Story ᴡʜʏ ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ ( Fandom )

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

Prologue:

Bullets zipped by his ears, accompanied by the sound of golden metal clattering to the debris-laden floor, which was stained with blood and littered with shattered pieces of cement. Chuuya found himself shielded only by a sturdy concrete wall. He held a pistol in his hand, with another secured in his belt. Fortunately, he was able to evade the majority of the enemy's gunfire.

The battle had been a surprise attack from The Guild, nothing more from what the Nebulas couldn’t handle. But even then did everything look bad. Chuuya feared his crew wouldn’t be able to handle this any longer, and the amount of bullets he has originally was beginning to deplete. Something needed to happen-and quickly. Higuchi had already fallen, tired and laid against a rubbish pile that hid her from harm. But blood was pouring from a severe wound against her chest.

The Guild and The Nebulas were never set on good terms-always protective over the land they both owned. The two organizations were thinly worn out gangs within Yokohama – living in only slightly better conditions than the slums themselves. Yet, the Guild over powered the ‘Mafiosos’; even if they weren’t real mafia members. The enemy always ranged with more members then Chuuya’s team could ever have. Loyal companions were the only things people needed these days. And that was what Chuuya lacked.

The Nebulas had maximum probably six other members-including the already downed one in current time. Tachihara was the only other distinct person Chuuya really had interactions with. The others were a mere blur-a jumbled group needing help from others who were able to lift scoundrels up. But for him, it was actually a bad idea joining this type of crew. The Port Mafia had to risk their lives whether another gang attacked them or not. Time and time again had they lost people. Chuuya could remember his other five friends that were dead.

The names of such lame crews nerved him, but he hadn’t risen his voice amongst the nebulasers in a while. He wasn’t in charge, but he was also well respected. He could be insulted several times from his irrational acts and high temper though, and Chuuya tried. Tried hard but couldn’t change himself. If someone had issues, they’d face the same problems. His own team didn’t always realize their own flaws until someone pointed them out to them. If he did, he’d get even more bad mouthed.

Back in the midst of bloodshed, Chuuya caught sight of a light grayish haired boy helping out the blonde woman. He was closer, but made no attempt to save Higuchi due to the flooding bullets passing in waves towards him. Chuuya felt slightly guilty, seeing the other person risk his own life for the other Nebula. In seconds had his names came back to him; Shirase. That boy looked to always be with another girl too named Yuan-someone who always got caught looking at Chuuya several times.

Chuuya shook his head, bringing his attention back to the fight. There was another girl-from the Guild-lying splat on the floor with a medical kit by her side. Envy flooded through him, simply because resources like that were hard to score. The Guild were practically flaunting their ‘golden trinkets’. Luckily for her, she moved just in time when Chuuya aimed a shot at her. Missing the chance he grunted and did a roll underneath a table that was flipped sideways.

But once Chuuya recovered for another blow, a screech erupted from god who knows what. He had only seconds to realize that it wasn’t from just one gang, but from both. He lifted his head, all attacks stopping from each other and instead attention flourishing on a person. No. Not a person. A zombie. How in Arahabaki* had such disgusting creature come alive. It looked to have been a boy previously, torn skin peeling to have something black, red, and pink oozing out. It’s mouth had drool-also filled with the flesh of a member of the Guild.

The minute the Guild member threw it off, green erupted from their own skin. Everyone frantically began shooting at the zombie, until a louder noise hit his ears. There were at least five coming from just behind all the Nebulas-his crew, and the broken down building began to be a tower of screeches. Chuuya threw his used up firearm and swapped it out with the replacement pistol, firing at a creature lunging to Tachihara. The cinnamon-ginger haired boy gave a thumbs up to Chuuya before carrying on with his own self defense.

He shouldn’t be joking around like this at such time but…

Chuuya perked up from a sudden shout, obviously from one he couldn’t comprehend this time. He didn’t care if it wasn’t from the Nebulas and instead from the Guild- the call was clear. Evacuate and make sure all is safe. Higuchi was taken in Shirase’s arms, and Chuuya stayed back but away from the attacking zombies that seemed to have multiplied by the time going by. Once he saw the last person in the whole entire building, Chuuya quickly whirled around towards the window himself.

His quick reflexes saved himself, because he forced himself to duck from a zombies’ sharpened nails. The ginger made a dash to the wiring of what used to be computer cables inside the monumental structure-for-building and circled around a group that had started to pile up. It was easier to tie a double knot, though he knew it wouldn’t stay for much longer. He shoved past the destruction and rushed right out the opening. It wasn’t fresh air that met him though, something smoky.

In time, Yuan shoved him out from the door way and then had he noticed the small sparks of the fire lighting the exit he just came through. Someone had lit the building up just in time. But did fire affect zombies that much? And who was able to even afford matches? Whoever it was, it was great thinking, because everyone around seemed to be relieved. Chuuya realized that the borders between both gangs had drifted away due to the real danger taking place.

He moved towards the circle of members huddling up, as if everyone was going to team up or something. It was reasonable, but things were flying by too fast in his line of sight. A boy with fluffy hair covering his eyes themselves was trembling. How had he managed to survive, the nervous wreck he is? Maybe there really is some huge weakness throughout the Guild too, even if the Nebulas didn’t care nor saw it.

