StarlightAT: HELLOOOOOO, ZAWAME CITY!
Fenikkusumaru: Wrong TV show… -_-;
StarlightAT: I know I just wanted to say it for once! ^_^
Fenikkusumaru: Alright, alright. Anyways, what's up people?! It's your buddy Fenikkusumaru here bringing you another story, but this time it's a Phi Brain story and I'm partnering up with StarlightAT on this one!
StarlightAT: Expect to see some crazy action, some puzzles that take forever to create and solve, and of course the usual romance and friendship bonding! We hope you enjoy the coming story!
Fenikkusumaru: Now on with… wait a minute, we haven't named this story. What should we name it?
StarlightAT: Hmm… how about… Kamen Rider Faiz: Puzzle of God?
Fenikkusumaru: I like it! Now then on with the first chapter of Kamen Rider Faiz: Puzzle of God!
Both: Pazaru Taimu no… hajimari da!
Disclaimer: I do not own Kamen Rider Faiz. All creative rights go to Shotaro Ishinomori. Any and all music used for this story, are not mine either. I also do not own Phi Brain. All creative rights go to Junichi Sato, Mayori Sekijima, and Yoshiki Togawa.
The clock struck midnight. The bells of Notre Dame rang throughout the city of Paris. Even when the lights of the Eiffel Tower lit the town, there was darkness to it. Not an honest soul was out this late at night. Rats scurried in the alleyway, being chased by a black cat. Then the cat froze. Someone was walking nearby. A figure walked through the streets, turning into the alleyway where the cat was. A white haired young man stopped in front of it. A smile appeared on his face.
The figure was a tall male. Pure white hair in the form of a spiky afro as he smiled down at the cat. Part of his hair covered his eye, yet his left blue eye had a tint of kindness to it. A brown trench coat fluttered as the wind picked up, revealing brown trousers, a white buttoned shirt, and black shoes that moved once more, walking around the cat.
There was a reason why this particular male was out so late at night. Despite seeing a rather lovely animal, his gaze hardened as he came across his destination.
A small, rundown church with broken windows with half of a cross on top stood tall, despite the harshness of the world towards it. Even now it remained firm and unyielding.
"To think… it was here all this time… The most dangerous melody…" The male whispered. His hand grasped the doors of the church. "I must not let them get their hands on it. The world will plunge into darkness and despair, should this melody ever be played."
Opening the doors, the man was introduced to the site of broken benches, walls that threatened to collapse, and a few statues in shambles. What caught the male's eyes however, was the altar. Compared to everything here, that object was the one thing that was perfectly fine. It was clean.
"That's strange… the altar looks to be in perfect condition… why is that?" The male wondered. He walked up to the altar, his eyes gazing at everything around him. Indeed, the altar was the only item in this place that was left untouched by nature. Stopping before it, his right hand caressed the smooth exterior. "…The first puzzle…" The male traveled around the altar. He took in every detail, the type of stone, limestone, the detailed pictures on the side, the one impaled on the cross, and the cloth used fine red silk. Then he felt it… a stone out of place.
He pressed on it.
*CLICK*
A soft rumbling, similar to thunder in storm clouds echoed through the unstable church. The altar shook, causing the young man to back away. After a few seconds, the altar moved, and after it moved, the rumbling stopped and the altar had moved to side revealing an underground staircase. The male narrowed his eyes. This was the place the POG spoke of. The male dug his hand through his coat pocket, pulling out a lighter. Flicking it on, he descended into the darkness.
The stairs felt endless. He had no clue how long he was walking. It was like walking down a flight of stairs that led to the Abyss.
After what seemed like forever, he reached the bottom of the stairs and his destination. "This must be it…" A doorway stood between him and his objective. Normally, one would open the door and possibly find the treasure past it. But this man knew better than that. Once he passed through that door, his life would be at stake. He knew this, and yet his hand fell onto the door.
A smile appeared on his face, not out of irony, disappointment or a smile of fear, but one of pure confidence, as if he knew he would be alright.
The doors were pushed opened.
The room was large, and yet the architecture was reminiscent of the Renaissance gothic design. Pillars lined the room that lead to an altar. Torches lit up one by one, lightning up the darkness, revealing the room in its full glory. The male traveled forward, on guard and ready to do what was necessary. The altar was ten meters in front of him, and something was sitting on it. Hopefully, it's the reason for his visit.
