just dragged a child into it.

 

Maybe Ranpo was just overly paranoid but someone searching for young ability users and collecting them? No. That couldn't be good at all. Especially not when they can already fool the police force of Japan.

 

Ranpo downed the glass of water and smacked the glass on the counter a bit harsher than necessary. The mere thought of the past events made his muscles tense. The sight of his friends dying one by one made his skin crawl and he doubt he could handle the sight of them dyed in red one more time.

 

Ranpo stared down at the futon he placed in the middle of his living room. Then out to the small balcony in front of it. He really needed the fresh air.

 

He slid open the door with a squeak and the gentle breeze of the night caressed his skin. He loved summer nights. The stars smiled down at him as he leaned on the railing. Staring back up at the stars.

 

What happened was his fault. If he had been paying more attention then he would've realized the danger right in front of them.

 

A kid just got hurt because he wasn't paying proper attention.

 

He fought back a big sigh and simply lowered his head. He would make it right. He would make everything right starting from right now— he wouldn't let anyone hurt his friends and.. there was a whole other issue with the fact that this kid would be staying with him.

 

Ranpo was..not exactly a suitable person to share a house with. He could hardly take care of his basic needs. He doubt eating the same dish every day alongside with an ungodly amount of sugary snacks would be healthy for a kid. There was just so much to think about. So much to consider.

 

He was unsure why he was even allowing this kid he met earlier today in his house and life so easily.

 

This was clearly just a sick way of history repeating itself.

 

But Ranpo was the last person to bow down to such silly thing. He could see the danger coming. And he wouldn't wait for it to strike.

 

He had to figure out a way to take that kid back to her world before it was too late. Time was already running low.

 

-

 

Adeleine dreams a lot. She dreams about many things; her friends, her favorite kind of ice cream, new adventures... always something. Not once in her life she had faced this.

 

Nothing but darkness surrounding her.

 

Just pitch black.

 

When she closed her eyes, her body was exhausted and she was quick to fall asleep.

 

But also quick to wake up. With no memories of a dream or a sign of time passing whatsoever. Even worse, when she woke up her body only felt more sluggish. She didn't dream at all. Despite the longing in her heart and the stars she tried so hard to remember, she did not dream.

 

It felt weird. Unfamiliar. Everything here felt much more..real. Physical. Like she just threw away the pink sparkly blinds over her eyes and took a glance at the real world surrounding her for the first time.

 

She couldn't say she loved the lack of colors. Everything was a shade of gray. There were no pinks, yellows or reds here.

 

She turned to the side. She loved being here. Being surrounded by people like her. It eased an ache she didn't even know existed before. But guilt was clawing at her chest like a beast.

 

Adeleine huffed before she narrowed her eyes to the digital clock sitting on the side. Nearly two in the morning.

 

This was so different. She'd wake up next morning and there'd be someone like her preparing her breakfast. Then they'd sit at a table together and chat as they eat.

 

Like a family.

 

But this desperation she felt to meet with another human being..was it right? She had been feeling so guilty for being happy. She wanted her friends to be here. She wanted to share it with them— maybe that way she wouldn't feel so bad after all.

 

Adeleine groaned in annoyance and buried her face to the pillow. Lightly smacking the sheets in annoyance. Why was suddenly emotions so complicated?? She adored the attention she recieved at the agency. She loved talking to people like her but it felt so wrong to be happy.

 

Adeleine pushed herself up to a sitting position and huffed. She didn't like being alone at the moment. This whole place might have felt familiar at first but in the end it wasn't.

 

Adeleine swung her legs back and forth. Trying to get rid of the headache that was forming slowly. Would Ranpo be awake? She could really use company.

 

But she has already caused enough problems today, she thought and wrapped her arms around herself. Sure, Ranpo said it was fine but she saw that look on his face. She had to prove she was useful. That he didn't need to worry about her at all.

 

Before she could drown more in her thoughts the door creeked open and she squeezed her eyes at the light peeking inside.

 

"You're still awake?" She asked as Ranpo entered the room.

 

"I could ask you the same." Ranpo huffed in response. Clearly unimpressed despite his words. He reached to the side and clicked open the night light next to the bed. Then sat next to Adeleine.

 

"You miss your friends." It was less of a question and more of a statement. One Adeleine wasn't expecting in all of a sudden.

 

"I do." She said quietly. "They must be wondering where I am." She added with a light kick. This world wasn't nearly as colorful as her own. But this was the world she was supposed to belong, right? Maybe her friends didn't even realize she was gone. She lowered her head at the thought.

 

"They are." Ranpo said with no force at all. As if stating a simple fact. Adeleine stared at him with a small frown. He knew exactly what Adeleine was thinking somehow. He formed a small smile and lightly hit Adeleine's arm with his elbow

 

"You're quite remarkable. And it's the world's greatest detective telling you that. Big compliment."

 

"I guess so. You did figure out that police officer was evil." She hummed in response. She was unsure if Ranpo was saying all that to make her feel better. But even if he was..it was still nice. Better than nothing.

 

"You figured it out before I did." Ranpo said with a more serious voice. Staring down at Adeleine and catching the guilt flash across her face. Ranpo sighed when Adeleine didn't respond.

 

"You were trying to help me. I'm not angry." Ranpo stated as gently as he could. It wasn't hard being sensitive exactly. If he tried hard enough he could say all the right things.

 

"—But if something serious happened to you it would be my fault."

 

Human emotions weren't too different from a line of code. Everything was usually done within reason. Even if it didn't seem like it.

 

"But it was my fault for not telling you!"

 

He only felt this much remorse over Adeleine because she reminded him of his past. It would soon pass because there was nothing else to it.

 

"I told you- you were only trying to help me. But believe me when I say it, your worth is not determined by how 'useful' you are."

 

He said perhaps a bit too harshly. Even surprising himself. Adeleine seemed surprised at the call out. But the way she huffed and narrowed her eyes proved Ranpo's theory right. As if it wasn't obvious already.

 

"I already told you that I don't care if you're useful or not. You're a kid. You should only be worrying about what type of ice cream you like. Or- Uh. What game you want to play tomorrow. Or like- school or something— wait. Do you even have school?"

 

His rambling came to an end upon realizing he never asked enough questions about where the other came from. Sure she explained to him back at the train but he was having a huge migraine and could hardly keep up with everything she was saying.

 

Adeleine blinked at him and tilted her head. School? She wasn't..exactly sure how much that term could apply to her.

 

"Uh. You know. A bunch of kids go there to learn about stuff. Science, math, history— stuff like that?" He blinked at the other person. Adeleine stared down at the floor for a few seconds before raising her head back and responding.

 

"I guess you could say I went to an..art school? Probably not like the school you have in here. But it's not as important as you're making it out to be! What's more important is helping my friends fight evil— and saving the planets the dark matter threatens!" She said with a more serious expression and curled her fingers in a fist. Ranpo watched in disbelief as he scanned through everything she ever mentioned about her world.

 

Okay. Fine. Perhaps they lived in compelete different places with compelete different moralities but— in no world it was okay for a kid to just— put herself in danger like that. Right? Even in here because of her power she had become a target by this..mysterious enemy.

 

Ranpo huffed. Her time here would be limited. And she'd soon go back to her world and- whatever insane stuff going on there. And Ranpo would make sure it would happen as soon as possible! But he could see the familiar longing in her eyes. He shook his head and ruffled the girl's hair before standing up.

 

"Well. That's not what's important in here. What's important here is that you're safe. And if you want to help me so much, then get some sleep, alright?" He'd keep his distance enough to prevent himself from getting attached to her even more than he already was. But he'd still be there. He had to get this kid back to her world and whatever is happening there was absolutely none of his buisness—

 

"Can you read me a story before you go?" The sudden question had him pause in his tracks. This all felt..so awfully familiar. Ranpo turned to look at Adeleine and yeah there was no way he could say no.

 

"Bold of you to assume a detective like myself would have children's books—" Ranpo grumbled. Attempting to give her an indirect "no".

 

"Detective Gordon: The First Case." Adeleine read out as she pointed at the book on the shelf near the bed. The weak orange light was hitting the cover lightly and making it feel more nostalgic than it already was. This was the book Fukuzawa got for him when he first moved in with him. The mystery was not even worth being called a mystery and the book was far too childish for him even when he was 14.

 

But it had a charm.. despite the ridiculous choice of characters and plot. He wrinkled his nose ever so slightly before he reached for the book. Adeleine watched with curiosity and smiled when Ranpo finally accepted defeat. She got under the covers and moved ever so slightly to male space for Ranpo. The detective sat near her with the book in hand.

 

"Just so you know, this is only a one time thing." He warned before starting to read.

Chapter Text

When Adeleine opened her eyes, she was alone in Ranpo's room. The curtains were shut and a weak yellow light was glowing under them. She rubbed her eyes and rolled to her side. Then she saw the story book she asked Ranpo to read her the night before. The story wasn't quite finished yet, so she must've fallen asleep fairly quick after asking him to read it.

 

But she did notice that Ranpo marked where they left off. Even though he claimed it would only be a one time thing. She smiled at the thought before pushing herself up to a sitting position. She flexed her arms and yawned. She had a fairly good sleep after that talk with the detective.

 

After pushing the door open she opened her mouth to call for Ranpo. He did show her where the bathroom was the previous day but well. She hadn't been paying enough attention then to remember it now.

 

But before she could say a word she noticed the entire house smelled like..Pancakes. Right. She did ask him to have those for breakfast, didn't she? Although she literally could've just drawn them and they would come out perfectly and edible. Did Ranpo forget that?

 

"Look who's finally awake! That's what happens when you go to sleep late." Ranpo shook his head in disappointment. However it was quick to dissappear as he smiled at Adeleine with contentment.

 

Ranpo had his hair tied in a really small bun in the back and wore a white apron that seemed a bit too big for him. He really likes wearing costumes, Adeleine thought. Especially after remembering his funny detective outfit from yesterday.

 

Ranpo on the other hand hardly ever cooked. And the apron, as anyone could've guessed, belonged to Fukuzawa. As the aforementioned man really didn't like making a mess while cooking. Ranpo actually needed to keep his eyes open while cooking. Since he didn't want to cause another fire! And with his self given unique hair cut, opening his eyes alone wasn't enough to be able to see his way.

 

"Sooo...what do you think? I know. It smells delicious. You want honey or chocolate syrup with those?" Ranpo spoke with a lot of confidence. He placed a plate full of waffles on the table before going to put some more on his own plate. Not looking at Adeleine and merely humming as he worked. It had been a while since he last cooked something. And admittedly..this was a nice change.

 

"Honey, I think." Adeleine hummed quietly as he sat on the chair. Looking down at the fresh cooked pancakes on his plate. She could've easily made some with her power. And it didn't take a genius to tell Ranpo wasn't the biggest fan of doing chores.

 

"Hey, Ranpo. You know I could've made the pancakes with my power right?" Perhaps he had forgotten? She snickered as she thought of it. The great detective forgetting something like that and going through the pain of cooking.

 

"Oh yeah I know. Just thought they wouldn't taste as good as the ones I make." Ranpo responded with a smirk. Untying his apron and discarding it to the side. He reached for a fork and the honey jar next, carefully putting it over his and Adeleine's pancakes as the aforementioned girl stared at him, jaw dropped and offended.

 

"Excuse you! The pancakes I create wouldn't taste bad at all! In fact they'd taste even better than yours!!" She said with a frown. Clearly more offended than Ranpo had guessed. He came to realize that she was rather sensitive about her capabilities. Perhaps not a safe subject to joke around.

 

He stuck his tounge out in response before Adeleine crossed her arms and turned her head away with a "hmph!". He chuckled at the overly childish display and sat back down to start eating.

 

"Fine, fine. I'm just playing." Ranpo said with a roll of his eyes and a smaller smile also taking a bite from his pancakes. "I guess it's just that..it's the thought that counts." He said with a shrug. Unsure how else to put or. Sure. He could've asked the other to just. Draw it and it would save him a ton of work but...it just wouldn't be the same.

 

"Oh. I guess I get it." Adeleine nodded ever so slightly. She supposed it made sense.

 

"These are actually really good!" She said after taking a bite herself. Quickly taking another, and another bite before she could properly swallow the first one.

 

-

 

The rest of the breakfast was spent rather peaceful. Adeleine talking to Ranpo about something called the color theory and Ranpo half listening to her complaints and half testing how many pancakes he can put in his mouth before the gag reflex kicked in. He did suggest memorizing every pattern and color pallete but apparently it wasn't 'artistic' and knowing how to make it work and memorizing everything were entirely different things.

 

Whatever. He could really care less. Not like anything was too colorful in his eyes to begin with. Not metaphorically.

 

"Are you ready yet?" Ranpo called from the other side of the apartment. He was wearing his usual uniform save for the hat. Since Adeleine still had it. He sighed when he didn't get back an answer. He crouched and slipped on his shoes. Opening the door as well. It was late summer but still pretty hot. Perhaps he should've worn a. Button up with short sleeves instead of his usual.

 

"I'm done! Do you like it??" Adeleine asked as she hopped into view with her brand new outfit.

 

Adeleine’s outfit looked like something out of an old detective story, like the one they read the previous night. But with a bit of fairy tale charm.

 

She wore a cream-colored blouse with big, puffy sleeves, the cuffs ruffled at the ends. A little brown tie sat neatly under her collar, making her look just a bit more serious. Which, by the way, Ranpo found ridiculous in his humble opinion.

 

Her brown shorts were held up by suspenders with shiny buckles. She had a matching detective hat sitting slightly tilted on her head, a small ribbon tied to one side.

 

"I thought since I'm your assistant now, I should look like it!" She laughed and quickly walked over. Ranpo was..more than impressed. Okay the overly detailed outfit was also impressive but he was more caught up with the fact that this kid could literally. Literally. Create anything out of thin air.

 

And sure, she was using it to make silly clothes and such maybe but technically one could create a whole ass nuclear bomb with it. And this while thing was just sinking in.

 

"Oh and here's your hat!" Adeleine basically smacked the said hat on Ranpo's head and crouched down to wear her boots. The boots were black and shiny. She must've made them just now too.

 

"Thank you. And uh. Yeah. I guess you will make an impressive detective after all." He hummed and shook his head with amusement. Ranpo stood in the door way and waited for Adeleine. Eventually the two left the apartment and made their way to the agency. Despite eating 3/4 of the pancakes in the morning, Adeleine requested Ranpo would buy her some pastries from the bakery they walked by.

 

Of course Ranpo suggested Adeleine to just draw them, but she insisted it was the thought that mattered. Which Ranpo just groaned to but fulfilled regardless.

 

-

 

Soon enough they were back at the tall red building. Adeleine excitedly let go of Ranpo's cape and ran inside the Cafe. The bell on the door rang with equal cheerfulness as Adeleine entered the place. Ranpo following her inside shortly after.

 

"Good morning!" She announced cheerfully and Ranpo joined her with a small laugh and a wave.

 

"So you're the new kid?" A not so familiar voice called out. Ranpo turned his head and saw a girl with messy red hair. Of course he knew her. She had been great help to them in the decay of angel incident.

 

Now this, he wasn't sure about. Adeleine seemed really into that whole detective thing but he just wanted to find a way to take her back to her home before things got too complicated. He could imagine she already became a big target with that ability. And making her actively work with the agency would be..rather dumb. As much as he could see how helpful it could be.

 

"It's not exactly—" he started but he was cut off by Adeleine.

 

"I'm Ranpo's new assistant!" She announced with excitement. Which Lucy just.. blinked to. Because okay the agency did have two fourteen year olds working for them but to be fair one of them only did it as a side job and the other one? She was both smarter and stronger than the majority of them. Plus she had a past with the port mafia.

 

Lucy gave Ranpo a doubting look and Ranpo suddenly felt crashed under the pressure. He gave an exasperated smile as if asking her to play along for now.

 

"She reminds me of myself. And I'm incredible." Ranpo said as he looked down. Adeleine simply smiled back in response.

 

But eventually her attention was shifted to Lucy's long braids. She basically sprinted behind her and started touching them. The young woman didn't even bat an eye to her and simply raised an eyebrow at Ranpo. She wasn't even working for the agency. But for some reason the poor detective felt like he owed her an explanation.