“What were those things?”

“I don’t know! I thought those…zombie like creatures only happened or appeared in…well…”


“You idiot, of course those weren’t zombies! They aren’t real…”

The blabber amongst everyone matched up exactly with his point of view, but he hadn’t spoken a single word ever since this blew up. It wasn’t like him, but no one questioned him since Chuuya was not the main focus right now. Tachihara, the good friend he was, decided to become leader for everyone and started a lowly speech.

“Be quiet everyone-and I hope all of you are listening because I’m not repeating my words, you hear me? I’m not sure either of what the hell those creatures are, but if you take a look around, the streets themselves are empty. Empty. I’m not kidding when I say those are real zombies, but we can’t lose hope right now whether enemies or not. I suppose we all just need to stick together-combine forces even if we all might just hate each other. We’re all kids-or well, teenagers or just a bit past 18. We can do this alone, and if you think the opposite, you are free to leave.”

No one had spoken a word.

“Good, because I would’ve threw the butt of my gun at you. Yet I have another point-and I’d say we have to leave this area first. It isn’t safe-no question, let’s all find some alleyway before I discuss any further.”

Everyone nodded, and Chuuya let out a breath he realized he wasn’t holding. His grip on his gun had made his knuckles turn white, and he loosened it and instead slid the gun back against his belt. Tachihara patted his shoulder in a comforting way, and Chuuya prevented his lips from forming a smile.

“I’m pretty sure everyone ‘round here just got traumatized. How will we find a safe place if these zombies could be…anywhere?”

Tachihara frowned, but did speed up to a jogging pace so the group moved on and into the clear streets. Cars were ravished, glass strewn everywhere and pieces of cloth hanging from posts or just ended up being blown here. Up ahead was more and more of the mess, but his friend veered away to a more crowded area that included more shelter. A house and several more, with alley ways perfect for a discussion. A stairwell granted good cover, if only some sort of sheet hung above it so the area looked blocked up. But maybe zombies could smell humans-or, at least their brains.

“Like I said, I’m not sure.”

Tachihara finally replied.

“But one thing is pretty clear. This isn’t normal, wouldn’t ever be, but chemicals could only possess the human body and force it into doing actions the brain doesn’t want to do. If the body decays, the soul is also gone. Meaning…someone who wants world destruction is obviously behind this. I’m not saying it’s our job, but if anyone else is out there, they too should try to figure out this mystery.”

Chuuya scowled, ducking his head slightly as all’s footsteps echoed in the hollowed area. Some settled on the staircase leading towards a bloodied, broken door-the others sitting on the floor or simply leaning on the walls. The zombies clear already passed through here, so it wasn’t accurately safe, but safe for the time being. Higuchi was laid out on the cold stone too, the girl from The Guild gang thankfully tending to the Nebula’s wound. It looked funny, to see two enemies searching for some help from one another.

“Tachihara-kun, how do you expect us to deal with this now? And what about our supplies? They haven't doubled yet look at everyone here!”

Tachihara sighed, clearly in slight stress when he noted that everyone would address him more than anyone else now.

“We’re not dealing with anything right now Yuan! At least, I just want us to stay hidden for now. We can’t do anything for this so-called apocolayspe, so just gathering more abandoned materials would be best. We can share resources, but I’m afraid we might need to do something I wouldn’t want to do. I have noticed that –counting the Guild’s supplies- it is very low. Higuchi is using the medical supplies, but is in clear need. She’d be very helpful in the future…but I think we need to lower some members right now.”

Chuuya widened his eyes a bit. What was the bastard thinking now? Hadn’t he made a whole point of sticking together? This all seems selfish. There was no way anyone would be agreeing to this…but Chuuya didn’t hear gasps, and instead murmurs of agreement. The ginger was bewildered by their actions, about to speak when another girl from the Guild – one with two braids running down her shoulders – interrupted.

“I agree! How is it fair that your disciple is getting to use our medical equipment? You don’t sound like you want to give her away, but it seems only fair if the Nebulas either kick out their own member, or we stop tending to Higuchi.”

Chuuya clenched his fists, quickly snapping his gun back at her so she’d shut her mouth.

“Oh be quiet, it wasn’t our begging that got this girl to help Higuchi out, was it? Now that was by the Guild’s choice, and everyone can see that. If you don’t want to give up your own kind, just say it, because I’m sure no one wants to be kicked out of their own organization. You-“

Tachihara quieted Chuuya by easing his arm down. He forced a glare to his friend but let his hand drop to his side. Now everyone’s interest had risen, and that didn’t mean anything good. Shirase, with that known loud mouth of his, appeared with his voice in a heart beat.

“It’d only be fair if we take votes. Higuchi is forced out of this, since us Nebulasers refuse to give her up. It also depends on how many we want out. I know we all hide materials for ourselves, so whoever is kicked out will have to give up whatever they have. Doesn’t that sound a bit more even?”

The girl with reddish-brown hair grimaced, but bowed her head as if to show her acceptance. Tachihara made a call for everyone to point at someone they wanted out, and at first most were hesitant. Having their votes public to all eyes would only bring more hatred. This was stupid. Everything was. Chuuya refused to raise his hand and instead crossed his arms with gun in check. But when everyone rose their fingers at any designated person, he gaped wide.

