♢

I wouldn't call myself a hateful person. No, I'm far from it. I can get angry, but I've never held a grudge against someone for their actions.

Even when I was young, I was considered mature and open-minded for my age.

But one man managed to make me hate— Backlion Demiza.

If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have died. I wouldn't have been murdered by someone who wanted revenge in a blind fit of anger.

I still hate my action that day. If I didn't murder Hiyori, then maybe I wouldn't have died. But the feeling of protecting those precious to me came before that, and clouded my judgment.

Even though my avatar is the joker, who plays the role of a fool. I am not a joker who plays the role of a fool.

Because in this wonderland, I am a genuine fool.

Given a second chance at life, yet I continued down the path of fate as a fool.

I will make my statement to the world, foolishly.

I am Kyle Black, the fool.

♢

(Opening here)

The Dragon Empire building was a fiery red sphere made of hexagons. It sat in the middle of a large field, surrounded by the wooden fence.

On the field, there were people with FICAs in their hands, sitting around benches, standing about or playing Vanguard on the fight tables. There were stalls with vendors, and plenty of shaded areas.

The main event was inside the building. The entrance to it was carefully controlled, with two lines of people going in and out, and lots of hustle and bustle from the busy employees.

Rukia, Kakusei, Chiharu and Zeon were inside, and standing around on the highest floor - the third floor. Being an area that was only accessed by specific people with the Dragon Empire Pass, the connections Rukia and Zeon had with Ayato, the Branch Manager, allowed them to go up to the highest point and peer down at everyone who was having fun playing vanguard.

Ayato was running around the event, going inside and outside to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. He had a megaphone flailing around in his right hand.

Zeon leaned against the rail, looking at the hand-out given at the Dragon Empire Event. On it was information about the event, and the activities that were going on.

The main attraction were the free-for-all fights, where the number of wins accumulated during the day would turn into prizes. The other attractions were mini-games, some sporting activities related to Vanguard, and the final show that was a showdown between the person with the most fights against the Branch Manager himself.

This being an event, meant people could freely hang out while everything else went on if they wished. That was the current plan of the group on the third floor, as they relaxed with drinks in each of their hands.

Rukia was sipping lemonade from a straw while sitting on the couch, and Kakusei stood next to the fake plant, drinking his Pepsi. Chiharu's spring water was left on a table as she took pictures with her phone.

"It's nice to hang out together like this once in awhile." Rukia said, looking through her deck.

"Hehe, I know, right?" Chiharu said.

"I guess. We should participate at the very least." Zeon said.

"We came all the way out here, after all." Rukia said. "Well, what do you guys wanna do?"

"I don't play Vanguard, so I'll watch." Kakusei said. "Good luck to you guys, though!"

"There's some sport events." Zeon said, handing the paper in his hand to Kakusei.

"Is that so... well, I'm not the sporty type." Kakusei laughed.

"Oh... I thought you would be, since you've got that kind of look to you."

"Do I? Well, I guess I don't notice it."

"The mini-games look interesting." Rukia said, pointing at one.

"Let me see!" Chiharu said, as Kakusei handed her the paper in his hands.

"Sounds like a good place to start." Kakusei said.

"I'm not against it." Zeon said.

"It sounds fun, let's go." Chiharu said.

"Yeah, we'll need to head to the second floor." Rukia nodded, standing and heading to the exit.

"Not too far then." Chiharu said, taking her drink and heading to the exit.

"Hey, wait for me guys!" Kakusei said. Zeon followed them.

The group made it to the 2nd floor, and wandered around, looking at the mini-games on offer. The doors lined against the walls lead inside to rooms with mini-games. From things like Vanguard knowledge tests, to Flash Fights, one sign that hung from above one of these room stood out in particular.

Rukia stopped in front it, grinning.

"Ah!"

"Randomiser?" Kakusei said.

"Let's check this one out!" Rukia said, opening the door to the room.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Zeon said.

