Chapter Text
Darkness.
Nothing ever changed about it. It was always a dark void, soundless and lonely. Emptiness that could be felt within one's entire being and soul. Chuuya hated it. He hated how it made him feel. Unable to escape from his own mind. Trapped with no possibility to escape from his own personal hell. All he could do was wait helplessly for it to stop. For the rampage to end and to be freed from his mental prison. To be able to operate his own body without being held back. Being in complete control of himself.
However, what came with that freedom was pain. Horrible pain and utter exhaustion. The feeling of every nerve in his body on fire, sending sharp pain through his limbs. Muscles convulsing and contracting, completely worn and feeling like they could tear away from the bone at any second. Heat… like one had never felt before. As if his body was dropped into the middle of a lit furnace. Unable to cool off or get any relief from it. Breathing was no longer easy. Instead, it became tedious and hard to do. As if his body simply wanted to just stop doing it all together. Finally, his body would simply give in. It would throw in the towel and plummet Chuuya from the conscious world. Darkness would once again greet him when it did. That same old emptiness that he always felt. It was tiring. It made him wish that things could have been different. That he didn't have this power.
Chuuya was tired. There was only so much one's body could take before enough was enough. He never wanted to get to that point. To the point where he could no longer fight back against the darkness, the pain… Arahabaki himself. This power he did not ask for. He would have loved to give it up if he could. However, that was never an option nor would it be. Instead, he would have to keep using it. Despite how it made him feel or what it did to his body. But… How much more could he take before he just couldn't?
Exhaustion was hardly the word to describe what Chuuya felt. It was like every single inch of his body had been steam rolled. With each step he took, his legs screamed at him. His body just wanted to collapse and sleep. Chuuya walked slowly down the hallway of his apartment building, keeping a hand on the wall for support. His clothing was in complete tatters and there were spots of blood on the collar of his white shirt. The sleeves of his bolero were no more and jagged pieces of fabric remained. His black slacks had various cuts in the material and he debated on tossing them this time as opposed to fixing them.
Mud caked the majority of his outfit, and exposed skin. His hair was an unruly mess, bits of debris and dirt mixed within the strands. Chuuya’s bangs stuck to his forehead as sweat beaded his brow, his breaths coming and going in shallow pants. Almost there. Then he would be able to simply allow his body to recover from the self-induced trauma it sustained. Or rather the menace of a god that used his body as it saw fit. Rampaging without a single care in the world.
Chuuya had not wanted to use Corruption. Whenever he could, he wanted to avoid it as much as possible. However, the shitty mackerel had asked him to do it. It wasn't as if he could really say no to him. Even if they were enemies, he still bore a deep sense of trust in him. He trusted his plans and knew that Dazai would not ask him unless it was the only option. Though this time, he really wished he hadn't listened. That he would have said no.
Corruption had lasted way too long for his liking. The enemy had been formidable and Dazai had been slightly late in stopping him. Chuuya wondered if that was the longest time he had allowed Arahabaki free reign. It certainly felt like it. When he had woken up, alone as always, Chuuya felt absolutely horrible. It had taken a good half hour to even muster up the strength to rise to his feet. Getting home had been a chore in itself. Thankfully, he had taken his car this time as opposed to his bike. There would have been no way to ride with the current state his body was in. Hell, he was struggling to even stay standing even now.
Chuuya came to a stop at his apartment door, closing his eyes briefly. Finally, he was home. He leaned his body against the door as he opened his eyes and patted down his clothes. Locating his keys, he withdrew them from his pocket. Chuuya's keys jingled as he shakily found his apartment key. Taking a breath, he managed to get the key into the lock and turn it. Chuuya heard the lock disengage, before he straightened. He turned the knob and opened the door. The executive stepped inside, before he shut it.