Most were pointed at him.

That was impossible. But to make things worse, they weren’t only from the Guild. Chuuya’s body felt hot-not from embarrassment, but something else raging inside him. Shirase, the one who implied that all should vote, wanted him out. What had Chuuya done? Sure, he was a threat to the Guild since he put his gun to someone of the gang, but Shirase?

“What the hell, man?! Have you gotten fleas in your brains or what? I’m your own fucking teammate, and here you are trying to throw me off the boat. I helped plenty as a nebulaser-and weren’t you too just trying to mention how nobody would want to vote their own kind by agreeing with me? This is messed up-you are messed up. I was loyal, what are you even doing?!”

Shirase’s eyes dilated, and Yuan hung to the other boy’s arm with a slight pleading look. But the grey haired one didn’t seem to care-and nor did Chuuya.

“Oh yeah? You were just about to leave Higuchi in the dust earlier in that shitty building when you were the closest. That’s some hell of loyalty you got there, Chuuya. I wouldn’t be surprised if you tried shooting me right now. You know you wouldn’t win that one though, we all are armed. The Guild would agree with me on this one, and the votes are showing. Tachihara, I already gave my reason. This should be acceptable.”

Tachihara was backed up against the wall, not meeting Chuuya’s gaze. He knew that look all to well-even if he couldn’t see it properly. Tachihara made himself the new ‘leader’, he was to follow his subordinates wants. If he didn’t, he’d be a bad ‘leader’, and someone would mention to kick him out instead. He thought Tachihara was his friend.

Well…Chuuya guessed wrong he supposed.

With a scoff, Chuuya didn’t need any more convincing. He wouldn’t want to stay in a place he wasn’t wanted, that was for sure. His gun was flung to the floor, and so was the tiny backpack of very few items. Giving up all his stuff was like suicide, but even that seemed sweeter then having to fight back against everyone’s words. Betrayal was a tough thing to endure.

So even if he left with his back to all, he knew those people weren’t the right to cling on to, yet he still was attached dearly. Higuchi would wake up with no Chuuya, because Chuuya would be long gone. Everything felt wrong-just in the beginning of the fight. He didn’t want the unnecessary bloodshed, yet it still happened. Was there something others saw in him that he couldn’t?

Maybe he wasn’t human.

Yes, that was it. Only a human would be treated as well. Chuuya was just a living zombie.

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

Chapter 1: Wish Me Life

March 3rd, 2006


It had been around two years since this had started, and Chuuya believed he had gotten used to the solo life. That wasn’t entirely wrong, since he had actually created a common routine. Sometimes it shifted, sometimes it didn’t. Either way, he did everything that would keep him alive-search around the perimeters of the rotting buildings for other people and resources, return back to the makeshift shelter that was created by him first hand. Similar to an underground bunker was it. And the last thing on the list was sleep. Sleep, sleep, sleep.

Chuuya decided going out on nights was easier yet sunlight was a key thing. So sometimes it did differ, whether he wanted to rest in the day or night. Flashlight batteries were the only risk-especially since such useful items were very low in supplies. Now was different than all days though, because today he was sitting beside five gravestones that were untouched from the feral creatures running about. These five stones resembled his friends that had died-and if they were alive, they’d probably risk their lives for him instead kicking him out as a sacrifice.

Just like how his previous group. Chuuya mentally scolded himself every day for trusting those worthless bastards who probably were still alive in their mini cult. He saw it unfair-what was one less member going to do? The worse possibility would be that Tachihara and Shirase were planning to out others too in the future, or already have. Those gangs weren’t worth it, yet he was mildly attached by at least one golden string within him. Chuuya had grown up with the Nebulas only to be betrayed by his own kind.

Pianoman, Lipmann, Iceman, Albatross, and even Doc…why couldn’t you guys be alive?! How will I get over this without you…?

Chuuya clenched his fists with a hurt expression on his face as he sighed. Time was ticking, and he’d be due to going back to the bunker. The sun was near sunset in the sky, and he feared zombies would find his scent stronger somehow if he lingered for too long. Slipping out from under the hidden growth, he trampled past the roads that seemed even emptier than before. No other human life had been spotted by Chuuya himself when he tried to investigate the area more, so this soon became the new way he lived.

Standing still for too long dragged chills down his spine so he sped up his pace. The clothes worn by him weren’t in any good condition-more like a ratty sweater hung over a thin shirt. The same went with the pants, but even that didn’t bother him. By now, most should know the Nebulas weren’t quite rich-in fact, the same circumstances from before applied now but with more danger attached to it. Everything happening now could be counted as a video game, and Chuuya was just the player playing in it.


[Osamu Dazai.]


His vision was blurred when his eye lids popped open, and the voices around him sounded angel like. Has the heavens finally decided to accept me and bring me to their realm? But that was clearly not the case, because the next thing he knew, his cheek was throbbing in pain because a woman had slapped him roughly. Luckily his senses came to him, and he caught sight of Yosano sighing in relief.