"There's no turning back now…" The male said to himself. "I'm going to make sure that the melody will never be played. Watch over me… Kaito…"
(Cue Theme Chu–Bura by Kelun)
(Instrumental) At the start of the music, many puzzle pieces fly up in the air, hovering in the air for a few seconds before the pieces suddenly came together to form cameo shots of Kaito, Nonoha, Gammon, Cubic, Ana, Kurogasa, and Hikari with their title names in the background. The puzzle pieces then scatter again to show a blue sky before the title Kamen Rider Faiz: Puzzle of God appears before it fades away and the camera suddenly moves down to show Root Academy.
(O~naji~ dorama wo nandomo miteru) Kaito, Nonoha, and Kurogasa walk up the hill towards the school, with Gammon driving on his bike after them.
(Kyou~ mo naa~, sonna ki ga shiteta zutto) Gammon sped past them, making Kaito spin around a bit before the latter got angry and chased after him, making Nonoha sweat drop while Kurogasa smiled with amusement.
(Ki~mi ga~ waratte kureta shunkan ni) Ana sat on a nearby bench at the entrance of the school painting as Cubic drove next to him on his robot, waiting for the others to arrive.
(A~tara~shii sutori ga hajimatta) The scene then changes to Souji and Baron who looked outside the window as they talked before Baron turned around to his desk looking at a file showing a picture of Hikari.
(Chuburarin na aseta hibi ga) The score pieces of Beethoven's Mad Melody fly into the palms of Kaiser and the Chords of Death. A silhouette of the Orpheus Armlet shined within the pieces.
(Iruzuiteiku no ga waka~ttan da) The camera then panned forward fast as if going through a space warp into the Orpheus Armlet silhouette until it slowly stopped to Hikari in a black void, specifically to her eyes and opens them, revealing that her eyes were shining golden.
(Saa~, ma~bu~ta o a~ke~te) The Phi Brain children, Nonoha and Kurogasa stand across a large chessboard, the other side holding Kaiser and the Chords of Death, each wearing an Orpheus Armlet.
(Kodoku ni surigaeteta) The scene switches to Freecell and the Orpheus Order, rushing up a flight of stairs, with those of the POG in an office typing on laptops. A shadow of a captured Rook spurred them on.
(Na~ku~shi~te~ta yuu~ki~ wo) Kurogasa and Nonoha stood back–to–back. When Kurogasa turned around, Nonoha disappeared, replacing her with Kaiser as he held out his hand. Kurogasa's eyes narrowed, activating the Faiz belt and transformed into Kamen Rider Faiz.
(Kono te ni kakageyo) Kaito runs towards Hikari playing the piano, only for the image to shatter, forcing him into a maze puzzle. After recovering from the shock, his right eye reflected the universe within himself.
(Ko~ra~e~te~ta na~mi~da) The camera hovered overhead showing all the cloaked members of the Chords of Death including Kaiser going face–to–face against Kaito, Kurogasa, Gammon, Cubic, Ana, and Hikari as they were in a Puzzle of God that involves all of them.
(Ima omoidashita kara) The ghost of Jin materialized and Raëtsel, Elena, Souji, and Baron appear one by one as the POG symbol illuminated behind them, ready to support the Phi Brain children before the score pieces, burst into flames to change to another scene.
(Ki~mi~ no~ te~ wo ni~gi~tte) In the rain, Kurogasa sat with his back to a wall curled up, looking down sadly before a hand extended to Kurogasa making him look up to see Nonoha in front of him, smiling. Kurogasa smiled back before taking Nonoha's hand and at that point, the sun comes out and the rain stops.
(Monogatari wa hajimaru) Kaito, Gammon, Cubic, Ana, Souji, and Hikari all ran up to him, as they approached, but Kaito and Gammon saw Kurogasa holding Nonoha's hand, so they ran faster and the scene ended with Kaito and Gammon, ready to comically maul Kurogasa.
Chapter 1: Wasn't it Supposed to End?
It was another beautiful day at Root Academy. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the students were happily talking with each other as they walked over to campus. It was a perfect day. Nothing could ruin it.
That is until a victorious laugh rang through the compound of the cafeteria. Standing tall and proud was a tall, redheaded male with gray eyes, always seen with his black leather jacket and pants, giving him a delinquent appearance along with his hairstyle and his way of talking. This was Gammon "Galileo" Sakanoue, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! Finally, after all these years, I finally got back at you Kaito Daimon!"
"Kono yarooooooo…" The said person growled. This was Kaito "Einstein" Daimon. He was a teen who had messy black hair that's partly tied into a short ponytail and has dark brown eyes. He was wearing his sunglasses in his hair and a red unzipped vest over a no–sleeve black shirt. His pants were baggy, green and have two long straps going down to his knees and his shoes are also red with black socks.
"He got you fair and square this time Kaito!" A short, young blonde boy spoke up. This was Cubic "Edison" Galois. His outfit consists of a white shirt, green tie, light yellow vest, blue trousers, brown shoes and a long lab coat.