Entering the room, a handful of cardfighters were sitting around a table, looking through their decks with puzzled faces.

A man with a straw-hat, yellow suit, and orange hair greeted the four behind a counter that was at the entrance.

"Welcome to the Randomiser mini-game."

"Kurakuya...?!" Rukia said.

"You know him?" Kakusei said.

"Yeah, he was the guy who defeated Kyle in the tournament..."

"He smells like Chinese takeaway." Chiharu whispered to Zeon.

"That's my diet." Kurakuya said, grabbing a rectangular, green case from the floor.

"Sorry..." Chiharu bowed her head.

"What're you doing here, Kurakuya?" Rukia said.

"Ayato wanted some help, so he contacted the other branches to get some man power. Being Star Gate's Branch Manager, I joined in." Kurakuya said, putting the case onto the counter.

"Does that mean Maxios is here too?"

"Nah, he's setting up his own event." Kurakuya said. "Kakusei, you want to try Vanguard with one of these decks?"

"How do you know so much about me without me even saying anything..."

"My nickname is Human Wikipedia." Kurakuya said. Kakusei scratched his cheek, and Rukia nudged him.

"C'mon, try it out. Coming to a Vanguard event and not play Vanguard is a crime."

"Well, it can't be helped. If Rukia wants me to, then I got no choice."

"Excellent. You like the Genesis clan, don't you?" Kurakuya said.

"I like the art."

"Then, here's a Genesis deck. Have fun~" Kurakuya had an evil smile.

"T-thanks..." Kakusei walked over to the table with the other fighters, and sat down.

"Well, Rukia is Royal Paladin, Zeon is Dark Irregulars, and Chiharu is Nubatama. That correct?" Kurakuya said.

"Yes." The three said at the same time. Kurakuya handed them all decks, and they joined Kakusei at the table.

"I forgot how creepy Kurakuya was..." Rukia muttered, looking through her deck.

"How does he know so much..." Chiharu muttered, looking through her deck.

"He lives, breathes, and is the shadows." Zeon said, looking through his deck. "Oh, so this is why it's Randomiser..."

"My deck... is horrific." Chiharu said, staring at her four of grade 3: Shura Stealth Dragon, Yozakuracongo. "All this does is make me miss Yozocchi!"

"My avatar is Gastille?"

"I got the old Altmile." Rukia laughed. "This deck isn't very Brave orientated, though."

"Oracle Queen, Himiko... she's quite stunning." Kakusei said, admiring the artwork.

"That your type?" Rukia said.

"You're more my type." Kakusei said. Zeon looked at Kakusei, then looked away.

"How direct..." Chiharu said. She glanced at Zeon.

"Is it?" Kakusei asked. Chiharu nodded her head.

"He's only joking." Rukia said.

"Well, with these decks, let's have a fight!" Chiharu said.

"Sure." Rukia nodded. "Kakusei, how much of the rules do you know?"

"I know a little, like how to read cards and riding, that kind of stuff."

"I'll teach you the rest then." Rukia smiled.

"Then, let's play each other, Zeon." Chiharu said. Zeon perked his head.

"...oh. Okay."

"What's the matter?" Chiharu said with a frown, as Rukia and Kakusei left to a fight table.

"...nothing. Let's play." Zeon said, wiping his lips with the back of his sleeve.

"We can play like this. It's fine like this, right?" Chiharu said, sitting across Zeon. He nodded.

"Seriously, what a cruel... mini-game." Zeon laughed, shuffling his deck.

1

On the ground floor, a man with a joker's mask and an insidious black cloak challenged those around him. People around him laughed at his strange appearance, and those that fought him were surprised by his skills.

Ayato noticed the masked man and walked over to him, tapping him on the shoulder.

"Excuse me sir, could you take off the mask? You're frightening the younger players."

"If I don't want to?"

"Then I'll have to escort you out of this event, and possibly take you to authorities."

"Kai."

"Excuse me?"

"My name is Kai."

"I didn't ask for your name. I asked for you to take off your mask."