“Finally! For a second there I thought your pulse was lying. I would’ve had to throw you out to the zombies’ nest if you were really dead, though, since we don’t really accept rotting humans in this ‘medical room’. But that doesn’t let you off the hook now that you’re alive-what in the name of butterflies were you doing, all alone out there and barely armed? We’re trying our best to support everyone in this broken down agency, and here you are going about knowing you could die. Everyone would be worried-so don’t act as if we wouldn’t care!”

“Alright, alright, Yosano-san! I’m afraid you’ll break my ear drums if you keep interrogating me for much longer. I simply just wanted to go out and…well, breathe fresh air I suppose! It wasn’t really that bad, I only got knocked out from a zombie when Rampo-san found me. I guess his intuition is what we’re all alive for, aren’t I right?”

Dazai grinned lazy at the replacement doctor who merely scoffed and went to the sack laying besides him. A rag was underneath him and a uncomfortable bag right below his head so it was lifted. Yosano shuffled through the contents of the supply ‘container’, pulling out a small contaminated liquid. Perhaps medicine it was, because the woman uncapped the lid and motioned for him to open his mouth. Dazai did as what he was told, holding back the urge to make a not-so-child-friendly comment.

The taste of the vile thing was bitter, yet he swallowed it down. The medicine itself was scarce, but Dazai knew she and Rampo would be able to make some kind of cure for wounds somehow-knowing how the duo worked. Yosano wasn’t really the nurse of the group, but did know the most about the medical field. It was only right for her to tend to those wounded. The agency members had survived against the infected that way.

The agency was actually formerly a real agency filled with detectives themselves to help Yokohama a bit, yet everything broke down slowly. More poor people started to commit crimes and were still on the loose, and the government was just being lazy. The detectives had only found each other to their oh-so great bonds through companionship when the zombies appeared. Now they all seemed to have found themselves in a tough situation.

They were all struggling – scraping scraps like dogs in the slums. Luckily they were greatly armed, but having to look around continuously was just utterly tiring. Dazai had tried to just commit suicide, but his partners all around were worried sick by his actions. So he decided to calm down on all the attempts of self murder-only for them, and them only.

Dazai soon propped himself up when Kunikida appeared past the darkness. He must’ve been out for a while, because it was clearly dark. The bright haired man had a puzzled yet angry look on his face but held a steady voice when speaking. He supposed everyone had some respect left in them at times, though he wondered where his pile was laying at.

“You’re not infected either, are you? Well-that was stupid…because I’m sure Yosano would dispose of you as quickly as we got you. Everyone was worried about your well-beings, where the hell were you thinking?! I-not I, but more like-“

“Oh come on, Kunikida! You can admit how much you were trembling nervously behind this door, I won’t make fun of you. And Yosano already question me enough that I think my brain will explode. Can’t you give me, such a poor soul, a break? I mean, I did just get bashed in the head so hard I think my skull cracked, right?”

Even if his words were sarcastic, the brunette caught sight of how Yosano and Kunikida’s eyes flashed with something before it disappeared. He really did trust these too, but maybe they were stressing themselves too much to his liking.

“Okay, okay, yes I was also wondering how you were. But even then, we have a lot of work. If we’re able to take over your ‘shift’, then you can rest. But if Yosano says you are able to keep a good pace, Rampo suggested we all still do our normal routine like always.”

Dazai strung two thumbs up at the two off them, waiting for them both to leave, before letting out a breath he realized he wasn’t holding. Sometimes having to keep an act all day was annoying to say the least, because even Dazai couldn’t be normal in front of his own agency friends. They might’ve done a lot for him – but he still hadn’t developed proper trust. In battles, sure. But in general? Now that was quite the mystery.

Standing up from the dirty rag, Dazai checked to make sure all his bandages hadn’t been touch. An easy throb was starting to hit him more directly, but it was endurable. He was going to go out again, no buts. He already ‘failed’ once, he might as well make some profit from his daily outings. Dazai would just need to keep a gun or two alongside him-or even swap it out with a knife if he was lucky- to be safe.

The bandaged man threw on an overcoat, a little comfort from someone he knew. Odasaku. Dazai had no information if his friend was dead or alive, just that he randomly disappeared and left this coat for him to keep. It happened before the apocalypse, and around when Dazai wasn’t actually in the agency. Odasaku was like a father to him, despite him also being quite young. Nightmares that he had would either be about Oda dying, or him leaving the brunette.

He swung past the opening that was secured by some barricade-able to be opened from the inside but not the inside. The agency had other ways to get in without zombies getting past it. The building-like-shaft was more liked a shed on ground but with two divided ‘rooms’ that were unbearably small. One was for the wounded and for Yosano to sleep in, the other main room for Kunikida, him, and Rampo to rest in. The supply stash was shoved away in the very left corners, the only source of light being the very tiny openings that filtered in light that signaled morning.

Dazai ignored the conversation happening between the other members and went out into the darkness. Rampo watched him out, a serious look on his face as if he knew something he didn’t If only the boy would tell him his thoughts, but something inside Dazai also told him Rampo hid things with reason. And with that in mind, he knew he actually wouldn’t want to know.

