(Y/N) pov
During your escape, you attempted to nullify Looki's summon who was still in front of you on Jumper. As your ability took effect, a soft glow enveloped Looki, causing him to gradually fade away until he disappeared completely.
You let out a sigh, a mix of relief and resignation. "So it was true after all..."
"Ah, this dog," you muttered, shaking your head in exasperation. "What am I going to do with him?"
The memory of Looki's mischievous antics and his unexpected appearances brought a wry smile to your lips. Despite the problems he posed, whether in your previous life or even now, you couldn't help but always find a certain fondness for him.
Your heart raced as you continued your rooftop chase, Jumper carrying you effortlessly over the uneven terrain. The cityscape blurred around you, a testament to your agility and control. The distant echoes of Dazai and Atsushi's voices gradually faded into the background, the gap between you and your pursuers widening.
As you prepared for another jump, your gaze shifted to the horizon. A familiar rooftop loomed ahead, its architecture etched into your memory. You adjusted Jumper's trajectory slightly, ensuring a seamless landing.
And there, on the rooftop you were about to alight on, stood someone you recognized immediately.
Kunikida.
His posture was as disciplined as ever, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed intently on you. The glint of his glasses caught the light, accentuating his air of authority and precision. His presence on that rooftop turned it from a potential refuge into a battleground of emotions and possibilities.
Your heart raced, not only from the physical exertion but also from the surprise of this unexpected encounter. Kunikida's reputation as a meticulous planner and a strategic thinker preceded him, making his appearance all the more significant. The rooftop, which had once appeared as a sanctuary, now felt like a convergence point for paths that had been set in motion.
With a deep breath, you guided Jumper to touch down at a distance from Kunikida. As Jumper's paws made contact with the surface, you dismounted with grace, your gaze locked into Kunikida's form.
"Kunikida-san," you greeted, a mixture of surprise and respect in your voice. "I didn't anticipate meeting you here."
Kunikida's expression remained composed, his arms still crossed. "And yet, here you are," he replied, his tone carrying a hint of formality. "Evading me once was a feat, but it won't happen a second time."
You nodded, a blend of pride and caution in your demeanor. "I had a bit of assistance," you admitted, glancing briefly at Jumper, who stood by your side.
Kunikida's analytical mind seemed to be at work, processing the situation before him. "I see. Your ability is indeed remarkable."
As the wind tousled your hair and clothes, a voice chimed in from behind you.
"Impressive," the voice declared, drawing your attention.
Startled, you turned to find Dazai leaning casually against a chimney, a sly grin playing on his lips. Beside him stood Atsushi, a mixture of surprise and amusement on his features.
"You certainly have a flair for evasion," Dazai remarked, his tone laced with a hint of admiration.
Dazai, ever the enigmatic figure, offered a small smile that held a hint of amusement. "Running away seems like an interesting choice, (Y/N)-chan. But did you really think you could escape our reach so easily?"
Your grip on Jumper's feathers tightened, a blend of frustration and determination settling within you. "Can't you give me a moment's respite?"
Dazai's chuckle was almost musical, a testament to his carefree nature. "But where's the fun in that?"
Atsushi offered you an apologetic smile, genuine remorse in his eyes. "I'm sorry for the trouble we've caused."
You raised your hands in a gesture of surrender, your heart pounding in your chest. "I don't want to fight," you called out, your voice echoing in the air. "I just needed to clear my head."
Dazai and Atsushi slowed their approach, their expressions shifting from determination to curiosity. Their presence was oddly calming, a contrast to the urgency that had fueled your escape.
"We're not here to hurt you," Dazai said, his words a mix of reassurance and intrigue. "But we'd like to understand why you've been causing such a commotion."
Atsushi nodded, his kind eyes reflecting empathy. "Your ability is powerful, but it can be used for good too. We want to help you find that balance."
As their voices reached you, a sense of vulnerability washed over you. These individuals, who were once just characters on a screen, now stood before you with a shared purpose—to help, to understand, and to connect. The rooftop, once a refuge of escape, suddenly felt like a crossroads of fate.
You took a step back, and Jumper gave a reassuring nudge. The city's sounds seemed to soften, casting a warm glow on this unexpected encounter. With a mixture of hesitation and resolve, you let your arms fall to your sides.
"I didn't mean for things to get this far," you admitted, your voice carrying a hint of remorse. "I can control my ability, but... I just needed some time alone."
Dazai's enigmatic smile deepened, his eyes glinting with understanding. "We all need a breather now and then."
Taking a deep breath, you met their gazes squarely. "But you need to know that I had my reasons for what I've done.", You admitted, your voice clear and steady.
Dazai's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Secrets, eh? Well, we're no strangers to those."
Atsushi nodded, his kindness evident. "We won't force you to share if you're not ready. Just know that we're here when you are."
Their understanding gestures reassured you, but a question still lingered. "So, what now?" you asked, looking at them both.
Dazai leaned casually against a ventilation unit. "Well, since we've caught up with you, how about we take a break? We could continue this conversation over a cup of coffee."
