Part 1.Chapter 7

And he loved to write poetry.,

Read novels and articles,

But you said: «Don't love» ,

And he didn't become a poet.

He loved playing billiards,

I played both cards and roulette,

But you said: «Stop it.» ,

And he abandoned this bet.

Then he started going to the pub,

And disappear there in the evenings,

But you said, «How is that?»

And he came with the sunset rays.

You put out the fire in it,

You've trampled on the sparks, the flames,

But they couldn't break him

And they began to live with others.

I'm addicted to tobacco again,

Billiards, cards and roulette,

I read poetry, wrote an article,

But happiness has already been abandoned forever...

Dazai looked at Sigma in surprise. He understood that he would be related to Gogol's plans, but did not know that so much. When he was waiting for Nikolai at the estate with such a request, Chuya came. And now, instead of Gogol, Osamu is facing Sigma. Did the young man agree to Nikolai's proposal, becoming someone's subject again?

- To me? - Dazai put on a wry smile.

- yes. It concerns Dostoevsky. - Sigma said with a serious face.

- That's it. Well, let's sit down first. A guest can't stand in front of my apartment. - Dazai interrupted the young man. He walked away from the door, and when Sigma entered Osamu's abode, the guy continued. - do you remember how we danced then?

- Please take it seriously. The success of Gogol's plan depends on this.- Sigma interrupted, sitting down on the sofa. Dazai looked at the young man carefully. - Nikolai has found a ritual that should help resurrect Fyodor, but we need another person.

- And let me guess. Did Gogol think that I could become this person?- Dazai smiled, putting his hand on the back of the sofa. - Of course, I don't mind finding a chess opponent again, but still I don't want to deal with him anymore.

It was about Ranpo, who was able to save the Agency and solve the fifth member of the Death of the Celestials.

— We need your help.- Sigma said firmly. — without you… It's not going to work.

— Why are you trying so desperately to resurrect Dostoevsky? - Dazai threw his head back. — you remember perfectly well my words that he would have thrown you out anyway. Is it really because of Gogol? He would have done exactly the same.

The young man tensed. He didn't know the exact answer to that question.

— So you don't know?- Osamu chuckled. — did Nikolai really force you?

- no. He didn't force it.

— Then what? Did you really think that it wouldn't be a big deal if I was alive?

«He understood. But how? Does he really know how to read a person like an open book? No… I knew it from the very beginning… But how did he even guess the reason when he wasn't there?»

— I don't need a reason. It's your own desire. - The young man said firmly. — don't change the subject and just answer yes or no.

— Oh, I don't even know. — knocked Osamu's head over. — I need time.

— There is no time. You know that very well yourself. Sunday is very soon.

— Yes, you're right. — Dazai said, closing his eyes. - Is it Thursday or something?

— Yes.

— Well, there's still a lot of time until Sunday. There's nothing to worry about.

— Dazai.- Sigma said even more firmly.

- Do you want an answer from me right now? Well then, I have a condition. - Dazai grinned.

— What is it?

— I want to meet with a man from the Port Mafia. And the next day I'll be with you and Gogol. Is it okay?

— good.

— That's settled.

***

Morning. Dazai was walking down the street, singing some kind of paul suicide song again.

- And I'll kill myself when it snows.

Andrei Zamai told me that there is no one.

And I'll kill myself to make you feel bad.

They'll say, «I'm fucked up,» fuck it, I'm the first poet. Let's!

And I'll kill myself when it snows.

Andrei Zamai told me that there is no one.

And I'll kill myself to make you feel bad.

They'll say, «I'm fucked up,» fuck it, I'm the first poet.

Osamu didn't even realize how he got to the office where he used to work. «here I am. - He smiled,»

Akutagawa came out of the main entrance with a serious face.

— Why did you call me, Dazai? — He said calmly.

- I'm going away for a few days and I'd like to leave with you. Probably for the last time.

Something trembled in Ryunosuke's heart.

— For... the last time?.. But why?! - The guy shouted.

— The thing is, I might die. - Dazai smiled.