The darkness brought a sense of calm around him, peace despite most of his group sticking to daylight hours. Dazai didn’t really like bright things like such-there really was nothing good about having a cheerful moment. Or maybe he hadn’t experienced one ever since he was born. At least, not one with a memory he could necessarily cling on to. Whatever he did remember were just really dark things. A family he never had-a fake one…step-people-that abused him, manipulation, the sort. That would explain the reasoning behind all his scars.

He had went crazy before.

Thankfully he found people that changed him in an honest ways. But old habits never changed-just hid in the back for it to only be regained sometime in life. So maybe some nights had he spent hours without sleep…possibly hiding wounds but then also wasting material. Yosano hadn’t found out-or at least noticed the depleting bandage stash. Dazai made sure to aim for medical equipment more than ever whenever he was out.

--

After an hour of searching around had he found a trap door located underground. It was a smart idea-if any human was actually living below. Previously it was covered by some rubbish that was nearby, yet Dazai somehow managed to hit the jackpot. After a few sideways glance for any danger, the brunette gave the rusty handle a quick pull so it swung open. Below was just a dark hole and a ladder. Huh…

Dazai slowly slid himself down into the small space, making sure to keep the trapdoor shut once down. The careful clattering of his shoes echoed until he finally hit rock bottom. Everything settled in a dark space-also odd, since whatever he could make out were actually items. Fresh used items in fact. But before he was able to crane his neck more, something sharp glittered near his throat.

A light blazed through the bunker and his eyes adjusted-taking a few seconds-until Dazai could see an oddly short red head in front of him, with knife positioned right at him. They both shared a long stare for around thirty seconds until the sharp blade was pulled away. The smaller one looked a bit funny-probably because it had been a while since he saw other humans around here. Yet Dazai’s lips quirked up a bit so another grin was splayed out.

“And here I thought there really wasn’t any more humans around here…who are you, and what are you doing in here? I figured you were one of those shit-faced rats.”

The ginger boy seemed to want to get straight to the point, and so Dazai complied with the same old look. It wouldn’t be surprising if some thought he was planning something. But first, he’d need to cherish the fact another human was really around.

“Dazai. Dazai Osamu. But I really think it’d be better if you also told me your name.”

The red head let out a tired groan, and when he looked a bit closer, Dazai could see small eye bags under those azure eyes of the others. The round balls of white with a slit pupil looked like a great refreshment for Dazai’s mind. A hand was dragged down the latter’s own face.

“Chuuya Nakahara. But you still haven’t answered my own question. Breaking my sleep-a very precious moment in this stupid apocalypse actually-isn’t very pleasant. So get on with it before I actually stab you like how I do with zombies.”

“Chuuya, hm? That sounds a load lot like Chibi to me, so I guess I can call you that from now on! And last time I checked, I never said I was going to answer. But since you’re being so forward, I will. I’m from an organization, probably one you haven’t heard of since you don’t recognize me. We’re also searching for humans and whoever caused this, just like what it seems you’re doing.”

Dazai nodded to all the messy, trashy things around the underground system.

“And if you really do plan on stabbing me now, I’d suggest you do it now. I was actually waiting for a painless death, but if you insist, I wouldn’t mind my demise arriving now. At least I’d get to see such a beauty before getting buried-what a thing to celebrate about in the afterlife!”

Chuuya paused with a scowl on his face, as if surprised by Dazai’s actions. It was only normal for the bandaged man to act like this, but obviously the ginger didn’t know that.

“Jeez, what the hell are you, a suicidal freak? Why haven’t you just let yourself die in the field of zombies going about? Life would be much easier then if you’re having a problem with it. And I gave no permission for you to call me that, so don’t even think of it, shitty bastard! I don’t even know you, and here you are, waddling inside my hide out from the stupid creatures.”

Dazai simply laughed, leaning forward only for Chuuya to take a few steps backward.

“Oho, is Chibi scared of me? Am I really that terrifying, or is it my charms that gets you flustered. Maybe I should show my mates about this area, it’d be much better if you joined in with us, huh? You’d be quite useful. Though, you seem fine going solo by the looks of it. How long since you’ve been alone-unless you really were alone for the past two years. Hah, and I could call myself depressed…”

But Chuuya did respond to Dazai’s choke, so he straightened up. The shorter one was holding a frown and a distant look, something similar to when Dazai thought about Odasaku. Maybe Chuuya went through something similar to Dazai himself? But that no way could’ve happened…yet, Dazai couldn’t get answers since Chuuya was ignoring it.

“That is nothing for you to know, so go away. I don’t want to join your lowly gang-especially since you’re a group of detectives. I’m not a good soul, so keep far from me. Just because you look suicidal doesn’t mean I won’t attack you. If that really is what you want, I don’t mind being the one to actually deliver your goal.”

Dazai clapped his hands together in fake glee.

“Wow! Chibi really is generous. I’ll be sure to come back here tomorrow morning when the sun is up so you can do just that. But I’d have to tell my members my grave is getting set up so soon. The zombies are getting smarter from what I seen over the two years the apocalypse had been out for, luckily I survived long enough to see you. It’s a shame you won’t be there to replace my spot in the agency. At least promise me you won’t die before you kill me, okay?!”

Chuuya let out another snarl-clearly annoyed from the stranger in his home, or, bunker. But he did mutter out what sounded like,

“Fine, ugh, promise.”