You raised an eyebrow, skepticism lingering in your expression. "Coffee? Or is this just another way to keep tabs on me?"
Dazai's grin turned mischievous. "Why not both?"
Atsushi chimed in, his smile reassuring. "It's a chance for us to explain things better and clear up any misunderstandings."
Dazai nodded in agreement.
You nodded with them and as you started to walk, Jumper tugged at your vest and picked up a little something, showing it to you.
It was something flashing a little red light.
"Wait. A tracker ? Is that how you easily found me in this short of time ?!", you asked perplexed.
Dazai's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah, you've caught onto our little secret, have you?"
Atsushi chimed in, his sheepish smile contrasting with Dazai's nonchalant demeanor. "It was Dazai's idea. He thought it would be helpful for emergencies."
Dazai shrugged, feigning innocence. "I just have a knack for preparedness, that's all."
"But when ?!"you exclaimed, unable to suppress your incredulity.
Dazai's grin turned mischievous, his eyes dancing with playful delight. "Oh, that's a trade secret, (Y/N)-chan. Let's just say we have our ways of staying one step ahead."
Atsushi's sheepish smile contrasted with Dazai's nonchalant demeanor. "It was meant for emergencies, really. We never intended to invade your privacy."
Dazai shrugged, feigning innocence. "Just a little insurance policy, nothing more."
A mixture of amusement and exasperation washed over you as you shook your head. "You two are something else."
After a few seconds of silence, a chuckle escaped your lips, a genuine smile breaking through the tension. Their banter and willingness to lighten the mood put you at ease. It was hard to believe that the characters you admired from an anime were standing before you, offering support and understanding.
"Alright," you conceded, a sense of acceptance settling within you. "Coffee sounds good. But only if we find a place with good pastries too."
Dazai's eyes lit up with mock enthusiasm. "Pastries it is then! Consider it a deal."
As you turned to leave the rooftop, Atsushi fell into step beside you. "Thank you for giving us a chance, even after all that's happened."
You glanced at him and smiled warmly. "Thank you both for being more understanding than I expected."
Dazai followed, a playful grin on his face. "Oh, the fun has only just begun, (Y/N)-chan. Adventures await."
With newfound companions at your side, you descended from the rooftop, the city's bustling energy surrounding you.
~Time skip~
You decided to keep Jumper by your side, thinking he could be of use in your research of the rift and against any potential danger. Moreover, you had begun to grow attached to him with his playful and joyful character.
He was now walking happily beside you as you strolled alongside Dazai and Atsushi.
The bustling city around you seemed to fade into the background as you pondered how to address the uniqueness of your situation. Sharing the truth about your previous life, death, and reincarnation in this fictional world was difficult. You were open to sharing your story, but the complexity of it all made you hesitate. And just as you were ready to talk, Kunikida's phone chose that very moment to break the tension with an unexpected ringtone – a cheerful tune that was entirely incongruous with his serious demeanor.
His eyebrows knitted in a mixture of irritation and embarrassment as he scrambled to silence the unexpected melody.
Dazai's eyes danced with amusement, a smug grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, Kunikida-kun, I never would have pegged you for a fan of catchy pop tunes."
Kunikida's cheeks tinged with a faint shade of pink, his attempt at maintaining composure somewhat derailed by his ringing phone. "It's a temporary selection," he mumbled, hurriedly silencing the device.
Atsushi chuckled, trying his best to suppress a wider grin. "It's good to see a different side of you, Kunikida-san."
Just as the musical interlude settled and Kunikida regained his composure, his pocket buzzed with a familiar vibration. He retrieved his phone, his expression shifting from mild embarrassment to a more serious demeanor as he read the text message.
"Apologies, but I must take my leave," Kunikida announced, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "An urgent matter requires my attention."
Dazai's enigmatic smile reappeared as he glanced at him. "Ah, the call of duty, Kunikida-kun. Off to solve another problem, I assume?"
Kunikida nodded briskly, his focus entirely on the matter at hand. "Yes, that seems to be the case."
Atsushi chimed in, his eyes reflecting concern. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
Kunikida shook his head, already moving in the direction of his next destination. "Thank you, but I have it under control. I'll be sure to inform you once the situation is resolved."
With a final nod, Kunikida turned and briskly walked away, his long strides carrying him swiftly down the bustling street. You watched him disappear in the crowd.
Dazai's eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at you. "And just like that, he's off to his paperwork, leaving us with a bit of seriousness ."
You chuckled with Atsushi as Dazai said that.
The unexpected interlude had its effect – the tension from earlier had been replaced by a shared moment of lightheartedness. As you continued your walk, the memory of Kunikida's musical phone call lingered, adding a touch of levity to the air. However, you were still wondering how you could tell them your circumstances.
Dazai's keen eyes noticed your contemplative expression. "You seem lost in thought, (Y/N)-chan. Something on your mind?"
You sighed softly, your gaze shifting from the pavement to their expectant faces. "It's just that explaining my circumstances is a bit complicated. I'm not sure where to start."
Atsushi's kind eyes held a reassuring glint. "We're here to listen, no matter how unusual it might sound."