At those words, another raised their hand. What appeared to be a young woman was actually a man. "I, Ana, agree with Cubic!" Ana "Da Vinci" Gram had long, brown, straight hair and green eyes. He wore a long white and yellow dress, an orange scarf, white bandages on his arms, and white slippers.
"There's no freakin' way that's far!" Kaito shouted.
"What are you talking about?! It's definitely fair!" Gammon yelled back.
"This puzzle you came up with is a complete flop!" Kaito snapped, raising the puzzle in question, which was a magic square. Something that was so basic for him to understand, took him beyond the normal time limit to solve. He lost the bet to Gammon, and now he had to pay the price.
"So what if it was a flop? I won!"
"You freakin' cheated somehow!"
"Hai, hai, that's enough you two!" A girl shouted getting in between them and pushed them back from each other. She was about their age, wearing the standard schoolgirl uniform, consisting of a white t–shirt with a red ribbon tied into the collar and a purple skirt that went a little over her knees with pink sneakers. This was Nonoha "Nightingale" Itou.
"Nonoha, talk some sense into him!" Kaito demanded of the newcomer.
"No way, she's on my side!" Gammon retorted. In mere seconds both were clogged on the head. Both of the boys flinched under the punch they received, having to rub their heads at the punch from the female.
"Seriously, what's done is done. It's unanimously decided that Gammon won, so you have to do whatever he says for a whole day."
Kaito looked shocked, "NONOHA!"
"Heh, heh…" Gammon smirked smugly.
"Mattaku mou… it's only been a week since Jin's gone, and you two are already going at it." Nonoha grumbled. Tension hung in the air. Everyone was silent, hanging their heads in the air. That event happened not long ago, and it still carried a bitter taste in everyone's mouths. Nonoha realized what she did and quickly shook her head. "Come on, Jin wouldn't want us to act like this! So by the way Gammon… what kind of ideas did you have in mind for Kaito?"
Gammon perked up and smiled evilly. "Oh, I have a lot of ideas."
Kaito flinched. He knew that smirk. Whenever that smirk was on Gammon's face, he wanted nothing more than to rip it off, and yet, currently he couldn't. He was bound by word.
"You put me in a dress and I will find a way to kill you."
"Oh that's the least of your worries." Gammon snickered.
Cold sweat began dripping down Kaito's back. Oh this was not good.
"O–Oi, there's someone injured!" A student shouted.
"Where the heck did he come from?"
The voices of the students below caught the Phi–Brain children's attention. Nonoha peeked over the balcony to see the students running outside, both genders racing out towards the front of the building. "N–Nanda…" Nonoha stuttered.
"What the heck's going on down there?" Gammon asked annoyed. Kaito blinked before walking over to the windows. Peering outside he saw the students cluttered around something.
His eyes widened.
"Oh boy, the principal's on the move!" As he spoke, a man appearing older than the students was weaving through the crowd.
He was a middle aged man in his 30's and has somewhat messy hair on one side but neat on the other. He wore small glasses that didn't need the temples and earpieces and he had a somewhat scruffy goatee. He wore a three piece suit with a red vest and purple scarf in it. This was Baron Kaidō, the Headmaster of Root Academy.
"This might be something important!" Cubic remarked as he jumped onto his personal robotic aid.
Ana nodded at that, "I, Ana, think we should investigate!"
"We might as well. Let's go!" Kaito said before running down the stairs.
"Oi, get back here Bakaito! I haven't told you what I'm about to do to you!" Gammon shouted going after him.
"Screw that! We gotta bigger things to worry about!" Kaito snapped.
The group ran out of the cafeteria and towards the massive group. Slowly the circle of students, were dispelling, only because of the Principal's words.
"All of you return. I will make sure he gets help."
"Hey, what's going on?" a voice asked. The Phi–Brain children turned to see a male with longish brown hair and green eyes wearing the male student uniform while holding a small carton of apple juice. This was Souji "Newton" Jikukawa.
"Jikukawa–senpai!" Cubic acknowledged.
"Aren't you busy at the university?" Gammon asked.
"I got all the work done. I came here on the request of Headmaster Baron."
As if on cue, the principal of Root Academy appeared from the sea of people. "Ah, Kaito–kun, everyone," Baron said acknowledging them.
"What gives? We heard someone was injured." Kaito raised an eyebrow.
"Ah yes, we will have to discuss that later. For now meet me in my office."
Meanwhile, Souji looked around and noticed the injured person on the ground, recognizing him. He was about Kaito's age having brown hair in the style that one would think was Kira Yamato and if he were open his eyes, they would be blue, "Kurogasa!" He shouted, running over to him.