Then Dazai was sent out, and back into the dark flood of nights. It was much nicer inside Chuuya’s bunker, but he knew he wouldn’t be welcome. Yet that wasn’t what was really stopping him. The new person-the new human he just met seemed interesting, so he wouldn’t want to scare the dog away from the bone just yet. Plus, Dazai would be getting a great treat-death! And if Chuuya would be up to it, maybe he would be able to earn a double suicide. But that was unlikely.

That boy’s eyes were lit up with such fiery life that even he couldn’t stand it. The color on Chuuya was much brighter than Dazai ever seen-the skin color flourishing while his was male pale white. The ginger hair in a messy tangle, and last but not least-those eyes. Dazai didn’t want to look away from those eyes of Chuuya’s, but he sadly had to tear himself away from the other.

Maybe Dazai really found a reason to live now-despite the suicidal tendencies. Perhaps he should hold off on killing himself. Besides, Chuuya already promised he wouldn’t die so long he hadn’t killed him. Dazai had plenty of time to learn more about this new person.

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

Chapter 2: Wish Me Comfort

March 4th, 2006


Chuuya let out an annoyed groan, eye piercing the odd darkness. He hadn’t gotten a good enough sleep ever since that idiotic brunette had arrived to this bunker. The ginger was now worried to what time it was, and if he should go out and check. The zombies lurking around didn’t make everything feel safe though, so he argued with himself mentally for around fifteen minutes before begrudgingly sitting up from the old cot.

It creaked under his weight, and once off, Chuuya searched for the light. The light source was actually coming from a lamp, but with no electricity going around it most definitely came from batteries. The problem was, if he used it too much he’d be soon living in darkness. Not that this was living anyways. The young man flipped on the switch and was able to see within the illuminated ‘room.’

He shuffled around to get himself dressed-with of course raggedy items. Luckily he could easily steal left over clothes from the other by-now dead citizens. It was a hassle, but still an idea and key to his problems. The same old sweater was thrown over his shoulders, only a shade of musty brown. He knew better to wear bright colors; it’d only attract the zombies themselves and would cause Chuuya to have to run continuously.

Once settled in a new ‘fresh’ pair of clothes other than the ones he slept in, Chuuya climbed up the metal bars that led outside. He made sure to turn everything off before hand, and that a few of his weapons were still on him. He was running low on bullet sources though, and physical combat was a risk even if it might be his best skill. The only other thing would be the knife, but getting close to the zombies was dangerous even so.

“Ah, why does life have to be a pain-WAH!”

Chuuya figured he’d be alone outside, but that clearly wasn’t the case. When he had turned around, a familiar grin reminding the ginger of last night met him. What in the name of hell’s world was Dazai doing here. He supposed the brunette was really following his word, but that definitely was not what was going on. Chuuya grumbled, shooting a glare at the other.

“What do you want now?”

--

“Oh come on slug, why can’t you-no, why don’t you want to join the agency? You seem like a sorry lump, and my fellow partners would gladly take you in so long you’re a breathing, live, human being. Does this ‘lowly organization’ hit a spot too close to home for you? I fear you really were with some others before, until you got…whatever happened. Separated.”

Chuuya let out a low growl from Dazai’s crap-talk. This conversation had started to go downhill the second it started, and he wasn’t liking it one bit. Chuuya would take satisfaction in killing Dazai right now-which surprisingly Dazai held him off on. The ginger only agreed to take a few steps back from that because he was curious to what this gang the bandaged freak was in really met. If they were detectives, they must be people who could solve the mystery of whom started this shitshow. Chuuya felt a pang of envy-they had a squad, he had nothing. Yet he didn’t plan on joining with the stupid ‘Detective Agency’. It was already clear they were on of the only detectives in Yokohama. Chuuya would be counted as a criminal from the stealing he did in the past with the Nebulas-before this all started.

“Oh shut your mouth. I’m only accompanying you to actually see real people. Sometimes I think even you aren’t human. I couldn’t even get back to sleep properly since our encounter last night-how do you even end up bugging me anyway?”

“Oooh~ So not only does Mr. Nakahara want to kill me, he’s dreaming and fantasizing how to even do it. I am quite offended by your comment, but I suppose I won’t be human for long. I think your too small to threaten me, so I’ll just let a group of zombies eat me so then I can eventually bite you too. Speaking of which, I haven’t seen many zombies around here besides the group that knocked me out yesterday…”

Knocked out?

Chuuya frowned. It was true, he hadn’t seen much zombies-even while heading towards his friends’ graves. Just a few here and there; most mainly half killed off already. It was a bit terrifying that those disgusting creatures could also think of ways to hide, with or without any brains. But that idea almost made his stomach rebel against him, so he stopped.

“Oh shut up, like I’d think about you. I barely know anything about you, and here I am walking besides you…I’m not surprised if you don’t hang yourself already-“

Chuuya cut off when he felt Dazai’s arms push him back. The ginger gave an odd look to the other, but didn’t respond when he realized the taller one was listening to something. Listening to something. And then he heard it too. Something scrabbly-voices at first echoing in an eerie manner. Then a loud scream from behind-no, not a scream-a blood hurtling yowl from a zombie. The two of them had already whipped around to see at least a dozen following behind them. No way had they just herded the load all the way here.

