《Coded Law》


 Volume 1, Dead Reckoning

    <blockquote>

    They say that the world is built upon the hopes and dreams of the ones that came before and that the next generation must be the ones to keep building that bridge to a supposed promised land. That humanity is nothing without its hopes and dreams. Yet in the end, it is humanity that often squashes those dreams and burns down their hopes. Such contradiction is the way of man, for what is a man without flaws. A common man is one who rips down the world with their presence, and a common woman is one who burns the world with her words. These are not people, but mere infections, bugs that are designed by a supposed greater power that has everything within its web.

    But what if there was a man with no flaws, no weaknesses, and possessed no contradiction? A man like that would be an anomaly and they would be a menace to society and mankind. They would be...

    "Kibe!" shouted a voice, Nori Kibe. A young man who was in his junior year at Sawa High School. His eyes opened as he had fallen asleep. He looked around himself, the library was empty. Had he fallen asleep? But doing what? What could have possibly-

    "Oh." Kibe said calmly as he looked down at what he had been reading, It was a book about human studies and the philosophy of equality.

    "Do you know what time it is young man?" shouted the voice again, Kibe looked up to see it was a woman, middle-aged, blonde hair and sharp brown eyes. Her outfit was a blouse with flowers and a small hairpin on her left side. The moisture taken in from her face was almost next to none, her eyelashes were all perfectly cut to the exact same length, and he could see her lipstick was a rose-like shine, but not too out there to where it seemed she really wanted to dress up. Her face was void of scars and or blemishes to her face. She looked like the perfect woman.

    "Almost too perfect." Kibe thought to himself as he looked at the woman deeper.

    "A blouse? She is either a woman with a cat or she is suffering through some artistic career struggle at the moment. No doubt parents are the cause, her face is not really that clean. One could easily tell she wears a type of formula. Ultra-Lightweight perhaps? No, definitely not. Judging from her face and the structure and the separation of her eyes. The overly assertive voice too. She has about two blackheads and one pimple. But looking at her shape and body weight I''d say she might find another one soon, likely on her cheek.

    Her hair isn''t naturally blonde. Likely brown." Kibe thought to himself as he then got up and got his stuff together, he set his laptop into his school bag along with his papers. Kibe looked at the older woman, bowed, and walked away. The woman made a pouting expression as she then huffed and walked away. Kibe left the library and saw that it was close to nightfall.

    "...Darn, I guess I did fall asleep. Then again. Reading something you already know can be tiresome." Kibe said calmly as he started walking towards his home. He''d eventually stop at a street when he heard some commotion from across him to his left. His eyes moved towards the noise and saw it was the chattering of girls from his school. Unlike him, where his uniform was black and white with a dark tie, they wore the same thing, except with a skirt.

    "Hey, hey. Look who it is across the street." said one of the girls, she nudged her friends, and they looked over and saw Kibe waiting for the light to change. The girls all looked at him, each of them thinking he was a bit weird to be out so late. Especially when it''s so late.

    "Why is he out all alone?" said one girl

    "Yeah, it''s kind of creepy." said another girl

    "Maybe hes going to a fancy hotel? I mean look at how neatly dressed he is." said another one

    "I say we get his attention and find out. Hey! Oh, cute booooy! Where you off to so late?" asked one of the girls, but her question received no answer as Kibe simply walked forward once the light went green. All the girls looked at one another a bit confused, did he not hear her? Or was he just simply ignoring her? They really couldn''t tell. His face showed no expression. Kibe continued to walk down the street and towards his home. He walked down these streets hundreds of times, yet every single time. The street always seemed to be changing in one way or the other. Either it was construction, a stray cat that had arrived from a neighboring neighborhood or maybe even a new face driving or walking through.

    "This next exam is going to be nothing short of a disappointment." Kibe thought to himself as he eventually got home. Once he arrived, he opened the door and entered. He looked around for a moment, he noticed that his mother''s shoes were gone. He looked over and saw her coat too was missing.

    "Seems like she went out again." He said calmly, he then got himself comfortable and began to cook himself some salmon and rice. As he ate his dinner, he thought about some of what he had read today.

    "Talk on human psychology is a topic for constant boredom. The human mind is complicated, irrational, and always ready to make the opposite choice of what should be a rational A or B. People love feeling different, some may not always, but the fact remains. Humans adore feeling different. It is hardwired into this generation, the past, and definitely the ones to come.

    But it can''t be helped, I guess. We''re doomed." Kibe said calmly as he took a bit of his salmon. After eating, he cleaned the dishes and washed his uniform. His eyes lingered on it for a moment as it went through the washing cycle. The glass allowed him to peer into the washer possibly mocking him for its simplicity. Later he''d be in bed lying down. The one time where he never thinks of being critical, or never double looking or studying something. The one time where he can feel, human.

    The next day Kibe would wake up, and he''d quickly yawn before he sat at his bed. Every day he woke up three hours before school started. He didn''t want to, just seemed as though his mind always precalculated what he needed to do during his early morning and would wake him to accomplish just that. His eyes would dart through his room, nothing really to show. He had a desk, some books on calcs, brane cosmology, and the dictionary of obscure sorrows. His floor had no rug, it was already a rugged floor. His bed had gray sheets and a black cover. One pillow. His closet was filled with some casual clothes, but most of them were long sleeves and plaid designs. All picked by his fashion nut of a mother. He didn''t care for any of these those...besides the books. He then stood up and began to do stretches, he stretched his arms, his legs, and his hips and back.

    "Is my life truly so bland? Seems as though I walk along a line of- Hm?" Kibe stopped mid-sentence as he heard some people talking outside his window, he walked over calmly as he looked outside to see a girl and a boy. One with dark lavender hair and the other with blonde dirty hair. He looked at them both, they were clearly arguing over something. Though it''s not like it was hard for Kibe to tell what it was, without needing to read their lips he easily assessed it through their body language. The girl was waving her arms around and even though she wasn''t in a view to which Kibe could see her mouth or face. Reading the boy''s expressions he could see that he was in discomfort or despair. A breakup.

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    He could tell the girl was furious with the boy, from what Kibe could gather from looking at the boy his appearance showed shyness, vulnerability, and even worse. A greater reflection of a liar. Liars always wear guilt in their eyes, never their faces. It''s easy to tell a liar from their eyes. Faces are too easy to mask and too unreliable, but the eyes of a human never lie. Kibe said as his eyes remained focused and yet calm as he watched them. The boy wasn''t fighting back nor speaking, a clear sign of guilt and regret. From the slouched position and the lack of eye contact and the irrational behavior and inappropriate shouting from the girl- yeah, the boy was a cheater. And not in games of chess. That''s when Kibe noticed the boy''s uniform and the girl''s. They were from Sawa High, his school. Information to use for later perhaps? Maybe.

    Kibe then walked away and went downstairs, As he did he noticed his mother''s shoes were at the door, not her coat though. Forgot it? Likely. He walked to the living room and of course, found her slouched on the couch completely passed out. Her long hair was all over her face and her clothes messy. She had a bruise on her face, from a fight no doubt, and of course a barf stain on her pants. He walked to the kitchen and made her some water and set it down.

    "Hey," he said in a calm voice as he gently tapped her face, she didn''t wake up and instead turned over. He didn''t pay any mind as he just went about the rest of his day. He went to the bathroom for a moment to shower before getting out and getting ready for school. He put on his outfit, tied his shoes, and made himself some toast before walking outside with his school bag in hand. He looked both ways down his street. The sun was beating down and he could feel the morning wind hitting his face and going through his hair.

    "Another day." He said as he commenced walking to his school. Walking down the same street yet again, except this time he noticed something. Other students walked near and by the same path he took, but this time a new face was there. He saw the girl. She was the odd one out of the crowd, however ordinary she appeared. She was like a glowing light in the darkness to Kibe.

    "Who is that?" Kibe asked himself as he had never seen her before, not even among the numerous students he''d encountered did her face ring a bell to him. His eyes were locked on her. Her figure was average, and her weight was definitely around a hundred-seventy-five pounds. Her cup size looked to be around B size and her hair was a deep black. Likely conditioned, it was way too glossy. Kibe moved along his path as he saw this girl walking across the street from him. He never got a look at her face, but he knew he needed to see it too. Though he had a good idea of what she seemed to look like from the front too.

    "Blue eyes for sure. Sharp nose? maybe. She most likely wears no lipstick or makeup either." Kibe thought to himself as he then decided it was time to see this girl. He recognized the street they were going down. It had another route that led the same way and even intersected with itself on another street. This benefited him as he could be alone and still see this girl. Kibe then stopped at a crosswalk, there were no cars. He couldn''t hear anything approaching. His eyes moved to the right as he then pressed the button. At that moment he heard cars coming.

    "The world can be predicted; all actions are met with a reaction. Nothing is done without something else happening." Kibe thought to himself as he faced forward. The light came signaling him to go on as he walked across the street. He noticed the girl make a right to go down the street he had known she would take. He continued on his path down the alternate route. Noticing his environment for anything else new, he saw nothing. The same homes, restaurants, and even older folks sitting and smoking outside too.

    "Hi there Kibe! Have a nice day at school." shouted a man across the street, Kibe made momentary eye contact before giving a quick nod and continuing to walk. He couldn''t risk stopping for a moment otherwise his moment would be ruined. That''s when he approached the corner of the street. A building blocked him as he looked at the few inches in front of him leading to the intersection of both streets. He then heard the shuffling and clicking of shoes. They weren''t loud enough to be heels of a woman and didn''t have the weight of a man''s foot. They were younger, in fact, they even sounded a bit timid from how little space came in between each step. Could it be her first day at this school? Was she a transfer? His mind thought of a couple of solutions, but as he did his body moved back a few feet as he got a running start and started to do a slight job. That''s when he and the girl smashed into one another. As he figured, it was her. She fell while Kibe caught himself before his body could make any moves to recover, saving himself the strength.

    "OH MY! I-I''m sorry! I didn''t hear you coming!" said the girl, Kibe''s eyes met hers. They were blue just as he said, with no lipstick and makeup either. An average-looking schoolgirl. He gave her his hand as he helped her up and then took a knee to pick up some of her stuff that spilled over. The girl took a few steps back, she was worried about her skirt getting looked at by Kibe. Though he didn''t care about those kinds of things.

    "So, where are you from? From how you carry yourself I''d say you''re from a more middle-class origin. Likely the town of Ushin? " Kibe said calmly as he handed the girl her things. She nodded at him.

    "Yea, how''d you guess?" the girl asked as Kibe got up and fixed his uniform.

    "Nothing, it''s just that a lot of the transfers come from there," Kibe said calmly, though that wasn''t entirely true. Ushin had plenty of higher-class students, but none of them walked by foot to school.

    "What''s your name? I''m Gima Akia," she said introducing herself, Gima Akia? An odd name for someone who looks like the most average human girl on the planet, but Kibe knew that to get her to confide in him he''d have to play it a bit more natural.

    "That''s a pretty name, I''m Nori Kibe. Class 1-S, you?" he asked

    "Class 2-B." she said, however her whole expression then changed, and a face of sorrow and depression just washed over her like a tidal wave. Kibe tried to understand just what could have set this sudden mood change into swing.

    It couldn''t be a dead loved one, a pet maybe? no, breakup? eh, not a chance. He just for the life of him couldn''t get an understanding of just what kind of sorrow this girl was expressing. Her face looked like something otherworldly to him.

    "What''s wrong? something I said?" Kibe asked

    "M-My bag please." Akia asked, Kibe looked at his hand holding it and then gave it to her, Akia grabbed her bag and then ran off past him.

    "Thank you for the help!" she shouted to him, bowing as she ran off down the street, Kibe waved a quick bye before his whole person and personality changed back to what it was. His eyes lingered on her for a moment before he crossed the street and made his way to school. Once he got there, he had some time to kill before school was fully in session. So he went to the library, Sawa High was a pretty massive school. When the school board announced its construction, they spoke about how they had a few more funds to pour into the school. Since then, it''s been known that the school is one of the biggest in the entire district. It''s nothing special, no elite classmen and no special courses to be taken. It''s just an average school with normal humans.

    "And me," Kibe said to himself as he proceeded to walk through the large black gates and went ahead to his classroom. He walked up the stairs to his classroom which was on the second floor. As he made his way there, he saw many students chatting and playing in the hallway. Though his eyes would never turn to them. He already knew them, already knew their purpose as he passed by. He eventually made it to his classroom which sounded a bit noisy from the outside. He stood outside out his classroom for a moment as he heard banter going around.

    "I heard a recent rumor that the security guys got cameras in the bathrooms." said a male student

    "Reall? Even in the girl''s bathroom?! Thats wild. What perverts" said a girl student

    "Yea, its really gross. Hopefully that isn''t true." said the male student, Kibe''s eyes looked to his left as he saw them left.

    "Hey did you catch wind that the music group is looking for a new singer? Heard their old one caught a bad illness. Some kind of mouth disease." said a girl student

    "Oh no, I hope Sakura is ok, she had such a beautiful voice." said another girl student. Kibe then looked back at his homeroom door.

    He opened the door and saw all of his classmates. It then went a bit quiet as they saw Kibe enter.

    "Hey Kibe, welcome to class." shouted one girl, Kibe knew her voice without even looking at her.

    "Ouchi Mi, an airhead, she was loud and very, very friendly. She wanted to make friends with everyone when she came here. Her hair is a sort of jasmine color, her eyes were a pure blue, and an ocean-like aura emanated from them.

    Her sole purpose is just to be a loud girl. Nothing out of the ordinary and nothing original." Kibe thought to himself as he closed the door behind him and went to his seat which would be in the center of the class.

    </blockquote>

 Exulansis

    Once class ended everyone got up and began to make their moves towards either friends or the door. Kibe just sat down, he then got out his laptop and started typing.

    "Kibe!" shouted a voice next to him, Kibe''s eyes didn''t avert towards the source, but instead knew it was Mi. Mi has been unfortunately following him through grades, she is a natural blonde, her eyes an Amythest purple. She had a much more natural beauty than other girls Kibe saw. However, that didn''t make her any less of an annoyance to him.

    "What?" He asked as he continued to type on his laptop.

    "Me and some classmates were going to go out and eat some sweets, they said I shouldn''t ask you since you like to be alone. But I figured that maybe you''d like some too." Mi asked to which Kibe continued to keep typing and staying focused on his work. Mi looked at him a bit curious before she went to tap on his shoulder only for him to catch her hand before she could touch him.

    "Was my silence not enough?" He said calmly to which she then looked at him worried.

    "A no then, right. Ok." Mi said worried as she then tried to get her hand back only for Kibe to not let go and still be focusing on his typing, now typing with one hand.

    "Don''t ask me to go anywhere again, I don''t care for sweets or going out anywhere with anyone." He said calmly before he let her go, she quickly bowed and left. What a wasteful thing, sweets and going out with others. Only people who rely on communication and idiotic chatter would find themselves in such, exasperating social events. Kibe didn''t care for those things though. Eventually, when the hours of the day ticked away Kibe would go to the school library. There he''d be sitting down eating his lunch and practicing up on his reading more into human understanding. Learning about just what makes these people tick.

    Though he was already aware of what did, you never could know enough. So he continued to read and reread some books he had already read through.

    "Humans are not without purpose, a human with no will or path is doomed to fall into fear and existentialism. Questioning their existence and scumming to their mortality.

    Human beings are made to not question their existence, made to forever live in blissful ignorance. That way they can continue to serve whatever meaningless life goals they have set for themselves." Kibe thought to himself as he continued to read his book. As he looked around at the other students in the library, his eyes studied and read them as if they were a page of points and quotes. He looked to a couple over towards the left of him, a blonde boy and a clearly fake blonde girl. He could read their lives just from looking at them.

    The blonde girl, a clear disappointment to her family. Her outfit was just the same school uniform everyone else wore, but it was a bit more loose and had accessories to it. Her painted blue nails contrasted horribly with her amber eyes. The lipstick, pink. Another bad contrast. She had no idea how to dress or what looked most sexy. She didn''t have her mother around to teach her anything, a sign of a dead parent? Kibe looked lower and saw her heels and a tattoo on her ankle. She feels mature and even got a tattoo to symbolize her independence. However, all she has done is just make it obvious that she seeks mature eyes to see her and that she is shy and scared of full commitment to anything.

    Kibe took a bite out of his packed lunch and kept staring at her, from all that, he could definitely call her a drinker. Death by lung cancer would be her end, age? 26. Her desire to be recognized for adulting will only give her recognition after death and eyes and words of slander for her incompetence. And the boy-

    "Oh?" Kibe said as the boy was seemingly gone, but the girl was there looking right at him with a pissed-off look. Thats when Kibe looked behind him and saw the boy was standing there, his face melting in anger and frustration. Kibe stared at him and then turned around and went back to eating his food.

    "HEY PUNK!" shouted the boy as he slammed his palm on the table shaking Kibe''s food a bit. Kibe continued to eat his food and flip through his book. His eyes moved up and saw the librarian on the phone looking at them. Seems like she''s calling security.

    "HEY! I''M TALKING TO YOU! You were staring at my girl a moment ago! You got something to say to me? Are you trying to steal her from me or something?!" He shouted at him.

    "Steal," Kibe said calmly to which the boy looked at him confused.

    "Huh?"

    "The term for Steal is to take or appropriate without right or consent and with intent to keep or make use of another''s property. There are two problems with that, I''d need to want her and I''d have to take her without consent. Though from the looks of her, she doesn''t seem worth stealing nor has any more consent for me to take her." Kibe said calmly as he finished his lunch and put his chopsticks down, he got a napkin and wiped his mouth. The girl and boy looked at him in total shock.

    "Someone must have something worth stealing, not even a killer would want her. Her life is less than nothing, why would I want her? Especially when she''s with someone who just saw a desperate and useless girl and figured now would be the time to be a man." Kibe said calmly

    "I''LL SHOW YOU WHAT BEING A MAN IS!!!" the boy shouted in anger, Kibe looked around them and saw that there was now a crowd beginning to form, people pointing and watching. He looked back at the boy, he was a little bit taller than him, with red spikey hair and a clear bad temper. His eyes didn''t matter. He already knew what they held. Anger and frustration, no at him. But at the life he forged.

    "Good" He thought, That''s when the boy would throw a blow, but in the time it took for the punch to move forward, Kibe''s brain was already thinking hundreds of times faster. His eyes looked to the left and could see some people looking back, perhaps security had already arrived, he waited just one more fraction of a second before seeing the muscles and movements of students as they stepped out of the way. He then looked back at the boy. The boy''s fist was close to Kibe''s face.

    "THAT''S ENOUGH!" shouted the security guards as they rushed into the library, They saw the boy punch Kibe in the face which would send Kibe teetering back a bit. The security guards then grabbed the boy who was a bit quiet. The men grabbed the young boy and left the library with him. The students around began to mumble and chatter.

    "Did you see his hand? It was all messed up." said one student

    "He looked like he was going to cry." said one girl laughing

    "Who was that other guy?" asked another student

    "Isn''t he from that one class? Class 1-S?" asked another student

    Kibe stood up straight, his face not even scuffed or bruised. He was completely fine. He looked over at the girl who was with the boy and saw that she was gone. Likely had left to follow them.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    "Now people are staring, I better go." He said as he packed his stuff and left the library. He walked past everyone as if he was invisible. As they''d never expect such a thing to come from someone so ordinary. Kibe then began to make his way back to his classroom, walking through the school as if nothing happened. He went over and walked to his class setting his bag down. That''s when he stood up and tall. Thinking. Mi entered the classroom as loud as ever with her friends.

    "HIIIII EVERYONE!" She shouted, but then noticed Kibe standing by his desk completely still, his eyes looking forward. She stared at him, her other friends looked at him too.

    "Uhh what''s he doing?" asked one of them.

    "Yea, hes just standing there." said another one.

    "I don''t know," Mi said as she gestured for them to stay back as she walked over to him.

    "Um, Hello? Kibe?" Mi said, but Kibe wasn''t even paying attention to her or his surroundings.

    "The cameras in the library likely picked up our conversation, if such a thing were to get out. Then things would end up back to me. No doubt about it, I should act quickly." Kibe thought to himself, his eyes then went down as they met with Mi''s.

    "...Kibe?" Mi said before Kibe then moved past her, nudging her out of the way. He proceeded to walk towards the school office room which held not only camera footage but had screens of which every inch of the school could be seen. As he got there he soon would see a guard there leaving the room. Kibe looked behind him and saw some students loitering by the guy''s bathroom. He then looked back at the guard who had already rounded the corner. Kibe then went to the security room and walked inside. As he did, he saw all the cameras were being monitored on two screens. He looked around and saw a safe, and a filing cabinet and then saw another door, probably leading to their resting or employee room. That''s when Kibe went to the keyboard connected to the security cameras. He pressed a button and it immediately brought up a password confirmation.

    Kibe looked at it for a moment.

    "A password, I''ll need a guard to open it. Then again, if this is a security room for the school they all need a password that everyone and anyone can remember." Kibe thought to himself as he looked around the room for something to give away what it could be. That''s when he felt his phone in his pocket. He looked down at it. His eyes then moved to the filing cabinet which was behind the door''s opening range.

    Later a security guard would enter the security room and then type in the password to the cameras.

    "Can''t believe those brats got into a fight. Now, we gotta do all this pointless paperwork. God I need some rest from these crazy kids." said the security guard, thats when another walked in, it was one of the ones from the library earlier.

    "Hey, you snag the footage and audio from the cameras yet? We need them to find out just what happened." asked the other guard

    "I''m about to do that right now, but I was feeling a bit lazy to be fair." said the other guard at the computer, the other one nodded as he then looked at the door.

    "Hey, wanna sneak a quick peek?" said the guard with a smirk, the other guard immediately felt anxious.

    "I-I....I don''t want to be part of this anymore. The cameras were never supposed to go there in the first place. I feel like we should be reporting this. We''d get in less trouble if we told them. We may even get to keep these jobs." said the guard

    "Bullshit with that, when are we going to get another chance to see something like this? Are you married anyway?" asked the other guard

    "....I...no." he responded

    "Then it''s decided." said the other guard as he reached over and typed in a sequence of buttons which then showed them two screens, one of the inside of a bathroom stall and the other of the outside and inside of a pink-looking bathroom. There the guards could see some girls coming inside, they saw them talking and whispering to one another.

    "That boy from class 2-C is soooo cute! I just wish I had the courage to ask him out." said one of the girls, she had blonde hair and wore stockings. The other girls chuckled, the two guards were focusing on the screen. The girls kept talking and chatting as the school bell rang for class to begin.

    "Hey, I think-"

    "Shhh, here it comes." said the other guard, That was when one of the girls went into a stall, the men''s focus went to the other camera which then picked up the girl. She closed the stall behind her, and that''s when it showed. The girl pulled down her panties and bent over to sit down, however, those few seconds before she sat down, and between her pulling her panties down was all they needed to see everything.

    "My god. Well, she is a virgin thats for sure." said the other guard, but the other one was highly uncomfortable. the other guard looked at him and noticed. He sighed.

    "Alright, get out of here. If you don''t want to have some fun I will." said the other guard, that''s when the guard sitting in the chair got up and the other guard sat down.

    FLASH!

    Both men froze in total fear and disbelief, they both turned slowly to see him. It was Kibe. He was standing on top of the filing cabinet with his phone out. His cold green eyes looked directly at them.

    "....N-No way. What the hell is a student doing in here?" said the other guard in shock

    "How didn''t we see him?" said the standing guard.

    "I''m good at blending in." Kibe said, the other guard got up to rush him.

    "One move and I send the entire clip and photos." Kibe said

    "Photos? But you only took one." said the other guard

    "No, I just turned on the flash to make you aware of my presence." Kibe answered, he then pressed a button on his phone and turned his flash off as he took several more photos.

    "HEY! TURN THOSE CAMERAS OFF!!" shouted the other guard, the guard then rushed over and shut them off. The other guard looked at Kibe with an expression of complete rage and anger.

    "How long have you been there?" asked the guard

    "Long enough. I can''t imagine the damage to the school, let alone you two if these got out to the public. Imagine the image of the school and the amount of publicity you two would get. You''ll be famous. I can see it now. Two adult school guards peeping and stalking young schoolgirls while they use the bathroom.

    Definitely headline news." Kibe said

    "...What do you want?" asked the guard

    "I want you to delete the audio from the fight between me and that other student from before." Kibe said

    "Other student?...AH! YOUR THE ONE FROM THE FIGHT AT THE LIBRARY!" shouted the other guard

    "Get any louder and I send it to everyone outside of the school district and the facility." Kibe said, The guards looked at him nervous and scared. The other guard nodded to the guard as he then went to the computer and deleted the audio.

    "Alright the Audio is gone, now hand over your phone." said the other guard.

    "I don''t think so. Having not only complete view of the cameras and the guards of this school around my wrist is too valuable of an opportunity. So I won''t be, not yet anyway." Kibe said as he jumped down and opened the door to the security room leaving. He then looked at them from inside, their mouths still in shock.

    "I''ll keep in touch." Kibe said as he started walking to class after closing the door. He then made it to his homeroom to which the teacher and students looked at him.

    "Late Nori? That''s very unlike you. I assume you have a good reason." He asked

    "I had a phone call from mother, said she had an accident. She is very talkative." Kibe said as he walked over and sat in his seat.

    "Hmmm, since it''s your first time I''ll let it slide. Don''t do it again." He said

    "Never." Kibe answered. As class continued Kibe''s mind was thinking.

    "What those guards don''t know is that I already have their entire system on my phone. All the cameras in school are all right here. So just in case they get rid of them, I''ll still be in the system. Since this school has a system for backups in case the cameras go dead. Making it impossible for them to destroy the evidence even if they got rid of the cameras.

    Now, to deal with the guy from before. No doubt that delinquent wants to brawl or something. I''ll just have to find a means of getting rid of him too." Kibe said as he looked at his phone and opened the app he had made for himself just so he could see the cameras. He swiped through them and saw the boy from before and a few others standing by the gate of the school.

    "All I need is someone to ''help'' me in getting rid of these boys now." Kibe said as he put his phone away and faced forward to the teacher. His head mind to many people he knew, but then his mind was made up as he thought of the perfect person to help him.

    "Mi, yes. You''ll be perfect." Kibe said.

 Gnossienne

    Later after class, Kibe would look outside and see the day was soon over. He looked over to see Mi talking to some of her classmates talking to her. The teacher was going through some papers before packing and leaving, Kibe watched him leave before he''d get up and check his phone. He saw the red-haired guy and his friends were still hanging out outside the school while other students walked past them and left. Kibe then saw the red-haired boy walk towards the school, he began to follow him through the cameras and saw him go to the boy''s bathroom in building C. Kibe then closed his phone and walked over to Mi and her friends. She noticed Kibe walking over and it was almost like her whole body was ready to shoot out of her chair at the sight of him.

    "KIBE! You actually are approaching me for once!" Mi said as she jumped up in her seat, though the other girls felt a bit eerie being near him, his face gave off a sort of...it was hard to describe.

    "Hello, Ouchie." Kibe said calmly.

    "So what''s up? Do you want to come with me and my friends today? We''re going to do some karaoke." she asked.

    "Unfortunately, not, but could I talk to you in private, in building C," Kibe asked calmly as Mi and her friends looked at each other.

    "Oh, sure. I can talk to you. Just give me a few minutes to talk to my friends real quick, okay?" She answered, Kibe nodded and gave her thanks as he bowed and left the room. He then started making his way to building C, he looked at his phone and went to his camera app, he saw that the red-haired boy was still there. He was leaving the bathroom and just chilling out by it, Kibe continued to walk towards building C. It was where the auditorium connected with the school, the bathrooms were outside the building. Making it perfect for what Kibe had planned. He would arrive at it, standing at the front of it. He looked over and saw an assortment of trees lining the back of the building. He walked over towards them and then stood in front of a tree. Kibe looked at the back of the building and saw the red-haired boy standing outside the bathroom, he hadn''t noticed Kibe at all. Kibe just stared at him.

    From the boy''s stance and the way he talked, he seemed to be someone who had something to prove. Maybe not to others, but perhaps to himself. The way he spoke and stood made him come off tough to others and even more intimidating to those who didn''t go to this school. He thought about what exactly he was to do about the boy. He didn''t even know his name after all. Perhaps there could be something that could have them see eye to eye, then again. He wasn''t entirely sure. So he went ahead with his scheme either way. That''s when he saw Mi approaching and coming to him. He looked at the boy one more time before he made his move.Kibe checked the cameras one last time on his phone, he checked every camera on campus, looking through them for any sign of any other students or teachers. Nothing. He then put his phone away as he heard Mi call for him.

    "KIBE! I''m glad I caught you in time!" Mi shouted to him, just as he expected her to do. As expected the red-haired boy noticed, there were cameras here. So, he had a plan for anything the boy did. But he didn''t do anything, instead, it seemed like he was just watching. Surprisingly smart for someone so brute-like upon first appearance. Mi ran up to Kibe and stood in front of him, her flamboyant chest nearly hitting his.

    "So, what did you call me here for?" She asked

    "Mi, I must be honest with you. I haven''t entirely been truthful with my feelings." Kibe said, Mi tilted her head.

    "I-" However before Kibe could speak he saw her again, Akia, she was looking at him from around the corner. His eyes were hyper-focused on her. How was she here? He had checked every single camera to be sure there was no one around. That''s when he saw her mouth something to him.

    "I know what you''re doing." She mouthed before she left, Kibe was puzzled as to what she meant, did she know of his plan? What was her angle in this? He just needed this boy off his back and of course, still having the security under his control would be beneficial to that. However, was she going to be a screw in his plan? He didn''t know for certain. His eyes looked over towards where the red-haired boy was standing only to find him gone.

    "Hm."

    "Kibe?" Mi said, thats when Kibe looked to Mi again, his eyes went to where the boy used to be again before looking at her.

    "Apologies, I completely forgot what it was I asked you here for. Forgive me." He said as he bowed, he then began to walk away past Mi.

    "Hey!" Mi shouted. Kibe looked back at her.

    "Do you realize how late it is? Don''t you think you owe a girl a walk home?" Mi asked with a more bossy attitude than what Kide was used to. Kibe didn''t know what to think of what just happened, Akia appearing like that, and now this? What was it that he was missing? He knew every inch of this town and the people in it. Yet he couldn''t get a read on Akia. What was happening? Was he losing his touch?

    "HEY! KIBE!" shouted Mi, Kibe then turned his head to her completely.

    "Well? Are you walking me home or not?" Mi asked, Kibe looked at the time on his phone. It was currently 6PM, he normally would be home by 7 and had no idea how far this girl lived. Kibe put his phone away.

    "Alright but be quick. I have to be home soon." Kibe said

    "You have a curfew or something?" Mi asked

    "No." He answered, he followed her inside and she grabbed her things while he waited outside of the school gates. He continued to ponder on about Akia until Mi showed up. Her hair shined against the moonlight and the lights of the cars went through it like butter. Kibe''s green eyes reflected in hers. Though unlike his own, hers seemed to have some emotion and soul behind it."My house is this way, come on." Mi said as she walked in the opposite direction of where Kibe''s house was. He looked back at the school and looked to see if anyone was still there, which there wasn''t. Kibe and Mi walked along the sidewalk towards Mi''s home. Along the way Kibe took in his surroundings, the dreamy lights of the homes with life inside them. The sounds of people chatting along the restaurants they passed and the sounds of arguing and celebrating. The sounds of his and Mi''s shoes hitting the ground under them and even the sound of the wind. Everything was taken into Kibe''s mind.

    His eyes then looked to Mi who seemed almost dream-like at night, she wasn''t speaking or asking any of her questions as she usually would be. Her hair was flowing nicely through the wind and her eyes reflected the light of the cars driving past them and the lights from the buildings so seamlessly. It was almost unreal looking at her. Any boy would fawn over her. Though all Kibe saw was another piece of walking flesh.

    "...So what did you do that made you so late?" Mi asked as she looked at Kibe, there it was. The stupid questions.

    "I already said, my mother called." Kibe said calmly

    "You usually hang up when she calls you though." Mi said tilting her head at him

    "It was an emergency." Kibe said calmly

    "I see." Mi said. The two continued to walk in silence, passing street corners and walking down a pathway between apartment buildings. As they did Kibe would look behind himself, he could tell something was a bit iffy. The scenery felt like it had been invaded by some sort of disease, that something had broken up the perfection of the landscape and put itself in a place it didn''t belong. He looked to see one of those guys who was with the red-haired boy from before watching them from around a corner. He was trying to be sneaky and pretending to just be leaning against the wall of a building they had passed. However, if he wanted to be sneaky, he already would have been there. Not that it matters. Kibe would have easily figured him out by passing him.

    Perhaps his plan with Mi wouldn''t be wasted after all. Kibe then accidentally nudged into Mi. He looked at her and saw she had stopped. That''s when he saw her expression of fear. He looked forward to seeing none other than the red-haired boy.

    "Well well, look who it is. The freak and his girl toy." said the red-haired boy, Kibe gave no reaction as he looked at him. The boy walked forward with his hands in his pockets.

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "I don''t think we''ve been introduced. Names Hino, Hino Tatsuo. Second year." said Tatsuo, Kibe could feel others coming from behind them.

    "We-we''re just trying to go home. There''s no need for violence." Mi stuttered, Kibe''s eyes were locked with Tatsuo as he grinned at him.

    "You think I''d just let you walk away with no payback punk? Think you can just get me in trouble and just walk away?! HUH?!" Tatsuo shouted at him before trying to grab him by the collar, however, Kibe reacted much quicker and slapped his hand away. Tatsuo felt a sting to his hand as he shook it off.

    "Let''s try to skip the violence, I''m not the fighting type." Kibe said"That''s fine with us freak." said one of the guys behind them. Mi attempted to run away only to get grabbed by one of the boys.

    "Look! I don''t care if your a grade higher than me or if you were a damn teacher! AIN''T NOBODY INSULTING MY GIRL AND GETTING AWAY WITH IT!" Tatsuo shouted

    "YEA! Ain''t nobody insulting his girl!" shouted one of Tatsuo''s goons, Kibe and Tatsuo looked at the guy and then back to each other. Kibe thought about running, he knew for a fact none of these boys would be able to catch him, Mi? He didn''t care what they did to her, a few photos of them being the last ones with her would easily have them expelled, if she were to go missing. But he knew they wouldn''t and knew even more that Tatsuo wasn''t a brute, he more cared about how he looked rather than what he did to look tough.

    "So here''s how this going to go down." Tatsuo said

    "Hes about to tell you how it''s going to go down." said the same goon again, this time Tatsuo looked at him a bit longer, a little more pissed. He then faced Kibe again. He got out a small pocket knife.

    "So I''m going to-"

    "Yea, hes gonna-" but before the goon could finish Tatsuo snapped on him.

    "WOULD YOU SHUT UP!!! AIN''T NOBODY TALKING TO YOU! STOP KILLING MY MOOD!" Tatsuo shouted as the goon nodded in fear, Tatsuo took a deep breath and then pointed the knife at Kibe. Tatsuo''s hands were a bit shaky, something Kibe kept a note of.

    "KIBE!" Mi shouted

    "SHUT IT GIRLY!" shouted one of the boys, Mi winced as she held her tongue.

    "I''m gonna cut you nice and good ya''hear? Right up the middle and then your gonna bleed out all over this nice pavement. YAHEAR!" Tatsuo shouted right before Kibe then disarmed him and elbowed him in the throat causing him to fall backwards. Tatsuo coughed and coughed as the other boys and Mi looked in shock.

    "Ain''t no freaking way." said one of the goons

    "He just knocked the boss on his ass." said another goon

    Tatsuo looked up at Kibe, The moonlight didn''t shine on him at all, his pitch-dark uniform blended right into the darkness surrounding him. The only thing that seemed to glow or be bright on him was his piercing green eyes which looked right at Tatsuo. Kibe looked at the knife and then swung it around quickly, quicker than the boys could see or react to.

    "Killing is something left to the dogs Tatsuo, Man wasn''t made to kill one another. Just to help. That is what society is, a constant building ladder meant to help you all reach the top. Keep knocking each other down and you may break something." Kibe said, Tatsuo didn''t have anything to say. He was speechless, as were the rest of the guys around him and Mi.

    "Can you really kill someone? Do you even know what that means? To end a life? If you don''t see people as human then it must be easy. If you can end someone''s life you can kill anyone. Your girlfriend, your pals and maybe even your father.Murder is a irreversible act. Don''t be a dog Tatsuo." Kibe said as he looked at him and then the goons around him. They let go of Mi and then picked up Tatsuo who was still in shock. The lot of them looked at Kibe as they left.

    "Wow Kibe, I...I don''t even know what to say about that." Mi said

    "It was nothing, he simply needed a lesson in how to enact a proper murder." Kibe said

    "Well...Thanks." Mi said

    "For what? I wasn''t saving you, I simply find being stabbed to be not so beneficial to my current everyday life." Kibe said

    "Well, even so. I''m still very grateful! I promise to make it up to you!" She shouted

    "You want to make it up to me? Then don''t ask me to walk you home again." Kibe said as he started walking, Mi followed after him as she continued to have him walk her home. Kibe would eventually arrive home, he''d look down and see that his mother was yet again gone. He walked inside and sat down in the living room. He sat down and sat back. His mind still racing from before. He knew for a fact that there was something up with Akia. He just didn''t know what yet. He then began to go through the cameras on his phone, as he looked through them in one of the dark hallways of his school he saw Akia standing in one of the hallways. His eyes looked as she turned the hall, he switched to the next camera only to see she wasn''t there.

    "What?" He thought to himself. He stood up and looked at his phone. There''s no way that could be possible...what exactly is going on? He then thought about checking social media for her, but he had never used it before. Not for any purpose. He always believed social media rotted the brain. Made it less easy to focus on actual goals. However, this was an actual goal to him. Finding out just what this girl was about at this moment meant everything to him. He couldn''t let anyone go under his radar. So he opened his laptop and began to search for her name on as many social media sites as possible. But nothing popped up.

    "Darn it. Just what is she? Some kind of ghost?...She has to exist in the school records. She can''t just be some random nobody. I''ve met nobodies before." Kibe said as he went onto the school website. He then began to hack into the school''s student records and accounts. Through it, he could see every student''s information, from their addresses to their scores and such. However when he looked on for an Akia. He found-

    "Nothing?" Kibe said, on the other side of the district Tatsuo and his goons were standing behind the school, talking to a shadowy figure in the shadows of the auditorium.

    "So let me get this straight, you got your ass kicked by some...nobody?" said the figure

    "Ain''t just no nobody, He disarmed me man! ME!" Tatsuo said

    "Yea I heard you the first time, even a infant can disarm you. I just want to know why he wasn''t pissing his pants." asked the figure

    "He isn''t like anyone I''ve seen, he had this look about him. This odd calm expression. He wears it like all the time. I can''t tell if hes bluffing or if hes some kind of weirdo. All I know is that guy starts talking philosophical bullshit its game over. Thats he got me last time." Tatsuo said

    "But didn''t you deck him in the face boss?" asked one of the goons

    "Yea, but I nearly busted my hand punching that whacko!" Tatsuo said, the shadow figure pondered about the individual that these goons were talking about.

    "I don''t have you guys around so you can get thrown around, though it seems like this guy may cause us some problems. Tatsuo. I want you to learn everything you can about this guy." said the figure

    "....Uhhh, whats to learn? Hes just some ordinary guy." Tatsuo said

    "Some ordinary guy? That ordinary guy may also be behind the fact that the security at this school is now spooked for some reason." said the figure

    "Spooked?" asked one of the goons

    "Yea, supposedly they got caught doing something pretty illegal. Don''t know what, but someone caught them doing it. I''m guessing it might be this guy. I don''t know why all of sudden hes now starting to act. I can''t put my finger on it, but somehow...it feels like the world is starting to spin. Like as if a on button has been pressed.

    Either way. I won''t have this know-it-all  going around and causing trouble for me. I need to keep up my image, and I won''t have some pencil pusher stealing any spotlight from me. Now go. I have a reservation to get to." said the figure as they dissapered into the shadows.

    "...What now boss?" asked one of the goons

    "Yall just stand down for now. He asked me to do this. I ought a keep to that. Loyalty is all that matters in this line of business. So keep your heads down. I don''t need this guy doing anything funny. If he really is blackmailing the damn security just how smart is this freak." Tatsuo said with worry in his voice.

    Back at Kibe''s home he was sitting at his desk pondering, just what was it he could to get to know more of Akia? He could always just talk to her again. He could also sick Mi on her, she would never stop talking. Either way, it involved him having to interact with people. Which made him groan a bit. He then got on his phone and swiped through his contacts.

    "Nothing...just my mother." He said as he put it on the desk.

    "Why am I bothering with this? I should just leave it alone. This girl is off, something definitely abnormal, but does it have to be my problem? I could easily just forget about her and never think about it again. This is all wasting precious memory space that I could be using to remember something actually important. Like how to avoid contact with girls or everyone really." Kibe said as he then grabbed his book on brane''s cosmology. He decided to put it all in the back of his mind till he got back to school. He then got to reading the book as the night got darker and ever more darker.

 Monachopsis and deep cut

    They say god doesn''t close a door without opening another.

    Kibe woke up in his bed, his mind seemingly already awake before his own body was. He then sat on his bed and yawned. He licked his lips as he got up. He looked over to the side of his bed where he saw the book, he was reading placed next to his pillow.

    "Brane''s cosmology, the idea of higher dimensions than our own is very intriguing. Not to mention hyperspace and branes themselves being a higher-dimensional space. Which of course results in a "bulk". Fascinating theories. Theology is such a fascinating study. Pity it all is just that, theories." Kibe said as he walked downstairs, as he made his way down he could smell food. He walked to the kitchen and saw there was already pre-maid food along with a note from his mother. He grabbed it as he made himself a bowl of rice and some toast.

    "Sorry that I haven''t been coming home recently, work has been draining me a lot. So I''ve been staying at a hotel close by some days. Hope you understand.

    Love Mom, P.S., Try not to fall asleep at your desk again. It weakens blood flow to your muscles and cramps you up. Kisses." He read, he then put the note down as he sat down in the living room to watch TV. He was watching some documentaries on computers and software. As he sat down he looked on his phone about a news broadcast.

    "Robots are coming to your house to drop off a package! Will you be the first to try out our latest tech for sending your packages directly to your front door?" said the message.

    "They''re making machines that can send packages to your front door now? Robots are going to be delivering babies soon with this." Kibe thought as he turned his phone off and drank his jasmine tea. He kept watching his program as his morning went on. Eventually, once the time came for him to get ready for school he''d get dressed, grab his school bag, and leave home. However, once he did, someone was standing outside his home. It was none other than Mi, she was waiting for him.

    "Hi Kibe!" she smiled, She waved at him, but he simply passed her by and started walking. She noticed and walked faster to catch up to him.

    "No good morning or anything?" She asked, but Kibe said nothing as he kept walking. Mi pouted as she took a deep breath and continued walking next to him. She looked up at him, Kibe had such an off-putting aura to him, he seemed so distant. More than most introverts and distant people she''s met before. He didn''t even seem to be on the same planet.

    "I bet your curious about how I found your home." She said, but Kibe continued to be silent and walked forward. That''s when she had enough of his distant attitude and grabbed him by his arm stopping his motion entirely.

    "Hey! What gives?! I''m trying my best to strike up a conversation and all your doing is just walking. Don''t you even want to try talking to another person?" She asked, but Kibe just looked at her.

    "I mean, you saved me yesterday and everything." Mi said clutching her chest

    "They weren''t after you, they wanted me. It''s not like they would have done anything to you." Kibe said

    "You can''t be certain of that." Mi said

    "I am certain." Kibe said

    "How?" Mi asked

    "I just am. Humans are predictable like that." Kibe said

    "And what about you? Aren''t you predictable? Do you have no flaws? No errors in your system that you call a brain?" Mi asked

    "Flaws and errors are for things made by man. Man has errors. People are flawed and serve no purpose other than to destroy what they create." Kibe said

    "STOP TALKING WEIRD!" Mi shouted, Kibe looked at her clung to his arm weakly. Her expression that of sorrow, she looked up at him. Kibe''s face twitched with a moment of shock as he saw her face covered in tears.

    "You saved my life damnit! Let me do something to repay you, and for you just to...I WANT YOU TO GIVE A FUCK ABOUT IT!" she shouted at him. The silence after that was almost painful, it was like as if a feather could be heard dropping miles away with how quiet it was. Mi continued to weep, tears running down her face. Kibe just stared at her.

    "Whatever happened to that boy all those years ago who liked bugs, who''d try to get me to eat them and would be so filled with joy when we got to play together. What happened to you?" She asked

    "...I-" Kibe hesitated to speak, which he caught himself in. He wasn''t used to being so caught up in emotional turmoil like this. At least in recent years. His other hand came up from his side, remove her hand, and move on. What was the point of all of this? Just so people can hurt you later and destroy what you love? There''s nothing worth getting connected to others over. People are only books to be read and then closed. Here for temporary use.

    Kibe''s hand reached over to Mi.

    "Please...just...just let me try again." Mi said as her tears went down her face. Kibe''s eyes looked at her and as his hand went over to her it-

    "Huh?" Mi said shocked, she could feel a hand rubbing her head. She looked up at Kibe. It was him! He was rubbing her head.

    "...W-What is it you want to do anyway?" He asked, his words seemed a bit sluggish and even hesitant. Like he was trying hard to speak them, unlike the regular jarbble that comes out of his mouth. Mi''s face turned to joy as she wiped her tears and smiled wide at him. He didn''t return it, but him doing what he did was the most emotional she''d seen him in over a decade.

    "How does sweets sound? The store I mentioned before, we can go there. We still have two hours before school comes into session." She said

    "...Sure." He said, Mi then began to walk with Kibe clinging to his arm.

    "Heheheh! I knew you''d lighten up." She smiled

    "Already regretting this." He said

    "Oh shut up, you love people." She said looking at him, He looked at her for a moment before looking away. Not too far from them hiding behind a building was Tatsuo and his goons.

    "So why are we stalking this guy again? You said it yourself that he isn''t nothing special." said goon #1

    "Listen here! The boss said he wanted info on the guy. So let''s go ahead and get some information about him. Now we know where he lives and where hes going. Seems the little creep did give a damn about that girl after all. You two go ahead and stalk em. I''m gonna raid his place." Tatsuo said as he walked over to Kibe''s house. The other two followed Kibe and Mi around town. Mi and Kibe walked through the streets of the town, passing by all manner of shops and stores. Even a hotel. Kibe wasn''t looking around as he already had a good feel for what was from here and what wasn''t. Mi on the other hand seemed fascinated with everything even though she''d walked these streets as often as he had.

    "Been to any of these shops recently?" Mi asked

    "No, nothing they sell interest me." Kibe said

    "Well, this store we''re going to will definitely interest you. You''re going to love this place." Mi said, that''s when the light turned signaling for them to cross.

    "What''s so good about this sweets store anyway? Besides the fact you and your friends are weirdly obsessed with it." Kibe asked

    "Just that it has some of the best pops you''ll ever eat in your life! I swear to god Kibe! This place is gonna make you an addict." Mi said as she got more excited as she kept talking about it. Kibe looked at her, he couldn''t remember the last time he and Mi had done anything together like this. He then began to look around. Seeing the bright sun reflecting off of the beautiful glass from the stores and buildings. Witnessing people interact with one another even though they''re total strangers. Humanity was blooming in front of his eyes. He looked up to a nearby apartment building and saw parents looking out to the sky with their children and pants being watered by their owners. People walking their pets and couples walking down the street with one another.

    "Doesn''t it feel great?" Mi said

    "What?" Kibe said looking at her.

    "To be able to enjoy being human again." She said, Kibe looked at her. His eyes were a bit less calm and now showing expressions of a sort of melancholy. Like he almost felt bad for his own nature of being. As the two kept going, Tatsuo''s two goons were following them from afar. Eventually, Mi and Kibe would reach the sweets store. It was called "Sweet Harmony". Kibe looked at Mi who was looking at him completely giddy and joyful.

    "You alright?" He asked

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    "I- I''m just so happy you decided to come along with me! You''re really changing for the better." Mi said, Kibe didn''t entirely agree with that, but he decided to go all the way regardless. They both went inside and as they did Kibe could smell the intense scent of chocolate and butter, milk, honey, and even coconut. Mi took in all the flavors in the air while Kibe felt like he was being suffocated.

    "Come on, let''s go pick something." She said grabbing his arm and moving the counter, the woman at the counter looked at them both and smiled.

    "Hey there Ouchi! Brought over a friend? Boyfriend maybe?" She teased

    "D-DON''T SAY THAT! Hes just a friend from school." Mi said as the two went on with talking, Kibe began to drown them out, their muffled conversation going on in the back of his mind as he looked at everything as he normally does.

    "The chocolate here is fattening. I can already feel the carbs in my system just by looking at the menu. This place is surrounded by women too. Naturally, as they are drawn pretty close to sweet things, the colors of this place pop out like a black sheep amongst the flock. I can practically feel the colors in this room." Kibe thought to himself, that''s when he began to hear his name being called in a muffled tone. He then reregistered everyone back to the front of his mind to which Mi and the woman were looking at him.

    "Hey there pal, you alright?" the woman asked

    "It''s ok. He does that all the time. He kinda zones out in a sense. Anyway Kibe, pick something." Mi said, Kibe looked at her and then to the menu. Everything on there was either something chocolate-covered or was made of it. He didn''t know what to pick really, there were so many options and he hadn''t eaten anything sweet since he was a child.

    "I don''t know what to pick." He said.

    "Alright then, I got you covered. Give me and him the strawberry crown!" Mi said, the woman nodded as she went to work. Kibe and Mi went over and sat down at a table. Kibe looked outside as he put his head in his palm. Mi looked at him before getting on her phone.

    "Soooooo, meet any cute girls?" Mi asked

    "What cute girls?" Kibe answered, Mi felt hurt at the comment as she slumped over.

    "Oh."

    Kibe looked at her and then back outside. They spent a few more minutes in silence until Mi broke it.

    "Hey, can I get your number?" She asked

    "Why? I hope you aren''t thinking this will be a regular thing." He answered

    "Shut up and give me your digits already." She said, Kibe sighed as he extended his hand, she smiled as she handed him her phone. He put in his number and then handed it back.

    "Your food is ready you two!" the woman over the counter shouted, Mi jumped out of her seat and ran over to grab their treats, as she walked over Kibe got a look at what she was bringing over. It was three strawberries on a stick, dipped in chocolate and with three pokie sticks sticking out of the top. He watched as she sat down and handed him his.

    "Tell me what you think." Mi said as she began eating her treat, Kibe looking at it and then at her. He then opened his mouth and took a bite out of it. As he did his eyes averted up to the ceiling. On it were massive paintings of babies with angel wings eating candy and other sweet treats. Their faces are a mixture of pleasure and overall ecstasy.

    "So? You like it?" Mi asked, Kibe looked at her and took another bite before answering.

    "The taste is..definitely something I wasn''t expecting." Kibe said as he wiped his lips of chocolate. Mi smiled as she got to eating her treat. Kibe continued to eat away at his, watching people pass by the store as he did. The two just sat and enjoyed their sweet bliss. That was until Kibe made eye contact with someone, Akia walked right past the window and down the street. Kibe immediately got up. Much to Mi''s shock.

    "What''s wrong?" She asked

    "Something came up, I need to go. Thanks for the treat, Mi." He said as he bowed and left. As he did, he looked to his right to see her round a corner, he began to speed his way towards Akia as best he could.

    "Your date leave ya?" asked the woman over the counter

    "HES NOT MY BOYFRIEND!" shouted Mi in embarrassment. Her cheeks were a hot red, she was flushed. Kibe rounded the street corner only to see Akia walking across the street nearly a block down. How''d she get there so fast? There''s no way she crossed that distance so casually. Kibe then thought of every avenue he could take to reach her. Akia was walking along the sidewalk, she wasn''t in a rush yet still seemed to be walking at a much faster pace than most. She turned around to see if she was being followed. She then took a left only to bump into Kibe who was standing there waiting for her.

    "We need to talk." Kibe said, he dragged her into an ally where they wouldn''t be interrupted. Kibe looked at her as she was pressed against the wall, he folded his arms. The ally was only a few feet wide, wide enough to fit maybe three people fingertip to fingertip.

    "Now talk, who are you?" Kibe asked

    "I''ve already told you my name." Akia said

    "Don''t bother with that. I''ve already looked into you. No social, no student records and I bet your not even Akia. So who are you really?" Kibe asked

    "..."

    "Why were you there yesterday, what did you mean by "you knew what I was doing"? Speak quickly." He demanded.

    "...Information." she answered

    "What?" Kibe asked

    "....I-I''m here to gather information." she said

    "Information? On whom and about what? Who for?" Kibe asked

    "My position has been compromised." She mumbled, Kibe looked at her confused as he then could feel someone watching them. He turned his eyes to each exit of the ally. He then decided it was on the right.

    "Come out, I know your there." Kibe said, the announcement got Akia to look over to the right as well. That''s when Tatsuo''s goons stepped out.

    "Guess the cats out of the bag." said goon #1

    "I guess so." said goon #2

    "These guys again." Kibe said

    "You know these two?" Akia asked

    "Just the boss." Kibe answered, he then stepped forward towards them.

    "What are you doing here? How long have you been stalking me?" Kibe asked, to which the two goons looked at each other and then back to him.

    "Boss said we should take care of you. So that''s what we came to do. Figure we get a bit of one on two time with you. Ya know?" said goon #2, goon #1 nodded.

    "This isn''t going to bode well for you. Last time you fought just one of us. Now we got the upper hand." shouted goon #1

    "You''d be better off leaving with all your teeth still in your mouth." Kibe said, Akia hid behind. Kibe.

    "When this is done, I still want more answers." Kibe said as he began walking forward, he tossed his school bag on a heap of garbage softening its impact. The two goons cracked their knuckles as they both sprinted at Kibe. Kibe stood still as goon #1 went in for a punch to the head only for Kibe to dodge it and then place his hand on the goon''s head while putting his thrown-out right arm in a lock.

    "AGH! A HOLD ALREADY?! shouted goon #1

    "Told you." Kibe said

    "SON OF- HOPE YOUR READY!" shouted goon #2 as he whipped out a pocket knife and went to cut at Kibe''s face, but all Kibe did was lift the other guy causing the other goon to cut his partner''s face.

    "Whoops" Kibe said

    "ARUGAHHHHH!!! WHAT THE HELL!?" shouted goon #1

    "Shit" mumbled goon #2, Kibe then dislocated goon #1''s arm and let him go, but not before delivering a devastating 90-degree spin kick sending him flying to the wall to Kibe''s right. Goon #2 then went in for more knife blows, Kibe ducked under one, backed away from another, and then would go for a counter as he delivered a swift kick to goon #2''s chest. Goon #2 backed up from it holding his chest in pain as he fell to one knee.

    "Woah..." Akia said in complete shock. Kibe looked at both of them.

    "You both wouldn''t be in pain had you run, but I guess sweets isn''t all I''ll be getting today. Wheres Tatsuo? I know if you clowns are here, he''s probably nearby." Kibe said, that''s when Akia saw goon #1 reach behind himself and pull out a pistol.

    "AH! KIIIBBBEEE!!!" Akia screamed, Kibe looked at her and then at goon #1 who had the gun pointed right at him. Kibe didn''t flinch or even move. He just stared directly at the guy. His left arm shook. When he noticed Kibe didn''t react, he then went to point it at Akia. To which Kibe then reacted, the sound of the gun blew off too late. Kibe already had kicked it into the air just as it fired, he then slammed his foot right on top of goon #1''s head nearly caving it in. The guy went completely veggie as he slumped over drooling. Akia uncovered her eyes as she saw the second goon look at him in total horror and shock.

    "I- How did you? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU MAN!?" shouted goon #2 as he ran off. Kibe looked over to where he ran and then to goon #1. He was still slumped over and drooling.

    "You owe me." Kibe said, that''s when he could hear more footsteps coming from where the other goon had run. Kibe then grabbed his school bag and tossed it to Akia. He then also took off his school jacket and threw it to the side.

    "GO! Don''t head to school. Go to Sweet Harmony. I''ll meet you there. Don''t leave until I say so. My address is inside my bag." Kibe said

    "But-"

    "Don''t call the cops, they''ll just make things complicated. Go." Kibe said with a demand in his voice, Akia then gripped it tight and ran away. Just as she did about ten more guys showed up to the ally way.

    "No freaking way, what the hell did he do to him?!" shouted goon #3

    "Who gives a rat''s ass! Let''s kill the freak!" shouted goon #4

    "Just who the fuck is this guy?" asked goon #5, Kibe then gave a small smirk.

    "Me? I''m just a guy looking to get through his junior year of high school." Kibe said as he rolled up his sleeves. He didn''t know what was happening, from the sweet treat he ate, to now fighting a whole group of thugs. It''s as if a switch was turned off, as if his humanity was leaking through for the first time in several years...and he loved it. It was an emotion, an emotion he hadn''t experienced in a long time. One giving him a fresh new set of eyes to look through for the first time in the eternity that marked each year of his life.

    THRILL

    "COME HERE SUCKA!" shouted goon #3 as he ran up to Kibe, picking up a bottle on his way to him from the garbage near him as he did.

    "DON''T LET HIM SEPERATE US! KICK HIS ASS!!!" shouted goon #5 as he ran ahead with two others that had bats and one a taser. Kibe''s eyes and brain worked their magic as it already knew what counters to make and how and when to make them. Kibe quickly grabbed a garbage lid and spun around smashing the top into goon #3''s face causing for his face to be imprinted on it, he then dodged the swing from goon #6 with the bat. Kibe kicked the bat into the goon''s face before kicking it out of his hand and hitting the wall, it clanged against it and flew right into Kibe''s hand to which he then took a wide swing and slammed the bat into goon #6 and 7''s head. Their teeth would go flying out after it smashed into their heads.

    "What the actual hell?!" shouted goon #8

    "This punk ain''t nothing! I''ll bring back his damn head!" goon #10 shouted as he ran in with some brace knuckles. Goon #3 would fall to the ground with his nose broken, goon #5 would rush in for a quick swing with his broken bottle only to have Kibe dodge it, The goon would go for another swing only for Kibe to grab his arm. He''d then look back to see goon #9 run up to him with a taser and try to zap him only for him to move goon #5''s arm in the way causing for him to get zapped. While some of it did hit Kibe, his body was well familiar with it. Goon #5''s screams sounded like a woman going through labor as he collapsed and fell over.

    "Oh snap dude, sorry!" goon #9 said

    "Yeah, that looked like it hurt." Kibe said as he quickly snatched the taser from goon #9 and then immediately tased him right in the eyes completely burning his eyes. The man fell back and screamed bloody murder as he grabbed for his eyes. The last four goons looked around at all the battered and beaten bodies around the place.

    "DUDE!? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!?!?" shouted goon #11

    "We...we need to call Tatsuo!" screamed goon #8

    "NAH! This little shit ain''t nothing! LETS GET THIS FREAK!" said goon #12, he then ran in with goon #11. Kibe looked at them and then looked up as the gun he had kicked before began to fall from the sky and land in his hand. He then immediately shot at the joints in the legs of both goons #12 and 11 crippling them instantly. He then pointed it at goon #8 who put his hands up. Kibe then watched as he slowly moved away before sprinting off. Kibe then gave off a small chuckle as he then slumped over against the wall.

    He wiped his face of some blood before he walked away.

 Silhouetted Puppet

    Mi would be sitting down at sweet harmony still, drinking a smoothie as she sat down in silence. Her mind raced with thoughts of Kibe. Her mind racing as she thought about him, her mouth going against her food in the same force she wished-

    "WHAT AM I THINKING!? Hes so cold and distant. He doesn''t really want to..." Mi stuttered as she and everyone turned to see Akia run inside with heavy breath.

    "SOMEONE HELP! A boy...hes....HES BEING JUMPED! 5 or something guys, hes...HE NEEDS HELP!" Akia shouted, Mi looked at her for a moment. She was ready to just ignore it before she saw Akia holding Kibe''s bag.

    "Kibe? What are you doing with Kibe''s bag!" she asked as she got up and went to Akia who was still a bit spooked.

    "I-I, he was just...I-I don''t know." Akia mumbled as the Mi grabbed the bag and set it down.

    "It''s alright how about, you sit down and we''ll call the police." Mi said

    "Don''t bother. I handled it." said Kibe, the two girls looked over and saw Kibe sitting down with a glass of water. They looked in total shock, his uniform was a bit loose and had a blood stain or two, but he was sitting calmly, and his hair wasn''t even frizzled or scuffed.

    "K-Kibe?" Mi said

    "How did you...But I just saw you-"

    "I blend in pretty well." Kibe said

    "When did you get the glass of water?" Mi asked confused

    "He ordered ma''am." Said the woman behind the counter. The girls looked at one another confused, Soon after Kibe explained to them what happened.

    "No way! Thats insane. I can''t believe you fended them off so well and that many." Akia said as Mi then grabbed Kibe''s arm.

    "OH MY GOSH! WHY WOULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?! YOU SHOULD HAVE RAN WITH AKIA!" Mi shouted

    "Please stop shouting. I wasn''t in danger. Though I did conclude that we may have been followed." Kibe said

    "Huh?" Mi said

    "Yes, I have a sneaking suspicion that they weren''t entirely there by coincidence. They were set up there. That many goons of his and the fact that it was the same two from before. Not a coincidence.

    The only person missing was-"

    "The boss." Akia finished.

    "Precisely, I can''t have any conflict happening right now. Now when I''m almost knee-deep in school. So I''ll have to end this." Kibe said as he gestured for his bag, Mi gave it to him.

    "What are you going to do? It looks like this Tatsuo guy has a big gang, I think the police should still be called." Akia said

    "No, cops only lead to one thing. And that''s unwanted questions. Questions of which I don''t want to have to answer." Kibe said as he reached into his back pocket. Mi looked at him concerned.

    "Hes acting like it again, this reminds me of that day. There were so many police and the blood...he was so young too. Kibe, please don''t do anything crazy." Mi thought to herself, that''s when Kibe pulled the gun he had gotten from one of the goons out of his back pocket. The girls looked in total shock.

    "WOAH! Th-that''s a real gun!" Akia said

    "Yes, it is. It''s a taurus G2C 9mm pistol, 3.2 inch barrel, polymer grip, and has 12 rounds in it. The guy only had one magazine though. Weighs about 22 ounces, and has a steel ramp sight and adjustable aim.

    It''s nice." Kibe said as he then looked at Mi and Akia who were creeped out at how well he knew about the gun.

    "When did you get into guns? Let alone know how to use one?" Mi asked

    "About 4 years ago, I''m certified, can use and have a license to use about any gun and weapon in Japan, Russia, Canada, and the US." Kibe said as he put the pistol in his bag and stood up.

    "Akia." Kibe said, she looked up at him.

    "I''m going to get my answers from you. Until then. Be safe." Kibe said as he got up, he looked over to Mi and bowed to her.

    "Thanks for taking me out. I''m sorry we couldn''t do more." Kibe said before walking away

    "Wait, Kibe! School starts in about an hour, aren''t you coming?" Mi asked

    "I can afford to miss a day." Kibe said, he then opened the door to the restaurant and left. As he walked down the street he grabbed his phone from his pocket.

    "Tatsuo wasn''t there, just his goons. If they were stalking me and Mi then they may know where I live. Or at least a general Idea. Either way. I won''t risk anything." He said as he then began to push in some numbers. Back at Kibe''s house Tatsuo had picked the lock to the front door and gotten inside.

    "Geez this place is bland, no comics, movies, or anything. The kitchen is pretty clear too. If the boss wanted to know anything about this guy then I already told him everything." Tatsuo said as he then walked around the house. He went to the kitchen and looked around. As he did he then would see a picture on the fridge. It was of a young boy Kibe and his mother. She was holding him on her shoulders as they were at a park. The photo was straight.

    "Damn, she has some nice ones on her." Tatsuo said as he grabbed the photo. He then looked around some more before he put it back on the fridge, he tried to make it as straight as possible. He then went upstairs and went to Kibe''s room.

    "What the- It''s bland as hell here! Nothing, not a single videogame or station." He said, thats when he heard the sound of the door opening to the house. His heart dropped as he heard it. He froze for a moment, his head going in different directions.

    "Kibe? Sweetheart, are you home? I got a phone call from school. They said you didn''t go today. What''s up?...He must be out." said Kibe''s mother as she went over to the kitchen and grabbed her a bottle of whiskey. She then sat down in the living room and poured herself a glass. Tatsuo then sneaked to Kibe''s closet and sat in there. After about 30 minutes Kibe would make it back home. He looked over and saw his mother''s car. He looked at his phone, 12AM. He put his phone away and then walked up the stairs to his house, he was about to open the door with his keys before he then looked at the lock. He bent over and looked at it. He immediately could tell it was picked.

    "Sloppy work, the insides are too messed up." Kibe thought as he then stood up and put his key into the lock, With a few moves of his keys he fixed the lock and then opened the door. He entered inside. Before he even closed the door he sniffed the air.

    "...Cologne?" Kibe thought, he closed the door and walked to the living room. He looked over and saw his mother sleeping, snoring really. He walked over and patted her on the head before making his way to the kitchen. He figured the scent likely may be from a man she brought over. As he went to grab the handle of the refrigerator door his eyes moved to the picture of him and his mother. It was off from being completely straight by about 2 degrees. He used his finger and fixed it. He grabbed a glass of cold water and then went to his mother. He set the glass down and sat next to her.

    "Mom." Kibe said as he put the cold glass on her face waking her up immediately, She jolted awake, but not before Kibe would move the glass so it wouldn''t spill. She rubbed her eyes and looked at Kibe.

    "Oh, my sweet boy! OOOOOoooh I love you so much." she said as she hugged him and gave him kisses on his face. Kibe then handed her some water as she then drank it.

    "Mom, did you have someone over?" He asked

    "Huh? You know I''m not dating nor interested in anyone." his mom said as she kept drinking the water, Kibe then got up and rubbed her shoulder. His heart immediately began to race, he tried his best to keep cognitive thought. To stay critical.

    Breath

    Breath

    Breath

    Kibe walked over to the hallway to the stairs and the front door. He then moved his head back a bit as he saw their back sliding door was open. His eyes widened as he faced forward again.

    "Breath, breath, breath, breath, breath." Kibe thought to himself as he tried to calm himself down. His eyes then went into instantly looking around for clues.

    "Hey Kiby, what happened to your cologne? It smelled so nice, though that brand isn''t good for your skin." his mother said before lying down again. Kibe looked back at her and then looked to the door, his eyes then went down.

    "No shoe marks, they took off their shoes. Which means they walked around their bare feet." Kibe said as he looked to the carpet floor. His eyes hyper-focused with his attention turned to the strains of carpet. He took a knee and looked closely. He could see the bends in them and the direction from which way the person had possibly moved. He turned back at his mother and looked at her feet. She was wearing stockings which meant her pattern would be different and assuming it was a male and not a woman, then he''d be heavier. Which meant that his focus was on strains that were more laid down. He looked at them, judging from when they were bent and the time when he got back. Suggesting the male isn''t anything over 180lbs, the strains should all be at a precise angle.

    Kibe got on his stomach and used his fingers, he put one over the bent ones that weren''t his from walking, and then looked to where his mother was standing. He looked at where her feet had been as he looked at her exact route. He then found the angle of strains he was looking for. He got up and looked around the floor where the footprints had gone. He began following them around the living room and kitchen. His mother watched him walk around, she wasn''t bothered and just kept drinking her water. He then went over to the stairs. He looked up at them and went up his carpeted stairs. He followed them to his room. He looked around and followed them to his closet. He looked at it and saw it was closed, but not all the way.

    "No thief, nothing appears stolen from my room. Unless the man wears a 15, which judging from his foot size I''d say hes about a 12 or even 11. Smaller than the average male. Then he was just looking around, but why and who?" Kibe said as he closed his closet all the way and stood in his bedroom for a minute. As he connected the dots he then walked downstairs and went to close the back sliding door. He then got on his phone and typed in a number.

    Halfway across town in a warehouse at night, Tatsuo and the rest of his goons, along with the wounded ones were sitting around.

    "I''m not kidding boss, he beat the shit out of us! Hes not normal!" said goon #8 as the rest of the others that were with him were sitting down and patching themselves up. Tatsuo was chewing on some gum as he massaged his head, annoyed and pissed as hell.

    "So let me get this straight, one guy. One fucking ordinary guy, beat the shit out of 12 of my boys. Is that...is that what are you telling me?" Tatsuo said in anger as he looked at them, they all looked at one another and shrugged. Tatsuo got up and then kicked a barrel in anger. That''s when he''d suddenly get a phone call. He grabbed his phone and looked at it, it showed no caller ID. He picked it up.

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "Who the hell is this?" Tatsuo

    "One of the residents of the house you broke into." Kibe said on the other line. Tatsuo backed away from his phone in shock, he looked at his other guys and then got back on his phone.

    "How the hell did you get this number?" Tatsuo asked

    "That is entirely irrelevant to the purpose of my calling you. I want you to know that I have the fingerprints of everything you touched here and evidence to prove that you indeed did break into my house. With your horrible record and accounts of violence at school, no one will be taking your side when I tell the police it was you. I''d get a lawyer if I were you" Kibe said before he then hung up. Tatsuo looked at his phone after Kibe hung up. Kibe was standing in his room. His hands folded and gripping his arms tightly, he set his phone on his desk and then walked downstairs. He looked at his mother sitting down in the living room on her phone. He thought about all the possibilities of what could have happened.

    His heart continued to race more and more until finally, all critical thinking left him, and his face twisted with anger. He then stomped upstairs and went to his phone and called Tatsuo again.

    "WHAT!" Tatsuo shouted into his phone as he picked it up

    "You know what, instead I''d like to kill you." Kibe threatened which caught Tatsuo completely off guard and then sent a shiver up his spine. Tatsuo looked back at his gang and then at his phone again.

    "Listen here you little prick, when I-" However Kibe hung up before Tatsuo could finish, Tatsuo looked at his phone in frustration.

    "SHIT" He mumbled as he put it in his pocket, Kibe stood in his room looking at his phone. He tried to breathe and after taking a minute to do so would eventually come to...a somewhat more reasonable mood. To him at least. Kibe would call Tatsuo again.

    "Hey pal I-"

    "I will you to listen and not speak a word, I don''t know what kind of game your playing or who you think you may be. But not being a breather of oxygen is about to be off that list. I''m an ordinary guy. A VERY ordinary guy, blander than the concept itself. Messing with me while still stupid at least meant you''d get to see the sun, but entering my home and endangering my mother was the last thing on the list of tricks you could have pulled. Be grateful your a somewhat decent human being, because if you had hurt her and even given her so much as a fright.

    I would have been to your location faster than a heartbeat, I''d have beaten every thug, scumbag, and delinquent there and I would have beaten you to near death! But not before I forced you to drink the blood of every broken and battered member of your little gang and as I watched you choke on it I would have forced you TO DRINK SOME MORE!

    Lucky for you, she''s alright. She was passed out while you were still infesting this place with your wrenched stench you call cologne. So now you have two options, either you suddenly become Superman and knock me into the next universe, or you can tell me what your last words are cause as soon as I''m done with this call. I''m gonna call the cemetery and let them know what to put on your obituary." Kibe said as then hung up the phone for the last time. Tatsuo looked at his phone in a cold sweat before looking at his other boys. He didn''t know what to say.

    Kibe put his phone in his pocket as he then got dressed up. He put on a black short-sleeved shirt with some black shoes and some black pants. He grabbed the gun from his bag and put it in his back pocket. He then stretched for a bit and put on his watch. He proceeded to walk downstairs and to the front door.

    "Where are you going out so late sweetie?" His mother asked

    "Out." He said

    "Ok, well be safe. Don''t let me hear you got into any trouble." she said as she waved him away.

    "Of course." Kibe said, he went to reach for the door and left. Someplace else the figure that Tatsuo was talking to beforehand was sitting once again in the shadows, he was in a hotel room. four other people there as well. One of them was a girl with long lavender hair, a boy with a paper bag on his face with a smile drawn on it, another a boy with blonde hair, and lastly a short girl with pink hair and a bowtie. The figure put down a phone, setting it down on a small table.

    "It would seem that one of our playing cards, has been outplayed." said the figure.

    "Which one?" asked the blonde boy

    "The gangsters have finally run their course." said the figure

    "Gangsters were dime a dozen, we''ll for sure find more who are willing to throw their lives away for little. Reward." the lavender-haired girl said as she moved a fan in front of her mouth.

    "But who would go around ruining our fun? Now we have to go and get all new toys." said the short pink-haired girl.

    "That''s what I want to know. So, Takashi. Go and observe the interaction between our friend and Tatsuo." said the figure

    "HUH? Me? Why? I don''t give a rat''s ass about wannabe gangster''s ass! Why do I have to go?" Takashi asked, but when the figure''s ruby-colored eyes pierced all Takashi could do was sigh as he began walking to the exit of the room.

    "This mystery figure sure is interesting, I hope he''ll last longer in our game than the other pieces." said the short girl with pink hair.

    "Oh, I don''t think this piece will break so easily. In fact, I think they may indeed be the last piece we''ve been looking for." said the shadowy figure, elsewhere Kibe was making his way to Tatsuo''s location. As he walked through the empty streets of the city his mind ventured through millions of possibilities. How was he to do it? How could he do this without drawing more attention to himself? He knew there was a way. He just hadn''t thought of it yet. That''s when he got a buzz from his phone.

    "A notification? But I don''t have any sort of social media. How could someone be messaging me?" Kibe thought, he then looked at the message.

    "Goodluck? We''ll be watching." Kibe read, he looked at the number attached to the message. He tried to pinpoint it, but it was entirely blocked. No method he used could allow him to reach the original sender.

    "...Someone''s been watching me." Kibe said with for the first time, a sign of worry and pinch of fear in his voice. He then looked ahead and saw he was already at the warehouse. He looked at his phone one more time before he then put it away and walked forward. As he did, two thugs outside the entrance to the warehouse looked at him.

    "Hey punk this place is off limits, go somewhere else." said the thug

    "I''m not going anywhere till I see Tatsuo." Kibe said

    "Then I guess you''ll just have to-"

    "Hey, want to know something?" Kibe asked, the two thugs looked at each other and then to Kibe.

    "I can''t believe that guy figured it out. How in the hell did he-" But before Tatsuo could finish the doors to the warehouse opened, and through them walked in none other than Kibe himself. Everyone looked at him in shock as he simply walked inside.

    "You...How the hell did you find me?!" Tatsuo shouted

    "It was pretty easy, from getting your phone number, to tracking your phone through the school network let alone the regular phone system. It was like riding a bike." Kibe said as he stood in front of Tatsuo who was illuminated by the light above him from the skylight. While Kibe was standing in the darkness with the other thugs.

    "Hehe, Even if that''s the case. All you''ve done is walk right into a wasp''s nest." Tatsuo said with a smirk, but it''d go away as Kibe still gave no expression to him. Kibe did however look around the room, it didn''t seem like anyone possessed a firearm. Perfect.

    "You still think your are in control here? Still feeling like you can win?" Kibe asked

    "....Yea, guess I am." Tatsuo said as he then got a bat from behind him. He got himself ready to fight against Kibe. Everyone watched as the two stared at one another.

    "ALRIGHT KIBE! PREPARE TO BE-"

    "That won''t be happening." Kibe said as he got out his pistol and pointed it right at Tatsuo, Tatsuo''s face dropped along with everyone else''s. He was shocked.

    "I- this is supposed to be a fair match!" Tatsuo shouted

    "Fair? Was attempting to ambush me fair? Was having your goons follow me and Mi around fair? Was invading my home and endangering my fair?" Kibe asked, to which Tatsuo had no response.

    "I didn''t think so. Fairness is a concept created by man only to be broken. The world wasn''t built nor made to be fair. Fairness is equality and as we both know; that doesn''t exist. Otherwise, you and I wouldn''t be so far apart in terms of intellect now would we." Kibe said, Tatsuo looked around at his boys before he dropped the bat.

    "Alright then, you win. Go ahead. Shoot me, wise guy." Tatsuo said

    "No." Kibe said to which Tatsuo looked at him in shock.

    "I didn''t come here to kill you, I''ve come here to watch you kill yourself." Kibe said. Tatsuo looked at him in disbelief.

    "The hell? LIKE I''D EVER DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT!" Tatsuo shouted

    "Oh, but you want to. I know you do." Kibe said

    "The hell would you know about me freak?!" Tatsuo said

    "A lot actually, you see unlike you. I do my research before I go flying into something. All people are just books waiting to be read and unfortunately for you Tatsuo. You''ve been read." Kibe said

    "..."

    "Don''t believe me? At least your sister would have understood when she was nicked." Kibe said

    "WHAT DID YOU SAY?! HOW THE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HER?! DON''T SPEAK ABOUT HER LIKE YOU KNOW HER!!" Tatsuo shouted

    "Oh, but I do know a lot about her. Social media keeps track of everything, including what everyone post. I never got into social media until our little incident and then I realized all the new books I can read. That includes the dead too. Like your sister." Kibe said

    "What are you getting at?" Tatsuo asked

    "Your no killer Tatsuo, but that doesn''t mean you''ve never killed before. It was an accident, wasn''t it?" Kibe said, thats Tatsuo began to back away.

    "S-Stop..." Tatsuo said with shaky words

    "You were young and foolish, but it still happened. You pulled the trigger. You wanted to look cool. Just like how you''re trying to now." Kibe said

    "I SAID SHUT UP!" Tatsuo screamed as his eyes began to get watery

    "That day you wanted to show off how cool you were to your pals, so you stole your father''s gun. But you didn''t know how it worked. So in your room, you practiced. Until your sister walked in and-"

    "I SAID SHUUUT UUUUPPP!!!" Tatsuo screamed as he fell backward, his hands over his ears as tears rushed down his face.

    "....I-I just wanted to be accepted. I was so tired of being alone. Tired of always being bullied for trying, ''cause that''s all I ever did was try." Tatsuo said

    "..."

    "She...she, oh god Momi, I''m so sorry." Tatsuo cried, Kibe looked down at him, his gun to his side. His green eyes almost glowed in the darkness as like spotlights onto Tatsuo, the moonlight beginning to leave this place.

    "Your not sorry. Look at you now. Still trying to do what got her killed in the first place. If you were sorry, then you''d make for it in the right way. Show her and the family that threw you out how truly sorry you are.

    Sorry for taking away the life of someone who could have given more to this world in a few years, than you could ever do in your entire life. Why was she killed instead of you? Why didn''t your mother just get an abortion when she knew about a second child. Why keep alive someone whose only good trait, is trying." Kibe said

    "....I-I....I don''t know." Tatsuo cried

    "Then do the right thing Tatsuo." Kibe said as he walked over to him, Tatsuo looked up to Kibe. Kibe looked at the gun and then handed it to him.

    "Stop trying, do it. Show your family you are truly sorry, and that you care about the fact you ripped the life away from a good possibly brilliant doctor, female astronaut, or even a teacher.

    While you may have killed her, we both know that you''ve been the one looking down the barrel. You just never had the strength to do it. Cause you will always try and never do." Kibe said to which Tasuo''s head slumped over, his tears still falling from his face.

    "Do it Tatsuo, show them what it means to truly do something. In a world such as this Kibe, the only ones who should kill are those ready to die themselves.

    So do it." Kibe said, Tatsuo looked at the gun, his hand slowly reached for it and grabbed it. His teary eyes reflected in the cleanliness of the weapon. He then looked up to Kibe.

    "...W-Will you tell them I''m sorry? That I never meant to." Tatsuo asked as he slowly pointed the gun at his head.

    "No." Kibe said

    ?

    BANG

    Tatsuo''s body fell over, all of his boys were shocked at the action he had just committed. His body twitched for a few moments, and some of the guys around them threw up.

    "WHAT THE FUCK?!" shouted one of them, while the others began to scramble. Kibe took off his shoes and walked over to Tatsuo''s bleeding body. Kibe picked up the gun and then took off his blood-soaked socks before putting his shoes on.

    "Now, the rest of you! I want you all to disband and never and I mean never. Come for me again." Kibe said, all the boys then scattered. Kibe put his blood-soaked socks into his school bag. The silence of the empty warehouse was almost unreal.

    "It''s finished." Kibe said as he turned around and began to walk home, but once he reached the outside, not only was it raining, but someone was standing there waiting for him in the rain that had started outside.

    "Hm?"

    "Bravo, truly a spectacular show! Magnificent!" said the boy, Kibe looked at him and saw he was wearing a Sawa high school uniform. It was a little different though, he had a small arm band on with an odd symbol and his inner shirt was purple instead of the standard white.

    "Do you know who I am?" asked the boy

    "I do, your are one of the school student council members, Otsuka Takashi. And the head of the drama and music club." Kibe said to which Takashi smiled and gave a loud round of applause. Kibe looked at him and immediately began to learn everything he could, from what he could make of him. He was an elephant, a boy from space, and a man who killed hundreds of gods for vengeance-

    "Wait what?!" Kibe thought in shock, that wasn''t right.

    "I can see you yaknow, your eyes as they gaze upon me. Trying to gather the intel you need. But at any moment I can be whoever I want. One moment I''m the monkey king, the next I''m a man who leaps small buildings in a single bound and the next I''m the president of the cosmos. Your trick of foresight won''t work on me good sir." said Takashi

    "What do you want?" Kibe asked

    "To know why of course. Why are you suddenly blackmailing the school security and now, getting rid of the rubbish." Takashi said

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." Kibe said

    "Oh I think you do, I don''t need you to admit though. I can see it. I''ve had many and I mean many students and even adults come onto my stage and act their souls out. When I peer into them, when the lights come on and illuminate them on that stage. I don''t see a actor. I see their true selves.

    There are only two kinds of actors in this world, those that wear a mask and play the part and those that are the mask. Which one are you I wonder." Takashi said with a smirk, but Kibe gave no reaction.

    "Well, I must be getting back. I got everything I needed." Takashi said as he began to walk away, but then he stopped and looked back.

    "I don''t believe I ever got your name." He said

    "Nori Kibe." Kibe said

    "Giving it away so easily, your not afraid for what''s coming for you are you?" Takashi said

    "Fear is a human concept, made to express an emotion towards something that brings them destress or they can''t understand." Kibe said

    "And you then?" He asked

    "Whoever said I was human." Kibe answered to which Takashi smirked as he waved away leaving the scene. Kibe got on his phone and went to check the school''s system and records.

    "Nothing, no data, and no history on him or the student council." Kibe said, he then turned off his phone and looked into the darkness of the night. For the first time, he had no idea what was coming. For the first time-

    It was him, who was in the dark.

 The Meeting

    The next day Sawa High would hold an assembly talking about Tatsuo''s death. They described how unfortunate it was and everyone bowed in condolence. After that, a plethora of other announcements would be made, from there being a new club called "the gaming club" to there even being a new school play. However, that''s when the principal would move out of the way for the student council. Kibe''s eyes looked at them from the far back of the auditorium. He saw as each of them came and walked onto the stage, he of course knew Takashi. But the others he wasn''t as familiar with, mainly due to their secrecy and the fact they weren''t in the school records.

    Kita Rin, 2nd head of the student council. As she walked on stage it was like her presence filled the room. Her long almost angelic-like lavender hair swayed behind her, figure and body almost hypnotizing to the boys around. Known well for her coldness to romance and instructs the sports festival for the school every year. She walked across the stage with a yellow and white fan blocking her lips and nose, only her eyes were visible. She is well-built.

    Next to come out after her was Ido Cho, 3rd head of the council. She was a shorter girl, her hair was pink, and wore a red and white bowtie. Her eyes were reflective and had a deep color of striking velvet. She wore a wide smile on her face as she walked behind Rin. Cho was known for being the head of robotics at the school.

    the next after her was, Kawano Katsumi. This slightly taller boy would walk out, no one had ever seen his face before. He always wore a paper bag over his head with a smile drawn on it. He was known pretty well as a man of chance and luck. He always came out on top though. People say he cheats, but how can one cheat luck? Supposedly he is always offering up his spot to those who can best him, but again. No one has.

    And then finally came out the head of the student council, known not just here, but even other schools had heard about him.

    Nakama Hideaki, his school uniform wasn''t messed with nor fancy looking. His hair was jet black and his eyes a blue haze. He didn''t seem to hold himself high though his posture would have you assume he did. He didn''t seem to be even here mentally. His eyes seemed almost somewhere else like he was focused on an entirely different matter. When Hideaki approached the podium, everyone gave a loud round of applause. Katsumi stood on Hideaki''s left along with Takashi while Cho and Rin were on his right.

    "Greeting student body. It is my great pleasure to announce that your student council has decided to open up this school to even more schools and other well-established private schools. We are also introducing two other clubs, but this won''t be all of them. But we''re starting small for now. We''re going to be having a quick meet and greet as some of the students have already arrived here and eagerly await our voices to welcome them.

    I''m also here to say that I, and I speak for all members of the council when I say this. Are all deeply affected by the unfortunate suicide of Hino Tatsuo. I hope that hes found a better place and that all students whenever in need of guidance whether it be for school or everyday life. That you would take to a counselor. Now with everything out of the way, let''s go ahead and begin the meet and greet. Once it''s over your classes will commence as normal." Hideaki said with a large smile and a voice that was comforting to everyone, it felt like honey on your ears and a pinch of delight to your soul. Everyone got up and began to walk and chat with one another.

    "Next class begins in the next hour, there''s nothing really of interest here for me. Best to remain in my seat till it''s over. " Kibe thought to himself, his eyes looking around at people and hearing their voices, his mind of course thinking of critical actions and people every second he got. However, that''s when his arm would get pulled by none other than Mi.

    "Kibe, glad I found you. Oh? What are you doing just sitting down?" She asked

    "Nothing here interest me. It''s just a bunch of other students mumbling to one another. I intend to wait here and then move on with my day." Kibe said

    "Boo, that''s no fun. Come on let''s go ahead and meet some people." Mi said as she tried to tug on him, but his body didn''t move an inch.

    "I''m not interested." Kibe said

    "Hey! Your Kibe right?" said a voice behind Mi, Kibe, and Mi looked to see a student walk toward them with a few others behind him. He was wearing a black belt tied around his waist and a headband with a karate symbol on it. His hair was slicked back and was a much

    "Ryota! Glad to see you." Mi said as he approached. Kibe looked at him, Shimomura Ryota, head of the sports and fitness club. Popular with people like Mi and supposedly got in trouble for starting fights a long while ago. Though he seems to have taken on a new life...whatever that may be worth.

    "Mi, it''s good to see you. Your friend?" Ryota asked

    "Oh, this Kibe, hes been a long-time friend," Mi said

    "The Kibe? The one you mentioned? Well, it''s a pleasure. Mi talks about you frequently." Ryota said as he extended his hand to Kibe. Kibe stood up and shook Ryota''s hand. Both of them grasped each other in a firm handshake.

    "That''s a good grip you got. Do you do sports? Practice anything?" Ryota asked

    "Only on test." Kibe replied, Ryota nodded.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    "...Well, we were going to have a nice little game of baseball game outside. Care to join us? The more the merrier hehe." Ryota asked, Mi also gave a chuckle along with everyone else, but as he did his eyes were glancing at Kibe.

    "Hes tone, no, hes slim, and yet that grip. It was strong. Like I was shaking a full-grown man''s hand. This guy definitely does some sort of sport. Maybe personal exercise. Yea, that''s probably it. He doesn''t even have any muscles or anything, just a very lightly built physique. He looks like he couldn''t even pick up 100lbs." Ryota thought as he then looked at Mi as she looked at Kibe.

    "Well, we''ll meet you two out there hopefully. Alright, guys let''s go." Ryota said as he left with the rest of his friends.

    "A game of baseball, that sounds like fun. We should go try it out and then we can go to Sweet Harmony to get us another chocolate crown!" Mi said in excitement. Kibe however was still focused on why a member of the student council was at that warehouse last night. How would they have known he was there? Did they hack his phone? Were they behind the attacks? He had to know what lead they had on this whole thing. Not to mention he still needed to talk to Akia.

    "Excuse me." said a voice behind Kibe and Mi. They both turned to see another student behind them.

    "The student council wanted me to let you know, they wanted to talk to you Nori." said the student, Mi looked at Kibe and watched as he got ready to walk with the student.

    "Kibe-"

    "I''ll meet you at the baseball field. This won''t be long." Kibe said as he walked away, Mi held her hand to her chest as she worried about him. She looked one last time in his direction before walking away. Kibe and the student walked towards the auditorium stage, As they did Kibe looked up and saw Cho looking at him from behind the curtains, his eyes and hers met before she then disappeared back behind it. The student led Kibe towards the side of the stage where stairs were going up towards the stage.

    "They''re up there." said the student, Kibe didn''t stop though, and kept walking past the student and up the stairs, Once he got up the stairs as he did his eyes would eventually meet with them, the student council. They all were standing adjacent to one another. Cho was sitting in a chair looking at Kibe, Katsumi was leaning against the wall flipping a coin constantly, Rin was sitting next to Cho and Takashi was standing behind Hideaki. Kibe stood in front of them looking at their eyes, but they all had something different about them, something he couldn''t exactly read. Kibe looked around a bit more and saw other students up there with them, some putting stuff away and others chatting with each other. If this was a sort of sit-down, then it was a well-crowded one.

    "Greetings Nori Kibe, it''s a pleasure to meet you." Hideaki said with a smile

    "Likewise." Kibe replied

    "Nice hair, who cuts it?" asked Rin

    "My mother." Kibe replied to which Rin chuckled as she waved her fan in her face. Kibe''s eyes went back to Hideaki.

    "I just want you to know we''re not trying to intimidate you. We just thought we''d ask a couple of questions. Then your free to go." Hideaki

    "What does answering your questions benefit me?" Kibe asked

    "Well I mean, I think we all just want to make sure that our beloved school is safe and sound. Which is why we brought you here." Hideaki answered, Katsumi looked from his coin and at Hideaki

    "What do you want?" Kibe asked

    "Well, as you heard Hino Tatsuo died yesterday." Hideaki said

    "That''s unfortunate." Kibe said, his voice sounding a bit shocked

    "Yes indeed, we just wanted to know if perhaps you know if he was getting bullied or anything? As most times these are the cause of abuse and immense amounts of stress and depression." Hideaki asked

    "Can''t say. We were never close. Though he sounds like a great guy, I''m sure we would have gotten along." Kibe said as he used his tie to wipe his eyes. Takashi just stared at him.

    "Well, some word around says you two have had conversations before. Sure you don''t know anything?" Hideaki asked again

    "Can''t say I do." Kibe said, this was mild at best, perhaps testing to see if he''d be truthful maybe? Or were they asking him if he knew cause they didn''t know themselves? Either way Kibe knew to keep things mild between them.

    "I''m telling you Hide, nothing on this guy. Hes just a nobody. Right Kibe?" Takashi asked to which Kibe looked at him and then back to Hideaki.

    "Are you?" Hideaki asked

    "Nothing else better to describe me." Kibe said, Hideaki nodded and then put his hands together.

    "Well, that''s all we wanted to ask. You know we weren''t trying to scare you right? We just wanted to know if any potential threats are hiding in the shadows ya''know? Hehehe, all evil villain like and all that." Hideaki chuckled

    "Yeah, we''re just looking for any bad guys." Rin said with a smile, Hideaki looked back at her and then turned to Kibe with a smile to which Kibe looked at him with a smile of his own.

    "Yea, the bad guys. You see we''ve been meaning to get some investigations started ever since it happened. Ya''know maybe get some outside eyes on the situation." Hideaki said

    "Police don''t help do anything than make things more difficult." Kibe said

    "Well, As true as that may be. They still are part of the reason why this school remains safe along with many others. They help keep the bad men in check if you know what I mean." Hideaki said

    "I do." Kibe replied

    "People often think they''re above consequences, that they won''t ever be met with the daylight that rises with their actions of the past. But at some point, everyone meets their demons. Whether it be tomorrow or the day after, maybe even a year later. But we all meet with our demons." Hideaki said

    "Demons are part of superstition, just like angels and miracles. Nothing has proven them to exist, just like how karma doesn''t, and neither fate. To see the world as black and white is to miss all the meaning in humanity." Kibe replied

    "That''s quite the mind you got. Wish we had some sharper tools like you walking around more." Hideaki said

    "No, you don''t." Kibe said to which Cho then looked at the two of them. Hideaki and Kibe stood staring at one another for a moment. Until Hideaki clapped his hands together with a smile.

    "Alright then, thanks for showing up. We know there are a lot of fun activities going on right now. So we''d hate to keep you any longer than necessary. Hopefully, we get to meet again, I like people like you, Kibe." Hideaki said as Kibe looked at him one last time before bowing and walking away

    "Hey Kibe!" shouted Hideaki to which Kibe stopped on the stairs and looked back.

    "Stay out of trouble, okay?" Hideaki said, Kibe simply looked at him, gave a smile, and waved back as he left. Once he left Hideaki looked in his direction one last time, before walking off with the rest of the student council.

 A day the world will remember

    Kibe walked himself out of the auditorium.

    "A small meeting, eyes everywhere, and yet no words spoken about Tatsuo or the fact that Takashi was there that night. Could they be plotting some form of blackmail? No, if they wanted it done that way they would have. So why not? Why not do so?

    ...Nothing is adding up. Then again, if things do go those ways, then I will act accordingly. As it so stands, every action is met with a reaction." Kibe said as he continued to walk towards the baseball field where he was just in time to see Mi miss her third ball.

    "STRIKE! You''re out Mi." said a flamboyant student, Mi cursed under her breath as she walked over to the bleachers and sat down.

    "How''d it go?" Kibe asked completely scaring Mi.

    "Goodness! You gave me a fright, how often do you just disappear like that? What is even is it that you do to blend in like that?" Mi asked

    "Humans are used to seeing the bizarre, the weird, and the exciting. When it comes to the bland, sure they may see it at first, but see it too many times and then it becomes just as apparent as a dust mite." Kibe answered as he took off his outer coat to his school uniform.

    "How''d it go? Did they ask you to join them? I always felt like you''d make a great president." Mi said

    "No, just asked some questions about Tatsuo." Kibe said

    "Poor guy, I wonder what could have made him go over the edge like that. He seemed so confident about himself." Mi said with Kibe remaining silent. Mi''s eyes looked over at Kibe, She didn''t want to say it, but she had a feeling that Kibe might have something to do with what happened.

    "Hey, were you-" Before Mi could speak though, Ryota would shout at them.

    "HEY! Kibe! You wanna come over and try a few swings? The new students are having a blast." Ryota said, Mi closed her mouth as she looked at Kibe. Kibe''s eyes wandered around for a moment. Not trying to draw any attention to himself he decided to go and give it a try.

    "Kibe? Since when did you play sports?" Mi asked as Kibe walked towards them.

    "So, what are you feeling? Easy or-"

    "Let''s just play." Kibe said with a cold tone as he stood on 1st place, Ryota shrugged as he then walked over to the middle. Kibe looked around and saw students talking and chatting on the grassy fields around them, some couples and others friends. Mi seemed to even find her friends, which meant he was alone. The day was bright and the wind blowing, Kibe could feel the energy coming from everyone here. They all were hyped about playing and looked to be ready for anything. Kibe stood there for a moment before being handed a steel bat by Ryota.

    "Alright, everyone ready?" Ryota shouted as everyone gave a thumbs up, Kibe just got ready too. He didn''t intend to win, but he didn''t seek to lose either. Just play as any other student would, Kibe then watched as the pitcher swung the ball at him at a crazy pace. However Kibe would feel eyes on him, not like the eyes of those around him, but as if he could feel like someone was watching him. With his attention taken away from the ball it would go to nail him right on the head. Everyone gasped in shock.

    "HEY! YOU ALRIGHT!" Ryota asked in a panic, but was even more shocked to see Kibe hadn''t reacted to being struck. Its likes as if nothing had hit him at all.

    "Uhh, hey bud." Ryota said which snapped Kibe out of his trance, he looked at him and then at the ground where he saw the ball at his feet.

    "Oh, sorry. I got distracted. Can we go again?" Kibe asked to which everyone looked at one another.

    "Yeah, sure." Ryota said, he didn''t bother telling him to get checked out, Ryota could tell that Kibe wasn''t normal. He just didn''t know in what way. Kibe kicked the ball back over to the pitcher.

    "Alright pal, I''m gonna throw it again. Don''t just stand there." said the pitcher to which Kibe gave a small thumbs up. The pitcher then wound back and hurled the ball at Kibe, At that moment Kibe had to decide rather he should hit it or not. Hitting a home run would make him stand out too much, hitting it too weak will either result in some asking him why hes so weak. So the proper conclusion was to just hit decently far. Kibe then would hit the ball, scoring it way across the field allowing for everyone and himself to run to home plate.

    "Wow, that was a hell of a hit there friend. You got some skill." Ryota said

    "Nah, just got lucky on that hit." Kibe said

    "Maybe, but still good. Maybe you should drop by my father''s dojo sometime. We could use another good man in there." Ryota said

    "No thanks." Kibe said as he started walking off.

    "Wait where are you going? We still have a little more of the game to go through." Ryota said

    "I don''t." Kibe said to himself, he walked over to the bleachers and sat down. He grabbed the coat of his uniform and put it on.

    "Nice butt." someone said, Kibe looked around, the unexpected "compliment?" was well...unexpected. He looked right under him. Where he saw a girl with short black hair sitting beneath the bleachers.

    "Down here." She waved, her voice was raspy and dry sounding. Kibe dropped behind the bleachers and looked at her as she stared at him, Kibe could tell from a glance she was the one. She was the one who was staring at him. Her hair was cut short, shorter than short really. She had an eyebrow, lip, nose, and when she spoke, a tongue piercing. Her skin looked pale and her nails were black and she had dark eyeshadow on too. Her outfit was modified, her skirt was longer than any other girl''s.

    "I reckon your one of the new transfers that came over today." Kibe said

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    "What gave it away." the girl said as she stayed sitting down.

    "What''s your name?" asked the pale girl

    "Kibe, Nori Kibe." Kibe answered

    "Well, Kiiibe, you shouldn''t give people false hope." the pale girl said

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." He replied

    "I can tell you didn''t want to go over there and I can tell that you weren''t giving it your best." the pale girl said

    "What''s your name?" Kibe asked

    "Kat." the pale girl said

    "Kat?" Kibe said

    "Yes. I''m glad you know how to say it." Kat said as she turned back to the field. Kibe looked at her before he got ready to walk away.

    "Kibe." Kat shouted at him. Kibe looked back at her.

    "Don''t worry about me. I''m not interested in what you''re doing. But I do like to watch." she said to which Kibe then continued to walk away. He looked around for Mi for a moment, but ultimately decided to walk inside when he couldn''t find her. As he was walking the halls towards his class he saw Aki looking out a window in a lone hallway.

    "Akia" Kibe said getting her attention

    "Kibe...guess your here for answers..." Akia said

    "Yes, now answer them. What is going on with you?" Kibe asked

    "...I-I...the world isn''t what you think it is. The people, the animals, and even the buildings. None of them are what they seem, I saw it at my old school. Someone they..." Akia stuttered on her words, hesitation clogging her throat.

    "They what?" Kibe asked

    "Nori Kibe!" shouted a familiar voice, Kibe and Akia looked back and saw Hideaki and Takashi walking down the hall towards them. Odd timing on their part.

    "Glad to see you, enjoying the festivities?" Takashi asked with a smile

    "As much as I ever do." Kibe answered

    "Who''s your friend? Partner maybe?" Hideaki asked

    "Romance is not something I am currently pursuing." Kibe answered

    "Hehe, always so articulate. You know if your ever looking for purpose beyond school. The stud-"

    "No thanks." Kibe said

    "Oh?" Hideaki said

    "All organizations fall under two categories, either they are the causes behind the chaos of the world or they profit from it." Kibe said

    "Hehe, Well I''ll assure you we don''t do either." Hideaki said

    "That''s what they all say." Kibe said, the two stared at each other, the wind flowing through the hallway from the open window made it feel as if the two were walking twisters, their words spinning around one another like a typhoon. The only question was which one was going to get sucked in first.

    "I believe my previous observation of you may have been, invalid. I judged you as someone who seems to have their life figured out, but it would seem that you have much more than that." Hideaki said his words still sounding like a lecture. Akia felt like she was millions of miles beneath these two, their words and their way of speaking made them sound like rulers. Of what? Who''s to say.

    "Observations are for studying what we don''t quite understand. There''s no need for you to do such with me." Kibe said

    "And why is that?" Hideaki asked

    "Nothing is interesting about me, I promise you. I''m as ordinary as can be." Kibe answered

    "Oh I don''t think so, I believe you may in fact be the most interesting person I''ve ever met." Hideaki said as he took a few steps to Kibe, the two face to face now. With Hideaki being just a foot taller than Kibe.

    "And I intend to find out in what way that may be." Hideaki said with a smile

    "You''ll be wasting your time." Kibe said

    "No time is wasted so long as it is of your choosing, we only waste time when spent on anything other than ourselves." Hideaki said

    "..."

    That''s when the school bell would ring symbolizing classes had gotten back into session.

    "Oh well, seems our chat will have to wait for another time. Hope you make it to your class on time." Takashi said

    "It''s right around the corner, I''ll live." Kibe said

    "Hm, alright then. Well, let''s go Akia." Hideaki said Kibe''s eyes looked back to her.

    "Huh?" She said

    "Your class is in a different building, yes? I figure I may as well walk you there." Takashi said, Akia looked at Kibe and then walked away with Takashi as students began to fill the hallway, they''re voices and chattering almost deafening. Kibe and Hideaki still looking at one another. And with that, the students around them soon turned to nothing, in a blackness deeper than void they were the only two there. Their eyes searching for weakness. A twitch of the palm or glance away from the eyes. They searched each other. Though they saw nothing. Nothing to tell them about each other.

    It would be a minute to them, but for the outsiders, to them, it was mere seconds, not even that. Kibe and Hideaki would then turn from one another and walk away. Once Kibe entered his classroom he saw a man wearing a long black coat, his hair was jet black and his eyes brown, A young girl next to him would be wearing the school uniform. His daughter perhaps. She had blonde hair and oceanic blue eyes. That''s when the teacher came in and cleaned his glasses.

    "Greetings students, hope you all have a wonderful time outside. Now I want to introduce to you all Mr.Nakayama and his daughter Nakayama Jun. Go ahead." the teacher said giving Mr.Nakayama the floor to speak.

    "A detective." Mi thought, her eyes then went to Kibe who was just looking forward.

    "Greetings there students, I want you all to know to not be afraid. I''m Mr.Nakayama, I''m a detective for the police from the city that''s about a few miles away. I was told that one of your peers had taken their own life. Others expressed some concerns about foul play. So I''m here to look into that. I also would like to introduce my daughter, Jun." Mr.Nakayama said as he gestured for her to walk up, which she did. Her eyes scanned the room.

    "Ordinary bunch, nothing here worth exercising my brain over. If there was foul play involved, I doubt it''s from within this school. From what I saw it''s just filled with goofballs and quiet types." Jun thought to herself, her eyes then laid on Kibe who was sitting straight forward. She looked at him a bit puzzled, his posture was much more straight and less slouched than everyone else. She could tell he was either an A+ kind of guy or was perhaps someone of interest? She didn''t know what to make of it, that was until Kibe then got on his phone.

    "Never mind." She thought

    "Jun will be attending school here until I can crack this little case. Though I reckon it won''t take me too long. Anyway, thank you all for your time. I hope if we meet again it will be pleasant." Mr.Nakayama said bowing as he left. Jun then walked through a row of seats and sat in the seat adjacent to Kibe. After class everyone went to lunch, Kibe decided to go to the roof to eat his food, a place for him to think without people staring at him. Though he didn''t care either. He at his rice and salmon as he looked up at the clouds.

    "The student council and now a detective. What other surprises could there be?" Kibe said as he thought about what to do about the cameras. He figured it''d be best to turn in what he found that day so he could deflect some attention from the investigation going on. However, that was when he saw Akia burst through the doors of the rooftop. Her face dripping from tears, she tried wiping her face, but nothing worked. Kibe looked at her. Her eyes then met his as she saw him.

    "I''m sorry." Akia said as she then ran to the edge of the rooftop and climbed up.

    "HEY!" Kibe shouted

    "Remember what I said, nothing is how it seems." She said, before Kibe could catch her she would jump off, all Kibe could think as he watched her plummet was-

    WHY

    He looked down as he heard the screams of girls as Akia''s body landed with a loud thud. Kibe''s eyes were that of shock as he looked down at Akia''s body surrounded by students, blood rushing from her shattered temple and open skull, he had no idea what to make of what happened.

    "Hey! There''s someone up there!" shouted a voice as everyone looked up at Kibe and pointed. His eyes then caught something else, in the crowd looking up, was Takashi also pointing up at him.

 The Invitation

    Kibe would find himself at the police station the next day, in cuffs along with Takashi. Both were sitting in chairs. Their hands in their laps.

    "Alright you two, we''re going to separate you guys in moment so we can ask you some questions. So get a little comfortable." said an officer as he then walked away, Kibe watched him walk away.

    "An unfortunate thing, what happened to that girl." Takashi said as he played with his cuffs, Kibe just sat there.

    "Seems, tell me something Kibe. What did you do on that rooftop with her? Did you speak to her? Did you tell her to do it? Did you rape her Kibe?" Takashi asked, but Kibe said nothing and just kept quiet.

    "Did you-"

    "Excuse me sir?" Kibe asked to a officer who was passing them and typing on his phone.

    "Yes?" He answered

    "May I use the bathroom? I''ve been sitting her for over 10 minuets." asked Kibe, the officer looked at him and then Takashi who was just sitting there twiddling his thumbs.

    "Sure kid, go nuts." said the officer as he got back on his phone. Kibe would then get up and go to the bathroom. But before he went inside though he''d look around to see there weren''t as many officers around the office as he had assumed, meaning most were either out, training or had the day off.

    "Empty." Kibe said as he went into the bathroom. As he did he would then go into the stall closet to the door. He then proceeded to grab the toilet paper and stuff all of it into the toilet. He then would do the same for each one. Kibe then left the final stall and watched as all of toilets began to overflow, he then walked out for a moment and looked over to Takashi who was sitting down calmly. He then saw Kibe walk out.

    "Oh Kibe! Good to see you again. I gotta ask, what is that little trick you do when you disappear like that? To be fair, its a bit unfair. I can''t even see you." Takashi said

    "...None of your business." Kibe said as he sat down next to Takashi, the officer from before then came back.

    "Kibe, I want you to know something. I''m holding this big get-together later this week. Everyone is going to be there. Everyone looking for a spot in my play of course, So as you were doing...well whatever in the bathroom-

    "WHAT THE!?" the officer then ran over as he saw the bathroom flooding, a few others ran inside with him.

    ", I want you there. Not because I feel like you''ll get any kind of role, but because I want you to realize just how big the world is...and how far below it you are." Takashi said

    "So above it are you Takashi?" Kibe asked

    "I like to think I set the stage for everyone to decide that. How long has been since you''ve been on the spotlight? From how you look, I''d say seven years ago maybe?" Takashi said, Kibe looked at him, his eyes moving to Takashi''s which also looked back at him. The officer in front of them was going through papers and taking some notes on what was being said to him, most likley by the chief.

    "Ah haaa, so theres a reaction. And here I thought you were just a bunch of dos and donts. Seems like your not the only one, who can push buttons." Takashi said with a smile

    "Dos and don''ts? Huh, well, Takashi. Reactions and actions are part of the world, part of humanity. Thats what makes people so predictable though, once you realize that everyone''s reactions are all written in books. Well then you''ve seen just about how anyone and everyone reacts." Kibe said

    "Well Kibe, not everyone is like books." Takashi said

    "I know, thats why I read people." Kibe said as the officer went over to them with some papers.

    "Alright you two, My name is detective Ando Miyuki. I will be asking you both questions about what happened yesterday. Nori Kibe. Will you please come with me." said Miyuki as he walked away with Kibe following behind him. Eventually they''d reach an interrogation room.

    "Go ahead and take a seat across the table, I don''t want you to feel pressured or that I''m here to break you. I just want some answers is all then your free to go." said Mr. Miyuki. Kibe could already tell what this was, the detective was looking to slowly goot him into giving away that he was behind it. He planned to ask a string of basic questions and then edge his way closer to the cliff where he could then soar into any he so chooses. Kibe took a good look around without moving his head, there was one way glass. From the detective''s posture and way his hands were much calmer than before. He could decue that he wasn''t putting on any kind of show.

    Which meant no one was o the other side of the glass, there files on the table. Likely from school records and information that they could grab about him. As Kibe looked at the man he noticed the man''s eyes. They were calm yet seemed to show signs of a past problem. The man had no ring on his finger, but from the pressure on his ring finger and the way he was going about using his hands. It was easy to see that he was indeed married, but likely recently divorced. The man didn''t look like the violent type, a drinker? No. Maybe he was the one who was getting beaten or that his wife was the one with the problem. He could also make out the wrinkles on his face and tired expression. The man had a child. How many years was uncertain, but he knew he had one. He also took into account of the detective''s outfit. His outfit was also a bit scuffed, the collar worn out a tad bit, he must have just gotten it roughly two months ago. Though no colla should be that worn out, unless hes a bit of a slob. He also played with the folder a bit and his hands, playful? ADHD? There were many avenues for this conversation to go in with this information.

    But only one was the right one.

    "Alright, so lets begin with a simple question. How has your day been?" Mr. Miyuki said

    "If I may ask, why don''t we just get to the real questions. I''d rather not waste any time and I have to be home for dinner. It''s my turn to cook as for you too I assume." Kibe said, Mr. Miyuki looked at him a bit taken aback by that last part, but kept his composure either way.

    "Fair enough, though I usually like some simple conversation. But very well, What were you doing on the rooftop of the school when Akia jumped that evening?" asked Mr. Miyuki

    "Eating my lunch. It was salmon with rice." Kibe answered

    "Others say they saw you looking down at Akia when she jumped." Mr. Miyuki said

    "Thats true, though I reckon you also would look down if someone committed suicide right in front of you. Especially jumping from around 3 stories." Kibe said

    "Takashi said before he got here, that he saw you talking to her before the incident." Mr. Miyuki said

    "As was he, he was walking her to class." Kibe said

    "I couldn''t help but notice your mother works in department surrounding healthcare. Must be pretty nice to have a nurse looking after you. They do god''s work." Mr. Miyuki said with a smile as he opened his folder he brought.

    "Hes prodding, its any easy tactic to gain familiarity." Kibe thought

    "If we could move forward with the questions I''d appreciate it." Kibe said

    "...Hes calm, the other boy was balling his eyes out earlier just from being here. Not to mention was hysterical in the car ride here. Yet hes entirely calm, not a single sense of hesitation or nervousness. Either hes innocent or a good liar." Mr. Miyuki thought as he looked through Kibe''s information in the folder. There were a few lines of information regarding his parents and previous schools he''d been to. Apparently he had been in accident regarding his father years ago, but no information beyond that was given.

    "It says here that you had a bit of incident with your father years back, want to talk abou-

    "No." Kibe said, Mr. Miyuki looked at him a bit shocked at the cut-off.

    "I don''t have desire to speak about my father, mother or anything regarding my personal life. I assure you that I''m a very average person. You''d benefit nothing from asking me personal questions." Kibe said

    "Alright then, so what Tatsuo? Anything about him? You two apparently had some conflict in school before. The audio from the footage of you two in the library was scuffed, but from what it seems. You two indeed did have some contact with one another. Mind giving me some info about that Mr.Nori?" Mr. Miyuki said as he got his pen ready.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    "I assure you, that I do not involve myself with delinquent behavior. I can''t imagine what could have caused him to make such a unfortunate decision, but I can assure you that I played no part in it." Kibe said

    "Mhmm, alright then." Mr. Miyuki said as he started writing down some stuff, as a detective and officer it was his job to notice all the little things and see any and all signs of possible foul play and lies, but this student. He couldn''t pick up anything from him. It was almost like as if the young man had never committed anything in his life. Mr. Miyuki was shocked on how clean and calm the student appeared to be.

    "How old are they?" Kibe asked

    "Excuse me?" Mr. Miyuki asked

    "Your child, how old are they?" Kibe asked, Mr. Miyuki froze for a moment, he gave no idea or even eluded to the idea that he had kid. How did this guy know?

    "...Seven." Mr. Miyuki answered

    "I see, just thought I''d ask." Kibe said, Mr. Miyuki looked at him one more time and then got back to writting.

    "Hes concerned, right now your asking yourself how I could have come to that conclusion off of no evidence or possible elusions of a protentional child." Kibe thought to himself, a minute would go by before Kibe asked another question.

    "I couldn''t help but notice something Mr. Miyuki." Kibe said

    "Oh yea?" He asked

    "Your ring finger, you have a child yet no ring. Could it be your divorced? You don''t strike me as someone who sleeps around."  Kibe said

    "Hey, I''m the one asking the questions here and besides. I isn''t like I wanted it." He said

    "So she filed it. But why would she? No doubt it has something to do with his friendly behavior. Women are attracted to strength and cunningness. They find those two qualities and two others to be the most important in a man. The other two being dependence and security. He does a lot with his hands and his suit is a little scuffed and worn out at the collar." Kibe thought as he looked at him.

    "You think it had something to do with your slob like behavior?" Kibe said

    "What did you say?" Mr. Miyuki asked with a stern tone

    "Your outfit is a bit ragged, very unprofessional for someone working in the force." Kibe said

    "Listen here, I don''t know what your getting at, but I am no damn slob! I just tend to be a little messy is all." Mr. Miyuki said with a stern and aggressive tone

    "Enough for her to leave you for it?" Kibe said

    "I''M NOT A SLOB!" Mr. Miyuki shouted as he stood up

    "Then what was it?" Kibe asked

    "THE BITCH LEFT ME FOR SOMEONE ELSE!...She...she left me." Mr. Miyuki said with aggression in his voice, but it wasn''t towards Kibe. It was towards himself. Kibe watched as the detective sat back down, his hands now a bit shaky. He could tell this was very personal and that he and his ex-wife were close.

    "She....she was my best friend. We promised to be together since we were kids...I don''t...I don''t understand." Mr. Miyuki said with sadness in his voice, his eyes were at the table as he looked like he was close to tears. It had indeed been recent.

    "Women can be unpredictable detective, many don''t know what they want. Even after having it for years. Women like to play games, they like to lie and more importantly they like to play. They love to play with men''s emotions. Perhaps she was playing you." Kibe said

    "NO! Mio would never, she isn''t like that." Mr. Miyuki said

    "Then why would she leave you and your child? Mr. Miyuki I do in fact believe you are suffering from depression and that is affecting your capabilities to work." Kibe said

    "No, no I''m fine. I told them I can still do this." Mr. Miyuki said

    "Then why are you crying, yelling and shaking." Kibe said, Mr. Miyuki didn''t even notice he was, he looked at himself and completely broke down. He hadn''t gotten over it and wasn''t ready to work as Kibe had said. Kibe then got up and walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

    "Its alright, many have recovered from this and I don''t doubt you will too. All it takes is just a little time. And if things don''t work out. Then there is always the method Tatsuo used. Now I believe that this interrogation is over. As it now stands, you are unfit to hold out the rest of this. I''m leaving." Kibe said, the detective didn''t know what to think or how to respond. His eyes filed with tears as he fell against the table. Kibe left the interrogation room and proceeded to the front desk.

    "Excuse me, I need these removed." Kibe said

    "Hm? Um, aren''t you under interrogation?" said the woman at the desk

    "I was, Mr. Miyuki is dispatched me and unfortunately broke down in the room we were in. I believe its about his wife." Kibe said, the woman looked over and then back to Kibe.

    "I''m going to go check on him. Stay here." the woman said. She left for the interrogation room, while Kibe then looked for any cameras on him and for people may be watching him. There were a few people there and some eyes on him too.

    "HEY THE BATHROOM IS FLOODING!" shouted a woman, to which then the eyes that were on him then went to the woman who was pointing at the bathroom. Some of the officers went over and as they were all distracted Kibe walked out of the police station. As he did he''d see some officers and a few other people too. Though they wouldn''t notice him as he walked by. He didn''t bring his phone with him so he didn''t have to go looking for it. As he made his way down the block and further from the station he then walked into a nearby ally. He stopped and looked at the handcuffs on his wrists.

    "These cuffs are some good, fabricated steel, they have a double lock engaging pin for security and weigh about 10 oz. Good quality too. Unfortunately, I don''t look all too good with cuffs and I can''t show up anywhere wearing them." Kibe said as he looked around the ally for a tool that he could perhaps use to lock pick them, but found nothing around.

    "I guess I''ll have to just break them off." Kibe said, he then immediately pulled his hands apart breaking the cuffs. He then cracked his fingers and hands, the veins popping from them as he put strength into his hands and began to force the cuffs from around his wrist. He then felt his wrist and threw the cuffs away. He proceeded to walk home and down the street.

    "Humans have limits in their body, inhibitors or limiters that keep them from accessing 100% of the strength they truly have. This is because of the fact that the human body is designed for survival. So anything that could possibly damage the body or break something is usually cut off. Hence the limiters. They keep humans from tearing muscles and breaking bones, as we aren''t designed to be lifting cars or punching walls.

    I wasn''t born with limiters to my strength. Though I am aware it can still cause irreversible damage, which is why I use my 100% strength sparingly." Kibe thought to himself as he continued to walk down the street. He''d eventually arrive home and close the door behind him and take off his shoes.

    "Welcome home Kibe, how was your day?" his mother asked, he walked into the living room and saw her sitting down and watching TV with some food.

    "It was ok, I got sent to the police station though." Kibe said

    "Oh, did you get into any trouble?" she asked as she didn''t turn her head from the TV

    "No." Kibe said

    "Well alright then, food is on the counter. Its your favorite salmon and rice." she said

    "Thank you." Kibe said as he walked over and made himself some dinner.

    "Akia, Takashi and the student council. They''re all connected, but how though. Her last words have been playing in the back of my mind like a record. I need the information that she no doubt gave them, whatever Takashi said to her to cause her to jump will be the only way I get out of being a suspect for this case. The question now becomes, how?" Kibe said, thats when the doorbell would ring.

    "Can you get that dear? his mom asked, Kibe put his bowl down and walked to the front door. He looked through the peep hole and saw it was Mi. She was wearing a turtleneck and a black skirt. Kibe opened the door and looked at her, her face came to life with joy.

    "Kibe! Thank goodness, everyone is talking about it! You, Akia and the suicide. All of it is everywhere. When I heard you got taken down to the station I was worried...so I came here to...well.." Mi stuttered over her words as she blushed a little. Clicking her black shoes as she tried to muster what she wanted to say.

    "Mi, always so ready to jump in and be nosey." Kibe thought

    "Well, I wanted to come and see you. Make sure you were ok." Mi said as she looked at him. Kibe looked down at her. He didn''t say anything. He was thinking.

    "Sorry, is this a bad time?" Mi asked

    "No not at all. Do you want to come in?" Kibe asked

    "Oh, I don''t want to be a bother to you, I can just go." She said waving at him

    "You sure? My mom is here." Kibe said, Mi''s eyes burst to more life than Kibe had seen in a while.

    "REALLY?!" Mi shouted as she completely barged in nearly knocking Kibe over.

    "Geez." Kibe said as he closed the door. Mi took her shoes off before she ran to the living room with Kibe following her.

    "MRS.NORI!" Mi shouted in joy, to which Kibe''s mom winced, he face making a frustrated look as she then paused what she was watching. She turned her face to Mi and smiled at her.

    "Mi! How nice it is to see you! How have you been?" Mrs. Nori said as she walked over and gave Mi a hug. Kibe simply looked at them as he then walked over to the kitchen and grabbed his bowl of food.

    "Its been so long, how have you been?" Mrs. Nori asked

    "I''ve been well, I''ve made a ton of friends this school year and I have some big plans!" Mi answered

    "Thats great to hear! Do you want to have some of my famous salmon and rice? It''s Kibe''s favorite as you know." She asked

    "Oh no, thats ok. I just got back from eating some snacks. I''ll be ok." Mi bowed

    "Hehe, ok, well suit yourself. I''m going to keep watching my show. Kibe went upstairs if you''re looking for him." Mrs. Nori said as she sat back down on the floor, Mi looked behind her, she could have sworn Kibe was there. She went upstairs and to Kibe''s room. She knocked on the door.

    "Its open." Kibe said, Mi opened the door and saw him at his desk eating and doing something in a notebook. Mi closed his door behind her.

    "Hey, you ok?" Mi asked

    "Is there a reason I shouldn''t be?" Kibe asked

    "Its just I know you and Akia were-"

    "We weren''t anything. Not even what you''d call acquaintances." Kibe said as he turned the page of his notebook and kept writing. Mi took a sigh of relief.

    "So, how''d it go? What did they ask you?" Mi asked

    "It went as you think it did, they asked their questions and couldn''t prove anything." Kibe said, Mi nodded as she then went over and sat on his bed.

    "Well, do you have any plans for this school year? They have some excellent stuff going on right now." Mi asked

    "No." Kibe said, Mi could read the room, she knew he wasn''t paying any attention to her and that whatever he was doing was clearly mor important.

    "...What about you?" Kibe asked, Mi''s head perked up as she looked to him and saw him looking at her. She smiled.

    "Well, Takashi is hosting auditions for his play this coming month. I figured I''d audition for it. Try something new." She said

    "A play? What about?" Kibe asked

    "It''s called the shadow''s kiss. Its a romance." She said, as she kept rambling on about it, Kibe then had found his way in. He now knew how to get closer to Takashi and learn just what it was that may have happened between him and Akia.

 Social Activity

    The next day during school, Kibe''s classmates were all at gym class. The girls were playing volleyball while the boys were doing some track. The boys were running around the track and practicing some long jumping and hurtling. All dressed in gym clothes.

    Kibe was standing on the side lines thinking about yesterday and his talk with Mi about the audition. Thats when he heard mumbling behind him. He turned his head to see some boys sitting on the bench looking and talking to one another.

    "Seems I''ve gotten famous. Just my luck." Kibe said

    "Hey!" shouted a voice near Kibe, he looked to his left and saw a boy running over to him. He had black hair and brown eyes, he a slim build, but not too different from Kibe''s own.

    "Hey man, I wanted to talk to you today. Mind if I stand next to you?" asked the boy

    "I don''t own the space around me. Knock yourself out." Kibe said, the boy nodded and watched as the others played and ran track. The sound of the wind and remains of the summer heat were all here. The sun beating down on them too. Mi was enjoying some volleyball while the boys ran the track to best see who was faster.

    "My name is Moriyama Kenji. I already know you of course, everyone does by this point." Kenji said

    "Likely not because I won the Olympics." Kibe said, Kenji chuckled for bit before getting closer to Kibe.

    "But for real, everyone is looking at you and talking about you. I want to take the attention away from you if I can." Kenji said

    "What?" Kibe asked

    "Ok ok ok, ya got me! I really just want someone to join my club! Pllleeeassseee!" begged Kenji putting his hands up.

    "Theres nothing that your club would benefit to me. I have no reason to join." Kibe said, Kenji looked at him disappointed in his answer.

    "Hey! You two! Stop slacking off and get to running!" shouted the P.E teacher, Kibe and Kenji began to start jogging, other students stopped as they had gotten tired. As they ran Kenji tried his best to stay close to Kibe.

    "Look, I get it. The club may not mean much to you, but it means a lot to me and my friends." Kenji said, Kibe continued to jog in silence.

    "We''d really appreciate it if you joined, we only have three members and if we don''t get a fourth member they''ll close our club." Kenji said, Kibe was just about over socializing with people. Everyday it seemed someone wanted to talk to him. It was like as if the world was trying to force him out of his own bubble, like it was sick of him being alone.

    "...What club is this anyway?" Kibe asked, Kenji looked at him excited

    "Its the chess club. In the east wing, classroom 2-B." Kenji said

    "Isolation and independence aren''t the same thing. One of them involves cutting off all connections with others while the ladder is that of someone who thrives from being alone and can function perfectly fine without outside interference or social needs. In order achieve this, one must decide if they are willing to be alone, but not be isolated. To be disassociated, but not unfamiliar. " Kibe thought as he kept running.

    "...I''ll think about it." Kibe said. The two continued to jog around the track as thy saw other classes also running along with them and other girls showing up too.

    "Man, I wish I could be with the ladies. I they look like they''re having fun." Kenji said as he ran behind Kibe.

    "Hey! Kibe!" shouted a familiar voice, Kibe and Kenji looked over to see Ryota running to them. Kenji looked at Ryota, he saw how well built the guy was and saw how easy it was for him to catch up to them.

    "H-Hey Ryota, what brings you over?" Kenji asked

    "Same as you guys, got gym class too so I''m here. Isn''t nothing better, yes?" Ryota smiled, eventually all of them would stop and take a small break from running.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    "...My god, I don''t think I can run anymore, or my legs are gonna fall off." Kenji said as he breathed heavily while Ryota didn''t seemed fatigued all that much along with Kibe. Ryota looked around at everyone, he saw some girls swimming, others were running and chatting. The place was filled with laughter and the flamboyant lives of people brought into this world. People, walking around completely unaware of where they''re lives will go and yet walking that line of unreal uncertainty regardless of the drawbacks or possible dangers to come. They were characters, following a plot unknown to them. In this uncertainty there was certainty, a path of constant absurdity.

    "Kibe, you doing anything this evening after school?" Ryota asked, Kibe looked at him.

    "Possibly. Why?" Kibe asked

    "Well, that martial art weight training club are indeed of some new blood, so I thought maybe you''d be interested." Ryota asked

    "...I''ve got a few things I need to do. So no." Kibe said as he looked over to Mi and saw her talking with others. Thats when Ryota would throw a punch at Kibe, but would freeze just a few inches from his face.

    "WOAH WOAH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Kenji said in shock, Ryota looked at Kibe with a focused look and looked deep into Kibe''s eyes. Kibe was looking at him with his same calm and absent expression, completely unfazed.

    "Nothing, not even a flinch or sign of eye movement. Its like he knew I would do it or that he wouldn''t be hurt. What is he? A sort of machine?" Ryota thought to himself

    "Hey man, just what the heck are you doing?" Kenji asked

    "He was testing me." Kibe said

    "What? Why would he do that?" Kenji asked

    "That is a good question, why." Kibe said, theyre eyes were locked, Ryota''s eyes pierced into Kibe''s yet it did nothing. It was like a steal gate or impenetrable wall kept him from seeing him. Thats when he''d catch a glimpse, Kibe''s eyes would open just a little bit more and with that Ryota''s were now the ones being looked into. It was like Kibe too a knife and peeled back at whatever imaginary wall, imaginary mass held back what may have been Ryota and now Kibe could see him.

    Kibe''s eyes were like a hot knife and Ryota''s eyes, butter. Elsewhere though, looking through blinds, the student council were all sitting down while

    "Alright everyone! Thats going to be all for today. Go ahead and head back to class." said the P.E teacher. As the day came to a end Kibe got his stuff together and Mi would run up to him.

    "Are you still coming to the audition tomorrow? I know you asked me yesterday, but I figured I''d ask again so you wouldn''t forget." She said

    "I hadn''t forgotten, I just needed time to deduce what I wanted to do. Takashi so far seems to be one step ahead. Rather he was behind Akia''s suicide or not, hes put me in a pickle. Gotten everyone''s eyes on me and now I''m resorting to club activities to keep a low profile. I can still remain unseen, but that won''t change the fact that when I come back into reality again. Eyes will be on me.

    Whatever Takashi said or forced Akia to say to make her commit such an act, theres only one way to get it out of him- " Kibe then got his bag and stood up.

    " Its to beat him at his own game. Complete, unhinged and unadulterated domination. Irreversible." Kibe though to himself, he then walked with Mi through school.

    "Did you hear what some of the horrible things people have been saying about you? Its horrible." Mi said as she looked at Kibe.

    "Its just words, people just need something else to focus those words on." Kibe said as they then reached the entrance of their school.

    "Go ahead Mi, I have an activity to go to." Kibe said as he began walking to the east wing, as he did. He thought about some of the things that were likely being said. He''d eventually arrive there and would open the door, as he walked in he saw two other people and of course Kenji there. Kenji turned around and got a smile on his face. The other two were boys as well, one of them had a bob cut and wore glasses. Brown hair. The other one had short blonde hair and blue eyes.

    "Kibe! I''m glad you could make it. Hika, Yos, meet Kibe. Hes our latest new member." said Kenji, Kibe looked around and looked at them. The room was filled with a few bags, likely theirs and obviously two chess boards. Hika was the blonde one and Yos was the one with glasses.

    "So, have you played before?" asked Hika

    "I dabble." Kibe said as he walked over and looked at the pieces on the board, one side was white and the other red.

    "Hey, uh Kenji. Isn''t this the guy whoes all over the place? Didn''t he kill that girl?" said Yos, Kibe then set his bag on the chair next to him.

    "You often come to conclusions without proof?" Kibe asked, Yos looked over at him. He and Kibe shared eye contact. Yos then put his hands up and shrugged.

    "Alright man, I wasn''t trying to-"

    "I know. You were curious. Trust me Yos, If I wanted the girl dead. I wouldn''t throw her off a building during school hours." Kibe said, Hika chuckled while Yos gave a nervous smile. Kenji was just watching them.

    "Alright guys, enough questions about that junk. Cause thats all it is. Anyone who makes an assumption about someone with no proof just makes a ass out of themself. Thats why assumption is spelt with ass at the start." Kenji said as he walked over. Kibe looked at him and then he others.

    "Alright then, how about Yos starts first huh? Show Kibe here we got some skills." Kenji said, Yos nodded and went to sit down with Kibe already being seated.

    "Go ahead, I''ll let you go first." Kibe said, Kibe watches as Yos moves his first white piece, as they continued to play chess Kenji watched. He watched as Kibe moved his pieces around, he thought that at first Kibe was throwing the game or wasn''t good, but soon he realized it. The normal and most obvious strategy of chess is to take the center spaces, but Kibe seemes to have given it away. A sort of means of coming off as incompetent.

    However what Yos didn''t even realize that Kibe had lured him into thinking he had the upper hand. Because by giving him the center space, Kibe had made him reliable on only a few set strategies while Kibe had hundreds to go from to counter the taking of the center space.

    Kibe had won, but making his opponent belive he did.

    "Check mate." Kibe said as he then fixed his tie. Yos looked in total shock.

    "Impressive, he has some great skills. He completely manipulated the entire game." Kenji said, seems that they had found a new member and Kibe a new cover to get away from the eyes of gossip.

 Let the game begin, part 1

    It was Friday, two days since Kibe had joined the Chess club. Kibe was at school along with the rest of the members of the chess club. They were all eating lunch together at the cafeteria.

    "So Kibe, you coming to the club after school today?" asked Yos

    "I can''t. I got to go check out this audition." Kibe said as he finished his lunch and got up, something then caught his eye and as he turned his head saw Takashi there smiling at him from around the corner. Kibe and him shared a glance for a few moments before Takashi left around the corner.

    "What you looking at man?" asked Hika asked as he fixed his hair

    "...Nothing." Kibe said as he then grabbed his bag, Kenji though looked from where Kibe was looking and back to him. Kibe''s eyes then moved to him only to see Kenji on his phone.

    "I''ll see you guys next week." Kibe said as he walked out with Yos and Hika waving him goodbye.

    "He sure is the distant one." Yos said

    "Yea, hes crazy good at chess too. Like how does he do that? He plays with my mind and my expectations." Hika said as Kenji simply continued to mess with his phone as his eyes watched Kibe leave. As Kibe left he''d immediately get hugged by Mi who surprised him.

    "KIBE! Gets to see you, are you coming to the audition?" Mi asked as she looked at him. Kibe was about to answer but would be cut off.

    "Young love, how poetic, you know Romeo and Juliet were young and I love too." said Takashi from around a corner. He stepped out wearing a black coat and a masquerade mask. Kibe didn''t say anything.

    "Oh Takashi! Its good to see you! What''s the director doing here?" Mi asked as Takashi then bowed.

    "Forgive the intrusion, I was hoping to get a chance to talk with Kibe, I didn''t mean to interfere with your lovey Dovey time." Takashi chuckled, which made Mi''s face turn hot red in embarrassment.

    "I-I-I-I-I-I, Its not like that! I was just giving him a hug was all." Mi stuttered.

    "Oh please its alright." Takashi said, thats when his mind began to think.

    "What is this Kibe? Are you getting slow? Your escape from the station was not what I expected you capable to do, however showing a link? Are you baiting me into using sweet little Ouchie? Or did you honestly slip up? No, thats why you haven''t said anything is it?" Takashi thought as his eyes were homed in on Kibe''s. This moment between them going faster than a heartbeat. Kibe''s cold emerald eyes stared at Takashi.

    "What is your move Nori Kibe?" Takashi thought to himself. Thats when he''d begin to see Kibe''s mouth begin to open.

    "Do you have scripts for the play?" Kibe asked

    "They''re in the auditorium, we''re still getting a few things ready. So it''ll be a minute before we''re ready. After school is when it starts." Takashi answered.

    "Thanks, see you around." Kibe said as he walked away with Mi looking at him and Takashi confused. She then waved at Takashi as she ran after Kibe. Kibe and Mi walked to they''re class together where they''d see some students looking at scripts for the play. Kibe looked around the classroom, he saw most of his classmates there, his teacher was attempting to fix his laptop, some of the students were reading the script for the play and others were on their phones.

    "Wow, looks like some of our classmates wanted to get in on the play too." Mi said

    "I don''t see why. Its just another play. Its not like Takashi hasn''t made several others. If I was to set anything up that required actual skill, I''d make it chess." Kibe said

    "Acting is a skill, also whats up with you and chess? Don''t think I didn''t notice you going somewhere after school. AH! Your in the chess club!" Mi said with confidence.

    "What gave it away." Kibe said

    "Ah your back, well go ahead and take your seat. I''m almost done fixing this blasted thing. Go ahead." the teacher said, everyone began to look as he got more and more frustrated and until he just threw his hands up with a scoff.

    "Damnit all, the one day I don''t have to really teach and we can just watch a movie. And my computer goes out! What are the odds." said the teacher with a disappointed tone.

    "Excuse me, if you don''t mind I''d like to give it a shot." said a voice next to Kibe, he looked next to him and saw Jun with her hand raised. The teacher breathed on his glasses before wiping them with a handkerchief.

    "You know how to fix a Cac?" asked the teacher with a shocked expression.

    "Teacher, I can fix anything that runs on electricity and deals with systems." Jun said as she got up and walked to the teacher. He gestured her towards the laptop, she then grabbed it and immediately closed it and put it on its back, opening it up.

    "Looks like a M8 model, nice one too. Good pick." Jun said as the whole classroom watched in shock. As they did Kibe looked at the seat next to him and saw his classmate was distracted, he then pulled the play pamphlet from him without him even realizing. He then began to read it.

    "It comes in Russian, American, German and even Latin. Can''t afford to miss any possible information that may be hidden in translations. I''ll have to read it all. 400-page long play? Is he writing a series or a retelling of the human race." Kibe thought as he started reading the play''s script along with its other translated variants. While Kibe read, the class watched as Jun took apart the teacher''s computer quickly and began to fix it up with simply her nails, a pin and the teacher''s glasses''s fixing equipment.

    "Wow Jun, I didn''t know you were so capable!" the teacher said impressed.

    "My father would always come home telling me about, stories from his job. He talked about robberies, heist, kidnappings and all such. But one thing he talked about more than anything was technology.

    He once told me about a bomb, one that would trigger if anyone with a pulse got close to it. It was a insane story. He never told me if it was true, but he said the only way that his team was able to get past it. Was to use anti-thermal detection body armor. It worked, not only that, but it showed them that there are devices out there that require real thinking. I was intrigued with it." Jun said as she then put the laptop back together again in record time, a shocking 4 minutes. She then turned it on and just like that. It was working again.

    "Wow, a round-of-applause for Jun everyone!" said the teacher as everyone got up and cheered for her. She smiled a bit, the recognition was nice to see and something she didn''t get much often growing older.

    "The problem had to do with your CPU, luckily I got to it before any real damage could be done. Try not to overwork. Though Cacs are pretty bad anyway." Jun said with a smile. Her eyes though, when she focused them she looked around the room. Her mind going back to a previous day.

    "You really think it''s foul play?" asked Jun, in her room. She was making her own computer and currently working on installing her graphics card. As her father was sitting on her bed relaxing.

    "Yes, I think it was one of your classmates. the bullying rate in Japan schools, especially middle and high schools went up last year by 10%. Quite a leap. A even greater increase on suicides. When I looked into the boy, Tatsuo. He seemed very troubled, apparently, he accidently shot his sister with her father''s handgun.

    The fault of the parent really, but his fault, nonetheless. But its still isn''t adding up for me though. He was a bully in school from what other students say. He had thugs involved with him and even ran other kids up for their money." Mr. Nakayama said as he was playing with his badge.

    "What are you gonna do? You can''t go around asking all them if they did it." Jun said

    "No, which is why I wanted to ask if you''ll be helping me with this case Jun." Her father asked, she stopped and turned to him.

    "Me?" She asked

    "Yes, you see the student responsible isn''t likely looking to get caught. He knows we''ll be there to look through everything. What they won''t expect though is a secret little surprise I''ve hidden in they''re ranks. You will look for any and all possible signs of potential suspects. I need you Jun. Your my eyes on the inside.

    And we''re not looking to get out any trump cards. This guy thinks hes clever, well hes about to find out today just how intense the real world can be." said Mr. Nakayama as he got up and got on his phone.

    "You sure?" Jun asked

    "I am, I believe you''ll be the key to cracking this case. I want to see my little girl get some recognition for a change." Mr. Nakayama smiled, the two looked at one another and smiled. Thats when Jun would be brought back to reality as she saw her classmates clapping and smiling at her. Kibe got finished reading the play script and it''s alternate translated versions. He then set it to the side as the teacher began to get the movie up and running.

    "Alright students, thank again Jun. Lets go ahead and continue with class." said the teacher, as everyone was watching the movie. Kibe could overhear some students behind him mumbling about something.

    "Did you see those guys in masks? Bet they''re for the play." said one female student

    "Yea, and they all speak funny too. Sounds German." said the male student

    "Well, you all known how Takashi gets once he starts working with actors again." said another male student, Kibe used those words and began to think up more of a plan for the day. After class the school day would end, but everyone interested in the play had already went to the auditorium. However, behind the stage was some of the student council. Kita Rin, she was sitting on a chair with two other large men around her guarding her. Katsumi was leaning against the back wall like before, flipping his coin constantly.  At the same time a small TV was there with a symbol of a small bunny''s face. Takashi was looking from behind the curtains of the play and saw around and close to fifty students all in the auditorium ready to join the play.

    "Takashi, you sure about this? I believe canceling the play would be wise. That way our focus can be put more onto this Kibe fellow than anything else." Rin said as she fanned herself with her fan. Katsumi looked at her and then back to Takashi.

    "No this is perfect, the yearly plays have always gathered attention not just from all of Japan, but from even outsiders too. Kibe may be clever, but he seems to do best when hes without eyes watching him. Lets see how well he''ll do with them on him at all times." Takashi said

    "And if he decides not to join the play?" asked Katsumi

    "I''ve already thought about that too. If he join he won''t be able to make any moves against me without the police asking questions on the activities going on. Hes already got the eyes and not just the school, but the police too. He can''t even breath without someone watching over him. Where is Hideaki? His involvement in this plan will be needed." Takashi asked

    "The head of the snake has detached, he is on a business trip." said a distorted voice on the small TV. Everyone looked to it.

    "Ah, I see the treasure of the council has finally decided to speak." Takashi said

    "Don''t talk like as if I''m helping you. I want nothing to do with Nori Kibe." said the treasure of the council. To which made them all look at the TV with a shred of shock.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "What?" Takashi said

    "You heard me, I want nothing to do with Nori Kibe." said the treasure of the council

    "Scared?" Takashi asked to which the treasure said nothing.

    "Hmp, no matter. Nori Kibe won''t be able to stop this play nor will he be still attending this school come it''s showing. I''ll make sure of that." Takashi said as he snapped his fingers and four men wearing black and red hoodies came onto the backstage. Rin and Katsumi looked over and saw them wearing rabbit mask, they walked over and stood next to Takashi.

    "The president has given me his suite in order to do today''s special auditions. I need you to make sure nothing and no body intervenes with them. Your eyes will be focused on one man. Nori Kibe. I''ve already sent all the information to him to each of you and the rest of the groups phones.

    Do not let him get a slip in on you. If he can fool the police, then he definitely will fool you." Takashi said

    "I see you''ve taken some liberties, you even grabbed some of that boy''s, Tatsuo''s, friends." Rin said as she moved her hand out to which one of her guards got out a bag of grapes. He then handed her three to which she ate. She licked her lips afterwards.

    "You''ll each have numbers. They''ve been texted to you. Don''t forget them and under no circumstance, are you to tell someone else your number." Takashi said, Rin and Katsumi looked to one another before both stood up.

    "Ah, you plan to join in?" He asked

    "No, I have a clothing line I need to look into." Rin said as she held her fan to her face, she then walked over to him, her face still covered by her fan. Her eyes all that were visible as she looked at him.

    "Know this though Takashi, if you fail in this advance towards Kibe. If we suspect in any way that you have slipped an have drawn attention to us. You will be casted out and we will gladly give what the treasure has been asking for." Rin said with a calm and yet also menacing tone, Takashi scoffed as he walked closer to exiting the backstage and going close to presenting himself.