Gammon replied, "Who?"
"A member of the POG," Souji replied as he picked up the boy with Baron's help. "He was assigned a mission a couple weeks back but we lost contact with him. I'll take him to the infirmary sir."
"Please do so," Baron nodded as Souji began walking away, holding Kurogasa's arm around his neck and wrapping an arm around his waist. The boy was battered and beaten, an observation that had Souji questioning what could have happened.
"R–Rook…" Kurogasa muttered.
Souji raised an eyebrow. What did Rook have to do with this? Looking forward he jumped. Kaito was standing in front of him.
"Oi, what about Rook, did something happen to him?!"
Kurogasa weakly looked up at him. "Rook's… in danger…"
The Phi Brain children gasped, "What?!"
"Beethoven's… Mad… Melody…" He muttered, before finally passing out. For some reason, Baron stopped in his tracks and turned around, looking at the injured boy in pure shock.
"…So it does exist…"
"Okay what the heck's going on?!" Gammon hissed as Cubic rode on his assistant. Raising a screen he pointed it at Kurogasa.
"Hmm… his vitals check okay, it looks like exhaustion… wait… his shirt! Raise his right arm!"
Uh… why?" Kaito asked.
"Just do it!" Cubic's orders startled Kaito and the others. If Cubic was upset, this must've meant something. Kaito raised the sleeves on the injured boy's right arm.
"…You can't be…" A hand nearly covered Nonoha's mouth.
"Is this some kind of a joke?" Gammon's eyes could barely believe it.
Ana gawked in shock, "Impossible… they were all destroyed with Orpheus right?!"
Kaito couldn't say anything. He didn't want to believe it, but it was on this boy's arm in plain sight.
It was an Orpheus Ring.
"Yappari…" Cubic gritted.
"Who is this kid?" Kaito asked himself.
Everyone had assembled in the principal's office, each wearing a face of either shock or discomfort. Their long battle that had been fought for years, the one battle they thought was over, came back into their lives. How could this be? It was a question no one could answer.
"This is worse than I thought…" Baron grimaced.
"Can someone tell me what's going on around here?!" Kaito shouted, "What the heck happened to Rook?!"
Baron, who had his hands together, squeezed them both. He didn't want to get the children involved, but now that Kurogasa appeared, there was no use. "I tried to hide this form you, so that none of you would be involved anymore. We have recently found evidence of something… you could say, was evil."
"Evil…?" Nonoha echoed.
"A horrible symphony that would drive people into madness…"
"What are you talking about?" Gammon asked.
Baron was silent for a moment before saying, "Have any of you ever listened to Ludwig van Beethoven's music?"
"Ana has!" Said male raised his hand.
"What do you think of it?"
"Hmm…" Ana placed a finger on his chin as he looked up. "I would say they're very gentle pieces. They are nice, but fierce like the ocean. He also made warm melodies that portray the power of music."
"…He composed melodies that appealed to our senses. Some say that he used a form of Synesthesia to do so. However, in his successful career, he created a piece that was not meant for enjoyment, but to drive a person insane…"
"W–Why would he want to do that?" Nonoha stuttered.
"Even I do not know but… it could be possible that he was in depression. He was deaf in the last ten years of his life. No matter how much of a genius he was praised as, he could not hear the melodies he composed himself. An illness struck him afterwards. Perhaps that was the final key to it. However, this is only pure speculation and opinion on my part." Baron explained.
"So then, what does Kurogasa have to do with this?" Cubic asked.
"During the events with the Master Brains, I asked him to try and find clues on the location of the score. I knew that there were… fanatics… that would abuse the power of the score and knew of its existence. Originally the POG hidden the score in pieces, but now we have decided it was too dangerous for it to continue to exist." Baron declared. "That is what we plan on doing. However the location of the score pieces, have been lost to us. I asked Kurogasa to hunt down the score pieces due to his unique ability."
Ana asked, "He has a unique ability?"
"Yes. He has been given the title of "Morse"." Baron nodded.
"Morse? You mean as in Morse code?" Nonoha asked.
"Indeed. He's a genius. Originally we thought he might be a Phi Brain child chosen by the Orpheus Ring, but originally he wasn't."
"It's a fake, gotta be!" Gammon replied.
"Fake or not, it doesn't change the fact that he has one." Cubic noted.
"Who cares about the ring? What about Rook?!" Kaito's shouted.