- You're not going there of your own free will, are you?

— on my own. - Osamu closed his eyes, taking off his smile.

— Then. What for? - Akutagawa tensed.

— It's simple. To help a friend.

— Risking your life?

— Yes, why?

- But you didn't fully acknowledge me!- Akutagawa shouted.

— He admitted it. You fell back then, remember?

— You lied!

Dazai smiled again.

— Then answer me... why did you even take me as an apprentice?! To throw like trash?! - Ryunosuke shouted.

Osamu tensed and looked at the kid.

- Who said I left you? I'm talking to you right now.

- Why did you treat me like that? - Akutagawa said softly. - you've been so long... It's been so long since you recognized my power... My ability, but some kind of tiger... Immediately recognized.

- Who said that I recognized him? - Dazai looked at Ryunosuke in surprise.

- It's too obvious... - Akutagawa lowered his head and spoke.

"Anyway, it doesn't matter now, because Atsushi isn't here.- Osamu spread his hands to the sides.

- You said that you have someone who is superior to me. Who has a more useful and powerful ability than me. It was that werewolf, wasn't it?..

- That's right.- Osamu said dryly.

- I... I did everything to make you pay attention to me, even for a split second! - The boy shouted. - but you... You only noticed this tiger all the time, not me!

- That's enough. I have to go.

Dazai turned around and left, leaving Akutagawa standing near the main entrance to the Port Mafia office alone.

«Well... now to Gogol and Sigma.- Dazai thought happily and even smiled.»

Sigma gave a note where he would wait for the arrival of the third member to perform the ritual and Dazai went there.

- It's been a long time. I thought Nikolai would meet me too. - Osamu grinned when he saw the young man.

- Ay-ay-ay, you offend! - Someone shouted from behind. It was Gogol. - I'm so glad to meet you again, Dazai. How are you?

Nikolai grabbed Osama's hand and began to shake it, as a sign of greeting.

- Everything is as usual. It's a pity that Fyodor died. I have no one else to play chess with, cards, and so on. - Osamu said, closing his eyes. - How are you? It must be difficult for you without someone to talk to.

- Don't even ask! I spent so much effort searching for at least one hint of his resurrection and I just can't miss this moment to see him again with my beautiful eyes!

- That's great. I hope he hasn't forgotten how to play poker, otherwise he'll lose his cherry on the cake. - Dazai smiled.

- Don't doubt it! If anything, I'll teach him! - Nikolai was smiling. - it remains to find something for the ritual, but with this later! The assistant!

- I'm not your assistant. That's what I was and now I'm your partner. - Sigma said.

- Oh, what a modest guy.- Gogol whispered to Osamu. - Well, it doesn't matter. We need to lead the squad, and then finish it off by sacrificing someone!

- Who will they be? - Dazai asked in surprise.

- hm... I don't even know. - Nikolai mumbled feigningly. - I can't kill myself. Otherwise, who will Dostoevsky kill later??? You too- he looked at Osamu. - after all, you are his partner in chess and other games. That leaves...

- Only one... - Dazai added thoughtfully.

They looked at the young man.

- I?.. - Sigma suggested, startled. - But.... How is that?...

- no. Sigma is not necessary. He's my friend. - Osamu interceded. - I can't throw my friends around right and left. I suggest you choose a random person.

Nikolai smiled.

- I like you, Dazai. I have just such a sacrifice.

- Then let's use it.- Dazai smiled.

- Assistant, do you remember the girl who believed with hope in her eyes that you would help her?

- Hasegawa Shigure? - Sigma asked.

- That's it! Gogol shouted. - Where did you leave her?

- She stayed in the car, and the car was in the woods.

- Great, great, great! Then, assistant, bring this victim to our base and make a replacement for Fyodor!- Nikolai shouted. - well, what a good fellow I am!

- What should I do?- Dazai asked, putting one hand on his belt.

- You will help me with the preparation for the ritual. Come on, let's go. I'll tell you everything.

Thus began the preparation for the ritual for the revival of Dostoevsky