    "Don''t worry, I have no intentions to fail.  Kibe has shown his determination to outwit me, now I will show him just what I can do." Takashi said as he left for the stage, Rin and Katsumi walked away with the men in bunny mask walking out with Takashi. Everyone cheered as Takashi walked out onto the stage. Kibe was on his way to the auditorium when he saw Mr. Nakayama talking to a teacher. Jun was also there.

    "More eyes than I like, but still won''t stop me." Kibe said as he walked away and went to the auditorium to see a line of other students outside of it with some of the guys in bunny mask outside guarding the doors. Kibe looked at his phone and searched through social media to find anyone posting what was going on. He saw some his classmates had already posted videos of what was being said inside. Kibe then turned to see some of the bunny masked men walk outside.

    "I see, so its a widespread play. Other young actors from other schools are even joining in. Its huge, even renting out a theatre to do it all in. Hundreds of people. The advertisement for it seems to already be blowing up. Which means I''ll need to start now. Otherwise my placement in things will be off and seem iffy to others." Kibe thought to himself, he then looked at a few more photos before he then saw Mi in one of them. Looks like she had gotten inside with the first batch of students trying out. Kibe had heard a few rumors when it came to the female actors, things about them having to do...unpleasant things to guarantee their role in the play was truly theirs. Kibe looked at his phone before he then closed it and walked outside following the men from before.

    "This Takashi guy sure is something else. Taking the girls to that place and doing all that. What a weirdo." said goon #1 as he lit a cigarette.

    "Well, your working for him aren''t ya. Not that too unbelievable." said goon #2 as he kicked the dumpster next to them. The three men were hanging out, just relaxing as they awaited for Takashi''s signal. The other two then looked to he third man, he was shaking and walking back a and forth.

    "Hey chill the hell out. Whats wrong with you?" asked goon #2

    "I just...I don''t want to end up like Tatsuo..." said goon #3

    "Oh your from him, heard the guy killed himself." said goon #2

    "NO! He didn''t that motherfucker! that freak, he made him do it." said goon #3 in a hasty and nervous voice

    "quiet down you loony. Alright, but I don''t see how you can force someone kill themself." said goon #1

    "That guy isn''t a person, the way he was talking, how he stood...no that isnt a person." goon #3 said

    "Yea?" goon #1 said

    "Nori Kibe...hes the devil." said goon #3, the other two looked to each other, thats when he appeared, Nori Kibe walked right out of the door they left through. All three of them looked at him, Kibe then reached in his bag and pulled out two black gloves, he put them on. Goon #3''s head was spinning, he saw Kibe and immediately his body reacted like he was in danger. His fight or flight immediately activating.

    "Who the fuck are you?" asked goon #1

    "Wait man, isn''t that the guy from the photo? the one Takashi sent us all?" said goon #2

    "....Kibe..." stuttered goon #3, Kibe then put his bag down, he looked around and behind him and saw no cameras. A place without cameras? Perfect.

    "Your mask, the entire outfit. I need it." Kibe said

    "What were our orders from Takashi? What did he say to do?" asked goon #1

    "He didn''t say anything, but I reckon we''ll get a nice reward if we bring him in." said goon #2, but thats when goon #3 grabbed goon #2 by his shoulder.

    "No, run. We have to run and tell Takashi, we can''t bring him in." goon #3 said with fear in his voice, he was visibly shaking. Goon #1 began to get a bit worried as he looked to goon #3 and then to #2. He then jerked his shoulder away from goon #3.

    "Please! He''s just one guy! We''re bringing him in, you all with me?" goon #2 asked, #1 nodded his head while #3 backed away and hid behind the dumpster, running immediately to hide. #2 got out his pocketknife while #1 pulled a metal pipe from where the trash surrounding the dumpster.

    "We''ve been filled in on you Nori Kibe, unfortunately for you. You''ll have to see the play from the hospital." said goon #2 as he approached Kibe.

    "Carful Leo." said goon #1 as he walked behind him. Kibe looked as the two began to circle him. As they did the cheering and screaming from inside the auditorium could be heard, it was almost like being next to a stadium.

    "We''re part of the dragon gang pal, we ain''t like those boys you faced before. You face us, you get burned." said Leo as he inched closer and closer. Goon #1 got his pipe ready and held it almost like a sword.

    "They''re stances, even the from the way they move. They''ve definitely studied Aikido, no. Maybe even some Jujutsu too. Rather their amateurs or not will have to be seen." Kibe thought, thats when the cheering from inside would roar out again, in that moment Leo and goon #1 would rush in and immediately begin combat with Kibe. Kibe dodged an attack for his neck, Leo kept using his knife to swipe at Kibe''s neck and head while his legs went for tripping and sweeping him. Kibe would simply move and dodge the attacks. Kibe then watched the shadow of the guy behind him as he took a swing with his metal pipe, Kibe ducked it and watched as the guy then went for a jab with it for Kibe''s back. Kibe immediately went to jab at goon #1, but his attack would be redirected and send him going to the wall. Goon #1 then went in and went for three quick punches, one for the neck, one for the head and the other for the chest.

    Kibe would move his head out of the way, redirect the punch for his chest to hit the wall instead, allowing for Kibe to get the guy in the choak hold in between his inner arm and chest. Kibe then saw as Leo rushed in with his knife and swung for Kibe''s head, which he dodged and then used his other leg to attempt to sweep Leo, but Leo would jump back evading it. Kibe and Leo made eye contact before Kibe then backed up and smashed goon #1''s face right against the wall knocking him out. Kibe then dropped him as he fixed his school uniform and looked at Leo.

    "Not bad." Kibe thought to himself as he then got in a stance similar to something from taekwondo''s fighting stance.

    "Nice stance, too bad it won''t do shit for you." said Leo as he rushed in with his knife and began to swing at Kibe who redirected each of his attacks. Kibe then switched his stance to that of the rear foot, and immediately retaliated with quick kicks, each one hitting Leo''s side and the last one being a spin kick to his head sending the guy flying. Leo got up and wiped his nose, only to see it was bleeding. He then felt his nose and felt it was broken.

    "YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Leo shouted as he then ripped his mask off and rushed Kibe, Kibe then stood straight as he dodged the guy''s punch and redirected it to the ground, to which Kibe would then deliver a devastating drop kick to the back of Leo''s neck immediately paralyzing him. Kibe got up and looked around. He saw behind the fence of the school was a pair of bushes and trees. On the other side of them were apartments and houses. Kibe went over to Leo and kneeled down. The guy couldn''t move a single muscle.

    "No way! How the hell did I- I CAN''T FEEL MY FUCKING BODY!" Leo shouted, but his shouts would be unheard over the sound of the people from the auditorium.

    "Tell me what you''re really doing here." Kibe asked

    "Like hell I''d do that!" Leo said with aggression, Kibe then could feel someone else, he looked over and saw goon #3 hiding behind the dumpster. Kibe then got up and stomped on Leo''s head knocking him out and completely destroying his nose. He then grabbed Leo''s hand and would break every finger on each hand before lifting him and throwing him over the fence. He''d do the same to goon# 1 before he walked over to goon #3.

    "PLEASE! PLEASE DON''T HURT ME! I-I surrender I mean it!" whined goon #3, Kibe bent down to him and removed his mask. He looked at it. It was a snow bunny, red eyes. He looked at the other mask the guys were wearing and saw they had black bunnies. Kibe then looked back to goon #3, they both locked eyes, but goon #3''s eyes were shaking, filled with fear and clear shock. Kibe raised his hand and the guy flinched away. He was in total shock.

    "What are you doing here?" Kibe asked

    "Takashi, he said he had a plan for you. I don''t know much else, other than the fact that, he was going to take all of the special actors he found to some weird suite. Other than that I don''t know anything I swear!" whined goon #3, Kibe stood up as he then tried out the mask. He then took it off again and looked at the guy.

    "Keys." Kibe said

    "I don-"

    "Lying to me, will be the worst and last thing you ever do. Keys." Kibe said, goon #3 began to cry as he pulled his car keys out of his pocket, Kibe looked at the keys and the stuff attached to it.

    "Which one?" Kibe asked

    "One parked at the motel down the street. Black slim one, has a dragon on the side." said goon #3

    "Am I stealing your car?" Kibe asked

    "....Uuuuse it as long as you like." goon #3 said with his hands up. Kibe the put the keys in his pocket.

    "Your very kind." Kibe said before he then kicked the guy''s face into the wall knocking him out and breaking his nose too. Kibe then lifted the guy and opened the dumpster dropping him in it.

    "HEY HEY! What gives!? Who said you can just go ahead and toss whatever you want in here?" shouted a voice inside the dumpster, Kibe reopened it and looked inside to see Kat. She was laying in the trash eating some sort of snacks that goon #3 had on him.

    "What are you doing in there?" Kibe asked, his brain immediately thinking of how to deal with her.

    "Just chilling and of course eating." Kat said

    "What are you really doing in there." Kibe asked again

    "I don''t like groups and I also don''t like being alone. So I''ve decided to just camp outside the place with the most people. Didn''t expect to see you out here." Kat smirked

    "Likewise. What did you hear?" Kibe asked

    "Oh nothing, just the sounds of broken bones, crying and really loud people." Kat smiled as she licked her finger of the snack gel. Kibe looked at her with his cold eyes.

    "Are you going to kill me Kibe?" Kat asked with a smile

    "..."

    "Well rest assured this will be our little secret. Don''t worry I wont tell. Remember, I hate people just like you do." Kat said

    "..."

    "What do you want me to do to prove it? I can cut off my finger, my ear, how about an eye? Or maybe...you want something more...crazy?" Kat smiled as she pulled out a knife from under her skirt and put it in Kibe''s face. She waved it side to side before she stabbed it in between Kibe''s fingers.

    "Lets try this huh? First, if you move your hand away or If I stab your hand, then you can ask me to do anything. I''ll obey. If you move your hand away though or show any fear. Then I win." Kat smiled widely, Kibe just stared at her.

    "And If you win?" Kibe asked

    "Then I get to kill you!" Kat smiled, Kibe then put his hand out, Kat was taken aback by his quickness to do it, but she got started anyway. She began to poke the knife between each of his fingers, as she kept going. She got faster, and faster and faster! Until-

    STAB

    Kat had stabbed Kibe right in his index finger, her knife barley inside, but inside nonetheless. Kat looked at it and then to Kibe. Her face then got wider as she smiled more and more. Kibe hadn''t even flinched.

    "Oh wow, thats not even fair." Kat said as she looked into Kibe''s eyes.

    "I thought I was playing a game with someone, but no. Its not someone rather its something." Kat said, Kibe then inched closer to her. Her smile to looking at him.

    "Keep what you heard a secret." Kibe said as he back up and looked at his hand.

    "Roger that, but I want you to make me a promise." Kat asked, Kibe turned to her before he put the mask on.

    "Play with me again, but next time. A game with more risk to it." Kat said, Kibe looked away as he put the mask on and grabbed goon #3''s phone and his school bag. As he did, he''d begin to hack into the guy''s phone on the way to the man''s car. Kibe walked over to where he guy said. The motel down the street. Kibe looked around for the car, he then got a message on the guy''s phone. He looked at it and saw it was group message, with someone called "big T" being the host of it.

    "Almost got some good picks, meeting at the suite now." Kibe read the message, thats when a message would come in showing the address. Kibe looked at it and the left the phone. He walked back to the school and made it to the side of the auditorium where he had previously fought with the members of the black dragon. Kibe looked around and saw that Kat was gone and the dumpster was open. He then looked to the goon #3 who was still unconcise. He placed the phone back on him. He then went to the door leading inside and peeked in to still saw Jun and Mr. Nakayama there talking. The noise coming from the auditorium was much less than before. Kibe then walked back out closing the door. He grabbed the metal pipe from earlier and went to the dumpster. He looked around, still no one. Thats when he''d get the metal pipe and somehow, even though everyone was cheering and talking. The sound of Kibe''s hitting that dumpster with the metal pipe sounded like a bomb had went off outside the building. Mr. Nakayama immediately shouted for everyone to get down as he ran outside with his pistol in hand. Jun watched her father go against the door, before peeking out to see no one there. He came out and pointed his gun wherever he could, he looked around him and saw nothing.

    "What the hell was that noise?" Mr. Nakayama said as he walked around, he saw the metal pipe and kicked it a bit, thats before he saw goon #3 against the wall.

    "HEY! You alright!? My god its a student." Mr. Nakayama said, thats when he saw the phone, he picked it up and looked at it. He saw all the text and messages, however any messages regarding Kibe had been deleted, unknown to him.

    "Something being planned? For the special applicants of the play? What the hell?" Mr. Nakayama said

    "FATHER!" Jun shouted as she rushed outside.

    "JUN! I thought I told you to get down, not come outside." Mr. Nakayama shouted, Jun halted as she had completely forgotten that and instead went to help her father.

    "I-...I''m sorry." Jun said with a disappointed tone.

    "...This...the mentions of Tatsuo. This has to have something to do with him for sure. Jun, tell your mother I''m going to be late home. I need to go and look into this. We may have gotten closer to cracking this." Mr. Nakayama said as he started jogging to the front of the school, driving away to the police station. However on the other side of town, Kibe had driven home. He got out of the car, leaving the mask inside. He looked at his phone and saw the time. 5:24 PM. Kibe then went into his house and closed the door behind him. He picked up his shoes and walked to the stairs.

    "Hey Kibey! How was school? I''m making some scones and sweet bread. American stuff." Mrs. Nori said

    "It was alright, I have to go out with some friends from the chess club though. So I''ll be back." Kibe said as he walked up stairs

    "Ok, just be sure not to get into any trouble." she said

    "Understood." Kibe said, as he walked into his room. He then hung his shoes on his door. He looked at them and saw they were bloody from kicking those goons from earlier. He then walked outside of his home and into they''re backyard. He turned left and right next to their home was a door leading to their basement. Kibe opened it and walked down, turning on a light and down there in his basement was many things, mostly his mother''s though. There were tons of workout equipment. From a treadmill to her own bench. Down there though, was a computer. Kibe then sat down at the desk, plugged his phone into it and put in a USB. He logged into it and began to login.

    As he did, he then brought up multiple screens, each one with the locations of every member and person who is attached and, in the group chat he had seen on the phone. As he had hacked its simcard and the phone itself. Getting all the data from it and now, it was on his phone. Kibe looked at all of them.

    "Now, let it begin." Kibe said.

 Let the game begin, Finale

    Back at the police station, Mr. Nakayama and some other detectives and officers were all in room filled with screens and keypads and a keyboard.

    "Captain, we have multiple signals coming in from different phones all around town. Whats the move?" asked the tech guy

    "To be honest, the most we have now is just this. But thats just visually. We have many other avenues we can take this from." Mr. Nakayama said as he then walked over and grabbed himself a coffee.

    "For now, we wait." Mr. Nakayama said, as he did, all the way across town Kibe was looking at all the different windows opened on his computer. Each one showing the location of each person in the group chat. He then got up and went back to the car he had driven back in. He opened the car door and took out the bunny mask, he looked at it and then walked back to his basement. He then walked over to a table near his mother''s workout equipment and got a toolbox, he then began to work on the mask and modifying it.

    "There are over 20 members in the group chat. Each one likely been given the same address, but if Takashi has really planned this out. He for certain has already deduced that I''d get involved, especially since he has Mi there. No doubt he''s though about our connection and just what it could be. He also could have gotten intel from the other thugs who have seen us together.

    No doubt he''s luring me into a trap with that first building he set up. The question becomes though, do I go for the bait or do I wait a little longer for something to pop up? Not only that, but they all have codes give and numbers given to them. If one is found missing no doubt they''d find out. In fact I bet they already know they''re missing three already. The question becomes though. Who''s number did I take?" Kibe said as he reached down and got a small ball of glass, he juggled it around as he looked at the messages being sent between the goons and Big T, who Kibe had figured was Takashi and at the police station, Mr. Nakayama and the other detectives were doing the same thing.

    "If Mr. Nakayama is as perceptive as I think, then he''ll already have the same information as me. Minus Big T being Takashi. Now all that needs to be done is to make a move. However which one of us will be the first?" Kibe said

    "If this operation is really supposed to be some sort of student scandal, then it may not be worth the time, but the idea and implication of something more does allude to the possibility of criminal activity.

    I figured by the masked men; the yearly play has always given us concern. With the last case of the suicides. And of course, with the current crime rate. Its not hard to come to such a conclusion. The only issue is proving it." Mr. Nakayama said

    "If my hypothesis is correct, Mr. Nakayama will take the bait and go to the address they''ve provided to everyone and if its a fake-" Kibe said

    "If the address is indeed a diversion, then we''ll have lost precious time we could be using to search these individual spots that are brought up here. Ito! What is the location and name of the building that the address gives?" Mr. Nakayama asked, Ito then began to type in and do some searching to which he then brough it up on the screen.

    "A small building, 3 stories, a dry cleaners is the store underneath it. Why they need the other 2 stories though? I don''t know." Ito said.

    "It could be where the owners live, but we can''t be too sure. Have some men scout out that area and be ready to search that place when I give the signal. Send a word to the chief, I want a search warrant to search every building within a 2-mile radius here before my next coffee is finished brewing. As for the other locations, I want a message sent to each squad car in the area. Give them intel on whats going, but don''t have them move until my command to do so." Mr. Nakayama said as he finished his coffee and looked. at the coffee maker.

    "Sir, about the previous case, do you think our guy will come out during all this?" Ito asked.

    "No doubt, he''s likely right in the center of it all." Mr. Nakayama said as he then began to feel his badge.

    "That other boy from earlier, the one from the dumpster. When we brought him in he told us just about everything we wanted to know. That the black dragons are allied with this scandal and that of course, our mysterious murderer is here too. I can''t arrest them without harden proof and an identity. So far my eyes are only on two individuals. And depending on how our perp acts, it will solidify my beliefs.

    However, the boy we brought in, when asked if he had seen the guy. Our mysterious third party member. He said nothing, he was shaking in complete fear, like as if he was face to face with the inevitable dooms day. Whoever this guy is spooked him so bad, hes willing to do 2 - 5 years just cause hes terrified of him.

    Who on earth could this guy be...no, a guy like this who can get out of situations and remain undetected so casually. No, hes no man at all. This machine is working at the same speeds we are. Which means, I can''t let up for a second!" Mr. Nakayama thought as he took off his trench coat and revealed his officer vest underneath. He then got a phone call, he picked it up.

    "Mr. Nakayama speaking." Mr. Nakayama said

    "Nakayama, I got your request. Consider it done. However, if I don''t get at least something out of giving you this. Then you and I will be getting some personal one on one time in my office, understand?" said the chief of police.

    "I understand, don''t worry. I''ll have names and plenty of people in for questioning once this day is done. Nakayama out." Mr. Nakayama said as he hung up and saw the printer in the room begin to print 10s to 100s of search warrants.

    "Perfect" Kibe said as he finally finished modifying the mask, he then put it on his face and the strap around the back of his head. He looked around and it seemed fine. He then took it off and grabbed a hammer. He then smashed the hammer into it, but there was no dent, just a small scratch which he buffed out with another tool. Kibe then got up and grabbed the mask and walked to his computer, he looked at all the screens and saw he locations of each person beginning to get ready to move.

    "Question is...which do I go for? Which one is the right one with the actual address. Then only way to find out is if I go back to where they all were at." Kibe said

    "The school" Kibe and Mr. Nakayama said to themselves. Thats when both men began to get ready and put some clothes on. Kibe walked up stairs to his room and put on his other school uniform. Before he went anywhere, Kibe would grab the shoes from earlier he had hung up and went back to the basement. He used some tools and ripped the shoes apart before he then tossed the remains in a furnace down there. He turned it on and it immediately began to burn the shoes. Kibe covered his noses as the smell of burning shoes wasn''t all too pleasant. Kibe knew he was going to have to do some unimaginable things today, so he took some time and focused on suppressing his emotions, his human nature and any other mortal concepts such as empathy and sympathy deep down within him. Locking them away for a while.

    Mr. Nakayama put on his coat and began to speedwalk out of the station, he then got in his car and began to drive back to Sawa high. Kibe walked out of his home wearing a new set of his school uniform. He looked at the car and thought for a moment before getting in it and driving down the street.

    "That guy''s number given to him was 1984561, there''s no pattern to the numbers. Making it impossible to make one up.  A clever way to get rid of intellectual minds who have figured it out. No doubt Mr. Nakayama is on his way to the school to gather more information. The audition will end in roughly 25 minutes. Which means I need to pick this next person carefully. If done poorly, I could lose this and the police may get a head start on me. And I need to be  of them, they get ahead and I''ll miss a chance to get information about Akia and just what it was that Takashi may have had he spill that day." Kibe said as he drove through the streets of town.

    "Unfortunately Mr. Nakayama, I''ve already decided. I know you and I are thinking the same way, the only difference being the decision of which we''ll both be making.

    So, my conclusion is this. Knowing you will pursue for answers at the school,-" Kibe thought as he then parked his vehicle at a random store parking lot. He got out and then looked around, there was no one around. So Kibe then grabbed some fabric from his school bag and opened the fuel tank on the side of the car. He then lit it with a lighter from his bag and put it inside. He then began to walk down the street. As he did he''d tun the corner and find himself right next to the cleaners. The address that was given in the text. Just as Mr. Nakayama had returned to Sawa high.

    "I will take the bait. Our roles have been switched." Kibe said to himself as he then entered inside the cleaners. Inside he saw people, all of them cleaning and drying their clothes. Kibe looked around and saw a vending machine, he walked over to it and put some money in it. As he did an explosion would go off and could be felt from inside the store, everyone began scream and go into a panic. Kibe looked out side as he grabbed the bag of candy he had bought, outside some cops left their vehicles and ran over to see the damage and the cause for the explosion.

    "So, you set up some eyes here. Unfortunately for you Mr. Nakayama, they have legs." Kibe said as he then walked past everyone, he then saw the backdoor and opened it. Kibe put on his bunny mask and looked around. Clear sight. He then looked to his right and saw a flight of stairs. He walked up them and as he did he could hear voices.

    "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT SOUND?!" shouted goon #1

    "SHUT UP! Do you want the whole store to hear us?!" shouted goon #2, as Kibe walked up the stairs he saw a door it lead to. He listened.

    "What was the job here again? Wait for that guy to get here right? Then what? We take him and send him to the cops?" asked goon #3

    "Idiot! The job is to get the guy and bring him back to T. Nothing else." shouted goon #1, Kibe then dug in his school bag and picked up some clothing he had brought. It was a black trench over coat. He then fixed his tie and walked right in leaving his bag outside the door. The three goons and four others behind them looked in shock as Kibe entered.

    "WHO THE FUCK-"

    "Who is this guy?! We weren''t told we were having someone else joining us here." goon #3 said as he got up.

    "No, you weren''t told that. I''m here to offer a better proposition." Kibe said as he kept walking to them.

    "Huh?" goon #2 said confused.

    "You''ve been promised something, something that isn''t worth your lives. I can offer something that is." Kibe said

    "Heheh, unless you got 1K for the each of us, then you can forget about it pal!" shouted goon #3 as he pulled his pistol out and walked to Kibe. Kibe didn''t say anything. A rule found in about every lesson in human history, even for beast too. Something etched into the minds of every living and breathing thing on earth. The thing that determined who would rule and who would follow those who ruled, strength. Every waking moment dominance was forced onto others, in order to show and demonstrate just who was the one who should be holding the gun and who was the one getting shot.

    "I think your full of shit! I don''t know who or how you found this place, but I ain-" however right as goon #3 was talking Kibe ducked and delivered a devastating blow to the guy''s stomach causing him to wince in pain and scream, but not before Kibe would uppercut him knocking him onto his back. Everyone watched in shock, they were frozen. Not knowing what at all to do. Goon #3 tried to lift the gun, but Kibe stomped on the guy''s hand crushing and breaking it. The guy screamed and grabbed Kibe''s leg, but all Kibe did was pick the gun up and look at goon #3.

    "I''m going to assume you were the leader." Kibe said as he looked down at him.

    "Were?" Goon #3 said in pain as he clenched onto Kibe''s leg like as if his life depended on it.

    "Yes, were. Cause now I will be taking your position." Kibe said before then used his other leg and kicked goon #3 in the face knocking him out immediately. Kibe looked to the rest of them, they all put their hands up in sight of Kibe holding the gun. Kibe pointed it at them.

    "Woah woah, take it easy man." said goon #2, he was sweating in his clothes, he could feel his entire life go on halt. He and everyone else in the room felt it, they were the scariest things around where they came from. But at this moment, in this simple second. The whole world froze. For a whole second they weren''t in control of their fates and it terrified them beyond compare. Kibe then walked over goon #3 and towards them, still pointing the gun.

    "I told you, I was going to promise you something worth more to you than whatever money had been offered to you or whatever Takashi had promised to you. Something that actually meant something to you in exchange for risking your lives.

    This is it right here. Your Lives. I offer you your lives. This relationship though, doesn''t have to be born on fear. But it certainly can, if you give me reason. Now, any who don''t wish to work with me, speak up now. Or raise your hand. And you''ll be free to go back to where you came." Kibe said as he stood behind them all pointing his gun to the back of their heads. All of them were shaking, but none raised their hands. Cause they knew exactly what he meant.

    "...No one? Alright then." Kibe said as he walked over to one them ones standing up. He walked to them and stood in front of them. He then held his hand out.

    "Give me your phone." Kibe said, the goon then gave Kibe their phone. Kibe took it and began to type on it.

    "The password is-"

    "Don''t need it." Kibe said as he hacked his way in easily, he then went to the group chat and looked at the recent messages. He saw that the guys had already left the auditorium with the ones they deemed "special" actors. Kibe looked at the photo and recognized a few faces, one of them only got his attention. It was Mi, she was looking cheerful in a limo full of other girls. Kibe then closed the phone and handed it back to the goon.

    "You will all leave the group chat with Big T, I''ve made another one, I''ve already sent you all invites." Kibe said as he walked to the front of them. They all mumbled in confusion as they looked at their messages and saw they had been sent an invite by a-

    "The White Rabbit. Thats what you all will call me while we work together. Our group chat is called the hares." Kibe said as he then walked out the door he came in and grabbed his bag. He then walked back inside with his bag and dropped it in front of them.

    "You''ll each be wearing one of these." Kibe said as he dug in his bag and tossed out some black rabbit mask. Each of them grabbed one and put it on.

    "Each of you five have a specific assignment, I''ve texted them to you, don''t worry about confusion. They have your name attached to them."  Kibe said

    "Wait a second, you know our names?! How?" asked goon #1

    "I know everything about each of you. From your families to your schools, friends and even mundane nonsense such as your hobbies." Kibe said, they all looked at each other. Kibe then picked up goon #3 and picked him up.

    "Tie him up, if he struggles, kill him. Meet me downstairs. If any of you think about escaping, backstabbing or even contacting Takashi. There will be hell to pay." Kibe said as he walked downstairs and grabbed his bag with him. They all looked at one another.

    "But thats exactly what I''m counting on." Kibe thought to himself.

    Back at Sawa High, Mr. Nakayama had apprehended one of the people part of Takashi''s plan. Everyone who was still at school was watching as Mr. Nakayama arrested the guy and put him in his car, Jun was watching from the school gates.

    "Crazy huh?" said a voice, she turned around and saw Kenji walking towards her.

    "...Yea, can''t believe how far people are ready to go just to get a quick couple of bucks." Jun said

    "How do you know its money?" Kenji asked

    "Its all anyone cares about." Jun said, Kenji just shrugged as he kept watching. Jun looked at Kenji for a moment before looking and watching her father drive off with the guy.

    "So, what are you doing here so late? School ended a while ago. Don''t tell me you were trying to sign up for that play?" Jun asked

    "Hm? Oh no, I have stage fright. I was just doing some work on my club and the room." Kenji said

    "You run a club?" Jun asked

    "Yea, Chess club. We''re always looking for more members." Kenji said

    "No thanks, I don''t think its for me." Jun said

    "Heh suit yourself. I imagine having to exercise your brain can be difficult." Kenji said

    "Excuse me?" Jun asked

    "Oh I''m sorry if that was offensive. I was just trying to say how sometimes when your asked to do something that requires you focusing. Things can be annoying. And cause stress. So I can see the lack of appeal." Kenji said, to which Jun scoffed.

    "Geez, your more distant than Kibe." Kenji said, Jun then looked at him.

    "You know him?" Jun asked

    "Of course, hes in my club." Kenji said

    "Really?" Jun asked

    "Yup, had to beg him a bit though hehe. Not my best moment." Kenji chuckled

    "Hm, can''t imagine its fun with someone so bland." Jun said

    "Well I wouldn''t say that. At first I thought he was pretty bland too, but there is something about him. Something about the way he moves, I can''t quite describe it." Kenji said, Jun looked at him. Seeing the focus yet calmness in Kenji''s eyes. The way he shuffled his jacket about and just held himself. He seemed so, laid back.

    "Well, sorry. I didn''t mean to ramble hehe." Kenji chuckled

    "Hm, Well at least you have someone to play chess with." she said

    "Well, hes good for sure." Kenji said as he scratched his head

    "But?" Jun said

    "...Hes never bested me at chess." Kenji said to which caught Jun''s attention.

    "Which sounds crazy, cause hes really good. He beat Hika and Yos so easily. But whenever I face him. Hes just so easy to read." Kenji said, Jun looked at him.

    "Well, I should get going. Otherwise, my pops is going to kill me." Kenji said as he waved away. Jun watched him walk away, she then got on her phone and called her father. Mr. Nakayama was driving when he got the call, he then looked over and pressed a button on his car monitor.

    "Yes muffin?" Mr. Nakayama asked, the guy in the back snickered. Mr. Nakayama looked back at him annoyed.

    "Dad, I want to help. Give me something to do, anything!" she asked

    "How about go home and stay put. I''m not about to risk your life for something like this." Mr. Nakayama said

    "Dad please! I can help!" Jun said

    "No, end of discussion." He then hung up the call. As he did, he then saw a car accident happen right in front of him. two cars smashed into each other, one of them nearly flipping over the other.

    "Oh my god!" Mr. Nakayama said as he stopped the car and got out to check on the drivers. He locked the car and double locked the back doors. In that moment a vehicle would pass behind Mr. Nakayama''s car. Kibe was driving it down the road behind him. As he did, he thought on the information he had gotten from the guys he had enlisted before he left.

    "The real address to where Takashi is taking the girls is this suite up near the high end of Ushin. You can''t miss. Its all fancy and what not, right by the city. However, the only way you''re getting in is if you got the code of one of the leaders. Two of them should be driving there though. They''ll be on the least populated road, so probably jiatsu road. In terms of where everything will go down though? I have no clue." said goon #2 as Kibe remembered the intel, Kibe continued to drive up the road.

    "They won''t be using the same chat as the rest of them. Looks like I''ll just have to see for mys-" thats when Kibe would see a boy and girl outside of a black car on the side of the road, Kibe looked at their attire. It matched up with what the others said they had seen the leaders wearing, Kibe then pulled over in front of their vehicle. The two looked at him and then to each other. As he came over, he saw that they had put on their mask. One of them a black bunny and the other a black fox. The girl was the fox and the boy the bunny. Kibe could tell just by looking at them, that they were who he was looking for.

    Kibe would get out and close his door as he walked over.

    "Oh, the mask." said the boy

    "Hold on babe, we don''t know squat about this punk." said the girl

    "Don''t be alarmed, I''m not here to harm anyone. Your with Takashi right? About this whole audition thing?" Kibe asked, the boy got ready to answer, but the girl quickly covered his mouth.

    "What did I just say? We ain''t know him. We can''t trust him." said the girl, Kibe looked at them. His eyes looked at the boy and then the girl.

    "I already know." Kibe

    "What?" the girl said

    "You do?" the boy said, the girl then kicked the boy in the shin hard, he winced in pain as he grabbed it. Typical, weak links will always be exploited.

    "He didn''t mean that, he doesn''t know what the fuck hes saying." the girl said with an aggravated tone.

    "I''m sorry, It just slipped out, I wasn''t thinking." the boy said embarrassed

    "You seem to not do a lot of that!" the girl said

    "Hey! Don''t be like that! I''m not some damn random guy alright or your ex! Alright I''m trying!" shouted the boy to which the girl then scoffed as she looked away. Kibe coughed and got they''re attention. He then pulled his gun out and pointed it at them, to which they both put their hands up immediately in shock.

    "WHAT THE FUCK?! YOU JUST SAID-"

    "I lied." Kibe said, he then gestured for them to move to the other side of the car, the side that wasn''t facing the street. He kept the gun on them as they walked to the other side, Kibe stood in front of them as they turned around.

    "I''m not here to kill you, the opposite actually." Kibe said

    "Yea? Well excuse me if I don''t believe you!" the girl said

    "Come on man, just let her go. I got money and other shit in the car. What do you want?" the boy said

    "I don''t want any of that. What I want is your cooperation." Kibe said, the two still were uneasy.

    "You were hired to help in assisting in capturing, killing or whatever to a certain man. I''m here to tell you that won''t be happening. Many of your other collogues have already agreed to help me in exchange for a better offer than what was given.

    I''m offering you the same choice." Kibe said

    "GO TO HELL!" the girl shouted

    "Himmy! Please, for once cool down goddamnit!" the boy shouted, Kibe looked at him and then Himmy. She scoffed and jerked her head away.

    "What is it?" asked the boy

    "Your lives. I offer you a chance to do something better. Be better. Humanity often enough takes for granted what it already has in exchange for more. Greed, a thing most common amongst them too." Kibe said

    "What are you-, your offering us our lives?" asked the boy

    "FOR GOD''S SAKE! Juo just beat his ass already!" Himmy shouted

    "HIMMY! Look man, I''ll help you. Just leave her out of this." Juo said

    "Forget it! No way your doing this without me! You''d get yourself hurt or worse. You''re not going without me!" Himmy shouted

    "WILL YOU LET ME DO THIS!?" Juo shouted. In love, their depth or cave of memories full, it''s what Kibe heard in their voices. The ambers and inferno of passion between the two was clear as day. Though they bickered, it is what comes with the passion and dedication of such. In their defense of the other was the echoes of a shared past, of a desire to see the other come out unharmed from anything. To whatever had brought them to this point was unclear. But the obvious was clear, the two were made for each other.

    "Its been decided. You both are coming." Kibe said as he put the gun away and gestured to Juo to move towards his car. Juo went to Kibe''s car along with Himmy who looked at Kibe with a awful sneer. Her hatred and anger could be felt miles away, radiating it as she was. Kibe then looked to their vehicle before walking to his. He got in the driver''s seat and drove to the location that Juo guided him to. In the back, Himmy was seething in anger at the situation. As they drove, Kibe looked back at her in the mirror and then back at the street.

    "When did you two meet?" Kibe asked

    "At the exotic place of, None of your damn business." Himmy said with her arms folded.

    "...Its really none of your business. None of it." Juo said in a exhausted and agitated tone. Kibe looked at him and then back to the road.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "You normally this fucking weird? Or are we a special occasion?" Himmy said

    "Himmy." Juo said annoyed

    "NO! Why are you entertaining this guy?! He literally just kidnapped us and now you''re talking to him?! What the fuck." Himmy said

    "I''m not entertaining it! I''m trying to be the only one keeping my cool! Ya''know? Cause someone should be." Juo shouted back at her, Kibe kept driving.

    "Pfft, Whatever." Himmy scoffed, eventually they''d arrive at the city and see the hotel they needed to go to. Kibe looked and saw it. It was massive 4-5 story. It had a large parking lot and even servants helping people get inside and get their luggage inside. There were many people outside, smoking and talking. A giant symbol on the front of it with the letters "HP".

    "Wow." Himmy said as she looked around, Kibe then pulled in to a parking space and parked the car.

    "Now what? We''re here." Juo asked

    "You''ll be helping me get inside. Whatever floor they''re on. You''ll be taking me there." Kibe said as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

    "No way! We already got you here, figure it out yourself!" Himmy said

    "...Don''t listen to her sir, she''s-"

    "White Rabbit." Kibe said

    "What?" Juo asked

    "You will call me, White Rabbit. Now lets go." Kibe said as he exited, Juo looked back at Himmy and then got out the car. Himmy punched the roof of the car in anger before she got out. Kibe walked to the front of the car and looked at Himmy and Juo hug each other.

    "We''ll be fine. In and out, easy." Juo said

    "...Ok, I still don''t like this. We could have taken him." Himmy said

    "No you couldn''t. Now lets go." Kibe said as he walked towards the front of the hotel with Himmy and Juo with him.

    "There is no way we''re getting in. We only have codes for two." Himmy said, Kibe then began to walk towards the back of the hotel.

    "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" Himmy shouted

    "Meet in the back of the hotel, Juo meet me in the loading dock and Himmy you''ll be guarding the entrance to it." Kibe said

    "What? But-"

    "Do as I say." Kibe said as he walked away, Himmy and Juo looked at each other.

    "I say we get the others in here and jump his ass babe!" Himmy said

    "...I...I don''t Him, he doesn''t seem like someone to cross. I say we go along with it. Then we''ll decide on that "idea" later." Juo said, the two walked inside and saw the plaza. It was packed with people and had a giant chandelier above it. Escalators going up multiple floors. A indoor restaurant and many other fancy accessories, they even had a coffee store.

    "Wow, look how fancy this place is. To think all of the taxes goes to just keeping a fine-looking table in here spotless. Honestly it pisses me off." Himmy said

    "Everything pisses you off. Now lets find that backdoor." Juo said

    "Why are we listening to him again? We''re in here and hes out there." Himmy asked

    "Because he had a gun pointed at your head not even 15 minutes ago, and I''d like that to not happen again." Juo said as the two walked towards the back rooms of the hotel.

    "I could have taken him, with how scrawny he look, he doesn''t look so damn tough."Himmy said

    "Babe, you''re a 5-foot-tall female who weighs less than a couch. He''d toss you into the street and do a backflip while doing it. You weren''t going to beat him, if anything he would have just shot you." Juo said as he searched each back room looking for the loading dock.

    "BULLSHIT! You telling me you wouldn''t have helped me?!" Himmy shouted, Juo searched another room just to see it was for smoking employees.

    "Helped you in getting the both of us killed? No." Juo said as he looked through another room. Himmy scoffed and looked away. Juo sighed and turned back to her.

    "Look babe, I just care about your saftey. If I''m not around whose going to keep your ass out of trouble? Your mom? Dad? Can''t be him cause hes dead, how about your siblings? Oh wait, they all hate you. See what I mean? Who in the hell is going to look out for you? Bad enough you got us wrapped up in this stupid dragon gang crap, but now we''re stuck helping out some psycho all because you didn''t put gas in the car like I ASKED YOU TO DO!" Juo said as he closed the door to the room. Himmy looked at him wanted so badly to slap him, but somewhere in her cold heart she knew he was right. She had really pushed everyone away but him. Not even her mother...

    "Fuck you Juo!" Himmy said flipping him off before crossing her arms. He shook his head as he opened the final door to see it led to the loading dock, Juo stretched his arms and legs and then walked in. Himmy watched him go down the stairs.

    "Keep watch and don''t let anyone come in here." Juo said

    "I thi-"

    "Don''t, do as I say for once." Juo said as he walked deeper into the loading dock backroom. Himmy slammed the door and leaned against it crossing her arms. Juo walked around and saw tons of pallets filled with product and produce. He saw shelves upon shelves. He looked around and tried to stay out of sight of any possible employees wondering about.

    "White Rabbit? Mr. White Rabbit? You here?" Juo whispered as he walked around, he then aired out his jacket. He took off his mask for a moment to breathe. Revealing himself to be a short black haired man with brown eyes, with a nasty scar on his cheek. He looked around some more before putting his mask back on. He soon got to the far back of the place where he saw the giant garage door for it was open. He walked outside of it and didn''t anyone in the back of the hotel.

    "Where in the hell did he go?" Juo asked

    "Juo, over here." said a voice, Juo recognized it as Kibe''s and turned around to see him waving to a door off to he side of the garage. Juo ran over to him.

    "What are you doing over here? The loading dock is empty, we can go inside." Juo said

    "The Dragon gang had some more members out here, even though its not in my goal. I still would like information about them and their boss. Which is where you come in. Come on." Kibe said as he let Juo into the room, as he looked around he saw it was an employee lounge. With a coffee maker, a couch, a widescreen TV and of course with multiple unconscious employees and three dragon gang members tied u-

    "WHAT THE!?" Juo shouted, Kibe locked the door behind him. Kibe then picked up a shotgun from the counter next to him and cocked it.

    "WHAT THE- Where did you get that?!" Juo asked

    "They had it on them." Kibe said as he looked at him. Kibe could tell Juo wasn''t a real thug or gangster. Not like the ones behind the school or like Tatsuo''s goons. Himmy seemed like the one always getting him into trouble, the one telling him what was best to do and what wasn''t. But her judgment on situations was poor, which meant someone had to be reason, that reason. Was Juo. She fought and he talked. A perfect duo, at least int stories. Kibe took a quick look at the shotgun.

    "Hm, how did they get they''re hands on this." Kibe said

    "What? the shotgun? Can''t you just buy those?" Juo asked

    "This is a 12-gauge shotgun. 7+1 round capacity, these are typically used for home defense and hunting. Not for sneaky operations envoling around school girls. Which brings me to my first and only question." Kibe said as he looked at them.

    "You dragon thugs have been popping up a lot recently, I know Takashi is working with you all. So tell me. Who is the one in charge of you all?" Kibe asked, but none of them gave answers. Juo took this moment to see the guy''s faces, their mask had been ripped off revealing their faces. The guy on the right was a man with black hair and brow eyes, the other in the middle, blonde and with green eyes and the last one on the left was bald and had blue eyes.

    "Look, we''re in the hotel, theres no point in doing this." Juo said

    "The Dragon gang have interfered with me enough today and I won''t be letting them get away with it again. I also know, that these guys are new. Before it was Tatsuo''s gang and now its you. So I''ll ask again." Kibe said as he walked to the guy on the right end and pointed the shotgun at his kneecap. The thug kept his cool and didn''t try to show any fear, but when he looked at Kibe. He did indeed see fear, for the first time in a long while.

    "Last time I''ll ask, Who is your boss?" Kibe asked

    "Go to hell." The thug said with aggression and a stern tone.

    "Come on man, just tell the guy. You really want to lose your left leg?" Juo said

    "Better that than be a snitch! My family owes everything to the boss, I''m not giving him up to some snow bunnyed fuck!" shouted the thug.

    "An admirable stance, unfortunately your kneecap will disagree. Also, "bunnyed" isn''t a word." Kibe said before he then shot the thug''s kneecap with the shotgun, blowing it to absolute oblivion, blood getting all over the floor and the guy''s screams loud and painful. He began to get quieter as he began to cry from the pain.

    "OH MY GOD!" Juo shouted

    "Quiet Juo." Kibe said as he reloaded the shotgun and went to the guy in the middle.

    "AHHH! You motherfucker, goddamnit!" shouted the right thug as he stared at his leg and saw it had been blown to hell, the bone and muscle completely destroyed.

    "Same question, lets see if you have it. Who is the boss of the Dragon gang." Kibe asked, the thug didn''t answer and just stared at him.

    "I didn''t offer silence as an option. Either you give up the name or you can ask your friend for his crutches once I blow off your leg." Kibe said

    "He already gave you my answer pig!" said the middle thug, Kibe looked at him and stood up. He then looked to the last guy, sitting down on left. He was looking at Kibe, completely shocked and horrified at his actions. Kibe and the left thug kept eye contact for a minute before Kibe spoke again.

    "Are you going to tell? or do you want to end up like your friend here?" Kibe asked as he then shot the middle thug in the kneecap while still looking at the last guy, the guy giving a bloody scream as he seethed in pain. His entre leg feeling like it was on fire. The left guy''s face immediately went to his leg. He began to shake and nearly pissed himself. Kibe walked over to him.

    "How about-"

    "I don''t know his name! But I know some guys he works with; he apparently got a large sum of money from some bitch who asked us to help him out. At least until this whole play bullshit is over. I also know some of what he does run too, he runs money making stuff, deals with dealers, other gangs and even does trafficking." said the left thug quickly, nearly mumbling and stumbling over his words.

    "LEON! YOU FUCKING-" But before the middle thug could finish Kibe would get his pistol out and shoot the guy in the head, shocking everyone.

    "HOLY SHIT DUDE! WHAT THE FUCK!" Juo shouted

    "OH GOD!" said the Leon, thats when he did piss himself. Kibe then looked back to the final thug.

    "Listen Leon, I don''t care for money fraud, trafficking or drug deals. I''m an ordinary guy looking to keep my life simple. So I need something better otherwise your kneecap is going to be the last thing I blow off your disgusting body." Kibe said as he pressed the shotgun closer into Leon''s leg. Juo just watched as he looked back at the door and to Kibe and the thugs.

    "OK OK OK! Ando Miyuki, Kono Satoshi and Minami Minori! But thats all I know I swear! They got an outpost and drug house somewhere in the city, but I don''t know where! They do the boss''s dirty jobs and are his right hands! Thats all I know though! I SWEAR! I SWEAR!" screamed Leon. Kibe then lifted the shotgun.

    "Your cooperation is appreciated! Do me one more favor." Kibe said as he got out the middle thug''s phone out of his pocket. He unlocked it then freed one of Leon''s arms.

    "Call the police and tell them everything going on here." Kibe said as he handed him the phone. Leon grabbed the phone shakily and called the police, he then began to tell them everything. Kibe walked over to Juo as he disassembled the shotgun, throwing its parts in the garbage.

    "Ok, you go your answer, can we go now?" Juo asked with a shaky voice

    "For someone in the dragon''s gang you sure are a nervous one." Kibe said as he then put the shotgun bullets in his coat pocket and his pistol away.

    "Its a one time thing, me and Himmy weren''t really going to join these guys....definitely not now." Juo said as Kibe unlocked the door and opened it.

    "Ok I did it! What about this?" Leon asked as he held the phone up. Kibe then turned around and shot Leon''s hand through the phone and into his hand. He began to scream in pain as he held it to his chest.

    "Lets go." Kibe said as he and Juo left the break room and walked back to join with Himmy. At the top of the hotel though in one of the private suites, Takashi and 10 other girls would be in a room. They''d be doing some rehearsals over the play. Takashi was watching the girls go over the lines of the main female lead, his eyes weren''t truly on them though. As he looked at them, he saw the way they moved their chest and legs. They truly wanted a shot at this, no matter what it meant, even if it meant going down a path of depravity. Takashi however was eyeing Mi. He saw how she sat in her seat, she was clearly nervous. Takashi looked around at some of the masked guys he had standing around.

    "And so, my hear burns for you. Burns for that darkness you showed. That darkness that bewitched me, kiss me oh shadow of mine and let us dine in the abyss. For eternity." said one girl, her voice filled with seduction and passion. Her body having had moved in the same rhythm as her words. She then put the script down and bowed. Takashi and the other boys in the room clapped. The other girls were staring daggers at her though, even whispering about her.

    "Alright ladies, Thanks for your time, however I''m going to need to speak to someone else first before we can get to, why your all really here." Takashi said. All the girls bowed and chatted with each other. Mi went to walk out too.

    "Hold on, not you Mrs. Ouchi. I''d like to talk to you. If you please." Takashi said, Mi turned around and walked over. Takashi got up and walked to her.

    "Whats wrong Mi?" Takashi asked

    "Its just...well, when I was doing it on stage it just felt a bit...different. Here now I-...I don''t know." Mi said

    "Do you wish Kibe was here?" Takashi asked which caught Mi''s attention.

    "I-...I...yes." Mi said, Takashi put a hand on her shoulder.

    "Its ok, I understand, but role such as this can''t be done with others in thought. So often do people believe that another will help them realize their dreams, they aren''t even realizing that person is holding them back." Takashi said

    "You think Kibe is...holding me back?" She asked

    "Undoubtably. I can already see in you someone who desires for more to their life, someone stricken with fear for stagnation. Your afraid your life won''t go anywhere so you try your best to move as much as possible. To be...more." Takashi said, her circled her, he could smell the milky honey scent of her hair, her pulsing and breathing chest. Her long and yet full legs. Like a beast eyeing another''s gazelle. He could feel his mouth begin to water.

    "..."

    "Would you humor me Mi?" asked Takashi as he grabbed her shoulders from behind. She gulped a bit before nodding. Her shoulders tense.

    "Don''t tense up, an actress needs her full body in function to do her job." Takashi said, his voice was slow, yet moving in a way. The idea of floating on clouds came to mind when Mi heard it. It was a complete contrast to Kibe''s more robotic and cold tone. So she did, she relaxed her body. Takashi''s hands then went from her shoulders to her arms.

    "Always remember this lesson, that your emotions will always be reflected in your body. When you know fear, your body will react accordingly. Same goes for love, happiness and of course hatred. What are you feeling right now?" Takashi asked as his hands felt her stomach, her face went to a hot red as her hands got a bit sweaty.

    "I-I don''t know." She said embarrassed.

    "Don''t worry, we''ll find out together." Takashi said as his hands began to move up her stomach and before he could even feel underneath Mi''s breasts someone would barge in.

    "SIR! I got news!" shouted the voice of a thug. Takashi''s face twisted with frustration and anger.

    "....WHAT?" Takashi shouted

    "Its about him." said the thug, Takashi''s face then got serious as he looked back to Mi and rubbed her shoulder.

    "Go ahead and join the others, I''ll go ahead and talk with you more later." Takashi said as Mi then walked out quickly. After she did two other thugs would close the doors behind her. Takashi walked over to a small table and poured himself a drink.

    "What is it?" Takashi said

    "Kibe...hes gone missing. No news on him or what hes planning. Not long after that, we lost complete contact with everyone from the second group. The one we sent to the cleaners." Said the thug, Takashi looked at him and then to his phone, thats when he saw that everyone in his group chat had left. His eyes looked at it and then to a window, he looked out to the city.

    "...So, hes disappeared. Hm, no. Hes doing exactly what I figured he would do." Takashi said

    "What?" the thug said confused

    "Hes coming for the fair maiden, No, he wants his truth. The man wants his reality to make sense again, but that won''t ever happen. I want guards at the front doors, I want someone to get the treasure on the phone. I''ll need a way out. Kibe isn''t missing. Infact." Takashi said as he then grabbed a remote and turned on a TV in the back of the room, which then showed footage of the outside of the hotel with multiple police cars outside of it.

    "Hes right where I knew he''d be. Nori Kibe, you''ve proven your capabilities. And dedication, however all your thinking could never prepare yourself for me." Takashi said as he then opened the doors to the main living room.

    "Follow the instructions already given, if done right. Kibe won''t live past the day." Takashi said as he closed the door.

    Back near the base of the hotel outside, Mr. Nakayama and many other officers arrived. Kibe was looking at them from the second floor.

    "Right where I need you." Kibe said as he backed away, Himmy and Juo were also looking.

    "Calling the cops? Thats what he asked the guy to do? Is he crazy?!" Himmy shouted.

    "I don''t know. He has a way of thinking I haven''t seen." Juo said. Kibe then walked past them and to the elevator.

    "Come, the climax is close." Kibe said as he pressed a button. Himmy and Juo walked to him and it was at this moment Kibe was going to and knew, he had to make the most crucial decision in his whole life. Who to take the elevator with. As he waited for the elevator he looked in the reflection of the door to the elevator and looked at Juo and Himmy. A crossroad in single moment, unseen by others and often enough in life, completely ignored. The elevator arrived and with it, so did Kibe''s choice.

    "Juo, go ahead and take this one. I will be taking the next with Himmy." Kibe said

    "What?" Himmy said

    "Uh, no way. I don''t trust you, I hardly know you and-" Kibe then looked at him and then to the elevator.

    "I''m not asking." Kibe said

    "And I''m not letting you be anywhere with my girl pal, I said no!" Juo said, Kibe was suprised at his sternness and readiness to defend his stance. Kibe looked to his firm grasp, how devoted he was to Himmy. He looked back at her and then to Juo who he then touched on the shoulder. Juo then felt it. The weight of that hand. It felt like a brick atop a feather, Juo could feel his conviction and will crumble.

    "Tell me something Juo, do you think you can fly?" Kibe asked

    "HEY! GET THE FUCK-"

    "If your answer is no, then you''ll get in the elevator as I instructed. If yes then feel free to stand your ground." Kibe said, Juo was sweating he wanted to badly to stand his ground, but he was no fighter. And Kibe? He had already seen just what he was capable of.

    "...Nothing? Then get in." Kibe said as he Juo had noticed Kibe had backed him into the elevator. Kibe pressed a button to the top floor and the elevator closed. He then turned around and looked at Himmy. He gestured for her to enter the elevator and they both went in. They both stood instead as the elevator went up.

    "Why the hell did you do that? You better not do SHIT to Juo!" Himmy shouted as she got closer to Kibe, her fist clenched.

    "Have you ever heard of the black swan theory? Well really its a study on the individual''s reaction to the highly probable." Kibe said

    "ENOUGH OF YOUR BUL-"

    "Juo is going to die." Kibe said

    "What..." Himmy said

    "Juo is going to die and it will be all your fault. You must believe that through all the situations you''ve brought him on and all the times you''ve saved his life. That is invincible with you. So long as your around he will be ok." Kibe said

    "...What the hell are you saying?" Himmy said

    "What I''m saying is, expect the most common outcome. Your brash, hot-headed and rush into danger." Kibe said

    "You don''t know a fucking thing about me!" Himmy shouted

    "Thats the thing. I do, theres nothing complex about you Himmy. You''re like me. Your bland." Kibe said

    "SHUT UP! WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW!?" Himmy shouted at him

    "I know enough that you won''t be there to defend him when it matters. You care about him, yet you demean and shout at him. You may love him, but what it really is; is that you need him. You want someone to be watching over you like a parent watching a toddler. Cause mother didn''t, did she?" Kibe said, Himmy''s fist shook in pure anger. She grabbed her mask almost ready to throw it down, but Kibe wasn''t ready to see her face. He wanted to put more of himself into her mind.

    "Your codependency on Juo will be the thing that ends you. Turns your into exactly what your family most despised about you." Kibe said, she didn''t know how he did it, but somehow unbeknownst to Himmy. She had been reading. Kibe had seen her for what she is. She wanted to beat him to a bloody pulp, but her brain could only do one thing at the moment, as the elevator reached the top floor.

    "FUCK YOU! Himmy shouted, Kibe turned around as the doors opened to the elevator to reveal Juo standing there.

    "Hey, we got a problem!" Juo said as pointed down the hall to see four other masked men waiting at the door that they needed to go through.

    "Well well, if it isn''t the White Rabbit! You know when the boss said you were crazy smart I thought he was exaggerating, but nah. You''re the real deal! A real psycho!" Said goon #1, Juo and Himmy stared at Kibe and then the goons.

    "Takashi, I''m here for him. Get out of my way and you will be spared any injuries." Kibe said

    "Oh I don''t think so." Said goon #1 as he then got out a pistol and pointed it at Kibe, Juo and Himmy.  Who both put their hands up except for Kibe. The goon tiltited his head in curiosity at Kibe''s lack of a response.

    "You don''t want to pull the trigger. It''ll ruin you. I promise." Kibe said

    "Oh really? From what I''ve heard you''ve already been doing that to plenty of my friends. Our other team betrayed us, went rouge and started attacking our own and even causing that damn wreck earlier. You don''t get to have a say! Not here! Not at this high of place. Not with these stakes." Said goon #1

    "Clearly in disarray, hes not panicked. Hes just crazy, a clear sign that hes afraid of how far down the toilet this attmept at a plan went. They are in a terrible state of disarray. Unorganized." Kibe thought

    "Well pal, you''re not getting to him. The helicopter will be here soon and he''ll be gone." Said goon # 1

    "DUDE!!!" shouted the other guys behind him to which he winced once he realized what he had said.

    "WHAT!? Leaving?" Juo said shocked

    "So all this was for nothing?!" Himmy shouted

    "..." Kibe then took a step forward.

    "I don''t think so pal, no one else of the dragon gang is getting hurt today! Just you fools!" Said goon #1

    "US!? WHAT US!? He kidnapped us man! We''re not with him!" Shouted Juo

    "YEA YOU FUCKING IDIOT! Is that mask making you see things?!" Himmy shouted

    "All I see is the White Rabbit and his sheep. No other good men get hurt! Just the ones who caused all this pain! You lot!" Shouted the goon as he then fired his pistol and shot Juo right in the chest. It felt like the world was frozen. Kibe''s head turned as he saw Juo collapse with Himmy''s screams ringing out as she watched him drop. She ran over and dropped by his side. With that shot Mr.Nakayama and his team immediately went inside and evacuated whoeever they could.

    "No! No no no no! No no no! Please, please! Please no! Juo, JUO!" Himmy screamed, Kibe looked down at them. In the place of Himmy, he saw himself. A young boy, not even ten years old. He was there tugging and holding his mother who had been shot in. Blood all over him and her. While a distant voice, a older stern one went off in his head.

    Throughout this whole thing, he didn''t even register how much affect his real self was taking from this. Not the machine, but the man underneath.

    "Alright that''s enough! For God''s sake!" Shouted goon #2

    "What?! They already spilled blood today! You shouldn''t be afraid of adding a little more." Goon #1 said, thats when he''d turn around and see as Kibe pulled out his gun and shot him square between the eyes. The other guys fell backwards in total shock as their friend collapsed to the ground.

    "Himmy" Kibe said as he turned around to her. She was holding Juo''s hand. He was breathing fast and so was she. Tears rushed down her face.

    "Please...please don''t leave Juo...I need you." She said

    "Himmy...please...get out of this....no more....no more blood. Get..." Juo words fell as he then stopped mid-sentence

    "Juo? Juo!? JUO!" Himmy shouted

    "HIMMY!" Kibe shouted, this was when Kibe would see exactly why he had made his choice. Himmy''s eyes looked to the last few goons in the hallway. She immediately sprinted forward, she almost looked like a blur to the goons. She grabbed a curtain pole and immediately rushed in and slamned it into one of the goons head. Shen did a spinning kick and kicked another guy in the head.

    "Very good, as expected. She was the brawns and Juo the brains." Kibe thought to himself as he watched her.

    He watched as she went into a complete and utter frenzy, one of the guys stabbed her in the side, but she just brit forced her way through the natural reaction. She ripped the knife out of her side and proceeded to stab the guy multiple times in the face until his body dropped. Kibe looked at her as she stood over the bodies, Himmy''s side was leaking blood a bit, but her adrenaline was already going through the roof. Kibe saw the elevator beginning to move up, he then walked over and pressed the emergency button which stopped them mid-lift.

    "WHAT!? Who pressed the emergency stop button?!" Shouted one of the officers in the elevator, however unbeknownst to Kibe, Mr.Nakayama had went up the stairs instead. Thats when Mr.Nakayama then got a transmission from his walkie-talkie.

    "Nakayama! The elevator has been shut down! We''re stuck in here!" Said the officer

    "Dont worry! Me and A team are almost to the top floor! They won''t be getting away." Mr.Nakayama said as he and the other officers with him kept moving up the flight of stairs. Kibe looked over to Juo, his eyes made contact with him before whispering to himself.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of her." Kibe said as he walked forward, Himmy was pumping with adrenaline, a low growl being heard behind her mask.

    "We''re not done yet." Kibe said as he opened the door to the suite. Finally his goal reached. He walked inside with Himmy trailing behind him. As they looked inside they saw all the girls in there. Some of them had wet themselves and others were huddled togther. Kibe''s eyes then landed on Mi. She was shaking in fear. She didn''t look hurt or abused.

    "HEY! SNAP THE FUCK OUT OF IT!" Himmy shouted at him, Kibe did and looked up as he heard a helicopter above the suite. Kibe and Himmy immediately ran up the flight of stairs lead to the roof. As they got there. They saw a helicopter lifting off with Takashi and a few other dragon gang members with him. The other buildings around, the lights mixing with the night sky and the moon hovering above. The night felt and looked as full as it had been.

    "Well well! Look who it is my friends!" Takashi said with a smile, Kibe looked up at him.

    "Dont bother taking off your mask, White Rabbit.  I have a good feeling on who it really is underneath that. You suprised me. Your tactics are fascinating and a clear sign you won''t just let me do what I please. You''ve impressed me! Although you never could have thought this far! Adios White Rabbit!" Takashi said as he waved goodbye with him and helicopter dissapering into the night. Kibe looked and watched him go until Himmy grabbed his over coat and pulled Kibe to her face.

    "THATS IT!? YOU BEOUGHT US ALL THIS WAY!? JUST FOR HIM TO ESCAPE!? JUO DIED FOR THAT!?" Himmy screamed

    "Juo died, because of you." Kibe said, Himmy looked at him in shock as she let go.

    "He came here because of you, had you not opened your mouth in the hallways the thug may have calmed down more and listened. But you just can''t help causing a mess can you Himmy? You''re just so use to it." Kibe said

    "YOU SON OF-" however at that moment Himmy would get shot in the leg causing her to collapse onto her back, Kibe immediately caught her so she wouldn''t fall. As he did, he looked over to the stars leading to the roof and saw some officers and Mr.Nakayama.

    "WHITE RABBIT FREEZE! Don''t move!" Mr.Nakayama shouted

    "I''m suprised detective. You found put just where I''d be." Kibe said

    "It was pretty easy to deduce. Though I can tell you the rest once I got you in handcuffs. You''ve killed plenty of innocent lives. I reckon you''re the one responsible behind the suicide of Hino Tatsuo too. I couldn''t find anyone who was remotely clever enough to pull it off, and go unnoticed. I thought I had one guy, but now you''ve come along." Mr.Nakayama said, Kibe looked at him and then to Himmy who was holding her leg and wincing in pain.

    "She looks hurt bad, we can take her to a hospital, but you''ll need to surrender and come with us." Mr.Nakayama said. Kibe then turned behind him, he saw a building just over 25 feet away from this motel. A glass ceiling, pool maybe? He didn''t have time to think it all through. Either way, he was going to be using his strength regardless.

    "Hold on tight Himmy." Kibe whispered. The last thing she wanted was to rely on him, after what he did with Juo and now getting shot. All she wanted was for this day to be over. However something told her that this wasn''t the end. She remembered what Juo had said to her. Himmy then wrapped her arms around Kibe''s neck. He then lifted Himmy up and carried her.

    "Don''t speak." Kibe whispered as he began walking to the police. Himmy didn''t know what to think. Kibe got closer and closer to them. All of them still pointing their guns at him, However. They all seemed to still be on the stairs to the roof, minus the  detective and two others right next to him.

    "You''ll ask me to put her down. Once I get close no doubt you''re men will attempt to arrest me which is why, I''ll be getting close in the disguise that I''ve lost. Walk like I''m disappointed, walk in a state of defeat so you won''t see my next move coming. You''re perceptive Mr.Nakayama, but without my face to see, you will never guess what I intend to do next." Kibe thought as he eventualky go close enough to them.

    "Drop her and hands up." Mr.Nakayama said, thats when the other officers next to him got ready to put their guns away and took a step forward, with Kibe getting ready to out Himmy down; in that instance though Kibe would do a 360 degree sweeping kick tripping both of the the officers that had walked ahead. Kibe then would get up and kick Mr.Nakayama square in the chest sending him flying down the stairs crashing into the other officers, a few shots were fired, but they missed. Kibe then took that instance and began sprinting towards the end of the roof; towards the building with the glass roof.

    "HEY! THERES NO LADDER OR SHIT THERE! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!?!?" Himmy screamed

    "I told you to hold on." Kibe said, Himmy clung to Kibe tightly, with the officers behind them finally getting up and firing at them.

    "DONT SHOOT! We don''t know if there are people in the building across you damn idiots!" Mr.Nakayama shouted

    "Sorry captain." The officers mumbled, but soon their mouths would open with shock as Kibe then leaped off of the roof, clearing the 25 feet wide gap between the buildings. Himmy screamed as they went flying through the air and eventually crashing through the glass ceiling of the building. Mr.Nakayama got up and immediately and ran down the stairs with his other officers behind him.

    "GET SOME OFFICERS TO THAT BUILDING! I want everyone out of this hotel too!" Mr.Nakayama shouted, inside the other building, Kibe had made a lucky guess as underneath the glass. There was a massive pool with a slide and all. Kibe then came out of the water and coughed as he took off his mask, he then pulled Himmy out who was coughing and held her leg still in pain. Kibe looked at her and then pulled off her mask. She slapped his hand away. Kibe looked as her mask flew out of his hand, he then saw her face, she had dark eyes,  a lip piercing, earrings and short black hair. Her face was a bit ghastly too, due to blood loss no doubt.

    "You''ll bleed out if I don''t patch you up." Kibe said

    "I''d rather be a empty can, than get touched you by!" Himmy said as she tried to get up. Kibe immediately pushed her over and pulled down her pants, to which she of course she has a complete meltdown over.

    "HEY! GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME!!!" She shouts, Kibe then backhands her across the face. She was frozen, shocked at the sudden physical attack.

    " Shut up." Kibe said, his icy tone hitting aginst Himmy''s ears like chalk on a board. She was ready to hit him again, but her hands and body hesitated. Kibe took the second to look back down and grab Himmy''s right leg. He looks at her leg as she looks away embarrassed and her face flushed. Kibe then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small pin, he starts digging in the wound for the bullet. Himmy breathes heavily pounding her fist on the hard tiled ground. Kibe eventually after a few moments gets the bullet out.

    "There." Kibe said as he then ripped off part of Himmy''s pants leg and uses it to patch up her leg. He tightens it to which she winced at. He then gets up and throws her pants to her and her mask. Kibe then reaches down and grabs his mask.

    "Get up." Kibe said as he got up, he looked up at the skylight and could see the moonlight reflecting off of the glass roof above. It even illuminated the small pieces that were in the pool. Himmy put her pants back on and struggled to get. Kibe then walked over to her and put his hand out.

    "Come on, I can''t have you slowing us down." Kibe said, Himmy didn''t protest and grabbed it, Kibe then got her onto his back and walked over towards what seemed to be a window. Kibe opened it and saw that they were only about 3 stories from the ground. He went ahead and starts making his way down a drain pipe until he reached the ground. As he lands he sees police car lights and hides behind a dumpster quick enough to not be seen.

    "Hey stupid, did you remember the car?! We need to get back!" Himmy whispered aggressively until  Kibe then put on his mask.

    "We''ll make it to the car. Dont worry." Kibe said, he then typed in the group chat on his phone. As he did Mr.Nakayama got a report on his walkie-talkie.

    "Whats the news? WHAT?! A shoot out?! The dragon gang...What the hell. We haven''t caught  the White Rabbit just yet. We need-...I understand." Mr.Nakayama said, he looked around at the Sawa high girls getting sent home in police cars, the other officers asking questions and some people being sent to the hospital including Juo.

    "Captain! We''ve looked around and gotten nothing. I reckon we increase the search range, they couldn''t have gotten far." Said an officer

    "We''re  leaving." Mr.Nakayama said with frustration

    "What?" Asked the officer

    "Orders from the chief, a shoot out is going on right now between the dragon gang and some other third party." Mr.Nakayama said, he clenched his fist. He got on the walkie-talkie and would tell all officers in his area to focus on the shoot out. He''d get in a car with another pair of officers as he made his way out of there. A few cops were left on the scene to take care of the situation of the hotel, but to not pursue the White Rabbit anymore. Kibe with Himmy on his back sneaks back to the hotel after that and  to the parking lot. Eventually managing to get back to the car they had arrived in. Kibe and Himmy got in and drove off.

    Later on that night, Kibe and Himmy would be at a lone bridge by the water. Kibe standing behind Himmy as she held the railing and cried over.

    "DAMNNNIIITTT!!!" Himmy screamed, cars passed by them from behind, the night was deep and cold. Himmy slammed her hand on the railing, her tears falling down her face. She looked at the mask and tossed it to the side. Kibe''s eyes looked at it and then back to Himmy.

    "...Juo...its..its all my fault! WHY WASNT IT ME!? WHY!? WHHYYY!!!" Himmy screamed she slammed her fist on the railing in despair. Her chest felt tight and her breath was shaky.

    "...If you''re done, then I''m going." Kibe said as he attempted to make his way the car, but Himmy would go over to him and grab his gun. She''d point it at Kibe''s head, Kibe looked back at her before turning around completely.

    "YOU! THIS IS ALL YOU''RE FAULT! YOU FORCED US! YOU GOT JUO KILLED!!!" Himmy screamed

    "I didn''t kill him. That was you''re fault. You convinced him to join with you. You made him love you." Kibe said

    "SHUT UP! YOU THINK I WON''T PULL THIS FUCKING TRIGGER HUH!? YOU THINK I WONT KILL YOU!?!? I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU WHITE RABBIT!!!" Himmy screamed out as tears continued to run down her face. Kibe could see just by looking at her, she wasn''t angry she was-

    "You''re scared aren''t you Himmy?" Kibe asked, but she gave him no answer. She put the gun closer to his head.

    "You''re scared because now you have to make choices, do things on your own. You were dependent on Juo''s way of talking to guide you. Now you don''t have one. You''re afraid of life, of making decisions.

    Your codependency is showing." Kibe said

    "...I hate you, I really do." Himmy said with a saddened voice

    "Then kill me. Prove you don''t need me." Kibe said, Himmy''s hands gripped the gun tightly and undid the saftey of it. She pressed it hard aginst Kibe''s head. Her eyes staring daggers into Kibe''s vacant green ones. They looked so hollow and unlike anything she had seen. Her hands began to shake, thats when Juo''s words rang through her head. The promise he asked of.

    "...God...damnit.." Himmy cried as she put the gun down and leaned aginst the railing, her tears rushing down her face quickly.

    "I guess we do need each otheafter all." Kibe said as he then slowly grabbed the gun from Himmy, he then removed the magazine. He looked at her and then immediately punched her in the face knocking her to the ground falling face first, she trys to get up. However Kibe would stomp his foot on her wounded leg. She''d give out a small scream as her nails clawed at the ground.

    "Pulling a gun on me, will be the last thing you ever do Himmy. Now I don''t know how you got associated with the dragon game or what other information you may have, but we are going to be getting pretty familiar with one another from now on.

    I assume you have a place of residence. I''ll be visiting you within the next two days

    I already added my number to your phone. It was a pleasure Himmy. See you around." Kibe said as he then drove off. Himmy got up and leaned aginst the railing holding her leg. Her tears falling again as she began to cry some more.

    End of Volume 1

 Volume 2, The Deal

    A whole month would pass since what happened at the HP Hotel, during the time many would begin to become uneasy. The Crime rate began to increase a bit more day by day,  however the thing that had cops and Mr.Nakayama really turning heads was the white rabbit and his connection to everything. The Dragon gang members caught afterwards wouldn''t spill a thing and some who did gave no good leads.

    The trail was cold again, for now. It was the weekend and back home Kibe was cooking himself some lunch. Wearing a black turtle neck, black pants and slippers and a apron. As he did, his brain would once again expand into thought.

    The time was 4:30 PM.

    "I''d like to ask a question, what makes man so special? As deduced countless times they as a species are immensely beneath every animal on the planet. Even fungi have a evolutionary edge over us. Plants need only the sun and water to sustain themselves, fish and mammals are not inhibited to or held back by wants. Merely just the need to live, nothing more. They are mentally behind in the provisionary pyre that they even begin to question simplistic things that no other does. Things like the need to reproduce or rather or genders are what they should be, humanity is a flawed species built off of made up rules and illogical concepts.

    The moment they failed as a species, was the moment subjectivity was taken into account rather than the objectivity of the preservation of their race. If they did, then maybe murders and serial killers would not exist." Kibe thought to himself as he then cut the raw salmon in half. He then started his rice cooker next to him which he had already made the rice inside. Kibe then grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and began to drink it. He then got his phone and began to play some classical music.  Specifically, Mozart - Rondo Alla Turca.

    "Which brings me to my next point, what is hunting? Is it simply just a sport or perhaps a chance for them to regain some footing over they''re hopeless existence, to hopefully find clarity where they''re egos once existed and now only shambles remain.

    If God created man in his image, then God is a murderer. To kill animals and the creatures on this planet is game, but to kill man as another man.

    Now that...that is God''s game." Kibe thought as he finally finished dicing his salmon and would put it in to a fryer. He continued to cook his food as his mother walked around getting he things ready as she talked on the phone. Kibe looked at the diced salmon and reflected on those he had killed.

    "Kibe" his mother said, but Kibe couldn''t hear her.

    "...So what does it mean when something man made kills them? What does death mean to a machine?" Kibe thought to himself

    "Kibe" his mother shouted this time, but Kibe was too intangled in his own thoughts.

    ".. .It wouldn''t be murder, no, murder is only murder if equality exist. In a world where status and money rule there can exist no such thing. Therefore I have murdered no one, simply put. I have put down the sick." Kibe thought as he continued to fry his salmon. Looking down at each diced piece as if it were the souls of those lost in his wake. He then picked up a piece of fried salmon, he looked at it carefully. Making sure each inch of it had been cooked to perfection, he then gently and quickly put it into his mouth.

    "KIBE!" his mother shouted, Kibe''s eyes were closed at the taste. It was...hm, he couldn''t quite put his finger on just what it was it tasted like. If it was good or just...bland.

    "Yuyi." Kibe said as he opened his eyes and then looked to his mother. She was wearing a long turtleneck with an overcoat, her normal black purse and had make-up on of course. Her hair was glossed and looked beautiful aginst the light. Almost like it desired to shine on her to showcase what the darkness didn''t.

    "Yes?" Kibe asked, his voice still plain and calming.

    "I''m heading back to work, something came up. Think you can manage without me? Without getting in trouble?" She said

    "Of course." Kibe said, his mother then walked over and gave him a hug before she left. Kibe looked down back to his food he was cooking, however that''s when he''d get a phone call. Kibe looked over and saw the caller ID had a K on it. Just one letter? How odd he thought. He wiped his hands off and turned off everything he was cooking with, he then walked to his backyard and answered the phone.

    "Hello Nori Kibe." Said a voice

    "Greetings, I assume that you getting a hold of my number, let alone knowing my name is something I should be worried about?" Kibe said

    "Oh, I doubt you''d be worried about something like this." Said the voice, Kibe couldn''t quite distinguish the voice. They were using some sort of voice modifier, something to keep him from guessing who they were. However, not even technology could fool Kibe, he was able to tell from the voice it was female. All other traits about her were however much harder to distinguish.

    "You''d be right, this just makes me all the more interested in who you might be. Though I reckon I won''t be getting that information any time soon. Yes?" Kibe asked

    "Incorrect, I don''t want to work aginst you Kibe, quite the opposite. Recent events have shown me better, meet with me today. We''ll talk over lunch." The voice said

    "Where?" Kibe asked as he looked towards his basement doors.

    "Meet me at the DinnerMan restaurant. Don''t be late." Said the voice as it hung up, Kibe then got on his phone and attempted to trace it, but couldn''t get anything.

    "Whatever signal they used to contact me is either old or something top of the line. Impressive." Kibe thought as he then closed his phone and walked back inside. He went to his room and got his clothes togther, wearing a white turtleneck and put a pair of reading glasses in his pocket. He then left his home, locked the door and began to walk deep into town. As he did he made notes of all the little changes that had come up since last month. There were a few more cops driving down streets, though only occasionally. He''d see quite a few less people just walking around and even a protester. Talking about how the White Rabbit has given life and excitement back to the world where most thought it dead.

    Eventually he''d arrive to the dinner called the DinnerMan, it was this very old fashioned restaurant, Kibe walked inside. A waiter set him down at a booth and he sat down. Kibe looked around and outside for a moment, he saw two people across the street arguing and fighting with one another. However his vision would get obscured as three tall men wearing black suits would walk past his window, they stopped at the door to which it opened without them touching it. Thats when he saw what actually happened, it wasn''t magic. Just a shorter person. She also was wearing a white turtleneck, she was blonde, silver eyes, a black band on her hair and looked to be about 5''5...maybe a inch less. Kibe watched as she walked over to him and would sit down across for him. Kibe looked around once more and noticed the whole place was empty, besides them.

    "Greetings." Kibe said

    "Greetings" said the girl, she was smiling at him, but it wasn''t one of joy more like pent up smile. A smile that someone would give when they''re confident or when they know something someone else doesn''t. Kibe looked at her and shockingly, he couldn''t even read her. He couldn''t get a feel for her current mood, what kind of person she was or so on. It was like staring at a brick wall. Everything he saw is what was there.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    "Its been a long time, Nori Kibe." Said the girl

    "You know me? Thats quite interesting, cause I have no recollection of you. Which gets me to my first question, just who are you? If I may ask." Kibe asked, the girl nodded her head and stood up straight. Just like Kibe. Her face then became something else, no emotion was present. She was holding her eye contact almost eerily. For once when Kibe looked at someone''s face, they didn''t reassemble a human. Instead her face was like his, cold, calculated...almost like a doctor looking at a unconscious patient. With them now in the driver seat and capble of doing whatever it is they desire.

    "My name is Kiko." She said, Kibe tilted his head a bit.

    ?

    (Artwork of Kiko, done from Piecrew. Artist behind it is: https://x.com/miwasiba?t=cWOZwC09mqqjWCM0TaOhvw&s=09</a>)

    "No last name?" Kibe asked

    "The name I''ve given you now will suffice, there is no reason for the two of us to get too personal. As I consider keeping a distance from to be one of my goals." She said, the waiter then came over to them. Kibe looked outside once more before looking back at Kiko, and then the waiter

    "Hey there, what will you two like to drink?" Asked the waiter

    "I-" Kibe then put his hand up, Kiko stopped as she looked at him.

    "I got it." Kibe said, Kiko then motioned for him to order. Kibe''s eyes then looked to her again, his brain once again faster than he was.

    "Her stance may be bland and her facial features average, but her taste isn''t. A white turtleneck, she isn''t poggish, but also loves luxury. Her hair is straight, bobcut. Her ends are even. She''s a perfectionist. Her size could also add to this hypothesis, but she dosent at all come off as if her size deluds her. No, not one bit. She''s not self conscious. If anything she looks to be too self aware." Kibe thought, he then looked to the waiter.

    "Some green tea for my lady friend and I''ll have some black tea." Kibe said the waiter nodded, worte down their order and walked away. Kibe looked over to Kiko who gave a small nod.

    "Great job." Kiko said

    "On what? I simply ordered you a drink I felt best fit you." Kibe said

    "Yes, so luck is it? You guessed my favorite tea...on luck. Alright. " Kiko said with a smirk as she looked outside, Kibe followed her eyes, all that was outside the window was a another clothing store, some large buildings in the background and of course the nice morning sun which shined from behind the DinnerMan.

    "So, enough with the sights then. How about we start getting down to the real meat of this get-together." Kibe said as Kiko looked at him.

    "I couldn''t agree more." Kiko said, the two stared at one another for a moment. Thats when it began, where Kibe''s view on his situation would shift.

    "The information that Takashi and the other council members have is, confidential. I need you to assist me in getting it back and keeping them from spreading it." Kiko said

    "What information?" Kibe asked

    "The info you''ve been chasing to get. The secret that Akia told them, but didn''t tell you." Kiko said, Kibe was taken aback at this, but still held himself togther. His front never faltering.

    "I request elaboration." Kibe said

    "Gina Akia got her hands on some important information, its not known how yet, but there was a leak. Likely from the inside, regardless it got out and she intended to tell others. Who? We still don''t know. Thats beside the point though, you''ve been giving them quite the chase. You''re return to activity has brought me to a position of which I once observed; I now desire to be active." Kiko said

    "What does this mean, if you don''t mind me asking again." Kibe asked

    "I want your aid, this information can''t be let out into the public and colleagues wish I get this back; before the leak becomes national news." Kiko said, thats when they''re drinks would arrive. Kiko and Kibe nodded as Kiko took a sip of her drink, her eyes met with Kibe who didn''t drink his and just stared at her.

    "This information must be pretty damning, if national news would care to cover it. So that brings me to my next question, what is it?" Kibe asked

    "Information about and surrounding the organization I come from." Kiko said

    "You did mention others and what sounds like a business? What is it?" Kibe asked

    "Something like the FBI and CIA, but far more advanced than that." Kiko said

    "And some information got leaked? Not so advanced if you ask me." Kibe said

    "Its like I said, they don''t know what happened, all I''ve been told is to keep it from going public." Kiko said as she took another sip from her tea. Kibe looked at his and gently stirred it around.

    "So, you want to finally tell me my big part in this. Why I''m being picked." Kibe said

    "This information, if it gets out won''t just be damaging to the organization, it''ll be damaging to it''s assets. Which means you too." Kiko said, Kibe''s eyes opened a little wider at this information.

    "Me? I''m an asset of this company?" Kibe asked

    "Why do you think you remembering what happened to you 7 years ago is so difficult for you, that you''re a absolute genius. Working so well at everything you do, like a well oiled machine. "Kiko said

    "You''re saying that they are responsible for my intellect? My knowledge and experience?" Kibe asked

    "I''m saying they are more like teachers, but...not the most ethical. They don''t make geniuses Nori what they do is they steer you in the right direction, give you all the tools and then let you mold yourself. It just so happens you went beyond they''reexpectations. " Kiko said

    "What else?" Kibe asked, he knew a liar when he saw one, but-

    "How do you know I''m not a liar?" She asked, Kibe then noticed he had edged closer, a sign he was of interest in what she was telling him. Although true, he had unknowingly given her control over his emotional state for a brief moment. Something only done to him by his mother when he was six and desired a toy for Christmas. He intended to not let it happen again. Kiko watched as Kibe fixed his posture and sipped his tea.

    "Liars are easy to spot, rather it be through facial movements, physical distinctions and of course change in tempo and tone shifts.

    A good liar can do the things any liar can, without showing signs." Kibe said

    "And if i have none of those things? How do you tell then?" Kiko asked

    "Then I would simply tell if you were or weren''t." Kibe said

    "That didn''t answer my question." Kiko said

    "I don''t know how to tell you without me sounding crazy, I''m not guessing and I don''t even require previous conversations or to have shared a dialect with anyone. I just know, unless you''re someone like myself. Which you clearly are not." Kibe said, Kiko chuckled a bit as Kibe kept eye contact and sipped his tea. He''d lick his lips for a moment before putting his cup down.

    "It would seem our goals are shared, but what happens if I decide to do this my way?" Kibe asked as his hand grabbed his spoon. Kiko looked at his motion and then back to him.

    "Then this becomes...annoying." she said, thats when her eye looked over to towards outside the window. Kibe''s eyes then looked outside too, glints of light coming from the taller buildings in the background shined in his eye. One from one building and two from another.

    "Glints of lights? Thats definitely coming off of a sniper, those must be at least Nr.8s; german sniper rifles. The distance from town to the city is at leat almost two hours worth of a drive. Silencers for sure, damn. She has me cornered. Which mean she''s also wired too. Clever very clever." Kibe thought as he stirred his tea with his spoon.

    "So? What will it be?" Kiko asked

    "Is there really such a thing as choice in a interesting situation like this?" Kibe asked

    "The illusion of choice can often be a choice in of itself, now choose. Do this with me and I will guarantee you get answers too." Kiko said, Kibe drank the last of his tea as he then placed it down.

    "I accept." Kibe said

    "GREAT! God you know how to make things difficult, now then. Nothing has changed. You''ll still be getting the information only this time. I need you to guarantee it will not be leaked to anyone else outside the student council." Kiko said

    "I meant to ask, but how do you know of them anyway?" Kibe asked

    "I''m the treasure in their ranks." Kiko said

    "You''re the Sawa high treasure? That does explain a few things." Kibe said

    "They want it seamless, not like your charade with those goons outside the auditorium." Kiko said

    "It''ll be as if they never existed." Kibe said

    "I know, the organization never has once questioned you''re capabilities, which is probably why they haven''t interfered with you." Kiko said, Kibe couldn''t get them out of his head. The organization. Just what kind of underground operation is this? And just how involved were they with him? Kibe had millions of questions, but he knew he''d get them. Soon.

    Eventually Kiko and Kibe left the restaurant.

    "Thank you for joining me for lunch, it''s been fun." Kiko said as a black car with tinted windows drove in front of them. Kibe walked over and opened the door for her as she got in.

    "Agreed, its been very; educational." Kibe said

    "Oh and take this." Kiko said, she then handed him a phone. It had a black back and a blue trim around it. Kibe looked at it. A logo of a brain with numbers around it was on the back.

    "I already have a phone." Kibe said

    "This one is with us. It dosent connect to any signal on the planet besides ones owned by us. Its untappable, can''t be hacked and of course calls me. You seem to be doing good with the phone you have, but this is for the best. It keeps us close. Don''t lose it." Kiko said

    "Interesting gift." Kibe said

    "More like returning what was yours." Kiko said, before Kibe could say anything though she drove off. Kibe watched her drive away, he then looked at the phone and turned it on. It required facial recognition which it got from him. There were no apps or anything on there. Just one icon which was for calling. Kibe then looked up at the sky. The world no felt more different than ever, what did all this mean? Could she really be trusted?

    So many questions and so little time, he needed to get his mind straight. Not only that, now he had a deadline and he couldn''t miss one moment. As Kibe walked home, all.the way across town, Mr.Nakayama was sitting at the hospital. Inside of a room he was sat across from a wounded Juo who had a steady heartbeat while he was in a coma.

 The Reunion

    Later that same day, Kibe would return from his lunch with Kiko. Back home. Kibe entered and began to continue with his cooking. As he did he''d then scroll through his messages which now had two people. His mother and now Himmy. Kibe sent her a text announcing that he''d be paying her a visit within the hour. Kibe put his phone down and continued to cook. Thats when it would ring, he looked over to his phone, but it wasn''t his. It was the other one. He picked it up and answered it.

    "Kiko, so quick to chat again." Kibe said

    "Yea, well I''m really here to  hear this plan you have. Or may have. I need to be filled in." Kiko said

    "Sorry, but sharing details of a dish can ruin it''s taste." Kibe said

    "Well this isn''t about food nor the integrity of food, this is about the plan to stop the breach of information. You will let me in on you''re plan Nori." Kiko said

    "Thats you''re problem Kiko, you have no vision. If you desire to get results from a outside source, you must be willing to trust the process. Now if you don''t mind I have a previous engagement to get to and, you''re clouding my mental space." Kibe said as he reached to hang up the phone.

    "This isn''t ab-" but before Kiko could finish Kibe hung up. Kibe looked at the phone and then put it ontop of the fridge. Feeling it best there for now; out of sight and out of mind. He proceeded to cook.

    One the other side of Ushin, in a bleak and ghetto area, where the hotels were just redesigned old buildings and where the gang violence was high. There was a apartment building, the building was located in a part of town called "Deker". A very violent area, but also known more for being highly poverty stricken. Though you would never know with how much they tend to hide. In an apartment building on the first floor was room 187. Himmy''s place. Inside she was sitting on her bed, her legs tucked into her chest with her arms holding them there. Her eyes looked tired, vacant if life and her skin was ghostly pale. Her face covered in dry tear marks. Thats when a knock would be come to her door. Her eyes looked over to the door. Her face curled into a disgusting scowl as she barrier her head back between her legs. The knocking proceeded though, not only that they got louder. Himmy''s hands gripped her ears, she wanted to rip them off as the knocking got louder and louder until-

    "ALL FUCKING RIGHT! I''M COMING!" She screamed as she got up and walked through the trash on her floor. Outside her door Kibe was standing. He pulled his bag up as it was slouching. He looked about the hotel and surrounding area. He felt he was being watched and turned around to see two guys watching him from across the street. They weren''t making it secretive either, they were clearly interested in mugging him. Kibe turned back around and knocked on the door. The two guys looked both ways before crossing the street. Kibe looked around himself and saw a lose board with a nail in it sticking out of the wall, he also saw a broken bottle near the curb and a vending machine, no cameras. He then cracked his knuckles and  kept facing forward.

    "Hey pal, mind If we talk to you for a second?" Asked theif #1

    "No thanks, I normally enjoy the company of people with better hygienic taste." Kibe said

    "What?" Said theif #1

    "Hey, I think you owe my friend an apology buddy. Otherwise-" thats when Kibe turned around and saw that the guy was welding a butterfly knife. He was playing and spinning it around in Kibe''s face.

    "Things are going to get ugly." Said theif #2, Kibe nodded his head slightly as he then put his bag on the ground gently.

    "So? Where''s my apology?" Asked theif #1

    "Right here." Kibe said as he then punched theif #1 in the gut sending him wincing backwards, the second theif attempted to cut Kibe with his knife, but Kibe simply grabbed the guy''s arm and then knocked one of his legs out causing him to fall to the ground. Kibe had theif #2''s arm in a armlock. Specifically the armbar, basic, but deadly. The theif dropped his knife and was tapping on the ground rapidly.

    "OK. Ok ok, ok take it easy. We were just kidding. Ok we didn''t mean shit, please, please!" Whined the theif as he looked to Kibe who had no expression while looking at him.

    "I don''t need to be the one to tell you, but it seems you''ve made a horrible chance encounter. Wouldn''t you agree?" Kibe asked, the theif nodded, he then attempted to get free, but all it did was make Kibe tighten the lock even more. Theif #1 then got up and reached in his back pocket.

    "Let him go! I swear to God I''ll shoot your damn head off!" Shouted theif #1, Kibe looked at him and titled his head. His eyes then moved down to theif #2 who was still whining and looking at Kibe and his friend. Kibe looked at the guy''s hand which was behind his back. He focused hard on veins and the flexing of his hand. Kibe them grabbed theif #2''s hand which was from his locked arm. Kibe removed the knife from it and then began to gently poke at theif #2''s arm.

    "Don''t lie to me." Kibe said as he then stabbed into theif #2''s arm, the guy gave out a bloody scream only for Kibe to cover his mouth, theif #1 looked between and looked ready to jump into action.

    "Do you have a gun? Or are you trying to just look stupid. Cause lying only. Does two things. One of them being making a bad situation much worse. Now answer me, do you have one." Kibe asked

    "I DO! I''ll shoot you down if you don''t let him go, right now!" Said theif #1, Kibe then  looked at him and stood up, kicking the other guy over.

    "Do you know what it looks like to hold a gun? Watch." Kibe said, he lifted his arm and pointed to the middle of his forearm.

    "Watch closely." Kibe said, the two thieves watched as Kibe reached in his bag and then watched as his forearm tightened. Both of their hearts dropped. Kibe''s cold eyes still on them, he looked at each of them and as he did they''d run off in hurry, like as if the devil was chasing them. Kibe got up and fixed his clothes, thats when he heard the door behind him open. He turned around to see Himmy, she had no pants or anything on besides a big white shirt. Dirty of course, she smelt terrible and as he tried to look inside some more she closed the door a bit more.

    "What the hell do you want?" She growled, Kibe fixed his tie and straightened his clothes.

    "I messaged you previously, we had a chat that has been long overdue. So we''ll be getting to it." Kibe said as he looked around a bit and then at her.

    "May I come in?" Kibe asked

    "...You don''t say anything to me for a month, leave me with a bruise after you hit me and now you want to talk and come over?" Himmy said

    "...Did my text not make my intentions for coming over explicit?" Kibe asked, Himmy hadn''t gotten use to it and she likely never would. That cold and distant tone, it felt like he was constantly looking down on her. Like as if she was in a pit of mud and dirt while he was bathing in a pool of crystals and ember hot gold. Her and Kibe shared eye contact until she finally gave in.

    "...Alright, but give me a second. Its a mess." Himmy said as she began to close the door only for Kibe''s hand to react much quicker and hold it open.

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    "Don''t bother, my expectations for your living conditions were; lets say not all too exquisite." Kibe said as he then walked inside much to Himmy''s disliking. His nose immediately flared up, the stench of the place was horrific enough. It didn''t smell of mold but more definitely like something or just the whole place really; needed to all get thrown out. Kibe''s eyes looked about the floor and saw many wrappers, cans and even a needle although it was buried under much of the other crap slewing the place. He stared some more, taking it all in. There were pizza boxes on the table. The chairs even had takeout on them. Kibe normally would take off his shoes when entering another''s home, but at the time he couldn''t tell of this was Himmy''s home or the trash''s. Kibe went ahead and walked in further.

    "You and Juo lived here?" Kibe asked

    "Uh no, he had a place all the way out near the city. We uh...mostly lived there. He didn''t want me back...here." Himmy stuttered as she closed the door and turned on the light. Kibe could feel the stress in her voice, he was intruding. He could tell, like walking on eggshells he had disturbed something. This wasn''t her place.

    "...This is your parent''s?" Kibe asked as he turned around. Himmy nodded as she walked past him.

    "Why haven''t you cleaned the place?" Kibe asked, to which Himmy just therw up her arms. She didn''t have anything to say. Kibe looked about for a moment before he then walked to the table.

    "Come lets eat, we have much to discuss." Kibe said, he then grabbed his bag and stood with it infront of the table. Himmy looked at him.

    "Himmy, are you going to stand there like a deer or are you going to set the table. I did cook afterall." Kibe said

    "I...I think it''be better if we ate on the bed." Himmy said suttering again. Kibe looked at her and then to the table and back to her.

    "Himmy, the greeks and romans didn''t sacrifice their intelligence so that we could eat wherever we desire to. Come and clean it. Now." Kibe said, even though the voice was cold. Himmy could still feel the sting behind it, a permanent reminder of Kibe''s potential violence and aggression. Engraved on her face with a nasty bruise. She hesitated to move, she wanted to stand her ground yet her eyes shook as she looked into Kibe''s eyes which unlike hers were filled with...nothing.

    They were vacant, like staring into a pit with no bottom. They were a beautiful green, but had a darkness behind them. A strange sort of otherworldly wickedness behind them seathed and boiled behind those perfect green lenses.

    "...O-Ok." She said, Himmy then walked over and picked up the pizza boxes, she went to go set them down on her couch, which was covered in her clothes. Dirty and clean.

    "Himmy." Kibe said as he set the table and put out the food he had prepared, which were in tupperware. Himmy looked over to him.

    "Pleaae, have some decency and put those in the garbage outside." Kibe said, Himmy nodded and walked out. Kibe then sat down in the chair, he used his foot to move the garbage to the floor. He then sat down and took the lids off of the tupperware. Himmy came back inside and closed the door. She leaned aginst it. She was breathing heavily. She then began to grip her chest. Kibe then put his hands down on the table gently.

    "Himmy, come and sit down will you." He said, her breathing became a little chaotic and she began to walk over to the table. She couldn''t tell what it was making her breath so hard. She sat down across from him, she looked down at the food and grabbed the plastic fork with it.

    "What...is this?" She asked as she poked it, Kibe looked at Himmy for a moment before he started to eat. He then noticed how tired she looked. Like as if she hadn''t slept since they met a month ago. Kibe then coughed as he took a bite of his food.

    "Its Salmon, with rice. There are also dumplings on the side." Kibe said as he continued to eat.

    "You...cook?"  Himmy asked, Kibe swallowed his food before he spoke.

    "I''m very carful about what I put in my body, most things now a days are filled with chemicals, GMOS or worse, overdue. Which is why I cook everything myself and always give my mother a list of what is and isn''t needed.

    Salmon and rice help immensely with the brain and keeping it healthy." Kibe said

    "Oh, I see." Himmy said as she then began to eat, Kibe watched her for a moment. However this time Himmy would catch him staring. She and him kept eye contact for a minute.

    "Is there a reason you''re staring at me?" Himmy asked

    "...If you mean besides you''re ghastly appearance that makes you look more like a poltergeist than a girl, well then yes." Kibe said as he took another bite of his food.

    "And why were you?" She asked

    "...How long ago did you take it?" Kibe asked

    "Take what?" Himmy shrugged

    "The meth." Kibe said as he leaned back in his seat for a moment. Himmy scoffed, but then touched her face. Her words now lost.

    "You''ve showcased multiple physical symptoms of it. You''re immediate loss of weight, you''re ghastly appearance is a clear sign of insomina and of course..you smell." Kibe said

    "..." Himmy just looked down, trying to hold back tears

    "Are you using it to forget what you did to Juo? That you killed him." Kibe asked, Himmy immediately looked up at him, her face flaring in anger.

    "YOU SON OF A BITCH! I DIDN''T KILL JUO! YOU DID! I KNOW YOU DID!" Himmy screamed as she slamned her hands on the table. Kibe simply wiped his mouth with a cloth he had brought and then looked up at her. Her eyes looked like a wild animal. The drugs perhaps? Or pent up aggression either way. This behavior could not go unchecked.

    "And what proof do you have? How do you intend to prove I killed someone I didn''t touch? If anything I saved you''re life while you killed Juo." Kibe said, his cold voice which once brought distance not brings spikes and nails. Sharp points clawing aginst the Himmy''s back and throat, every second she stared at him she felt weaker. The sound of cars driving by and distant sirens filled the room for a moment before fading.

    "SHUT UP! I KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE TO DO! Y-Yea, I see you for who you are. You damn freak! You fucking alien!" Himmy shouted, Kibe simply looked at her as he fixed his clothes and unscuffed his shoes.

    "Himmy, sit down. All you''re doing is causing a scene. I doubt you''re neighbors would like to be woken up over some ludicrous behavior." Kibe said

    "I WILL NOT! I''M DONE WITH YOU''RE BULLSHIT!" Himmy shouted, that''s when Kibe would get up and speedwalk towards her, she immediately went in to punch him, but he dodged out of the way and slamned her head onto the table pinning her with his hand on her back. Himmy''s nose bled as she blinked a few times.

    "Get the- GET THE FUCK OFF ME!!" She shouted

    "Calm down, You''re angst is only going to get you hurt further." Kibe said

    "You''re hurting me goddamnit!" Himmy shouted

    "Good, they say pain is a excellent teacher. Which is why I want you to guess the lesson." Kibe said

    "Go fuck yourself!" Himmy said as she struggled aginst Kibe, but there was nothing she could do. His strength felt like a baby trying to punch a wall. It was hopeless. Soon she got tired and rested her head aginst the table, Kibe still pining her down. It began to rain hard outside, the night  beginning to creep over.

    "The drug you put into you''re body, Himmy, can have a nasty side effect. Even worse depending on the amount you''ve taken in." Kibe said

    "..."

    "You must think me a fool, if you think I''d let you die over some stupid boy." Kibe said

    "FUCK YOU!" she shouted, Kibe pinned her down some more, but accidentally ended up rubbing his crouch aginst her rear. Himmy froze for a moment before her looked to him with disgust.

    "If you''re going to do it, then do it!" Himmy growled, Kibe then noticed and backed himself away a bit while still holding her down.

    "I apologize, I didn''t mean for that." Kibe said

    "..."

    "This must be pretty embarrassing for you, but i don''t find you romantically or sexually attractive Himmy." Kibe said, to which Himmy just looked away.

    "You''re very confident in yourself, to assume that I''d want to do anything sexual with you. Romance is fallible. Ludicrous and only serves to get closer to others, to see their secrets and exploit them when the time is most right.

    Do you feel like your owed it? To be raped? In order to satisfy your disgusting want to be needed?

    I promise you Himmy. If I don''t want anything to do with you, then neither will a rapist. Let alone a sociopath or psychopath. At leat a serial killer would honor you with their time, as they toy with your guts. Unfortunately for you; it won''t be what you fantasize about." Kibe said, Himmy''s eyes began to water, her tears dripping on the table.

    "The only man who ever saw you as anything, died last month. Because you wanted thrill rather than comfort. Easy money, then we''ll deserved. You killed the only man on the planet who could ever love you Himmy." Kibe said, Himmy began to cry, her body going limp as she broke down, Kibe then slowly released her as she fell to her knees and cried, cried, cried and cried some more. Kibe then wiped his hands with his cloth; before he then put his hand on Himmy''s head and pat it. He rubbed her head for a while as she cried.

    "Meth can also cause horrible mood swings. Perhaps what you said and how you feel. Isn''t true and just a side effect of what you took earlier today. I think it is, wouldn''t you agree?" Kibe said, Himmy still looking down slowly nodded.

    "I''m not your enemy, I saved your life, got you away from cops and the possibility of jail time and now I bring you food. I''m not the bad guy to your story, I am you''re provider. Here to assist you, but only if you will let me and of course if you will help me too." Kibe said, Himmy looked at him, her nose bloody and eyes watery and face wet. Mixed with her blood. Kibe looked at her and then gave her his rag to clean herself up. He then offered her his hand in which she took and stood up, she was wobbly and fell on him. Even though he could have moved out of the way, it was in his best interest to catch her. He gripped tightly and warmly, his hand which once hit her now we''re comforting. Her brain didn''t know what to think.

    "You can fall on me whenever you need, just know that you will aid me when I ask you to in return." Kibe said, Himmy gripped his forearms and nodded, her brain still not knowing what to think of the situation happening right now. Kibe then set her down in her seat as he began to pack up.

    "Get some of you''re clothes, you will be spending the night with me." Kibe said

    "What?" Himmy said confused

    "Pack.Some.Clothes. You''ll be at my home for the night, its the least I can do." Kibe said as he finished getting his stuff togther, Himmy then walked over to her couch and grabbed some clothes. Kibe looked at her as she held some in her hands. Still in a bit of daze.

    "Now, I''ve done another act of good for you. Let''s not burn bridges Himmy where one made of steel can be made.

    I believe we both can benefit from our lucky encounter." Kibe said as he then got on the phone and began to call a driver to pick them up.

    "...Yea." Himmy said, Kibe looked at her and Himmy looked at him, she then put her down and slightly leaned aginst him. Kibe did nothing, but wait.

    And with this, in Kibe''s mind he knew the first contract had been opened. It was only a matter of time before he''d get the other half of it.

 Encephalon

    Later that night,In the city, far from Ushin; was a hospital. Swan River General Hospital. During the day it is a very busy place, filled with people concerned for illness, accidents and even deaths at times. However during the evening the hospital was quiet, it was almost asleep. Every inch of it feeling like a dead world. Even though deep inside, it was the hour patients and even others from outside; would enter in and ask for psychiatric aid and neural assistance. It was known across the world as one of, if not the most recognized place for human behavior studies and neural readings. Many have and still want to learn there, to understand the human mind as many others wish to as well; the head of the hospital is also the man who also oversees the entire hospital and its activities.

    It was a global and deep desire, for everyone to reach the lengths and perhaps even...unethical approaches to what they desire the most about the human brain, complete control. Inside the hospital deep within its suffocating walls Mrs. Nori was walking through it''s halls the sound of her heels hitting the ground being like bells. Or perhaps stamps of her existence within the walls. Her turtleneck outfit covered by her black suit and skirt. Her leggings stretching from each flex of her legs as she walked. Other doctors and nurses bowed they''re heads at her as she passed them. Her amber red hair flowing behind her; glasses covering her eyes like a barrier separating her and the others around her. Eventually she arrived in front of a room where two other doctors were standing. One of them blonde, a tall woman with a folder filled with files. She read them while the other doctor was waiting outside the room. He was a male, black hair and dark brown hair.

    "Mrs.Nori." said the male doctor

    "No need for formalities Lee, just call me Mihara." Mihara said as she took of her glasses, her emerald green eyes showing much clearer than before. She then gestured for the file to which the blonde woman gave her before leaving.

    "He''s showing signs of OCD, PTSD and of course depersonalization disorder. He''s completely neglecting the actions of what happened a week ago. Even though he''s been tried for murder." Mr. Lee said as he put on some reading glasses.

    " Clear signs of letting the intrusive thoughts come in, often when people have committed a horrible act their inner, sicker thoughts come out and surface. Giving them false identity to their situation and them. They trick themselves into believing this is who they always have been.

    He''s a victim who believes they are the victor. An easy thing to come to terms with, but even harder to shake. Would you mind? My patient is waiting." Mihara said, Lee nodded as he left. She rolled up her sleeves and stretched. She then took a deep breath before entering the room, closing the door behind her. Back across town at the police station, Mr.Nakayama was sitting at his desk. He was rolling around a metallic ball. His eyes were hyper-focused on the files infront of him.

    "From gangsters to psychopaths, the investigation into the suicide of Tatsuo has went further than I ever imagined possible. Not only that, but it would appear that there may be a third party involved. The other day I stopped by the school again; I went ahead and checked the cameras. Apparently they had recently been changed or better to say. Erased. It seems someone showed the head master something of...concern. Something that kept him from telling me further details, however he did mention...a machine.

    That the voice that called him the night before, that told him. Sounded like a inhuman or at least that''s how it sounded to him. They spoke to him in a colder fashion than he had ever heard, whoever this is may in fact be manipulating more than I ever thought possible. None o of the dragon gang talked of what happened at HP hotel or spoke of who they think the white rabbit may in fact be; instead they spoke how he acted. How he behaved and how he moved. That he was in control. Showed no faults. No movement or sign of hesitation, like he knew what was going to happen. Before it did. Nori Kibe continues to be a suspect for me, however his involvement is minor. Nothing out of the ordinary. If I''m going to get deeper into this I''ll need...mental aid." Mr.Nakayama thought as he continued to play with his metal ball, thats when someone wearing a leather coat and long black hair walked in. Mr.Nakayama looked up to see it was the head of police, Chef Ozawa. He brought coffee, two cups.

    "Nakayama, how ya been?" He asked as he closed the door behind him.

    "...Thinking, a lot." Mr.Nakayama said, Ozawa came over and handed him a coffee, Nakayama nodded in thanks as he took it and sipped. Ozawa took a seat in the chair infront of Nakayama''s desk.

    "You need to get out of her Nakayama, get some sleep. You''ve been trapped here for two whole days. Your wife called." Ozawa said as he took a sip.

    "I don''t have many leads, and this is just going to get worse I can feel it. Its only a matter of time." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Time in which you could be using to get some rest. Everyone is working around the clock to get the evidence together, you can''t do everyone''s job." Ozawa said

    "Yea..." Mr.Nakayama said as he drank more of his coffee. Ozawa massaged his face before getting up and finishing his coffee.

    "I''m putting you on leave, for a week. You''ve been working back and fourth recently. You just got finished with that cannibal case and now this. You need rest." Ozawa said to which Mr.Nakayama almost choked on his coffee. He stood up.

    "Now wait a minute Ozawa, you can''t just pull me from this. Now when I''m so close to cracking something." Mr.Nakayama said with frustration

    "Yea well I am. I need you at your best, not your worst. 10 minutes, I want you back home." Ozawa said as he started walking to the door.

    "Ozawa-"

    "10 minutes. Don''t make me tell you again." Ozawa said, he pointed at Mr.Nakayama and then left the room. Mr.Nakayama sighed heavily as he pounded on his desk. Agitated. In a few minutes Mr.Nakayama walked out of the room and eventually would get to the front desk.

    "Nakayama." Said a familiar voice, Mr.Nakayama turned around to see Mr.Miyuki walking to him, the two men shared a firm handshake.

    "Your here early." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Well, I''m not someone who likes to let a case get cold." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki nodded in respect as he leaned aginst the front desk.

    "Of course. Nothing I''d expect from one of Japan''s best." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama shook his head in disapproval.

    "I''m not the best, If I was this case wouldn''t still be open. An active terrorist and killer is lose, its contained right now, but when it explodes all of Japan will be asking what I was doing. If I was sitting on my ass or if I got outplayed. " Mr.Nakayama said

    "I think you''re going in the right direction, just seems like someone is misleading you. Trying to send you every direction but straight." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Maybe." The two men walked outside and sat down on a bench. Both of them watching as cars went by. Nakayama and Miyuki both were looking and watching people. Observing they''re lives as they walked past them. Thats when Nakayama looked over and saw Miyuki take some pills and drink a bottle of water with them.

    "Anti-depressants?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Yea. My therapist said I should take them. My emotional flare up with that damn kid...it fucked me up...I don''t. I don''t know he-" Mr.Miyuki sighed as he felt his face, Mr.Nakayama pat and rubbed his shoulder.

    "People have the capacity to read others, like books or knowing the end id movie. Its just some have it better than others." Mr.Nakayama said, Miyuki nodded his head as he fixed his hair.

    "I heard Ozawa is taking you off...you gonna stay off this time?" Mr.Miyuki chuckled to which Mr.Nakayama looked at him with a look.

    "I didn''t think so." Mr.Miyuki said.

    "...Kibe, he was the one you were talking to, right? How did he..act?" Mr.Nakayama asked, Miyuki took a breath and looked at him before facing the street.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    "...It was like talking to a machine." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama''s eyes then widened a bit as he heard that. Dots in his head began to form, though only pieces.

    "He spoke like he had...like he had downloaded my life. Like he knew ever aspect of it. I''d never heard anyone speak so...so-"

    "Cold." Mr.Nakayama said, he looked Miyuki who nodded with him.

    "Yea."

    The two of them sat there a little longer.

    "...How...How would you act, if you were trying to hide in a city filled with extordinary people? How would behave and move? Our mysterious murderer is clearly a expert at distancing themselves from their own crimes. Even being able to manipulate those he "persuades" into working with him." Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Sounds like your description matches that of a sociopath. We have records of people matching symptoms and traits of one, but none of them have shown activity like these recent events. At least not recently." Mr.Miyuki answered

    "I don''t believe its a sociopath, no this guy is...hes sane. At leat in our terms. Hes not some weirdo no, hes like a sort of program. Like hes setting building blocks to something much bigger. Getting all the right pieces together to do one final act." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I can''t say I know exactly what your talking about, but I think I might know a place with people who do." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama looked at him with a look of confidence. The two later that night would arrive at Swan River General Hospital. Both of them getting out a black car. Mr.Miyuki would click his keys as the car locked. Mr.Nakayama looked at the massive structure, the hospital was huge. Around 15 floors at least. The outside had a beautiful yet haunting velvet color. A nostalgic yet also new feeling came from it, a haunting and familiar one. Like visiting a old doctor or visiting someone in the hospital you haven''t seen.

    "I''ve heard of this place, a building filled with people with ideas and ways to make you think. One of the best in the world." Mr.Nakayama said looking and scanning the building. Mr.Miyuki walked over to him and fixed his shirt and collar.

    "Yea, some of the best around work here. Including those who deal with human behavior. And I think you''ll like this one. Nori Kibe, the kid I talked to. Well his mother works here. Nori Mihara." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama looked at him and then up to the building. The two then walked inside. Once they got inside they saw the interior, it was fancy, luxurious. The floor was spotless, the environment felt alien compared to the outside. The main lobby played classic music. Seemed separate from here the rest of the hospital took place. Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki walked towards the front desk, there a woman with long black hair and glasses was sitting, she wore a dark jet black suit either a white tie with black dots. Her eyes moved up from what she was doing and looked at the two men, she then put on a smile for them as she looked at them. Her hands now on her keyboard.

    "Hello gentlemen, visting?" She asked

    "No, I''m actually with the police department. I''m here on business." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki stared around, seeing nurses, doctors and a patient or two walking on different levels and togther. Like as if separation in the place was a crime, they walked in a way that seemed rythmatic. Like they''re steps were that of a song.

    "What kind of business, if I may ask?" Asked the woman

    "Thats confidential, I just need to speak with a therapist. Mainly Mrs.Nori." Mr.Nakayama said, the woman nodded and got on a phone next to her keyboard. The two men waited a bit, looking around at the other floors and people moving about the place.

    "This place gives me the creeps Nakayama, everyone moves like...aliens." Mr.Miyuki said as he put his hands in his pockets.

    "Almost robotic. Like they''ve done this all before." Mr.Nakayama said, he stared at everyone, he was proficient in the human behavior; even the people around seemed like files he was capble of reading. Someone suffering from cancer on his right and someone else dealing with neurological illnesses to his left. They all tried to hide it though, behind they''re fancy clothing and near perfect facial structures. He looked at them and saw facades or attempts at them. Even to Mr.Miyuki he could see through these people and what they may be trying to achieve by deceiving their environment; or better to say themselves.

    "Excuse me sirs " said the woman behind the desk, the two men turned around. She was still smiling at them, it was erring to them. It wasn''t fake nor was it real. It felt like...it was in her nature. Something that was needed to be done.

    "Mrs.Nori will see you ." She said, not to long after that the two men were escorted through the halls of the hospital. Which was mesmerizing to Mr.Miyuki, as he looked around all the openings, doorways and nooks and little passageways. It was like a maze of sickness, illness and surreal behavior. Eventually the two would reach a office room, the doctor would knock before opening the door. The two men walked in and saw Mrs.Nori sitting down, not at her desk. Her office room was a pasty white. The carpet a velvet like color. She chairs close to her desk where her name was plastered on it. She had a small pendulum on her desk, her laptop and of course some files. Along the walls Mr.Nakayama noticed the paintings on the wall. They were all blank canvases. Mihara turned around and saw the two. She took off her glasses and gave them a smile, it''d be the first one they had gotten their entire time here. She got up and straightened her skirt and clothes. The window behind her giving light to her whole being, it shined on the two detectives and even illuminated them.

    "Greetings, how are we doing this fine night?" Mihara said as she walked over, Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki shook Mihara''s hand.

    "I''m doing plenty well Mrs.Nori." Mr.Nakayama said while Mr.Miyuki nodded for his answer. Mihara then motioned for them to take a seat, she walked over to one of the two chairs and sat down. An invitation. Mr.Miyuki got ready to walk, but Mr.Nakayama put his hand in front of him.

    "Wait outside, at the car. I''ll take it from here." Mr.Nakayama said

    "...Alright." Mr.Miyuki said, he nodded to Mihara who gave him a friendly wave goodbye before he left. Mr.Nakayama closed the door behind him as he left. He then turned around to Mihara who was sitting patiently in one of the chairs. Mr.Nakayama walked over and sat down in the one across from her.

    "So what does one of Japan''s best want with me," Mihara asked

    "I am in need of insight Mrs.Nori. I''m sure you''ve heard of the White Rabbit, he committed quite the act last month. I intend to catch him, hes been escaping me. Though his gran appearance was recent...I feel as though I''ve been after him for some time." Mr.Nakayama said

    "So you want me to help you catch a criminal?" Mihara asked

    "I want to know what you think, how you feel he''d behave. Get in his head." Mr.Nakayama said, Mihara tilted her head as she then looked at the floor, she pouted her lip and thought.

    "I heard you help with the human behavior, you know people before you say hi. I want you to do that with our friend the White Rabbit." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Friendship requires a understanding, I know nothing about the White Rabbit, Mr.Nakayama. I''ll have to ask you to extend me a olive branch." Mihara said, Mr.Nakayama thought for a moment his fingers tapping onnthe chair and his foot tapping on the floor. Mihara''s eyes looked at his movements. Studied him.

    "Mr.Nakayama" Mihara said trying to get his attention. He looked over to her, she was so warm and comforting. It actually came off rather inhuman on how polite and comforting she sounded. It seemed like if you fell onto her that you''d sink in. Like falling on a bed.

    "Why don''t you stand? Sometimes our bodies can talk more than our mouths, but I like to believe they can work in harmony. If the mouth and body can form an understanding of what the other wants. Wont you give it to it?" She said as she motioned her hand up, Mr.Nakayama then stood up and began to walk around the room, almost uncontrollably while Mihara remained, stationary.

    "Now then, let''s start from the beginning. Tell me everything about the case." She asked.

    The next morning would soon come, Himmy''s eyes would shoot open, she''d get up in a sweat. She looked around. She was in Kibe''s room, she felt his sheets and bedding. It was firm, but comfortable to lay on. Her eyes had never seen a more bland looking room. It looked like he had just moved in and only moved two things in, Himmy got out of bed and stretched. Her body ached almost all over; then suddenly her nose woukd be filled with a delicious aroma. It smelt of breakfast. Himmy then opened the door to the room and made her way downstairs, there she would turn to see the living room and next to it was the kitchen where she''d see Kibe cooking. She stayed her distance.

    "Ando Miyuki, Kono Satoshi and Minami Minori, what do you know about them?" Kibe asked as he continued to cook, Himmy looked at him and saw he was cooking some sort of fatty fish. A bowl of berries on the side and egg yolks.

    "Himmy." Kibe said getting her attention.

    "What?" Himmy asked

    "I must insist on remaining focus, otherwise I will have to show you to the beenden." Kibe said, his accent changing for a moment. Himmy looked a bit confused.

    "What?" She asked again

    "Beenden, it''s German. Means exit. Now the names, and after you tell me, take a shower. Preferably in my mother''s bathroom." Kibe said, Himmy smelt herself and immediately almost hurled. She then shook away the nausea and looked at him, she attempted to remember what she knew on them.

    "Ando Miyuki, I remember hearing he was a big party guy on his free-time. He does it almost religiously. Though I think its a scame in order to get closer to possible enemies. Anyway, hes also a big debt collector too. Probably why he holds parties, to lure out people late on their debts or something." Himmy said, Kibe then placed the berries inside of the fish gills, as he did he''d pour berry juice, only a tsp of it around the plate. He used a knife to dice up the fishes lower half. He then wrapped up the lower end and put it in the fridge. Afterwards he''d put berris all inside the fish. Some of it leaking out the exposed lower half.

    "It can''t be that easy, hes a debt collector. Which means that the people hes collecting from are either on they''re property or are other business partners. Which means they are getting some form of invite or warning." Kibe said as he then gestured for Himmy to go on.

    "Kono Satoshi, hes a big gun nut. Likes to play with them all the time." Himmy said

    "Play meaning he uses them on people." Kibe said

    "Yea." Himmy replied

    "People often interested in firearms can''t put them down. Its like as if they were welding the weapon of God in their own hands. Striking down on them like lightning." Kibe said

    "And of course there is Minami Minori. Hes quite a crazy one, hes a killer. A hitman for they''re boss. Whatever job he takes will be done and done quietly. If asked to be." Himmy said

    "I see. a hired gun. Only doing what the master says and nothing else or less." Kibe said, he then poured the yolks into the fish eyes. He wiped his hands and handed Himmy her plate. She looked at a little confused. She didn''t know what kind of breakfast this was.

    "When you''re done eating, I want you to go and take a shower like I asked." Kibe said, Himmy nodded hesitantly. She got her fork and before her eyes looked up to see Kibe put a bottle filled with an acidic white liquid away from the counter where he was cooking. Himmy''s mouth hesitated to eat it. Kibe looked at her, eyes constantly on her as he put it away.

    "Eat your food. Then take a shower." Kibe said as he then walked out while wiping his hands. Himmy''s eyes went to her food again. Kibe walked down to his basement, as he was there he turned on the light and walked over to his computer and chair. His fingers trailed on the keyboard. His head was filled with questions and ideas, things he could do and the things he couldn''t. The interior inners of his mind flourishing into a complex web of ideas and beliefs of what had to come next.

    "The detective is more active than ever, he has become observant to catch his lucid prey. Though, he isn''t fully aware of the magnitude of his. Though I will not deny his esprit de g��nie. Its beautiful, but still held down by the labels of humanity. He is still playing the role of detective, the hero. He believes that just because he is part of the law that means he must be the hero; the protagonist of this story. However all that means is that it will take a new; type of character to introduce him into a world beyond labability.

    Just what could stirring in your mind? I can think of a few avenues, seeking outside assistance would be the most common outcome. Often enough a bird will fly higher above the treeline in order to gage the distance of which he must venture. Just how far is the gage detective? How far will you fly in order to reach the end? Won''t you show me? Or will I have to force you?

    ...interesting." Kibe thought as he then got up and walked out of his basement. Himmy turned off the shower and put a robe on, as she turned to the door she saw Kibe standing in the doorway with his casual clothes on and a bag. Her face was pale and in shock, Kibe was looking at her, but not in the real sense.

    "Get dressed. We''re going out."Kibe said

    "Where?" She asked, Kibe then looked at his watch and set it. He then looked at her.

    "I need a new hobby." He said

 Pr茅servation de la vanit茅

    Kibe and Himmy walked throughout the streets, Kibe dressed in a sharp outfit,. A jacket with a black turtleneck underneath and black pants. Himmy wearing her normally scruffy fur hood and shorts. They two''s positions were opposite. Kibe walked completely straight whole Himmy slouched and hands in her pockets. The perfect duality. Kibe looked through store and store, one for painters and the other for calligraphy. In the next store it was for pianist.  Kibe put his hands against a brush tree made piano while Himmy sat back bored out of her mind.

    "Why are we here again?" Himmy asked as Kibe pressed his finger aginst a piano key. His expression unchanged, but his energy made it feel like he was disgusted with what was around him. At least that''s how others felt.

    "More often do humans find themselves wasting their time with meaningless things, striving for something that will inevitably consume their life." Kibe said to which Himmy rolled her eyes to. They soon left the store and would bump into a familiar face. It was Ryota.

    "KIBE! Glad to see you. I figured you for a more stay at home kind of guy." Ryota said with a smirk, Himmy looked away.

    "I often don''t exit my place of residence unless needed. Pointless galavanting never suited me." Kibe said

    "Well I don''t blame you, it''s been getting crazy around town. The school and the other students in a uproar about what''s happened. The only thing they have to give them some hope is that stupid play." Ryota said, he looked around at the people walking past and near them. His right hand balled up and the other in his pocket. Himmy''s eyes looked at him and then back to Kibe.

    "Not a fan I assume?" Kibe asked

    "No, not one damn bit. That rotten Takashi guy is a pig. The way he looks at those girls is...its sickening." Ryota said with aggression in his voice.

    "You have family in it?" Kibe asked

    "Yea, my sister. She got picked for his special audition...tch, what a guy." Ryota said as he wiped his mouth. Kibe readjusted his sleeves.

    "Pigs are often seen as fattening, same with kings and many men of power. A symbol of greed and over consumption of wealth and the poor." Kibe said, Ryota''s head tilted a bit.

    "...I heard hes banned you from being in it. Just what did you do?" Ryota asked

    "I can''t possible cultivate what assumptions he''s created to get to such a, unfortunate decision. Could be a fear of being outshined." Kibe said

    "Your very...wordy, you must come from a home of writers or maybe artist." Ryota said

    "Can we go now?" Himmy asked, as she looked to Kibe. Kibe''s head turned to her and then back to Ryota.

    "Who''s your friend Kibe? Girlfriend? Sister?" Ryota asked, Himmy scoffed as she looked away.

    "Acquaintance." Kibe said

    "Oh come on, you don''t got to be formal around me." Ryota said

    "I assure you, if I was romantically involved with someone. They''d be more behaved." Kibe said to which Ryota chuckled.

    "Hey! I asked if we could go." Himmy said raising her voice, Ryota looked at her and Kibe. Kibe just shrugged.

    "Well then, I''ll be seeing you at school tomorrow." Kibe said

    "Oh for sure, they''re have some nice little wrestling competition for gym. I don''t really get too excited for it seeing as not many can match my physical strength. Though ever since meeting you, I''ve been trying to hold in my anticipation." Ryota said

    "Well then, I guess I''ll see you on the mat." Kibe said as he waved Ryota goodbye with Himmy following him, she looked back at Ryota as he waved at them. Kibe and Himmy continued to walk away.

    "Hes one of them." Himmy said as her and Kibe stopped at crosswalk.

    "I know." Kibe said, Himmy looked at him astonished with what he said.

    "Then why haven''t you done anything?" Himmy asked, people began to pile behind them. All waiting for the light to give them right of passage. They sacrificed their patience for the right to continue they''re journey. Kibe''s eyes focused on the crossing lights of cars, the sounds of the vehicles around them.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    "Are you familiar with the theory of equivalent exchange?" Kibe asked as the light turned on signaling for everyone to cross. Himmy and Kibe stood there for a few moments looking at one another.

    "...Do tell." Himny said

    "Its central to Alchemy and many say real life. It is the theory that one has to give something of equal value; in order to be given something that they desire. People cannot earn or get money without sacraficing they''re time, a man cannot have a woman without first sacraficing his mind to know they''re partners and you cannot kill without giving up another life in exchange." Kibe said as they both began to cross the street.

    "Cant you give something else? Something that isn''t crucial to you?" Himmy asked

    "Of course, I do it all the time." Kibe said, Himmy kept looking at him.

    "What is this?" Himmy thought to herself.

    "So then, what did you give that guy? You were talking afterall." Himmy asked

    "Ryota is a man if not a primitive one. He sees me as a challenge, and in exchange for the information I''ve gained. I must accept his invitation. As he finds it to be crucial to his character arch. To be better or worse? Only he can determine that." Kibe said

    "He could be the key to getting closer to the dragon gang." Himmy said

    "Perhaps, though that avenue will prove troublesome." Kibe said as he and Himmy stopped outside of violinist store. He opened the door for her as she walked with him behind her.

    "Troublesome for who though?" Himmy asked. Kibe didn''t say anything though, he just kept waking towards the front counter. As he did the store owner woukd turn around and walk to him.

    "Bonjour!" The store owner said as he walked up and shook Kibe''s hand.

    "Bonjour" Kibe said, Kibe and the store owner continued to talk to one another in French. Himmy rolled her eyes and walked over to find a chair to sit at. The store owner motioned Kibe towards some violins.

    "Ah my friend, its not often I find another fellow visitor to the city of lights." Said the store owner as Kibe grabbed a piano and studied it

    "I went once on holiday with my mother when I was young, the city has indeed earned its name." Kibe said.

    "How long did you stay? Your French is exquisite." The store owner said

    "We stayed for a week." Kibe said as he put the violin back. The store owner was a bit shocked.

    "A week? But you sound like your from there." He said

    "Languages are easy to learn, its as simple to me as learning the ABCs. Now then,  do you have any better pochettes?" Kibe asked to which the store owner showed him some more expensive ones. Eventually Himmy and Kibe would exit the store leaving with a violin.

    "So you came out to just get that? What was the point?" Himmy asked to which Kibe just looked at her.

    "Remember what I said." Kibe said as he started walking, Himmy shrugged as she followed him back home. Eventually they''d arrive back at Kibe''s home where on the steps Mi woukd be sitting down, Kibe looked at her as they walked there. Mi saw him and got excited before she saw Himmy, but she kept her smile and came over and hugged Kibe.

    "KIBE! Its good to see you!" She said.

    "How have you been Mi? I know what happened at that Hotel must have been...traumatizing. " he said

    "...Yea well, they were. But I''m strong and guess what? I got the head actress role in the play!" Mi said as she hugged him again, one of her eyes falling on Himmy who was looking at her too. Kibe simply patted Mi on the back.

    "Our class is doing a little wrestling activity tomorrow, are you going to be in it?" Mi asked

    "Perhaps. This is Himmy by the way." Kibe said introducing her, much to her surprise. Mi nodded to Kibe and walked to Himmy.

    "Hi, I''m Ouchi Mi." Mi said with a wide smile, Himmy just scoffed as she looked away. Mi looked at Kibe.

    "Dont mind her, she is just herself unfortunately." He said, Himmy sneered at him as she turned away. Mi looked at what Kibe had bought.

    "Oh wow! A violin! Your playing again!" She said

    "Yes, well. Figured I could use something to pass the time." Kibe said

    "Well, I just wanted to come here to tell you about that. I don''t want to take up any of your time, you probably are rusty after a long time of not playing." Mi said

    "I doubt it." Kibe said to which Mi chuckled, she then blushed a bit before she kissed Kibe on the cheek. Much to her own suprise, she played with her hair a bit before looking away.

    "Well, I hope you''ll play me something then. I''ll see you at school." She said flustered as she started walking away, she nodded to Himmy as she left. Himmy walked next to Kibe and watched Mi.

    "So that your girlfriend?" Himmy asked

    "No." Kibe said

    "...Are you...planning to do the same to her as you did to me? Is she like me?" Himmy asked worried on what she just said, but when she looked to Kibe he wasn''t looking at her.

    "...Undoubtably, but thats of her own choice, not mine. She wants to see Nori Kibe return to the child he was before." Kibe said

    "...Will you?" Himmy asked

    "..."

    "Ok." Himmy said

    "Go home Himmy, we''ll meet again this coming Tuesday, after school. Do as I''ve asked. Nothing more and nothing less." Kibe said as he then walked inside his home leaving Himmy outside. She stayed there for a few moments before she started walking away. Kibe went down to his basement with his violin. He took it out of it''s case, he took off his jacket and stood in the center of the basement. Kibe stood in the center and looked up. He closed his eyes. As he did he could feel himself, he could feel his mouth, his eyes, his teeth and his mind all vibrating at once before finally silencing. Under his feet he could feel the hands, the hands that belonged to all those he''d had killed and tormented thus far and as he opened his eyes, he saw all of those he would have to kill. All standing in front of him seats like a theater. There he saw Juo sitting rows back and his father, with a gun shot wound right between his eyes.

    Kibe then looked as he saw someone else walking down and taking a seat, in a beautiful dress he saw Mi sit down next to Ryota. Both of them putting bags over they''re heads. Then all their flesh melted off they''re bones, crawling along the ground like spiders and insects. They''re eyes still in they''re heads. Painted and plastered in shock.

    "Killing must feel good to God, too. He does it all the time, and are we not created in his image." Kibe said as his face then began to mold and shape itself into a white rabbit. Thats when he''d tap on his violin before playing the famous song, The Devil''s trill Sonata flawlessly.

 Toxic sportsmanship

    The next morning Mr.Nakayama would vist Mrs.Nori again at the hospital.

    "Glad to see you could make it Mr.Nakayama, I was afraid we''d be left on a bit of a cliffhanger like before." Mihara smiled

    "No no, I still have much to hear. Your information has been wonderful. You see I''m smart, but this sort of thinking pattern is...well its peculiar to me." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I''m suprised you don''t, seeing your record with the criminally insane and psychological maniacs." Mihara said.

    "...So you''ve read up on me." Mr.Nakayama said

    "How could I not? Japan, no. One of the world''s greatest minds. Its a suprise you didn''t make headlines all over." Mihara said

    "I requested secrecy." Mr.Nakayama said as he leaned back in his seat. Looking across to Mihara who was sitting in the chair in front of him.

    "A pity, 300 plus IQ, practically being begged by the Americans to join they''re little circus and you reject it for what?" She asked

    "...I was the head of my field, still hold all the records Mrs.Nori. When I was 15 years old I already knew the criminal mind, just not the behavioral patterns of each one. I could...see them. It was like as if they''re actions were a script and I was the reader. I knew exactly how they would act and what they would do." Mr.Nakayama said as Mihara looked at him.

    "How do you do it? How did you get in their heads?"  Mihara asked, Mr.Nakayama looked out the window of Mrs.Nori''s office. He saw the cars and the people walking around.

    "...Car crashes, murders, strangulation, rape, abuse, assault and more Mrs.Nori. Every human being at one point in their life has thought of committing a horrible act. Intrusive thoughts is what they''re called. It''s the dark part of our brains, where all the horrible things we think about or think about doing remain and die. Sometimes though, we tend to focus on those thoughts...those dark desires.

    Thats the criminal mind, its a part of every living being on the planet. Sociopaths are the ones who make their intrusive thoughts into their normal thoughts. Its what makes them still feel and act ''normal''. Psychopaths are those who can''t take it. The ones who lose control. I was born with something rare I believe. I can see and know all of those intrusive thoughts, but they don''t affect my mental state. I never go feral and never lose control. While at the same time. Knowing what comes next in each killer''s mind.

    I used it to get in their heads, see what they feared, know what they know and act how they act. I''ve never missteped. Never failed in my perception.

    When I turned 20 the US Federal government and FBI said they would pay 8.5 million dollars and a extra 4 million of I stayed, to come to America. I had solved all the crimes in Japan. Nothing was left. Besides petty crimes, but they were never bad. It gave humanity character i like to think." Mr.Nakayama said

    "So you know a murderer when you see one?" Mihara asked

    "I do. From a single glance." Mr.Nakayama said

    "And you just let them, go?" Mihara asked

    "I do, many call me crazy, but I see it as allowing humanity to fend for itself. Someone once called me ''Jesus'', the next messiah. That I was smiting away the wicked. I disagreed of course. Mainly cause, I don''t see crime as a sin. Humanity has been known to bear sin and cleanse it. That they...we, can grow more and see that we all need each other. More than we will ever possibly know.

    Does that make me a bad person? Doctor." Mr.Nakayama asked

    "No, not one bit. In fact detective." Mihara said as she leaned over and pat his knee.

    "You are perfectly healthy and all the more sane." Mihara said as she then got out a peppermint piece of candy from her jacket and tossed it to him. He caught it and looked at it. He chuckled a bit.

    "Did you just-...Hehe, alright then." Mr.Nakayama chuckled.

    Later that day at Sawa High, classes 1-S, 5-G and 2-B were all sitting in the gym, everyone in the bleachers while the teachers and two members of student council body were in chairs with signs to give points. Mi was looking about and talking her friends, Ryota and a few other boys were chatting about strategies, Kat was...being herself and sitting on the floor nearest to the door and watching crouched while Kibe and Kenji were standing next to the bleachers watching everything get set up and put into place. Kibe''s eyes moved over towards the seats of the student council where he saw Kiko and Hideaki.

    "Wow, a lot of people. Hopefully we''ll close to the top 10 winners. Heard they have a prize." Kenji said, Kibe looked around some more.

    "A prize with minimal effort needed isn''t a prize, its a handout." Kibe said to which Kenji nodded with a chuckle before looking over at the PE teacher.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    "Alright everyone! Today we''ll be ha in a nice good old wrestling match. The top 3 winners will win themselves an amazing prize provided by the student council.  To which will now provide the rules." Said the PE teacher as everyone clapped. Hideaki then stood up and looked to everyone, some of the girls looked at him, completely hypnotized by his good charms, Kibe noticed and looked back at him.

    "I''m gonna go ahead and use the bathroom. Tell me what he says." Kenji said as he patted Kibe''s shoulder and walked away.

    "Its been a hard time for us all recently, with all the madness going on we figured some good competition may lighten the mood. Other good news, our wonderful treasure Kiko has returned." Hideaki said as everyone began to clap they''re hands. She stood up and bowed, her eyes lingering on Kibe for a moment. Kibe wasn''t looking to her though. Hideaki then put his finger and everyone stoped clapping, like he was in control.

    "Now, the rules of these matches are as I say, there will be no immense harm done to anyone. Now for playing fair? We all come from nothing, evolved from primates. We did what we needed to survive. So with that said, don''t be afraid to get your hands dirty, but most of all...have fun!" Hideaki said with a chuckle as everyone started clapping again. The matches were set up with the inexperienced first, those who didn''t know how to fight or wrestle as well. They said it was wrestling, but really all forms of combat were allowed. All forms of people were there, martial artist, boxers and of course brawlers. The vastness of everyone''s combative skillets were mighty impressive.

    The rounds flew by one by one, lovers and winners coming and going. The entire judo team lost to the weight training club, Kibe made his way through relatively easily and even got a a few eyes staring at him, however the most surprising was Kenji whi utilized a combination of three different combat styles. Boxing, Krav maga and of course karate. Ryota of course also was in the top 10. Everyone was excited,  the round of applause filled the air. Some were nervous and others weren''t. The top 10 stood in front of the Hideaki and Kiko who clapped as well.

    "I want yo tell you all, great job. The top 10, the best in the school. Fighters amount the dirt I''d say even. Now the final hurtle comes, but before that shou-".

    "Uh excuse me?" Said a voice, everyone in the lineup looked over to see Kenji with his hand raised, Hideaki looked at him and gestured for him to speak.

    "I gotta go use the men''s room. Don''t be afraid to go on without me." Kenji said as he left, Kibe continued to listen. Hideaki turned back to everyone.

    "But before we begin with the final leap into glory, a feast. However this comes with a catch. A little saying I''ll be giving you all.

    A feast is always pleasant, however; it can''t be a feast. Without dessert.

    Remember these words champions. They may be your only chance, at winning this competition." Hideaki said, thats when everyone would be sent out of the gym, they''d all be escorted to the cafeteria where they''d be met by a bountiful feast. Foods of all kinds. Junk, traditional and some casual foods. Sweets and sugary food galore. Everyone was amazed. Ryota nugged Kibe with a smirk. Kibe turned around as he saw a few of the ten finalist walking away and down the hall. He then looked back at the cafeteria.

    "Now this is what I''m talking about." Ryota said, Kibe looked at all the food before he began to walk towards the backwall.

    "Where are you going?" Askes one of the weight training club members, Kibe turned and looked at him and then to the feast. He saw everyone eating and chatting.

    "I''m not a junky eater. I''m very particular about what goes in my body." Kibe said as he walked over and stood by the wall, his hands behind his back. Mi got herself a plate of sweets and food, her friends were already digging in, but before she did she saw Kibe standing alone. She then got her plate of food and walked over to him.

    "Kibe, aren''t you going to eat? You''ll need your strength. " Mi asked

    "I have plenty." Kibe said, Mi looked away, she looked down before she turned away, but before she could take a step away-

    "Don''t eat that food Mi." Kibe said, Mi stopped in her tracks, she looked at him. Across the room Ryota was eating with his friends when he saw Kibe and Mi. He watched from afar.

    "What?" Mi asked

    "Don''t wat that food." Kibe said

    "But, it looks delicious and everyone is-"

    "The devil said the same thing to Eve, now look where you all are." Kibe said as he looked to her. Mi looked at her plate of food. It was filled with junk, sweets and a few slices of pizza. She looked back to Kibe.

    "But-"

    "If you want to eat it that''s fine, but like I said before. I''m not walking with you in the dark." Kibe said. Several and a half minutes later everyone was either stuffed, getting a second plate or talking. Thats when Ryota would walk up t Kibe with a sweetrol. He took a bite out of it.

    "I have got to admit. You suprised me Kibe, the way you fought with that karate kid was, well it was good. I''m glad I''ll finally get a chance to test my metal aginst you." Ryota said

    "Wouldn''t you rather fight with someone your own size? And preferably one who lifts around 200 pounds and drinks sports drinks." Kibe said, Ryota chuckled before he looked around.

    "I need to talk to you for a minute, mind coming with me?" Ryota said as he left the cafeteria. Kibe stood there for a moment before he followed, him and Ryota walked two whole buildings away from the cafeteria, they then went into a bathroom in building C.

    "What is it?" Kibe asked

    "I don''t know what it is between you and Takashi, but I need you to leave my sister out of it. It seems that you''ve been the talk around here, well not so much recently. But your name is in other people''s mouths." Ryota said as he bit into his sweetroll.

    "I don''t see how my name has anything to do with the you or your family. Best to keep them away. I''d find it unfortunate of anything happened." Kibe said

    "Whats thats supposed to mean?" Ryota said, Kibe and him looked into each other''s eyes. Both of them looking for fear in the other. Thats when Ryota would grab his stomach and began to shake.

    "Oh! OH MY GOD!" Ryota shouted as he ran over to the urinal and began to vomit. Kibe titled his head as he looked at him.

    "HOLY FUCK! AUGAHHHHH!!" Ryota screamed as he coughed up vomit and some blood. Kibe looked at him and then looked down, he picked up the remains of the sweetroll.

    "MY STOMACH! ITS ON FIRE!!" Ryota screamed, Kibe grabbed the swetroll and smelt it he immediately pulled his head away.

    "I see." Kibe said as he walked over to the sink and began to drown the sweetroll in water, breaking it down.

    "...UGH! What was in...that...AUGH! FOOD!?" Ryota groaned, Kibe as he broke it down began to see traces of silver, it was on his fingers. Kibe stopped the faucet as he brought his fingers close him, he took a good look and pushed it around.

    "Ryota, call the police." Kibe said as he wiped his hands off.

    "What?..Ugh...why?" Ryota asked in pain

    "The food has been laced with mercury." Kibe said.

 The Final match

    Back in the gym, Hideaki and Kiko were sitting down . In front of them were the paramedics from the hospital. Both Hideaki and Kiko were in tears, they''re faces covered in their hands as the paramedics soon would leave. Once they left Hideaki immediately stood tall in his chair and got a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes his face. Kiko stood up as well, wiping her face as it went cold and expressionless once again. Her eyes looked to Hideaki who was still sitting down,he looked at his watch and then leaned forward a bit. Like he was in anticipation for something.

    "...You hear some of the classes have been poisoned and your, still here. A normal person would have went home. Gotten away." Kiko said

    "That statement can go both ways, and with no obvious means of giving a good ethical reason. How about we talk about a unethical one. Why are you?" Hideaki asked

    "...I''m intrigued." Kiko said

    "Then we are one in the same." Hideaki said

    "Did you do it?"Kiko asked

    "If your referring to the mediocre poisoning of the students, then no." Hideaki said

    "I''m supposed to believe you?" Kiko asked

    "I believe you do." Hideaki said

    Back in the C building across campus, Kibe would watch as Ryota began to cough up more vomit and blood. Kibe then looked to the bathroom door and saw a phone slide under the door. He looked at it and looked back at Ryota as he walked over to the door and picked up the phone. Kibe picked it up.

    "Greetings." Kibe said

    "Greetings Nori Kibe." Said a voice on the other line, it was distorted and indifferent. It was definitely male, but more importantly it was like his.

    "Do you like my present?" Said the voice, Kibe looked over to Ryota who had went limp, his body looking lifeless. Kibs then looked forward again. His hand on the doornob.

    "Its very unique. Might I ask why the sudden interest in me?" Kibe asked as he walked towards Ryota and checked his pulse with two fingers.

    "Oh I''ve been interested in you for a long time, longer than you can probably remember. From how you move to the way you talk. Everything about you always fascinated me, when I look at you I don''t see a pattern." The voice said

    "...What do you see?" Kibe asked

    "I see a line, a straight one. One not bothered by obstacles or even other lines though they aren''t as straight as yours is. Yours moves without want or desire, just a directive. A primary goal." The voice said

    "It sounds like you''re describing an immovable object and yet at the same time. You describe a unstoppable force." Kibe said

    "And thats what I like about you Kibe, I want to see how unstoppable you are. Now heres some advice.