Baron narrowed his eyes. Standing up from his chair the headmaster sighed. "Kurogasa found the location of the first score, and he was saved by Rook shortly after Jin's passing." His eyes closed as he recalled the conversation he had with Rook. "Rook knew the dangers of the score. When possessed by the armlet, he once thought about using it as a Fool's Puzzle. Kurogasa revealed the truth about what we had planned, and Rook joined Kurogasa in tracking down the score pieces."
"So what happened after?" Kaito asked.
"I don't know. We'll have to get the answers from Kurogasa when he wakes up." Baron said.
"I'll go check on him if you want." Nonoha offered.
"Please do. Souji should be with him." Baron nodded as Nonoha saluted. With that, Nonoha left the office with the others watching her go off.
Inside the infirmary, Souji was drinking his favorite apple juice. He was sitting in a chair adjacent to the cot Kurogasa laid on. The boy's face and arms were bandaged, but all Souji could look at, was the armlet on the boy's shoulder.
'Orpheus is gone, and yet his legacy continues. Sorry that we got you involved with our mess Kurogasa… Or is this the fate of all those involved with the Puzzle of God?' Souji's thoughts continued, as a thunderstorm began brewing in the sky, threatening to unleash a wrath of nature upon the school.
At that point, Nonoha came into the infirmary. "Oh, Nonoha," He recognized.
"How is he?" Nonoha asked.
"Same as I brought him in, no change." Nonoha looked over at the boy. He was sleeping peacefully, so that put her mind at ease.
"I hope he wakes up soon. So…" The girl turned her attention back to Souji, who only widened his gaze. "How is it you know him?"
"Let's see…" Souji tilted his head down as he took another sip out of the straw. "Ah right, it was during summer break three years back. I found him completing one of the puzzles I placed on display when I was part of the Puzzle Club." Souji recalled with ease, recalling the young boy who enjoyed the puzzle he created.
Flashback – 3 Years Ago
Many people passed by the booth that promoted the club, but none seemed too keen on joining. Souji and that others still had fun though, promoting the games they loved to do.
"Whoa, this is amazing!"
Souji blinked before turning to the right. A young, brown haired boy, possibly a middle school student was in front of the puzzle he placed out on display, a Sudoku puzzle that many people tried but failed at.
"Would you like to try the puzzle?" Souji asked the boy.
"Can I?!" The boy exclaimed, to which Souji nodded. Immediately the young man went towards the puzzle.
'He sure looks enthusiastic.' Souji thought to himself with a smile.
The young boy took one of the sample squares sitting inside a container on the table. Taking the pencil he began scratching down the answer. A large smile was on his face the entire time.
"I got it!" Kurogasa's declaration earned shocked looks from everyone, including Souji. The boy ran up to him and gave him the sample, all complete and correct. Souji was both surprised and impressed. The boy then said, "That puzzle, was really fun. Whoever made this puzzle, give them my thanks! It's really good!"
"Uh…" Souji blinked, looking at the Sudoku puzzle. He couldn't believe it… he actually got it right.
"See ya!" The boy chirped, before starting to run off.
"H–Hey, wait a minute!" Souji called out. The boy stopped at Souji's call. Turning around, the brown haired young man saw a gentle expression on the freshman's face.
"What's your name?"
"Kurogasa… Kururugi Kurogasa!"
"Right, Kurogasa," Souji said. "Would you like to join the Puzzle Club?"
At those words, the young Kurogasa tilted his head down. "I… I would like to… except I can't. I won't attend Root Academy." His voice was solemn.
"Oh? Why's that?" Souji asked a bit surprised.
"…I will be going overseas once I get through with Junior High. But… in all honesty I wish I could come. If there are people like you guys who can make such fun puzzles, I would enter in a heartbeat, but my parents have decided for me…" Kurogasa scratched the back of his head, anxiety and nervousness washing through him.
"I see…" Souji nodded, as he pondered on his words.
Kurogasa nodded his head, his gaze towards the ground. "Yeah… so… see ya…" The boy known as Kurogasa left the stand, leaving those in the Puzzle Club curious and upset.
A few months later…
Souji, now a newly formed member of the POG as a Solver, was standing inside the principal's office, waiting for a family of Solvers and Givers to walk through the door. In essence he was to be training under one of them but he had no clue on the teachers who were going to teach him. He felt he had to do this, to make up for not being the chosen one of the Orpheus Ring. The doors to the headmaster's office opened.
"Welcome Kururugi family." Baron stood up from his seat, traveling towards them before he stood in front of another male. Outstretching his arm he was expecting the other to take it.
Souji's eyes widened when he saw …Kurogasa?! No way!
With him were his parents. His dad was practically an older version of Kurogasa. His mother had long flowing pink hair with gray eyes, having a kind face. One would almost think that she was Lacus Clyne, but it wasn't.