 

Which was fair, honestly. He could imagine why it would be concerning to see a twelve year old here. Even if it's merely a play date. But just who was she to question Ranpo! Of course he wasn't bringing a whole child here because he wanted to!

 

"Your hair is so pretty miss!" Adeleine said cheerfully and Lucy weakly smiled back.

 

Ranpo on the other hand felt pissy at the idea of being questioned on his decision and ended up crossing his arms and shrugging. If she wanted the details so bad she could always ask Atsuhi, Ranpo thought.

 

"Hey Ranpo! Over here!" The tension between him and Lucy broke as he heard a cheerful voice from the other side of the Cafe. On a window table he saw Atsuhsi and Dazai sitting together, likely for breakfast.

 

Good timing, he really needed to talk to Dazai. He didn't doubt his friend could very much sense the danger too. Probably even better than Ranpo did.

 

"Well. I'll be going then. Stay if you want to play hairdresser with miss Lucy over here." Ranpo fought the urge to stuck his tounge out. The young woman crossed her arms and gave an angry look at the detective.

 

Adeleine quickly let go of Lucy and trailed after Ranpo.

 

-

 

"Where's Kunikida?" Ranpo asked after sitting in front of Dazai. Adeleine following him and sitting at the empty spot near him. Dazai chuckled as Atsushi nod slightly to greet them both. He was sitting next to Dazai.

 

"He left just before you two came. Said he was behind schedule."

 

"Yeah? And who's fault is that?"

 

"Blasphemy! I'm so offended. I would never do that." Dazai threw his hands in the air dramatically. Receiving a sigh from Atsuhsi and a chuckle from Adeleine.

 

"Did you have breakfast? We have some left over fruit tarts." Atsushi offered with a small smile. Ranpo liked fruit tarts but he wanted to leave space for the snacks he saved yesterday. Adeleine on the other hand waved her hand in the air with excitement.

 

"Oh! Oh! I would love to have some!" She announced happily and Atsuhi reached for the plastic bag near him.

 

"Pft— did you not like the breakfast our dear detective cooked?" Dazai asked with a sly smile and Ranpo was quick to return it with an offended frown.

 

"Uhhh?? Excuse you. The breakfast I cooked was absolutely delicious!" Ranpo shot back.

 

Dazai pretended to look baffled and raised an eyebrow. Atsushi looked equally surprised, although his was genuine, and tilted his head as he asked, "Wait. Really??"

 

Adeleine was currently digging in and eating the leftover fruit tarts. She wasn't hungry by any means. She just really liked how the food tasted. However the way they both seemed so surprised Adeleine raised her head.

 

"The breakfast was fine! Really delicious actually." She stated matter of fact-ly. Not understanding why everyone seemed so shocked.

 

"You cooked it yourself? Wouldn't it be easier for her to just do it?" Atsushi asked perhaps a bit shyly. She could create anything using a pen and a paper, couldn't she? It would technically save them time.

 

"Well—" Ranpo started but he was quickly cut off.

 

"That's what I said! But Ranpo said it was the thought that counts. I could tell he really hates doing chores since it was a bit messy everywhere. But I think he wanted to cook the breakfast himself to make me happ—"

 

Adeleine was explaining the motive behind like it was a damn detective case. Ranpo quickly put a hand over her mouth and blinked in surprise. Not to mention how embarrassed he was.

 

So many unnecessary details. He sighed and pulled his hand away. And instead rubbed the bridge of his nose while Dazai wheezed like a tea kettle and Atsushi gave him a surprised but happy look. And Adeleine just stared at him in confusion. As if asking what she did wrong.

 

Between small gasps and a tear filled laughter Dazai -who in Ranpo's opinion sounded like a dying iguana right now- spoke. His voice filled with delight.

 

"Just so you know, this is exactly how you make people feel on a daily basis!" He cackled more as Ranpo's face burnt in embarrassment.

 

"Ha-Ha. Laugh all you want. At least I have a sense of responsibility!" Ranpo crossed his arms and huffed. Staring away from the group. Adeleine tugged on his cape and tried to ask what she did wrong which caused Dazai's laughter to erupt a second time and Ranpo to grow even redder.

 

This kid was awfully like the detective himself. And in Dazai's opinion watching Ranpo trying to deal with a smaller version of himself was absolutely golden.

 

The laughters came to an end when the group heard footsteps coming down to the cafe. Kunikida with his usual uniform entered the Cafe and walked over to them with an envelope pinched between his two fingers. His eyebags were just one shade darker than the usual.

 

"Slacking off as usual. Didn't I tell you we're busy, Dazai?" Kunikida stared at the group. Although his eyes were glued to one certain man and he didn't seem to realize neither Ranpo nor Adeleine. "You said you'd come as soon as you're done with your breakfast— Oh."

 

He paused upon seeing Adeleine and Ranpo. And all the anger suddenly seemed to vanish.

 

"Oh. Ranpo. Didn't see you were here as well. Good morning. To both of you." Ranpo merely smirked at the change of attitude and peeked open his eyes just to make sure Dazai was watching. On the other hand it was Adeleines turn to look absolutely baffled. This man's mood swings were scary.

 

"Yeah! We were chatting! About important stuff!" Dazai argued with crossed arms and an annoyed look. However Kunikida didn't look impressed. He merely placed the envelope he was holding on the table.

 

"Right. Your paperwork from yesterday is still waiting for you. And—" he turned to Ranpo as he pushed the envelope in front of him. Adeleine watched the brown paper slide with stars in her eyes. Another case already??

 

"This came from Shinjuku. The police department." Atsushi and Dazai stared up at Kunikida with concern. The blond man merely fixed his glasses and averted his gaze.

 

Ranpo stared at him before returning his gaze back to the envelope. It had been opened. And taking a peek inside he could tell there was a letter and a few pictures inside. He frowned and stared at Kunikida before speaking. His tone lacking the usual cheerfulness.

 

"It's open. What was it about?" He asked without checking anything inside. Kunikida made a hesitant face and slightly signaled towards Adeleine. Although the girl was too busy to notice. She was trying to look inside the envelope from Ranpo's side.

 

"You..can check it later." Kunikida cleaned his throat. Then simply crouched down to look at Adeleine and continued "Miss Adeleine." He spoke with a serious voice.

 

Adeleine was surprised and quit trying to reach for the envelope and turned to the blond man.

 

"I was thinking maybe we could work on your special ability today?" He asked with a smile. Adeleine raised her brows. According to Ranpo, everyone in here had abilities, right? And if she learnt how to fight like them then she'd be able to help!

 

"Yes please!" Adeleine hopped off the seat and and stared at Kunikida with a smile the blond man merely laughed and stood up.

 

"Go to the office. I'll be there in a few minutes." Kunikida said and that was all it took to send Adeleine sprinting upstairs. After hearing the small click of the office door —and what Ranpo assumed was the excited scream of Naomi upon seeing Adeleine's cute outfit— Kunikida sighed and Dazai started clapping in applause.

 

"Woah Kunikida! You are quite the actor aren't you?" Dazai smiled with amusement as Ranpo lightly frowned and took out the pieces inside the envelope.

 

"Please. You're not the only one who knows how to humor a kid. I'm simply not as much of a clown as you are." Kunikida grumbled before turning to Ranpo. Dazai whined in a theatric way and Kunikida ignored him. Sitting beside the much shorter detective ad he skipped through the letters on the letter.

 

"Despite it being a simple distraction you could help her with her ability. It's awfully similar to yours." Ranpo said without looking at Kunikida. And the blond man after considering it for a few seconds realized he had a point.

 

"I suppose it is. I'd say it's more..comprehensive than mine. But I guess drawing takes longer than writing. So it checks out." Kunikida nod. And after finishing the letter Ranpo simply passed it forward to Dazai.

 

The false cheerfulness faded as Dazai read through the words. Atsushi on his side grew more and more concerned.

 

"We really can't catch a break, can we? So. What do you suggest?" Dazai hummed and placed the letter down once he was done with it. Staring at Ranpo with an unreadable expression.

 

"We won't wait for them to strike this time." Ranpo spoke and Dazai seemed content enough with the response despite how it would hardly count as one. Both Atsushi and Kunikida knew better than to try and understand them so they simply watched with concern.

 

-

 

"So you like cats?" Adeleine held out a big cat toy. It looked like a fishing rod but had a bell and a feather tied to the end.

 

"Ah. Yes I suppose I do." Fukuzawa wasn't..expecting the sudden visit from the young girl. But after unintentionally parenting not one but two kids, he didn't have it in him to scold her. So while he sat there drinking his tea and responding to letters, Adeleine went through the drawers filled with papers and other stuff.

 

"That angry blond Mister with glasses promised me we'd work on my ability. But I know he just said it to send me upstairs because something I shouldn't see was inside that envelope he brought." Adeleine stated as she reached for an empty notebook and a few old colored pencils she found.

 

Fukuzawa was surprised at the words. But not only because she realized the distraction. He was surprised she came here willingly despite knowing the anticipation of the words. He didn't ask, however. And Adeleine did not need him to. She simply kept talking.

 

"I mean. If it's something you don't want to show me, then just say so! I don't like being treated like an idiot." She pouted and placed the blank sheet and colored pencils on the desk Fukuzawa was working on. It was a short Japanese coffee table. So she didnt need to pull another chair.

 

Fukuzawa couldn't help but get dejavu. Both due to her words and the colored pencils she took. He had bought them over 13 years ago for Ranpo. But Ranpo never really used them for obvious reasons. Yosano however did make a few drawings. Only a few. Neither of them had a big artistic side.

 

"I'm sure that wasn't their intention. Perhaps they just didn't want to upset you." Fukuzawa spoke after a moment of silence. He had moved his tea and papers to the side so she could draw more comfortably, Adeleine realized.

 

"I guess.."

 

Minutes passed as the two sat in silence. Every now and then Adeleine would make a small huff sound and Fukuzawa would glance down at her paper to see what happened.

 

She was drawing a breakfast table with Ranpo and herself, Fukuzawa noted. He could faintly smell pancakes from her. So it wasn't too hard to guess where the inspiration came from. Ranpo must've forgotten to open a window. Causing the entire apartment to smell.

 

He also noted the interesting choice of colors. But didn't question it too much.

 

"Did you teach him how to make pancakes?" Adeleine asked in all of a sudden and Fukuzawa was so caught off guard he nearly spilled his tea. After taking a short sip he placed the cup back down and shook his head.

 

"I didn't." He responded shortly.

 

Adeleine looked at him for a few more seconds before going back to her drawing.

 

Fukuzawa did the same and went back to filling out the documents. But the moment he tapped the pen on the paper, the door opened. No knocking, already giving away who the intruder was.

 

"Morning president! Hope you didn't mind the babysitting!" Ranpo announced cheerfully. Waving the familiar envelope in the air. However he seemed to pause at the scene. He didn't know what he expected, but this certainly wasn't it.

 

"Ranpo! What took you guys so long??" Adeleine bounced up on her feet. Before Ranpo could answer, she ducked down to take the piece of paper and basically sprinted towards him. Holding the drawing up for the older to see.

 

"Well. Doesn't matter. Look what I drew while you were gone!" She seemed proud of the drawing. And Ranpo had to admit it didn't look bad at all. But the drawing stood out much more than it should.

 

Ranpo clicked his tounge as his false cheerfulness fell and he lowered the envelope. He grabbed the drawing with his free hand. There was something different about it.

 

It was..easier to look at?

 

"I focused on values instead of hues." Adeleine explained simply.

 

"What?" Ranpo asked and raised an eyebrow. Adeleine simply gestured him to lower the drawing and started pointing at places.

 

"I used colors with different brightness! These colors have very different gray scale values-" She said as she pointed at the drawing. One space was colored with a pale cyan while the other part was a dark red. "—Which means they'll appear different shades of gray."

 

Ranpo nod along. Although surprise never left his face.

 

"Oh! I also made sure to avoid value twins! Basically colors like red and green— or blue and purple. Because they look nearly the same in grayscale." She kept explaining as she pointed at different parts of the drawing.

 

He never mentioned being colorblind to her. Did he? He was pretty sure he did not.

 

"You were having a really hard time reading the train map yesterday. Which I don't blame you for— who tought it was a good idea to use green and red together? I can imagine it'd be hard to tell them apart! That's why you ended up taking the wrong train. Right?" Adeleine asked with excitement. Gesturing with her hands a lot as she tried to reason. And she was completely right, to Ranpo's surprise.

 

The subway map was hard to read because reds and greens and other —what did Adeleine call them?— 'twin value' colors went over each other a lot. Ranpo was almost glad she came to this conclusion instead of assuming he's stupid.

 

"Look. I made your hat dark blue and your cape is actually a green" She said as she pointed at the areas.

 

Ranpo almost had stars in his eyes as he looked at the drawing. It wasn't always unpleasant to look at drawings. Sometimes colors blended together and made it all look so..mushy. But right now none of the colors were blended. No matter how absurd they probably looked to everyone else.

 

"Can I keep it?" Ranpo asked as he stifled a content laughter.

 

"I made it for you! Of course you can!" She said with a smile. And with that Ranpo carefully placed the paper inside his cape's pocket.

 

Ranpo's surroundings felt a bit more colorful. Both literally and metaphorically.

Chapter Text

"He's dead."

 

"What?" Fukuzawa stared at Ranpo with a stern look. Just two minutes ago the detective seemed over the moon with the childish gift he recieved. Not that Fukuzawa was looking down at it by any means. As Adeleine explained the aspects of the drawing Fukuzawa could only watch in awe over how meaningful it was.

 

And Ranpo looked so happy just now. It had been less than a minute since he told Adeleine to wait for him outside. Which was the reason Fukuzawa was so confused at how fast he switched up. This could only mean something actually terrible was going on.

 

"Haruki Tsukishima, the so called police officer that nearly kidnapped Adeleine was found dead yesterday. Before they could even interrogate him."

 

Ranpo clenched his fists and lowered his head. His hat and bangs were covering the most of his face but Fukuzawa didn't need to look at him in the eyes to call out his distress.

 

"They left him alone— Alone! Can you seriously believe that!? And when they came back he was already dead. Killed himself by hitting his head against the wall! Repeatedly!" Ranpo raised his gaze. Expression filled with terror and something awfully close to fear.

 

He took out a few pictures and smacked them on the small coffee table which was previously occupied by Adeleine's art materials.

 

The pictures featured the same model in different angles.

 

Blood smeared down the pale surface of the concrete wall in erratic streaks, like someone had tried painting over it with shaking hands. Bits of skin clung to the wall like torn paper. The man's nose was broken. His forehead split open, exposing bone. One of his eyes had gone glassy, the other just barely tracking.

 

It looked straight out of a horror movie.

 

Fukuzawa dropped the picture back on the coffee table after examining it. He had seen worse. But it didn't make anything less concerning.

 

"It's not only that but— The messages had been corrupt. Every mail they tried to send— every call they tried to give us. They had been disturbed. Distorted." Ranpo stepped closer to the coffee table.

 

Fukuzawa could only hold his breath as he watched the detective's face twist with each word. He didn't dare say a word.

 

"It wasn't suicide. Haruki Tsukishima did not kill himself. He had been controlled— manipulated into doing so by an ability. I'm sure of it." It felt like venom was dripping from the tip of his tounge as he spit out the words.

 

"Ranpo—"

 

"Not only that but they must also have an ability user who can distort electronics!—" Ranpo blurted out before Fukuzawa could continue.

 

"—The very same group that searches for children! Children with special abilities. They have enough power to manipulate people into killing themselves. They can already blend in with the police! If we don't act up now then it's going to be too late. Just like last time!"

 

Ranpo realized he was out of breath. He hadn't been yelling.. had he? Perhaps he was speaking a bit too loudly but it wouldn't count as yelling.

 

He could feel his wrists itching, skin crawling with dread. Fukuzawa hadn't stood up. He was merely staring at him from where he was sat. He didn't even look surprised. Which stung thr most, honestly.