"I will. If you beat me in a cardfight, Dragon Empire Branch Manager, Ayato Korastacker." Kai said, pointing at Ayato. The crowd around them began cheering.

"Go get him, Ayato!"

"Take down the bad guy!"

"Show us your strength!"

"Beat him with your Narukami!"

"Are you too scared to face me, perhaps?" Kai said.

"No." Ayato sighed. "I'll take you down... with the king's vermillion thunder!"

The crowd roared, and Ayato and Kai walked over to the elevated fight table in the centre. Seeing Ayato about to fight got more people interested, and a massive crowd formed around them. Ayato and Kai shuffled their decks, and drew five cards.

2

On the second floor, Rukia stepped outside of the mini-game room, hearing all the commotion. She leaned on the railing, and watched the spectacle unfold. Kakusei joined her, leaning his back against the rail.

"Is the Branch Manager fighting?" Kakusei said.

"Yeah." Rukia said.

"Who's the masked guy though? Is this some sort of act?"

"It looks like a show. Though, it wasn't on the hand-out." She rested her cheek on her hand.

"Could've been a surprise show. To get people hyped and stuff."

"Well, I guess your right."

"What're you two doing out here?" Zeon said, joining them outside.

"Ayato's fighting." Rukia said, pointing at the ground floor.

"You gonna watch, Rukia?" Kakusei said.

"I think I will."

"Then I will as well." Kakusei grinned, turning his body and resting his arms on the rail.

"You going to watch too, Zeon?" Rukia asked, turning to him. Zeon shook his head.

"Someone's gotta keep Chiharu company."

"Mr. Steal yo girl now, Zeon?" Kakusei laughed.

"Chiharu's all Yozora's. I'm just watching out for her." Zeon turned his back on Kakusei, and walked back inside.

"Geez. What was with that cold tone?"

"Beats me." Rukia shrugged her shoulders, slightly frowning.

"You wanted to watch it with Zeon?"

"It would be nicer if we all did."

"Well, try not to frown too much. You're more beautiful with a smile." Kakusei poked her cheek.

"That's not the first time I've heard that line." Rukia said with a slight smile.

"And it won't be the last time either." Kakusei had a stupid grin.

3

"Stand up, the, Vanguard!"

"Involution Star-vader, Carbon!" Kai exclaimed, vanguard circle expanding red.

"Lizard Soldier, Saishin!" Ayato exclaimed, vanguard circle expanding orange.

"There it is, Saishin!"

"Ayato's such a retro Branch Manager!"

"The crowd really loves you." Kai said.

"They do." Ayato said. "And I love them back. So, you won't win while I'm here!"

"Strong words from the clone who will fall to the lock."

Ayato glared at Kai.

"I'll start. Stand and draw, I ride, Star-vader, Satellite Mirage! I move Carbon back and end." Kai said.

Kai:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OXO

Ayato:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw! I ride, Red River Dragoon! Saishin moves back! Now, boosted by Saishin, Red River Dragoon, drive him down! (8000 > 13000)"

"Woah, the Branch Manager uses 8ks?"

"Madman Ayato!"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Dragon Dancer, Paulina) Critical trigger, all to Red River! (13000 > 23000/1★ > 2★)"

"Even if he uses old cards, he has new ones too!"

"Does that mean he's going to use Conquest Fulgurate too?!"

"10k critical triggers. Here I thought you'd be behind the times, since you use Vermillion." Kai said. "Damage checks! (Star-vader, Quark Shoebill) Draw trigger, all to vanguard! (7000 > 12000) (Companion Star Star-vader, Photon)"

"You seem to know an awful lot about me." Ayato said. "I end."

Kai:
Hand: 6
Damage: 2
OXO
OXO

Ayato:
Hand: 6
Damage: 0
OXO
OXO

"Stand and draw, I ride, Star-vader, Globuladia! Boosted by Carbon, Globuladia attacks! (9000 > 14000)"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Star-vader, Penrose Gate)"

"Damage check! (Martial Arts Dragon)"

"Turn end."