    Did you remember what Hideaki said?" Said the voice, Kibe looked at the phone as it then hung up. Kibe looked at Ryota. And then took a knee infront of him. Ryota''s eyes were shakeup and his body was jolting and moving sporadically.

    "Its...an unfortunate thing thats happened to you Ryota. Mercury is a very dangerous element, found in rock and of course the earth''s coal. Its highly poisonous to the human neural functions, specifically your cognitive and motor functions. It has an array of nasty symptoms, but fortunate for me one of them is memory loss." Kibe said, Ryota''s eyes shook widely as his body violently shaped.

    "Now I want to ask you a few questions, answer them honestly and I will save your life by telling the paramedics where you are. Answer them wrong and I will leave you. Understand?" Kibe asked as Ryota continued to shake.

    "Good. Now tell me, are all the dragon gang members in Ushin?" Kibe asked

    "I...GUH...I...Y...Y...Y.YY...Y" Ryota stuttered over his words, looking like he might just swallow his own tongue.

    "I''ll take that as a yes. Next question.  Are more of them in this school?" Kibe asked

    "Guh...ack.....n...nnnn...N....n.." Ryota stuttered

    "Good. Last one, did you ever believe that you could beat me?" Kibe asked

    "...Nu.....n...nnn..y..n...No..." Ryota stuttered, Kibe then gently pat his head.

    "If you believe in a God Ryota, I''d start praying that the mercury makes you forget this day. I know others would." Kibe said as he looked at Ryota, Ryota''s eyes began to roll to the back of his head. Kibe''s head tilted as he looked at him. Thats when banging would be heard outside the bathroom door.

    "COME OUT KIBE!" shouted a boy outside the bathroom. Kibe turned around and looked down at Ryota.

    "The law of equivalent exchange. You''ve given me something Ryota, ask anything of me and I will give it to you." Kibe said as he then cracked his knuckles.

    "Goobye Ryota." Kibe said.

    Kibe then exited the bathroom to where he would be surrounded by five other guys, three from the weight training club and two from the martial art group. Kibe recognized them. Kibe looked at them all. Kibe''s eyes saw a fire extinguisher by the stairs, a window, they were on the second floor. He also noticed the stairs.

    "Greetings." Kibe said

    "Do you know what this means?" Asked one of the weight training guys

    "Do you?" Kibe asked, the guys looked at each other.

    "What?" Asked one of the martial artist

    "Were you paying attention to what Hideaki said? His words hold weight once you take the time to analyze them." Kibe said

    12:00 Minutes

    "Oh we know, and your not going anywhere. " said one if weight trainer #1.

    "Unfortunately we are on a rather limited time limit. So I cannot stay." Kibe said

    "Didn''t you hear, you''re not going anywhere." Said weight trainer #2

    "What did he promise you?" Kibe asked

    "More than what you ever could." Said martial artist #1

    "I think more than anything, after this. You will have wished you had eaten that food." Kibe said as he readied himself. Everyone else got ready to attack him, everyone in anticipation. Kibe then immediately lunged forward with his right arm immediately going towards weight trainer #1, the guy attempted to block it but-

    BANG

    Kibe''s punch woukd send the guy flying backwards and down the stairs falling to the bottom, his head would slam against the ground. The two martial artist then rushed Kibe, Kibe would block they''re kicks, martial artist #1 would go for a volley of flying kicks while #2 would blitz behind Kibe and attempt some headshots. Kibe would jump over the kicks and kick off of martial artist #1''s body. Sending Kibe flying back into #2. The two would crash into the wall, Kibe would turn around and slamn martial artist #2''s head aginst the window shattering it, before he then flipped him out the window. Both martial artist #1. And weight trainer #2. Kibe looked at both of them.

    8:00 minutes left

    Martial artist #1 went for jabs at Kibe''s ribs just as weight trainer #2 went to punch Kibe in the head. Kibe knew looked at both of them for a few short seconds, he then reacted quicker than them and jumped up high. Kibe spun his body and landed on the ceiling  still facing them, he then lunged off and tackled the martial artist pinning him to the ground. Kibe then punched the guy''s head against the ground knocking him out cold, the weight trainer looked as Kibe got up and turned to him. The guy looked at Kibe and Kibe him. They stared at one another. The guy''s hands were shaking violently, his fear taking over of him. The weight trainer then rushed at Kibe, Kibe looked next to the stars and saw the fire extinguisher. Kibe backed up a few steps as the guy began to haymakers at Kibe who deflected them with blocks and shifts in his body. Eventually Kibe would reach it, he then dodged one last punch before he grabbed the guy''s head and slamned it into the glass containing the extinguisher,  the guy backed up pulling shards out of his face; Kibe grabbed the extinguisher. As soon as the weight trainer looked up Kibe would slam the fire extinguisher the top of his head knocking the guy out immediately.  He then placed the extinguisher next to the guy head.

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Kibe began to make his way towards the gym. As Kibe walked towards the gym, during one of the halls he passed he got eyes on Mr.Nakayama who was standing there with Mr.Miyuki. Kibe stopped and looked at them as they were looking at him.

    "Hello Kibe." Said Mr.Nakayama

    "...Detective Nakayama and Miyuki. How are we today?" Kibe asked  as he fixed his PE clothes.

    "Stopping by, apparently the some of the students had been poisoned. Care to give me some insight?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Why do you like all banged up huh?" Mr.Miyuki asked pointing at him for a moment.

    "Rough housing a bit." Kibe said

    "Uh huh." Mr.Miyuki said

    "...We were told there were about 20-26 of you. We have only 24. Where''s the other two? Not counting yourself making it 27." Mr.Nakayama asked, Kibe looked back from where he came from and then back Mr.Nakayama.

    "They''re using the bathroom. They looked pretty bad, I assume it was something they ate." Kibe said

    "Alright you-" Mr.Nakayama woukd stoo Mr.Miyuki with his hand. He''d then motion for him to go and check where Kibe came from. Mr.Miyuki looked at Kibe as he walked away. Kibe watched him go.

    "What really brings you here detective?" Kibe asked

    "Intuition. I had a feeling something was going to happen here." He said

    "Sounds like you knew this would happen, and failed to act on it. Or intentionally didn''t. That sounds like you participated in it." Kibe said

    "...I think you and I have different ideas on what participating means." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Maybe. Though there is only one the police will understand." Kibe said, Mr.Nakayama looked at him and then back.

    "I could pull you in." Mr.Nakayama said, Kibe stared at him.

    5:00 minutes left.

    Across town at Kibe''s home, Himmy woukd jump the fence if the backyard, she was wearing a long sleeved shirt with white stripes. Her hair combed back and a lip piercing. She looked back at her phone and her messages. A message from Kibe was sent to her at 5 in the morning.

    "Return to my home around the late evening. Go to the basement behind the house and head for my computer." Said Kibe''s message, she closed her phone and walked over to his basement opening the door. She walked down the stairs of the basement and turned on the light next to them. As she did she saw everything, from the workout equipment to the workbench nearby. She then got eyes on the computer. She walked over to it and typed in the password that Kibe had sent her.

    She then saw it was on a folder called "Easter basket". She tilted her head looking at it.

    "Himmy, your choice now decides where this goes. You can either be a hero and not upload that folder, however you would also be alone again. Or, you can send it and further your chances of finally becoming your own person for the first time. Often enough in order to further ourselves we are forced to make difficult decisions, ones that affect more than ourselves.

    Look at yourself, see not what you are, but what you can become if you discarded the empathy. Let go of the feeling of worry, do not think. Just do. I hope this will be your first.  ",those words from Kibe earlier today rang through her head. Her hands hesitated on the keyboard, her eyes darting at the folder and at the keyboard.

    2:30 minutes left

    Kibe and Mr.Nakayama continued to stare at one another until the detective, would take a step forward. The time began to drain away, Kibe''s brain began to plan for his arrest as the detective got closer. Having figured Himmy had not done as she was told.

    "Kibe, I''m tak-" however just before he could he was interrupted by another officer.

    "Sir. News just in. 9 suicides. All at once, boss wants you on it." Said the officer as Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki who just got back, grew shocked and baffled faces. Mr.Nakayama looked back for Kibe just to see him gone. Both detectives looked down some hallways before leaving the building.

    Kibe was standing outside the doors to the gym, but had a few thoughts before he entered.

    "You waited...,how interesting of you Himmy." Kibe thought as he then entered the gym, as he did he''d see noneother than The two student council members and surprisingly-

    "Kenji?" Kibe asked as he saw Kenji standing on the wrestling mat.

    00:45 seconds.

    "Kibe, i knew you''d make it just in time. I''m assuming you''d got my last hint yes?" Hideaki asked curiously, Kibe walked onto the mat. His eyes staring at Kenji and vice versa, though Kenji was smiling unlike Kibe. He then looked to the council members.

    "I did, your last sentence you said, the one we had to pay attention to. It wasn''t a saying. It was a timer. You gave us 12 minutes to be back without even really telling us. If anyone hadn''t made it, they''d be disqualified." Kibe said

    "Very clever." Hideaki said, Kibe then looked back to Kenji.

    "Glad to see you make it Kibe, I was worried." Kenji said

    "So you too? What did he offer you?" Kibe asked

    "I don''t know what you mean." Kenji said

    "Really? You missing out on Hideaki''s speeches, using the bathroom as you did. Then you being there to be poisoned by the food. Do you expect me to belive that?" Kibe asked

    "So you came to that conclusion from me using the bathroom? Thats pretty flimsy, even for you." Kenji said

    "Call it Intuition." Kibe said as Hideaki stood up and straightened his uniform. Kiko looked up at him.

    "Now both our final competitors are here! The final match shall begin in 5-"

    4

    3-"

    "Nothing personal Kibe, I just like a good challenge." Kenji said

    "2

    1-"

    "Likewise." Kibe said

    "BEGIN!" Hideaki shouted, Kenji immediately lunged at Kibe who then lowered his body to deliver a sweeping kick, however Kenji would jump over it and go for a flying axe kick. Kibe would block it with his side arm; Kenji then would attempt to jump off of Kibe, but Kibe had grabbed his leg and woukd then spin him 180 degrees and fling him across the mat. Kenji would nearly go flying off the mat if it hadn''t been for him pressing his hand down against it, stopping his momentum immediately. He then would land back on it and look up to see Kibe''s fist coming down on him.

    Kibe then would suddenly find himself upside-down in mid-air, his eyes moved up to see Kenji standing, it seemed he had not only dodged the attack, but redirected. Allowing him to go for a leg sweep and place his hand on Kibe''s right shoulder, using the force to send Kibe spiraling in mid-air. Kenji then kicked Kibe back, Kibe would spin himself around landing on his feet.

    "His pressure is astonishing, I haven''t landed a single blow yet." Kibe said, thats when he''d look up to see Kenji sprinting towards him, Kibe immediately wentnfor another leg sweep to which Kenji reacted to and jumped over, but this time Kibe would go for punch to Kenji''s gut, however in mid-air Kenji would catch it and land behind Kibe, spining him and then slaming him on the ground. Kenji had Kibe arm in a armlock. Kenji began applying pressure. Thats when he''d feel a sharp pain in his leg, his woukd would move down to see Kibe grabbing the back if his thigh. His nails and fingers digging into it. Kenji then winced on Kibe had struck a nerve, Kenji let go which gave Kibe a chance to deliver a gut checking elbow and roll away. Both of them apart.

    "...Impressive, what do you practice? Karv maga? I saw some Vele in there. Maybe European?" Kenji asked

    "Just cooking and violin." Kibe said, Hideaki and Kiko watched the match.

    "This would have been over by now, that is if he wants that." Kiko thought to herself, as the fight between the two commenced Mi would walk through the gym entrance. Her eyes growing wide as she saw Kibe and Kenji fighting. She put her hands together.

    "YOU CAN DO IT KIBE!" Mi shouted,  Kenji''s eyes looked to her which Kibe then exploited. Kibe immediately went to poke Kenji in the eyes, but they would be caught. Kenji looked at him with a smirk.

    "Going for the eyes? Kibe, I''m not trying to kille you." Kenji said

    "Aren''t you?" Kibe said, Kenji looked at him for a moment giving him a confused smile. Thats when he''d feel another shapr pain in his body, it was his chest. Kenji looked down to see Kibe''s finger tips stabbing into his chest, not piercing his skin, but he could feel them on his ribs.

    "Zero punch." Kibe said, he then let out a powerful punch with that hand, quickly turning his palm into a fist and slightly moving his arm forward in the process. The punch almost sounded like a gun shot went off, Kenji coughed up a few wads of blood.

    "Two fractured ribs." Kibe said, he then immediately dealt a karate chop to Kenji''s face sending him teetering to the left. Kibe then once again leg sweeped him, this time Kenji fell to his knees. Kibe then blitzed behind Kenji faster than his eyes could track him. Kibe them used both his hands and placed both of them right beneath each of his ears. He then used his thumbs and applied pressure to those points immediately putting Kenji to sleep. Kenji would fall down on his face. Kibe standing up tall. Victory was his. Kibe looked over and saw Hideaki clapping loudly with Kiko giving a smaller less exaggerating one.

    "KIBE YOU DID IT!" Mi shouted as she ran over and gave him a hug, Kibe just kept staring at Hideaki.

    "FABULOUS! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! That dance of blows was nothing more than eye candy! Excellent work Nori Kibe." Hideaki said with a wide smile as Kiko lifted her board giving a score of 10.

    "The prize, what is it?" Kibe asked

    "It can be anything you want, nothing is out of the picture. You can even ask for money." Hideaki said, Mi looked up at Kibe and so did Kiko from her seat. Kibe and Hideaki shared eye contact for a few moments before Kibe would give his answer.

    "I want be Takashi''s friend." Kibe said, Kiko looked to Hideaki who smiled.

    "Thats a rather intriguing request, though I''m a little lost on what it is to be someone''s friend. Mind telling me?" Hideaki asked

    "Friends know each other, I want to know more about Takashi. Can we start off with his family?" Kibe asked, Hideaki''s smile only got wider.

    "Of course." Hideaki said.

    "Mi get out of here." Kibe said, Mi looked at him, she then looked to Kiko and Hideaki. She let go of Kibe and began to walk out of the gym.

    Outside the school paramedics were waiting and across the street Himmy was leaning aginst a pole. She then noticed as Kibe walked out of school. Back in his uniform and walking as he always does, like nothing happened. Kibe walked across the street to meet her. Mi looked at Kibe from afar before she walked away.

    "Did you get what you wanted?" Himmy asked

    "Yes, and then some." Kibe said, though his mind was still racing about the mysterious third party that appeared today.

    At the police station Mr.Nakayama looked at the photos of all the suicides that had occurred, each of them were horrific, but the one thing they all had in common was a that in each photo there was a Easter basket with a white rabbit mask in it.

 House of Mon amour, part 1

    The next day.

    Out far into the city past Ushin, the lights of the city were immaculate and beautiful; they radiated perfection and a loving light bloomed from. Their bulbs. The buildings were massive, a claustrophobic feeling came over those that stared at them; they''re massive condense architecture. All of them were soo tight to togther that seeing one away from the flock almost look put of this world.

    The City was separated into three large sections, the upper class, middle and lower. Cars moved through the streets, the rain of the day gave it a gloom and sort of somerset feeling to the world around them. During that day Mr.Nakayama was driving through the streets with Mr.Miyuki.

    "Nakayama?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Yes?" He asked as he stopped at a stoplight.

    "I understand going aginst the chef and wanting to still work on the case a bit, but..." Mr.Miyuki said as he tapped on the dashboard.

    "But what?" Mr.Nakayama said

    "But why in the hell did we have to bring her?" Mr.Miyuki said point back, to which the two men looked back and stared at Mrs.Mihara who was sitting in the back seat, she was on her phone when she looked up at them. She gave them both a small wave.

    "I told you already, she knows the human behavior and mind, beyond that too. If we can get any kind of help catching this lunatic it may just be here. Besides the doctors in there highly recommend her for something like this. Say she''s the best they got besides the head doctor." Mr.Nakayama said as the light turned green. He then proceeded to drive, making a left down a another street.

    "Is she going to be...psychoanalyzing? Cause if so I''d rather not be. I heard a few things?" Mr.Miyuki said

    "Hopefully nothing bad, I assure you that psychoanalyzing benefits the person being analyzed far more than you realize." Mrs.Mihara said as she put her phone in her side purse.

    "Geez, you sound like your son." Mr.Miyuki said as he sat back down in his seat facing the road. Mr.Nakayama then began to tune them out.

    "Speaking of my dear boy, I heard about him and that Takashi boy getting some one on one time with you. How did it go Mr.Miyuki?" Mrs.Mihara asked, Mr.Miyuki stared at the road hard. His mind racing at the thoughts of his discussion with Kibe, how cold and distant he came off. The boy was weird, abnormal...alien even.

    "...Hes, something else. Can''t say he''s perfect, cause I don''t know anyone who talked like that." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Well, he use to he a little...different when he was younger." Mrs.Mihara said, Mr.Nakayama then started to pay attention to what their conversation was.

    "How different?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Well, when he was just a boy, he was so energetic. He loved playing ball, oh he was so good at it. You could see him throw it so far. He was also very friendly. He loved people and loved making friends.

    ..." Mrs.Mihara said as her tone got a bit low, her face got low too. Looked a bit sad as she took off her glasses. Mr.Miyuki looked in the mirror at her.

    "...Mihara, I didn''t mean-"

    "But he''s different now, much more formal and well-behaved. He''s turned into quite the perfect gentleman." Mrs.Mihara said, her change of tone going from sorrowful to something more indifferent and almost distant to her son''s supposed change. All three of them then arrived at one of the suicide crime scenes. Police weren''t all too there, but a few officers were present. Mrs.Mihara exited the car after Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki. As she got there she saw all the police lines, and officers there taking notes, getting evidence and of course studying the crime scene.

    Mihara''s eyes observed the scene and took mental notes of everything.

    "You know you''re not supposed to be here Nakayama. How in the helk are we even supposed to get close?" Mr.Miyuki asked, Mr.Nakayama eyes moved up the building, the scene of the crime. Mr.Nakayama took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Mrs.Mihara looked a bit confused at Mr.Nakayama as she leaned to Mr.Miyuki.

    "What is he doing?" She asked

    "Hes doing his thing." Mr.Miyuki said, as he did Mr.Nakyama would see red flashes going through his darker vision, Mr.Nakayama began to feel a burst through his brain, like a earthquake of immediate awareness. As he did he''d open his eyes. As he did he saw the world as black and red, the innocent were dressed in red. Demonstrations and showing themselves as the embodiment of their own fullness and life while the black silhouettes showed the more, grim and darker aspects of humanity. Walking scum. As he did it was almost like the entire world began to remind. In that moment he saw red silhouetted figures walking around the streets, he saw as they walked amoungest the streets. He watched as families, single men and women and even some children walked around.

    Thats when he saw them, black silhouettes. He could sense what actions may have been taken by them, they''re intrusive thoughts now his. He could read and see what they want and need. As he looked at them he saw one silhouette walk into the building.

    "I''m here to deliver a message, a message of certainty. One that will haunt you forever.

    And your only escape, is death." Mr.Nakayama thought to himself, thats when he''d open his eyes again.l and he''d back outside the building with the police and Mihara and Miyuki.

    "Someone came here, and they delivered a message from the white rabbit personally." Mr.Nakayama said

    "So he does have others beyond those we caught. Where in the hell is getting this help though?" Mr.Miyuki asked confused

    "Maybe he has friends?" Mrs.Mihara proposed

    "No, this man works alone for sure. If he does have aid, it is all temporary. He plans to strike again. Soon." Mr.Nakayama said

    "How can you be certain?" Mrs.Mihara asked

    "Because...I would." Mr.Nakayama said as he turned around and looked up at the skyscrapers. The rain fell on him like drops of wisdom, like as if he had been walking through something and now had been exposed to the source.

    "Does anyone have a clue where Takashi lives? The boy we brought in a month ago." Mr.Nakayama asked

    "No clue, I could ask, but then the chef would ask. And you know he put you off the case for a while Nakayama. There ain''t nothing we can do right now besides check these places out." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Then thats when we''ll do it. The white rabbit is looking for my attention, every step hes tried to distract me. Though now I believe he wants to show me something. He wants to show me...how dangerous he really is. That I should stay out of his way." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Dont let this son of a bitch get you Nakayama, we''ll just have to show him otherwise. You know I got a feeling, I got a feeling that just maybe hes obsessed with something else.

    Isn''t it a coincidence that one of the boys from the school was dragon gang? That Ryota guy." Mr.Miyuki said

    "There is a dragon member at Sawa high?" Mrs.Mihara asked

    "Yea, he was part of the gym class activity taking place that day. Funny enough he wa some of the few who at the poison, but he was also the last we found." Mr.Miyuki said

    "You think the white rabbit is after the dragon gang? That he set that whole thing up just to get to that boy." Mr.Nakayama asked

    "I think he''s trying to kill two birds with one stone, at the hotel they were there on business, but they didn''t say what. I think its got something to do with the play, but we don''t have any evidence to get a search warrant on Takashi or even enough to tell hes with them.

    But you know how we can tell?" Mr.Miyuki asked as he put his finger up.

    "The White Rabbit." Mrs.Mihara said

    "Bingo." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama looked at both of them before turning around and watching the police tip they''re caps to them and drive away. He then turned back to the two.

    "If we can split up his focus, he''ll slip up. That will give us a lead.

    But it''ll need to be done before the play of Shadow''s Kiss. Otherwise he''ll have taken out both. As I reckon that both of those parties will be there. Now Miyuki I shouldn''t ask-"

    "Don''t bother, you helped me get this gig. I don''t know what you saw in me, but you still do and...I think I''m starting to see it too. If we''re going to do this. Then we''ll need two sets of eyes. You go ahead and pursue the Takashi boy and I''ll focus on the dragon gang.

    Once he slips up, we''ll be get closer and the closer we get...the more clumsy he''ll get." Mr.Miyuki said as Mr.Nakayama nodded.

    "Then let''s set the bait. If hes looking to catch some dragon gang, then we''ll need to bait him out." Mr.Nakayama said

    "But surely he won''t take it, whatever he''s looking for must be more specific. He wouldn''t just hunt down any old dragon gang member." Mrs.Mihara said

    "Thats what he wants us to think, but really any dragon gang member can get him what he wants. Its only a matter of when...and who." Mr.Nakayama said as he then walked to the car.

    "Do you got an idea?" Mr.Miyuki asked looking at him.

    "I got two." Mr.Nakayama said as he got in the car the two then followed him and got in. The car woukd drive off down the street.

    Someplace else, at Kibe''s home in his basement. Kibe was sitting at his desk in front of his computer, he fiddled with a pencil as he watched his screen go over information on Mr.Nakayama and all information about discoverable on the web. While Himmy was sitting on a chair laying back.

    "The detective plans to stop me from peering more into the information that Ryota holds, I know he intends to prevent my movement. My eyes set on two targets, how can I possibly choose just one?

    Hes trapped me, trapped me into making a decision. Well done. Nakayama." Kibe thought as he then looked over to his bag where he could see his white Rabbit mask sticking out. Himmy looked over at him, thats when she saw Kibe staring at her. Her eyes looked away. Kibe would get up and walk over to her.

    "Dont you have some people poison?" Himmy said annoyed as she looked away, thats when Kibe would grab her chin and turn her to him.

    "I didn''t poison those people." Kibe said

    "Then who did?!" She asked

    "...I don''t know. At least not yet. Whoever it was kept they''re intentions mysterious, but hes apparently obsessed with me. Or something like that." Kibe said

    "I can''t imagine someone being obsessed with you, just seems in they''re best not to be." Himmy said as she jerked her face away. Kibe put his hand on the couch. Himmy laid back, her mind and emotions all spiraling.

    "You feel it don''t you? That everything is about go up in flames, but I want to assure you Himmy. That I''m the one in control of this fire and only I can choose how wild it will get." Kibe said as Himmy''s eyes looked to him, Kibe''s cold gaze was staring down at her. That look once again piercering into her. Reading her. His hand then went up the chair and to the back of her head. Himmy closed her eyes in fear.

    "I want you to know though, that if your part in this isn''t played right, I''ll have to burn you. Just like how you burned Juo all those weeks ago." Kibe said, Himmy opened her eyes, tears filling them as she was reminded of him. Kibe then moved his hands over Himmy''s eyes. She grabbed his wrist in shock.

    "What are yo-"

    "Close them, I want to help you see it." Kibe said, Himmy''s hands shakily let go of Kibe''s wrist. Thats when she began to see flashes in the darkness, like as if someone was taking pictures of her. She then saw herself. Himmy looked at herself, as sue moved so did the other her. That''s when she saw Juo come behind her and rest his arms on her shoulders. As she saw them, she saw the other her and Juo put on their mask. As they did they''d be bombarded with gunfire until the two would fall and drop dead. Himmy covered her mouth in shock. She wanted to open her eyes.

    "Dont open them, what your seeing is exactly the outcome of what would have happened had you stayed.

    You and him both would have perished, a world without me. Without the one to guide you, he never really had your best interest at heart Himmy. I knew when you laid eyes on me that you wanted freedom, that you wanted real dependency. Someone who could really show you the way out of this hard life and the sooner you accept that you are responsible for Juo''s death. The easier it will be for you and me." Kibe said, thats when Himm turned around and saw Kibe. He was standing behind her.

    "For you?" She asked

    "I care about you Himmy, but I won''t be able to help you if you can''t first help yourself. I refuse to be associated with someone who can''t see they''re own faults. To which you are filled with plenty of them." Kibe said

    "I...I..I don''t know what to think anymore, I don''t know what I''m supposed to do? People keep dying! I just wanted money, I just wanted to live! I-" thats when Kibe would wrap his arms around her slowly. Himmy''s tears falling and dropping into the darkness around them. Kibe''s cold gaze looking past her and yet at the same time, it seemed like it was always on her back. Like a ghost. Like a camera.

    "Don''t think." Kibe said, Himmy''s hands hesitated, but they slowly wrapped around Kibe too. Kibe''s arms squeezed her.

    "Rely only on me. Nothing else. Everyone will just throw you away, like your mother did. Like Juo did. I won''t, I see promise in you Himmy. Value. I see what no one else does." Kibe said as Himmy''s tears rushed down her face; burying her face into his chest.

    "Tell me, what do you see?" Kibe asked, Himmy then looked up and saw Kibe in the distance.

    "Just you. I only see you." Himmy said

    "Good. Now open your eyes. " Kibe said, Himmy then opened her eyes, her tears rushing down her face. She breathed heavily as she gripped the chair, Kibe''s hands on her shoulders. He looked down at her from behind, his hand then grazed her cheek.

    "So long as you see me. There won''t be anything to worry about." Kibe said as he then walked over and grabbed his bag. Himmy wiped her face with her sleeve.

    "Where are you going?" She asked

    "The detective is intending to put me into a corner, I will assure him that I have no intention of being in one. Which is why I''ll be going out to pay a visit to our good friend Takashi." Kibe said, Himmy watched as he began to walk towards the door to the basement.

    "Himmy listen carefully." Kibe said, Himmy looked at him.

    Later that day at a caf��, Takashi was sipping some coffee as he looked at the news on a small TV. His eyes staring at it. He took a sip from his cup as he kept watching.

    "Nori Kibe, could you possibly be doing such atrocities? Just to reach me? What more will you do to get the truth. Not even knowing who the real one was to invoke such a thing." Takashi thought. He looked around and saw everyone coming and walking out, the place was packed with people. Some were studying students, some were adults and some were students his age. Takashi looked at them and sipped his cup.

    "Everyone here is wearing some kind of a mask, coming her show the beauty of it. They''re progress of denial and trickery. For what are humans if not posers. So caught up with what they want to be they don''t even know what they are or are to be." Takashi thought to himself.

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    "Greetings, mind if I sit here?" Said a familiar voice, Takashi''s entire body stopped. His eyes then slowly looked up and saw it was exactly who he was afraid it would be. Nori Kibe, standing there with his usual straight posture and holding a small cup.

    "..."

    "May I?" He asked

    "S-Sure." Takashi said as he motioned to the chair next to him. Kibe walked over to it and sat down. He placed his cup on the table in front of him and then set his bag down beside him. Takashi and Kibe sat in silence for a few moments before Takashi watched Kibe drink his cup.

    "Why are you here?" Takashi asked puzzled

    "I heard this place makes some excellent green tea, so I had to give it a try for myself. You know they say-"

    "Not the damn tea, I mean how the hell did you find me?! I''ve been out of school, this is one of my favorite places. My records and information is nowhere on the internet. So I''ll ask again, how did you find me?" Takashi asked as Kibe set his cup down and licked his lips.

    "I need to talk to you Takashi, the information. I know you don''t intend to give it up, but I need you to know that what you know is information beyond you.

    You have two options, either you can never spread it, relinquish it and never speak of it or you don''t and what happened next will be on you." Kibe said

    "Are you threatening me?" Takashi asked with astonishment and frustration.

    "No." Kibe said

    "..." Takashi looked at Kibe as he stared at him.

    "What is that you care about Takashi?" Kibe asked

    "What?" He asked

    "If it the play? Where everyone prances around wearing their faces on silver platters of deception and ignorance? Or do you care about the life that was given to you. The one you so gracefully have.

    So often do people not understand what it means to live and what it means to go on living. Its a declaration, a sign that you love life. Though some soil it with they''re wicked deeds and ugly personas. So what is it you care about?" Kibe asked

    "...I care about getting you out of my hair once and for all! Consider this the last time we meet Kibe. I''ll finish that play and it will show, and since you care so much for the information I have. Why don''t I make it a line in the play too huh? How does that sound to you? Mr.Machine." Takashi smirked as he looked at Kibe, but when he looked at him he saw something new. On Kibe''s face was now not indifference, but actual slight frustration. However the moment lasted for only a moment. Takashi then stood up.

    "I know where you live Kibe, come for me again. And I swear to you, I''ll make you pay. You don''t want to make a real enemy out of me do you?" Takashi asked, but Kibe just continued to stare at him with a cold and unmoving expression.

    "What no smart remarks? No speech? No comeback? Or maybe you''ve realized how insignificant you are in this whole endeavor." Takashi said as he then proceeded to walk away and leave the store. Kibe watched him walk past the window, sharing one last stretch of eye contact until breaking off. Kibe too a sigh, he then finished his green tea and set it down. He leaned back in the chair, his head looking up at the light above him.

    "...Idiot." Kibe said. Kibe then closed his eyes.

    Flashes of the past flooded his mind, it was his old home, far away from Japan in France. Right in the heart of Grand Est, they all lived there. His father and his mother Kibe. He was happy there. He''d come to Japan go visit his family and of course at times when they were here. He''d be attending school. That''s how he met Mi.

    It was simple.

    Then it happened.

    BANG

    BANG

    All it took was two bullets for it all to come to a end...he didn''t even remember his name...did it matter?

    ...No, it never did he figured. Thats when Kibe would get up and grab his bag, he then checked on his phone and went to social media, he looked up Takashi''s parents. They were well known, one was a actress and the other a businessman working on stocks. Supposedly without him, many companies would be under. There are rumors his wife gives him aid in his business too...though she might be working under the rug.

    Kibe looked at they''re latest feeds, as he did Kibe would check himself into a hotel in the city. He''d set his bag down and sit on a chair in front of a desk. As he did, he then felt his head, he grabbed a strain of it and saw it. He stared at it for a moment. He then looked outside and saw it was getting late.

    Somewhere else. Down near the more popular places of the city. Crowds of people were walking around and chating, dinning and doing business. One woman was walking down the street, she was wearing a beautiful blue dress and heels to match, her eyes were like diamonds. Glowing a bright blue that went with her blonde hair. She walked around like as if the world owed her it''s attention, every man and woman nodded to her and praised her beauty. Mrs.Otsuka.

    She opened her phone and looked at it, she scrolled through her messages thats when she''d suddenly trip over herself and fall down.

    "EEEK! Damnit. I just finished fixing myself up and everything!" Mrs.Otsuka said as she picked up her purse and started picking up her things, she reached for he lipstick when a hand would pick it up first. Her eyes looked up and saw a man with a uniform, black and white with a stripped tie. His hair was brown and had emerald green eyes.

    "Oh, thank you." Mrs.Otsuka said with a smile, she then stared at the young man some more.

    "Wow, hes very charming, looks so handsome." She thought

    "Forgive me, I saw you fall and well...thought I''d help." He said

    "Thank you so much." Mrs.Otsuka said as they both got up. The young man looked at her and then looked shock.

    "Now wait a second, are you the famous actress? Mrs.Otsuka? The one who played in the Archer''s forge?" Asked the young man.

    "Why yes I am, good eye." She said with a smile

    "What are you doing out by yourself? You must be getting a cab or something. Where are you going?" He asked, she let out a loud sigh as she looked at him. The two started walking.

    "I went to an appointment, I wanted to look nice for my husband''s get-together this evening, but when I finally finished that damn sleez-bag didn''t even order me a cab! But I hoped it wouldn''t be far, shoes what I know eh? Hehhe." Mrs.Otsuka chuckled, the young man looked at her.

    "Well, if you''d like. How about a bite to eat first? Then I can drop you off." Said the young man.

    "Would you? That would be lovely! But I don''t even know your name." She said, the man looked at her with a smile.

    "Its Nori, Nori Kibe." Said Kibe. The two would later visit a dinner, Mrs.Otsuka and Kibe sat at the window booth. They both drank some wine while having some fries; though Kibe didn''t eat any.

    "Mmmm, I love wine, espically white. White has such a rich taste to it. Its like sipping from angel tears, but with bitter coals in them. Oooooh I love it! What about you Kibe? What do you like?" Mrs.Otsuka asked as she put her face in palm.

    "What I like? Hmm, I guess just cooking and playing the violin. Though I''m not too good at either.

    I mainly just dabble." Kibe said

    "Hmp, I know someone else who dabbles in things." Mrs.Otsuka said as she sipped her wine. Kibe stared at her some more.

    "Nothing done to her, that or its hidden under makeup. She''s not too proud, but very unhappy too. Marriage troubles is the last thing I''d call it. From the looks of her she knows he''s a cheating snake. Her blue outfit reflects her past. Sorrowful struggles paint her every movement, though she would never show it. She''s evolved past that.

    Though her bones still creak from those older times, from those days when all she knew was work." Kibe thought to himself, he looked at his cup of tea and at himself.

    "Will I ever look at myself with these eyes...Will I ever see just what kind of character I may indeed be. No, I think I''d be afraid. To look into myself and see what looks back.

    ...or maybe...I already have seen it and just maybe, it-"

    "Kibe?" Said Mrs.Otsuka, Kibe then looked at her. A little shocked he spaced out.

    "You looked like you were in a daze, dream anything good?" Mrs.Otsuka asked

    "Apologies, I didn''t meant to doze away." Kibe said

    "Dont apologize, I think its cute when men let out they''re more curious sides. What were you thinking about?" Mrs.Otsuka asked, Kibe looked at her and then to his tea. His face showing momentary conflict.

    "I feel like...I''m slipping away. The further I pursue things the more and the more I believe I''ll stop being anything like how I used to be." Kibe said, Mrs.Otsuka then lifted her head her eyes getting a bit wider as her curiosity spread.

    "I want more than anything to do him justice, to be as simple as he was. Heheh, But somehow." Kibe said as he looked at his hand, even now he was psychoanalyzing things. He looked at his hand and saw no flaws, no bumps, no bruises and no signs of poor sight. He was perfect.

    "It seems that I can''t. Something deeper inside me, keeps telling me to go beyond. Not through wants or needs, but because that is part of my very being. It goes beyond being merely human.

    I don''t think I even am anymore." Kibe said, Mrs.Otsuka looked at him and then down.

    "I see, so you and I are the same." She said to which Kibe looked at her suprised.

    "Yo-"

    "I feel the same way about acting!" She said, to which then Kibe''s face began to form back to his indifference. His eyes moving to his phone for a moment.

    8:00

    "Two hours, the theater is about a 30 minute drive." Kibe thought to himself as he put his phone away.

    "I look into myself everyday, but does my husband see that? No! All he ever ask me about are if I''m going out wearing this or if I''m really going to do my hair like that. Its never enough for him, I got into his because I had a calling. Something within me, I don''t know if you could call it my soul or if its my brain playing tricks in me, but I just got this thing in me.

    Kinda what you just said yaknow, its calling me to go beyond humanity. To go beyond raw skill, to make acting what I am. Who i am." Mrs.Otsuka said

    "But your husband won''t let you express that side of you." Kibe said

    "Tch, he rather me dance for guest and friends. He wants everything, he feels so damn invincible. That big business he runs.

    Gosh sometimes I wish it would all go under." Mrs.Otsuka said

    "And what about you? What happens to you?" Kibe asked

    "Me?...We married out of interest. We believed we could further one another, of course love and lust were there. Though it was never that great." Mrs.Otsuka said as she drank her wine some more, Kibe finished his tea.

    "...I don''t know what I''m going to do." She said, Kibe looked at her. The place was empty by now, hardly anyone in sight besides someone cleaning tables.

    "My two boys, they''re all I have now. My husband hasn''t touched me in months...I know he''s been sleeping around, but I haven''t said anything. Takashi has grown up so nicely, hes such a bright boy. You almost remind me of him, but you look so much older than him. Very mature too and then there''s my youngest, Tuo. Hes such a cute one. Hes only a a year old now.

    So cute. I want to take them away from this place, Japan feels so...claustrophobic. At least now it does, I feel like I''m always next to someone even when I''m not. The poverty levels are only going to increase and the worse things get. The harder it will be to hold on to the things we enjoy, that I enjoy.

    But that man, he just dosent care, so long as money is what it is." She said, she then poured herself another glass as Kibe stared at her, it wasn''t a cold stare though instead it was a simple look of understanding.

    "...Oh but who am I kidding, I''ve been so caught up in the luxury life too. What can I say?" Mrs.Otsuka said as she took a sip from her glass. Kibe looked outside for a moment and saw it beginning to pour down. He watched as people walked in the rain, none seeming to have umbrellas of use. He then looked back to see Mrs.Otsuka sipping more of her wine, her face getting flustered and more red than before.

    "You need to regain your power, it seems its been lost or better to say its been taken from you." Kibe said

    "It does feel like that..." Mrs.Otsuka said

    "Power is something we have when we come into being. Once we do, it acts like time and trust. Though unlike the others, its not as expendable. Power gives us strength. Makes us who we are, without it we lose a part of our footing that keeps us, once gone so may we be.

    Your a strong woman Mrs.Otsuka, I know you can grow from this. Become better. You have such a brilliant mind and a gorgeous smile. It''d be a shame for it to go to waste on such a heartless crowd. " Kibe said

    "Ah, a very insightful philosophy Kibe, I''m honestly impressed. Your very sweet, I appreciate you. I mean that." She said, thats when Kibe looked to his phone, he then got up.

    "You''ll have to excuse me for a moment, the time nearly escaped us. Wait outside for me. I''ll be right back and then I''ll drop you off." Kibe said

    "Oh my your right, I had completely forgotten. Thank you so much!" She said getting. She then walked out of the restaurant. Kibe looked at her and then looked to the kitchen behind the counter.

    Mrs.Otsuka would wait for a few minutes, she tapped her foot on the ground.

    "Geez, you tell a guy he''s a little cute and then he just dissapeares...

    His eyes seemed so...full. I haven''t seen a man''s eyes like that in a long time. Hes so...mesmerizing. He spoke to me without even mentioning my career all too much, instead he listened to me. He actually listened to me. He talked to me instead of talking down to me." She said, thats when she saw Kibe walk out and look to her with a smile.

    "Sorry for the wait the bathroom was a bit dirty. Shall we?" Kibe said as his arm went out to her, she smiled widely and clung to.

    "Lets." She said as the two then went to the car and drove to the theater. Once they got there they saw how packed it was. People everywhere dressed up nicely and formally. Some even wearing mask. Kibe and Mrs.Otsuka looked around at everyone. It was a very fancy theater. Lights blaring and so many security guards. There had to be over 30 of them there.

    "Wow, what a place." Kibe said

    "Yea, my husband had it built a long while ago, all so talent like mine could be shown to everyone in Japan." Mrs.Otsuka said

    "Just whats showing today?" Kibe asked

    "Oh its a bit of a opera thing, we have a singer from the UK that came over to sing for us today. My husband intends to settle a bargain with another stockholder here. I guess he brought me to guarantee it works." She said, her voice a little low. She then looked to Kibe who stared at her and then back to the theater.

    "Well, I guess I better go, will you stay?" She asked

    "I don''t have any funds big enough to get me in here, seems like a dream to just see all this. I wish I could have gotten pictures...my sister would have loved to have seen the inside of this place." Kibe said a bit down, Mrs.Otsuka looked down a bit. That was before she got a fabulous idea.

    "Hey! How about you come in as my plus? Huh? That way you an get all pictures you want!" She said

    "What? But don''t you have a friend you want to bring in besides me? Seems like a waste of a plus one." Kibe said

    "You can''t be serious Kibe. You and I are friends! Don''t worry they won''t question a thing." She said as she left the car, people began to take a few pictures of her before moving on, Kibe fixed his uniform a bit as he got out and grabbed his bag with him. She then wrapped her arm around him as the two made they''re way to the entrance. A security guard stopped them.

    "Ticket or cash." Said the man

    "Hes my plus one, my husband Mr.Otsuka is waiting inside for me." She said with a snappy voice.

    "Ticket or cash." He said again

    "Hes my plus one smart-ass! Now let us in!" She said again, her tone getting more aggressive. The man looked at both of them and the to Kibe.

    "Bag." The man said as he extended his hand to Kibe, Kibe was about to give it to the security guard. Though Mrs.Otsuka then jerked Kibe back with a scoff.

    "You don''t hand him anything! We''re going inside! If you want to go and tattle on us then go ahead and tell my husband. You''ll probably find him im the ladies room." Mrs.Otsuka said as she and Kibe walked inside, once they did they immediately felt the warmth inside and the sounds of people chattering all over. Kibe looked at all the people. Mrs.Otsuka squeezed Kibe''s arm, she almost didn''t want to let go. Her eyes looked at him. He looked like he was always thinking, always focused. A man with a lot on his mind.

    "Well, I best get back to my husband. I good you enjoy everything. They have some seats up in the theater. I''ll wave to you from my place in box 5 with my husband.

    Enjoy the show." She said as she squeezed his shoulder and walked away. Kibe looked at and then back to everyone else. He took a deep breath and then immediately began to think on what he had to do. He looked over and saw that there were waiters handing out hors d''oeuvres and appetizers to people. Kibe then looked through the crowd and saw Takashi there, he was speaking to other polish and poggish students. They all were wearing luxurious and fur-textured uniforms. Kibe walked around the theater, there he saw many places.

    He saw a indoor restaurant, 3 sets of bathrooms, the place had 3 different levels and finally a garage where people parked they''re cars. Kibe looked around the garage and saw two men smoking near they''re cars.

    "I can''t wait to see this show! My goodness do I hope Eldama sings tonight." Said a girl and a few others as they walked past Kibe, he watched them and then walked back inside the theater. As he did he then walked over towards the restaurant, there he saw a bar area, a pool table in the corner and in the other corner was a smoking area.

    "This place is massive, nearly over 200 people in here. Takashi''s family is here, but the only face I know is his and his mother''s." Kibe thought as he then checked his phone and looked at some photos and information about Takashi''s grandfather. Otsuka Fumio. Kibe went to the restaurant and ordered himself some green tea and as he sat down he began to read about the man. He sat down and continued to read as other would drink and chatter around.

    The show wouldn''t start for another hour as Kibe sipped the last of his tea after reading for about several and a half minutes. Kibe then got up and began and got himself togther, realizing some action had to be taken.

    Across the theater Takashi was with some more admirers when his mother came over.

    "Now, when I finally got the part I-"

    "Takashi your father has called for you." Mrs.Otsuka said

    "Alright, I''ll be there in a-"

    "Now." She said, Takashi rolled his eyes as he waved goodbye to everyone and followed his mother to the second floor. There he saw all of the other rich families. But most importantly he saw they''re mask they all wore, he saw them playing as humans. They had all disregard their personalities in order to buy themselves a better one, a better persona that gave them somehow a better sense of purpose? No, a better sense of being maybe.

    They weren''t people anymore. They were characters. Eventually as they walked Takashi and his mother would approach box 5, he saw as his mother walked in and past two security guards. He looked at the curtain separating him and the impending conversation on the otherside. He''d take a deep breath before stepping in. As he did he''d see his mother sitting down on one end drinking and his father sitting on the other with a woman in a red dress and with blonde hair holding his plate of drinks. All while classical music was played by the chorus below them on the stage. Takashi took one more breath.

    "You called for me?" He asked

    "Do you know why we have what we do? Why we''re at where we are?" Asked Mr.Otsuka, his fingers tapping on the arm of his luxurious chair. Takashi looked at his fingers and then to him. His father had combed back dark hair, his body almost built like a wall. He was tough and very outward about it.

    "...Yes." Takashi said, his mother rolled her eyes as she took more sips from her drink.

    "Then please explain to me something, how or why do I so often hear bad news from you recently? First the police look into you and now this thing with this guy." Mr.Otsuka asked

    "Hes not just some guy father, this guy is a meddeler. Ever time I look over my shoulder he''s-"

    "I don''t care what hes doing, just be sure to keep his ass away from me. Understand? This gala gathering isn''t just for show, I have people to talk to today.

    You have this play coming up, you wanted it to prove yourself so do that. Show me you can handle this shit on your own. If not...well then I know what to do next don''t I?" Mr.Otsuka said as he drank from his glass and shooed the woman away, Takashi stepped to the side to avoid her as he kept eye contact with his father.

    "Where''s grandfather? He said he''d be here." Takashi asked

    "Hes downstairs, probably enjoying himself. Be sure to keep your bullshit from reaching this place. You know what I mean." Mr.Otsuka said

    "Yes...don''t worry. I have my own guests here tonight. They''ll make sure to stop him if hes even spotted a mile away from here. He''s not getting close." Takashi said, his father nodded as he then shooed his son away. Takashi walked out of the box and then got his phone as he walked down a hallway.

    "Bo, where the hell are you? Pick up." Takashi said as he continued walking through the halls. As he did, he''d pass by Kat crouched on a chair. Had sort of ragged black dress with black sneakers. Her fingers were tapping on her knees as her eyes darted around. Her eyes looked to each person who walked past her.

    "Mmmm, every single person here is going to die." Said Kat, her cold eyes looked over and saw a woman walking with a man, she was clinging to his arm while her smile was wide and eyes fluttering. The guy''s eyes were looking at her with a calm and joyful expression. Kat watched as he touched the girl''s shoulder as they walked. The sounds of classical music in the background gave everything weight, every action.

    "She is going to die. He intends to kill her in the back of his car after the show. His hands are big, strangulation. Hes doing it for the heck of it.

    She isn''t his first. She won''t be his last." Kat said, she then got off of the chair and began to make her way downstairs. She looked around at how crowded the entire theater was.

    "You could kill someone right out in the open, but it wouldn''t even matter. Cause in these walls. No one wants to believe murder exist. They''re above it they believe, if death was a person they had tried to buy him already.

    Such incompetence." Kat said as she kept walking and as she walked past the indoor restaurant she''d look over and see Kibe. Though he was hard to pull away from the crowd, but she knew it was him.

    "Kibe?" She thought tilting her head. Kibe was sitting there as he looked at his empty cup, thats when someone would put their hand on his shoulder. Kibe turned his head and saw it was nonother than Kat.

    "Kat." Kibe said

    "Nori Kibe." Kat said

    The two would be sitting across from each other, Kibe sitting straight whole Kat would be crouched in her chair looking at Kibe.

    "So tell me, what brings you to such a pompous place like this? Don''t tell me your here to enjoy these disgusting luxuries. They''re nothing impressive." Kat said

    "Unfortunately not, I''m looking to deliver a message. I attempt to convince someone earlier to come forward with something of vital importance to another. Though it would be transparent that he wants nothing to do with common sense." Kibe said as he folded his arms turning his head.

    "Was it Takashi?" Kat asked to which Kibe would look to her.

    "I knew I was right. He was mumbling about you earlier." She said

    "How''d you hear that?" Kibe asked

    "Outside of here near the dumpster, I was digging through it when I overheard. Just like I overheard you." She said with a smile, Kibe''s eyes were locked on her. Her smile wide and eerie.

    "Are you going to kill me?" She asked, but Kibe didn''t answer.

    "I''d prefer if we could stay as distant allies. I don''t really care about what it is you want to do, just so long as you keep killing people." Kat said with a wide smile

    "I hadn''t intended to harm anyone today." Kibe said

    "Oh don''t say that. Pain is such a good teacher, I remember when I once stabbed my mother in the leg with a kitchen knife. She learned something that day." Kat said

    "What was the lesson you taught her?" Kibe asked

    "I taught her that day that I was insane. A natural born too." She smiled, Kibe just looked at her and then got up.

    "As unfortunate as it is, I have to go. I have things to do and the show will be starting soon." Kibe said

    "Kibe." Kate said, He turned to look to her.

    "Dont ever feel like you have to worry about me, Being a agent of chaos as I am. I never intervene when its being caused." Kat said, Kibe''s focused on and her eyes remained on him. Kibe then walked away and left the restaurant. As he did he looked around and was overhearing discussions around him. People talking eagerly about the show to come and others talking about drams and finances. Kibe''s eyes scanned each of them and could tell what each''s profession was. One blonde woman was clearly wearing a wig, her nails were well done and almost perfect, he also noticed her eyelashes and her makeup was thorough. Kibe''s eyes focused on her before he continued on his way.

    The makeup woman would later go to her vehicle in the parking garage, she''d finish her drink and then place it in the top of her slick car. She''d go to grab her purse from her side and open her car with her keys. As she got in she''d close the door and sit in the front seat. She''d take a short breath and then bend her head down and take off her wig which hid her much more black hair short hair. Thats when a black gloved hand would come from the backseat and cover her mouth with a cloth. She''d struggle viciously, but after a few seconds she''d pass out.

    At that moment the girls who were around the makeup woman came out to the garage, they all were chatting and talking, thats when they''d see the woman step out of her car fixing and straightening her hair.

    "Ayaka! Hey girl! We still going to the club? This show is already starting to bore me out of my mind." Said one of the girls, thats when Ayaka would look at the girl and smile.

    "Sorry. You guys will have to go without me." Ayaka said as she walked past them, the other girls looked at each other confused. Later on just a few minutes before the show would begin. Mr.Otsuka would be dinning with some women and men. Giving a speech about his latest stock achievements and climbs.

    "As many would say, man is nothing without wealth and wealth has no meaning without man." Said Mr.Otsuka said as he finished everyone began clapping they''re hands. Everyone shook his hand and gave the man praise.

    "Your mind is sure a sharp one Mr.Otsuka, I do infact believe you might just be one of the best in the business." Said a short haired man as he shook his hand.

    "Well as many would say, a bright mind knows not always clouds, but the dirt and ground too." Mr.Otsuka said, thats when two men in white rabbit mask and suits came over to him.

    "Excuse me, Mr.Otsuka?" Asked White rabbit #1

    "Thats me." He said

    "Well its a pleasure, we''ve read and looked at your work. Your a real inspiring man." Said White rabbit #1

    "Thats great to hear, you know I''m selling my new book on game theory here today. A little study on the prisoner''s dilemma. I''m sure your aware." Mr.Otsuka said

    "We are yes, I don''t mean to cut you off sir, but we''re really here to introduce someone to you. A find young woman has been dying to meet you." Said White rabbit #2

    "Well I''m never aginst meeting fine young ladies. Who is she?" Asked Mr.Otsuka

    "She''s a hair lady. She designs hair and works with make-up. She''s worked on a few sets and even movies. Her name is Kin Ayaka. Please." Said white rabbit #1 as the woman walked over, Mrs.Otsuka looked at the beautiful woman walk over. She didn''t have much going on with her, but her eyes. Those emerald green eyes. They caught his attention immediately.

    "Well its a pleasure." Mr.Otsuka said as he bowed, Ayaka bowed back.

    "Greetings, Mr.Otsuka." Ayaka said.

 House of mon amour, part 2

    Mr.Otsuka and Ayaka wondered around the theater. The two chatting and talking to one another. The other girls. The two were laughing and cracking jokes at one another.

    "I never knew you worked on sets and movies before. Explains the humor hehe." Mr.Otsuka chuckled

    "Well I have to ask Mr.Otsuka, what kind of things do you do? On your free time I mean." Ayaka asked as she fixed her hair and purse.

    "Well, I like to actually do calligraphy. Its a great pass-timer. I find it to be a good way to highten ones educational awareness." He said, they then got to a bar with Mr.Otsuka opening up the door for Ayaka who have him a smile and a nod. They all would walk over to the bar and take a seat.

    "So Ayaka, I have to ask. Will you be staying for the play? Its a awfully good one. My son put it togther and everything. Hes gonna be doing the best play of the year here too." Mr.Otsuka said

    "Wow, a big play like that must be costing you." She said

    "Oh not at all, I''m always willing to put money towards talent and the youth progression. I''m sure you''d love to see a few things about it when it comes around. How about I give you a tour of the place when it all comes together." Mr.Otsuka said with a smile, Ayaka then placed her hand on Mr.Otsuka''s hand and rubbed.

    "I would be honored." She said, the two stared at one another.

    "Well, we have a box in the theater. Box 5, you should come up with us. I''d love to introduce you to my father and son." He said

    "And your wife?" Ayaka said

    "...Yea, her too." Mr.Otsuka said. Later on the show would eventually begin. Everyone got in they''re seats and began to watch the show begin. As everyone was watching Mr & Mrs.Otsuka were watching the show as Takashi was sitting back thinking. He couldn''t get Kibe''s words out of his head.

    "Does he honestly believe that he can sway me? That he can scare me like he does this jockeys and fools. Kibe, you have no idea.

    You believe yourself to be some sort of mastermind, but little do you know that I too have thought of every avenue you could take. I''ve already hired all the help to find your breadcrumbs. Now all I need is for them to collect what I have deduced as your trail and then; you will be brought to me." Takashi said as he continued to watch the show go on. Thats when someone would come from behind the curtain next to him, he''d look over to see nonother than Ayaka. Mr.Otsuka turned to her with a smile.

    Mrs.Otsuka turned and scoffed as she immediately left, Mr.Otsuka watched her leave and payed no mind as he grabbed Ayaka''s hand and kissed it.

    "Glad you can make it. Shall we?" He said as Ayaka leaned against him and watched the show with the rest of the Otsuka family. Mrs.Otsuka walked out of the theater as she lot a cigarette and started smoking it, her frustration booming beyond her face could express. The show went on for hour, everyone laughing and cheering as it went on.

    "...Ayaka." Mr.Otsuka said, she turned her head to him. His eyes looking into her emerald green ones. He then wrapped his hand on Ayaka''s butt, rubbing it sensually. Takashi looked then ignored it.

    "If you wanted to be alone. All you had to do was ask." Ayaka said with a smile. Mr.Otsuka gave a smirk as he then looked to his father and Takashi.

    "Enjoy the rest of the show you two, I''m going out." He said as him and Ayaka walked away arm and arm. The two made they''re way to the parking garage.

    "Oh wait, I forgot my bag in my car." Ayaka said, Mr.Otsuka nodded as she went to her car and used her key to open it. As she did she then grabbed a black school bag and brought it with her. Mr.Otsuka noticed it and looked at the bag curiously.

    "Your a student?" He asked

    "No, a friend of mine is. I thought I''d get it for them. Might see them later." She said. He nodded as they then drove off. Mr.Otsuka suggested they''d go to his place, however Ayaka suggested for a hotel nearby. Eventually they would arrive to it and walk upstairs to her room. As they walked into the room, Mr.Otsuka would close the door behind them. Ayaka took off her coat and turned to him.

    "Shall we?" She asked

    "Thought you''d never ask. Though I''m going to wash up first." He said as he went to the bathroom and closed the door. Ayaka''s eyes looked at him enter inside. She then walked over to the closet.

    "You know I was thinking that after tonight, that maybe we could go for a trip. Ayaka?" Mr.Otsuka said as he walked out of the bathroom in a bathrobe, thats when he noticed the lights were all off. He looked around for a moment. Thats when he''d look over and see computer on the bed. It was on, the light was shining on his face from it. Like a spotlight from a search tower or a helicopter.

    He slowly walked over to it and when he looked at it, he saw on the screen how it had displayed many tabs and articles about him.

    "Mr.Otsuka caught with underage girl at bar? Life behind the star." Said one article

    "What..." Mr.Otsuka said as he kept looking.

    "Man responsible behind stock scams and susppoused pyramid schemes. The crooked mind behind it all." Said another article. Mr.Otsuka''s eyes were bloodshot, he was completely taken aback by what he was seeing. There were even pictures of him with underage girls and getting into cars with other women. He slowly stepped away from the computer, what the hell is this. Why is that here?! Whats going on right now?

    All of these thoughts were racing through his head until the lights suddenly came on. He got startled and turned around to see Ayaka standing by the door with a pistol in her hand, it was pointed right at him.

    "...Ayaka?" Mr.Otsuka said as he took a step forward only for Ayaka to click off the saftey to the gun. Mr.Otsuka immediately stopped and put his hands up.

    "Greetings Mr.Otsuka." she said

    "I...What is this? Some kind of kink thing? Cause I''m not the best at-"

    "I need you to take off the bathrobe." She said, Mr.Otsuka looked at her a bit shocked. Thats when he got a smirk on his face.

    "Ah I see, this is like some weird dominance thing you got. Well consider me dominated. I''m all yours." He said as he then dropped his bathrobe. She looked him up and down.

    "I''ll also need you to let those men you had follow us sent away." She said, hrblookrd at her in disbelief.

    "How did you-"

    "Those men, get them gone." Ayaka said, her voice more demanding this time and far more threatening. Mr.Otsuka''s heart skipped beat as his inner voice began to tell him, that this wasn''t a kink afterall.

    "A-a button...in my coat pocket." Mr.Otsuka stuttered, thats when Ayaka would kick open the bathroom door and gesture with the gun for him to go inside. Mr.Otsuka walked forward with his hands up and towards the bathroom. He then reached in his coat pocket. He had it in his hand.

    "I need to send them a single to get the hell up here! Why the hell is she doing this?! Money? Fame? Or does she..." his brain was racing with explanations to his current situation. He looked at the button carefully, his eye then looked up to see of she was watching him. Only to be suprised when his and Ayaka''s eyes met each other. She was right next to his face. She then slowly put the gun to his chin as she grabbed the button. As she walked back, she kept the gun on him.

    "Out and on the bed." She said as she stepped out of the bathroom. Mr.Otsuka walked out with his hands up, but as he did he''d then attmept to pounce on Ayaka grabbing the gun with both hands...but it wouldn''t budge.

    "WHAT THE HELL!? IT FEELS LIKE I''M PULLING ON A SHIP!" he thought in his head, Ayaka then delivered a devastating side kick to his hip which in turn made a horrible cracking sound on impact. Mr.Otsuka could feel his hip bone immediately feel like it was on fire, like he had been shot, but he knew he had the gun around his hands. He then let go and fell over collapsing on the floor.

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Thats rude, Mr.Otsuka." Ayaka said as she lowered her leg slowly as she pointed her gun back at him.

    "AUGAHH! I THINK MY HIP BONE IS BROKEN!!!" He shouted in pain as he touched it gently. Ayaka tilted her head and then sighed.

    "GRRR UGH! HELP! HEELLLPPP! SOMEONE HELP ME!" he screamed out, he kept screaming. However his eyes as he screamed would open up ever once in while and see Ayaka motionless as she kept pointing the gun at him. He then gulped as he crawled over to the bed.

    "Now Mr.Otsuka, I have a few questions to ask you." Ayaka said as she slowly started walking over to him.

    "DON''T TOUCH ME! GET AWAY FROM YOU CRAZY BITCH!" Mr.Otsuka shouted, thats when Ayaka would reach into the school bag she got and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. She then slamned Mr.Otsuka''s face aginst the ground. She immediately lifted him up and grabbed the desk chair. She pulled it over and dropped him in it. She then walked around him and put his arms behind his back, she''d then cuff him to the chair.

    "OWOWOWOW! Ok ok ok, what do you want?! Please just tell me!" He whined as she walked in front of him and pointed the gun to him. Thats when he noticed she had gloves on, black ones.

    "...Since when did you start wearing gloves?" He stuttered

    "All the times you''ve were busy looking at anything else other than my hands." Ayaka said

    "Ayaka, please...I don''t know what this is, but I think we can talk it over. I''d hate to ruin your career and job over and you can''t keep me here forever." Mr.Otsuka said

    "The career of Shiro Ayaka should be the least of your concern." Ayaka said

    "...What?" Mr.Otsuka said, thats when he''d see Ayaka put the gun on the desk, she''d then began to play and reach into her hair. Thats when she''d walk into the bathroom with the school bag. As she did the water would start running to the sink. He tried looking around for a way to get out. He tried moving the chair around, jumping a bit to try and get free. He attempted to stand with it, but thats when he saw that the sheets of the bed were wrapped around his legs. Pining them to the chair. Unfortunately all his movment woukd cause him to fall over to the side hiting the ground hard.

    "Ah! Damnit...Ayaka! Ayaka please, just tell me what you-"

    ...

    Thats when his entire body went stiff, he watched almost in slow motion as a blonde wig would get thrown out of the bathroom. His eyes were quaking and shaking with fear and horror as he then no longer heard the clicking of heels but the hard press of shoes. Thats when he''d see a man walk out of the bathroom with Ayaka''s clothes on his arm. Revealing it to be nonother than Nori Kibe.

    "..."

    "Greetings, Mr.Otsuka. We finally meet face to face." Kibe said, Mr.Otsuka was completely speechless. His face was painted with a expression beyond fear and terror and mixed with astonishment, total shock and of course a dash of despair.

    "....W-Who are you?" He stuttered

    "My name would be useless to you, the person your looking for dosent even exist." Kibe said as he put his bag down and walked to the desk grabbing the gun. He then turned Mr.Otsuka around in the chair and dragged him close to the front door where he was facing him. He put him up straight.

    "I have something to ask of you, I need you to give me the passwords and access codes to the serves and all information within your company." Kibe asked

    "What?! I don''t know tho-" thats when Kibe would shoot Mr.Otsuka in the foot, the man let out a bloody scream as he fell to the side with the chair. He screamed as his eyes looked to his foot. It had a giant hole in the middle, bone could be seen, he couldn''t feel any of his toes. His right foot was ruined.

    "Dont lie to me, Mr.Otsuka." Kibe said

    "ARGAHHHHHH!!! HELP! SOMEONE! HELP ME!!!" screamed

    "It won''t do you any good Mr.Otsuka, you see we''re on the tenth floor. There are ten floors to this hotel.

    I bought out all the levels, from 10 to 5. 3 days is what I asked for too." Kibe said, his words hit like bricks on ice. Cracking away and eventually destroying whatever hope of escape he had planned.

    One.

    Brick.

    At.

    A.

    Time.

    "The only way you can escape is through the window." Kibe said, Mr.Otsuka eyes got dark as the hope in them got completely snuffed out. He then laid his head on the ground accepting his situation, if just a little.

    "Now, for the access to your company and it''s files, deleted files and of course dark practices." Kibe said, thats when Mr.Otsuka began to chuckle and laugh. Kibe lowered his gun and tiltited his head.

    "I have to admit...your definitely insane. You...y-you can shoot me all you want, but I won''t speak a single word! To give you everything you asked for, would be the downfall of my company. You''d be taking down more than just my business." Mr.Otsuka said with heavy breath

    "I know." Kibe replied, Mr.Otsuka looked at him with hate in his eyes, as the blood from his foot began to flood the carpet. Kibe walked over to the computer and closed all the tabs and windows and then turned his head back to Mr.Otsuka. His eyes moved from his bleeding foot to his dried exhausted eyes. His breathing was heavy and head was likely spinning and dazed.

    "You''ve lost a lot of blood Mr.Otsuka, if it isn''t patched up you could go through a number of cruel symptoms..." Kibe said as he walked over to Mr.Otsuka. Mr.Otsuka''s eyes looked up weakly to Kibe who''s face was obscured in the shadow of the light. The only thing he could see or make out...were those emerald green eyes.

    "Death will be the last thing you experience." Kibe said, Mr.Otsuka took heavy breathes as he looked at Kibe.

    "...I won''t let you die though. I still need what I asked you for." Kibe said as he walked over to his school bag and pulled out a small vial of a transparent liquid. Looked like water, he then got a needle and ducked it out into the needle. Mr.Otsuka watched him walk over and inject him in the arm with the liquid.

    "This will help make you, lets just say more talkative." Kibe said. He looked as Mr.Otsuka''s eyes dilated some. Kibe then got up and walked towards the bed.

    "How long do you intend to keep me here!? People will be asking for questions! And it''ll take long for you-"

    "I can break you in 10 minutes." Kibe said as he then fired a gun shot at one of the lights. The room got dark.

    "I can destory your life in just a few hours." Kibe said, he fired another shot destroying another light. Only one left. It was hanging above Mr.Otsuka, his eyes were hyperfocused on Kibe. However his vision was blurry, it was almost like there were multiple people in the room. He began to hear Kibe''s voice like static, as if he was talking through an old radio.

    "Imagine the damage I can do, with us being alone...for 3 whole days." Kibe said as he fired off the final and last light.

    "Dont worry about expenses Mr.Otsuka. I have it all covered, any damages done will all be handled with. Cause I have a feeling...I''m about to receive a large inheritance." Kibe said, thats when suddenly a large flashing light behind Kibe woukd appear. It was coming from the laptop. Mr.Otsuka let out a blood-curtailing scream as Kibe''s green eyes got closer and closer to him. He could see hundreds of them.

    Close to the early morning, Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki visited the hospital again. They both stood outside of it staring at the building from afar.

    "The lead on the dragon gang and attack on HP hotel are still ongoing. If we intend to catch this guy. We''ll need to compile some more evidence than what''s already been discovered.

    Though from what it seems, it looks like you might already have any idea Nakayama." Mr.Miyuki said as he looked to him. Mr.Nakayama was staring hard at the hospital until he looked to Mr.Miyuki.

    "Whenever I look at him, I don''t see darkness nor light. Its some...other color I don''t recognize." Mr.Nakayama said as he had flashes to when he met Kibe at the school incident.

    "Do you mean Kibe? Or the white rabbit?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Mmmm, I don''t know. All I know is what my mind is telling me." Mr.Nakayama said

    "..."

    "I''ve been going around the clock, even though I''ve been taken off for a while. I still feel like this case...like this case is somehow integral to me. Like as of I was destined or maybe supposed to be here." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki looked at him a bit puzzled as he rubbed his hair.

    "Ah, sorry. I know this probably sounds crazy-"

    "No, I agree with you. Its almost like your pulled in. Like a fish on a lure." Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Yea, once with my father. He taught me a few things about how to catch a tricky fish too." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama looked at him curious. Later early the next day, Mr.Nakayama would visit the clinic that Juo was at. As he checked himself in and got a visitor''s badge, one of the nurses walked up to him.

    "Mr.Nakayama right?" She asked, he turned to her and nodded.

    "I''m Nin. Juo''s caretaker, I thought it would be good to finally meet you. Since you seem to always vist when I''m not here. Hehe." Nin then let out her hand to shake his, the two shook hands as they started walking to Juo''s room. Mr.Nakayama looked at her and saw her dark jet black hair, her eyes were a rosey black, a hint of velvet in them.

    "I''ve heard some stuff about the investigation, about the killings and suicides. Those poor families." Nin said

    "Yes, I hope they all recover well." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I just wonder why they did it." She said.

    "They were working for the white rabbit." He replied, she looked at him shocked at his answer.

    "What makes you say that?" She asked

    "They were given gift baskets, a gift is meant for a friend or close colleague at best. It can also be a goodbye gift too. He didn''t send them gift baskets, he sent them goodbye gifts. Though I believe it was more of a distraction." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Distraction? For what?" Nin asked as they stopped in front of Juo''s room.

    "To cover for whatever he has planned, his plan is to divide the police. To have them scattered around. I don''t know how his connections are getting so big, but its only a matter of time before this becomes a full-blown case. One that can''t be solved due to its overwhelming vagueness.

    All of these events point to him, but hes really not doing any of them. Hes indirectly the cause of all of this. There''s no more dangerous killer than one, who can manipulate the mind of another killer." Mr.Nakayama said, thats when he''d get a phone call. He waved to Nin as she went into the room.

    "Yes?" He asked

    "Father, I got something you''ll want to hear." Jun said

    "Jun, this isn''t the time to proving yourself." He said

    "But wait, just give me a second. A famous star just went missing." Jun said to which shocked Mr.Nakayama. he stood there, the hallway was vacant and not a soul was in sight. He looked both ways.

    "What happened?" He asked

    "At school before, I couldn''t help but overhear some girls talking about a famous makeup artist, Kib Ayaka.

    So I did some digging and found her socials. She''s very full of herself and a big party girl. Snobbish is a understatement for her. She likes to take pictures of herself a lot and seems to usually post about 10 or 20 things a day. Father, she posted 5 yesterday." Jun said, Mr.Nakayama made mental notes of everything she was saying.

    "What are you saying?" He asked

    "She was at a party involving the Otsuka family, the same snob actor boy your coworker Mr.Miyuki questioned a while ago. It hasn''t been reported yet, but I figured you should know. It may be a lead on what or who your looking for." Jun said as she grabbed a potato chip from her bedside at home.

    "Thanks Jun, stay safe." Mr.Nakayama said as he hung up the phone. He then began to process the information.

    "The White Rabbit was first spotted at the HP hotel, same place Takashi and the dragon gang were at. Otsuka Takashi was also a suspect along with Nori Kibe and now a star goes missing at one of his family parties. From what Jun said it didn''t seem to be reported just yet, which could mean that only her friends know about her sudden dissaperance.

    With all that security and the dragon gang supposedly under their thumb; it''d be difficult to get someone in or out unnoticed especially a star like her.

    Which means, this can only be the White Rabbit''s doing. The problem is the looseness of all of it. He dosent appear to be showing any motive nor a pattern. Suddenly he''s a terrorist, next a indirect manipulator and now a kidnapper. Its not adding up. Whats your aim?

    Did the star having something you want? Or...is it some ruse. Yes, you want me to look in that corner. You want me to look in a random direction.

    To take me away from your real target.

    Who else is involved with every crime commitied by you so far. Who else''s name pops up with you in multiple different cases.

    Who did you show up with at the station when you were questioned.

    ...Otsuka Takashi. The Otsuka family. What is your obsession with them,Nori Kibe. Even if the evidence aginst you is shaky, you will still remain my suspect. You just fit too well out of the picture, yet also too well in it.

    Your like a shsharpshooter. You choose when and when not to be in the picture.

    ...but what do you want?" Mr.Nakayama thought to himself, thats when Nin would come barreling out of the room and look at Mr.Nakayama with a face of shock. He looked back at her also shocked a bit at her sudden burst.

    "Mr.Nakayama, its Juo." Nin said, Mr.Nakayama looked at her.

    "Hes awake!" She said.

 House of mon amor, Finale?

    That morning Mr.Nakayama would take Juo to a nice dinner for breakfast. It wasn''t too crowded and there were plenty of early birds. Juo sat at the other end of the table with his eyes looking dead.

    "Mmm, you know. I''m a man with a few good taste in food, that isn''t my wife''s cooking. Though I have to admit this dinner as the best eggs and waffles in Japan. Its really good." Mr.Nakayama said as he kept eating his food while Juo just stared at his syrup run down his pancakes. His eyes were almost nonexistent as he stared at them. Thats when he would blink and saw blood on his waffles instead. He immediately shook himself back to reality and looked again to see it was syrup once more.

    Juo breathed heavily as he looked at it.

    "PTSD." Mr.Nakayama said, Juo looked up at him with a gaunt and frightened face.

    "Your nurse, Nin, said you might not recover from it. Best she could do was perscribe you some zoloft and paxil. They''re approved by some nice folks in the states. Say it works wonders for vets.

    Though you aren''t one." Mr.Nakayama said, Juo leaned back as he massaged his face.

    "I want to see him." Juo asked

    "We don''t have him." Mr.Nakayama replied

    "You haven''t caught him?!" Juo asked again with a shocked tone.

    "We''re currently working on changing that, but I can''t do that. Unless you give me something to work with." Mr.Nakayama said

    "...Ok, what do you want to know?" He asked

    "I want to know his voice. What did he sound like?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "His voice?" Juo said with curiosity

    "Yes, now talk." Mr.Nakayama said with a strict tone. Juo massaged his mouth as he leaned backnin his chair.

    "His voice was...calm, it also was like being hit with a block of ice. Only it didn''t hurt, it felt...satisfying in some sick way I''m sure.

    But it had a inhuman feel about it...like I was talking to a robot. Like talking to a-"

    "Machine." Mr.Nakayama said, thats Juo looked up to Mr.Nakayama. He could tell, just from looking at him. That he had been met with that exact same greeting. Juo''s eyes closed for a moment-

    "Greetings" said that familiar echoy voice, that one that sounded like pure complexity and yet was so simple it felt like you could mimic it. He thought about it for just a few more moments.

    "He also wanted the information about the dragon gang, he wanted to know the names of some people. He got them from torturing three of their members.

    It was sick how he did it, he blasted off their kneecaps like they weren''t even people. He talked so...plainly to them. Like it wasn''t even worth the energy." Juo said as he looked to Mr.Nakayama. Mr.Nakayama turned his over to his coffee as he steered it with his spoon.

    "You were seen on camera with him and one other. A girl." Mr.Nakayama said, thats when Juo''s memories hit him like a truck. He immediately grabbed the table as he nearly almost collapsed on it. Mr.Nakayama looked to him in shock as he went to try to catch him.

    "HEY! You alright?" He asked

    Juo''s eyes moved all over the room, his head spinning as he remembered Himmy. Himmy. HIMMY. HIMMY. HIMMY!

    "Where is she!?" Juo asked

    "We don''t know, he took her with him. Its been many days since him or her have been seen. We do know he''s very much alive, her? No clue. I did shoot her." Mr.Nakayama said

    "YOU SHOT HER!?" Juo shouted as he stood up

    "In the leg, it wasn''t vital. I made sure to miss anything important, why do you care so much?" Mr.Nakayama asked, thats when he looked into Juo''s eyes. He could see it. He had lived it, he use to be the same way about acting girl before too.

    "So...this is personal then. Look, stay out of it kid. Me and the other officers and hard working detectives are doing everything to crack this before it gets way too out of control. You getting involved would only stir the hornets nest.

    I need you to do me a favor." Mr.Nakayama said as he handed Juo his phone. Juo looked at it and grabbed it.

    "Go back to the clinic. Try to think of anything else you remember. Get some rest, Nin says you''ll be out in a weeks time." Mr.Nakayama said, Juo then got up and walked out. As he did Mr.Nakyama then pulled Juo''s actual phone of his pocket. He then sipped his coffee as he watched Juo leave. Juo continued walking down the street towards the clinic he had been staying at. His face felt hot, his body tense.

    As he walked he saw plenty of people walking around the streets. He looked at everyone and felt like he had eyes all over him.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    "Greetings" said a voice, Juo immediately turned around, but no one was there. Just more people, they all walked around and past him. Juo''s face was sweating as he looked around. He then turned around one last time and then kept walking. Thats when he''d turn a corner and see a vacancy of people. He turned around and saw noone. Though he did notice a caf�� across the street and some people infront if it smoking.

    "What?" He thought, thats when a black car would park next to him. He looked at it and saw a man come out of the passenger seat, he then walked over and opened the door to the backseat.

    "Juo, come with us please." Said the man, Juo looked at him and then the backseat.

    "No thanks, I got places to be-"

    However the man would step in front of him as he tried to leave.

    "Sir I''m not asking." Said the man as he then pulled back his blazer and revealed he was carrying a gun. Juo looked at it in shock as he then turned to the car. He then slowly made his way to it and got inside. As he did the man outside would close the door and then begin to drive the car. Across the street in the cafe, a man sitting down was watching them. He took off his cap, revealing it to be Mr.Miyuki. He then got on the phone and called Mr.Nakayama.

    "They took the bait. Just as I said. Lure the fish in and they''ll bite." Mr.Miyuki said

    "You have license plate?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "No, there wasn''t one. The boy almost spotted me though. Think this is the White Rabbit''s doing?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "No, I in fact believe this might be our guy from the school. The one who poisoned the school Gym classes." Mr.Nakayama said

    "How do you know?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "...I just have a good feeling. We''ll know for sure thanks to the phone. If it has the same voice like what was recorded from the anonymous tip we got. Then we know for sure its him. It''ll finally confirm out mysterious third party." Mr.Nakayama said as he hung up the phone. He then got up and left a tip as he left.

    Juo looked to his side and saw the backseat was sectioned off, meaning he couldn''t see who was sitting in the seat next to him.

    "Hello there Juo, I''m sure you have some questions. Though I''d like to ask you some first before we do anything.

    Everything you told that detective, I want to know." Said a static and sort of muffled voice. Juo looked outside, but the windows were blacked out.

    "Why do you want to know? You don''t seem like someone who cares about the White Rabbit." Juo said, thats when he''d hear laughter coming from the voice.

    "Please, don''t try that on me. I have everything to do with him. He believes that he is perfect, the machine given voyage around the world.

    That small bitch, actually thinks that he can give her everything that those geniuses want. She dosent know what she''s playing with! If only she''d rely on me instead. I''ve always been better than him! I always will be!" Shouted the voice, the sounds of pounding and kicking could be heard from the other side of the barrier. Juo just watched from the other side in total silence. He then began to see the guy breakdown and start crying and laughing. He could only see the guy''s silhouette, but he knew what was going in with him.

    "...so you want to know about what I know too then?" Juo asked

    "I want all of it." Said the voice, after a few minutes close to an hour, the car would stop near a ally. The man driving would open the door and let Juo out.

    "Thank you for your contribution, I''ll be sure to utilize your information to great use." Said the voice

    "What about the other one who was with the white rabbit?! The girl!?" Juo asked

    "Your personal involvement in or with the white rabbit isn''t a concern to me. So I hope you understand when I say, stay the FUCK out of my way." Said the voice, Juo looked at the guy on the otherside of the barrier with disbelief.

    "And just incase my message isn''t clear." Said the voice, thats when the driver would grab Juo and toss him aginst the ground. Even though they were around people. Those people ignored as Juo was beaten into the ground, kicked, punched and bashed asginst the walls of the ally before being thrown into a pile of trash in there. Juo groaned as he got up, he watched as the car drove away. He leaned aginst the wall. His frustration at no leads to where Himmy was boiling under his surface.

    "DAMNIT!" he shouted as he threw his phone aginst the garbage, smashing it to pieces. He fell to the ground on his knees. His eyes were shaken up, as if provoked with something he didn''t want to accept. That perhaps his late love may just be that now. He was afraid of what it meant for him, but most importantly; on what it was that she may have endured during her final moments.

    Juo then heard the meow of a cat nearby, he looked deeper into the ally and saw a cat. It looked pale and was going around looking for scraps. Juo''s eyes blinked and then saw his youngest self, a young child sitting in the corner of a ally. His clothes torn and face severely beaten and manned. He felt his face and then shook his head. Now seeing the cat once again. Juo got up and walked away, a few minutes later he''d return with some food for the cat. Just a few snack, but as he looked around the cat would be gone. His head and eyes looked around, trying to find his furred friend. He then walked around the corner into another part of the ally and saw a horrifc and terrifying sight.

    A girl in a school outfit, she had extremely short black hair. The cat he was looking for was dead and mangled beneath the girl, but thay wasn''t all. They were also torn up, limbs ripped up and straight ripped open. The girl then looked back at Juo with a bit of blood on her face and a smile on her face.

    "Hey, is this your cat?" Kat said, Juo''s face was covered in shock and horror. His eyes moved to Kat.

    "Wh-why did you do this?" He stuttered. She then looked at him almost confused at his question. Like as if he had asked her to lift her skirt or if she had a face made of tentacles.

    "Why?...mmmm, Because I wanted to." Kat replied, her face covered in this once again creepy and horrifying smile. Though it wasn''t the smile itself that was horrifying, but the implications behind it and what it meant for those who weren''t cats.

    "I know you, you''re the guy from the HP hotel incident. I''m shocked your alive, seeing how reports said you got a bullet to the chest. Just what do you plan to do, having been wrapped around the white rabbit''s thumb as you once were." She said

    "...I wasn''t wrapped around his thumb, I simply wanted to get out of a bad situation. While trying to save someone else." Juo said, the two stood there for a singular moment. They for a split second didn''t know what to say until Kat spoke again.

    "Did you want to kill it?" Kat asked, Juo looked at her confused.

    "No way! I came here to give it food. To help and persve it!" Juo shouted

    "Boo, lame. Don''t you ever want to dig into it? Into what makes someone tick like they do? Or are you some kind of righteous black and white person." Kat asked

    "I''m not righteous, I just don''t think or feel killing people and animals is right." Juo said

    "If thats the cast then your just like me and the world is filled psychopathic murderers and genocidal maniacs." Kat said as she walked over to Juo who backed up a bit.

    "You want the white rabbit don''t you? You want to kill him?" Kat asked

    "I don''t want to kill him, I just want to save someone hes no doubt manipulated into joining his sick circus." Juo said

    "So your mad cause the white rabbit has taken one of your eggs and added it to his basket. Well then, let me give you some advice. Don''t go after them." Kat said

    "Huh?" Juo said

    "The white rabbit is not anything you want to get involved with. Hes danagerous. As much as I''d love to see you get ripped apart. I figured I''dgive you a warning first before anything." Kat said

    "...Thanks. I guess your not totally crazy." Juo said, Kat''s eyes shrunk with that and she immediately pounced on Juo and pinned him to the ground.

    "YOU DONT THINK I''M CRAZY!? TRUST ME! I''M DOWNRIGHT MAD!" Kat laughed as she then suddenly pulled out a knife from under her skirt. Juo''s face erupted in shock and fear as he tried to push her off only for Kat to put her knife to his neck.

    "Dont think I''m crazy huh? Well listen to this and you tell me. Once when I was young. I had a sister, our father was a drunken mess. So much that it drove my mother crazy, so crazy she had stopped being able to tell me and my sister apart.

    Heheh, well one day, he came back drunker than usual. I could tell just by looking at him something bad was going to happen to me or my sister. He calls my name, he rushes up the stairs in a daze. His pants filled with...well excitement. Thats when he asked for me again, me and my sister were frozen however that''s when I did it.

    When he asked which one of us was me. I pointed to my sister. She pleaded and told father it wasn''t her. But he didn''t listen. He dragged her to his bedroom and locked the door. I listened behind it. I could hear my sister''s screams and my fathers groans through it.

    But...I didn''t feel anything for doing what I did. All I did was just listen. I didn''t even know why she was screaming. After it was done he left thr room to use the bathroom, I looked inside, blood soaked my sisters legs as she laid on the bed petrified.

    I didn''t comfort her, instead I grabbed my father''s hunting knife and told my sister that it was a game. She looked at me with almost no emotion in her eyes, she was dead inside I could tell. I told her that father had taken a life from her and that she needed to get it back.

    Otherwise, she would die. She grabbed the knife from me and in that moment and on that day. I gained two extra lives. One from my father and one from my sisters." Kat said

    "...She killed him...then killed herself." Juo said shocked.

    "Still don''t think I''m crazy?" Kat said with a wide deranged smile on her face.

 Youthful Aristocrats, part 1

    Let things be said, no one can make money more than the middle-class.

    And no one can spend it more than the rich.

    Roughly two days later.

    Back at the police station Mr.Nakayama was going over the audio recorded from the phone he had given Juo. Mr.Nakayama then as he did, began to recall the details of his cannibal case.

    "Simon Tucker, he was from Germany. Came to Japan to start a new life.

    That held for about several years, until suddenly the murder of a local bookstore owner popper up. I was young, looking for any level, any angle of work I could find so I took it up.

    I desired to be something, noticed...cause I wasn''t before.

    The murders got more frequent after the first three. No leads, no DNA. Not even a fingerprint. The killer had no way to be tracked and funny enough every place he visited, had no cameras. So I played my part. Let you keep thinking we weren''t going to catch you, you were clever.

    But you had a pattern. So I searched every place that had no installed cameras. Looked for ones that matched what you might be interested in. I had to learn you, know you.

    You killed a bookstore owner, didn''t steal anything, but you took his ring finger. Perhaps a lead towards something more matrimonial? Next you killed a artist. You did it after a convention and took his heart. Something aligned with passion.

    You loved your marriage, it was everything to you. Whoever they were, your were passionate about it.

    But what did I do next-"

    Thats when Mr.Miyuki would knocking and enter the room.

    "Hey there Nakayama, got some news for you." He said as he closed the door behind him.

    "Looks like memory lane will have to wait." Mr.Nakayama thought as he stopped the recording and put it in his drawer.

    "What is it?" He asked

    "Your daughter is a hell of a investigator, you were right. That make Makeup artist did go missing. Been missing for the past 2 days now, not only that. But so is Mr.Otsuka. Yea, same night and all." Mr.Miyuki said as he sat down and placed a folder of information on Mr.Otsuka. Mr.Nakayama looked at him and then grabbed the folder.

    "An obvious aristocrat, born into money. Got his degrees and schooling from schools not even the Americans would believe exist, and of course a man who likes to buy everything.

    His home lives right around Tokyo, mostly near Ginza. Guy screams money from every holes. Hes written some books on game theory and of course has a family of perfect people, though with whats going on with his marriage and Takashi. I''d say those are lies too." Mr.Miyuki said as Mr.Nakayama kept going through the files.

    "His wife was a bit late to the show though, same night." Mr.Miyuki said as he tapped on the desk and looked at Nakayama. Mr.Nakayama looked up at him and then closed the file.

    "You missed something." Mr.Nakayama said which caught Mr.Miyuki''s attention.

    "The last two days, I''ve been compiling some evidence from locals who had been in and around the show that night. Reports showed Mrs.Otsuka and a young man showing up there. Not only that. But two reports of men in white rabbit mask.

    My Intuition was right, he was there. With more digging its only a matter of time before he slips." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I''m glad to see that, but what about this third part? The one who poisoned the school gym class." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama grabbed the recording and then put it back down. He sighed as he stood up.

    "Its the same guy. He used the same audio distortion frequency that the one from the school used." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Coincidence." Mr.Miyuki shrugged

    "No, hes prideful. Hes trying to impress someone, someone who he holds some form of respect or longing for.

    He wants to impress them. To make himself be seen by the ones he values and he thinks the only way to do that is by being better than the White rabbit."Mr.Nakayama said as he walked next to Mr.Miyuki.

    "So how do we catch them then?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "We catch them in the act.

    I know what they''re next move is." Mr.Nakayama said.

    Elsewhere, in Ginza, a lavish place. Luxury and privilege drowned the place. The people wore they''re personas and they''re money on them. Though they''d never let you see that. They''d have you believe that they cared about the world, used their money to help secure it. To keep it steady and safe.

    Someplace else though, near the center of it all was a neighborhood, it had some of the most popular and beautiful homes in all of Japan. There three families lived, the Otsukas, the Chios and finally the Saikis. Three of some of the most richest and most popular families in the entirety of Japan.

    Driving through the streets, Takashi was in a limo riding with another boy. His hair was black and he had a scar going up his left eye. His eyes were a burgundy color. His face looked rough a bit, but overall he didn''t standout too much. He was wearing a black leather jacket and black pants with shoes to match. In the back of the limo Takashi was going through some paperwork and the other boy was eating the smacks in front of him. Practically stuffing his face.

    "I''m glad you could be here Bo, I have...let this situation get far too out of hand. I was wrong about this guy, hes pushed me to my farthest limits in terms of tolerance and risk." Takashi said as his noticed his palms were a bit shaky. Something much different than when he had first met Kibe. Bo looked at him before he put a deviled egg in his mouth.

    "Seems like you have a real crazy one, calling me all the way from my vacation. This better be worth it. I don''t like terrible game." Bo said

    "Of course, I''ve already arranged for you entire stay here. A nice room, discrete and a means of getting your hands on any gun, weapon or hell even bomb you need.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Look...Shadow''s Kiss is getting started this week. Halloween. I need to be sure that Kibe isn''t there and if he is...I want him brought to me on a silver platter. No exceptions." Takashi said, Bo looked at him and then turned his head to his window. He saw all the beautiful lights of the city, the people walking around in gorgeous dresses and even more spunky attire. Everyone was dressed to impress the world.

    "Sounds like quite the guy you got. What do I need to know?" Bo asked as he then leaned back and crossed his legs. Takashi handed him a folder.

    "Here, the details are all in there, school, address and well...thats basically it. Other than...hes bland." Takashi said, Bo looked at him as he started looking through it. There were photos of Kibe leaving school, walking around. Even one with him talking to Mi.

    "Hes not bland you twat." Bo said

    "Excuse me?" Takashi said a little shocked.

    "Hes a keen predator. Predators know how to keep themselves invisible, how to remain undetected. Your guy isn''t looking to be seen, so thats what hes doing." Bo said, thats when he picked out a picture of Kibe walking home. He stared at it for a few moments before closing his eyes.

    "I can...hear what you sound like, calm, your formal, unnoticeable at first glance and have a voice thats....hm." Bo said as he opened his eyes again. Almost like he was puzzled.

    "What? What is it?" Takashi asked

    "His voice...I can''t make it out. What does it sound like?" Bo asked

    "Its very eerie, he speaks perfectly. No mistakes in his tone or voice at all. He speaks almost like a robot. Likes hes some kind of AI or program.

    Its...its weird." Takashi said

    "...Thats a new one." Bo thought to himself, he looked back at the picture. His heart began to beat a few clicks faster, but not out of fear. It was out of excitement.

    "So this version of you I''m looking at, the photo of you given to me by this rich prick.

    Its useless." Bo thought to himself as he then grabbed all the photos in the folder and tore them up.

    "AH! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" Takashi shouted as he got on the floor and started to grab the pieces.

    "They weren''t him." Bo said as he reached over and grabbed a cold beer from the mini-fridge in the limo.

    "What the- ARE YOU DUMB!? Thats clearly him. Why would I have a folder of some random quack!?" Takashi shouted, thats Bo would lean forward and grab Takashi by his collar and pull him close.

    "Listen! Those photos are not the one whose hunting you, sure you got the costume. You have the disguise. Thats what you got me photos, you took photos of the damn farce!

    Whats hunting you...its not Kibe, its not him." Bo said

    "Huh?" Takashi said confused

    "That man isn''t hunting you, its not animal or beast. I''ve killed many things and people before. A machine though...thats a new one." Bo said

    "Well, how do you plan to kill him?" Takashi asked

    "Got to do some watching. He not behave like a man, but he needs to act like one to keep up the charade. If not for just a little longer.

    I''ll need to keep an eye on him. Observe him like I would any other creature or man." Bo said as he let Takashi go. Takashi would fix his collar and sit back down.

    "I''ll have you know this suit cost more than what I''m paying you. The nerve. Have some damn sense will you.

    Besides, Kibe is just that. Hes nothing more than-" thats when Takashi would see Bo leaning for. His hands his knees. His eyes were completely opened and hyper-focused.

    "...Y-"

    "Whew!" Bo sighed as he leaned back with a wide smile. He then put his hand on Takashi''s shoulder. Takashi looked at him concerned and a bit worried. His sudden burst of joy was off and weird.

    Then again, he had always perceived Bo as more like a dog. Serious when the times come, but usually very joyful 99% of the time. That was one of the many attractions that he had to Bo though. He was like a hound. He''d catch someone''s scent and he''d never let them go. He could hunt someone for years and still never quit.

    He was labeled "The Hound" just because of that.

    "For a second there I thought you were just trying to kill someone''s ex or another actor.

    But it looks like you caught me some real game, a real living and breathing menace. Thanks, for not wasting my time like you so often like to do.

    Its only cause I know you, that I rejected my chance to go to Canada and do some work there. Of course after my vacation." Bo said

    "So?" Takashi asked as he gently moved Bo''s hand off of him.

    "Yea, I can do it." Bo said, thats when his calm and joyful look got to a serious one. Staring at Takashi with determenation and toughness.

    "But I want a 90,000 advance and a bike. Not some shitty one either. I one a good one, on that runs on gas too." Bo said as he leaned back and finished his beer in one chug.

    "Uhhh, I- uh sure. Just- wouldn''t you want an electric one though? Gas is so damn flammable." Takashi said

    "Yea, but I like the smell." Bo said, to which Takashi just sighed as he leaned back. He picked himself up a cocktails while Bo grabbed another beer.

    "Thanks for this." Takashi said

    "Don''t die, until I can get a good sniff on him. I suggest canceling the play." Bo said as he took a long sip from his beer. Takashi looked baffled as he looked to him.

    "Hey! Look! I know this doesn''t mean squat to you, seeing how you were born from nothing. But this play defines me!" Takashi said with annoyance and frustration.

    "Obviously." Bo said annoyed as he rolled his eyes.

    "Shadow''s Kiss is about to be my magnum opus! I could be doing plays all across the damn planet when this is finished! I''ll be a legend, no, I''ll be a god!

    Every actress and more will be begging me for recognition and a chance in whatever I do." Takashi said

    "So, let me get this straight. You get no attention from daddy, so you get some from the world instead? Seems a bit much to me not gonna lie." Bo said

    "..." Takashi just sat back and scoffed as he drank his cocktail.

    "You''ve avoided him before. Try to do more of that. Stay down, just try to suck in your pride and think about surviving.

    I''ve never cared for you, but I would like to get payed. So take my advice, stay the hell away from Nori Kibe." Bo said

    "I''ll handle it." Takashi said, Bo shook his head as he kept drinking. Eventually they''d stop at a isolated part of town and Bo would get out of the limo.

    "All the information I''ve already told you about your stay has been sent to you. Email and phone. Your advance will be sent to you in the next hour.

    Try to grow a sense of humor in that time." Takashi said

    "Try taking your own advice." Bo said, soon the limo would drive off leaving Bo on the side of the street. Hed start walking away down an alley. The limo and Takashi made they''re way to the central neighborhood of Ginza. Takashi was on his phone as he then looked up to see other fancy cars and limos around. His home was very large, the mansion had three floor, a large pool and of course a basement that could fit a whole theater inside. As he got out he''d look up at his home.

    His eyes lingering on it, he was unsure and beginning to come to terms that he may never see it again. He hadn''t given it time to sink in. Any of it.

    "OI! Takashi!" Shouted a familiar voice, Takashi''s eyes looked over and then his head would turn to follow. That''s when he''d see Kita Rin. She was wearing a sharp purple dress, it was slim and poofy and poofy near the end. Her makeup was obviously well done.

    "Rin, what are you doing here?" Takashi said

    "Your mother invited half the block, the rest invited themselves.

    Figured I''d stop by and see how everything is going, you know. With stopping Nori Kibe." Rin chuckled as she walked over sipping from her small and thin glass.

    "...His wondering around is coming to an end. So I''ve been told by a ''friend'' today low. To stay outbof trouble so to speak." Takashi said as he started walking towards his house with Rin following him.

    "You know, I''ve been getting the feeling that perhaps it would be wiser to aid the opposition than to face off aginst it." Rin said, Takashi immediately turned around and looked at her.

    "Helping Kibe is out of the question! He wants us out of the picture! He wants to see us 6 feet under." Takashi said to which Rin just chuckled again catching Takashi off guard.

    "Heheh, oh your priceless. You don''t even realize it do you? Everyone on the council has already vouched aginst you surviving.

    Its clear you''re the one that the White Rabbit wants to see double D. If you had thrown away the play like Cho suggested.

    Now there is nothing you can do..." Rin smiled, her grin was eerie and almost demonic in how devilishly lovely it looked, she then wrapped her arm around his. Takashi''s head began to spin, from. Kibe''s warning, to his missing father and the dismissive nature of her tone with everything. Its like she was focused in something else entirely.

    "Just kidding." Rin chuckled, Takashi nervously smiled before he and her started walking towards the Otsuka residence. There they''d see a girl with a fur hoodie and a nearly almost black outfit standing outside the house gates, leaning aginst a car looking at it. However there were too many other people around to even notice her pressence there. Takashi looked at everyone and saw other families he recognized.

    "My gosh, why did she invite so many damn people?" Takashi asked as he almost overwhelmed with the number of people there. He heard them chatting and overtaking the other at random. He watched as they all spoke about just one thing, a certain guest that had arrived. Had captured all they''re hearts.

    "Hes so punctual!" Said one woman

    "Hes an amazing savant of the modern and elegant world." Said one man

    "He sounds like one of us!" Said another man, Takashi looked all of them as he and Rin entered into his home. There he saw more people. Waiters and servants moved around, almost gliding through the crowd. Severing and feeding people.

    "Your mother invited quite the guest." Rin said as she looked around for a servant, she looked and found one wearing a rosey and velvet attire. Its like the servant was waiting for her. Takashi watched her go over and grab a glass of wine from the tray.

    "Your own?" Takashi asked

    "I never leave without my own guests. I like to be cautious of what I''m served." Rin said as she drinks, Takashi then got approached by one of his servants.

    "Drink sir?" They asked

    "...Who asked you to make these?" Takashi asked

    "The guest did, your mother was very sure we listen to him." Said the servant. Takashi''s face then turned to a frown of frustration as he looked to the servant and slapped the whole tray out of his hand. Some people looked, but most were too busy chatting. Rin chuckled a bit. Takashi looked at her annoyed before grabbing the tie of his servant and pulling them close.

    "Take me to, him." Takashi said with a stern voice.

    Takashi would eventually arrive to the dinner room, a massive table that could fit 10 to 15 people at it. Everyone there was laughing and cheering the head of the table. Everyone there was the head of each of their businesses and rich enterprises. Takashi''s eyes however were only on one person. He saw his mother near the head of the table, smiling widely. He hadn''t seen her so happy or entertained in...well never.

    And at the head...who else.

    Those brown eyes met with Takashi''s. They greeted his eyes with a smile of they''re own.

    "Greetings." Said Moriyama Kenji.

 Youthful Artistrocats, Part 2

    "Kenji" Takashi said

    "Takashi, its a pleasure." Kenji said. As the two looked at one another before Kenji would get up and walk over to him. Everyone else continued chatting as he left.

    "Walk with me?" Kenji asked as he kept walking past him, Takashi looked at him and then back to his mother before walking with Kenji. As they walked off towards the backyard the same dark haired girl from before would enter the home.

    "Stalking around?" Said Rin who was waiting around the corner.

    Kenji stopped as he was walking to look at a text from Mi. It was talking about her, Kibe, Jun and Ryota. Kenji gave a smile as he looked at it.

    "Just sight seeing, unless you have some damn business with me." Said the girl. Rin stared at how casual she was dressed and then looked back to her face.

    "Name?" Rin asked

    "...Himmy." Himmy said

    "Himmy? Huh, not a common name I''ve heard of." Rin said as she took another sip of her drink. She looked at her and stared at her body and slouched posture. The girl clearly wasn''t sure of herself, she had mounds of self-doubt and is showing signs of immense insecurity. Rin could read her like a book, although she seemed to wear her emotions on her sleeve...and face.

    "Why don''t you stand up straight? You look like a candy cane like that hehe." Rin chuckled, Himmy frowned as she stared at Rin. She could tell that this girl was looking down at her, she had this sort of standard you could tell she held for women or girls at least. Himmy couldn''t put her finger on it though she knew.

    "So where''s your boy toy?" Rin asked which immediately took Himmy by shock as she looked at her.

    "Oh there''s that look, so who is he? Is he a tough guy? Broad? Stoic? Or maybe he''s super intelligent. Oh come on don''t make me wait." Rin smiled

    "I-...I don''t have anyone right now." Himmy said, her head was filled with the comforts of Juo''s words and the things he used to do with her. However the placement of Juo was replaced with Kibe himself, almost like as if he had been burned in place of where Juo belonged in her mind. She knew it was Juo who was most kind to her...yet Kibe was the one who was physically there. Rin looked at her a bit confused.

    "I just...don''t think I can do romance right now. At least I don''t think so." Himmy said

    "Theres nothing wrong with wanting one girly. Women are in more of a search for a spiritual connection then men are. Men are just too, hmm whats the word? Ah yes, basic. They''re wants are so easy to guess and tell just by looking at them.

    But a relationship is more about building a bond, its about helping each other grow into something better. If they''re not doing that, then they''re not there for you. They''re there for your body, your vagina and breast. Oh boy do guys love breast!" Rin said

    "Breast?" Himmy said confused and somewhat annoyed.

    "Yea, guys like boobs." Rin said, Himmy couldn''t help but noticed Rin''s very...flamboyant chest. They looked soft, perfectly inshap of what you would dream they would look like. Yet somehow still looked realistic enough to touch.

    "Not all guys like tits." Said a voice, Himmy and Rin looked over to see Takashi and Kenji walking over. Kenji''s eyes moved to Himmy and gifted her a wide smile while Takashi looked at her for a moment before moving his eyes to Rin again.

    "Is that right?" Rin asked

    "Yea, guys have a wide variety of things they like about women physically." Takashi said

    "I don''t think we''ve met before, I''m Kenji. Nice to meet you!" Kenji said to Himmy. She nodded to him.

    "Himmy." She said as she looked to Takashi, she never forgot his face, but just looked over to him occasionally trying to not stare.

    "OH MY GOD!!!" screamed Mrs.Otsuka. Kenji, Rin and Takashi ran to the dinner room and saw everyone on their phones. Thats when Takashi would get a message. He looked down and saw it was from a unknown number. It was a photo of his father, Mr.Otsuka. He was naked, looked completely out of his mind, disheveled and was wearing a top hat that looked very similar to the mad hatter''s. He was walking down a street.

    "What the hell..." Takashi said completely shocked and with a face full of terror. Himmy''s eyes looked around the room and thats when she saw one of them, one of her targets.

    Kono Satoshi, one of the three heads of the dragon gang. He was slightly taller than Kibe, he was wearing a black suit and had a red scarf with black stripes. He had His nose had a scar on it. Himmy''s eyes were on him and scanning him. She could tell a bit about him just from how he stood. Himmy casually made her way over to him, she then "accidentally" tripped over him causing Satoshi''s focus to be taken away and causing him to look to her.

    "Oh damn, my bad. I was just standing around and I didn''t- my apologies." He said as he helped her up.

    "Ugh, thanks. Maybe I should have hit a brickwall, at least it would have been easier to see." Himmy said rubbing the her hip.

    "Geez, alright then tough guy. Who pissed in your damn sandwich?" Satoshi said fixing his shirt.

    "Ugh just the current state of our nation''s soccer team." Himmy scoffed, thats when Satoshi looked at her almost suprised at her sudden interest.

    "I didn''t take you as someone-"

    "Into sports? Well looking at your face, I wouldn''t say you look good in a suit. Guess I was wrong." Himmy said, Satoshi smiled at her as the two then started chatting. Takashi looked at them and then went to find Kenji. Eventually Takashi would go out to the backyard, as he did he''d see Kenji standing near the pool.

    "You...whatever knowledge you gave me wherever its from! TAKE IT BACK!" Takashi shouted as he speed walked to Kenji.

    "That day, when you spoke to me. She was alive still! This all started with her!

    Kibe was nothing! NOTHING before any of this shit started to happen.

    You met with me the day before and then again when I escorted her..." Takashi said, thats when he realized what he was saying. The words that had come out were those belonging to someone who had just figured out they''re place on the chessboard. They''re words that belong to someone who had discovered they were a mere pawn to a king.

    Back close to Ushin and near the city closest to Sawa high, in the now somewhat frosty streets. Mi had invited Kibe, Ryota and Jun out for a small time on the town. They all walked the streets as Mi was looking from her phone and up around her. Everyone dressed a little warmer.

    "I can''t believe she actually convinced us to go with her." Jun said

    "Might as well forget it. Mi usually gets her way. The moment you come to terms with it the sooner the better." Kibe said, Jun looked at him with Ryota being silent as he walked with them. Kibe looked up into the night sky.

    "You guys are going to love this place! With all the awful things going on, we can finally have a good and relaxing time." Mi said as they all waited at the stoplight. Kibe''s eyes then moved back to Ryota who was looking down.

    "The doctors said he made a full recovery, memory a bit foggy. Although apparently he has terrible nightmares, awful thing.

    For him." Kibe thought as he looked forward again. Thats when the light turned on and they all crossed the street.

    "Did you hear about Takashi''s dad? What a awful thing, I''m glad the police found him." Mi said

    "No what they found was a mad man. Anyone with eyes could see he was broken, whatever they say the white rabbit did to him. It was cruel and vile.

    What they found...was a broken thing. No man or beast, just a thing." Kibe said

    "...I just hope they can help him. Maybe asking some things will-"

    "It won''t work." Kibe said, Jun kept staring at Kibe as she walked behind him.

    "No mad man would ever dare to recall whatever it is that haunts their life now. His eyes were dead Mi, whatever life that once lingered in them. Now no longer are present." Kibe said, Mi looked at him almost in fear at his words. Kibe''s eyes looked cold, his expression even worse than that. It was alien, indifferent. Thats when Mi got a ping on her phone and she looked up at a sign.

    "Ah! We''re here!" Mi said as she pointed to the sign. Everyone looked up.

    "You''ve got to be kidding." Ryota groaned

    "I don''t see a joke in this unfortunately." Kibe said

    "No way-"

    "TA-DA! Welcome to the singing spirit! Its a nice karaoke place, food, games, but mostly karaoke!" Mi shouted in joy, everyone''s faces were a mixed bag besides Kibe''s who didn''t show anything.

    "Whats with the faces? This is supposed to be fun and a time to unwind. Come on i picked out a room for us." Mi said as she opened the door, everyone followed her, but Kibe then felt eyes on him. He turned around. All he saw was more people walking the streets. His eyes looked about the place, his hand still on the door.

    "I can see they''re line of sight, but I do not know the direction. The Intuition that you are being watched is not paranoia, but merely a sense that humans deem to be absurd.

    There are a pair of eyes, no just one pair, watching me. From where though? They''re intent...its not to capture or kill me.

    No...to observe me. Its stalking me.

    It''ll make a move tonight, I know it will, for what are humans if not opportunist." Kibe thought as he then got his phone out, he then went to his contacts and called someone. Kibe eventually walked inside where everyone was waiting for him.

    "Where been you at?" Jun asked

    "Phone call, where''s our room?" Kibe asked

    "Its room 247, but we can get some food and play some before we start singing." Mi said as she rushed over and grabbed Kibe''s hand running with him towards the food court. Jun and Ryota looked at them run off together with Kibe looking less than reciprocative.

    "This reminds me of a time I went out with my dad once.

    Before I got into his work and became obsessed with machinery and technology." Jun said, she looked around at the people around them.

    "Better times..." Ryota said

    "Yea." Jun said. Elsewhere in the karaoke store, Kibe and Mi were getting at a food court. Mi''s nose filled with the beautiful scents and Kibe''s eyes looked at her. Mi moved her hair behind her ear as she leaned in closer, her hands on the glass.

    "Do you remember when you first came to Japan?" Mi said, Kibe just looked at her.

    "You were so energetic, so happy to be away from what had happened with you and your dad. Your eyes looked welcoming, like they were arms spread wide for a new future to brace them to hold them.

    I know I can''t make your life happy, but I knew when I saw you that day. While everyone was playing and you were alone. Sitting in the sandpit, I knew that I could at least try to dig you out of that hole. That maybe I could show you a new view.

    I''m still trying to." Mi said as she looked up to him, Kibe''s eyes met hers with them holding eye contact for a brief period. While they were near the food court Ryota and Jun had made they''re way to their karaoke room. Ryota looked around, he hadn''t been in one of these in a while. Jun'' eyes were locked Ryota, she could see his struggle and new walking pattern. Before the incident he was very much alive, active and more well rounded. Now though, he was a bit sluggish and was entirely dead like in how he walked. He was feeling weak, like he didn''t deserve to be as physically fit as he was.

    "...So, I have a question, do you remember anything specific about that day?" Jun asked Ryota, Ryota looked at her. He put his jacket down on a chair as he reflected on that day. His eyes shaking a bit before going still, focusing.

    "Just...I only have brief memories about eating the food and then collapsing. Nothing else." Ryota said, Jun looked at him, her eyes squinting a bit.

    "They found you in a bathroom." Jun said

    "Did? Huh, funny. I remember being in the cafeteria." Ryota said as he then got in his phone and stepped out of the room. Jun watched before leaning back on her chair. Jun sighed as she looked up at the ceiling.

    "Father said Mr.Otsuka has been driven mad, his mind or whatever is left of it. Is in shambles, they said he suffered multiple seizures, drugging and much blood lost.

    They don''t know where he came from or even how he''s survived for as long as he did.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    But there''s no doubt in my mind. That its the White rabbit." Jun whispered to herself.

    "I do agree." Said a voice, it shocked Jun as she turned around to see Kibe standing in front of the door.

    "Have...Have you been there the whole time? I don''t do well with stalking and especially not pompous nobodies who only seek self-regulation and good grades." Jun said, Kibe looked at her as he walked over to her took a seat next to her.

    "Thats quite the profile and observation you made. If I matched what you just said; to the right person, I''d be flattered." Kibe said

    "You are the right person! I''m never wrong about these things." Jun said with a bit of an attitude. Kibe was there when she first came to they''re school, since then she''s been quite the loner. Though its of her own choice as hes seen, he knew to keep at least one of his eyes on her when he could.

    "Hello? Your staring." Jun said as she waved her hand in his face. Kibe looked at her unamused.

    "I''m not staring. Its called eye contact, I assume you''ve heard of it." Kibe said

    "Well yes, but its still not right to stare at someone like that. My mother taught me that staring is trying to assert dominance over someone who isn''t paying attention." Jun said

    "Well she''s right, just the context for the rudeness is missing." Kibe

    "Hm, maybe." Jun said as she rested her head on her hand. Kibe looked to the karaoke machine.

    "You''ll never reach him with such conclusion making." Kibe said which caught Jun''s attention.

    "Any rational investigator or detective would be able to deduce and throw away the illogical suspected." Kibe said as he sat in his chair straight.

    "...I guess your right." Jun sighed, Kibe looked at her a bit suprised at her quick acceptance of his words. Jun moved her hands through her hair. Her eyes looked tired. There was loneliness in them, thats what Kibe saw in her eyes. He began to think on about Jun, she was standing there not saying anything.

    "She is reluctant to speak with me, although she is also one for conversation. My words a few moments ago did well to soften her view on me.

    As she would have kept her suspected view on me if I hadn''t said what I did." Kibe thought

    "Hes trying to convince me that he has my best interests at heart, this good samaritan act also being a double edged sword.

    You hurt me and comfort me at the same time...I see, you want information I have. You want to believe because I''m the head detective''s daughter that I''m in the loop. It would be logical for me to give it to you though, you did help me and it was our topic starter." Jun thought to herself, her hands gripped her sweat pants tightly.

    "That being said, I don''t even need to ask you. You will give me the information of the case so far. All because I follow the law of equivalent exchange.

    You, will now follow it with me, Jun." Kibe thought, thats when Jun looked at Kibe who was looking at her. Her eyes on his seemed to be looking for comfort, if not for a moment and Kibe''s words provided that, yet also showed independence and taught a lesson.

    He had answered her perfectly.

    "What are you looking to know?" Jun asked

    "Hmm, I just want to be sure I can walk safe at night is all. I''m hoping you''ll give me something to work with." Kibe said, Jun leaned back for a moment before looking his way again.

    "Well, they found some proof that the white rabbit wasn''t responsible for the school poisoning.

    It really is a third party. They''re calling him, The Trickster. My father was able to trace him back to a few other crimes before this.

    One involving a missing judge, another with a politician and one with a movie celebrity. And the connection between them all is-" Jun said

    "The connection is all were convicted for murder, the judge killed the actor and the actor killed the celebrity." Kibe said

    "Do you remember how?" Jun asked, Kibe nodded to her as he looked back at the door to their room and then back to Jun.

    "Blackmail. The actor had sent threats and accusations at the judge via email; who at the time was covering a trial.

    The trial was about a harassment charge filed aginst the politician." Kibe said

    "Yes, but what was wrong with that? Why couldn''t they figure out why each of them would kill each other?" Jun asked

    "Because before the week of the trial, all three of them didn''t know each other. They each were complete strangers to the other.

    Meaning they were introduced to one another, which I don''t suspect was in person.

    If I was the trickster, I''d pin something on one of them. Causing a chain reaction." Kibe said

    "He''s good, I almost want to say too good. But then again every time I see him, he is in the library." Jun though to herself as she put her thumb to her lip thinking.

    "You would be right to suspect me, especially with my capabilities to put the dots together and dimiss and bring in evidence.

    You would be right to suspect me.

    But only if I hadn''t been tracking your walk pattern through the school and making sure that every time you saw me, I was reading. Though not just reading anything. But reading criminal psychology books.

    And what other books better for you to see me reading, than-"

    "The Red book by C.G Jung and Forensics studies by Tomomasa Ojiro. Both of them are well adored authors and men of the psychoanalysis field.

    Hes good." Jun thought

    "Of course you would see me as noting more than a genius on the subject, you''ve been watching me read them since we first laid eyes on one another." Kibe thought to himself.

    "So what do you deduce was done first?" Kibe asked

    "...The trickster provoked a colleague or at least a friend. That way the actor wouldn''t just be believing some rando.

    Which means he must have been close with them or knew someone who was.

    He blackmailed them via proxy, he let someone else know. So that he could cover himself. After that it all went south." Jun said

    "But do you know the connection? The small dots your looking for?" Kibe asked, Jun scratched the back of her head and shook it.

    "I''m not seeing the pattern. Just seems too small if there is one." Jun sighed

    "Then your not looking deep enough, multiple students the day of the incident at Sawa all confessed to being in line with the trickster. Which means we have two thing, two singular patterns." Kibe said

    "Two?" Jun said

    "Yes, he likes to he left anonymous, but he also isn''t afraid to speak. Thats pride, and confidence.

    He likes what he does and has confidence in getting it done without getting found.

    The next one is the help, he seems to like having other people do his dirty work. He may get the tools, but he doesn''t use them. Because the hands that hold the tools are his tools." Kibe said as he then got up and walked to the door. Jun turned to him.

    "Wait! Don''t you think you should take your knowledge to the police? They could use someone like you." Jun said, Kibe grabbed the door handle and looked back at Jun.

    "I''m already using my intellect on something very important, something that requires my focus." Kibe said, Jun and him shared eye contact for a few moments.

    "..."

    "Chemistry." Kibe said

    "Oh, you made it sound so dramatic." Jun said

    "...Sorry, I''m anything, but dramatic. Besides the police already have someone like me." Kibe said, she looked at Kibe again, her eyes having had moved away for a moment. Kibe''s emerald green eyes were lighting up her own, she felt like her body was about to fuse with his.

    "Don''t sell yourself short." Kibe said, as he winked at Jun and then left the room. She turned around and felt her heart.

    As Kibe walked down the hall he saw Ryota leaning aginst a window. He then looked over and saw Kibe walking.

    "Well, look who it is." Ryota said as he stood in front of Kibe. Kibe looked up at him.

    "Greetings, anything I can help you with?" Kibe asked

    "Yes actually, do you have a few minutes?" He asked, Kibe looked around.

    "Where''s Mi?" Kibe asked

    "She''s getting a lot of food for us, for when we get started. Do you have a few minutes I asked." Ryota asked, Kibe looked at his phone and the time.

    7:30 AM

    "I can humor you sure." Kibe said as he motioned for Ryota to start talking. Ryota massaged his face and then looked at Kibe.

    "I know you want the dragon gang, I don''t know what for, but I don''t care.

    All that matters to me is my sister is safe." Ryota

    "And just like that. You''ve ran out of my patience." Kibe said as he tried to walk away only for Ryota to move infront of him again.

    "Wait wait wait! Look, I get it. Your a guy of action and not reaction.

    So I won''t waste your time my sister has been taken by the dragon gang. It was that son of a bitch Satoshi and his goons. Took her right from home while I was gone, right away from my mother..." Ryota said as he could hardly keep talking. His eyes were getting a bit watery. Kibe just stared.

    "What happened?" Kibe asked

    "The day everything went down, I owed him my share. So he could send it to Minori. For a job up in Ginza. Says he''s getting ready for the damn play with it.

    But since I didn''t deliver, now hes going to use his little SICK methods to get the rest of the money." Ryota said as he walked back and forth.

    "Sick how? Like sex slaves or-"

    "Snuff videos man! That sick disgusting shit that those dark web users like. Those sickos." Ryota said, Kibe looked at him with more intrigue and interest as he held his hands behind his back.

    "You do know what the dark web is right?" Ryota asked

    "I do." Kibe nodded

    "Then you know how sick he is, I heard some boys talking about them starting to film tomorrow, 3PM. All we need now is a location." Ryota said

    "We? Who''s this...we?" Kibe said

    "Oh come on, with your impressive skills and smarts. I think we have a real shot at stopping this! Come on man my sister is at stake here! Can''t you just help a friend out?" Ryota asked

    "Friend? No, what we are is acquaintances. Two people who are seeking the same thing.

    Cause it just so happens, I also have my eyes on Satoshi." Kibe said folding his arms. Ryota was taken aback by what he said.

    "You''ve been on him?" Ryota asked

    "Of course, doing it for my own reasons. Thats all you need to know." Kibe said as he turned around and looked to his phone again.

    "Look, I get it. You don''t know me too well, so how abou-"

    "Party''s over boys!" Said Jun, which shocked Ryota not so much Kibe. She had popper from behind the corner of the hallway near them.

    "Shit" Ryota said

    "Right on cue." Kibe thought as he turned off his phone and looked towards Jun.

    "Spill, I heard everything. Might as well confess." Jun said

    "Damnit. Look Jun, we''re going to go save my sister." Ryota said

    "..."

    Jun looked at Kibe.

    "And you?" She asked

    "Personal reasons, but mostly around the fact that I''m still a suspect for Tatsuo''s death. So hopefully going to this, may result in my alibi." Kibe said, Jun raised her arms to him and then put them on her hips, her eyes looking to Ryota.

    "Now that''s a good reason." Jun said, Ryota rolled his eyes, he opened a window for some air.

    "And what''s your reason?" Kibe asked, Jun looked at him a bit offended, before she turned her head to look back and then to him again.

    "Excuse me?" Jun asked

    "You wouldn''t be spying unless the information we were just talking about had some value to you. The fact you haven''t called your father or even made one remark about how this is definitely illegal.

    You want in, which I figured." Kibe said, Ryota looked back at them from the window. Jun scoffed and moved her hair out of the way.

    "Don''t give me that look. You know that we both know you aren''t here to rat anyone out.

    You came here in order to do what your father did when it came to the cannibal case. You want to go off the books, under the radar.

    Because you know just like I do, that the law is a guiding rail. Eavesdropping annoys me, but what annoys me more is someone who does so and then lies about why they did it." Kibe said, Ryota looked at him shocked and then to Jun who also was suprised. Kibe''s cold and straightforward tone was insane and almost incomprehensible tone. So strict and so demanding of your attention it sounded like he was speaking to soldiers.

    "...Ok fine I admit, I just..." Jun sighed, Kibe looked at her.

    "...Did you know I had a aunt? She was special to me...she use to work to work with him. She took care of me for a long time.

    It was during the cannibal case, he was...too busy to see anything. He had his hands full and so did she. I wanted to help, I could have been a big help!

    But he didn''t want my help, he just wanted me to keep reading and hanging out with girls and getting my hair done. He''d soon accept that this part of me, is a part of me.

    ...but it''d cost me my aunt. Costed me someone who saw what I could do and who I could be.

    I want my dad to just see me as more than just his little girl. He was around my age when he was solving crimes. I should be able to do the same!" Jun said with tears in her eyes, Kibe and Ryota looked at her and then each other.

    "...Alright, I think its only fair. We all have something in this. You have your alibi, I have my sister and she might be able to close the case thats going on." Ryota said

    "Only if we find what we need to find. The White Rabbit case may still be open, but I believe we''ll deal a remarkable blow to the trickster." Kibe said, Jun looked up at them.

    "You mean?-"

    "Yes, you can come along. Just know this is more than just dangerous. This is illegal and people will die." Kibe said

    "You use to killing people Kibe?" Jun asked

    "...I killed my father when I was younger than 10 years old. I think I can manage." Kibe said

    "...ok." Jun said

    "Jesus you guys are insane. So anyway, here''s what I''m thin-"

    "Don''t, I''ll handle that." Kibe said

    "Who made you leader?" Jun asked

    "I did. Just now actually. I have someone on the inside with Satoshi, someone who will get us even closer than I thought they would." Kibe said as he got on his phone, Jun and Ryota looked at each other as they walked over to him.

    "Who is it? Someone reliable hopefully." Jun said

    "...Not really, actually the exact opposite. She is the most hot-headed, antagonistic and very, very rude.

    But she''s a good tailer and doesn''t stick out so much. I put a tracker on her phone. Its taking us right to where Minori may also be too. Ginza. Alright, I''ll send the details tomorrow, don''t bother with phone numbers. This is a one time partnership.

    We meet back here in roughly 3-4 hours. Good, break." Kibe said as he walked away

    "Where are you going? What about karaoke?" Ryota asked

    "I''m going home, tell Mi thank you for me." Kibe said as he eventually would leave the group. The eyes he once felt watching him, no longer seemed to be present. Kibe''s eyes turned back at the karaoke place.

    "I hope I didn''t make a mistake, by lettingit go on so long. Its time again. To drown out the humanity and bring out what I am.

    Let''s just hope, I can come back, after its done." Kibe thought as he kept walking down the street.

    Back home Mrs.Mihara would walk into the home, hobbling and drunk, Mr.Miyuki helped her inside. They had just spent the whole day going to investigations and running forensics.

    "Oooooh my god! I can''t believe we got all the way through those.

    I was so certain we''d be there for hours!" Mrs.Mihara said as Mr.Miyuki helped her to the living room.

    "God how are you not dead? You had that entire bottle of saki all to yourself and them shots afterwards.

    What the hell do you need to drink that much for?" Mr.Miyuki asked as he finally set her down. Mrs.Mihara kicked off her heels and slumped over burping.

    "I do it...cause I want to forget home. I want to forget that I''m here." She hiccuped, Mr.Miyuki looked at her and then sat down across the floor-tabel. He knew what it meant to want to forget, to not want to be in the present. He looked around the house, it was nice, tidy and even smelt great. Even though it looked like no one hardly lived here, only a small portion of things made the place feel like it had a soul.

    "Wow, my compliments to your home. This place looks fantastic." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Well, you can thank my son. Hes the one who cleans and cooks mostly. I just work and drink when I can and of course cook when I feel like it.

    But we love and enjoy each other''s company." Mrs.Mihara said, her voice sounded exhausted. Like as if she hadn''t gotten any sleep in years. Mr.Miyuki just looked at her.

    "...Your child, how is she?" Mrs.Mihara asked catching Mr.Miyuki''s attention. He got his phone out and checked the time.

    "Heh, well she''s doing very good actually. She''ll be ready for school soon. I can''t wait honestly. I''d love for her to get some more friends, anything to distract her from...well, you probably already can tell..." Mr.Miyuki said

    "School...Kibe used to like school." Mrs.Mihara said as she got up and went to the fridge to get a bottle of wine.

    "...Mrs.Mihara I-"

    "You suspect my son right? I know he''s a weird boy, but if you want anything about him. Then you''ll want to hear thiiiiisss." She said as she took a small sip of wine.

    "Ok, what was school like for Kibe?" Mr.Miyuki asked. Mrs.Mihara''s eyes shrank as her memories got flooded with noises and screams, the sounds of broken bones and sirens.

    "...it was preschool, he was 4 or maybe 5 years old. I was still working in a France psychiatric ward with my master.

    His name was was Mr.Tomomasa, he was the head of psychoanalyzing, neural science and of course the human condition/psychology.

    He was great. He was like a father to me after all the...well not so good times in France.

    He would even look after Kibe for me when I had work, he pretty much is his father. Though Kibe and him haven''t had contact with each other since his childhood.

    ..." Mrs.Mihara took another drink.

    "So, Kibe even has a connection with the best psychologist in the world.

    And here I though he had too many friends." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Like I said, they don''t talk and haven''t seen he was young. Doubt it''s going to change. Since the seven year gap. He doesn''t remember much." Mrs.Mihara said as she took a big swig of her wine and then placed it on the table.

    "...Not to be a chore, but you did mention something about school." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Oh yea...that one. Ok, well, during one year. I got recommended this school for nautrla gifted. Kibe at the ripe age of 4...or was it 5? Eh, one of the two. He could read and write and speak damn near clearly.

    But I still wanted him to make friends and get to know others. So Mr.Tomomasa recommend a school for him.

    It was rather nice too. Not bad on the toilets and had big rooms for each of the kids.

    Most of the kids his age could do some form of math or even read. All the teachers were college grads or long lasting ones with 4 or 10 years under their belts. Had been doing this for a long time basically. All of them with nice big masterys and PHDs.

    ...24 of them." Mrs.Mihara said, her voice sounded almost dead at that last bit. Thats when everything began to get worse in the room. The air almost felt cold, like as if a bombshell was about to explode ontop of them.

    "24?" Mr.Miyuki said

    "Yes...thats how many of them died that day when Kibe went there." Mrs.Mihara said, Mr.Miyuki''s heart froze. His expression one of complete and total shock.

    "...Th-Theres no way he could have done that. He was just a boy. A child." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Oh but thats when it starts for most. Killing young animals is how they do so, and aren''t humans just animals at the end of the day?

    You said he couldn''t do it, but what if I told you he confessed it to me?" Mrs.Mihara said her voice a bit shaky

    "W-What?..."Mr.Miyuki said astonished, at first he wasn''t believing a thing she said, but suddenly he couldn''t help but start to fully pay attention.

    "He told me he did it, though the police would never find anything.

    Not even a hint that he was there, it had only been a goddamn day." Mrs.Mihara said as she looked Mr.Miyuki with fear and shock in her eyes.

    "...How could he do that?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "He simply...talked to them.

    He convinced the kids to play a game with him, it was called stick eyes. He had somehow tricked the kids to stab themselves in the eyes with sticks, FUCKING STICKS!" Mrs.Mihara shouted. Outside the home Kibe would stop at his first step to his home, his eye would turn to see Mr.Miyuki''s car. He then looked back to the front door.

    "And the staff! What about the staff!?" Mr.Miyuki asked as he got out his pen and notebook, while accidentally dropping his phone in the process. Mrs.Mihara finished the last of her bottle, her eyes were wild, like as if she was reopening a cage. She was blurring out things and saying many a things Mr.Miyuki just couldn''t believe.

    "The...the staff...right, the staff...he had, he had blackmailed them." Mrs.Mihara said

    "How did he do it?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "The children, they were laying on their faces. So the staff didn''t know, but the time they went out to see why it was so quiet.

    It was too late. They had their fingerprints on the children. Kibe appeared out of hiding and told the them they''d be in big trouble.

    ...they panicked and had no idea what to do. Kibe said he''d tell them what he saw and that he saw them kill all those kids.

    It was sickening...almost...yea." Mrs.Mihara burped. Mr.Miyuki just kept writting everything down.

    "...so they killed themselves, all 24 staff and children dead in one day.

    France deemed it the bloody first day. It was all over the news...until it wasn''t." Mrs.Mihara said

    "What do you mean to wasn''t?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "I think something happens to him, like something triggered inside his head.

    Some kind of switch, he was fine and acting like a normal boy moments before and after I left." Mrs.Mihara said

    "Did someone try to cover this up?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Whatever it was that I picked up, that wasn''t my son. I think he died with the other students...or maybe the big bad machine gobbled him up." Mrs.Mihara said, she was completely out of it. Her mind wasn''t here with Mr.Miyuki but back at the preschool. Her eyes then looked to him.

    "Kibe! Oh my sweet boy, there you are. How was your at school?" Mrs.Mihara smiled widely, Mr.Miyuki didn''t know what to think of what was going on. He couldn''t tell if she was having a episode or if she was just too drunk to funtion.

    "I need to look into this Mr.Tomomasa." Mr.Miyuki said, but right before he got up-

    "Greetings Mr.Miyuki." said a familiar cold and robotic voice. He slowly turned his head and saw nonother than Nori Kibe standing in the entrance of the living room.

 Deadly leads

    The next morning, Mr.Nakayama was heading to Sawa high before any of the students could arrive. He walked around the school. His eyes traveling with the signals of his brain pointing to all points of interest.

    "Nori Kibe, while my evidence on you is lofty at best. My gut feeling never has mislead me.

    ...Unfortunately, the only thing I have to connect you is a robotic voice. Thats the only connection. Multiple suspects, multiple times have they spoken of the machine, multiple times have they encountered the white rabbit.

    Robert Greene''s book of the 48 laws of power, speaks of many laws. He spoke of formlessness, the ultimate adaptability is to be without form and without edges, that to succeed at anything and all things. You must be capable of fitting into them and making yourself the interior. Like moving into a home and getting your old contents to fit into a new one.

    Is that what you did Kibe?

    Is that what you did by coming here to Japan? You were formless and fit in without any worry, thats cause your father Mr.Nori was Japanese while your mother is French.

    Its perfect." Mr.Nakayama said as he walked up the stairs of the school, walking past janitors and other teachers getting ready for the the day. As he walked around his vision would see remembrances of students passing through and going down the halls. He''d then look down the hall of the building and see the headmaster''s office.

    He was putting his folders and papers on his desk. He was a older man. A short white beard, small glasses and wearing a plain black suit. Mr.Nakayama knocked on his open door.

    "Oh, come in. Hello there Mr.Nakayama." said the headmaster, Mr.Nakayama nodded as he walked in. His eyes explored the room. The man had a PHD in education and even teaching. However his eyes stopped on one of his majors, neural science.

    ...He didn''t stop his movement though, Mr.Nakayama had gotten into the habit of being able to photographically remember a room, its contents and everything and one in it just by glancing at them. So he never did just stand still needing minutes to hours to take it all in, it was simply done in mere seconds. This included when he read or found mew information.

    "Good to see you, Shunsuke Uchida." Mr.Nakayama said as he sat down in a chair in front of his desk, he took off his coat and set it behind him. It was raining outside, the cold air could be felt from the entrance of the school. All the way to the office room they were at. Mr.Uchida walked over and sat down in front of him.

    "What can I help you with detective?" Mr.Uchida asked

    "I wanted to talk to you about some recent events that have happened here. I was hoping you''d answer some questions." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Uchida looked at him and nodded.

    "Alright then, what would you like to know?" Mr.Uchida asked

    "Why wasn''t security here the day of the poisoning of the students? Where were they?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "...After an anonymous tip came through, we needed to get rid of security sir." Mr.Uchida said

    "Why haven''t they been replaced since then? Where are the new ones?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "..."

    "Why have you refused to come to the police about this? Why did you not contact anyone when your cameras came up being hacked?

    I''ll ask again. Why did you not get new security?" Mr.Nakayama asked as he stood up and looked down at Mr.Uchida who had his shaking hands on his legs.

    "I think...I think its time I showed you something." Mr.Uchida said as he got up and walked to his desk. Mr.Nakayama looked at him, he could see his normal aura begin to turn to a tainted black. He could see his body and mind begin to shift, like as if he was being switched into a whole different person. Mr.Uchida grabbed something from a drawer. He then got out and envelop and walked over to Mr.Nakayama. He took a step back and looked at it.

    "He gave this to me when you came here the first day. He said to give it to you when...when he felt like you might need it." Said Mr.Uchida as he handed him the envelope. Mr.Nakayama grabbed it and then opened it.

    "Dear Mr.Nakayama, its come to my attention that my actions have made us begin a dance.

    A dance so dangerous that I don''t think either of us may finish the steps required to complete our suarez." Read the letter.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    "Hes planned this all out? From the first day?

    Well at least it rules out the other suspensions, hes definitely a student." Mr.Nakayama thought, he then kept reading the letter.

    "The coming events have shown to be..

    Unpredictable and unreadable in terms of the damages and lives that may be at stake here. I''d like to avoid further death if necessary. Which is why I want to settle on an agreement." Read the letter, Mr.Nakayama looked up to Mr.Uchida who was sitting down in his chair in a cold sweat. His intrusive thoughts could be seen to be taking over, like bees to honey. All the awful thoughts were clouding his mind.

    However as he read, Mr.Nakayama began to understand.

    "You play my game and I promise to cease these attacks." Said the letter.

    "...Its not him." Mr.Nakayama said as he threw the note down.

    "What?" Mr.Uchida asked confused

    "In the past few days we''ve had two masterminds running around. One of them is the White rabbit, from the wonderland case." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Wonderland?" Mr.Uchida said a bit...weirded out.

    "I didn''t pick the name.

    ...The second one is the trickster or as some call him, the king.

    The trickster has always been shown to be a man of games, though he''s never hurt anyone directly. Not yet anyway.

    He also has a hate for the white rabbit. The only thing I know right now. Is that the trickster just outted himself for being a student. Not to mention, that sounds nothing like the white rabbit.

    Which means, that evidence for him being a student just got flushed." Mr.Nakayama said , Mr.Uchida began to look around breathing heavily. As Mr.Nakayama kept brainstorming and thinking Mr.Uchida went to his window and opened it.

    "The trickster knew all of this, he knew about my arrival here. Which means he must also know about the HP hotel. He knew about the dragon gang.

    He knows the machine, he knows he''s here. That''s why he''s here, he targeted the school before, at the poisoning and now with this something month old letter. Looks like 3 or 4 months old.

    ...I''m getting closer, I can almost feel icy cold. The soul of the machine." Mr.Nakayama said as he turned.

    "Mr.Uchida I need to see-" thats when he''d see Mr.Uchida getting ready to leap from his window.

    "NOOO!" Mr.Nakyama shouted as he ran to the window and grabbed Mr.Uchida, the two wrestled at the window.

    "NO! YOU DON''T KNOW WHO THE HELL YOUR MESSING WITH!?" Mr.Uchida screamed as Mr.Nakyama then pulled him from the window and pinned him onto the desk.

    "YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT! ANYTHING YOU SAY OR DO WILL BE HELD AGI-" thats when Mr.Uchida would struggle some more. As he did Mr.Nakyama then saw his computer.

    His email was open and he saw that he had many selected messages. He then grabbed Mr.Uchida by the back of the head.

    "Deleting something? You were working for the trickster the whole time! That''s why there''s no new security or any damn good camera feeds here! They''re all wired and tapped!

    The white rabbit arrived at this school, the trickster followed shortly after. He wouldn''t make his move until many years later, he wanted to be sure it was him. Because he had spent all of the past years looking for him. This chance to beat him. I don''t know your association with the White rabbit, but I can tell you this. Your going to have a nice comfy place. Right next to Mr.Otsuka, oh no, where are my manners.

    The mad hatter." Mr.Nakayama said as he lifted up Mr.Uchida and began to walk with towards the door, however in that moment Mr.Nakyama would get a phone call and in that split second Mr.Uchida would grab Mr.Nakayama''s gun and run back to his desk pointing it at himself.

    "HEY! Don''t do this! A lot of people are gonna die by him trying to impress some mystery crush or whatever.

    You need to WAKE UP! There is no outcome in this where you get away from this without a bullet in you! So put down the gun." Mr.Nakayama said as he slowly approached Mr.Uchida who was shaking, his eyes being watery.

    "YOU DONT KNOW THEM! They go deeper than what you ever imagine! And I''m not-"

    "They? Not the white rabbit or the trickster?" Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Uchida''s eyes then slowly shrank as he just found out what he had said.

    "...You know, I was wondering when you''d break. I thought it would be the window or when I tossed you to that desk, but guess it had to be suicide that finally did it." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I won''t confess! I''m not going in some cell where they can get to me!" Mr.Uchida shouted

    "I don''t plan on that. You see your part of a chain Mr.Uchida, maybe not a big part, but still a link nonetheless.

    To the white rabbit and the trickster, and of course now...this secret third party.

    Do you know the likelihood of a bullet to the head killing you instantaneously? It all depends on your shot, otherwise you''ll be dealing with damages to the brain unfathomable.

    Though that sounds much better than what those two will do to you." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Uchida''s hand began to shake as his finger was gently on the trigger.

    "Oh Mr.Uchida, tsk tsk tsk. They''re going to get they''re hands on you. Maybe the White rabbit will just make you a vegetable like he did the mad hatter, or maybe the trickster will just poison you with some wolfebane,yea. That good ol'' purple poison.

    Or...

    Maybe the other people you mentioned before will come, and they''ll do something worse than those two combined. There''s nothing you can do, except come with me and answer the questions you''ve been needing to answer." Mr.Nakayama said, and just like that. Mr.Nakayama somehow made a 10% chance of survival, sound like 90%. That''s when Mr.Nakyama extended his hand out, gesturing for the gun.

    "Hand it over. Give it to me. Give it to me and you''ll be out of here and someplace safe.

    I promise. I haven''t lied to you." Mr.Nakayama said with his hand extended, Mr.Uchida''s hand shook viciously until he finally began to move hi hand towards Mr.Nakyama who yanked it from Mr.Uchida.

    "...I''m sorry..." Mr.Uchida cried as he wiped his eyes.

    "Yea, me too." Mr.Nakayama said as he then shot Mr.Uchida right in the leg. The man screamed in sheer unadulterated pain as he collapsed to the ground, he whined and whimpered as he looked at his leg to see his shin was completely destroyed.

    "GUAHHH! ERGHHHH...Y-You, YOU!" Mr.Uchida shouted

    "Assaulting an officer, contempt, and attempting to flee the scene of an investigation.

    ...you also took my gun and made an attempt on my life." Mr.Nakayama said, thats when Mr.Uchida''s heart dropped like a stone in the ocean. His entire body and mind knew exactly what was happening.

    "Had I not gotten to you, I would have been dead." Mr.Nakayama said, thats when he walked over Mr.Uchida and went to his computer. He then got on his phone and called Mr.Miyuki. It rang for a solid four minutes until Mr.Miyuki answered.

    "MIYUKI! For God''s sake! Why didn''t you pick up sooner? I just got us the closet we''ve ever been to cracking this case!" Mr.Nakayama said

    "I..uhhh, may have another problem..." Mr.Miyuki said, the sound of crashing waters and people could be heard on the other line.

    "What...is that- is that the beach? Are you at the goddamn beach Miyuki?" Mr.Nakayama said.

    Halfway across Japan, at one of its most famous beaches, near the famous beach town of Shirahama, in the Wakayama prefecture. Mr.Miyuki would be standing on the sand on the beach, in nothing but his underwear and with his phone.

    "I think...I may have poked the hornets nest. A little too hard." Mr.Miyuki said as he looked around himself, hes more than 10 miles away from Ushin, away from case.

 Web of leads or...lies?

    After a long drive, and drive back. Mr.Nakayama picked up Mr.Miyuki and had given him a change of clothes.

    "So you remember nothing?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "No, not a single bit. I remember dropping her off after bringing her in on am investigation, and then...nothing." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama sniffed him a bit.

    "What are you doing???" Mr.Miyuki said as he leaned away a bit.

    "You smell like saki, you were drinking?" Mr.Nakayama said as he looked at him a bit as he was driving. Mr.Miyuki looked at Mr.Nakayama and then sniffed himself, he reeled away in disgust.

    "Eww, why do I- Theres no way I could have drank enough for this to happen...I haven''t drank in a while too. Geez, what did I do?" Mr.Miyuki said as he looked out the window. Mr.Nakayama looked at him and then back to the road.

    "So I have some leads, I went to the headmaster''s office. The one at Sawa High, apparently he and the trickster have been in touch." Mr.Nakayama said

    "At least that''s what I thought. Then I looked into something else, something in his room. Here." Mr.Nakayama said as he stopped for a moment along the long road back, he then reached behind his chair and gave him a folder. Mr.Miyuki grabbed did and opened it.

    "Those are some of the files I came to find on Mr.Uchida''s desk." Mr.Nakayama said as he drove the car to the side of the road and parked it. Mr.Miyuki then began to read the printed messages. After a couple of hours of reading and deciphering them, Mr.Miyuki set them in his lap and thought for a moment.

    "Those messages, they''re from the Hospital. Swan River General Hospital. They come from an associate speaking on behalf of some named him.

    They''re asking to take care of the new student in school. The file attached to it providing information and even some private information about this person.

    Mr.Uchida knew what was coming. That email was sent 3 and a half years ago. Meaning that we need to check the list of students who came and entered into this school that year." Mr.Nakayama said as he and Mr.Miyuki returned back into the main highway, taking them back to the city close to Ushin.

    Mr.Miyuki took a deep breath, he then leaned back as his brain attempted to remember what it may be that got him on that beach, but nothing appeared.

    He couldn''t remember anything. He let out a disappointed sigh and then looked at Mr.Nakayama.

    "Anything about Mrs.Otsuka? Or is he still insane?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "...Forensics say he was heavily drugged, the white rabbit induced seizures and sleep paralysis." Mr.Nakayama said as he stopped in traffic.

    "Through the drugs?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "No. Through some form of psychological means." Mr.Nakayama said as he leaned on his window. Mr.Miyuki didn''t understand as he looked at the folders and then to Mr.Nakayama again.

    "But how? That would mean he has to be a-"

    "Expert at neurology and psychology. I know trust me. Forensics told me. They couldn''t get anything else from just seeing him, but I think I know just the woman who can help us." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Mrs.Mihara?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "No, to be honest. I''m thinking about keeping the Nori family out of this for a while.