 

"We don't know if it was truly suicide or an ability user." Fukuzawa said slowly. Carefully. Already expecting an outburst from the other. Which came very quickly as expected.

 

"What?? Did you not— Did you not hear what I just said? Even if it was a case of suicide who in their right mind would go over it that way? There are many more efficient ways than this and—"

 

Ranpo's rambling came to an absurd end when Fukuzawa spoke again, voice merely louder than before. But as if it was an instinct Ranpo was very quick to shut up.

 

"It could be a signature thing. The one like the port mafia has. Or the guy could've compeletely gone insane for all we know. We both saw the lengths some people would go." Fukuzawa spoke, his voice as stable as always. Although it was lacking the usual warmth it held while they spoke.

 

Nikolai Gogol was the name they both thought of. You never know the next move of a truly insane person. They were taught well about that just a few months ago. That maniac Nikolai 'cut' himself in half with a chainsaw just to prove a point.

 

"No— no. Nikolai didn't kill himself. It was a trick." Ranpo protested weakly.

 

"You said it yourself that it was his original intention." Fukuzawa simply raised an eyebrow.

 

"Yes but— it's still different. But fine. Let's say the guy was insane. How will you explain the corrupt mails? It couldn't have been a coincidence." Ranpo's panic was growing with each tick of the clock.

 

"The entire building had a problem later that day. The mails from the Shinjuku police department weren't the only ones that were effected." Fukuzawa responded again, as slow as possible. Telling Ranpo he's wrong was no different than taking a child's toy. Especially if it was work related.

 

To his surprise there was no outburst. No complaining. Only a crushing self doubt on Ranpo's face.

 

"I'm not saying we won't be careful. I trust you. What happened was in fact suspicious. We just..shouldn't jump into conclusions. We can discuss it with the rest of the agency. I don't blame you for being—"

 

"I'm not being paranoid!"

 

"..cautious. I don't blame you for being cautious." Fukuzawa finished off with a small sigh and Ranpo just shot him another desperate look.

 

"What happened was.. a lot. Ranpo. For all of us. And I told you many times already but what happened was no one's fault. Especially not yours." He looked more stern as he said so. But Ranpo as usual was avoiding eye contact.

 

He just couldn't sit and wait it out a second time. He knew something was wrong. And he wasn't just being 'paranoid' or 'cautious' as Fukuzawa said to make him feel better.

 

"Fine! Do whatever you want!" He yelled without looking at the president. Then he stormed out of the room, smacking the door with much more force than necessary.

 

The words did not only echo in the small room but also in Fukuzawa's mind as those were the exact same words Ranpo said the last time. Right Before he went investigating the decay of the angel case alone.

 

Right before everything went downhill.

 

-

 

"Ranpo—?" Yosano muttered out as she heard the slammed door. She was showing Adeleine a golden butterfly hairclip Ranpo knew too well at the moment.

 

She wasn't the only one who perked up at the noise. Everyone at the office stared at him in surprise. Sure, Ranpo did order around a lot and complained in much bigger decibels than necessary but he never did that to the president.

 

Adeleine watched with concern as Ranpo didn't even bother a glance at their direction. He simply stormed out of the office and slammed the door behind himself. Adeleine got up to her feet before she could think and quickly went to chase after him.

 

Although she was stopped by a long slim arm covered in bandages— Dazai. Adeleine didn't hesitate and attempted pushing through but Dazai stopped her. He wasn't looking at Adeleine. He seemed lost in thoughts. Adeleine doubt he even heard her complaints to be let go.

 

It was of course a bad idea to let him talk to the president alone.

 

"Alright.! Kunikida~ seems like you have a babysitting duty to attend!" Dazai's blank eyes sparkled falsely as he twirled Adeleine around and basically passed her to his blond coworker.

 

"Wh— Huh!?" Kunikida huffed.

 

"Didn't you say you'd help her with her ability? You do that and I'll go chase our beloved detective!" Dazai sang song. Kunikida looked baffled.

 

"Hey! I want to come with you!" Adeleine protested. Sadly she wasn't payed attention to.

 

At least that's what she assumed before Dazai turned to them again. He crouched in front of Adeleine and something in the men's eyes made Adeleine..scared. Perhaps scared wasn't exactly the best way to put it. But she definitely felt off.

 

"Your brush." He started. Looking thoughtful for a moment. "—It didn't work while you were with the police officer." It wasn't a question. More like a statement. But Adeleine still found herself nodding in response.

 

"But it was working just fine later. Right?"

 

"Right. It didn't work while I was trying to fight back—" She pouted at the memory. Is this why Dazai isn't allowing her to come? Because she'd be useless weight?

 

"What did you draw?"

 

"Uh..an ice dragon. Why?"

 

Dazai gave a small nod before he reached over at one of the desks. He took a report paper and turned it's back. Then gave it to adeleine.

 

"Draw something else from your world."

 

Adeleine stared at him questioningly before taking the paper. She was awfully hesitant as she drew.

 

And nothing happened.

 

The drawing didn't come to life like it always did.

 

"I should ask Ranpo what he thinks once I find him— but I assume because things from your world don't exist here, your drawing then did not come to life." Dazai huffed and shoved his hands to his pockets. Well. This made things less entertaining.

 

"That..makes sense." Kunikida nod along.

 

Adeleine wasn't sure what to feel about that. Then how else was she supposed to fight those villains?

 

"You said you wanted to help. But right now you can't." Dazai said perhaps a bit too dull. Adeleine shifted with discomfort on how easily he called her out.

 

"If you want to help, stay here and figure out how you can help. We'll need it." Dazai didn't bother saying anything else and simply turned his back to leave. Adeleine blinked. Ranpo said she didn't need to help. That she..shouldn't need to.

 

But she wanted to help. So despite the harsh truth she was going to do as Dazai said!

 

"Don't.. don't mind him. Dazai's sometimes like that. You're a kid. You don't need to help." Kunikida sighed and took the paper from her hands. She simply frowned. She wanted to help. And she was going to.

 

-

 

"Okay— that's it for today." Kunikida huffed. He was sweaty from all the fighting and a bit sorry to admit he looked much less composed by Kyouka at the moment.

 

The girl with navy blue hair shut her eyes for a few seconds. Then stood up straight. She bowed her head respectfully as she thanked Kunikida. Demon Snow— Adeleine remembered her name was. Dissapeared from behind her.

 

"Hey! What about me??" Adeldine cried out in frustration as she passed a water bottle to Kyouka who walked over to her. This girl didn't look much older than her. But she was fast and strong. Only if she could be that way..

 

"It's not appropriate for a child to fight this way." Kunikida grumbled. Trying to fix his hair but only making it worse on accident.

 

"But you help her train!" Adeleine shot back without waiting. Kunikida sighed. But before he could answer his phone rang and he left the two girls alone to take it. Adeleine puffed her cheeks.

 

She couldn't make herself useful at this rate.

 

"It's different." She heard a quiet voice. She wasn't familiar to it as much as she was familiar to every other voice in the agency.

 

"How so?" Adeleine responded perhaps a bit too snappy. She felt immediately bad afterwards. But she really couldn't help it. She was upset with herself.

 

"I was raised at the port mafia." Kyouka continued quietly. She didn't seem bothered by Adeleine's snappy tone at all.

 

"The..what now?"

 

"The port mafia. A criminal organization. I was taught to become a perfect assassin by someone called 'the king of assassins'." She continued. Adeleine would be lying if she said the look in her eyes didn't make her feel uncomfortable.

 

"I was always a part of this battle..but you're not. And they don't want you to be involved." Kyouka turned to Adeleine with a no different expression than the usual.

 

Adeleine wanted to prove she wasn't weak. Especially not compared to them. But her brush did not work when she tried to use her usual attacks.

 

It wasn't only a matter of proving herself neither.

 

"If you had the opportunity to have a normal life— never be a part of this battle again. Would you take it?" Adeleine raised an eyebrow. Kyouka stared at her surprised for a few seconds. It should be an easy response.

 

"I'll never have such opportunity. It's an unnecessary discussion.." She muttered in response. Turning her head away. Voice a bit quieter than the last time.

 

"Why do you still fight? You're no longer a part of that..port mafia. And I doubt the agency is keeping you here by force." Adeleine asked with a slightly sharper expression. She could ask how Kyouka got out of the port mafia to begin with, but she thought it was perhaps a bit too personal to do so.

 

Kyouka stayed quiet. For a moment Adeleine thought she wouldn't be getting a response.

 

"I killed 35 people." Kyouka said slowly. Carefully. Adeleine wasn't expecting it. Although she probably should've considering the girl admitted to being a trained assassin just a few minutes ago.

 

Adeleine stared at her. She didn't look capable of hurting 35 people. Let alone killing them. But she had seen her training with Kunikida. It was almost a scary sight. How her expression didn't even twitch. She had a fair amount of way to go to become as strong as Kunikida. The difference between their experiences were showing— but with their age and height difference Kyouka was a beast compared to Kunikida. Despite the amount of disadvantages she was..threatening.

 

It was showing how she was raised to become a weapon.

 

"So you stay here because you feel guilty?" Adeleine found herself asking with a raised eyebrow. Kyouka looked almost offended.

 

"I don't think it's only that." Adeleine shrugged. Of course guilt could be a reason. A reason for her to save people. But not a reason to be a part of this..weird agency's antics.

 

"I think you still fight because you care about them." Adeleine said with a smile. She raised a finger and puffed her cheeks as she spoke. As if trying to imitate a certain someone.

 

Kyouka would've found the sight mildly amusing if she weren't caught off guard by the words. She for a long time assumed the reason for her resistance and determination was..simply guilt. Thay she was simply trying to pay a debt that was impossible to pay.

 

Although even if all her sins were forgiven, if she was given the opportunity to live a normal life; she wouldn't take it.

 

She fighting for her friends. Her family. People who saw more than just a cold blooded murderer when they looked at her.

 

Adeleine watched as Kyouka's empty expression faded. She wore a weak smile. But it only stayed for a few seconds as she was quick to regain her composure.

 

"I'll help you. There is still a lot of things you can create with your brush."

Chapter Text

"It's much warmer than London."

 

The streets of Yokohama were crowded per usual. However two figures stood out in the crowd— gathering the curious eyes of the strangers.

 

The woman who just spoke looked like she was in her mid twenties.

 

She looked like a porcelain doll.

 

Wearing a white blouse with a carefully laced collar, the sleeves of the blouse were puffy and filled with ruffles, over the collar of the blouse she wore a fancy black ribbon with jewelry details. She also had a black corset and a long black skirt. Which was also puffy and ruffled like the blouse.

 

Her hair was cut short and a garnet color. Her eyes were green and her lower lashes were significantly long.

 

"A good change from the rainy weather, is it not? This place is very..chirpy."

 

The man answered moments later. His voice smooth yet humorous. He was tall. The aforementioned woman stood around 5'7 and the man was at least a full foot taller than her. He had long dark purple hair tied up in the back. His eyes were white which made his eye bags look worse than they already were. The man wore a white button up, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His top buttons were undone and he wore a classic black vest over the button up. He also had a similar jewelry accessory to the woman. Yet compared to her, despite looking like he's in his early 40s, the man was much livelier.

 

"I suppose so. You said we'll be visiting an antique store, right Mister Iain?" She asked as they kept walking.

 

"Right. We're almost there. I heard they have some Japanese porcelain dolls for sale. You've done a nice job yesterday, be not afraid to ask if anything catches your eye, my dear Johanna." Iain smiled down at her. The woman was unimpressed and gave a small nod. Fighting the urge to toll her eyes.

 

-

 

"Lain Banks?"

 

"Wha— no! no! it's Iain Banks! With an 'I'!"

 

Johanna scanned through the dusty shelves as her boss spoke to the shop owner. The ends of the said man's pony tail stuck out— this was the fifth time someone mistook his name for 'Lain'.

 

Iain smacked a hand on the desk of the shop owner. His smile far too tight. Obviously frustrated. Swinging one of his hands in the air trying to gesture.

 

"Where are you from again, sir?" The poor shop owner asked. He was already tired of this foreigner man's antics.

 

"Scotland! Mister-big-important-sir Iain Banks! Do you not check the news from Europe? I'm that scientist—"

 

His rambling came to and when the shop owner— what appeared to be a man over his mid fifties grabbed him by his free hand with both hands. His eyes suddenly sparkling.

 

"You work on medicine field, yes? Oh I recognize you now, Mister Banks. Your anti-depressants work magic! My daughter had been using them for two weeks— it's as if she had forgotten—"

 

The scientist cracked a smile. Johanna turned her head away.

 

Iain grabbed the man's hands with his free hand. A soft smile on his face as he cut the other man off.

 

"So glad I could help your daughter, my good man. Do tell your daughter I say hi."

 

A year ago or so Iain used his own ability to produce a series of memory erasing drugs under the name of antidepressants. It hadn't been a fun process but the end product was perfect. 'The Eidorel'.

 

"Mister Iain." The soft voice of a woman cut the silence. Johanna was staring at the pair from the other side of the small shop. Next to her was a classic Japanese porcelain doll. Snow white skin with small cracks, she wore a beautiful emerald dress. However there was a crack on where one of the eyes should've been.

 

"Excuse me for a moment." Iain hummed and turned his back to the men without a second thought. Walking over to where Johanna was. He stood in front of the doll. Johanna watched from the corner of her eyes as the man's skinny fingers reached and touched the silky fabric of the doll's dress. He smiled before pulling his hand away from the doll. Turning fo face the shop owner.

 

"Excuse me! How much for this one?"

 

-

 

"Was it really okay to tell them our real names.?" Johanna asked. Her voice soft, extremely easy to miss. She held onto the porcelain doll carefully as she walked. Despite the scientist's best efforts she had refused to put the doll in a bag.

 

"Of course it was. We're dealing with the Armed Detective Agency. Using fake names would simply make them spot us faster." Iain hummed as he walked. Everything's going according to plan already. They already collected more than enough ability users. The main targets weren't kids— but making it seem like it would distract the detectives just fine.

 

Those detectives were the real targets, after all.

 

-

 

Ranpo slammed the door behind him and hurried down stairs. Swearing under his breath as he made his way to the cafe. Lucy looked over to him but before she could utter out a word Ranpo opened the Cafe door and without bothering to close it threw himself outside.

 

Fukuzawa was acting like he's crazy— Ranpo wasn't crazy. He wasn't being paranoid. This was clearly history repeating itself. Fukuzawa wouldn't listen to his warnings about an upcoming danger— then the agency would fall in the hands of another crazy villain and who knows what type of psychopaths they'd have to deal with this time?

 

No. Ranpo wouldn't wait. He wouldn't wait until the enemy strikes this time. He didn't have a lead which was..admittedly unfortunate. But Ranpo knew were to start regardless.

 

That alleyway. He doubt any evidence would be left behind by the police. They were careful— after all. But he wanted to investigate the area regardless. If they had missed anything— then Ranpo would take it and even the smallest but of evidence would be enough to lead him to the next step. So he had to go to the train station.

 

Right. Then take the train. He really should've payed attention to Adeleine's words this morning. About "saturation" of colors. That way finding the right train would've been much easier.

 

After making his way to the station Ranpo walked over to the big map like he always did. Many people passing by looked at him from the corner of their eyes but he payed no mind to them.

 

"Excuse me?"

 

Ranpo turned his head and suddenly saw a young woman with garnet hair. Her eyes were green and she was really pretty with the puffy dress she wore. Almost like a porcelain doll. She was holding his arm.

 

"How can I help you?" Ranpo turned and responded cheerfully. Her accent told him she's from Europe. And she certainly had a unique taste.

 

Especially those lines in her face. Was that make up? Teenagers these day were definitely extra creative about those types of things nowadays. Although the young woman didn't really look like a teenager..

 

"I'm looking for the train that goes to Shinjuku." The young woman gave a small nod but did not smile. Her voice was oddly soothing Ranpo couldn't help but notice.

 

Ah.

 

That's where he was trying to go. Ranpo cleared his throat and eyed the map a second time. No. Absolutely no hope. Just when he was about to swallow his pride and make up an excuse for not knowing which train it was the woman raised her eyes to look at the map behind him. She stepped forward and automatically Ranpo stepped back. After looking at the tall board for a few seconds she stared at the station a few blocks away from them.