Kai:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
OXO
OXO

Ayato:
Hand: 5
Damage: 1
OXO
OXO

"Stand and draw! I ride, Martial Arts Dragon! I call two Demonic Dragon Berserker, Chatura! His skill, he gets 3k and a new skill! (8000 > 11000) (8000 > 11000) Boosted by Saishin, Martial Arts attack! (9000 > 14000)"

"There it is, Ayato's pressure turn!"

"On hits everywhere!"

"Cheap tricks. I guard with Sharp Points of Breakdown, Vandal Sharp! (9000 > 24000)"

"Those new criticals also have 15k shields?!"

"Ayato's attack won't hit, this is bad!"

"No, he still has a chance. His own new critical, Paulina!"

"You can do it, Ayato!"

"Drive check! (Force Wind Eradicator, Shiva) Critical, all to my right Chatura! (11000 > 16000/1★ > 2★)"

"Damn, not what he needed..."

"My left Chatura attacks! (11000)"

"No guard! (Iron Wall Star-vader, Thorium)"

"Chatura's on hit! I counterblast one, draw a card, and bind a card from your drop zone! Vandal Sharp, bind!"

"He fell into his trap!"

"Way to go Branch Manager!"

"Done." Kai said.

"My right Chatura attacks! (16000/2★)"

"I guard with Paradigm Shift! (9000 > 19000)"

"Turn end." Ayato said.

Kai:
Hand: 5
Damage: 3
Bind: 1
OXO
OXO

Ayato:
Hand: 5
Damage: 1
XXX
OXO

"Stand and draw... BE SWEPT UP IN A VORTEX OF DESPAIR AS THE CHAINS THAT LOCK THE DRAGON SHATTER LIKE HOPE! SHOW NO MERCY, I RIDE MY AVATAR, STAR-VADER, CHAOS BREAKER CRISIS!" The vanguard circle expanded black with a scatter of red. For a moment, Ayato's eyes widened.

"You couldn't..."

"Do you understand yet?"

"I understand..."

"Chaos Breaker Crisis' skill! I counterblast a Star-vader, and lock your right Chatura!"

"This is bad for the Manager..."

"I believe in you, Ayato! Get out of the lock!"

"Carbon's skill, I send it to soul and call Zinc from deck! I call, Star-vader, Mulepton! Her skill, counterblast two Star-vader's, and you call a card from hand as locked behind your unlocked Chatura!"

"A hand rip lock..."

"Ayato, you can still do this!"

"Thanks for the support, guys." Ayato nodded at the fans. "I call Red River Dragoon as locked!"

"Zinc's skill, I put her to soul to countercharge and soulcharge 2! (Star-vader, Chaos Breaker Close, Beloved Child of the Superstring Theory) Chaos Breaker Crisis, attack! (11000) Joker's Game!"

"No guard!"

"Twin Drive! (Fierce Attack Star-vader, Dubnium, Sharp Points of Breakdown, Vandal Sharp) Critical trigger! Critical to vanguard, power to Mulepton! (1★ > 2★) (8000 > 18000)"

"Oh this is bad..."

"Get a Heal trigger!"

"Damage checks! (Crownholder Dragon, Dragonic Kaiser Crimson)"

"Mulepton! (18000)"

"No guard! (Summon Lightning Dancing Princess, Anastasia)"

"Turn end."

Kai:
Hand: 6
Damage: 3
Bind: 1
XXO
OOO

Ayato:
Hand: 4
Damage: 4
XX—
—XO

"Stand and draw. Emperor of the heavens above, appear with a powerful storm of light! Crave the blood of your enemies with the strength of an apocalypse! DRAGONIC KAISER VERMILLION, DISCHARGE!!" Ayato said, the vanguard circle expanding vermillion, and the clouds going dark.