    So for now we''ll be going to someone else." Mr.Nakayama said, later on in the day. Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki along with the nurse from clinic previously visited by Mr.Nakayama. Nin walked in wearing a red turtleneck and a overcoat. Her heels clicking along the floor until she reached them.

    "Nin, it''s good to see you again. This is my partner Mr.Miyuki." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki shook her hand as they all began to walk through the police station.

    "I''m glad you gave me a call when you did, this was all over the news beforehand. I''ll be happy to help as much as I can. I did get a PHD in Psychology and criminal psychology." Nin smiled

    "What are you doing with a criminal psychology PHD and working at a clinic?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Sometimes knowing just how badly someone wants to hurt another; can be a big aid in how to help them.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    If you know how someone wants to inflict harm on someone, then you can help prevent further damage to the victims.

    ...plus I wanted to work in forensics with the CIA and PISA." Nin said as they finally arrive to where they were keeping Mr.Otsuka or better known now as. The Mad Hatter. Mrs.Otsuka was sniffing and watching her husband from.

    "Mrs.Otsuka, I''m sorry to say this, but we''re going to have to ask you to leave. We need to do some investigating in order to help your husband. " Mr.Miyuki said, thats when she snapped and stomped over to Mr.Miyuki and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt.

    "WHY HAVEN''T YOU CAUGHT THIS DAMN RAT YET!? First it''s out children getting poisoned and now my husband comes back...BROKEN!" She screamed. Other officers looked over at them, Nin looked at her with sorrow while Mr.Nakayama simply walked over towards her and put his hand in her wrist.

    "Thats enough, we''re doing what we can. Let him go." Mr.Nakayama said, she looked at him with tears in her eyes. Mr.Miyuki backed away a bit. Mrs.Otsuka then got a phone call, Mr.Nakayama noticed the caller ID and saw it said "Prince Charming". His eyes held on it for a moment before grabbing Mrs.Otsuka''s shoulder gently.

    "Come on, let''s go. I''ll escorte you out." Mr.Nakayama said as he walked with Mrs.Otsuka as they left Nin and Mr.Miyuki.

    "She seemed...chaotic." Nin said

    "If your husband came back, talking about some girl called Alice and having been streaking and looking starved.

    I think you''d want answers too, especially when he''s such a figure head as he is." Mr.Miyuki said as he and Nin walked over to the Mad hatter''s cell. He was very disheveled. He was wearing a blue jumpsuit with the number 06 on it. He was holding his makeshift top hat which was overly large. Nin studied and looked at him. The Mad hatter was sitting on the floor his eyes closed and mumbling to himself.

    "Mr.Otsuka, we have some more questions for you." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Oh its time for tea, oh yes tea. Your all late for it, time for tea, time for tea. I''m missing the Rabbit''s company.

    I need to be there...for tea." The mad hatter mumbled to himself. Mr.Miyuki shook his head in defeat and scratched the back of his too. Nin just watched as she out ehr palm to her chin.

    "Missing my appointment with the doctor, missing my appointment with the doctor. He''ll teach me how to make them come to tea. He''ll teach me how to make them come to tea." The mad hatter continued to ramble on, on and on. Nin and Mr.Miyuki backed away and stared at him.

    "What is this? I''ve never seen anything like this before." Mr.Miyuki said

    "...Hmmm, I think Mr.Otsuka may infact be a victim of Psychic driving." Nin said

    "What?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Psychic driving. Its a crude and very disturbed mean of therapy. It''s like actual brainwashing, it was meant and made to help people, but then started to become a weapon and took for controlling men.

    The practice was never used again, nor much in therapy.

    But it seems the white rabbit has picked up the damn thing. His use of it is...terrifying." Nin said as she put her hands to her sides.

    "Why? What is it?" Mr.Miyuki said

    "The process of Psychic driving can take weeks even months to get a patient fully functioning after its done.

    Yet he did it all in just two damn days, hes a-

    My god...hes a psychological prodigy!" Nin said, Mr.Miyuki didn''t like the sound of that, his eyes moved to the mad hatter.

    "What are the symptoms for Psychic driving?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "disorientation, hallucinations, and severe memory loss. Its whole purpose is to completely rewire someone.

    Changing they''re previous self into someone completely different.

    But to do it on someone who such a strong sense of self is shocking." Nin said

    "Mr.Miyuki, theres something that the white rabbit wanted me to tell you, but first...what time is it?" The mad hatter asked which shocked Nin and Mr.Miyuki.

    Outside the police station, Mr.Nakayama would walk Mrs.Otsuka out.

    "Now please ma''am, be safe and stay outt of trouble. We have enough things to worry about than women freaking out everywhere." Mr.Nakayama said

    "...I know, I just...I- forget it. Goodbye detective." Mrs.Otsuka said as she left the station and walked away, Mr.Nakayama''s stayed on her for a while longer before he walked inside. Mrs.Otsuka then picked up the phone of the called ID, "Prince Charming". She then waved her hand and her escort would arrive in a limo. As she got in, she lifted her dress a little, ready to hear his voice. She took breaths, deep breaths.

    "Um-Hello?" Mrs.Otsuka said

    "Greetings." Kibe said on the other line.

    "Oh thank goodness, I''m so glad you picked up. You were right, my husband didn''t even recognize me! He doesn''t even know its my birthday coming this next week.

    Oh...oh Kibe, my life may be over...well, it would be of I didn''t have you. When can I see you again?" She asked

    "On your birthday, you''ve caught me at a rather awkward moment right now. Get back to me later." Kibe said

    "Hehe, Alright darling." Mrs.Otsuka said as she made kissing noises and hung up. Kibe looked at his phone with indifference. Kibe was in Ginza, he then looked to his phone and checked Himmy''s location. He then looked behind him and saw no one. Thats when Kibe thought about earlier this morning.

    Earlier today

    Kibe had returned to the same karaoke place they had all planned to return to. Yet he saw no one was there. He then walked into the ally and stopped at the dumpster, he gently knocked on it. To which Kat would come jumping out of it and landing next to him crouched on the floor.

    "Hey Kibe, about time you got back. I was getting lonely with the stench of carnage you leave behind." Kat smiled

    "Enough Kat, what happened to them?" Kibe asked

    "You don''t know?" Kat asked

    "Evidence must always be double checked, otherwise its validation cannot be taken as real as we wish it could be.

    Now answer my question." Kibe said

    "Heheh, your brain just never stops. Ok, its like you said over the phone. Someone was waiting for you guys.

    Once you all left, one of them followed you and the other group of them took your pawns away, in a black van. Were you expecting this? Overthinking, even at a social event. Tsk, you never can turn it off can you? Always obsessed with being one step ahead of mankind." Kat smiled, Kibe just looked at her without any sign of emotion or conflict in his head.

    "To do this, you''ll have to turn off Nori Kibe, be the machine. Be what I love to see you turn into!" Kat smiled, Kibe looked at her before looking away.

    "Goodbye Kat, I''ll keep in touch." Kibe said, but thats when Kat grabbed his arm to stop him, he briefly dragged her before stopping.

    "What?" He asked slowly turning his head to Kat.

    "I wanted to give you something, information that I think you''ll love to hear.

    One of your lost eggs, broken eggs I mean. Has decided to try and repair itself and I think is coming after one of your own." Kat said, Kibe looked at her. Into her eyes.

    "Juo, the detectives are looking at him. They want to use him to get to you.

    What they don''t know, is that he intends to go after you. Believes you stole something from him. Did you?" Kat asked

    "Everyone steals something from someone.

    Time, intrest, attention and ect.

    Next time Kat, try to be a little less wordy. One can understand words without them needing to be lofty or bloated, best to cut it and get to the point. Or as you would say, cut to the bone of it." Kibe said, Kat chuckled with ecstasy at what he said. She then let go and ran off. Kibe watched her and then looked at his phone and clock.

    "Oh Kibe! What did you do to the one that was following you? Kat asked before she left the ally. Kibe simply looked at her and then walked away.

 Intelligence

    In an unknown location, Kiko was in a room, typing on a laptop. She was sitting on a cushion. The room she was in had many stuffed animals in them, the carpet was red and fluffy. On her desk next to her was a bowl of cereal with no milk. She put her hand in it and grabbed one small piece if the cereal. She ate it and then drank a glass of milk. Her thoughts going to the farthest reaches of her mind.

    "I can''t believe your back in the field again, back in activity." She thought as she looked at Kibe through a surveillance camera walking through the streets of Ginza. She watched as he looked around and moved through crowds like he belonged, in complete disguise. His person suit.

    Her silver eyes watched him like a hawks, yet her expression was indifference. Thats when she began to remember it, the first time her and Kibe had ever met. In Paris France, in the region of Saint-Arrus. There was a massive gathering. In this region of the city only rich and globally wealthy could come and join. People who could buy the president or buy an entire country just because. Those this was a secretive inner circle. Not many even knew about it. It was very exclusive. Not even governments or political parties and Supreme Court veterans could get in.

    It was all reserved for the rich and the powerful, the people who ran the world. The people who owned oil, food markets, trading, underground operations that were international and of course those that funded and ran government and political operations.

    "I remember that day clearly in my head, how could I not. There around a hundred or maybe less than that. They were all gathered in front of this massive towering mansion. It was in this neighborhood that had no name unless you were on the know, otherwise it was called Perfect Town.

    There was fee to get in, but that fee was only a quarter of what you had to actually pay to not only live, but be part of the new world experiment taking place. This was the last place they would do this in before going global. Soon everyone would be able to have their children turned into the smartest and best human beings in all of existence.

    This was the breakthrough in human engineering and conditioning...

    This was...

    <u>The World of Intellectualism.</u>" Kiko though to herself.

    Deep in that crowd would be a small young Kiko, no more than 5 or 6 months old. Her eyes were glued to to the entrance into the mansion. She was being held by her mother. Everyone around her was talking about prices, about the classes and about the money needed to fund the entire thing. Thats when the doors would open, the pale white mansions front doors bursted open with grace and elegance. Many people would walk out wearing white suits and black ties, some were doctors, others scientists and others psychologist. However the man in front is all anyone could stare at.

    His real name was unknown to them all, but they all only knew one name to call him.

    "Everyone! Welcome! Doctor Adil!" Shouted the announcer. Everyone clapped, Kiko remembers hearing her mother and father talking about buying some land in Greenland while everything was happening.

    "Doctor Adil, he was the founder of the world of Intellectualism and man who brought back the dead religion of stoicism. His intellect was quite literally unbounded as many have said. The smartest man in human history and he wasn''t on any magazine or news Channel. Instead he decided to invest his time and money into helping make the next stage of humanity.

    Quite the awakening.

    Regardless though, the money to be part of such a thing was more expensive than funding NASA or the entire FBI and CIA itself. It was partially available for anyone to be a part of this program, so long as you has the money or were exclusively invited." Kiko thought as she kept remembering that day. She remembered much of the inside of the pale palace, there was many antiques and unique objects and historical images. He owned the actual Mona Lisa and many famous statues and torture machines. Along with other fancy things inside this palace. It was beyond spacious.

    There was a giant iron bull in the middle of a large hallway which could probably fit hundreds of people.

    She remembered being sat down on a small bench as Doctor Adil talked with her parents. The young Kiko''s eyes looked around the room at many people and children to toddlers to even babies. Thats when her eyes would focus on someone. It was a woman with beautiful red hair, her gorgeous green eyes wondered the room. She then patted someone next to her who was out of Kiko''s view, but then the woman left and-

    "There he was." Kiko said to herself. As she remembered exactly who it was she saw. He was standing there, his darkish brown hair illuminated by the many lights above, he was wearing a white jacket with small boots. He looked around 1 or 1? years old. Yet he could stand perfectly fine on his own and looked to be well behaved. He was just standing there. Almost like he was waiting for something to do. However the only thing that was burned into her brain from that day. Was his emerald green eyes, they looked like a disguise for something that lingered behind them.

    They weren''t real to Kiko, he wasn''t real to her. He couldn''t be!

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    "On that day I would realize this place was the city of Troy, and that even though we had well more than enough gifts and no way for enemies to reach us.

    We accepted one, one that wasn''t a gift. It was our Trojan horse.

    And its name was-"

    "Nori Kibe." Said a butler at Takashi''s home in Ginza. Takashi was sitting on the couch as he dropped his drink on the floor. It shattered. He got up quickly.

    "What did you say?" Takashi asked

    "A man by the name of Nori Kibe is here to see you. He says its very urgent." Said the butler, Takashi immediately ran to the stairs going upstairs.

    "Whatever you do, don''t let him in! Don''t even talk to him!" Takashi said as he rushed to the bathroom upstairs. The butler shrugged as he walked over to the door and opened it. Kibe was standing there with his school bag and standing straight as usual.

    "I''m sorry good sir, but Takashi has instructed me to not let you in." Said the butler

    "Thats a shame, I was hoping he could help me with something very important. Its about his play, I had some tweaks I wanted to make, but I understand, not everyone is accepting of change. Change can be s dreadful and terrible thing to most. It can be difficult to swallow." Kibe said as he looked around at the beautiful front lawn that the Otsukas had.

    "Well...if I may. There isn''t anything really wrong with change, I agree with on that. I think most people would just find it hard to believe in a positive light." Said the butler, Kibe looked at him, his face showing a look that was impressed and stunned.

    "Huh, never knew the Otsukas kept such a well articulate and educated company. Its glad to hear they got someone with some brains up here." Kibe said with a smile

    "Oh, you flatter me. I usually try to keep my brain wrapped up as to not make anyone uncomfortable." Said the butler

    "As would any genius feel when surrounded by simians." Kibe said, him and the butler nodded. Soon the two would delve into conversation outside the door of the home. Inside Takashi was inside his upstairs bathroom, he was sitting on the toilet, using it as he tried to think.

    "DAMNIT! WHY IS HE HERE!? He said he''d be going to the warehouse to catch the Trickster! Why did he come here!?

    Unless...

    Unless he knows that I- No, no he can''t know. He doesn''t." Takashi said as he began to text Kenji. As he did he''d hear the door close to the front door. He immediately got up thinking it was his mother or maybe Bo. He then zipped up his pants and would open the door to see nonother than Kibe standing in front of him. His heart dropped like a boulder in the air. Kibe''s indifferent and cold expression pierced right into Takashi. Kibe took a step in and Takashi took a step back. He noticed Kibe walk on with a glass of water.

    Kibe''s eyes looked to the toilet.

    "You didn''t flush." Kibe said

    "Why are you here? How did you even get in-"

    "Me and your butler both agreed that you could use a change of perspective." Kibe said as he stepped fully into the luxurious bathroom and closed the door behind him. Takashi backed away slowly before he almost fell in the tub.

    "Why did you lie to me?" Kibe asked

    "...What?" Takashi asked

    "You had nothing to do with any of these events, you lead me on a random goosechase, good thing I''m as observant as I am. Otherwise your little show would have worked.

    Your obviously not the trickster, but you are working for him. You aren''t no mastermind, just a guy who got pulled into something bigger than he was." Kibe said

    "...But how do you-"

    "I don''t owe you an explanation, as I''ve given you my part in this exchange. Now it is time for you to offer your part." Kibe said

    "...And what would that be?" Takashi asked

    "The identity of the Trickster. Give it to me." Kibe said

    "Heh, alright then. Here it is- oh wait, I don''t owe you squat! Get out of my house. All you''ve done is continue to ruin my life! So now? I''m done. Once this chat is over. Your done." Takashi said with Kibe watching him go over to the sink and wash his face.

    "Thats a shame." Kibe said as he drank his cup of water.

    "Ah, this is good filtered water." Kibe said as he then immediately rushed over and slamned the glass over Takashi''s head causing him to scream as he backed away in pain. Shards of glass all over the place and some stuck in his head.

    "That hurt?" Kibe asked as Takashi grunted and groaned.

    "Hurt real bad huh, you''ll need more shots for each shard." Kibe said as he then reached in his pocket and digged for something.

    "WHAT THE HELL!? AUGGGHHHH!" Takashi screamed, Kibe then got out his black gloves and punched the mirror over the sink, he grabbed a large shard of glass from it and walked over to Takashi. He then would stab the shard right into his kneecap. Causing Takashi to scream bloody murder, only for Kibe to punch him dead in the jaw and then knee him in the stomach. Kibe would toss him to the ground as he got ontop of him and began to deliver blow after blow.

    "This all ends once you tell me the identity of the Trickster. I know you have it, I know you have it cause a little birdie of mine showed me a picture of you and that someone outside at your pool.

    Either speak now or you''ll realize how difficult it is to eat through a straw." Kibe said as he kept punching Takashi in the face, each one felt like a hammer to Takashi''s face. The guy was in agony and overflowing with fear.

    "Perhaps you''ve enjoyed these games, but I have better things to do then play with you." Kibe said as he got up and walked over to a towel holder, he then pulled it out of the wall and walked back over to Takashi.

    "Uggghhh, Fu-" Kibe then smashed it over his head, Takashi screamed as Kibe kept beating him with it. He tried to swipe his hand to wave Kibe away, but Kibe would hit his hand with the towel holder before he then would hit his right leg with it and break it by smashing his kneecap in.

    "You tell me when your done playing games, you tell me." Kibe said as he then hit him one last time. Kibe then grabbed him by his hair and dragged him to the toilet before dunking his head in his own piss. Kibe kept dunking his face in the toilet consecutively.

    "Squirm more if you want me to continue." Kibe said as Takashi continued to try and resist, Kibe then pulled his head out and bashed it against the toilet before throwing him to the side. Takashi coughed up blood and urien as he struggled to get up. He collapsed on the ground again.

    "Doesn''t feel too good huh? I''ll be back in an hour when you''ve remembered his name." Kibe said as he then went to the sink and washed his hands. Kibe looked at Takashi clinging onto his life, he then looked at the toilet.

    "Learn to flush the toilet. If your going to be scum at least have some decency." Kibe said as he then walked out and left the bathroom. As Kibe left he nodded to the butler as he nodded back to him.

    Kibe then got on his phone and located Himmy again, he then walked in the direction of where her signal was coming. Kibe looked back at the Takashi''s house before he kept walking.

    "He can''t call the police, last thing he wants is more suspicious eyes on him again. He has two choices, either he comes forward about who the Trickster is or he kills himself. Either way, I will benefit from his absence in this entire mess.

    Now all I need to do is make my way to Himmy and the warehouse where everyone is likely being kept for that snuff video. Mr.Nakayama will be too preoccupied with Mrs.Otsuka and discovering what Mr.Uchida has shown him. Reluctantly of course.

    With him focused there, I won''t have to think twice on my next moves from here one. It''s clear that Nori Kibe can''t be in this.

    I''ll have to go into this with full focus and force. Pinning the Trickster into a corner will be all I need to expose him once and for all.

    Let''s get this done." Kibe said as he walked out of the rich neighborhood and made his way to the Snuff warehouse.

 The Machine vs the Trickster, part 1

    Deep in Ginza, in a neighborhood that was very rundown and felt like you''d be arrested just existing on a block. There was an entire section of it dedicated to 5 whole warehouses.

    Inside one of them, Mi would open her eyes slowly, her body ached. She got up slowly. Her body weakly getting it''s feet. It felt like she was lifting weights on her back. Thats when she felt a cold steel like thing against her flesh, she looked at her hands and saw her hands had been cuffed. A line of chains from her to the wall. The worst part though was her noticing she been unclothed. The only thing she was wearing was her bra and underwear. Mi got up freaked out at the fact she had almost no clothes on, but thats when she say other girls, little girls and even Himmy and Jun here too.

    "Those bastards were waiting for us, someone knew we''d be going out that night. But who?" Jun said

    "Are you guys alright?" Mi asked

    "Yea, I''m fine." Jun said

    "Ain''t anything I can''t handle." Himmy said as she struggled to get up. Himmy''s underwater was a dark black while Jun''s was a teal blue and Mi''s white with rosey pink petals. They all got up and looked around.

    "Look around here? All the material needed to make some filthy snuff video. The children, unconstitutional women and of course enough cameras to film a baseball game all by yourself." Jun said

    "Snuff video? What is that? What the hell is going on!?" Mi asked worried and fearful.

    "A video creeps on the dark-web make. Its not porn, and it isn''t even kinky crap. No its all sadistic and grotesque. To them though, its just like turning on a porn video." Himmy said as she looked around. She stared at her handcuffs. She was studying them.

    "They''re hinged handcuffs if you''re wondering.

    Not as tricky to break out of as the rigid or chained ones. They really went all out." Jun said as she looked around. She looked up to see a skylight and behind her to see a railing. Himmy began to fidget with her cuffs while Mi walked over to the children and other women. She shook them a bit. However they were sedated.

    "Whats your name?" Jun said turning to Himmy. Thats when she looked to see Himmy get one of her hands lose, much to Jun and Mi''s suprise. Jun then saw that Himmy had dislocated her thumb and allowed for her hand to slip through.

    "...Himmy, its Himmy." Himmy said as she then looked at her surroundings and saw a surgical table behind a camera. She walked over to it and saw a scalpel on it. Jun and Mi walked over towards her as Himmy used her strength and dislocated her other thumb, freeing both her hands. She then forcefully pushed them onto the surgical table realigning them. She flexed her hands and turned to Jun and Mi who were both either shocked or impressed.

    "You look like you''ve had to do that too often." Mi said

    "That was good." Jun said as she walked around and felt a wet footprint on the ground. She looked under her foot and saw it was a boot print.

    "They''ve been in here, other marks showing they''re periodic visits to sedate us. They want to keep us here, just a little while longer. Otherwise we''d already be mangled messes. From.the duration behind both prints, I''d say they''re about 25 - 45 minutes apart.

    Looks like sometimes its one and sometimes its two. One female and one male." Jun then sniffed the air.

    "...What are you doing?" Himmy asked weirded out.

    "Shhh, I''m getting the scene togther. My father can feel the impulses and negativity coming from someone. He described it like a intruder in your home, they''re in the house and you know they''re there. Hiding behind a door or a wall. You can feel that unwanted and eerie pressence.

    Its...intense as he says." Jun said

    "Mr.Nakayama...Will he come here for us?!" Mi asked

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "...No, cause he knows someone else will. He knows the trickster intends to settle the score with the white rabbit, and that if he wants to catch either of them. He''ll need to give them an opening.

    No doubt they know that too. What we''re in is the anticipation. Someone needs to make a move." Jun said

    "Or be provoked to." Himmy said causing Mi and Jun to look at her.

    "Can you two get out of those?" Himmy asked

    "I don''t think I have your...flexibility, sorry." Mi said

    "I intend to use the key." Jun said as she walked back over to where she woke up, sitting next to two children and one other older woman.

    "What are you doing?" Mi asked

    "The guy will be back in approximately, 10 minutes. If we''re to escape, we can''t let them feel like they''re not in control. That''s how you get people at they''re weakest, when they believe they''re in control." Jun said, Mi and Himmy looked at one another. They nodded as they walked back to their spots in the crowd too.

    "Now you two, no matter what happens. Wait till you hear a scream...thats when Mi will bolt for the keys on the man, they''re likely hanging off his belt. Himmy, since you seem resourceful and stronger than I am. You are going to choke him from behind, giving me time to deal some deadly blows. Got it?" Jun said to which the two girls nodded they''re heads. They would sit down waiting for the man that Jun spoke about to arrive, and right as she said. 10 minutes later, a dragon gang member would come walking from the stairs leading to a door. Mi''s eyes were barley visible as she was behind a much taller woman, Himmy was hidden behind another woman and Jun was of course hiding in plain sight.

    The dragom gang member walked over to the surgical table and began to get a syringe ready. Jun looked to his side and saw the gun in his holster, but she couldn''t abandon the plan they already had set, but she made a slight adjustment to her part in it. Jun''s eyes then moved to Himmy who nodded back to her. Thats when a clattering sound behind the dragon gang member would happen causing him to turn around. As he did he''d see nonother than Mi who had bumped into a small cabinet.

    "HEY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" Shouted the dragon gang member as he stomped over to Mi who looked dazzled and out of it.

    "I-I-I don''t know where I am! Is there any way you can help?!" Mi shouted to which the guy would punch her in the face knocking her to the ground. Mi would let out a scream as she raised her hands up to hold the guy away.

    "Wait stop! Please!" Mi screamed, the guy reached down and pinned her head to the ground. He then saw her nearly naked body, he began to trail his finger up her thigh. To which Mi reacted with a kick, but the guy would dodge.

    "Ohohoho! I like it when my meat squirms! Your sexy piece of fuckable meat; aren''t you?" Said the guy as he licked his lips. Mi looked at him with fear, but then that''s when Himmy would jump the guy and wrap her legs around his head, her hands grabbing and stabbing at his face.

    Jun then would run over and trip the guy, with taking his gun next. He''d manage to throw Himmy off, he reached for his gun, but it was missing! He turned to Jun only for her to smack him across the face, pretty much over the head. With the gun knocking him out. All three of them backed up and stood tall exhausted. Mi wiped her nose of blood as she walked over, Himmy got up and dusted herself off with Jun relaxing her shoulders.

    "...Fuck yea, that''ll show that prick." Himmy said

    "Is he dead?" Mi asked

    "No, but he should be. Look at all these innocent girls and children, no doubt they''ll be sold or worse after this." Jun said as she looked around, her face a bit low and sorrowful at the idea of leaving them all. She then straightened up, getting her confidence and resolve back.

    "Alright, we can''t do this without my father. We need to get to a phone or get out of this warehouse, especially if we have any hope of surviving today." Said Jun as Mi then bent down and grabbed the keys from the dragon gang member. She then used it to unlock, herself and Jun. All three of them then looked at the door up the stairs.

    "You ready?" Jun said as she checked the gun for bullets and clicked it.

    "I''m not...but thats a lot of life isn''t it?" Mi stuttered as she readied herself. Himmy searched the guy and got out a pocket knife. Her head and eyes getting flashes of Kibe. She saw him sitting down in the stairs. Her eyes lingering on him for what felt like an eternity.

    "Remember what I told you." Kibe said as he then faded into the stairs, Himmy''s eyes shined aginst the mirage''s, but eventually would come back to reality.

    "Himmy, Himmy?" Jun said

    "Huh? Oh yea. I heard you, I''m ready." Himmy said. The three of them them began to walk to the stairs.

    However somewhere in Ginza, Kibe was sitting at a restaurant outside. He was drinking some tea as he checked his phone.

    The time was 6:00 in the morning. 3 hours after what they had scheduled. Kibe was sitting there, the morning sun shining aginst his hair, as his eyes reflected into his cup.

    "Himmy, are you already following through my intentions? Or have you decided to follow Jun?

    Is there a difference?

    No, there is no difference in our rationalization, just in how far I''ve taken it. That length which you, Takashi, Jun, Satoshi, Minori and Mr.Nakayama will follow.

    Because you have no choice, to manipulate the most rational and common sense...

    Is to control the very thinking of man itself." Kibe said as he sipped his tea, and in that moment. Multiple reports of food poisonings would take pop. 5 stores, 10 stores, 20? No. 50 stores had filed reports of food poisoning. Kibe looked at his phone with no expression, it was indifference he felt towards those actions. Everyone at his restaurant looked at they''re phones in shock, suddenly that''s when one women would begin to scream, Kibe''s eyes looked over to see her husband had collapsed and was grasping for air. Kibe finished his drink as more people around him began to topple over, he then picked up his school bag and walked out of the restaurant just as paramedics arrived on the scene. Everyone in Ginza and even portions of Japan began to brew with fear and dread. All while the machine continued to make his way towards the warehouse.

    "I wait in anticipation for your next moves.

    Mr.Nakayama." Kibe said, across Ginza, arriving with Mr.Miyuki. Mr.Nakayama was speeding over in his car.

    "...What the hell?!" Mr.Miyuki said with shock at the situation he was seeing on his phone.

    "Its like all of Ginza got hit with a insane plague.

    What the fuck is going on!?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Isn''t it obvious? Someone has started the game. Now its time for us to join them on the chessboard.

    Hes using this chaos to distract us, to divide us. Its working. Cops and paramedic are all over the place. Which makes it...

    Just us and him." Mr.Nakayama said

 The Machine vs the Trickster, part 2

    Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki drove around Ginza and saw nearly hundreds of police cars all over the place. Every corner had a paramedics team rolling someone or a set of people out. Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki stopped outside of a noodle restaurant, to which also had forensics and paramedics there.

    "My god, do you-"

    "Yea, no doubt about it. Its him." Mr.Nakayama said as he walked along the scene, thats when a officer would run over to him.

    "Sir! You''re going to want to see this." Said an officer that lead Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki into the restaurant.

    All the way across Ginza, Kibe was sitting at a park bench. His hands holding a petal of grass.

    "Mr.Nakayama, so you''ve received my message or better to say...

    The message of the Trickster." Kibe said as Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki walked into the bathroom of the restaurant and would find a large written symbol of a king chess piece, it was on bathroom mirror. Mr.Miyuki looked at it puzzled.

    Mr.Nakayama just stared at it and then turned to the officer.

    "Report." He said

    "Other officers and forensics are showing the same thing. Its the trickster, he wants us to know its him.

    Every place is showing the same symbol." Said the officer

    "Its him Nakayama, he wants us to see this, but why?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "...Its a diversion, to take our sights away from any other places of interest. Officer! Tell all men on duty in Ginza to go and search any remote or deserted areas.

    The trickster is plotting here and he wants to take our attention away from whatever it is." Mr.Nakayama said

    Kibe was breaking a nut as he then fed it to the squirrels.

    "You''re ability to overthink and anticipate the actions of others will be what leads you from me. You will be driven to pursue the most obvious goal, you''ve gotten pushback haven''t you?

    From your peers, you''ve avoided kidnappings, thefts, murders and even those you feel resemble the one you hate the most. All in an attempt to catch the white rabbit. In doing so, you''ve shown people your willing to go out on anything to pursue a case that everyone deems. Unreasonable to follow. Now you have no other choice, pick the path of public delusion or go towards the most obvious case. There''s nothing wrong with simplicity, detective.

    All you''d miss are a few sparkles of fireworks, a few flickers of the human soul as they''re sparks dropped into the lake below.

    Though if you were to choose to go on a whim, assume this was all still the white rabbit''s doing. How could you prove it? Like how you did the letter with Mr.Miyuki? A man who had dranken himself so bad that it''d result in him waking up half way across Japan." Kibe thought as he got out a piece of paper and began to make some origami. He was making a crane as he looked towards a man wearing a overcoat and smoking a cigarette, he had dark hair and blue eyes. His hair was combed back, he was sitting on another bench only a few fer away from Kibe. He had a few guys sitting with him too, Kibe''s eyes looked to them for a moment before he stopped a kid getting ready pass him.

    "Hey there, could you do me a favor and give this to that kind man? You seem like a great delivery man." Kibe asked as he handed the child the origami crane. The child nodded as he ran over to the guy. Kibe looked at him as the child went and handed the guy on the bench the origami. The guy looked at it along with his friends, they then looked towards Kibe. Kibe nodded to them as the other man did the same.

    "Do you part in this Himmy, and I promise that Juo. Will be nothing more than a fleeting memory." Kibe said

    Back with Jun, Mi and Himmy. The girls were making they''re way through the warehouse, sneaking from room to room. As they entered into one room, Mi would turn around and see tables filled with money and drugs.

    "Woah...holy-"

    "Yea we get it, they have a lot of money here. Thats not helping us get out of here." Himmy said

    "Shes right, if we''re getting out of here. We need to cause some sort of panic, something to get their attention, but give us a chance to escape. Just needs to be something." Jun said, the girls looked around and then saw some spare clothes and gear. They all looked at it and ran to it. They began to put some clothes on, they all were wearing black jackets. Mi looked at one object and grabbed it, it was a tazer.

    "Nice find, be sure to use it. Otherwise you''ll be wishing you did." Himmy said as she grabbed a crowbar and swung it around a bit.

    "...I hate to ask this...but you aren''t too familiar with that are you?" Mi asked as Himmy turned to her and then looked at the crowbar. Himmy smiled at her, but her smile was eerie and off-putting. Jun then thought for a moment before nodding to herself.

    "Mi, your tazer. Use it on the money." Jun said

    "Huh?" Mi asked

    "The tazer, use it on the money and set a fire. That''ll get they''re attention. With it here. It''ll be the perfect diversion." Jun said, Himmy looked at her and then to Mi. Mi looked at the tazer and nodded.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.Elsewhere in the warehouse, more than several dozen dragon gang members were sitting down in a room. Satoshi was at the other end while Trickster was at the other. Only the light above him had been destroyed, hiding his face.

    "We got them, even that ugly one. Now what? We just wait for the white rabbit to get here and cream us?

    I don''t fucking think so! I say we get out there and wait to mace this freak!" Satoshi shouted to which everyone began to cheer and roar. All minus the Trickster himself.

    "No." Said the trickster, his voice was hushed, yet also menacing. It had a icy tone to it yet; at the same time felt like it went smoothly through ears. Some of the dragon members looked to each other, having heard the one nay amoungest the yays.

    "Excuse me?" Satoshi said

    "Are you deaf or stupid, I said no." said the trickster. Everyone looked at him and then to Satoshi.

    "These are my men! We handle an elite business of-"

    "Ohoh please, elite would be politics, elite would be atm thefts...elite is something that can cover universal groundwork. I don''t see that. All I see is some disgusting garbage, getting a chance to play out their favorite porn fantasies." The trickster said much to everyone''s disliking. The trickster then tossed a phone across the table. Everyone''s eyes followed it.

    "...Wha-"

    "You''ll have to forgive me, but I thought I''d a favor for your business." Said the trickster, Satoshi grabbed the phone and turned it on. Thats when his jaw dropped and he saw on the screen, that his entire operation had been leaked. Photos of the site in the warehouse, photos of the girls in disgusting and despicable positions and in terrible conditions.

    There were also screenshots of their accounts, seeing it had all been taken out and was given to a random account. Satoshi''s face was pale white, everyone else looked at him concerned.

    "You see that? Thats your life, being completely destroyed. Your boss is going to call you any minute asking why and how.

    Just what are you going to tell him?" Asked the trickster. Some of the guys ran over to Satoshi asking him what the hell was going on while other looked to the trickster who was still shrouded in darkness.

    "THIS ARE FAKE! They ain''t real! Your attempt to goat us into- whatever you have planned won''t work!

    We''ll kill the white rabbit and then we''ll kill you." Satoshi said

    "Do you want to test that theory?" Asked the trickster to which Satoshi''s face got more steern. Thats whena phone screen would light up in the darkness with the trickster. Satoshi stayed still.

    "Shall I call him? The head of the dragon?

    To prove to you its not farce? At least when you find out, you''ll have roughly one day to be right before you''ll be dead.

    All that money and time spent keeping you all underground, just to be wasted cause someone ratted you all out." Said the trickster, Satoshi watched as the phone slowly went to the trickster''s head. Thats when he could see his dark eyes. Those hauntingly dark irises. Satoshi''s hand shook violently as he watched the trickster continue to let the phone ring, until-

    "ALRIGHT! Ok...I believe you. What would you have us do?" Asked Satoshi, thats when a briefcase would go sliding across the table to him. Satoshi opened it and saw multiple guns, one for each of them. Satoshi picked one up.

    "Play with me, a small game of Russian roulette. You win and I''ll let you have all the money from catching the white rabbit, lose and well...you know." Said the trickster. Everyone at the table looked at the guy, he was absolutely insane.

    "Pick them up, and play. Don''t and you''ll face worse than a gunshot to the head.

    Trust me, whatever your boss had planned for you, won''t be as bad as whatever he has in store for you." Said the trickster as all of them picked up guns from the case, the trickster got up and walked out of the shadows, they all looked at him almost puzzled.

    "Its a simple game of chance, you point, click, then shoot. On my mark." Said the trickster. Every one of the several dozen dragon gang members pointed a pistol at they''re head.

    "3....2...1....,FIRE!" the trickster shouted to which everyone did.

    Mi, Himmy and Jun all left the room they were in, Mi looking back at the fire she had started with the money in the room. Thats when they all heard gunshots coming from the level above.

    "What the hell?" Jun said

    "Oh my gosh! Are they killing people!?" Mi asked grabbing onto Himmy.

    "If people were dying, we''d had heard them. Come on lets go." Himmy said as she started bolting down the hallway with Mi and Jun following her. As they did, back the trickster, he was standing above all of the dragon gang that was with him. There two others left.

    "Good work, let''s go. I don''t want to be late." The trickster said as he walked out of the room with the two dragon gang members. Back below them, Himmy was sprinting forward with Jun behind her and Mi trying to keep up with the both of them. Thats when a door infrotn of them would get kicked open causing Himmy and them to stop. They watched as two dragon gang members were dragging a battered and bruised Kenji on the ground.

    "Kenji!" Jun said

    "You take the left one, I''m the right!" Himmy said as she sprinted ahead. Jun ran behind her before stopping a few feet away.

    "FREEZE!" Jun shouted to which the two guys looked at her only for the first one to take a crowbar to the back of the skull and then other one to the face. Both of them falling against the cold ground unconscious. Himmy huffed and puffed with exhaustion as she leaned aginst the wall. Mi and Jun came over and helped him up.

    "Ughhhh, oh you guys. Thanks. Ow!" Kenji said as he got to his feet weakly.

    "Why are you here? Don''t tell me they got you at Karaoke too?" Mi said, Jun looked at Kenji a bit skeptical.

    "I-"

    "He couldn''t have been, it was just you, me, Kibe and Ryota there yesterday.

    Where were you?" Jun asked

    "I was on my way there, when I arrived it was already too late. I had missed the whole thing. However when I went into the alleyway to...relieve myself. I saw a van parked there. I know it wasn''t my business, but I was curious and when I opened it. Well there you guys were, all knocked out and tied up.

    When I tried to free you the van shit behind me and we started moving. I remember us going by a lot of noise, but after that. I just remember getting jumped once the van stopped. They beat me pretty bad." Kenji said as he felt his blackeye and swollen lip. Mi helped him sit down.

    "...That doesn''t make any-"

    "Hey! You guys, theres a passageway leading up through the doors they just pulled your friend through." Himmy said

    "Thats great!" Mi said

    "Hes not my friend." Jun said

    "They go upstairs, if we''re lucky they got some windows, which means we can escape." Himmy said

    "Wait! What about Ryota, we can''t just leave him here." Mi said getting up. Jun looked at the rest of the hallway and then to Himmy.

    "Himmy, take Mi and get out of here. Me and Kenji will look for Ryota." Jun said

    "We will?" Kenji asked confused at his name being added to the hat.

    "You will. Go now." Jun said

    "But J-"

    "I said, go." Jun said, Mi backed away to Himmy. Himmy and Mi ran upstairs as Jun lifted up Kenji to his feet and the two kept exploring the downstairs. Himmy and Mi ran through upstairs, thats when they saw a window at the end of the hallway. As they did Himmy saw to her left a slightly open door with bloody footprints leading out of them.

    "Go, get out of here and run to the closet phone. Call the police." Himmy said as she pushed Mi forward, Mi looked back at her before she kept running to the window. Himmy opened the bloody door and saw all the bodies and guns laying around. She tiptoed her way over them as she then saw a phone. She grabbed it and then made a phone call.

    In the backroom of a bar, Kibe was surrounded by dead men with Ando Miyuki sitting in a chair at gunpoint. Kibe was staring at him before got a phone call.

    "One moment. Can you keep your voice down?" Kibe asked as he clicked the gun and Ando nodded. Kibe answered his phone.

    "Greetings." Kibe said

    "Hey asshole." Himmy said

    "Good to hear you made it. I''m guessing my hypothesis was correct." Kibe said

    "Yes, hes clearing out shop of all of Takashi''s little friends. You have Ando right?" Himmy asked

    "Thats not your concern. You will stick to your end of the script. How I move is of no concern to you.

    Was he there?" Kibe asked

    "If you mean the trickster, then no. I didn''t see anyone that could be him." Himmy said

    "Typical, anyway. The next phase begins now." Kibe said as he then hung up, he then looked at Ando who had his hands up.

    "You were more charismatic without the gun, I hope you know." Ando said

    "I get that a lot. Now then, you and your members will be taken under new management for the time being." Kibe said

    "..."

    Kibe then reached in his bag and pulled out his White Rabbit mask. Putting it on his face. Ando''s face widened with shock and terror.

    "Theres a man in this city, hes a detective. I''ll be telling you what to do with him." Kibe said as he then threw on his overcoat which was also in his bag.

 The Machine vs the Trickster, Finale

    Himmy put the phone down and then threw it to the wall, it shattered like glass as it hit it. Her shoulders were tense and fist well curled. She then left the room and looked to see Mi attempting to break open the window. Himmy moved behind her and grabbed her shoulder.

    "Stand back." Himmy said, Mi took a few steps away as Himmy grabbed the crowbar and began to pry open the window.

    "I sure hope Kibe didn''t get grabbed, he left before any of us...oh god...Kibe." Mi said as she covered her mouth, Himmy simply just kept breaking the window. Mi''s eyes looked at Himmy''s ferocity and violence towards the window itself, like as if it was a insult to her or a disgustingness she couldn''t bare to look at. Mi wanted to try to break the ice somehow, she had only known Himmy though one meeting and now she was here.

    "...Are you ok?" Mi asked

    "......Just focus on standing there, ok?" Himmy said

    "I was just trying-"

    "Well don''t." Himmy said quickly and sternly. Her dark eyes temporarily locking with Mi''s before she turned back to the window. Its frame nearly broken.

    "What is Kibe for you?" Mi asked, Himmy stopped, her head slightly turning to Mi.

    "...I don''t need anymore FUCKING therapy, leave me alone." Himmy said as her hands on the crowbar shook for a moment until a hand would gently touch them. She''d look at they''re origin and see Kibe standing there.

    "Himmy." Kibe said, Himmy''s eyes stared at him. Her face not knowing how it should express itself to someone like him, her very soul was shaking with such ferocity that any other word from him. Could shatter her. Then birth something new from the shards that can be scavenged while also smelting them, with all new ones.

    "Himmy." Mi said, Himmy''s reality reset as she saw Mi now in Kibe''s place.

    "...Your relationship with Kibe, I understand it. I know this isn''t the place, but I want you to know. I get it." Mi said, Himmy just stared at her.

    "I know what its like to talk to a wall, to be part of a one-sided relationship." Mi said, Himmy sighed as she then kicked out the window, she looked down and saw a truck beneath them. She backed away and gestured towards it.

    "Go, call the police and...If you can do me one favor, just one. Its to please forget about Nori Kibe. Any relationship with him is not a relationship. It is gaslighting decorated with brute honesty, with a stench of eerie...nostalgia." Himmy said as she walked past Mi and back into the depths of the warehouse. Mi turned to watch her before she would eventually leap out of the window, land on the truck and then onto the ground. She took a deep breath of freedom as she then immediately began to run towards the closest place possible. As she exited the warehouse lot, she then saw down both roads to her left and right. A road leading into a neighborhood and the other going into town and close to the city. She ran towards the town.

    A few minutes after Mi had left, Kibe would eventually arrive at the warehouse lot. Still wearing the his white rabbit outfit, he proceeded to walk through the lot. His head turning to each warehouse around him.

    "These look abandoned, likely haven''t been used for several years. Not even for storage. All of them besides-" Kibe stopped as he then looked to the middle warehouse.

    "It couldn''t be that obvious." He thought, thats when he saw the main doors open revealing a car revving up inside.

    "It could." Kibe thought as he then saw some dragon gang members flock inside the car. One of them sticking out of the passenger window, Kibe''s eyes looked to him.

    "THIS IS THE END OF THE DAMN LINE FOR YOU! WHITE RABBIT!" Shouted the random dragon gang member as the car then began to speed right towards Kibe, its speed increasing more and more. Soon it''d be at 50mph, Kibe just stared at it.

    "I don''t have time for this, Mi should be alerting the authorities soon. Which means I can''t be wasting any seconds on these things.

    25%, that''ll be enough." Kibe thought to himself, he then dodged out of the way of a bullet that was fired at him from the car, sidestepping out of the way before he then put both his hands forward.

    "UGH!? WHAT THE HELL IS THAT GUY DOING!?" shouted one dragon gang member sitting in the back.

    "WHO GIVES A FUCK! WASTE HIS ASS!" shouted the one in the passenger, however the moment their car made contact with Kibe''s hands, the hood of the car would completely cave in and fold around his wrist. In those same moments, the driver and passenger would go flying over Kibe and hit the ground hard; while their faces would skid and scrape across the ground. Glass and screams filled the air as everyone in that crash would die, all but the thing the car had hit. If anyone had seen the damage of the car. They would say it had ran straight into a wall.

    Kibe took a few deep breathes before removing his hands from the inside of the car. As he did, a bit of the engine came with his hand. He looked and saw through a hole in the car that the engine had been completely bent out of shape from his hand. Kibe stood up and flexed his hands and biceps. He could feel the jittering from them until he flexed them again and stretched them. Then they finally stopped.

    "Had the car been any faster, I think i would have sprained or actually fractured something.

    Now, for the rest- oh." Kibe said as he turned to see everyone was dead who was in the crash.

    "That was expected, the damage of the vehicle is completely staggering. To a maintenance man perhaps, forensics will conclude that another car was here. Though it''d be easier to say that this car was moved here from another more devastating incident. Either way, its time to head inside." Kibe said as he walked straight ahead towards the main warehouse, as he entered he''d see all of the equipment and weaponry they had. Kibe''s eyes traveled to all the different guns and weapons. He then walked over and with his gloved hand he''d pick up a pistol, he''d test fire it in the air before then putting it in his pocket. He then walked over and began dismantling all of the other 10 or so guns there. Including 3 SMGS, 2 sniper rifles, 3 snipers, 6 pistols and 1 rocket launcher. Kibe was getting ready to enter into the main structure when he saw one single grenade. He picked it up and juggled it in his hand for a moment. Kibe looked outside again and could hear the sound of police cars arriving.

    "Well done Mi, you may keep your usefulness afterall." Kibe said as he entered the main structure. As he walked through, Himmy then came from a room, she stopped when she saw Kibe.

    "Himmy." Kibe said

    "...You." Himmy said, the two of them just stared at one another until Kibe took off the mask and gave it to her along with the overcoat. She grabbed them and she put on the coat.

    "You already know what comes next, so just meet back with me at my house when your done. Try not to get sidetracked." Kibe said

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Shut up." Himmy said as she started walking, putting the white rabbit mask in her coat. However she stopped and looked back at Kibe who was still looking at her. Her face got a little rosey from the fact he was staring.

    "I uhhh....don''t be stupid and get hurt. You still need to teach me those moves ya''know." Himmy said, Kibe nodded to her before he kept walking further down the hall. She stared at him before she sprinted down the other way. As Kibe walked he then began to hear the voices of Jun and Kenji.

    "Ugh, hes not in this room either. Can we go and get the police now?" Kenji said

    "I''m a good second pal, now keep your ass moving. Unless you want to confess to something I don''t know." Jun said

    "Huh? What the hell are you talking about? Where is this coming from?" Kenji said annoyed, Kibe out himself aginst the wall, getting his pistol ready as he moved closer. As he did he''d eventually reach the door and peak inside. There he saw Jun holding a wounded Kenji at gunpoint.

    "Dont play with me! I know you''re involved with this. I just don''t know how. Your story didn''t add up back there.

    Sure Mi could have sent you the invite, but I don''t believe you got grabbed with us." Jun said

    "Ryota and me were taken away from you girls when we got out, if you were going to talk about why I wasn''t with you." Kenji said

    "No, I wasn''t. I was going to ask, why were they moving you." Jun said

    "Well, they said that-" as they kept talking Kibe noticed a shadow come over him. He turned around to see a familiar face.

    "Thats the whole thing, what else do you want from me?!" Kenji shouted

    "I don''t believe you!" Jun said, thats when they''d hear some footsteps come to the door. Jun immediately turned towards it to see nonother than Ryota. They both looked in shock at him, yet Ryota''s face was one of sorrow and guilt.

    "Ryota..." Kenji said

    "Ryota, what-" but thats when Kibe would come from around the corner. A gun pointed at Ryota''s head.

    "KIBE!?" Jun thought in shock while Kenji seemed...almost terrified.

    "Greetings, move forward." Kibe said as he pressed his gun to Ryota''s back forcing him forward. Kibe would close the door behind them as they all entered. Now, Ryota, Kibe, Kenji and Jun were all in one room together.

    "Kibe, what the hell are you doing? Why do you have a gun to Ryota?" Jun asked

    "He planned to use a much bigger one on me." Kibe said as he then pulled a shotgun from behind his back and threw it across the room, Jun stepped away from it. Her gun still pointed at Kibe and Ryota.

    "...Thats-"

    "Its true." Ryota said, much to Jun and Kenji''s suprise. His confession was not expected yet Kibe''s face was the only one unmoved.

    "I had it...to kill you, Jun." Ryota said

    "...W-What?" Jun stuttered

    "The trickster, he promised. That once the dragon gang had all been dispatched with. That he''d make me the new head dragon, that way I could keep my family and sister safe." Ryota said, Jun couldn''t believe it. Kibe''s face was indifferent to the words and to the situation from what others saw. As Ryota continued to talk, Kenji''s eyes slowly made they''re way to Kibe, who, was already staring daggers at him. His emerald green eyes were locked onto Kenji. Jun noticed they''re eye contact, but then focused back on Ryota.

    "But, that doesn''t explain why you would have to kill me." Jun said

    "Thats easy." Kibe said, everyone turned to him.

    "Thats because your the only one who suspects who the trickster really is. Why else would he order for your death?" Kibe said

    "Maybe hes a psychopath, hes just crazy." Kenji said

    "No, hes perfectly in his right mind. I''ve spoken to him before, he dosent strike me as someone who kills randomly." Kibe said

    "You sound like as if you know who they are Kibe." Jun said

    "Thats because I do." Kibe said, everyone''s faces grew in shock and amazement.

    "T-Then who is it?" Jun asked, Kibe moved his hand up and then immediately pointed straight to Kenji. Kenji''s face twisted with expressions of confusion, annoyance and disbelief. Jun looked at Kenji with disbelief while Ryota with sadness.

    "Thats unreal! This is absurd even, what proof do you even have?!" Kenji asked with baited breath.

    "You were the only one to meet me at the end of the competition that day. During the poisoning.

    Surely you knew the stakes of that day. What had happened and how grave it was for you to get out. Yet you remained anyway.

    Not only that, but I found your letter. The one you left with Mr.Uchida. the headmaster. Then not only that, but your personality matches perfectly with his.

    Someone who doesn''t like to lose and Someone who''s fascinated with the white rabbit.

    The letter gave me two things, one that you were a student and the second was that you''ve been anticipating these events since before the white rabbit showed up. Meaning you likely know his identity. Yet you didn''t turn him in, why is that?

    Is it because you want to be better than him? Are you fascinated with him?

    All yes, but still no. There is only one answer that makes sense for this sort of expression.

    You''re jealous of him. Thats why you never appeared in person, you didn''t want to risk the idea that you may be robbed of a chance, of the chance to be the one to kill him.

    But, you were also afraid. Afraid of this exact scenario. Of being caught. Not by the police though, but by him. Which is why, right now. You''re sweating more than you ever have in your life, you''ve been playing games this entire time Kenji, but the time for games are over. This is the real world.

    This is game over." Kibe said, those words hit like a hammer aginst ice, it felt like as if reality had shattered. That every breath was now real, that ever second of standing and every beat of his heart was all more real than ever before. His hands were sweaty, eyes were ready to pop out of their sockets and he could hardly stand still.

    "...hehehehehehehahahahahAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!" Kenji laughed, his voice erupted into complete laughter. He then covered his mouth chuckling to himself as he did, he moved his feet around almost liken a excited child. Kibe then reached over and grabbed Jun by her arm pulling her close. Her eyes meeting his. Kibe slowly grabbed her gun and took it.

    "Go and meet with Mi, she ran down the street. Likely doing down clover way, she even now wouldn''t go too far. Meet her at the ice cream restaurant off the corner. Its where she''ll be. Call the police, the more calls the better." Kibe said as he then turned with her and pushed her towards the door. Jun kept eye contact with Kibe as she opened the door and ran away. Kibe watched her before he then looked to Ryota. His tears coming down like a waterfall.

    "Hehehhehehe, you heheh you just screwed yourself Ryota! AHAHAHAH! THIS IS FUCKING PRICELESS! AHAHAH!" Kenji laughed, Kibe looked at Kenji and then to Ryota.

    "You know something, you''re really good at that. Pulling everything together, all the lose ends and dead ends. Somehow making them all come together like that, turning a dead-end into a highway is your specialty. Isn''t it white rabbit?" Kenji said as he watched Kibe kick Ryota in the back of the leg forcing him onto his hands and knees. Kibe then sat on him and pointed the gun at Kenji. All Ryota could do was be quiet. He had no longer a horse in this race, no...he was indeed a horse in the race. Kibe and Kenji were the betters.

    "Why did you do it?" Kibe asked

    "You were the perfect one ya''know? He spoke so highly of you when he picked you up from under whatever damn rock he had found you under.

    I knew it that day, oh I did. I knew the moment that you were introduced, you were going to cause me nothing but pain. I was the star! I was the one looked to by our peers in those halls and those rooms. They looked to me for guidance, but you...when you came that all went away.

    You were just so...perfect, good at everything. Well thats when I decided to test that out. To test out how perfect you really were." Kenji said

    "Mmmm, is that when you started all this?" Kibe asked

    "Oh this little game? Its noth-"

    "I was referring to the dragon gang." Kibe said, Kenji''s smirk turned into a light frown.

    "So, you deduced that too? Just how did you come to that conclusion?" Kenji asked, Kibe fixed his tie for a moment before sitting up straight.

    "I didn''t, you just told me." Kibe said

    "EH?! Bullshit! You figured it out!" Kenji shouted

    "You''ll never know that." Kibe said much to Kenji''s disliking.

    ''Human trafficking, money laundering, dark net workshops and a city wide gang. Quite the operation, especially just for me." Kibe said

    "Couldn''t take any chances of you wiggling your way out of this." Kenji said

    "Well, did you anticipate this? This outcome. It was predictable, once you let go of the probability of capture." Kibe said

    "Heheh, but you see. I did anticipate this, my scapegoat is right under you now." Kenji said

    "..." Kibe didn''t have anything to say.

    "You see, Ryota here has been a excellent Trojan horse for me. Getting as close as he did with your little group of misfits, has given me a grand exit.

    Here are your only win conditions, perfect rat! Either you let me go and Ryota doesn''t say a peep or you can turn yourself in as the white rabbit, with me being the one who caught you." Kenji said

    "And if I just shot Ryota?" Kibe said

    "KIBE! NOW WAIT A SECOND!" Ryota shouted, but Kibe simply fired his gun near his head. The sound nearly deafening Ryota.

    "Did you put the fact of me killing him into your plan? Did you anticipate my every action? To a T? Did you take in my thoughts?" Kibe asked, Kenji who was so quick to answer...had no response.

    "I didn''t think so. Alright heres whats going to happen, Kiko wanted to know how the leak happened. I don''t need to hear from you that you were the leaker and the one who pushed Akia to end her life that day.

    You also are behind Takashi''s actions too. How much I can''t exactly say, but I know this. You, me and Kiko are about to have a long discussion." Kibe said as he then looked down to Ryota.

    "Ryota, to be so helpless, it must be unlike you. Aginst you''re nature. What you feel right now is beyond grief and sorrow and disappointment.

    The Dragon gang is gone now. There won''t be anything left to hinder you now. Nothing...but me." Kibe said, Ryota slowly looked up at Kibe. Kenji looked at him, his face showing astonishment and disbelief.

    "I am pressure, I am a wave. I''ve come and washed away all of your troubles. But just like any wave, I can wash over you again.

    When I do wash over you, I will always leave something behind. I don''t need to tell you what it is, cause you know. You already know." Kibe said, thats when Ryota began to cry as Kibe walked over and grabbed Kenji by his arm and began to walk. Kibe kept his gun pointed at Kenji as they walked. Kibe then stopped at the door and grabbed Kenji''s phone from his pocket, he then threw it over to Ryota.

    "You know what to do." Kibe said as he walked away with Kenji.

    The next day, it was all over the news. The arrest of Takashi, confirmed by Ryota to be the trickster. The white rabbit case still unsolved and currently going slightly cold. All the while, Kibe was sitting with his mother in the living room. Eating breakfast.

 Mental Dinner

    Kibe and Mrs.Mihara were eating breakfast. While Kibe was watching the astrology channel, Mrs.Mihara was doing some work on psych evals. Paperwork making sure the people she checked off were capable of going back to work. Kibe''s eyes looked to her paperwork for a moment as he sipped his tea.

    "What are you doing?" Mrs.Mihara asked smugly, Kibe took another sip of his tea.

    "Those Psychological evaluations, are they on the police?" Kibe asked as he and his mother eye contact.

    "Ah, from that look I''d say yes." Kibe said, thats when his mother would reach over flick Kibe in the head.

    "Ow." He grunted

    "Dont do that."she said waving her pen.

    "Do what? What am I doing?" Kibe asked

    "You know what, I''m not a patient nor will or should you be evaluating me." Mrs.Mihara said as she fixed her glasses and kept working. Kibe just looked at her and then finished sipping his drink.

    "You know, while you''ve been out and about. The people in the states have had some rumors going around about their scientist, about them finding a wormhole. Ya''know, those fun little tubes in space." Mrs.Mihara said as she made childish space noises. Kibe chuckled as he poured himself some more tea.

    "Wormholes are mere fiction, so technically is the rest of the universe." Kibe said

    "The school has given you students a small break thanks to all this ruckus. Might give you a chance to finally make some more friends." Mrs.Mihara said

    "Friends are like watches. I only need see them, reveal them, use them. When they''re needed, otherwise they remain under my sleeve." Kibe said

    "Sounds like you may be afraid to wear them on your sleeve." Mrs.Mihara said as she checked off a box.

    "Are you psychoanalyzing me?" Kibe asked to which his mother just chuckled. Kibe and her continued to enjoy they''re early morning. Exercising together, both doing yoga and helping the other distress they''re muscles. Kibe went to the kitchen and grinded up some leaves and herbs in a bowl. He then began to grind them and mix them into a tea.

    "So, shall we?" Mrs.Mihara said, Kibe looked to her and then went back to stirring the herbs and tea.

    "Your memories, you say you''ve been seeing them come and churn together right? Like a mixture." Mrs.Mihara said

    "...My memories, I''ve begun to question the validation of some of them. The jump in between some years has given me some worry.

    But nothing too bad, I do believe that my keys to most of obstacles. If I''m to call them that. Do indeed rest within my memory palace.

    Placed on my shelves of human psychology and behavioral management." Kibe said as he finished steering and smelt his sedative tea. Mrs.Mihara looked at her hands.

    "Remember, your memory palace and what you put in there are entirely up to you. No-" thats when a knock at the door would occur. Kibe began to drink his sedative tea, which opened up his mind and heightened his sensors. He then walked out into the backyard while Mrs.Mihara answered the door to see Jun standing there. Wearing a blue hoodie, sweat pants and sneakers.

    "Oh my, well hello there." Mrs.Mihara said as she fixed her hair. Jun bowed and then stood tall.

    "Nice to meet you, I''m Jun. I''m sure you heard my name from the news, but I wanted to talk to him.

    I owe him." Jun said as she scratched the back of her head.

    "Well, by all means." Mrs.Mihara said as she gestured for her to come in. Jun then took off her shoes and walked inside. It was strange from her home. The place smelt brand new, like as if no one was living here. She walked forward and saw the living room. Saw the TV and then the entrance into the kitchen.

    "My god this place is bland, theres no sense of they''re pressence here. Well Kibe is a bit..weird." Jun thought as her mind wondered back to when she saw Kibe at the warehouse.

    "My perception of him is completely warped now." Jun thought, thats when Mrs.Mihara would tap on Jun''s shoulder.

    "Hey, do you like tea?" She asked

    "Oh uh, well. I''m not the biggest fan. I drink coffee way more often." Jun said smiling, the two ladies seemed to be getting along swimmingly.

    "You know coffee can cause anxiety and insomnia, right?" Said Kibe, Jun and Mihara looked over to see him leaning aginst the fridge stirring his tea. Jun gave a light smile to him with Kibe nodding to her. Mrs.Mihara looked at both of them before clapping her hands together.

    "Alright then, I''m going to go and head to work. We have some new blood coming into fray, so I''ve been instructed to give them a hand.

    You two have fun." Mrs.Mihara said as she walked over and grabbed her coat and bags. Jun bowed to her and Kibe nodded.

    "If you have sex please be safe about, momma isn''t looking for grandkids just yet." Mrs.Mihara teased, which caused Jun''s face to turn burning hot with Kibe rolling his eyes.

    "EH!?" Jun squealed

    "Goodbye mother. Have a nice day. No rush for you to get back." Kibe said as his mother chuckled and then closed the door behind her. Jun smacked her cheeks. Still flustered, Kibe then walked past her and stood in front of her.

    "So, Jun. What can I do you for? Preferably nothing too exhausting." Kibe asked as he began walking towards the kitchen.

    "Tea?" He asked

    "Uh, no, Coffee please." Jun said, Kibe tilted his head to her and then shrugged. He then went to his coffee maker and began to brew some.

    "How do you take it?" Kibe asked

    "Uh black please." Jun said as she took off her hood, revealing her long-sleeve. Kibe began to brew the black coffee while Jun sat down in the living-room.

    "Don''t you think its weird that you pointed out Kenji to be the trickster, only for it to be revealed by Ryota himself it was Takashi?" Jun asked

    "There was a section of it speaking on the possibility of Ryota and Kenji to being psychicly driven. Allowing for such a thing to be posisble." Kibe said as he was finishing up the coffee.

    "I don''t know, don''t you think its just off?" Jun asked to which Kibe shook his head.

    "I''m not interested in what goes on in the heads of those; that would rather ponder about the mathematical functionality of trigonometry than if they need to. I don''t know- Not leave the toilet seat open after using the loo." Kibe said, Jun chuckled at that as Kibe walked over and sat next to Jun. He then handed her the black coffee. She nodded and took a sip. All Kibe could do is look at her as she poured that disgusting liquid down her gullet.

    "...I really must introduce you to a better substance to pour down your esophagus.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    There are plenty of healthy teas out there. You seem like a jasmine kind of person." Kibe said

    "Heheh, you trying to sell me on it?" Jun smirked

    "Only if your willing to try. I never force anything on anyone, unless they''re completely hopeless." Kibe said

    "Well then, I''ll have to try one out. However, only if your willing to come to my house for dinner." Jun said, to which Kibe''s eyes then drew closer to Jun. The idea of him being in the same home as Mr.Nakayama.

    "Thats quite the offer, I appreciate that." Kibe said

    "Yea, I just wanted to give you some thanks for before.

    ...so will I see you there? Tonight?" Jun asked

    "Tonight, sure. I''ll be there." Kibe said, Jun smiled and she almost hugged him too, but she hesitated and just backed away.

    "Oh un, sorry. I just, it means a lot that someone would be willing to go out of they''re way to save me.

    Most of my life I''ve had to be dependent on myself." Jun said as she leaned back. Kibe then walked over to the kitchen and began to make some more tea.

    "Sounds rather lonely, not even your mother was there? I assume from a lot of work." Kibe said

    "...Yea, she worked a lot. Same for my father at the time. Now hes been sucked into this wonderland case.

    Its almost been as intriguing and brain racking as his old cannibal case." Jun said, Kibe then walked over and handed her a cup of tea to which she grabbed unknowingly while Kibe already was sipping his.

    "The Cannibal case, also called the Goodluck Killer. Entirely motivated for whatever reasons he deems accurate at the time.

    His pattern was always changing, his name was Naoki Bamba. Caught by your father, Toma Nakayama." Kibe said, Jun sipped her drink. She didn''t even know it was tea, she was so taken aback by Kibe''s knowledge and just how much he already knew. Taken in by his charm. Which went beyond charismatic traits itself and fell more down to bewitchment.

    "Wow, someone knows they''re stuff. Then again, you are the one who seems to be just short of perfect scores on our exams." Jun said

    "Exams are wasteful, everything we know and are taught have no need to be flung back at us in abstract form. In an attempt to prove our intellectual capacity." Kibe said

    "Test do good to refresh, help us keep on track." Jun said taking another sip of her tea as Kibe leaned aginst the entrance of the living room.

    "Can I, if you don''t mind. Give my analysis on you?" Jun asked, Kibe''s eyes momentarily flicked to the stairs before he then looked to Jun again.

    "Poursuivre." Kibe said in french, as he took a sip of his tea. Jun took a minute, she didn''t know what he said, but assumed it was a yes to her question.

    "You are a perfectionist. You seem to know the world, very well. You don''t care for it, but seem more intrigued than anything else.

    You like to be left out of sight and mind, even your home is close enough to the school that you can walk to it, but far enough to not be noticed.

    You seem almost nonexistent." Jun said, Kibe''s eyes stared at her. He was intrigued on her observation of his person-suit and just how she was capable of observing Nori Kibe. Though again, it was what was meant to be seen. Not what is to be.

    "Very nice look into my person Jun, you are definitely your father''s daughter." Kibe said which got a smile out of Jun.

    "Tell me, what happened again? After your father caught Naoki I mean." Kibe asked

    "He shot him, right in the head. He did it out of revenge. For the cannibal eating my aunt." Jun said

    "That part, yes." Kibe thought as he finished his tea. Jun finished her drink too as she got up and grabbed her coat. Kibe helped her put it on, she wasn''t expecting the formality, but she didn''t reject it either. She put her hands in her pockets as he and Kibe walked to the front door.

    "Your education, I''m honestly curious. I was homeschooled for a long while before going to public school. My mother makes for a excellent teacher, which is why I must warn you. Before you come over. She is very much a talker, she is almost in love with academics and politics more than she is with my father." Jun chuckled, Kibe nodded in a sense he is familiar with the same energy that such an environment can bring.

    "In the earliest moments, documented in my memory palace, I was in the company of a family psychiatrist. A friend of my mother, her tutor or professor so to speak.

    So I assure you, I know exactly how you feel on the matter of a very well educated family system. Though my father wasn''t too into the field of psychological studies himself." Kibe said as he put his hand on the doornob with Jun waiting behind.

    "Oh, what was your father like? I assume he''s gone seeing how you used past tense for him." Jun asked, Kibe paused for a moment. His eyes lingering on the doornob for a moment. The sound of a loaded gun and it being fired sped through his mind. He then looked back at Jun.

    "He was a good man, I believe. He worked in art and dealt with persevering cultures and they''re masterpieces.

    He loved what he did, I''m sure of it.

    I don''t know why he did what he did that day...all I know is that he was angry, more angry than I ever thought a human could possibly be. He let his irrational voices take over and it caused him to shoot my mother in her leg.

    She kicked him and caused him to drop the gun, which I picked up." Kibe said, Jun covered her mouth in shock.

    "No-"

    "Yes, I shot and killed my father." Kibe said

    "You were just trying to protect her from that monster." Jun said as Kibe opened the door, putting a hand on her shoulder. The day outside had gone to evening and it was cold, though not chilly.

    "I believe so too, but in the time I''ve grown and my mind with me. I''ve begun to ask myself.

    Did I kill the monster that day?

    Or

    Did I save it?" Kibe said, Jun looked at him puzzled at his implication and his wording. He gently moved her out the door.

    "I''ll see you at dinner." Kibe said

    "Uhh yea, I''ll send you the address." Jun said as Kibe closed the door. He locked it and then turned around to see Himmy siting on the stairs.

    "Evening." Kibe said, Himmy was wearing black a long-sleeve, a skull decorated her shirt and her pants matched along with he shoes.

    "Evening. Prick." Himmy said as Kibe fixed the collar of his shirt as he walked to the stairs, stopping right before them.

    "I thought we had evolved past name calling." Kibe said

    "Sorry, am I supposed to be kissing your ass because your smart? Like little miss detective." Himmy said

    "I imagine intellectual debates can often encourage a rear-end smooching contest." Kibe said with which Himmy rolled her eyes at. Kibe looked at her and saw her eyes were darting around and she was holding herself.

    "Whats wrong? Why are you here?" Kibe asked

    "...I...I thought I saw Juo while I was out." Himmy said

    "What you witnessed was Juo leaving your mind, your letting him go. The process cannot be interrupted, you must let it take its hold over you. Your life is slowly changing. Nothing wrong with that." Kibe said

    "It scares me...I don''t know what I''ll be when he''s gone or who I''ll be." Himmy said

    "Don''t worry, I''ll be right here to assure you that it all goes according to how I said." Kibe said

    "Yea, if I followed everything you said I''d be a robot like you." Himmy said

    "Hm, a robot with some sense and decency." Kibe said as he fixed his shirt and checked his phone for the time. He then walked past Himmy with her following him to his room. She leaned aginst the doorframe as Kibe walked over and grabbed a black turtleneck and some shoes. He looked at them.

    "Your not honestly going to that dinner in that? You always wear those stupid turtlenecks." Himmy said

    "What do you mean stupid? They''re practical and simple." Kibe said

    "Yea, simply boring. You might as well tell the detective your the white rabbit." Himmy said

    "One, thats not how psychology works. Well sort of. It has more to do with the personality than with the clothes, Hitler could be dressed like a hobo and so long as his acting was good. Never would be caught, but good job your learning. Very impressed.

    Two, its dinner. Not an investigation." Kibe said, he took off his shirt and began to put on his clothes as Himmy walked over and sat on his bed.

    "You think that''ll stop him?" Himmy asked, resting her head on her hand as Kibe straightened his pants.

    "Well, no. No not really." Kibe said

    "So then why are you going in the most boring clothes on the face of the fucking planet?" Himmy asked

    "Because its what I would wear." Kibe said

    "Your mom picked out your wardrobe." Himmy said

    "Exactly." Kibe said. He kept on fixing himself up as he stood in front of the mirror on his room. Himmy sighed as she watched him get dressed and even put on some cologne.

    "This isn''t going to work." Himmy said, Kibe looked back to her.

    "Why not?" Kibe said

    "You''ve only fooled psychos and stupid bimbo girls." Himmy said as she sighed.

    "Thats not true, your smart." Kibe said, Himmy''s heart skipped a beat. Her face a little flushed. She looked at Kibe, her face filled with conflict. She cover her mouth with her hand. Kibe''s eyes looked at her before he grabbed his watch from the counter.

    "Y-...I-...Don''t do that." Himmy said, her voice faint and spoken with sorrowful struggles. Kibe walked over to her as she stood up.

    "Do what? Its a compliment Himmy, you should take it." Kibe said, Himmy then put hand to her side. It moved a few inches forward.

    "Why...are you going there?" Himmy asked in a whisper, Kibe looked and noticed her hand moving a little towards his. He tilted his head just a bit before his finger gently grazed her own.

    "...Ask me why not." Kibe said, Himmy''s fingers touched and interlocked slightly with Kibe''s.

    "Always a answer for everything." Himmy said as her head and eyes looked up to Kibe who looked down to her. They''re faces getting a little close. Until-

    "HEY YOU TWO!" Mrs.Mihara shouted as she burst into the room, with Himmy pushing Kibe away, he backed up a few steps while Himmy went falling on her back onto Kibe''s bed.

    "Oooooh, I''m sorry. Was i interrupting?" Mrs.Mihara asked with a snicker in her voice.

    "No, you weren''t. I was just leaving." Kibe said

    "Yea, he was. He has dinner reservations." Himmy said

    "Oh really now, well don''t let me stop you then." Mrs.Mihara said

    "What are you doing back by the way?" Kibe asked

    "Oh, I forgot some paperwork. So I came back." Mrs.Mihara said

    "Its been two and half hours." Kibe said, Himmy looked at Kibe and then his mother.

    "Ok, young man. Are you my father now? I''ll be in and out of this house when I please. Have fun on your date." Mrs.Mihara said in a stern voice, it shocked Himmy cause she had never heard Mihara so aggressive before yet Kibe was completely unfazed. As usual. She then walked out and closed the door behind her.

    "What the fuck? What was that about?" Himmy asked, the moment she looked to Kibe again thats when he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her in close. Her head next to his and her body pressed against his. Himmy''s face was completely read, red as a tomato.

    "I-...Uh! K-Kibe!"Himmy stuttered

    "Be quiet and don''t speak a word. Listen closely." Kibe whispered, Himmy then realized this wasn''t an advance on their last interaction. This was a secret task being delivered.

    "Listen carefully; a night prior my mother was drunk and telling Mr.Miyuki a story I have no recollection of. I waited till she was sober to ask her about it.

    She claimed no such thing existed. That the story she said never happened.

    But when I entered the house that day she told it, she was speaking from fear. That wasn''t any story, that was a memory. A memory I also have fuzzy recollection of deep in my mind. I believe she''s hiding something from me. Something just like Kiko is. No doubt she''s listening to us now. Which is why I have to do this.

    Something that has to do with my past. In her room there''s something, I know there is. I need you to go and search her room while she''s gone.

    She won''t be back once she leaves. You can stay in my room. In case she does come back, change my bedroom lock. Look under my bed. You''ll know how to do it." Kibe said as he then backed his head away before going in and giving Himmy a kiss on the cheek. Himmy backed away, feeling her cheek. She didn''t know how to react. However her eyes then moved to the door. She saw it gently close itself again. Hardly even noticeable if you weren''t paying attention.

    "I swear that closed before." Himmy thought, she then looked to Kibe and saw him getting ready to leave as he grabbed his bag. Himmy just watched him.

    "A call from Kiko should arrive on my way to the dinner. The address will be sent to me by Jun and now, some information that my mother has been withholding from me.

    Seems like I''ll be getting quite informed this night." Kibe said.

 The new recruit

    Kibe was making his way to Jun''s home via taxi service. As he was in the backseat he got a phone call from Kiko. He picked it up and leaned back.

    "I assume you got my gift." Kibe said

    "Your gift huh? Well yes I did, they''re pleased with what you did.

    You did exactly as I told them you would." Kiko said as she sat on her cushions in her room. She was typing on her tablet and eating dry cereal.

    "Ah right, the little group your so involved in-"

    "We''re involved in, remember what I said. You are a part of them too." Kiko said. Kibe leaned back in his seat before telling the cab to stop, he got out and walked towards the the nice hotel. He looked up at it, it was decorated with a nice place vanilla color, the colors of ghostly purples and ghastly reds complimented the decorum. The hotel was gorgeous.

    "Alright, enough beating around the figurative bush. I need the information you promised me.

    No lying." Kibe said

    "Of course, buckle in. Cause this is going to be quite the dump." Kiko said as Kibe looked over and saw a flower stand, a man with a flower hat made of roses and orchids was selling whole bouquets. Kibe walked over and looked at them, still on the phone.

    "The world of Intellectualism, its an organization thats isolated and very, very, very secretive. They originated in France, Dr.Abel. smartest man in the world. Though you won''t find him on any magazines or news channels. No, he wanted to keep everything about him and his research into, stoicism locked down. He wanted to keep it all private, said. Knowledge should belong to those who are willing to write the checks; to get it.

    Because the exchange of money is the most honest showing of desire and want." Kiko said, Kibe grabbed a bouquet and payed the man. He then walked into the lobby. He looked around and saw plenty of people walking in and out.

    "So its a French organization, why am I getting old German or isolation camp feelings from this." Kibe said into the phone as he went the front desk and asked for Mr.Nakayama''s room and floor number.

    "Thats because it probably would be very comparable to it. Though, it was more so in the mental department.

    Dr.Abel had some of the top geniuses in the world there, in that one mansion. One palace. The classes there, were only for children and toddlers.

    The teachers there were very good, they estimated that by the age of 10 they could have a ordinary student reach an IQ of approximately 210. Not including psychological and neural science-based teachings, which can have those ratings skyrocket." Kiko said as Kibe got in the elevator and pushed a button for the 5th floor.

    "Sounds like pretty easy to he a genius there. So how come there aren''t more students of Intellectualism walking around?" Kibe asked

    "Because the lessons are intense. Physic breaks, mental health decreases and of course permanent brain damage; were some of the more well known symptoms of the lessons. There were others of course, but those were the main few to know about.

    The survival rate was less than 20%. Some sent their children there and would given back a vegetable, others? Well they got they''re moneys worth. They got back CEOs, governors, politicians, lawyers, soldiers and so much more." Kiko said, Kibe exited the elevator. His brain going through this information like butter, but it didn''t get put in a shelf in his memory palace. Instead. The gates that boarded off places in his memory palace, were beginning to break and restore old knowledge and memories.

    Experiences that he had long since forgotten...or made to forget.

    "...And the 1%, they could rule the world. Flip entire continents on their heads." Kibe said which suprised Kiko.

    "Oh, you''re starting to remember again. Fascinating, your mind is fighting back against the barriers they put in your head." Kiko said

    "So that was them, thats why I can''t remember anything. Someone has been in my head, but it wasn''t sloppy work either. They made it seem like I just have a bad memory, which isn''t true of course.

    So...who was it; that had been inside my head." Kibe said as he started walking down the hall.

    "Thats enough talking for now Kibe, we''ll meet again soon. Also, stay away from Kenji. I don''t need any reports on you two fighting." Kiko said with an annoyed tone. Kibe stopped at room 257 and knocked.

    "Don''t worry too much, if you do you''ll end up shrinking some more.

    Besides, Kenji owes me for deciding aginst having him put in the slamer. Then again, he may just escape...kill him. Yes. He should be thankful I didn''t kill him. Anyway I have reservations Kiko, I''ll call you when I need you again." Kibe said

    "Need me? Excuse yo-"

    "Bye now." Kibe said as he got ready to hang up the phone.

    "Oh you little TW-" but before Kiko could shout at him, Kibe hung up the phone. Thats when the hotel room would open. Kibe would look up to see a women dressed in flowery dress, black heels and her nails were freshly filed and done. She had short hair, rocking a bit of a half cut hair sort of look. She had black eyeliner on and had a nose ring. She had gorgeous blonde hair, though it looked like she was a dirty-blonde; her eyes were just like Jun''s. A oceanfront blue. She had a apron on over her dress though, she was messy looking. Just had gotten back from cooking...

    Something.

    "Yo, you Jun''s pal?" Asked Mrs.Nakayama, Kibe looked at her studied her for a brief moment.

    "Hair cut gives off the fact she still has a rebellious teen living inside her, she emits a feeling of love and warmth. She wanted to be a parent, but still questions of she''s doing good by Jun and by her own parents.

    The flowery apron, similar to the girl from the library all that time ago. She believes herself a intellectual, someone to be praised and looked to for guidance. She wants to he source of encouragement.

    She has a PHD in teaching, academics and political studies. I can tell she reads from articles and doesn''t believe them up front, instead she makes her own conclusions on them and then post her thoughts afterward.

    She has a blog." Kibe thought to himself before he reached in his bag and pulled out some contained food. It was salmon and rice.

    "Greetings, Nori Kibe. Jun, your daughter invited me. I brought some goods." Kibe said with smile, Mrs.Nakayama looked at him a bit unsure, she clearly was analyzing him before she grabbed the container of food and let him inside. Kibe walked inside and put his bag down next to the door and then took off his shoes. Mrs.Nakayama then extended her hand to Kibe.

    "Tokyo." Said Mrs.Nakayama, Kibe shook her hand and nodded.

    "Its a pleasure to meet you, I thought I''d heard and seen your face before." Kibe said, Tokyo looked at him with a curious face as she closed the door.

    "Oh?"

    "Yes, I''ve seen your blog before. I find your site on Japan''s political underbelly to be very insightful." Kibe said as he walked further into the place. Tokyo was baffled.

    "Oh...uh wow, I didn''t know you read into that. Jun said you were smart, but I didn''t think you were educated. Glad to see you pay attention to the world around you." Tokyo said following him. As Kibe looked around he noticed how bland the place looked. It seemed very rushed, like they just had moved in. Kibe looked around to see a few pictures of a young Jun and Mr.Nakayama. He stopped at a picture of a black haired woman holding Jun at a playground. He stared at it for a few moments.

    "I always pay attention, mostly to things that I care to look into.

    You know how that works." Kibe said

    "Yea. I feel you there." Tokyo said, she then looked up at the same picture.

    "You know Lil?" Tokyo asked

    "Mr.Nakayama''s sister right? Yea...I''ve heard a few things. Sorry for the loss." Kibe said, Tokyo and him looked at the picture for a few moments before they heard the flush of a toilet. They both turned they''re head deeper into the hallway where they saw Jun walk out of the bathroom wearing some casual clothes. Tokyo looked embarrassed as she covered her face, Kibe looked at her and then Jun. She hadn''t noticed them.

    "Jun." Tokyo said

    "Yes Mo-" Jun''s mouth and body froze in embarrassment upon seeing her mother and Kibe. She looked at Kibe who gave her a coy smile while gesturing with his hands in a washing motion. She nodded as she walked backwards back into the bathroom. Tokyo giggled as Kibe put his hands in his pockets.

    "Don''t mind her, she''s quite the tomboy. Something I couldn''t quite educate out of her, but I believe she''s all the better for it yaknow. Growing that own mental farm hers." Tokyo said as she and Kibe then walked to dinning room.

    "Alright, you go ahead and sit yourself down. I''m making us some nice meatloaf." Tokyo said as She walked away into the kitchen. Kibe went ahead and sat down at the table. There he saw some papers on the far right of himself and a mug near the far left.

    "So, Mr.Nakayama, this place is either some alternate place of residence or you actually live in an apartment/hotel.

    This is a diversion or is in the hopes of being a diversion. Diverting my attention away from me. Whatever that may infact be." Kibe thought as he sat in his chair, holding his hands together as he sat down. Thats when Jun would walk out. This time having washed her hands.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    "Sorry about that, I uhh didn''t know you were here." Jun chuckled nervously.

    "No foul, glad to be here." Kibe said as Jun came over and sat next to him. Jun fixed her hair as she looked over at him. Kibe was looking outside towards the balcony.

    "Where''s your father? Work I''m guessing." Kibe asked

    "Yea. He should be here though. Hope the ride here wasn''t too ba-"

    "You guys don''t really live here, huh? I''m just making a guess since you guys are very creative and well educated family. Yet you have no books, or hell even a office room." Kibe said, Jun rested her head on her hand as she looked at Kibe. Kibe smiled at her, he knew she was impressed with his observation skills.

    "Heheh, that trick you have is really good. Astonishing actually." Jun said

    "Just have good eyes I suppose." Kibe said, Jun nodded as she looked over to the kitchen at her mother. Saw her with ear-pods, listening to music as she cooks.

    "Not dressed up for today, huh?" Kibe asked

    "Oh uh, no. I thank you for saving my life, but I enjoy dressing casually. Never was one for get-ups." Jun said

    "Thats quite alright, you should never let anything or anyone change who you are Jun. Never. Besides.

    I couldn''t ever see you in a dress anyway, or anything that doesn''t involve sweat pants or a hoodie." Kibe said to which Jun chuckled. However outside the hotel, a black SUV car would drive up and park in the parking lot. The two front doors would open revealing Mr.Miyuki and Mr.Nakayama.

    "Goodness, the office has been in a buzz recently. Naka, they''re gonna want to start putting us on the other cases. Especially since the capture of the Trickster." Mr.Miyuki said as he closed the passenger door. He then looked over to see Mr.Nakayama was thinking, he was walking slowly. He looked puzzled and almost confused.

    "Naka?" Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama looked to him like he snapped out of a trance.

    "What?" He asked

    "Not paying attention, ok, uhh, get some rest. I''ll message you in the morning." Mr.Miyuki said as he walked towards the hotel entrance.

    "Wait, you mentioned other cases. I''m sorry. I''ve had a lot on my mind and now my." Mr.Nakayama said as he walked along with Mr.Miyuki into the hotel lobby.

    "You mean the trickster case? Yea, everything was pointing at someone else, not that Takashi fellow. Yet we got a confession nonetheless, what do you think it means?" Mr.Miyuki said as he and Nakayama went to the elevator.

    "It means that whoever the trickster really was had a means of getting out of these things once the leads got too hot. He had a scapegoat. Someone who fit the bill and would take the fall." Mr.Nakayama said as he and Mr.Miyuki waited for the elevator.

    "Yea but why the sudden fear? He wasn''t afraid of cops before. Why suddenly would he dip out now?" Mr.Miyuki asked as the elevator dinged open.

    "I''ll give you one guess." Mr.Nakayama said as Mr.Miyuki and him entered the elevator and Mr.Miyuki pressed a button closing it.

    "The White Rabbit?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Ding ding ding, give him a prize." Mr.Nakayama said

    "But why? Wasn''t he determined to get to him?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Exactly, he got too close. Too close to the truth. When he witnessed it he got burned. Badly. He wasn''t ready for what was coming or what had come.

    When he had taken those students, he knew who they were. He knew they''re connection to the white rabbit." Mr.Nakayama said

    "So you believe he has a interest in these students from the reports?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "I do." Mr.Nakayama said

    "So you believe he has a relationship with them?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "No, no I didn''t say that." Mr.Nakayama said, much to Mr.Miyuki''s confusion.

    "I''m-uh, I''m confused." Mr.Miyuki said

    "The White Rabbit is A psychopathic and sociopathic mastermind Miyuki, theres no other way to put it.

    He doesn''t have relationships, he has uhh...reservations for their lives. He checks them out and uses them when needed." Mr.Nakayama said

    "So why save them? Why would he risk that?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Theres no motive remember? Nothing to completely run with besides the fact that this is something; he needs to do. Or perhaps must do.

    Either way hes been confirmed to be a student, a student close to those specific students." Mr.Nakayama said as the elevator opened and he and Mr.Miyuki began walking down the hall.

    "Do you think-, do you think its him?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "...Perhaps, the only things in my head right now are the whys, what''s his purpose for saving them? Why now? Why spare the trickster?

    So many whys, yet no real answers. Though I have hard ideas to believe that he was securing his alibi." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Alibi? But what for?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "After hes finished with the trickster there won''t be anything else for a while. If this is Kibe, then hes finished his prey. Hes gotten rid of Takashi from the picture and has both doomed and saved the trickster. Hes playing the court both ways right now.

    He aided the police as Kibe, but also aided himself as the white rabbit.

    ...Jun said he was studying criminal justice before, something on criminal justice.

    Which can only mean that-" but during his sentence that''s when Mr.Nakyama would stop in his tracks, Mr.Miyuki would take two steps ahead before looking back at him. He saw nothing but sheer shock on Mr.Nakayama''s face. Yet it also had signs of unhinged joy as well.

    "Ehhh, your making that creepy face again." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakyama then snapped out of it and looked Mr.Miyuki.

    "Oh, uh my bad." Mr.Nakayama said

    "What was it you were about to say?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Miyuki, the white rabbit, wants to work with police." Mr.Nakayama said much to Mr.Miyuki''s suprise and shock.

    "WHAT!?" Mr.Miyuki shouted

    "Shhh, calm down. Look, don''t you get it? With the dragon gang gone, Takashi behind bars and the Trickster no longer around. There''s a giant opening in crime right now. Which would make this city into a giant farming ground of crime and criminals." Mr.Nakayama said

    "He did it to cause more crime!" Mr.Miyuki said

    "Yes, all the new cases coming up, all the criminals coming now are because of him. Thats what he wants.

    He helped Jun solve the case of the Trickster because he wants to prove he''s reliable. The ultimate alibi, working with the police to eventually doom them.

    Its ingenious, but goddamn does it work out well. He wants me to see that he''s capable of being of good aid to us, which he''s shown. Not to mention he saved Jun''s life. Damn, the bastards twisted my hands...but he didn''t count for one thing." Mr.Nakayama said

    "And what would that be?" Mr.Miyuki said as he and Mr.Nakayama arrived at outside room 257.

    "On how close I''d really bring him." Mr.Nakayama said

    "...I don''t like where this is going." Mr.Miyuki said worried

    "The bureau asked for a new Unit to be on these cases. The petty crime rate has went up, leaving only you and me to work these, but maybe it doesn''t have to be just us.

    The white rabbit wants to work with the police in order to secure an alibi, though he also knows that by helping us he''ll be leaving himself wide open to me.

    And I am bearing myself to him, we''ve both gotten ourselves into a breaking wheel. Bending and breaking us into uncomfortable positions, but thats just what we''re going to have to bare with. Because he and I both know that.

    Which is why, the next member of our unit is going to be-" Mr.Nakayama opened the door to his apartment, and like he was opening the flood gates, he and Mr.Miyuki both looked into to see Kibe and Jun along with Tokyo all sitting and chatting at the table.

    "Nori Kibe." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki immediately grabbed Mr.Nakayama and pulled him around the corner, out of the view of the door. Kibe noticed the movement and looked over.

    "HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR MIND!? If our hunch on Kibe being the white rabbit is true and he is the guy. Then we''d be letting our enemy into our borders. He''d get to see all of our tech and worse, he could mess with forensics!" Mr.Miyuki shouted in a hushed voice

    "True, but I''d know. I have a good memory. My memory palace is ready to document every detail of the station. No matter what.

    Besides, they said they wanted us on special Ops for these too. We''ll be doing work with the PSIA and they had another recommended member they wanted to send us.

    Look, if Kibe is truly the white rabbit, then he''ll be right under my thumb. He won''t have anywhere else to go. He''ll be working with me and for me. He won''t be able to touch any of what he gets in there. He knows that subconsciously." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Then, how would he-"

    "The Cases Miyuki, every case from now. Will have something to do with the white rabbit I''m sure of it. Which means more leads, more evidence and more data.

    I''ve let him get this close to me. He had no choice, but to go down this tunnel. Had he choosen to remain hidden, I would have found him.

    Continue to do more crime and the same result. This was his only option.

    Heheh, don''t you see Miyuki?" Mr.Nakayama chuckled, Mr.Miyuki got a horrible vibe from Mr.Nakayama, it was like spider catching something in a web. It was actually scaring him. Mr.Nakayama put his finger to his lip, as his lips curled into a wicked smile as his eyes; stared down Mr.Miyuki.

    "The White rabbit is running MY race now, and I get to watch from above." Mr.Nakayama whispered in a wicked and almost ghoulish tone.

    "This is some hard cold reading, even for you." Mr.Miyuki said as he pointed to him. Mr.Nakayama''s face went back to normal as he scratched his head.

    "Very true too, if Nori Kibe does indeed turn out to be just a very insightful student, then we will have simply furthered his interest into the criminal field.

    So, how long are you going to have me here? Or is this the part where we kiss?" Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki looked at him annoyed as he backed away and the two then entered the apartment. Everyone at the table turned to them and waved besides Kibe who was drinking his tea.

    "Hi Dad!" Jun said as she got up and ran over to him. Mr.Nakayama put his coat up as Mr.Miyuki took off his shoes. Jun ran over and hugged her dad, he embraced her tightly.

    "How you doing my little detective? Ah, is this him?" Mr.Nakayama asked as his eyes went to Kibe who was also looking at him too.

    "Oh yea, this is Nori Kibe. Hes a great guy dad I think you''d like him." Jun said as she grabbed his arm.

    "I''m here too yaknow." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Oh, hi uncle Miyuki." Jun waved, Mr.Miyuki nodded with Joy at his acknowledgement.

    "Well I''m sure if you like him then I have to give him a shot. Otherwise I''ll hear about it all day." Mr.Nakayama said as he took off his shoes and walked over to the table nearest to the kitchen; where he would find Tokyo and Kibe sitting down. Food was all finished and ready to be digged into. Kibe was drinking green tea while Tokyo some light beer.

    "Hey Toky, how was work today?" Mr.Nakayama asked as he walked beside her and the two kissed one another.

    "Oh you know, just the usual. Brats think they know everything just cause they got themselves into college.

    Little do they know that real life starts now, I''m going to crack they''re heads into shape for sure." Tokyo said with a smile as she took a sip of her beer.

    "Then they better look out. Cause they got a smart woman as they''re professor.

    And you must be Nori Kibe, heard from Jun herself. Not only did you solve the Trickster case, but you also saved my baby girl''s life." Mr.Nakayama said as he reached over and shook Kibe''s hand. The two giving each other a firm handshake. Kibe noticed Nakayama''s grip was fairly good and strong.

    "...But thats one thing I can''t overlook from you.

    If you really are a monster, a criminal. Then why save her? You would have benefited from my madness had I lost my little girl.

    So why save her Kibe? Why save my daughter?

    ...or.....are you really a monster afterall? Perhaps-..." Mr.Nakayama thought to himself on that, it was the one thing sticking out to him.

    "Dad, your embarrassing me! Come on!" Jun said annoyed, her face a little flushed.

    "Its alright, I''m glad to have saved her life. Such a aspiring young woman, I couldn''t imagine a world without her brilliance.

    So I made sure I never would have to." Kibe said, everyone nodded an smiled at such a beautiful response.

    "Oh wow, what a man. Honey, I think he''s trying to steal Jun from us." Tokyo chuckled.

    "MOM!" Jun shouted, her face completely red now.

    "Tokyo stop, your going to turn Jun into a tomato. Then I''ll have to hear it.

    Oh, Kibe. Mind if I borrow you for a second?" Mr.Nakayama asked as he walked towards a hallway.

    "Dad." Jun said

    "What? I''m not going to interrogate him. Geez, cut your old man some slack. I can''t believe I called myself that.

    Anyway, Kibe do you mind?" Mr.Nakayama said

    "Not at all." Kibe said as he got up, as he did Jun grabbed his hand. Kibe looked back at her.

    "If my dad tries anything funny or weird, please kill him." Jun said with an annoyed tone, Kibe smiled.

    "I''ll give it my best shot if things go south." Kibe said as he walked off with Mr.Nakayama. The two of them walked down the hall together, it was quiet. The sounds of Mr.Miyuki trying to eat some food and Tokyo threatening his life with a paddle soon became distant. Their footsteps being the only things they could hear for a while, it was eerie, almost haunting too. In that moment the two thought only one thing and one thing only.

    "Does he know?"

    Which was only followed by all they''re theories, hypotheses, ideas, reads of the other''s body language and tone of voice and of course choice of clothing. Though eventually thay brief few seconds of them leaving the table and walking down the hall would end.

    "My office. I always like to have one. Please, come in and sit down." Mr.Nakayama said, Kibe nodded to him as he walked into Mr.Nakayama''s office room. He looked around and saw it was rather empty. Two chairs, a rug, a desk of course. Covered in a few papers and books, but they were the same books that Kibe had read while he was at school. Was this Mr.Nakayama saying something? Did he know that Kibe would try to get to him through his daughter?

    Did he know he''d pursue criminal justice in order to get closer to him? So many questions went through Kibe''s head as he walked over and sat down in a chair. He watched as her Mr.Nakayama closed the door and walked over to the other chair and say down.

    "I''ll have to apologize for the lack of stuff in here, I''m sure you know this isn''t my real home. This is just temporary. Moved us a bit closer during the trickster case. Figured it''d be nice to be getting to work much sooner than later." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Seems right." Kibe said

    "Anyway, your rundown and report from what Jun said about we''re highly impressive. Your capabilities are really good.

    You have a knack for cold reading, a clear sense of the criminal mind and a surprising way of connecting the dots.

    Very good I''d say." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Thank you." Kibe said

    "You remind me of my younger self, of course not as good on the eyes.

    Either way, we could use you on the field Kibe." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Your asking me to join your investigation into the wonderland case?" Kibe asked

    "No, I''m asking you to help us cover the cases that will undoubtedly come now that the Trickster is gone. He controlled a lot of things along with Takashi.

    The underground is very disorganized now, without a head they''ll start doing they''re own little...projects. We''re going to nab them before too many cases arise.

    I''m asking if you''d like to join our unit." Mr.Nakayama said, Kibe looked at him and then looked to the wall. His mind processing this next move. He lingered in it for a minute before looking back to Mr.Nakayama.

    "Alright, I''ll join." Kibe said, Mr.Nakayama smiled as he extended his hand and Kibe shook it.

 New Routine, Finale

    The next day, Kibe would be at the local police station. There his entire life would be put in on file and paper. Mr.Nakayama would be in his office with Mr.Miyuki walking back and forth.

    "Can I just say this is the dumbest idea you''ve had yet?" He said, Mr.Nakayama stopped writting and put his pen down.

    "Even more dumb than the time I caught that serial killer entirely based around the evidence; surrounding a sex store and 3 prostitutes?" Mr.Nakayama said

    "...Ok maybe not that dumb, but still! We''re letting our suspect run around the bureau like he''s a kid during christmas. This could have unforseen consequences Nakayama. I don''t want that for you." Mr.Miyuki said as he leaned over his desk.

    "Its my call, sorry Miyuki. There''s nothing else to say. How is he right now?" Mr.Nakayama asked as he kept writting on the paper. Mr.Miyuki put his hands on his waist as he sat down in one of Mr.Nakayama''s chairs.

    "Hes doing great. No criminal record. Funny. Passed the physicals, got really good scores on them to be honest. He has excellent memory, we took him in a room cluttered with over about 1,000 objects. Asked him to memorize them and then took him out." Mr.Miyuki said

    "...And?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Well we took him out for 2 hours, in that time he did some more testing. Had him read the laws, rules and regulations of Japan and neighboring countries twice and then had him sit in another room.

    In that room we had set up 13 officers, had loud music playing and they all were doing something different and distracting. Afterwards we had him moved back to that same room.

    Nakayama he named all, every single one. Including the new 5 we had put there among them. Hes a genius." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Impressive, so how were his written exams?" Mr.Nakayama asked he got to writting some more.

    "...He didn''t take them." Mr.Miyuki answered

    "What?" Mr.Nakayama said

    "Yea, he said he found them uhhh. Stupid or something. Used some big word. Doesn''t matter, he didn''t take them." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Ok, so what did you do about that?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Well we quizzed him, had a guy working on the PSIA tests come in. He knows all information about what it takes to work here, every corner of knowledge and every nugget of information. He asked Kibe multiple questions from each phase, Logic-based Reasoning, Figural Reasoning, Personality Assessment, Preferences and Interests, and Situational Judgment.

    Each one having multiple phases that got harder, all the way up until level 10. Meaning terrorist level. The guy, Suo. Tested Kibe, and your not going to believe this but-"

    "He passed." Mr.Nakayama said to Mr.Miyuki''s suprise.

    "How did you know that?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Newton''s law. Kid is a living computer, no, better. He is clearly beyond education. Whatever he is, we don''t have a category for it yet." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki shrugged as he walked around the room.

    "So, whats the plan now? You can''t still be thinking this is all a good idea, right?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Of course I do. Now give him what he needs. I don''t intend to have him go through any real training. I have a feeling he''s smart enough to run the PSIA itself, especially from the information we have so far now. His background?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Everything adds up, kid came from France with his mother. She moved here with him after the unfortunate death of Mr.Nori. Apparently he use to work in the art department, museums and galleries. His father had quite the record.

    He had a DUI and a history in his youth for theft. Changed his ways after around his mid 20s." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Seems about right. Mrs.Mihara is the shinning parent. Golden mother. Head Psychoanalyzing specialist,

    Mr.Tomomasa, head and founder of Swan River General Hospital. Is apparently her tutor and is the family psychiatrist." Mr.Nakayama said as he stopped writting and put his writtings in his desk. He then stood up and fixed his coat. He walked over to a bookshelf.

    "Oh ye, the guys wanted me to let you know. The other guy joining our unit just landed. Should be here in like 20 or 30 minutes." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama then picked up a book called minds of the crime.

    "Run me down with what this new guy is about. I heard he''s out of state, or well countries." Mr.Nakayama said as he walked out of his office with Mr.Miyuki following him.

    "Alright, ain''t got all day Miyuki, talk to me." Mr.Nakayama said as he kept reading and flipping through the pages.

    "Brandon Wright." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Not Japanese, got it." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Yup, hes American. He worked in Washington DC. Grew up there too. He was right in the middle of it all, when the crime rate over all of the United States grew out of control, a whopping 80% crime rate right now. He was a street kid most of his life, but started getting into the crime field after his mother was killed by a crooked cop; was involved with a underground gang and mob." Said Mr.Miyuki as they walked through the bureau.

    "It says he has a IQ over 150, is that right?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Its what his psychiatrist said." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Said?" Mr.Nakayama asked as he looked at him.

    "He killed her, she was apparently involved in one of his cases.

    Hes known for that Nakayama, killing people. Guy has a body count more than some of these agents in here combined. More than the White rabbit." Mr.Miyuki

    "Thats unsettling." Mr.Nakayama said as her and Mr.Miyuki walked out of the station and stood outside.

    "No kidding, guy''s a complete quack, a nutjob. His psych eval came back bad. Guy has serious insomnia, has no sense for right or wrong, completely void of empathy and a compulsive liar.

    Nakayama the guy was diagnosed with APD, the worst kind anyone has seen in the US since Ted fucking bundy. He''s sick Nakayama." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Which is why the US FBI likely gave him to us. Did they tell you he was the reason the crim rate stayed at a steady rate; of 80% and no higher?" Mr.Nakayama asked to which Mr.Miyuki shook his head.

    "Its because if there''s one thing everyone is afraid, even serial killers and narcissistic Psychopaths. Its the unknown. Mr.Wright is unpredictable, he lives on the fine line of steady and destructive. Justice and Injustice, hes not too different from what I was beginning to show while I was on the cannibal case." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Ok hes nothing like you." Mr.Miyuki said with a stern voice.

    "Your right, but I could have been like him. I could have been." Mr.Nakayama said, thats when a police car drove over to them. Two officers came out with one of them going to the back of the car. Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki stood straight as they watched them get someone out of the car.

    "Greetings." Said a voice behind them, Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki turned around to see Kibe standing there. He was wearing a suit with his hands in his pockets.

    "You fill that very nice Kibe, great work on all the test. Though next time, I''d prefer if you tried to cooperate with the staff at police stations. We may be on a higher branch, but that doesn''t mean we show our friends in blue any less disrespect. Hear me?" Mr.Nakayama said

    "Getting use to receiving orders from Mr.Nakayama is going to be, a interesting chore." Kibe thought

    "Of course." Kibe said. Thats when they''d all see him. The police would bring out a young man, looked no older than Kibe himself. He was white, but pale. He was rather skinny too. Like he hadn''t eaten or drinken too much. He had rather long yet short black hair. His eyes, as Kibe watched this man come out of the vehicle in handcuffs; he would never forget those eyes. He wouldn''t know it, but those eyes would be in his mind forever.

    His eyes were dark, with a almost red glint. They almost looked to he red upon first glance. Kibe''s emerald green eyes and this man''s red ones would see each other; more than he''d ever want and thought. The eyes that belonged to-

    "Brandon Wright." Mr.Nakayama said, as Brandon looked at him with a smile as he walked over with the two officers next to him. Brandon was wearing a black suit with a vest, blooded splats on his clothes and a stain of it on his face.

    "Hey woah, what''s going on here? Why is our agent in chains?" Mr.Miyuki asked with urgency as Kibe just watched from behind. The two officers looked at each other with concern as one of them then walked up to speak.

    "Well sir, when he flew in-"

    "That won''t be necessary officer, I very much can speak for myself and my actions." Brandon said, getting everyone''s attention. He looked at everyone, he seemed to have this look in his eyes, a look of joy yet no understanding.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    If you had the right lenses to look at him through like Kibe and Nakayama, you could tell there was no sympathy in his eyes. He was a man that never felt regret or anguish.

    "I flew in, landed at the airport. Its a deem day, didn''t anyone else notice that? God I could go for snack right about now. Anyone else?" Brandon asked with a sort of deluded cheerful tone. Though his voice sounded very grim, like as if he was talking about something cryptic and yet mesmerizing. Thats when Kibe noticed that even though he was American, his Japanese wasn''t bad at all. In fact he was fluent; couldn''t even tell he use to speak anything else.

    "Alright thats enough! Hiro, take this freak to a holding cell." Said the officer

    "Now wait a damn minute! I asked you why he''s in cuffs, now talk damnit! He''s our agent." Mr.Miyuki shouted

    "Alright, let''s just calm down now. This is pointless arguing." Mr.Nakayama said

    "You didn''t see what we saw!" Shouted the officer, as the situation began to get more and more intense. Kibe''s eyes then went from them to Brandon who was also staring at him. His expression was a smirk, he looked at Kibe with a look of curiosity.

    "I saw her when I left the terminal." Brandon said, everyone looked at him again. Brandon out his finger to his cheek. A wide smile crossed his face like a snake.

    "Earlier during my time there at the airport I saw a woman crying. She was in distress, her face was washed and eyes red from tears. She was talking to security.

    She had lost her child." Brandon said, everyone looked at each other. Mr.Nakayama watched closely at Brandon''s behavior and way he carried himself. Mr.Miyuki was a bit skeptical on this though, he kept his hands at his waist which Brandon picked up on. Brandon''s eyes also looked over to Officer Hiro. Kibe noticed him stare at officer Hiro for a long while before continuing.

    "To be fair, I was hungry and got myself a sandwich." Brandon said

    "What does that have to do with-"

    "Shhhhh, story time." Brandon said as he put his finger to his mouth. Mr.Miyuki leaned to Mr.Nakayama.

    "This is a load of-"

    "Quiet Miyuki." Mr.Nakayama whispered.

    "I was hungry so I grabbed a sandwich, while I was there I saw a woman and child come into the store with me. The man looked fine, average woman . Black hair, dimple on her nose and a scar across his nose. Her teeth looked crooked a bit and ugly too. Could have used a good brush in all honesty.

    The child, they were sad. Signs of distress and clearly too young to understand, but could understand one thing though. He wasn''t with his mommy. I observed the area for any other possible accomplices that were around. The child was looking for eye contact with other adults. A common thing children will do when in an environment without their guardian or parent.

    They''ll look for someone who resembles their guardian. They soon made they''re out. I know I should have been here sooner, but hey. I was curious." Brandon said as he then walked next to officer Hiro.

    "Here you want to hold these, they''re uncomfortable. I think you''d look good in them though bright eyes." Brandon said as he handed officer Hiro his hand, Hiro didn''t even know what he was grabbing. It was subconscious. Brandon had placed a hand on his back, a sort of warm hand of reassurance. A sign there''s no danger. A light tap too and officer Hiro didn''t even know what was in his hands until Brandon had said otherwise.

    "What the-"

    "How''d he do that?!" Said the other officer confused, Mr.Miyuki looked in complete shock at the trick while Mr.Nakayama was impressed. His face showed intrigue and interest. Kibe however had seen the trick in motion and watched as Brandon walked over to the bench near them and sat down. He relaxed himself and saw with his legs crossed and straight.

    "I followed her and the child. Her hand was around his tightly, not motherly, very firm. Like that kid was her property. Clear sign perhaps of a trafficker or sexually dominant person. I didn''t get a chance to see if her nipples were perked. So I couldn''t tell if she showed physical signs of interest in the child. We were at the parking lot. I hid behind a suv as the woman took the child next to a black car, windows were dark and tinted. Illegally tinted of course.

    I witnessed as she began to lift the child''s skirt. She was feeling her up." Brandon said, his voice hit the officers like thorns. They couldn''t believe what he was saying. Kibe just watched, Brandon and him made occasional eye contact now which Mr.Nakayama kept a mental note of.

    "I broke into the car I was by, found a tire iron. Didn''t take me long after to beat that woman''s skull in with it. Another pedestrian near me witnessed the action and called the police and now, we''re here." Brandon said. Everyone looked at him baffled.

    "Well, as you just heard. He murdered a woman, in cold blood." Said the officer with officer Hiro nodding with him.

    "Hes right Nakayama, we can''t just let him work with us after that. I mean first 30 minutes here and hes killed someone." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Correction, Pedophiles aren''t people." Brandon said

    "You don''t get to speak! You were brought here from the US to assist Japan in a time of need. To help with the onslaught of cases piling in. You agreed to that." Mr.Miyuki

    "Did I? Must have forgotten." Brandon said

    "You think you''re being funny now?" Mr.Miyuki said with a stern tone as he walked over to Brandon who looked completely unfazed by what he had said.

    "No I was being serious, I was abused at a child. Got hit in the head a lot. So my memory can be a bit fuzzy sometimes." Brandon said as he felt the front of his forehead. Mr.Miyuki almost stopped for a moment. Brandon''s expression having changed from a wicked grin to a concerned look once he mentioned it.

    "Is that true?" Mr.Miyuki asked, he then looked back to Mr.Nakayama who then looked at him.

    "Is that right?" Mr.Miyuki asked Mr.Nakayama.

    "Heheh, no, but your face sure is." Brandon chuckled. Mr.Miyuki turned to him with a look frustration and impatience.

    "You think your funny huh?" Mr.Miyuki said

    "Absolutely." Brandon said

    "Well, let''s see how well that attitude serves you in jail. First degree murder. Thats what you did." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Can''t murder a monster, only put them down." Brandon said, his face growing his old smile again.

    " I''m not ignoring what you did,but the way you did it wasn''t by the book that''s illegal." Mr.Miyuki said

    "That same book which has so many stitches and patches on it that its basically falling apart." Brandon said

    "Maybe in the US." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Oh it''ll hit here too, why else would you call me." Brandon said

    "A clear mistake." Mr.Miyuki said

    "I''m starting to see why you''re wife left you now. No one likes a straight arrow detective." Brandon said, Mr.Nakayama and Kibe looked immediately to Mr.Miyuki who was taken aback by Brandon''s words. He backed up a bit, he took inhaled heavily and shakily. Like as if it was difficult to breath. Mr.Miyuki then walked over to Mr.Nakayama and pulled him to the side. Kibe watched them go. He kept forward as to not look at Brando who was smiling to himself.

    "His observation skills are good, really good. He managed to deduce that from Mr.Miyuki just from his speaking and body language alone.

    He also managed to tail that woman amoungest hundreds. Hes an obvious observer. He''s also a master escape artist. Those cuffs were the same ones I wanted to get out of before, yet he did it with no effort at all.

    He also shows clear signs of knowing the human psyche. The gentle yet almost unnoticeable touch to the back, with a tap for normality. It made it feel completely like a subconscious decision, the tap alerted the brain momentarily to another point of focus while the placement of the hand made it feel like a safe alert.

    He knows psychology, he knows psychology very well. He doesn''t show any signs of a professional background, infact the exact opposite. If I didn''t know any better, from his appearance and nature alone. Hes likely just picked these things up from others." Kibe thought as he kept watching Mr.Miyuki talk to Mr.Nakayama. Brandon watched them too before his eyes looked Kibe. He looked at his straight and formal posture. Brandon then slapped his knees and stood up. He titled his head looking at Kibe. He was just staring at Kibe, eventually Kibe would look back for a moment and then fully when he saw Brandon staring at him.

    "Can I help you?" Kibe asked

    "...Nnnno, but if you you don''t look like a serial killer I don''t know who does." Brandon said, Kibe just stared at him blankly before looking forward again.

    "So whats your story? Highly educated kid gets accepted into the crime scene. Am I right?" Brandon asked with a smile

    "No, not really." Kibe said with a cold tone.

    "Hm, no change in tone. Hes good, can''t tell if hes lying." Brandon said as he zipped in front of Kibe with a smile. Kibe''s eyes slowly went to him.

    "Brandon Wright, you?" Brandon asked as he extended his hand with a wide grin.

    "You''re an attention kind of guy aren''t you?" Kibe said as he and Brandon kept eye contact. Brandon''s hand was still extended.

    "Did you know the human brain can only focus on so many things happening at once? It was discovered in the US that the limit, was 4." Brandon asked

    "I assure you my senses are much greater than you think." Kibe replied

    "Oh no doubt of it, I''m sure your brain is entirely capable of multitasking and keeping track of every detail. To the people walking behind, the birds flying in the sky, clouds slowly moving through the air, the woman who''s waiting at the bustop across the street, the salon filled with frilly women who all somehow have they''re nails filed too much.

    Or the cars passing by and the conversation that Mr.Miyuki and Mr.Nakayama are having right behind us. My extended hand to you and my fingers wiggling infront of you." Brandon said, his face still curled into his sadistic and narcissistic smile. Kibe and him kept eye contact with each other for what felt like eternity. Both going through a form of psychological warfare.

    "...You think I''m stupid?" Kibe asked

    "Yes." Brandon said

    "You just took my badge from my waist, you tried to overload my brain by pointing things in the area. You believed you could, distract me." Kibe said, Brandon''s face fell a bit. Almost like he was disappointed, Kibe then put his hand out, Brandon looked at it and then gave Kibe his badge. Kibe grabbed it and put it back on in his jacket pocket.

    "The name is Nori Kibe by the way." Kibe said.

    "I can''t believe your allowing this! Nakayama!" Mr.Miyuki said with aggravation.

    "Enough, I''ve made my decision. Officers, there won''t be an arrest on Brandon Wright." Mr.Nakayama said

    "But he-"

    "Was the child not saved? A crime stopped? If you have yes to answer to those questions, which judging by your silence I''ll say yes. Then we''re done here. Miyuki, Kibe and Brandon. With me." Mr.Nakayama said as he walked back intot the station. Kibe looked at Brandon a few moments longer before walking inside, Mr.Miyuki walked past Brandon, leaving him last to follow them. Later all four of them would be in Mr.Nakayama''s office. Kibe was sitting down Mr.Miyuki was too while Brandon wondered around the room.

    "Now, to brief you guys on what''s happening." Mr.Nakayama said, Brandon picked up a book from one of Nakayama''s shelves. He looked at it and saw it covered criminal science. He then began to flip through it.

    "Well gentlemen, as you both well know and as you will know Brandon. The trickster was caught. However, our boys in criminal psychology and those working in Naicho have suspected that some more cases will stir up. Mainly due to the fallout that happened 9n the underground. Our job now, is to bust and crack these cases before they can turn bad.

    Or end up like the wonderland case." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Ah! I heard about that one, some people were wearing mask of his at the airport. Local magazines talk about him, yet he doesn''t come out too much huh? Shy boy." Brandon said, Mr.Nakayama looked at him.

    "Yea well, we''re not covering that case. At the moment its cold and there aren''t many leads." Mr.Nakayama said as he wrote something down.

    "Sounds like you''ve given up really." Brandon said, both Kibe and Mr.Miyuki turned around and looked at him, Mr.Miyuki gave Mr.Nakayama the side eye from the comment. Mr.Nakayama didn''t acknowledge it and just kept writting.

    "Like I said, we''re on other cases now. They''ll be popping up like popcorn now that the competition is gone.

    No one, covers the wonderland case. Nobody. Its off limits. Understand?" Mr.Nakayama said to which everyone nodded but Brandon who just clicked his tongue and gave a thumbs up.

    "Alright, you all best get familiar with one another. Each of these files will have information about each of you. Best to know your team well.

    I''ll message you all when something comes up." Mr.Nakayama said as he got up and gestured for Mr.Miyuki to follow to which he got up and did. They left and closed the door behind them. Kibe just stay seated as he kept thinking to himself.

    "Hey buster!" Brandon said as he jumped into the seat next to Kibe, he looked at Brandon before looking away again.

    "You know I was thinking-"

    "Hope you didn''t hurt yourself." Kibe said

    "Hehe, well, I was thinking about our earlier discussion. I was trying to think about what kind of guy you were. Since I can''t quite get a read on if your lying or telling the truth. No pupil dilation, sweat and no physical signs to tell. Your perfect.

    Like a machine." Brandon said, Kibe looked at him.

    "I think I know what kind of guy you are, your the kind of guy who believes he''s in control. Who''s ontop of everyone and everything. Like me. No stress and problem free." Brandon said

    "Your file says you suffer from insomnia." Kibe said

    "Pffft, so I stay up late. Who doesn''t?" Brandon said with a wide smile. Kibe looked away as he leaned on his arm. Brandon stared at him with a smile before he got his phone out.

    "Oh hey, we should probably exchange phone numbers, to keep in touch yaknow. Don''t worry, I won''t butt dial you." Brandon said, Kibe looked at him before he reached in his pocket for his phone. However, when he did. He noticed it was gone. Kibe reached in his other pocket and it also wasn''t there. Just his badge.

    "My phone...its missing." Kibe said, he was legitimately suprised as he was always aware of his surroundings and who was with him.

    "Oh no! Here use my phone, give it a call and I''ll go ahead and find it." Brandon said as he got up and gave Kibe his phone. Kibe then typed in his number and gave it a call. He waited as it rang, suddenly Kibe could hear his ring tone going off right behind him. Kibe''s face turned to brief suprise as he turned around slowly and saw Brandon standing at the door with his back turned. He was looking at something. Kibe just stared at him as his ring tone kept going off. Brandon''s head then turned to him, a wide devilish smile came across his face as he looked at Kibe.

    "You want to know something Kibe? The problem with machines is, they always get a malfunction." Brandon said as he walked to him and handed him his phone. Kibe just stared at Brandon, his face cold and expressionless. While Brandon''s was filled with emotion and ecstacy.

    "I like you, I have a feeling you and me are going to have a lot of fun." Brandon said as he walked out of the room. Kibe got up as he watched Brandon leave. At this moment thats when Kibe realized exactly what it was that Mr.Nakayama had done.

    For the first time again, since meeting Mr.Nakayama. He once again had another great mind against him. Someone who he could see on eye level with.

    Elsewhere at the time, at Swan River General Hospital. Mrs.Mihara was sitting in the main office room with a few other psychiatrist. Standing at the window was Mr.Tomomasa. He was drinking a cocktail as he looked down at most of the city and the police station from afar.

    "It would seem that student 03 has failed to truly bring 01 out into the light. To reintroduce him to the fire that he lit for the good doctor all those years ago." Said Mr.Tomomasa as he took another drink. He then looked over and at a large portrait of two blonde twins, they both looked exactly the same and both were wearing uniforms. He stirred his drink for a moment.

    "He''s been doing amazingly well in this wild and unpredictable environment.

    I do believe its time to spice a few things up. If we want for him to reach his full potential and rejoin us again.

    We will have to make him yern for it. To beg for it.

    So Nori Kibe, shall we? Let the games begin?

    The ultimate chess game? With Japan as our board and it''s people our pieces. Ohoh, its going to be quite a party." Chuckled Mr.Tomomasa as he walked away from the window and a new set of dangers began to prepare themselves, to attack Japan.

 Volume 3, Case #1: Alice part 1

    A few weeks would pass by, shadow''s Kiss would be put on delay due to the events that happened with Takashi. Kibe would continue with school, not making any moves or doing much of anything. He figured since he''s in the PSIA now, that it''d better to watch his moves from now one. Not that he wasn''t already.

    Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki however, continued to do they''re own investigations into Kibe still, but having him around more made that difficult. The double edged sword was beginning to show itself. Brandon Wright on the other hand had been making a name for himself amongst the force.

    Complaints rose dramatically about him, stalking other coworkers when leaving work, sleeping in weird places and even interrupting interrogations with suspects on other cases. Cheif of police had to almost suspend him on the first week. However some good things did come from Brandon, after being asked to take the PSIA and FBI test, he took them and got a solid 100% score rate on all of them. The language barrier didn''t stump him at all.

    Brandon''s physical test weren''t anything special, but still acceptable. He is a remarkable agent. When Nin came him to the office to give Brandon a second psych eval, she described him in a few words to Mr.Nakayama afterwards. Calling Brandon; unscrupulous, unethical, dishonest and even said a lot of his actions always seem...premeditated. like every word he said was something he had given thought to. Later on though, Brandon would grow a fascination with one of the cases in the PSIA''s catalog. One that was deemed "impossible" and unsolvable by legal means. He had laid down some theories previously before and even spoken to Mr.Nakayama on getting on the case.

    Kibe and Brandon were sitting down in Mr.Nakayama''s office with Mr.Miyuki standing near by. Mr.Nakayama''s moved from them to the case file in front of him. He leaned back in his chair.

    "I see, so you both have agreed to take on the case of imaginary killer case. A case with no suspects and with no leads.

    The quick summary of the case is as follows. A little girl in Kobe; Nishinomiya. Name is Ikuko End��. Age 6, Ikuko has been a bit of a psychic in this case. A few days before the killing started, Ikuko''s mother had brought her and her daughter into a police station saying that Ikuko had been drawing some strange pictures in her classes.

    Pictures of people dying that she didn''t know. She would write their names on the top left of her drawings and then would draw that person dying either via a gun or stabbing. In her own words "My imaginary friend tells me when the bad things will happen.".

    Every time she has drawn one of those pictures, someone has died.

    So far in the 3 - 5 months the case has been active. No leads have been discovered or when they are, lead to dead-ends.

    Thats what the case file says." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Thanks for the rerun through it. I assume that''s all there is on the case as of this time.

    I''m aware there is a officer whose familiar with the case. A man by the name of, officer Takahiro It��." Kibe said as Brandon was sucking on his thumb in the next chair.

    "Mmmm, the possibility of the imaginary killer being a police officer is too obvious. Its not a good angle." Brandon said

    "And why is that? One of the many professions that criminals, especially sociopaths and psychopaths like to take are things related to law enforcement and psychiatry.

    It only seems right to look into the police." Mr.Miyuki said

    "I say its not a good angle; because I have reason to believe the police are either heavily unreliable or crooked." Brandon said, the room got quiet for a moment at the mention. Brandon''s eyes looked to Mr.Nakayama who was staring down at the case file.

    "You believe that too don''t you? Mr.Nakayama." Brandon asked, to which Mr.Nakayama nodded his head.

    "I do, the officers there have kept they''re mouths pretty quiet on investigations having to do with the mother of this girl. Including close relatives of them too.

    Its only safe to assume that they''re either scared shitless or could be taking bribes from the killer themselves." Mr.Nakayama said

    "In which case it sounds like this really will just be me and Brandon after all." Kibe said

    "Which reminds me. Why is it that you requested for Kibe again Brandon?" Mr.Miyuki asked, Brandon took his thumb out of his mouth and wiped it on the chair. He then put his hands on his knees. His face looking to Mr.Miyuki.

    "Kibe has shown hes perfectly capable of reasoning and deducting plausible dead ends and managing possible leads

    Not to mention, his capability to cold read these sorts of spotty situations are highly impressive. If he were doggy I''d give him a treat. Hehe.

    On a serious note. I just want to get to know him some more, and what better than investigating a serial mastermind." Brandon smiled, Mr.Miyuki looked to Nakayama who just shrugged as he put his hands together.

    "Well then, if theres nothing else. Then-" at that moment a officer would barge into the officer room alerting everyone to look at him.

    "MR.NAKAYAMA! A HOMICIDE JUST CAME IN!" shouted the officer.

    "What?!" Mr.Nakyama said as he got up, later all of them would be standing at a TV screen. There they would be watching a tape that had been delivered to them anonymously. It was a video, one of the officers played it. It then turned to a alley wall, with blood on the wall. The word "Alice" written in the blood. Then the video on a voice came up.

    "Hello there, my name is Alice! I am a devoted follower of the white rabbit! Hes shown us something special. I will show you something special. I want to show you that in life, we all have only one life. I however, Alice, have nine.

    Nine beautiful lives. Nine beautiful bodies, nine beautiful ways to die. The white rabbit may be the ring leader, but I am the wild animal that he can''t control.

    I will kill again, when I want. Goodnight officers." Said Alice, her voice was static and almost hard to hear as the audio cut out. Everyone looked at one another and began to talk, the whole office erupted into conversation.

    "I want officers around the clock looking for the street and alley that this video was taken in! Nothing is left unchecked!" Mr.Nakyama shouted as he pointed and pushed officers in certain directions

    "Nakayama, what could this mean? Is she trying to get the rabbit''s attention? Or is she trying to put herself as a new murderer?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "No, she wants to get his attention. Who knows how many of these other tapes are out there. Being sent to other places where they can put them up or be eager to get some publicity." Mr.Nakayama said as he checked his phone for anything on the news, yet found nothing.

    "Nothing on the news channels sir, this seems to have been just targeted towards us." Said a officer sitting nearby.

    "Which means she is looking to get our attention. She wants us on this. Perhaps she may even be looking to get caught.

    She''s peering. She wants to get someone to see her." Mr.Nakayama said, thats when he''d take a breath and the commotion of the office began to grow less. The noise soon turned into nothing. Voices became nothing, the sounds of footsteps became nothing and all others.

    His eyes slowly opened as he was then on the street. Looking down the alley. There he saw a black shadow walking to a innocent, using a weapon and gutting them.

    "The sickness in this killer is parental. Was done by the way the-...No.

    She was born this way.

    The world didn''t change anything about her, she changed the world. She wants to get someone''s attention, but isn''t looking to expose who that is." Mr.Nakayama said as he turned around to see Kibe and Brandon still looking at the monitor. Brandon''s mouth was a wide smile while Kibe had no feelings on his face. Mr.Nakayama then walked away with Mr.Miyuki as the situation began to die down a little. Brandon stared at the blood and the victim on the video. Kibe just stared at it.

    "Someone who wants to get my attention. Interacting with this Alice is to be the least option I should take.

    She sent this video here, which means she most definitely knows me or has an idea. My first thought should be Kat, however with the audio from the video being distorted and it being...well a video. This all seems to be too over the top for her.

    If she wanted my attention. She would have just gotten to the point or came here herself with how unhinged she is. This clearly can''t be her work." Kibe thought, thats when he saw Brandon right next to his face looking at him. Kibe''s eyes lingered on him.

    "You recognize that voice at all?" Brandon asked.

    "No. What are you getting at?" Kibe asked.

    "What I''m saying is that I think you recognize that voice. Mainly because of the fact you didn''t have much to say on the matter." Brandon said

    "Theres nothing to say. The video was made by a clearly psychopathic person. She wants the attention of the white rabbit." Kibe said as he looked at the screen of the scene.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "Then why send it here?" Brandon asked

    "Because the white rabbit case has been handled here before. No doubt she believes that with us on her case and mentioning him. That we will focus on two cases at once.

    Hoping to separate our unit into two.

    But you aren''t thinking that way...are you?" Kibe said as his eyes slowly moved to Brandon. Brandon gave a wide smile before nodding and walking away. Kibe watched him for a while before he also made his exit. Soon he''d leave the station. Putting his school unfirom back and walking out with his school bag. Thats when he got a text from Mi. He looked at it before closing his phone.

    Later he''d walk over to a martial arts building. It was next to a clothing store and a retail store. He briefly looked inside and could see Mi in there, training with a martial art teacher with other students as well. Kibe just watched until eventually walking inside. As he did Mi''s attention would go to him. She would smile and give him a small wave with Kibe nodding to her. He''d walk over to a empty seat next to a woman and sit down. His bag in his lap. Kibe''s eyes watched everything. He could see the small details of every person around him and make a profile of them so accurate, most detectives and even psychiatrist would call it "inhuman" or borderline "mind reading".

    Kibe could see a female student, brown dark hair, fake of course and her outfit was tight around her. A sign of her liking comfort and security. She was a blue belt, it was worn though. Perhaps a sign of putrid progress, she doesn''t want change and is afraid of the expectations of what the future may bare on her. So she stays in one place. Another student, a boy was sitting down more comfortably than the rest. Though his belt was yellow. Slack, laziness and a sense of disinterest. He isn''t here by his own accourd. No. Infact, he was brought here. One of the women sitting beside Kibe, likely his mother or aunt? A close relative even.

    They want him to learn how to fight, but he doesn''t feel he needs it. He feels man enough to do without it. Even though judging from the way he holds his wrist on occasion and fiddles with his fingers. He is clearly afraid of confrontation. Kibe''s eyes then moved to Mi and the the dojo master. He noticed how the master often would help Mi with her stance, she clearly had been here for a few weeks now. No doubt due to the incident before at the warehouse. She didn''t want to feel useless or helpless, Kibe was impressed.

    However looking closer at the dojo master, he could see a level of perversion. The man''s hands sometimes lingered on Mi''s waist a few seconds longer or his eyes would move to her chest for a moment when no one else was watching. He was clever. He had clearly done this before. Kibe had no doubt that if no one was here the man would simply grope Mi to please his wants. It wasn''t obvious to others, but Kibe could make it out clearly. The man was like a open book.

    He noticed what Mi was learning, a bit more of an advanced type of karate. She was a brown belt, very impressive. It wouldn''t be long before Kibe may have to watch out for her...not really but the idea was there. He watcher practice session for 2 hours. During that time he got around to reading and profiling everyone in his vicinity. They were practically family now he knew them all so well. It gave him a very familiar memory. He remembered a time while he was still in france, when he was a young boy.

    His mother once hoped to calm down his ever expensive mind and ability to read people, she did so by sending him to a psychiatrist, not they''re family one, but one recommended by a friend of hers. Her name was Sachie It��. Her office was a peachy color, marbles in a jar near her desk and flowers decorated her walls. She had tendency to test him, he sent her to a mental institute. However not before he broke her mind and split it into thousands of pieces, tossing each one to a different corner of her subconscious.

    After the recollection he saw Mi standing in front of him.

    "Kibe, its so good to see you. How you been? I heard about them putting you in with the police." Mi said as she sat down next him.

    "Yes well they supposedly could use the extra hands, even though they seem chalked filled with them. Though. Such times likes these, too many hands in the cookie jar can often leave results...inconclusive." Kibe said as he put his bag down looking to Mi. He looked at the dojo master who averted his eyes from the two of them once Kibe looked his way. Kibe''s eyes held on him for a long moment. He then looked back to Mi.

    "How are you? I mean after everything that happened, I''m sorry I couldn''t have gotten there sooner." Kibe said

    "Its ok really. Stop saying that. You visiting me every other day. I guess...I just wish it was sooner." Mi said, her voice was a bit shaky, she looked away for a moment. It was clear she was still dealing with what had happened at the warehouse. Kibe placed a hand on her wrist. Gently pressing and rubbing his finger. She looked at him.

    "Mi, I owe you a great deal for that day. You called the police that day. That day you gave me security. Gave me a mat of which to fall on if things went ugly." Kibe said to her, Mi looked at him, her eyes with slight worry in them. The people around them began to leave, taking they''re children and friends with them all the while Kibe and Mi stayed. Eyes focused on one another.

    "...we-....were you going to make things ugly?" She asked, her voice more unsteady, but Kibe''s reassuring rubbing of her hand kept her tame and focused.

    "No. I was there to. Confirm something. To confirm my suspicions on something." Kibe said, Mi looked down for a moment.

    "I want you to forget that day Mi, something like that shouldn''t be haunting you." Kibe said, even though his words sounded like corner and reflected care. He still had that cold and distant sound in his voice. Like a machine.

    "I don''t think I can." Mi said

    "Don''t worry, I''ll help you." Kibe said as his eyes then went to the dojo master again, the man''s eyes was looking at them for a second before moving away the second Kibe looked to him again. Kibe then got up.

    "I''ll be a minute, can you wait here for me?" Kibe asked to which Mi nodded, Kibe then walked over to the dojo master.

    "Greetings, Nori Kibe. You?" Kibe asked as he and the man shook hands. Back at the police station Brandon was sitting down with a recording of the previous message from Alice on constant repeat. He was leaning back in a chair, his feet on the desk as he was eating a banana.

    "Nine lives, nine bodies and a nice addiction to a white ball of fluff. Heh." Brandon chuckled as he finished his banana and then grabbed another one next to him. As he kept listening Mr.Miyuki would walk nearby with a report, he''d look over to see Brandon smirking to himself as he ate his snack. Mr.Miyuki rolled his eyes before walking over, lightly cursing to himself.

    "Brandon." Mr.Miyuki said getting Brandon''s attention.

    "Oh hey, how''s the kid?" Brandon asked, Mr.Miyuki just looked at him annoyed as he dropped the file on Brandon''s lap. Brandon looked down as he finished his banana quickly and picked up the file. He began to read it.

    "Forensics didn''t get any fingerprints, but found traces of leather. They''re guessing gloves possibly. What do you think?" Mr.Miyuki asked, Brandon looked at the file before looking up with a intrigued look.

    "...Can I get a hold of the tape?" Brandon asked.

    Brandon would be given the tape, he held it in his hands, but instead of simply studying it. He would smell it. His nose trailing over it, like a dog over a pork rib.

    "Mmmm, I smell ginger, a hint of jasmine too.

    She''s polish, parvenu. I can get a hint of a lifestyle resembling some form of respect. She admires him.

    I also smell beauty, sensual.

    She doesn''t like this though, she hates the beauty; wants to break away from this. Her reality was fabricated for her. Our killer is unsatisfied with herself, she dislikes the others around her that play with this reality too. Jealous type." Brandon said as he put the tape down, Mr.Miyuki was just staring at him, his arms folded in disbelief.

    "You got all that from the smell?" Mr.Miyuki asked tilting his head in curiosity.

    "Yes. You didn''t?" Brandon asked, but Mr.Miyuki didn''t have anything to say.

    "I can tell our killer has a problem with they''re image. They hate themselves. Openly I might even say.

    ...is there a hospital nearby by any chance?" Brandon asked.

    Across the city later in the day and nearest to night, in Mr.Nakayama''s hotel room. Tokyo was finishing with filing some work and doing reports for her students and they''re college papers. While Jun was in her room, tinkering and rebuilding yet another computer from the ground up. She was installing the CPU and rewiring some of the graphics cards she had made herself. Jun was wearing some sweat pants, a tee shirt and a baseball cap.

    A smile was on her face as she did her electronic passion. Thats when she''d get a call. She stopped what she was doing and looked over to the called ID. It was Kibe. She rolled over in her chair and picked it up.

    "Kibe, what a suprise. I didn''t think I would be hearing from you. Seeing how you''re so busy with the PSIA work now." Jun said

    "I apologize for the informal call, but I just wanted to check on you. Since the incident, everyone has been reasonably. On edge.

    So I thought I''d check with you. No nightmares?" Kibe asked

    "No, no nothing. I still can''t believe Takashi manipulated Ryota and Kenji into all of this. It seemed so...real. it really felt like it was Kenji behind it all." Jun said

    "Yea it sure did. Even I was convinced." Kibe said

    "Hey I''m, I was wondering if-"

    "Oh I''m very sorry Jun, but I''ve called you at a very awkward time. I won''t be able to make any plans. I''m already drowning in them. Like today, I have to do some stuff with Mi. I hope you can understand." Kibe said

    "...Oh uh yea sure, no problem. So, what kind of stuff are you guys doing? Hopefully not more karaoke heheh." Jun chuckled, as Kibe was in the alley behind the dojo. There he could see other apartments behind it and a fire escape attached to it. He then turned to see the dojo master, his face severely beaten in and hanging from the fire escape by his belt.

    "Oh nothing to beat yourself up over." Kibe said as he took off his black gloves.

    "Oh its fine, well. I guess I''ll let you go then." Jun said

    "No, I should make it up to you. Afterall without you I wouldn''t have solved the trickster case. How about something this weekend? Obviously once I''m done with work." Kibe said, Jun subconsciously smiled as she put some of her hair behind her ear.

    "Uh yea, that sounds great, what did you have in mind?" She asked

    "The gun range. Seeing how you were so good with firearms last time." Kibe said

    "Thats a great idea!" She said

    "Great, I''ll call you the day before with the details. Goodnight. " Kibe said, he then looked up at the dojo master and then to the exit of the alleyway. No one was coming and going. It was like as if no one existed outside of this alley. Kibe then looked back to him.

    "Karate is a defensive art, but I guess in case. Defense didn''t really save you this time around.

    Next time, or in the next life, you are religious right?" Kibe asked, but obviously the dojo master gave no answer.

    "Right. Well in the next life, I must advise. Keep your eyes to yourself.

    Goodnight." Kibe said as he walked away, and right around the corner, waiting at the front entrance of the dojo, was Mi. Dressed in casual clothes. Her eyes and face beamed when she saw Kibe. Feeling more safe than ever.

    "Shall we?" Kibe said

    "Yes, lets." Mi said as Kibe began to walk her home. The two walked togther through the streets as Kibe studied the people around them. Mi was on her phone for a moment before she looked to Kibe.

    "So, police work, how is that?" Mi asked

    "It helps to stop bodies from piling in the streets.

    Its good work. Very educational, if I do say myself." Kibe said

    "Thats great, I can say the same for my martial arts. It really helps me feel...strong. I want to feel reliable. When you got to that place, when I heard you were there when the police arrived, I was worried." Mi said

    "Oh, nothing happened. It was just...distracting." Kibe said, Mi nodded as she looked down. Her thoughts then went to what that girl had said before. Himmy''s words rang through her head from what she had said at the warehouse.

    "Kibe...what is your relationship with Himmy? She was there with us. When I asked her about you she..." Mi didn''t know how to continue her words. Kibe simply looked at her, his eyes acting as if he was shocked at the sudden question, but really. He couldn''t have been more aware of her feelings on the matter.

    "Himmy is impertinent, and impertinentness is unbearably inconvenient for me. That has been her main role in my life at the moment, unlike you." Kibe said

    "Me?" Mi asked

    "Yes, you bring a joy to me that I haven''t had since the first time we met. I only regret that we don''t get to chat more often or get to know each other. Closer." Kibe said as he placed a hand on her back.

    "Himmy is attempting to delude you. She is a cog in the wheel that is our relationship. I''d hate for her feelings towards me and her feeble attempts to manipulate you; to ruin our growing understanding for one another.

    I hope you feel the same." Kibe said, Mi''s hand grabbed Kibe''s arm. Her face turning red with blush. Kibe''s hand went to her ear and whispered to her.

    "To let her ruin your attempts at healing our old life together, would be like as if you had gotten shot at that warehouse. Its like you said, you won''t be helpless anymore." Kibe said as he backed away from her. Mi had a tear going down her face, she had never felt so close to Kibe as she does now. Was this a confession? She thought to herself. She didn''t know how to feel about what was happening. Yet her head was being filled with new views on Himmy and brighter thoughts on Kibe.

    Kibe then got a call on his phone.

    "Thag would be the PSIA. Can we talk again? Soon?" Kibe asked to which Mi nodded automatically. Mi smiled at Kibe and he returned it to her.

    A cab would drive up behind them. With Kibe opening the door and gesturing for Mi to get in.

    "You called one? But how did you-"

    "I know you want to try hard to be better on your own, but I can''t help but look out for you. In extension, us." Kibe said as Mi got into the cab.

    "Till next time, Mi." Kibe said

    "Goodnight Kibe." Mi said, Kibe watched as the cab drove off with Mi. He then picked up the phone.

    "Greetings." Kibe said

    "Kibe, good news. I got us a lead on the Alice case. How fast can you get to the Swan River General Hospital?" Brandon asked

    "Don''t worry, I''m rather resourceful." Kibe said as he started walking.

    "Well be here quick, hopefully we''ll get this freak before another body drops." Brandon said

    "Lets hope so." Kibe said as he then hung up as he made his way to the Swan River General Hospital.

 Case #1: Alice Part 2

    Kibe would meet Brandon outside the Swan River General Hospital. Brandon would be eating a pear as he looked up at the building.

    "Greetings, I assume you have a plan?" Kibe asked as he walked next to him.

    "Our killer requires therapy or has taken it up once. One of the few hospitals I had thought of was this one." Brandon said

    "Had? You don''t believe its this one do you?" Kibe asked

    "No, such a high profile place wouldn''t be the place to have such a deranged girl. No, we''re here to find records of a backdoor clinic. Some sort of the off the books psychiatrist." Brandon said as he finished eating his pear and throwing the core into the bushes.

    "Why not use the PSIA to help locate it? It''d be better and more legal." Kibe said

    "The PSIA may keep records of all that bumbogash(Brandon language for stupid.), but they are too loud for me. Yaknow? They just don''t sit quiet enough and like to make everything about paperwork.

    We''re hunting a killer, its a simple solution. We either arrest her or kill her. There is no grey area." Brandon said

    "...Very well then." Kibe said

    "Does that mean?" Brandon asked

    "Yes. I''ll follow you on this venture you have planned. I don''t have to assume you already know where we''ll find her." Kibe said

    "GREAT! Glad to hear your on board!

    Oh, and yes. We will be catching her." Brandon said

    "When?" Kibe asked

    "How does in the next twenty-four hours sound?" Brandon asked, Kibe looked at his watch and set a timer.

    "Lets begin." Kibe said as he and Brandon walked into the hospital. However, before Kibe would take a step in. He once again would feel like someone was watching him. His eyes darted around the street and the alleys he could see. He looked at the closed stores and open cafes. He looked to the empty cars too, yet found nothing. His senses were screaming to him, yet he saw nothing. He looked one more time before entering the hospital.

    As they walked in. They saw the lavish and luxurious interior. It was unbelievable really, like nothing Brandon had ever seen.

    "What you mentioned outside, about killing her. You clearly have no qualms about having to kill. No hesitation." Kibe said

    "Death is just another part of life, blah blah blah long ranch philosophical speech starts now." Brandon said annoyed to which Kibe just stared at him as they kept walking to the receptionist desk.

    "I''m not a complicated guy, I see people do bad things. I feel like they deserve bad things to happen to them.

    You reap what you so and that nonsense." Brandon said

    "You don''t be believe in karma? The idea of people eventually being punished?" Kibe asked

    "What like divine judgment? Please. Not a chance. If God really hated sinners, then we''d all be taking lava-baths." Brandon said as he and Kibe stopped at the desk. Kibe just looked at him before looking to the receptionist who was smiling at both of them eerily.

    "Ewww, whats up with her face?" Brandon whispered to Kibe who was just standing with his hands at his side.

    "Its called smiling." Kibe answered

    "Uhh no, thats not a smile, thats a bit more comparable to a cringe or awkward grin." Brandon said, to which upon hearing the receptionist began to look a little confused and annoyed, but kept her smile together.

    "Uhhh excuse me, is there anything I can do for you?" The receptionist asked, moving her hair to the side.