Taking a deep breath, you decided to offer a simpler version of your story, at least for now. "Well, let's just say that I've had a unique journey to get here. I don't know if you will believe me, but, to tell you the truth, I come from another world."
Dazai's grin remained, his interest undiminished. "A journey between worlds, you say? That's quite the introduction, but it sound believable if we consider the unusal air you emited when we encountered you yesterday. Was it at that time you arrived in our world?"
You offered a half-smile, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension at their curiosity. "Indeed. However, I arrived when the sun began to set."
At your response, Dazai nodded, as if you had confirmed his theory.
You continued, "But there's more to it than that. I've discovered some unusual abilities since I arrived here."
Atsushi's eyes lit up with genuine intrigue. "Abilities? Like what?"
You hesitated for a moment, contemplating how to explain without revealing too much. "Let's just say I have a connection to certain... entities. They aid me in various ways."
Dazai's grin widened, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "Entities, you say? That sounds rather mysterious."
You chuckled, realizing that maintaining an air of mystery might be the best approach. "Well, mysteries make life more interesting, don't they?"
As you continued your walk, Jumper's vibrant presence at your side caught Dazai's attention. His eyes flickered between you and the raptor-like companion, his curiosity piqued. "Speaking of mysteries, what's the story behind our feathered friend here and the others we had seen before?"
You looked at Jumper, who was happily walking along. Remembering that they had encountered Looki before, you decided to show a little of your ability. With a mental command, you summoned Looki, who materialized in a burst of light beside you.
Dazai's eyes widened in recognition, his intrigue deepening. "Ah, Looki, if I recall correctly?"
You nodded, a small smile tugging at your lips. "Yes, that's right. He's quite the character."
Looki let out an enthusiastic bark and wagged his tail. Dazai's amused grin was contagious, spreading to Atsushi, who was clearly delighted by the magical display.
"Different worlds, mysterious abilities, and now these fascinating entities," Dazai mused, his gaze shifting between you, Jumper, and Looki. "You truly are a walking enigma, (Y/N)-chan."
Before you could respond, a sudden shift in the air caught your attention. You felt a subtle surge of power, one that resonated with your connection to Jumper. To your surprise, the raptor-like companion began to glow with a soft light. His form shimmered for a moment, and then, much to your astonishment, he started to shrink in size.
"Wait, what's happening?" you exclaimed, watching as Jumper transformed into a miniature version of himself. His wings (or front paws) flapped excitedly as he hopped onto your shoulder, perching there with perfect balance.
Dazai and Atsushi exchanged glances, clearly just as surprised as you were. "It seems Jumper has a few tricks up his... feathers," Dazai quipped, a grin playing on his lips.
Atsushi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That's fascinating! He's like a pocket-sized companion now."
As time passed, Looki's playful demeanor took a mischievous turn. He began to explore his surroundings with boundless curiosity, darting between pedestrians' legs and occasionally leaping up to catch the fluttering leaves. His antics garnered a mix of amused glances and gentle smiles from those who crossed his path. His energy was infectious, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of lightheartedness. Yet, mindful of the situation, you couldn't help but worry about potential disruptions or accidents that his boisterous behavior might cause.
A soft chuckle escaped your lips as you affectionately observed Looki's exuberant exploits. With his spirited personality, Looki was certainly living up to his reputation as a lively and spirited companion. You glanced at Dazai and Atsushi, curious to see their reactions to Looki's antics. Dazai's perceptive gaze shifted between you and Looki, an amused grin quirking his lips. Atsushi's kind smile mirrored Dazai's amusement, though a touch of surprise and delight danced in his eyes.
"It seems Looki is having quite the adventure," Dazai remarked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "He's certainly embracing the city's vibrancy."
Atsushi chuckled, a warm glint in his eyes. "He's like a ball of energy. It's nice to see him so happy."
You nodded in agreement, your heart warming at the genuine camaraderie shared between your companions and Looki. While they might not fully understand the nature of your connection with your summons, their acceptance and enjoyment of Looki's presence filled you with a sense of belonging.
With Looki's playful escapades brightening the moment, you all made your way through the bustling streets, gradually approaching a building that emanated a sense of familiarity. The architectural details, the placement of windows, and the overall ambiance seemed to harmonize perfectly with a memory you held – the very building that housed the Armed Detective Agency.
Your steps slowed as you gazed at the building, a mixture of surprise and curiosity taking hold. You shared a knowing look with Looki, his presence somehow adding to the sense of significance surrounding this place. As your companions followed your gaze, Dazai's voice broke the momentary silence.
"Something caught your eye?" Dazai's voice was laced with curiosity, his eyes keenly observing your reaction.
You offered a small smile, choosing your words carefully. "The architecture of this building is quite intriguing. It brings back some memories."
Atsushi nodded, his expression understanding. "Certain places have a way of evoking emotions and memories."
As you stood before the building, a sense of anticipation washed over you. You knew that stepping inside would unveil new experiences and perhaps even lead to answers you sought. With Dazai and Atsushi by your side, Looki's playful energy, and Jumper's ever-watchful presence, you took a deep breath and crossed the doors of the building.