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It was almost funny how one could define what made someone human or not.
In this day and age, a person wasn’t considered normal if they didn’t have some sort of hardware installed. Even Ranpo of the ADA crew, who had a low tolerance for tech, had the standard eye implant, projection navigator, and hand phone. In this urban hell, the poorest citizens could afford to have those. They needed to have those, as they were necessary for everyday life.
So Dazai, whose body rejected any and all cybernetics, was most definitely a freak of nature.
Inhuman, he’d been deemed, simply because he couldn’t tolerate the tech. Or maybe the tech couldn’t tolerate him. Dazai could remember — from when he was younger — surgeries to give him the standard implants. They all fizzled and broke beyond repair, leaving their marks as his parents, his doctors, and his technicians tried again and again. Though they did abandon their mission eventually. And he’d covered the scars from that, and his own attempts to leave this neon lit husk of a world behind, beneath the bandages wrapped all over his skin.
The bandages from their last try to give him an eye implant were the only ones he permanently removed.
And he still persisted in this world, aided by tech from before the rise and domination of cybernetic implants. Projection visors with the gloves to go with them in place of the standard implants, key fobs and electronic lockpicks to open up any door or vehicle, cars that ran not on the corporate routes and controllers but instead by steering wheels. It might not be able to get under his skin, but Dazai found that he could make technology dance to his tune in other ways. His hacking skills and technical tweaks to older tech had ensured he could survive as long as he was stuck here, and the added bonus was that he couldn’t be registered or tracked in the ways everyone else could be.
Dazai was more of a ghost in this system than a human.
Then again, he contemplated as he watched his partner, humanity seems to work on a bell curve.
Too little or no tech, like him, and you’re deemed to be some weird little freak.
Too much tech… and the result was basically the same.
A weird little freak.
Emphasis on the little this time.
“Shut the fuck up.” Chuuya didn’t look up from where he was recalibrating his right arm.
“I didn’t say anything.” Dazai whined and rolled over on the couch with a pronounced pout.
“You were thinking about something shitty, I just know it.” Chuuya tucked a screwdriver into his bun to keep it out of the way.
Chuuya was Dazai’s complete opposite. Unlike him, Chuuya had an insanely high tolerance for cybernetics. His body seemed capable of accepting and adapting anything that was connected to it. And he suffered from few to no side effects that usually accumulated the more cybernetics a person had. He’d actually kept his sanity, though perhaps Dazai was not a good judge for that.
Of course, someone had realized all that long ago and taken advantage of it.
Given how much tech Chuuya had, it was probably a blessing that he didn’t remember getting it.
The Arahabaki Cybertronic System. Experimental, weaponized cybernetic implants and prosthetics that worked in congress to create the ultimate bio-weapon.
And Chuuya had been a child when they’d used him as a human experiment for it.
His arms and legs had been replaced with the sleek black prosthetics that glowed red along its wiring and panels. Metal enhancers were embedded along his spine, making it unclear if there was any bone left beneath, to better support the power he could wield. Previous mishaps had revealed that wires went all the way up into Chuuya’s brain alongside his nervous system, and neither of them knew exactly how much of him was flesh and how much was metal, or what else may lie beneath the surface of his skin.
Chuuya embodied the concept of a fully weaponized cyborg.
And between all the metal and wires and his own lack of memories from before he was turned into this, some would say that his humanity was long gone. He was more machine than a person now.
Fools, the lot of them.
Dazai, of course, knew the truth.
Chuuya was more human than any of them could ever hope to be.
And their loss was his gain.
He wasn’t so foolish as to let Chuuya go.
And together, they’d explored the anomalies of the Arahabaki Cybertronic System and discovered its secrets. Chuuya had figured out how to maintain it and then use its power ages ago when he’d first awoken with no memories of where he came from or why his body was like that. Dazai managed to track its origins and find the ways to make it more efficient, his clever hands taking it apart and building Chuuya back up again in the wake of the revelations they found.
Now, they were probably the only two who knew how the cybernetic system came to be. The only ones who could bring out its full potential.
And they’d made sure that no one else could ever make it again.
Though even with all they’d learned, there were still some mysteries they’d never solve.
“And you’re doing it again.” Chuuya’s nose scrunched as he locked his arm back into place, red light flaring along it as his nerves connected and the software checked that the hardware was functioning properly.
“I was just thinking…”
“Wonderful, I’m sure it was enlightening.” Chuuya rolled his eyes as he began working through his stretches to test all of his joints.