 

"Oh, I see. According to the map it's this one, right?" She hummed. Turning her sight to Ranpo. It looked like she didn't suspect a thing. Neat. Ranpo gave a quick nod of his head and followed the woman as she started walking.

 

"Uh—Huh! I was just looking at the map. Looks like we're going to the same place." He huffed. This kind of reminded him of how he met that kid just a day ago. She was much more talkative obviously but regardless.

 

Ranpo entered the train and walked to an empty spot near an old lady. There was nothing remarkable of her and the young woman he was talking to earlier dissapeared from his sight. Odd. But he had to admit the timing was good. Thanks to her he managed to make it to the train.

 

Being alone gave him plenty of time to think. Fukuzawa might now believe it but he knew the police officer hadn't killed himself. He was silenced. Silenced by whatever psychopaths the agency had to deal with next ..

 

But he wouldn't allow it. The agency wouldn't fall in the hands of another villain with a fucked up world view.

 

Ranpo would put an end to this before it even starts.

 

For all he knows, their main target seemed to be kids of young age. Ability users. They had an ability user with a mind control or similar sort— and an ability user who can mess with electronics apparently. They weren't afraid to put on a show either, clearly. That mess they've made with the poor guy— and considering that's one of their pawns. Ranpo could only hope a similar fate doesn't await them.

 

-

 

He must've fallen asleep. But for how long? Ranpo bolted awake and all he could see was fog outside the window. The train was empty and the doors were open. He couldn't hear a single sound from outside either.

 

Odd.

 

He rubbed his eyes and stared around a second time as if it would fix anything. The train was empty. Ranpo stumbled outside and reached for his phone. He called his last contact— Dazai. But all he heard from the other side of the line was static.

 

Must be the same ability user.

 

Ranpo frowned and closed his phone. The station was completely empty. It didn't take a genius to tell he was under the attack of that unknown organization. The fog was thick and the warmth of summer was gone.

 

Ranpo tried to remember if anything odd happened on the train. Sure. There are some bizarre abilities out there but he doubt an ability alone could create a pocket dimension so wide.

 

Then how? Perhaps it was a dream? That seemed for more likely. Ranpo made a sour face before he pinched his arm. An attempt to wake himself up from what he assumed was a dream.. but clearly. No use. He huffed in annoyance and rubbed his arm where he had pinched it.

 

There must be a away to get out of this place. They must have a purpose if they brought him here, after all.

 

Ranpo decided to make his way out of the station. If its a pocket dimension it surely couldn't stretch so wide. But when he walked up the stairs, nothing changed. It was as if he was still in his world. There was just this thick fog and chilling air.

 

The silence was so loud, each step he took echoed through the empty streets. And after a bit of walking he was back at the original crime scene. It was empty save for the police band stretching around the area like it had been that day.

 

Ranpo hesitantly went under the band and walked towards where the dead body had originally been found.

 

There was something on the floor, it was shaped weirdly and had a white cloth over it, covering it like a blanket.

 

Ranpo didn't need a second glance to tell it was human.

 

But the figure was much smaller than the kid Ranpo had seen that day.

 

He couldnt help his raising anxiety. His steps suddenly became faster. He was running towards the body before he realized. It felt as if the distance wasn't getting any smaller though. As if the street was getting longer and longer with each step he took.

 

Ranpo stumbled forward, just then realizing the drawings painting the floor. He raised his head and when he looked back he was no longer in the crime scene.

 

He was at the alleyway he had found Adeleine in.

 

And what layed in front of him was a dead body. Ranpo didn't dare to touch the blanket.

 

He knew who he'd find under it.

Chapter Text

You are not real.

 

You can't be.

 

Those eyes could never be so devoid of color.

 

She bled color into everything she touched.

 

You’re what’s left.

 

After the canvas is torn and the paint runs dry.

 

-

 

Ranpo didn't know for how long he had sat on the cold concrete floor. His legs pulled up to his chest, arms crossed over his knees. His hat barely on his head.

 

This wasn't real. Of course it wasn't. Adeleine is at the agency. Safe. Then why?

 

Not why. He knew why. To mess with him, obviously. But how? If this is some sort of 'dream' there must be a way to wake up. And it likely requires him to continue.

 

After all the walls are extending on their own. Likely leading him to where he's supposed to be.

 

He knew it wasn't real. And being a detective for so long kind of makes you numb to all kinds of bloody scenes. But seeing the pale, lifeless body of a child he had grown fond of in such short time..

 

He huffed before he forced himself back up at his feet. If he stuck around for longer, then he'd waste time. He needed to get to the bottom of this. As soon as possible. That's the only way to get out of this place.

 

Ranpo walked over to thr small blanket. Just now seeing the red smudge over it. Growing bigger and bigger as he held his hand to reach out to it. As if his mere presence triggered it. Ranpo payed no mind to it despite how much it made his skin crawl. He grabbed the blanket and with a singular quick move and he removed it.

 

A pair of scissors.

 

Not what he was expecting at all..Definitely better than a disturbing corpse. But it was still..odd.

 

The shape of the...blanket. indicated something much bigger to be hidden. A person. A child. He was sure of it. But he supposed this merely proved his theory. This was a hallucination. A dream, perhaps.

 

But when did they get close enough to do such thing? Nothing weird occurred to him.

 

Other than the stranger he met on the trainstation... But ..he couldn't feel anything odd from her. If it's an ability with a pocket dimension..did she come for him after he fell asleep in the train? Doesn't make sense. Somebody would've noticed.

 

It could be hallucinations. But it couldn't have taken this long. Could it? Besides, this was..much more realistic than a hallucination.

 

Whatever. Get out of here first, then figure out what's happening.

 

Ranpo reached down to pick up the scissors. What's the point? Such random item. Really. But if it's left there then it should have a purpose.

 

There was nothing special about them though. It was just..a truly random item. Ranpo scoffed at the absurdity of the situation, then he turned around. The alleyway was no longer stretching endlessly. In fact, he could easily see the end of it. Obviously there were no people. And that weird..fog. was still there. So by no means he was back in the real world but he supposed it was a start. Better than being stuck in that loop.

 

Ranpo started walking towards the exit of the alleyway.

 

Was it truly that young woman who did this to him? Perhaps he was being..a bit rude. Just assuming such thing because of her unusual clothing. Technically there was nothing odd with her behavior. She tapped on his shoulder and asked directions. Ranpo had done more suspicious things than that in the past—.. yeah. He couldnt just go around assuming things. Not without solid evidence he couldn't. But he was 'attacked' in a public place. Therefore he could always check the security cameras once he gets out of this place. This is an odd move, if anything. Why attack now? This has to have a meaning.

 

Before he could think further he realized his steps were getting..smaller. and instead of getting closer to the end of the alleyway, he was getting further away. Instead of chasing this time though, Ranpo stopped. He stared at the end getting further and further away from him with a frown.

 

Should he play by the rules? This is a clear trick attempting to lead him somewhere. If he refuses to play along though perhaps then he can put an end to it. He doesn't know where he is, but if he's gone from his world it shouldn't take the agency too long to notice something is wrong.

 

If they want to lead him somewhere, then it surely has a reason. Therefore in theory, if he sits here and refuses to be a part of the loop, then he should be able to mess with them. Or encourage them to give a bigger bait than long alleyways and fake corpses.

 

And that way he'd have more clues leading him to the culprit.

 

He raise his head to look at the end of the alleyway once more. Yet he nearly flinched at the sight.

 

The fog was thick, but he could see the silhouette of a tall man. Man? It hardly looked human with those long limbs.

 

It looked more like a creature. Not to be rude or anything. And Ranpo could so very clearly hear it breathing.

 

He wasn't the greatest with horror elements to say the least but he had to suck it up right now. If anything, this was encouraging him to stay where he is.

 

"You can't run from what you've missed."

 

Ranpo perked up at the odd voice. The creature's mouth hardly moved but the words were clear. What he missed? He missed something? The train station? His mind quickly circled back to the very beginning of this nightmare. Trying to find something, anything, that stood out.

 

Or perhaps it was a way to taunt him? The voice of it was anything but worth trusting. But before Ranpo could muster up a reply, it spoke again.

 

"If you can't fix this, no one can"

 

Kenji's voice?

 

He blinked for a second. The voice was cheerful. And familiar. By no means it belonged to this creature. He supposed voice imitation was not that surprising but..it was very spot on.

 

"You see the signs, why aren't doing anything?"

 

This time it was Kyouka's voice.

 

Whatever this thing is, it obviously wants Ranpo to follow it. How lovely. Ranpo's fingers curled around the pair of scissors tighter. He wouldn't follow the voices.

 

"He's really shaken up. But that's no surprise."

 

Yosano's voice. But the words were really random other than the fact that..where had he heard this before?

 

Right. The cannibalism incident. When the president was laying unconscious. Ranpo was on his side and as he tried to think of a way to protect the one person who gave him a chance at living, he could hear the words said by Yosano outside the room.

 

But how? This was exactly what she had said that day. Was it luck? Perhaps a guess? It was far too.. specific. Though.

 

He took a step closer to the creature subconsciously. Was it real? Was it a hallucination too?

 

The creature smiled ever so slightly and Ranpo fought the urge to throw the scissors at it with all his strength.

 

Next he heard voices he could hardly recognize. But they were from his own memories for sure. Things people had said about him thirteen years ago before he met Fukuzawa. Taunting him. And he hated to admit it, but he tried to step closer to the creature a few times. Extremely frustrated with the taunts and such. But each step he took resulted in him getting further and further away. At this rate he was unsure what he was supposed to do.

 

And soon enough he found himself chasing after the silhouette.

 

But it was meaningless. The thing was getting further and further away from him. The only thing getting closer were the voices.

 

His own voice was among them too. Countless times he had praised himself. Countless times he had apologized to Fukuzawa for messing up.

 

Some he long forgotten about. Or maybe he thought he did.

 

"I know an average person is no match for an ability user," his own voice rang in his head as he kept chasing after the shadow. "But I'll still win."

 

"You know why? Because my friends think I'm invincible."

 

Right. Ranpo wouldn't lose again. And he wouldn't sit and wait. He'd willingly take the bait if that meant he'd get to help his friends.

 

Ranpo kept running and this time he could tell he was getting closer to the target. It waited for him.

 

Not much later Ranpo was standing in front of what used to be a disturbing creature. It looked much smaller now.

 

"Ranpo?"

 

It reached out to him and without thinking Ranpo smacked it's hand away. The scissors in his hand cut through something as he swung his hand.

 

-

 

Adeleine wasn't a genius about swinging a sword. Nor was she a genius aiming a gun. She wasn't that great at physical combat either. She was much weaker than Kyouka.

 

She huffed and dropped the wooden sword she was holding. Her knees had multiple scratches from falling over multiple times.

 

"It's hopeless." Kyouka sighed and dropped her own katana. Demon snow —her ability— came with two glasses of water. Offered each girl a glass. Although it was supposed to be a mere weapon, Adeleinw couldn't help but see the worry in her eyes. Worry directed at her.

 

"We have to keep trying!" Adeleine downed her water at once and grabbed her sword tighter. She pulled herself back up to her feet. Kyouka could swore she had the spark of a real star.

 

"Fighting is not the only way of helping.." Kyouka tried, but Adeleine didn't even humor the idea. She was going to help fight this battle. She wasn't sure which battle yet but..Ranpo seemed convinced something is wrong. Then she should be prepared. Because she didn't doubt Ranpo's deduction in the slightest.

 

"Why not use your ability?"

 

Kunikida pointed out from the side. They were both surprised see him. The man had been watching them try to train for a while. And as much as Kyouka was as sharp as usual, it didn't take a genius to point out Adeleine was definitely not cut out for this job.

 

"I can't! I can't create anything I used to create in my world." Adeleinw stompt her feet and huffed. It had been multiple hours by now. But she couldn't get better at all. Dazai wasn't back either. Which meant she still had time to get better before Ranpo comes back.

 

"You can still create things from this world." Kunikida pointed out slowly. The sun was setting already. Dazai wasn't back. Was everything truly okay?

 

"You mean like bombs?"

 

"..that's not what I meant. But you got the spirit."

 

Every child brought to this agency had to be odd in one way or another of course.

 

"Awh. Poo." Adeleine huffed. And dropped her sword.

 

Kunikida sighed. He was about to scold the girl about proper language —a habit left from being a teacher for so long— but Kyouka spoke before he could.

 

"That's actually not a bad idea. You could always use smoke bombs."

 

Adeleine raised her head. Yeah..she could. How come they never thought of it?

 

"You could also support us with creating weapons. Mister Kunikida's notebook is too small for that. But there is no limit to what you can create."

 

Adeleinw stared at her paintbrush she left on the side. Right. She could quite literally create anything. But she was so stuck trying to fit in with the rules of this world she forgot she doesn't really have to. She could have her own ways. She just had to be creative.

 

"I'll think of what I can do!"

 

Adeleine announced with joy. And right on cue Kunikida's phone rang.

 

-

 

"You really couldn't find anything all day?" Adeleine asked as she sat on the couch. It was nighttime already. Ranpo was kneeled in front of her. Bandaging the scratches. Although she insisted it was fine, Ranpo was really determined to help. He even apologized for storming off like that. Although she didn't really think he should apologize for it.

 

If he's the greatest detective in the whole world like he said, then why did his friends doubt his words. Right? Adeleine saw how smart he is. So she didnt doubt him for a single moment.

 

"Kyouka told me about this summer festival. It's soon, right?"

 

Adeleine asked despite the lack of response to the first part of her words. Just like last time, no response came yet again.

 

"Can you take me there? I promise I won't run off or cause trouble."

 

Adeleine sounded less cheerful. Not that she was still upset about what happened. It was just the fact that Ranpo was..being weird.

 

He wasn't being so weird earlier. But ever since he picked up the pair of scissors from the kitchen counter —to cut the extra bandages— he had grown really quiet. And come to think of it..what exactly was he doing right now?

 

Adeleine blinked down. Ranpo was just— staring. At nothingness basically. But she could tell he was seeing something. Something she couldn't see.

 

Adeleine blinked and slightly swung her leg.

 

"Heeey.. Ranpo?"

 

Still no response. This was getting..worrisome. Adeleine frowned. She wasn't scared in the slightest. Not by the man in front of him.

 

And definitely not by the small pair of scissors he's holding.

 

Adeleine reached out to him. But before her hand could even touch the older boy, Ranpo smacked it away.

 

The momentum was enough to cut through Adeleine's wrist and cheek.

 

She was simply lucky she turned her head away. The blade had gotten awfully close to her eye.

 

It was quiet for a few seconds. Adeleine could hear Ranpo breathing. She could also hear a small tap.

 

Blood was rolling down her cheek, dripping onto the couch. It was creating a red smudge that slowly grew bigger.

 

-

You are not real.

 

You can't be.

 

Those eyes could never be so devoid of color.

 

She bled color into everything she touched.

 

You’re what’s left.

 

After the canvas is torn and the paint runs dry.

 

-

 

Ranpo didn't know for how long he had sat on the cold concrete floor. His legs pulled up to his chest, arms crossed over his knees. His hat barely on his head.

 

This wasn't real. Of course it wasn't. Adeleine is at the agency. Safe. Then why?

 

Not why. He knew why. To mess with him, obviously. But how? If this is some sort of 'dream' there must be a way to wake up. And it likely requires him to continue.

 

After all the walls are extending on their own. Likely leading him to where he's supposed to be.

 

He knew it wasn't real. And being a detective for so long kind of makes you numb to all kinds of bloody scenes. But seeing the pale, lifeless body of a child he had grown fond of in such short time..

 

He huffed before he forced himself back up at his feet. If he stuck around for longer, then he'd waste time. He needed to get to the bottom of this. As soon as possible. That's the only way to get out of this place.

 

Ranpo walked over to thr small blanket. Just now seeing the red smudge over it. Growing bigger and bigger as he held his hand to reach out to it. As if his mere presence triggered it. Ranpo payed no mind to it despite how much it made his skin crawl. He grabbed the blanket and with a singular quick move and he removed it.