    "Yes, we''re with the PSIA. I''m Mr.Wright and this Mr.Nori. We''re here for a uhhhh...do you have an orange back there? Like some sort of fruit?" Brandon asked as he peered over. The woman hesitated for a moment, but looked around for a moment.

    "Uhhh, I have my lunch...I had grapes." The receptionist said to which Brandon then extended his hand in a gesture; for her to give them to him. As she did Kibe looked at her. His eyes moved around her desk. There didn''t seem to be anything that stood out, besides one tiny thing he noticed on the desk. Thanks to Brandon''s weirdness, Kibe could see the woman had an epipen in her purse. Something seen quite often with people who have peanut allergies.

    "We need the records of other hospitals you may have on record. Possible reports even, of backdoor clinics." Kibe said as he walked behind then desk and looked at the woman. She stared at him for a moment.

    "Yea sure, do you have a warrant? Cause I-"

    "Everyone, always ask for a warrant. Do you really think we''d come here, talk to you about all this important shit and not have a actual warrant?Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    No, we have one, but we''re not going to send it to you. We sent it to your boss. You know what? We''re going to go ahead and meet up with your file keeper fellas. You call your superiors and you can explain to them! Why your wasting they''re time on something they already know. Let''s see how long you keep your job after that." Brandon said as he gestured for Kibe to follow him, the two of them walked up the escalator while the receptionist was still in shock and unsure what to do about them. As they got to the top Brandon snickered at Kibe who gave no reaction.

    "You play the part of good cop, expertly. Heheheh, I gotta admit partner, I''m impressed. Didn''t think you could hold your lid so well." Brandon said as they walked down the hall and past a few nurses and trainees.

    "I was legitimately trying to ask her for information. Maybe your thing is deception, but its not mine." Kibe said. Brandon just stared at him with a smirk.

    "Sure." Brandon said. Eventually after following Kibe they''d reach another desk where there were more doctors and nurses typing and going in and out to take care of business. Kibe and Brandon got to the desk to which Brandon would lean aginst and knock on it. Like a door. The young woman in front looked at him. She had a bobcut haircut, dark brown hair and brown eyes.

    "Yes?" She asked

    "How do you do? I''m Mr.Wright, entrepreneur and charismatic con artist. I''m here looking for a really good therapist for my good friend here.

    You see the thing is...between the two of us. Hes kind of a introvert, very shy and very nervous. Its his first time." Brandon said to which the woman nodded as she looked over to Kibe.

    "Hello Kibe." Said the girl

    "Hi Tika. How''s my mother been today?" Kibe said

    "Shes good, working hard. What are you doing here?" Tika asked, Brandon had no words. All he could do is look at them back and fourth without seeming too embarrassed.

    "We need to get some information regarding back alley clinics. We''re investigating a homicide for the PSIA.

    We believe that Swan hospital may have some information we can use." Kibe said

    "Oh dear God, is it about that "Alice"? I heard she''s a psycho. A real menace." Tika said

    "Don''t bother asking for a warrant, it''ll make things more easier for the two of us. Not to mention I doubt your superiors would want this affecting records.

    I know you people tend to have to report all this crap, the paperwork and then the formalities.

    I mean who really cares about that shit." Brandon chuckled as Tika and Kibe looked at him and then each other.

    "The files." Kibe said, Tika was very conflicted, her eyes darted around for a moment. She stared at the phone to call the head office. Thats when Brandon cleared his throat. She looked at him and saw him pull out a cigarette.

    "Excuse me, you can''t-" but thats when Brandon would swish his hand in his face and it would dissappear. Tika looked at the act with shock and some amazement. Kibe just looked at him.

    "...H-How did you?" Tika asked

    "Its a trick of the mind. Your so focused on everything else around you, your mind can''t focus on one last thing." Brandon smirked, as he talked with Tika. Kibe decided to make his way around the desk and to the computer. Though of course Tika didn''t notice him, due to how Kibe was so bland and blended into the environment. He typed on it gently. He took a notice for the fact there was a passcode. His eyes moved quickly to see Brandon and Tika still talking.

    He then looked around the desk for hints to the password. Looking through a few papers, as he did he then saw a sticky note lying on one piece. He looked at Tika''s clothing. She was well dressed,but her figure and the way she carried herself showed Kibe she clearly didn''t fit in it. He figured forgetfulness, signs of clumsiness and of course with how her hair wasn''t as in place as the receptionist''s was and of course uncoordinated.

    So Kibe grabbed the sticky note gently and stared at it. It had written down "Don''t Forget To Clean The Desk At 11:30 This Afternoon.". Kibe anyalyzed it and took notice of the way the note was written. He noticed the capitalization of each of the words and the time added in.

    "Clever. DFTCTDA1130TA. What a mouth full." Kibe thought as he typed in the password and the computer came on, not that Tika would notice with Brandon distracting her. After a few moments Kibe would have found a list of black listed back alley therapist. He then would connect his phone to the computer and download the information he gathered to it. After a minute, he''d unplug his phone from it and then make his way back next to Brandon.

    "And just like that, you know how to flip a coin on your nose." Brandon said as Tika somehow balanced a coin on her nose, yet when she tried to flip it it fell over. She clumsily went for it knocking a few things over. Brandon looked over the desk with smile.

    "Well we better get going, thanks letting us borrow your attention." Brandon said

    "Oh uhh sure. Kibe, I''ll let your mom kno-"

    "Don''t. Better to not do so." Kibe said as he and Brandon made his way out of the hospital. As they did Brandon looked over to Kibe.

    "So did you get it?" Brandon asked, Kibe then sent the file to Brandon via his messages. Brandon got it and saw the list of hospitals.

    "Huh, over nearly a dozen back alley clinics/therapist. This may take longer than I thought. Darn, and I was so betting on them 24 hours." Brandon said as he bit his finger lightly. Kibe then saw a message from his mom and saw how late it was.

    "Yes and I have school. Till we meet again." Kibe said

    "Hey! What about Alice? You don''t just expect me to go dancing around without you now?" Brandon shouted

    "Talk to Miyuki about it, he usually has a few ideas. Although it just a few." Kibe said

    "Do you think he''s any good? That Miyuki fellow? He sounds like such a stick in the mud. Hes so straightforward and such a slouch." Brandon chuckled, Kibe didn''t answer to it and decided to keep walking. Brandon watched him for a moment before he started making his way down the street. He walked with his hands in his pockets, people walked past him. Everyone living their own lives and meeting different people, different branches into the world and society. Brandon couldn''t stop thinking about it for a second, that was until he bumped into someone.

    "Hey hey! Watch it!" Said the business man, Brandon shook his head from the impact and looked at the man.

    "Oh, my bad! I''m sorry. Such a goofatoos(Brandon language for Goofy dummy)! Ahaha!" Brandon chuckled putting his hands back in his pockets. Brandon watched as the man gave a scoff as he walked away. Brandon smirked as he kept walking.

    "Gosh that guy sure looked funny. Must be a visiting fellow from some other place. Boy I could go for some saki after work today. My wife will bead though, ah what the heck. A quick drink won''t hurt." Said the business man, and as he reached into his pocket he found that his wallet was missing.

    "EH!? MY WALLET!?" he shouted, Brandon pulled his right hand out of his pocket and saw the information of the man.

    "Ah, Masaki Ishikawa. 37 years old, 16,000 yen on his person. Hmm the money from his cards will be easy to get into.

    Oh Ishikawa, you''ll be very important for what I have next in mind." Brandon thought as he was now sitting on a bench near a park. He put the man''s wallet in his pocket before he got a phone call. Brandon answered it.

    "Hellllloooooo. Mrs.Dumbwater speaking." Brandon said trying to make a girly voice.

    "Brandon, I need a favor." Mr.Nakayama said, he was back at his apartment sitting behind Tokyo who was writting some letters or supposed school stuff. Mr.Nakayama grabbed his small glass of water.

    "Eh? How did you know it was me?" Brandon asked as he turned and looked around.

    "Are you spying on me?" Brandon asked

    "No. Now pay attention, I need you to do something for me. However, it can only be between us. If anyone else finds out I''m doing this. You''ll be fired. Or if I even suspect, that you''ve been blabbing. Guess what?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "...I''ll get a apple?" Brandon answered

    "YOU''LL BE FIRED YOU IDIOT!" Mr.Nakyama shouted as Brandon backed his head away from the phone.

    "Ok ok ok, what is it your looking for me to do?" Brandon asked.

    The next day Kibe would go to school at Sawa High school. Everyone was chatting and talking to one another. Jun was at Kibe''s desk leaning on it as she spoke to him about engineering. Thats when the teacher came into the class and closed the door. Everyone got ready for class with the teacher getting his laptop out.

    "Good morning class! I just wanted you all to know today we have a math exam today. Along with it, I am to inform you all, that the famous International Puzzles of the world has entered Japan for the month.

    So any looking to prove they''re the best and smartest in all of Japan. Now is your chance." Said the teacher. Everyone''s wonder and anticipation had been peaked as the words from the teacher were not simply a notice, they were a warning.

 The preparation

    The class would look and whisper to each other after what the teacher had said. Kibe dat straight and looked at the teacher with interest in mind. Thats when he''d get  notification from his phone. He leaned back and looked down.

    "This sounds crazy right?" Texted Jun "Mmm, it does sound very interesting. Although the ominous energy in the air is a little...exaggerated." Kibe texted back.

    "Hey, I was wondering if you''d like to come out and help me choose a mouse for my new PC. You know the one I''ve been building." Jun texted, her face got a bit red as she sent that. She had never had a crush on another boy in her life, she always found them inconvenient. Yet somehow..with Kibe, he felt reliable. He was so determined and so very well kept together. It was hard to imagine him as anything less. Kibe looked at the message. His face still showing coldness and indifference.

    "I like to head straight back home after school. I can''t join you." Kibe texted before he turned off his phone. The teacher seemed to be still a clutz when it comes to getting everything together.

    "It would seem getting the attention of Mr.Nakayama''s daughter has indeed payed off. She seems completely infatuated with me.

    Although, her role here in this place is to watch me though." Kibe thought as he had a memory of when Jun first arrived. He remembered seeing her and Mr.Nakayama talking outside the school gate. He remembers witching them from the window in one of the stairwells. He opened his eyes again, returning to the present time. Everyone got ready for the math exam, besides Kibe who found it and all exams and test no matter the difficulty or subject. Meaningless and fruitless.

    "Whats the point in a test or exam if the ones being measured are already leagues above the knowledge that is being checked?

    Honestly, I''m suprised we aren''t throwing infants into the ocean to test their floating and swimming capabilities. Since they''ve been in fluids for as long as since birth." Kibe thought as he and the test of the class took the math exam.

    Across town, at the police bureau, Brandon was crouched on a couch leaning back as he went through files of all of the back alley therapist and clinics. He was eating a banana as he flipped through them. He looked at the names and all the information Kibe had gotten off of them.

    "So interesting. If people are really going to these places illegally and paying higher prices for the treatment. Then that means they have to be getting supplies from someone or a company.

    No doubt that may be what has them black listed in the first place.  Which means the best way to find whichever one it may infact be. May be through that." Brandon thought to himself as he continued to bite his finger. Thats when Mr.Miyuki entered the room and saw him. The two looked at each as Mr.Miyuki walked over and made himself some coffee.

    "Find anything yet?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Yea, I got this damn case by the tail I can feel it. This isn''t anything I can''t handle." Brandon smirked as he looked at files.

    "Good, cause Mr.Nakayama sure thinks you''re worth entrusting important task to." Mr.Miyuki said. Brandon snickered as he then put his papers down.  Mr.Miyuki looked at him as he steered his coffee.

    "I heard he had some sort of assignment for you. Hope you don''t screw it up." He said

    "I''ve read a bit of your file Miyuki,  says you got pretty high in the PSIA test, even broke a record I heard. Your a great detective from what it says." Brandon said while Mr.Miyuki just shrugged and kept drinking.

    "Its just a file, the real showing of a detective''s skills are out there. Not everything you see upon first looking, is always what is set in stone." Mr.Miyuki said as he walked with Brandon smirking and bitting his finger as he continued to look at the files. Mr.Miyuki looked at him and then the files. He saw Brandon scratching his head with both his hands frantically all of a sudden. He looked around and saw other people staring at him. Brandon began to groan loudly which threw Mr.Miyuki off.

    "Uhhh you alri-"

    "THATS IT!" Brandon shouted out freaking everyone out. He threw his arms in the air as he said that.

    "What the hell is his problem?" Asked a female officer

    "I heard he was from the states across seas, maybe that''s it." Said a male officer.

    "And I thought Mr.Nakayama could be weird." Mr.Miyuki said, Thats when Brandon leaned over the file, his face incredibly close to it.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    His smirk got wider somehow.

    "She hates herself! From the scent of the tape, she hates herself openly.

    If so she must be willing to change herself. Plastic surgery!

    THATS IT! SHE ISN''T A PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT!She believes she is disfigured, that something is wrong with her even though there isn''t. BDD. Also known as body dysmorphia. Nine beautiful lives...that must mean she''s tried nine times to make herself a new life!

    That she''s tried surgery before, yet to her its failed each time." Brandon said, his eyes getting wider as the red glint and shine in them showed more and more. His smile and teeth showing much more. He then slowly pulled a banana from his pocket to his mouth as he lifted it up to take a bite out of it.

    "But what about nine bodies? What did she mean by nine bodies?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Nine bodies, ah I see. The hints were glaring me right in the face and I couldn''t see it.

    Nine bodies, nine attempts. This is a illegal operation. Where does the doctor doing them get the resources to do so if not other people.

    Alice didn''t kill that person on the tape.

    The doctor did." Brandon smirked

    Back at Sawa High,  Kibe''s exam and class would end, once it did. He''d start towards his next class,  however as he passed a broom closet he''d see it crack just before he passed it.

    "Psst!" Said a familiar voice, Kibe stopped and then walked backwards to see who it was. Who other than Kat of course. Kibe took a quick look around before he walked inside. He closed the door gently behind him as he watched Kat sit on the floor.

    "I assume you got my attention for a reason. Best speak now, my next class won''t have my same patience." Kibe said

    "Oh you''ll love this, it''ll tear you a new smile. I believe you remember my little warning to you." Kat said

    "Yes I do. Are you speaking of Juo perhaps?" Kibe asked as he folded his hands in front of him. Kat gave a wide smile as she licked her lips.

    "I''ve seen him around, around here and Ginza. Hes looking for any sign of that girly of his he spoke of.

    Likely hes trying to find a way to get her back, what he doesn''t know is the play of which is being done. Oh you should just let me cut into him. Kill his fascination for good." Kat giggled as Kibe folded his arms.

    "Juo wishes to find her, he believes that this is some sort of fairytale. That his love for her. Is some sort of sword that can break through any dragon''s flesh, unfortunately for him. I''m not a beast.

    Where have you seen him most frequently?" Kibe asked

    "Around the Shinma area. I''ve seen him looking around like a puppy searching for his bone.

    Like someone missing a finger hehe." Kat smirked. Kibe leaned back for a moment.

    "Let me deal with Juo. Trust me, when my obstacles begin to stack up, I''ll find a way to remove them. Now then, I have my next class." Kibe said as he left the broom closet. As Kibe made his way there, he saw someone putting up some posters near the main school entrance. He looked at them and saw some students around it. He stopped for a moment to look at them from afar.

    "The International Puzzles of the World! Prove your the best!" Said the poster.

    "I heard that the winner can become more rich than any millionaires on earth!" Said a energetic girl

    "Really? But I heard that they sweep you away and make you president of some foreign country or continent." Said a chill boy

    "Your both wrong, geez. Its probably just some stupid trophy or medal." Said a uninterested boy. Kibe just watched before he then got a call, only it wasn''t from his normal phone. It was the one from Kiko. He answered it.

    "Greetings." Kibe said

    "I need to meet you at the chess club room. Don''t be followed." Kiko said, Kibe then put the phone down as it hung up.

    "A meeting at school huh? Well she is the treasure, so I suppose her cover isn''t blown by doing this. Let''s just hope she can keep this brief." Kibe said as he began to make his over towards the chess club room.

    Kiko was standing next to a chessboard as Kenji was playing by himself with it. The room was empty besides the two of them.

    "Care for a game of chess?" Kenji offered with a warm smile

    "No thanks. Besides, beating you would be child''s play." Kiko said with no emotion or sign of ego in her voice.

    "Eh?! Yea right! Not even Kibe could best me at chess." Kenji smirked

    "Oh I doubt that." Kiko said

    "Hm?"

    "Do you think Kibe may have let you get the win on him?" Kiko asked

    "..." Kenji didn''t know how to answer as he stopped playing chess and looked at her. His scowl then turned to a smile. Thats when the door to the room would open getting Kiko and Kenji''s attention. It was Kibe, who then closed the door behind him gently. He then turned around to see the two of them.

    "Hey, no hard feelings about before still right?" Kenji said with a chuckle as Kibe just walked over.

    "Hello there, glad to see you could make it." Kiko said

    "What is it?" Kibe asked, but Kiko would put her hand up first. Kenji and Kibe looked at her.

    "Before we commence with anything, I must know. Just how brilliant you truly are.

    A quick game." Kiko said

    "A game? You brought us here to play...a game?" Kenji said annoyed as leaned back in his chair swinging his arms.

    "No, this is a game from the Perfect town. Meaning...this is designed specifically for only the 0.1% on earth who can solve this." Kiko said to which then Kenji sat up in his chair, himself now fully intrigued on what was happening. Thats when Kiko would walk over towards her bag and pulled out a red mask with black sockets and black lipstick and another was a white mask with golden lipsticks and golden sockets.

    "Consider this preparation for what''s coming. You''ll both need it." Kiko said

    "Hmmm, usually I don''t entertain these. Especially since my leave from that place. However, I can''t refuse such a game." Kenji said

    "If it''ll get this along. So be it." Kibe said, Kiko looked at both of them. She held both mask in opposite hands.

    "Then we''ll begin then.

    This is...

    Dante''s Chess Game." Kiko said

 Dantes Chess Game

    Kibe and Kenji stared at Kiko. They watched as she held the two mask. Kibe and Kenji stared at Kiko who held them.

    "I''ll recite the rules of the game now...

    Dante''s Chess Game is a game surrounding two mask and a more extreme version of chess. Two opponents wear two different mask. They get to choose whichever one they wear, there is the the Devil mask and the Angel mask.

    The Devil mask, it has perfect vision and a clear view of the board at all times. As the game goes on every 2 turns, the devil can resurrect any member of they''re team. Every 5 turns the devil can then swap places with any member of the enemies team, however the enemy piece must be at least one or two spaces close to the devil''s.

    Every 10 turns though, the devil can kill any member of the enemy''s team. Unless the devil has recently within the last two turns lost a piece. In which then he''ll be unable to enact this move.

    The Angel mask, it has zero vision and view of the board. As the games goes on, the player is entirely reliant on they''re understanding and knowledge of the chessboard. Every 2 turns, the angel can move back a step.

    Every 5 turns, the angel can make a chance kill. A chance kill will allow the angel to claim that the devil has a piece one or two spaces close by. If the claim is accurate than that piece is then killed. If the chance kill is failed and there is no piece nearby, then nothing will happen and the devil is given a free move. The devil can take a chance if the attempt is accurate to lie, in which the angel can call on God(the judge) to determine if its true or not.

    If this results with the lie being exposed then the devil will lose two pieces instead of one. If the lie is confirmed to be the truth. Then the angel will lose two pieces.

    In 10 turns the angel can invoke justice sight! To which gives them temporary sight for a whole 10 minutes, but they aren''t allowed to move until that time frame is up.

    The conditions to win are as followed, either get a checkmate, get and or kill the enemy king, and when the time limit is over.

    These are the rules of the game. Do you accept them?" Kiko asked, Kenji''s mind was filled with flashes of the past. His time of youth, his childhood inside the pale palace.

    While Kibe just took a knee and looked to the chess pieces. Kiko looked at him.

    "Kibe?" She asked

    "Its a funny thing isn''t? I quite think so. Though humor has never sat well with me. I think its a funny thing either way.

    Chess I mean." Kibe said

    "...Do you agree with the rules?" Kiko asked, Kibe stared at the chess pieces a little longer before standing up and straightening his uniform.

    "Yes, I will." Kibe answered to which Kenji snickered.

    "Was something I said amusing to you?" Kibe said, yet his voice as always showed no sign of emotion or change in pitch or volume. Kenji was slightly annoyed at the lack of reaction.

    "Its just that, you don''t even remember the lessons we learned there or the test and games. The ones that taught and got us to the position we''re at now." Kenji smiled as he leaned on the chessboard. Kibe sat down crossing his legs and arms on the armrest of the chair.

    "Well if they''re lessons are meant to reflect off of you in a means to show intelligence and competence. Then I do believe. I have nothing to worry about." Kibe said as he scratched his chin. Kiko walked beside them and placed the mask on the table.

    "All that needs to be done now. Is to take a mask and we can begin." Kiko said. Kenji and Kibe looked at the masks. Kibe took a immediate interest in the angel mask, he picked it up. Kenji couldn''t help but smile at him as he himself picked up the devil mask. He then looked up to Kibe.

    "This is my chance to prove to him who is charge here. The smartest mind in Sawa High. Will be me. He has no knowledge of the game or its many ways of being played.

    I know the ins and outs of the devil and angel masks. I will be victorious. No doubt. I just can''t underestimate him...not again." Kenji thought.

    "I assume the mask you''re holding, are the ones you''ve chosen." Kiko said

    "Yes, they are." Kenji said

    "Indeed." Kibe said

    "Alright then, the timer will be an hour. Once I press this button, you will put on your mask and the game will begin." Kiko said, both Kenji and Kibe took one last look at the board. Thats when Kiko hit the button for the timer and the two put on they''re masks. They both looked at then sat up straight.

    Kenji would then move one of his pawns forward, Kibe would use his ears to hear the movement. He heard that the pawn was moved a space forward. Likely towards the right side. Upper corner. Kibe then reached over and grabbed one of his pawns. He felt it for a moment, seeing as he couldn''t see anything this was he only other option. Besides relying on his memory of the board. He moved his furthest pawn ahead. He put it a space forward. This is when the more intense actions finally begin.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    The devil masks second move. Meaning that Kenji has a chance to bring someone back, but nothing had happened yet. However, this was Kibe''s chance to do something as well...but moving back a space wouldn''t prove any good to him. So he stayed in place.

    Every turn was just like ordinary chess, its when the two get a chance to inact on the other rules of this game, is when each moment becomes life and death.

    The possibility of winning and losing. As they''re turns went on. Kenji would enact his fifth turn''s move! That''s right, Kibe remembered the fact that Kenji could now switch with any piece one or two spaces away. However, Kibe knew it and so did Kenji.

    That no such thing was posisble, thanks to Kibe spreading his pieces out. Kenji''s eyes darted around the chessboard. He could see that somehow Kibe had calculated the precise moves he would make to get close to his own pieces. The rounds began to get more intense once turn 10 came around. It was inevitable that Kibe and Kenji''s pieces would be near one another. Kibe would utilize his turn to take out one of Kenji''s pieces which results with him not being able to use his turn 10 move.

    "He anticipated my movements prior!? He even took out one of my pieces to guarantee he wouldn''t have the piece of my choosing destroyed.

    Although, he hasn''t used his own turn move. He must realize it''s flaws or...maybe something...else." Kenji thought. Yet Kibe had kept his words and opinions on the game to himself.

    Until now.

    "The next 5 moves. That is when I''ll end this." Kibe said, Kenji a bit shocked at the statement noticed they still had 10 minutes left on the clock.

    He wasn''t ready to admit defeat, not to the so called heir to the pale palace. However the outcome would prove just that.

    Kibe would utilize the sacrificing of some of his pieces and carefully movement and placement to tempt Kenji into moving his king out. Once the moment presented itself. Kibe would use his 5th turn move, chance kill, and attempt to kill off the kind resulting in a checkmate. However Kenji woukd refute this, claiming his king was nowhere near any of Kibe''s pieces.

    However Kibe had kept a mental record of all the sounds of each piece. He had placed within his memory palace, the sound of how each piece weighed and knew exactly which piece it was that was moved and even the sound of where it was placed. Kenji was dumbfounded at the fact Kibe''s memory was so great and infinite. Such a statement and notice to detail unfortunately did not pass by the judge, Kiko''s ears. She called out that Kibe''s chance kill was indeed accurate and the match would end with Kibe killing Kenji''s king. Checkmate.

    "DAMNIT! THERES NO WAY! I want a rematch! You...there''s no way you called that! You bluffed your way through that!" Kenji shouted yet Kibe merely took off the mask and juggled Kenji''s king in his right hand.

    "Theres no need for being a poor failure. I''m sure you could have won...had your opponent not been me." Kibe said, Kiko looked to Kibe with honest surprise at the fact he succeeded in such a highly intellectual version of chess, one he had no recollection of playing or even knowing about. Kenji was aware of every possible move, yet Kibe still found a way to manipulate and strategically move around this. His victory was certain. Certain from the moment he picked the angel mask. He constantly made it a point to take pieces of Kenji''s team, making it so he could not use his 5th turn move to end the game. He forced Kenji into constantly reviving his own team. He did all this without even utilizing his 10th turn move.

    He played the entire game blind, although with how good his memory and hearing is, apparently that wasn''t the case.

    Kibe and Kenji then stood in front of Kiko as she sat down on a chair.

    "Well done, you both played well. No matter the winner, this was a chance to see how good you both are at playing around odds stacked aginst you. You even work perfectly under conditional and situational means. Well done.

    I think now is a good time to let you in, on what is going tobe happening after and possibly during this month.

    The head of operations at the pale palace intends to enroll 4 new students into Sawa high." Kiko said, Kenji was shocked at the words spoken. Even Kibe couldn''t deny the suprise of this information. More WOI students would be coming here. This meant two things, one of them being he had a chance to get more information about the pale palace and his history there. Espically information that Kiko likely wouldn''t tell him. The next being that this meant someone really was watching him. Kiko was indeed right.

    "When will they be getting here?" Kibe asked

    "Hard to say, but this month is certain. Thats what my contacts have said. Apparently you''ve made someone very angry in the higher ranks of the WOI association.

    They don''t want you to live up to the expectations Dr.Abel had for you." Kiko said, thats when the school bell would ring. Meaning for lunch to start. Kibe looked at the door to see students passing by. Kenji was still puzzled and in disbelief. Yet when he looked to Kibe he saw no emotion, instead. He showed no reaction at all. Kibe simply grabbed his bag and got ready to leave.

    "So, do you plan to join the international puzzles of the world? It''s a tournament for skilled minds. It might be promising for you. You may even get the attention of those students coming here." Kiko said

    "I don''t see why he would want they''re eyes on him. Last thing he wants to do is draw attention to himself. If I was him and I was getting this much heat, I''d lay low." Kenji said folding his arms.

    "Usually I''d disagree aginst anyone shortening themselves, especially just to keep up appearances. But I doubt that Kibe doesn''t have his own plans. We don''t need to tell him anything." Kiko said

    "Tch, well. It doesn''t matter. Just keep me out of your mess and I won''t get in your way." Kenji said as he sat back down at his chess table. He rested his head on his hands. Kiko looked to him and then watched Kibe leave. Kibe would spend the rest of the school day pondering over what he had heard before and information he had gained.

    Afterwards, he''s be in the library sitting down with a book on game theory and all the various types and techniques. He had gained a interest in them thanks to Mr.Otsuka. Kibe pondered about some of the information he had received.

    "So Juo really is out there. Not that it was unexpected. I always make sure to take in all possibilities to ever decision I make.

    I bet I can get Kat involved with Juo somehow. Perhaps Himmy seeing her long lost ex-lover having already moved onto another girl.

    Now speaking about the International Puzzles of the World tournament. An entire tournament involving everyone in Japan. Every high-schooler and college student will be there. Such a thing will likely not even be a remote challenge or problem for me. However...with those other students coming here.

    It could prove troublesome if they decide to confront me upfront. The only options I have is to remain out of their line of sight. If they provoke me then I''ll have no choice. For once, maybe listening to others may be wise. Specifically Kenji. Keeping my head low will do me some good." Kibe thought as he kept reading his book. Thats when he''d hear the clicking of heels making they''re way towards him. Kibe''s eyes looked up from his book to see to his suprise, Kita Rin! The 2nd highest member of the student council. She was wearing a white turtleneck, with a heart shaped hole right above her mid-drift(the little valley between the breast.), she had a white long skirt on too and her heels matched them too. She had a furry black jacket to keep herself warm too. Her makeup was well done, nothing amateur about her. At the same time, out of view Mi was making her way to the library too, but hid when she saw Kibe and Rin together.

    "And just when I thought I''d seen the last of the council." Kibe thought as he rested his head on his hand.

    "Hello there Nori Kibe. I''d let you to meet up with me at a Cafe for some important business. No you can''t skip out on it. Meet me there at 5 sharp, wear something that doesn''t look weird too." Rin said with a smile, Kibe could tell she was up to something. Why the sudden approach? Was this some scheme orchestrated by Hideaki? Or was this genuine business?

    He couldn''t tell just yet. Thats when she woukd walk around the table and put her hand on his book moving it from him. She put her hands down on the table and stared at him. Still wearing the same smile she just looked at him. Her cherry eyes and Kibe''s emerald green eyes looking at hers. Both of them look unfazed by the other, until Rin stood up and put her hands on her hips.

    "Just checking something. See you then. Don''t keep me waiting." She said as she walked away, Kibe watched her leave and then turned back around. He gave a long sigh.

    "So much for that." Kibe said.

 Roleplaying in the spotlight

    Kibe would return home the same day and lay on his bed thinking as the time went on. He was staring at the ceiling. His mother was downstairs cooking some lunch as Himmy relaxed in the living room. She was sitting down. Her legs tight to her body and arms wrapped around them like a belt. Shr wasn''t comfortable yet, being alone with Kibe''s mom...or even Kibe himself.

    "...Why am I so pent up all of sudden? Is it because of the feelings I have here in this house? Being near this guy''s mother? Or-" thats when Himmy remembered the kiss from Kibe. Him holding her so tight and the warmth she felt as they''re bodies pressed aginst each other. It was like electricity was being made right between them.

    She felt her cheek where he had kissed her. Her face getting slightly red.

    "I know I shouldn''t even be feeling this way, this man has taken my life into his hands. Hes manipulating me...

    But...without Juo, hes helping me cope and move forward with my life too. Is that a disguise? Another form of manipulation?

    There''s no way he actually does care for me. I''m spoiled goods to him. Not even a murderer would see me as a good enough girl to kill or rape. Its just like he said...I''m less than nothing, but then...

    Why...why does he accept me? Why does he console and help me like he does. He speaks to me like someone who really cares about me. He talks like I''m his...his...oh god, I think..." Himmy''s face began to fall as her nose began to run as tears rushed down her face. She tried desperately to wipe them away, but her tears wouldn''t stop falling. She could feel a darkness looming over her. She was alone, her own thoughts and emotions were overflowing and ready to burst out of her dam of ill placed cement.

    "I''m going to burst! I''m going to cry! I''m all alone." Himmy thought as she could feel herself unable to hold in her emotions anymore. Thats when she felt someone gently touch her left shoulder.

    "Its ok. Himmy. I''m here." Said that gentle voice, it spoke with such certainty and such familiarity. She knew who it was. She turned to see nonother than Kibe kneeled behind her. Her codependency had grown out of control, it was getting to the point that she couldn''t tell anymore. If it was possible for her to even live on her own.

    But she knew one thing-

    "Don''t talk like that, you sound like a weeb, idiot." Himmy said patting his hand roughly signaling for him to back off.

    She knew she couldn''t let him find that out. She turned from him, fixing her face. Even if she was reliant on him, she still desires to keep some of her independence...however little it may be. Kibe looked at her and sat next to her. He faced the TV and turned it on. Himmy went from looking away to turning around to face the TV. She didn''t even notice how close the two were standing next to each other. On the news it spoke of the official discovery of the fact that there was a planet in a nearby solar system, that once did hold life on it. Himmy tilted her head in annoyance as she didn''t really enjoy nerdy stuff like this.

    Yet Kibe, thought it was rather interesting. It was the first official sign that life outside their solar system did infact exist. However...

    Kibe''s eyes moved to Himmy, who''s head was slightly buried in her arms as she watched the TV.

    "She is becoming more and more reliant on me. Soon she won''t be able to even think for herself.

    ...

    No, I shouldn''t place doubt on myself or in what I''m doing. She is a great asset and someone who had intimate knowledge of the underground of Japan and espically Ginza.

    I guess what I''m thinking is..." Kibe for the first time would be frustrated at one of his own actions as he too would remember the kiss he had given Himmy.

    "Why did I do that? I may have a good damper and perfect control over what I do, but it seems that making decisions has been left to my libido. Damn. My desires.

    ...

    Its been a long time since I''ve ever thought about what I want. Or who. Mi is caring and loving and seems to want whats best for everyone. Yet is that whats best for me? Someone constantly asking stupid questions and someone constantly trying to have some sort of moral high ground. Plus, she doesn''t know me. Not the real me at least. She has no knowledge of the white rabbit or the machine that commands it, controls it, is it.

    Jun, she''s bright and brilliant. She''d be the perfect match for Nori Kibe. She would suit him just fine. Yet my real self tells me differently. She''s to great of a tool and too great of a obstacle to get infatuated or get intimate with. But the facts are, she is perfect for me.

    She is me.

    But...thats not what I have grown towards, thats not what I''ve been thinking about constantly. She has no bigger place in my memory palace than a blade of grass makes up a field.

    Himmy...you could never be sweet and I won''t let you become like me. So...

    Its you." Kibe thought as he looked at Himmy. She was messing with her short hair, she had begun to let it grow out some. Kibe''s green eyes had never set themselves upon one remote thing of interest, not truly. Yet when he looked to Himmy, for the first they felt calm to her sight and pressence. Himmy''s eyes moved to Kibe''s. They both were looking at one another. Himmy''s eyes dilated upon looking at Kibe, yet his did not. His curiosity for his feelings then became stagnate.

    "Even now. My body and mind tell me you are not interesting to me. That you aren''t what I seek. So then why do I feel the opposite as they do? Is this part of my brain an anomaly? Or am I becoming a fool?

    ...

    I have to be sure. I won''t make any movements, nothing further will happen between us. I''ll be sure of it. Because if I am to truly have someone of interest in my life. I need it to be with 100% of my being. I don''t want this possibility of romance, to be half-cooked." Kibe thought.

    "Uhhh, are you just going to stare at me all day?" Himmy asked with an annoyed tone.

    "I wasn''t staring at you. I was looking at the wall." Kibe said

    "Huh? The wall? Gosh you''re so weird." Himmy said as they both faced the TV again. Mrs.Mihara then finished cooking, she gave Kibe a pat on his shoulder to let him know before she went upstairs. Kibe watched her for a moment, before leaning back and relaxing some more.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    "One of the members of the student council has asked for my pressence." Kibe said which made Himmy turn to him.

    "Eh? What for? The last one tried to kill you, remember?" Himmy said

    "I do and on the subject of what she wants with me. I don''t know." Kibe said as he pulled out his phone to see the time.

    "S-She?" Himmy asked, Kibe noticed her voice sounded annoyed...which is usual for her. However she also sounded pissed off. Kibe looked at the time and saw it was 6 pm.

    "Yea, Kita Rin. 2nd head of the student council. Makes me wonder what it is she has in store for me." Kibe said

    "What if its a trap?" Himmy asked

    "Not likely. If she or them wanted me dead or anything similar. They would have done so by now. No. They likely have been waiting in silence after Takashi''s imprisonment. Contemplating what infact they should do with me." Kibe said

    "Maybe they realized making an enemy out of you. Isn''t going to help they''re sorry asses." Himmy said

    "I would think not. I can be very resourceful when I need to be." Kibe said, to which Himmy nodded to.

    "So where is it to?" Himmy asked

    "A Cafe, she wants to talk about something. Sounds important. Maybe. Likely not. To me anyways." Kibe said as he stood up. Himmy looked at him go over to the kitchen and make himself a glass of water.

    "...What do you think she wants with you? I mean she wasn''t too interested in you before right? I bet that bitch has something sneaky in mind." Himmy said

    "Probably, either way. I need to go." Kibe said as he finished his drink of water and walked away. Himmy watched him for a minute before laying on the floor. He went into his room closing the door. He decided to dress in something not too formal.

    "...I''m not good at dates. Well. Honestly, it''s more like I don''t care enough to give it my all.

    Hm!? Why am I thinking this is some sort of date. Just a few months ago she was my advisory. She and I aren''t a couple or anything.

    ...I need more male acquaintances." Kibe thought.

    Back at Sawa High, Kenji had just left after finishing up things with the chess team.

    "My goodness, I thought I had left all of the crap with the pale palace behind. Yet somehow it still lingers in my life. What a bother." Kenji said, thats when he saw Kat sitting at the school gate. Crouched and poking the ground by her feet. Kenji walked over to her and tilted his head.

    "Hey, your uhhh, Kat? Right?" Kenji asked, Kat slowly turned her head. With a creepy wide grin she smiled at him.

    "Yessss." She answered, mimicking a snake. Kenji looked at her. She was a total weirdo to him. A genuine freak.

    "This is the girl everyone talks about during passing periods sometimes. The one who almost got expelled for poisoning the chem teacher with wolfsbane. The police were determining if it was premeditated or not. Since this chick made it into a tea.

    She also apparently likes to hide in the garbages and dumpsters around school. Which explains the...Ugh! Explains the smell...Gross.

    This girl is a total freak." Kenji thought

    "Heyo!" Kat said waving her hand up at him, Kenji looked down to her.

    "You spaced out, were you thinking about what I look like naked?" Kat asked

    "EH!? N-No." Kenji shouted in annoyance. The two stood there for a moment as the day turned a bit gloomy as it began to rain. Kenji had a bad feeling about the coming events. Something in his mind told him, it would be best to keep his head down more.

    "Your part of the chess club right? I''m guessing you must be a pretty good player or a good liar." Kat said

    "...Everyone like me are good liars. Its what we do. We do so to get ahead." Kenji said, Kat bit her finger and then just focused back at the ground while Kenji just walked away after.

    Later on around 7:30Pm, Kibe would arrive at the Cafe that Rin had asked him to attend. Kibe walked in, he was wearing a black coat and dark velvet turtleneck with dark pants and shoes to match. He looked around for a moment before he saw Rin waving at him at a booth. Kibe made his way over and sat down. The waiter came over and gave them both menus to select from.

    "Alright, straight to business then. I need your help with two major things." Rin said

    "On that subject, what makes you believe I will aid you?" Kibe said

    "Hehe, I won''t threaten you, since the whole Takashi situation showed how good that goes. I find it better to utilize the tools available to me." Rin said

    "I''m no tool to be used. Nor do I think you''ll be utilizing me." Kibe said

    "Hes totally calm, Hideaki''s read was right, this guy has no signs of clumsiness, change in pitch or anything. Hes a blank slate with no feelings. If he has any they''re made up for the moment he needs them. Likely to fool others." Rin thought as she put her menu down while Kibe kept looking at his.

    "Fair enough, no need to be so pushy. I''m just stating I believe we can utilize each other''s skills and information. I know the leaked information may be something your interested in." Rin said, to which then caught Kibe''s attention.

    "Yes, the information that Takashi got out of that girl with the help of that Kenji fellow. I reckon not all of it is in your ballpark. Well what if I could give it to you? The whole deal." Rin said, Kibe looked at her. His eyes focused on hers. She could tell she was telling the truth, although he was aware women were good at hiding they''re true intentions and feelings. It was one of their best qualities and also the most dangerous.

    "...If that''s all you can sell me here then I''m leaving." Kibe said as he got up much to Rin''s suprise.

    "What? Wait a second." Rin said

    "No. I don''t think I won''t." Kibe said as he got ready to leave. Rin would grab his arm desperately.

    "Please wait, I need you. I mean it. I can get you anything you want. No matter what it is! Just name it. Money, information, whatever it is. Just name it." Rin said, Kibe looked at her and then sat back down.

    "I have three things I want. If I aid you, then I''ll give them." Kibe said

    "Alright then. This isn''t how I wanted this evening to go, but either way. I think we''re benefiting from this." Rin said, Kibe simply didn''t answer and waited.

    "Its my father, he runs a very high fashion company and I want it. The only problem is that he doesn''t want to let it go so easily to me. So I need your help in guiding him my direction. " Rin said

    "So you want me to help you steal his company. Then hand it off to you." Kibe asked

    "Precisely, only problem is though. Hes very picky about who he chooses to be in charge of anything. I mean, REALLY, picky. As in, if he sees you even were late to work once because your wife was in labor your fired, levles of picky." Rin said as the waiter came over to their table. They both ordered drinks. Kibe his usual green tea and Rin a margarita.

    "What would I have to do to prove to him that I''m worth the trouble?" Kibe asked

    "Welk first you''d have to be in position of power or high influence. Then you''d need a good reference and connection to us." Rin said

    "I can work the first two, though the connection to you seems a bit...troublesome. for the few moments it''ll take to make one of course." Kibe said

    "Oh don''t bother, I already have an idea to get you immensely close to us." Rin said

    "...don''t say-"

    "You''ll be going in as my boyfriend." Rin said

    "Of course. Novel romance 101, the fake boyfriend." Kibe said

    "Hey, you have the first two. At least let me cover for you with the last one. Besides this will speed up the process." She said

    "Theres a time limit is there?" Kibe said

    "Yes, I need to get this all done before the end of the month. Precisely in less than two weeks. Cause hes currently been looking at this recent guy he plans to make his successor." Rin said, their drinks would arrive and they''d immediately take a few sips of it. Kibe watched her drink her margarita as he began to think and ponder the moves of which he would have to do, in order to get this all done within the time frame set.

    "Mr.Kita no doubt sounds like a man full of plans, judging from Rin''s little example of his behavior. It wouldn''t be a stretch to say he''s very cautious about who he works with.

    Hes a thinker too, a visionary, someone looming towards the future and never the past. The way his daughter is brought up shows he definitely doesn''t like to downplay his achievements. Or the fact he''s made a honest and successful living.

    I can get more information from articles and Mrs.Otsuka, she no doubt has met and heard of him." Kibe thought as he put down his tea.

    "Alright then. Consider it done." He said as he stood up with Rin doing the same.

    "I''m glad to hear. I''ll give you more details tomorrow. See you then, boyfriend." Rin chuckled as Kibe left. Kibe walked down the street, his mind thinking and flowing.

    "No doubt, this is good chance to destory 2 birds with one stone. Rin and her father''s empire. Bringing down my opposition once again.

    However, no doubt she believes I''ll take this chance to do that. So, the proper move here. Would be to actually aid her and behave as normal.

    But I will not leave out any ideas or possibilities of her treachery. She will attempt to bring me down with her father, one way or the other.

    Her biggest mistake, was assuming I won''t do the same. Because in a world like this, I can''t afford to care for anyone." Kibe said as he continued to make his way home.

 Calculating Cheaters

    Kibe the next day would be sitting down in the cafeteria at school. His mind pondering about what hes been asked to do, yet he had only few hundred ideas on how to do them.

    Though he had to also calculate all the possibilities, the nature of the discussions he''d have and just who he was talking to. They''re pasts, histories with others there. So really it was a hundred squared by infinity. Though he didn''t mind. Reading people is what he did. He looked up to see two people staring at one another. They were sat far apart and kept eyeing each other from time to time. A boy and a girl.

    "The boy asked her out a few days ago. Though you wouldn''t know it. Judging by the way his tie is done and from.the cuffs of his uniform, hes a neat man and keeps to himself. Though there is a passionate beating heart beneath that all. One looking for companionship.

    But she won''t give that to him, Itashi Mia. The girl. She has no intention to return his feelings, infact. She came here to avoid him. Not even knowing that he comes here everyday in the morning. She didn''t even knownhe existed till...from the looks of it, 3 days ago.

    Now hes on her mind, but not for the reasons he wants. He''ll have to figure it out the hard way. He could never accept a refusal. Not like this one." Kibe thought he then looked over to the hallway and saw two teachers talking.

    "From reading their lips, yes. They''re talking about the coming exams. One of them hasn''t thought of what to do for his class so hes asking a senior, a older man who''s been here longer.

    But he won''t help him, in the academic world. There are no such thing as friends." Kibe thought, he continued to read more of the book or more like magazine he had brought with him. He went through it, it talked about all things fashion related. He never was a man who had a taste for fashion, but he knew of it and it''s values in the artistic world. Mr.Kita was a man who had made himself into who he was through teeth and claw, he had a rough childhood and mainly went about door to door begging for people and artist to observe his crafts.

    Kibe went to the next page and saw a image of him. He was a little ways taller than he was, his hair was combed back and had a peachy blonde silver look to it. His eyes a cherry color like his daughter. Which reminded Kibe not to think about her too much, the thought of what he had to do with her was troublesome enough for him. He had no desire to see that she get a reaction out of him.

    He looked at the man''s physique. It was very well built, he should be though. Seeing as he become a athletic swimmer in his early years after making it big, he had a liking for dogs and even loved taking some in for adoption if they needed homes. Though from the words on here though, Kibe could tell it was a facade. Most actors, politicians and mainly businessmen put up things like these to put a face with all the money and wealth. Mr.Kita wasn''t a man, he was a name. The real man was the things he sold. His perception of reality seemed bleak at a start. However he seems to have grown into the role he had wanted all those years ago.

    He may not have cared for the money before and loved the passion, but now it was the opposite. Hes been in the business for years, much longer than most other fashion artist and companies combined. He was a master at reading people and what they wanted and how they would and could fit into just about anything.

    He called it his "artistic eye". His main quote being-

    "One can not make art, you must live and breath it, then only can you truly sell it." Kibe read. He could feel his mind filling with not boredom, but disinterest in this all. He began to ponder now on how he could get rid of Rin and Mr.Kita with one stone.

    Though he had already made plans before, now they could executed with no trouble and worry. At least for him. He knew Rin intended to do away with him. One way or the other. He just needed to find out when. It was never a matter of how. He knew exactly what kind of person she was and what tactics and strategies she would use. From the moment he saw them on stage. Kibe had already assessed how each of them would try to get rid of them and knew exactly each and every conversation they would have.

    The time, the how and the where too. No moment truly had gone over his head. Not even once with the student council.

    Every outcome and possible avenue was documented and placed deep within his memory palace. As Kibe was reading Hideaki would walk over to him.

    "Good magazine I hope." He said, Kibe slowly looked to him. They both stared at each other before Kibe closed the magazine. He then looked back to it and studied it some more.

    "I''m guessing you couldn''t be bothered with what I have to say or ask. Hm?" Hideaki asked

    "Its not that I don''t care. Infact its less than that. Though I''ll hear you out either way." Kibe said as he looked to him. Hideaki smiled

    "He intends to use this moment to try and get something out of me. Not directly though, this a indirect attack." Kibe thought.

    "I''d like to ask a favor from you. Since Rin says you''ll be helping her out this week. Not to mention with Takashi gone, I don''t have anyone to do this for me." Hideaki said

    "Why not ask the treasure? I''m sure she has plenty of time." Kibe asked still paying no real mind to Hideaki. Hideaki then sat down next to Kibe.

    "Well she is a bit busy at the time, and I don''t have a suitable replacement for her." Hideaki said

    "So you approach a nobody? How quaint." Kibe said

    "Oh, we both know your no nobody Kibe." Hideaki said with a smirk

    "I am I assure you." Kibe said

    "I see, so he intends to keep himself away from the crowd. Does he not realize that he intentionally has made himself a person of interest?

    Although he''s done so, but only to those who know. Somehow he has managed to gain interest without appearing interesting at all. Popular, but not really all that popular.

    Bringing him aboard this would mean risking him getting too close, but without Takashi and Rin here, and with Kiko busy. I don''t have anyone else to turn to for this job. Not to mention I know he''s most knowledgeable.

    Have you deduced this Kibe? That removing Takashi from the picture and doing a favor for Rin, will put you on my list of allies?" Hideaki thought

    "You will inevitably ask me. After the failure of Takashi and now Rin choosing to come to me for aid. You must choose one of two branches, either continue to be my obstacle or orchestra your intentions within my lines.

    While still being under fire and astute observation. You are ultimately risking me getting too close and knowing more about you than you would wish, but that can''t be stopped now. Cause of the corner I''ve put you in now. You have no choice on this matter.

    So you must choose Hideaki." Kibe thought as he looked to him. The two''s eyes locked.

    "Either I submit myself to being an obvious advisory or I risk the possibility of being completely ruined via getting too close.

    Damn him, I''ve played right into his hands. Relying on Takashi and Rin was a mistake. No doubt he already has plans to snuff out Rin.

    No, the best bet would be to get close to Nori Kibe. He can''t still suspect me for being a obstacle if we get closer, even if he does then he''d also be in danger of me being able to get a foot ahead as well. He knows this though.

    So yes willing to take that risk, and he knows I will too.

    So then, theres only one answer I can give." Hideaki thought as he then stretched his hands out. His still warm and friendly smile being contracted by Kibe''s normal emotionless face.

    "Well I had a certain task I''d like to ask you help me with. You see the school is getting ready for exams and I''d like your help on dealing with some cheaters that believe they can get away with some scandals during the test. You don''t mind of course right?" Hideaki asked

    "Getting on cheaters before they can even make a move. A very calculated move and plan. I have to ask how you thought this up. Is this something you always do?" Kibe asked as he and Hideaki got up from the table.

    "Quite a lot unfortunately." He said, Kibe put the magazine in his school bag and followed Hideaki out of the cafeteria. They both walked through the halls of the B building. Many girls were talking along the windows and boys in classes. Hideaki also gave Kibe a slip excusing him from his first class.

    "You see, many students before my arrival here were supposedly cheating in exams and college tests. So I''ve devised a way into catching these frauds." Hideaki said

    "Well don''t leave me in suspense." Kibe said

    "Hm, well the method is this. I''ve set up multiple spies in each classroom, each one looking and watching for any possible signs of cheating or indecent academic behavior.

    Their looking for certain keys though, not just the casual stuff. I''m looking for quick eye motions, unsteady breathes and of course constant starings at their body." Hideaki said

    "A well done operation, but what if your spy is assigned behind the individual in question. What then?" Kibe asked

    "Heh, you must be under the interpretation that my spies are students. No Kibe, they aren''t. My spies are the teachers themselves." Hideaki smirked.

    "Teachers as spies? They''ll be looking for more specific information than the ordinary assumptions and ideas of a cheater.

    Although I wonder Hideaki, what else do you have them looking for. Curious." Kibe said as he and Hideaki continued walking.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "For some time now one of the teachers in 6-A has reported to me with some intriguing information and stories.

    They''ve told me that they''ve spotted a particular student, you might know him. Nobuaki Tanaka, hes been my leading suspect in terms of cheating this school year. Only problem has been getting evidence.

    So I was hoping you''d accompany me in questioning him." Hideaki said as they walked. As they walked throughout the school to they''re destination. The school bell would ring.

    "No, you have evidence, even if it is a little. You can still get him caught or expelled. No, you want me to show you how I''ll do and how I handle situations like these. Hoping to see how I can refute and make conclusions from possibly zero evidence.

    Although, if you don''t have any evidence at all. Then the more wise option would be to play along. Not do too much, but not too little either. He knows my capabilities, just not they''re length. I can''t give him an inch." Kibe thought as he looked to Hideaki still smiling as he walked along with him. Eventually they would reach classroom 6-A. Hideaki put his hand on the door. Kibe looked at him.

    "Be warned though, recently his behavior has been a bit more calculated from what my reports tell me. Talking privately with other students and even using the bathroom more frequently than before." Hideaki said

    "Do you think he could have spies of his own? Or people he works with?" Kibe asked

    "The ladder is a better possibility." Hideaki answered as he then opened the classroom door, everyone inside and the teacher were all entranced in their studies when Hideaki broke that concentration.

    "Oh, Mr.Nakama welcome. Is there something you needed?" Asked the teacher

    "Mr? So my assumption is correct. He holds the most influence in this school. He is even respected by the teachers.

    But rather thats through his charisma or his money is hard to say." Kibe thought as he stood outside the classroom waiting.

    "Oh no nothing major I promise. Everyone can get back to studying. I just need to borrow the teacher for a moment." Hideaki said, everyone nodded with the girls also whispering to one another as they looked at him. Some of them even blushing. As Hideaki and the teacher walked out, suddenly one girl with blonde hair and dark eyes would stand up. Kibe took a look at her and would notice she had some markings on her neck, and a tired look to her. Didn''t change too much though, she still was rather pretty.

    "E-EXCUSE ME." she said aloud, Kibe peered his head in for a moment. As Hideaki stopped and looked at her. Still holding the same smile, it never seemed to leave his face.

    "M-My name is Anon Ichii! And I- umm well. I-I was hoping you''d go out with me!" Ichii shouted aloud. Everyone immediately became interested in what was happening. As they all looked back and forth between them. All of them either chuckling or goating the two on. Hideaki looked at her his smile not faulting for a second.

    "I''m sorry, but I''m not looking for anyone right now. Forgive me. When I do find someone, I want them to be dependable and understand me, body and mind.

    Have a wonderful day." Hideaki said he bowed and then left the room with the teacher. Ichii sat down with dissapointment in her eyes and her chest wound up tight. A knot felt like it was growing inside her stomach.

    "Hey don''t worry, I''m sure you can find someone else. Besides going after one of the heads of the council? That didn''t seem like a good idea anyway." Said a girl next her

    "Ha! Good idea? That was stupid! Did you really believe that guy like that? A academic prodigy and man with a future, would want a nobody? Idiot." Said a brown haired boy next to her. Ichii shook as she her eyes began to feel wet and her lip began to quiver.

    "HEY! There''s no reason to be a jerk Hita!" Shouted the girl

    "What? I''m just being honest, geez." Hita groaned.

    "Well you-" however that''s when Ichii would slam her hands down on her desk and run out of the classroom. As she did, Kibe, Hideaki and the teacher would see her run quickly and with tears in her eyes down the hall. They all stared for a moment before Hideaki continued with what he was saying, but Kibe kept his focus on both that and where the girl had ran.

    "So you want pull out Tomio Nagane?" Asked the teacher

    "Yes, we''ll bring him right back. Me and Nori here just have a few questions for him is all. Then we''ll send him back." Hideaki said

    "Alright then, I''ll let him know." Said the teacher as he walked back inside. Kibe and Hideaki waited outside for a few moments before another student walked out of the class. He had short dark hair and wore glasses. His uniform was well put together and even his demeanor and how he stood seemed professional. A wolf in sheep''s clothing is what came to Kibe''s kind. Nagane had dark blue eyes as he approached them.

    "You called for me?" Nagane asked

    "Yes, right this way." Hideaki said as he walked ahead with Kibe and Nagane following behind him.

    Later they would be in a conference room.

    "Excuse me? I''m a suspect of cheating on exams? I''m sorry, but that is preposterous." Nagane said, Kibe and Hideaki were sitting across the table from him.

    "Yes well, we have some evidence and people have confessed to you having some very specious behavior.

    So my hand has been forced in this matter." Hideaki said. Kibe would be analyzing the entire conversation.

    "What people? And what kind of proof do you have? Surley nothing concrete." Nagane said

    "Why does the validity of the evidence concern you if you didn''t do it? You should be asking why, not what." Hideaki said

    "I simply want to correct any mistakes that may have lead you in my direction." Nagane said

    "So you''re saying it may be someone else you know?" Hideaki said, once again that smile. He wore it with such confidence, yet it didn''t come off coy or prideful. It was friendly, but not to everyone.

    "I-I didn''t say that." Nagane

    His smile was a guarantee to those who knew him and a warning to those who don''t. Kibe understood it now. Just like he appeared bland and uninteresting. His blandness being something he can use to manipulate others, Hideaki used his smile to do the same. Everyone who encounters his smile, is immediately put into a mindset completely orchestrated by Hideaki. Kibe began to realize that he and Hideaki had more in common than he had first imagined.

    "You must understand my position here right?" Hideaki asked

    "...Yes." Nagane said, his voice a little less confident and demeanor no longer so straight and confident too.

    "You understand how important these test and exams are for the academic system, people use these to get better lives. To make something of themselves, get the jobs they''ve always wanted.

    Do you think its fair for someone to cheat their way to the top and not work as hard as the one who didn''t?" Hideaki asked

    "I do-"

    "Its a yes or no question." Hideaki said

    "...No." Nagane said, the room was silent for a moment. Kibe looked at Hideaki and then Nagane.

    "But shouldn''t those who can use they''re skills to get ahead also should be rewarded? That only seems fair.

    Since in this world knowledge and power is all that matters." Nagane said

    "A very interesting answer." Hideaki said as he leaned back for a moment. Kibe looked at Hideaki, still as unreadable as last time. It was like as if somehow Hideaki was a sentient book, like he got to choose when he could be read and not be. Kibe couldn''t afford to appear to be on the lower ground in this standoff. He had to remain entirely in control otherwise, he''d fall right into the same pits as every other victim to Hideaki''s methods.

    "Wait outside for a moment. I''ll call you back in a moment." Hideaki said, Nagane didn''t argue and just did as he was told. He left the room.

    "Hey Kibe, mind if I borrow some pieces of paper from you?" Hideaki asked, Kibe looked at him for a moment before then reaching in his school bag and handing twelve straight pieces of paper.

    "Hmm, I don''t want it to be too much, but too little and I may be questioned. A good amount of six should do." Hideaki thought as he then handed Kibe the other six pieces. Hideaki then got a pent from his pocket. He began to write on the front page, but only near the top. He got on his phone and looked through something for a moment. He then began to draw on it a bit, though it was only line and acute angeles near the top. He stopped and blew on it, waving it a bit. He then looked at it for a moment.

    "Hey, you can come back now." Hideaki said, Nagane came back inside and closed the door behind him. Thats when he saw the papers in Hideaki''s hands, but unlike Kibe and him, he couldn''t tell they were blank. He sat back down across from us. His face a little more shakiness up than before.

    "Tell me something. Do you normally lie?" Hideaki asked much to Nagane''s suprise.

    "I don''t lie, I haven''t told one since I was twelve." Nagane said

    "Hm? But cheating is another form of lying, don''t you know that?" Hideaki said

    "What?"

    "Yes, cheating is the fooling of the academic system, you are deliberately tricking the system and others into believing something about you that isn''t true.

    Which in this case, would be your academic skills.

    Am I wrong?" Hideaki asked

    "...N-No. Are those-"

    "Yes they are. These are the files and reports from your last years here and even as far back as middle-school." Hideaki said

    "What?!" Nagane said with shock now, he was losing his footing in this. Before he may have had a chance at getting away, but his facade was breaking.

    "Yes, you see. There''s a lot of interesting information about you. Especially information having to do with your exam and test scores." Hideaki said as he moved the paper back and forth, but something about his movements with it were calculated. It''d only be neare the top, only that small piece woukd ever bend fully back. Making it visible to Nagane. Who looked in distress when he saw it.

    "I see, so he wrote on the top of it and asked for the paper to give the illusion of actual incrementing evidence. When in reality, there is none.

    Is possible he could be cold reading him this whole time?" Kibe thought as he looked back to Nagane.

    "You see from what it shows here, your grades were poor in your early years of middle-school. Yet suddenly they began to rise drastically. Its almost like you had just woken up from something.

    Or someone aided you." Hideaki said

    "I had a tutor. They helped me get my act together." Nagane said, yet his voice didn''t sound nearly as confident as the answer he gave.

    "Really? What was their name?" Hideaki asked

    "I-I don''t remember, it was such a long time ago and I have too many friends really heheh." Nagane chuckled scratching his head nervously.

    "You don''t have any friends." Hideaki said, the room went silent. Nagane didn''t know what to say.

    "Every morning you go to the cafeteria alone and eat by yourself. Infact you deliberately choose to avoid others and sit near the back.

    When I came in and that girl embarrassed herself by asking me out in front of the class, everyone was either chuckling or gossiping, but not you. You were facing away from everyone and kept to yourself. Especially after I had made eye contact with you. Because you were sitting behind her. Nagane.

    You and I made eye contact, you knew why I was there and know why I''m here now.

    You don''t have any friends, Nagane." Hideaki said, and just with those words. The entire charade was over, something so simply and yet so easy to overlook if one wasn''t paying attention. He was in control from the moment we found him in class. Hideaki knew, he always knew. Nagane nearly collapsed back in his chair, his face was pale and his breath shaky.

    "...This can''t be happening, how...how could I be so foolish and get caught like this." Nagane said as Hideaki then stood up and walked over to him with the papers in his hand.

    "W...Who gave you those files on me? That should be illegal to just hand out to anyone." Nagane asked

    "It is." Hideaki said as he dropped the blank papers in front of Nagane, who''s face turned completely ghastly and full of disbelief.

    "THEY WERE BLANK THE WHOLE TIME!?

    He purposely drew and wrote on the too, to make it seem like an official report! HE NEVER HAD ANY EVIDENCE ON ME AT ALL!!!" Nagane thought to himself, his mouth wide open with shook.

    "I do have one piece of paper for you though." Hideaki said as he then put down a piece of paper, it was a note of expulsion. Nagane was finished, he didn''t have anything to say or anything to do. He sat in that chair slumped over the paper with disbelief and horror written on his face.

    "I want your desk cleared and you out of this school before the next bell. Good day Tomio Nagane." Hideaki said as he then left the room. Kibe followed behind him, bringing his school bag with him. The two of them walked down the hall, it was quiet and very peaceful.

    "That was impressive, though I don''t see why I had to come along. You handled it just fine." Kibe said

    "Thats not all true, you did help me. You confirmed everything to me too." Hideaki said

    "He was watching me too." Kibe thought as the two stopped.

    "You spotted the same signs in him I did, and when you looked to me. You confirmed it for me that I was right. From his shakeup breath to his eye dilation. Even his posture.

    You aided me in there. Ya''know, since Takashi is likely not to be coming back anytime soon. How would you feel taking his place? We could always use a new member." Hideaki asked

    "More like puppet." Kibe thought "Not thanks, I''ll have to pass. I don''t particularly find being the center of attention; all that fascinating." Kibe answered. Hideaki scratched his head.

    "Thats a bummer. Oh well, thank you anyway. If you know anyone else who''d be willing. Than please give me a heads up.

    See you around, Nori Kibe." Hideaki said as the bell rang and he walked away. The students from the other classrooms began to scurry and run out. Chatting and talking to one another. While Kibe after a minute of standing, began to make his way to class too.

    Someplace else in the school, in one of the girl''s bathrooms. Ichii was in a stall. She had a small razor in her hand as one of her sleeves was rolled up. Blood covered her shoes. Her wrist was lined with cuts and deep wounds, all self-inflicted.

    Her tears rushed down her face.

    "DAMNIT! WHY COULDN''T I HAVE BEEN BORN BETTER!? WHY AM I SO UGLY!! I''M REPULSIVE!" Ichii cried as she collapsed on the toilet seat, dropping her razor. She curled up, pulling at her hair.

    "..."

 The doctor is in the underground.

    Brandon was standing in a alleyway, the alleyway was dirty, garbage left about the place, some needles here and there. Graffiti and many other disgusting things laying around the place. Brandon looked down both ends of the alleyway before looking in front of him towards a black door. It was painted completely black and even had a doormat. How classy Brandon thought as he looked at his phone.

    "This is the 5th place I''ve checked. The other 4 back alley clinics didn''t seem to have anything remotely close to what I was looking for.

    Or even anyone I could suspect as being the one behind Alice''s actions. Well, maybe I''ll treat myself to a sour apple later or a caramel apple. I should still have some yen left from that guy''s wallet." Brandon said before he then knocked on the door to the clinic. Brandon would turn around quickly.. As he did a sliding window on the door would open. Showing only two pairs of eyes looking at him.

    "You got an appointment?" Asked a feminine voice, yet it was more grouchy and deep. Brandon then would collapse aginst the door, moving violently and shaking. His face in distress and agony.

    "Hey! What the hell is wrong with you-"

    "PLEASE! I NEED A DOCTOR! I heard the one here is one of the best around! I don''t have enough for the pricy one. This is the only place I could think of.

    Please don''t turn me down. I got it bad ma''am!" Brandon said, his voice filled with despair and terror. He even had worked up a bit of a sweat.

    "Ma''am!?" Shouted the woman before closing the small hatch, he then began to hear clicking. Brandon''s eyes looked around for cameras and saw none. He looked down both ends of the alleyway and saw nobody. Brandon gave a small smirk before he heard the door open, him still leaning on it would fall inside, landing on a red carpet.

    He opened his eyes and saw black heels, as his eyes went up he saw tattered and torn black jeans, finally he saw a large black coat and woman with dyed dark green hair and clear red contacts over her eyes. He grinned at her.

    "Than-"

    "LISTEN HERE! I''M 24 YEARS OLD JERKOFF! I''m well in the prime of my life! Don''t ever call me ma''am again if you value your life." Shouted the woman, Brandon took a moment to process her before he got up.

    "She would be easy to profile as Alice, but she has no signs of BDD, no. I''d she''s very much comfortable with how she looks. Maybe a little too much really." Brandon thought

    "So? What is it you need help with anyway? You don''t look too sick to me." She said, Brandon looked around for a moment. The small office was homey. The wallpaper was a greyish-dark green. On the walls were pictures of animals, night skies and the sea. There was one receptionist desk. Stylized with some gothic and punk-rock decorations to it. Definitely this woman''s. There seats and a couch. Two doors aginst the back wall. One of them lead to who Brandon had come to see.

    "Ah yea, well you see...its kind if hard to talk about...could I sit down?" Brandon asked nervously. The woman sighed as she pointed to the couch. Brandon walked over and sat on it. Very cozy and comfy. He watched the woman lock the front door. The door had three kinds of locks on it. One a padlock, the other dial lock and the other was a bar lock. She scoffed as she came over and sat next to him.

    "Umm, well this is a bit embarrassing really. But you see I have BDD, if you don''t know what that is the-"

    "I know what the hell it is." The woman said annoyed

    "Oh, then this place does deal with illnesses like it then?" Brandon asked

    "Yea, we handle that too. Are you looking for surgery or something? Something to make yourself less ugly? Or maybe a set of new nails?

    You want some contacts?" She asked

    "Uhh no, I really just need someone to help me figure out what it is about me that I hate so much. The constant looking in the mirror, the constant feeling like I always have something wrong with myself. I honestly don''t know what to do.

    ...I''ve been this way my whole life." Brandon said, he sniffed as his eyes got a bit watery. The woman looked at him, her cold tone and appearance falling for one of pity.

    "...I...I''m sorry to hear that. Look this place isn''t free pal, if you want something you''ll have to pay like any other hospital or clinic before Mr.Makoto can see you. Hes a very busy guy these days." She said getting up and making her way to the next, Brandon followed behind her.

    "Makoto, could he be Makoto Noro? He was on the list of papers Kibe gave me. He''s an ex-employee of that Swan hospital. He had a pretty good record for a few years, but then people found out he was using his experience as a surgeon to sell organs on the black market.

    He has a lot of experience being a doctor and a psychiatrist under his belt. Could this be my ace?" Brandon thought as he walked to the desk and watched the woman sit down in front of a computer. He saw her begin to type away.

    "So, what treatment plan do you want? We have the regular weekly service which goes for about 450,000 yen. Though its only good for a month. After that you have to renew it.

    Then there is the year plan, which means you''ll be paying around 12 million yen for the year. But you''ll be at the top of the list of patients. You''ll get the best treatment of course.

    So which are you looking to do today? Mr?" The woman asked

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    "Masaki Ishikawa." Brandon said bowing.

    "Huh, you don''t look Japanese to me now that I look at you." The woman said, Brandon stood straight a bit nervous.

    "Heheh my apologies, Its on my mother''s side. We moved over here when I was young, but I mainly grew up in the states." Brandon said

    "Oh wow that far out. Well I guess I can''t turn you down for that. I may be a bitch, but I''m not that much of one." The woman said as she typed in some stuff onto the keyboard. Brandon looked next to him as a card reader began to glow.

    "Alright then, Ishikawa, what treatment are you looking for?" She asked

    "I''ll take the yearly plan. Seems like the best and most guaranteed." Brandon said as he got the wallet from the man he had pickpocketed before. He dug around for a bit and got the man''s card.

    "Oh wow, you must be loaded to afford this huh?" She asked

    "Nah, this is small money to me. But its for a good cause. I work a lot of hours anyway, its good for me to spend something on myself." Brandon said as he inserted the man''s card inside into the card reader. After a minute it accepted it.

    "Thank you, Mr.Makoto will be with you shortly. Have a seat." The woman said as Brandon walked over sat down. It would take a few minutes, but soon Mr.Makoto would arrive. Brandon looked to him, he took notice of the man''s appearance. He had grey in his brown hair, brown eyes, a bit more round than most men in Japan though. He took notice of the fact the man had reading glasses. He also wore a black vest with pants and shoes to match.

    "Ishikawa? Right this way." Mr.Makoto said as he gestured for Brandon to join him inside his office. Brandon walked in nervously. As he did the two would walk into a very cozy room. There was a desk in the back with a computer. Lights above them. Two chairs facing each other. Brandon looked to his right and saw a tray with a tea set, something Kibe would like no doubt. Mr.Makoto would close the door and walk around Brandon.

    "Would you like some tea?" Mr.Makoto asked, Brandon watched as the man went over to his tea set. He took in a familiar smell.

    "Mmm, thats wolfsbane. Hes growing it somewhere here." Brandon thought, thats when his posture woukd go back to his usual stance. His demeanor and everything returning back to who he was. Mr.Makoto was making some jasmine tea. Which Brandon could smell.

    "So, you''ve paid for my full attention, what can I do for you? I read the BIO that Mica sent. I suppose, your looking for a physical change yes?" Mr.Makoto said as he turned around with his tea. Thats when he noticed Brandon staring at him, his hands in pockets.

    "What is this? His entire figure and person just changed. Before he had straight posture and a sort of nervousness about him. Now...I can''t read him at all.

    ...he isn''t a real patient." Mr.Makoto said as he sipped his tea.

    "I reckon you''ve already figured it out." Brandon said

    "Yes I have." Mr.Makoto said

    "Good, so where are they are?" Brandon asked

    "What?! Does he-"

    "You''re fruit. Where is it?" Brandon asked

    "Huh?" Mr.Makoto asked puzzled

    "Yea, you see I''ve been starving since I got here and I''m really hungry hehe." Brandon chuckled, Mr.Makoto looked at him with a unsure and confused look.

    "...This guy might just be insane after all." Said Mr.Makoto. a while later Brandon and Mr.Makoto would be sitting across from each other. Brandon would be eating a an apple that Mr.Makoto had retrieved from his pantry. The two of them would just be sitting down, the sound of a grandfather clock in the back of the room. Mr.Makoto was about to ask something, but Brandon would cut him off.

    "Did you kill nine people?" Brandon asked

    "Excuse me?" Mr.Makoto asked

    "I''ve been looking into some stuff, and your name came up in some reports.

    Organ dealing is a hell of a crime." Brandon said

    "Are you being serious, did you really come all this way, just to insult me!" Mr.Makoto said with frustration in his voice.

    "A innocent man would have hit me by now. Which you haven''t, by the way this apple is really good. Where did you get it?" Brandon asked

    "Ishikawa! I must ask you to get out now!" Mr.Makoto shouted as he stood up, putting his cup of tea down. Brandon stood up and finished his apple. Mr.Makoto grabbed Brandon by the arm, but Brandon quickly moved it away.

    "Hey! No touchie. None of that. I have my own feet." Brandon said as he and Mr.Makoto walked to the door, but thats when Brandon would grab him by his shoulder.

    "You won''t get away with it. Alice will break from you. Once she finds out you can''t help her." Brandon said, Mr.Makoto stuttered for a moment, but then regained his composure.

    "You have the wrong guy, now I''ve asked you to go." Mr.Makoto said, but just as he did that Mica came bursting through the door.

    "Sir! The police are outside our door!" Mica shouted

    "WHAT!?" Mr.Makoto shouted. He turned around and stared Brandon who had a wide grin.

    Afterwards, Mr.Makoto, Mica and Brandon would all be taken into custody. They would all be fingerprinted and put into chairs with cuffs. Mr.Miyuki and Mr.Nakayama would come walking down the hall with stern looks on their faces.

    "I told you he was going to be trouble." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Don''t start. I have enough on my plate as it is." Mr.Nakayama said as they both arrived to see the 3 cuffed and sitting down. One of the other officers in the station.

    "What the hell were you doing at a back alley clinic?!" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "I was there for a check-up, honest. Come on guys you have little faith in me." Brandon said

    "Take him to my office. What about these two?" Mr.Nakayama asked as one officer grabbed Brandon and began to take him away.

    "These two yea, Mikumo Mica and Tomoyuki Iizumi." Said Mr.Miyuki

    "Ah, so Makoto Noro, isn''t your real name then." Brandon said with a smile, Mr.Iizumi looked at Brandon with a stern and hateful look.

    Later on Brandon would be sitting in front of Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki.

    "GOING OUT ON YOUR OWN! No call and no response to my messages. Have you forgotten what your job here is?!" Mr.Miyuki shouted

    "Ugh, do you gotta be such a drag? I caught some criminals didn''t I?" Brandon said

    "You did, but because you were there and nothing happened really they aren''t being charged. Yes its illegal, but you were there Brandon. So they get to go free. At least for now." Mr.Miyuki as Mr.Nakayama was sitting there thinking as he looked to a picture on the wall. It was a picture of him getting a medal from Mr.Ozawa.

    "So they get to go free and you end up shouting at me for doing my job? My goodness, lets never hope for terrorist." Brandon smiled

    "Why you-"

    "Miyuki, leave me and Brandon." Mr.Nakayama said, not wanting to get into an argument. Mr.Miyuki stormed off. Mr.Nakayama sighed as he stood up and walked over to Brandon.

    "I assume you got something out of this?" He asked

    "Oh I did, tonight. Someone by the name of Masaki Ishikawa, will die tonight." Brandon said

    "By the hands of Alice?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "No, Alice is just the facade. She''s the person that they get to do their dirty work." Brandon said

    "And they is Mr.Iizumi." Mr.Nakayama said, Brandon gave a wide smile as Mr.Nakayama nodded. He then turned around and thought for a moment.

    "We''ll tap all phones in the area by his clinic. You will go and stake out Masaki Ishikawa''s home. Report anything you see or hear, and if you don''t. Please don''t kill anyone. I mean it!

    Otherwise I won''t be able to save you again. I appreciate you calling in advance. Even if the delayed arrival you requested was peculiar on first glance." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Heheh, you can rely on me. By the way. Do you have any fruit?" Brandon asked with Mr.Nakayama sighing in annoyance.

 Motivation

    Later on that night, Mr.Iizumi would be at his apartment, he hands were on his kitchen counter. His hands were shaking and his eyes were red from him focusing on nothing else, but his phone.

    "Damn you Ishikawa! How could I have possibly been pin-pointed!? After all the work I did to make sure my steps were covered well. After all my methods and carful planning...not even the detectives could trace and get to me. Yet he...this can''t forward. Now they know." Said Mr.Iizumi as eyes then moved to his phone. Sweat for s moment came down his face as his hand then reached over and began to dial a number.

    The next day at Sawa High school, Kibe was sitting down with the other students on the bleachers listening to their PE teacher. They were going to play dodgeball. The class would be paired up with another class 6-A, which was the one Kenji just so happened to be in along with Ichii, who was looking down, her face painted with grief and guilt. Kibe had been eyeing her the entire time they were there. Afterwards the teacher would let everyone know that it was time get started. However Kibe would overhear talks about the new principle. That he was being brought in with some new equipment to help with the students, and behavior management. Along with a few other things today.

    Mi was absent from school today, Kibe noticed it, but didn''t let it get in the way of what he was thinking. Thats when Kibe would see Hita once again poking fun at Ichii with some other students also joining in. She would walk away from them and stand in front of a ball. It was 1-S vs 6-A. Kenji and Kibe looked at one another.

    "Looks like we''re competing aginst each other again. Hope you don''t mind that." Kenji joked

    "Thats not whats on my mind. If its alright with you I''m going to end this quickly." Kibe said, Kenji snickered for a moment before he got ready. Yet Kibe just stared and stood perfectly straight and still.

    "Hes going to make his move quicker than mine, but what he doesn''t know is that I''m prepared to catch every angle of this throw he''ll attempt to do. He knows that I reckon, so whats your move Nori?" Kenji thought, thats when the whistle would go off and of course everyone would go for the balls lined up at the center of the gym. Jun would be tossing her ball around knocking out at least 2 people with her intense throws.

    Kenji would jump back as Kibe grabbed a ball and looked directly at him.Stolen story; please report.

    "Here he comes!" Kenji thought and indeed Kibe did. Kibe would deliver a wide swing and send the ball soaring through the air, but then Kenji''s eyes noticed its trajectory. It was off by a mere few inches from his head. It flew right past him and smashed Ichii in the face, only for it to bounce off her face and nail Kenji in the face knocking him and her out. Ichii fell back hard as Kenji fell to his knees. As everyone kept playing Kibe would walk to Kenji and stop behind him.

    "...Tch, showoff." Kenji scoffed

    "We need to talk." Kibe said, but first he had to find out how to get out of the game. He looked around at all the dodge balls flying through the air, they looked to be going in slow motion to Kibe while he also could see the angels and where they would hit. Kibe then noticed one heading right towards. He let it hit him in chest before he and Kenji walked over towards the bleachers.

    "So, I''m guessing this is about the new principle?" Kenji asked

    "Precisely. What do you know? Or better to ask, what has Kiko shared with you." Kibe asked

    "Its one of your old professors from the pale palace." Kenji said, Kibe was caught a bit off guard, infact he was a bit shocked to hear that. Though his face wouldn''t show it.

    "Interesting. Finally someone from the pale palace who may have more information about my time there. This could be a chance to also get ahead of the students coming here as well." Kibe thought

    "Name?" Kibe asked

    "Mizuki Shinj��, hes a philosophy, history and academic specialist. He is one of the best there. From what I heard from other students there, hes more brilliant than every college in France and America combined.

    He was also under one of the Co-Founders of the academic test there. Guy is a total genius." Kenji said

    "And I''m guessing he wanted his students to reflect that same genius intellect, so he only allowed certain students into his classes." Kibe said

    "Exactly. Which was only you and three others." Kenji said, Kibe nodded, thats when he saw Ichii run out of the gym in tears.

    "Oh come on Ichii! Don''t be such a baby!" Shouted Hita, only for some boys to come over and confront Hita aggressively about what he had done. Kibe watched her before he got up. He then followed after her. He walked through the empty school halls since everyone was in class. His ears then her sniffs and mild crying. He walked over and saw her sitting under the stairs.

    "DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!" Ichii was saying to herself. She got out a razor from inside her shoe. She then looked at it, her hand being a bit shaky.

    "Greetings Ichii." Said a voice, it was cold, but yet had a sense to it like no other. Her head turned immediately and so none other than Kibe. He was looking at her. His hand aginst the wall and another behind his back. She was speechless.

    "Don''t be afraid, I''ve only come to offer words of motivation." Kibe said, Ichii just stared at him in curiosity...and fear.

 Follow the White Rabbit

    Kibe and Ichii would be sitting across from one another under the stairs. Kibe sitting across from Ichii would remain silent while she also said nothing. Her hands fidgety and eyes darting around. Kibe could tell from her distress that she had weighted guilts on her shoulders. She stared at Kibe for a moment before looking away.

    "Hita means to continue abusing you, how long will you let it go on? Until he decides he can get away with anything?" Kibe asked, yet Ichii didn''t answer, her head buried in her legs and arms.

    "...What am I supposed to do...." she mumbled

    "Fight back. Or will you wait till he has his way with you?" Kibe asked which got her attention. Her eyes almost seemed hopeful.

    "You...You honestly think he''d consider me pre-"

    "No. You''ve mistaken my words. Rape, even for someone like you wouldn''t be a sign of your beauty. It''d only mean he finds you so heinous that he believes, that if he were to do that act, no one would believe you." Kibe said, Ichii held her arm as tears rushed down her face. Kibe just watched her.

    "Your disfigurements are a curse, you see yourself heinous and revolting. Nothing you say or do will change that. Guaranteed." Kibe said, she looked up at him.

    "D-...Do you think I''m pretty?" She asked

    "No." Kibe said, his answer was quick and cold as usual. Her eyes got small as she placed her hands on her head.

    "WHATS WRONG WITH ME!? CAN NOTHING MAKE ME FEEL BEAUTIFUL!? I JUST WANT TO BE AS PRETTY AS THE OTHER GIRLS!!!

    ....The doctor said...that if I listened to him...he''d make me normal." Ichii mumbled as snot and tears fell down her face.

    "Normality is a fiction Ichii, there is no such thing as the ordinary. Only the common and done over." Kibe said

    "Then what does that make me!? If I''m not that! Then what am I!?" Ichii said he hands on her head.

    "...Theres no way to fix her, I doubt she may have lived this month if it wasn''t for the doctor she spoke of.

    If this is truly Alice, then Brandon was right. She is a patient.

    However, now, she is mine." Kibe thought as he stood up, he then walked over to her and immediately gripped both sides of her face with his hands.

    "Do you desire beauty that badly?" Kibe asked

    "What are you-"

    "Answer me. How badly do you want to be beautiful?" Kibe asked

    "...Anything...I''d kill for it." She answered, her eyes focused on Kibe''s green eyes. They were like search lights. Like as if they were looking through her own mind and for something hidden away.

    "What if I told you, I could make you beautiful? More better than any doctor could do or even surgery can do for you. What if I could make you see just how beautiful you really are?" Kibe asked

    "But how? What would I have to do?" Ichii asked, her eyes were trembling with fear and shock.

    "Listen to my voice, and I can heal you. I can fix you, but only if you''ll let me...Alice." Kibe said, Ichii was taken aback by that name, but then she reflected on everything else. Her other options, what Kibe had said so far and more. Thats when her eyes saw it. A mountain of endless suffering, endless pain and endless misery awaiting her. Kibe had made her future without him seem meaningless and bleak. Her eyes quivered and shuttered at the very idea of such desolate and horrifying future.

    "...I...I....am ready." She saidA case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    "Good then. Now listen closely to me." Kibe said as he began to speak to her. Thats when Hita and some of his friends started walking down the hall.

    "Hey, she did come this way right? I got class in a bit and I''m not looking to fail." Said one of the boys.

    "That crybaby came over here I know it. I''d say follow the blood, but I guess that little skank must have covered her sleeves." Hita said, thats when one of the boys, a boy by the name of Ita stopped.

    "W-What?" Ita said, Hita turned around

    "Yea, didn''t you know? She likes to cut herself. My girlfriend saw her doing it in the girl''s bathroom. How pathetic right? And all because she''s so ugly hehe." Hita chuckled, some of his friends got a bit concerned with his behavior. Hita looked around at them, he looked a little worried they weren''t laughing with him.

    "Well? Its funny right?!" Hita said to them, but they didn''t answer.

    "You said girlfriend right?" Ita asked

    "Yea? And?" Hita groaned

    "You don''t have a girlfriend, I''ve known you since freshmen year. You aren''t in any relationship." Ita said, the other boys looked at him.

    "...What? You think I would really do that?! Come on, I wouldn''t-"

    "Then how do you know!" Ita asked, Hita didn''t alhave anything to say, but instead just gave a nervous chuckle and walked over to Ita grabbing his collar.

    "HEY! Just what are you trying to play at? You think you''re somehow better than me huh? Think your popular and cool!? Well guess what! I don''t need any of that from you! I don''t need you Ita! I don''t need any of you clowns." Hita said as he shoved Ita away with the other boys catching him.

    "Hey! What the hell!" Said one of them

    "You got problems man!" Said another boy.

    "Leave him, he isn''t worth our time anymore. Anyone who picks on the mentally deserves nothing; but hell time." Ita said as he got up.

    "Then go." Hita said, thats when Ita and the other boys looked behind Hita with shock, Hita noticed and turned around to see nonother than Ichii standing in the hallway.

    "Well, look who it. If it isn''t the cow!" Hita shouted, thats when the school bell would ring signaling for the next class. Hita took a notice of the students coming out of class, Ita too. Some students looked and even stopped to see what was happening. As the crowd around them got bigger, Kibe would then exit the underway of the stairs and then make his exit. He held his hand right on his shoulder as blood dripped from it.

    "Thank you. For helping me get just that much closer to my goal." Kibe said, thats when he''d then fake his collapse on the stairs. A girl would notice and run over to him.

    "Are you ok?" She asked before turning him over to see the blood. The girl let out a blood-curtaling scream. Hita and everyone in the hall was hit with immediate shock and suprise.

    "You called me a cow." Ichii said

    "Huh?" Hita said as he looked over to Ichii, but in that mere few seconds she had already crossed the distance and with her razor blade. Had slit his throat. Everyone was frozen, it was like as if the world was standing still.

    "I- ugh Guk!" Hita began to choke on his own blood, but not before Ichii would then stab him multiple times in the throat, slicing and cutting it wide open. By the end it looked like as if his throat was a tattered doorway. His esophagus and other vitals plain and visible. The blood gushing out and getting all over Ichii''s face.

    Everyone was shock and filled with fear, Ita''s eyes were wide open as he had just watched his old friend; get completely violated right in front of him. Everyone had no idea how to react for this few moments. Jun rounded the corner from Gym and saw everyone gathered around.

    Thats when Hita''s body would drop, the blood getting on the people behind him, spraying on Ita and few of the boys. In that very moment chaos and panic erupted in the hallway, people running and toppling over each other as screams ran out. Jun looked in shock at was happening. She then turned the corner she had come and gave her father a call.

    At the police station Mr.Nakayama and Brandon were going over the death that had happened last night.

    "So you were right. It is the doctor. He targeted the man you posed as and killed him." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Yes, so now we have one of them. All we need is the second one. All we need is find out who Alice is.

    However I do have a mental image and bio of her in my head." Brandon said as he ate his peach. Mr.Nakayama looked through the evidence they had before he got a phone call. He pulled out his phone and saw it was Jun.

    "Hold that thought." Mr.Nakayama said as he answered the phone. Brandon kept going through the evidence.

    His brain wracking on who Alice could infact be. Thats when he laid it out in his mind.

    "Alice believes she''s disfigured. That she can''t be beautiful, so she is following the instructions of a man she trust to get her to her goal. Which in this case is killing people.

    BDD is more likely to come up in women, seeing how they are the ones that beauty is often placed on the most. Making expectations of attractiveness and desirability; that much higher. I''d say that women may infact make up around 40 - 60%.

    But where does that lead me? There are hundreds to thousands of women in Ginza and this city. Theres no way I could track her down if she was older.

    Which means....WAIT! Hormones! All teenagers and young adults! They''ll be discovering themselves, their attitudes will change and behavior will fluctuate! Meaning...HOLY SHIT THATS IT!

    ALICE IS A SCHOOL GIRL!" Brandon thought as he then jumped in his chair the same time Mr.Nakayama nearly fell back in his.

    "NO WAY!" they both shouted. Both of them looked at each other.

    "You first!" Brandon said as he finished his peach.

    "I just got a phone call from my daughter, she just told me that a young girl just killed someone in front several dozen students and is going on a rampage!" Mr.Nakyama said as he put on his coat.

    "Huh what coincidence, cause I just cracked that Alice is a school girl." Brandon said

    "What?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "I''ll explain in the car, lets go!" Brandon said as he ran out of the room with Mr.Nakayama. five police cars began speeding down the street and towards Sawa High school.

    With Brandon and Mr.Nakayama hoping that this may infact be the break they need to crack this case.

 The Traitor Games, part 1

    Mr.Nakayama and Brandon were driving in the car, as they did Mr.Nakayama woukd call Mr.Miyuki who was still at the office.

    Mr.Miyuki would be typing away, going over the Alien case as he had himself a donut. Thats when he got the call.

    "Mmmm, Nakayama, whats up?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Hey, I need you to run those files from the emails we got from the old principal of Sawa High. I believe we''re close to this. Tell me all the names of the people who were transferred there.

    Whichever one showed up, will be the suspect of the wonderland case and will be the one that they were talking about in the email." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Alright, I''ll get the information right now. I''ll hit you up once I got something." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama hung up as he kept driving. Brandon looked at him before leaning aginst the door.

    "Look, I know we''re not supposed to be on the case, but you have to tell me something. I can''t make a PBJ sandwich without the jam. First you ask me that crazy ass favor and now the wonderland case is getting brought up.

    I thought that''s why you needed me here. To help you with this." Brandon said, Mr.Nakayama sighed as he turned down the street.

    "...I trust your instincts, you managed to manage the US. I brought you here to help me manage this." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Seems to be going well, seeing your progress with the White Rabbit." Brandon said leaning back, Mr.Nakayama looked over to him and then back to the road.

    "...The White Rabbit has no motive, he isn''t like any criminal, sociopath or psychopath I''ve ever met or caught. With no traceable motive his pattern is impossible to get a lead on.

    Not to mention he leaves mo evidence, not even crumbs. He''s a good cleaner." Mr.Nakayama said, Brandon''s eyes looked to him.

    "But your better, I know you got a hold of something. You''re just not sure how to follow up on it." Brandon said

    "...The suspect is...finicky. I have cold reads and some hot, but most of it is just in my head with a few evidences I did gather. With less...than legal means of getting them." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Good." Brandon said, Mr.Nakayama looked at him, gave a small smirk before continuing to drive.

    "You need to trust me. If you had someone on the inside before, clearly they aren''t reliable now." Brandon said

    "Yea, they got a bit too close. Now they aren''t reliable." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I see now. So thats why you asked me that favor. You suspect they''re a student. Holy shit...I heard the Japanese were smart, but...wow holy shit." Brandon said

    "I knew he was good." Mr.Nakayama thought as he looked to him and to the road.

    "We''re almost to Sawa high. Get ready." Mr.Nakayama said

    "...You will tell me what''s going. Once this is over. If catching this suspect means that much to you." Brandon said

    "...Solve the Alice case. Then I''ll give you what you need." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I-"

    "What you need. Thats all. Knowing the suspect could put your reliability in jeopardy." Mr.Nakayama said, Brandon looked at him and put his hand on his chin. His brain immediately thinking of possible suspects. Eventually they would reach the school, police cars all over the place including a SAT vehicle outside too. Brandon and Mr.Nakayama got out and walked over where they would see a SAT officer standing near the front entrance to the school.

    "Mr.Nakayama." said the SAT officer.

    "Officer, give me the run down." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Well we have half of the student body off campus. Another half still inside. Likely hiding.

    5 casualties. My men are waiting on you." Said the SAT officer. Thats when Mr.Nakayama would get a phone call. He looked to see it was Mr.Ozawa.

    "Sir." Mr.Nakayama said

    "What the hell is going on out there Nakayama?! I got hundreds of phone calls from parents and reporters about the situation. They''re comparing it to those American shootings, now I need this under control and I need it under control NOW.

    Tell me you have a plan." Mr.Ozawa said as he slamned his pen down.

    "As a matter of fact I do. Call you when I''m done." Mr.Nakayama said as he hung up. He then turned to the SAT officer while Brandon looked at Sawa High. He was mesmerized by its sheer size. He looked at how far it stretched and whistled.

    "Wow. This is one of hell of a school, you sure this isn''t private? Could run a sweat-shop in here." Brandon chuckled as Mr.Nakayama got his gun loaded and a tazer from the SAT officer. Brandon turned to him.

    "What are you doing?" Brandon asked

    "I''m going inside. We need this girl apprehended, not killed or maned.

    And my daughter is in there." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Then I''m coming with you." Brandon said

    "You have any combat experience? Been in a fight?" Mr.Nakayama asked, to which Brandon looked like he wanted to say something, but didn''t.

    "No." Brandon said

    "Then your not coming." Mr.Nakayama said as he got to walking.

    "This school is almost over 2 miles long and probably wider. It''ll take you over an hour or more to find her in there. Let me help." Brandon said, Mr.Nakayama stopped walking. His mind knee better, so did his gut too. If he wanted to get Alice and save Jun he would need more help. Mr.Nakayama took a deep sigh as he gestured for Brandon to come over. Brandon ran over with excitement, the SAT officer looking at him with a odd look.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    "Now listen. Theres a girl in there killing people, she will not hesitate to gut you like a fish. You go in there with me, your risk-"

    "Save me the speech bullshit. I got it alright? I was in US. Place is a walking minefield of little girls with knives sir.

    Now tell me, whats the plan?" Brandon asked, Mr.Nakayama nodded to the SAT officer as he and Brandon walked into Sawa High.

    "Plan is this, we split up to cover more ground. You take the two buildings on the right and I will search the main one and the gymnasium. If you spot her, stall and call me. Don''t fight, only if you have to. Got it?" Mr.Nakayama said as he turned to Brandon to see him nod.

    "Good." Mr.Nakayama said the two began to split up.

    "Oh! One more thing. If you find Kibe in here. Rely on him for the fighting." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Really?" Brandon asked a bit shocked as he scratched his head.

    "Yea, I get the feeling he knows his way around a fight." Mr.Nakayama said as he and Brandon split up.

    Kibe was in the infirmary, where Jun and Ita had taken him. Ita & Jun barricaded the door with one of the beds and some equipment. Jun looked over Kibe as he was laying on the bed. His eyes shut, seemingly unconscious.

    "Kibe, I know you can hear me. Its going to be alright. The police are here. We''ll be fine." Jun said

    "FINE!? She cut my friend''s throat like a beast! Then went off and killed others. Everything is not ok." Ita shouted, Jun went to him and covered his mouth.

    "Be quiet! Do you want her to come here? Not that she would break through that, but if she finds us...I''d hate to use any force against her.

    Her eyes...she clearly isn''t in the right thought process. Something broke her." Jun said as sheblet go of Ita''s mouth. He moved away and leaned on the sink counter in there. Jun took a look their surroundings. The nurse''s office was fairly large. 5 beds, one desk aginst the far back wall, a sink near the door and the bed Kibe was on was closest to the window. Both Jun and Ita were puzzled on what to do.

    As Kibe slept, old flashes of times he couldn''t recollect began to emerge. He was in a colorful and carried hallway. He was young, very young. Sitting on a chair outside of an office. He could see things clearly within this one memory. He saw drawings on the walls, he saw other kids walking side by side with each other. In single file lines they would have a teacher with them. All of them dressed in full white clothes. His eyes looked at them go along. He saw one female teacher holding a little girl, it was Kiko. Her silver eyes stared back at Kibe''s.

    Thats when Kibe would look forward and see two kids standing next to one another. They were both blonde, had the same haircut and even same eye color.

    "Jumeaux..." Kibe muttered. His eyes focused on theirs. The two were just starting at him from down the hallway.

    "Il y a plusieurs possibilit��s, monsieur, mais il faut se rendre �� l''��vidence. C''est un prodige. Si l''on se r��f��re aux informations obtenues grace aux scanners c��r��braux. Le gar?on est capable de traiter environ 3 milliards de bits d''information par milliseconde.

    Il n''est pas seulement meilleur que n''importe quel humain dans l''histoire, il les surpasse compl��tement et probablement tous ceux qui viendront dans le futur.

    Il n''est pas seulement meilleur que n''importe quel humain dans l''histoire, il les surpasse compl��tement et probablement tous ceux qui viendront dans le futur. Il pourrait battre le record des jumeaux �� l''avenir, puisqu''ils en sont �� 1 000 milliards." Said a male voice from inside, Kibe''s eyes looked over to the door. Heard a few more words spoken, but couldn''t quite make them out do the new line of kids, who were much noiser than the last.

    "...Je vois, hmmm. Mettez-le contre Chester, je veux voir exactement ce que 2-14-17-1-4-13 peut vraiment faire. Le Dr Abel a pris go?t �� celui-ci. Il veut voir la soi-disant "machine" ��voluer.

    Veillez �� ce que toutes les informations concernant son d��veloppement me soient communiqu��es." Said a different man, yet his voice was familiar to Kibe somehow.

    "Oui, M. Tomomasa." Said the voice from before. However that''s when Kibe would wake up, his eyes opening wide. He looked over and saw Ita standing near the door, looking very skeptical and nervous while Jun was sitting in a chair next to Kibe.

    "Jun." Kibe said, Jun looked up with joy with Ita also looking at him.

    "Thank goodness! You''re alright. I tried to bandage you up best I could." Jun said, Kibe looked at his shoulder and saw the wound from before had been sewn up, and given padding. It was amateur, but it would do. Kibe noticed his uniform or least his top was missing just showing his white shirt underneath.

    "...Thanks. How is everything? I only saw so much." Kibe said

    "How is everything? Dude, she''s going around killing people. Everything is bad!" Ita said as he walked over. Kibe sat up with Jun''s hands ready to help him, but he gestured he was fine. He stood up completely.

    "That stab wound I had Ichii do was a bit deeper than I would have liked. Although nothing comoared to Kat when she stabbed my hand." Kibe thought as he looked at that exact hand and saw the mark in the middle of his palm. It had healed nice, but was a nasty scar. He didn''t pay it too much mind. Kibe walked over to the barricaded door.

    "Hey hey! That''s our one line of defense, you really want to go out there?" Ita asked with a nervous tone. Kibe pulled the bed away with one hand.

    "No sense in staying in here. You two should get outside to the police." Kibe said

    "How did you know there was-"

    "I just do. Now come on." Kibe said, Jun and Ita began to help Kibe remove everything from the door. However during that, Kibe would see through the window of the infirmary. His eyes seeing a glint of light from a far away rooftop.

    "A sniper? Doesn''t seem right for just a girl." Kibe thought, he didn''t want it to know he was staring so he kept removing stuff as he side eyed it.

    "Its a Steyr SSG M1 338 Lapua Magnum FDE, bolt action, caliber 338 lapua and a pistol grip. Seeing how I can see it''s shine from the scope, I''m guessing its aiming for me.

    Himmy was spot on." Kibe said as he, Ita and Jun finished moving everything out of the way. Kibe reached for the door.

    "Things may be more complicated for Jun and Ita here than they realized.

    However, this is exactly what I knew would occur. This is a opportunity to not only catch Alice and the Doctor, prove my loyalty to the PSIA & Mr.Nakayama, but also catch the one who''s been watching me for the past month or more.

    Let it begin." Kibe said as he opened the door. Going down the hallway Brandon would be walking cautiously, always peeking around every corner. He walked down the hallway. His brain was racking with many possibilities. He was still thinking about how Mr.Nakayama had pinned the fac that the white rabbit could or is a student of Sawa High. By piecing it together, he managed to come to the same conclusion. However the thought wasn''t any less insane to think about. Because of one sole reason.

    As Brandon walked he then saw Kibe, Jun and Ita leave the infirmary; and that reason was the first to step out of that room.

    "If the white rabbit...could by any chance be you Kibe." Brandon said as he and Kibe made eye contact. Both of them staring at one another.

    "Then I may have just taken on; one of the most difficult cases in human history." Brandon thought as he walked over to Kibe. The two shaking hands.

    "Glad to see you. In one piece I mean." Brandon said

    "Likewise, no sign of Alice?" Kibe asked

    "Ah, so it is her. Why the sudden change in pattern? Why just now start a killing here?" Brandon asked

    "I believe it could be from a psychological break, it happens. Heavy enough guilt or grief. It wouldn''t be much of a suprise." Kibe said

    "Alice? You mean from the murder?" Ita asked

    "No, your mother." Brandon said, Ita looked at Kibe confused, thats when Kibe would pull Brandon to the side for a moment. Jun looked at them. Brandon then saw the patched up wound on Kibe''s shoulder.

    "Oooo nice nic. Did you get it from shaving?" Brandon asked

    "Focus Wright. Now, I need you to get Jun and Ita out of here. I''m assuming if your here. That Mr.Nakayama is too. Where is he?" Kibe asked

    "He went to the left side of the campus, towards the gymnasium." Brandon said, Kibe nodded as he walked away.

    "Kibe! Come on, its dangerous!" Jun shouted

    "Go!" Kibe said as he began running. Brandon walked to them and then moved them forward.

    "You two go and get to a nearby fire escape. The SAT has this place surrounded. They''ll get to you. I need to help him out." Brandon said as he left them. Jun and Ita looked at one another before they both went running to the fire escape. On the other side of the campus, Mr.Nakayama was checking rooms when he finally arrived to the doors of the gymnasium. He then could her talking on the otherside. He put his ear to the door.

    "The doctor said you''d be fine. I don''t know whats come over you, but you must calm down. Otherwise you''re place with us is compromised." Said a female voice, it sounded a bit too familiar to Mr.Nakayama, he put his gun away and got out his tazer.

    "I''m sorry, I don''t know whats come over me. Its like he reached into my head and...I''m sorry." Said Ichii, Mr.Nakayama listened until he then kicked the door open.

    "FREEZE!" he shouted, however he did see Ichii there, she was holding her razor and covered in blood, but then his eyes moved to someone else. Another girl with blonde hair. He was in shock at who it was.

    "No wa-" however that''s when the mysterious girl would shoot Mr.Nakayama in shoulder with a pistol. He''d flinch away and duck under cover as more shots were fired. The SAT, Kibe, Brandon and Jun all stopped at the sound of the gun shots.

    "Dad..." Jun muttered

    "..."

    The SAT officer looked at his watch and then gave out a loud whistle. Thats when he and his men would rush into the building. Unfortunately they had not noticed a black van that had rolled up a few spaces away from them. Kibe would rush down the stairs and down a hallway, however that''s when as he was running a shot would be fired in a hallway next to him. He''d look to see several men there. All aiming assault rifles at him. Red dots covering Kibe''s torso. Kibe put his hands up.

    "I''m guessing from your gear and heavy artillery, that your not here for Alice or to save anyone." Kibe said, one of the men would walk up, taking off his helmet and mask.

    "Just you." Said Bo. He then gestured for the men to take Kibe. Two men came up with the rest remaining to point at Kibe with their weapons. They would cuff Kibe and take him outside. While they avoided the actual authorities. As Kibe was taken outside He''d hear a unpleasant familiar voice.

    "Hey Kibe! Guess what?" Said Brandon, Kibe sighed as he looked next to him to see Brandon with a black eye and cuffed.

    "Looks like we''re cuff pals." Brandon said. Kibe just looked forward as the men took Kibe and Brandon, throwing them into the black van. The other men hopped in the back as Bo got in the front and began to drive away.

 The Traitor Games, finale

    Mr.Nakayama would open his eyes, he would see Jun sitting next to him in an ambulance.

    "Jun?" Mr.Nakayama said, Jun turned over to him and immediately wrapped her arms around him.

    "OH DAD! I''m so glad your safe!" Jun said

    "Wh-...ugh! Where is Brandon?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Huh? Oh you mean the weird guy with the long hair. Yea he went after Kibe, but...neither of them came back after they went looking for you." Jun said

    "What? Agh!" Mr.Nakayama grunted as he sat up. Jun grabbed his shoulder.

    "The doctors said the bullet went clean through your shoulder, so you''ll be alright. But you need to be careful anyway, don''t get up too fast." Jun said

    "What about Alice?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "The SAT came in and got her. She''s in custody now." Jun said

    "What about the other one? Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Other one?" Jun asked confused, then Mr.Nakayama just waved it away.

    "You should call your mother and let her know your alright. She was worried." Mr.Nakayama said as Jun nodded and left the ambulance. Mr.Nakayama watched her for a moment before he then laid back. His mind spinning from everything. His eyes were relaxed yet he could feel his heart racing. Hundreds of thoughts crossing his mind.

    Someplace else, in a remote location. Kibe and Brandon would be tied up with bags on their heads, they were both in chairs back to back. Kibe was silent as Brandon was just mumbling to himself. Sounded like he was counting.

    The place they were in was dark, nearly pitch black besides one light that seemed to go off and on. It was red. Illuminating the room in the same hue. Kibe''s eyes opened. He had been thinking to himself too.

    "So. This is Bo. A sort of hunter, a guy who knows how to catch his prey and trap them. I sure do attract too much attention.

    I''ll need a plan to lessen that." Kibe thought

    "Psst, hey psst Kibe." Brandon whispered

    "Why are you whispering, we''re alone?" Kibe asked

    "Because it''s cool, duh. Have you never been a kid before." Brandon said with an annoyed tone.

    "Of course. Just not a stupid one. Now be quite. I need to think." Kibe said

    "Think of what? Do you think you can get us out of here?" Brandon asked

    "I have that in mind, among other things." Kibe said

    "Good. We''ll need some of that brain juice, cause I think I overhead those guys talking about making Swiss cheese out of us." Brandon said

    "So." Kibe said

    "So; I like my body without holes in it. How am I supposed to eat my favorite fruits if it doesn''t stay in my tummy?" Brandon said a bit pissed, Kibe shook his head dismissively. Thats when the two would hear the feedback of a mic.

    "Hello there, this is your host speaking. Welcome! To my little two round test!

    You see boys." Bo said as he kicked his feet up onto a table. He was sitting in a room with four other guys in there. All armed with weapons.

    "I''m a man of principle and rules. I like to do things so I can get the most out of what I like.

    Can you guess what I like to do?" Bo asked

    "..."

    "Stuffing large round objects up your ass? I heard thats in this year." Brandon said

    "Heheh, thats a good one.

    I''m a hunter.

    Which means I like to catch things, but I have a specific taste for these things. I like my prey to be at their possible best. At their prime.

    Otherwise I''m just hunting squirrels or some dumb shit like that. Now I hope that with these two test of mine, you''ll be on your toes from now on. Showing me your best and true potential." Bo said

    "Seems this psycho wants to fight us in a fair fight. Whatever fair means to him of course." Brandon whispered

    "Theres nothing fair about this." Kibe replied, Brandon nodded.

    "So if you two pass my test, then I''ll let you go. However, fail, and well-

    Let''s just say I''ll be getting my prey earlier than expected. So how''s about we cut this crap and get right to the bone of this shit huh?" Bo said. Thats when the red blinking light would then stay permanently. The cuffs they were in would automatically open. Kibe and Brandon took off the cuffs and the bags over their heads. Both of them looked at each other and then to the red light. Underneath it was a steel door with bars on a window to look through. Kibe walked over to it while Brandon stretched.

    "Wowza, its been a while since I got abducted into a weird freaky game show." Brandon said as Kibe went to the door and looked through the barred window. He looked through it and saw a man sitting in a chair. He was wearing a black and white suit. A light behind the two of them would turn on. They saw black gym clothes with white stripes on the right arm and left pants leg.

    "Put those on." Bo said

    "What are we dolls?" Brandon said

    "Until we get out. This is his dollhouse, and he''s choosing how we''ll play." Kibe said, the two of them walked over and changed into the gym clothes. That''s when the mic feedback would kick in. Kibe turned to look at the door while Brandon was loving his new outfit.

    "Now, let me tell you how this first game is going to work.

    This Test is...

    Killer Alert

    Killer Alert is about where two people go into a room where one senior and expert inspector/detective is present. The goal is simple, don''t get caught. The two people are trying their best not to be suspected as being a killer to the inspector/detective.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Both parties will be given a card. They all will not know this though. One card is a killer card, the other is a innocent card.

    The Killer card, the killer card allows the killer to dimiss any accusations that the inspector may pin on them and pin it on the other person.

    The innocent card, the innocent card does the exact same thing as the killer card.

    The test ends when the killer is pointed out or when the inspector fails to guess who is who." Bo said

    "Cool, so it''s like a liar''s game. I like the sound of that." Brandon said

    "..." Kibe looked at the doorway and then saw it open.

    "You don''t seem all that concerned about our situation. You been to many dark places before?" Brandon asked while inching closer to Kibe. Kibe''s eyes looked to him. Still unchanged and still showing no reaction.

    "Do you think that you''re going insane? That your about to pop like a ballon?

    Makes me curious of you. Ever since I saw you, you gave me this energy...this aura of aliennss, no. Otherness. You have this thing about you that I can''t come to terms with.

    Something that calls. Yet I don''t think I should answer, what do you think?" Brandon asked

    "I think, you should leave the psychiatrics to doctor Nin.

    Now let''s go. If we want to escape we''ll have to escape." Kibe said, the two began to walk forward.

    "He won''t let us go you know." Brandon said

    "I''m figuring that part out. You just need to keep being yourself." Kibe said. The two then walked inside the next room with the other man; inside they both saw two boxes on a table. Kibe and Brandon looked at them. They both opened one box. Each one having a black card and not showing it to them. Brandon then looked at the box and bent over giving it a whiff. The scent smelled of leather and tough fabric. Yet it was overwhelming.

    Brandon would be transported to a dark place, there he could see multiple silhouettes. He counted them in his head before he was brought back to reality.

    "Around several armed men are in here with us. The scent from the box...its too much for one person." Brandon whispered. Kibe looked to him and then to the man. They both then walked up to him.

    "So, would it be too much to ask you which one of you is the killer?" Asked the Inspector.

    "Yes." Kibe said

    "Alright then. I use to be as Investigator, a damn good one too. I will found out which one of you is the killer. I will get my freedom." Said the Investigator. Kibe and Brandon side eyed one another before facing him. The inspector circled the two looking at each of them.

    "A slouched posture, ragged hair, and a lack of sleep from what it seems. It would appear you may deal with some sort of mental illness, something along with insomnia and probably some sorts of schizophrenia." Said the inspector

    "Am I being psychoanalyzed?" Brandon asked

    "Yes you are." Said the inspector

    "Ah how lovely. Next we''ll be doing each other''s hair." Brandon said

    "Childish attitude, a sign of trauma." Said the inspector, Brandon looked at him.

    "It would be in my best intrest to see you die here Mr.Wright. unfortunately...

    Mr.Nakayama has made you my subconscious, responsibility." Kibe thought as he then looked at Brandon and then to the inspector who stood in front of him.

    "So, whats your story?" He asked, Kibe just looked at him.

    "My story isn''t going to help you find anything.

    I''m a fairly ordinary person. Nothing too interesting about me." Kibe said

    "Yet here you are. Why is that?" Asked the inspector

    "Why do killers kill? Why do kidnappers kidnap?

    All because of the one feeling, because they can." Kibe said

    "This is supposed to help you?" Asked the inspector

    "I''m telling you that I''m here because Bo is a lunatic, classic psychopath. He has fantasies of gander and grandioseness. Hes looking for the ultimate hunt, someone to make him feel like he hasn''t been wasting his life away hunting sheep.

    Though he fails to realize that when you go looking for trouble; it very much is always more than you bargain for." Kibe said, Bo was listening to the audio. His feet up as he played with his hunting knife. His eyes focused on it as he heard those words. Bo couldn''t deny them, yet he wouldn''t accept them either. He continued to listen.

    "So why are you the inspector? Why can''t I be the inspector? You better than me or something?" Brandon asked

    "I''m not. Just the position." The inspector said

    "But why? Your grass can''t be that much greener than ours. Besides you are here with us." Brandon said

    "...I''m...not saying that. Nor should you be questioning me on my stance." Said the inspector

    "Uh oh. Weewoo weewoo, killer alert, killer alert. It seems without even having the card, we can all tell who that killer is." Brandon said

    "If your trying to make a case for yourself to be innocent your failing at it. Which is why I''m going to, pick you. I think your the killer." Said the inspector looking to Kibe next.

    "I use my card to dimiss that as evidence against me." Kibe said

    "The-"

    "And before you say anything stupid, both the killer and the innocent card do the same thing." Kibe said

    "What kind of evidence are you dismissing anyway? I haven''t said anything yet." Said the inspector

    "And neither have I, which brings my conclusion to, my silence. You believe because I''m quite and dimissive. Must make me the killer.

    Well it doesn''t, otherwise all introverts and anti-socialist would be put into a padded cell.

    Which is why I will use my card to dimiss this." Kibe said, the inspector looked at him and curled his hand into a fist. He then looked at Brandon who shrugged with a smirk.

    "Guess its you and me old timer. I hope you don''t mind. But I have a feeling we''ll make for great friends you and me." Brandon smiled, but the inspector was tired of these games these two were playing. He backed away, the stress getting to him. Her put his hands in hair. His eyes were shaking.

    "How the fuck can you two live with this?! You realize that winning will get me killed?" Said inspector, his hands were trembling, somehow Brandon just being himself made himself too likely to be one and Kibe being who he was did the same. Both of them could be perfect killers. Yet somehow were manipulating the situation so that the inspector would not be able to tell the innocent from the guilty. Or supposed guilty.

    The inspector sat down aginst the wall. In all his years, never had he been confronted with such acting, such deception or evasiveness. He had seen killers who could be putting on a act on a play, and still be caught by him. Yet he couldn''t get a lick of a read on the two men in front of him. Brandon looked at the guy and tilted his head while Kibe was ever motionless. He hands behind his back. He seemed totally cool, calm and unfazed as usual.

    "I''m going to go have a word with him. You don''t mind do you?" Brandon asked, Kibe simply looked to him and he then went back to looking forward. Brandon smirked for a moment and then walked over. He sat next to the inspector. The two got to talking with one another. Kibe just watching. That''s when he heard voices enter his mind, old memories.

    "2-14-17-1-4-13, c''est Chester." Said the teacher. Kibe was sitting down in front of this computer screen. Its screen almost bigger then the young Kibe''s head. He was sitting across from it. Kibe''s eyes darted around the room. It was peachy white. Small drawings on the wall from other children; his eyes saw the massive engine and cables behind the computer. There was another teacher, a woman. Kibe''s eyes looked at her. She had brown hair. Her eyes were a dark green. Her lips rosey and body not sexualized by genetics, but instead was average. She was writting on a clipboard.

    Then his eyes to the other, the man''s hair was a combed back black, wore glasses and had a scar on his nose. Yet his face showed no expressions. He was blank, blank as a sheet of paper.

    "I was there, not for many a time, but I was there. I could hear the sound of single file lines. The sound of of emptiness filled every room there.

    These memories. Its as if my mind is trying to fight back aginst whatever they did. I didn''t graduate from the pale palace." Kibe thought.

    In his memories he saw as the both the man and woman teacher looked to him. Their faces were of worry and almost a bit concerning, but they were small signs. Nothing anyone could pick up unless you looked at their eyes.

    "They were scared of me." Kibe thought

    "Je suis s?r que vous avez d��j�� entendu parler de Chester. C''est un IA, que nous utilisons pour ��tudier et ��valuer la fa?on dont les ��l��ves r��agissent et se comportent face �� un adversaire ��ventuellement sup��rieur.

    Chester a ��t�� fabriqu�� par les meilleurs ing��nieurs et techniciens du monde. Il est capable de traiter des informations �� une vitesse d''environ 30 octillions de bits par millisecond. Nous n''attendons pas de vous que vous soyez capable d''��galer quoi que ce soit de ce que Chester fait aujourd''hui, mais nous attendons des r��sultats.

    Donc... Nous allons vous faire jouer �� un certain nombre de jeux avec Chester. Attention, Chester est capable de faire des mouvements plus rapides que n''importe qui sur terre. Cette IA peut ��voquer et passer en revue toutes les possibilit��s et m��me inventer ses propres mouvements. Nous esp��rons que vous pourrez nous montrer les limites qu''elle peut atteindre. ��tes-vous pr��t �� commencer ?" Asked the female teacher

    "Oui" Kibe said, he leaned forward as the male teacher turned on the computer. Thats when a green smiley face emoji would appear on the screen. Kibe looked down and saw a screen on a table. One half of it was for Chester and the other for Kibe. Kibe looked to see a pen. He grabbed it.

    "Vous commencerez par un jeu sym��trique / asym��trique, puis un jeu �� somme nulle / non nulle, puis un jeu bay��sien et nous partirons de l��." Said the man. Kibe looked at the screen. Thats when the game began. Instantly Chester and Kibe began to play aginst each other. Both starting at the same time.

    "Kibe!" Shouted Brandon, Kibe''s eyes opened as he looked to see Brandon standing by the open door. Kibe''s eyes looked down to see the inspector, his eyes gouged out with Brandon there. Clean.

    "I take it, he couldn''t handle the truth on the matter?" Kibe said as he walked over. Bo who was listening was in shock as he saw the other guards who were around him nearly shaken up from what they had heard, and seen Brandon do to the inspector. In the end, the inspector never could pin point if it was either Brandon or Kibe. Both were too deeply beyond the grasps of the human condition. Kibe and Brandon walked out of the room and towards the next.

    "Only one person may next the next room." Said Bo on the mic. Kibe and Brandon looked to one another before facing forward.

    "I''ll go. You stay." Kibe said, Brandon looked at as Kibe walked ahead.

    "If he really is the White Rabbit, if there is even a small possibility, he plays the cards he has well.

    Even though his personality or lack there of should be proof of his inability to feel compassion or empathy. It isn''t. Instead he has made it appear as though he is reserved. As if he is held in a tight suit.

    One that only someone who knows him well can take off him. If such is the case. Then I''ll need to be the one he can feel the most trusted for him to take it off around.

    I must become friends, with Nori Kibe." Brandon thought as he watched Kibe enter the door and close it. Kibe looked to see he was in a cage. Grated fence aginst the door, but enough room for Kibe to breath and stand. He looked to his sides and saw it was blocked off. Lights then shined on him. Kibe looked to see multiple men. Several men. Just as Brandon had suggested. All holding heavy artillery. All pointed Kibe.

    "Welcome to the final game!

    The Fireing Squad also known as, Fill in the blanks." Said Bo.

 Son of Shiva

    Himmy was standing in her apartment. The old smell and feeling being present there. Her apartment still a mess even after all the time that had passed. She looked over to table that her and Kibe once sat at. The place almost felt like a distant cage to her. Like walking into a pen and having the gate shut on you.

    As she walked around, different memories of her''s came to burrow at the front of her mind. She saw her mother, her mother and their old home. She witnessed as she saw her mother slam the door closed to her room. A belt in her hand.

    "I SAW YOU LOOKING AT HIM!? DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE ME!?" her mother screamed. She searched Himmy''s room, tearing it apart as she looked for her.

    "WHEN WILL YOU REALIZE THAT I''M ALL YOU HAVE! I''M EVERYTHING YOU NEED! You would leave me? You want to leave me!? Just like that bastard of a father!?" Shouted Himmy''s mother. Himmy, this younger version of her. Was hiding under her bed. She was crying and covering her ears. Soon, the noise of her wrecked room and hysterical mother would become silent. The only thing being capable of being heard. Were the sounds of cars passing by.

    Himmy herself now found herself under her old bed.

    "Are these events what I remember? Or are they what he wants me to remember...so I stay away from the past.

    So I can be...alone. Write my story as if I was born from nothing. Yet even when I try to do so. Its always his voice narrating. Talking and speaking on every single thing. Like as if its a documentary or a book to be read. It sometimes makes me wonder...if he''s allowing me to write, but he himself is the editor who goes over.

    Correcting mistakes and fixing what he thinks may be; meaningless." Himmy thought, however those very thoughts would not share her voice, but another''s. The voice of Nori Kibe. Every thought was in his tone, in his decimal and in his pitch. It was all him. Himmy remained under the bed.

    "Himmy." Said Kibe''s voice. Himmy turned her head, looking out from the bed to see a familiar pair of shoes. She crawled out and saw Kibe looking down at her. His hand down fo help her up.

    "He will do anything to keep me close, and I will do the same to stay close. Juo is gone, this...machine. Has completely bewitched me into it''s web of manipulation and deceit. Yet like any horrific scene...I am unable to look away." Said Himmy''s thoughts, yet still. They were said in Kibe''s voice as she took his hand and stood up. Kibe looked at her and then around the room. He walked around this memory, rather it be of his own making or a true reflection of Himmy''s mind; with the class and sway that he had always been here. Looking at things like as if they were old to him.

    "This room is yours, but the house is mine. You know that." Kibe said as he looked at a doll. Picking it up, it looked just like Himmy.

    "I do." Himmy replied

    "Yet you choose to stay here anyway." Kibe said

    "...Wh...where else am I to go?" Himmy stuttered, her voice a bit shaky. Kibe looked at the doll some more. His hands moving over its cheeks and feeling its eyes, chest, legs, torso and heart. Thats when two other. Pairs of arms would appear and also begin to touch the doll.

    "...What are you doing to me?" Himmy asked

    "I am molding, reconfiguring and redesigning what others have left in shambles. You have been left in pieces. Whatever room you tried to fill, you filled with nonsense. Drugs, junk food and false love." Kibe said as he walked over to Himmy. His other two pairs of arms feeling the floor or touching around the air. Thats when Kibe would stand in front of Himmy. Both of them looking at one another. Kibe''s right hand went up and grazed Himmy''s cheek. Touching, feeling and massaging her.

    "I seek to furnishe it better. I know I can. I know, you know, that I can." Kibe said, his other arms coming up and feeling Himmy. Yet the touches were not sexual, never did they venture anywhere they shouldn''t. All touches were something akin to mythical. Finding places on her body she didn''t even know she had.

    "You''re afraid of what will be left, its a natural fear. You must relinquish it, cast aside all doubt of what you may miss and only desire what you will be. What I can make.

    As the fabricator and designer of your inner compass, I am to be destoryer and benefactor. I create and will destory. As I must to make what should be. I will keep your things outside my memory palace. Your childish ambitions, your small goals, pet peeves, kinks, itches, longtime and shortime goals as well. Everything will be with me." Kibe said as his hands then grabbed at her face, one pair of hands cupping her face, the other brushing her hair and the other wrapped around her neck.

    "Who will I be without them all? What will I be?" Himmy asked

    "You will be what you should and have always meant to be. Do not worry, this old version of you will be kept within me.

    For you see, outside my memory palace lays the rest of the memories that linger beyond my unconscious and sudo-conscious. It is within my universe of evocation. Earth. Its grass, every drop of water and to every patch of sky lingers a memory. I am not limited to this though. Even the very stars linger my memories, and the memories of every other I have ever met.

    Now, yours will lay there. Making way for this new you. The you that should have been acting through this story from the beginning." Kibe said, with that Himmy would then return to reality. She looked around and found her apartment was cleaner, trash bags around her as she sat at the table. Likely all filled garbage. She looked at her hand and felt her neck.

    "Stubborn..." she said. Her dark eyes lingering on her apartment and its new condition. Trash still lingered, but it was more clean than before..

    Back at the unknown location.

    Kibe looked at them. His face unchanging.

    "The rules are simple, its just like Russian roulette.

    Except instead of a revolver. You instead have M16s and assault rifles. The idea is this, each magazine has 5 blanks and 5 actual rounds. You must place a bet on your life boy.

    If each soldier must fire a round, if its a blank and they attempt to shoot you. Then the next round must be tested on one of their team mates.

    If they don''t shoot you and want to test it, then its the same. Must be tested on one of them. However if you get shot then its all over!" Bo said, Kibe looked at them. All the men chuckled to one another as they aimed at Kibe.

    Kibe just looked at them as he had his hands up.

    "You all should know before you shoot, those are all blanks." Kibe said, all the men chuckled to one another.

    "You''re full of it! We just got these." Said one man

    "When did you order for them? I bet the shipment took you, a month or so to get." Kibe asked. Then men looked at one another. The man who spoke before looked to Kibe and shrugged.

    "A month yea." Said the man.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "Well, I ordered for a massive shipment of guns to be replaced with blanks." Kibe said, thats when all of them would look at one another. One of the men looked at their magazine. Then to Kibe who just stared at them.

    "Hes bluffing, theres no way he could-"

    "I could what? Manage to somehow switch out all shipments of bullets in Japan, Germany, Russia, Venezuela and Mexico with fake bullets?

    It sounds absurd yes...

    Unfortunately for you all, I don''t live in nor like absurdities." Kibe said his voice was spoken with such certainty and seriousness. Everyone, even Bo. All were now living in a reality they themselves were unsure of. They no longer felt like their actions, even a month ago. Were their own. Bo then got up and grabbed the hand gun of one of the guys next to him. He then immediately turned off the safety and pointed it at the mic.

    "You''re bluffing." Bo said

    "If I am then I die, if I''m not, which I''m not; then all you''re men die." Kibe said

    "..."

    "Unless, you let me go." Kibe said

    "If I let you go then you''ll just come after me." Bo said

    "Hmp, sounds like someone who knows exactly how deep he''s in.

    Little secret by the way. Next time you want to hunt something, don''t capture it and then give it a chance to escape. Had you any sense, you would have killed me at that school or at least tried." Kibe said

    "DON''T FUCK WITH ME! I''ve killed hundreds of people, animals and maniacs like you! You think you can get to me!? Think you can beat me! Well your wrong.

    Your little retarded mind games are bullshit! I''ve read your file. Its horseshit! YOU''RE horseshit! So here''s a little mind game for you!" Bo shouted, Kibe then put his hands down and in his pockets. He then began to look at the men in front of him. All of them now even more concerned because of Bo''s hysterical response. As Bo continued to ramble on about Kibe. One of the soldiers looked at Kibe and saw him staring at him.

    "...You''re going to die." Kibe mouthed, the man began to sweat, dripping down his face and over his eyes.

    "SO HERES WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN! I''m gonna fire this pistol and then when it fires, I''ll come down there and kill you myself." Bo shouted, his head was spinning. He finally understood what Takashi meant. Nori Kibe truly was something else entirely. The room was dead quiet, Kibe and Bo playing the mind game that would decide everything. If the guns were indeed filled with blanks, then there was nothing standing between Kibe and the rest of them. If they were filled with bullets after all. Then the game would continue.

    Bo got ready, sweat running down his face while Kibe was calm and collected. Bo looked to see his hand was a bit shaky. He then got his nerves together and fired the gun...

    The sound went off, all of the soldiers stood in anticipation.

    "...Its...a blank." Bo said, All the soldiers then fired at Kibe 5 times, but all of them were blanks. Every. Single. One. Kibe just looked at them. All of them were completely dumbfounded. Kibe then grabbed the grated gate.

    "Game over." Kibe said. On the other side of the door, Brandon woukd be sitting next to the body of the inspector when he heard loud shouts and grunts and then screams. He immediately went to the door to get a listen, but it was all muffled. Brandon stood back a few paces, thats when he''d see the door beep and open. He saw the cage had been torn open. Brandon walked in slowly.

    "He must have really either not wanted to play, or they had already lost. For small moments its easy to forget Kibe even exist, its funny. He has the personality of a nobody. Yet is the most intriguing person in all of Japan so far." Brandon said as he walked through the broken cage. He then looked around, it was fairly dark, but thats when he saw the soldiers. Brandon saw them, his eyes were hooked on their bodies. He then noticed a cold breeze, he looked forward and saw the last open door. He walked in and saw he was now in a hallway.

    He looked down both paths, only one of them had a breeze coming down it. His hair slightly moving. Brandon then turned back around in the room and grabbed one of the guns from the room. Brandon held the pistol on his hand. Brandon then saw an open door ahead of the dark hallway. He pushed the door more open and saw it was still morning, pretty much the evening. Thats when he saw Kibe standing a few feet away. Brandon looked around and saw they were in pretty much nowhere. Endless road for miles. With Ginza only being visible from afar. Brandon turned around to see they were in a massive warehouse yard. Hundreds of them back to back.

    "Here." Kibe said as threw Brandon''s phone to him. Brandon caught it and then looked to Kibe. The two staring at one another.

    "Did you win the game?" Brandon asked

    "Not yet." Kibe said as he looked around trying to find some tracks of Bo, yet he saw nothing. Suddenly Bo would show up in the doorway that Brandon had entered in. Kibe and Brandon looked to him with Brandon immediately pointing his gun at him. Bo snickered.

    "Go ahead, they''re all blanks anyway. But who am I to deny you such a pleasure. I do outdo you." Bo smirked, Brandon looked at him clicked off the safety and shot Bo right in the chest. The bullet going all the way through. Bo''s face full of shock and suprise. Bo collapsed backwards, coughing up blood as he held his chest. Kibe then got out his phone and called Mr.Nakayama. much later the paramedics would take Bo with restraints. Kibe and Brandon sat inside of a police car. Both seemingly exhausted. Brandon then looked to Kibe who was sitting back with his arms crossed.

    "Nori you''d look great in a sports bra by the way." Brandon said, Kibe quickly looked at him with a face of mild confusion.

    "And you would look great buried 50,000 feet under the ground." Kibe said, Brandon looked at him and began laughing while Kibe just rolled his eyes. An officer came over to them and put his hand on the roof of the car.

    "Alright boys, where to? I can drop you off at the police station or your home. Which to?" Asked the officer.

    "Can I get a full look at the sights? See some casinos and maybe some nice ladies?" Brandon winked, the officer looked at him and then Kibe who shook his head.

    "To the stati-" thats when Kibe saw Hideaki and Ido Cho, the other 3rd head of the student council. She was standing next to Hideaki wearing a large hoodie, much bigger than her and a jar of gum drops. Kibe then opened the car door and got out.

    "You got somewhere to be?" Brandon asked

    "Go on without me. Tell Mr.Nakayama what happened here. Try not to be so "excited" about it." Kibe said as he closed the door and walked across the street looking both ways.

    "Nori Kibe, wanna gummy?" Cho asked, her voice muffled from having a full mouth as she offered him some candy.

    "I''ll pass thanks." Kibe said as he stood on their side of the street. "I''m guessing this is much more than just a friendly visit, so what is it?" Kibe asked. Brandon watched them from across the street before the car he was in drove off.

    "You''ve been busy. I''m gone for a day and the school has a killing in it and you get kidnapped. You really are an exciting person." Hideaki said

    "What. Is it?" Kibe asked again

    "Oh my straight to the point, I like him. So serious." Cho said as she kept eating her candy.

    "I need a favor from you again, this one is a little more difficult. Theres some information I know you''d like to hear too, so I''m willing to exchange some with you before anything goes down just yet." Hideaki said as a limo drove next to Kibe and them. A valet would come out of the passenger seat and walk over to the backdoor opening it. Kibe looked inside and saw it had a velvet interior and comfy seats. A table inside with drinks as well. Even a small laptop.

    "So. What do you say?" Hideaki asked, Kibe looked at them and then past them to Ginza.

    "Please? We have snacks you may actually like in there." Cho said

    "...Any green tea?" Kibe asked

    "No sir, but we can stop by and get some." Said the valet. Kibe looked at him before he nodded.

    "Alright. Let''s hear it." Kibe said. Hideaki smiled as they all then got in the back of the limo. All of them were sitting down as the limo drove its way back to Ginza and Ushin. Kibe was sitting back with Cho next to him eating her sweets. Kibe looked at Hideaki who was sitting across from him. Hideaki then leaned back with his arms folded.

    "I''m sure you''ve heard or know of one the new set of students arriving to Sawa high.

    There also is a new head master, he arrived not too long ago. I won''t ask anything regarding this or whats happened today. Just to let you know, that I''ll cover for you, in exchange that you aid me. Like you are for Rin. This won''t interfere with what you have planned, infact you may even enjoy this." Hideaki said

    "I doubt that." Kibe said

    "Oh trust him." Said Cho, Kibe looked over to her. She bit into one of her gummies. "If there''s one thing that Hideaki is not, its boring. If he''s telling you that you may like something. Theres always a 50% chance you always will." Cho said

    "You should listen to her. I never dissapoint." Hideaki said

    "We''ll see." Kibe said "What is it that you''ll give me in exchange for aiding you?" Kibe asked

    "Information, you see, one of the students arriving to this school; has been in constant mental warfare with me. One of his actions I''ve now uncovered, even stoops to sending a undercover student here to monitor events and report back to him."Hideaki said

    "This student, you want me to take care of the supposed spy?" Kibe said

    "I''m just informing you of their existence. Whatever you do with them; is entirely up to you." Hideaki said as he typed in something on his laptop. Kibe just stared at him.

    "Hes hoping that this individual must be of some importance to me, hes reaching for a reaction from me. Does he truly expect this person to force me to take action?

    ...Not just that. But now one of my old teachers from my days in the pale palace; are now the head master of my school. Mizuki Shinj��, what knowledge on me do you have? What can I learn from someone like you." Kibe thought, thats when Hideaki would turn the screen around to show the potential spy.

    "This is who I suspect." Hideaki said turning his laptop towards Kibe, and at the same time Mr.Miyuki had just informed Mr.Nakayama who was in the hospital sitting up. He was looking at the folder while Mr.Miyuki was sitting next to him.

    "Thats the list of students that came in that year; the email was sent to the old head master of Sawa High.

    There''s not many, but we still have a list over 10 to-"

    "Its this one." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki looked at him.

    "Are you sure? Do you know them?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Yes, they are the one who shot me at Sawa High." Mr.Nakayama, elsewhere Kibe was staring at the screen. He didn''t exactly know how to respond to what he was seeing.

    "So thats who he suspects." Kibe thought

    "So thats them." Mr.Miyuki thought

    "You do know this student right?" Hideaki said

    "Yes..." Kibe said

    "Ouchi Mi." Kibe & Mr.Nakayama both said.

 Prices and Dices

    A few days after the incident, Kibe was sitting at home watching TV. It was the weekend, early morning. His head was leaning on his palm. His mind was completely blank. His face was relaxed and his body even more. Mrs.Mihara came downstairs wearing black pants and a green turtleneck. She had hoop earrings on and black socks.

    "Dear what have I told you about too much television? You''ve been slouching recently. Is something the matter?" Mrs.Mihara said as she began to make breakfast. Kibe''s head turned to her for a moment before looking back and at the ground.

    "I-..." Kibe hesitated to speak for a moment. He tapped on his chin before then standing up.

    "A...an acquaintance...no...a friend. An old friend of mine as been. Well they haven''t been all too trusting; and I have the feeling I''m going to have to let them go." Kibe said, Mrs.Mihara thought for a second before she looked at Kibe with a worried look.

    "Oh Kiby, what do you want to do?" She asked

    "...for the first time. I''m faced with a problem that has a easy solution...but I don''t know if I want to solve this one. I didn''t...I didn''t anticipate this." Kibe said, his voice almost a tad uneasy. Mrs.Mihara walked over to him and rubbed his back.

    "Dont you do that to yourself. You''ve always known what to do next,You''re just a but delayed on that at the moment.

    I know you can figure this out. Your my little machine. You can power through these things." Mrs.Mihara said as she patted his back and walkedn back into the kitchen. Kibe looked to her. He put his hands in his pockets. In Kibe''s mind, flashes of his childhood outside of the pale palace began to flash. He remembered...that day.

    It was a summer afternoon. He saw his mother talking to a kindergarten teacher. The sound of children running around, a young child. Kibe was sitting in the sandpit. Making a small sand castle, all the other kids were running and playin. Some even watching Kibe from afar. Kibe got two small twigs and a small baby one. He stared at them, his eyes looking at the sight of what his family once was. Thats when he saw a shadow come over his sand castle from behind.

    Kibe turned around and saw a young girl, she was wearing along blue dress and a big bow in her hair. She had braces.

    "Hellloooooooo! Kibe!" Said a young Mi, Kibe looked at her and just stared.

    "Hi Mi, what are you doing?" Kibe asked

    "You ever play with other kids? You look like such a carrot out here alone." Mi asked

    "The other kids call me scary." Kibe said, Mi walked over and sat in the sandpit next to Kibe. She looked at what he was doing, Mi leaned aginst Kibe''s shoulder. As the sound of other children drowned away as the two of them continued to play. Mi then briefly scared Kibe who flinched a bit from the sudden action. Mi the burst out laughing. While Kibe gave her a weak smile.

    "Its ok, we can be scary together." Mi said, thats when Kibe was brought back to the present. His mind now racing from what Hideaki had shown him before. The picture of Ouchi Mi and the realization...that his only friend. May in fact be another fabrication of the pale palace.

    "Thank you." Kibe said. His eyes almost showing a bit of wetness.

    "No Kibe, thank you." Mrs.Mihara said, Kibe turned to his mother.

    "You know, when we moved here. Things weren''t exactly...perfect. I like to hope that I''ve been...a good mother to you. Your father was also a good man, what he did was nothing more than insanity." Mrs.Mihara said

    "Don''t make excuses for a horrible man." Kibe said

    "He wasn''t horrible." Mrs.Mihara

    "He shot you." Kibe said slightly frustrated as he put his hand against; the wall of the living room.

    "That was-"

    "ENOUGH!" Kibe shouted as he slammed his fist aginst the wall, a loud bang going off from it. Mrs.Mihara looked at Kibe with concern and shock. His face was filled with frustration as he then calmed down. Took a breath and looked at her.

    "That was-"

    "That man. Almost took you away from me. After everything we''ve done to move, the times we''ve been through. You want to give him credit?

    Thats fine...but don''t ever try to make me feel grateful for what he did. Cause if I had a chance to make the same choice, I''d pull the trigger ever time." Kibe said as he made his way for the stairs, however Mrs.Mihara met him at the stairs as he walked up them.

    "Kiby! Please, lets talk about this." She shouted

    "Not interested." Kibe said, and just like that. His cold and emotionless self. All the emotion that was there, Nori Kibe. Had been buried, the machine now once again calling the shots.

    "Kibe! This is conversation isn''t is over and you will not speak to me like as if I don''t; fucking know how that shit felt." Mrs.Mihara scoffed in anger, while Kibe opened the door to his room and looked back.

    "..." Kibe just closed the door behind him. His hand still on the doorknob while his other hand felt his face.

    "What was that? An emotional outburst? This thing with Mi...its getting to me. But that was their intention by doing this, they put her in my life at a moment of weakness. Where I wouldn''t think twice. These students...the pale palace. They want to break me. They must be looking to get back in that place.

    ...I must remain...I must keep my stance strong and unbreakable. I need to handle this Mi thing with care. I''ll keep all possibilities in the forefront. I won''t let this get to me anymore." Kibe thought, thats when his phone would buzz. He''d grab it and take a look at who was calling. It was Rin.

    "I''m starting to reconsider this whole social media thing. Too many people can see me. Well, its not like I have accounts on any websites, but nonetheless. It''s beginning to become a nuisance." Kibe thought as he picked up the phone.

    "Greetings Rin." Kibe said

    "I''m outside, put on whatever is your best clothes and I''ll explain everything on the way. Don''t leave me waiting." Rin said before the call ended. Kibe looked at the phone for a moment before then putting it away in his pocket. After a few minutes Kibe would walk out of his room in his own 3 piece suit, it was grey and had a black striped tie. As he walked down the stairs with his bag with him, he saw his mother sitting down in the living room. She looked at him for a moment and so did he.

    Kibe then continued to walk ahead. He grabbed his umbrella and left home. He would lock the door and turn around to see a long black limo and a chauffeur, the rain pouring down was light, but still pretty rough. Kibe got out his umbrella and walked out towards the limo. He stopped in front of it as the chauffeur opened the door, revealing Kita Rin in side sitting down on the opposite side. She was in a luxurious outfit with a white like skirt and heels to accompany the fashion.

    "You know the white would have been good, if you were were at a wedding." Kibe said, Rin scoffed playfully as she gestured for him to get in.

    "You remember my discussion with you before on my father?" Rin asked as Kibe got in the limo, closing his umbrella. He put it next to him and sat down across from her. He looked around the place and saw it was just as luxurious as the one that Hideaki and Cho put him in.

    "Why are you so far from me? As my boyfriend I''d hope you''d sit a little closer to me." Rin said with smirk as she patted the seat next to her.

    "Yea about that." Kibe said as he then reached in his bag and pulled out a folder. It was black and a thick folder, filled with papers.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "Is that what I think it is? Is that a goddamn contract?!" Rin said with frustrated in her tone, her hands gripping her dress roughly.

    "You see I do admire your ability to suck up your pride, and come ask me for such a big favor. However I need something out of this too. A form of insurance if you will.

    This folder will give me and you plenty of breathing room and help you get my full services. Don''t sign it and we''re back to square one Rin." Kibe said, Rin scoffed annoyed as she leaned back. She then gestured for the folder in which it would then be given to her. Kibe sat back as thr limo began to move and drive down the road. As they did, Rin read through the whole documents, but noticed there may been a page missing. She looked at Kibe.

    "Theres a page missing isn''t there." She asked

    "Yes." Kibe said

    "Why isn''t it in here?" She asked

    "Because I didn''t put it in there." Kibe said "I can''t sign this without it being in here." Rin said

    "Its not going in there and you will sign it regardless." Kibe said.

    "You seem so awfully sure of that." Rin said as she leaned her head on her hand.

    "I''m always sure. If I''m not I like to make it so I am.

    Here''s a deal, if I help you with whatever it is you''re bringing me to do. Then you''ll sign it." Kibe said, Rin chuckled as she leaned towards him. "Alright, you knock this out of the park and I''ll gladly sign you the lease to my father''s house." Rin said, Kibe nodded as he grabbed the folder from Rin as she gave it to him. He put it back in his bag and then got out a small velvet box. He handed it to her.

    "What is this?" She asked.

    "Open it." Kibe said, She looked at him and then opened the box. It was a beautiful silver necklace. It had a diamond heart on it. Her mouth turned to a smile as she looked at it and then to him.

    "I...I''ve been looking at this necklace for a very long time. Its from one of my favorite stores. They didn''t have it in stock so-"

    "I got it early, ordered it." Kibe said

    "How did you know?" Rin asked

    "I payed the men you had following me double to follow you instead. They reported back to me with everything they found." Kibe said, thats when Rin''s face dropped as she looked at him and set the box down. She then crossed her arms. Her face more serious.

    "You really are brilliant, how''d you know I would have you followed?" Rin asked, Kibe leaned forward. His hands in his lap. "You like control I can tell, you like things done you''re way and no one else''s. Just like daddy.

    You can''t help being out of the loop, thats why you make it instead. You have knack for being in charge. You like being in charge infact. I have a feeling its from overbearing parents, father didn''t let you do what you wanted or see who you wanted. That you made you feel powerless, it still does. That why your doing this.