“If you really want to be more than just a shrimp, why don’t you make the legs longer?” Dazai smiled in the way he knew would drive Chuuya wild.
He then swiftly dodged the blade thrown at him.
“Damn Mackerel!” Chuuya slung three more knives at him in rapid succession but he laughed as he evaded each one. “You know Arahabaki doesn’t work like that!”
Yes, perhaps the oddest thing about Arahabaki - it grew in proportion to Chuuya as he aged. Despite taking the whole thing apart and rebuilding it during maintenance, that was one of the mysteries they’d probably never solve.
So even a machine had decided that Chuuya was destined to be a shrimp.
When Dazai had cursed Chuuya with shortness at their meeting at fifteen, he’d never thought that technology would take his side for once.
Chuuya finally caught him, grasping at his clothes to bring him down to his level. Chuuya raised a fist to give him a well-deserved punch —
“Ah ah ah!” Dazai raised his hands in surrender. “We’ve got a job tonight.”
Chuuya narrowed his eyes in a skeptical squint. “And you didn’t think to mention it before?”
“I predicted I’d need something to keep my little doggie from biting me.” Dazai smirked. “After all, I need to be in good shape for work.”
“Tch!” Chuuya spat out as he let him go and turned to start gathering their supplies for the job. “Not like you do much anyway.”
“But it’s still important!” Dazai pointed out.
He could feel the way Chuuya was rolling his eyes.
“Yeah, yeah.” He retorted. “So where are we hitting tonight?”
Dazai’s smile grew. “Oh, our dear old friends at Mori Corp.”
Chuuya paused, and then spun around to stare at him. “Really?”
“Yep!” He popped the ‘p’ for emphasis.
A sharp, feral grin crossed Chuuya’s face, his eyes so alive and human as the fires of determination were lit. Dazai was grateful that with all of the other experiments going on, the scientists had neglected the standard eye implants. It gave him a clear view of Chuuya’s soul.
“Well then.” Chuuya pounded his fist into his other palm. “Let’s give them a proper show.”
Government. Business. Crime.
The three pillars of society.
Some would say that they acted as checks and balances, doing their best to keep each other on their toes so no one would gain too much power.
What a crock.
Everyone knew that corporate greed had long since consumed the other two. Using money to control the government and make the laws, and therefore what is supposedly just, work in their favor. Under the table deals with criminals to keep their competition and anyone who protested out of the picture. Even if it seemed that the government and criminals were diametrically opposed, with business as a neutral party, in reality, it was businesses who were pulling the strings of both.
Well, not entirely, but what sort of world was worth living in when those who actually do the right thing are branded as criminals.
The ADA were undoubtedly good, doing their best to fight against society’s oppressors and help those in need - if it weren’t for how corrupt the government was, they could’ve probably been a legal detective agency, clinic, or something similar. The Stray Dogs might be considered good, considering they made a point of cleaning up the worst scum on the streets that they could, even if their leader Akutagawa could be overzealous in his task. The Guild used to be worse until a schism split it into two, with those who remained willing to be allies as long as they got their cut - or in Poe’s case, a chance to face his rival.
Not that all criminals were good, of course.
The Hunting Dogs were nothing more than the government’s sponsored criminal group, ready to be unleashed at the slightest hint of true opposition - in the name of justice and order if you could call unjust laws such a thing. The Rats were undoubtedly bad, often manipulating other crews for their own desires and then disappearing with any and all profit. The Dragon’s Head had drifted through, causing chaos in its wake, but had been destroyed before they could end everything as they planned.
Dazai and Chuuya didn’t necessarily fit into either of these categories.
Good? Evil? Right? Wrong? Such terms did not really apply to them. They did not exist in such a black and white fashion.
They existed in shades of gray, doing whatever they must to get the job done, even as they cloaked themselves in darkness.
Soukoku. Double Black. Twin Dark.
The only two-person crew in all of Yokohama.
They didn’t need any more than that.
Though personally, even with all of that being true, Dazai liked to think of them as the enemies of the bad guys.
Because even with how they were both willing to taint their hands — more than the ADA, Stray Dogs, or Guild even — there were lines that they would never cross.
Though to be fair, Mori Corp. was undoubtedly the bad guys.
If you considered the three pillars of society, Mori Corp. had all three in its grasp.
One of the biggest businesses in Yokohama, the company had its fingers in dozens of economic pies in the city and internationally. It basically owned the entire port. The business also had the most politicians in its pockets, either money or blackmail easily giving them sway over the laws. Then at night, it conducted its more unscrupulous enterprises - smuggling being the largest one, with its own sponsored crew, the Black Lizard, acting as its cover.