Kurogasa turned to the right. Blue eyes widened as he saw the boy standing there. "Wait, you're that guy from the Puzzle Club stand!"
"Actually I'm the president, but I recently stepped down. I'm now the Student Council President of Root Academy, Jikukawa Souji." Souji smiled as he reintroduced himself to the boy.
"Oh…" Kurogasa blinked. "Uh… it's good seeing ya again."
"Likewise, so then, can I assume the reason you can't attend Root Academy is because you're a member of the POG Japan branch?" Souji's question caused Kurogasa to stiffen at the remark. The hit was dead on.
"So this boy is the new member Baron?" Kurogasa's father asked, having a smile on his face.
"Yes. His Title is Newton."
"I see." Kurogasa's father said before turning to Souji. "My name's Kyoshiro and this is my wife Yukina." He gestured.
"It's nice to meet you, Jikukawa–kun." Yukina smiled before bowing.
"Likewise, Kururugi–san," The male bowed in respect to the woman.
"Okay so we basically have to train him?" Kyoshiro asked, scratching the back of his head.
"Just for a week, I can guarantee that is all he will need." Baron nodded.
"Alright then," Kyoshiro held out his hand to Souji. "Let's get along Jikukawa–kun!"
Souji blinked a few times. This was not what he was expecting in a POG officer. Unlike the others he had seen; this one was kind and friendly. The man's attitude rubbed off on Souji, and he couldn't help but smile at his new teacher.
"Yes, Kururugi–sensei,"
End Flashback
Nonoha blinked a few times. She had listened to Souji's story, and part of her found it interesting, and yet typical. Of course they would meet over puzzles. "Wow…" Nonoha said.
Souji smiled. "I have to admit it was a fun week. Even if I was being trained to create puzzles that would push a human's brain to its limits, possibly even kill, I learned how to create the right puzzles, one with answers and escape paths. Puzzles shouldn't be used to harm people, but rather used for enjoyment. Kururugi–sensei was definitely a guy with heart, and his son inherited that heart."
"So then… was this guy going to…?" Nonoha's eyes shifted a bit. Souji knew what she was going to ask and shook his head.
"No they wouldn't let him be a Giver and he didn't want to be unless it was under his terms."
"Oh that's good."
"Mmmmm…" They heard a mumble.
Nonoha and Souji turned to the bed. The brown haired boy was stirring awake. Slowly, he opened his eyes and in his field of vision was Nonoha, who only looked at him with a worried look.
"Hey, you okay?"
"Huh?" Kurogasa got out, as his field of vision cleared up. When he opened his eyes, he gasped lightly as a blush crept up on his face.
"Are you feeling okay? Your cheeks are red."
"I… uh…"
"It's been a while Kurogasa," Said boy turned to the source of the voice, the one who bore the title of Newton.
"Jikukawa–senpai!"
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay." Kurogasa said as he tried to get up, but cringe in pain, "Okay, maybe not so much…"
"Hey, take it easy." Nonoha said as she gently pushed him down to have him lay on the bed again.
"Uh… okay…" His cheeks flushed once more. "So… uh… who are you?"
"Me?" Nonoha pointed to herself as Kurogasa nodded. "Itou Nonoha."
"She's my junior, and another who possesses a title, Morse." Souji smiled as he called Kurogasa by his other name.
"Oi, that's not official…" Nonoha hissed.
"I'd say otherwise …Nightingale."
"H–Hey," Nonoha blushed.
"Nightingale huh…" Kurogasa muttered. "I'd say it suits you."
Why were her cheeks burning up? Nonoha stared at him with widened eyes and a shock expression. "N–No it doesn't!"
Souji chuckled at his kouhai's expression. But he knew he would have to stop. It was time for business. "Kurogasa, I need you to tell me what happened."
"Wait… am I at Root Academy?" Kurogasa looked around. He now took in the place he was at, an infirmary of a school. And if Jikukawa was here, then he was near Root Academy, or inside the academy.
"Yes. You passed out at the gates."
"I see." Kurogasa said as he stared at the ceiling. "I was in Paris, France when it happened."
Nonoha exclaimed, "France?! How did you get back to Japan?"
"I…" His right hand weaved through his brown hair. His memory was fuzzy. He couldn't recall what happened. His hand gripped his hair, teeth gritting as he tried to remember what happened. "I found the location of the score… Rook came along… He asked me to stay behind so I did. He never came back after a while so I went in after him… it was in an abandoned church with an underground passage that led to the catacombs. Rook solved the puzzle, but…" Blue eyes widened. "That's right… Rook was captured!"
