Chapter Two: Raven's Ability Raven discovered three things during her first official day at the Armed Detective Agency. One: Kunikida was very serious before breakfast. Two: Dazai was somehow even more playful than he looked. Three: Nobody had properly explained Raven's ability yet. Which was a problem. “Explain your ability,” Kunikida said, notebook ready. Raven sat backward in her chair, resting her arms on the backrest. “I already did.” “You said, ‘I can turn into stuff.’” “Yeah.” “That is not a proper explanation.” “It explains it pretty well.” Kunikida sighed. “Your ability has a name, correct?” “Yep.” Raven stood up. “It's called Mimic.” Everyone looked at her. “I can shapeshift.” Atsushi tilted his head. “Into anything?” “Pretty much.” “People too?” “Yep.” “Animals?” “Yep.” “Objects?” “Yep.” Kunikida quickly wrote everything down. “Are there limits?” Raven nodded. “I can't copy someone's ability. And bigger or more complicated forms take more energy.” “That makes sense.” “I also have to concentrate.” Raven looked around the room. “Want a demonstration?” Atsushi nodded immediately. Raven smiled. Her appearance suddenly changed. In just a few seconds, she became a small black cat. Atsushi's eyes widened. “Whoa!” The cat jumped onto the desk. Dazai leaned closer. “Raven-cat!” The cat stared at him. “Don't.” Dazai grinned. “Raven-cat.” “Dazai.” “Raven-cat.” The cat flicked its tail. Kunikida sighed. “Change back, Raven.” The cat looked at him. “No.” “Raven.” “No.” “You can't stay like that all day.” The cat jumped onto the floor. Then Raven changed back. She adjusted her hoodie. “There. Happy?” “Somewhat.” Ranpo walked into the office carrying a bag of snacks. He stopped when he saw Raven. Then he smiled. “So you're the new girl.” Raven raised an eyebrow. “Yep.” “I heard about your ability.” “Of course you did.” Ranpo opened his snack bag. “You can turn into animals, right?” “Yep.” “Can you turn into me?” Raven smiled. “Probably.” Ranpo looked amused. “Do it.” Raven crossed her arms. “No.” “Why not?” “Because you told me to.” Ranpo laughed. Dazai nodded. “She really doesn't like being told what to do.” “I noticed,” Kunikida said. Atsushi smiled. “I think that's just Raven.” Raven looked toward the window. Snow was falling outside. Her expression softened. “Finally. Something good.” “You really like winter,” Atsushi said. “Best season.” “Why?” “It's peaceful.” She watched the snow for a moment. “Plus, everything looks better covered in snow.” Kunikida closed his notebook. “Enough relaxing. We have a mission.” Raven groaned. “Already?” “Yes.” “Can't someone else go?” “No.” Raven grabbed her coat. “Fine.” Outside, the streets of Yokohama were covered in a thin layer of snow. The group walked toward their destination. A small warehouse near the docks. Kunikida explained the plan. Raven listened carefully. Surprisingly, she didn't complain. When they arrived, everyone took their positions. Raven looked at the warehouse. Then she smiled. “I have an idea.” Kunikida immediately looked concerned. “What kind of idea?” Raven changed into a small black cat. Atsushi blinked. “She can do that so quickly.” The cat slipped through a small opening near the door. Inside, Raven looked around. There were several people talking. She quietly moved behind a stack of boxes. Then she changed again. This time, she copied the appearance of one of the workers. She walked toward the group. “Hey,” she said. Everyone turned. “Who are you?” Raven smiled. “Someone you haven't met before.” Outside, Atsushi waited nervously. “Do you think she's okay?” Dazai smiled. “I'm sure she'll be fine.” Kunikida sighed. “She better come back soon.” A few moments later, the door opened. Raven stepped outside and changed back to her normal appearance. She gave Kunikida a thumbs-up. “Done.” Kunikida stared at her. “You followed the plan?” “Mostly.” “Mostly?” Raven smiled. “I may have improved it.” Kunikida sighed. Dazai laughed. Atsushi smiled. Raven pulled her hood over her head. Maybe the Agency wasn't so bad after all. At least there was snow.
chapter 3 coming in a few