    You believe taking away his company right from under his nose will make him respect you, make him think you aren''t his little girl anymore." Kibe said, Rin looked at him, her face almost stricken with stress and frustration.

    "..."

    "I want you to know something. This is a high stakes game you''re playing. He''ll know you''ll want to do this, infact I believe he''s been expecting this for a long time." Kibe said

    "This isn''t a game." Rin said

    "Isn''t it? He still sees you as his little girl. Still thinks your playing games. He''s expecting something like this Rin. He''s been in the game longer than you''ve been born. Remember that and you will know how to best him." Kibe said, Rin nodded as she leaned back and looked outside.

    "Nori, if I want to do this...I need to know I can trust you." Rin said

    "You can''t." Kibe said

    "What? Why would you-"

    "People don''t trust each other at the start of a relationship because they believe in them. They trust each other because of a common thing they share. Its common human psychology.

    When you can''t trust one another, trust in what you share." Kibe said, Rin looked at him.

    "So, tell me what it is you want me to need." Kibe asked. Soon the two would arrive at a fancy mall in Ginza called the High-Teller. It was large three floored  building. Massive. Multiple stores on the outside and several on other balconies. It had a silver and pale paste look. The limo drove up, Kibe and Rin still sitting inside.

    "Two of my father''s investors are here, well their kids are. Either way, they funded a huge project earlier this year on a fashion line my father ran. They''re saying those two will take over their businesses soon. I need to get them to start supporting me." Rin said

    "Shorter answer, you need them so you''ll have backup when Mr.Kita comes knocking for answers." Kibe said, Rin wanted to answer, but didn''t.

    "Yes." She said. Kibe nodded as he then opened the door to the limo. "Then point them out and I''ll get them." Kibe said as he walked around and opened the door to Rin''s side. Rin got out and Kibe closed the door. She and Kibe walked to the mall front entrance. Decorations around it and plants trailing to the entrance. Kibe and her entered inside. It was large and fancy, large glass chandelier with pearly diamonds decorated on it. It hung in the center of all of the floors of the mall. The walkways constructed around it. There were maybe hundreds of people in the mall.

    "They''re here for a party, something about a uncle getting a promotion or something. Doesn''t matter to me. When we get to their pent-room here. Let me do the talking, I''ll introduce you. Understood?" Rin said, Kibe nodded. He didn''t care for chatter. A new environment, a new space in his memory palace. Another page on the endless books on his shelf to put it in. He documented and remembered every single moment. They walked down the halls with her. She eyed just about every piece of jewelry while Kibe was studying his surroundings and people.

    "You know I''d love one of those necklaces. I always like the silver and foreign kind. They always make them the best." Rin said as she looked at the glass caseings. Kibe looked at it briefly, for a few seconds before looking away and at another store. It was selling instruments and did lessons. "I wouldn''t." Kibe said, the owner and Rin looked at Kibe. Along with a few others that were looking at the jewels.

    "Excuse me? These are professionally done, best in the state." Said the jewl owner.

    "No they''re not. Any proper forger would have made sure that the clasp were tighter and that the strands weren''t stretched. I say, if your going to make a living off of wore jewelry. At least make sure to touch them up." Kibe said, everyone then began to back away and chatter while the owner scoffed in disgust. Rin then chuckled as she walked over and wrapped her arm around Kibe''s walking away with him. Once they were out of earshot she flicked his ear. To which Kibe then looked at her.

    "Do you ever turn that shit off?" She asked

    "Turn what off?" Kibe asked, Rin rolled her eyes as they kept walking. Soon they''d arrive to the second floor. There Kibe would see the food courts. The other more nish stores and of course the bars. Kibe''s eyes wondered around the place.

    "Crazy isn''t it? To think this place can hold all these stores. I''m honestly suprised at the architecture. Feels like I''m in Atlantas." Rin said and with that Kibe suddenly recalled why he didn''t do relationships. His eyes moved around a bit. Seeing couples eat and chat with one another.

    "Kibe, what do you think?" Rin asked, he looked at what she wanted and saw her pointing at a food place. It looked like it was all you can eat buffet. Kibe just stared at it uninterested. "No thanks. I have a specific pallet. I wouldn''t jeopardize that for some quick snacks." Kibe said. Rin pouted.

    "No wonder your single, well not at the moment of course. Maybe if you impress me. We can make this-"

    "Not interested." Kibe said

    "Are you kidding? My father picks out specific suitors for me. He wants me to get with a mini him, and your telling me that when I pick you. You don''t want to be with me?" Rin asked

    "I''m glad your confidence instilled by your father makes you feel like men just fall in your lap. Howevee you aren''t what people say "my type". I''ll pass." Kibe said as he then unhooked himself from her and started walking forward. She jeered as she looked at him.

    "Where are you going? You can''t just ditch me." She said

    "...Aren''t I?" Kibe said. Rin couldn''t tell if he was serious or sarcastic. His demeanor never once changed. Even from when she first met him months ago. He was still cold and emotionless. Never showing anything. Kibe began to walk away.

    "Will you at least tell me where your going?" Rin asked.

    "I have a feeling we''ll need some extra hands on this." Kibe said

    "What? I thought you had it handled?" She asked  "I do, but unlike the Titanic. I like to have enough life rafts. Just in case of a iceberg." Kibe said, Rin watched him leave. Escaping deeper into the mall while she was left alone. She bit her lip in frustration for a moment before she continued to make her way to the party.

    As Kibe walked around he got out his phone and called someone.

    "I''m going to need your assistance today, don''t get too excited because I''m doing this as a favor. To which you''ll be oweing me after." Kibe said.

    Elsewhere at the same time. At Sawa High, during this time the school was having entry exams. During it all the students would be standing at desk at the auditorium. While two men stood on the stage. Nearly over 200 hundred of Japan''s best students were all gathered together. Each having excelled in one subject or the other, be it math, history, chemistry, algebra, fitness or whichever.

    All were here to take a test to see who could get into one of the best schools in Japan, Sawa High. One of the two men stood forward, the head of the school board, Hironori Kusaka.

    "Attention students, today you will be taking the entry exam. This exam is here to estimate rather or not your skills are worthy of being new addition to Japan''s best of the best.

    However, this year. This entry exam, has been changed. Thanks to the new principal of Sawa himself. Introducing, Mizuki Shinj��." Said Hironori said as he stepped aside, all the students and other faculty members clapped as the man walked forward and waved his hand. He then put his hand down and looked at them.

    "I want you all to know, that I only settle for the best. Knowledge is best in the service of mankind, and mankind is only at it''s best when in service to knowledge.

    This is my philosophy, which is why I''m aware that the normal percentage of students who pass the entrance exams is around 30 - 45%.

    That won''t be the case anymore. With my new algorithm and layout. Where I come from we handle test very, very serious. Which is why the layout of papers you have are around 20 pages long. All each with over 30 questions on them. That may not seem like a lot, but trust me. I''ve orchestra this entire test so that we can get and only will get, the best. Starting today. The percentage of students who will be capable of passing the entrance exams for Sawa will drop.

    To 5 - 10%." Mizuki said, which caused a large wave of shock and gasp across the entire room. Hironori looked at Mizuki with fascination. Can such a man really weed out such talent?

    "Let the test begin. You have 1 hour." Mizuki said as he and Hironori walked off to the backstage. During that one student looked at his aray of sheets and saw that the problems and questions were far beyond the college level. His eyes were wide and full of shock and terror.

    "Th-Theres no way I''ll pass this exam, I should have tried out for Warutu." Stuttered the student, but thats when he heard someone snoring next to him. He looked over and saw another supposed student like him. His hair was unkempt and wild. He was leaning back in his chair very far. A pencil balancing on his nose, as drool went down his mouth. He looked over to the guy''s name tag. Brandon Wright.

    "Hey, your going to sleep through the whole thing?" The student said tapping Brandon. Brandon''s eyes opened, he stretched as he yawned.

    "Ah, mmmm. Is the boring part over?" Brandon asked looking at the student, but the guy was just dumbfounded at him. "Eh?" The student groaned.

    "I''ll take that as a yes. Hmmm." Brandon said as he looked over to the digital timer on a big screen near the corner of the auditorium. He noticed that the timer was at 58 minutes. He smirked as he leaned back again.

    "Just that much? Oh well, I still have some time. Best to sleep for another 30 minutes." Brandon said as he then fell back asleep.

 Devils Business

    Kibe was waiting near the railing of the second floor. He was looking at his phone, at a caller ID. It was Mi. His eyes lingered on it. He wanted to accept that he was over it already, that he had cleared his mind of her...but he knew it wasn''t true. Kibe turned off his phone and put it in his pocket. He continued to lean on the rail. People walking past him, shopping and talking.

    "This confliction is eating me. What am I going to do? What is this?

    ...Why am I struggling with this? I''ve done worse.

    ...but I''ve never-"

    "Hey Nori!" Said a familiar voice, Kibe looked to his side and saw Kenji. Kenji was wearing a red & black sweater and a black pants. Kibe stood up as Kenji came over to give him a fist bump, but Kibe just stood there staring at him. His eyes looked down at Kenji''s hand and then back to him. "Alright...sorry I forgot you were a complete stick in the mud." Kenji said

    "That would imply I''m boring." Kibe said

    "Well then, less in the mud." Kenji said, Kibe and him then began to walk through the mall. "Alright Nori, I''ve never seen you ask me for something since our first encounter, what is it now?" Kenji asked

    "I''m doing some work for Kita Rin. Thats all I''ll say on the matter. Important thing is, I need to convince two others to side with her." Kibe said, the sounds of people chatting and texting was in the air as Kibe and Kenji arrived to the main plaza of the second floor. There was greenery and palm trees in the center. The fountains on each of the four corners of the place sprouted from leviathan heads. People sitting on benches around the place. Kibe and Kenji walked to the center, staring up at the palm tress.

    "So what? You telling me you can''t convince them?" Kenji asked

    "Thats not what I''m saying. What I''m saying is that I''ll need others who are willing to back me up." Kibe said.

    "Hate to break it to you Nori, but you don''t have that many friends." Kenji said

    "I don''t need friends, just people." Kibe said, Kenji shrugged as he turned to Kibe completely. "Alright, what is it you need me to do?" Kenji asked.

    "Theres a party here, parties are all about celebration, but most importantly they are conventions of intrest. I need you to advertise me to at least 20 people around this mall, then meet me on the third floor." Kibe said.

    "And what''s do I get in exchange?" Kenji asked

    "Nothing. Cause last I checked, you weren''t in jail and that was because of me. So consider this part of your rehabilitation. Get it done. Don''t be late." Kibe said as he then walked away. Kenji watched him leave and rubbed the back of his neck. Rin was on the third floor of the mall. There she saw a giant plaza, it was like a sort of indoor carnival with how it looked. There were games, slot machines and even a stage near the back where a small concert was being held. She looked around and saw several dozen people around the place, and more were coming.

    Thats when she made eye contact with the two people she came to see.

    Kogure Kazutaka, he was around the same height as Kibe. His hair was dark and longer, but slicked back. With a small ponytail. He wore a red suit with a black shawl over his shoulders. He had wide, yet comforting grin.  He walked like he always needed to make a statement, hands in his pockets constantly

    Kogure Y��ri, the sister. She was a little shorter than her brother. She had long dark hair. It went all the way to the end of her back. She was wearing a skimpy red and black dress. Her eyes were dark. She had a coy smile on her face. They both would walk over to Rin as she nods to them.

    "Well well, look what the fashion disaster cat dragged in. Great to see you Rin." Kazutaka said with a smirk.

    "I agree, love the outfit. You really look very...steezy." Y��ri said with a quirky smirk. Rin gave a fake smile as she then looked around for a moment and noticed the security around the place. Seemed as though this place indeed was reserved for only the higher-ups. "How about we talk somewhere less open. Theres something I want to discuss with you." Rin said.

    "Heheh, already down to business eh? No time to enjoy a game or two? Get a drink?" Kazutaka said, but Rin just gave him a side glance. One he was very familiar with. He sighed as he nodded.

    "Ok ok, lets go and hear this." He said, tall three of them then went to this VIP section. It was a elevated lobby, away from the rest of the club. It had its own bar, music and of course poker and pool table. The lounge to sit at was this massive round table, with a booth. Kazutaka sat down and out of his pocket he got out a pale coin. One with a brain on one side and symbol of a W on the other. Y��ri sat down next to him and leaned forward. Rin sat across from them.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    "So tell me, whay sort of deal have you cooked up now?" Kazutaka asked as he played with his coin.

    "I''m not going to sugarcoat it. My father is getting old, his business is still alive however. In a few more years my old man won''t be though. His current stocks are rising, but I know I can make them go even higher. Mr.Otsuka and his company may for now, be the only thing standing in front of us. But I perceive, that when I do take over my father''s company. Otsuka will be backing us up all the same.

    The current stage of fashion in Japan is good, but if I can pitch my new brand, new style. Then we can have every man and woman in the state, mo the country on our fingertips. From dresses, to sneakers, perfumes and even underwear. All I need is to know that you''ll be behind me. Both of you." Rin said

    "Wait a second, you want to go to war against your father? Then claim his empire? Seems rather forward don''t you think?" Y��ri said

    "Hes a man of honesty, he likes it when the competition is someone who has the balls to look him in the eyes. Well that''s what I plan to do." Said Rin. Kazutaka looked at Y��ri who also looked at him. Rin noticed their faces. They were uncertain and looked unimpressed too.

    "Look, I get it. It seems like as if there are uncertainties but-"

    "But nothing. Look, its a good idea. I tell you its a good idea, but it just seems like you don''t have enough...I don''t know. What am I thinking of?" Kazutaka said as he leaned back snapping his fingers, the thought on the tip of his tongue. Y��ri got out some lip-bomb and began applying it to her lips.

    "Stuff." Y��ri said, Kazutaka then snapped his fingers loudly as his sister had come to the idea for him.

    "STUFF! Thats it, stuff. You don''t seem to have the stuff. I mean you don''t even have a folder to give is. This all seems to be just promises. I need to know that I''m investing into something worthwhile." Kazutaka said, Rin sighed in frustration.

    "But, maybe if you''re willing." Kazutaka said as he took off his shades and moved his hair out of his face. Revealing his brown hazelnut eyes. Rin looked at him. Kazutaka leaned forward, putting his hands on the table. His hand slightly moveing towards Rin''s, she noticed and moved her''s back.

    "You can rehearse with me another time. Maybe somewhere more private?" Kazutaka snickered. "Do you usually take pleasure with trying to assert dominance over people, who really have no interest in you." Kibe said. Everyone jolted up from their seats, they looked to see Kibe was sitting next to Kazutaka the whole time. No one had noticed.

    "WHAT THE FUCK!?" Kazutaka shouted with Y��ri giving out a scream and Rin covering her mouth from the sudden suprise. Kibe looked at them as he stirred his tea.

    "Don''t be alarmed, it''s only me." Kibe said, Kazutaka & Y��ri both could feel it, sense it. It was that primal human feeling of coldness and indifference. The feeling of seeing and recognizing something that looks human, but doesn''t feel or behave like it. Uncanny.

    "H-How the hell did you get in here?!" Y��ri asked

    "In here? You mean how the hell did he get past security!" Kazutaka said, Kibe drank some of his tea as he looked at Kazutaka and Y��ri.

    "I just asked, you''d be suprised how far a little generosity can get you." Kibe said, Rin coughed as she then fixed her hair and fixed her posture. "Right, Kazutaka, Y��ri. This is Nori Kibe. My boyfriend and partner in this business deal." Rin said, Kazutaka sniffed and rubbed his face. Fixing himself and then sitting down again.

    "Well, how interesting. Kibe is it? Well. You must have some poor business sense, if your running around with Rin now." Kazutaka said, Rin scoffed as Y��ri chuckled.

    "Never judge a messenger by whom he messages for." Kibe said as he took another sip. Kazutaka gave wry laugh before he then looked to his sister and Rin, then back to Kibe.

    "So what did she put in for you? Money?" Kazutaka asked

    "No." Kibe answered quickly.

    "Sex?" Kazutaka asked

    "No." Kibe answered again.

    "Then maybe-"

    "If you''re done questioning me. I''d like us to get back to business." Kibe said. Kazutaka snickered as he leaned back.

    "Unfortunately that won''t be happening." Kazutaka said, Kibe looked at him. "Its a full proof plan. I swear I know what I''m doing. You surely know that." Rin said

    "But I don''t, and I don''t like going off on whims and blank statements. You see our dear old uncle may be a businessman, but he isn''t a fool. And I would be one to accept an offer at face value.

    Now if you excuse me, I things to do then to offer my time to a few clowns." Kazutaka said as he got up and walked away, Y��ri following behind him with wry laugh. Kibe got up and finished his tea before putting it down. Rin walked next to him, her arms folded.

    "Sons of bitches. Looks like they''d rather laugh in my face then try any sort of deal with me.

    I sure hope you got something out of that." Rin said annoyed.

    "I did yes." Kibe said as he started to walk out of the VIP section. "Wait, what was it? What did you get?" Rin asked. Kibe turned to her, hands in his pockets.

    "Didn''t you? Well clearly Y��ri isn''t someone to appeal too. She follows Kazutaka to the boot. She has her own mind yes, but not her own capability of making it up. So either he''s a good leader or has been promised a larger percentage than she has. Which is what it looks like.

    He''s more into himself, confidence oozes from him. A sign of either a very cunning man or a spoiled one. She on the other hand is a follower. Doesn''t know which side to take until its too late and by then she''s already aligned herself with someone she either had slept with, or promised her senses to.

    The uncle, I thought by getting to him maybe we''d get somewhere, but no. Clearly those two must get their manners from somewhere, if you want to call it that. Then it definitely wasn''t from their father''s side. No. I see a slight sense of dread. They''re doing this for him. Not for them. If I can reel them in, then the uncle will follow behind them. Which in turn will get more partners than you imagined.

    They like popularity, the spotlight. Its not my habitat, but I can work with it. I''ll play their game, but do they know they''re playing mine." Kibe said as he turned his head around to the massive plaza.

    "What are you saying? What game?" Rin asked as she walked to him. Kibe fixed his shirt and looked deep into the crowd of people. There he could see Kazutaka and Y��ri chatting it up with people.

    "All of them. You keep playing their game, I''m going to play the man." Kibe said as he then proceeded to walk into the plaza, where his plan would now be brought. Into full swing.

 Visions

    Back at the auditorium of Sawa High on the same day of the entrance exams, all the students were sitting or wandering around the place. A few teachers sitting off to the side. Thats when from doors into the auditorium would come Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki. both wearing their casual clothes. They walked in and looked around the place. Noticing all the pale decorations and pasty themes of the place. Mr.Nakayama''s senses all told him things he had seen before, only from one other person.

    Nori Kibe.

    The place was decorated like as if an AI was asked to describe the most plane of environments. The place had a dead and indifferent feeling to it. Where once before Nakayama had been laid flat from a gun shot and all he could think about, was the fullness of the place. Now it felt empty. Even with the people in it.

    "Hey, you sure you want to be walking around? You just got out of the hospital a two days ago. You should be resting, and the last thing I need is your wife breathing down my neck." Mr.Miyuki said with a bit of a nervous voice. Yet Mr.Nakayama was more intrigued with something else. Up on the stage, he stared at one man. Shinj�� Mizuki. Mr.Nakayama stared at him for a few more moments before he started walking around again, Mr.Miyuki looked at the man too before he followed Mr.Nakayama.

    "What are you thinking Nakayama?" Mr.Miyuki asked as he rushed to keep up with him. Yet Mr.Nakayama''s mind was too filled with thoughts and ideas. He couldn''t speak. All he could do, is think.

    "How can such a person exist? Can the world that created Kibe exist in our own?

    Or am I to believe he was created with the rest of us. His capabilities are all far beyond what we ourselves can even conjure up. To understand him, to read him, to...get him. Has taken all my years of prowess, cunning and much more just to keep up. What else can I give?

    The Machine has no motive, no personality and no contradiction. Its all just focus. All just endless aim, but what could it be towards...that answer I may never know.

    What else can I do to catch someone who isn''t really a someone. ...how in the hell does one catch...

    An idea?" Mr.Nakayama thought, he walked a few paces more before stopping. His eyes looked out of the few windows in the auditorium.

    "I''m going to have to get in his head. Understand his mind. The only way to catch a man who is willing to sacrifice everything, anything and anyone. Is that I must be willing to do the same or at least appear so." Mr.Nakayama said as he looked to Mr.Miyuki. Thats when they would both hear a clasps of hands.

    "Is that who I think it is?" Said a joyous voice, Mr.Miyuki and Nakayama looked to see it was Mizuki. He walked down from the stage with another man who walked away from him once they reached bottom of the stairs. Mr.Nakayama turned to Mizuki as the man walked towards them.

    "How do you do gentlemen? Its a pleasure to finally meet you, I''ve heard that you''ve been investigating this school recently. Not only that, but that this school has seen some action that you''re involved with.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    I just want to say as the newest headmaster of this school. I will do everything I can to aid in the future of your cases and or current case." Mizuki said as he and Mr.Nakayama shook hands. "Glad to hear." Mr.Nakayama said. Mizuki nodded as he walked away to talk to the parents of some of the students. Mr.Miyuki walked next to Mr.Nakayama and leaned to him a bit.

    "What are you thinking?" Mr.Miyuki asked.

    "Uppty and pompous man, he smells expensive and looks it too. He''s connected to Kibe somehow." Mr.Nakayama said, Mr.Miyuki looked at him.

    "How do you figure?" Mr.Miyuki asked, Mr.Nakayama looked around and gestured for Mr.Miyuki to follow him outside. They both eventually would leave the school grounds, walking through the parking lot.

    "The decorations, the ambience and overall feeling I got from the guy. The way he talked seemed a lot like someone who had practiced. A lot on how to make a convincing principle 101." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Is that a real book?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Miyuki focus." Mr.Nakayama said as Mr.Miyuki nodded and gestured for Mr.Nakayama to continue.

    "I know what you''re thinking, we book the old principal for obstruction of justice and conspiracy, then suddenly one is here and ready to take his place.

    Just all doesn''t make sense. But what does make sense is the fact this is a cover up. Someone knows we''re getting close, the closer we get the more they put down the hammer. Its only a matter of time before we start getting kidnapped like how Kibe did." Mr.Nakayama said to which Mr.Miyuki''s expression then became shocked and worried.

    "Woah woah woah, kidnapped? You saying they''re going to kidnap us?! They do that now?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "No, I don''t know if that was them, but I wouldn''t put it past them. Seeing how they cover up everything else." Mr.Nakayama said which gave Mr.Miyuki some peace at mind.

    "With the hint and hunch that the new principle may infact be involved with Kibe. I think its time to bring the Noris back into speculation." Mr.Nakayama said

    "But you said a while ago to steer clear of them. That going too hard would be bad." Mr.Miyuki said "I know what I said, but things are moving quickly right now. I can feel it, and we need to get a lead. Otherwise this whole case gets cold and Ozawa makes us both drop this.

    Which is why its time for me to start using all my cards. All in." Mr.Nakayama said

    "...Alright, whats the plan?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "We''re going to talk to the only other two people close to Kibe. Mr.Tomomasa, his psychiatrist and therapist for a time.

    Then next Mrs.Mihara herself." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Woah, playing the big cards already? What if they don''t talk like you want? Or worse lawyer up?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Oh I don''t need them to talk. I just need a small nibble, just one small piece of a clue that can get me moving at too speed." Mr.Nakayama said as he put his hands in his pockets. His eyes looking around the parking lot in case for any eager ears. "Alright then, what about him?" Mr.Miyuki asked folding his arms. Mr.Nakayama looked back to him and noticed.

    "Oh, yes. Brandon. Well here''s the thing. We all can''t be in two places at once. So I''ve decided to get Brandon enrolled into Sawa High. So he can keep making a mental profile of the white rabbit." Mr.Nakayama said

    "To keep an eye on Kibe." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Exactly, Miyuki. I''ve seen the way he works. Hes observant and obsessed with the details in people. If by putting him there he can get a full bio for the white rabbit and then somehow link it to Kibe. By God Miyuki we got him." Mr.Nakayama said.

    "What exactly are you hoping happens with this? That he psychoanalyzes Kibe somehow and comes to his own conclusion?" Mr.Miyuki said

    "If he does, we can have Brandon completely on our side. I''ve seen how he behaves, if I just told him we speculated Kibe. He wouldn''t know how to act, would start asking dumb questions and even talk to Kibe about it.

    Its better this way, if I was younger I would be doing the same thing, but this is only way I can see Brandon finding out without causing a scene. Now let''s get going." Mr.Nakayama said as they both walked to his car.

    "I do have one more question, why haven''t you turned in Ouchi Mi?" Mr.Miyuki said, "I''ll tell you on the way." Mr.Nakayama said as they drove away.

 The First and Last

    In the west part of Ushin on the same day as the Sawa high entrance exams. At a nice local restaurant/dinner. There Kat and Juo would be sitting at a booth. Both eating some nice food, and enjoying a decent drink. Juo was eating and stuffing his face best he could while Kat just held her head in hands. Leaning forward as she stared at him.

    "Mmmm, Uhh thanks for taking me out again. I''m not sure how you found me though." Juo said

    "Oh it was simple, I just followed the reeling stench of self-loathing and denial. Heheh." Kat snickered. Juo wiped his mouth and looked down, his face pained by the words Kat said. He knew he had a problem, that he just couldn''t let go. Let go of Himmy.

    "Look, I get it. You said I should throw her away, well I can''t ok? I can''t. Even if I was to move on...theres no way I could live with myself. Knowing that she may be out there suffering with that...that monster!" Juo said. Kat rolled her eyes as she played with the butter knife. "Monster you say? You know people only identify something as a monster when it acts or behaves in a manner that they can''t rationalize." Kat said

    "Well then I guess he fits the description." Juo said. He sighed as he looked down at his food. Kat looked at him and then looked behind him. She saw a man, his wife and a child. Child looked no younger than 12 years old. "Hey, so. Uhhh, sorry about just blabbering. I''ll try to uh...what do you like to do?" Juo asked stuttering. Kat grew a large grin across her face. Her hands clasping into her face.

    "I like to inflict pain...and hunt." Kat smirked, Juo looked at her nervous and worried rubbing the back of his head. Kat then remembered what Kibe had told her. She then produced a very cute smile and gave a out a cute laugh, which caught Juo''s attention. Kat giggled and the wiped her eye of a tear. "Oh my, I''m sorry. I just couldn''t help freaking you out there. Your face was just priceless." Kat smirked, with Juo now feeling a bit more comfortable around her. The two then continued to have a wonderful time at the dinner.

    Across town, the night beginning to come in. Kibe was sitting down with Rin, his eyes closed and arms folded. "Seems like they don''t want to hand over anything to me unless I show them I mean business.

    I have a feeling that a good way to get through to them is-" but Kibe wasn''t listening to her. His eyes opened for a moment. Slightly.

    "What other parts of my life are made up? What other pieces of my history were just...written in?

    Is no part of my life organic at all?

    Mi.....what was our relationship. Did any of it mean anything? I may have been distant, cold and emotionless. But in the end, minus all of the conditioning and programming. You still gave me something that no other living person...even my mother, could never have given me.

    You gave me a sense of normality. Where others ignored my existence, you welcomed it. Even though I did everything to stay out of the light. You always there...to put me back in it again." Kibe said, his eyes looked up at all the lights blaring off from the arcade machines all around him. Thats when he looked over to see Kenji walking over. Kibe got up and looked to him. "Hey there Nori, I did as you asked." Kenji said as he walked next to Kibe with his hands in his pockets.

    "Good. Now then. All you need to do now. Beat Kazutaka, hes our target today." Kibe said

    "You mean you''re target." Said a familiar feminine voice. Kibe then looked over along with Kenji to see it was Kiko. She was wearing some casual clothes as well.

    "You called her." Kibe said

    "He did. At my request that I''d be aware of any and all interactions between you two." Kiko said

    "I''m guessing you orchestrated that long before we met." Kibe said with Kiko giving a nod to it. "So, you want me to best Kazutaka in every game here? Whats the aim?" Kenji asked.

    "Kazutaka is a guy who adores attention. From his outwardly outfit, to his mannerisms and demeanor.

    He enjoys it and even bathes in the lens of attention. Take that away and he''ll crack. Which means he''ll do anything to keep it." Kibe said. Kenji looked at Kibe, knowing Kibe. He had some other motive behind this, but Kenji couldn''t see anything of the sort on Kibe''s face. One of the many things that pissed Kenji off about Kibe, that unreadable face.

    "Alright then. I''ll get to it. What are you going to do?" Kenji asked

    "None of your business, just know that I''ll be doing my own part." Kibe said as he walked away. Kenji and Kiko stood looking at Kibe leave.

    "Hes growing less and less in our favor. Do you believe that what Bato said is true?" Kenji askedSupport the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "Of course, but it isn''t our job to stop him. It''s our job to be on his side, at least for now. Don''t worry Kenji, just worry about playing your part. Anything less and we''ll lose our edge over the situation." Kiko said as she walked away. Kenji watched her leave before he walked away as well. Kibe ended up back at the VIP section of the third floor. Kibe stared at a few people inside of it. Analyzing and taking note of everyone. Kibe walked out of it and began walking around the massive party.

    "This place is massive. I predict analyzing each corner of this place to take at least several minutes. Ten if I don''t watch out for people." Kibe thought as he began walking around. As he did his mind wandered to the pale palace and his questions toward his life.

    "If they could fabricate my childhood friend, then my family wouldn''t be all too difficult either. While my mother is indeed brilliant and can be smart in her own right. She is a drunk, she''s clumsy at times and even deals with problems such as hearing at times.

    This could be her age, but if she had been doing what I have all a long. Her hearing should be perfectly fine along with her sight. Yet she needs glasses. If the pale palace is so willing to do what they do, then whats to stop them from doing such things as...

    Eugenics experiments.

    It could be possible that the woman who I''ve been living with all my life. May not even be my mother, but someone put in her place. Someone on the outside of the pale palace." Kibe thought as he then found himself near the farther left side of the party. Where he''d arrive at a large glass window to the outside. There he saw many parked cars, people walking around and families enjoying themselves.

    Elsewhere, at the front of Swan River General Hospital. Where Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki stood outside, ready to speak to the head of the hospital. Dr.Tomomasa. The two men walked into the hospital, it was a busy hour. Many moving and walking out and in. Mr.Miyuki looked over to see the some nurses staring at them from the second floor. He waved to them to which they did back, but they didn''t have a curious look, but instead a dismissive and sort of judgmentally. Eventually Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki would arrive at Dr.Tomomasa''s office.

    "This is going to be big Nakayama, you sure going down this path will be wise for the long run?" Mr.Miyuki asked with a whisper. "I''m sure." Mr.Nakayama said. Thats when he''d knock on the door to the office. Two men stood there for a few moments before the door opened revealing Dr.Tomomasa. He was a fairly large man, no bigger than Mr.Nakayama. he was partially blade and had glasses. Prescriptioned. His eyes were a dark brown, he seemed to be well stood and not slouching in his appearance for even a second.

    "Ah detective Nakayama! What a pleasure. Please come in." Said Dr.Tomomasa. Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki walked inside the room. As they did they''d good lay of the room. They saw the massive portrait of the twins, Mr.Nakayama looked at it. "Would you guys like a drink? I imagine the walk here wasn''t hydrating heheh." Dr.Tomomasa chuckled joyfully.

    "Hehe yea. I''ll take one." Mr.Miyuki answered. Mr.Nakayama stared at the painting of the twins. The blonde twins, both wearing the same uniform, both wearing the same expression. In that moment Mr.Nakayama''s head clicked, his memories matching togther impossible dots that he never thought would connect, but in this moment...he did.

    Because when he saw the portrait of the twins, he then thought of Kibe. Kibe''s casual yet emotionless expression. These twins shared. No other human being, that Nakayama had ever met shared that expression that Kibe wore so flawlessly. Except for these two now. In their eyes, through his human eyes. He saw not two twins, but once again. Two machines, wearing the skin of humans. The portrait showed Mr.Nakayama all that he needed to see. His eyes momentarily turning to Dr.Tomomasa, the realization now hitting him on just how deep everything indeed did go. Began to realize. That the people behind Kibe''s life. May infact go further back then even his history as a detective. His face and body was pale.

    "Here you both go. Sorry Mr.Nakayama, I didn''t know what you wanted, so I poured some water." Said Dr.Tomomasa, Mr.Miyuki grabbed his drink as Mr.Nakayama grabbed his and nodded. Fixing his expression as to not give anything away.

    "So, what can I offer you gentlemen today? As you can see, we have quite the busy schedule today." Dr.Tomomasa said with a smirk as he walked over to his desk and put his hands on a portrait facing away from the two men. Mr.Miyuki took a drink from his glass while Mr.Nakayama just stared at the man.

    "We need some help with getting an understanding for a murder. The White Rabbit. I''m sure you''ve heard of him." Mr.Miyuki said

    "Ah him, what a vigilantly. Such horrible actions, to do such just to please some sick agenda. Some wicked sense of delusion.

    I can''t believe someone like that even exist." Dr.Tomomasa said.

    "We haven''t been able to track a clear motive. Meaning this guy either has a grand plan, or hes acting wildly. So far he hasn''t made any moves recently, but I believe he''ll strike again soon." Mr.Nakayama said. "Really now? Where at? Any ideas?" Dr.Tomomasa asked.

    "Yes, I believe he intends to attack this hospital next." Mr.Nakayama said which shocked both Dr.Tomomasa and Mr.Miyuki. Both looking at him with total disbelief.

    "What? What the hell are you talking about Nakayama?!" Mr.Miyuki thought. Dr.Tomomasa then fixed his glasses as he looked to Mr.Nakayama who was staring at him and drinking his water.

    "H-How did you come to that conclusion? Evidence I presume." Dr.Tomomasa asked, his voice bit more shaking then before. "Yes, and some close observations. I have great reason to believe that this individual takes out those who may infact pose a threat to him." Mr.Nakayama said.

    "W-What are you saying?" Dr.Tomomasa asked

    "I''m saying, I think its time you helped us understand the motive we''ve been asking you for." Mr.Nakayama said, Dr.Tomomasa nodded as he gestured for the men to sit down. The two the both sat down in some comfy chairs.

    "Well, something without a motive. Your talking of someone without a purpose for what they do correct? They just do it?" Dr.Tomomasa asked. "Yes, I''ve dealt with many cases before and they all have one thing. Motive, reason and purpose." Mr.Nakayama said

    "Yes...I believe I can indeed help you with this." Dr.Tomomasa said.

 The perfect Deception

    Dr.Tomomasa then began to explain his theories to Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki.

    "The human mind can''t do anything without a goal. To be goaless and have no desires or wants wouldn''t make what you''re looking for human.

    It''d make them an alien, some otherworldly lifeform. Not human." Dr.Tomomasa said

    "How would you catch something like that?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "Well in theory, you could predict it''s movements. Attempt to understand it. Perhaps even become like it in a way." Dr.Tomomasa said. Mr.Nakayama leaned back in his chair. His mind once again returning to the same problem. That because of his humanity, he couldn''t understand or anticipate Kibe''s movements. The colder Kibe got the more harder to read he became. Mr.Nakayama could only think of a few things he could do now. Mr.Miyuki was drinking his drink as he listened to the doctor.

    "I mean afterall, a man like that, couldn''t be a man. Only a machine." Dr.Tomomasa said. Mr.Nakayama looked at him as he did to Mr.Nakayama. Thats when suddenly Dr.Tomomasa''s pager would begin to beep. He''d get up and fix his coat. "Sorry gentlemen, but thats me. It was great to speak with you today. If you need anymore help then please don''t be afraid to call." Dr.Tomomasa said as he shook both of the men''s hands and then proceeded to leave the room.

    "Leaving us alone in here? He''s either stupid or doesn''t have anything to hide." Mr.Miyuki said as he got up and set his glass down. Mr.Nakayama remained seated as he faced the window behind Dr.Tomomasa''s desk. His eyes looking out to the night lights of the city.

    "Nakayama? Nothing at all?" Mr.Miyuki asked, but Mr.Nakayama was just staring out his mind completely enveloped by his thoughts and schemes he was thinking of. The only way to beat the machine, was to think like it. The only way to best Kibe, was to delve deep into his own depravity. Mr.Nakayama then looked back to the large portrait of the twins he then saw some words on the frame on a plaque.

    "Nous faisons confiance �� l''intellectualisme. Nous nous consacrons �� l''avenir de la connaissance et c''est �� eux que nous devons tout." Read the plaque. Mr.Nakayama took a quick picture of it with his phone before putting it in his pocket. He took a sigh as he looked to Mr.Miyuki.

    "This is getting way too deep, more than I thought. Theres only one way I can-" however in that moment Mr.Nakayama would get a phone call. Mr.Miyuki looked over as he got it.

    "Hello, Nakayama here." Mr.Nakayama said as he put it on speaker seeing it was coming from the police department.

    "NAKAYAMA! EMERGENCY!" shouted the woman at the front desk of the police station.

    "Woah woah Chee. Calm down whats going on?" He asked

    "Its Mr.Otsuka! He''s recovered!" Shouted Chee, Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki''s hearts immediately stopped. Both of them in total shock and disbelief of the news. Mr.Nakayama slowly brought the phone to his mouth.

    "What?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "YEA! He got a phone call today in the psych ward and suddenly a half hour later. Hes completely sane again! He''s ready to talk about what happened that night.

    And who it was who broke his mind." Chee said, Mr.Miyuki and Mr.Nakayama looked to one another.

    "A phone call?" Mr.Miyuki said

    "CHEE! I NEED YOU TO GET TO THE PSYCH WARD AND GET THAT PHONE CALL TRACED IMMEDIATELY!" Mr.Nakayama shouted

    "A- Y-Yes sir!" Chee said, Mr.Nakayama then immediately burst out of the door rushing out while Mr.Miyuki followed but not before closing Dr.Tomomasa''s office door before he followed.

    "This could be it! He finally slipped up! Kibe! This will be the last time you slip away from me!" Mr.Nakayama thought.

    However back at the mall, Kibe was on the balcony of the party floor. He removed the phone from his ear and looked at it. He then smashed it aginst the railing and watched the pieces fall down from the top floor and towards the street below.

    "I never thought that Himmy''s criminal background would be of any use, but the idea of using burners for communication is truly ingenious, and saves me time." Kibe said as he grabbed his actual phone and sent a text to Himmy.

    "It should be around that time by now." Kibe said, thats when he saw Kat send him an emoji of a hot dog. Kibe just stared at it before he then began to text to Himmy. Inside the party Kenji was winning aginst full grown men and whales at every Poker, Slot machine, black jack and even Spanish 21. Everyone there was shocked at his streaks of wins. Kenji was on a roll of 35 wins in a roll. Kazutaka and Y��ri watched him from afar. Y��ri was looking at Kenji with hungry eyes, ones that saw a easy money grab.

    However, Kazutaka nearly crushed his cup as he looked over to Kenji.

    "Wow, hes doing really good. He may just end up breaking your streak brother." Y��ri chuckled while when she looked at her brother, all he saw was anguish and annoyance.

    "Yea...he really is, but thats going to change now!" Kazutaka said as he got up and walked over towards him. Kenji set down his cards again. "Three of a kind fellas. Sorry to say, but I win this one. Again." Kenji snickered as one of the female waitresses handed him a drink. Kenji winked at her and grabbed his drink.

    People were swarming Kenji, at the same time Kenji looked over to the entrance to the place and saw all the people he had talked to previously arrive. "Right on schedule." Kenji smirked.

    "Hey pal." Said a voice behind him, Kenji turned to him and saw it was Kazutaka. The guys hands were in his pockets. He was smiling at him with his sister behind him.

    "Hey." Kenji said.

    "Looks like you''re quite the whale. I got to get your name. Its Kazutaka by the way, I own this party. Its for my-"

    "You''re uncle, yea I know him. Just not you." Kenji said, Kazutaka gave a wry laugh as he folded his arms.

    "Heh, so you like to play huh?" Kazutaka asked

    "No, I like to win. My father''s philosophy is either your a winner or your nobody." Kenji said with a shrug. "Well then, good thing I never lose." Kazutaka said. Kenji chuckled a bit, Kazutaka looked at him with a side eye.

    "Whats so funny?" Kazutaka asked with a annoyed tone.

    "Its just that, you''re saying that, but you can''t say that now that you know I exist." Kenji said. "You must really think your hot shit huh?" Kazutaka asked.

    "Its ok bro, because if he wants to face the champion of our family then he needs to earn a title first." Y��ri said.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    "Oh?" Kenji said

    "Thats right. The Mammoth, the Treasure hunter and the Heart Keeper. All of these names are some of the best gamblers in the world. You may be good here, but compared to everyone else out there. You''re just a nobody. Just like your father said." Y��ri said with Kenji''s face getting a bit more serious.

    "Yea, so come back when you have a title. Maybe then I''ll give you the time of day." Kazutaka said with a smirk as he began to walk away. "You know. Its funny you mentioned those guys. Cause those titles you just said...they''re mine." Kenji said. Everyone looked shocked at what he said, but Kazutaka gave put a laugh as he turned around. He put his hands on his hips as he looked to Kenji.

    "Is that a joke? Those men were in their prime when I was in elementary school! You''d have to be-"

    "Eight years old. Yea, I''m ashamed too, i should have taken their names when I was six." Kenji said. The problem that Kazutaka felt wasn''t that Kenji could be lying, but the fact that Kenji''s tone and appearance showed confidence. It could be a bluff. He could be telling the truth too.

    However, Kenji had just trapped Y��ri and Kazutaka in something devastating. If they indeed did call the names the dropped, then everyone would sense from them fear and a nervousness that even a dog could feel. If they didn''t call, then Kazutaka would have to play against Kenji. Because of the dishonor that Kenji just said aginst close family. He would have to play to fight for them but Kenji knew this. So he only made it that much worse.

    "Men like them, didn''t deserve to gamble or even play the same games as me. Not if they were going to lose like they did." Kenji said. "I-"

    However one of the audience members would speak up.

    "Hey, I actually follow the Mammoth on social media! There''s no way he could be you. That man is a full grown adult. You''re just a kid!

    Besides, why would they throw away they''re titles to some brat?" Said the woman. Kenji closed his eyes as he smirked. He grabbed his drink and then gave the empty glass to Kazutaka. Kazutaka looked at the glass before pushing into someone else''s hands in frustration.

    "The Mammoth, Hirotoshi Shiratori, his hair is a dark brown, his eyes a aquatic blue. He had a bushy beard back in the day.

    His best pot winnings were 300, 500 and 850K. He made large rounds around-the-clock in Germany. Prime gambler and a veteran at the art. He won the name after beating the previously known legend the Ghost." Kenji said. Kazutaka smirked, however a small drop of sweat was coming down his face.

    "Pfft, so you used the internet so-"

    "I also know, he stopped gambling 11 years ago. He was 30 at the time." Kenji said as he looked up at Kazutaka, the same smirk on Kenji''s face still while Kazutaka''s began to dissappear. "..."

    "Come on Kazu, do the math, but just in case you still don''t believe me." Kenji said as he got his phone which was decorated with a spades sort of design and a small decoration attached to a chain, it was a joker card. Kenji then got to his contacts and showed it to Kenji. Everyone tried to look at it, but Kazutaka was the only one who needed to see it. His eyes were in shock. His face frozen and in disbelief. It was him, Hirotoshi''s number was on Kenji''s phone.

    "I can call him right now, see just how true it really is." Kenji said

    "..." Kazutaka didn''t know what to say.

    "WELL! WHAT ARE YOU WATING FOR! CHALLENGE HIM!" Y��ri shouted "DAMNIT SHUT UP!" Kazutaka shouted, everyone including Y��ri all looked at him in shock at his outburst. Kenji then out his phone away. Thats when Kazutaka began to hear cards begin shuffled. He slowly turned to Kenji and saw him holding a deck of cards.

    "Well Kazutaka? How about a game?" Kenji said. Kazutaka swallowed his fear and cowardice, and put on his poker face. His confidence partially returning to him.

    "Alright then. Let''s see how good this fake really is." Kazutaka said. Far in the back Kibe was watching from the far back at a table. Thats when Kiko would come over and sit next to him.

    "Is this going as you planned?" Kiko asked. Kibe just looked at her and then back to Kenji. "Hes quite the gambler isn''t he? I never knew he had such titles." Kibe said

    "So you believe him?" Kiko asked

    "Kenji isn''t the type to lie about something like this. Its like he said. He''s a winner." Kibe said.

    "Yes he always has been, or at least thats what they wanted him to be." Kiko said, Kibe looked to Kiko as she drank a glass of water. "You mean them?" Kibe asked.

    "Yes, back in the pale palace. Unlike you and me, Kenji wasn''t part of any rich family or had a wealthy friend to get him into the program. He was part of they''re orphan picks. The ones who got picked up from orphanages or were dropped off and never picked up again.

    Kenji had no family out in the world, he was alone. The only thing in the pale palace that gave him some sort of comfort were the games he played and test he took for them. He always had a natural gift for them. He understood everything about game theory and just games themselves when he was young. Nothing really gave him the same amount of joy as playing and gambling.

    He got the nickname the Trickster once he beat and claimed Dante''s Chess Game as his own. No one could best him at. Well not no one. A few people bested him from time to time.

    Bato, The Twins and of course myself." Kiko said, Kibe looked at Kiko and then to Kenji again.

    "I never went against him?" Kibe asked

    "No, you said that games are for children." Kiko said. Kibe nodded to that, seeing that maybe much hasn''t changed since he was a kid. Kibe looked at the time on his phone. He knew that it was time to begin the next part of his plan.

    Elsewhere in Ushin, Himmy was wandering the streets, looking back to her phone and infront of her.

    "Ok Kibe, you said to meet you here. Now where are you?" Himmy said as she put her hands in her pockets. Her eyes were looking around for him, she figured he would be here at least a hour earlier than her, but in the moments she was looking around she saw something shocking across the street. It was Juo leaving a ice cream store. Himmy''s face was pale, her mind going blank as she looked at her lover. He was right there. Alive. She didn''t know what to think yet her instincts told her to go to him, to kiss him, hug him and tell him she was ok.

    "J-Juo..." Himmy muttered her eyes filling with tears, her lips quivering and her hands shaking as she reached out to him. She felt free, Kibe was no where around. She remembered the words that Juo once told her. That he would always be there for her, to protect her. She then got ready to run to him when she then saw Kat leave the store too. Kat was smiling and laughing with Juo doing the same. Himmy''s face froze as she saw Kat snickered as she wiped some ice cream off of Juo''s face and ate it.

    The two of them laughing and smiling at each other. Himmy just stood there across the busy street. Cars flying by and people walking past and pushing past Himmy. Thats when rain began to pour down.

    "Heheh, you know...for a long time now...I''ve thought that I couldn''t get rid of the guilt I felt for letting Himmy down the way I did.

    I made a promise to her that I would do everything I could to keep her safe.

    ...I told her she had to live. I said that when I thought I was going to die that day." Juo said, rain landing on him and his ice cream. Kat, looked at him and wiped some of the rain off of his face. Kat using her other hand to slightly expose her chest. Rain drops falling down on her breast.

    "Hey, maybe you should take your own advice. Live." Kat said, Juo looked at her, his eyes momentarily going to her chest before landing on her eyes. Kat''s dark eyes looked like pure darkness, yet that darkness was fsr warmer than what he had been living alone for the past weeks.

    Juo faced her completely putting his hand on her cheek. Kat then closed her eyes and grabbed his waist. Himmy''s eyes grew with shock and heartbreak as she watched Juo and Kat kiss each other. They then began to walk away down the street. As they did Kat would look back and see Himmy across the street looking down at the ground, drenched in rain. Her face was completely painted in pain and heartbreak. She was broken.

    Kat then gave a wicked and devilish smile as she stared at her.

    Back at the mall, Kibe watched the time tick down on the clock. "Himmy. Now you know. Theres nothing left for you. Your own mother was a monster. The one man who said he''d do anything for you, that he''d protect you. Has moved on to a new piece of meat.

    Do you still feel you have some sort of choice? Do you still believe you''re free in a world of my design." Kibe thought as he drank from his glass. Across the room Kenji and Kazutaka were getting ready to play poker. Kazutaka looking a bit more confident than before while Kenji just stared down at the cards smiling.

    "Alright then, how about we start with a small bid then? Let''s go with 10-"

    "10,000,000." Kenji said. Everyone looked at him in shock. Kazutaka''s shades nearly fell off his face. He fixed it and looked at Kenji who was smiling at him. "Oh I''m sorry, is that too little?" Kenji smirked.

    "...Just...Just what kind of fucking guy is this?!" Kazutaka thought as Kenji then got his cards from the dealer and then so did Kazutaka. Y��ri watched, her eyes looking a bit nervous at the two. More than money was on the line here and both parties knew that.

    "Alright Kenji, time to prove your dad''s philosophy true. Are you a winner or a nobody?" Kibe thought as him and Kiko got ready to watch Kenji vs Kazutaka in a game of poker.

 No more games

    When the Machine has no one, no relationships, no connections and no more morals. Only then will it be able to operate at its fullest capabilities.

    Kibe and Kiko watched from afar at the game between Kenji and Kazutaka. Kibe saw as everything was unfolding. Ever last piece, each cog moving as it should. Kibe looked at his cold glass. The small droplets of water pouring from it reminded him of each person''s life he knew, their decisions, counter-thoughts and thoughts themselves. In this very moment, this very night. Every single person, even those Kibe didn''t even know. We''re all operating exactly as he knew they would.

    Kenji and Kazutaka began to play, as they did everyone watched them. They watched as Kazutaka began to play his hand. Kazutaka smirked as he looked at Kenji, while Kenji looked to him and back to his cards.

    "These people are all now here to watch me. I have the upper hand in this, however if I''m going to get a real deal out of him then I need to play the man. Not the game." Kenji thought as he then looked at his cards. He had two pairs so far when he looked to his cards. By looking at the expressions of the people surrounding Kazutaka, Kenji could tell just how good his cards really were. He did so by reading body language and the microexpressions that each person wore.

    "I''ll raise by 140,000." Kazutaka said. The crowd grew in wonder and awe. The pot was now 10,140,000. With that move Kenji had only a few gusses, but knew only one of them was correct. Either it was that he had a Straight or  Flush, or perhaps he was bluffing. Either way, getting Kazutaka comfortable again was the goal. Kenji then turned around and asked a woman to come over. Now from Kazutaka''s perspective he saw Kenji as someone who either was asking for advice or asking the probability that he may have better cards. The dealer looked to him and then back to Kazutaka.

    Either way though, Kazutaka was feeling a bit more relieved that then across from him. Wasn''t as scary as he hoped. The game of bluffing would continue until suddenly-

    "DAMNIT!" Kenji shouted as he threw his cards down. Everyone looked at him in astonishment and shock. Kazutaka however figured this may infact be a bluff. An attempt to get him more confident so that he would add more to the pot, but he wasn''t going to take it. "I''ll call" Kazutaka said. Kenji looked away for a brief moment. His mind racing with the infinite possibilities to Kazutaka''s thought process, however thanks to they''re previous discussion. He managed to bring down the infinite, to the finite.

    "He''s a hard guppy, but all he really needs is a little motivation." Kenji thought as he then turned back around. Kenji and Kazutaka both got ready to reveal their cards. Once they did, it would be revealed that Kenji got a Straight and Kazutaka got a flush. Kenji bit the tip his thumbnail.

    "Fuck." Kenji muttered, Kazutaka looked at him with a sign of relief briefly, but he couldn''t let this victory get in the way of his thinking. However underneath the table, Kenji had invited Kibe to a group chat involving the 20 other people that he had Kenji go and talk to earlier. Kibe who was still across the entire party. Then checked his phone moments before it pinged. He then immediately copy and pasted a line of text he had already written. Of course he went under a different name.

    At that moment all the other 20 people then moved themselves to where Kazutaka was sitting. Some of them giving him compliments and even betting on him for the next match. Y��ri took a sigh of relief as she looked to Kenji who still had a bit of a worried look. Kazutaka saw the attention he was now taking away from Kenji. "That was great, I mean that guy is good and all, but you kept your cool. Thats how a winner wins." Said one of the watchers.

    "Yea you got what it takes to really make rounds in the world." Said another watcher. Kenji looked at them, and for a brief moment he was taken back to his youth. During one of the days he was taken out of the pale palace, he had visited Russia with a possible new family. Kenji was 8 years old, he was wearing a small blue and red suit. His parents were both one of the wealthiest and most controlling people in all of the Russian higher ups. They funded things such a black markets, the mafia, oil rigs and fraters, whole lands under their names and of course nuclear weaponry.

    They were known as the silver daggers of the nuclear family, Rolan Mikhailov & Boleslava Mikhailov. Rolan was a very well built man, high in his beliefs and even higher in his ego. His power is what made him. He looked like he was made of it as well. His combed back hair with his often enough angry expression, not to mention the man was built like a ox. He looked like he could lift a full-grown man. His eyes were dark brown.

    Now his wife Boleslava was a gorgeous woman, the most beautiful in Russia. Or at least thats what she had paid everyone to say. Though her beauty wasn''t to be unnoticed. Long luscious blonde hair and locks. Her figure was divine and thin. She had convinced her husband to adopt due to then being unable to have a child.

    "I was used for my intelligence and ability to gamble and bet like no other adult alive. Probably because all my families had the money to back up whatever I bet, and because I had nothing to lose.

    A lot of my life was often a gamble, a bet on how long something would last...how long being with a family would be." Kenji thought. During his flashes back to the past he remembered sitting on a bench in one of the many hallways of the pale palace. He sat there looking down at the ground.

    "There I wasn''t anything. Just a boy waiting to be told again and again, how to live...but at least there-" Kenji then went back to a even younger memory, one where he stood in a room full of other kids, all around the age of 4 or 5, and seeing Kibe and Kiko standing infront of him. Kiko holding a stuffed animal and with a pacifier in her mouth. All of them wearing the same uniform.

    They all would sit down in a corner of the room.

    "They didn''t want me...they said that I was too...noisy." Kenji said with his head slumped down. He then looked at golden tarot card. It had the imagine of a fool on it. A jester. Thats when Kiko would pat his arm while Kibe just sat beside them. Doing nothing, saying nothing.

    "Don''t worry, your the best around. If they can''t see that. Then they''re fools." Kiko said with her pacifier still in her mouth. Kenji looked at her and smiled a little.

    "If they don''t want me...then they''re the fools." Kenji muttered again. Thats when Kenji would be returned to the present. Looking down to see that he had lost another 10,000,000 again. He sighed as he then gestured for a drink. One of the waitresses came over and gave him on, Kazutaka at this point was eating up his victories. He had been winning 3 games on a row. His confidence fully and completely restored. Kazutaka noticed Kenji put some sort of black like sugar or was it powder? Anyway, he watched Kenji reach into his right pocket and drop it into his cup. Though it was subtle, he seemed to be doing so when he felt no one was watching. However he didn''t seem to notice Kazutaka watching.

    "So you''ve been doing pretty good so far, but-" Kenji said as he then took a sip from his drink.

    "But?" Kazutaka asked

    "But, I''m tired of losing." Kenji said. "Then you best start winning. If you can." Kazutaka chuckled. Kenji and Kazutaka then continued to the next round. To which Kenji then dropped the highest pot amount that had ever been dropped in gambling history.

    "I place down, 900,000,000,000!" Kenji said to which ever person around the poker table all looked in total shock of such funds and money to so carelessly toss around, but Kazutaka who was so filled with confidence then began to feel it pour out of his body like water from a dam. Kenji smirked at him as he then took out a golden Russian card from his pocket.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "Well? Can''t win if I''m not all in." Kenji said as he threw the card onto the table. Kazutaka''s face began to drip with sweat as he figgieted with his shades. He then nodded. For a while he didn''t bid aginst it. However from Kenji''s constant side eyes and petty comments. Eventually Kazutaka would give in.

    "All in!" Kazutaka shouted as he then dropped his own card. Although it was a lesser gold then Kenji''s. Kenji smirked as Y��ri then ran over to him and grabbed his arm. "Brother! That is enough! Don''t let him bait you. This is exactly what he wants!" Y��ri said to her brother angrily.

    "Calling the shots now? I reckon you''ll be asking if he needs his butt wiped and face cleaned." Kenji said, even though Kazutaka would normally take his sister''s words into thought. At this moment all he could think of, was besting Kenji.

    "SHUT IT SISTER! Kazutaka shouted to her knocking her away. Y��ri nearly fell over as she was pushed away. The other people around began to gossip and chatter. She looked around and then to her idiot brother. Kenji smirked at him as he put his head in his hands.

    "Glad to see you finally take charge. You can''t win if your shackled by unwanted assistance." Kenji said "...Yea." Kazutaka said. The two then continued their game of poker, only for it to end as soon as Kenji got a Royal flush in just a few moments. Kazutaka was dumbfounded. His shades nearly falling from his face. Kenji snickered and then laughed as Kazutaka saw him put more of that black stuff into his drink.

    "HEY! YOUR USING DRUGS! That has to be aginst the rules!" Kazutaka shouted.  "Oh what? This thing its just a bit of...motivation. Don''t tell me you''re not interested in improving yourself?" Kenji said with a wide smile. Kazutaka stopped and looked at him, he saw the eyes of the people around him. They weren''t judging Kenji...so why would they judge him?

    "....Hand it over!" Kazutaka shouted as he looked at away angrily. Kenji smiled. "Of course." Kenji said, thats when instead of his right pocket, Kenji reached into his left. Kenji then snapped for a glass which he was given. He quickly dropped in the few bits of the powdery like substance. Its color different than what Kenji was putting in. He then handed the drink to Kazutaka who immediately gulped it down. Y��ri in the back looking at him with worry and disbelief. Kazutaka slamned the glass down and wiped his mouth.

    "Well then?" Kenji asked, Kazutaka looked to Kenji. His vision immediately began to get blurry, his eyes felt fuzzy and his tongue...he couldn''t even feel it. He looked to Kenji as he leaned aginst the poker table to catch himself.

    When he looked to Kenjj he saw three other versions of him sitting at the table. Kenji himself now having four heads and for a moment he thought he saw a tail from underneath him. Kazutaka''s chest got tight as he began to sweat refusly. His heart was beating in his ears.

    "Shall we play another? This time with real stakes?" Kenji asked, Kazutaka''s eyes watched as Kenji''s words came out of his mouth and entered into another. His head nodding without him even doing anything. Kibe was sitting back, as the next moves to come were predicted and all engraved his victory over the Kogure siblings. This was a night neither of them would forget.

    Kenji had completely tricked and fooled Kazutaka, what Kenji was putting in his own drink was pocket lint. However due to how he has been acting tonight the idea of him using drugs, only seemed second nature. To the point no one even questioned him. He had conditioned nearly half of the entire mall to observe him and see him in a certain light. Including Kazutaka himself. As Kenji had made Kazutaka selfish, linar in thought and of course rash and impulsive. So impulsive that he didn''t even think twice to taking a possible drug, the thing is. That Kenji had given him something much worse.

    Kenji had slipped him a hallucinogenic, specifically one of the most deadliest ones. Jimsonweed. Highly fatal, and dangerous. Capable of inducing highly intense hallucinations and even spiritual visions. However to everyone else, he was tripping, big time.

    Every next bet got worse and worse, Kenji winning each one of course.

    At one point Kazutaka put down his entire wealth in order to best Kenji. Yet Kenji won anyway, taking away Kazutaka''s entire fortune and inference.

    The next, he bet his pet cat. Which Kenji also won.

    Next he would bet all of the money he owed to other friends, which talked up to nearly around 5K.

    And then he offered up 30 years of his own life. Only for Kenji....

    To win that too.

    Near the closing of the poker game, everyone was dumbfounded and shocked at the bets placed and the bets won. Everyone in disbelief at what they were watching. Kazutaka had lost complete and utter control over himself. Mentally and physically, the man had not only peed himself, but was drooling refusly. Y��ri was watching in horror at what was happening. Even Rin who had been away from it all, was watching in horror. Her only thought was that this somehow had Kibe invovled.

    "...N-..Net- uh...Next game!" Kazutaka muttered, while Kenji held up a very badly scribbled I owe you on a napkin and of course Kazutaka''s less golden card. "Sorry pal, but there''s nothing left you have to give me. I own you now." Kenji said. Kibe knew that he needed Kenji to make one final push, involved. Is why he would. Because up until this moment Kenji has always been wanting to one up him. Always wanting to do more than what Kibe could ever do, to be #1.

    Which is why Kibe had made it his previous goal to best Kenji in every way possible, so that, just for moments like these. Kenji would have no subconscious choice, but to always push it further.

    So, just like the rest of the night to come. The following moments was just another moment orchestrated by Kibe.

    "I uh...uhhh...fuck." Kazutaka said as he drooled over himself his hands the only thing keeping him steady. Y��ri ran over to him and grabbed his arm and wrist.

    "Thats enough goddammit! You''ll have nothing if you keep this up now! Stop this brother!" Y��ri shouted, yet Kazutaka when he looked to her only saw their father. Dresses in devil horns and a tail. He then immediately swung on her and punched her right in the face. Kenji, Rin and everyone looked in horror at what they saw. Kazutaka pounced on her and began to beat up his sister. Kibe sat from afar. Drinking his tea while Kiko just looked outside at the passing cars and people.

    "This still going according to you''re plan?" Kiko said

    "No, its going much better infact. Kenji didn''t poke the bear, he shot it." Kibe said as he put his tea down and stood up. Kiko looked up at him.

    "I think its time to end this, shall we?" Kibe said as he began walk over to the poker game.

    "BROTHER! STOP PLEASE! I DONT UNDERSTAND!!! PLEASE!!!" Y��ri screamed out while Kazutaka punched and slapped her.

    "YOU ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU WERE BETTER THAN ME! THOUGHT THAT I WOULDN''T NOTICE WHAT YOU SAID BEHIND MY BACK!?

    WELL FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU!" shouted Kazutaka, Kenji just watched from his seat as he sipped his drink. Rin then was hit with whay exactly what was going on.

    "Oh my- I get it now. Kibe means to split them apart, but as he said. Kazutaka likely was promised more money.

    But...if he has no inheritance at all and his own family won''t back him up. Then they''ll do it for the sister! Y��ri. Kibe...Is this really how things needed to play out? Was there no other way to come to this?

    No, I can''t think of that now. I know what I''m doing. I knew what it meant by bringing him aboard this. If this is the results he''ll get me. Then I''ll give Kibe my best too!" Rin thought as she then ran across the plaza to save Y��ri. She was right, Kibe now had put them in a position of heros. Where Y��ri once saw them as pest and clowns.

    Now-

    "We''ll be the only ones she can turn to. Look at everyone Kibe, they''re all taking photos and videos of what''s happening. What you''ve provoked into happening.

    He''s incredible, truly Kibe can make the world his own without even lifting a finger." Rin thought as she then bargged through the crowd and got to the center where the Poker table was at. She then saw a tooth go flying by and onto the ground. It was Y��ri''s Kazutaka had punched out one of her teeth and swollen her cheek. Her screams could be heard from all over. Security tried their best to get through, but the people the extra people that Kibe had brought, made getting through impossible.

    Impossible for everyone-

    Except for-

    "KIBE!" Rin shouted, thats when Kazutaka''s wrist would be lifted up before he make his next punch. By nonother than Nori Kibe. Kenji grew a wide smile as he watched and Kiko looked on. Showing no reaction to the events shown. From everything she had seen of Kibe, this was mere child''s play to him.

    "Thats enough. Beating on your own sister because of your own incompetence. Its beneath even scum. Then seeing you in your truest form.

    I say that about matches." Kibe said, Kazutaka looked at Kibe and this time. Through his hallucinating eyes he saw nothing. Kibe''s silhouette was there, but in place of a face and a man was nothing but pure darkness. Illuminated by nothing but two shinning green eyes and six dark arms.

    "K...Kibe..." Y��ri whimpered as Rin helped her up. Kibe looked to her. Tears rushing down her face.

    "Thank you..." she said. Kibe then looked back to Kazutaka who stood up meeting Kibe face to face. It wasn''t over just yet.

 Perfect Broken Puppets

    Kibe and Kazutaka faced each other, while Kenji simply snickered to himself behind Kibe.

    "You...uhhh...you getting in my way!? You goddamn monster!" Kazutaka shouted as he pointed to Kibe aggressively. Y��ri weakly leaned aginst Rin while Kibe with Kenji watching it all. Everyone was taking photos or taking a video of what was going on. Everyone was watching.

    "I''m the monster? From the display you just did and the horrid actions you''ve done. I would say that you need to be pointing the finger at yourself." Kibe said, Y��ri looked at him with Kibe''s eyes slightly meeting her''s. "Y-You little shit!" Kazutaka shouted as he weakily threw a swing at Kibe who dodged out of the way. He put his leg in front of Kazutaka''s right leg and a well placed on his back. The man nearly flipped over as Kibe applied not even %1 of his strength to it. Everyone laughed or winced as Kazutaka fell onto his ass.

    "Kibe! Thats enough." Rin said, Kibe looked at her and shrugged as he took a few steps away. "Come on, lets find you someplace quiet." Rin said as Y��ri nodded, but before they left Kenji needed to push it, just one more notch.

    "Now that was quiet the show Kazutaka! Looks like you''ve sold everything, except one thing...or maybe someone." Kenji said, Kazutaka looked up. The hallucinogenic still having affect, made Kenji looked like a large jester like monster, in his hand was a stack of cards. Each with the face of his sister. "What has she done for you all day? Made you look like a fool. Tried to get you chicken out of the game that could make you.

    Now she has ruined your reputation, she wanted you to fail. Wanted you to attack her. The only way to get her back for that. Is to ruin her." Kenji said, Kazutaka nodded as he wobbly got up and slamned his palm on the table. Kenji''s face grew a very devilish grin. Thats when he''d see Kazutaka blink a few times before he spoke.

    "I want to bet....my sister!" Kazutaka said, Y��ri and everyone was shocked at what they heard. That was the final push, Y��ri then ran away, pushing through the crowd in tears. "Follow her." Kibe said touching Rin''s shoulder. He watched as they left and with that Kenji took a final drink. Thats when security would arrive and grab Kazutaka. "HEY! WHAT THE F-FUCK ARE YOU DOING!?" he screamed as he was dragged away. Kenji leaned back. A smile across his face, Kiko looked from afar.

    "Hes twisting the views of Kenji. It won''t be soon before Kenji becomes unreliable. Kibe is using Kenji''s determination to best him to steer him away from me.

    Does that mean he still has yet to trust me, or has he completely abandoned the pale palace?" Kiko thought. Elsewhere Y��ri would be in the back office of the plaza. It was dark, her tears were falling aginst her legs and hands as she sat on the ground. Her body shaking viciously. Thats when Rin would walk down the hall and end up at the door leading to the back office. She knocked before she opened the door. She looked down to see Y��ri there on the ground. Her body shaken and her nose dripping blood.

    She walked over to Y��ri and sat next to her. "...I...I just don''t understand. Why would he do such a thing. Why would he...why would he cast me aside?!" Y��ri shouted as she grabbed her head.

    "Y��ri..." Rin said

    "HOW COULD UNCLE INTRUST EVERYTHING TO HIM!?

    He''s always been reckless! Always felt like his voice was louder than mine. Just because I don''t do what he does, walk like he does or even have the same friends, well...

    After today. I don''t think I''ll have any friends." Y��ri said. Rin had once again recognized what Kibe had done. He had isolated Y��ri, separated her not only from her brother, but from her own friends too. Y��ri was a clean slate. She needed someone to help her through this difficult time, someone who had already offered their hand to her. Thats when Rin would wrap her arm around Y��ri''s shoulder. Y��ri looked at her, her tears still rushing down her face.

    Rin gave her a warm smile.

    "Don''t worry Y��ri, I''m here. I''m still your friend." Rin smiled. Back at Ushin, at the police station Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki both were in a interrogation room with Mr.Otsuka. The guy was still dressed in his psych ward straight jacket. All of them sitting down in silence as Mr.Otsuka was looking down, his face casted in shadow as he could feel like as if something was weighing on him.

    "Mr.Otsuka, we''re so glad you''ve recovered. Now, that you have. Do you have any recollection of the events that happened the night of your disappearance?" Mr.Miyuki asked, Mr.Nakayama looked at him with haste in his eyes. He was determined this may the one chance of proving that Kibe is connected to everything.

    "Thank you both, for looking out for me as you did. I...don''t remember much of anything unfortunately. Much of that night was a blur. Except for one thing.

    I did infact see the one who did this to me, for a brief moment. But I knee him." Mr.Otsuka said. Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki both leaned in to hear what Mr.Otsuka had to say.

    Back at the mall, close to the back room office of the plaza. Kibe was standing against the wall in the hallway. He eyes looking towards the entrance to where Rin was now solidifying her opportunity to go aginst her father on equal ground, but of course. This is exactly how Kibe had intended it to go.

    "The night is over and my hand has been played Mr.Nakayama.

    Right now you''re questioning Mr.Otsuka, but he doesn''t remember much of that night. Just the face of one delinquent, one man known for being violent and rash. Someone who was close to the Otsuka family.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Right now hundreds of videos and pictures of his actions tonight will solidly his testimony aginst him. Making his answer to who to who it really was that night irrefutable. Kazutaka Kogure." Kibe thought.

    Back at the station, Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki''s faces were pale and covered in disbelief.

    "D- What did you just say?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "It was a friend of mine''s son. Kazutaka Kogure. It was him who did this to me. I could tell it was him from the moment I heard his voice." Mr.Otsuka said

    "But we don''t have any shred of evidence that Kazutaka has ever committed violence like this on such a scale." Mr.Miyuki said thats when Chee would come into the room. "Mr.Nakayama! We just got a violent report. Apparently there was a beat down at the mall in Ginza. A horrible scene. It was recorded and posted everywhere.

    The perp is a Kazutaka Kogure. He just was caught beating his sister nearly to death and taking drugs in a public area. We have some people down there right now." Chee said, Mr.Nakayama didn''t know what to think. In his mind, he was so sure that Kibe had slipped up, that there was no way that this was part of his plan the whole time. Mr.Nakayama slamned his fist on the table in the room. This was the final confirmation. That if he wanted to best Kibe, he would have to sacrifice ever inch of his morals. He couldn''t hold back anymore.

    The law, morals, ethics and all; were nothing more than limitations he needed to move past. Kibe was covered from every angle. Mr.Nakayama knew, that he needed to stoo treating Kibe like as if he was limited by the law. When the opposite was the reality. So he needed to do the same, if not. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before Kibe came for him personally.

    However Mr.Nakayama did give a small smirk to the thought.

    "Alright Kibe, game on." Mr.Nakayama thought.

    Back at the mall with Kibe. He was still standing in the hallway waiting on Rin to finish with Y��ri. During that Kenji would arrive with Kiko not far behind him.

    "Hey, Nori. That was quite the play back there. Cause my little extra bit there gave you the chance you needed." Kenji smirked

    "I don''t believe in chance Kenji." Kibe said, "Either way. That was quite the display. Yet what was the point? You can''t honestly have done that just to help out Kita." Rin said

    "No of course not. Because now Rin will owe me for this. Not only that, but the Kogure''s uncle now will abandon Kazutaka. His actions today will throw the fashion department through a loop. They''ll be looking for some new young representatives.

    Rin can now bring her and Y��ri together as a united front. Y��ri as a survivor and Rin as the one who saved said survivor. She''ll have eyes on her. For what she did for Rin and for her potential." Kibe said

    "You sound certain thats what''s going to happen." Kenji said "I know it will. People cling to the strong. Rin is the strongest right now. They will flock to her, if not when she approaches them. Then with time.

    Her face is all over the web, saving Y��ri. They''d be a fool to deny her." Kibe said. Kenji was actually shocked at how deep Kibe''s plan was. He knew Kibe was a master planner, someone who could predict your entire day. But such forward planning was immensely disturbing and shocking.

    "Yes, that was very impressive. I wonder if the same thing will work on the transfer students." Kiko said which made Kibe and Kenji look at her. Kenji was actually worried about who was coming while Kibe seemed once again dismissive of the whole thing.

    "The night isn''t over. I still have one last thing to do." Kibe said

    "You know they''re expecting anything you do right? The Pale authority won''t be left out of the loop with you." Kiko said. "I''m counting on that. Cause as it stands now. Thanks to them I have no story. No past or even family." Kibe said, Kiko stared at him. In all of her time knowing Kibe, only at this moment she was worried. Cause in his voice she heard someone who sounded like they had no more connections. No more concerns about who he hurt.

    "Kibe-"

    "I''ve decided to abandon them. The Pale Palace and all things associated with it." Kibe said as he turned to Kenji and Kiko.

    "Hey man, you don''t want to do that. If there''s one thing I know for certain about them, its that they don''t take kindly to traitors or rouges." Kenji said. "Thinking about my well being now? Thats very unlike you." Kibe said as he looked to Kenji.

    "No, I just don''t want them to kill you or worse, before I get a chance to settle the score with you." Kenji said with a annoyed look. "Well, you''ll get your chance when the transfers arrive." Kibe said as he then started walking past them.

    "If you do this, we can''t be associated with you. You know that." Kiko said turning to Kibe, Kenji scoffed and put his hands in his pockets. Kibe stopped a few feet away and turned his head to them. "I know. I wouldn''t want you to be. You both have given me something. In the law of equivalent exchange, I owe you something back. That would be not getting you involved with what I have planned.

    The Pale Palace has taken a lot from me. My future, my life and my story. Theres nothing I want from them, but they want everything from me. I don''t get emotional and don''t really care about a lot of things. However, time has made realize that you two are the only things that are real when it comes to my life. I''d rather not lose anything like that. So do what you have to do, and I''ll do what I need to." Kibe said as he stared walking, but thats when stopped again and put his finger up. He then turned to them again.

    "One more thing though, know this. I''ve given you an out. You have the full capability to make your own choices and do what you need to, to survive.

    However, if you decide to come for me. If you even think about getting in my way. Know that in the same law of equivalent exchange. I will return it. Ten fold." Kibe said

    "..." Kiko and Kenji didn''t have anything to say nor did they know what to say. As at that moment. Kibe had declared his departure from the pale palace and his war aginst the World of Intellectualism. Kenji felt a coldness, a distance now more than ever growing between Kibe, him and Kiko. Its just as Kiko had said. Kibe was severing his ties and connections.

    "Where are you going?" Kiko asked, "Wouldn''t you like to know." Kibe said as he vanished around the corner of the hall.

    Back at Swan River General Hospital, Dr.Tomomasa was finishing his writings and filings. Thats when he''d lean back and stretch. His mind still lingering on what Mr.Nakayama had said. He took off his reading glasses as he scratched his chin. He then walked over to his silver tray next to his cabinets. He poured himself a shot of whiskey. Sighing as he did.

    "Still time for one last session? Doctor." Asked a familiar voice, Dr.Tomomasa''s spine got a chill, his hands then shook for a moment. He licked his lips. Thats when he''d turn around and see Nori Kibe. Sitting in one of the chairs in his room. His heart nearly stopped when they''re eyes met.

    "...Kibe." Dr.Tomomasa muttered.

 Declaration of War

    Kibe and Dr.Tomomasa stared at one another from across the room. Both facing at each other, but both looking deeper than that. Dr.Tomomasa stared at Kibe, but all he saw through his eyes were the machine. The one who operated based entirely on objective and never the subjective. One who say things clearly as they were and what they could be.

    Dr.Tomomasa nodded as he grabbed his glass. "I didn''t know we had an appointment, you''ll have enough check in with my-"

    "Don''t worry, this won''t take long. Have a seat." Kibe said as he gestured to the other chair in front of him. Dr.Tomomasa stared at it for a moment before he walked over with his drink and sat down. The two looked at one another.

    "Tell me something doctor, how long have you done therapy?" Kibe asked.

    "Around 30 years, far longer than you''ve been born. I graduated from a school France, it taught mostly psychological syndromes and sociopathic patterns. The rest I learned elsewhere." Said Dr.Tomomasa as he took a sip of his drink. Kibe leaned forward a bit. "Do you know of a connection between the normal and sociopathic? That perhaps that they''re just the same, but merely layed." Kibe said.

    "The Ego, SuperEgo and Id. Sigmund Freud." Dr.Tomomasa said.

    "...Which am I?" Kibe asked. Dr.Tomomasa looked at him, he put his drink down on the glass table next to his chair and leaned forward. Him and Kibe sharing eye contact.

    "I don''t believe I can categorize what you are. In our previous sessions when you were young. You described that you no longer dreamed, but instead relived moments from the past. Yet unlike most others, you can see, speak and move through them like you were living them again.

    A living memory inside your memory palace. One that you can freely walk back and forth into. Those that you interact with act and behave just as they would if you spoke to them now.

    Do you still have those dreams?" Dr.Tomomasa asked to which Kibe then leaned back, his hands clasping together. Kibe came here for a specific reason, but he needed this moment too. The last person who knew so much about him. The only other person in his head as much as he was, he needed to talk to Dr.Tomomasa. Rather it he for a moment or less.

    "...I''ve been having flashes of my past. In a place called the pale palace." Kibe said, Dr.Tomomasa stared at him. He wore his poker face expertly. Better than Mr.Nakayama and even Kiko. Kibe almost couldn''t even read him, if wasn''t for the fact that he noticed the slight movements in his fingers. The way his breathing was and of course his eyes. Kibe stared at him with Dr.Tomomasa doing the same. Dr.Tomomasa just from looking at him, Kibe could tell he was just as good of a observationist as he is. Maybe even better.

    "Come on doctor. Surley you already knew that was going to come up. Afterall, you do know me." Kibe said. Dr.Tomomasa smiled for a brief moment before he sat up and folded his arms.

    "Tell me something Kibe, do you believe in a utopia? The ultimate perfectionist dream. A world where everyone is of equal intellect and of proper value." Dr.Tomomasa asked. "Sounds like a monarchy soaked in gold glitter and decorated with silver daggers. A utopia can''t exist. Not in this world." Kibe said

    "Maybe, but if the right elements were introduced-"

    "Is that what the Pale Palace promised?" Kibe asked. Dr.Tomomasa once again gave Kibe nothing to read off of when it came to his expressions. Kibe could only read what he felt were the microexpressions he was displaying. "Did they say if you helped them, helped teach those children. That they would make a paradise. One like the garden of Eden or Atlantis? Heaven." Kibe asked.

    "Paradises are called paradises because of the fictional implications that come from them. A utopia is a evolutionary idea, one that if given the right motivation. Can become a reality." Dr.Tomomasa said.

    "You''re very good at dismissiveness, a professional manipulator." Kibe said

    "Everyone manipulates people, rather if its you telling someone you''re fine on a bad day or telling someone a little white lie in order to prevent pain. Manipulation at the end of the day, is useful tool for providing comfort.

    Its the monsters who use it for wickedness that we look out for." Dr.Tomomasa said.

    "So what are you then? A monster? Or a man using it to provide comfort to others." Kibe asked.

    "I use it however my patients wish me to use." Dr.Tomomasa said. Kibe stared at Dr.Tomomasa as he grabbed his glass and softly stirred it around. "Now Kibe, I have to ask. What is it that is troubling you so much that you felt the need to visit me after all these years?

    You haven''t need my therapy since you were a boy." Dr.Tomomasa asked.

    "Yes, very convenient." Kibe said. Him and Dr.Tomomasa continued to stare at one another.

    "How long have you been with the Pale Palace?" Kibe asked, Dr.Tomomasa snickered as he took a quick sip of his drink. "I''m not sure of this place you''re speaking of, but I can play in metaphors. If it helps you come to an understanding." Dr.Tomomasa said

    "..."

    "Metaphors are a way of using the fake to tell the truth of the real; without really associating one with the other." Dr.Tomomasa said

    "Then when does the metaphor start becoming real. When you realize thats its part of your life or when you realize the metaphor is your life." Kibe asked

    "Thats the question most ask when it comes to dreams or lucid hallucinations of previous or future events." Dr.Tomomasa said. Kibe didn''t answer or have a comment on what he said. He just stared.

    "Great work doctor. My goodness, you know just what to say. I underestimated your capabilities." Kibe said

    "Heh, I''ll take that as a compliment." Dr.Tomomasa said. Kibe nodded as the two were once again back at a stalemate with one another. "Yes, you''re very impressive. But you must understand that I''m not here for therapy, though this brief session has been very good. Its no wonder you were able to manipulate me as well as you did." Kibe said as he stood up.

    "Now Kibe, I didn''t come over just so-" thats when, quicker than Dr.Tomomasa could react. Kibe grabbed him by the neck, Dr.Tomomasa grabbed his arms almost just as quick, but Kibe already was locked around on his throat. He noticed that Kibe had on a black gove with the hand he had grabbed him with him.

    "Gr- ack!" Dr.Tomomasa grunted as Kibe held his grip forcefully. No sign of letting go.

    "You''ve mistaken my visit for one of formal means. At least in your case. I''m here to send a message to the pale palace and Dr.Abel. Tell them I''m done playing they''re little game, I''m not they''re experiment nor they''re lab rat. I refuse to have my life dictated by dimwitted visionaries who believe in a fictitious future for humanity.

    Tell them that any further involvement with my life will result in their immediate termination.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Blink twice if you understand, once if you don''t want to breathe through your esophagus anymore." Kibe said. Dr.Tomomasa stared at him for a moment, his eyes filled with surprise and yet wonder. He blinked twice. "Good." Kibe said, thats when he quickly grabbed Dr.Tomomasa''s jaw and would break it. The man then fell back in his chair struggling to get away. Kibe watched as he struggled to get up. Blood seeped from his mouth as he tried his best to fix his broken jaw. Kibe slowly walked over putting the other glove on as his other hand.

    "You seem suprised, but only a little.

    Whatever must happen, needs to happen. Just so long as the subject continues to show results. Isn''t that how science works doctor? Did you gather that this might happen? Did you read my thoughts? Counter-thoughts? Reasoning and thinking?

    Did you come to the conclusion that your death would be imminent?" Kibe said as he watched Dr.Tomomasa crawl on the flood. Kibe then grabbed him by the back of his shirt and dragged him along the floor. He dragged him until he was to his chair. To which Kibe then grabbed him and put into it. Holding him still by his shoulders. Dr.Tomomasa still staring at Kibe, suprised by his actions. Kibe still looked at him with indifference, watching as Dr.Tomomasa gaggled and chocked on his own blood.

    "Oh come on. You didn''t honestly believe I would let you go ahead and send them a message for me. No, Dr.Tomomasa. You are the message. Honestly I hope that they take this as a warning, but some part of me. A small part of me that remembers what they did. Hopes that they do come.

    So I can tear them apart. From the inside." Kibe said as he then looked on Dr.Tomomasa''s desk and found a pair of scissors. Kibe grabbed them, Dr.Tomomasa''s muffled screams and pleads landed on deaf ears as Kibe then began to use the scissors on Dr.Tomomasa.

    And hour afterwards, 1AM. Mrs.Mihara would get a text from Dr.Tomomasa. she checked her phone in her bed.

    "Its the Machine, they''ve made a breakthrough. Come to the office immediately!" Said the text. Mrs.Mihara looked at it with shock as she immediately got up and dressed. She drove down to Swan River General Hospital and got to Dr.Tomomasa''s office. She knocked on the door. "Tomomasa? Its me, Nori. I got your text." Mrs.Mihara said as she then opened the door. When she got in she saw that he was turned to the window. The room was dimly lit. She looked around and closed the door behind her.

    "...Tomomasa?" Mrs.Mihara asked as she nervously walked closer to his desk, thats when she stepped in something wet. She looked down and saw blood on the ground. She nearly yelled as she covered her mouth moving back a few paces. She fell back aginst the cabinets and silver tray holding the doctor''s liquor and silverware. "OH- OH MY GOD!" she muttered.

    "No. Not God." Said a terrifyingly familiar voice, she turned her head slowly and saw nonother than her own son. Kibe standing in front of the photo of the twins. He slowly walked over to her. She skirted away from him and to the corner.

    "She isn''t aware of this side of me. She never has been, if she truly was part of the pale palace. She is terrified, petrified.

    She will never see me the same again.

    ...I don''t want her to. This is my life, now. From this moment forward I can''t allow any connections with my past to bind me. Even you." Kibe thought as he stopped in front of her. Tears rushed down her face, she was distraught. Her face mortified by what she was seeing. Kibe''s black gloves were covered in blood.

    He then crouched to her, her eyes focused on him.

    "You may not be the with the pale palace, but you''re a good second. Seeing how you answered the text from Dr.Tomomasa." Kibe said as he waved Dr.Tomomasa''s phone on the air before he then threw it against a far wall breaking it. Mrs.Mihara was very skittish and fearful, her eyes painted with fear of Kibe. Kibe then reached out to her, her face still tearful as Kibe grabbed her hand gently.

    "You...aren''t really my mother. Are you? Just another piece of my fabricated past that they made for me. You bathed me, helped me to make a friend. Ouchi Mi. Isn''t that convenient? Then I end up with a therapist. Dr.Tomomasa. All part of the same play, all orchestrating the same game.

    Did you even think for second, did you even believe for moment, see me as your actual son?" Kibe asked, Mrs.Mihara looked at him slowly. Her lip quivering. She slowly shook her head. And with that, Kibe finally got his confirmation. Everything was a lie. His mother, his therapist and Mi...

    Kibe stood up and sighed. He looked out to the window, and then put his hands behind his back.

    "K-Kibe please....I''m sorry..my precious boy. I-" suddenly though Kibe would then wrap his hands around Mrs.Mihara''s neck. He began strangle the life out of her. She wiggled and squirmed wildly. Kibe''s eyes focused on her. She squeaked and grunted as Kibe then applied %5 of his strength, removed one of his hands and effortlessly snapped Mrs.Mihara''s neck. The crack and sound was more than the breaking of a neck. In that moment...Kibe could feel the severance between his past growing greater and himself more free. He felt old gates within his memory palace opening wider and wider.

    There he saw brief flashes of papers being signed. Of Mrs.Mihara and Dr.Abel along with a few others chatting in one of the many halls of the pale palace. Kibe''s face would grow more than emotionless, his face was now hollow. Any sign or feeling of expression, even microexpressions no longer appeared on his face. Whatever humanity that was left in Kibe now was infinitesimal. Nori Kibe, the part of him that Mrs.Mihara had created for Japan now was gone.

    The only thing now, was the machine wearing the skin of Nori Kibe.

    Kibe would open his eyes, he looked down at Mrs.Mihara''s corpse her face petrified in fear his hand still on her throat. He then dropped her body and walked over to the sink, washing his gloves before he put them back in his bag. He then looked over to the Dr.Tomomasa''s computer. He would grab it and then take it with him. As he walked to the door and turned off the light before leaving.

    Later that morning, Kibe would leave his home for school. As he locked the door he''d then smell a familiar scent.

    "Come out Mi, I can smell you. You really should think of wearing a different shampoo. Anyone from a helicopter could smell you." Kibe said as he turned to see Mi standing at the bottom of the steps to his home. Kibe walked down to her. His bag at his side. Mi looked at Kibe with eyes of worry and guilt. He could tell that she knew he was acting differently. Rather it was because of the fact he knew of her or of something was not so telling. She was wearing winter clothes. Kibe wasn''t. Just his normal uniform.

    "Kibe...I...I need to talk to you. Theres something I feel that''s been drifting us apart. I feel like as if you''re not yourself." Mi said

    "Thats interesting, since when did you know me so well?" Kibe asked as he started walking. Mi walking beside him.

    "I''m being serious, I''m worried about you. I wish you would talk to me.

    ...I heard about you''re mother. I''m sorry." Mi said as they reached a crosswalk. Kibe stood there, showing nothing. No remote sign that he even was affected by what she just said. Mi was horrified at just how cutoff he really was. "You''re hurting. I get that. But you must be willing to open yourself up to others." Mi said as she touched Kibe''s shoulder, yet he looked to her like she couldn''t fathom anything.

    "...Kibe. Why won''t you talk to me?" Mi asked. Cars passed by them.

    "Mi, I will honor the time you''ve given me. In respect to the laws of equal exchange. However..." Kibe said

    "However?" Mi asked, Kibe them looked to her and with his other hand, removed her''s from his arm.

    "Don''t pretend to know me. Cause the truth is Ouchi Mi.

    You honestly know nothing about me. Nor ever will." Kibe said, his voice wasn''t cold nor was it hollow. His voice didn''t even seem to be a voice anymore. It was like an automatic message being played to her. Like as if he couldn''t be bothered to even put a hint of feeling into trying to sound human around her. Which in reality, he didn''t. As he would never shown anything. Not even a fake shed of emotion to anyone associated with the pale palace or the world of Intellectualism.

    Kibe and Mi stared at one another, Mi''s face showing sorrow as Kibe''s words weren''t just robotic, but they were his letter of resignation. Parting himself away from their relationship in the only way he could. As deep down that small cent of humanity that indeed did exist, couldn''t and wouldn''t allow himself to kill her. No matter how much he thought of doing so. Mi slowly backed away from Kibe as the light signaling for them to cross came on. Kibe then turned from her and walked away leaving her behind.

    At school Kibe would be sitting down in the cafeteria, reading about utopian philosophy and or utopianism. Every page and article he read about it, was more books, more pages added to his memory palace. He leaned his head on his hand as he read on them. Thats when he felt someone sit next to him. He didn''t pay them any mind as he kept about his own business.

    "Wow, what a nice book. Does it have any pictures? Or do you draw those after." Said a disturbingly familiar voice. Kibe''s eyes then turned to see nonother than Brandon Wright sitting next to him. Brandon displaying his usual and casual devilish smile. Kibe now wearing his new face too. Kibe scanned Brandon, but it didn''t take him long to see what it was that was happening. Brandon was wearing the school uniform. Same as Kibe. Yet Brandon''s was a little more lose, the tie for instance was missing.

    "Mr.Nakayama, you once again suprise me. It would seem that you indeed are throwing away what I did too.

    You''re using Brandon. Question is, does he even know what you''ve thrown him to?" Kibe said.

 Faust and Mephistopheles

    Kibe and Brandon just stared at each other. Both of them staring at one another, searching and analyzing, reading or attempting to read the other.

    "What brings you here? Or better, what brought you to wanting to enroll here? In my school nonetheless?" Kibe asked as he closed his book. Brandon sucked on his teeth before he then put his finger to his lip. He was sitting as he usually does. Crouched on the seat, then criss cross.

    "I figured that the best way to analyze the killers of Japan, or the way to the through how they see it. Is to live it. So I''ve enrolled here. I hope that doesn''t mean we still can''t braid each other''s hair." Brandon smirked as bit his thumb. Kibe just stared at him. He was curious as to how Brandon even got into this school. His best assumption was that he was forcefully enrolled. As Kibe''s mind couldn''t belive that Brandon was smart enough to pass the entrance exams, seeing how the new principle was now someone from the pale palace.

    That then sparked Kibe into thinking about the transfer students. He started thinking of-

    "Yo." Brandon said, Kibe then left his thoughts and looked at Brandon again. "You lose yourself in thought a lot huh? Very calculated. Always thinking. What you thinking about? Wet panties or dry mangoes?" Brandon asked. Kibe looked away and got up.

    "Neither." Kibe said as he got his book and bag, he then proceeded to walk away, Brandon snickered as he then jumped out of his seat and walked with Kibe. It was easy to underestimate him, Brandon. Yet at the same time Kibe couldn''t help but underestimate him. Brandon showed qualities of being a fool, but also knew how to play it well if he wasn''t. Brandon was quite literally an anomaly to Kibe''s reasoning and thinking process. The most that Kibe could do. Is answer careful and act even more carefully.

    "So, whats your hypothesis on the White Rabbit? Yaknow since they found that egg in the car of that doctor. Dr.Tomomasa, and your mother''s body.

    I''d assume that you would be more...I don''t know. Impacted." Brandon asked

    "I have to keep my personal life and feelings out of my daily routine and actions. If I break down or do anything reckless. It would get in the way of our investigation or any other issues we may face in the future." Kibe answered as he stopped in the hallway looking back to Brandon who stopped too. His hands in his pockets.

    "So analytical, you ever shut that off? Or do you always think without thinking?" Brandon asked

    "An interesting observation. Makes me wonder if you can turn yours off too." Kibe said

    "Oh I think you know the answer to that." Brandon said as he folded his arms. Kibe put his arms behind his back. The two once again caught in a staring contest.

    "Who is it your analytical about? Or do you only think about the drenched undergarments of others?" Kibe asked

    "Mmm sometimes. But when I''m not, I''m thinking about the White Rabbit. On just what an anomaly that man is. The White Rabbit is premeditated, he is someone who can think without thinking.

    He seems to be aware of the opposition that faces him. Knows how to play his moves carefully and can swoop in unexpectedly. No motive or pattern. A killer like him must be very deranged, or maybe too sane." Brandon said, Kibe looked at him and nodded.

    "Yes, I would assume so. Someone like the White Rabbit has a fascination with death, perhaps he feels that introducing to others will make his that much more fantastical." Kibe said. "No, there''s nothing fascinating about dying. Its just, POOF, then lights out." Brandon said as he looked outside. There he saw other students chatting and walking around in the courtyard. Kibe''s eyes moved to the outside too, but only for a moment. While Brandon''s stare lingered.

    "Mr.Nakayama was pissed that Mr.Otsuka didn''t give us the name behind the white rabbit." Brandon said

    "How can you tell it wasn''t the name of him? The White Rabbit could be anyone." Kibe said. Thats when Brandon wagged his finger and smirk came along his face.

    "No, not just anyone. The White Rabbit is articulate, hes dodgy and most of all. Likes to be left out of sight." Brandon said, Kibe was amazed by Brandon''s observation skills. Although he was also cautious. He need to make a move on Brandon, something to get him off of his case. The only question was what? At that moment the school bell would ring. Brandon and Kibe looked to each other and walked away.

    "Brandon had obviously been placed here by Mr.Nakayama in order to uncover the white rabbit''s identity. Hes looking for a profile that fits him. I could choose to act differently, but that would only draw attention to me more.

    I need to keep acting as I do. Anything differently could result in his attention to me growing." Kibe thought as he entered his class. Everyone was there besides the teacher. Everyone was chatting and talking to one another. Before he could go to his seat his arm was pulled by someone he looked to see it was Jun.

    "Jun." Kibe said

    "Hey, can we talk?" She asked. Kibe nodded and the two would go to the stairway nearby. Once there she would immediately hug him. Kibe of course hugged her back. The two held they''re embrace for a long while. "I''m so sorry about your mom. That must be devastating to hear about." Jun said. Kibe began to tear up a bit, wiping his face.

    "Ye-Yeah. Its not...I can''t believe that monster would go after her. I guess she just...when she didn''t come home I-...god." Kibe said, his voice was shaken and sorrowful. Jun nodded to him as she rubbed his arm.

    "Hey, how about we go out after school. We can hit up my place. Focus on something else and maybe get some school work done too." Jun said.

    "...Yea, that sounds good." Kibe said. He knew that he needed to get closer to Mr.Nakayama. Kibe knew that if he was going to erase Mr.Nakayama from the problem permanently than he needed to use what was closest aginst him. The only question was.

    Is Mr.Nakayama using the same thing.

    "Thanks Jun. This means a lot to me that you''d go out of the way to...help me." Kibe said

    "Of course. I don''t want you to feel like you''re going through this alone." Jun said, she rubbed his shoulder one last time before they walked walked back to the classroom. Once they got there they would see Shinj�� Mizuki in they''re teacher''s place.

    "Nori and Nakayama, glad you could make it. Please take a seat. I was just going around to classes announcing the same thing I''m about to tell you all." Mizuki said. Kibe and Jun nodded as they went to their seats. Kibe sat down and looked Mizuki. Mizuki didn''t even looked directly at Kibe. Mizuki was nothing like Dr.Tomomasa. Kibe couldn''t get a single bit of physical or visual information from him. Mizuki was clearly a lot more held together, more of a profound had wearing a excellent poker face and person suit.

    Kibe''s observation skills would do nothing to help him aginst Shinj�� Mizuki.

    "Students of 1-S. I am Shinj�� Mizuki, the new principle here at Sawa High. I''m here to tell you that this school will be partnering with the international puzzles of the world, or also known as the IPOW. We are doing this as a means of studying and learning which of our students may be of a certain quality.

    The event will take place in the coming week.

    Now, there''s no need to pressure yourself with entering in. It very much is a...unique taste. But I do encourage it, if you are looking to improve yourself. By any means. I have been informed that these test will involve more than just our school. Schools all over the world will be putting in their best. So if you yourself think you may the next shining beacon of intellectual prowess, than by all means..." Mizuki''s eyes then briefly focused on Kibe who was looking at him as well.

    "Shine to your utmost best." Mizuki said. Everyone clapped at his speech. With him nodding and giving everyone a smile. "Now, I won''t waste anymore of your time. Your teacher is outside. Have a wonderful day everyone." Mizuki said as he left and they''re teacher entered the room. Kibe watched Mizuki leave and then focused on the lessons of the day. Today they were doing studies on number theory, probability and topology. Which Kibe as much as any subject, found to be ultimately useless. Due to his previous teaching at the pale palace.

    He remembered during class, test orbiting these such things. One of the test surrounding probability was a game called doors. As Kibe relived the moment. He remembers the time when he was a young child. The same teachers as before when he faced off aginst the AI Chester. Mizuki was there, along with two others who seemed to be watching. They were twins, but they didn''t seem to be involved in the test.

    No.

    They were...watching. like they were seeing a rat run a maze, but Kibe couldn''t make out their faces at the time. The other teacher was there too. The woman with brown hair and dark green eyes. The room they were in had two doors. Both of them were brown, there was no difference between them. They were perfectly identical.

    "Tr��s bien 2-14-17-1-4-13, nous allons aujourd''hui ��valuer votre compr��hension des probabilit��s. Le dernier rapport du docteur Jeanne Gagnier a montr�� que vous ��tiez capable de pr��dire des guerres mondiales et des fl��aux �� partir de plusieurs dizaines de sc��narios et de r��cits diff��rents.

    Votre pr��diction sur la quatri��me guerre mondiale a d��pass�� les attentes. Le fait que non seulement Martin King ��tait en vie, mais aussi JFK. Hiroshima n''avait pas encore eu lieu non plus. Pourtant, vous ��tiez capable de pr��dire la quatri��me guerre mondiale et toutes les voies qu''elle pourrait emprunter.

    Aujourd''hui, vous allez voir quelle est la porte la plus probable par laquelle la plupart des gens vont passer." Said Mizuki as he wrote on his clipboard. Kibe looked at the two doors. His brain working through which one it could possibly be. Thats when the women looked at Kibe, though he didn''t look at her. Her gaze was one him for a while. Mizuki noticed and looked at her.

    "Mme Caron. Votre attention". Said Mizuki, Caron then nodded as she was refocused. Kibe then pointed to the door on the right. Mizuki looked at the door and then to Kibe.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Vous ��tes s?r ?" Mizuki asked, Kibe nodded. Mizuki nodded as he wrote something down on his clipboard.

    "Bien." Mizuki said.

    Kibe opened his eyes, being returned back to the present day. He was sitting in the library. Sitting infront of a book. His eyes looking down at a book on trigonometry. One he had already read and perfectly memorized. His fingers trailed his mouth and face.

    "I wonder...did they make me who I am? Or did I do this to myself?" Kibe thought. At that moment, another voice within him spoke, with his knowledge and yet somehow without it too.

    "Nothing happened to me." Said a voice. Kibe nodded in response to it. Like as if he already knew the truth. He needed just one more piece of himself to truly understand that part. To see if what they pale palace had taught him, made him into. Were merely just amplifications of what he already was.

    A machine.

    Elsewhere, high above the skies. A cruse jet was making its way to Ushin Japan. Inside, were the students. The transfer students from the pale palace. One of them was watching a camera feed on a laptop. It was showing footage of Kibe from when he was in the pale palace. The video was on loop. Showing Kibe pointing to the objectively correct door from the probability test. The man watching took a sip of his champagne glass. Thats when a girl wearing a white and black suit walked in through a door were a few others could be heard behind her. She had long bleached blonde hair and her eyes were that of a burning hazel.

    "We''re nearly there. We''ll be landing in about 3 hours." Said the girl.

    "Good. Thank you Piko." Said the man. His voice was stern, yet it had a smoothness that felt like melting ice cream on the tongue or a marshmallow on a stick. Piko looked outside the jet and to the cities below. She then looked back to the man.

    "Are you sure about this Bato? Even if you succeed, there''s no telling if they''ll put you into the senior program. They already have decided for to put him in there. Theres no telling if-"

    "They will. They have a place for him because of what he can do. Did I not guarantee them connections with Iraq for the next decade?

    Did I not give them the rights to the black markets of some of the most powerful men in the world?

    Do not worry about what they won''t and will give me. They will give me this. Especially after I do what no other can do.

    Kill the machine." Said Bato.

    "Well, I just hope that you''ll give me a chance to play with him too. Mweheheh!" Piko giggled with Bato smirking as he looked back at the recording.

    Later that day in Ushin, at Jun''s house. Tokyo was cooking lunch while Kibe and Jun were sitting in the living room working on school work. Both of them were sitting down on the couch, going over homework involving what they learned.

    "UGHHHHH! FUCK!" Jun shouted as she stretched. Kibe looked at her and then back to his work.

    "Language." Tokyo said from the kitchen. Kibe snickered as he then grabbed a potato chip from the bag they opened. He ate as he leaned back. Jun put her hair into a pony tail. Wearing a black hoodie and shorts. Kibe in a white turtleneck. She floofed her hair behind her back as she got to writting, Kibe stared at her for a moment.

    "...She''s Cute with her hair like that." Kibe said. Jun looked at him, her face red. Kibe then noticed what he did. "Uh-"

    Kibe and Jun just looked at each other.

    "...I said that out loud." Kibe thought. Jun''s face got flustered as she didn''t know what to say. She put her hands on her cheeks and looked away nervously.

    "Sorry for-"

    "Did you know that Australia is wider than the moon!" Jun blurted out. It was quiet for a seconds.

    "...That was random." Kibe thought. "I-I I''m sorry! I''m just so use to working with computers and engineering. I don''t normally have a response for those sorts of things!" Jun said with a nervous tone.

    "Its ok. I said it impulsively. Forgive me." Kibe said bowing his head. Jun looked at him wjtha even more nervous face. Tokyo was watching them around the corner of the kitchen. Her face had a smile on it. Jun waved her hands at Kibe.

    "No no no no, don''t apologize. It''s ok. I accept the compliment! You uhh..." Jun stared at him. In her eyes Kibe was the perfect boy. He didn''t speak unless he wanted to, he was clean and well put together and he was already pretty handsome. She just didn''t know how to confess that to him.

    "You''re cute too." Jun said. It silent for even longer this time.

    "Thank you." Kibe said. Jun''s face was a beating red hot pink.

    "She''s bad at this." Kibe thought

    "DAMNIT I''M TERRIBLE AT THIS!" Jun thought as she wacked her head. "Hey Jun." Kibe said, she looked at him.

    "After the IPOW, there''s going to be the winter festival. I was wonder if-"

    "Yes." Jun said, Kibe and her looked at each other.

    "She didn''t even let me finish." Kibe said

    "DAMNIT I DIDN''T EVEN LET HIM FINISH!!!" Jun thought as she wacked her head again.

    "Um, do you prefer a kimono? Or would it be better if we went in our regular clothes?" Kibe asked, Jun shook her head to get calm herself.

    "I don''t really go for the whole tradition stuff. Its too old fashioned for me." Jun said

    "I see." Kibe said as he looked up at the ceiling. Jun continued to work as Kibe was just thinking. She looked at him for a moment before she then stopped.

    "Are you alright?" She asked

    "Yea. Just thinking about the IPOW. What interesting event, something that judges the smartest in the world." Kibe said

    "You plan on entering?" She asked. "...At first I wasn''t, but now. I do. I just feel I should try." Kibe said.

    "Well if you believe you should then I say go for it. Nothing starts until take action." She said

    "Don''t be afraid of stepping out of the shadows, there''s nothing wrong with being a little popular." Jun said. Kibe leaned his head on his palm.

    "Hmp, yea. To be honest, for a long time I didn''t want anything to do with being anything more than just a background object.

    But now, I know I have to be more than that." Kibe said. Jun smiled at him as she saw Kibe''s determination. She blushed a little as she got back to work. Scooting a little closer to Kibe who also did the same.

    The next day, Kibe would arrive at school checking his phone. "Seems Himmy isn''t answering my phone calls or text. I''m guessing she''s still broken up over seeing Juo.

    ...Ah, but I should eventually talk to her. In a week. Maybe more.

    I''ll come to terms with it once I think about it." Kibe said, thats when he''d take notice. All the other students in the courtyard and even some slightly inside the school were all looking in his direction. Kibe looked at all of them before he then turned around. With just once glance he already knew.

    They were here.

    Four students wearing white and black uniforms were standing at the entrance of the school. Kibe just stared at them. The one on the far left was a young man, short brown hair and icey blue eyes. He was bit more scrawny than the others. The girl on the far right, she had long bleached blonde hair with burning hazel eyes. Finally the middle two.

    Another boy, Kibe could just tell it was Bato. Short black hair and cyan eyes, he was also slightly taller than Kibe. His posture was perfectly straight. Hands behind his back. The last one was a girl. Her hair was a amber red. Her eyes dark with black lipstick. She had a prosthetic hand on the right. It had a skin sleeve over it, Kibe could tell it was a fake hand. Though the engineering and work on it was way more than anything Kibe had seen done. Clearly advanced technology.

    "Ah! I see you made it! Welcome students. To Sawa high!" Said Mizuki, Kibe turned his head back to see him walking out from the building and then past him. Kiko was watching from one of the windows of the school. Mizuki walked to Bato and shook his hand.

    "Its a pleasure to be here. Thank you for accepting our applications. I''m sure you''ll find our backgrounds more than acceptable." Bato smiled, Mizuki nodded as he looked to the other students and then back to the rest of the school.

    "Everyone! I would like to introduce to you our latest students!

    Ojima Bato." Mizuki said as he gestured to him, the students all clapped and applauded. The girls looked at Bato with lust in they''re eyes, seeing him as desirable. Kibe looked at those girls''s eyes and saw they recognized him as built like the perfect man.

    "Eiji Kawasumi." Mizuki said as he gestured to the boy with the brown hair and ice blue eyes.

    "Hiroe Piko." Mizuki said as he gestured to the girl with bleached blonde hair and burning hazel eyes.

    "And finally, Junna Katsurada." Mizuki said as he lastly gestured to the amber haired girl, with the dark eyes. Hideaki and Rin walked out of the school and stopped a few paces out to see the new students.

    "I want you to treat these new students no different than you''d treat a friend or another fellow student.

    So, Lets welcome our newcomers with open arms!" Mizuki said as everyone applauded. Mizuki then gestured for everyone to get back to their routines as he shook Bato''s hand one last time before walking away past Kibe. Once again he didn''t make eye contact with Kibe, still not giving him anything to read or get a beat on. Kibe then watched as the four students walked over to him.

    "Please Bato, just let me-"

    "Silence." Bato said, hashing Piko. That''s when they''d stop infront of Kibe. Kibe and Bato stared at one another.

    "Well, what a chance encounter. I''m glad you were here for my coming. I wanted to see you.

    See what all the chatter and talk has been about." Bato said

    "Likewise." Kibe said

    "This is the fabled heir to the pale palace, I''m sorry to say. Your reputation is much bigger than you." Said Kawasumi. Kibe didn''t bother looking at him, he knew what his focus was.

    "So what are you here for? I can''t imagine it has anything to do with sightseeing." Kibe said

    "You''d be correct. I''m actually here for some education. You see I heard you were good at what you do. I didn''t get to see a lot of when I was young.

    Seeing how you were kicked out of the system so abruptly. However now I see an opportunity to see just what you''re all about." Bato said

    "To test me?" Kibe asked

    "To surpass you. You see I can''t move further up the chain if you''re still in the way and on the minds of those who expect, more from you.

    Its time they realized just who they should be putting their efforts into." Bato said

    "You ever think on why that is." Kibe said. Bato snickered before he then put his hand in Kibe''s shoulder and leaned close.

    "Let me give you a word of advice." Bato said, he then leaned into Kibe''s ear.

    "If you believe that me planting Ouchi Mi into your life was the extend of what I can do, then you''re in for hell on earth Nori. Because that was just the tip of the iceberg.

    Do me and the rest of WOI a favor and slip away. Don''t resurface again, and I won''t have to damage you anymore. Refuse and you''ll have wished that you had died in that hospital, with Mrs.Mihara." Bato said, Kibe''s eyes grew in shock for a moment before his face relaxed again. Bato then backed up and dusted off Kibe''s shoulder.

    "I expect to hear by tomorrow that you''ve either left the country or decided to elope somewhere with the detective''s daughter. Either way. If your still here. Then your more foolish than I gave you credit for.

    Nice talk." Bato said as he then walked past Kibe, with the other 3 students following behind him. Kibe''s mind began to spiral, he had killed Dr.Tomomasa because of the fact he had come to the conclusion that the pale palace was behind it. Soemone close to him, but now that was more true than ever. Because now, he was right with the person who had orchestrated so much of his life.

    The only question though. Was why?

    Kibe would get the answers he wanted though. Soon. He knew he would. Even if Bato intended to kill him, he wouldn''t let that stop him.

    Nothing was going to stop him.

    "That was quite the show, you think he''ll take the bait?" Piko asked

    "Absolutely. If there''s one thing I know about anyone. Is that they hate being lied to. He did what he did to good doctor because he figured he did it. Which he wasn''t wrong about.

    However, it was rash. A decision done with no follow-up. Hes slipping I can tell.

    Mi is still doing her part in all this just as Dr.Tomomasa said. Now her loyalty will fall to me. Which I plan to use with great care." Bato said

    "Are you all done talking boring talk, or can we get to the part where we kill this guy?" Asked Katsurada as she chewed on some black berry bubblegum.

    "This isn''t a light matter Junna. If we''re to get Bato to succeed. We must be vigilant." Said Kawasumi.

    "Enough, no matter what he chooses. I never intended to come here with the machine still alive.

    Before the IPOW commences this coming week. The machine will die." Bato said.

 The Reveal

    Kibe was standing at the foot his Mrs.Mihara''s bed, looking at everything in her room. His mind was thinking of all the times that she told she cared and loved him. All of it was merely a facade.

    Yet he didn''t feel anything, just that it was another prediction. Another anticipated event within the many he always figured may or may not occur. Thats when Kibe would hear the doorbell ring. He walked downstairs and to the door. He looked through the peephole and saw that is was Mizuki. He was dressed casually and had a small satchel with him. Kibe opened the door.

    "My last principle didn''t do home visits." Kibe said

    "Heh, your last principle didn''t have the luxury of knowing of what you are. May I?" He asked, Kibe stepped to the side and let Mizuki in. Mizuki walked inside. Taking his shoes off at the entrance as he walked into the living room. Mizuki followed Kibe as they walked to the living room.

    "So, your done with ignoring me I see." Kibe said

    "I only did so, as to not draw attention to our connection. I''d hate to see Bato use anything aginst you that you wouldn''t want used." Mizuki said as he sat down with Kibe walking to the kitchen to make himself some tea. "Let him use whatever he thinks will help. It won''t." Kibe said. Mizuki nodded as he leaned back.

    "So, what is this visit about? I doubt it has anything to do with my grades." Kibe said as he walked over.

    "You''d be correct. I actually came to give you this." Mizuki said he stood up and reached in his bag pulling out a folder. Kibe looked at it and took it.

    "That right there is your file. At least a few bits of it i could gather. I also wanted to talk to you about the test we did back then." Mizuki said as he closed his bag. Kibe''s were now hyper focused on the file in his hands. It contained a few bits of the truths in his story, his early life, but something wasn''t right.

    Kibe eyes went to Mizuki. Both of them looking at one another, Kibe then tossed the folder onto the table.

    "Trying to butter me up? You all must be getting desperate to have me back." Kibe said, Mizuki looked to the file. "You aren''t going to-"

    "I don''t need to see whats in the file. My memory of those days has been coming back to me, and I know that you only brought that here. In attempts to see if my past was something I desired to know about. Well it isn''t.

    I have no reason to indulge a fabricated past, but only to carve a truthful future." Kibe said

    "You do understand, that I''m doing this for the betterment of not just you, but the world.

    Bato is a genius yes. He''s very much within our top 10 candidates to take the pale palace and run the WOI. However, unlike you, hes not in our top 3. You are. You are valuable. I''d like to see you reach your full potential. Not be drowned in this...life of secrecy and indecency." Mizuki said as he looked around.

    "It was my life." Kibe said

    "No it wasn''t, you believe that because of what you''ve been given. You''re still too attached. You see the Machine can only work if all attachments are lost. So long as you cling to this version of what your life can be. You will never be complete. Always half finished." Mizuki said. Kibe put his hands behind his back.

    "The only thing half finished, was your work on corrupting my memory. Now then, if you excuse me. I have some other business to attend to." Kibe said, Mizuki had a look of frustration. Thats when Kibe began to feel a draft behind, him. The front door. He just remembered that Mizuki followed him in here.

    "He unlocked the door." Kibe thought as he turned around quickly turned around only to be sucker punched in the face. Blood would spew from Kibe''s mouth, it would be the first time someone made him bleed aginst his own wishes, Kibe then felt himself get pinned to the ground. Face down.

    "You have no idea how long I''ve waited to do that." Said Katsurada. "Junna" Kibe muttered.

    "In the flesh, well partially." She said. Kibe could feel the coldness coming from her prosthetic hand, but from the way it was aginst his other arm. It felt like maybe it wasn''t just her hand. It was her whole arm.

    "Kibe, Corgin or whatever name you identify with now. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY AND TIME WE PUT INTO YOU!?

    We are here to embark on a journey that is greater than what Napoleon did for his country. We''ll be making history, Dr.Abel has made that possible. He''s made all this possible. Now you can either be a part of this willingly or we can just take you in by force.

    Either way. I won''t have Bato killed or have him kill you. I''m not losing any students over this." Mizuki said. Kibe grunted as he wiped his nose of blood. He tilted his head a hit. He wasn''t expecting for Junna to hit as hard as she did. But damn if she wasn''t tough.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    "Hmmm, you know what I think?" Kibe asked, Mizuki leaned back. He looked over Katsurada and saw Kiko and Piko walk inside. Piko had a briefcase in her hand with Kiko walking beside her. He then looked back at Kibe.

    "Please." He said

    "You''re all a bunch of sociopaths. Sick people, suckered into a cult ran by a man who ultimately doesn''t care about you, but the work he does. Now my guess?

    He gave you all something. When you were all lost, lost control over your lives. He gave you it back. Made you feel powerful, now you use that control on others." Kibe said

    "You hoping to talk me into coming forward or something?" Mizuki asked as Kiko and Piko walked and stood next to him. Kibe''s eyes fell to Kiko. She stared at him and he her.

    "No, you''re beyond redeeming. Besides I don''t believe in it.

    No, you al deserve to be buried underneath the pale palace while it burns. Books and all." Kibe said, Mizuki looked to Junna and nodded. She then picked up Kibe''s head and punched it to the ground. Kibe grunted loudly. Hid nose leaking blood aginst the floor. Kibe struggled to fight aginst Junna''s strength but she was surprisingly strong. Mizuki got out his phone and began to dial a number.

    "You say, were sociopaths. That we''re beyond redemption. We''re cold right? Monsters.

    Well, do monster bring people back from the dead?" Mizuki asked. Kibe looked up at him.

    "What if I told you that we could that?" Mizuki said. Kibe spit out some blood towards Mizuki''s shoe. "I''d say you''re not sociopathic afterall, just downright insane." Kibe said. Mizuki chuckled as he called a number. He then crouched to Kibe.

    "Dr.Abel has given us everything. Once we prove that the machine can and will work under our control. Then we can release our knowledge to the world. With their full backing of us, we can be greater than NATO, the FBI or any organization.

    Dr.Abel will be the first world leader. A single mind behind all humanity.

    I have someone here, who can vouch for that too." Mizuki said as he then put the phone to Kibe''s ear. Kibe listened.

    "Hello Kibe." Said the most uncanny and most shocking voice Kibe had ever heard. It was the voice of someone he had watched die before any of this began.

    The voice that not only confirmed that the pale palace was far greater than he had ever anticipated, but now was more technologically more advanced than the rest of the world.

    It was the voice Gina Akia. Kibe''s whole body got a chill, his face frozen. Unsure what expression to make.

    "...This is a trick." Kibe said

    "What? Not voice replication?" Akia said

    "No voice replication has a certain tone to it. Humans have a knack for telling when something is off when it comes to another thing, replicating a human being.

    In this case...you sound...human enough." Kibe said

    "Kibe, Dr.Abel has given the gift of a new way of life to those who didn''t have one, and gave parents who were destined to have failures as children to successful ones. Dr.Abel seeks to make a utopia of the best of mankind, and that starts with us.

    But I can be spearheaded with you Nori, of you''d be willing to-"

    "No." Kibe said. Everyone looked at each other.

    "I told you this was stupid, HES AGINST US! Let''s just take his brain and be done with it." Piko said

    "And how do you intend to do that? If you don''t remember, I''m the one who founded the method and made what ever scientist and doctor has fantasized about into a reality." Kiko said

    "You?" Kibe asked

    "Yes. The perfect brain transplant. How do you think we saved Gima? Or I did." Kiko said as she looked to Piko who opened the briefcase. Junna then lifted Kibe up, holding his hands tight behind his back and keeping him on his knees. Kiko then reached into the briefcase and pulled out this megaphone like device. It had a large opening at the end which looked like thats where the voice woukd come from, but it was engineered different than that.

    Kibe''s eyes looked at the device. Then to Kiko. She looked to him.

    "I told you, that I couldn''t betray them. You knew this was coming." Kiko said

    "...Just remember what I said." Kibe said.

    "The machine must be kept alive. It''s our greatest achievement." Mizuki said.

    "Thats for Bato to decide. Now leave us teach." Piko said. Mizuki looked at Kibe before he walked away. All three of them watched him leave before Piko smirked at him, Kiko staring back at him. Kibe looked at the rest of them.

    "You, someone who was kicked out of the school. Can''t know the first thing. Could never know the first thing about what makes the pale palace so great. What you''ve said and done, has been a great insult. I bet if you figured out that your dear little mommy cared about what we''re doing just as much as we are, you wouldn''t be so eager to destroy it all." Piko said with a smirk. Kibe''s face was facing the ground. The breeze from the open door making his and everyone''s hair flow gently.

    "Well, it doesn''t matter now. Dr.Abel may have been right about you...when you were younger.

    But now, I''m a little disappointed. It seems all that talk and the rumors were nothing more than hot air." Piko said as she took a step back. Kiko then turned on the device. Kibe slowly looked up at Kiko as she pointed the device at Kibe''s face.

    "I''m sorry that you couldn''t see the way to the utopia that we all can see. Maybe the next one will." Kiko said

    "..." Kibe just kept staring. Thats when the device would fire, it sent out a small yet noticeable frequency. Immediately Kibe''s brain felt like it was on fire, suddenly Kibe would fall over. Collapsing onto his face. All of them stared down at him as he laid on the ground unconscious.

    "I can''t believe it. Just what do they see in him?" Piko said

    "Ask them yourself." Kiko said as she walked away with the device still in her hand. Junna stood up still chewing on her gum. Piko walked next to her.

    "Tch, what''s up her ass?" Piko asked

    "...Do you ever shut up?" Junna said. Piko scoffed as she walked away. Junna just stared at Kibe.

 Erotomanic

    Kibe would wake up. His eyes slowly opening. Kibe tried to reach for his face which still felt rough, when he realized he couldn''t. He then noticed that he was above the ground. He looked around to see he was close to the backdoor of his home.

    "Finally awake huh? Good I was getting tired of carrying you." Sajd Junna. Kibe then immediately attempted to get free only for Junna to toss Kibe hard and far through his back sliding doors. He crashed through the glass and then landed in the ground. His body facing towards Junna who walked out of the broken door. "I see you still have some fight left in you. Good. Now that they''re gone. I have a score to settle with you." Junna said. Kibe got himself ready to fight. His stance perfect and ready for any style of combat. Only for Junna not to put her hands up. Kibe still kept his guard up.

    "Sorry Nori, but I don''t care for fighting. Not now anyway." Junna said as she put her hands in her pockets.

    "Won''t do what Bato hasn''t green lit i suppose." Kibe said as he put down his defense and spit out another wad of blood.

    "I do the grunt work. Along with Piko. Though if its something usless, I only put in the standard amount of effort." Junna said. Kibe nodded as he fixed his shirt and wiped his lip.

    "She isn''t bothered by my presence not like Bato or Piko. She has no reason to come for me unless either given an order by a higher up or even Bato. Though the extent of that is unknown." Kibe thought.

    "See you around Nori." Junna said as she left. Kibe rubbed his mouth before sniffing. He waited a few more minutes before he got out his phone, his phone was recording everything that they had said.

    "Most would call it paranoia, I call it planning ahead." Kibe said.

    Elsewhere in Ushin. Himmy was cleaning up her apartment. Vacuuming, a few rolls of paper and some lemon spray was sitting on the table. The place was completely squeaky clean. She had earpods in, she was listening to heavy metal. She then took then out as she stopped cleaning. Sat down on her couch. The place was kinda blank, but she felt she could put it together on the end. Decorate it somehow. Thats when she got a knock on the door.

    She got up and walked over, she opened it only to see Kibe. He had a bandage on his nose.

    "What the fuck happened to you?!" Himmy asked shocked. Kibe sighed as he sniffed again. Himmy looked at him and chuckled a bit.

    "Oh you think this is funny?" Kibe asked while pointing at his face.

    "Well you''re usually the one doing th ass kicking, so seeing you get your ass kicked is a little funny." Himmy chuckled.

    "Hm, let me think on that...no. No its not, and by the way. I let this happen." Kibe said "Thats funny you said that, cause the guy down the street from me. I think his name is ''I got my ass kicked'' said the same thing. Getting a little deja vu." Himmy snickered as Kibe rolled his eyes and looked away.

    "Can I come in? Or do you have any more witty comments you wish to inact upon?" Kibe asked. Himmy laughed a little.

    "Is that your blessing to keep making fun of you?" Himmy smiled

    "Alright, I''m coming in." Kibe said as he walked past her. She scratched the back of her head and closed the door. Kibe looked around the place. It was a complete 180 from when he first came here. No trash, no stench and no remote sign of dirt.

    "She cleared it out. All traces of her past have been washed clean. Like a dam breaking and clearing its way through land.

    The Himmy I see now, isn''t the same as when I first met her. She''s free." Kibe thought as he turned to her. Saw her wearing her casual clothes. Torn jeans, a black shirt with a skull on it. She had a nose ring. Kibe smirked sunconsciously at her apperance.appearance.

    "So, what brings you by?" She asked. Kibe then turned to her and pointed around.

    "Nice work. I''m impressed." Kibe said

    "Really?" Himmy smiled. "No." Kibe said. Himmy then frowned, giving Kibe another one of her natural scowles.

    "I shouldn''t have to compliment you on something that you always had in you." Kibe said as he walked over to the table and sat down crossing his legs.

    "I can never tell if your being nice or being a dick." Himmy said folding her arms.

    "Then I''ve done my job." Kibe said

    "Come on Kibe, whats going on?" Himmy asked. Kibe looked to her and rested his head on his palm. He looked over and then back to her.

    "I''ve lost." Kibe said

    "What?" Himmy asked, thats when Kibe would retell recent events to Himmy. Explaining what had happened recently along with showing her the recording of what Mizuki had told him.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    "Wow...thats intense. So all of that, tells you that you''ve lost?" Himmy asked. Kibe was leaning back a bit. Tapping his knee. He nodded. Himmy sighed.

    "...Ok, tell me. In your little scientific and smart guy way." Himmy said as she sat across from him. Kibe was quiet for a moment before he began.

    "Bato very much wants to be like me. So that he can impress the higher ups and show them they don''t truly need the machine, me. Bato has clear intent to see my end come, rather it be through him directly or not.

    His arrival here was his first move. Not only was it his first, but also his last. He pinned me from the start. Truly a great move I''m stumped to be brutally honest." Kibe said

    "How can you know that?" Himmy asked, Kibe looked at her.

    "I calculate and visualize every move and outcome when it comes to my plans. Every move, object and conversation is a variable in my mind. I can see a multitude of events and outcomes play out all within in my mind.

    I can manipulate and control these said events. Which allow me to assess the most objective and right moves to make. Things as little as a spoon being in the right place can jeopardize one whole outcome." Kibe said

    "Theres no way you''re that percise." Himmy said, Kibe tilted his head at here. Thats when she remembered who she was talking to.

    "Right, so. Those fashion twins from before. The ones who you worked with that Rin bitch to get. You telling me. That whole elaborate show you did there, that was truly the only way it could go down?" Himmy asked

    "Mhmm, to be honest when I first thought of it. I didn''t realize just how well Kenji''s antics and need for victory would help out, but he did much better than I had expected.

    My chat and tea talk next to the two of them also had its nice effect." Kibe said

    "You drank tea and talked with them, as means to guarantee your victory? Are they all that detailed?" Himmy asked

    "Yes. Like I said, even a single spoon out of place can jeopardize an entire plan.

    Plans must be precise, they must have multiple methods of execution and of course contingency plans just incase of fallout." Kibe said

    "So you do have multiple ways to win." Himmy said. Kibe shook his head.

    "I didn''t say that. My plans are perfect, I plan through all flaws, misteps, plausible failures and even the actions of others.

    All within my mind. Playing out like a storybook with multiple endings, but only one ending is the canonical one.

    That is the one I strive for. The one I get to." Kibe said

    "Wow, thats a lot of work for just one night." Himmy said "Not really." Kibe said.

    "Yet you have no plan aginst Bato or the others? You''re just going to quit?" Himmy said

    "Let me paint you the picture. Bato desires to end me. To take my place, prove a point to the ones in charge that hes capable of being what they desire.

    He can''t fathom they''re fascination with me. He detests it really.

    His plan orbits around my many angles. He has Mi, she was the only other ones along with Akia who knew of my connection with Tatsuo.

    They also plan to use them to sway me. To either destory me or kill. Mi...he hopes to use her aginst me. No he will.

    ...he knows that my connection with her is too deep. I can''t cut it like I did my mother. They got me transfixed, they have me wrapped around my past, wondering and thinking. They know what I want and they''re using it aginst me.

    I need to gain control of my life again, to have it just be mind. If I don''t...then I''ll always have my past dangled in front of me. The pale palace has all the answers I need. I can feel my connections growing less and less, I''m becoming more effective at what I do and can do, but so long as I''m still connected with others. I''ll never be able to operate at full capacity." Kibe said

    "So thats just it then. You''re gonna quit? Let them kill you?" Himmy asked, her face was painted with disbelief. Kibe shrugged.

    "I can''t think of any way around them. Bato has all fields covered.

    ...death doesn''t terrify me if thats what you''re wondering." Kibe said "Its not that! Its the fact that after everything, after getting so close to the truth. You''d just give up so...so...easily." Himmy said, Kibe looked at her.

    "...I''ve always wanted to live it casually. Before any of this I didn''t desire nothing. All my knowledge and cunning just sat at the back of my mind." Kibe said

    "Yes, but now you''re using it! You''re finally doing something with all those smarts right? Why would you just roll over and quit when you''re so close to the truth now?

    Doesn''t that matter to you? Knowing. I know you''d rather die than fail yourself. " Himmy asked as she leaned in. Kibe looked at her. He leaned back in his chair. His hand massaging his mouth.

    "The truth....truth." Kibe muttered. His eyes wondered around Himmy''s home before he looked down at his hands.

    In his mind he knew that he would never be complete without knowing. They poked him, teased knowledge of himself infront of them and he still was hungry for it. He wanted to know so badly that it broke him. Tore at his mind and caused him to behave differently than before. He wanted so badly to know the truth, to understand just what it was that made him who he was. Yet somehow, Himmy''s words rang in his mind. Kept his mind pondering what it was he could do to prevent the coming threat.

    Thats when an idea suddenly struck his mind. "Himmy, your a genius." Kibe said

    "I know." She replied in a cocky tone. Kibe rolled his eyes again as he stood up. A new determination within himself found. A new flame burning in his eyes.

    "Bato wants me dead. I think its only fair I beat him to the punch." Kibe said. Thats when Himmy looked at him confused.

    "Excuse me what?" She asked

    "Have you ever heard of The Count of Monte Cristo?" Kibe asked. "What the hell is that some sort of play?" Himmy asked.

    "No, well yes. It was made into one during 08. But thats not the point. Bato wants me dead, seems only fair I give him what he ask for." Kibe said. Himmy stood up and looked at him.

    "Are you insane?" She asked

    "No. Not at all. Here''s the plan Himmy. You need to follow this plan with 100% confidence. I need you to act like you''ve never acted before." Kibe said

    "Ok, but are you going to tell me what it is?" She asked. To which Kibe then looked to her and began to walk away. "Will it work?" Himmy asked. Kibe stopped at her door before turning to her.

    "My plans never fail. Trust me. When this is over. Bato will be finished." Kibe said as he left with Himmy unsure on Kibe''s next move. Then again, when wasn''t she.

 Machine for Hire

    Kibe would be at school. There he would be writing down in a notebook. He''d be doing it with both hands. One writing on one side and the other one writing on another. He was doing this in his own little corner of the library. Thats when Rin would show up and drop a folder in front of him.

    Kibe stopped and looked up at her, she had a bit of a pout to her, but otherwise she still looked as annoyingly normal as ever. He then put both of his pens down and clasped his hands together.

    "Greetings, what may can I do for you?" Kibe asked

    "The deal I made with Y��ri is about to go down in 3 days. Once I make this deal, my father will officially be my competitor and then our deal will be finished." Rin said

    "Alright, but you made it clear I had to ruin your father. That my job was to make sure you got his company. Whats changed?" Kibe asked

    "...After seeing you and what you do, I belive theres something beneficial from doing things yourself." Rin said. "So then do tell me why I''m here?" Kibe asked. Rin was about answer when she noticed his two pens and remembered he was writting with both hands.

    She then shook it off, and handed him a number.

    "Call me on this when you get a chance. I believe thugs call it a burner. Call no later than 6. See you then." Rin said giving Kibe a card as she walked away, her heels clicking aginst the ground. Kibe watched her walk away and then Brandon walk over to him. Kibe then continued to write, however this time with just one hand. His left.

    "Hey hey hey, how''s my favorite person doing?" Brandon asked

    "Working on something, you?" Kibe asked. Brandon just shrugged "They had chemistry for us to do today. So you know, the normal boreing stuff." Brandon said as he sat down next to him. Kibe looked over to him with Brandon also doing the same. Every encounter was a guessing game between them. One trying to make themselves appear as one thing and the other trying to analyze them as another.

    "Anyway, you hear what Bato is up to? He wants to run for school president. Or at least wants to get on the board." Brandon said

    "Now, why on earth would he want that?" Kibe asked

    "I don''t know, I''m assuming cause hes a power hungry sociopath, who has fantasies of grander and loves to be in control." Brandon said. Kibe was almost a little shocked at how well of a profile Kibe got of Bato. "Fascinating. How did you manage to get such a read of him?" Kibe asked.

    "I asked him to play me in scrabble." Brandon said with a chuckle. "...He said yes to that?" Kibe asked

    "Hes a guy who doesn''t let a challenge get in his way. He''s exactly what I figured he would be. Snobbish, determined and of course. Lethal." Brandon said. Kibe closed what he was writing in and took a look outside the library. There he''d see Piko eyeing him from afar, but once noticed she walked away. Kibe leaned to Brandon.

    "What did you think? There always a possibility he could be sent here by the white rabbit or maybe even him." Kibe said, Brandon looked to him briefly before yawning and then pulling out a small bag of grapes.

    "Eh, the game only told me he''s well educated, knows his stuff and apparently can spell a hell of a lot of words just from the letter A. Lucky bastard." Brandon said as he at some of his grapes. Kibe nodded.

    "So, big question. Did you win?" Kibe asked as he reached over and grabbed a grape from Brandon. Brandon noticed and whined.

    "Hey come on, I would have shared with you. Thats your first time really interacting with me, and you steal my food?" Brandon said "Don''t get too worked up over it. Its not like I killed you." Kibe said

    "You may as well have stabbed a stake through my heart! Bleh." Brandon said as he pretended to be dead, conveniently still holding his grapes tight. Kibe nodded at his performance. "Wright you truly are an actress." Kibe said.

    "You think so?" He asked

    "No." Kibe said as he got up, and got his stuff ready to go home.

    "Hey, wait just a sec." Brandon asked. "You''ll have to handle the bio on Bato alone. I have somewhere to be." Kibe said as he got up.

    "Hold on, where do you got to be?" Brandon asked as Kibe got his bag.

    "Hopefully nowhere far." Kibe said

    "This is going to be a far one Nori." Said Y��ri over the phone. Kibe was cooking himself some food, salmon and rice as he had Y��ri and Rin on a phone call.

    "Just, tell me the job." Kibe said

    "It involves the meeting we have in 3 days. You see the meeting involves several others. They will be there to witness the deal. However, I got some info that there may be attempts on our lives while we''re there." Rin said

    "You mean assassins." Kibe said " Y-Yes precisely! Rin said you were good at what you do. So when she offered you, and after what you helped me with. I feel its only right of course." Y��ri said. Kibe took a sip from his tea.

    "So where is it being held? This meeting? Ushin? Ginza? Maybe some place further down?" Kibe asked

    "Hawaii." Rin, Kibe raised his eyebrows as he put his cup down.

    "Well thats quite a ways away, but I can make this work. I can protect you for 3 days." Kibe said

    "Oh thats wonderful! Thank you so much!" Y��ri said with a glee in her voice. "Yea, great. So I''m guessing you want something out of this whole thing huh?" Rin said.

    "Of course, but we can go over that once I''m there." Kibe said as he finished up his salmon and rice. Kibe sat down in the living room. Thats when Himmy walked into the living room and sat next to him with a bag full of stuff. She had her hair into a ponytail and was wearing some fashionable torn up clothes.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "So, what should we prepare for?" Y��ri asked.

    "Prepare for assassination attempts. I''ll handle the rest. Don''t keep your beds where they will be when it comes to hotels or wherever you decide to sleep at. I''ll be able to meet you tomorrow in Hawaii." Kibe said as he hung up, he then set his phone down and kept drinking his tea. His mind focusing on tomorrow.

    "Hey, Hawaii sounds like fun. Maybe it''ll be a good time. Soak in the waters, live a little. Maybe hang out with those beach twats and their constant bitching about cocktails and pineapples." Himmy said, Kibe unconsciously smirked as he took a quick sip again.

    "...Do you want to come with me?" Kibe asked, Himmy looked at him a bit wide eyed before she tucked her hair behind her. "Ummm, I- I can''t. Remember you have me remembering all of that-"

    "Oh right, thats right. You have all of those notes to remember and store. My apologies, I...I forgot." Kibe said as he then began to chug through his tea. Himmy watched him.

    "Well, I hope you know that I read through your summary of all of December to March. Its a very well detailed plan." Himmy nodded. Kibe nodded too. It was silent for a long time, but the thing is about silence. Is that silence shared, is better than silence alone.

    Himmy and Kibe both knew that. Himmy, even though she knew she was being manipulated and that her life maybe wasn''t what she wanted. Kibe...well he needs her. For the first time ever, Kibe had shown her the one thing she never had been shown.

    And that was genuine companionship and the feeling of being wanted.

    Kibe knew his growth into the machine would never make him capable of loving Himmy or being with her in the way that maybe Nori Kibe would have desired; if none of this happened.

    But at least he could look to her and know she was one of the only real people in his life. He didn''t feel so alone anymore, even though in the end it would be that way. Himmy put her head aginst his shoulder. Kibe didn''t mind. He didn''t care either. Cause he knew once he got back, he may never see her, Kiko, Kenji or anyone else ever again.

    "...You''re going to be gone for a long time aren''t you?" Himmy asked, Kibe nodded. Her eyes looked to him for a moment before they went back to the ground.

    "Thank you, for all you''ve done." Kibe said turning his head to her. "...Thank you too." Himmy said. They stared at each other for a moment before they leaned towards one another. Himmy leaned closer and Kibe''s hand cupped her chin.

    "There are millions of avenues I could have taken to get her complete affection. Her love isn''t even within the best of them...but I don''t care.

    It will still give me what I want, both as the machine and as Nori Kibe. For once, I will choose a different outcome. I will choose a correct mistake." Kibe thought

    "He manipulated me, he controls me, he uses me and convinces me that I need him. But through all of it, with Juo, the trickster and even Takashi.

    Yet in the end, even with it all. I still feel that want to return to him. I don''t care if it''s manipulation or if its all a facade. He comes back to me, and thats all I can ask for. Is to be needed." Himmy thought.

    Himmy and Kibe would kiss each other, Himmy''s arms wrapping around Kibe''s neck as his hands grabbed her waist pulling her close. Her mouth and his felt like they were going to merge togther, his hands traveled around her back. Himmy''s dark eyes opened lightly as did Kibe''s, the two meeting each other''s gaze.

    They''re mouths split apart Himmy''s tongue returned to her mouth. She gave deep breaths as Kibe''s hand cupped her cheek.

    "Kibe...I-"

    "No, don''t say it. This isn''t romantic, this is far more than that. This isn''t romance what we feel now. This is transcendental to the concept of love.

    Himmy. I won''t ever say I love you, I need you." Kibe said, her eyes focused on his, her hand touching his chest as she moved closer to him.

    "...I need you." Himmy said, Kibe''s hand grasped her hand. "Say it again." Kibe said

    "I need you." She said

    "One more time." Kibe demanded, "I need you!" Himmy said. Kibe placed his forehead to Himmy''s. She smiled sheepishly, her cheeks getting a rosey color to them. Her fingers interlocked with Kibe''s. Her eyes getting watery a bit as she never thought she could feel this way again.

    Was it really love? Or was it some twisted fabricated version of it that Kibe was making her believe this was? Either way. She didn''t question. This was her reward and she was not going to soil it with stupid questions.

    Kibe just closed his eyes and held Himmy. He dared not lose one of the few real things in his life that he indeed had. Himmy then looked up to Kibe, Kibe looked at her again. She then smashed her mouth back into his deepening yet another kiss with him. Kibe just enjoyed the ride. After a while Kibe and Himmy were in Kibe''s room. She was sitting on his bed going through her bag of stuff she had brought. While Kibe was packing.

    "So...are you going to kill a lot of people on this trip?" Himmy asked as she dug through the bag. Kibe picked out two turtlenecks. One velvet and one black. "Lets hope not. Although I wouldn''t be aginst the physical activity." Kibe said as he turned to her.

    "Which one?" He asked. Himmy looked at both the velvet and black one. She then pointed to the velvet one. Kibe turned it to him and gave it a slight nod.

    "Hmm, she has good taste." Kibe said

    "I know you''re not coming after me for my fashion sense, Mr.turtleneck." Himmy scoffed playfully.

    "I didn''t pick these remember?" Kibe said

    "Exactly, I mean. You have one of the richest guys in the world around you thumb and you still shop like you''re working at Goodwill. Like come on, grow some balls." Himmy said as she pulled out a rubix cube from the bag. Kibe rolled his eyes.

    "You''re going to get bored there, luckily I got you this." Himmy said as she tossed Kibe the rubix cube. He caught it without looking and then stared at it.

    "You bought me a child''s toy?" Kibe said

    "How is a rubix cube a child''s toy? You know they have a sport just surrounding this one block right? It''s very sophisticated." Himmy said. "No, sophisticated is eating a pufferfish with a straw on a yacht. This is not that." Kibe said as he began to solve it with his one free hand. Himmy dug through her bag again and pulled out a finger trap.

    "You should take your mask with you, that way if anyone shoots you in the face. You won''t have a third eye. Even though you got the forehead for it. Heheh." Himmy chuckled, thats when Kibe threw the cube to Himmy. She looked at it and saw it was finished.

    "Woah, that was just a few seconds. How''d you do it so fast?" Himmy asked

    "Its a child''s game. Wasn''t worth it." Kibe said "Yea, but there are competitions for these. You know people usually take at least 5 minutes to solve one. You took like several seconds." Himmy said.

    "It had a easy solution." Kibe said as he then walked away to grab his white rabbit mask from the basement. He then put it all into a suitcase. Himmy put her hands in her pockets as she followed Kibe to the front door. He was texting Mrs.Otsuka.

    "So, you know how long this may take?" Himmy asked

    "Shouldn''t take longer than 3 days and a half. Anything more and it''ll be getting in the way of my plan for Bato." Kibe said, "Yea about that, what''s he going to say about you being gone?" Himmy asked. Kibe checked his watch, as he did he''d hear the sound of a car stopping by his home. Kibe then turned off his phone as he looked at Himmy.

    "Then he''ll just have to learn to live without me. See you when I get back." Kibe said, but just as he got ready to walk away. Himmy grabbed his arm and pulled him into a hug. She then looked up at him and give him a kiss on the cheek. "Come back in one piece ok? Otherwise how else am I supposed to show you what I can do huh?" Himmy smirked as she let him go and walked away. Kibe watched her walk away. Thing he didn''t pay attention to her do. Now lingered in his mind a little longer than others. He then opened the front door and saw a limo.