A thick rumble came from the sky as Ayato's eyes glimmered a bright rainbow colour. A flash of lightning, accompanied by a storm of rain, shook those outside. As people migrated inside to take cover, the intensifying battle continued.

"Liberating the Generation Zone! Scatter before the crimson high king! Conquering Supreme Dragon, Conquest Fulgurate, DISCHARGE!"

"There it is!"

"His new Stride is awesome!"

"Fulgurate's Thunderstrike X skill! G Blast and discard a card, then I retire and bind your Mulepton! Then, all my units get power equal to how many cards you have in bind zone!"

"Two cards."

"Everyone gets 2000 power! (11000 > 13000) (26000 > 28000) (5000 > 7000) Boosted by Saishin, Fulgurate attacks! (28000 > 35000) Catastrophic Thunderstorm!"

"No guard."

"Triple drive!"

"Don't use your PSYQualia now."

Ayato flinched.

"Let's not talk about that in front of a crowd." He narrowed his eyes.

"Don't worry, they can't hear us over their cheering. So, why are you using it?"

"I'm not using it. I'm not that low of a fighter to rely on a cheat like that."

"My PSYQualia tells me you were going to. In fact, the top two cards of your deck are critical triggers!"

"That's just what your PSYQualia says."

"You can't reset a rolled dice. Flip your cards."

"Triple Drive! (Dragon Dancer, Paulina) Critical trigger! Power to Chatura, critical to Fulgurate! (13000 > 23000) (1★ > 2★) (Force Wind Eradicator, Shiva) Critical trigger! Power to Chatura, critical to Fulgurate! (23000 > 28000) (2★ > 3★) (Martial Arts Dragon)"

"Ayato can finish him in one-hit!"

"Go Branch Manager! Kick his ass!"

"Caught you red-handed." Kai smirked under his mask.

"If you have PSYQualia too, just pull a heal trigger."

"You're right. I wouldn't want to lose to a cheater, Ayato."

"I never wanted to play this game. I thought I would speed it up."

"Don't make excuses for your actions. Your judgment is severely clouded. Damage checks! (Star-vader, Globuladia, Star-vader, Chaos Breaker Close, Star-vader, Magellanic Stream) Heal trigger. All effects to vanguard, and I heal one. (11000 > 16000)"

"He got a 6th damage heal?!"

"Damn it, at least Ayato has Chatura left!"

"Chatura, attack! (28000)"

"Generation Guard! Genesis Machine Deity, Desthergen! (16000 > 31000) Skill, since you have two locked cards, I soulblast and draw a card!"

"Turn end... all of my locked units unlock."

"Crisis' skill. I retire your unlocked Chatura and draw a card."

Kai:
Hand: 7
Damage: 5
Bind: 2
OXO
OOO

Ayato:
Hand: 5
Damage: 4
XXO
XXO

"Stand and draw. Generation Zone, release! THE CLOWN SAID "GAME OVER". SHOW NO MERCY, GENERATION STRIDE! DEATH STAR-VADER, GLUEBALL DRAGON! Glueball's skill! I soulblast and G Persona Blast, and you lock a rear-guard for each of my face up G Zone cards!" Kai declared, as all of Ayato's rear-guards turned face down. "I'll call Photon, Penrose Gate, Zinc and Mulepton! Mulepton's skill, I counterblast two Star-vaders, and you call a card from hand, as locked, in your front row rear-guard!"

"Call Martial Arts Dragon as locked."

"Glueball's Generation Break 3 skill! My front row of Star-vader's gets 3k for each of your locked cards! They get 12k! (9000 > 21000) (26000 > 38000) (8000 > 20000) Glueball Dragon, attack! (38000) Super-dreadnought Molecular Realisation! ANNIHILATE!"

"Anastasia, complete guard!"

"Triple drive! (Turmoil Star-vader, Zinc, Star-vader, Quark Shoebill) Draw trigger. I draw a card and give power to Mulepton! (20000 > 25000) (Star-vader, Globuladia) Boosted by Penrose Gate, Photon attacks! (21000 > 28000)"

"Generation Guard! Sky Guardian Supreme Dragon, Impede Dragon! (26000) Skill, I G Blast a G Guardian, and you choose one of your rear-guards to retire and bind face up!"