And given his and Chuuya’s history with both the company and the government, Dazai relished any chance to screw them both over.
“What’s the cargo tonight?” Chuuya adjusted his visor as he spied on the Black Lizard unloading the goods. He slipped in his earbud in preparation of their separation.
Dazai checked his guns one more time just to give himself something to do, but he wasn’t worried. His plans were practically flawless. “Intell said it’s confiscated spare parts. They plan on destroying them to take them off the market and lower the supplies.”
“So that way the bastards can drive up the prices.” Chuuya growled, disgust twisting his features. “Shit heads.”
“Indeed.” Dazai couldn’t help but agree, even if he acknowledged the intelligence behind the plan.
“Let me guess.” Chuuya shot him an exasperated look. “The ADA’s gonna receive an anonymous donation that can be spread through different cybernetic clinics?”
Dazai grinned. “Good boy! Do you want a treat?”
“Hmph.” Chuuya huffed but chose to ignore the provocation. “Whatever. Let’s get this over with.” And without another word, he took his place.
Dazai took one last glance over the scene. More drones than grunts than usual, but such things didn’t really matter in the face of Chuuya’s power. If anything, his partner would probably be disappointed in the lack of a good fight.
But it didn’t matter as it was time for him to set the stage.
Dazai slipped down to ground level and snuck up alongside the desired cargo, pausing as he circled around it. Then he hopped up and perched himself on the edge, surveying the soon to be destroyed mob characters.
“Hello, boys, girls, and bots!” He announced his presence with a smile, delighting in how the humans among them jumped. “How are you doing this fine evening?”
Guns immediately set their sights on him, but it just made his grin widen.
“Who are you? How did you get in here?” One grunt exclaimed as she immediately pulled up the security footage.
There wouldn’t be anything to find. Dazai wasn’t sloppy like that. They only showed up on camera if he wanted them to be seen.
“Oh, don’t worry about that.” Dazai waved their concerns away. The lack of recognition meant that these people were either new, low on the hierarchy, or both. “I just wanted to ask a few questions about this.” He rapped his hand against the crate he sat upon.
“It’s none of your concern.” Another grunt growled, signaling for more drones to be sent. Shame that message would never go through. No messages could leave the warehouse with the jamming signal he’d created and Chuuya had surely set off by now.
“True, not for me.” Dazai acted as if he was inspecting some grime under his nails, despite wearing his gloves for his virtual keyboard and navigator. “But as a poor, innocent civilian, I feel I have a right to know what you all are doing with these spare parts.”
Several grunts flinched, confirming the contents. Really, this was way too easy. Chuuya would barely have to do a thing at this rate with how intimidated they were of him.
“Hmph.” A familiar, amused huff rang out and Dazai’s smile became more genuine. “As if you’ve ever been poor or innocent, Dazai-kun.” Hirotsu pointed out as he stepped into the warehouse.
Finally, someone competent.
“Hello, Hirotsu-san!” He ignored the gasps at his familiarity with the commander of the Black Lizard. “How’s the megalomaniac?”
Hirotsu couldn’t entirely keep the fondness out of his voice. “The Boss would prefer it if you didn’t interfere with our business.” He cast a wary look around. “And where is your other half?”
Dazai’s grin widened.
That was Chuuya’s cue.
Boom!
Drones and grunts went flying as Chuuya landed among them. A crater formed beneath his feet, but Chuuya didn’t waste a moment to start his attack. He whirled around, ducking and weaving among the minions. Drones were crushed beyond repair and grunts were knocked into next week with the concussions and bruises he was serving.
Some drones attempted to shoot at Chuuya, but the bullets were caught in midair before they could reach their destination. Chuuya smirked at the surprised gasps of the few conscious grunts as his arms lit up with red along them. The repulsor technology allowed him to stop and deflect basically any long-range weaponry. And with a flick of his fingers and a surge of energy, the bullets were returned right back to their senders.
Dazai couldn’t help but watch for a moment, the breath leaving his lungs at the storm of chaos Chuuya brought. It never got old to see him fight, to see him so alive. Dazai would always love to witness it.
But Hirotsu’s curses and attempt to rally his subordinates brought him back to the present.
With Chuuya distracting them and simultaneously taking out the trash, no one paid Dazai a second thought. Though really, Hirotsu at least should have known best how they operated.