    Kibe walked to it and got inside of it. There he would be driven to an airstrip where Mrs.Otsuka and a personal jet plane would be waiting for him. With the funds from both Mr.Otsuka''s own company and of course the extra finances, nothing expensive was out of Kibe''s reach. The only problem was that he couldn''t hold onto Mrs.Otsuka as a tool forever. Her usefulness was...running out. Kibe got on the plane, as his trip to Hawaii began.

 All Hail Hawaii!

    Kibe''s flight across the sea and to Hawaii wasn''t long, but was also useful. While Kibe was on his flight he was given a full debrief from Y��ri on just what kind of assassins and agents he should be expecting. He looked at they''re files.

    "Agents Chao, also called ''Agent 72''. Body count: 24

    Shot accuracy: 77%

    And Contractor: Classified.

    These guys really are legit. No backgrounds and no social medias even close to who they really are." Kibe thought as a waiter came over into the cabin and brought him some tea. Kibe took notice of the layers of security they were locked behind. Several layerd security.

    The encryption key was encoded too, many of them were. Kibe then took a look at another assassin as he kept flying in. Soon his flight would reach the skies of Hawaii. The plush greenery of the island, the beautiful ocean view and shine that radiated from it too. Kibe looked down from his window view and saw the beaches and cities around the place.

    "We will be landing shortly in the Kapalua airstrip. Thank you for flying with us." Said the pilot. Kibe got up and walked to the back of the plane where his suitcase was it. He opened it and pulled out a double action handgun. He took out the magazine, reloaded and did it three times over within under a minute. "Several assassins, all looking to stop this deal. What for? Doesn''t matter. Just need to secure this meeting and make sure that everything goes as planned." Kibe thought as his plane got ready to land on the popular and luscious island.

    Once it landed. Kibe would walk out from the stairway. The pilot giving him a nod as he left. "When exactly did you plan on returning back to Japan sir?" Asked the pilot. Kibe looked around the place. He saw the multiple hangers and planes coming in. "Mmm, pick me up in 3 and half days. Any longer than that, then you leave. I''ll find my own way off the island then.

    Thank you." Kibe said as he took a few steps out and started walking.

    "HALLO DORT!" shouted a voice. Kibe and the pilot both looked over to see a black jet plane in the distance. There were several men in black and one walking towards them with his hand up waving. "Dort? German." Kibe said.

    "Greetingz! I zee that you are flying on the same strip as we did! OH HOHOHOHO!" laughed the man. He wasn''t much taller than Kibe or even looked to be that much older too. He was wearing an all black German military captain uniform, cap and all. He had black shades covering his eyes, but they seemed to be more attached to his face than just shades. His hair was also black too. His boots made a heavy sound as he approached Kibe. He then stopped infront of him.

    "Wie geht es Ihnen?" Smiled the stranger.

    "Tr��s bien. Je vous salue ��galement." Kibe said looking forward. "AH HA! A FRENCHMAN! I haven''t been around ze french in long time, but please. Where are my manners." Said the stranger as he then took off his cap and gave a deep bow.

    "I am J?rg Glockenton. Sole commander of German''s 88th division." Said J?rg as he then stood up again; with his hat being placed back on his head. Kibe scanned how he held himself. High and mighty yet well mannered and a clear sign of honor and dignity about him.

    "Nori Kibe, I''m from Japan on business." Kibe said "Ah, business. I''m a man of such my myself.

    Although, and correct me if I''m wrong. You and I and here for the same thing. Yes?" J?rg asked with a wide grin. Kibe''s eyes moved to J?rg who''s smile only got wider.

    "Yes, how many people come flying in on private jets during the winter to Hawaii? A place made and that flourishes best in ze summertime." J?rg said. "Don''t know what you mean. You must have me mistaken with someone else." Kibe said. J?rg was silent for a moment before he backed away a bit.

    "Say what you will, I know a fellow assassin when I see one, yet you aren''t like many others are you? More charming to say the least hehe. Well I best be off. Auf Wiedersehen, Nori Kibe." J?rg said as he walked away. Kibe just stared at him as he walked away.

    "Looks like this trip may interesting afterall." Kibe thought.

    Back in Japan. In Ushin, Brandon was laying on his couch in his apartment. He had a book going over how to cook an apple 101 ways. He was snooring. Thats when shouting from the next room over woke up Brandon. His eyes peeled open. He groaned as he bounced off of the couch. His apartment was rather messy, a pizza box here, some bento and other Japanese junk food bags sitting around in the kitchen. Brandon walked over to his kitchen and put a load of bread in a toaster. As he did he began humming old McDonald had a farm.

    He then got out some peanut butter. His eyes looked down at his feet. "I wonder if Kibe and I are toe twins...hmm, a question for another time." Brandon though as his toast finished and then spread some peanut butter on it. Brandon took a bite out of it as he walked back to the couch. He then laid back down and looked at his ceiling. On it were pictures of Kibe and Bato. All taken without them noticing. Brandon looked at them and kept taking a bit.

    "Ojima Bato, a narcissistic overachiever. Desires for attention, from who I can''t say. But its definitely eating at him.

    He looks to be emitting many of the traits that I associate with the white rabbit, but could he be the white rabbit though? There is a 30...no, 45% chance he could be. To show the same traits and mannerisms as the white rabbit- No, it can''t be any coincidence.

    However, wouldn''t the real white rabbit want just this? He''d want me to be rethinking my own rethinking. He''s hoping that I''ll go to Bato. That my doubt will inflat and become onto some greater. It will become full blown ignorance." Brandon thought as he then looked over to Kibe''s pictures.

    "Nori Kibe. Hes the one who suggested Bato to me, or at least implied. Hes a pretty big enigma. Speaks when he wants to speak, never seems to say anything that can incriminate himself.

    Or even remotely put him on my radar. The problem though, has been his dismissiveness. He seems pretty conveniently good at batting away my own accusations. Hmmm, but then again he could just be a need who knows what he''s talking about.

    ..." Brandon was stumped for a moment. He then finished his breakfast and got up stretching. He walked over to his bedroom which was completely unfurnished besides two things. A bag of bananas and a burner phone next to them. Brandon smiled as he picked it up. He then looked down at his actual phone and saw the time was 4:30 PM. Brandon then turned to see his Carter of eggs sitting out.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    "Seems like its time." Brandon said. Elsewhere in the city, Bato, Katsurada, Piko and Kawasumi were all sitting down at a private dinner. Bato was sitting with a drink, a scotch. While Piko and Junna sat on each side of him. Kawasumi was stirring his latte. His eyes stared into his dark milked drink.

    "Somthing on your mind Eiji?" Bato asked, Kawasumi looked up to him and yawned. "No, its nothing like that. Just remembering some of what the doctor said." Kawasumi said. Piko looked at him while Junna was blocking out this entire conversation and leaning back.

    "Oh? What about?" Bato asked

    "He said that Nori was the heir, that if anyone could make his dream come true it would be him. So why are you insistent on getting rid of him? Won''t you''re standing behind in question Bato?" Kawasumi asked

    "Heh, Nori is a fraud. He may in fact be good at what he does, but in reality. Hes nothing more than a guy who picks an easy target. He gets people who are already broken. Theres nothing wrong with me Eiji. I''m perfect." Bato said. Piko leaned back while Kawasumi shrugged. While they talked, someone walked in and past the VIP guards. He then grabbed a chair and dragged it across the restaurant.

    "Hey! You need a- Hey!" Shouted the security guards as they chased after him.

    "All I''m saying is, you should rethink why we''re here. The IPOW is coming up, its a great way to get some more eyes on. You can prove you''re ready for senior program that way." Kawasumi said

    "No, Nori is my only ticket. I''ve already ensured my victory. All I need now is-" thats when Bato and them looked over and saw nonother than Brandon come over with a chair and plant it next to they''re table. Brandon then got ontop of the chair and crouched in it. Kawasumi stared at him, Piko did too. However Junna clenched her fist as she put them on the table. Bato however was calm and leaned back while he faced Brandon.

    "Well if it isn''t my favorite scrabble player. How goes it these days?" Bato asked, before Brandon could speak the two guards grabbed him by the arms. "Our deepest apologies, we''ll have him out immediately." Said one of the guards.

    "Don''t be ridiculous, hes a friend. Let him stay." Bato said. Brandon looked at them with a coy smirk. The two guards let go of him and walked away.

    "Well would you look at that, I''m making another friend." Brandon said with a glee smile. "Something you don''t have many of?" Bato asked as he took a sip from his drink.

    "I like to think of friends as a careful choice. Pick the ones that you need the most." Brandon answered.

    "Mmm, and who is it that you have as such a needy friend?" Bato asked

    "Same one that you don''t. Nori Kibe." Brandon said. Bato looked at him along with the others, besides Kawasumi who drank from his latte. Bato smirked as he put his drink down.

    "Well, if you don''t have anything else to say, you are interrupting our luncheon." Bato said, Brandon then held up his hand. "Oh yes! I have some business with you. Something that can''t wait or Kibe will kill me." Brandon said.

    "You''re saying Kibe sent you?" Piko asked

    "Well I mean- hehe come on, who else? Do you think I came here for the stunning view of the street? Heheh. No, he sent me here to relay something to Bato." Brandon said. Bato chuckled as he drank his scotch finishing it. "I don''t like Liars Wright. Not one bit." Bato said, Brandon looked at him with a head tilt before sitting in his chair normally.

    "I''m sorry, are my pants on fire? Cause I''m not making this up. Why would I lie to you?" Brandon asked.

    "Oh please Brandon, don''t do that. I can easily tell when someone is lying to me." Bato said as he leaned his head on his palm. Bato and Brandon stared at one another for a moment. Brandon then smirked.

    "You trying to tell if I''m lying now?" Brandon smirked. Bato payed it no mind. "Kibe isn''t here anyway, hes left." Bato said.

    "Uhhh no, hes here in Japan still." Brandon said

    "Hehe, how long do you plan to continue this? Kibe left day ago, 24 hours to be exact. So unless you have his number, theres no way you just talked to him." Bato said

    "Oh I did, and he had a lot to say about you Ojima." Brandon said, thats when Junna began to pay attention and Piko would stand up. "Bato please, another word out of this quack and I''ll string him." Piko said. Bato looked at Piko and then reached for his drink.

    "You''re doubtful, I can see it. You''re scared of him aren''t? Small little-" however thats when Junna would reach over and grab Brandon and sling him onto the table with one hand. Brandon fell aginst it with Junna''s hand on his chest. Kawasumi at the last second lifted his cup up right at that moment and took a sip.

    "OW! O-HeheheheAHAHAHAHAHA!" Brandon chuckled. Junna looked stared at him as her prosthetic hand grabbed his throat. "Whew, you are- heh, you''re strong." Brandon smirked.

    "Do you want to see just how strong I am." Junna scowled "Yes please."

    "Junna." Bato said, she looked back at him and then turned back to Brandon. Bato got up and looked at Brandon who was smiling.

    "Seems we''re done for the time being. It was fun while it lasted Mr.Wright. let''s hope next time you''re little bit more...convincing." Bato said as he finished his drink and got ready to walk away. "Wait, wait." Brandon said. Bato stopped and looked back at Brandon. "Kibe says to watch out, that he knows your little secret and he''s going to use it to get to you." Brandon said as Junna then tightened her grip. Brandon grunted a bit.

    "What secret would that be huh? I can''t imagine what it could possibly be." Bato said, Brandon smirked as he then reached in his pocket. They all watched his movement. "Oh I don''t know, are you sure you want me to say it? In front of ALL OF THESE PEOPLE! YOU SURE YOU WANT THEM TO KNOW WHO YOU REALLY ARE?!" Brandon shouted. Everyone in the restaurant who wasn''t paying attention to them now. Bato looked around along with Kawasumi.

    "Hes not playing Bato, but hes playing the crowd. Getting they''re attention. Brilliant move. He''s using Bato''s image aginst him.

    And just when I thought Japan didn''t have any good players.

    What a fiend." Kawasumi thought. Bato walked over to Brandon and leaned in.

    "Alright, I''ll bite, what is it that you''re playing at?" Bato asked. Thats when Brandon would pull out a colored egg from his pocket. Everyone stood still in silence, Bato''s eyes Hyper-focused on what Brandon had in his hands. "He wanted me to give you this, mean anything?" Brandon asked.

    Bato looked at it as his eyes traveled the room, his ears heard what people were saying.

    "The White rabbit deals in eggs." Said one woman

    "Why is that man handing him a colored egg?" Asked another man. Bato looked at it and nearly scowled as he then grabbed the egg and crushed it. He then gestured to Junna who then slid Brandon off the table and onto the ground. Brandon chuckled as he got up. Security came over to take him outside. "Hey, what does it mean man? I got to know, Kibe usually hates it when I go knocking on his door empty handed." Brandon shouted.

    "Keep moving!" Shouted the guards. Piko and Kawasumi stood up watching him. Bato looked at the yolk dripping from his hand before he gotna napkin and wiped it off. "Whats the plan?" Piko asked.

    "I want to know everything about Brandon Wright. Nothing left overlooked." Bato said, "And if its buried?" Piko asked. Bato then looked to her, his eyes were firece and intimidating to look at it. The eyes of a rage filled king.

    "Then dig it up." Bato said.

    Brandon would be kicked out of the restaurant, he chuckled a he stumbled on the sidewalk. "Hey guys thanks for the nice shove." Brandon snickered as the guys flipped him off. Brandon waved them away as he then got on his phone. He was looking at stores. "Hmmm, Kibe I hate to say it. But I think I may be able to rock your style a little better than you." Brandon said as he looked up hair salons in the area. Brandon got a wicked smile on his face.

    "If hes as paranoid as I believe, then this will be too easy." Brandon smirked as he walked away.

 A Hare Ahead

    Brandon was at a computer store looking for a laptop. He was looking for a just a standard one, but he couldn''t quite pick one out. "Ehhhh, I''d really rather be out picking for a fruit salad or a mango right now, but I really need one of these. Man how hard is it to find a good working computer." Brandon said. He then reached for one and took a look at it.

    "I wouldn''t pick that one out. It has some pretty sim card picks." Said a feminine voice from behind him. Brandon turned around and saw it was Jun. "Ah Jun, Mr.Nakayama''s daughter. Don''t you just look...peachy." Brandon said trying to socialize. His words came out a bit awkward, which Jun noticed.

    "You work with my father I''m guessing?" Jun said

    "Huh? How''d you know?" Brandon asked

    "Heh, lucky guess. What can I help you with?" Jun asked "Oh, you don''t got to help me with anything, I was just making sure this was big enough for me to wash." Brandon said. Jun looked at him confused.

    "Uhh, you don''t wash laptops, or anything electric to be honest with you." Jun said. Brandon looked at her confused as he turned the computer over and pointed to a sign on it. "But it says waterproof right here." Brandon said. Jun let out a small laugh as she grabbed it and studied it. Brandon looked at her and then back to the laptop. He then then looked at a clock and tapped on his mouth. Brandon could tell Jun was an observationist. She had

    "Heya, I''m new at Sawa High, my folks moved me over from America.

    I was just hoping if there was a way you could tell me if there was a way I could find or make a friend or two? You have any school clubs maybe?" Brandon asked. "Ehhh, I''m not too well into all the club stuff to be honest." Jun said. Brandon rolled his eyes in slight frustration. He then ruffled his hair a bit and looked around. Being around people for so long...Brandon wasn''t really in the mood to be strung along.

    "Yea, I guess you make a good point." Brandon said. Jun looked at him. "I do?" She asked.

    "Yea, I guess that club is too nerdy and filled with geeks eh? I don''t know how girls are even attracted to guys like that." Brandon said, from looking at Jun he couldn''t tell if she was really someone who would know, but her fascination with computers and seemingly good knowhow had him flip a coin on her.

    If he angered or frustrated her with that comment then she would either tell him a club to checkout or even better a name. Jun was however annoyed at his comment because she knew for a fact that Kibe was not a geek or a nerd yet this guy was behaving so poorly. She knew she shouldn''t even bring up Kibe as to not give this guy any ammunition. So instead she just decided to use someone else''s name.

    "Heh, the only nerd I know is Kenji from the chess club. Now theres a a real tool. He has such terrible obsession with victory and chess.

    Tch, you know sometimes I feel like he''s just-" but thats when she''d turn around and see that Brandon was gone. She looked around and then put the laptop down. "Men are so damn weird." Jun complained as she sighed and got on her phone. Meanwhile down the street as night came around, Brandon was smirking, his face displaying a devilish grin as he put his hands in his pockets. "So, Kenji? I thought that name sounded familiar. He was part of the case file of the trickster. Along with Jun, Kibe, Ryota and a Takashi. It can''t be mere coincidence that Kenji and Kib6r share the same club.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    ...Maybe they both go to the same coffee store, or they could like to watch anime there togther. AH! Thats what I also wanted to ask Kibe! If he''d be down to watch some anime with me. Now that would be a killer time." Brandon said, suddenly though as he passed by an alley, Brandon would get pulled by the arm and dragged into the alley. Unbeknownst to anyone since the night streets were clear. He was thrown against a dumpster can, before he could react he would get punched in the face causing him to spit blood and then kneed in the stomach, causing him to nearly vomits yet drool merely came out.

    Brandon crawled on the floor for a moment. Coughing and then...chuckling. "Guh....he

    ..heheh, you hit like a girl." Brandon said as he looked up and saw it was Junna, Bato and Piko were standing outside the alley. "Don''t worry Wright. I won''t kill you, but you''re going to wish you were dead." Junna said as her prosthetic hand''s nails extended. Brandon smirked as he wiped his mouth of drool.

    "Look girle, I''ve arrested and been tortured by old ladies more threatening than you. So unless you plan to talk me to death. Make it quick." Brandon said. Junna scowled at him and turned to Bato who looked from Brandon to her. He nodded as he and Piko walked away.

    Back at Hawaii, in Honolulu, HI. Kibe was at the Hono Hotel. Sitting in his room with Rin and Y��ri who had met him there a few moments ago.

    "Our witnesses are here, all we need now is guaranteed protection as this goes down. Can you manage that? Do this for me Nori, and whatever you ask for...I''ll do my best to fulfill it." Rin said, Kibe was sitting down in a chair as he played with a burner phone. "You will. I don''t want you''re best. I want you to do it. No matter what it is." Kibe said. Y��ri looked at Rin who had a nervous look on her face, she then swallowed her worries and nodded.

    "It will be fulfilled then." Rin said.

    "Excellent. Let me worry about the assassins. You worry about the meeting." Kibe said as he stood up and threw the phone onto the bed. He walked over to the balcony and saw the view. He could overlook almost all of Honolulu HI city from the 8th floor. "Whats you''re plan to get them all? They must be hiding all over this island." Y��ri said.

    "Very true, but some of them will be here too." Kibe said

    "How can you be so sure?" She asked. "This very hotel was used by an assassin who murder the mayor of this very city nearly several years ago. Places of death and murder, funny enough, attract more death and murder. In this case, killers. The assassins will be here." Kibe said as he looked down from the balcony and saw J?rg entering inside. Kibe took a long look at him and then backed away. "I need to go." Kibe said as he then past them and put on an overcoat.

    "W-wait! What are we going to do?" Y��ri asked

    "Don''t worry Y��ri, that guy seems to always know what to do." Rin said. Kibe made his way downstairs to the main lobby, tourist and people all over. He thought about where he may want to go if he was J?rg. He then retraced where he saw him come in. "I don''t doubt he followed me. In fact I would say it was his best option to do so." Kibe thought as he looked around some more, he then walked back into the Hono Hotel and followed a pathway he figured that J?rg would take. Walking past people and staff he arrived to the back of the hotel, where all he would be in a back alley. He looked down both exits. There were loading bays for trucks and a few workers out here.

    "I lost him." Kibe thought. He folded his arms and began to ponder. Maybe Coming all this way to Hawaii wasn''t all that worth it afterall. That however would be when a black car would drive into one of the entry ways into the alley. "Hm?" Kibe looked as the car came speeding down the alley, Kibe would roll out of the way as it came to screeching halt. Kibe looked as three men came out of the car and pointed their assault weapons at him. All of them wearing black suits with ski mask.

    "We need you to come with us." Said one of the men. Kibe looked at them all. "This is undoubtedly one of the assassins. So I''m guessing J?rg must have told them that I''m the one protecting this meeting.

    If so, then going with them will lead me straight to my targets." Kibe thought as he then put his hands up and the men grabbed him and drove off with Kibe in the back of the vehicle.

    "Looks like I may not be here for as long as I thought." Kibe said.

 Blending in

    Interesting and talented people are the kind that gather others, and get attention. They are capable of being the life of any situation, yet what situation that is. Isn''t always what most others suspect it to be.

    Bland and boring people are innately in society and humanity, viewed as no more than a tiny bug or a mosquito. Swayed away without a single notice. Yet they are the ones most to look out for, cause like mosquitoes, you may swat them away. However when they sting, they will leave something terrible behind.

    Brandon woke up in the alleyway the next morning, he groaned as he got up. He held one of his arms. "Mhmm, definitely fractured. Damn, that bitch has one hell of a right hook." Brandon said, as he felt his left arm and could feel just how busted it was. He slowly got up and leaned aginst the wall, he had two hypothesis from this. Either that they were the wrong people to piss off, or that Kibe really did piss them off or Bato at least. Brandon grew a devious smile as he chuckled to himself. He then grabbed his chin.

    "Kenji? Of the chess club eh?" Brandon smirked. Thats when he''d get a phone call from Mr.Nakayama. Brandon looked at his phone before answering it. "YOHO!" Brandon answered.

    "Tell me you have something, I have tough enough time paying for Jun''s time at that school. I shouldn''t have to do the same thing for you." Mr.Nakayama said "Hey, listen here Mr.Detective sir! You put me onto this position, you requested for my help on setting together this cake. So I don''t want to hear any lip about how long it''s taking to bake." Brandon said with a straight face. Mr.Nakayama was just leaning in his desk listening to the madness of this man.

    "Fine fine, just tell me you have something?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Deniability is you''re best friend Nakayama. I wouldn''t want-"

    "Just tell me. Enough games Wright, I''m starting to get tired of them." Mr.Nakayama said with a very assertive tone, massaging his temples. Brandon was a bit taken aback by his sudden burst in tone, but he just shrugged as he kept walking while on the phone. "I have a 70 - 85% certainty that the white rabbit goes to Sawa high. Not only that, I believe he may have something to do with the new students that arrived too." Brandon said.

    "Do you have any suspects yet?" Mr.Nakayama asked. With how well he imagined Brandon''s "investigation" had been going. He could only imagine who he may have deduced into possibly being the white rabbit. All traits and mannerisms from the white rabbit would be easy to compare to a very well mannered adult, however the thing that would make any bright detective realize something was off. Would be the fact that around a certain age.

    The human brain stops developing completely around the age of 25. This is a well known fact, yet somehow the white rabbit has displayed skills that would take well over 25 years to master, even more to practice in action and prep for execution. Not to mention how long to put together the operation was. Mr.Nakayama had hopes that Brandon would also think of the same variables as him, no, he knew he had a good hunch that he would come to the same conclusion.

    Brandon paused for a moment before he then answered. "Ojima Bato." Brandon said. Mr.Nakayama put his pen down in his officer and turned in his chair. He thought for a moment. "You mean the kid who just got here not even a week ago? How is that possible?" Mr.Nakayama asked. Brandon kept walking down the street looking for a nearby clinic of sorts.

    "Hey Naky, quick question for you." Brandon asked "Naky? Wha-"

    "Do you know any hospitals or clinics nearby? No? Well next question then. What part of town would you never send your daughter to?" Brandon asked. Mr.Nakayama stammered for a moment before answering. "U-Ushin, is this your method? Cause I won''t lie to you Wright, while good. It is weird at times." Mr.Nakayama said.

    "No." Brandon said as he paused for a moment. He felt his busted up arm for a moment before he then got back on the phone. "The White rabbit''s first accomplices were the dragon gang. Lowlifes, people who dog others in order to show strength where they don''t got squat.

    If we''re going to catch or even get evidence pointing in the right direction. Then I''ll need to follow in his footsteps. I already have a good idea on how he thinks." Brandon said as he thought about Kibe in his mind. Remembering his mannerism and behavior. "I''m not suprised you haven''t been able to nail him or pin any evidence on him.

    From what you''ve profiled about him so far he''s a pure psychopath. He feels nothing, cares for no one and ultimately sees everyone as pieces of a puzzle. All with their own purpose and to be used at a certain time. Doesn''t matter how close you are, he will inevitably throw you away." Brandon said

    "Yea...thats true. But what are you getting at Wright?" Mr.Nakayama asked, Brandon eventually found a clinic. He walked inside, everyone stared at him in shock and worry. "Oh my god!" One woman said. Brandon walked up to the counter and grabbed a sheet of paper to get checked out as he set the phone down for a moment. "Wright? WRIGHT?" Mr.Nakayama said.

    "Calm down pops, I''m just checking in. Now you said that the white rabbit used the dragon gang. What happened to them?" Brandon asked.

    "I don''t know really. Could have disbanded, but there''s no word around about that from officers in the area. They believe they just underground, staying out of sight." Mr.Nakayama said as he opened his luck made by his wife. He opened it and saw she had made hima salad and a thing of milk with some fruit. Mr.Nakayama looked at it and sighed. He then got his fork and began to eat it. Brandon was sitting down waiting to get checked out. "Mmm, what do you think happened to the dragon gang? Think they finally met someone brave enough to slay them?" Brandon asked as he clicked his tongue.

    "What do I think? Hmp..." Mr.Nakayama thought for a moment as he opened his milk and began to drink it. He looked up at the ceiling of his office. His eyes and mind focused as they relived previous encounters with Kibe, what they say him do, act, say and make happen. "...I think he got rid of them- no, he put them up on a shelf. Like a piece of priceless jewelry he put them up, hes going to use them later. For what? I don''t know. Nothing good though." Mr.Nakayama said. Brandon nodded as he then looked over to see a kid sitting next to him staring at him. They both shared a look.

    "Why do you look so bad? Did you get beat up?" Asked the kid. Brandon smirked "Heh, you think I look bad, you should see the other guy." Brandon smirked as the kid laughed too.

    "I''m kidding, I bit his face off." Brandon laughed, the kid stopped laughing as he then got a shocked face. Brandon looked at them as he gave a wry smile. "Well really I bit off his whole head." Brandon said with a wild and deranged look. The child then began to cry as Brandon leaned back in his chair. He looked up to see a nurse come out from the backroom.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    "Brandon Wright?" Asked the nurse, thats when Brandon raises his good arm and stood up. "Look, I''ll call you back. I got some stuff to do. I''ll tell you what else I uncover." Brandon said as turned off his phone and followed the woman to the back to get patched up. Brandon was on a small table getting himself bandaged up, a nice sling for his arm to rest in. He looked at it for a moment.

    "Yea, that was a pretty nasty condition, your arm. But luckily I managed to fix it all up for you. Your medical also covered it too, so you''re all set Mr.Wright." said the nurse. Brandon smiled at his sling keeping his arm up. He flapped it like a chicken. "Hehehe thanks doctor, I feel like a brand new cock all over again Cacoooo!" Brandon chuckled, the nurse just stared at him with a confused look before Brandon got off the table and waved her goodbye.

    "Don''t be a stranger." Brandon said. He continued to make his way to Ushin, as he did he looked at his phone some more. He thought back to the case of the white rabbit and trickster. He then made a connection, Ouchi Mi was in both cases. The one from HP hotel and the trickster, but why would she be involved in two of them?

    It was also no suprise, that he would be included in them too. Nori Kibe. He seemed to be so far off the radar, that his involvement was entirely so irrelevant. That it was comparable to how men could have been involved with the creation of the moon or how women have designed their own fates. The possibility of Nori Kibe truly being the white rabbit, was impossible. Even to the most veteran of detectives.

    Thats when Brandon as he walked down a street would close his eyes. As he did. He''d then wake up in a room. This room had no ceiling, no, it only had the implication of one. There he could see massive and large filing cabinets that stretched higher than the clouds would be, or maybe even where God would be. He walked around the place, thats when saw in the distance, a shadowy figure sitting atop a filing cabinet, his entire body nearly covered in shadows.

    In this place, Brandon could feel his mind tugging and pulling on just what it was he was trying to do. He walked and moved closer to where he see the figure. The cabinet he was standing on was stretched very high. Making Brandon unable to reach them. Thats when he saw the figure closer this time, it was Kibe. Except only his green eyes were visible or at least they were illuminated in the light. "Well, sitting above me now are you? You''re lucky you aren''t wearing a skirt." Brandon said.

    "Why are you here Wright?" Kibe asked, his eyes yet to face him. "...I suppose I''m trying to understand you. I''m looking to see how you''re mind works." Brandon said, thats when his surroundings would begin to crumble and some large filing cabinets would topple over.

    "Human beings can understand and empathize with another because of the mirrors in our brains. They allow them to walk temporarily in another''s shoes, feel how they feel. However that works only on living things.

    You shouldn''t destory your mind, trying to rationalize something that has neither sympathy nor empathy." Kibe said as two other pairs of arms would appear from behind him. One pair flipping through what looked like a hearty book, the other, playing the fiddle. However the song was something Brandon didn''t recognize. "Your mind is playing a warning for you Mr.Wright." Kibe said. Brandon turned his gaze towards the cabinets, he saw hundreds of doors and signs on all of them. Brandon looked at Kibe, both of them staring at each other. The silence between them and the sound of the distant collapsing of cabinets, made the entire moment feel like an eternity.

    "You are the white rabbit aren''t you?" Brandon asked, Kibe just stared at him. "I think you perfectly know the answer to that." Kibe said.

    "How can I believe that though? How would anyone believe that about you?" Brandon asked.

    "Exactly." Kibe said, thats when Brandon would reopen his eyes. Returning to reality again. He then noticed how dark it was. He looked around himself, he noticed the streets were much more messy than before, he saw people walking alone and that it was much darker here. The whole place just felt like it had no hope or life in it.

    Thats when he came to the conclusion that he must be in Ushin, store lights then his is right eye. He looked over next to him to see he was right next to a barber shop. It was called Snippy''s. "Huh" Brandon looked at some of the signs on the front of the store. One of them said "If you''re here for a haircut and don''t have money. Go find a butcher knife.". Brandon shrugged at the sign as he looked to another "If you''re younger than 18, bring an adult. We aren''t responsible for the dead." It said. Brandon smirked as he then went ahead and walked inside.

    The bell for the door range. As he walked in he overheard the 3 ladies conversation. "Yea I haven''t heard from her in months." Said a emo looking girl with ponytails.

    "Yea well let that bitch go ahead and frolic with whatever booboo snack she has now, raving cunt." Said another girl with short hair, also rocking the emo and Gothic look. Had a long black dress with skulls for accessories at the end. Thats when the two noticed him, Brandon then inhaled the scent of the babrer shop. He smelt cinnamon, the smell of coco beans, and slight gunpowder. "Mmm, so they''re spicy, drowsy and violent women. Fun, right back in the US." Brandon thought.

    "OI! The shop is closed weirdo! Didn''t you see the sign? We don''t take cuts after 10." Said the emo with the ponytails, her voice was bit of a higher pitch. "I didn''t see a sign out there, then again you guys have so many rig-"

    "HEY! DIDN''T YOU HEAR HER FUCK FACE!? We''re closed." Shouted the one with the shorter hair, her voice was a little deeper, but had a creaminess to it. Brandon then took notice to the music, it was sort of Japanese rap. Very interesting mix to him. The two girls shook their heads as they looked to each other. "Hes not listening to us at all Yu. I thought Suki said this shit worked?" Whispered the emo girl with shorter hair.

    "I know I''m getting nervous, what if we have to actually talk to him- wait look!" Said Yu who tapped the shorter haired girl. They both looked to see Brandon walking around near the seats. "Oh no, what if he sits down? We''re so fucked! I don''t want to socialize with people anymore!" Whispered the shorter haired girl as she pinched her dress.

    "Don''t worry, it won''t come to that. We just need to holdout till Suki gets back." Said Yu as they watched Brandon who looked at the store some more. He saw photos of other Gothic people with haircuts, he saw them all giving the place good ratings. Though you wouldn''t see that seeing how expressionless they all were. Brandon snickered a bit as he picked up a comb on the table in front of one of the barber chairs. "Heh this feels like I''m back in the US." Brandon said, thats when he put it down and looked at the chair.

    Both the girls gasped as they watched Brandon. "OH SHIT TU! He''s going to sit in the chair!" Whispered Yu, Brandon felt the comfy chair. It was actually well filled. "Huh, cotton, now wool. Good choice. Just like chocolate milk with oeros. So good. Mmmmm, definitely need to eat a pear after this." Brandon thought as he then turned the seat around.

    "OH NO! He''s sitting down!" Tu whispered, Brandon then turned his body getting ready to sit down. "Oh no, hes getting ready to put his butt down. Its actually happening!" Said Yu

    "I CAN''T WATCH!" Tu said, eventually Brandon sat down and relaxed. Both Yu and Tu sighed as they pouted. Brandon nodded at how good it felt. "Hey, could i get the list of styles you guys have?" Brandon asked. The girls sneered as Tu walked over and picked up a small clipboard and handing it to him. Brandon smirked as he looked through it. The two girls looked at him annoyed as he sat there. He looked through, but saw nothing like what he wanted.

    "Mmmm, you find anything yet?" Asked Yu, "Ehhhh, yall ain''t got squat in terms of my taste. Like I get the Gothic style, but it just ain''t me yaknow." Brandon said handing Tu the clipboard.

    "Huh?! I''ll have you know that page 4, example 13 is the style that the ghost lord himself wears! He came to this very shop for it!" Yu said very proudly. "Well that can only mean you guys got some crazy talent. Cause I need a specific haircut." Brandon said. The two women looked at each other.

    "What do you want?" Yu asked

    "Request will cost you extra pal." Tu said, Brandon''s smirk then turned into a very dark smile as he chuckled a bit. He then got out his phone and showed them a picture. "I need some hair dye, and for you to cut my hair like this." Brandon smiled as he showed the girls a picture of Kibe. The girls looked to one another and nodded. "Alright, we can make it  work. Who''s the guy?" Tu asked as she started getting everything ready.

    "Just a friend." Brandon smiled

 The Trickster vs The Fool, Part 1

    The next day at Sawa high.

    Kenji was in the chess club room early in the morning, school had just started so he had some time to kill. He was playing chess by himself, going over moves and even making a few of his one in the meantime. He looked behind him at the window and saw students chatting and talking outside. There his saw Piko talking with a few other girls. "Getting to know the ladies now Bato? Very low information gathering, very low indeed." Kenji thought as he then continued with his game.

    However thats when the door to the room would open, Kenji looked up to see nonother than Bato himself. Bato walked in closing the door behind him. Kenji looked at him and leaned back in his chair.

    "Ojima, what a suprise." Kenji said "Oh Moriyama, if you knew what I was here about you wouldn''t think so." Bato said as he sat across from Kenji. The sound of other students to walking across the hall outside could be heard. The two sat across from one another for a couple of moments before either one of them would speak.

    "You know I''ve come here to handle some business. I don''t intend for my time at this school to be long. I have to be getting back soon. The senior program and advisors, demand that there is a constant work flow, between all graduates.

    I''m assuming you know that, being in your final years." Bato said. Kenji just stared at him. Bato put his hands together. "I want to be part of the senior program, more than anything. They won''t let me do that. You know why? Because they have a spot reserved, for him." Bato said

    "What do you want me to say? Hes good. Not as good as me of course, hes good. Kibe always has thi-"

    "I KNOW, what he has. Look listen, heh. I need to know that you''re with me. Kiko has already aided me once. I need to know that if I call on you, that you will be there too." Bato asked. Kenji thought for a moment. Tapping his foot.

    "Hmm, let me think about that. How about, no." Kenji said. Bato stared at him. Kenji looked as Bato then stood up and buttoned his jacket.  "You''re cooperation in this is necessary Moriyama, if you don''t side with me. Me and my team will assume you''re threat. You understand?" Bato asked, Kenji scratched his chin.

    "I saw you and Kibe outside when you arrived, you say you have it under control. Yet I''m not seeing that so much from you." Kenji said. Bato''s eyes focused on him. The two at a stare down. Bato then just sat back down for a moment. His hand resting on his lap.

    "I can''t afford to fail at this. All of them are looking and watching me. They want to see exactly what a king can do, and I intend to show them. Kibe believes he''s bested me somehow by leaving Japan for a while, little does he know that he''s following my strategy to a T." Bato said. "Do you really think you''ll win?" Kenji asked.

    "What other conclusion could there possibly be." Bato said.

    Down the street from Sawa High, Mr.Nakayama was driving with Brandon towards the school. Brandon was leaned far back in his seat while Mr.Nakayama drove. Brandon was going through the files of the white rabbit. He then saw a picture of a familiar face. "Hmmm, Otsuka Takashi. Hes the son of the famous mad hatter Mr.Otsuka. Fascinating." Brandon said

    "What is?" Mr.Nakayama asked as he stopped at a light.

    "That the police got it so wrong. H-How did you guys come to get Ryota and Takashi as the preps?" Brandon asked as he kept going through it. "Well, they confessed and were able to give motive and careful details of everything the Trickster did. They were the most promising when it came to it. So Ozawa said to book em." Mr.Nakayama said. Brandon shrugged as he looked at the BIO for the Trickster.

    "...You don''t believe it''s them do you? Its ok to tell me." Brandon said, the light turned as Mr.Nakayama kept driving. "No, the Trickster wanted the attention of the white rabbit, he was addicted to him. Like he wanted to prove something." Mr.Nakayama said.

    "Mmm, what makes you say that?" Brandon asked

    "Just...a gut feeling." Mr.Nakayama said. Brandon nodded. "During one of the times Takashi was out, he held a party. There were lots of people there. On the guest list given to us by Mrs.Otsuka there was only one name on there that was from a student at Sawa. A Moriyama Kenji...interesting." Brandon said as he fiddled with the file.

    "What do you mean? Why?" Mr.Nakayama asked. "Its nothing. Just...quite the coincidence is all." Brandon said. Mr.Nakayama and Brandon eventually arrived at Sawa high. The two stayed in the car for a moment while the school bell rang.

    "So, any suspects in the white rabbit case?" Mr.Nakayama asked, Brandon sat up and closed the file. He was there for a moment looking at the file before eyeing Mr.Nakayama. They both were side eyeing one another with Brandon giving a small smirk to him. "You know I can''t tell you that." Brandon said.

    "And why is that?" Mr.Nakayama asked. "Same reason you won''t tell me yours. Because you know even the slightest sign of a difference in behavior and the whole thing is a bust." Brandon said. Mr.Nakayama nodded to him. "You really believe he''s that specific huh?" Mr.Nakayama asked.

    "I don''t believe in anything, I know." Brandon said. Mr.Nakayama leaned back in his seat. He took a deep sigh. "This reminds me so much of the cannibal case yaknow." Mr.Nakayama said, Brandon looked at him. "We all have that one case we can''t forget about. The one that made us go over the edge. Made us act like the one we were trying to catch all along.

    ...during that case I got...vengeful. angry. I wasn''t myself Miyuki saw that when we were partnered together. He pulled back from the edge. I don''t think I''d be here if it wasn''t for him." Mr.Nakayama said. Brandon looked at him, he face much more empathic than usual as he then leaned on the car door. "Don''t do anymore than you have to Nakayama, sir. God that feels weird to say.

    ...You''ve been on this longer than I''ve been here. You solved you''re crime a long time ago. Maybe you have more to do, but...I think, you brought me here because deep down you know that you can''t do what you have to, to catch this one. You can''t become like him." Brandon said. Mr.Nakayama looked at him and even though he didn''t want to. He had to remember he wasn''t young anymore, he wasn''t alone anymore.

    So, he steadily nodded.

    "I''ll go point on this, you can still manage, but I think its better if I took lead." Brandon said. Brandon woukd get out of the car and closed the door. He watched as Mr.Nakayama drove away.

    "Don''t worry son." Said a voice in Brandon''s head, Brandon then would be taken back to his past. He was a young boy looking out his front door, the smell of his neighborhood was that of garbage, and mildew. His eyes were looking at a cop holding his mother by the arm. She was on the ground looking to Brandon.

    Her lip swollen and with a black eye. Brandon''s eyes were hyperfocused on what he was seeing.

    "Just go back inside..." said the Cop. His mother was looking at him, his feet felt shaky and shifty. Thats when Brandon would return back to the present. Standing outside the school. Classes had already begun yet he wasn''t there. The day began to get grey as it started raining. His hands in his pockets,his head down. The raindrops dropped from his strains of hair and chin like fire lifting from wood.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Brandon walked to the school''s side, deciding not to go through the main entrance. As he walked he looked at the way the school was built. He also was looking around for any students or delinquents. Yet saw none. As he walked through this small alleyway on the side of the school he then began to hear rummaging and skittering inside of the dumpster aginst the wall. Brandon took a notice to it. He tilted his head curiously. He walked over towards it and then put his ear to the garbage. For a while it was nothing. Just the drops of water and slow wind around him.

    However as he waited he then heard the rummaging again and could hear whispering inside. He put both his hands on it. "He didn''t love you...he just wants you.

    He didn''t love you...he just wants you.

    He didn''t love you...he just wants you.

    He didn''t love you...he just wants you.

    He didn''t love you...he just wants you.

    He didn''t love you...he just wants you.

    He didn''t want you...he just..." whispered the feminine voice. Brandon backed up a bit knocked on the dumpster like it was a door. "Hello hello? Uh this is the pizza delivery you ordered, but uhhh it doesn''t say here on the address you sent me.

    Anything about there being a uh, ahem, trashy appearance." Brandon said with a smirk. He then saw as the head of the dumpster slightly lifted to reveal some dark eyes. Brandon looked at the girl inside. "Hi there. Mind coming out, I don''t mind staring contest though if you want one." Brandon joked as the lid of the dumpster came up revealing nonother than Kat. She leaned on the end of it, a butcher knife in her hand. Brandon looked at her.

    "...You kill anyone with that?" Brandon asked, he looked at the knife. Sharply kept and the way Kat held it. Definitely an expert in knife wielding. To Brandon there is no doubt that Kat had killed someone and had been using a knife since she was a child. However there was another thing that clicked in his head. He remembered his theory that the white rabbit would be using unusual people to help him task. Those that didn''t stand out.

    If his theory that the white rabbit is infact a student is true and that he uses unusual people, then Kat just jumped up high in his list. "So do you normally hang around dumpsters? Or is this something new about you?" Brandon asked

    "I do for my sacrifices." Kat said

    "Sacrifices?" Brandon asked, Kat then pulled small puppy out of the garbage around her, the puppy had been beaten and cut open. Brandon held his nose, the smell was intense. "Oh wow, you didn''t uh-"

    "No, I found him in a alley a few blocks down. I wanted to send his spirit to it''s proper destination." Kat smiled. Brandon smirked as he backed away a bit more to breathe. "Whew, yea, uh, how do you uh, do that?" He asked.

    "Well first I have to drain him, and then I need to say a chant thats familiar with them during their time in life." Kat said as she then hopped out of the dumpster. She tossed the dog back in and closed it. Brandon nodded. "You like a witch or something? Yaknow, like zap and kapow!" Brandon smiled. Kat gave him a creepy smile as she then held the knife towards his chest.

    "No, but I can sure make you a believer in them." She said, Brandon put his hands up. "...I''m guessing you didn''t get into this school for good grades." Brandon said.

    "Why do you care?" She asked

    "I usually like to know the person who''s holding a weapon at me, before its used. Hehe." He chuckled. Kat smirked at him and studied Brandon''s posture and appearance. She saw his smile. She smiled too. "You''ve killed people, haven''t you?" She smiled.

    "Is it that obvious? I''m Brandon. You?" He asked, she licked her lips as she dusted off her skirt. "Kat. Brandon? Thats not very Japanese." She said.

    "Neither is yours. So I''m guessing you hang around a lot of these huh? You got a favorite one?" Brandon asked

    "...Yea, this way." She said as she then walked away with Brandon following her. Brandon payed attention to how she walked and moved. She had a sway to her. Bouncey even though the things she dealt with seemed very traumatic for most people to do or deal with. "So uh Kat, do you have a boyfriend? Lover? Crush or anything?" He asked.

    "Nope." She answered quickly with a pop in her mouth. "I''m guessing nothing interesting about the boys here huh, bunch of flat boards. All of them would be better off either gay or dead to you imagine." Brandon said as her and him arrived near the side of the auditorium.

    "You''re a big weirdo Brandon." Kat said as she turned to him on a heel. "I like you." Kat said. Brandon smirked at her. "I like you too. Not because of what you think though, because unlike a few others around here. You don''t care what people think." Brandon said.

    "Why should I? The world isn''t going to magically shift around because I suddenly want a better life. Why not love the one I have. Make the most of my situation." Kat said as they then reached the auditorium. They both stood by a dumpster. Brandon looked around, he remembered in a report that three dragon gang members had been reported being beaten senseless here. He looked around and at the dumpster.

    "This is my favorite spot. This dumpster, so close to society and freedom. Gives me chills sometimes." She said with a icey tone. "Oh please continue. This gets better the deeper you go." He said. She smiled at him as she leaned aginst it. Brandon lifted the lid and looked inside, he felt the rim of it. Thats when he noticed it, dry blood on the surface, where the lid and the dumpster meet.

    He touched the dry blood. Kat eyed him.

    "At least 2 months old, possibly even more. This either has to be either from them or the man who beat them." Brandon thought as he backed away. Kat looked at him. "I played a nice game with a friend here." Kat said, Brandon looked at her.

    "A friend huh? He wouldn''t perhaps have brown hair, green emerald eyes and have a stare colder than ice would he?" Brandon asked. "Looks like you''ve met him." Kat smiled. Brandon smirked at her straightforwardness.

    "Thats very straight of you." Brandon said "Like I said, I like you." Kat said. Brandon put his hands in his pockets as walked to her. Kat stood to him.

    "I know what you''re looking for. To be honest I would have thought it''d be the detective who got to me first." Kat said

    "Well I''m sure you''ve crossed his mind, just not this version of you." Brandon said as he stared at her. Kat pulled out her knife again and pointed it at Brandon.

    "What makes you think I won''t gut you?" She asked

    "Well, one I''m an officer, and two because you like me. That has to count for something." Brandon said. Kat smiled at him. Brandon took a step forward, her blade a little closer to Brandon''s chest now. He moved his face close to hers. His eyes and hers searched each other.

    "I promise you, you will get a bigger thrill in life, helping me catch the white rabbit. Rather than helping him." Brandon said. Kat stared at him, her face getting closer to his.

    "If you can do that, then I''ll sing to you like a slut to a hundred dollar bill." She said. Brandon smiled he then motioned for her to follow him. "Come on, you''re going to help me catch a killer." Brandon said.

    "Oh really? Who?" Kat asked as she walked with him. "Am I going to have fun doing this?" She asked following him.

    "Depends on how much he resist, which I reckon will be a lot." Brandon said. Elsewhere in the school Bato was meeting with Kiko who was on her computer in the conference room. "So let me get this straight. He came to you and just verbally started to assault you in a cafe?" Kiko asked.

    "Yes, I need to know everything about him." Bato asked sitting across from her. Kiko shrugged as she began to type the name into unknown search engine. Thats when she got details about him, Brandon Wright.

    "Here he is, Brandon Wright. He''s American." Kiko said "Mmm, go on." Bato said as he folded his arms.

    "Says here, that he started young when enrolling into crime psychology. Right around when his mother died.

    He became big in his town and soon the whole country in under 2 to 3 years. Solved several big murders, and multiple conspiracy cases.

    ...here''s something intriguing though." Kiko said, Bato leaned forward. "He apparently served 12 months in prison awaiting a trial, he got free off of a technicality." Kiko said.

    "Hm, what for?" Bato asked

    "Murder, his matched up with several others involving a serial killer called the fiend. However they weren''t able to keep him even though he looked good for it." She said. Bato put his finger to his lip. Bato smirked as he leaned back. "Oh Mr.Wright. You get more interesting as the days pass." Bato thought.

    Kenji was drinking a glass of water as he then saw the club door open, he looked and saw Brandon there accompanied by Kat.

    "Hello?" Kenji asked, Brandon smirked.

    "Was a little tricky to find you." Brandon smiled as he gave a wave. Kat also waved at him. Kenji put down his cup and looked at them.

 The Trickster vs The Fool, part 2

    Kenji, Kat and Brandon all were in the chess club room. Kenji looked at both of them while Kat walked around, pretty much touching ever single thing in sight. While seeing if she could get away with stealing something. Brandon and Kenji were making eye contact with one another.

    "So, can I help you with something?" Kenji asked, Brandon''s eyes looked around. The room was very clean, a chessboard on the desk. He saw that the chess pieces were made out of green onyx. Green onyx is believed to enhance one''s Intuition and spiritual growth. Brandon could figure that the chess piece was a sort of win - win purchase. He figured Kenji got a chance to enhance his Intuition while the spiritual side of things was for others who played, he got to be himself while not also being himself.

    He saw a closet, likely filled with different boards. "Um, I''m here checking out a club. Heard this is where the nerds hangout." Brandon said. Kenji put his hands in his pockets as he walked towards him. "You could say that." Kenji said

    "I did." Brandon said. "You guys do any activities other than chess here? Like poker maybe?" Brandon asked. Kenji snickered as he stood next to Brandon. Kat opened one of the drawers in the room. Inside there she saw a few things. Dice, diagrams and a image of the golden ratio taped to the side of the inside of the drawer. She went ahead and grabbed a few dice, she studied them for a bit and gave them a quick lick. They were dusty.

    "We do a wide arrange of activies here, you don''t seem to be from around here. You''re from the entrance exams huh?" Kenji asked. Brandon smiled at him. Brandon needed to make sure that his theory that Kenji was his guy was right. The Trickster was cunning, good at staging under the radar like the white rabbit. Honestly Brandon knew that he''d be as difficult to catch as the white rabbit of it wasn''t for one single weakness.

    He wanted to be seen. Brandon looked to Kat for a second and then back to Kenji. "Yea. They were really not too crazy. I''m from America so I''m pretty use to absurd and redundant tests yaknow." Brandon said. "America, ah. I uh, never got your name." Kenji said.

    "Didn''t ask, its Fraudrin. Nice to meet you uhh?" Brandon said as he extended his hand. Kenji shook his hand. "Kenji. Nice to meet you." He said.

    "You''re interested in joining the club yea? So, what brought on this curiosity?" Kenji asked as he walked over and sat down with Brandon following him. He put his fingers on the chess pieces. Meanwhile Kat was still searching the place for anything else to steal. Though she occasionally eyed Kenji and Brandon. "I''ve been thinking since the mention that a friend of mine goes here. He''s very intelligent, big genius I think you may know him. Kibe. Very brilliant guy." Brandon said.

    "Him again." Kenji thought. His finger tapped on his leg. Brandon noticed it, his eyes moving quickly to them and back to Kenji. Kenji took notice of the slight observation that Brandon made.

    "Well. Kibe definitely does have e a place with us. He joined with us some time ago. Never mentioned you though." Kenji said "I''m a new addition to the gang." Brandon said. Kenji shrugged.

    "So, you''re looking to join in. We always have room for more members. What do you like to do?" Kenji asked. "I like games. Intellectual puzzles yaknow?" Brandon said with Kenji nodding. Kat turned to them, she was digging in the garbage. "I like games." She said. Brandon looked to her and then to Kenji. "Hm, she likes games." Brandon smiled.

    "Well, what kind are interested in." Kenji asked. "The really hard ones yaknow, Kibe introduced me to a few before. We''re playing one right now infact. Quite the puzzler though, he said he had to play with me cause you were just too easy to win against." Brandon said. Thats when Kenji looked to him, his eyes squinting just a bit as he stared him, face a little more serious. Brandon then took a seat across from him.

    "Too easy to read he said." Brandon said. Kenji smiled at him. "Hm, then how about we play a bit of game then. A little initiation one." Kenji said. Brandon smiled widely.

    "What do you say? Up your alley? Or is it a bit too nerdy?" Kenji asked which Brandon then turned to Kat who now was interested into what was happening. She walked over to Brandon who then turned to Kenji. The two, Brandon and Kenji smirked at each other.

    "Lets go for it." Brandon said.

    Elsewhere Bato and Kiko were walking down a hallway in Sawa during school hours. Both quiet for a time before stopping by the stairs. "What are you thinking?" Kiko asked. Bato played with his coat a bit before answering. His hands going into his pockets. "Brandon Wright is a liar, a compulsive one. I don''t think he even knows when he''s telling the truth to be frank." Bato said

    "You get all that from your time in the cafe?" Kiko asked. "Yes actually, he has a addiction to excitement. He gets bored easily and overall is in love with the chase. Perhaps thats why he''s attached to Kibe as he has." Bato said.

    "You think he knows?" Kiko asked.

    "...Hard to say, I wouldn''t put it past him however. He''s not an idiot. He came to the cafe to illicit a reaction from me. He wanted to see what I''d do. He wouldn''t have mentioned Kibe if he didn''t have an idea.

    Hes surprisingly observant and practical." Bato said.

    "So, did you?" Kiko asked to which Bato shook his head. "Theres more danger here then expected, maybe its best to-"

    "No." Bato said. Kiko groaned as she leaned aginst the wall. "If you keep this up, they''ll remove you not for being incapable, but for ignorance. Learn when the ball isn''t in your court Bato." Kiko said.

    "I don''t own the court Kiko, I own the goddamn sport. Now you listen here, Brandon knows nothing. Right now he''s chasing some sort of deluded fetish for escapism. He''s playing me, without even realizing he''s my own tricks.

    Hes a pawn." Bato said.

    "Have you even considered that this is exactly what Kibe wants?" Kiko asked. Bato looked away and got ready to answer, but Kiko would cut him off quickly. "And don''t you dare lie to me. Because you may have a read on your little circus group, but I''m not them." Kiko said. Bato stood tall, forgetting exactly who he was talking to for a moment. Kiko''s authority shined through there for a moment.

    "You still think he''s in control?" Bato asked with a wry laugh. "I don''t think, I know. Kibe isn''t the kind of man he was years ago when he came to the pale palace. Do you want to know something Bato?

    It doesn''t matter what you do or what you say. You could get Kibe arrested for all you care, they will get him out and still want him. Kibe is a intellectual masterpiece. They want him Bato, more then they will ever want you. Learn to let it go." Kiko said. Bato then got in Kiko''s face, his was filled with frustration and annoyance while Kiko didn''t flinch an inch.

    "Now you listen here, I''m going to bury him. Corgin, Kibe or whatever damn name he goes by. I will see that I get my place in that program, and nothing is going to stop me.

    I''ve bested him before and I will do it again. When I got him removed from the pale palace I thought he''d just dissappear, but it seems someone didn''t want that. So its got to be this way.

    I''ll expel him as many times as I have to, kill him as many times as I have to. I will not rest till he his put down." Bato said with an aggressive tone. Kiko threw her hands up and shrugged. "Fine. I''m done." She said as she walked down the stairs. Bato looked at her.

    "Where are you going? What do you mean you''re done?" Bato asked. "I mean as in I''m done trying to get you tools to think logically. I was given a demand to return back to France roughly 2 weeks ago. I don''t care what you do anymore.

    My mission is almost finished anyway." Kiko said

    "Mission? What mission?" Bato asked confused. Kiko as she kept walking gave a slight smile before her face got serious once again.

    "The one you''ll finish for me." Kiko said as she then walked around the corner disappearing. Bato stared at her leave before he then saw Piko run up to him from behind. "Bato. We got something, Kibe is here." She said.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "What?" Bato said surpised. "Yes, that Brandon guy was right. I''ll tell you all about it in the conference office." She said as her and Bato left. Back with Kenji and Brandon the two were standing across from one another. With Kat standing between them.

    "The game we''ll be playing is called, Endless Birthday. The rule of the game is simple. It is to guess the birthday of a made up individual. A birthday will be written down on a piece of paper, the two participants can only do one action and thats to guess. Once the guessing is over, the round ends.

    When a round ends, the two will then be given a hint, and from there the game begins again." He said. Brandon folded his arms and leaned back. "A game entirely around cold reading huh? Sounds like fun!" He thought as he leaned forward.

    "You''re on." Brandon smirked with Kenji doing the same. He then reached into his bag next to his seat and pulled out a pen and pencil. He then looked to Kat and handed them to her. "Here, write down a birthday. Any birthday, then we''ll begin." Kenji said.

    "Alright, don''t mind if I do." Kat smirked. However before she got ready to write it down, she looked at both of them and saw them staring at her hands. She could tell they both were going to use their observation skills to observe her hand movements and cheat.

    "You two must think I''m a idiot, stupid heads. Did you check on your mother in the shower to see if she really gave birth to you instead of you''re father?" Kat said with a pissy face. She then walked away and left the room to write down the birthday.

    "Ehhhh? What the fuck?" Kenji said while Brandon put his finger to his chin.

    "You know that''s a good question. Am I an anal baby?" Brandon thought as he began to ponder the question. A few moments later she would return with the paper in her hand. She then went ahead and put it in here pocket. "Alright, lets see which one of you is the biggest smart-ass! BEGIN!" Kat shouted as she threw her hands up.

    The two of them immediately got more focused. Kenji tapped his leg while Brandon leaned back looking at the ceiling. The two of them both deep in thought. "I wonder if Brandon knows what a birthday even represents.

    That its your date of reflection. That it is just a one way mirror back into yourself." Kat thought as then Kenji and Brandon both looked over to Kat who took notice of their eyes. She looked at both of them, her normal creepy smile still remaining. "She may have written down someone close to her. A name that sparks something in her. Only thing though, just who the hell could be close to a girl like that?" Kenji thought. Brandon on the other hand was thinking a little bit more.

    Deeply.

    "She doesn''t give a damn about anyone. She can''t be close to anyone. Not after how badly her childhood no doubt was. Then again, sometimes people are just born this way. No amount of abuse or trauma that can change them, if they''re already changed." Brandon thought. The two were both going at it, delving into just who Kat was and who she may have been.

    "You boys ready to fuck this up yet?" Kat asked. Brandon looked down while Kenji looked at him. Both knew at that moment that the moment one guessed the other will for sure build up from it. However, they knew there was no way to move forward if one didn''t speak up. Thats when the mind games began to get more intense, the moment the other spoke up however that was when the dominance of the entire match would begin. Who it was that was ahead of the curve.

    It would also show to be an example just how their relationship from here on would be. This was a defining moment, one of Brandon''s and Kenji''s most crucial moments in their lives. Kenji''s eyes focused on Kat again, her normal creepy gaze met him too. She was one of the few people Kenji couldn''t get a beat for. So he had to go back, using his deduction skills, he went to Kat''s past. He looked at her hair, short, yet it wasn''t cut like in a professional fashion and seemed done by her own hand. He figured she must have had to take care of herself a lot.

    "She grew up in foster care, or at best lives in a household where no one cares for her. Thats prevalent though. Nothing telling me what the birthday is just yet, however perhaps-" Kenji thought.

    "She could be relating the birthday to something from her past life before that. To someone who she may owe a great deal to or may just hate immensely. Damn, she''s giving me nothing. Those psycho eyes and deranged smile aren''t helping either.

    I''m not getting anything from her. I think I''d better off-" Brandon thought

    "Just-" Kenji thought

    "Guessing, its the only play to make." They both thought as they then both said their guesses.

    "January 12th, 1997." Kenji said

    "February 2nd, 2001." Brandon said, they both immediately looked to her again to see her reaction to the numbers and dates, yet nothing. Not even a twitch. Kat was like a brickwall. Kenji and Brandon in their minds knew this wasn''t going to get them anywhere so long as they didn''t change something up and this was when Brandon decided to spice things up real quick.

    "Alright, here''s you''re damn hint. One of you got the year right." Kat smiled, they didn''t think she get more creepier or her smile wider. Kenji say back to think on that hint, however Brandon would get up and wonder to the drawers. "What are you doing?" Kenji asked.

    "Looking for a way to spice things up. This is all just a big gamble afterall. Right?" Brandon said. Kenji gave a small smirk. "I guess so." Kenji said.

    "Well, then, how about we spice it up then. With a little stakes." Brandon said as he then turned around and pulled out a coin. He flipped it a bit. Before walking over.

    "Everytime we flip this coin, one of us has to choose something to gamble over come the next round." Brandon said. Kenji smirked, knowing his own history with gambling. He knew this was going to be a breeze. If he couldn''t win this via cold reading. Then it would be through a game of chicken. Kat looked at Brandon, her eyes thirsty as she knew exactly now that Brandon was bringing the "fun" into this whole thing now.

    "How about I go first then?" Brandon said as he flipped the coin. "Just to warn you, I don''t gamble light. Hope you don''t mind." Kenji said as Brandon smiled at his comment.

    "No not at all, I''m the same way." Brandon said as he then caught the coin in his hand. "Heads or tails my fearless whale?" Brandon asked. Kenji looked at his hand and tapped his chin. Even though Brandon wasn''t, Kenji was counting the flips of the coin. From Brandon''s flipping of it and the time it got into his hand. Kenji had counted that it had flipped at least several times in the air before making contact with Brandon''s hand.

    "Heads." Kenji said

    "Mmm, tails." Brandon said. Kenji and Kat looked as Brandon then revealed it was....tails. Kenji leaned back and scoffed.

    "You cheated." Kenji said "Easy to say, harder to prove. You going to chicken out even though it isn''t your call the first go?" Brandon said with a snarky voice. Kenji moved his hand over his mouth and stared at Brandon. "No, go ahead." Kenji said. Brandon then walked over to the closet in the room.

    "You said you don''t play light right? I don''t know about you, but sometimes the easier path is the best one." Brandon said as he dug through it. He saw other chessboards, small black bags filled with different types of chess pieces and then he saw a hammer and tool box. He then reached down and grabbed the hammer. He closed the closet and turn over to them. Kat and Kenji looked as Brandon waved the hammer around. "Oh no, you''re not breaking my phone. Maybe something else." Kenji said

    "I''m not looking to break your phone." Brandon said, thats when it Kenji just what Brandon meant. Brandon wiggled his fingers on his free hand then set the hammer down between them.

    "One of them, for each guess the next two rounds." Brandon said. Kenji looked at him like he had three heads. "Hehe, you''re crazy." He said.

    "I can see what Kibe meant by you not having the guts to go the extra mile. So defensive, so unwilling to do what it takes for success.

    Its no wonder the other members of the club talked about making him the head instead of you." Brandon said. Kenji and Brandon''s eyes were locked. Kenji trying to read if Brandon was a liar and Brandon trying to read if Kenji was infact the Trickster as he had guessed.

    "Hes bluffing. This is a scheme to get me to get emotional, so that I won''t be able to operate fully come next round.

    Or maybe he has a deeper motive. He keeps mentioning Kibe. Perhaps he has some sort of deluded fascination with him or this is a way of payback.

    ...

    Either way..." thats when Kenji remembered something his father once had told him. "If you aren''t willing to do what it takes to win, then you don''t have what it takes to live. That is the rule of being a gambler boy.

    Its either go big, or go in the ground." Said Kenji''s father, Kenji remembered those words. Yet sometimes they never stuck with him...not until now.

    Kenji leaned forward.

    "One of them has to give up. I can try to appeal to Kat''s sick nature, but I may not be able to use anymore of my body before this game even is finished.

    And Kenji isn''t looking to let up. Which is good, because the further he comes. The closer I get to proving him as the Trickster and in advance, Kibe as the white rabbit. His relationship with Kibe is exactly what the hypothesized relationship is between the two criminals. All I need is two rounds, two rounds and I can break him." Brandon thought as he then looked at his fingers for a moment and then back to Kenji.

    "His acting has been nothing short of impressive, hes given me nothing but vagueness this whole time. Hes an expert liar and has the poker face of a God...I wonder what makes Kibe.

    I need to finish this in the next two rounds. If the third one comes and he hasn''t given me anything...then Kenji will have beaten me in this game.

    But maybe...

    Even then I could still pull a victory. It''d be dicey since no doubt he''ll be the one the go next and decide the gamble, but if I go then it''ll be over. To place everything on that next coin toss though...I can''t risk it again...at least not until I''m sure I can''t break him come these next rounds." Brandon thought.

    "So?" Kenji asked, Brandon''s eyes focused on Kenji. Kat was holding her hands over her mouth. Her legs quivering from the excitement and ecstasy she was feeling. The thought of them voluntarily hurting each other

    ...it was too much for her not to enjoy! She was feeling hot just from the thought of it.

    "WELL!? What are we waiting for? Let''s get to the fun!" Kat shouted with a pleasure and a lust for violence in her voice.

    "You ready to continue? Fraudrin?" Kenji smirked, Brandon gripped his pants tightly. A small drop of sweat from his head came down, but...that would be the last. As it wasn''t from nervousness, but from joy.

    "Yea, lets keep going." Brandon smiled.

 The Trickster vs The Fool, Finale

    Years ago. In a small town east of Ginza. In a foster home called Saint Terry''s Home for Lost Girls. There were many women there, staff who were known and well educated with children. There were many girls there, on this particular day however. Kat would arrive outside of it from a police car, she was in handcuffs and roughly around 12yrs old. She was staring at the building. It was a bright pale blue, it had a feeling of authority to it. The officer then escorted her to the front door. When she walked inside she saw a variety of things.

    She saw there was a children''s area, where they colored and played with toys. She also saw the caretakers, they were older women who were all gathered at the front desk. "Hello ladies, sorry for the early call, just got this one out of the county. You''ll want to hear this report before signing anything. If you''re really serious about this." The officer said.

    "We are sir, I''m Jin, I''m the head caretaker and you can speak with me." Said Jin as her and the officer walked away. Kat watched them leave before she then turned to the stairs leading up to the dorms and saw some girls looking at her. She saw them staring at her and pointing a little. Kat smiled at them.

    The officer and Jin stopped a few paces away, the officer taking a quick look to Kat before looking at Jin. "Don''t do this one Jin, she has charges of battery, assault and arson. For God''s sake she wrote down a name of the other students at her school that she wanted to kill, to kill Jin. She''s a lunatic.

    I-I don''t think this is right." The officer said.

    "With all due respect officer, we''ve had ruddy and tough girls before. I know me and my staff can help her, she just needs someone to listen to her is all. What''s her story?" Jin asked. The officer sighed as he read a file he had.

    "Her father was a drunk, drunk himself to misery. He was killed by this girl''s sister after raping her. After that the girl was taken into foster care, but ran away from every family she''s been in.

    The only family she didn''t run from was a couple called the Hokus." The officer said.

    "Oh? And why is that?" Jin asked.

    "They all ended up dying in a bad car crash, they''re brakes had been tampered with. Both the couple and they''re baby boy were all killed after their car wouldn''t stop at a railway. They were hit by a bullet train." The officer said. Jin looked at him and then to Kat. She was looking down at the ground, her feet picking at broken tile.

    "...We...we can handle her. Thank you officer." Jin said. The officer looked at her worried before he waved her away "Alright, just be sure that a officer is here for the first week, no need to prove anything alright?" The officer said to which Jin nodded. He then walked over and took the handcuffs off of Kat who then immediately hugged him. He was preemptive to hug her back, infact he was shocked that she did. "Thank you so much officer, I sure hope you live the day to see you''re daughter." Kat said, the officer got a chill up his spine.

    He never told her that, somehow she had just read that off of him. Kat then let go of the officer as he coughed and nodded to them all before he left. Kat watched the officer leave. "Ever since I was young.

    I''ve always been an outcast to so many. I didn''t play like the other girls. I didn''t talk like the other girls...I didn''t look like the other girls.

    Growing up....the idea never came to me. As I''ve always felt like I was a perfect level of maturity no matter my age. I accepted the world as it was from the moment I could speak, I never have once been deceived by the puppets and actors of the world. These non-living things going around calling themselves people. When really they all couldn''t be further from the truth.

    Why would I resist who I am, killers get set free everyday, rapist get away with the crime and horrible people still continue to pollute this world. Its their want to be better that makes them the worst.

    Why should I deny how bad I am?" Kat thought. Thats when Jin and the other nurses woukd approach her. Jin took a knee to Kat and put a hand on her shoulder.

    "So tell me Kat, what happened?" Jin asked.

    "Nothing." Kat said. Thats when Kat would return to the present time, she looked at Kenji and Brandon once again. The two of them ready to begin again. The school day was beginning to come to its hall point.

    "So one of us got the year right? Just exactly how good is this guy?" Kenji thought

    "One year is right, the possibility that it could be either someone she knew is highly likely now. Or it could be someone she used to be pals with.

    If its the year 1997 it has be someone older." Brandon thought "And if its 2001, then its someone younger. Her hint is just telling us one of us is right.

    Kenji doesn''t like to lose. Likely due to his relationship with Kibe. I can use that to my advantage, I can get him to act more irrationally. I need to find a way to get him to believe my answer is correct." Brandon thought.

    "Hes going to try to bait me. I need to reverse his method and make it part of my strategy." Kenji thought. "He''ll attempt to do the same to me, but even so, he''ll have to give me some information about Kibe in order to prevent my deception." Brandon thought.

    "Kibe can sort himself out of any problem that stems from this. Infact I wouldn''t be suprised if thats exactly what he wants.

    ...that is if he truly does know this Fraudrin guy." Kenji thought.

    The two of them then leaned focused on each other.

    "1997." Kenji said, Brandon looked to him with curiosity.

    "Thats what you think is correct? Really? I don''t mean to brag, but 2001 is a more definite number. Its more likely that she would go for one closer to her date if birth, I can''t see Kat being so interested in a time where she wasn''t around." Brandon said

    "Maybe, but you can''t rule out the possibility that she could be a fan of some of the older gens famous delinquents. KIZZ, Scream, or even KILLERZ. All great bands and names from popular groups she is no doubt interested in." Kenji said "I''ve never heard of two of those names until you just said them." Kat said. Kenji looked at her, studied her posture and eyes quickly.

    "No? Not even KIZZ? I figured that would be you''re whole thing. Seeing how you are." Kenji said.

    "And just how am I?" Kat asked. Kenji looked at her once again before answering.

    "You''re isolated, you don''t care what people think. You like it that way." Kenji said. Kat smiled widely as she leaned aginst the table. "Oh please, go on. You''re going to make blush." Kat said sarcastically.

    "You see Kenji, people like Kat or really just Kat herself. She just likes herself. She is a narcissistic sadist; who finds pleasure in the misery of others, even her own.

    In 2001, a lot of terrible things happened. One of them being 9/11 in New York city. The trading center. The birthday of America''s paranoia towards the rest of the world." Brandon said. Kenji squinted his eyes at Brandon before he scratched his chin a little. Kat looked at Brandon too. Kenji noticed the eye contact between them, he began to assume that perhaps Brandon was infact onto something. He started to think that perhaps Brandon was infact correct in his guess.

    "...Hes good. Really good. Theres still nothing that proves that it could be that date, but his read of her and his talk on the hardships of America did infact sound like a promising lead. Damnit, he is good.

    There''s no other way around it. I need to pull things my direction. Which means, rushing things along. He doesn''t truly intend to drag this on long enough to actually use that hammer. Hes gutsy though, I can use that." Kenji thought.

    "You know what, maybe you''re right." Kenji said leaning back. Brandon took a minute to process what he said.

    "What?" Brandon asked

    "I said, you''re right. Maybe. I''d be a fool to deny that 2001 wouldn''t appeal to Kat''s...uh...personality." Kenji said

    "So you agree with me on the date then?" Brandon said. "Just the year. I believe I already have the date in mind." Kenji said as he wiped his mouth.

    "Shit...this isn''t good. If he''s anything like Kibe, then he isn''t bluffing. FUCK, I need to get something to prove his association with Kibe and that he''s the white rabbit." Brandon thought as he leaned forward a bit. Some sweat on his palms. Kenji noticed his change in demeanor.

    "Nervous Fraudrin? Feeling a little stressed maybe? You said you like to gamble big. How about we see of you''re next guess can compete with mine." Kenji said, Kat smiled as she felt her chest a bit. Her heart was racing at the thought of these two men breaking their fingers.

    "Just how far you going to go? I can''t wait to see!" Kat thought as she held her face with anticipation. Thats when the two knew it was time. It was time for them to begin to guess.

    Kenji grabbed the hammer and waved it casually as he stared at Brandon.

    "Ready?" Kenji asked. Brandon took a deep breath and then looked to Kenji. "Ready." Brandon answered.

    "Alright then, on the count of 3 then." Kat smiled as she began to feel her crouch. Her hands rubbing the spot between her legs, but the two men weren''t looking at her. They were focused on one another.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    "1!" Kat said with a joyful moan.

    "2...3!!!" Kat shouted with suspense.

    "September 1st, 2001." Brandon said

    "October 4th, 2001." Kenji said, Kat recognized those dates immediately and just as they said she almost began to drool over them. She gave a sadistic smile as the two of them looked to one another.

    "Oh my gosh! I don''t know if I want to keep the date i worth or change it. You guys have such wonderful answers! The death of all those poor souls at the trading center, and the death of all those passengers on that flight.

    Terrorism, what a way to assert dominance over another person." Kat said. "Yea...sure is." Brandon said

    "So which one is the one then? Which is right and which is wrong." Kenji asked

    "Yes. Indeed." Brandon said. Kat looked at them, she was getting ready to reveal which may be right, if either were.

    "Well, as good of a answer as those are, you''re both still wrong." Kat said Thats when Brandon would slam his hands on the table slightly spooking Kat, but her reaction was out of ecstasy. Kenji smirked as he watched Brandon''s sweat go down his forehead. His eyes were shaky and filled with fear.

    "FUCK!" Brandon shouted. Kat looked at him with a wide smile. "Scared?" She asked.

    "So much for playing it big huh? Any regrets yet? I know I''d have some if I were you, but I''m not.

    And I don''t lose." Kenji said with a wry laugh, he looked over to the window. Clearly he was no longer concerned over the control of the game. It was now all his.

    "Is that right? Is that why Kibe sent me here? To lose to you? Cause from how he worded it, you seemed like a easy mark." Brandon said

    "Don''t try to spin this, I see through what you''re saying now. You honestly believe Kibe would put someone like you aginst me? Please.

    What a insult." Kenji said.

    "You just going to take that?" Kat asked with a grin. "No, for someone so high and mighty, you sure seem to feel the need to express your control over the situation.

    Even though you never will be." Brandon said. Kenji still wasn''t facing him.

    "Yes thats exactly it, you''re afraid of disappointing him." Brandon said, Kenji gave a small chuckle as he looked to Brandon unamused.

    "Even though he embarrasses you and makes you look like a simpleton, you still put up with it.

    You admire him. You want to be like him." Brandon said.

    "You finished reaching? Cause this-"

    "Oh not even close. Tell me something, when he first came to the chess club were you happy or disgusted?" Brandon asked. Kat was getting even more excited from all of this. Kenji looked at Brandon''s eyes and vice versa. "Why do you care? Don''t you see what he''s done Fraudrin? He''s pitted you against me in some attempt to deceive you, and to deceive..." that''s when it hit Kenji. Thats when he realized just what was going on.

    "Don''t you see it?! Hes using you! He wants to see if you''ll go the distance, but you can''t. You''re afraid of the consequences. You''re afraid of failure. Just like poor old daddy, that''s why he instilled it into you." Brandon said, that immediately got Kenji''s attention. "Tell me I''m wrong, tell me you''ll go the distance. Tell me your willing do whatever it takes to show him up." Brandon said. However Kenji couldn''t answer.

    "You see? Thats why I''m here, because I can, I have and I WILL!" Brandon shouted, thats when Kenji stood up. Both of them face to face now.

    "Heheheh, oh my God this is fucking great." Kat said.

    "SHUT UP!" Kenji shouted to Kat who didn''t care. She was just enjoying herself. He then pointed to Brandon.

    "You...you don''t know a damn thing about me or how I feel about Kibe. You don''t know anything. You don''t know how far I will go, how much approval means to me." Kenji said

    "Then prove it right now! You have the tool in you''re hand. All it takes is just one good swing, whats a broken finger right?

    What''s a broken anything, when winning is on the table. A victory over Nori Kibe." Brandon said. Thats when Kenji remembered he was holding the hammer. He stared at it. Its steel and cold surface.

    Thats when Kenji would have remember something, before Kibe left he met him at the runway to his airstrip. Kenji was leaning against a wall nearby the jet Kibe would be taking.

    Kibe walked to him with his luggage. "Kenji, whats the occasion?" Kibe asked. Kenji looked off into the airstrip as other planes and private jets flew off into the sky. He then put his hands in his pockets.

    "I want you to know what I did for you at the mall, that stunt. It won''t be happening all the time. We aren''t allies. Just occasional men both going down the same path." Kenji said. Kibe just stared at him. Blinking a few times as Kenji stared back.

    "If you feel that way, then why are you here?" Kibe asked. "I''m here because I wanted to make that clear." Kenji said.

    "You can lie to anyone you want Moriyama, but lying to me will get you no further than where you''re standing." Kibe said as he walked past him and towards his jet. Kenji looked down before turning to him. Kibe kept walking towards the jet before stopping for a moment. He let go of it. Kibe then turned to Kenji. The wind howled around them, it was very dark night. Clouds covering the moon. Not a sign of light besides from the few around them and lamppost.

    "...I don''t have a shred of normalcy in my life Kenji. Not one since I can remember. Does it bother me? No. No not really. You can''t miss something you have never related to or cherished before.

    But, I would be a liar...of I didn''t say these past few months. With you, Kiko and everything else. Has given me something to look forward to when I wake up these days. I know we may never be allies, but I do hope you can see me as a friend." Kibe said. Kenji looked at him with shock and suprise as the wind picked up for a moment. The two staring at each other.

    "..."

    "Mmm...goodbye Moriyama, see you when I get back." Kibe said.

    Thats when Kenji would be brought back to reality. His mind now filled with Kibe''s words. Kenji still staring at the hammer.

    "You think you know him so well huh? Well let me show you, just how far I''m willing to go!" Brandon shouted as he yanked the hammer from Kenji and lifted it into the air. His hand placed flat on the table. Kenji looked at him.

    "You want to be better than me? You want to be better than him? Then you need to be willing to risk it all! Every last DROP!" Brandon said. Kenji just stared at him.

    "Thats why...thats why you and me are so different. Thats why..." Brandon stuttered. Brandon''s mind began to race as sweat poured from his forehead.

    "I need to reel it in, hes in my snare now! I''ve given him a nibble now all I need is to catch him. Everything points to him, he IS the trickster, but how can I prove it?! GIVE IT TO ME MORIYAMA! GIVE ME UNDENIABLE PROOF! Do it Wright, you''ve made gambles crazier than this!

    Come on...DO IT!

    DOOOO IIIITTT!" Brandon thought. Thats when he grew a devilish grin.

    "THATS WHY I CAN DO THIS!" Brandon shouted as he raised the hammer high into the air ready to smash his index finger. However a few seconds before he did so there would be a knock at the door of the club.

    Everyone froze, Brandon, Kenji and Kat all looked back at the door and saw it open. Thats when Kenji and Brandon would both be shocked at just who they saw.

    Several minutes before.

    In the conference room, Bato, Piko and Junna. Piko had a laptop that she had brought. She then set it down on the table. Bato sitting down from across them. "So what''s going on?" Bato asked.

    "That Brandon guy, he may have been right actually. We found this in Kibe''s home." Piko said. "You entered his home?" Bato asked

    "...Yes, we wanted to be sure." Piko said. "Just look what it shows though." She also said as she then clicked on a video thats was the only icon on screen. It then brought up a video showing the white rabbit himself. The mask, to the brown hair and even a dark coat.

    Bato stared at the video. It was a live video, however he didn''t speak. Instead small text of stick figures appeared at the bottom slowly sliding across the screen. It then went to a screen filled with colors for a brief moment. The screen was covered in 4x4 colored squares, each one a different color. There was over 30 to 50 squares. Bato looked at it and studied it as it was only up for a mere 3 seconds.

    The video then ended. Piko closed the laptop. Junna stared at Bato.

    "What do you make of it? Seems like code. I bet if we-"

    "Its a red-herring." Bato said. "Huh?" Piko asked.

    "The first code, its a poem from Alice in wonderland.

    I''m a little lost

    Like Alice,

    I''m in a hurry

    Like the white rabbit.

    I''m a bit insane

    Like the Cheshire cat,

    I''m a tad crazy

    Like the queen of hearts.

    But most of all, I''m mad as the hatter.

    Alice and wonderland." Bato said as he closed his eyes and folded his arms.

    "Is it Nori?" Junna asked

    "...Could be. It could also not be." Bato said "what do we do?" Piko asked

    "We follow what the second code said." Bato said

    "What was it?" Piko asked

    "Hexahue. The message were directions to meet at the chess club around this exact time." Bato said. He then rested his eyes on them laptop.

    "The messages both could be nothing, a simple distraction from Kibe or a follower. It seems that someone is trying to make either Kibe or me make a move.

    If I were to make a move, this person no doubt woukd receive confirmation that Kibe and I have history. Which could prove troublesome. Someone is trying to get between me and Kibe, or Kibe wants it to seem that way.

    Hmm...quite the crossroad." Bato thought, thats when he looked to Piko. "Did you act on your own on this?" Bato asked them. "No, we actually were told to do so." Junna answered which mildly shocked Bato.

    "Really? By who?" Bato asked

    "It was-"

    "Eiji!?" Kenji said, as nonother than Eiji who was now standing in the club room. Brandon immediately got a intense feeling from him, something he didn''t feel the first time he saw him. However his appearance meant something at this moment. Although, he still needed to know why it was him and not the one he really wanted to show up.

    "Awww! No fun, you completely ruined the anticipation!" Kat groaned loudly.

    "W-What are you doing here?" Kenji asked.

    "I''m not, infact. I''m hoping after today, you both will pretend this conversation didn''t happen." Eiji said to which all of them then looked at one another before staring at him again.

    "I''m here because Nori kibe, is the white rabbit." Said Eiji.

    Elsewhere in Ushin, Himmy was at her apartment. She was laying on her bed watching TV, her legs swinging as she played with her nails. Her eyes however would occur jump to her table which had a burner phone on it. She was waiting.

    "...It wouldn''t hurt him to call. Gosh, who figured he''d still be ghosting me even now.

    ...I wonder of he''d respond if I sent him a nude picture. Ewe, I can''t believe I said that. What a creepy thought." Himmy said to herself. Her hands falling flat on the bed.

    Thats when the phone would ring. She immediately jumped up and ran to the phone, picking it up. "Yes!" Himmy answered.

    "Hi Himmy." Said Kibe on the other end. Himmy''s cheeks got a little red at the sound of his voice. Hearing it again after so long was actually something good to her now. But she couldn''t let him know that.

    "Where the hell have you been? You should have called me days ago." Himmy said frustrated.

    "Mmm sorry, I had a lot of thinking to do." Kibe said. "You mean planning or scheming?" Himmy said

    "No real difference." Kibe said. Himmy sat down on her bed and leaned back.

    "Well? Did you find out some way to beat this Bato guy? You mentioned needing to die before. What was that about." Himmy asked.

    "It meant exactly as I said, Bato wanted to kill Nori Kibe.

    So here, I managed to do that for him. When I return to tomorrow, the only thing he''ll be facing.

    Is the Machine." Kibe said. Himmy nodded from that.

    "So, then what?" She asked

    "I''ll need to change up what I wanted before. No doubt Brandon has mad his move thanks to what I said to him before I left, same for Mr.Nakayama.

    The only thing I need now is to make my motive known. We''ve studied the first act, waited through the second. Now it''s time to begin the third act." Kibe said.

 The Role of the Fool

    Kenji, Kat and Brandon all stood in surprise at just what Eiji had said.

    "W-What did he just say?!" Brandon thought. Kenji was dumbfounded as to what had just happened. "Eiji, what the hell are you doing?" Kenji asked.

    "I could ask that exact same question, Brandon Wright." Eiji said.

    "W-Wait. Brandon Wright?" Kenji said suprised. Thats when Kenji would remember when he met Kibe at the airstrip again, only this time it''d be when Kibe was just about to get in the jet. Kenji was beginning to walk away.

    Kibe would stop again and turn his head around. "You should be weary, Moriyama." Kibe said. Kenji looked to him. "What?" Kenji asked.

    "Brandon Wright, hes a agent that works with me. He will stop at nothing to get the truth.

    Be careful of what moves you play with him." Kibe said before he got in the jet. Kenji watched as the door closed behind him. Thats when he was returned to the present, where he, Brandon and Kat all stood infront of Eiji.

    "A confession?! No, this...this can''t be right. He was just supposed to-"

    "I see a layer of suprise on your face Mr.Wright, you must be in quite the ray of disbelief." Eiji said. "Hes...hes throwing me off. Thats why Bato isn''t here and why he''s admitting to Kibe being the white rabbit. He wants to get my scent off the trail.

    ...damn him." Brandon thought. Kenji looked to Brandon. "He lied about the name, I should have guessed from the name Fraudrin. This guy doesn''t look to be French at all." Kenji thought.

    "Why are you just confessing to that?" Brandon asked

    "Because I have an angel. We all do. Something that can''t be helped once you''re in Nori Kibe''s pocket.

    However, when an opportunity arises to get you out. You take it. Which is what I''m doing." Eiji said

    "..." Kenji had no idea what to think of the situation. All he could do is act the best he could. Brandon looked away, turning his back to them. All while Kat continued to find enjoyment in all of this. Eiji looked to Brandon. His head tilting just a bit. He walked towards Brandon, stopping just short behind him.

    Brandon shook his head a bit. His face still not visible. "You shouldn''t have come..." Brandon muttered. "I know you thought you had the upper hand. That you were in control here, but thats simply not the case." Eiji said as Brandon slowly turned to him. A face of defeat painted on him, his eyes went to Kat quickly and then back to Eiji.

    "Sorry to break the news to you, but your out of your depth." Eiji said. Brandon''s eyes searched the ground for a bit, his eyes then see just how far Kat was to them by seeing where her foot was for a moment before looking at his own feet.

    "Shouldn''t have come..." Brandon muttered again.

    "What?" Eiji asked trying to listen. "I said, if you didn''t want to incriminate yourself. You shouldn''t have showed up." Brandon said as his eyes then got focused and looked at him. Suddenly the entire shift of tone in the situation changed. The power now shifting to Brandon suddenly, it was like he just took control. Eiji noticed it immediately.

    "Excuse me?" Eiji asked

    "You came here to confuse me, you wanted to scatter me. You come here to admit that Kibe is the white rabbit when you and I both know doing that means the opposite." Brandon said as he tossed the hammer to the ground. Kat watched as the hammer landed close to her feet. "I''m not trying to do anything, I''m doing exactly what I set out to do." Eiji said.

    "Yes you are, very well too. You would have had me too, if it wasn''t for those meddling kids." Brandon said with a smirk. Eiji looked at him a bit unsure. "What?" He asked.

    "Just a reference, you may have come here to stir the pot, but all you did was just prove to me that you, your friends and Kibe all know each other. Not only that, but that he is infact the white rabbit." Brandon said. Eiji just looked at him.

    "You see I was never betting on Bato coming here, it was always going to be you Eiji. Its just like you said. Gotta get out of that pocket.

    Well, consider yourself out, but now...well your in my pocket." Brandon said with a smirk. He folded his arms while Eiji looked at Kenji who was just as amused at what was happening. Kat held her hands behind her back.

    "Heh, as amusing as that is, there won''t be any way for you to get something like what you''ve stated out of me. Its just guess-work." Eiji said.

    "Maybe, but I''ll tell you what isn''t guess-work, keeping a girl waiting. At some point they just snap yaknow? Yeesh right?" Brandon said, Eiji was confused until suddenly through the corner of his eyes he''d see Kat spring into action and try to slam the hammer that Brandon had thrown on his head, but he caught it with quick reflexes and great precision. He caught the hammer in his hand overhead. Kenji and Brandon backed up a bit from the sudden attack.

    Kat struggled, but Eiji was surprisingly strong.

    "Nice reflexes." Brandon said "Did you really think that I wouldn''t notice that? You tossing the hammer her way? Clever, but not subtle. And your supposed to be a detective?" Eiji said while he kept his eyes on Kat, Brandon''s eyes then looked down for a moment and noticed the slight shift in Kenji''s shadow. A leg move.

    "...Your right that wasn''t subtle, but this is." Brandon said as he then dodged out of the way for Kenji to spring forward and sucker punch Eiji in the face sending his head jolting to the right. The impact was strong and the attack felt like he had been nailed by a shotgun to the face. Drool and wads of blood went flying from his mouth, his eyes nearly rolling to the back of his head.

    The moment it ended Kenji then delivered another blow to Eiji''s stomach causing him to fold. He coughed up vomit, spit and blood as he let go of Kat and collapsed onto one knee. He coughed and shook violently. Brandon backed away as Kat then reeled her arm back with the hammer.

    "hehehhAHAHAH!" Kat laughed as she then swung her hammer and- BOOM! With a loud and disturbing crack, wacked Eiji in the back of the head knocking him to the floor and causing him to fall to the floor. Brandon looked down at him and finally took a sigh of relief, thats when Kat would pounce on Eiji''s unconscious body and go for another swing, but would be caught by Brandon. She looked up at him.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "Sorry, but that''ll do for the hammer time shenanigans." Brandon said. Kat looked at him mild frustration. Brandon grabbed the hammer from her and then threw onto the table. He coughed a bit and looked at the back of Eiji''s head. "Ouch, not enough meds for that." Brandon said. He then looked to Kenji with a goofy smile while Kenji stared down at Eiji. Breathing heavily before composing himself.

    "How''d you know I was going to do that?" Kenji asked. Brandon scratched his head for a moment before he shrugged.

    "I didn''t. I just played my cards and hoped they would go in my favor." Brandon said. Kenji nodded as he looked at Kat slightly kicking Eiji who groaned, still unconscious. "Heheh, severe head injury right there. Bad swing on my part though, oh poopy. Was hoping I would have busted his skull in." Kat pouted crouching next to him and rubbing Eiji''s head. The blood filling her hand from his head injury.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll be sure get you good next time. Hehe." Kat chuckled. Kenji and Brandon looked from Kat and back to each other. "Bullshit, you knew for certain I was going to do that." Kenji said.

    "I mean, maybe. I had a feeling. You see the thing with people and their desires and wants, is that you can''t stop them.

    Since we were all kids, we''ve acted on them. We still hold that feeling of wanting to act on wants and needs, its just suppressed by logic and reasoning. Throw those away and your subconscious opens and let''s out the child in you.

    You then just act." Brandon said. Kenjj tilted his head at him before walking to the table and put his hand on it. "...So how''d you know? That he would show up? I assume from what you said you tricked him. No easy trick." Kenji said.

    "Hmp, well yesterday I did or may have done something to provoke them." Brandon said. Kenji''s eyebrow raised.

    Thats when Brandon began to explain what had happened the previous day.

    "You see, when I went to the cafe that day. I was there for Bato, but the moment I saw Eiji I just knew who I had to fish for." Brandon said as the memory of him at the cafe with Bato and his group began to play in his head.

    "How could you fish for him? He didn''t show any tells or signs. The guy is a brick wall." Kenji asked.

    "Ah you see thats just the thing." Brandon said, thats when the memory of him being thrown onto the table would play in his mind. Remembering how he looked at everyone there, from Piko to Junna. "I was watching them. You see I can tell a psycho from a sociopath like Monday and Tuesday. Its that easy.

    They weren''t easy to read though, they didn''t have tells. Nor signs, its just how they held themselves and how they spoke to each other or lack there of. Bato is a control freak, he doesn''t let anyone or anything rain over him or even under him without him knowing it. He wouldn''t make a move, not with so much at stake. So if he really had something aginst Kibe well he certainly wouldn''t fall for my trick.

    Now Eiji was different or I should say indifferent. He had no presentation to himself. Didn''t even really talk at all if I remember. He was so much concerned with whatever he was thinking instead of what was happening at the present time. Hes a thinker. Someone who achives greatness out of wit and cunning, not so much brute force or grit like how Bato would do or how he''d have his lackeys do." Brandon said

    "So thats it? Cause he was quiet? Again, more guess-work." Kenji said. Brandon then raised his finger.

    "Ah Ha, but here''s where the fun part comes into play. You see when I was later assaulted afterwards, I decide to pay Kibe''s home a visit. Now you could call it breaking an entering, but under discretion I did hear a cry for help inside. Unfortunately no one was inside so I just did a quick search of the place." Brandon said as he remembered looking through Kibe''s room.

    "And?" Kenji asked

    "It was perfect. Not a single sign of conflict in him or around him. If Kibe is the white rabbit...then he''s good at it. Hiding it I mean." Brandon said. "Thats all interesting, but what about this trick of yours?" Kenji asked. Brandon then smiled and nodded.

    "Ah right, well while I was there. I left behind a gift. Something that would let me know if my hunch was right. A message with the white rabbit on it. Of course it required a bit of hair dye, but it worked like a charm. You see that Eiji is here.

    You see the trick was there was no predicted result. Bato or his goons already knew where Kibe lives which proves my theory. Theres only a few ways you could know where he lives, one of them is you know him or two, you''ve looked at the school system in which case would mean that Bato has a connection with the school board.

    Either way, my theory gets proven and I get a suspect." Brandon said. Kenji folded his arms as Brandon explained everything. "And what if they didn''t show up? What if someone else did?" Kenji asked. Brandon thought for a moment before answering.

    "Then they would be an accomplice to the white rabbit himself, why else would you go to someone''s house if they weren''t living there? And even if you were breaking in, why would you follow my clue? Makes sense." Brandon said. Kenji applauded and then put his hands into his pockets. "Thats a really nice trick. Only problem is that you can''t arrest him now." Kenji said

    "Why?" Brandon asked

    "He didn''t break any laws...unless..." Kenji said as he started to piece it together himself which got Brandon smiling.

    "You fixed the lock to the house once you left. Which makes Eiji someone who was breaking an entering." Kenji said.

    "Well, I can''t say that I broke onto Kibe''s home. That would be aginst the law, but if I did. Then I would most certainly fix whatever I broke. Hence the lock." Brandon said. "Your good. I might just be falling for you, if I wasn''t seeing someone." Kat smiled.

    "Your a loyal person? You shock me." Brandon said "hehe, keep it up and I''ll shock you some more." She said.

    "Ah." Brandon said

    "You really think you can get him with all this?" Kenji said, Brandon looked at him. "You still want to be noticed by him that bad huh?" Brandon asked yet Kenji said nothing.

    "...What do you want to do with him?" Kenji asked looking at Eiji. Brandon turned around and looked at him.

    "He has more he can tell me. I''ll need him for a little while longer." Brandon said. Kenji looked at him and then to Brandon.

    "Let me know what is is you find out." Kenji said. Brandon looked at him.

    "Mmmm, sure. Under one condition." Brandon said. "Alright then, name it." Kenji said.

    "Well. Tell me you''re the Trickster of course." Brandon asked to which Kenji snickered and looked away. Kat looked between them. Her smile still there. "You really think that I''m-"

    "Kenji, please. Lets skip past the wise cracks and dodges. I want you to know that when I can catch him, I will catch you.

    I''m not here to make friends with criminals who think killing is some enjoyable game. You may have helped me, but I don''t doubt for a second that it wasn''t to protect your own skin." Brandon said. Kenji and Brandon stared at one another.

    "Now, if you don''t mind. I got some work to do." Brandon said. Kenji gestured to him. "How do you plan to get him, out of here?" Kenji asked.

    "Well, if you don''t mind. We could use a hand." Brandon said. Kenji smirked.

    "Sure." He snickered. Brandon walked over to Kat, slightly passing her. "Keep your word to me. Tell me if its him or not." Brandon whispered. Kenji looked at the two of them. Kat smirked. Her smile getting wide as she eyed Brandon for a moment. She put her hand on his neck for a moment, sort of trailing her nails down it. He kept looking at her, focused and almost stern while her look was playful.

    "Its him." Kat answered. "Will you testify to that?" Brandon asked

    "No." Kat smiled.

    "Not your style huh?" Brandon said.

    "The law is just a bunch of rules that everyone like to say they follow, yet they still jaywalk anyway. Everyone is a criminal in society." Kat said. Brandon nodded his head slowly as he looked down. He then got on his phone and called Mr.Nakayama. "Yea its me. You''ll love to hear this." Brandon said.

 The River of bullets left behind say a message.

    In Ushin the next day, Himmy was in her hotel room. Laying on her couch. She was looking at her small TV that she had finally unburied from her storage unit. She watched as the TV spoke about the IPOW, the International Puzzles of the World.

    "Here I am today at the Kigu stadium! The wonderful minds behind this event have gathered a list of over 2,000 students, young men & women and all those in-between and beyond that to join this amazing event!

    Word is that this year will be a little different, as they have added 4 new test to their already large list of over 12 puzzles and test. Now next up, we''ll be talking about the structure of the building in just a few moments here." Said the reporter before Himmy would turn off the TV. She yawned at the boredom. She then got up and got ready to go to her kitchen which was rather messy, but otherwise well kept together. She went in there and began to sigh and groan as she looked at the mess. She grabbed a plate and put it in the dishwasher.

    Thats when suddenly a knock at the door would come. She turned her head and walked over. She stood in front of her door. "Who the fuck is it?" She shouted.

    "Its me, may I enter?" Said Kibe. Himmy''s entire demeanor changed as she immediately began to skitter around. "I- UH- Just a moment!" She said as she then went over to her bathroom and fixed her hair, she fixed her shirt, and pulled her pants up. She then went back to the door and fixed her posture best she could. She then took a deep breath and opened the door. Kibe was there in his normal turtleneck and black pants. Himmy was gleeful to see him, cracking a wide cute smile as she leaned aginst the door.

    "Heeeey, good to see you Kibe." Himmy smiled with Kibe giving her one back. "Good to be back." Kibe said as they both kept eye contact with one another. Himmy then gestured for him to come in, he did and walked inside. He stood in the middle of the place and spread his arms out. Taking a deep breath. Himmy closed the door and looked at him.

    "Wow, seeing him after such a short time. It felt like he was gone for so much longer." Himmy thought. Kibe stretched a bit before he then turned to Himmy and walked to her. She was shocked for a moment before he then embraced her much to her suprise. She was happy though and hugged him. They held each other tightly. "Ooooh, I missed you too." Himmy said.

    Kibe nodded as he kept holding her. "I haven''t had much of a good time. Flying really bores me surprisingly enough." Kibe said as he stepped away and walked to the kitchen, he looked around and noticed the mess.

    "Uh yea sorry, I didn''t know you were arriving so soon. I would have cleaned, I got a bit lazy." Himmy said as she leaned on her couch. "Eh, its alright. Sometimes I let a dish sit around." Kibe said.

    "Oh-"

    "For about seven seconds before I clean it." Kibe said looking at her. Himmy groaned.

    "Oh swell, hes back and already hounding me." She said as she walked around the couch and sat down. Kibe looked down for a moment before he looked to her. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to come back all like-"

    "Like yourself?" Himmy said. Kibe nodded as he walked over and sat down. Himmy took a deep breath and looked at him.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to snap like that. I just had...I''ve had some stupid shit on my mind." Himmy said as she put her legs to her chest and leaned aginst Kibe. "Mmm, tell me about it." Kibe asked.

    "Well...I saw Juo." She said, Kibe looked at her. She looked at him. "Don''t worry, it was way before us. I saw him while I was out.

    ...he was...well he was with some fucking skank." Himmy said frustrated as she stood up. Kibe looked at her, she walked towards a dresser by her TV. She put her hands on her, her breath was shaky. She thought to herself for a moment.

    "...Does he know? Has he always known he''s alive. This shouldn''t be surprising to him. Can I really just ask him?

    Well, no time like the present." Himmy thought she turned around and saw that in the time she was thinking, he had made himself something to drink. Seemed like hot tea. Kibe looked at her, seeing her face worried and a bit skeptic.

    "I wanted to ask and I want your honest answer. Have you always known Juo is alive?" She asked.

    "Yes." Kibe said. Himmy couldn''t believe it, to think that Kibe had kept her away from her Ex for so long and had her believe it was her fault he was dead.

    But, its not like Juo came looking for her. Who knew how long he''s been dating that woman. Did Kibe not tell her to spare her the pain? She couldn''t decide. She gripped her head and shook it. Kibe took another sip out of his tea before he began to pat next to him. Himmy looked up at him. "Come. Sit by me." He said. Himmy sighed as she walked over and sat down. Kibe looked into his tea, looked at the way the liquid in it moved at every single movement of his hand.

    It reminded him how easy it is to stir someone. How easy it is for someone to feel so great and then the next so bad it stings like a knife to the chest.

    "People are complex beings, we may spend our life with them, feel we know what it is they like, dislike, drink and don''t drink. But you never truly know anybody." Kibe said, Himmy wiped her eyes of a few coming tears. Kibe leaned over and wiped them. Himmy''s eyes looked at him.

    "But I know you, don''t I?" She asked

    "No, nor I you. But isn''t that one of the beauties of life? Figuring that out." Kibe said. Himmy slowly nodded as she leaned back with Kibe doing the same, which was weird to him as he didn''t really like slouching and leaning. As it could lead to imbalance in the body, but he let it slide just this once as he leaned back with Himmy. She looked over to him and then to his tea. "Why do you drink that?" She asked. Kibe looked down at his cup and then forward.

    "Green tea helps improve mental awareness, along with helping with weight." Kibe said as he took another sip from it. "So you drink so you won''t get fat?" She said

    "I didn''t say that." Kibe said

    "No, but you implied. Basically the same thing. You drink tea so you don''t look like a burger." Himmy chuckled. "The name calling is low, even for you." He said.

    "No its not. I call you and everyone else names all the time." Himmy said. Kibe shrugged as he couldn''t deny that. Himmy changed her sitting position a bit to face Kibe. Kibe''s eyes looked to her. The two stared at one another for a moment before Himmy leaned in and kissed Kibe who reciprocated it. He stopped to set his drink down on the table infront of them. He then went back in and kissed Himmy. The two continued to kiss each for a while before Himmy stopped, pressing her forehead aginst Kibe''s.

    "I...I want to..." Himmy stuttered. Kibe looked at her and pulled her close, his hand caressing her face. "Affection can come in many different shapes and forms. Through kissing, love making and-" Kibe said as he stood up. He then sniffed himself real quick.

    "How about a shower?" Kibe asked. Himmy''s face didn''t register at all what he just had said. "E-Excuse me?" Himmy asked.

    "Will you shower with me?" Kibe asked. The second time however, Himmy''s face got a bright red shade as she heard his request. She got up and immediately was flustered. Something she hadn''t felt for a long time. "I- WOW, You can be so direct sometimes. You know that?" She said.

    "You''re nervous." Kibe said. "OF COURSE I AM!" she shouted. Kibe briefly blocking his ears for a moment.

    "Kibe I-...we''ll be naked with each other. What if something- I-...heh I don''t think I can do that. The possibility is-"

    "The river will always flow where it must, never to where it can''t. Let the river flow Himmy, don''t worry about the can''t." Kibe said.

    "I hear what you''re saying, but you have to understand, I''ve never exposed myself like. Not even to my Exs. I don''t...I don''t have the best body in the world." Himmy said. Kibe studied her for a moment, looking at her up and down. "This is her mother''s doing. She has low self-esteem issues. She bullied her because she was more beautiful than she was.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ...what a horrible way to grow. No wonder she became a criminal." Kibe thought. His hands then landed on both of Himmy''s shoulders.

    "Himmy." Kibe said

    "Yes?" She asked looking at him. "Do you trust me?" Kibe asked.

    "Yes." She said.

    "Good, because you''ll know then that everything I say is true then.

    You may not be a model, nor a face meant for TV. But that doesn''t mean you look like an ogre. You are the personification of natural beauty." Kibe said, Himmy''s eyes got big as her cheeks got red. She put a hand on her face.

    "Stop, you- your just good with words." She said. Kibe looked at her. "Her mother got her deep, whatever she said to her...would be untreatable for most psychiatrist and therapist.

    However I''m not them." Kibe thought.

    "You don''t have to think about how you look Himmy. You have nice muscles, a strong jaw and are built very well.

    Your legs are splendid and show a woman who moves and not just around their home. You have a nice and soft jawline, gorgeous dark eyes and a pair of milky lips that when I press mine aginst them...remind me of my time when I use to have a life of mine. Its relief, ecstasy almost.

    Even if your body wasn''t this, your personality is all the same. Thats why I''m here." Kibe said. Himmy couldn''t believe his words. She was honestly speechless.

    "..."

    "See? I-" Himmy kissed Kibe immediately and then broke away. She covered his mouth with her hand. "I''ll meet you in the bathroom, one and I mean ONE sly or condescending comment and I swear to GOD, I''ll kick you so hard you''ll wish that robo bitch had broken your neck." Himmy said with a stern and yet flustered look. Kibe snickered only for Himmy to punch him in the arm and walk away to her room. Kibe didn''t show a reaction for a moment, he made sure she was gone before he rubbed his arm.

    "Ow." He thought. Thats when later Kibe would take off his clothes in Himmy''s bathroom, thats when he saw his reflection. He looked and noticed the wounds on his chest, a slash mark and the bullet hole in his arm that was healed over. Gun shots played in the back of his mind from his time in Hawaii. He then ran some water from the sink and then began to wash his face.

    He shook his head a bit before he went to the shower and turned it on. He stepped inside and began to let the water run over him. It was cold water, very cold. He didn''t mind a bit though, he knew it was healthy...however thats when he''d turn it onto warm.

    "..."

    Kibe just stood there with his eyes closed. Thats when Himmy would enter quietly. She had a towel covering her. She sheepishly closed the door to the bathroom. She stood infront of the door and took a deep breath. "Just let the river flow where it flows...ok." Himmy muttered. She walked over to the sink and placed the towel there. She was nervous, but was taking breaths as she got closer to the shower and eventually stepped in. Kibe didn''t face her. She just leaned against the back of the shower.

    "I won''t turn unless you want me to." Kibe said as he reached over and grabbed some soap. But Himmy grabbed it from him. "I got it." She said. Kibe just stood there as Himmy began to wash Kibe''s back.

    "...So, you talked about the girl before. The one who was with Juo, everything was personal what you said.

    You know her don''t you?" Kibe said. Himmy sighed as she nodded. "I do. Unfortunately." She said.

    "Name?" Kibe asked.

    "Kat." She said.

    "Weird name." Kibe said. "Heh, she was called weirder. We both were orphans, we were in the same room together while staying at place called Saint Terry''s Home for Lost Girls." Himmy said. "Hmmm, a bath and a story. Nothing better." Kibe thought.

    "That school was fucked, thats what I can say about it. No other place worse to me. The staff there, they-...nevermind. Anyway long story short that psycho ends up burning the place to the ground." Himmy said.

    "Huh, so she''s a whole case then. The whole sociopathic package so to speak." Kibe said. Himmy smirked as she then washed Kibe''s underarms and arms themselves. Kibe''s mind then went to a memory of Mrs.Mihara washing Kibe when he was a young boy. He remembered her scrubbing his head and her playing with him.

    "How did it go with you in Hawaii? I noticed this bullet mark you have, I don''t think I''ve ever seen that on you before." She asked. "Yea, I learned a lot while I was there. More than I thought I would to be honest.

    It...changed me a little too. Another thing I wasn''t expecting. Then again, it seems I''ve been getting a lot of life recently." Kibe said. Himmy then wrapped her hands around Kibe and began to wash his chest. She took a deep breath as she kept scrubbing. "I think you should take a break. You seem to have all your bases covered. Why don''t you just take a load off. Theres nothing with that." Himmy said.

    "Mmmm, maybe. A day doing nothing? Couldn''t be bad. Could also be costly, though I doubt it." Kibe said as he touched the shower nob.

    "Really? Why?" Himmy asked

    "I''ll tell you later." Kibe said. Himmy turned her head a bit and saw Kibe''s face, he was good at acting. Really good. But somehow she could just tell he was either stressed or hurting somehow. Thats when she began to feel and hear the water of the shower. It reminded her of the sound of a river. Thats when she would stop washing Kibe, he noticed and her head turned a bit.

    "...turn around." She said. Kibe then slowly turned around until he was facing Himmy. The two now making eye contact with one another. They both stared at one another. Kibe saw Himmy''s body, it was slim yet well built. Her breast weren''t small, but they weren''t big either. Kibe then looked up at her. Himmy saw Kibe''s body, he wasn''t a jock or anything, but he was very well built. Maybe two or four abs, his forearms were excellent. His legs were nice and firm too.

    Himmy felt his chest. "I feel like I owe you." She said. Kibe looked at her, his head tilting a bit as he put his hand on hers gently.

    "Oh?" Kibe said

    "You saved me during the hotel get-away and then again when you got me out of the fix with the trickster." Himmy said.

    "That last one was part of the plan." Kibe said

    "Still counts. Just like when I saved your butt from the detective that time. Thats 2 for 1. I owe you. This time..." Himmy took a deep breath before took a few steps closer to Kibe her chest and his touching one another. She then moved her head close to his chest before she kissed it and looked up at him. His eyes were focused on her, those same that he usually uses when he''s planning or onto something. Now those eyes were on her.

    Her hand reached up and touched his face. He grabbed and held it tight. "What are you going to save me from?" He asked.

    "Yourself, with all this shit going on right now. I know you''re looking for a moment to explode. To just let loose for once and thats not healthy when your up aginst the people you are up against.

    Let me...upload you''re "gun" for a while." Himmy said, her voice was like honey on a teaspoon, stirring him so smoothly. Kibe looked at her and saw how straight she was about this, the river was indeed beginning to flow in the direction that it was meant to. To resist now, would be horrible. Kibe then used his other hand and grabbed Himmy''s waist bringing her close. He looked her in the eyes. Them sharing a passionate look with one another, at this moment they were beyond the connection they had formed at the start of it all.

    Kibe would put Himmy aginst the shower wall, her rear facing him. Her hands aginst the wall as she breathed shaky breaths, Kibe looked at it and felt up her thigh, thats when he felt the bullet wound from when she was shot all those months ago. Kibe''s memory of their first meeting. How far they''d come since then. It felt like a novel, like a story so weird and yet so real. This was his most truest moment. Kibe kissed Himmy up her back his hands melting against her stomach and slowly as they reached her breast, giving them a soft yet passionate touch. He then put his hand on the wall, right next to Himmy''s head.

    "You ready?" He asked. "Oh just shut up and fuck me already." Himmy said nervously. Kibe gave a smirk as he and Himmy began their first sexual conquest. Himmy''s moans from Kibe''s body and her''s colliding echoed through the apartment and into the deep night.

    Later Kibe would wake up in Himmy''s bed, he was laying there. His eyes looking up at the ceiling. He then got up a bit. He looked around for Himmy, but she wasn''t around. He felt his hair and noticed how messy it was. Thats when he smelt smoke, he looked over and saw Himmy sitting on the bed naked and looking out the window smoking a vape pen. He looked at her and put his arms behind his head as he layed back. The two looked at each other for a moment, they both knew exactly what the other was thinking.

    "Wow...that was good." They both thought. Their minds more clear than ever before. Himmy gestured if he wanted to give the vape a try but he refused.

    "So, what did you learn in Hawaii anyway?" She asked

    "...I wasn''t kicked out of the pale palace. I was sent out for my passing exam early." He said. She looked at him with curiosity. "What?" She asked.

    "Yea. All pale palace students are sent out into the world to do something, either it be take over a company, get into a powerful position or something similar to that. It usually only happens when you''ve shown great promise or when you graduate.

    Showing greatness gets you there early, its like early graduation basically." Kibe said

    "Woah, so, you really are still under them?" She asked

    "No, I thought that at first too while I was there. But something else told me otherwise." Kibe said.

    "What do you mean?" She asked as she moved closer to him. Kibe looked at her and then brought his hands forward looking at them. "...Dr.Abel is still alive, and...he was the one who sent me away. Personally.

    It wasn''t just staff, no, he made the decision himself. Yet everyone else has told me I was kicked out. So there''s either two solutions, one is that everyone has been lying to me. However that gets ruled out with how frequently they remind I was "kicked out" and because when they said it. I believed them. They had no sign of deception or of being a liar to them.

    So they infact were told I was kicked out, which leads to the next solution and the most scariest to me." Kibe said. Himmy looked at him. Her curiosity now peaked to its highest as she leaned closer. Kibe then looked at her.

    "Well? What is it?" She asked. Kibe put his hands down. He sighed as he scratched the back of his head.

    "Thats the thing, Dr.Abel is the next solution. Yet I have no idea why he would remove me and then tell all of his staff that I was removed. Could only mean he either was covering up something or was...trying to save me?" He said as he looked at her. Himmy''s eyes went down to the blanket as she took another puff from her vape. She then sat straight. "Kibe, what happened at Hawaii?" She asked.

    Kibe then sat up as he then began to tell her everything that happened, he began to tell her about...

    The Assassination Games.

 Normal Girl

    Brandon was at his apartment. He was laying on the couch as he had his eyes closed. His mind was connecting the dots.

    "Kibe is the white rabbit, Kat won''t testify to it.

    What are the connections? The behavioral patterns of Moriyama Kenji, and Nori Kibe is what I have the most faith in, but there is also the fact that Eiji''s showing confirms my theory of them all knowing one another. Nakayama said he and the team was capable of placing Kibe at the garbage where Kat showed me.

    Kibe''s blood is there on the dumpster as well, putting him there with the thugs involved with the HP Hotel incident. Kibe is now once again an official prime suspect. However, he can still be left to walk if something truly damming doesn''t come out.

    ....Damnit, even when I''m right on top of the infection, I still have several other patients to worry about." Brandon thought. He then jumped up from his couch. He stretched his back and then walked towards his kitchen. Thats when he''d get a knock on his door. He looked over suspiciously at his door. He walked over cautiously and then looked through the peephole. He saw there was no one there, he opened the door immediately only to see Kat was crouched in front of his door which spooked him.

    "AH-  Kat?! What the hell?" Brandon said, Kat then looked up at him. She was wearing a very short long sleeved crop top, with a black webbed collar underneath. She was wearing black shorts, leggings and black flat-bottom boots. Brandon and her held eye contact for a uncanny amount of time. "You...you wanna come inside?" Brandon asked.

    "Oh absolutely." Kat said as she stood up and walked past him. She looked around the place. It was messy, but its not like it was unexpected. She took him for that kind of guy. She saw case files on the kitchen counter and the the fruit bowl near them. She walked over and examined it. Brandon watched her walk around as he closed his door.

    "Did she stalk me? No, better yet, did she follow me?

    We split up after Nakayama got Eiji with Mr.Miyuki. I watched her leave, I did. The school from and to my place is at least a 2 hour walk. 30 minutes by train or a cab depending on traffic.

    She followed me all the way here..." Brandon thought, he watched as she looked through the file talking about the "Alien" case. Her eyes going over all the data and theories from various officers and departments. She then began to wear her naturally uncanny smile as she then looked at a picture of one of the victim''s home.

    She noticed how clean and kept together it was, she looked at the bed room picture, not a single thing out of place.

    She then put it back and scratched her neck. "He knows them." She said, Brandon then looked at her face. "Huh?" He asked as he walked over.

    "This man, the kidnapper, he knows the victims. There home is way too well kept, if they all were really taken right from their homes, then best assumption is that he knows them." Kat said. Brandon looked at the photo and then to Kat. "You''re saying he knows hundreds of people?" Brandon asked.

    "People meet strangers on the internet everyday, communication is a natural human thing. We can''t help, but wonder what demons each person is keeping inside their own personal hell.

    We meet hundreds of people everyday, we may not talk or socialize with them but we meet them anyway." She said. Brandon looked at her puzzled as he then looked back at the case photo. "Mmm, maybe." He said as he put the photo back in the file.

    "Just some flesh for the crows is all." She said as she saw his knife block, she reached over and picked up on of them. She felt the edge and the handle. Her smile still as uncanny as ever as she then pointed it at her stomach, seeing if it would draw blood, but it wasn''t that sharp. She then could feel Brandon''s eyes on her. Her head turned to him, and just as she thought he was looking at her. "Just looking." She said as she put it back.

    Brandon then looked to the door and back to her. "You want to go out and get something? I''m feeling a bit parched right now. Could go for a banna smoothie." He said. Kat smiled as she turned to him.

    "Are you asking me out on a date?" She said as she leaned aginst the counter, her head tilting as she looked at him. Brandon scratched the back of his head. "No, just asking if you want to get out of here is all." Brandon said.

    "I''m always looking to get out, but nothing I do ever works." She said. "...is that a no or?"

    "No no, let''s go. I''d kill for something in my stomach." She said.

    Later on, Brandon and Kat would arrive at a Cafe, where the two would be sitting in a booth. Both drinking something, Brandon with his banana smoothie and Kat with her own drink, which Brandon could only call a concoction of strawberries, kiwis and blueberries. The two sat across from each other, it was quiet between them for several minutes until Kat decided to speak.

    "Hey, I have a question." She asked, Brandon stopped drinking and gestured for her to ask.

    "How did you know to come to that side of the school? What brought you to me?" Kat asked. In Brandon''s mind he still couldn''t believe that he was talking with someone who knew who the white rabbit was, and may infact be a killer herself. He wondered about profiling her and maybe even catching her, but as far as he knew she was just a really creepy girl who took a unceremonious amount of pleasure into killing animals and loved violence.

    "I remember reading that three members of the dragon gang were found beaten by a dumpster near the back of the auditorium of Sawa high.

    So I decided to check it out, at first it seemed like a bit of a dead angle, as a lot of people hated the gang. However when you popped up from the dumpster, my gut began to tell me to follow you as a lead." Brandon said

    "So you guessed?" She smiled

    "Eh, educational-guess if you want to be picky about it. Speaking of picky, why so stuck on that? You like reliving the fact you were chilling in a dumpster? Or are you trying to find out what gave you away?

    Cause I can answer that for you, your entire person." Brandon said, Kat gave a wry laugh as she tilted her head setting her cup down.

    "You noticed me because I don''t wear a mask, its easy to see someone who you don''t recognize as a part of the flock. Just like how I saw you. Though unlike you, my mask has long since been completely removed whereas you are still partially wearing yours." Kat said. Brandon stared at her, his mind flashing back to his actions in the chess club room. How he manipulated the events there and of Kenji and Eiji. His mind thought on Kenji for a second before returning back to the conversation.

    "Mask huh?" Brandon said with a chuckle. "Laugh all you want, it''s true. Tell me something, how often do you think about killing?" She asked. Brandon''s normal charismatic smirk then began to vanish a bit, his eyes darted around at the others in the cafe. They were all going about their business and normal days.

    But thats just what they wanted you to think when looking at them, everyone was crying and screaming on the inside. All of them suffering from something. Brandon''s eyes got a glow in them. He then began to see them all as water buckets. Brandon looked at them all dangling from the sky. He saw as rain came from the sky and filled them up, some buckets were already filled up and were now leaking and overflowing. He watched as the water in them dropped and hit the hard ground below, sinking into the cold stones and dirt.

    "We are all buckets, filled with what we''ve been instilled with. Things like social norms, society standards, morals, and even education.

    But at some point, those buckets get filled, and they cast out some of what completes them, replacing it with new substances...

    Getting rid of what''s already there and becoming numb to their absence. Without those, they begin to become less and less human and eventually become the monsters that we all once feared as kids." Brandon thought, he was then taken back to reality. As he looked to Kat.

    "I think about it." Brandon said. Kat just smiled widely. "So I guess your no better, just like me you also delight in the suffering of others." Kat said.

    "I said I THINK about it, not that I like it." Brandon said. Kat simply chuckled as she then took a sip from her drink. Brandon leaned back, already getting mentally exhausted from the conversation. He looked at her and noticed she never seemed to break eye contact with him. Did she only look at him when he looked at her? Or was she always watching him?

    "So I-"

    "Have you heard of the Aquarium?" Kat asked as she leaned. Brandon looked at and tilted his head a bit. "No, can''t say I have." Brandon said

    "Well, in my dreams, sometimes I visit this place. Its a massive aquarium. Inside I see fish galore. They even have giant tanks for whales and sharks." Kat said, in this moment Kat seemed pretty normal. She was just talking her about a pleasant dream.

    "It was big..." Kat said, her eyes looking into her drink. "There were tanks of fish as far as I could see. Everywhere I walked, there were rails and even stands with pamphlets. Like as if there use to be people there. But there was no one else there but me. The floor was carpet, looked like it should be in a kid''s playground or something.

    Soon, as I kept walking through there. Those empty corridors and glass covered walls. I then arrived at a sign. It showed the levels of the place I was in. Just three really, one was the Aquarium which I was at. The other two were the library and the Grand hall." Kat said. She then looked back up to Brandon, his eyes were that of momentary shock, like as if she was retelling something to him that he himself knew. He then shook his head, his face relaxed.

    "...what were you wearing in the dream?" He asked. Kat tapped her lip and then shrugged. "I can''t remember, I''ll let you know when I have it again." Kat said.

    "Its a reoccurring dream?" Brandon asked

    "Its the only one I have." She said. Brandon and her sat in silence for a few moments. "I like silence, its peaceful. It reminds me of fire." She said. Brandon just stared at her.

    "Fire may not be quiet and peaceful to you, but to those who have taken off their mask. They also can hear the things that they never could have.

    Like the real sound that fire makes." Kat said. She then looked at her fingers, she then saw as someone walked into the cafe with their child. A women and a young boy. She then got a crooked smile on her face, she then leaned forward at Brandon who then looked at her. "Hey, quick question. What would you do, if I decided to kill everyone in this room?" Kat smiled, Brandon looked at her for a moment. He got ready to chuckle, but thats when reality hit him like a brick to glass. Shattering what he had previously thought Kat was. He stared at her, his face going pale and his heart now racing.

    Kat''s posture was crooked, turning just a bit to the outside of the booth. Brandon''s eyes were hyepr focused on her. His hands a bit shakey. Kat''s eyes widened as she looked around for a moment. "The kid just passed a test, his mother brought him here cause this place use to be where her, and her husband use to take him.

    He died recently, you can tell from her face. She has a slight scent of lavender too. The other couple sitting at the bar at the counter are here for an anniversary.

    Everyone else is here to work and hoping to get promotion in that little job they have because why else would they work somewhere where they will eventually become part of the big machine.

    Everyone here is wearing a mask, you can see it. And so can I.

    Look at them, the mother loved her husband more than she does the child, she secretly wishes and tells herself in those darkest moments of the night, that she wishes it was her son and not him.

    The couple wishes they could just rewire their partner, forget about morals or will. They just want someone who will bend back when they ask and sit when they ask.

    Everyone around me and you are nothing but puppets to their dreams. They let their own wishes and wants become the very things to ruin their lives." Kat said, Brandon didn''t know how to respond at first.

    "...What makes you different?" He asked. "I don''t have any dreams. Why must we dream? Why do I have to have a destination? Why, why, why, why and why. Thats always my question to fools like that.

    I just want to enjoy the road as it is now." Kat said, she closed her eyes for a moment.

    As she did she would wake up on a long stretch of road, she was child again. Wearing a white gown and bare foot. She looked down the road, she then looked to a sign that had nothing written on it.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "In a world of my design, there are no destinations. Just temporary visits. Moments in time, where I stand still and then when I''m done.

    I keep moving." Kat said as she reopened her eyes. Brandon kept eye contact with her.

    "So tell me, which one of them do you think I''ll kill first?" She asked.

    "...You don''t have to do that." Brandon said.

    "What makes my killing different from yours?" Kat asked

    "I kill people to stop others from killing each other. When I do it, its to prevent more death." Brandon said.

    "Ah, but you see. The number of killers always remains the same. Cause you''ve killed someone now. Maybe to you its a righteous killing, but to me Brandon. Your just a murderer.

    And thats what the rest of the system will and does see you as. Someone killing others for some sense of justice. Tell me, if the mindset you love so much, ends up getting you put in the same hell as me.

    What point was there to having it?" Kat asked. Brandon just stared at her. Kat rested her head on her interlocked fingers. Her smile never wavering. Brandon could see it all, she was by the book, by the concept, and by the definition. A pure psychopath. She didn''t show no signs of empathy or even sympathy. Unlike Kibe, Brandon could still see something in him. Feel that he still had some humanity.

    The woman before him, was nothing but a giant black mass, wearing human skin to blend in. Soaking in the poor lives of others as she...no, it passed by. "Why would you want to harm people who have done nothing to you? Thats what I don''t get, why do you want to harm others? Whats the endgame? The pleasure?" Brandon asked.

    "Its easy, because I want to and because I like it. I don''t do it for fun, or for amusement, or even for some sick sense of revenge.

    I''m not traumatized either, sure my father was a drunk, he beat me and my sister. Abused us, used us to satisfy what mother couldn''t give him anymore.

    But I never was scarred by those events." Kat said. Brandon was dumbfounded by what he was hearing. He couldn''t believe, he figured he could disprove it. Tell she was lying, but Kat was unreadable. If she was lying she was damn good at it and if she really didn''t care about any of what had happened to her. Then she really was worse than the white rabbit. In Brandon''s mind, he needed to put her down.

    "I bet you want to turn me into the authorities, bring me to justice." Kat said. Brandon stared at her. "Thats one of them yea." Brandon said.

    "Ooooh, well do tell me the rest." Kat said, her eyes looking over as the boy and his mother drank from their drinks. She then looked back to Brandon. "If your as sick as you say, then I want to put you away. I was thinking about...but you helped me get closer to the truth behind the white rabbit.

    I owe you at least that much." Brandon said. Kat let out a demented small chuckle. "Sick..." she said.

    "What do you see when you look at me?" She asked. Brandon then took a deep breath. Thats when he saw Kat''s appearance change just a bit, her twisted smile got wider and her eyes became completely black. He saw a disgusting and disturbed black tar like smoke come from her.

    "..."

    "Mmmm." She said, thats when she noticed the mom get up and got to the bathroom. Kat then got up and Brandon immediately got ready to stand up, but Kat stopped him, putting her hand on his chest.

    He looked at her.

    "Oh no you don''t." She said, Brandon looked down and saw she had put her phone aginst his chest.

    "Look at that. I want you to look at my phone. If you want to still arrest me go ahead, but I recommend looking at that before you do what your little brain is thinking." She said before she walked away and followed the mother into the bathroom. Brandon watched her, he thought to himself the possibility that this was just a trick. That Kat was manipulating him to just give herself more time. Who knows, maybe there is a window in the girl''s bathroom.

    ...but he also couldn''t rule out the possibility that she was messing with him now for a reason. Brandon gripped her phone, he then turned it on and he saw her wallpaper. It was a photo of a man tied up at the end of a table, the man was heavily beaten. He saw how he had multiple puncture wounds on his arms. He also was missing several fingers. He had a bag over his head, so it made it difficult to tell who it was. Brandon waited about several minutes, as he did he also looked through Kat''s messages.

    She had been contacted by multiple other people who had no caller ID. They sent her messages through emotes. Brandon took this as a sign of code, which meant once again his previous profile on Kat was thrown out the window. She was far more intelligent than he gave her credit for. Brandon then watched as she left the bathroom. He was a little concerned about the fact that he may have just given her a chance to commit murder with him being an accomplice to it. Though, she could have been testing him.

    He watched her sit back down, Kat stared at him, her face still with the same crazier grin. "You know something annoying? When your favorite pair of pants. After just constant use eventually gets that terrible coochie hole. I mean. It could be a window to a new world, but its just too much for me right now." Brandon said. Kat smirked. "Yea, it definitely can be. I got a hole in my panties a while ago, my butt was just hanging put, but I still wore it anyway. Really gave me a lot of good wind up there yaknow?" She said. Brandon nodded as he then looked at the phone.

    "I''m guessing that''s not just a wallpaper. Even for creepy photos, this is...well you know." Brandon said. Kat nodded. "You''re very perceptive. Good job. Thats my boyfriend. Isn''t he cute?" Kat said. Brandon then crossed his legs in his seat. He began to ponder and think.

    "This has been her game the whole time.

    She wanted to test me, wants to see how far I''ll go to catch the white rabbit. Even willingly giving her an opportunity to murder a innocent women, all for just a sliver of information.

    But this isn''t a sliver is it? This is the whole meal, she knows as well as I do. With her testimony, then Kibe even if he is now the prime suspect can''t be put down. The evidence we have is almost all behavioral, minus Eiji who we''ve had for roughly 7 hours. In that time he hasn''t spoken to neither me or Mr.Nakayama, but it wouldn''t be a leap to go off of the trap I set. That Kibe is infact heavily associated with the white rabbit or is him himself.

    Kat is here now, not because she wants to hang out, but because even now she still has some fruit to dangle in front of me. She hopes to use this to goat me into committing atrocities to get to my destination, well game on." Brandon thought.

    "Boyfriend huh? I''m guessing that he didn''t hit the right spots if you got him like that?" Brandon asked.

    "You''d be right, he just didn''t do well at twisting me the way I like. So I twisted him instead. Funny how he mentioned his previous affiliation with the police. Wonder what that could mean." Kat smiled. Brandon waited for a moment. He didn''t quite know what she was implying, but thats when he remembered what he said. She won''t give a testimony, which is fine cause its who she is. However, thats not the way the white rabbit plays. She has been tool for him for a long while.

    Why let her off the leash? Why isn''t he protecting her? He must know that things are looking grimm for him. Which means he also knows that the evidence we have won''t keep him. At maximum we can hold Kibe for 48 hours.

    "...THATS IT!!!" Brandon thought, thats when he suddenly nearly fell out his seat with Kat looking at him. She got up and stared at Brandon as he barley was clinging onto the table. "Hey, whats wrong with you?" Kat asked.

    Yet everything was, EVERYTHING WAS SO WRONG!

    "He doesn''t care how close we get, cause the evidence is all just vague, sure we can pin him for being involved with the white rabbit, but we KNOW he is him.

    So the only way to truly nail the case is to get someone who can recognize his voice!

    THATS IT! THATS WHAT HE FUCKING DID!!!

    He purposely took the black fox with him in order to keep a lose end close, no doubt he''s already gotten into her head and she is undeniably devoted to him.

    But then that leaves one other...Hishagami Juo. The only other person to work personally with the white rabbit and walk away. Mr.Nakayama interviewed him months ago, but after that they lost all connection with him. The theory was that he went underground to avoid detection, he wanted to be away from the white rabbit.

    ...yet my gut is telling me something else...its telling me that man in the photo. Kat''s boyfriend...thats him. Thats why he''s not worried, HES LEFT OUR ONLY WITNESS WITH A SERIAL KILLER!" Brandon thought. Kat then put her hand on his chest as she helped Brandon sit back down. Brandon was sweating. The waitress came over and brought some napkins. "Are you alright sir?" She asked. Kat got a worried face and looked at the waitress.

    "I''m so sorry, my boyfriend has been under a lot of stress. He really just needs some time. Do you think you could get us some water?" Kat asked in a worried tone. The waitress nodded as Kat then sat next to Brandon. Brandon''s eyes were wide, his mind fully aware of just what Kibe has been planning with Kat the whole time. Kat wrapped her arm around Brandon as she put her other hand on his lap.

    "Don''t worry darling, I''m here for you. I''ll do whatever it is you need me to." Kat said. Yet Brandon was still in shock.

    "The IPOW, with that coming up all means of collecting everyone will be gone. There won''t be enough officers, people in the medic field and more because of it. The IPOW is the deadline. If we don''t make an arrest now on Kibe then it will be too cold to act on, if we do now too then we''ll have used up our chance.

    As already, the evidence can''t hold him for anymore than the standard 48 hours.

    ...He has us dead to rights.

    ...

    .

    ..

    ...unless." Brandon thought as he then looked to Kat who was smiling at him. The waitress brought them their water. The droplets from it fell across the glass and onto the table.

    "Theres no other way..." Brandon thought.

    Thats when Brandon''s hand touched and held Kat''s which shocked her a bit as Brandon till now, was very evasive and not humoring her in the slightest.

    "Yes, thank you. That means a lot. But I have to ask, just what is he doing for you?" Brandon asked. Kat blinked a few times while she stared at Brandon.

    "You said you have no destination, there is nowhere you are looking to go. No chains to hold you down, yet you''ve willingly let yourself be dragged along with someone who to be honest. Doesn''t understand the mentality of someone as free as yourself." Brandon said. Kat stared at Brandon unamused. She saw what he was doing, but the thing was. That she couldn''t get the one part that he said out of her head.

    That she indeed was a prisoner. As they left Brandon looked back to see the mother had returned from the bathroom and sat with her son.

    Later on that day while the two are walking, Brandon and Kat walked back to Brandon''s apartment. He went for his keys, but thats when Kat would grab his hand. Brandon''s head slightly turned to her. Kat''s face was flustered and dismissive. "May...may I come in?" Kat asked. Brandon just stared at her before he nodded. The two walked inside, Brandon locked the door with Kat''s eyes moving to the kitchen and the knife block.

    "Well, I don''t have much. Hope your don''t min-" however thats when Kat would get a knife and put it aginst Brandon''s throat. His hands raised to his head. Kat smiled demonically.

    "Bet you think you''re pretty clever don''t you?" Kat said. Brandon could feel.the cold steel getting ready to cut through his neck. Beats of sweat down his neck.

    "Well to be honest, I don''t think I''m clever enough to predict you. Your just too...well to be honest. Crazy." Brandon said with a smirk.

    "Awww, your sweet." Kat said as she inched her knife closer, it began to draw blood on Brandon''s neck. The two stared at one another for what felt like to Brandon, hours.

    However thats when Kat would get on her tippy toes and kiss Brandon; who was very aginst it and kept his mouth closed as Kat "kissed" him. Kat''s hand grazed his face as she then backed away. Brandon stared at her grossed out.

    "I won''t lie to you, I hate being chained up. Never been my thing. I do like fun though, so long as anything worth while can keep my attention. It''ll do.

    Seems like you have that over Kibe." Kat said as she kept the knife pointed at Brandon. "Well, I live to please." Brandon said. Kat smiled at him as she licked her lips. "Go and get your gun. I know you have one, oh and hand over your phone too." Kat said. Brandon got out his phone and threw it to her. She caught it and immediately threw it to the floor and smashed it.

    "Coooommme onnnn, I haven''t had a phone since 2008. Cut me a break." Brandon groaned. Kat then gestured for him to go and get it. She followed him as they went and got the gun from his room. Brandon looked at it as he checked the barrel, he thought for a moment.

    "...Empty? Or..." Brandon thought.

    He then clicked it and handed it to Kat who grabbed it. She didn''t check it. Seemed maybe she had some sort of trust in him, or as Brandon thought. She was just very pumped up from what she was doing. Though seeing how often she goes about hurting others, he figured this must be from trust.

    At least he thought so. Kat walked over to him, pointing the gun at his stomach. "Hold me Mr.Wright." Kat smirked. Brandon then grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. "The white rabbit for as long as I''ve know him, as been a man of precision and accuracy.

    Always planning ahead, well, I say its time he meet someone who doesn''t care for any of those things.

    Time for me to show him that there''s a reason why he runs, and the Cheshire cat HUNTS! HAHAHAH!" Kat laughed. Brandon looked at her with almost fear in his eyes.

    "Now, sign the contract my Jabberwocky! Kiss me like how you used to kiss me. Only this time, let you hold me until death do us part!" She shouted.

    "Dead to rights....but with this, it won''t be the case." Brandon thought as he then smashed his lips against Kat''s who wrapped one of her arms aginst his neck. Her tongue flowed with his as she deepened, thats when she suddenly bit his tongue and bit off a piece of it causing Brandon to fall backwards and land aginst the wall. Kat laughed hysterically as she then chewed and ate the piece of Brandon''s tongue.

    "Oh Brandon, you''re so much fun. I love the date we had. Now I have something to remember you by." She said as she kept eating. Brandon groaned as blood dripped from his mouth, he then ripped a part of shirt.

    "Dont bleed out on me. I want you to be ready for our next intimate adventure, for when you go looking for dear old Juo.

    Your very clever, but let''s see how clever you are under a time limit. Cauae I won''t be waiting for you. If you screw up then I''ll just have to-" thats when she fired the gun, BANG; the bullet went flying right by Brandon''s head.

    "Put you down dear boy hehehehe, so don''t keep me. Cause once the bodies finish dropping, I won''t be around to give you another sweet taste." She said as she licked her lips and walked away. "So long detective." Kat said as she then left the place. Brandon groaned, drool and blood pouring from his lips as he collapsed onto the floor in exhaustion.

    Across town two hours later, in Ushin. Himmy was by herself in her apartment. She was humming to herself as she kept reading through the notes Kibe had left for her. Thats when she''d get a knock at the door. She walked over to it and set the notebook down. She walked over to the door and saw it was man, shadows hung over his eyes from his baseball cap. "What is it?! Don''t you know how fucking late it is!?" Himmy growled.

    "Sorry, but they wanted me to send you this noise complaint. Just need you to sign here is all and I''ll be on my way." Said the man. Himmy cursed under her breath as she opened violently.

    "YOU TELL THAT BITCH-"

    BANG

    Thats when a gun shot would go off.

    "...its....its cold." Himmy said, thats when she looked at the guy and saw he was shot through the stomach. Himmy looked down and saw she had been shot too. She then collapsed onto the floor clenching her stomach. She held it tight and tried to control her breathing, however nothing would prepare her for what she saw next. The man then collapsed next to her to reveal he was already dead, a bullet hole in the head. Himmy backed away as she steadily tried to get up and see who it was. When she did, she couldn''t believe it.

    "Hey there roommate." Kat said as she walked in and kicked Himmy over onto her side. Himmy winced in pain, Kat then kicked her hard right where she had been shot Himmy spitting out blood. Kat then grabbed her by the hair and lifted her head a bit.

    "I think its time you and me had a chat, get to see how we''ve both been over the years.

    I''m sure your boytoy won''t mind, hehehahahaAHAHAHAHAH!" Kat laughed as Himmy''s vision began to fade.

 The Assassination Games! Test#1: Teamwork and Dead weight

    (These events take place during Kibe''s time in Hawaii.)

    Kibe was standing outside a giant warehouse. It was way out into the middle of Hawaii, no cell service, no sign of cities or anything close to civilization beside this giant yard of massive warehouse.

    Kibe was wearing a black shirt and pants with shoes to match. He had just gotten out of the car from the men who picked him up behind his hotel. He looked around and observed the place. It was dead, like a ghost town, no one for miles on end, it was clear to see that no one had used this land for years maybe more. However thats exactly whoever brought him here wanted him to think. Kibe turned around to the men and saw them drive away in the car.

    His eyes then returned to the warehouse, he saw a small keypad and button on the doorway inside. Kibe walked over to it. He examined it, it seemed like there was a pin code to get inside, yet he wasn''t given anything remotely resembling a pass code. However thats when he had a thought. He looked at numbers listed. It was the standard 1 - 10. So he began to remember his drive here with those men.

    He remembers them driving past 3 blue trucks, one of them was rusted, but he figured it counted. He then recalled that they were in traffic for nearly several minutes. And then finally they drove the middle of Hawaii for about 4 whole hours. Kibe then punched in the numbers "374". To which then the door opened up.

    Kibe walked inside. Inside the warehouse he saw there were these massive structures. It was a giant town built inside this warehouse. The whole place looked to go on for several miles. Massive building and even bigger town. A big fake town. The buildings resembled something out of a western film or setting. There was even an inn and tavern. However thats not what caught Kibe''s eye the most. As he looked ahead of him in front of the town was a group of around 10 people.

    They all were staring at him, each of them all looked different from the other. Kibe''s eyes and theirs met. Thats when above the town a large jumbotron would come down. The screen was massive. Everyone looked up at it.

    Thats when the screen would turn on revealing a cartoon character. It was a man in a trench coat with his eyes barley visible. He was infront of a blue background, sitting on a black chair.

    "Welcome everyone! You are all from around the world, all of you here to prove your metal and to showcase your skills as true and skillful assassins.

    Welcome

    To

    The Assassination Games!" Said the cartoon character. Kibe put his hands in his pockets as he stared at the screen.

    "Understand this though, if you wish to dropout of the games then you will be killed. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but you will be hunted down. Then you will die a death never before recorded in the books.

    The reward for success and winning the game is an elite assassin license and of course other amazing and fascinating perks. These games are here to test teamwork, stealth, your manipulative capabilities, perception and of course your knowledge.

    The first game will be called: Dead Weight.

    The rules of this game are simple, you will have to form a team amongst the people here. You must be capable of showing two professionals that you and your team are capable of working together cause after this game. The people you are teamed up with is your team for the rest of the games.

    Now this game is more than just a team-building exercise.

    There are a few more major components.

    1) You must be part of a team of 3 or more.

    2) You then must figure out which one of you is unworthy of being an assassin or discover who that may be in another team.

    3) You will have a point system. Points that will all equal up to 30 points.

    You must get 10 points in each of these three categories. Teamwork, communication and effectiveness.

    4) Small trials around the game will be present, however they will not be disclosed to any of you.

    5) Every 2 hours for the next 4 you will have to eliminate one contestant. It must be a vote of 5 or more. Less and it will result in it being inconclusive and the voting will stop. Resulting in a random pick.

    6) Each team of 3 or more must have a leader. If you aren''t leading or on a team then it will result in your immediate termination.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Those are the rules. You have 4 hours.

    Let the game begin." Said the cartoon character as the TV then shut off.

    In a disclosed room away from everyone, a mysterious figure and three other men in black suits were watching everything. They had cameras in each building.

    The mysterious man then turned around in his chair. He looked at one of the men. "Go get him. Tell him the rabbit has arrived." Said the mysterious man as he looked over to the cameras where Kibe was in full view. One of then men walked out of the room.