"Zinc retires and binds."

"Since you have two more rear-guards than I do, retire another rear-guard!"

"I retire Penrose Gate. (28000 > 21000)"

"And now the attack fails to hit."

"Mulepton, attack! (25000)"

"No guard! (Djinn of Paranoia) Draw trigger! I draw a card and all power goes to vanguard! (11000 > 16000)"

"Turn end."

Kai:
Hand: 7
Damage: 5
Bind: 3
XXX
OOO

Ayato:
Hand: 2
Damage: 5
—X—
——O

(Play song in media here)

"Stand and draw!"

Ayato drew his card, as a flash of lightning struck from the skies and crackling thunder resonated through the heavens. The rain came down harder, drumming in sync with Ayato's hastening heartbeat. His eyes were glowing a bright rainbow colour, as the drawn card covered his face.

"Listen to it! The heavens cautioning you!"

The card smashed onto the pile of drop zone cards, releasing a bright light. Swiping the top card of his G Zone into his hand, Ayato held it close to his heart, then threw it at the vanguard circle.

"This is your warning!"

The crowd began chanting alongside Ayato.

"3... 2... 1...!"

The card landed onto the vanguard circle, expanding vermillion red.

"You have been warned! Conquering Supreme Dragon, Dragonic Kaiser Warning, DISCHARGE!!!"

A burst of lightning echoed in the background. As it settled, the crowd cheered even louder.

"Ho? Your ace is finally here."

"Warning's skill! I counterblast and G Persona Blast! He gets two skills!" Ayato said. "Battle! Dragonic Kaiser Warning's skill, he attacks your front row all at once! (26000) Gather and discharge, Royal Lancer!!"

"You can take my rear-guards. But my vanguard will be perfect guarded by Thorium! Since you have three or more locked cards, I draw a card."

"Triple drive!! (Fertility Eradicator, Youki) All to vanguard and heal one! (26000 > 31000) (Djinn of Paranoia) All to vanguard and draw one! (31000 > 36000) (Dragonic Kaiser Crimson) With that, I end my turn and unlock all my cards."

Kai:
Hand: 5
Damage: 5
Bind: 3
OXO
OOO

Ayato:
Hand: 6
Damage: 4
XXX
OXO

"Stand and draw. Generation Zone, release! THE CLOWN SAID "GAME OVER". SHOW NO MERCY, GENERATION STRIDE! DEATH STAR-VADER, GLUEBALL DRAGON! Skill of Chaos Breaker Close which I discarded for Stride cost! Soulblast one, and you choose a card from your hand to call as locked!"

"I call Crownholder Dragon as locked."

"Glueball's skill! I soulblast and G Persona Blast, and you lock a rear-guard for each of my face up G Zone cards!" Kai said, as all of Ayato's rear-guards turned face down. "I call Crisis, Zinc, Globuladia, Dubnium and Quark Shoebill to rear-guard. Glueball's Generation Break 3 skill, my front row "Star-vader" get 3k for each of your locked cards! (11000 > 26000) (26000 > 41000) (9000 > 24000) Glueball Dragon attacks! (41000) Super-dreadnought Molecular Realisation! ANNIHILATE!"

"Anastasia, complete guard!"

"Triple drive! (Companion Star Star-vader, Photon, Star-vader, Paradigm Shift Dragon) Critical, all to Dubnium! (24000 > 29000/1★ > 2★) (Star-vader, Paradigm Shift Dragon) Critical, power to Dubnium, critical to Crisis! (29000 > 34000) (1★ > 2★) Boosted by Zinc, Crisis attacks! (26000 > 33000/2★)"

"Generation Guard! Sky Guardian Supreme Dragon, Impede Dragon! (26000) Youki's skill, I bind both of them face up from drop zone to countercharge! Impede's skill, I G Blast a G Guardian, and you retire and bind one rear-guard!"