 

But it wasn't the blanket he removed. It was the blindfold he was wearing.

 

This all happened before..didn't it?

 

But this time he was already holding the pair of scissors in his hand.

 

He was no longer in that creepy alleyway but in his own house.

 

He could only see red. And the smudge kept getting bigger.

Chapter Text

I'm sorry.

 

I'm so sorry.

 

Ranpo dropped the pair of scissors he's holding as suddenly everything came back to him. He is in no alleyway. He's chasing nobody.

 

He's home. With Adeleine.

 

But when did he come home? What was he doing just now?

 

"Adeleine?" Ranpo called out as he reached forward. His immediate reaction being to check the injury..he caused.

 

Adeleine turned her face away before he could even touch her. She grabbed her cheek and stared into the distance with wide open eyes. Trying to blink away tears.

 

Ranpo didn't know if they were caused by the pain or fear. Or both.

 

"I'm— I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

 

Ranpo merely stared at her as Adeleine cried out an apology. He couldnt make sense of it. He couldnt even open his mouth to object before Adeleine was suddenly back up on her feet. Stumbling away from him. Tears dripping down her cheeks. Mixed with blood.

 

"I didn't mean to upset you. Really. I'm sorry."

 

Her voice was filled with hurt. She sobbed. Trying her hardest to be quiet and hide her sniffles. Ranpo couldnt understand. He couldnt keep up. Why was she apologizing?

 

His memories were water-colored. Washed away and faint. They flickered at the edge of his mind like a candle in the wind.

 

They didn't feel real. Although Ranpo already knew that. He did from the very start.

 

But this moment, it was real. The blood was real. The tears were real. And the moment his hands grasped the blades— and carved a red line against skin and flesh. That was very real, very vibrant and very red.

 

"What?"

 

He found himself huff in disbelief. Why wasn't he moving? Why wasn't he helping?

 

"I didn't mean to upset you."

 

Adeleine repeated herself as if Ranpo didn't hear her the first time. She was up on her feet, one hand covering her cheek. Blood arrogantly sliding down under her hand. Dripping onto the floor with no end.

 

Her other arm was used to cover her eyes. The tears. As if her voice wasn't wet enough already. The white sleeve of her detective outfit she decided to wear today, for her big day as Ranpo's assistant, smudged in red. It would be hard to get it cleaned off.

 

"You didn't."

 

Ranpo basically whispered. His arm stretched forward. Wanting to touch. Wanting to comfort. But afraid he'd cause more harm in the end. Adeleine's folded frame just inches away from him.

 

"I'm sorry—"

 

He added eventually. Curling his fingers and slowly lowering his arm. She's the one who moved away when he reached out the first time. Ranpo was afraid to push her too much in the end.

 

He couldnt explain it. Not to..the kid. He doubt he could explain it to anyone. Really.
How could he? He himself didn't know what just happened. He just felt sick. His head spinning as if he was hungover. His memories scrambled around, his senses, his very own mind had betrayed him somehow.

 

"You've been acting weird too. I got scared. I got worried."

 

Adeleine eventually lowered her arm. Her eyes were glassy. The cut on her cheek, quite a deep one now that Ranpo had a better look on it, had dried ever so slightly. Blood trickling down from the sides still, the fresh bright red color replaced by an uglier muddy brown however.

 

Same goes for her arm. Although luckily this one wasn't nearly as concerning as the one on her face. As Ranpo stared at her, he saw just how awfully close he had gotten to her eye.

 

If she didn't turn her head away, He would've made her blind.

 

There was a lump in his throat. He had to part his lips and breathe in more oxygen, as if there weren't nearly enough in his lungs. As if his heart was struggling to pump the blood.

 

"Was I?"

 

His gaze was hazed as he kept thinking back. The stretching alleyway. The smell of an unreal corpse. Chasing after the echoes of the past and a shadow from the future. Ranpo had to stumbled back. The small table hitting the back of his calve. His frame so shaky it nearly knocked him off balance.

 

He stumbled a second time before he even had the chance to recover, as arms filled with desperation wrapped tightly around his middle. Ranpo's trembling hands managed to find their way around Adeleine's back, resting hesitantly over her cape as the kid buried her face into Ranpo's chest. Her fingers curled around his vest tight enough to wrinkle the fabric.

 

It didn't take too long for him to feel the wetness. His clothes damp from what he assumed were tears, and perhaps a bit of blood.

 

"..I would never hurt you. Even if you upset me. You got that?"

 

Ranpo tried to remain calm. But his words were forced out and filled with pain from how tight his throat was. Adeleine clenched onto the fabric tighter. Her nails nearly digging onto Ranpo's skin. He could feel the pressure clearly as Adeleine tried to swallow another sob.

 

"Then why did you hurt me?"

 

The words cut deep. They were filled with betrayal and hurt. And Ranpo could only respond with pressing the younger tighter against himself, lowering his eyes as the tears blurred his sight. Whispering another pointless apology. The voices he heard in the alleyway suddenly felt like they were back. He could hear them clearly. And although he knew it was his own imagination. They felt real. They felt even more real than they did on the alleyway. They sounded as betrayed as Adeleine did. And Ranpo had no excuses.

 

He didn't understand what happened.

 

He didn't understand it at all.

 

-

 

"Will you be okay, Mister Iain?" A soft voice asked as she stepped towards a white bed. Sheets clean and no wrinkles in sight. The room decorated like it's from the 1930s. A soft jasmine smell filled the room.

 

Johanna placed a cup of water on the drawer bedstand. Then carefully sat on thr chair facing the bed. Her knees touching the soft fabric of the white sheets.

 

Pale, bony fingers reached for the cup of water. Trembling and weak.

 

"You've given me too much blood." Johanna whispered into the silence.

 

The tall man sitting on the bed refused to face her. He was merely staring outside the window. Eyes filled with too much light. Too much curiosity.

 

"This had to be perfect."

 

He said before parting his lips and taking a long sip of the water.

 

Iain's long hair wasn't in a pony tail. Nor was he wearing his usual clothes.

 

An healthy adult has around 4.5 to 6 liters of blood in their body. He lost around 1500 milliliters. Which makes it a class II. Symptoms are dizziness, weakness and fainting. With enough supporting vitamins, he should be back up in his feet in no time.

 

Johanna gave a small nod. On her lap sat a porcelain doll with an emerald green dress. Cracks over her eyes. Skin as white as Johanna herself. She wrapped her arm around the doll just a bit tighter. Afraid to cause it harm, but subconsciously searching for comfort.

 

"He would've recognized me. So I ended up making you do the hard work again..my sincerest apologies, dear Johanna."

 

Iain eventually turned to face the girl. His white eyes almost shining under the gaps of sunlight. His smile genuine. Filled with far too much enthusiasm for a guy his age.

 

"..you look creepy. Mister Iain."

 

Johanna whispered before turning her head away. Frowning ever so slightly as Iain barked out a laugh like it was the best joke he heard in weeks.

 

-

 

"You don't remember."

 

It was a statement. Adeleine had a bandaid over her cheek and her arm was lightly bandaged. They didn't stand out too much with the rest of her injuries. At least not if you're an outsider. Ranpo, however, couldn't remember the last time he felt this guilty over something.

 

"I don't know what I don't remember."

 

Ranpo clarified softly. He sat at the other side of the couch as adeleine sat in the middle. She had some crayons, not the usual art supplies she chooses to use, and a blank page. She was slowly sketching out the figure of a girl from what Ranpo could see. Pink hair and a ribbon.

 

"What do you remember then?"

 

Adeleine raised her head up enough to make eye contact. Her eyes weren't accusing. They were afraid but still eager to understand. Which Ranpo didn't understand. He didn't get how she was still..sitting there. As if nothing happened.

 

Ranpo had thought. This was it. This was the proof he needed to prove that something is wrong. That something —someone— is after the agency. This proves it. He had seen it. And he knows what he had seen is real.

 

"It must be an ability. It's tied to the police officer from yesterday. I told the president about it but he didn't believe me— but I know for sure now. I thought I was chasing someone just now...a shadowy figure. Sounds odd I know but—"

Ranpo realized he had been rambling..to a kid. About the whole thing and simply put his hands in his hands. Trying to calm himself down. And as he breathed in and out, the waters cleared.

 

"I saw..a corpse."

 

He continued. Opening and closing his mouth a few times as if testing out if he can make the words come out or not. His eyes weren't focused anywhere. His throat was dry as he continued.

 

"But..it wasn't a corpse?"

 

He tried again. Brushing his hair off of his forehead with one hand. Other hand subconsciously searching for his glasses.

 

"No— let me start over. There was this..black smoke."

 

Black? Or was it another color.? How come it was suddenly hard to remember?

 

"And those voices. And this figure— shadowy and..barely there. It wanted me to follow it."

 

Adeleine stared at Ranpo as he reached for his glasses with shaky hands. Struggling to put them on.

 

He clearly didn't mean to hurt her. And he was stuck fighting alone because the agency refused to believe him

 

Ranpo heard footsteps but payed no mind to them. Instead he placed the glasses in his face and pushed them up enough to see through the glass. Nothing in his world change.

 

It never did.

 

Because the glasses were a lie. Just like his ability.

 

Therefore there was no confirmation of what he had seen.

 

He wanted to believe himself. But with how blurry everything was..doubt of course lingered in the back of his mind.

 

"I believe you."

 

Adeleine stood in front of him. A glass of water in hand. Her smile sad but determined. Eyes still red from crying. Despite being the confused and hurt one, she was the one trying to comfort him.

 

He had to get a grip. Really.

 

"I know you didn't mean to hurt me." Adeleine continued as Ranpo slowly took the water.

"You saved me from the evil police officer. You also bought me ice cream." Adeleine gestured with her hands as if she was counting the times Ranpo did something good for her out loud— just so he would feel better about himself.

 

"Then you let me come home with you even though you don't like giving me your bed or having me in your living space—" Ranpo blinked. Oddly specific. But..accurate. He couldn't help but feel ashamed though. Did he make it that obvious..?

 

"And you read me a bed time story too."

 

"I guess I did."

 

Ranpo stared down at the water. Putting aside how ridiculous it was that this..kid. is cheering him up. This was far too..sweet. too sweet, almost. Because suddenly everything looked much more disoriented and blurry—..

 

"I'm really sorry."

 

Ranpo hummed slowly. Placing the water on the table without taking a sip. He placed a hand on the side of the couch. Having to use it as a support to pull himself back up to his feet. His head turned away from the kid in front of him. Acting as if he ignored the tears— then they would go away.

 

"I think I'll use the bathroom—"

 

Something stopped him before he could take a step.

 

Adeleine hugged him tightly. This kid, who didn't even reach the height of his shoulders, was holding him tightly; trying to comfort him. And it was ridiculous. Because this never happened. Not in a long time.

 

Because he was supposed to be the shield of the agency. Only allowing himself to break down in front of the president occasionally— but that was the built up trust of 13 years. He knew this kid for a day or two. Then how come she had this much impact on him?

 

"I love you, Mister Ranpo."

 

"I love you too, kid."

Chapter Text

The rest of the night was spent well.

 

Adeleine was very adamant on Ranpo sleeping by her side, which Ranpo denied multiple times at first but he eventually gave in and curled in his bed. All too happy despite how he would never say it out loud.

 

He didn't like change too much. Didn't like sharing his things either. He was just..trying to do it because the kid for some reason really wanted to stay with him.

 

Regardless. One interesting thing he found out was..what actually happened while he thought he was at the "alleyway". Turns out he did in fact take the train to Shinjuku, but after investing for the rest of the day and apparently saying he found nothing..Dazai dragged him back to the agency dorms. And until then nothing had been odd. Although he'd have to ask Dazai about it later—..regardless.

 

Adeleine said he was normal until going over to take the medical supplies for her injuries. More specifically..until he took the scissors. After coming back, apparently, Ranpo had suddenly grown really quiet. And he wouldn't respond to Adeleine.

 

Then the incident happened.

 

He thanked Adeleine and when she asked, he told her he didn't remember any of it.

 

Although this wasn't entirely true.

 

Because he did.

 

But only after Adeleine told him about it. As if someone cleared the smoke in his head. It was odd. As if the memories of those moments had been..covered by something. But the more he heard the clearer the images got.

 

He remembered Dazai talking about how he trusts him more than anything, and that he also believed something is off.

 

He also remembered Adeleine talking about her day with Kyouka.

 

But none of it actually existed to him until it was said by Adeleine. Once the fog cleared the memories came back to him. But it wasn't only that..

 

The memories of the alleyway started fading.

 

As if the reality had been changed. Or perhaps only his reality—.. the existence of each story flickering. The alleyway which felt so..real. Suddenly started feeling more like a dream he could hardly recall. While the story Adeleine told him, apparently what everyone else remembered happening, started feeling more and more real with each passing second.

 

Those weren't mere images— he remembered making those decisions. He remembered living those moments.

 

Which is extremely odd because he didnt live those moments. Or he thought he didnt.

 

Therefore Ranpo went and did the most logical thing— grabbed a notebook and wrote.

 

Wrote everything he remembered about the alleyway. Trying to make something solid off of those memories he swore existed a few hours ago. But now, they were fading. Fading extremely fast.

 

As if trying to make him question his own sanity.

 

-

 

"No pancakes today?" Adeleine whined as Ranpo placed a plate in front of her.

 

In her plate was a simple slice of bread with some strawberry jam. Some cheese on the side and some sad looking black olives.

 

"No, looks like we ran out of eggs." Ranpo shrugged. Even if they did have eggs, he didnt have the patience to make pancakes this early in the morning. At least not two times in a row.

 

"I could just draw some if you told me.." Adeleine puffed her cheeks. The plain bandaid she had from yesterday was replaced already. By one that has..what Ranpo assumed was a white rabbit with really long ears. She called it "Cinnamonroll" or something like that.

 

Right..mention of it reminded Ranpo of how Adeleine went on a rant about how he's a puppy, not a rabbit. So a white puppy with oddly long ears it is.

 

"You sure it wouldn't taste like paint?" Ranpo laughed as he sat down with his own plate in hand.

 

Practically a copy of what Adeleine was eating.

 

"Of course not! Are you doubting my ability?" She crossed her arms. She wasnt angry at him. She just wanted an excuse to keep talking to him. Because despite their talk last night, Adeleine could still tell there was something wrong. This was..weirdly easier than when she was in dreamland. The magical creatures were much harder to relate to than actual people, apparently. She wasnt complaining. It wasnt often she had something relate to.

 

"Huh. You should've just draw us some pancakes then." Ranpo narrowed his eyes.

 

"Its not the same as when you make them."

 

She whispered moreso to herself. However when she raised her head again, Ranpo was staring at her with a hard to read expression.

 

"Huh." He huffed before suddenly laughing. "They were practically burnt—" He said between laughter.

 

Adeleine stared at him for a second before she joined him in laughing. Rest of the breakfast was rather nice. They kept chatting. And although the constant reminder of the events of last night stood in front of him.. Ranpo still didnt let the weight of his guilt crush him.

 

-

 

"Good morning Ranpo! Good morning Adeleine!" The blond boy called out as they made their way inside. Just like last time, the office was filled with people. Although not as crowded as last time..but there were still people around.

 

Ranpo waved to Kenji and Adeleine copied him before following him to..the president's room?

 

"Where are we going?" Adeleine tilted her head as Ranpo stood in front of the door. Looking almost nervous.

 

"I need to talk to the president about what happened yesterday. I have some snacks back in my desk. Could you wait for me?"

 

Ranpo turned and smiled down at Adeleine. Although the smile was filled with uncertainty. He knew this was it. The proof he needed for the president to believe him. But for some reason he had a bad feeling about this.

 

"Okay." Adeleine responded simply. And with that Ranpo reached to pat her head. Then he was gone like that. The door was shut with a soft click. No knocking needed, apparently.

 

"President?" Ranpo closed the door behind him. His voice scared, almost like a child ready for scolding.