    He went down a flight of stairs and down a dark hallway, there were doors leading to several rooms. Some rooms were quiet while a few had music playing behind them. He then arrived at a door with two men guarding it. He showed his license as one of the men then reached into his pocket and grabbed a key, he used the key to open the door. As he walked in, he would enter a blank white room. The only things in it was another young man, a white chair, a small end table and a desk with another chair. There the man in the room was sitting down and drawing something.

    He had brown hair and was wearing a all white jumpsuit. He was drawing a perfect picture of the tower of babel. Everything detail he could manage was in it. The man stood in the doorframe. His hands behind his back.

    "The rabbit has arrived." Said the man, thats when the man in white would stop drawing. He''d look up at the wall as he without looking put his pencil next to two others. Setting them down next to each other perfectly parallel.

    He then stood up, his posture was straight as he then stretched his arms.

    "I want to join the games." Said the man. The man in the suit nodded. "And you''ll keep your end of our agreement yes?" Asked the man in the suit.

    "If he is what they say he is. Then I will keep your word and more Marlo. And more..." the man in white said as he then smirked.

    Everyone back in the fake town at the main level of the warehouse were all gathered and talking to one another. Seemed some people had already found their clicks and small groups. Kibe walked about and looked everyone.

    As he did he''d then notice a group of four people talking. He could see everyone''s body language and tell they were very distrustful of one another. The posture everyone had was either crossed arms, slightly turned away from who they were taking, and having their hands in their pockets. Kibe looked over to one group, it was three guys and a girl. One of the guys was a older man. Looked to be in his 30s, he was bald, no tattoos. He was wearing a sort of dark suit, but had it special mad. The man had a code of sorts on his neck.

    "That man is a professional, his hands are artistic. Then again, killing can be an art too.

    His demeanor and posture say board school, but its likely he was ex-military or CIA. Definitely a form of authority or criminal justice." Kibe thought, he then looked to another guy who had dark hair. He had a dark coat and glasses.

    "AH HA! My friend!" Said a familiar German voice, Kibe turned around to see it was J?rg Glockenton. Kibe turned to him as the two shook hands. "Good to see you again." Kibe said. J?rg took a deep breath as he stretched his arms.

    "Ahhhh, ze the air, good no? Yes. Makes me feel very much like I''m back home. Sweet green." Said J?rg as he put his hands in his pockets. Kibe looked around at the others.

    "So, a team building exercise huh? Seems like a middle school teacher''s perfect assignment." Kibe said

    "Mmm yez, indeed. Theres quite a bit to uncover from this." J?rg said as he looked to Kibe who stared at him. J?rg smiled for a moment before his smile went away.

    "You''re business. You aren''t here for ze the women and drinks I reckon." J?rg said "The men who want to kill the people I''m here to protect are here. No other assassins on this island.

    These games are pointless, but its discreet and keeps me out of the eyes of others." Kibe said. J?rg smirked as his eyes wandered as well. Kibe looked to him. "Is this an attempt to get me to be on your team?" Kibe asked.

    "Oh no, its pretty obvious that being on any team associated with you, would lead to ruin or worse.

    No, I think I''ll join another. We''ll meet up during the games. Don''t worry." J?rg said.

    "I''m never worried, I just have mild annoyances." Kibe said. J?rg snickered as he walked away with a wave. "Good luck. Be seeing you." J?rg said. Kibe kept his hands in his pockets as he watched, thats when he began to hear someone walk behind him. Kibe got a smell before he turned around. A tang of dirt and heavy whiskey. Kibe''s head turned and looked to see a large almost 7 foot tall man. He was very well built, very muscular and has big bushy beard. He seemed blind in one eye, about 40% while the other was just fine.

    He had scars on his chest, bear and tiger claw marks. However the biggest thing that stood out about him. Was his robotic/prosthetic arms. They were very bulky, each must have weighed about at least 3000 pounds each. Which made this man insanely strong or straight up inhuman. They were made out of tungsten. There were wires, and clamps holding his arms together. No skin sleeves on them either, he wanted people to know just how dangerous he was. This man was a walking tank.

    "Looky here, a tiny man." Said the man, his accent sounded scandinavian. Very strong too. He had a deep and low growl to his tone. "I reckon anyone next to you is seen as tiny." Kibe said. The man gave a small chuckle as he looked at him. His stare was strong. The man had his hands folded. Kibe noticed the gas and steam coming from his arms, it looked almost like its own reactor.

    "Hehe, the name is Telaga, Telaga Randolph." Said the large man. Kibe just stared at him, his eyes then shot around at everyone for a moment. He noticed a few of them were looking at him. Before his eyes moved back to Telaga, thats when he noticed a man who he didn''t see before. He had brown hair, and hazel eyes. Kibe noticed his addition to the main group immediately. "An 11th person?" Kibe thought.

    "Hey!" Said Telaga getting Kibe''s attention. "How about you join my ranks huh? You and me and maybe two other fools." Telaga said. Kibe just looked at him with Telaga doing the same. The staredown was intense, everyone could feel the pressure just from the standoff between them.

    "No thanks. I''m not looking to cut any deals with anyone right now." Kibe said

    "You''re funeral little boy." Said Telaga. Kibe watched as he walked away. Kibe watched him before he then noticed the tavern, a good few people walked in there along with J?rg. Kibe looked back to the others who were wondering around the fake town as well. Kibe''s eyes looked back to the tavern.

    "A good place to start." Kibe said as he walked over towards it.

 The Assassination Games! Test#1: Teamwork and Dead weight, part 2

    Kibe entered the tavern. As he did he saw a few people inside. He saw J?rg sitting down with another man, the man was wearing a black vest with a red trench coat. He had shades on and some sort of wig on his head. It was blonde. Kibe looked to see they were playing a quick game of twenty-one. His eyes then moved over towards the stairs in the tavern, there he saw two other people. One of them was a women, she had short hair, looked like it had a bit of a purple hue to it. She had two pouches filled with knives. Her face was covered with a black cloth that covered her mouth. Her eyes were a dark color, hard to see from afar for the average person, but it was brown. She had ninja like gear on her, yet her clothing also seemed a bit futuristic as well.

    She had a another young man beside her. He seemed more skittish though, he had glasses on, he wore cargo pants and a big jacket. He had a backpack on. Black hair. He was not too taller than Kibe was. Kibe walked over to them, figured he should start at some point trying to get familiar with these people. When he got close, the ninja girl stepped forward and revealed a kunai. Her movement was quick and efficient. No sign of wasted movement. There was no doubt that if he and her got into a confrontation that she would be trouble.

    "Not another step!" The girl violently said. Kibe stopped and looked at her hand to her face. She was focused on him, following his eyes and body movement. Thats when the young man put his arm between them, "come on Suzu, theres no need for that." Said the young man. Suzu scoffed as her eyes momentarily went to the young man.

    "This isn''t some sort of get together, these people are all bloodhounds, they''ll kill you when the chance comes.

    I won''t let your immaturity stop me from keeping you safe Jin ." Suzue said. Jin smiled as he looked at her. "I''m sure its alright, there''s nothing wrong right now. No danger just yet." Jin said. Thats when they''d hear a loud slam across the room. Suzue immediately turned around and postioned herself in front of Jin as Kibe just turned his head.

    "FUCK! YOU PIECE OF SHIT! I KNOW YOU''RE CHEATING!" shouted the blonde man. J?rg didn''t say anything but chuckle. It was the blonde man, he had slamned his hands on the table. They watched as the blonde man got up and walked away into the bathroom of the tavern. J?rg collected the money they had bet on.

    "Such foolishness." Suzue thought. Usuda looked at Kibe, he could tell from watching him that he was a guy who seemed to be in control of himself. His expression made it feel that way at least. "So what are you doing here? Not to sound judgmental, but needing to protect someone and joining a dangerous game like this seem to conflict." Kibe asked. Suzue looked at him with an annoyed expression. Usuda scratched his head.

    "Well, we''re actually here for the fact I need to collect some data. I need to-"

    "Quiet Usuda, you do not know this babo." Suzue said, Kibe looked at her for a moment before looking back to Usuda."Sorry about her, she''s my bodyguard. A little...not so social sorry hehe. I hope we didn''t get off ona bad foot by that." Usuda said.

    "Not at all." Kibe said as he looked at Usuda began to get out a high tech phone like device. He then began to type in it. "What is that?" Kibe asked.

    "Oh this? This is a High-grade data analysis and formating device. a HDAF so to speak." Usuda said. Suzue looked away with her hand on her short katana. Kibe looked at her and then to Usuda again. "So its like a place where you put down what information you collect, and then you put it through there and the device breaks it down into comprehensive and small pieces.

    Easy to understand." Kibe said. Usuda fixed his glasses as he smiled.

    "Impressive, are you a man of the intellectual branch?" He asked. Kibe nodded. "Thats interesting. I must write that down. What uh, what''s your opinion on mathematics?" Usuda asked.

    "Mmmm, Calculus is by far the most prominent form of analyzing data surrounding cause and effect. Its worth in the medical, physics world can''t be underestimated.

    As for Arithmetics, one of the oldest types of mathematical analysis, it does from the greeks afterall, arithmos. The excellent study of numbers. Though personally mathematics are folly and fall under redundancy when compared to anything remotely related to philosophy or psychology." Kibe said

    "That may be true, but those don''t have anything to do with numbers or mathematics." Usuda said

    "Sure they do, what is philosophy, if not the subconscious to numbers themselves. And psychology the deeper unconscious." Kibe said. Usuda looked at him and gave a wide impressed smile. "Unconscious of numbers, fascinating. Isn''t that fascinating Suzue?" Usuda said as he put what Kibe said through his HDAF. Suzue just scoffed as she crossed her arms. Kibe looked at her and then to Usuda again.

    "How exactly does that thing work? In specifics I mean." Kibe asked "Well the thing is-"

    Thats when suddenly a static sound could be heard, everyone looked around. Kibe stood calm, Suzue guarded Usuda and put her hand on one of her katanas, while Usuda hid behind her and J?rg stood up putting his long leather coat on. Thats when in the ceiling a TV would come down. Everyone looked at it and saw the cartoon character from before appear.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    "Welcone everyone, this exercise will be done to test your reading and observation abilities.

    The tavern has been locked down." Said the cartoon character. Everyone looked to see as bars then came down over the doors and windows. Kibe watched as he walked over to them. Her could hear a small humming coming from them. "Electricity." Kibe thought as he grabbed one of the bars.

    "Each set of bars will be pumped with about 12,000 volts of electricity. A.C.

    One touch and you will turn into a human candle." Said the cartoon character, Kibe then slowly let go of the bar, he then looked up and noticed his hair was very, very frizzy. Kibe walked away and back to the group as he attempted to fix his hair.

    "The rules for this exercise are simple there are 4 keys within this building. 4 that are in one of the 10 rooms here. You must use your observation skills and deduction to find the keys.

    Working together is essential here, as each key will be vastly different than the other. You have 45 minutes.

    Oh and be careful, not all rooms, are just rooms." Said the cartoon character before a countdown appeared on the screen. Usuda then put down all that he heard. Kibe''s eyes looked at him and then to J?rg who walked over to them.

    "Well then. A hell of zing isn''t it? Quack puzzles and presses of time. Reminds me of my time in Oztwin. It was a town filled with people who were on drugs. We had to evict them all cause of it." J?rg said. "Did you?" Usuda asked curiously.

    "No, we shot them. Firing squad." J?rg chuckled. Usuda shuddered uncomfortably before he then ran through everything on the exercise into his HDAF. J?rg looked at him and then to Kibe who was just standing there for a moment.

    "Alright guys I think we can use my HDAF to calculate exactly where these keys will be!" Usuda said nervously confident. J?rg then would immediately shut that down though.

    "HDAF What now? Did you juzt have a stutter?" J?rg asked. "W-What? No, my HDAF device allows me to deduct and formulate reasons when I put in certain data and information. It requires a narrative first, and then I can add in clues, theories and reasons to which then the machine will funnel all of that into results and parts of data we can use." Usuda said. J?rg looked at him completely confused while Suzue just stared at J?rg and Kibe. Who both didn''t have much of a response to what Usuda had said.

    "So you have zome sort of "detective" device? Is thiz supposed to improve problem-zwolving?" J?rg asked.

    "Yes actually, you see with the more data I collect. The more the device learns and can put things together. Its very-"

    "Stille." J?rg said, gesturing for Usuda to be quiet. Yet he didn''t understand. Usuda looked at Suzue and Kibe for answers, but the two didn''t respond.

    "Um, but it-"

    "Rei?verschluss zu." J?rg said a little aggressively. Usuda backed away a bit, worried and scared. J?rg fixed his coat and then looked to Kibe before he walked up the stairs to the second floor of the tavern. "I wouldn''t go snooping just yet." Kibe said. J?rg looked at him. "And why is that?" He asked.

    "When was the last time you saw that man you played with?" Kibe asked. Usuda''s face then became overwhelmed with shock as he looked to the HDAF device and saw that it had finished rendering and analyzing everything. He then looked down at the question box. He looked at Kibe with a side eye before he then typed into the box.

    "Why don''t we check every room?" Usuda typed and in under no more than 30 seconds. The HDAF device responded.

    "Some of the rooms are booby-trapped." Said the HDAF device, Usuda then looked at Kibe and J?rg. "Hey, my device is telling me that some of the rooms are booby-trapped." Usuda said. Kibe and J?rg looked at one another as they then walked to the bathroom door. J?rg opened it and looked around to see it was very normal looking one. Kibe and them walked inside, Kibe''s eyes watching and observing the tiles on the floor. He looked at the handles of the sinks and doors for any substances or signs of tampering, but nothing.

    "Hey Nori, take a look at this." Said J?rg, Kibe turned and looked over to see blood in the third to last stall. Suzue peeked inside while Usuda waited outside. "Whats it look like in-"

    "Quiet." Suzue said, Usuda covered his mouth. J?rg then kicked the door open and saw the blonde man from before, he was sitting down on the toilet, his body partially slumped over. His entire jaw and top of his head were nearly blown off. Kibe and J?rg looked at him studying the body.

    "A boom boom straight through the arse, nothing good about zat. Where uh, where did it come from though?" J?rg asked. Kibe looked at the body of the man, he saw as he noticed the way he was shot. Kibe noticed those holes were exit bullet wounds. He saw around the stall and looked to see shotgun shells on the floor. He bent down and picked one of them up. It was covered in large amounts of blood. "What do you zee?" Asked J?rg.

    "There are shells scattered across the floor, he was clearly shot by a shotgun, but the wounds on his body are exit wounds. The blood around him looks to be a pool. Which means he hasn''t moved from this spot. He died here." Kibe said as he got up.

    "He could have been shot from above." J?rg said. Kibe looked up at the ceiling. It wasn''t a ceiling with removable plates or one that looked thin either. Plus no bullet holes exiting the bathroom, only entering the room above.

    "No, not a chance. That leaves only one thing." Kibe said as he looked back to the man. "What?" J?rg asked. Kibe walked over and then used his foot to flush the toilet which then immediately afterwards.

    BOOM!

    A shotgun round would go off right from inside the toilet shooting up through the blonde man''s body. J?rg watched with awe as a wide smile crossed his face with Kibe looking in curiosity and mild suprise.

    "Wow, nice catch Nori." J?rg said. Kibe nodded.

    "Zoooo the geek puppy was correct. There are infac booby-trapped rooms here. Well hidden too." J?rg said. "Now, all we need to do is go to the next plausible room to search." Kibe said.

    "So which one do we search next then?" J?rg asked.

    "Mmmm, maybe we can ask our tech-savy companion." Kibe said as J?rg sighed as the two walked over to the door where Suzue was protecting Usuda. He looked from around her and at Kibe and J?rg.

    "Hey, we''re going to need to need your help." Kibe said. As Usuda grew a smile on his face.

 The Assassination Games! Test#1: Teamwork and Dead weight, part 3

    Kibe, J?rg, Suzue and Usuda all walked upstairs. Once up there they saw it was a very linear hallway at the top. Each wall had about several doors. They all stared at them and studied them. Each one making their own reasoning and hypotheses on which to enter and which not to.

    However Kibe needed to get a team together, it was clear that even though he can do this on his own. If he wants to catch the four assassins here for Y��ri and Rin. He''ll need to formulate trust between his new companions. Kibe then looked at the doors with a single glance before pointing to the one left of the center hallway. "Oh? And what makez you so sure that it''s zat door?" Asked J?rg.

    "Mmmm, good point, maybe it isn''t that door." Kibe said, J?rg looked at him curiously. He couldn''t tell if he was being misdirected. J?rg had forgotten that no one here has confirmed rather if they are allies or enemies. Meaning that they were all still against one another.

    "Hmp, well then. I guess this is where we shall test truzt then, yes? Yes." J?rg said. Kibe and Usuda just stared at him as J?rg walked over and down the hall, he looked at the door that Kibe had picked out. He grabbed the handle. He tried testing it to see how often it had been opened or used. Thats when J?rg began to open it before-

    "Wait." Kibe said which got everyone''s attention. "Lets let Usuda decide which we go through first. His device did tell us that the rooms were booby-trapped.

    Best to let him take point on this." Kibe said patting Usuda on the shoulder only for Suzue to swat his hand away. Kibe rubbed it, looked at her and looked at Usuda who was nervous and stuttering. "M-M-Me? But I just put in a few variables I don''t I can hardly say that I''m the genius here." He said

    "No one said that. Trottel." Said J?rg as he put his hands in his jacket pockets and stared at them. Kibe side-eyed J?rg before looking at Usuda. "You decide." Kibe said.

    Usuda looked at all the doors, he was a bit nervous and wanted to desperately try to do some more good for the people trapped in here. He looked at the door closest to the back wall, he had a good feeling about it, but then shot it down in exchange for one closer. Usuda then pointed the one closest to their left. "This one." Usuda said. Kibe looked at his hand for moment and noticed it was unsteady. Kibe knew he was unsure. But he didn''t push it. People like Usuda; Kibe knew he had to handle things delicately. So he stood back.

    "Alright." Kibe said as he walked over and grabbed the doorknob. "Hey hey! How do you know the door isn''t a trap?" Suzue asked with haste and worry as she pulled Usuda back a bit. Kibe looked at her.

    "How would they expect us to find the keys if we can''t get inside?" Kibe asked. Suzue didn''t have an answer so Kibr opened the door. As they entered the room they all saw a very fancy and organized office space. The place also had a bit of mess around the place. A few books stacked on chairs and on the desk. They noticed the shelves of books there. Kibe walked over and looked at them, he saw Moby-dick. Kibe gently pulled the book out until it finally was in his hands.

    "Hm, these guys are much more than I thought. More than a majority of the world hasn''t even read this book." Kibe said. Usuda looked around and was putting everything down into the HDAF device. While J?rg was looking through the drawers. Suzue just stood by the door, her gaze moving from Kibe and to J?rg.

    "These two, I don''t doubt that they''ll attempt to betray Usuda here. The keys will allow for us all to leave but they''ll attempt to use that in order to get Usuda involved with them.

    That Nazi, he''ll no doubt be the first to make his move. He''ll likely use intimidation before using force. As he does seem to be a man who enjoys utilizing his charisma. To get ahead." Suzue thought as she watched J?rg looked around. Her eyes then fell to Kibe who was reading Moby-dick. She watched as Kibe just....read the book. He was flipping through it rather quickly, he overall he was reading just a regular book.

    "...What the hell is with this guy? This is all a test for assassins, he doesn''t at all appear to look like a Sociopath or Psychopath. He looks like just some regular guy I would see at a Cafe or walking down the street.

    ...however that is what could make him dangerous. I need to assess him after this is all over. So I can understand just what I''m dealing with." She thought as she then turned to Usuda who finished putting everything down into his HDAF device and walked over to Kibe nervously. Kibe looked at him as he closed the book. J?rg saw them from across the room.

    "...Hey, uhh, my device gave me the answer to what the key maybe." Usuda said. "Hm, lets hear it." Kibe asked.

    "It says, that it may infact have something to do with the-"

    "The Books right?." Kibe asked to which Usuda looked shocked by his instant answer. "Wow, that was...uhh yea. Thats what it said. How''d you know?" Asked Usuda.

    "Look around, this room belongs to a inquisitive literary author. They read like a fiend and study the same. However they are also a messy one too. Which makes it odd.

    Quite the contrast." Kibe said.

    "Yea. But still,theres no way to say that those two things can be connected. Could be a red herring." Usuda said. Kibe nodded as he turned to where J?rg was and the somewhat messy desk. "You have a point, but are there any other clues that you can claim or attach to? The most major factors to deducting rather what is or shouldn''t be used as a clue. I say try this, the law of 3. If an event or situation occurs more than twice it is bound to occur again. That is the law of physics and the law of the universe.

    If it happens more than once, then it will be an event come the third." Kibe said. Usuda looked at him. "So what would you point out here?" Usuda asked.

    "Mmm, look at the bookshelves here. Look what stands out here." Kibe said, Usuda looked over at it. The shelf was covered from top to bottom in books, books about on theology and skepticism. He saw fictional books talking about the probable other rules of the universe and some talking on the human unconscious. Usuda''s eyes lingered on a book that was called "The Doctor''s best medicine for the clinically insane.". It was a book about psychopathology.

    "Maybe its this one. The clue is in this book." Usuda said. J?rg folded his arms looked at them. "You will searching for hours looking through there. Time we do not have." He said.

    "Not if you find what, you''re looking for." Kibe said as he then continued reading Moby-dick. He also looked to Usuda and the book he had chosen. "Thats not it by the way." Kibe said. Usuda looked at Kibe, he was so sure? This man truly was something else.

    "So sure?" He asked, Kibe looked at him. "Look at these books, all of them are about or cover some sort of psychological and philosophical topics, yet here we have Moby-dick. Ultimately just a standard classic novel. However one of things about this book is the symbolism. Ahab is a perfect reflection of the destruction of man, our retaliation against nature and God himself.

    This book, is the closet thing to describing our purpose here. Killing people for a living, guns for hire, hitmen. Our job is strictly aginst God''s wishes.

    So the first key. Must be Ahab." Kibe said, Usuda nodded at the reasoning and the perfect t deduction of the other possible options."Thats it? That''z your guess?" J?rg asked. Kibe looked at him. "You have a better idea?" Kibe asked. "Yez I do. The key has to be something buried, or hidden right? Not zomething obvious, most likely buried underneath all of this junk here." J?rg said.

    "Alright, well if you want to keep searching, by all means go ahead. However I''m heading to the next room." Kibe said as he closed the book and began walking to the door. Usuda looked between J?rg and Kibe. Kibe left the room and closed the door behind him.

    32 minutes left.

    He looked down the rest of the hallway. As he did he could slightly hear the other three still talking and arguing with one another. Kibe walked down the hall and went to the second to last door on the right. He walked over and opened it. The room was a bedroom, he closed the door behind him. There was nothing out of the ordinary here. Just the average bedroom, seemed to belong to a young boy or adult. He looked around and saw how neat it was.

    He walked over to the bed and gently grazed it. His mind flickered. Its like as if something was coming, he could feel like as if someone was knocking. Knocking on the back of his mind. Kibe then sat down on the bed, he then slowly laid down and close his eyes, before he then would wake up and be revealed to be a child again. Once again he was back inside the pale palace. A young child Kibe stood in a room filled with other young students. There was 20 of them, all of them sitting down in chairs infront of Kibe. All blindfolded.

    Mizuki was standing by the door while another man. A bald one with glasses.

    "La forme la plus authentique d''observation est celle qui na?t de la visualisation mentale de ce que nous souhaitons le plus voir et d��sirer dans la vie.

    Cet exercice s''appelle le vol mental. Vous utiliserez la lecture �� froid et l''intuition pour lire avec succ��s une liste de trois nombres pour les ��tudiants ici pr��sents. Avec ces chiffres, vous analyserez et d��duirez leurs lettres.

    Une fois que vous les aurez. Les lettres seront m��lang��es de centaines de fa?ons. Vous les d��chiffrerez et obtiendrez le code. Une fois que vous aurez termin��. Vous serez ��valu�� sur votre rapidit��, votre pr��cision et votre qualit��. Vous pouvez commencer." Said the bald teacher as he began to write on his chart. Kibe began to walk around the room, looking at the other blindfolded kids. As he walked around. As he did his eyes would trail around the kids. All of them with perfect posture and impeccably great breathing. Not one of them had shaky breath or even a hint of nervousness going through them. He watched them and their hands, he looked to see a few things. To see if their digits were moving or of their microexpressions. Studying their temples and their noses. He even looked at their lips for quivers and slight shakes.

    The bald teacher walked over to Mizuki as they both watched Kibe.

    "Vous voyez ?a ?" Said the bald teacher

    "Oui. Il cherche des indices, des signes, tout ce qui pourrait lui indiquer qui pourrait avoir le premier num��ro dont il a besoin. On peut savoir quel est le num��ro pr��f��r�� de quelqu''un grace �� son corps. Des choses comme le nombre de franges qu''ils ont, le nombre d''ongles rong��s, etc. La recherche de contractions est une comp��tence cl�� de l''observation." Said Mizuki as they continued to watch Kibe. Kibe then walked towards one of the kids, 5th row, and the third one. A young girl with blonde long hair. He went to her and stood in front of her. He stared at her body, he noticed no single sign of nervousness or conflict. She had perfect posture just like everyone else.

    But he knew there was something. He then leaned down to her and tapped on her shoulder. "Jeg ved, at du er der." She said. Kibe looked at her. That language, Danish he knew.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings."... Hvem er du?" He asked.

    "22-1-11-25-18-9-5." She answered. Kibe looked at her and touched her nose and her eyes gently. She didn''t really move an inch. Kibe tapped her knees and then the top of her forehead gently four times. He then stood in front of her.

    "Okay, nu skal du h?re, hvad vi g?r. Jeg s?tter to tal op p? mine h?nder. Du skal f?rst g?tte, hvilke jeg har, og s? v?lge et. S? g?r vi videre derfra." Kibe said. Kibe then put up one hand with the number two, and the other four. He then watched as her temples moved just a tad, the blindfold showing her eyes moving a bit to the right. A sigh from the body attempting to fabric a lie or a story. As the right side of the brain, the right hemisphere. Kibe watched as she thought for a good few moments, thats when he switched which hands they were one. Putting two on his right instead of his left and four on the left instead of the right. Thats when the girl guessed.

    "Fem." She said.

    "Pr?v igen." Kibe said.

    "...to." she replied.

    "Godt g?et. Nu skal du v?lge et tal fra nul til to." Kibe asked.

    "......One." she answered. Kibe thought for a moment as he then backed away.

    "Pr?v igen." Kibe said as he got up. Both teachers watched as Kibe began to wonder around asking every other student a question. The two watched him.

    "M��thode inhabituelle." Said the bald man.

    "Pas vraiment. Il utilise une sorte de jeu pour se d��barrasser de leurs d��sirs subconscients. Nous avons demand�� aux ��l��ves de choisir parmi un algorithme de chiffres. Avant cela, nous leur avons offert une friandise de leur choix. Il pouvait s''agir d''un dessert, de malbouffe ou de n''importe quoi d''autre. Bien s?r, tous n''ont pas choisi quelque chose, mais voici ceux qui l''ont fait.

    Ensuite, nous leur avons demand�� de choisir un nombre dans l''algorithme. Vous voyez, une fois que votre inconscient est nourri, il ne peut s''emp��cher d''en redemander. Le ?a, Sigmund Frued. Il s''agit de notre enfance et de nos pens��es et actions intrusives. Il y en a beaucoup d''autres lorsque l''on s''aventure plus loin, mais l''essentiel est qu''ils choisissent tous �� partir de leur subconscient ou mieux de leur inconscient. Nous avons nourri leur enfance d''un souvenir, ce qui nous a permis de les ouvrir et de r��v��ler un d��sir. D''o�� le nombre, chaque nombre leur est associ��.

    C''est ce que fait le sujet, il utilise un jeu pour les ouvrir. La cueillette des num��ros, c''est assez brillant. Il les a observ��s et a r��alis�� comment ils avaient des barri��res. Il les touche pour se connecter, obtient leur num��ro pour confirmer leur identit��. Il les fait se sentir comme une personne et joue ensuite au jeu. Il les renvoie �� leur enfance afin de les ouvrir. Ensuite, ils lui donnent le num��ro apr��s qu''il les a fait jouer au jeu des devinettes." Answered Mizuki as he wrote it down.

    "Complexe, c''est presque comme s''il entrait dans leur esprit. Il voyage dans leur inconscient." Replied the bald man.

    "Le cerveau humain est un labyrinthe complexe, presque impossible �� naviguer. Encore plus �� comprendre et encore plus �� manipuler." Mizuki said. The bald man then looked at his own name tag for a moment, it read "Dr.Komper". Thats when a women with black and wearing a clean white suit walled in, she came over and handed a clipboard to Dr.Komper. He looked at it and nodded before the women left. Kibe took notice, but kept questioning the other students.

    "...Ses scanners c��r��braux sont arriv��s." Said Dr.Komper. Mizuki looked at him and put his clipboard to the side.

    "Il a une quantit�� ��tonnante de mati��re grise et de microprocesseurs. Litt��ralement, si on le compare �� des processeurs, son cerveau ��quivaudrait �� pr��s de sextillions de processeurs. C''est quatre fois plus qu''Einstein lui-m��me." Said Dr.Komper. Mizuki took the clipboard as Dr.Komper handed it to him. He looked at him.

    "Je vois, et cela concorde avec ses r��sultats au test de m��moire, si vous vous souvenez bien.

    "Oui, je m''en souviens. Vous l''avez mis dans une pi��ce avec trois autres ��tudiants. Chacun d''entre eux, y compris le sujet, a ��t�� plac�� devant pr��s de 300 personnes, puis apr��s avoir ��t�� sorti de cette pi��ce. Ils ont ��t�� forc��s de rester assis pendant pr��s de 12 heures, �� regarder la t��l��vision et �� ��couter les conversations d''autres professeurs entre les deux. Ils ont ensuite ��t�� r��int��gr��s. Les ��tudiants sont rest��s dans la salle et on leur a demand�� de changer la salle ou les gens. Un ��l��ve a compris que la pigmentation de la pi��ce ��tait diff��rente, l''autre a identifi�� l''��clairage.

    Le sujet... a identifi�� chaque personne dans cette pi��ce comme ��tant quelqu''un d''autre. Il s''est bas�� sur les rythmes respiratoires et les l��gers changements dans l''iris. Il a confirm�� que chaque personne dans cette pi��ce ��tait le jumeau des 300 autres. Un score parfait." Said Dr.Komper.

    "Pourtant, il a ��chou�� �� son test psychologique et philosophique avec le Dr. Hecter." Mizuki said. A sign of disappointment in his voice.

    "Le Dr Hecter est l''un des meilleurs sp��cialistes d''Abel. C''est un miracle qu''il s''en soit sorti sans devenir fou." Said Dr.Komper.

    "...Il va r��ussir. Une fois qu''il y retournera, il le r��ussira. Il a juste besoin de plus de temps." Mizuki as he put the clipboard away on a table behind them.

    "Bien s?r." Said Dr.Komper. Thats when Kibe would walk to the two of them. They both looked as he stared at them.

    "Un, neuf et six". Kibe said.

    "D''accord. Ils seront m��lang��s, vous les utiliserez ensuite pour obtenir le bon co-" however Mizuki would be cut off as Kibe spoke again. " Le code est B, J et G." Kibe said. Both Dr.Komper and Mizuki looked at Kibe with impressed looks.

    Kibe then woke up back in the bed of the room of the tavern. He was holding a book, open. He was sitting on the bed. His eyes opening again as he looked down. He was reading a book called the "The reason for why." Kibe stared at the book. He looked at the page he was one. Page 41. He read through it briefly before he then found the clue. The room was that of a teenager, angst and ill picked choices scattered all about. From the soccer ball to the neatly done bed. Kibe could see conflict in the room and its decoration. So where else to hide a clue, then in one where the only question...is why.

    Why is the key. Kibe then closed the book, but before he did he looked and walked to the desk. He noticed a highlighter in one of the drawers as he searched. He then got out a notebook from another. There was already notes written in it. He looked to see it was school notes. Talking about science and theories on multiverse jumbo. He looked through them meticulously. Going over every detail like it was all eye catching to him. He then stopped on a page talking about trauma and some stuff going on in school. He then got the highlighter and circled over some stuff going over "why is this happening to me?", he then went ahead circled another sentence talking about "Hating women and their terrible choice making". And finally another paragraph with him circling ever word such as "hate" and "desperate". He then put it to the side and flipped through randomly, he ripped two pages out and crumbled them up. He threw one casually into a trash bin across the room. One went in, the next he missed. He then tossed the notebook onto the bed.

    Kibe walked over and looked the soccer ball across the room, his hands in his pockets. Just at the same time Usuda, Suzue and J?rg entered inside. "Hey, you haven''t been tampering with anything have you?" Usuda asked nervously.

    "Apologies, I couldn''t help myself the ball. Reminds me of a memory when I was a boy." Kibe said. J?rg walked past him eyeing him. Cursing under his breath at Kibe''s supposed incompetence.

    "Verdammter Schwachkopf" J?rg said as he walked past. Usuda began to out everything into his HDAF device. He looked to Kibe. "D-Did you find anything useful?" Usuda asked.

    "No, nothing. Its a bit to...mmm, too scrutinizing. There isn''t anything here I can connect or read here." Kibe said. "Ah, zo the intellectual mind of the zee uh, party is having some trouble? How convenient." J?rg said. Kibe gave a small smile as he turned to look at Usuda who watched as the HDAF device began to run through the possibilities. Usuda watched it then bring up the clues. Notebook, decor, and emotions. All were the clues the device gave. Kibe looked at it. Usuda then looked up as he saw J?rg grab the Notebook off the bed. "Seems that there are notes here. Talking about this guy''s studies and...ah ha, there is also highlighted parts here." Said J?rg as he brought it over and showed Usuda and Kibe. Kibe grabbed it and looked at it.

    "I think our clue is one of these highlighted parts. I think its the circled words of hate here. It hate." Said J?rg sternly. Usuda nodded, clearly agreeing out a sign of anxiousness and on confidence. Kibe noticed it and then motioned for them to leave. "Two more to go." Kibe said. J?rg noticed Kibe so ready to leave and then grabbed his arm.

    "Wait." J?rg said. Kibe looked at his arm and then to J?rg. "I will presume there is a clear reason for your firmness with me." Kibe said.

    "Yes, before in the other room, you were very zure of how right you were. Even sarcastic. Yet now, you''ll just agree with me? What iz it that defines right and wrong to you? Or perhapz you''re hiding something." J?rg said. Kibe just stared at him, the two held eye contact.

    "Maybe we could-"

    "QUIET! I do not need ze words from a house fly." J?rg said as Usuda stepped away. Kibe looked at him and then back J?rg. Both looking at one another. J?rg searching Kibe''s eyes and J?rg doing the same. Kibe noticed a coldness to J?rg''s arms. Were they also prosthetic he wondered. J?rg then let go of Kibe. The two stopped back from each other. J?rg then brushed past him and walked out.

    15 minutes left.

    They all would then be back downstairs after searching the rest of the rooms. The TV was on downstairs, as Kibe and the rest of them looked to now see a mic on the table and the TV screen with four blank spots for all the keys. Suzue stood back with Usuda as J?rg and Kibe stared for a moment before J?rg then went ahead and grabbed the mic.

    "Ahab, Hate, Pit and Clarity." Said J?rg. All the blank filled up, suddenly Hate''s spot turned red and a large beeping sound rang through the place. Everyone looked up as red lights blared all around them. "WHAT!?" J?rg shouted.

    "One of the words, hate, its not the key." Kibe said with shock in his voice. J?rg turned around and looked as Usuda. "This device was supposed to work right? You said it worked!" J?rg said as he walked to Usuda with Suzue getting between them. Her blade coming inches to J?rg''s neck. J?rg looked at almost curiously then eyed her.

    "I-I never said such a thing, I said it could help-"

    "Yes you did, now we''re running out of time. Thankz to your little hiccup!" J?rg said with a aggravated tone. Kibe watched them before he walked over to the mic. He looked down at it and noticed the timer. 8 minutes left. Kibe then turned around as J?rg backed away from Usuda and Suzue kept her weapon close as she watched him. "I think the clue might be something close to what we discussed before. Hate and desperation." Kibe said.

    Usuda and J?rg looked at him.

    "Whats the number one question asked when those terms are brought up?" Kibe asked. Usuda looked at him along with J?rg.

    Usuda stuttered. "...Its why...the last key is why." Usuda said. Kibe then tossed him the mic. Usuda caught it clumsily before he then brought it to his mouth. 32 seconds on the clock.

    "Why!" Usuda shouted to which then the final key would be set in and the bars on the windows and doors would be removed. Nearly everyone took a sign of relief. Kibe stared at Usuda and then outside the tavern window. "Endlich!" Said J?rg as he then left through the tavern doors. The rest following a few minutes after.

    They looked around the fake town and could hear other events and people, but none were down the street they were. "Thank god." Usuda said as he rested on his knees. He breathed heavily.

    "The eliminating will begin in roughly 25 minutes. Who knows what will come next." Kibe said, Suzue just stared at the back of Kibe. Focusing on just what kind of person it was she was dealing with. Usuda then remembered the fact they needed to be part of a team. He then took into account all of Kibe''s help during the exercise before. He then stood up and took in a deep breath. He walked over next to Kibe. Suzue watched him.

    "Hey...um, before...during the exercise. Why did you help me so much as you did? What if I was wrong? I could have gotten us killed or worse." Usuda asked. Kibe put his hands in his pockets. He then turned his head to Usuda.

    "...I saw how invested you were into your device. Your mind is a palace of numerical possibilities and one driven to seek the best possible answer to nearly impossible equations.

    I like people who have aspirations bigger than they are. Gives them reason to grow into them." Kibe said as he gave a smirk to Usuda who also smiled. "Maybe uhhh, maybe you could team up with me and Su-"

    "Now wait just a moment. I shall have a say in this. It is under my protection that Usuda is. Hence I will be the one to decide who teams up with us and who doesn''t." Suzue said as she looked at Kibe, who turned his head to her. Her eyes scanned and looked at him.

    "Suzue, is that really-"

    "Quiet." She said. Kibe looked at her and then turned completely to her. "You believe me a threat? Even after my help?" Kibe asked.

    "My senses can detect when beast have different methods of getting a grip on their prey. I want to see yours." Suzue said. Kibe watched a she then gestured in a direction behind the tavern. In an alley. "Follow me." She said. Usuda wanted to follow but she gestured for him to stay. Usuda nervously crossed his arms as Kibe and Suzue walked behind the tavern into an alley. The alley was designed just like any other one. Trash bins and a dumpster behind the line of buildings. Litter scattered across the street and on the ground. Kibe looked around, before he turned around to Suzue who stopped a few feet away from him.

    "I need to know that you aren''t just a smart guy, but a tough one." Suzue said as she then unsheated her blade. Kibe stared at her and got in a low yet predatory like stance. Kibe took his hands out of his pockets.

    "I would advise aginst this." Kibe said

    "Then its a good thing I''m the one initiating this isn''t it?" She said as she then blitzed towards Kibe who got ready to fight.

 The Assassination Games! Test#1: Teamwork and Dead weight, part 4

    Kibe got ready as Suzue got ready to attack him. His and her mind began to think of weaknesses and strengths that each of them had. Kibe put his hands to his side as he stared her down, Suzue also stated at Kibe. In her eyes she saw a very linear looking man. One who if faced upfront, could cut her in half.

    Kibe saw a storm of knives. What he did next would result in just how many cuts he could get. Thats when Suzue would blitz towards Kibe, the effects of her speed present, but it was if her image was delayed in Kibe''s eyes.

    "An after-image." Kibe thought as he then dodged Suzue''s attack from her blade, by leaned back about 90?. She then landed in front of him and delivered a leg sweep to which Kibe jumped over and back from. He landed on his feet. Suzue then blitzed forward at Kibe again and attempted to go for his eyes with two fingers. Yet Kibe simply moved his head out of the way and grabbed her arm and misdirected her towards the wall of the building next to them.

    Suzue however didn''t go too far before she backfliped back and over Kibe. Kibe watched her as he then got up and moved backwards. "Impressive, I''m curious what it is you do." She asked.

    "Just the violin and cooking." Kibe said. Suzue scoffed at him as she then reached to her side and threw three kunai at Kibe. He would reach back and grab the lid of a trashcan and block them. Kibe then smelt a small yet distrustful scent from the kunai. He then threw the trash lid to the side.

    "Hmm, that smell. Nerium." Kibe thought as he covered his nose with one hand. He then took a step back a bit. He shook his head as the toxins from it tried to invade his body. Suzue then got her blade and rushed at Kibe.

    "If poisons is what you need to get the better of me. Then perhaps you should consider a different profession." Kibe said as Suzue then went and delivered a heel kick to Kibe''s chest sending him back, and hitting the wall. She then went up and attempted multiple strikes at his chest and head, yet Kibe deflected them to the wall before he then kneed her in the chest, which would be stopped by her own knee. Kibe then extended his leg forcing her back. Kibe could feel his breath getting hasty, sweat began to form on his forehead. The toxins beginning to have some sort of effect.

    "It''ll be attempting to shut down my systems. I can''t let that happen. The moment I fall she''ll kill me.

    ...work through it. Overcome it." Kibe thought as he saw Suzue then get out another blade. A shorter one.

    "35% should be enough to completely dispel it. And to finish this." Kibe thought. Suzue rushed at Kibe again. Only this time when she went to strike at him. Only for Kibe to immediately run and slide to her. She looked down as Kibe then kicked her right in the jaw with the bottom of his foot and sent her flying into the air. However, as he did, he''d see her immediately regain herself and throw her blades at him. Kibe blocked them, yet it seemed they missed. She then plummeted down at him.

    Kibe went to move, but he couldn''t. He then looked to see that one of her blades went through some slack in his right pants leg. Which was impressive to Kibe. As his pants fit him perfectly, which meant she somehow managed to stab through his pants leg, and miss his leg yet get a small gap between them.

    "Impressive." Kibe thought as he looked up at her just as she came down to deliver a drop kick which he dodged. She then went to grapple her legs around his neck, but Kibe would grab her leg and then toss her away a few feet. She twisted her leg which swung her body around. Allowing for her to land on her feet. She took small breaths as she watched Kibe pull the blade from the ground, freeing his leg. He looked at her. He then grabbed the blade itself with both hands.

    "Tell me, where do you come from? Some sort of lost village? Someplace in China?

    Or maybe you''re just some women with a fascination of the ways of ninjutsu." Kibe asked.

    "I am a ninja. I''ve been taught by many men, stood under waterfalls for weeks at a time. I''ve shattered and remended my bones more times than I''ve used them." Suzue said "Sounds painful." Kibe replied.

    "Enough! I''m not here to get to know you." Suzue said aggressively.

    "Isn''t that exactly what a fight is? Getting to know someone. I don''t know about you. But I''ve gotten to know you very well while we''ve been doing this little dance." Kibe said. Suzue just stared at him.

    "Over 30% maye have been pushing it, better to let down. 25 should do it." Kibe thought.

    "Just what is up with this guy? I know half of the moves I''ve done would have had any grown man on his knees. Yet...he is unfazed by it. Even the toxins from my kunai had no effect.

    Am I to assume that this isn''t a man at all that I''m facing now?" Suzue thought. All while Kibe was staring at her with a cold and unchangeable blank and unamused face. "Just what the hell are you thinking Kibes!" Suzue thought with her face showing a more pissed off look.

    "Its been a while since I had some tea. Doesn''t seem like they had any in the tavern or any around here. Maybe checking out the other places will show some results." Kibe thought. Thats when Suzue would blitz behind Kibe, grabbing her blade again in the process. She then swung it down onto Kibes head to which he instantly side-stepped faster than Suzue could perceive. So fast she had thought that for a few moments he was still standing infront of her.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Kibe then quickly went ahead and punched her in the stomach. The impact sounding like a bang. Kibe noticed though, the moment he did. His fist moved no further. He looked to see that his fist had barley dented her.

    "...What?" Kibe thought as Suzue then turned to slice at his neck. Yet Kibe in that instant ducked and would kick her away putting 35% of his strength into it. The attack pushed her all the way back, slamming aginst the wall. She let out a loud grunt as she collapsed.

    It would be a few minutes before Suzue then woke up with Kibe lightly tapping her face with his palm. "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey." Kibe said. Suzue then woke up completely. She looked up at Kibe who then stood up and offered his hand. She ignored it and got up on her own. She stabilized herself via the wall behind her. Her eyes and Kibe''s met one another.

    "Alright...I think, ugh, that will do." She grunted. To which Kibe nodded. She got up and slowly walked behind Kibe who walked ahead of her. "You...you aren''t human. That strength. I''ve faced beast with the strength to kill ten men. Yet you are more than that. Just what are you?" She asked as they returned to the front of the tavern where Usuda was still waiting.

    "I''m a regular guy. Looking for a way to make some easy money helping out a couple of rich people get their own in the process." Kibe said as he turned to her. She looked at him, it was clear he was lying, but to uncover the lie would be harder than her fight with him. She let him get his walls up, for now. They all heard the commotion going on a few streets down. Kibe, Usuda and Suzue all walked there to see what was going on.

    A few streets down in fake town, it was in the town hall. All the other competitors were in there. Three were sitting at a table drinking. Two were having a conversation and two more sitting away from everyone else. The town hall was large, other offices filled the halls. Doors shut and windows vacant of any sign if life. Yet the halls were decorated with the sounds of the people in them. Of the competitors.

    Thats when Suzue, Usuda and Kibe walked inside. Kibe eye''s were given a buffet of things to observe and witness. He saw each of them. As they walked he heard their names being said and them saying them.

    Sidney Cramer, she was wearing a gold dress. Her hair was a twisty and curly blonde color. Her eyes were fairly wide, and colored oddly as she had a pigmentation where both eyes were different colors. One a dark brown and the other a light blue. She had a smile that could cut diamonds. Her nails could be just as sharp too. There wasn''t much information he could hear others say about her. There was word that she could be Swedish, however that didn''t stick too much. There was some word that Telaga had asked her to sleep with him, which she refused very smoothly.

    The next one was Edward Fishman, he was a man with a darker pigmentation. His skin was dark yet had white spots on it as well. He wore black gloves and had short dark hair. His clothing was more rough and street thuggish. Wearing a black hoodie with pants and sneakers. He noticed he didn''t have a African or native accent. His seemed more Irish. His mannerisms showed a drifter, someone on the edge. He lived everyday like its his last. He sat leaning back.

    Klaudia Hoogan, she was a scandinavian woman. Tall and thin. She was wearing a sort of skintight spandex suit. All black. A fox fur coat on her shoulders. She was smoking a large cigar as whe sat in a luxurious seat near by Telaga. Her accent, Kibe could tell it was thick. Her entire personality and stature showed power,  woman of strength and integrity.

    Finally, the last person was Gill Ophin. He was a man of brick walls. Sturdy foundations is what made him. The man was wearing a black t-shirt and suit pants with dress shoes. He had on an expensive watch and necklace of the cross. He had multiple tattoos of what looked to be something from the Caribbean. Kibe, Usuda and Suzue all walked over to a small waiting area and sat down. Suzue stood next to Usuda''s seat while Kibe looked and monitored everyone.

    "The termination is starting soon. Which means after that. There will be another test...I-I don''t know if I can-"

    "Dont think. Plans get in the way of survival. Once your good enough at predicting things, then you''ll know when to move forward and when not to." Kibe said. Usuda nodded nervously. "We don''t know anyone here. Going to be hard to pick someone without pissing off the others." Suzue said. Kibe nodded as he tapped on his chin.

    "Which is why we''re going to do some people watching. Usuda and Suzue, you two should scope around. Talk, but not too much to the others. What we''re looking for is the society here." Kibe said. Suzue looked at Usuda and then to Kibe.

    "A society?" She asked "Yes, in any group of isolated people. A norm must be made. A hierarchy so to speak. Someone needs to be the popular one, I''m guessing thats Sidney over there. Someone has to be the tough and stoic one. The real hard rock in the fray.

    I''m guessing thats Telaga Randolph. The big burlly man with the robotic prosthetics. With those two found out the rest are just schematics." Kibe said. "W-what are you going to do?" Usuda asked.

    "Mmmm, I think I''ll stay here. I like to keep my variables undisturbed." Kibe said. "And sending us isn''t disturbing them?" Usuda asked nervously.

    "Not at all. Now please, I need to focus." Kibe said as he sat and watched everyone. Suzue and Usuda walked away. Kibe looked over at Suzue for a moment before looking back to everyone. "Telling them of the extra contestant among these people would be stirring things. An extra contestant does make plans more complicated. However, if he were to get someone eliminated, then the results of the entire test will change." Kibe thought as his eyes searched around. He was looking for the mysterious contestant he saw before, yet saw no one.

    "Gone. As expected. Why would the infiltrator stick around. If his attempt is to sabotage the games or win. Then it''d be wise for him to evade suspicion.

    Although, if he really desired to change the outcome forever. He''d really be in for getting someone eliminated. Anyone but him and the entire game changes. I guess I only have one question. Just where would he be if everyone is right here." Kibe thought, thats when he would feel a light chop to the head. Kibe turned around and saw it was noother then the very person he was just thinking about. The mystery contestant. "Yo, how''s it going?" Asked the stranger. Kibe just stared at him as the guy gave him a wide and friendly smile.

    "Nevermind." Kibe thought.

 The Assassination Games! Test#1: Teamwork and Dead weight, part 5

    Kibe and the stranger were standing in front of one another. Kibe monitoring him as the stranger just stared with a gleeful smirk.

    "You must be curious as to who I am, well don''t worry. I''d hate to start out relationship on bad terms. I''m Fuze Chi." Said the stranger. Kibe just stared at him. "I can see that you may not still may have some doubts about me. Well not to worry, I don''t-"

    "You''re expecting me to trust you. In a event where everyone here is out to kill, betray and manipulate each other? Are you living some sort of fantasy?" Kibe asked. Fuze scratched his head.

    "Eh well, I guess hoping for some companionship was worth a shot." Fuze said. Kibe just stared at him. With Fuze sheepishly smirking. "He doesn''t have the same stance as the others. He reminds me a bit of Brandon...maybe not completely like Brandon, but all the same.

    Hes clearly hiding something inside. What it is, hard to say now. Hes hard to read." Kibe thought.

    "Hey, I got a question for you." Fuze said. To which Kibe just stared at him. His natural cold and blank gaze contrasted by the smirk and gleeful look from Fuze. "Are you aware of the story of Abel and Cain?" He asked.

    "Of course." Kibe said

    "Fascinating biblical tale. A man driven to a murderous rage all because of God picking his brother as his favorite." Fuze said

    "He wasn''t his favorite. He just did a better job than Cain. No excuse for poor work ethic." Kibe said. "Maybe, but for a all loving being to suddenly start picking favorites. Biblical hypocrisy." Fuze said with a smirk.

    "..."

    The two then looked over as they heard some commotion with Sidney and Klaudia. The two seemed to have met heads and were looking to size each other up. Looking to intimidate one another. Kibe and Fuze stared at the two women along with a few others also taking a look. Usuda was talking with Edward Fishman when he saw Kibe and Fuze and gave a small wave. The two gave what looked to be genuine smiles. Both of them looking at everyone else.

    "..."

    "..."

    "Seems like as if you and I are going to be going head to head. Come this next game." Fuze said. "Seems to be. You have a team already?" Kibe asked.

    "Hehe, wouldn''t be too much fun if I spoiled such a revelation so quickly now." Fuze said. Kibe looked at him as he looked back at everyone again.

    "You have a particular glow about you, I can''t quite put my finger on it." Fuze said. "Good shampoo, and facial treatment." Kibe said flatly as he put his hands in his pockets. "Really? You don''t strike me as the kind of guy who cares for that sort of thing." Fuze said as he leaned aginst the chair.

    "I don''t. Its natural." Kibe said. Fuze smirked as he put his hand through his hair. "You''re a natural liar huh?" Fuze said.

    "Not really." Kibe said. "Very quick answers huh? Never a thought lost." Fuze said. Kibe sighed as he looked over to Fuze.

    "Sorry, am I boring you?" Fuze asked. "No. Please continue." Kibe said.

    "You know, I bet you''re used to having all of the cards in your deck, I can tell your that kind of person. Well not this time. This time around, you''ll be the one missing the information this time." Fuze said. "Information is a courtesy. Those without it just need to learn to deal." Kibe said.

    "Is that right? Well then guess we''ll see just how well you deal." Fuze said as he then got ready to walk away. He''d stop a few moments short and then look back. "I- hehe, I didn''t get your name." Fuze said.

    "Nori Kibe." Kibe said. Fuze smiled as he walked away. Kibe watching him as he did. His hands in his pockets. Usuda and Suzue eventually arrived back just as the sound of an alarm went off. Usuda looked back at the doors as everyone else did the same except for Kibe, Edward and Telaga.

    "The elimination shall begin now. All those who do not participate shall be eliminated immediately." Said a robotic voice outside. Everyone soon gathered outside of the fake town. Back at the original meeting place, with the large TV on. Everyone looking up as they saw each of their names there.

    "Hello once again, the time has come to decide on who to eliminate from the running.

    It is simple, from one of the names on this list. Everyone will be asked to choose one. If the voting goes many ways, then the one being eliminated will be the person with the most votes. Let it begin." Said the cartoon character as it faded away. Everyone stood for a few moments, it was clear that everyone was perfectly aware of what this termination meant. This would put everyone on their toes, as each of them would be betting on the other''s intentions and who they want to terminate. If failure happens, then the person being voted on will feel betrayed or hatred to the one who voted for them.

    However, this also does point out the enemies. Who your focus should be on. Usuda looked around at everyone as Edward put his hands in his pockets, his eyes looking at Sidney who was smirking as she eyed him from afar. Telaga slowly looked at Klaudia who was facing forward with her arms crossed.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    "Why hasn''t anyone answered yet?" Usuda asked.

    "Their waiting to see who makes the first move. A wise choice, but ultimately. We''re pressed for time. So someone has to choose." Kibe said, Suze looked over as Sidney gave a loud sigh.

    "Well, since no one else is going to make a move. I might a well be the first. I think the one to be eliminated shall be Klaudia." Sidney said with a smug look. Of course everyone looked at it.

    "And just why would getting rid of me be beneficial? With no teams formed yet. You''ll need another. Unless you think these brutes will be so easily swayed by your cute words, rather than your hips. Then you''re mistaken." Klaudia said. Sidney snickered as she walked around Klaudia. "Of course they will, I''m the one here with the best knowledge on Hawaii here.

    I know the land, the landmarks and of course the culture. I know the ins and outs of this place easily. They''d be fools to pick me." Said Sidney smiled.

    Telaga snickered as he watched the two bicker with one another whole Edward just stared. Clearly seeing which would infact be the better option to be stuck with. Kibe however was deciding rather or not interfering was a good idea. As one bad move could not only direct the attention of the group to him, but by extension his group. Rather he was leader or not wasn''t important. It was more about the fact that it could paint his team as either a threat or people not to be allie with. Which could prove detrimental to further games.

    That is however when Fuze would intervene though.

    "How do we know you''re not just speaking from a privileged standpoint?" He asked to Sidney. He got everyone''s attention immediately as unlike Klaudia''s response. He offered a statement to counter Sidney''s statement/feat. Sidney looked at him and scoffed.

    "Tch! Do you honestly think I would advertise my help and not be able to back it up? You''re assuming I''m a fraud?" She asked. "No, just that you may be throwing in a hollow point for us to grab onto." Fuze said.

    "And your proof is?" She asked. To which Fuze just looked her up and down, now instead of using his eyes, he used his head to show it. Kibe noticed this action.

    "I think its pretty obvious." Fuze said as he backed away and just put his hands into his pockets. Sidney scoffed as she turned away. Hands on her hips.

    "That seemed pointless." Usuda said

    "Maybe, but he just threw a rock in the pond." Kibe thought as he stared at the screen with the names on them.

    "What looks like a basic accusation of Sidney''s postion as a person to be close to, now has made her a likely choice for elimination. Hes relying on everyone''s profiling skills to do this. With his little head motion, signaling to them that its a obvious guess and has to do with her appearance.

    Clever. The variables have changed. Now is the time." Kibe thought.

    Thats when Telaga would vote. "I vote for Sidney Cramer." He said, to which everyone didn''t react to suprised to. Except for Sidney who was obviously pissed.

    "I also choose Sidney Cramer." Said J?rg. Now the votes were beginning to pile up. Kibe noticed it, Klaudia also voted for Sidney, which made her the one with the most votes.

    "Pick her too." Kibe whispered to Suzue and Usuda without moving his body or signaling to anyone he was associated with them. The two then did the same.

    "Sidney." Suzue and Usuda said. Now there were only four remaining people who hadn''t chosen. Kibe, Edward, Sidney herself and Fuze. Kibe already knew what Fuze was going to do so he had no problem with his choice. With that the elimination round finally came to a end.

    Kibe with voting for Telaga, Edward for Telaga as well, Sidney aginst Fuze and Fuze''s vote was...

    "Nori Kibe." Fuze said. A strange vote no one saw coming, as they didn''t even know that Kibe was someone of significance and of course to again ster the pot. Kibe knew that was his goal, he picked him to point the finger at Kibe, even if it wasn''t much. It was a finger to be pointed. And unfortunately it was in Kibe''s direction. "Everyone has voted. The results will show.

    5 votes for Sidney Cramer

    2 for Telaga Randolph

    And one for Nori Kibe and one for Fuze Chi.

    The results are in, the one being eliminated is Sidney Cramer." Said the voice from the TV. Sidney was painted with shock and confusion. She looked at Fuze with anger and fury.

    "YOU- YOU PIECE OF SHIT!!! YOU ALL DARE ELIMINATE ME!? WHAT SORT OF GAME DO THINK THIS IS!?

    YOU NEED ME!!" She screamed, but thays when two men in black suits would walk through the group and to Sidney. She looked at them with disblef before she then was escorted away. Everyone now had a new view on everyone''s standing. Things had changed drastically in this group which once had no relationship, but now did.

    Thats when the TV screen would blur and then show the cartoon character once again.

    "The next game is upon you now. Choose who you ally yourself with carefully." Said the Cartoon character as the screen then turned off again.

    Everyone just remained quiet for a minute. Until-

    "Alright, lets all go back to the city hall. Think it only fair we discuss the decision we all made." Telaga said as he looked to everyone. "And who made you the one who decidez where we go?" J?rg asked without facing him. Telaga looked at him.

    "...Fine, then we''ll do it here." Telaga said. Everyone looked to him.

    "The point of this game is clearly to divide us, so I believe a truce is in order." Telaga said. Edward scoffed as J?rg simply stared. "A truce? Why would I want to deal with a iron giant like you? Huh!? Seems to me like you just want us close so you can stab us in the back later!" Edward shouted. Yet Telaga just gave out a laugh, it was like something from a beast or even a low growl. Yet somehow it came out as laughter.

    "Now you can''t be serious? Why would I seek to betray a potential ally?

    No need to be a smug pup Fishman. There is no reason for hostility. Not when companionship can be arranged instead." Telaga said as he extended his steel hand. Edward looked at him up and down. Everyone could tell he was a lone wolf sort of guy, didn''t like being part of a flock. Fought alone.

    "Tch! Forget it." Edward said as he brushed past Telaga''s hand and walked away. Fuze looked back to Edward, he pulled his hood up and vanished as Fuze looked back at everyone.

    "Well, that waz expected." J?rg joked as he looked to Telaga who for a brief moment showed a sign of disappointment and frustration before then fixing his appearance to be more confident and stone.

    "No matter, that just means the rest of us can talk this over." Telga said

    "What was it you meant before? By talking over what we decided?" Usuda asked.

 The Assassination Games! Test#1: Teamwork and Dead weight, final part

    "Zo? What is it?" J?rg asked

    "Well to sum it, we''ve just decided what we''re all looking for in a team member haven''t we?

    Not only that..."

    Everyone waited with anticipation for his next words. Thats when Telaga put his finger up to his chin, tapping it for a short few moments before then resting his eyes on everyone.

    "But we''ve also decided how the rest of the game shall go moving forward." He said.

    "What?" Usuda said confused. J?rg seemed dismissive of the statement, yet he still seemed intrigued enough to stay.

    "Yes, we''ve let everyone know who stands with who. And just who is willing to win, and who isn''t.

    Who''s willing to throw others away just to get what they want. Its not surprising, but it is still unexpected." Telga said.

    "Nice words. Should they mean something to us?" Kibe asked. "Maybe, maybe not. Its up to you." Telga said as he began to walk away.

    "Where are you going?" J?rg asked turning to him. "Back to the town hall, i have a feeling that my hunch to head back will be correct." Telaga said before he departed from everyone. Without saying so, they knew that Telaga was infact onto something, and if not he was likely trying to trap them. Either way, he was their key to the next part of the Assassination Games.

    Soon they all were back inside the town hall where funny enough, Edward had wandered back to. He turned around and scowled at everyone.

    "WHAT THE HELL? You weirdos following me or something?" He growled. "Calm down canine, none of uz iz following you. Was f��r ein Schl?gertyp ist dieser Kerl eigentlich?" J?rg said. Edward stared him with a mean mug as he walked over to him.

    "What did you say?!" Edward shouted

    "Who? Me?" J?rg said jokingly. "Speak English freak, lets see how you really like it when I punch in you-" suddenly gates would fall over the front and back doors. The windows would then be barred up as well. Edward ran over and grabbed the bars. "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!?" he shouted as he tried to rip them apart, but to no avail.

    "What the- what is this?!" Edward said

    "This happened before to us in the tavern. This must be another test." Usuda said. "Great." J?rg thought. Thats when a TV would appeared from the ceiling in front of the front door.

    "Welcome to the next test of your teamwork capabilities.

    Welcome to Brawl and Call!

    In this short event, you all will be battling in a free for all, but not with your fist however.

    Instead you each will take a card from the box on the desk in the hall behind you." Said the voice from the screen, they all looked behind them and saw the doors to the hallway behind them open, and reveal a box on a endtable.

    Everyone walked to it and surrounded it.

    "Once your card is picked, you will use your said weapon on your opponent. Which will also be listed on your card.

    The rules are simple. You will use your weapon to either take down or incapacitate your opponent.

    If you use your weapon on anyone that isn''t your assigned opponent.

    Each fight must be no more then 3 minutes. If it last longer then that, then you will be forced to surrender to your opponent, depending on who had struck last.

    Let it begin." Said the voice from the TV. Everyone looked at one another before they all put their hands into the box one at a time and pulled out a card each.

    "The games got more horrific and complex from there.

    It was just like the earliest days when I was in that place. Test upon test, profiling upon profiling.

    Observation is the key to all problem-solving and openings to awareness and self-reflection. When it comes to life it really is all just one big test isn''t it.

    Maybe another time. I can tell you what happened next during my time in Hawaii." Kibe said.

    The events of the story now return to the present. Specifically after the events of the episode: Normal Girl.

    The International Puzzles of the World, is a almost new found right of passage for all geniuses. If you don''t win, then you''ll be noticed and maybe even offered jobs into your respective field of study.

    Its a all around thing, everyone is get excited to the intellectual minds of the world. From the young to the old. All of the world would tune in to watch. As well known as memorial day and the 4th of July. Everything stops on that day. Other countries had their hands all in the setting up of the event, security and all.

    5 days till the IPOW.

    The day after Brandon''s "date" with Kat, he would get a call about a murder in the Ushin district. He would arrive there. Standing in the parking lot of the hotel and infront of Himmy''s home. Officers surrounded the place and everyone was scrambling and walking around. Brandon was wearing a black trench coat with a red vest. He was staring blankly at everything his eyes looking around.

    Mr.Nakayama would arrive with Mr.Miyuki. They both got out of the car and walked out towards the scene, moving past the tape. "Hit me Miyuki." Mr.Nakayama said.

    "Man''s name is Tahaki Luu. He''s a delivery driver. Delivers packages day in and day out. He had a stoo about a block from here, reports from the restaurant he last delivered to had customers saying he was confronted by a black haired girl in the parking lot. She got in his vehicle with him after a quick chat and the two speeded down the street.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    The landlord here, Mrs.Telia, and five other residents heard a gunt shot and immediately called us." Mr.Miyuki said, Mr.Nakayama stopped as at the front door as they watched forensics go over the body, getting samples and clues.

    "So then why am I just hearing about this now? Why are we so late." Mr.Nakayama asked, but before Mr.Miyuki could answer-

    "Because its normal for this area. This is Ushin, a place for you shoot first and ask later. The crime rate here is far higher then anywhere else in Japan. A whopping 12% higher to be exact." Brandon said. Mr.Nakayama looked at him and then to the body.

    "That is true, but then why kill him here? Why move him?

    ...He was a tool. She was using him to get her someplace. To get here, but why?" Mr.Nakayama asked as he looked at the body.

    "She was meeting someone, she was looking for someone." Brandon said.

    "Seems she found who she was looking for. The owner says the girl who lives here goes by uhhh "Himmy"? Yea." Mr.Miyuki said as he checked the clipboard. "Himmy huh? Real name?" Mr.Nakayama asked. Brandon walked over to the body of the man and crouched to it. He studied it and made note of a few things. The bullet wound in the head wasn''t fresh, but there was a small yet noticeable blood stain a few inches away. He noticed how it looked like a trail lead out the door before stopping.

    Brandon scratched his chin.

    "Uhhh real name, real name. Ah ha! Humiko Shimodaira. Abusive mother, deceased father and sent to Saint Terry''s Home for Lost Girls. She spent nearly all of her life there, till the school burnt down. Killed half the staff and nearly all the girls there.

    Was a tragedy. Yikes..." Mr.Miyuki said. Mr.Nakayama scratched his chin.

    "Miyuki, tell the office to run down all the survivors of the fire at Saint Terry''s, and then see where they are located now." Mr.Nakayama asked as Mr.Miyuki nodded and got on the phone. Mr.Nakayama walked over to Brandon.

    "What do you see?" Mr.Nakayama asked. "Both these events happened separately, the killing of this man and the kidnapping of Himmy here.

    See look, the bullet hole through this man''s head. Its much older then the blood around him. Showing that the kidnapping happened post-mortem. And there. The blood splat near the body is few inches away. Thats the victim. When forensics comes back they will have both this man and Himmy''s blood samples.

    The only thing we''re missing now...is where did she take her." Brandon said. Mr.Nakayama looked at Brandon, he could see his eyes were more tired than usual, he had been up longer. Perhaps he was withholding something.

    "Is this him?" Mr.Nakayama whispered to Brandon. Brandon nodded slowly as Mr.Nakayama got up.

    Suddenly though, everyone at the scene would turn around and see black cars and vans drive into the parking lot. Mr.Nakayama and Brandon looked over at the vehicles as they saw American men come out of the cars. Wearing black suits, some with black shades. Brandon stood up and immediately noticed who they were.

    "Who the hell- what is this?!" Mr.Miyuki asked with a stern tone as one of the men walked over, he had blonde short hair and small beard. Brown eyes. He put a piece of paper to Mr.Miyuki''s chest.

    "I''m Philies Wheels. This is a signed affidavit from the prime Minister. The U.S is officially taking control and warch over the White Rabbit case during and precisely 3 months after the IPOW." Said Philies much to everyone''s shock. A few officers whispered to one another.

    "Look at the white-boy, who does he think he is?" Said one of the officers. A few of the American looked over at the Japanese officers. The two giving one another ugly glares.

    "Woah woah, what''s going on over here?" Mr.Nakayama asked

    "Nakayama they''re-"

    "Excuse me sir, are you in charge of this unit? I''m Special agen Philies Wheel." Asked Philies as he walked over and him and Mr.Nakayama shook hands. "I indeed am." Mr.Nakayama responded.

    "I have a written affidavit that I just gave this man-"

    "Thats senior detective Mr.Miyuki, and what affidavit?" Mr.Nakayama asked.

    "The one saying that me and my men are taking charge of this investigation. The White Rabbit case is ours as of right now." Said Philies much to Mr.Nakayama''s suprise. "Nakayama?" Mr.Miyuki said as he looked to him dumbfounded. Mr.Nakayama didn''t know what to say. Thats when Philies looked behind Mr.Nakayama and saw a familiar face, Brandon.

    "Well I''ll be dammed. If it isn''t Brandon Wright. Still sniffing corpses hound? Or have you thrown in the towel?" Asked Philies as he walked over. Brandon got up, still facing away from the man. His face for the first time showing a long of frustration and annoyance.

    "They must really not give a damn about this case if they handed it to you Wheels." Brandon said as he turned to him. "Funny. Well they do. Cause I''m taking charge here. You''re done. Guess bother the pres and the minister both have seen just how you guys really operate." Said Philies as he looked back to Mr.Nakayama who stared daggers back at him. Brandon was shocked at the news.

    "What did you say-" Mr.Miyuki shouted as he walked to Philies only for Mr.Nakayama to stop him, holding him back. "Hold! Don''t." He said. Mr.Miyuki looked at him and then Philies.

    "...Theres nothing we can do." Mr.Nakayama said with a defeated tone. Mr.Miyuki looked defeated as well. "Don''t be upset guys." Philies said. Brandon looked down with shock as Mr.Nakayama grabbed his arm and pulled him away.

    "Don''t worry we''ll give you the credit. We''ll say you gave us donuts as we caught the guy. No need to worry." Philies said. Brandon, Mr.Nakayama and Mr.Miyuki all looked at Philies with a pissed off look. Brandon''s brain was racing. "Come on guys, we''ll go talk to the chief. See what we can do..." Mr.Nakayama said.

    "NO! THIS CAN''T BE HAPPENING!!!

    NOT WHEN WE''RE SO CLOSE! THIS CAN''T BE! THEY''RE GOING TO TEAR UP EVERYTHING! THEY''LL RUIN EVERYTHING!

    THIS IS IT...This was his plan all along. Waste our time with this investigation, hide his pieces across the board carefully and then when the game begins to come to a close...we get the rug pulled right under us! They want to terminate all we''ve done! I can see right now!" Brandon thought. As he mind raced he pictured in his mind Kibe''s shadow as it began to cover up a chessboard covered in pieces.

    "I CAN''T SEE THE ENGAME ANYMORE!!!" Brandon thought, he was in a intense daze as he was pulled back by Mr.Miyuki with Mr.Nakayama watching.

    "Brandon! Move!" Mr.Nakayama shouted, his voice like a echo ro distant voice in Brandon''s head.

    "Come on!" Mr.Miyuki shouted tugging at Brandon. He was barley moving. The whole case, everything he had done these past days were all going to be gone, and because of what!? Some stupid men in suits feel like he wasn''t solving it quick enough. Brandon''s eyes looked as they saw Kibe in the doorway, they saw him staring back at him. Both their eyes meeting. The flashy image of Kibe quickly fading away.

    "NO! I HAVE TO BE THE ONE WHO CATCHES HIM!!!" Brandon thought. Theu screamed at him. His thoughts-

    THEY SCREAMED AT HIM!!!

    THINK

    THINK!

    THINK!!

    THINK!!!

    Thats when Brandon''s eyes moved towards Mr.Miyuki''s waist. His gun at his side. "FIND A WAY TO WIN!" shouted the voices in his head.

    "Are you going to just stand there?" Said a women''s voice. Thats when Brandon''s eyes would shrink. He was taken back to that day. Where he stared from his bedroom as a child and saw that cop again. That crooked bastard as he beat his mother in front of him. His body was frozen, he couldn''t move...just watch.

    "Are you just going to stand there?! His mother worded. As all Brandon was watch in fear.

    "NO! I WILL NEVER-" Thats when Brandon would quickly reach over and grab Mr.Miyuki''s gun and lift it into the air.

    "STAND AND WATCH AS MONSTERS ARE ALLOWED TO WALK AGAIN!!!" Brandon screamed in his head as he then looked to Philies, everyone saw him. The American agents immediately reached for their weapons.

    "WHEELS!!!" Brandon screamed as the man turned around and saw Brandon pointing a gun at his head. Philies''s eyes grew in shock and surprise.

    "GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY CRIME SCENE!" Brandon shouted.

 The Bargin and the Deal

    Everyone was in a panic. Guns drawn and all aimed at Brandon besides Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki.

    "WOAH WOAH! EVERYONE FREEZE! NO ONE SHOOT!" Mr.Nakayama shouted as all the Japanese and American officers had their weapons pointed at Brandon, sometimes point to each other. "BRANDON HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR GODDAMN MIND!?" Mr.Miyuki shouted at him with his hands up.

    "No, just thinking about how exactly this is going to go." Brandon said as he continued to point the gun at Philies. "You looking to die Wright? Cause I''m not going to stop you. This charade isn''t going to prove jack to anyone." Philies said.

    "You don''t give a damn about this case Wheels. Not really." Brandon said as Philies and him stared each other down, the tension was high. Everyones hands on the trigger. Read for any sign, even a flinch.

    "Heh, you think you know everything huh Brandon? Feel like just because you brought down a old department filled with some bad apples, means you must know how everyone is wired huh?" Philies said. Brandon stayed focused on him as Philies walked a few paces closer.

    "I bet you think you''re holding some good cards don''t you? That this is all just a storm under your control. But it isn''t Brandon, not anymore. This isn''t your ship anymore.

    The case is ours. Accept it. Move on. Maybe go back to whatever sewer you live in now and stay there this time." Philies said. "You have the case huh? Is that right?" Brandon said with a stern look. His gun firmly still pointed at Philies.

    "Go ahead Wright. Pull that trigger, but know this. Just cause I''m gone, doesn''t change a thing.

    The case will still be ours and you''ll be behind bars again. Just like you should be." Philies said. Brandon stared at him. "Brandon...easy...just put it down." Mr.Miyuki said. Mr.Nakayama looked at both Brandon and Philies.

    "So go ahead and be the hero. Pull the trigger." Philies said. "..."

    Brandon needed an ace, a trump card to use. But thats when a thought came to his head.

    "Heh, you want me to shoot you huh? Now it sounds like as if you believe you have all the cards.

    Think you have control of this storm? You have no idea." Brandon said. Philies just stared at him.

    "We have the case files, we have the suspect Eiji. Theres nothing you have that we don''t."Philies said. Brandon knew that very well. He had case...no, thats when Brandon remembered. That what they had, was old information.

    The current news, such as Kat being involved and Himmy no doubt also being involved. They had the foundation, yet they had none of the tools to build off of it.

    "What exactly do you plan to do Wheels? I''m curious. You can''t honestly believe that just standing around and tweedeling your thumbs will do you any good.

    You don''t have half of the information that I have." Brandon said. Philies looked at him with a mean scowl. "I don''t know what sort of game you''re playing here Wright but it''s not going to work.

    That affidavit gives us complete control over this case. If you withhold information from us you purposely are committing an obstruction of justice. And don''t thin I won''t charge you!" Philies said.

    "Oh I know you well enough to know you will. But I can''t let you do that. Not yet anyway." Brandon said, as he then pointed the gun away from Philies. Everyone took a quick sigh of relief. "Which is why I''m not giving you the chance!" Brandon said as he then pointed the gun at himself. Philies simple gave a small chuckle as he looked at his men and then back to Brandon.

    "Agents, incapacitate this man." Philies said.

    "It only takes a few 5lbs of pressure." Brandon said. Thats when the words he was saying began to land. Philies the whole time hadn''t been taking Brandon seriously, not for a second. Yet at that moment he made that comment. Brandon''s words began to be heard by Philies completely. Philies''s eyes widened with disblef. "You wouldn''t, you''re bluffing." Philies said.

    "Maybe, but you''ll never know. Did you really think I''d let you walk in here and ruin my case, with your old fashion policing methods and wacky interrogations.

    No.

    I''ve haven''t slept, I haven''t stopped thinking and I haven''t stopped working on this case. Every fiber of my being is tied to this, and I won''t allow anyone else to come in and think make me stand by and watch as they fumble everything!" Brandon said. "You would obstruct this case, a case both the prime Minister and the president of the United States are both heavily invested in! Just to appease your ego!?" Philies shouted.

    "Maybe it is ego, but I know I''m going to crack this case. I know I''m close. Closer then I''ve ever been before now. I won''t be pushed away this time Philies. Not again.

    I have the names of the white rabbit''s ace. I know what he''s planning, why? Well thats just details. All I know is, that if I''m not the one doing this. He will escape. And I know that''s not what you want. Why would you accept something like this if you didn''t feel you could do it. Right Philies? But thats the problem with feelings.

    It''s like masterbating. Good only for while you do it, once done all you feel is guilt and shame afterwards." Brandon said.

    "ARREST THIS MAN IMMEDIATELY!" Philies shouted as the American agents began to walk towards him. "Another step and you''ll not only come yourself this case, but you''ll also cost yourself you''re career.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Tell me whats more important to you? Beating me? Or the pride of American?" Brandon asked. Philies looked at him, some of his agents also staring at him too. The situation, like so many others was reaching its peak. The tension was high. Everyone on their toes. Philies was sweating as he and Brandon stared one another down. Philies standing in the side of the law of not only American, but for Japan as well.

    While Brandon stood for something entirely alien to the rest of them. Full bred justice. The clock was ticking, even though Philies and everyone else didn''t know it.

    It was only a matter of time for Brandon to start the timer.

    "I''ll give you till the count of 5 to go back to the president and prime Minister, tell them of what I''ve done and what I''ve sworn to do.

    If I fail then they can lock me away and throw away the key.

    If I win, then, well. Thats good enough for me." Brandon said. Sweat passed by Philies''s brow. He quickly took a breath. Trying to hold some kind of control here.

    "...You can''t-"

    "You have 5 seconds." Brandon said as he then clicked the safety off of the gun. Causing for everyone''s eyes to widen and the tension to finally reach its boiling point.

    "Brandon!" Mr.Nakayama shouted

    "5" Brandon said.

    "He won''t do it. He can''t." Philies said.

    "4" Brandon said.

    "If you go through with this all that big talk about not standing aside, about not watching the bad men walk free will be bullshit. Is that what you want? To be a hypocrite? To die a fool!" Philies shouted.

    "STOP YOU FUCKING IDIOT!" Mr.Miyuki shouted

    "3" Brandon said.

    "IF YOU PULL THAT TRIGGER I WILL MAKE SURE YOU''RE NAME IS WRITTEN DOWN IN EVERY EMBARRASSING BOOK IN HISTORY! FOR THE REST OF THE TIME THIS BLUE ROCK STILL BREATHES!

    DO YOU HEAR ME!?

    BRANDON!!!" Philies screamed. Yet Brandon didn''t flinch, his eyes and Philies''s still locked on one another.

    "...2" Brandon said. Philies''s breath got shakey, his eyes shakey as all the agents also began to quiver just a bit.

    "1" Brandon said as his finger began to pull the trigger.

    "ALRIGHT!" Philies shouted. Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki looked at him. Brandon continued staring at him. Philies took a deep breath. "...I''ll go ahead and get the affidavit looked at for you then.

    In the meantime, you''ll be my custody." Philies said. "No thanks. You say you''ll do it sure, but I want it done Wheels. I don''t care what you set for if I fail. I just want full jurisdiction on this case till the IPOW begins." Brandon said. Philies scowled at him.

    "Until thats confirmed and I''ve read it over, only then will I remove this gin from head. Only them, will you finally get to be free of my control." Brandon said. "Oh Wright, you don''t get it do you. There is no such thing as control, control and choice are merely the illusion created by two forces. Those with power, and those without." Philies said. Brandon watched as Philies and his men walked to their cars and drove away. Brandon still stood there with the gun to his head. Mr.Nakayama and Miyuki both finally too a well deserved breath as they ran to Brandon.

    "ARE YOU INSANE!? HES INSANR RIGHT!?" Mr.Miyuki shouted. Mr.Nakayama nodded.

    "He may be, but he just bought us a few more days. In that time I need the full story. No secrets." Mr.Nakayama said

    "I can''t, if they go after you you''ll talk. No offense, but you have something to lose. I don''t besides my taste for exotic fruits...to be honest maybe I should have thought this part through." Brandon said.

    "Brandon. Focus. What is it that you have?" Mr.Miyuki asked. Brandon looked to both of them. "Ok, the White Rabbit has a lose end. Rather its been put there on purpose is irrelevant. What matters is getting it before its too late." Brandon said.

    "It?" Mr.Nakayama asked.

    "Juo, hes the lose end. Hes the only one who can identify the voice of the white rabbit to our prime suspect. We get him, and this case is closed." Brandon said. "Whats stopping the white rabbit from just killing him?" Mr.Miyuki asked.

    "He left Juo in the hands of a unpredictable variable. He has no idea what she''s thinking or where she is really.

    She is the one piece he can''t control, at least not anymore." Brandon said. "What do you mean?" Mr.Miyuki asked. Brandon then shrugged as he got a bit nervous.

    "I may have or not, suggested to her the idea of breaking free of the white rabbit''s strings...which may or may not also be the cause of this man''s death and the capture of the woman who lived here." Brandon said a bit sheepishly. Mr.Miyuki needed a moment to process this before speaking.

    "I''m sorry...did I just hear you say. That you''re responsible for this!?" Mr.Miyuki shouted

    "Responsible is such a strong word. I prefer nudged." Brandon said. "I-"

    "It doesn''t matter now. The endgame is here and we need to start getting ready to play the pieces we have to. Brandon''s right. They''ll squeeze me for information if he has to listen to me. Which is what I have a better idea." Mr.Nakayama said. "What are you thinking?" Brandon asked.

    "I''m thinking I got just the person for you, bright, intelligent and most importantly. Will keep you in line." He said.

    "Oh wow, this sounds like fun. Who is he?" Brandon asked.

    Much later on Jun would arrive at the police station. Where now it was filled with not only Japanese officers, but now some American ones. Jun was wearing a blue jacket with a white t-shirt and shorts. She walked inside with a black backpack on. As she did she''d walk past everyone until she reached her father''s office. She took a deep breath. She then remembered a conversation between her and her father just a few hours ago.

    Jun was in her room, building a small automatic microwave when she got a phone call from her father.

    "Dad?" She answered.

    "Listen Jun, this is very important. The entire structure of the world of law enforcement hangs in the balance, and I''ve decided to make a choice.

    I feel like it''s been one I''ve been needing to make for a long time now. The darkness I once could see before has grown too much. I can''t keep looking at it again and again. Its...changed me. And even though I don''t feel changed it has done that to me.

    I would never ask you to do this-"

    "But I want to." Jun said. Mr.Nakayama already knew exactly how his daughter operated. He knew how she carried herself. And that this was the only way.

    "...I need you to finish things in my place. But I want you to know you can come to be about anything. No matter what, big or small." He said. Jun smiled. "Thank you dad." She said.

    "Thats my girl. Now, here''s what I want you to do." He said.

    Jun then opened her eyes returning from the memory as she then opened the door to her dad''s office to see Brandon in a chair, Philies standing with his arms cross, Mr.Miyuki standing next to Mr.Nakayama''s desk with the man himself sitting in it.

    "What? This is her??" Philies asked

    "Nakayama." Mr.Miyuki said.

    "Dont worry Philies. She''ll do great in my place on this case. She helped crack the Trickster case, seems only fair she be the one to break down this one." Mr.Nakayama said. "This is preposterous." He said. Brandon stood up and looked at her. She looked to him for a moment too.

    Everyone then looked at Jun. She took a deep breath and then looked at them.

    "I''m ready." She said.

 Warmer and yet warmer

    Philies would leave the room and close the door. Leaving Jun, Mr.Miyuki, Mr.Nakayama and Brandon alone.

    "Well...here we are. At the end of the rope. This is my last ditch effort to close this case for good. The IPOW is a multiple day event, once its finished it is undoubtedly that the White rabbit case will go cold. Making it unsolvable.

    Which is why, you three are here with me now. I have my hands tied, but you don''t. Which is why I''ve made this team." Mr.Nakayama said he then gestured to Jun as he looked at Brandon.

    "Brandon Wright, this is my daughter Jun. Jun, Brandon Wright." He said. Jun turned to Brandon who was looking at the floor fiddling with his fingers. His eyes looking dead and zombie like. Like he wasn''t even here, not even on this planet even.

    "Um, Mr.Wright?" Jun asked which then snapped Brandon out of his trance. He quickly looked at Jun. He then quickly got up and shook her hand with a witty smile. "You must be the pizza gal." He said. Jun looked at him confused.

    "E-Excuse me?" Jun said

    "I''m kidding, but I have you fooled for a second there huh? Come on admit it." Brandon laughed. Jun looked at him with a confused and offended look. "Brandon. Focus." Mr.Nakayama said as Brandon looked at him and stopped shaking Jun''s hand.

    "Ok, my bad. Sorry." Brandon said as he then sat back in his seat. Jun eyed him for a moment before looking back at her father.

    "So why isn''t Kibe here? I thought he was working with us?" Mr.Miyuki asked "I took him off the team, if not temporarily. The IPOW is coming up, I''d hate for such a bright kid to suddenly be overcome with all this dark subject matter." Mr.Nakayama said. Brandon briefly looked at him before looking at the floor again. Still fidgeting.

    "So as you''ve all seen or heard. The U.S is working tightly with us on this case. However, thanks to some...interesting persuasion from Brandon here. We get to be at the wheel. However, there have been some rules set.

    If we think about it or dare to break any regulations or policies, its over. They get the wheel.

    And we don''t keep them informed on recent breakthroughs in the case. Theu get the wheel." Mr.Nakayama said. Brandon smirked.

    "Sounds easy enough." Brandon commented. Mr.Nakayama looked at him with a unamused look. "Which is why I''ll be here, with Mr.Miyuki. we''ll both be here compiling through the old evidence to see what else we can gather. However, I want the best on this. So I''m pairing you two together." Mr.Nakayama said as he pointed at both Jun and Brandon.

    "Of course." Jun said

    "Excuse me?" Brandon asked

    "You two will he handling interactions with suspects and with further leads.

    Jun, you''ll be in charge between the two of you." Mr.Nakayama said much to Brandon''s displeasure. Jun nodded and bowed. "I''ll do my best sir! I won''t let you down. We''ll work hard and by the book." She said.

    "Woah woah woah! Don''t I get a say in any of this?!" Brandon asked as he stood up. "No, this isn''t negotiable. It came with the new affidavit. Someone must be watching over you. Someone who we can rely on to keep an eye on you.

    Besides, I have a feeling you two will do great." Mr.Nakayama said.

    "But I-"

    "Heres the deal, we have less then a week to catch this guy. Otherwise this case is finished.

    Miyuki ran through the old residents of Saint Terry''s. He found someone who knows our Black fox. Her name is Seku Himaka. She lives in the middle east part of Ginza. The address is here on the folder and everything else you need to know.

    Go ahead and get to it." Mr.Nakayama said. Jun nodded and grabbed the folder as motioned for Brandon to follow her. Brandon looked at her and got up before looking back at Mr.Nakayama as he left. "I''ll remember this." Brandon mouthed as Mr.Nakayama waved him away. The door closed. Jun went to her new assigned locker. There she got her belt, tazer, spray and gun. Her face was covered with focus. Thats when she came into the main lobby where Brandon was laid out on one of the waiting chairs. His head laid back. She stood infront of him.

    "...I can feel you staring at me." Brandon said.

    "We have a suspect to look at. Come on. I don''t want to be late." Jun said. "Why? Do they have a flight to see their dying father?" Brandon said.

    "Look I get it. You''re the lone wolf type. I can see that you normally like working alone. So I hope when I say this, that it resonates with you." Jun said, Brandon''s head came up as he looked at her. "I''ve been wanting to be officer for a long time. Its been all I''ve thought about." Jun said. Brandon titlted his head as he studied her.

    "Why?" He asked.

    "My aunt. We...we were close." She answered. Brandon nodded. He stood up as he fixed his coat. "Alright, lets go then." Brandon said

    "Just like that?" I hope I was clear." Jun said as Brandon smirked at her. "Very." He said. Brandon walked towards the exit, however before Jun did Mr.Miyuki would run to her. "Hey! Jun. A minute please?" He asked. Jun turned to him, Brandon looked back for a moment, in that moment he and Mr.Miyuki both met eyes before Brandon left.

    "Look, Brandon is a great detective, but he has some...edges." Mr.Miyuki said. "Edges?" Jun asked.

    "Yea. He can be rowdy, go out on his own and be very...blunt. While yes he does close cases, he is also a rouge. Watch over him like you would a six year old. Be careful." Mr.Miyuki said. "Oh, thank you." Jun said as she left. She walked out and found Brandon leaning against their police suv.

    "So what did the all cautious Mr.Miyuki have to say?" Brandon asked "Nothing really." Jun said as she opened the car door with Brandon getting in the passenger''s seat. "Interesting that so early in our relationship you would attempt to deceive me." Brandon said as he buckled his seat belt. Jun looked over at him as she did hers and started the car.

    "I''m not deceiving you. He really did say nothing." Jun said. Brandon looked at her confused. "Long time to for him just to say nothing." Brandon said. Jun rolled her eyes as she leaned back. "Gosh he was right." Jun thought. Brandon raised his eyebrows

    "...Ok fine, he said to just be careful around you. Said that you''d be...rough-like." She said as she began to back the car out of the parking lot. Brandon almost looked hurt by the comment. Jun looked at him for a moment before focusing on the road. "What?" She asked.

    "Thats very hurtful that he''d say something like that. You know I consider me and him to be very close." Brandon said. Jun looked at him and then kept driving. The two both drove for nearly two hours. As they did, far away back at Kibe''s home. He and Kenji were sitting in the living room watching TV.

    Kenji was slouched back, while Kibe was sitting straight watching the TV. It was talking about how how the old Japanese prob shot into space had reached past the Andromeda galaxy.

    "Man, what I wouldn''t give to go into space. To fly through the stars, and see...well I don''t know. I''m not into all that philosophical crap. Not like you." Kenji said as he grabbed his drink. Kibe just kept watching. He looked at his phone for a moment. Kenji looked at him. Memories of his confrontation with Brandon and Eiji flying through his mind.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "...You were right about that guy. Brandon Wright. That detective is...hes something else." Kenji said, thats when Kibe''s attention was gained. He side eyed Kenji before he spoke. "Detective Wright is one of the most intriguing men I''ve ever met.

    He''s more then brilliant, he is the most genius schnook I''ve met. Or one of them at least. He had a taste for the darkness of others, eyes for the shadows that people dangle behind themselves. He sees them perfectly for what they are. Its poetic almost." Kibe said

    "...You''ll be caught by him. You know that right?" Kenji asked "Maybe if I was you Kenji, but I''m not." Kibe said. Kenji snickered a bit as he looked at Kibe who then fully looked at him. "There he is. Nori Kibe, always trying to be the smartest guy in the room." Kenji said.

    "I never try at anything. I just do it." Kibe said "Is that ego?" Kenji asked observing Kibe. Kibe just stared at him for a moment.

    "No." Kibe answered.

    "Hmm, guess you really do work like a machine. I presume you have all your angles figured out too. Smart to stall them all the way till the IPOW show begins.

    Honestly I must say, I''m suprised. Your foresight never seems to stop fascinating me. I bet you had it all figured out, from me and Brandon even to that weird creepy girl." Kenji said, thats when Kibe''s eyes would narrow a tad bit.

    "Kat? He''s referring to her I know he is. Why on earth would he involve her?

    ...no." Kibe thought. He turned his body away from Kenji and put his hands together. His mind running through every possibility. "If Brandon has discovered Kat. That can only mean he''s found out about Himmy as well.

    Which means he''s connected the dots, he knows Himmy is Humiko Shimodaira and knows that she is the black fox. The only question though, is why hasn''t he arrested me or better to say. Why hasn''t there been news of her capture?" Kibe thought.

    "Oh by the way, this place is going to shit. Did you hear about the kidnapping in Ushin?" Kenji asked, Kibe''s eyes widened before turning to normal again. Kenji looked at Kibes back before looking back to the TV. "Yea, it was a shit show. A murder and then someone goes missing at some rinkydink hotel or motel. Whatever they call it.

    Anyway, none of my business heh. Unless, its...yours of course." Kenji said as he smirked at Kibe. Kibe looked at Kenji with a head turn. "Leave it to the one guy who has a professional addiction to running the pockets of others into the ground, to estimate my own shortsightedness.

    Kat is on the lose. A stray in the wind. Not only that she has Himmy with no doubt. But why would she-

    Of course. Brandon. He must have gotten into her head. A courtesy that I had yet to dulge in." Kibe thought as he then looked at his phone. Kenji looked at Kibe begin to text someone. Kenji got up and walked to the kitchen. Kibe messaged Kat, but there was nothing. No response, not even a sign that she''d seen it.

    "Ghost. Of course." Kibe thought as he stood up. "Brandon can have Kat, he can even arrest Himmy...

    Is that what I want? Are my plans for the pale palace...for the people involved in my past. More important then the possible life I could live if I just. Left it all behind.

    Is that an option? Leave everything or throw everyone away in a pursuit for answers." Kibe thought as he put his phone away. He thought hard for a moment. Before then- something in his mind connected all his pawns into one singular circle. He could see the board fresh and new.

    "Ah, I''d nearly forgotten my ace. Brandon, you may have your leads and capabilities to see into the dark hearts of others, but I have something more...effective." Kibe thought. Kenji then walked back over with a glass, likely something alcoholic. Kibe turned to him.

    "So tell me, whats the plan?" Kenji asked. "Tell you definitely isn''t part of it. But having you close to my side will be key to throwing the police off this trail once and for all." Kibe thought as he looked at Kenji. "Kenji, my affairs are my own. Perhaps you should watch out for yours." Kibe said. Kenji''s head tilted a bit.

    "My affairs?" Kenji asked.

    "Yes. You don''t know it yet but you are being pulled away from the things you enjoy most. Its only a matter of time before Bato takes away the things you enjoy the most. Gambling, the thrill of ruining others. And of course our connection." Kibe said. Kenji looked at him. "Hes trying to spin something. Trying to get me off of his back. Not that I can''t see it, but I''m ultimately intrigued as of why." Kenji thought.

    "Our connection?" Kenji asked.

    "Yes. Haven''t you felt our bond growing? You''ve managed to work your way into my sights. Your someone that I genuinely feel I can enjoy partaking in dialog with." Kibe said. Kenji smirked.

    "I can''t say I completely hate talking to you. Even if you do have tendency to try and undermine me." Kenji said. "I''m glad to hear that." Kibe said.

    "You never sound like your glad of anything." Kenji said.

    "Not completely true. When I tolerate things, It means I have a certain amount of glee." Kibe said. "Really?" Kenji asked.

    "No." Kibe said. "Figured. Another damn snare." Kenji thought.

    "So what do you mean? By Bato taking everything from me?" Kenji asked.

    "Dont you see it? He intends to berid of me completely. To destory me. But you don''t want that. Do you want him to ruin your chance at another round at Dante''s Chess? Or maybe chess." Kibe said. Kenji snickered as he looked at the TV and then took a sip of his drink while Kibe grabbed the remote and turned the TV off.

    "I''m not getting anywhere this way, I need a new angle. Something that is more, primal." Kibe thought as he then looked at his phone and saw his open text to Himmy. Thats when it clicked to him.

    "He may even take Kiko from you." Kibe said, and just like that Kibe had Kenji''s complete attention. "What? Why?" Kenji asked curiously.

    "Predictable and expected. What is one thing that any man wants more then power? Love." Kibe thought. "You can''t see it? He plans to separate every aspect of what I have here and burn it. That includes what he may perceive as a part of me. Including her." Kibe said.

    "Thats ridiculous! She has nothing to do with you. This is just another one of your attempts to manipulate me or get something out of me that you need." Kenji said as he then finished his drink and set it down roughly before walking to the door. Kibe looked back at him.

    "You don''t have to believe me, but you can''t deny the probability is there. And what will you do once it''s too late? Will you have been there? Or will you have been standing alone and away because of some foolish paranoia?

    Your choice as always Moriyama." Kibe said. Kenji stared at him before he left. Kibe then looked back at his phone.

    "Now its time to act. All the pieces are here and they are moving." Kibe thought as he then looked at the TV and saw the announcement of the U.S government joining with the Japanese government to help govern the IPOW. Kibe watched it for a moment.

    "And just like with the trojan horse, I have found my gift in which to give my enimes." Kibe thought as he then went ahead and grabbed a burner phone from his school bag and typed in a phone number. Kibe then had memories of when Mr.Miyuki came into his home and met his drunken mother. He remembered that night when Mr.Miyuki met the white rabbit.

    Kibe opened his eyes and looked infront of him and saw Mr.Miyuki, he was tied up in a chair infront of him. They were in the basement. "KIBE! PLEASE! DON''T DO THIS! MY DAUGHTER,  I-"

    "Thats enough detective. I''m not going to kill you. I never planned on it." Kibe said. His eyes were like black holes, thats what Mr.Miyuki saw with every glance he took. He was petrified by them. Mesmerized bu their vacancy of life and empathy. Kibe then turned around and pressed a button on a remote which cut out all the lights. It was pitch black. Mr.Miyuki was sweating, fear could be heard in his short breaths. "...please...don''t do this." Mr.Miyuki begged. Thats when he''d feel something get injected into his neck, it was a needle. He didn''t know what it was going into him, but it began to make him drowsy. He could feel his body getting weaker, and the fear in his mind intensifying.

    Suddenly lights began to flash in his face, blaring and going off and on, all while Kibe stood in front of it. Mr.Miyuki''s eyes shook with horror, drool pouring from his mouth. Sweat soaking him.

    "You''re going to be late, theres no time.

    Follow the white rabbit, and you''ll be there soon.

    The white rabbit can help you, help you forget the sorrows and worries of reality. When you think of the whites in the snow, in the clouds and in your very eyes. You will think of calmness and serenity.

    When you hear the time has come, and the hour draws near. Only then will you be free of your worries, but until you find him. Not until you follow the white rabbit." Said Kibe, his voice was like that of a machine. For the first time Mr.Miyuki saw exactly what it was that Mr.Nakayama talked about. Kibe''s voice was heavily distorted yet every word instilled itself into Mr.Miyuki''s brain.

    Kibe''s voice became law to him, it became...more. Mr.Miyuki watched in horror as those horrific green eyes looked at him, and in the darkness of the figure infront of him. He saw two more sets of hands emerge from his body. He watched as they reached to him as the phrase Kibe said reapeted over, and over, and over and over and over.

    Mr.Miyuki let out a horrific scream. Thats when Kibe opened his eyes and was returned to the present.

    Kibe called the number he dialed. Mr.Miyuki who was still at the police department, going over files while Mr.Nakayama working in his office. Thats when he''d see his phone ring. He looked to see a random number. He answered it.

    "Hello?" Mr.Miyuki asked

    "The time has come." Said Kibe on the other end. Mr.Miyuki immediately sat up straight, his eyes going hollow. The trance now activated.

    "What do you need to do?" Kibe asked and just like a robot Mr.Miyuki answered. "I need to find the white rabbit, I can''t be late." He answered.

    "Good, now I need you to tell me everything that Brandon Wright is up to.

    Once you do, then I''ll help you find the white rabbit." Kibe said. "Thank you, I-I can''t afford to be late." Mr.Miyuki said.

    "You won''t be. And neither will I." Kibe said. Thats when Mr.Miyuki would begin to read off everything in the white rabbit case and everything that was going on with the investigation to Kibe, who made himself some green tea as he sat down and listened.

 The Kibe, the Kenji and Kiko part 1

    4 days till the IPOW

    Kibe was at school. He was in class, it just ended. As Kibe walked down the hall thats when the intercom of the school came on. "Nori Kibe, please report to the Council room immediately. Thank you." Said the voice on the intercom. Kibe stopped as he looked up at the speaker. Other students pass him by in the hallway.

    "Bato undoubtedly." Kibe thought as he then turned around and made his way there. He eventually made it to the hallway. As he walked to the door he could hear voices talking on the other side of the door.

    "Just because you''re new blood here, doesn''t mean you suddenly can start swaying your ego around like a Sociopath!" Shouted Rin on the other side. "Honestly, could you be any more pitiful. The IPOW is for people show a glow to their mind like no other. We can''t allow rich students who "think" their bright just speaking nonsense." Said Piko. The debate between the pale palace students and the student council looked like it was more and more heated the more Kibe listened. Eventually though he had to enter the room. As he did he''d see the whole scene.

    Bato and Hideaki were both sitting in chairs facing one another. The rooms window facing the street and the school field. There they had their main players, Junna, and Piko beside Bato and Rin, Cho and Kawano by Hideaki. The large forces both now facing each other and who else to be in the middle then Kibe. He looked at them as he closed the door. Setting his bag down.

    Bato looked at Kibe with a unamused expression. His hands together, he then looked back at Hideaki. "What do you think you''re doing? Bringing him here." Bato asked.

    "I believe he will be a good deciding factor on the matter." Hideaki answered. "Is that right?" Bato said

    "If you don''t mind my intrusion, but what exactly am I deciding on? If I may inquire." Kibe asked. "Thr IPOW is coming in 4 days. Each school bound to offer up a representative for their school.

    Me and Bato here we''re just having a decision on who that should be. He believes it should be himself, I said otherwise." Hideaki said. "Foolishness." Hiroe said however Bato would put his hand up, gesturing for her to keep her comments to herself. For now.

    "You honestly believe that this, nobody, will do you any good in this affair? Bato asked "He is the perfect candidate. I know Nori." Hideaki said.

    "Clearly not well enough. He is a average student. With average capabilities." Bato said as he quickly side-eyed Kibe. "He hasn''t failed a single exam, test and quiz since his being here." Hideaki announced.

    "A feat I''m sure the top brass at this school can all acclaim to too." Bato said

    "He is my choice. Rather you agree or not. Don''t forget, you are coming to me. Not the other way around." Hideaki said as his voice rang and bulldozed through Bato''s previous statements. "You think I require you? One word with the headmaster and-"

    "I''m perfectly aware of your relationship with our headmaster Mizuki. Mr.Ojima." Hideaki said. Bato was infact a bit speechless there. Even Hiroe and Junna looked in slight amazement at Hideaki''s reach.

    "My great-great grandfather founded the school board of Japan. My great-grandfather modernized it, and my grandfather currently runs it.

    While my father continues his studies and publications on the student mind, and the mathematical analysis of what school truly provides for students. I am here, formulating connections, making partnerships and solidifying my place as the most influential and most important student in Japan.

    So Ojima, if you honestly feel like you can challenge me in a game of influence. I promise you. It will not boad well." Hideaki said. Cho was eating her usual snacks and candies as she watched from her seat. With Kawano still wearing a bag on his head and seemingly paging attention. Kibe watched this battle of titans, their aura and presence, the pressure was intense. It was like standing infront of two massive tidal waves. Kibe felt like he was going to be swooped away any second. However he kept his composure and stood firm.

    "You understand, there are requirements to be met. Test that will really decide which student is best up to the task. And once done, the student body will decide." Hideaki said. Bato looked at him with a face of disgust and mild frustration.

    "I have a feeling I''m coming up in just a few moments." Kibe thought. "Alright then, Me and Nori will battle it out. A test to see who can will be the best choice for Sawa High." Bato said. "Excellent, glad we could come to this agreement." Hideaki said.

    "Is that you call this?" Bato asked.

    "Its what I always call anything when it goes my way." Hideaki said as he stood up and fixed his uniform with Bato doing the same. The two shook hands. "Well, I assume you two have a bit to talk about." Hideaki said as he walked to Kibe and stopped next to him. "I''ll text you a place to meet." Hideaki whispered before he and the rest of the council left the room. Kibe looked back before facing Bato.

    "Well, what a drag that was. And here I was hoping I could drag you through the mud without any conflict." Bato said as he walked over to a table near the back wall. It had refreshments and a bowl of sweets. He poured himself some ice tea. He momentarily turned around to look at Kibe who as usual, had no reaction to his words.

    "Hmp, nothing as usual." Bato thought. Kibe just stared at Bato for a moment before he spoke.

    "The time that game has lasted is over Bato. Its been interesting." Kibe said. "Is that right? And what makes you say that? How did you come to that conclusion Nori?" Bato asked.

    "I had my eyes opened, by someone you may know. Well they at least know you. Faust." Kibe said. Bato''s entire body froze. Still facing away from Kibe, he immediately began to get flashes back to the pale palace. He remembered a time where he was alone.

    Students of the pale palace, around 20 or so were standing around him. His arm broken, tears rushing down his face. He was young. There amongst the crowd he saw him, hidden in the back. The devil in the crowd.

    Bato would be brought back to reality. To the present. He looked back at Kibe.

    "Faust is a snake. Do not let him slither his way around you and drag you into delusion." Bato said with a seething and aggressive tone. "No Bato, its you whose delusion. You came here thinking you could get the best of me when the pale palace clearly wants me still alive.

    Do you think they''d willingly let me get exposed? No, they''d turn the media and world upside-down to keep my secret. I realized that the moment I went on that island. I realized even later that what I was doing wasn''t what I thought. I always wanted their eyes one me. A part me wants to know the answers, know the truth. So you stopping me and crushing me impedes on this." Kibe said

    Bato looked at him with a face full of curiosity and shock at his words. His statements more then what he''s ever heard from Kibe in years.

    "...Do you honestly think, that I care what you want? I''m here to prove to them exactly what you are! A blasted failure whose only good contribution to this floatong blue ROCK. Is table manners and a delicate good sense of tea!

    And the fact they are as invested into you, as they are absolutely..." Bato took a breath. He rubbed his face and composed himself. He then looked at Kibe with a calm and relaxed face.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Boils me to my core." Bato said with relaxed expression, as he put his hands into his pockets. Kibe put his hands behind his back, as the two stared at one another.

    "..."

    "Alright then. You want to beat me? You want to prove something? Fine. Let''s go at it. You and me. Once I win the IPOW, they''ll finally understand just what you are." Bato said as he extended his hand. "Let the best man win." Kibe said as he shook Bato''s hand.

    "Theres only one man here Kibe." Bato said "For once, we agree." Kibe said as he then went to leave the room.

    Elsewhere in school later on, Kenji was getting ready to leave school. As he walked down the hallway towards the exit. Memories of his past flooded his mind, Kibe''s previous words ringing loud to him.

    He remembered a time when he was walking down the hallways he always did. Those pale halls which spoke nothing, had nothing and meant nothing.

    As he walked down them he would see Kiko surrounded by a few boys. Kiko looked up at them as one of them moved a strand of her hair away from her face. Her eyes briefly looking over to Kenji''s direction.

    "In that place I had nothing but the cards, the endless games and test. When I was adopted by my parents all they told me was to win. You seem so, distant from all of that.

    The problems of this world and my problems too.

    When I look at you, I see something. Is it a reward? Is it some tantalizing fruit that I just can''t have? What is it? Did they rip the concept of love from me?" Kenji thought. His went to her eyes, her lips, her neck and more. "I want you, I''ve always eyed you yet never acted on it. Because I was afraid of losing.

    Losing you." Kenji thought. Thats when he''d return to the present. He was near the entrance to school when he saw something. It was the gym teacher. Kenji saw him, but the man clearly wasn''t paying attention to him. He was looking at something else until he walked away down the hall. Kenji stood where he was standing before and looked to see a girl standing at her shoe locker. Just standing there. Kenji looked at her and then to the gym teacher. He saw him fix his pants for a moment.

    Kenji then walked over to the girl, standing behind her as other students passed by, going out into the rain day. He looked back and forth before he spoke. "I don''t look at me and keep doing what your doing." Kenji said. The girl continued. Kenji noticed her outfit and hair, her hair was a bit messy which contradicted with her straight hair look she seemed to be going with and noticed her outfit was a torn in a few places. Mainly near the lower end where her skirt was.

    "I know something bad has happened to you, tell me what it is. I can help you." Kenji said as he put his hand on her shoulder. She quivered a bit, her eyes getting teary as she muttered those terrible words. "...I was raped." She said, Kenji''s eyes widened. Kenji''s grip tightened as he got pissed. The thought stirred like an inferno in his head.

    "THIS IS-"

    Kenji''s mind flashed back to that hallway, where he saw those guys and Kiko before. He returned to the present, his eyes burning with anger as he got ready to speak. However thats when someone would grab his wrist. Kenji and the girl would look over and see nonother than student council member Kawano Katsumi and Ido Cho. Ido was on Kawano''s shoulders playing on a sort of portable gaming device. No bigger then a phone.

    "...You." Kenji said. A little while later Kenji, the girl, Kawano and Ido would all be in a office room. The girl sniffling while Kawano leaned aginst the door and tugged on the bag on his head while Ido sat on the table between them. "Sexual assault eh? Sounds serious. And it''s aginst Ichika, our gym teacher and gymnastics advisor.

    Sounds very serious." Ido said as she ate some hard chewy candy. Her voice was very childlike and almost squeaky. Yet she almost had a seriousness to her demeanor, even if she wore the most childish hoodies and goof shoes.

    "Whats your name?" Ido asked as she ate some more candy. "Uhh, I''m Oka Ottawa." Said Oka.

    "Ah, from class 4-A. I heard about you. You''re the gymnast who beat those other schools before yea? Almost went national?" Asked Ido. Oka nodded. "So what happened? Tell me everything." Ido said. Thats Kawano would look up and get his phone out.

    "He...he invited me for some after school lessons.  He said my forms had been getting rusty...s-s-so I said yes.

    I didn''t notice it at first, but he was staring quite a lot at me. Always taking second glances. I was feeling uncomfortable so I went to the locker room. I hadn''t notice him following me...so before I knew it. He...h-..." thats when Oka would freeze during her words and begin to cry. Kenji looked at her, his arms across as he sat next to her. Ido watched her. "Did you get that Kawano?" Asked Ido. As Kawano nodded. Ido looked back to Kenji and Oka.

    "Alright then, Oka. You focus on going home today. Get some rest and then we''ll make moves to get this mended tomorrow. Ok?" Ido said with a wide smile. Oka nodded as she got up and bowed to everyone before leaving. Kenji however wasn''t going to wait, he got up and went for the door only for Kawano to block him.

    "Eh? What are you stopping me for? You have some sort of problem?" He asked. "Where do you think you''re going Moriyama?" Ido asked as she jumped from the table to the floor. Kenji looked back at her, as she was looking at him. Kenji closed his eyes.

    "Just heading back home. I don''t know where else you''d think I be going." Kenji said

    "Oh is that right? I thought you for sure were going to find and beat up the gym teacher." Ido said. Kenji''s eyes reopened. "Did she somehow read that off of me? Or is that just her Intuition? Either way. Theres no way she could have guessed that." Kenji thought.

    "Why would I-"

    "I''m not saying you can''t. Just that you better not be caught is all. Would be suspicious if we just let you go and suddenly a teacher wounds up getting beaten up. Wouldn''t you say?" Ido said. Kenji looked at her with an unamused look. He knew what she was playing at.

    "Yea. Right. I''ll keep a low profile then." Kenji said as he waved them goodbye and left the room closing it. The two looked as Kenji walked down the hallway. Kawano closed his phone and put his hands in his pockets while Ido smiled widely. "Seems we can utilize this one. Huh Kawano?" Ido said with Kawano still remaking silent.

    Kenji wondered around the school for a moment, looking out windows at parking lots and in offices. "Did he leave already? No, if he just did this he''d be around somewhere. No doubt he''d be sticking around. Thats criminal behavior 101." Kenji thought. He looked out one of the windows of class 8-F. Some students were still cleaning as he did. He looked out there for a moment, the rain pouring down like hail. He stared at the cars for a few moments. He looked at their windows and the backseats. Even with the rain his perception and vision was perfect. "Damn this rain, I can see just fine, but God. I didn''t even bring an umbrella." Kenji thought as he fixed his uniform.

    "Thats what I get for not checking the forecast- eh?" Kenji thought as he looked and saw him, the gym teacher and a another faculty member walking to a brown car. Kenji''s face twisted as he looked at them. "Gotcha." Kenji said as he walked out of the classroom.

    The gym teacher and the faculty member were sitting together in the car. The gym teacher got out his phone showed him the pictures of Oka he had taken while he assaulted her.

    However they didn''t notice Kenji walking towards their car. Kenji took off his jacket and wrapped it around his right hand. The two mennin the car were looking at the photos with big sadistic smiles on their faces. "Hehe, and here look. You get a full look in this one." Said the faculty member. "Yea, what a slut right? Damn she sure is-" however thats when Kenji would send his fist through the window punching the gym teacher straight in the face. Nearly busting his jaw while the faculty member looked in shock at the event.

    Kenji grabbed the gym teacher''s head and slamned it aginst the dashboard so hard the airbags in the car went off. He then opened the door and threw the gym teacher onto the ground before he then began to crubstomp his face. "BASTARD! BASTARD! BASTARD! BASTARD! BASTARD!

    WHY DID YOU DO IT HUH!?" Kenji shouted in his head. His mind flashing to the scene in the hallway. "WHY DO YOU NEVER TRY! WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO HALF-ASS EVERYTHING!

    WHY!

    WHY!

    WHY!

    WWHHHYY!!!" Kenji shouted in his thoughts. Thats when he remembered.

    "Oh..thats right."

    In his memories he would see those other students dead, a small spat of blood on Kiko''s face. Kenji however was covered in it. He bent over and wiped it off. Kiko just staring at him.

    "I killed them." Kenji said. He found himself back in the present, standing at the entrance of the school with his shoes in his hands and siaking wet.

    "..."

    "Why is it I can''t learn to win the things that really matter. All the shit I have is just...superficial isn''t it? Nothing I have in my life really matters to me. Not even...their love for me." Kenji said. He took a step into the rain it went down his hair and his face.

    "They say you can wash away a lot while just standing in the rain. Maybe this way I can finally wash away some of this superficial bullshit.

    Ughhh what am I saying...I''m not him. I can''t be profound or methodical like him.

    ...I''m just..." Kenji sighed as he looked down, however thats when the rain would stop falling on him. He looked up and saw it was still raining, he then looked straight up and saw he was under an umbrella. He looked next to him and saw Kibe. He and him were under an umbrella.

    "Oh..."

    "Its you." Kenji said.

 The Kibe, the Kenji and Kiko final part

    Kibe and Kenji stood under the umbrella staring at each other. Kenji was least to say shocked at Kibe''s action.

    "..."

    "So."

    "Is standing in the rain your new thing, or has this always been a gimmick of yours?" Kibe asked "SHUT UP!" Kenji shouted at him. The two continued to stand under the umbrella for a few more minutes. Just staring out at the rest of town, cars passing by and people too. As the day went on. "I''m going after Kiko." Kenji said, Kibe looked at him.

    "I realized something after what you said. I''ve been winning a lot since I was young.

    I''ve done it all out of the want to win, out some selfish professional desire. Or maybe for my parents. It doesn''t matter. I just never could decide what I wanted. I felt like a stallion in a sense." Kenji said, Kibe kept looking at him. "A stallion?" Kibe asked.

    "Yes." Kenji said as he looked ahead. As he did he then went back again into his memories. He remembered being placed in a white room. There were no chairs, no windows or anything. He just sat against the wall. "Being in there for as long as I was. Made me forget everything about who I ever wanted to be. In fact, I never had a dream or desire before. It all was just details. Like in a painting, upon first viewing they mean nothing. The brushstrokes, the shades of paint and even the painter himself. All means nothing. Its the art itself which is the eye catcher.

    However, the longer I was out, the more I began to explore the details of my painting. And now, since interacting with you. I''ve begun to question just what it is that makes up my canvas." Kenji said as he looked to Kibe who was still looking to him. "Do you know where she is?" He asked.

    "No clue, but I have e a feeling I may know where. Come on." Kenji said as he walked back inside the school with Kibe following him. Bato was still in the office room. Sitting down. As he did he had made himself some coffee. Turning a spoon in it. He took a sip of it. He then thought to himself for a moment before he then walked over and put down another cup. He sat down waiting. Thats when Kibe would enter the room. Bato would look to him.

    "Ah, just on time. I put on some tea and everything." Bato said. Kibe looked at him. "No need to be nervous, do tell me. Why have you come back?" Bato asked, thats when Kenji walked into the room. "Oh, not you. But him." Bato said, Kenji walked over and slamned his hands on the table in front of Bato. "What have you done with Kiko?" Kenji asked, his voice like that of a growl and his eyes filled with frustration.

    "She went her own way. Said she was tired of babysitting as I remember her saying. She''s likely long gone by now." Bato said as he sipped his drink only for Kenji to swat it out of his hand. Bato barley moved before his eyes fell onto Kenji.

    "YOU DONT GET IT YET!? THIS IS WHAT THEY WANT! They want you to do all this. To try and see just how good you really are. Don''t you see that this is all just some sick game of black jack or a large gamble to them. They don''t care about what you want. Just what they want.

    None of us are important, its all just research to them." Kenji said. "Perhaps, but I''m content with that. So long as my goal is reached and my worth proven." Bato said with a confident tone while Kenji looked in disbelief. Kibe just watched the two. Kenji stood up pissed off.

    "Fine, you want to go ahead and toss yourself to their theories. Thats your thing. I''m going to go and get Kiko back." Kenji said as Bato then stood up. "You go after her, and you better not think I''ll ever aid you in anything." Bato said. Kenji looked back at him.

    "I didn''t need your help before and I certainly don''t need it now." Kenjj said as he left. Kibe followed behind him. Bato watched as the door closed and he began to sip his drink before he then saw the door open again. This time a familiar face showed up.

    "Ah, its you." Bato said.

    Kibe and Kenji stood at the school gate, the rain finally subsiding. "I need to go and find her." Kenji said. "Goodluck." Kibe said as he then watched as Kenji ran off. He watched before he then heard some footsteps approaching him. He turned his head and saw a familiar face. Kenji would run towards the airstrip that he remembered meeting Kibe at before he left earlier this month. His mind racing and racing.

    Kiko was standing at the stairway to her private jet getting ready to leave. Her eyes looking at the jet and the planes on the distant strip all flying away and leaving, "...They look like butterflies.

    Flying away from a bad patch of flowers." Kiko thought. Thats when her mind would be taken back to the past. She wa young, one of the youngest of her era. She was wearing a white uniform like all other students. She was standing in a garden. Her hair much longer then it is in the present. She was flocked by a few other girls. All of them admiring her for her brilliance on the algorithm test.

    But her attention wasn''t toward them. She was always use to being praised. When she was born in southern Dublin. She was born into a very rich family. She remembered everything about her birth, from the moment her parent''s named her. To even the subtle mentions of her deliverer name and the nurses who aided him. She could remember every light she was under, every birthday and so on. Sometimes in her own mind, she laughed. Because she could remember all of that history of her life. Yet couldn''t even remember her own parent''s names.

    There in the garden she looked and saw some of the boys there too. Many of them driven by their own reasoning and beliefs. The Pale Palace never tried to change anyone''s personality, more like they attempted to hardwire you to use your brain to manipulate those emotions in according to what your mind wants.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    The Pale Palace infact, at least in Kiko''s eyes and mind. Seemed to be nursing the idea of creating a whole new society. Filled with people who thought first and then acted later. They very much were the embodiment of "I was curious what would happen".

    There she saw them, a few boys looking down at this patch of flowers a whole bunch of butterflies were hovering over. One of the boys, a boy with brown hair and hazel eyes went over and gently laid his hand down to it. The butterfly believed in the gentle nature of the boy. Unfortunately once it was in the boy''s hands. It was crushed.

    Yet the boy showed no reaction, just a face of pure apathy. He didn''t even brush the remains of the butterfly off. He just it left it there. The other boy''s gawked and were in awe at him. The girls, were disgusted at his cruelty. The boy looked to Kiko and Kiko to him. He then looked down and began to stomp on the flowers and snatching any butterflies he could. The whole while, he would look to Kiko''s face for a response. But she didn''t give him any. Yet she couldn''t be infront of anything more cruel. The girls shouted in disgust  and anger at the boy before they left. With the boy and the boys doing the same.

    Kiko was all that was left there, she then looked down and saw the remains of a butterfly.

    "Cruel...

    There is no sense in it. Why should we exist on this earth, if all we do is spread and destory all that doesn''t aid in our expansion. Can people really be so heartless. Be so unwelcoming to other ways of life. No, there is no other way. Humans are cruel. " Kiko thought, however thats when-

    "Hey, look." Said a voice, she recognized it and looked up to see Kenji there. Looking in his hand before bending down showing Kiko. A chrysalis. Kiko''s eyes widened.

    Kenji saw her expression and gave a warm smile.

    "I know it doesn''t seem like much, but life is like that right." Kenji said. Kiko looked at him. "Life is like a gamble, at first we''re born weak. No real money in the pot. But then as we grow we begin to fill and fill it up with valuable sums of precious things. We may not be guaranteed to win the whole pot, but at least we had fun filling it while we did

    " Kenji said. Kiko just looked at him.

    "Thats when I learned. That others may infact see life differently then I do.

    But after a time he changed. Be became obsessed with something, someone. At one point though. I began to see him change, into something I couldn''t recognize anymore. The boy who once saw life and its many paths.

    Now constraining himself to just one." Kiko thought as she then was returned to the present again. She looked at the stairway to her jet and sighed as she walked up the stairs with her luggage.

    "KIKO!!!" shouted Kenji''s voice from a distance, Kiko stopped shocked at what she heard. She turned her head and saw Kenji running towards her at his best. He then stopped at the stairs to Kiko''s jet. He was exhausted.

    "Did you run all the way here? Thats over 10 miles you lunatic." Kiko said "Yea well, you do make me do crazy things." He said. Kiko looked away a bit bashful. She then looked at him. "Shouldn''t you be bashing your head aginst Kibe''s? Trying to get a number up on him or something." Kiko asked yi which Kenji shook his head.

    "I don''t know if its forever, but right now. Hes the last thing on my mind.

    What I''m bashing my head aginst right now..." Kenji stuttered for a moment. Which took him by suprise.

    "Is you." Kenji said, to which Kiko reacted with shock.

    "...it is just you and me there when Kibe was taken out of the pale palace.

    We only had each other, thats who we still are now. We only have each other! Maybe Kibe too I guess. But thats not the point. The point is you were born with everything-" Kenji said, as he was taken aback to a time where he heard Kiko mentioning her birthday once before.

    How she had to open her presents alone, with only the house servant to open them with her.

    "Yet you had nothing too. I was the same too. I was born with nothing, and was given the world on a silver platter. Yet nothing sanctioned my life." Kenji said. Kiko looked at him. Kenji''s hands tightened.

    "I-...I LOVE YOU KIKO!" Kenji shouted. Kiko''s eyes widened before turning back to her normally relaxed expression. Kenji''s face was a burning hot red. He looked at her and saw her face.

    "No." Kiko said. Kenji looked at her confused. "HUH!?" He shouted.

    "You heard me. N.O." Kiko said.

    "Why? I ran over 10 miles here to just get rejected? I know what matters now. I''ve done the work and progress haven''t I!? Whats not appealing?" Kenji asked

    "Its because this isn''t you. Ever since you found your calling in the pale palace you''ve always been fond of gambling. Why start this now? Why throw it all away for me?" She asked. "IDIOT!" Kenji shouted.

    "HUH?! You''re calling me an idiot?! You, who ran all those miles just for the girl you wanted, just for you to be hit with rejection. Why are you still standing there. Acting like I''m going to change my mind." Kiko said "Cause you won''t, I know you already feel the same. I don''t need romantic love, I don''t think I could understand it. I don''t need anything sexual either.

    I just need love. Someone who can see and understand me. Knows my flaws, warts and all. You''ve been the only one who can. The only life I could never throw away into some pot like the rest.

    I love you Kiko, and thats something I had to come to terms with because if I didn''t then...well. What good is all this knowledge and understanding if I can''t even understand myself." Kenji said. Kiko looked at, her face dropping as she eyed him. She then walked down and dropped her luggage and hugged him. Kenji was in shock for a moment before he embraced her too. They both held on another for what felt like hours.

    Back at the school Kibe was face to face with familiar old flame. He stared at them for a minute before speaking.

    "Greetings. Its been a while, Mi." Kibe said. Mi looked at Kibe as he did her. Both standing at the gate to the school.

    "They''re going to catch you at any moment now. With your fling caught theres no telling-"

    "I''m hoping for it." Kibe said which shocked Mi a bit. "What?" She asked.

    "Yes. I won''t deny Brandon''s Intuition and dot connecting skills. They''re remarkable. Extraordinary even.

    So, I''ve decided to plan accordingly." Kibe said as he put his umbrella away. Mi walked to him and attempted to put her hand on his shoulder only for Kibe to catch it. He looked at her.

    "Kibe, please. Let me help. I want to-"

    "What? You plan to shoot me like how you shot the detective? Or perhaps maybe you''ll deceive me again. Try and make it look like coercion." Kibe said.

    "Kibe I-"

    "Was any of it real? I just want to know." Kibe asked. Mi stuttered as she looked at Kibe. Kibe''s eyes searched her''s. However before she even could say it, he knew the answer.

    "I see. Well. Thank you for confirming that with me." He said as he stepped away from her. He then got to walking away with Mi following him for a few moments before stopping "I won''tet you throw everything away for some thug! I won''t!" She shouted. Kibe stopped and looked back.

    "Do what you must, I will do what I''ve always done." Kibe said as he walked away leaving Mi.

 How to catch a Kat

    3 Days till the IPOW

    Brandon and Jun had arrived at the home of Seku Himaka. It was early in the morning. The two were standing outside a pretty rundown apartment building. Next to it were two other apartments just like it, but they were a little more put together.

    Brandon looked down the street, his hand in his pockets as he saw fancy and luxurious. Couples walking up and down the street. Jun closed her door and walked next to Brandon. "It says from her sheet that she''s had run ins with authority before.

    So let''s try to go in with some caution." Jun said as Brandon walked with her to the front of the building. She pressed the button on the front gate. It let out a harmonic buzz as Brandon just shuffled his hands in his pockets. "Yea sure, i can be a cautious." Brandon said. Jun looked at him as she put down her phone for a moment. She stared at him as he did her.

    "Cautious huh? I read your file." Jun said "Is this the part where we feed each other cream filled cookies and talk about who''s more of a slot after a few drinks?" Brandon asked very dramatically and sarcastically. Jun rolled her eyes. "Alright I get it. You don''t like to be poked at." Jun said.

    "Its just I like to know who I''m working with thats all. And if I don''t, how am I supposed to rely on them for anything." Jun said, thats when she looked over to the door and saw it getting ready to open. She and Brandon looked at one another one last time before it did. She noticed his face had gotten a bit more serious after her comment there. Thats when a older woman would answer the door. Jun got her notepad really quick. "Hello there, Ms.Pune?" Jun asked

    "Who''s asking?" Asked the woman, her body just a little exposed from the doorframe.

    "Ma''am we''re with the NPSC, this investigation is of international importance. So we''re hoping you''ll point us in the right direction.

    We''re looking for Seku Himaka. Its printed here that she lives here." Jun said. Ms.Pune looked at them both. Her face a bit mixed on how to respond. She then looked to Brandon, who wasn''t looking to her. She stared for a moment before he met her eyes. Brandon then gave her his warmest smile. "Don''t worry, we just have a few questions. We aren''t looking to arrest anyone here." He said. The woman''s demeanor became a bit more calm and relaxed as she then looked at Jun.

    "She lives on floor 3, room 08, be gentle. She''s fragile and needs to pay her rent." Said Ms.Pune. Jun and Brandon got ready to walk away before Ms.Pune them tugged on Jun''s arm. "You looking for husband? I have a good-looking nephew.

    When you finish up there. Come to the back I''ll show you a picture." She smiled to which Jun put on a nervous smile back. Brandon chuckled a bit before he then looked up the flight of stairs and started walking them. Jun followed him shortly after. Once they got to her room Brandon knocked on the door.

    "JUST A MINUTE!" shouted a tough and rough feminine voice. Brandon and Jun stood outside the door for a few seconds. Thats when Brandon would go ahead and kick the door hard. Making a loud noise which shocked Jun and Brandon a bit.

    "Have you lost your mind?" Jun asked

    "Mmmm, no, all still here. Besides. People will act far more inclined to help us if we let them known how little time we have for their everyday chores." Brandon groaned. "We''re trying to come off as being considerate and understanding." Jun said.

    "You don''t think I''m understanding? Thats a bit hurtful don''t you think?" Brandon asked. Jun then looked at him with a unamused face before the door opened. Seku Himaka, she was very built woman. She wore a black eyepatch on her right eye, she wore a black tanktop and sweat pants. She was very tone. From her stomach to her arms. She had wrist bands on. Looked like she had been working out or working on something.

    "Hello, can I help you?" Aske Seku, Jun showed her badge. "Hello there, Seku Himaka?" Asked Jun. Seku looked at her up and down and then to Brandon who seemed to be fiddling with his tongue. Her eyes then looked back at Jun. "Yea, who''s asking?" She asked in a snappy tone.

    "I''m Nakayama Jun with the NPSC, this is detective Wright. We''re here to ask some questions. If you don''t mind. They''re about-" however before Jun finished Brandon looked at Seku. He could see her entire personality just from this first interaction. She didn''t smell like sweat, even though she had clearly been working out. Her eye, whatever happened to it. Seku wasn''t all here. A piece of her stuck in the past and the other still living here. Maybe she intends to kill the past to get her eye back. Maybe someday. She was secretly scared.

    "How about we come in first, no need to ask anything just yet. Let''s just take a breath and eat a kiwi huh? You got any fruit around?" Brandon asked. Seku looked at him like he was clown in roller skates. "Uhh, sure. Come in." She said motioning for them to follow. Jun and Brandon walked inside as Seku walked over to her kitchen which looked as big as a home bathroom. Brandon monitored the living space. It was a very shaggy place, the couch had a basket worth of clothes on it. No TV.

    The coffee table infront of the couch looked bad, something she wouldn''t buy. But would accept if she had no other choice. A hand down. The very rug and floor looked older then even himself and Jun combined. He noticed the lack of pictures, except for one. On the wall near the kitchen. It was a picture of a very young Seku with supposedly a foster mother by her side. Brandon walked around the place. He went to her couch and looked at her pile of clothes.

    "Alright, so what is it you want to talk about?" Seku asked as she gave the two a glass of water. She then walked over and sat down. Brandon sniffed his cup while Jun just took a nice sip of hers. "We wanted to know some information you may have on someone you knew during you''re time at Saint Terry''s." Said Jun. The name made Seku twitch just a bit, but then she took a breath.

    "Yea, I know the place. Was sent there as a child." Seku answered. Brandon looked at her. His mind then flashing back to his "kiss" with Kat. His hand''s fingers grazed his tongue. A shiver going down his spin as he kept listening to what was being said. "So then, by that we can assume you were familiar with a girl, goes by the name Kat." Said Jun. Seku looked down at her drink and then out the window behind her couch, she then looked back at Brandon and Jun.

    "You''ve met her huh? You can usually tell when she''s left something behind." Seku said. Brandon moved his tongue inside his mouth a bit at the mention. Thats when Seku studied them, she looked at Jun and saw no sign of Kat''s presence on her. However she didn''t have to stare at Brandon for long to see it on him. Though she didn''t say anything, she knew that he knew.

    "So, what has she gotten herself into now?" She asked. "Kat has you as her emergency contact, why is that?" Jun asked folding her arms.

    "Beats me lady. Why does she do anything?" Seku said as she drank from her glass. Jun was taken aback a bit by the use of the word lady. "Lady? I''m still young you delinquent!" Jun thought.

    "She did it to see what you''d do." Brandon said, Jun looked at him. "What? You''re saying she just left this girl as her contact just cause?" Jun asked.

    "Yea pretty much. Kat''s impulsive. She acts entirely on whatever she wants to do in the moment." Brandon said. "Very impressive, almost like you''ve read a manual on her." Seku said. Brandon didn''t comment on it. But Jun picked up on the hint. Though she kept her thoughts about it to herself for now.

    "But why you? From what he gathered, you two hardly spent time together." Jun asked. Brandon looked at her and then back to Seku. "Guess I''m just another random scapegoat of hers. Damn rotten bitch." Seku said.

    "Shes like that you know? She''s a fucking weirdo...no. That would be offensive to weirdos all over the world. Shes just a damn psychopath."  Seku added. Brandon''s mind then sprung with an idea as he then set his drink down.

    "Uhm excuse me, may I borrow your talking brick?" Asked Brandon "Brandon." Jun said.

    "You mean my phone? Uh sure." Seku said as she handed it to Brandon and Brandon began to dial a number. "What are you doing?" Asked Jun.

    "I''m about to learn where Kat is." Brandon said.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "What?" Jun and Seku said. "There no possible way for you to learn that with just her being the emergency contact." Said Jun. Brandon looked at her and smirked as he then got a answer on the phone.

    "Yes this is the NPSC, what can we help you with today?" Asked a woman officer. Jun attempted to take the phone from Brandon, but he simply weaved her and got to the other side of the coffee table. "Uhh yes, this is Heakagi Sui, my girl Seku Himaka. Yea she just had a terrible accident. Is there any way I could see who her emergency contact is? She said she wanted to call them." Brandon said putting on his best acting he could. Jun looked at him completely unamused.

    The female officer was a bit suspicious of what was actually going on. She didn''t trust this story. So she decided to pry a bit more.

    "Not to be rude, but wouldn''t she just have this person in her contacts? Just seems very out of the way." Said the female officer. Brandon rolled his eyes a bit, he had only a few seconds to respond before he knew the alert bells would go off in this woman''s head.

    Thats when he got it.

    "They broke apart, it was really hard. The whole ordeal was just...I mean...fuck. They went through it and things got really bad. They still care each other though. Never can break that...I''m sorry...that kind of bond." Brandon said as he acted very sorrowful and sad. Seku was so thrown off by what was happening. She was in complete confusion while Jun was more annoyed and frustrated with the display of deception. The female officer was actually getting shook up over Brandon''s story.

    She gave a small sniff as she nodded to herself. "Um yea. Ok I can see what I can do. And I hope they make up with one another. Friends aren''t always permanent." Said the female officer and Brandon agreeded. "Thats so true. And so, so real." Brandon said. He then was put on hold for a moment.

    "Why does this feel too easy?" Jun asked as she eyed both Brandon and Seku. Seku thought about it too and said the same thing.

    But Brandon already knew.

    "No kidding, she commits any sort of crime. We call everyone she knows that is still alive. And find her.

    Yea.

    All way too simple. She is way to cunning for that. As spontaneous as she may be. She needs to plan somethings out. Which is why I bet the person we''re going to get is either a neighbor of hers or maybe even a apartment building owner." Brandon thought. Once the phone call resumed, one of Brandon''s theories would be confirmed.

    "Hello! This is Misuki from the Crowtell motel. How can I help you?" Asked the woman, to which then everyone was suprised besides Brandon who was ecstatic. "Perfect! I now know where you live." Brandon thought as he then hung up and tossed the phone back to Seku.

    "Alright." Jun said as she crossed her arms. Brandon smiled wide as he put his hands in his coat pockets. "Ah don''t worry Nakayama, I wouldn''t want to damage your ego by making you admit I had it under control." Brandon smiled. "What? Wow you must be more full then a mug of crap.

    And like hell I''d admit to you being right. That stunt shouldn''t have even happened! Next time you pull that, I''m going to call every psych ward I can find." Jun said

    "What? Why?" Brandon asked

    "So I know where I have to put you back." Jun said. Seku looked at both of them with an an annoyed expression. She massaged her temples.

    "This is why I don''t date." Seku groaned. "Huh?" Brandon said

    "Excuse me?" Jun asked. Thats when a knock at the door would come. Seku walked over to the door and opened to see it was a package. She looked down at it and it was a small box with a note. "Hey, I didn''t-" thats when she looked up and saw no one around. She then picked it up and closed the door. Brandon and Jun walked over to her.

    "What is it?" Jun asked "Like he''ll if I know, I didn''t order shit today." Seku said. Brandon got the note and opened it. He read it.

    "Hello detective, call the first number. See you soon." Brandon said, he then saw the smile face attached to it. Jun looked at him as he did to her. Seku then opened the box and saw it was a burner phone. Brandon extended his hand gesturing for it to which Seku gladly handed him the phone. Brandon then turned it on and called the first number.

    It rang for a bit. Jun and Seku both waiting with baited breath.

    It rang a bit longer.

    "Shes just messing with you man. Theres no way. " Seku said. The silence was deadly. "Maybe she''s right, theres no way-"

    Thats when the other line picked up.

    "Hello there Brandon." Said Kat, Brandon walked away a bit and put his hand on the wall. "Kat.." Brandon said.

    Far away from Ginza, Kat was sitting on the edge of a rooftop. She was wearing a black shirt with pants and shoes to match. The sun was setting.

    "I see you got my gift. How is she? My old friend?" Kat asked "Shes as fine as she can be. I''m guessing you have no plans on turning yourself in then?" Brandon asked.

    "I would be bored. Just like a bird I like to fly, eat and shit wherever I please. I can''t do that in a cage. You should know that." Kat said

    "..."

    "I know thanks to those US officers that you only have a little time to catch me. Which is why I''m going to keep them fresh and warm for you until you do. How long they stay like that is up to you." Kat said. "Listen Kat-"

    "Oh wait, is this the part where you play the good cop and tell me to turn myself in. That I can get better?" Kat smirked. Brandon chuckled to himself. "No, no no no. I wouldn''t want you to stop being who you are a for a second. No, I wanted to let you know that when I catch you, and I will catch you. That I''m going to put you down." Brandon said. Kat smiled as she then looked at the phone and dangled it above the what seemed to be near bottomless fall in front of her.

    "I hope you see you soon." Said Kat before she dropped the phone off the roof. She watched as it went crashing against the ground. Brandon cursed under his breath. Kat smiled as she got ready to walk towards the opening to the roof before her phone rang.

    She looked at it and picked it up. She noticed the caller ID was unknown. "Hello?" She answered.

    "Its been a while. Kat." Said a familiar voice. Kat''s heart actually began to race. As this man was the only one who she genuinely felt...alive with him.

    "Kibe. I''m guessing you got my message?" Kat smiled. Kibe was in his room sitting at his desk. He had three screens. A laptop and two desktops from his basement he had moved over. They all were cycling through information, all going over psychology, the Lucifer effect and the patterns of the human subconscious. All of the screens flashing images, going through videos at 5x the normal and speed and scrolling though entire articles at 2x the normal reading speed.

    His eyes followed them perfectly though. All the information was being processed just like he when he would listen to Mrs.Mihara''s commands and ask to behave better and more effectively.

    "Message found and received. My only question is now. What do you think you''re doing?" Kibe asked his tone somehow more apathetic and colder then ever before. Kat caught this, her heart racing just a bit more. Smile wider.

    "I''m curious what you''ll do. Now that you''re cute little pet is almost about to be found. Dead or alive." Kat said "I don''t appreciate being provoked. Not one bit." Kibe said.

    "Oh really? But you don''t seem to mind doing it to others." Kat said.

    "If you''re just going to strawman this entire discussion, then I have no reason to speak to you anymore. I should just kill you." Kibe said. "Why? And spoil all the fun!? Are you delusional?" Kat asked.

    "Far from it actually. How long do you think it''ll be till I find you? A day? A few hours or minutes maybe?" Kibe asked "I want you to find me! I want to see how you behave. When any animal is cornered it will choose. Either to die or to fight. I''m curious what you will do. Now that your little proud fox is mine.

    I want to see how the thing within you acts now. I want to see your shadow!" Kat said. As the night began to reign in. "I hate to disappoint you Kat, but I won''t be giving you what you want. But you are giving me what I want." Kibe said. Kat''s smile then went away. She grabbed the phone fiercely with both hands.

    "NO NO NO NO! Don''t do this Kibe! Don''t go into your mind and back to all that thinking! Don''t think! Just do! Do it! Stop pretending to be something you''re not! You''re like me." Kat said "Thats your problem Kat, so caught up in your own fantasy that you can''t even see the reality of the situation." Kibe said. Kat was speechless.

    "You want me? Here I am. From the moment we met. Nothing has changed. My speech pattern, my eyes. Even my heart rate now still beats the standard human average.

    There is nothing about me that remotely resembles what you perceive yourself to be. I''m no man, I''m no monster either. Just a guy. Who knows what he''s doing and how to handle the situations he''s put into.

    Now, when I get off this phone you''ll have two options. One of them is that you can go ahead and throw yourself off that roof and before that free Himmy and kill Juo.

    Or

    You can keep going down the rabbit hole. See how deep I''ve dug it and if you really think you can crawl out of it once you''re in it.

    You have the next several hours to come to a decision. Our partnership from here one is now officially and irrevocably terminated.

    Goodbye Kat." Kibe said as he then hung up the phone. He then grabbed his phone and put it back in his pocket.

    "The mind is a wonderful place. Its like building, one where different rooms go to different places. This won''t be any different. What I''ve done to others. I now must do to myself." Kibe thought as he then closed his eyes.

    He then would be taken back to the night where he and Himmy first made love. Kibe was sitting in a chair infront of Himmy''s bed. On there was a laptop. Flashing lights reflecting off his face from it.

    Thats when a voice clip on it began to speak.

    "You are sleeping, calmly, relaxing and drifting away. You are resting, napping and serine.

    When this message is over you will be a new man. A new you, Nori Kibe." Said Kibe''s voice on the laptop.

    "Kat was right, I can''t be me anymore. So now. I will be someone else. Blocking out all of my knowledge and strategic thinking.

    Tomorrow for the first time. Everyone is going to meet Nori Kibe." Kibe thought as the audio from the laptop continued to play.