"Retire and bind Quark Shoebill."

"Now retire another rear-guard!"

"Retire Globuladia."

"I add Shiva to guard! (26000 > 36000)"

"Dubnium attacks! (34000/2★) Skill of Dubnium, counterblast one, and you have to call a card from hand as locked! But since you can't, I draw a card and give him 10k power instead! (34000 > 44000/2★)"

Ayato glanced at his hand cards, and closed his eyes.

"No guard..." Ayato opened his eyes. Kai nodded. "...damage checks! (Dragonic Kaiser Crimson, Dragonic Kaiser Vermillion)"

The cheering crowd grew silent. Kai began piling up his cards.

"I'm surprised you didn't use it."

"I'm not a sore loser. You did well, Kai."

Ayato stretched his hand out to him. Kai shook it.

"Though, I will have to ask you to leave these premises."

"Why? I'm not harming anyone."

"Since you won't take off your mask, I'll to resort to this."

"Then I'll take off my mask."

Kai grabbed his mask while Ayato watched with a glare.

"It's you..."

Kai's mask clicked as he took it off. Behind the mask was a man with snow white skin, and raven black hair framing his face. His jawline was sharp, and his eyes had grey bags under them.

"Kyle Black!"

The crowd that was about to dissipate froze. Their eyes locked onto the man who looked at everyone, smiling. He raised his mask into the air, and laughed.

"Did everyone miss me?"

Everyone began screaming and cheering at the return of Kyle, the once upcoming Star Gate Branch Manager, and the former Link Joker Clan Leader.

"I thought you went missing..." Ayato said. "Where the hell have you been, Kyle?!"

"That's far from the truth." Kyle said, placing the mask back on his face. "I was killed, then revived."

"What? That's not possible...!"

"If it isn't, then I wouldn't be here. I would've bled out on the streets of Kyoto."

Kyle turned his back on Ayato, and waved goodbye, before walking off the elevated platform and passing through the crowd that was swarming around him with their phones out.

Ayato ran after Kyle, trying to get him back. Pushing past the crowd and following Kyle outside, Ayato lost him in the sea of migrating people.

"Damn it..."

4

On the second floor, Rukia ran back into the random room with her phone fumbling in her hands. Kakusei followed her with furrowed brows.

"Rukia, what's the matter?"

"Zeon, Chiharu!" Rukia said, slamming her phone onto the table.

"What is it?" Zeon looked at the phone, and his eyes widened.

"Eh? Is that meant to be Yza?" Chiharu said.

"Kyle... he's alive?!" Zeon said.

"Yes... he was a hooded figure. Kai." Rukia said.

"Who is this guy anyways?" Chiharu said.

"Kyle Black. The one who would've became Star Gate Branch Manager, but got murdered." Rukia said. "The press said he went missing because they didn't recover his body."

"So how do you know he got murdered?" Kakusei said.

"I have sources." Rukia said. "I need to keep Kakusei away from our problems."

"That's weird. If he got murdered, and reported as missing, why didn't he say anything until now? What kind of cruel joke is this?" Kakusei said.

"Let's tell Ryuzaki about this." Zeon said.

"Yeah, it's best if we let them investigate anyways. We don't have the means." Rukia said.

"Should we try and catch him?" Chiharu said.

"He went outside a couple minutes ago. Do you think we can get him?"

"I can." Kakusei said, getting ready to run. "I'm a good sprinter."

"I thought you weren't the sporty type." Zeon said. "Besides, what about the mobs of people both inside and outside? Not to mention it's raining." Zeon said.

"Sprinting is more running type, y'know? I'm like that." Kakusei said. "Sounds like a fun challenge."

"That sounds obnoxious... why do you care anyways? You didn't know the guy until a few minutes ago."

"I'm interested in the mystery behind him. You guys should've kept your mouth shut."