 

Fukuzawa was sat in his usual spot. A cup of green tea in front of him. He raised his head and..to his surprise, Fukuzawa looked really calm. Despite his tantrum from yesterday. It wasnt often for Ranpo to against the president's orders. It only happened twice. The decay of the angel incident and yesterday.

 

"Ranpo." The president greeted slowly. His voice low per usual. Eyes looking right through Ranpo. An uncomfortable feeling for the the detective who's so used to being the one who sees through everything.

 

"I'm—..sorry. For lashing out like that.." He huffed. Eyes on the ground. Hands still on the door handle. Fidgeting with it.

 

Fukuzawa was glad. He trusted Ranpo. Of course he did. But you can't just raise a false alarm out of nowhere—..They all had a hard time. Really. Ranpo knew from the start and it was their fault for not listening him—..no wonder the poor kid was paranoid. But as said— he couldnt just raise a false alarm like that.

 

"..But I have evidence!"

 

Words died down on Fukuzawas throat. Great. Last thing he needed.

 

"...and what could that be?" He asked. A headache already forming.

 

"This!" Ranpo raised the notebook in his hand.

 

Fukuzawa stared blankly at the notebook for a few moments before gesturing Ranpo to come over. It wasnt that he didnt trust him. The opposite. Fukuzawa wasnt an idiot. After the last time, he knew he should trust him. But the president simply..wished Ranpo to be wrong for once. The agency couldn't handle a second blow so soon.

 

"A memory altering ability."

 

Ranpo opened the page he wrote about the alleyway. Fukuzawa pulled the notebook closer and he scanned through the page. Listening the younger detective as he does so.

 

"It's..very powerful. Obviously! And I'm pretty sure its not limited by anything. When I got out of the train— I thought everyone had disappeared. And everything was so wonky I was convinced it was some sort of domain ability—"

 

Ranpo gestured with his hands as he spoke. Fukuzawa was reading through the exact lines explaining how when Ranpo got off the train, he realized he was alone and there was some sort of smoke everywhere.

 

"—It..made me see some things. I've written them down there. And Suddenly I was back home. Obviously no memories of going back. I'm sure whoever caused it was trying to mess with my head."

 

Fukuzawa read the lines and..it sounded more like a manic episode. A personal attack on the detective—..which he wouldn't be surprised if happened. Really.

 

"And here's the weirdest part. Those memories started fading. And they were replaced by my true memories! And its..honestly so weird. It's not just a matter of 'remembering'. I can vividly remember making those choices. Living those moments. We— have to be careful."

 

Fukuzawa closed the notebook and stared up at Ranpo. Unfortunately..he knew better than to doubt him a second time. But at the same time this was far too much to take in at once.

 

"Alright. We'll discuss it with the rest of the agency."

 

He eventually responded. Ranpo seemed happy enough. The notebook he brought placed back inside the pocket of his cape.

 

Then came the question he..wasnt necessarily avoiding. But wanted to bring up himself in any case if they were going to talk about that.

 

"You mentioned chasing after that shadow. And ending up home suddenly."

 

"..right."

 

Ranpo turned his head away. He wasnt..trying to hide it. It wasnt that sort of thing. He just didnt know how to talk about it while he still felt so..guilty. about what happened. He eventually stood up. Fukuzawa's eyes followed him as Ranpo made his way near the window. The detective leaned his forehead on the glass and Fukuzawa immediately knew something was wrong.

 

"President. What would you do if you hurt someone you care about?"

 

Fukuzawa frowned. Not exactly what he was expecting. After the mention of hearing 'voices' he was more expecting a talk about..perhaps self doubt. Because despite the act, Fukuzawa could tell just how much of Ranpo's confidence was pretend and how much of it wasnt.

 

It wasn't too surprising for Ranpo to accidentally be rude and hurt people though— and the detective never seemed to care too much about the words he says. Why now?

 

"Were you being rude?"

 

Ranpo didn't move at all. But he did curl up in his place a bit. Head lowering slightly. His shoulder tense.

 

"Not like that."

 

Fukuzawa paused for a second. Physically? Then the words he read not so long ago hit him. He mentioned finding a pair of scissors. And swinging that thing around while chasing the shadow—

 

"I didn't mean to-"

 

Ranpo turned to look at Fukuzawa. The president's tense expression must've given it away that he managed to connect the dots by himself. Ranpo looked afraid. But considering he wasnt informed of this last night the damage couldn't be too bad.

 

"I know. How bad?"

 

Fukuzawa stood up and Ranpo shrink more in response. How bad? He wasnt sure?? Well technically he was lucky enough to miss the eye. But at the same time the cuts did bleed a lot—

 

"It's not— I was lucky to miss her eye. But the cuts were still deep. They bleed some. But it's fine now. But she obviously got scared though. But I didnt mean to do such thing. Im not trying to excuse it really— it was just so realistic. I didnt even realize I was home until—"

 

He paused at the hand on his shoulder. Staring up with a panicked expression. He didn't expect a negative response. Not at all. But him messing up was a big thing. Because that's his whole thing! Not messing up. Always being correct.

 

"You should be more careful. Even if under the influence of an ability, your actions can have big impacts."

 

Fukuzawa spoke quietly. His voice no different than the usual. Ranpo winced slightly.

 

"Don't forget everyone trusts you."

 

He gave a slight nod. He was right. Ranpo is supposed to be better than that.

 

"I trust you. And more importantly, that kid trusts you."

 

He then felt the hand over his shoulder move up to his head. He opened his eyes as the president pat his head once. He wasn't expecting to be comforted obvious. Hard to remember it around the president especially..but he's no longer a confused fourteen year old. Plus he has added responsibility. He should— probably pull himself back together.

 

-

 

"That wasnt there before." Kyouka pointed out and lightly poked her in the cheek. Adeleine swung her hands in the air in panic

 

"I have no idea what youre talking about! It happened yesterday!" Adeleine didn't blame Ranpo for what happened. The opposite. Actually. She knew the detective would do anything to protect her. This was just an accident.

 

And that was the very reason she didnt want to talk about what happened. Obviously the trust between them wouldn't break so easily. She knew he didn't mean to harm her.

 

Of course not.

 

He saved her from the evil police officer and—

 

"No. Im sure it wasnt there yesterday." Kyouka huffed. Crossing her arms slightly. She was for some reason not buying it. Therefore Adeleine decided to change the subject instead.

 

"When do you think Ranpo will get out of the president's room? He's been there for a while."

 

She puffed her cheeks and turned to look at the unmoving door. She couldn't even tell if theyre talking. But she supposed thats a good thing. Because they're talking about the important things..

 

"Right— he has been there for a while now."

 

The reply came from Atsushi.

 

However silence followed it. Silence from Adeleine. Because Atsushi and Kyouka were already talking about some sort of 'summer festival' they'll be attending apparently. And..Adeleine didnt really know what that was.

 

It was sometimes easy to forget she doesn't really belong in here. Small moments like these sure remind her of that bitter truth though.

 

So she just sat there in silence. Staring around the office and watching everyone work and talk to each other and—..it was so different in a way. But also felt like home in this very.. very wrong way.

 

"Do you think your friends are worried about you?"

 

Adeleine stared up from where she was sitting. Dazai. The bandaged detective was watching her with eyes darker than the night itself. The way he looked at people reminded her of Ranpo. But there was always something..malicious about the way Dazai looked at people. Like he was actively searching for something. Like he was trained for it— to the point it became muscle memory. That wasnt the case with Ranpo. The shorter detective looked more like he's..trying not to look. As odd as it is.

 

"What?"

 

The question was..a bit too personal. Was it not? Probably not the best thing to remind someone of. Especially if theyre stuck with no exits. But the bandaged man did not budge. He simply hopped on top the desk Adeleine was sitting on.

 

"You've been here for two days now. Nearly three. You think they called the police or something?"

 

Dazai smiled. However it felt false. What was he searching for? Adeleine couldn't tell. But she knew he was asking those questions for a reason.

 

"..I don't think so. But they must be wondering."

 

She knew better than to try and explain how they don't exactly have a 'police force'. And..honestly dissapearances aren't that odd. They're used to weird things. But surely not seeing her for nearly three days straight mightve worried her friends.

 

"Huh. Oh and. You said you're the only human there right??" Dazai knew the answer to that.

 

Then what was he doing asking personal questions to this kid? Well..he wasnt heartless. Probably not. But this whole another universe thing was much more serious than a kid's mental health. At least in his opinion. So whatever gets him answers work.

 

Adeleine merely paused at the question. It was asked far too cheerfully for her liking. The only human. That's correct. But how? Humans need to be paired to produce children.

 

She's never met another human until coming here. Not that She's aware of. But they must've existed. She tried to think back to her earliest memories. Maybe a mother. Maybe a sibling. Maybe a friend—

 

Something must've happened.

 

"Ah. Maybe that was too far."

 

Dazai stared at the kid who.. was now just staring into nothingness. She didnt even seem to hear her. She just kept looking into the distance with blank eyes.

 

Then the door to the president's room clicked. And Ranpo stepped out. Adeleine suddenly looked turned her head hearing the sound.

 

She didn't respond to Dazai. Merely hopped off the desk and ran to thd detective.

 

Dazai watched quietly as the older detective stumbled from the impact. The kid now laughing and pushing him like nothing happened just now.

 

But from a closer view..Dazai could tell.

 

He's no longer the only one that's searching for answers.

Chapter Text

"Are you an idiot??"

 

Yosano basically shouted. Grabbing Ranpo by the collar of his button up. Ranpo seemed unphased by the yelling however. But he was still a tiny bit hurt.

 

"You could've blinded her!" She added without skipping a beat. Ranpo shrunk on himself more.

 

He talked to Fukuzawa. And They have decided to keep what happened a secret until they have a meeting regarding this new issue. However..Ranpo couldn't keep his mouth shut about the injury. At least not to Yosano.

 

Once everyone left the office, everyone but her, Ranpo grabbed Adeleine and practically dragged her to the doctor's office. Showing her the injury and..

 

Of course Yosano pointed out the fact that the cut is oddly deep. Ranpo claimed it was an accident. It was his fault. Not the smartest lie probably. Shame on him. Yosano clearly wasn't buying it.

 

"What type of 'accident' causes such a deep injury on someone's face!? Don't give me that bullshit."

 

She stared at Ranpo for a few more moments. Ranpo was convinced avoiding eye contact would get her to let go. However things weren't exactly going as planned. Yosano merely tightened her hold on the detective. Ranpo having to reach out to try and pry her hands off of thr collar of his shirt. It wasnt working.

 

Then came a third voice. The person this conversation was revolving around.

 

"It really was!"

 

Adeleine pleaded from where she was sat. She didnt like seeing the two argue, neither did Yosano enjoy the idea of arguing in front of a whole kid. But she just couldn't with this absurd lie—..

 

Yosano huffed. Dropping the detective. Ranpo merely stumbled back before trying to fix his wrinkled collar.

 

"I know you're lying."

 

She huffed. Her hand going to rub the bridge of her nose. Accidents happen. And Yosano knew how much Ranpo cares about his loved ones. How much he gives for them. He's the pillar of the agency. Not only because he's the smartest detective, and the person this agency revolves around. But also because he's what keeps them together.

 

Even if they're used as a scapegoat by a global terrorist group.

 

Even if theyre captured by the world's strongest soldiers, the hunting dogs themselves.

 

Even if the whole world is against them, thinking they're criminals..

 

And..well. Even if theyre the one to blame for that. For not listening him in the first place.

 

Ranpo will come to save them regardless. He had. He will. He'll go against the world's strongest ability users— lie about his ability and put on a brave face even if he's as afraid as the rest of them.

 

For the agency. Because Ranpo thinks he needs to be invincible for them. But after the last events..Yosano could see the cracks on his facade. She could see them right now. Ranpo was an amazing liar. He could've gaslight his way out of this situation with ease. But he couldn't bring himself to do that to her, apparently. She wouldnt have clocked the lie if he wanted to hide it so bad.

 

There is something he wants to tell her, clearly. But perhaps its not the time. She sighed. Stepped forward and slapped the detective's hand off of his collar. Grabbing it herself and folding it neatly.

 

Ranpo couldn't bring himself to look at her. His whole life he had been..awfully used to not being understood. But living with someone for over ten years certainly makes a difference.

 

"It's not the time, then." Yosano huffed. Stepping back and glancing between him and Adeleine. "..it's not only her I'm worried about. It's you too."

 

He felt his shoulders tense for a second. Turning his head away almost in a stubborn way. Adeleine caught him fidgeting with the sleeves of his shirt.

 

He really hates worrying those around him. She could almost feel him dwelling in his emotions from where she was sitting.

 

Its supposed to be a nice thing though. Is it not? He's always worried about her. Perhaps she should work harder. She didnt want to worry him either.

 

"I appreciate it, Yosano. Just forget it for now?" He offered quietly. Head hanging low. Both Adeleine and Yosano could practically feel the shame radiating from his frame. Yosano glanced at Adeleine for a moment. She was quick to turn her head away. Hide the injury away from her. She's only upset because she doesn't know the truth, Adeleine reminded herself.

 

Perhaps if she didnt cry last night, Ranpo wouldnt bring her here today. And he wouldnt have gotten sad.

 

"Does the president know?" She sighed. Seemingly tempted to give up on the topic. She was determined. But Ranpo was clearly much more stubborn than that.

 

-

 

"I'm sorry." Adeleine whispered. Today was spent rather event-less. They were out of the building. The dorms weren't too far from where the agency was. But it still took around ten minutes or so to get there with how crowded the streets were.

 

Adeleine had never thought she would see a being resembling her. A human. But there were so many of them around right now.

 

People with families. Loved ones. Dreams.

 

"What's that for?" Ranpo didnt bother glancing down. He knew the answer.

 

"You argued with miss Yosano because of me." Adeleine responded. She was walking right by the detective's side. Seemingly a bit overwhelmed by the city lights mixed with so many people. He wasnt surprised.

 

"It wasn't because of you. And— we didn't argue. She was just..worried." Ranpo hardly fought people on things. Usually everyone agrees with whatever he says without asking any questions. But..this wasn't an argument. He wasnt saying that to not worry Adeleine but because he truly thought of it that way— She was just worried about Adeleine. About him

 

"I worried you— and her. Maybe if I didn't cry so much.." She huffed out. Perhaps it sounds like she's asking for comfort. For attention. But..Ranpo was unhappy about the idea of people worrying about him. He wants to look like he has things under control. She wants to be the same.

 

Perhaps she has been alone because she failed to protect her loved ones.

 

She wouldn't want a repeat of that.

 

"Don't say that. We worry about you because we care for you. But you're a child. We're adults. Let us worry about those things"

 

She had to pause as well since Ranpo decided to stop in his tracks to say that. Well.. she wasnt too convinved by the words. But she wouldn't argue him on that.

 

"Being an adult sounds unpleasant." She huffed out quietly. Her arms wrapping around herself as she kicked a rock under her feet.

 

"Yeah. It does suck honestly. That's why you should be like me and never lose your spark!" Ranpo ruffled her hair before gesturing with his head for her to keep following him. Which she did quietly.

 

However her eyes were still darting around. It wasnt too dark yet. Likely due to the fact that it's summer. She could see many people around. Some even kids her age.

 

Right. Her age.

 

Adeleine kept trailing after the detective. Her mind lingering back to the conversation she had with Dazai. Two humans are required to produce children. A male and a female. Then where did she come from? Where'd her family go? Her steps slowed down. Suddenly the city lights making her feel dizzy until she had to fully stop walking.

 

Adeleine turned her head. She saw a young girl with light blonde hair, holding the hand of a boy who must be a little bit older than herself. Calling out to her father.

 

For a moment it felt familiar. It felt like it was something she had been longing for. A hole no one can fill. Not the humans of this planet. Not his friends back home.

 

A sort of feeling that made her upset and angry at the same time. Her ears ringing more and more each time the girl's voice reaches her through the crowd. Repeating the word over and over again.

 

Why could she not have that? Why was she so upset over something she never had in the first place? Her friends had always been enough. She believed they always would be.

 

Family is not about the blood im your veins. Its about who you're with. It's about who holds your hand through your darkest moments. It's about who searches for you when you hide away from the rest of the world.