Souji and Nonoha gasped. Rook was captured?! Both people exchanged glances. If they told Kaito this, he would fly off the bat. Silently agreeing to not tell him, they turned back to Kurogasa.
"Alright, what' the last thing you recall seeing?" Brown eyes narrowed as Souji began thinking of who was the culprit, even though there was one possible suspect.
"I don't know…" Kurogasa said. "The only thing I remember was solving a Kenja Puzzle that led to the location of the first score."
"…Kurogasa, take a look at your right arm." Souji's words only cause a wave of confusion to hit the brown haired boy. Even so he did as he was told.
"…Uh, Senpai…?"
"Yes, that's an Orpheus Ring."
"Okay… How did I get it?"
"I don't know."
"Well… I don't know how I got it…"
"HOW CAN YOU TWO SPEAK SO CALM AND CASUAL ABOUT IT?!" Nonoha was in complete disarray.
"Oi, oi, calm down." Souji sweat dropped with a nervous laugh.
"But in all seriousness, I don't know how I got it. I only remember the Kenja Puzzle I solved. It was fairly easy too." Kurogasa said.
Flashback
Kurogasa stood in the underground lair. He solved the mystery of the church's altar and found the hidden passageway to the catacombs. With determined eyes, the boy walked forward towards the second altar. Was this it? Did he find it? His mind was racing with the possibilities, but deep inside, he prayed it was the score piece.
However, when he walked up to it, he frowned and saw that it was a puzzle. Inscribed on the altar were three circles overlapping each other in a triangle, with seven holes; each hole had a different number. The top hole had the number 6. The bottom left hole, had the number 4 and the bottom right hole had the number 3. Between the top and bottom left hole was a hole with the number 5. The hole on the bottom between the bottom left and right holes also had the number 6. The hole between the top and bottom right hole had the number six as well. And the last hole, smacked in the middle had the number 5.
In front of that, were seven colored crystal orbs, each being the size of a baseball; the colors from left to right were: Black, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, and finally Red.
A smile stitched across Kurogasa's face. He was expecting something like this. The male placed his hand on the altar.
*BOOM!*
The ground beneath him shook, startling him a bit as he looked around. The area was collapsing.
"Okay so if I don't solve this, I die, typical."
He then looked at the altar once again to analyze it. "Okay, so I have seven colored orbs and seven slots. Multiplying 7 times 6 times 5 times 4 times 3 times 2 times 1 = 5,040; meaning there are 5,040 possible combinations on how I can put these crystal orbs in the slots." The figures mapped in his head, and yet he knew that there was an easier way to solve the riddle. Smirking the male yanked out the red crystal. "But there is another way to solve it, through the numbers in the holes! They correspond to the number of letters of the colors in English!"
He slammed the red crystal into the slot with the number 3 in it. "Since Red has three letters it goes there, then we follow up with the only color with 4 letters, Blue!"
Placing the blue orb in the 4 slot, the area began to tremble even more. "And that gives away the true purpose of the puzzle. The outside ring contain the primary colors with the circles overlapping being the secondary colors when merged together! So Yellow goes here!"
He placed the yellow orb on the outside ring containing the number 6.
"And now I can fill up the others. Yellow and Blue make Green, Red and Blue make Purple, and Red and Yellow make Orange!" He placed the corresponding colors into the holes until only one was left.
"And the one color made when all of these are mixed together is BLACK!"
Slamming the orb into the final middle slot, the area stabilized. The room was still a mess, as the broken columns scattered in many pieces, but Kurogasa was safe. "Code cracked." Kurogasa grinned smugly.
At that point, the altar he used to solve the puzzle slid away from him, rumbling for a while before it revealed another underground staircase. "Huh… how far does this go?" Kurogasa walked down the staircase, though luckily it was shorter than the previous one. When he got to the bottom, he was on a small cliff and found a huge giant chasm between him and another small ledge on the other side. And on the other side, was the first score of Beethoven's Mad Melody. "Bingo." Kurogasa smiled. Finally, the first score was located. Once he got it, all he had to do was burn it. "I gotta tell Rook!" He said before turning back to head up the stairs and all the way back to above ground.
End Flashback
"That's all I remember." Kurogasa said.
"…Why didn't you take the score with you?" Nonoha's right eyebrow twitched.
"Uh… well… okay so I had an idiot moment… Plus there might have been traps around the score so I didn't risk it. I ran back to the hotel we were supposed to meet up at. I took him to the area, and I know he solved the puzzles, but then I heard voices. I followed them and it turned out there was another entrance to that place. I don't know what happened after that…"
"Still you could've at least tried." Nonoha said.
