As It Was

Chapter 8

  I lost the love of my life. My only regret was that I never told her how I felt. I watched her...bleeding out on the sidewalk like a helpless child. Because to be honest, I am one. I don't have an ability to help anyone like everyone else in the ADA has. There was nothing I could do. I regret never telling her that I loved the way she wore her hair, the way she helped people was amazing and beautiful to me. I liked when she would get mad and tease me. It was funny, even though she was scary. She was so sweet to everyone when she wasn't angry. She was very motherly, and I loved that about her. I watched Yokohama engulf in flames as people lost their lives infront of me just like her. When everything died down and things were better...no one felt like we won. So many people lost significant others or relatives. This was in fact the most tragic and horrific event to ever happen in Yokohama. If I could have the ability to turn back time and stop this mess...I would. If I had the chance to do so. I would save so many lives...even her. I would also kill the one responsible...I'm glad he got what he deserved.

Ranpo arrived to the ADA later that night when he got a call from Yosano for a late meeting.

"Yo!" Ranpo said with a smile while holding a bag of food. "What's up?" He asked as Kunikida and Yosano looked at him.

"We need to talk...and we feel like all the members need to have a say in this." Kunikida said as Yosano nodded.

"Alright...what is it?" Ranpo asked as Kunikida looked down.

"Atsushi wants Akutagawa to join the ADA." He said as Ranpo stared at him in shock.

"You're joking..." He said as Kunikida shook his head. "A Port Mafia member leaving to join the ADA? There's no way. His records need to get cleaned, I don't see that happening." Ranpo said while opening a new bag of chips. "Or at least not right away."

  "Well I think he needs to come here as quickly as possible." Yosano said as she looked down. "That boy isn't safe at the Port Mafia...no one else is."

  "Fukazawa already knows." Kunikida said as Ranpo listened. "He wants to meet Akutagawa and talk to him about the risks, the consequences, and the process." Kunikida explained.

  "Ok, and when is this happening?" Ranpo asked while eating chips from his bag.

  "Tonight actually." Kunikida looked down at Atsushi's phone. "He'll be here in thirty minutes."

  "Oh." Ranpo said as he set the empty bag next to him. He opened a soda. "And as for the other ADA members?"

  "They won't be showing up, it's just up to us and Fukazawa."

  "How is that fair?" Ranpo asked as Yosano looked at him. "They don't get a say?"

  "No they don't, because Fukazawa specifically asked for certain ADA members opinions. Plus, it's almost eleven at night, we're already here and I'm sure everyone else is asleep or getting ready for bed."

  "You look like you were asleep." Kunikida said to Ranpo as he motioned to him. "You're literally wearing pajamas."

  "So?" Ranpo asked as he finished his soda. "I was called into work for a special occasion, I'm not gonna say no. Even if I was all warm and comfy in my bed." He said annoyed as he smiled at Kunikida, teasing him. "So, where's Akutagawa anyways?"

  "He's in the infirmary." Kunikida answered as Yosano quickly stepped in.

  "Don't worry, he's fine." She said as Ranpo looked at her. "He isn't hurting anyone. He's resting and Atsushi is taking care of him."

  "Well alright." Ranpo said as he sun dived his soda. Yosano sighed happily and looked back at the room. "If he tries anything, he's not joining."

  "I'm sure things will be ok." Yosano assured as she looked out of the window. She watched the snow continue to fall. "I hope the boss is ok getting here with all this snow and the cold weather."