"Why me?", You questioned. You didn't do anything bad. At least nothing bad to your understanding. So, here you sat, in an interrogation room waiting for a Tenryo official to question you. The room was quite dim. Only a paper lamp and a painting sat with you. It looked like a poor attempt at making a small room look cozy. Like that would make a difference while being tied to a chair.
It was quiet, with nothing to do but stare at the painting or wander the endless land of the mind. "What did I do wrong". You are a low-life taking in whatever scraps were left behind by the rich clans of Inazuma. It was unfair that only the rich clans get to stay alive despite a long history of working with smaller clans to gain any reputation. Like a student working for their mentor only for them to backstab the very being that gave them rise. The smaller clans are left to rot and die out. And the Vision Hunt Decree didn't help either. Many people died fighting and many were driven insane until they couldn't handle it anymore. It felt like the world wanted you to be alone. Killing your family, and taking away your name. Hate was all that was left of you. Now, you were left alone in this selfish world.
The door slowly opened, creaking as it did. You eyed it lethargically, knowing full well that lies can flow out of your mouth like poison. You didn't care much, after all, what do you get to worry about? It's not like you had anyone waiting for you outside of these walls. You had nothing to lose. A short male came whistling in as he stared at the small file he had on you. "Strange", you thought. "So laid back." Maybe that was to be concerning but he looked quite friendly and carefree. But that thought quickly disappeared as you remembered, this is the Tenryou commission. And that distaste for higher-ranking clans started to heat up.
"Let's see, what brings you in today?", the short man said. His cheeky smile spear across his face as if he was talking to a friend, rather than a total stranger.
"I don't know you tell me." You replied, gaining a giggle from the man. His maroon hair had a small black streak in it, something you would have never noticed had he not bent over to cover his mouth. From the looks of it, he doesn't seem to take things seriously.
"You were brought in for an investigation. And I would like your help." He said as he straightens himself. Clearing his throat and dusting off his chest. "The name's Shikanoin Heizou. I am the Tenryo commissions' detective and we got a case to solve."
"Yeah, sure, like the person brought here against their will and tied to a chair will help." You smirked as sarcasm laced your words. And besides what good would you be? "Why do you need my help anyway? There are tons of other more capable people that can carry you to a solution."
"You've got quite a mouth on you, huh?" He giggled. "Looking at your records, it seems you know the outskirts of Narukami Island pretty well."
"Why not get an adventurer or a surveyor to go with you? Why me out of all people?"
"I think you'll be very useful to this case." His eyes stared into yours, laser-sharp and threatening. Like something dangerous lies beyond them. You mentally gulp under his gaze. "Now, let's get going before the trail runs cold." He stated while starting the leave the room.
"Yup, I'll be there with you in a bit."
"Oh! Sorry, forgot you were tied down. My co-workers are very rude, I'll give them a word later." He again giggled as he turned around and untied your ropes. After graciously removing your restraints, you and Heizou made it outside with some glances from the other officers. Not to mention the same officers that tied you up and watched you leave.
You debated running away. Sneaking behind a nearby store vendor to avoid any more confrontations. If anything you just wanted to get away from his annoying whistling. The tune wasn't even catchy or rhythmic. Just a lump of notes that may have sounded good if it were following the typical pattern of a song. But while looking around for a good place to hide, you noticed his glowing teal vision that resided by his hip. Its glow was enticing and beguiling. Visions were mysterious and unknown by your clan. Not many had them and if they did, their line of work found little use for them. It was quite admirable that whoever was granted one, was also granted the attention of a god. But one fact was known, visions granted power. And power was what you despised after the fate of your family.
"So, detective, were to?" You questioned nearing the edge of Inazuma City.
"You'll see when we get there!" He turned to give you a wink and a smile. You could tell he wasn't telling the whole story. But by his style of talking, you knew you wouldn't get many answers if you questioned him. So, the journey to an unknown destination was pretty quiet. Except for his whistling. In concern for your sanity, maybe talking would occupy his mouth instead.
"So, do you often do investigating with strangers?"
"No. Not really. But it sure is fun!" He answered. Quickly shushing the high pitch noise he previously made. "It is quite interesting. Human emotions and reasonings."
"Why is that?" You retorted. Even though you try to avoid any human interaction, you preferred him talking over whistling. "Are you a therapist on your off time?"
"Funny, but no. I just like messing around and seeing people's reactions!" His closed-eyed smile made you concerned for your safety. "Oh! Looks like we are here!"
The area was overgrown. It was unkept and seemed like no one has lived there in a while. Just over the hill, you could see Inazuma city and its glowing lights made the place you stood look dark. Wooden boards and debris were scattered along the property, but one house stood in the center of it all. Moss and various other plants have made their way onto the porch and through the cracks. Life thrived in an abandoned, desolate place. Heizou walked up to the building wondering about the clues he could find. But you knew this place.
"Tell me. Why are we here?"
"For the case of course!" Heizou said without turning to you, unaware of your changed demeanour.
"There is nothing here." You said in a sad tone.
"Of course there is!" He turned slowly to look at you. Your body almost looked smaller, as if hiding from something. Like a mouse in a lion's cave. Heizou found that interesting. With just his eyes, it was all he needed to know that you knew this place. You, of course, remembered your home. "The evidence is standing right in front of me."
Instantly, your body perked up. You knew you shouldn't have gone with this man. "I should've ran when I had the chance!", you thought. You met his eyes. They were filled to the brim with anticipation. Like an owl awaiting its prey. You dared not to find out where his strength lies. But at the same time, you didn't know his intentions. But your family is dead, what gain can come from something long gone from this world. Except, you still stood. Air still fills your lungs.
"Everyone that lived here has been reported dead. All but one." He walked towards you. You followed his feet movements backwards. "I'll admit, you impressed me. It took quite some time to track you down. Even after the vision hunt decree you still managed to get away from me!"
"What do you want?" Your voice was shaky as your breath quickened. A wooden plank caught your foot and you fell on your behind, earning a small squeak to slip past your lips. Before you could get up, Heizou was standing over you.