Dazai tugged onto Chuuya’s arm and dashed the other way down the streets, the noises of the creatures behind still audible somehow. But there was no way the zombies came to group up like that. Chuuya’s mind was racing a mile the minute even as Dazai pulled him along into a corner that followed up into an overhang.

Something had to have attracted the venomous zombies-more humans back there? No, not possible…they’d all fled by now and the zombies would’ve dispersed once the prey was gone. And even if the person back there died, something still felt wrong. A dark sensation-as if someone was indeed waiting back there for a sign of human life just as he had too. Chuuya suddenly jerked Dazai into a pause.

“Let go of me. I need to go back.”

Dazai stunned, turned back to the shorter one.

“I know better than anyone you aren’t suicidal. I can see it with just the flicker of your eyes. Why do you want to go back? You didn’t leave anything behind did you? Unless…”

Dazai’s eyes sought uncertainty, and Chuuya met it up with a look of hopelessness. Chuuya knew someone was back there-and a gut feeling told him it was one of the Nebulas. The string of attachment needed to get cut off, but Chuuya couldn’t. And he could see even Dazai understood the kind of situation now.

“You catch on fast. Now you can go back to your little agency-I have to go see someone.”

But another tug on his arm made him stop, and Chuuya could see a faint smirk playing Dazai’s lips.

“You promised to kill me, so I might as well follow you so you don’t die, right?”

Chuuya hissed, but pulled Dazai along with him. If he didn’t admit it out loud, he could admit it to himself. This man besides him had some nerve, and for some reason, it brought a little bit of comfort. It had been a while since someone had been able to match up with Chuuya’s thoughts-and Dazai slid into that spot so easily it felt as if it was good.

No.

Chuuya shouldn’t be thinking that way. Especially about somebody like Dazai. Chuuya knew it’d be a bad idea to do anything with the guy-one because detectives were always loyal to their job, and he would just easily get betrayed by Dazai if the ginger did the wrong thing. The second was, he could see a different motive within those motionless eyes of the taller one. Something that was a bit scary too-worse than the thought of zombies.

The two of them skipped past the hoard of zombies that just managed to almost reach the area they were in, sidling themselves between two squished buildings. The zombies would surely try to fit them all inside at once, so the shortcut would hold them off for a bit longer. He felt his hand lingering to his pocket, and he eventually got out the ammo filled gun. Dazai had a flash of surprise before following Chuuya’s action and getting a gun out himself.

Detective Bastard. He thought, but really had to take back the insult since Dazai was following him anyway to see what he was so worried about. The ground shifted to a more muddy texture, way worse for running, and the ginger could see dry and even fresh blood around. The buildings became a bit more separated-Chuuya didn’t even know there was such space within Yokohama. Japan was literally screaming for more land.

Or perhaps it looked like this since the apocalypse had begun. Either or, Chuuya had already decided he liked the crowded area. Less space to run, yes, but also more areas to hide in. You had to give up one to get the other, and for the ginger, the choice could easily be made. He caught sight of Dazai’s nose twitching, and Chuuya tried to sniff something out himself. But it wasn’t his nose that did the job but rather his ears. A call for help-or to just attract more zombies.

The voice could carry any tune, though, and it’d still sound familiar. Chuuya felt like he was torn between wanting to go help, and also not wanting to see who was there-instead to just run away and waste Dazai’s precious time. But Dazai seemed to be going soft on him, waiting for the ginger to make up his mind. The two of them slowed down the pace, Chuuya trying to linger behind but also unable to contain the curiosity.

The voices got louder-more panicked-and it was then when the two of them reached behind a broken car that he saw a group of kids, or teens as some might say, surroundings a person. A person who was beginning to turn green by the second. What were these idiots doing? Dazai nudged Chuuya out of such trance, and he realized Tachihara was blinking at him amidst the circle.

“Chuuya?”

The other’s voice was hoarse, and Chuuya knew Dazai would be questioning how he knew the other person. Though, there wasn’t any time for that. The ginger needed to do something about the transforming person-and quick. But who was it that got infected? If he took a closer look, he’d be able to see a flash of pink hair splayed across the floor. No. That’d be impossible.


[Dazai Osamu.]


Dazai watched as Chuuya ran up to the crumbling girl on the floor, wondering if he should too come close or avoid the infection. The ginger seemed to be desperately looking for something-and the group around him clearly knew him. Ah. Chuuya was indeed with this group before; another gang. But something must’ve happened-because everyone seemed shocked to see the shorter one be alive at all. Ridiculous. They shouldn’t be staring at the one he brought here-now Dazai was regretting coming here at all with Chuuya.

“Yuan!”

Dazai lifted his head, widening his own eyes when he saw tears forming with the other’s eyes. What kind of emotional attachment would Chuuya have with this terrible lump of kids? It was impossible Chuuya grew up with them. The brunette sighed, gun clenching in his hand before he effortlessly lifted it to aim it at the pink haired girl.

The boy who had said Chuuya’s name saw this and first made a move to stop him, but Dazai pulled the trigger. The girl obviously named Yuan was infected, and there was no point of keeping someone who might just end up killing all the live humans here. All went silent besides the heavy gasps of shock the ginger was making on the road.