Dazai jumped down and checked the devices he’d attached while making his way in. Repulsor tech to make it float and move, combined with cloaking and a guidance system. With a few quick taps, he activated the devices and sent in the coordinates that would ensure the cargo would get to its destination discretely and without being tracked.
He glanced up. It was down to just Chuuya and Hirotsu, the two circling each other warily.
After all, even with all the power Chuuya had, there was a reason someone of Hirotsu’s age had managed to survive so long.
The cloth hiding Hirotsu’s cybernetic arm had been torn apart from the repeated blows. Hirotsu breathed heavily but he still smiled at Chuuya. He too liked an actual challenge.
“Sorry about all this, Gramps.” Chuuya said, clearly not sorry as he fell back into a fighting stance.
“None taken, Chuuya-kun.” Hirotsu replied as he too shifted for the next bout. “After all, it’s just business.”
Chuuya scowled at that, but Dazai weighed in.
“Oh, Chibi!” He sang in a playful tone, popping up beside the crate. “Could you open the door?”
Could he hack into the system and open the doors? Yes. Did he want to put in the work? No.
Besides, he’d take any opportunity to cost Mori Corp. even more money.
Chuuya rolled his eyes, but Hirotsu’s eyes widened at the implications.
He immediately lifted his hand to his face to call out his orders. “All units, brace yourselves! Repeat, brace —”
It was too late.
Chuuya had lifted his left arm, the sleek black metal lighting up with red characters once more before the metal began to shift around, revealing a powerful cannon where the bone of his forearm should’ve been. It glowed red and black as the charge built up in seconds —
And then Chuuya released it without even glancing at Dazai’s intended target, trusting in his partner’s judgment.
Ka-Boom!
The doors to the warehouse exploded, the force of the blast disintegrating the doors to almost nothing and warping the frame and walls around it. The entire building rocked in its aftermath, and even Hirotsu had trouble keeping his feet.
Dazai and Chuuya had no such problems.
Dazai laughed and initiated the cargo’s launch, knowing as it sped through the opening and its cloak activated that it’d never fall into Mori’s hands again.
Chuuya took advantage of the sudden shift to pounce through the air, his repulsors making it seem like he was untouchable by gravity, and get a final strike against Hirotsu.
Hirotsu fell back against the wall with a groan at the impact, but he managed to keep his wits about him. “You two…” He wheezed. “How do you seem to get more powerful every time?”
Dazai and Chuuya grinned at the same time, and though they would never admit it, their smiles and eyes were exactly the same. “Because we’re Soukoku.” They reminded him.
Sirens rang in the distance, quickly getting closer.
It was time to take their leave.
Chuuya grabbed Dazai, and with a few repulsor powered hops, they were gone.
But not too far.
They could’ve immediately gone to their getaway vehicle and headed home, but Dazai liked to watch over their operations til the end, to ensure there was no last minute interference in his schemes and everything wrapped up as he intended.
Chuuya set them down on the roof somewhere between their hover car and the scene of the crime. He dumped Dazai next to his feet, ignoring his indignant shout, and flopped down into one of the seats they’d set up before they’d left. He sighed as his prosthetics began their cooldown sequence. “Was the cannon really necessary?” He gave Dazai a dubious look.
“Perhaps not.” Dazai admitted, grabbing his binoculars. Cutting off Chuuya’s growl, he continued. “But just imaging Mori-san’s face when he has to explain what’s in that warehouse and how much he’s gonna have to pay for the cover-up and repair.”
That made Chuuya pause and then he laughed at the image.
They both knew something like this wouldn’t deter Mori or Mori Corp. as a whole; after all, even with all that damage, it was mere pocket change for the powerful company, but the paperwork involved and political negotiating would undoubtedly be a pain in Mori’s neck.
With his partner settled, instead of sitting in the seat next to him, Dazai just laid down right on top of him. He didn’t pay Chuuya’s complaints any mind though as he watched the final scene of tonight’s show play out on the other side of his binoculars.
Beneath his ear, a human heart beat strong and true.
True, with their might combined, they were probably the strongest people in all of Yokohama.
Others might ridicule them, calling them freaks for the way they differed from the norm.
But Dazai found that he didn’t mind that as much as he used to.
And from the way Chuuya’s arm curled around him with only an exasperated sigh to accompany it, he thought perhaps Chuuya felt the same.
Human or freak, it didn’t matter what exactly they were.
They were Soukoku before they were anything else.
And together, they could do things humans only ever dreamed of.