Chuuya leaned his back against the door and closed his eyes. Now all he had to do was take off his shoes and go to bed. He didn't even care about changing. Frankly, the sofa would do nicely. He managed to kick his shoes off, before he let out a breath. He opened his eyes and pushed off the door. All he had to do was make it to the living room. Chuuya took a step before he began to feel strange. His vision wavered in and out of focus, before the corners began to grow dark. An odd smell hit his nose and he looked around. Was something on fire? Rotten? He couldn't place what it was. Shit. He stumbled, falling to his knees. His eyes rolled back as he collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
A soft groan escaped Chuuya's lips as he started to stir. What happened? He opened his eyes, his vision swimming. The executive blinked slowly, before he closed them again, his head throbbing. He opened his eyes once more and tried to focus on where he was. Chuuya found himself on the floor in his hallway. He felt drained and a bit disoriented. What the hell happened? Did he pass out? Most likely. He did recall falling to his knees and that was just about it. Chuuya let out a breath, before he shakily pushed himself up.
Perhaps he was a lot more exhausted than he thought. He managed to get to his feet, before feeling a bit uncomfortable. He then came to the realization his pants were wet. 'Did I just…' He groaned and brought a hand to his face. How fucking embarrassing. All he wanted to do was get some sleep. Instead, he would need to take a bath. Chuuya rubbed his face, as he leaned back against the wall. 'I don't recall having to go to the bathroom before…' A breath left him as he made his way slowly to the bathroom.
As soon as he bathed and changed into his pajamas, Chuuya pulled the blankets down on his bed. He climbed into it, pulling them up to his chin. Chuuya let out a breath, closing his eyes. He felt awful. The last time Corruption had left him in such a poor state was when he used it for the first time in his battle against Verlaine. That time, he had felt the same way, except it felt worse this time around. Ten times worse. Perhaps he had used it far longer than when he was sixteen. Though what was done was done. All he knew was that he didn't want to use it again. That he couldn't. No longer did he want to feel like this.
Chuuya could faintly make out the sound of birds chirping as he started to stir. He yawned before he opened his eyes slowly. He looked over at the alarm clock, the display reading seven in the morning. He shifted, finding his body feeling like lead. Chuuya rolled onto his back and brought a hand up to his forehead. He really wanted to stay in bed today, but that was impossible. Instead, he had to go to work. The boss was going to be assigning him a new mission. He hoped it would be an easy one.
He sat up, rubbing his eyes, before he moved the covers off his form. Chuuya moved to the edge of the bed, and dangled his legs off of it. He stared down at his feet quietly. The pain had gone down to a dull roar but he was sure that wouldn't last. It never did. Instead, when he would start to move, it would return. That was just the way things were. As unfair as it seemed. Chuuya was about to slide off his bed, when he heard his phone ring. The executive looked at it, before he picked it up. The boss?
Chuuya answered it. "Hello?"
"Hello Chuuya-kun. I have your new assignment ready for you. Since it's partnering with the Detective Agency again, I thought I would call you before you came here first."
Just great. Another job with the Agency. The temporary truce they had called was anything but. They had been on friendlier terms for over a month now. It wasn't exactly his cup of tea, but whatever the boss wanted was what he got. "The Detective Agency?"
"Yes. It seems as though the group you and Dazai-kun got rid of had many more members. They have sent threats to both the Port Mafia and the Agency. I'm sure you can handle this situation."
Right now, Chuuya could barely handle sitting up straight. This was far too soon after using Corruption to be at it again. However, telling Mori no was completely off the table. "Yes boss. Consider it done."
"I expect a report by tomorrow. It shouldn't take you more than a day to sort it out."
"Yes boss." Chuuya said, before he heard the line go dead. Mori had given him an assignment and hung up. Typical but that was to be expected. Chuuya set his phone down, before he sighed, bringing his hand to his face. He really did not have the energy to deal with Dazai again. Especially so soon. Hell, he had to deal with him for two hours straight yesterday. That was way too much time. Despite how he felt about it, he would do as asked. Chuuya had sworn complete loyalty to Mori and would not disappoint him.