Yuan’s forehead went bloody, a bullet piercing right through it perfectly just as he wanted it. The scarlet drops ended up on Chuuya’s hands, and it was visible he was shaking. They all shared a moment of quietness until a grey haired boy screamed at Dazai and held him by the collar.

“You killed her! You stupid bastard-she could’ve lived! Or at least we could’ve spent some time with her before she got fully infected!”

Dazai snickered at the boy’s attempt to be threatening, grabbing the wrist of the younger one and pulling it away from him. The brunette knew better than anyone that the girl would’ve attacked Chuuya within the next thirty seconds-she hadn’t even spoken, meaning her voice box had shifted around and morphed into something way else.

“I didn’t kill her if she was already killed. I basically helped her out of her misery-it’s awful that you want to see your dear old friend in such pain. I’m actually wondering how loyal you’ve all been to each other. Something tells me this Yuan girl isn’t the main problem…I’ve seen the shocked faces of you all when you saw Chuuya. Yet I have enough of this.”

Dazai averted his gaze to the ginger who was slumped over the girl.

“If you still want to see the agency, feel free to follow me. I suppose my work is done here. I guess you could say I just finished one of those cases I usually get about nosy brats.”

He turned around, feeling the burning stares of the poor lot burning into his back. But something else is what he heard, rushed footsteps and then the tug of his hair. Chuuya was looking furious at him, but it wasn’t directed towards him only.

“And you’re thinking of saying that before leaving? No way in hell. I’m coming with you. In fact. I’ll join that shitty agency like you wanted me to.”


[Chuuya Nakahara.]


By the time they both left the area, Chuuya had went back into his original, irritable state. Yuan’s eyes had blinked once before Dazai shot her-but he didn’t want to tell the brunette that. Dazai did the right thing, no matter what someone said. It was a good thing too, but the Nebulas back there lashed out towards Dazai out of pain. He would too, just not now. Probably he’d express it in his own way. After all, they’d see each other more often now than usual.

It felt weird to just casually move in with someone else from possibly ‘the enemies’ side’, but he’d at least get some time to retrieve his stuff from the bunker that he left. When Chuuya had first met the agency members, it was awkward at first until Dazai went out of his way and oddly introduced him. They told Chuuya how everything worked, and when the ‘shifts’ everyone took would happen.

The ginger could see little hostility in their eyes, but at least one arrogant fool of the group was a bit humorous He supposed Rampo would be the person best to stick to for problems-after all, Dazai did sneak a whisper about how Rampo can easily figure out any puzzle. Then why hadn’t he figured out the person who started this all, and where they are? The brunette answered with a prideful smirk, mentioning how Rampo worked and did his genius brain good whenever he wanted to use it. But that didn’t mean he didn’t want to help. Rampo was doing all he could, keeping to himself until the real answer popped up.

Now Chuuya sat alone in the medical room whereas Kunikida, Yosano-whom he also learned their names-Dazai, and Rampo conversed. He felt a bit queasy, knowing he ‘ought to be the main subject for their problems. But as soon as he felt like he needed to get out, the violet, literally purple, haired woman stepped in with gloved hands.

“Dazai told me you needed a little help. Hopefully you’re feeling all right because I won’t be able to do much about it with such supplies.”

Chuuya scowled in dismay. Of course the brunette would go off barking like a dog, saying nonsense that wasn’t even true. But Yosano would probably know if Dazai was joking around, so why did she look so seriously at him? Ah, these detectives really are perceptive to their surroundings it became infuriatingly annoying.

“I’m not sure of what he’s talking about because I by far had taken care of myself well, thank you very much.”

Yosano chuckled, arms crossed, but sat beside him with a comfortable distance between the two. Her amused face made Chuuya want to curl up into a ball, because he clearly hadn’t gotten her hint from the first word. Darn it…if he was going to join them, he’d at least have to be able to match up with their thinking strategies. Even if they all didn’t seem as coordinated as expected.

“Not the health issues, I’m talking about mental priorities. He said something about you having such distant look in your eyes. You’re broken, and as a ‘local doctor’, I can see it. I’m not a therapist or anything, but I can tell when a patient is having trouble with something that would rather not be spoken about. You wouldn’t need to do it now, but it is fine to come to me if you had to spill thoughts. After all, every detective should have each other’s back, right?”

Chuuya saw Yosano grin and couldn’t help but meet up to her expressions. She sat up and exited the medical room, saying how he could leave whenever ready. After composing himself, he felt something inside him most notably shift. It wasn’t just her, but more like the whole situation really. He was a criminal and they were taking him in so easily. That was something to worry about later, as they might just be leading him into a…trap. But by all the innocent reactions he’d been given, the same comfort the ginger had with Dazai was flooded through him.

Of course he wasn’t going to get too comfortable. After all, Chuuya joined on his own accord. He didn’t plan on staying for long, just enough to get a chance to spike up more information. If it didn’t seem to help him, he’d just get to the open door. It wasn’t like it was going to shut on him anyway. But he supposed getting a bit attached to this group would be fine too. Since he wasn’t so sure about his major goal just yet.

Happy Thanksgiving!