"You shouldn't have come with us in the first place..." Zeon muttered. Kakusei raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm? I didn't hear that."

"I said go after him if you want. It's not my choice in the first place."

Kakusei laughed.

"Let's go together, Rukia."

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"Well... okay. Let me put on my jacket at least."

"I'll come with." Zeon sighed. "I got bored of this random room thing anyways."

"Then I'll tag along." Chiharu placed a hand on Zeon's shoulder and smiled.

"Let's make it a race to see who catches him first!" Kakusei said.

"You're joking, right?" Zeon said.

"Nope." Kakusei ran out of the room.

"...Let's just go together as a group."

"No arguments there." Rukia said.

5

Kakusei ran around, searching for Kyle. His phone was open with a blurry image of Kyle on the screen. The rain hailed down on him as he tried to find the matching man. After circling the outside twice, he ran into the group of three.

"Oh, there you guys are."

"You find anything?" Rukia said.

"Nope. How about you?"

"Nothing came up either."

"It's safe to assume he's gone, then."

"That's annoying..."

"What's so special about him anyways? Your ex-boyfriend? You never told me you dated someone famous."

"I've only ever had one boyfriend, thank you very much. And no, it wasn't Kyle."

"Who's he? An ex?"

"It's... complicated."

"So polyamory, got it."

"Dude..." Zeon said.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Seriously, who is it?"

"Someone from Seigatsu." Rukia said.

"Eh? Seriously? Is it me?" Kakusei grinned.

Zeon narrowed his eyes at Kakusei, while Chiharu glanced between the two.

"It's not you, dummy. Now let's go inside, you're soaking wet."

"Aw, I like the rain."

"If you like it so much, freeze to death out here..." Zeon muttered. Kakusei raised a brow.

"Hmm? I didn't hear that. Again."

"I said... isn't your last name Amehana?"

"Yep. It literally means "rain flower". Pretty cool, right? Not as cool as Ishima though. I'd love to have a bunch of money and be able to skip school whenever I wanted it."

"I get fined like anyone else for my unauthorised absences, Kakusei."

"Haha, right. You're just like the rest of us."

Rukia stepped in between Zeon and Kakusei, looking at both boys with disappointment. Zeon yielded, while Kakusei laughed. Chiharu glanced at Zeon's shaking fist.

"Unless you want to become an actual rain flower, let's go inside and enjoy the rest of our day." Rukia said.

"Eh, sure. I'd love to play more against you." Kakusei said.

"Sure..." Zeon said.

Rukia, Kakusei and Chiharu walked back inside. Zeon followed from a distance, hands buried in his pockets. Glancing at the dark rain clouds, he sighed.

"I swear..."

(Ending here)

Next time on Z World:

#53: Investigation Start-up

Ryuzaki: The first steps to finding out who the other hooded figures are, cross-dressing and interviews are all to come, next time!

================================

A/N

Welcome back.

During the production of this chapter, I experienced lightning and thunder in my face for the first time. Honestly, it was pretty terrifying seeing how fast the lightning flashed before my eyes, and all the rumbling of the thunder hanging over my head.

I was just earnestly reading, when I saw that flash. I panicked, thinking I was hallucinating or something due to the lack of sleep I've been getting recently. I worry a lot over trivial matters, and I think it's giving my body unnecessary stress...

Well, after that skirmish cleared up, fresh rain came from the heavens. Usually I don't like rain, but lately I've been liking it more. The sound it creates, the refreshing coolness and the wonderful smell of fresh dew. Especially in these hot summer days (that have closed on us) I appreciate the rain much more.

I've also recently liked standing in it and letting the rain fall on me. It's strangely soothing.

In my head, there's this wonderful scenario where I'm snuggled up in bed, with the heater on, and rain is falling in the background as I slave away at my work. Isn't that the pinnacle of author-hood?

I hope you've been enjoying the story so far, even if it's a little dark. I promise next chapter will be much lighter and (hopefully) comedic.

That's all, Fox out!