 

It's the people who cherish you, love you unconditionally. She already has that. Does she not? Back at her home, her friends must be already in searching for her.

 

Then why's she not satisfied?

 

Why does it not feel enough?

 

Is she greedy? Perhaps being selfish what makes a human 'human'.

 

But it would never be enough. Her friends wouldn't be enough. Playing family with a detective she met two days ago wouldn't be enough. No matter what she tells herself. No matter how much theyre willing to give. She wanted her family. Her real family. The one that's gone for some reason.

 

Did they leave her behind? Did she do something wrong?

 

"Adeleine?" Came the voice all too carefully. Ranpo pushing through some people to reach where she was standing. In the middle of the crowd. People much taller than her pushing her not even looking back for a second as she stared into nothingness.

 

"I can not see the stars from here."

 

The voice was small.

 

Maybe she was left behind by her own people back then.

 

Maybe she always would be.

 

"Oh, yeah right. The city lights are far too bright for that. It's not exactly the best place for stargazing."

 

Ranpo chuckled. He could tell something was wrong. But..this wasnt like the times before. This was different. Somehow.

 

Perhaps he just caught her staring at that family for a little too long.

 

A voice came again. Adeleine merely tilted her head. Then same girl from earlier yelling at the boy by her side. The one she was holding the hand earlier. Now they were arguing like it was natural as the older men watched.

 

"She called that men 'father'." Adeleine pointed. Staring for a little too long before turning her head back up to Ranpo

 

"I used to call someone that. But couldn't remember if that was his name or something kids call their parents."

 

She was aware of the basics of humanity. Not from first hand obviously but she knew some things. Remembered some things. Some of those were hard to confirm. Even if they're awfully basic things.

 

Adeleine honestly knew it would simply be a term. She wasnt that naive. But something inside her wished it wasn't as ridiculous as that was. Because otherwise it means she simply doesn't remember her father's name.

 

Ranpo was silent after hearing the words. He wasn't sure how to deal with this at all. Is he supposed to say something? Is he supposed to encourage her to talk more? They're in the middle of the street too.

 

Not like it matters. Ranpo knew how it felt to miss your family. He didn't know how to help, sure. But he knew how not to help. And that was a start.

 

"How about we get some sweets and you tell me more about it?" He offered as gently as he could.

 

That was a trick question. Because nothing could exactly help right now. He just had to not make it worse.

 

Let her be upset. Let her cry without feeling guilty.

 

Let her know it's okay to be sad.

 

"Do you want to hold my hand?"

 

-

 

"One strawberry crepe please." Ranpo handed the cashier some money and and Adeleine's crepe was already being prepared in the back.

 

"You won't get anything?" Adeleine asked with a little bit surprise. Ranpo was quick to shake his head in response.

 

He wants to actually pay attention. It'll be much easier for him if he's not holding a delicious snack while listening.

 

"Bold of you to assume I won't take a bite out of yours." He joked with a smile. Not an attempt to change the subject. Just an attempt at making her feel a bit better.

 

Adeleine stared at him for a few moments. It looked like a smile was about to tug on her lips at first. But she turned her head away instead. Watching the outside fron the glass doors of the place

 

Ranpo couldn't help but feel his heart break at the sight. He didnt say anything else. Taking the crepe and holding it out for Adeleine to take. Which she did, with no complaints.

 

They left the place quietly. Back on the crowded streets that sounded much quieter somehow. The voices of the people were muffled by the worry Ranpo felt.

 

"You wanna talk about it now or do you want to wait until we're home?" He eventually asked with a light smile. Adeleine didn't really look up. She hadn't taken that many bites from her crepe either.

 

Okay well..Ranpo knew better than to force her into talking. So he kept walking in silence. Until they both reached the dorms.

 

They walked up the stairs to the second floor. Ranpo took out his keys.

 

The voice cane right as he put the key through the lock. He paused before he could even twist the lock open.

 

"Sometimes we don't get to say goodbye to our loved ones. But that doesn't mean they left us behind. Right?"

 

Ranpo froze. It suddenly felt hard to breathe. He didn't understand why this child's words had that much impact on him. Or how she was managing to say all gut wrenching things with such an innocent voice.

 

It felt hard to move. Ranpo didnt unlock the door. He merely turned back to Adeleine and shook his head. His words quiet. As understanding as it could be.

 

"No. It doesn't. Sometimes time runs out before we realize."

 

Adeleine stared back at him. Her eyes holding desperation. Doubt. It couldn't be that simple. If family is meant to stay together..if she's even now selfish enough to be missing her biological family— how could they have left her?

 

"But that's not fair." Adeleine said between angry tears. Her voice a bit strained.

 

"I didn't have any time at all." She clenched her fists before she continued.

 

"I don't remember their names. I don't remember their faces." Each word felt painful to utter out. Like someone was gripping on her throat. Tears already welling up in her eyes. Moments away from rolling down.

 

"I miss my mom. I miss my dad." Adeleine cried out. Sniffled quietly and wiped off her tears to her sleeve.

 

Ranpo took a singular step closer and crouched down to one knee. Opening his arms slightly.

 

Adeleine didn't rush to him. She took slow steps until she was in reach. And as the detective wrapped his arms around him, she buried her head to his shoulder. A few words Ranpo couldn't make out left her mouth as she cried to his shoulder.

 

He could make out a single sentence through the sobs.

 

"Why do I miss something I never had?"

Chapter Text

"You can see the stars from here."

 

They stood in front of the door. Ranpo crouched down on his knees, Adeleine crying to his shoulder quietly. He can hear her sniffles every once in a while. His shoulder is damp. His back hurt from how long he had been in that position. It hardly bothered him though. He was more worried about the child in his arms.

 

A child he didnt know how to comfort. A child that was his responsibility for now. A child who— somehow made her way into his heart in a span of few days.

 

Adeleine didnt respond at first. She merely raised her head from where it was buried. Looking up at the dark blue sky above them. Stars lighting it up like fireflies far away.

 

This was a lot quieter than the city. And everything was just more peaceful.

 

Her thoughts were getting quieter. Suddenly it felt like the storm had passed. Or..well. More like slowed down. She didnt feel any less terrible. Being here was nice. It felt true. It felt natural. It felt real.

 

It felt like she belonged. But it also made her upset for the things she had lost. And made her feel guilty for being greedy for more.

 

Her friends back in Dreamland.

 

Ribbon.

 

Their love was different from hers, but it was love too.

 

Then how come she couldn't be satisfied with it? How come she still wants more? Maybe she just doesn't love them as much. Maybe its what makes her different, what makes her human, to begin with.

 

She's greedy. Flawed. Perfectly human.

 

"The stars. Do they shine as brightly in where you came from?"

 

Adeleine blinked. A few more tears rolled down her cheeks before she finally turned to Ranpo. The detective's voice was small. Adeleine was no genius, but he seemed to be unsure about what to do.

 

"They shine so bright. They could light up your world."

 

Ranpo said its okay to be sad. Right? That it's not her job to be invincible. Its their job. It felt selfish. But she was desperate for that comfort. For that warmth.

 

Maybe if she tried hard enough, she could pretend she's home.

 

Home with her 'brother'. That's the term they use for it.

 

Home with her friends still waiting for her outside.

 

Home in a world she has all the love she desires.

 

-

 

"You're an orphan."

 

Ranpo nearly choked on his fucking food.

 

It was the morning after. Having breakfast together had become a routine by now. So did the back pain from laying on a futon instead of his bed.

 

He had to cough a few time to properly swallow the food in his mouth.

 

"I uh— that's the term for it. Yes. Where did that come from?"

 

Those were the kindest words he could muster up. Clenching his hands far too tightly around his fork and knife for a few moments as he practically glared at Adeleine.

 

Oh shucks. She didnt expect a reaction so..harsh.. She just— didnt think.. Death isnt a subject they think about a lot. Unless youre some cosmic evil— and you deserved it. Then You dont need to spend your days thinking about it. But..now that shes thinking of it she doubt Ranpo's parents were some cosmic evil that wanted to destroy the planet. Right..must've been a sensitive topic. But..now that she was thinking of it,

 

She wondered if that applied to her too. If she was aging 'normally'. Or if she would die of old age. She didnt really have anyone to use for comparison.

 

"I was just—..wondering. When you said last night that, 'sometimes the time comes before we realize'..it sounded like you knew how it feels like." She shrugged. Lowering her eyes back on her plate. It was..odd to have Ranpo looking at her so angrily. It felt wrong.

 

The detective's expression did not soften immediately. Just because he's putting uo with this— and admittedly loves the kid. It doesn't mean he's still not an overly sensitive man child who had been pampered most of his life.

 

His parents were..a sensitive topic. And one he didnt expect to be called out so suddenly. Though by the way Adeleine looked away in shame, he could tell she didnt intend it to go so..horribly wrong. Whatever.

 

"You could've just said that. Where did the term come from?? Seriously.." He forced his eyes back closed. The offended look on his face erasing slowly.

 

"I heard Mister Kunikida and..Dazai. say that about me. I don't think they've noticed I heard." She responded. Voice small. Playing with her string cheese instead of actually eating it.

 

And ..there goes Ranpo's anger. Why would she make such a face while saying Dazai's name?? He had to turn his head away to stifle a laughter. He supposed the..agency's united 'hatred' for Dazai simply rubbed off on her.

 

However..on the other hand. It was kind of dumb of those two to speak somewhere she can hear. Thats a kid. Right? Shouldn't be too hard to deal with it. However..well. he also came to realize that..she's quite the handful. And oddly smart for her age. Or..perhaps hes just a biased party.

 

"Great. And— why did you feel the need to call me out on it using the term.?" He..couldnt really think of a reason for that. Seriously. Why would she?

 

"That's..how you usually act."

 

Oh.

 

"You know— when you point your finger and call people out and laugh at their face when they're taken aback?"

 

Ranpo wanted the sink down to the floor.

 

So that explains it. Turns he's honestly the one to blame. Right. Something something — kids learn from around them. He kind of..forgot. this technically meant he shouldnt only be careful about the new enemy they're against but—..also the way he himself is acting. What a headache.

 

"Let's just do it to bad guys. Alright? Because thats what I do—.."

 

Adeleine opened her mouth to object. Thats wrong! Thats not the only time Ranpo does that. The detective quickly stood up with his empty plate in hand, nearly knocking out his stool as he walked over to the sink. And right on cue as Adeleine opened her mouth— Ranpo's hand grabbed hers that was holding the fork— shoving the string cheese she had been playing with up in her mouth before she can utter any words.

 

Adeleine made an angry noise. But..damn. this cheese actually tasted really nice. The fight in her died quickly as she focused n the taste. Hearing the tap open as Ranpo started washing his plate. Adeleine spoke without swallowing her food.

 

"So—..in that topic. I first thought Mister president was your dad. Because everyone seems very scared of him except for you. And he had those colored pencils in his drawer— ones that were hardly used!"

Adeleine spoke excitedly. Pointing at the drawing that was hung up on the fridge. The drawing she made for him not so long ago.

 

"The notebook I found wasnt compeletely empty. No sign of colored pencils but— there were some funny looking faces that looked angry. Like the president! You made those, right?"

 

Ranpo closed the tap. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows as he reached for a small hand towel to dry his hands. How curious. She really is laying out a flawless deduction so far.

 

"But— as I said. The pencils weren't compeletely unused. There were a few drawings in there too! A golden butterfly for example. Like the one Miss Yosano wears in her hair. She made that. Right?? I could tell you two were close. You're a lot less tense around her. Like— your shoulders are lower. And you dont try too hard to lie. Just like when you are with the president."

 

This wasnt just impressive but..highly surprising. The conclusion she came to wasn't that hard. As long as youre paying attention to your surroundings. But..little things like him tensing up or— the lack of usage in colored pencils due to his condition. No need to use multiple shades of gray when you can just use black. And again. The butterfly probably wasnt too odd either. However..as mentioned he was surprised by how much attention she was paying to everything.

 

But..he supposed it shouldn't be too odd. If this is truly her first time interacting with humans, then she will of course pay close attention to..well. everything.

 

"So..Mister President 'rasied' you both. But he's not your 'biological' father."

 

Adeleine seemed very proud of her deduction. And so was Ranpo. Honestly. Again. Not exactly a hard thing to figure out. Although just in the span of few days and..small interactions— it was impressive. He just had..onw question.

 

"Well. Shouldn't have expected anything else from my little deputy. Flawless deduction. Do tell me though— how'd you figure out the president is not our biological father?"

 

Well..Fukuzawa does look old. So the silver hair could be excused. And him and Yosano look near identical, save for the eyes. Perhaps a lack of wedding ring? Or maybe the way Fukuzawa doesnt exactly treat them like his kids outside.

 

"He just don't look like he'd be into woman."

 

Wh. Ranpo blinked with a dumbfounded expression. Well— not something too far off actually. Especially remembering how close he used to be with that— alcoholic idiot Fukuchi back in the day but. Where did that—??

 

"He seems more like the type of guy to focus on his work and..not have time for relationships."

 

Ah.

 

Nevermind then.

 

Ranpo laughed to himself and shook his head. What a silly thought—.. He walked back over to the table. Ruffling Adeleine's hair before taking her plate and dropping it in thr sink. Speaking cheerfully as he reached to open the tap again.

 

"Bingo. You're right. He was never the type for relationships. And I've known him for thirteen years! Now. On the topic of your original question. Why..would you ask that?"

 

Ranpo didnt turn back to look at her. Adeleine just swing her feet from where she was. Half glad Ranpo wasnt looking. She felt..a bit embarrassed still. Asking about it.

 

"Do you miss them?" The voice was quiet. The water stopped right on cue. Adeleine felt like she made another mistake.

 

But what she met with wasnt an angry face.

 

"Everyday. Every bit of happiness I feel makes me feel guilty sometimes."

 

Adeleine's face dropped. Ranpo's voice was oddly quiet. And maybe the words were too..honest. to be said in front of a child. But he wasn't fit to be some sort of guardian in any way.

 

"I lost them when I was your age. World suddenly felt a lot quieter. Everything felt meaningless. And the more time passed— the more I realized the importance of my loss. It felt like a hole no one could fill."

 

She blinked down at the table. Not looking at the detective. That's exactly how she felt yesterday. And..if Ranpo still feels terrible about it to this day— even if he. Feels bad. Then what does that mean for her? Will it get worse? Will she dissociate from those around her?

 

She only looked up when he heard the detective speak again. Breaking the thick silence between them.

 

"It's a deep wound. A wound that will scar for sure. But...all you gotta do is bandage it tightly and wait till it stops bleeding."

 

Adeleine closed her eyes as she felt Ranpo brush his thumb over the cut under her eye. Responding quietly to the words.

 

"But how?"

 

He huffed quietly. Pulling away and putting his hands in his pockets. He was— bad at all this talk about love and family. All he knew was..he lost his a long time ago. But family isnt a simple term like that. And..he has people now. People he can call family without any doubts. People hes willing to die for.

 

"There will be..people. People who maybe won't be able to fill that hole— but they'll keep you so warm that he'll forget about it sometimes."

 

She stared at him quietly. Thats how she had been feeling in dreamland. Right? And thats how she felt when she was cheerfully gesturing around and mimicking Ranpo a few minutes ago. She wasn't in constant pain. She couldn't be, even if she wanted to.

 

Maybe it's in human nature to be so..shameless. to be so unfaithful. Easily continuing our lives after the passing of someone we claimed to love so much.

 

Or maybe it's just how it's supposed to be.

 

It would be impossible to survive in a world where it's impossible to forget.

Chapter Text

"Well?"

 

"..Well?"

 

The dishes and the rest of the small morning chores were done with.

 

Took him a good ten minutes. Without any more talking. However, something was wrong.

 

Adeleine's empty sheet was still nothing more than an empty sheet. Not even one of the times she draws something and— ends up not liking it. And draws it over and over again. No, the page is simply untouched. Indicating her mind is busy with something other than vomiting rainbows over the white page.

 

"You haven't drawn anything. Didn't even pick up your pencil. There's clearly something you still want to talk about."