So he would just have to suck it up and complete the mission. The sooner it got done the better. Chuuya got up off his bed and grumbled to himself as his legs shook with his own weight. He waited a moment to steady himself, before he started for his dresser. This was going to be a very long day, he just knew it. Dealing with both exhaustion and Dazai was like some sort of weird form of torture. All he knew was that if the stupid mackerel had anything smart to say, he was going to kick his ass.
Chuuya gathered up his clothing and shut his dresser drawer. He carried them out of the room and down the hallway to the bathroom. He walked in and set everything down on the toilet tank. He then moved over to the window and opened up the blinds. It was still a bit dark out, the sky overcast. He wondered if it was going to rain today. That definitely would be a mood setter for sure. Especially having to deal with Dazai.
It wasn't that bad if he really thought about it. As long as the walking mummy kept his mouth shut. Which seemed impossible for him. It was as if he got some sort of satisfaction from making his life miserable. Then again, that was Dazai for as long as he knew him. He wasn't happy unless he was harassing him one way or another. Well, the sooner he got this over with, the better. Chuuya moved away from the window and over to the sink. He brushed his teeth and debated on taking another bath. A soak in Epsom salts would be the best way to loosen up his muscles.
He shrugged. It wasn't as if he had a time limit. Mori had told him a day so a fifteen minute soak would not be out of the question. Chuuya moved over to the tub and turned the faucet on. He sat down on the rim and stuck his hand under the water, adjusting the temperature until it was just below scalding. He pushed the plug in and sighed to himself as the tub began to fill. Maybe a soak and taking some pain relief would be the remedy he would need. Chuuya got up off the rim, his movements slow, as he walked to the medicine cabinet.
Before he opened it, he blinked. Just under his bangs was a bruise. He moved his hair and inspected it. Did he hit his head when he fell? Could explain why he had a headache when he came to. Chuuya shrugged his shoulders before he opened the cabinet. He grabbed a bottle of Tylenol and took a couple, before he put the bottle back. Chuuya closed the cabinet and turned on the sink faucet. He popped the pills into his mouth before he cupped his hands under the water. Chuuya filled them a bit, before he brought it to his lips and took a sip.
Once he swallowed the pills, he shut the water and stooped down. He opened up a cabinet and grabbed a bag of Epsom salts, before he rose to his feet. He stumbled a little, catching his balance. Could his body be any more annoying right now? Chuuya nudged the cabinet shut with his foot as he carried the bag over to the tub. He shut the water, and then opened the bag, pouring a decent amount into the water. There. Chuuya returned the bag to where he got it, and stripped himself of his clothing. He moved back over to the tub and slowly got in, sitting down in the water.
The warmth felt nice and relaxing to say the least. He leaned back against the slant of the tub, sinking up to his chin. Chuuya closed his eyes and let out a breath. After a nice, long soak, he was sure he would be somewhat ready to deal with today. Physically at least, mentally? That would be another story altogether.
As soon as he finished his bath and got dressed, Chuuya headed for the front door. As he walked, he thought about the events that took place last night. There was no way in hell he could use it again today. That would be far too soon. With any luck, there wouldn't be a need for that sort of power. His gravity alone would have to suffice. It usually did anyway. Chuuya was strong without even having to use Corruption. There really was no need for such power.
He stopped at the door and slipped his shoes on, before he grabbed his coat. Chuuya put it on, and removed his hat from the coat rack. He placed it on his head, and patted himself down. Locating his keys, he walked to the front door. He blinked. It was unlocked. Had he really been that exhausted and out of it that he had forgotten to even lock the door? All the more reason to just stick with gravity today. If Dazai asked him, he would have to decline this time. Even if Dazai's plan would call for more power. He found himself unable to do it.
Yesterday had proved to be troublesome. Not only on the physical level, but mental. He did not like how his body had reacted. It was completely abnormal from the previous times. Chuuya had chalked it up to using the power too long. Though he was beginning to think that wasn't all of it. Each time he used it, now that he thought about it, the reactions seemed to be getting worse. Or maybe it was just all in his head? Chuuya sighed. The last thing he needed was to give himself a headache before Dazai could.
Chuuya opened the door and stepped out, shutting it behind him. He locked the door, and then started down the hallway. Today was going to be a long day. He was not looking forward to it at all.
Within twenty minutes, Chuuya had arrived at the Armed Detective Agency building. He pulled his car up to the curb before he cut the engine. He got out, and shut the door, a gust of wind greeting him. Chuuya held his hat, and waited for it to die down. Once it did, he started for the building's entrance. With any luck, the members of that group would be dealt with accordingly and in a timely fashion. Chuuya pushed open the door and walked over to the steps. Just what he needed. Climbing up a bunch of stairs. It was as if the world was against him between yesterday and today. Then again, wasn't that always the case?
Chuuya climbed up the stairs until he reached the fourth floor of the building. By the time he reached the top, he wished he had used his gravity to get up there. He was tired already. Chuuya shoved the feeling aside. There was no time for that. The physical ailments he felt would stop by noon at the latest. Or at least get much easier to ignore. It was like clockwork whenever Corruption was used. Chuuya made his way over to the Agency's office door and he knocked twice on it.
He then grabbed the handle and turned it, opening the door. Chuuya stepped inside and shut the door behind him. A few members of the Agency were there. Kenji, Kunikida, and of course, the pain in his ass. The group looked up at him, and Kenji smiled. "Oh! You're that cool city guy who can stand on the ceiling without your hat falling off!"
Chuuya looked over at him. The kid was pretty cool himself. He had enjoyed their underground fight. He gave him a slight smile, before a very loud groan erupted. "Not Chuuya again! Why does my life suck so much!!!"
"As if I wanted to see your traitorous face again, you mackerel!" Chuuya snapped back, glaring at his former partner. Dazai very much looked like a fish out of water. The top half of his body was laying across his desk, his cheeks puffed out with a discontented expression. The feeling was very mutual. He did not want to work with him again.
He watched Dazai slowly sit up and look at him. His expression went from distain to something unreadable. As if he was silently studying him or something. Rather than try to figure it out, he looked over at the glasses guy. Kunikida had risen from his desk, a file in his hand. "As much as we all don't want to work together, this case is very important. The remnants of the group yesterday have sent death threats to both of our organizations. They are giving us twenty four hours to respond, or they will be bombing civilian locations. As well as Port Mafia owned buildings."
"What a pain!" Dazai whined as he slumped down in his chair. Chuuya rolled his eyes at him. He was way too dramatic at this time of day. Then again, that was Dazai. He walked over and accepted the file Kunikida offered. He opened it up and flipped through it. He could feel eyes on him again. What did the stupid mackerel want from him now? Chuuya decided he would not give him the satisfaction of even a glance. Instead, he read the notes and threats. Typical shit. No matter, they would be dealt with accordingly.
"Ranpo had given us their location so it should be an easy enough job. They moved their location yesterday and are now residing at an old warehouse by the docks. It's guesstimated that there are currently at least forty people." Just great. No matter, he would send them all flying with his gravity and be done by this afternoon. Though, if they were asking for a partnership, that meant there were possible traps. Hence why he was getting support from the pain in the ass covered in bandages.
"I don't wanna work with Chuuya again! Seeing his face twice in two days is torture!" Dazai whined dramatically.
"Then stay here. I don't want to work with you either!"
"But my dog is bad at tactics! Always biting before thinking."
"Who the fuck are you calling a dog, you shithead?!"
Dazai grinned at him. He knew that smile all too well. He was purposely egging him on for his reactions. Why, he had no clue. That would always be a mystery as to why he chose to constantly pick on him. He watched as Dazai got up, and walked to the door. "Come along and stay close! I don't want to have to put up missing dog posters! You are hardly worth a reward to whoever finds you."
That was it. Chuuya's eyes twitched, before he swung a kick at his head. Dazai ducked and he missed. Damnit! "I'm going to kill you when we're done!"
"I'd like to see you try, Chuuya." Dazai said as he smirked at him. This was going to be a very, very long day.