 

It wasnt pressuring. A little bit of curiosity instead. And..he did come to realize she's probably struggling to adjust to everything. So leaving no questions unanswered would be a good first step.

 

"Is it really alright to ask.?"

She narrowed her eyes. A little worried. Clearly. And— Maybe she did get scared when he got angry earlier. But he couldnt help it. Seriously. Ranpo just gave a small laughter. Waving his hand dismissively. Silently hoping the question won't be as bad as the previous one.

 

"Ask away. As long as it's not as terrible as the last one."

 

And that. Was a look of hesitation he received in response to his words. Not what he wanted at all. Adeleine huffed quietly before she spoke. Ranpo braced himself.

 

"..Where do people go when they die?"

 

Oh.

 

Well. He didnt know if this was better or worse.

 

What is he even supposed to say? He didnt know what kind of religion they had— or well. If they had one at all. Or how permanent death was. Or how casual. After all, human life is pretty short. But he doubt that would be the case for the magical beings she always talks about.

 

But..in the end she is human. And she likely has the life span of one. He took in a deep breath before he went and leaned over the table. Adeleine sat straight back to look up at him fully. Big eyes expecting an answer. One that Ranpo himself didnt like much.

 

"Humans live around 84 years. But we're fragile beings; unless you have some kind of ability to help with that, death can come any time."

 

He shrugged quietly. He's not an ability user. But even if you are one— it doesnt exactly make you invincible. One can reach immortality with an ability, however. If they're lucky enough. Fyodor Dostoevsky being the prime example.

 

"I..see. but that's not what I asked."

 

Adeleine count her fingers. Looking lost for a few seconds as if she was trying to calculate something. Only eighty four? That's..very little time. Isn't it?

 

"Where do we go when we die?"

 

He didnt know. Nobody did. Really. And he didnt want to think about it. Didn't want to lie to this kid either. Claiming some kind of god was watching them—..well. jeez. He didn't even know if that would be a lie or not. He took in a deep, deep breath.

 

"Some say— there's a heaven. And a hell. If you're good enough of a person, you'll end up in a paradise you'll have everything you've ever desired. Forever."

 

He tugged at his sleeves. The idea of heaven was a paradox on it's own. In his eyes, at least. Eternal happiness? Having everything you've ever desired? That's..Just too absurd. Destroys the whole meaning. Doesn't it? You can't be happy if you're never upset. You can't want something if you already have everything. He hated thinking about that. And dont even get him started on the idea of existing forever—

 

Forever. A word people often don't realize the weight of. Ranpo can't blame them. The concept was never meant to be fully grasped by the human mind. How can it be? It's a term far exceeding human limits.

 

"Forever.?"

 

"Yeah. Forever."

 

Ranpo finally turned his head to meet the youngers gaze. She looked a little bit puzzled. A little thoughtful.

 

"What if I'm a bad person? Do I go somewhere I'll suffer forever, then?"

 

Ranpo blinked. Not exactly the question he'd expect from her. Doesn't she travel around 'stars' fighting cosmic evil? If hell exists, she's the last person to worry about such thing.

 

"..yeah. pretty much. Don't think much about it, though."

 

He shrugged eventually. He wasn't a fan of doing chores. However having something to keep himself busy as they talked would be nice. Incredibly nice. Right now..

 

"You said 'some people' say that. What about you? What do you think? You know everything, right? That's your ability."

 

Adeleine hopped off her seat. She looked a little uneasy. She never..thought of it that way. She thought she'd stay a child like the rest of her friends. What happens when she gets older? It was quite scary. Being the only one to change while everything stays still.

 

It's almost like they're not slipping away. But she is. Adeleine is drifting away from her friends. People she calls home. A lot faster than she thought she were.

 

"..I think forever is a long time." All Ranpo said was. Blinking away from the child. Scratching his wrist quietly.

 

Adeleine didn't look like she got what he meant. Ranpo was somewhat relieved about that. Sometimes knowing less is better.

 

-

 

"Where are your parents now, then?"

 

The conversation didn't end. Unfortunately. He wasnt that surprised. Adeleine must be that age when kids start asking..too many questions. He himself had been that age— far earlier than necessary. Crying for the day he'd lose his parents. Just when he was a toddler too. Maybe he was right. After all.. the time did come earlier than expected.

 

"They're buried back in my hometown. We don't just forget about the dead. We remember them. Visit them. There are plenty ways— depending on your beliefs."

 

Instead of the kitchen table, they were now sat at the living room. Ranpo was never the one for green tea. Thought Fukuzawa was overdramatic for claiming he has to drink it. But today he found himself sipping on his second glass. The day barely even started. But he found out this is the only way to go through this conversation.

 

"Can we go there?"

 

And there goes half of the tea he just drank out of his mouth. Barely managing to swallow it before sending a confused glance at Adeleine.

 

'Why do you want that??' He wanted to ask. But Adeleine looked thoughtful. Like she was considering something. Like she needed it.

 

Ranpo was a hard kid.

 

He knew too much about this world. But understood very little of those emotions tied to it.

 

Adeleine was the opposite. She knew very little. But she was experiencing everything.

 

Everything, all at once.

 

The feeling of finding somewhere to call home, the relief of being with her kind. The greed of her human nature eating her inside out—..and now an additional, yet very natural, fear. A fear of death.

 

Death that would come for her.

 

For those around her.

 

These are overly sensitive topics, and she knows nothing. It's his responsibility to teach her.

 

"Go put on your shoes. It's a little far from here."

 

-

 

A little was an understatement.

 

Ranpo's hometown was at the countryside. The train was near empty. Most of the people were old. They likely live there. And came to the city for some reason.

 

He felt uneasy. Constantly fidgeting with his glasses. Sitting almost too properly. He looked a lot smaller.

 

Adeleine didn't think it would take so long. Maybe an hour. Or two. But she was almost regretting her decision at the four hour mark.

 

At least she listened Ranpo and brought a few things to eat. And a small sketchbook, which the pages were now filled with funny experimentive drawings of all the old people in the train. Different mouth— nose and eye shapes.

 

Ranpo didnt even eye the sketchbook. He was long lost in thoughts.

 

Afraid.

 

He loved his parents. They were the only ones who understand back then. And his father— the Clairvoyant. The legendary detective that—..solved many hard cases.

 

Ranpo could only wish he sees him. Is proud of him.

 

He stared down at his glasses a little harder. Seeing Adeleine's concerned eyes staring back at him. Only turning his head to her then. She looked like she was done with the fifth page so far. And—

 

There were a few sketches that looked a lot like him. However they were mostly unfinished. Some even had a few angry scribbles over. Showing her frustration. Nit even mentioning how sad her eraser looked. The corner that looked like it was sharpened on purpose was— dulled. Also a lot darker thanks to how many times it had been used recently.

 

Adeleine looked a little embarrassed as he saw the doodles. Quick to close her sketchbook. Blinking a few times and turning her face away.

 

Ranpo suddenly forgot about all his troubles. Instead he found himself laughing with a light hearted voice.

 

"It must be tiring to portray perfection on paper."

 

She blinked at him. Before smiling with furrowed brows. Lightly pushing him and pressing her sketchbook to her chest. The sound of her laughter made Ranpo smile wider.

 

"There's nothing I can't portray on paper! It's just your eyes—..its hard to get them right when they're always closed."

 

Ranpo actually opened his eyes at the words. Staring at Adeleine with a little bit of surprise.

 

He never thought of it that much. But they looked almost identical. Same short and messy black hair—.. long eyelashes and the most obvious thing— their eyes.

 

One a dark brown and the other a light green— adding how rare heterochromia is, it was a miracle how they both had the exact same eye colors.

 

The single difference being, Adeleine sees more colors than any normal person can, Ranpo sees very little.

 

"Why do you do that anyways?? Do you not bump into stuff?"

 

Adeleine huffed. Ranpo however was entertained. Why doesn't he open his eyes? Well. That's a story for another day.

 

"I'd like to hear the theories. My talented deputy."

 

Adeleine wasn't expecting that. She was however all in for the challenge.

 

The two didn't exactly understand the concept of proper manners. Adeleine was soon up on her feet in thr moving train. The eyes of the elderly glued to her as she threw in many theories. Some she had thought of before, some came out on spot.

 

"Maybe you're sensitive to sun light!"

 

"I thought you were supposed to be creative."

 

"You have a secret second ability and you can shoot lazers from your eyes??"

 

"Now that's better."

 

"I know! They're some sort of prison to an eldritch horror from another dimension! and opening them would unleash the true four dimensional horror!"

 

"..where'd you get that from—"

 

"Or! Or! What if your entire body is covered in eyes?? And if you open your eyes— you'll start some sort of eye-pocalypse!"

 

"Is this from a podcast—?"

 

"Or maybe they're a gate between two worlds ??"

 

-

 

Adeleine's theories were imaginative. Ranpo was convinced many would make amazing plot points. However none of them were even remotely close to the truth.

 

By the time they've reached your destination, Ranpo had long forgetten his previous worries. Adeleine on the other hand was as energetic as ever.

 

"Don't run. You'll fall down—"

 

Ranpo called out as Adeleine managed to squirm out of the train before everyone else. The detective somehow being the responsible one and allowing the elderly to exit before.

 

An old lady pat him on the shoulder as he stepped aside to let her get off first. Her face held wrinkles of the years, eyes small and wise. Her thin lips curled into a kind smile as she spoke to Ranpo.

 

"Is she your daughter, young man?"

 

"Oh, no, she's —.."

 

"Sister. Then. Ah— you two look identical. Excuse me if it's personal, but how old are you, boy? I knew the moment I saw you, you're too young to be a father. Tell me, where are your parents?"

 

Everything was happening so fast. As the elderly woman talked, they both walked out off the train. Adeleine was somewhere near the crooked pavement. Crouched down next to a crack, investing the weak flowers.

 

"Ah— sorry. Miss. You're mistaken. She's—.."

 

What? What is she. Honestly? It's not the time to figure it out. However. It would be..odd. to say theyre not related. Right? Suspicious. Even. Ranpo looked like Adeleine for a second.

 

What an easy lie. Everyone would believe them without doubts. Not even mentioning how much the term.. belonged.

 

"Yeah. My younger sister. I'm however twenty-six. She stays with me back in Yokohama. I work as—..a detective. She goes to school there. We came to visit our parents."

 

He gave a weak smile. Could Adeleine hear him from where she was, he didnt know. He didn't look at her.

 

"Oh my, a detective? Who would've known! Our little town raised not one but two detectives!"

 

The trains doors were soon closed. Ranpo swallowed thickly.

 

"Tell me, boy. You must've heard about the legendary Clairvoyant, no?"

 

The train departed. The loud screech of metal and the bells deafened Ranpo. Everything felt heavy for a second. As if he were underwater.

 

"It's a small town. And he's a famous detective all across the country. Him and his wife were both geniuses on their own rights. It was around 13 years ago— if I remember correctly. They both passed away. Oh and their sweet boy.. he went to Yokohama, if I recall. He would've been your age if he was here."

 

The old lady looked melancholic. Of course everyone knew his father. It was a crime not to.

 

"Of course I know him. "Headless Officer" case, the "Moonlight Phantom", the "Cow Head Incident".. He solved many hard cases, no other could. I aspire to be like him every day."

 

To be like him. To make him proud.

 

"Ranpo? Do you know this lady? You've been talking for so long and I'm bored."

 

Adeleine was suddenly next to him tugging on his cape with big eyes. Slightly pointing at the lady.

 

"Ranpo?"

 

The lady repeated. Looking shocked for a few seconds.

 

"Are you—?"

 

"Oh no! Just a fun coincidence. The Clairvoyant only had a son. Right.?"

 

He chuckled nervously. Why was he doing this? Why did he want to hide it so bad?

 

He kind of knew. To avoid those pitying eyes. To avoid remembering the past. Nothing can be done by feeling sorry for himself, after all.

 

"Ah. Yes. Yes.. You carry the same surname, so I assumed—..my apologies. I held you and your sister off for long enough. I'll take my leave now."

 

With that they waved and the old lady soon dissappeared among the trees. Ranpo sighed heavily.

 

This went.. terrible. Now. Where was the graveyard again?

 

"Ranpo?"

 

He never thought he'd hate hearing his name so much before. The detective turned his head to Adeleine. And to his surprise, the kid was staring at him with a spark he had never seen before.

 

Something new. Something fragile. Maybe something that have existed for longer than he thought. But..they're just noticing it.

 

Sister. Ranpo called her. Adeleine heard. She heard it.

 

Thinking back to the previous night at the city— where she couldn't see the stars. Wondering if she'll ever have somewhere she truly belongs. If she's too greedy to be asking for a place like that.

 

She hesitantly reached for Ranpo's hand. Her hand was small. Fingers a little chubby. Nails painted in colors Ranpo could not identify. Awkwardly wrapping, trying to figure out the right way to do it. Is she supposed to hold it the same way she holds the hand of a friend? Is there another way? Ribbon's hands were a lot smaller than Ranpo's. Hence why Adeleine didnt know how to held it right.

 

"Can I..hold your hand, then?"

 

Ranpo stared between their hands and her face. A surprised look on his fave begore he nod slightly. Short thin fingers moving to adjust hers. The deep cut in his palm very present as they finally managed to get the gesture right.

 

"..'then'?"

 

Ranpo repeated with a tilt of his head.

 

"You told that old lady. Can I hold your hand, then?"

 

-

 

The rest of the walk was uneventful. Aside from Adeleine pausing to pet every single animal theyve walked past. Also aside from Adeleine ,again , stopping by every time she sees and interesting flower. Stopping by to sketch them into her sketchbook.

 

"I really like these ones! They look pretty."

 

She said as she drew the shape of a star like flower which had grown in veins around the short walls of the graveyard. It's color ranged from what Ranpo assumed was a pure white— going into a darker color. Blue or purple, if he had to guess.

 

"Those are 'Clematis', if I'm correct."

 

Adeleine listened closely. Reaching out at first as if she wanted to pull one out.

 

Hesitating for a moment or two before doing it. Placing the flower between the pages of her sketchbook.

 

"Ribbon would love them."

 

She hummed to herself before trailing after Ranpo, inside the graveyard.

 

It wasn't what she was expecting, admittedly.

 

It looked beautiful however, in a way. Peaceful. There were many names written— many types of gifts. Flowers. Personal belongings. Even a few people other than them were around. Doing the same thing as them, she assumed.

 

Came to visit their loved ones.

 

The walk had been quiet. Adeleine wasn't a fan of that quiet, therefore she was the one to break it first.

 

"Was that man—.. the 'Clairvoyant'.. really your father?" She asked quietly. Raising her eyes to the detective. The older looked unfocused. Lost in thoughts. She supposed it was no surprise. Traveling was fun. Spending time with Ranpo also was. But she couldn't deny it.

 

The sadness never quite left her. It hadn't for..a while now. Ever since the bandaged detective mentioned the existence of other humans in her world..

 

"Yes. He was." Ranpo responded after a few seconds. She knew the answer already. The cases Ranpo mentioned..she was familiar with them. Pages from their files were hung on Ranpo's walls.

 

"Why'd you lie, then?"

 

He didnt reply. Adeleine didnt ask again. Soon they were standing in front of two gravestone. There were many, many gifts. Flowers, letters. They clearly had a lot of fans.

 

So this is what happens when humans die, Adeleine thought.

 

You become a part of the soil.

 

Nothing special.

 

Cold.

 

Alone.

 

Adeleine stared down blankly. This is where she will end up. In a short time too. What..Will happen to her mind? Will everything just be blank? Nothing?

 

Is she even capable of comprehending nothingness?

 

"People die twice."

 

Ranpo said suddenly. Catching Adeleine off guard.

 

"First, our bodies die. And our memory lives on with those who love us. Those who remember us."

 

Ranpo was now kneeled down. Adeleine adjusted her skirt and followed him. He was cleaning the soil. Picking out the rocks that are too big. The sticks she assumed fell off the tees.

 

"But when we're forgotten—..that's when a human being truly dies. That's what defines our worth. Not money. Not fame. How much we're loved."

 

How cruel, Adeleine thought to herself.

 

She has no idea.