Kurogasa was suddenly curled up in his bed, with the bangs covering his eyes as an imaginary storm cloud hovered above him and imaginary rained poured down on his head. "I'm sorry…"
Nonoha realized what she said and shook her head. "Uh no, no, it's okay. You at least found the score piece… but… How do you know Rook was captured?"
Kurogasa was silent for a bit, before saying, "Go to my coat and check in the pocket."
Souji looked over at the silver coat that lied over the seat beside the boy. Traveling towards it, he reached his left hand into the coat pocket. There was something round in it. Souji took hold of the object and pulled it out. Nonoha and Souji both widened their eyes.
"Is this…"
"That wood sphere puzzle." Nonoha got out.
"I found that while I was searching for Rook in that abandoned church. It was the only clue left behind."
Souji narrowed his eyes. Was this a sign of things to come? Did those that desire the end finally appeared? Gripping the sphere, Souji turned back to Kurogasa.
"Think you can walk?"
"Huh?" Kurogasa asked confused.
"Can you walk?" Souji repeated.
"I'll try, but no promises…" Kurogasa said as he slowly managed to sit up while cringing in pain. Two feet planted on the ground. His muscles were begging the boy not to move, but even so he had to. He managed to stand on wobbling legs. He took a step forward, only to collapse back onto the bed. "Ow… no, I can't walk yet." Kurogasa winced.
"Then I will bring everyone here. Nonoha, play nurse for a bit won't you?"
Nonoha looked shocked, "Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?" Her mouth agape, stuttered words formed as her mouth flapped open and close like a gaping fish. Souji merely waved at the two as he exited the room.
"Always blunt and to the point." Kurogasa scoffed with a smirk. "That's Jikukawa–senpai for you."
"No kidding…" The brown haired girl dropped her head in exasperation. She would never be free of situations like this. With a deep sigh she turned back to the boy on the cot. "Soo… what are your interests besides Puzzles?"
"My other interests…?" Kurogasa asked before he went to think about it. "Let's see… I like to write stories, mostly about Kamen Riders."
"Kamen Riders… you mean those dudes that transform and stuff?"
"The same ones," Kurogasa nodded. "I gotta admit I've been a fan of those shows since I was a kid, still am actually."
Nonoha blinked. So besides puzzles, he liked TV Shows. A smile laced on her face. This one looked like he could be saved! He could be normal!
"Oh and I also like to cook stuff too. I make good bento lunches if I do say so myself." He chuckled.
"So you cook, watch TV shows, and write stories for other interests other than doing puzzles. Not bad… you're much more normal than the rest of them!" Nonoha nodded her head with her arms crossed, the smile growing bigger. She could definitely hang out with him and not get a headache in the process!
"Huh?" Kurogasa asked confused. "What do you mean?"
The girl flinched, waving her hands. "Uh… you'll find out… so you work for the POG?"
"I'm not officially joined but I will be shortly once I graduate from High School." Kurogasa explained.
"I see. Jikukawa–senpai said your parents worked for the POG too."
Kurogasa flinched a bit at that. "Y–Yeah, they did… or I should say, used to…"
Nonoha blinked. What did he mean by that? "Did they quit?"
Kurogasa shook his head as he looked down sadly. "No… they… they're gone…"
Nonoha gasped. It wasn't loud, but a soft one. Her eyes narrowed. Why did she even ask that? "I… I'm sorry… that was rude of me…"
"No, don't worry about it. You didn't know…" Kurogasa waved off, trying to assure her.
"Still I shouldn't have asked…" She was still upset with herself, though tried to appear cheerful. However, there was that one fact that reminded her of that someone. "You know… there's someone who can relate to you in a way. He's here and… he's also the best friend of Rook."
"Who would that be?" Kurogasa asked looking at her.
*BAM!*
As if on cue, Kaito Daimon slammed the door open.
"YO!"
"What the heck Kaito?!" Nonoha scolded the young man, who only ignored her as he stood in front of Kurogasa.
"You're the last person to see Rook right?! Tell me everything you know, now!"
"Oi Kaito, calm down!" Nonoha scolded as the others came into the room.
"I will, once I learn what happened to Rook! Spill it!" Kaito grabbed Kurogasa by his collar, teeth gritted.
"Ow, you're hurting me…" Kurogasa winced in pain.
"Kaito, ochitsuite!" Cubic said worriedly.
"Kaito Daimon!" Nonoha slammed the side of her hand onto his head. His grip on the boy was lost as a pair of hands began nursing the wound.
"Dang it Nonoha!"
"Hey, what's gotten into you?" Gammon frowned.
"Yeah, you were hurting Kuro–Kuro," Ana added.
Kaito didn't answer; merely look away from everyone's gazes as he continued to rub his head. Nonoha, however, had a feeling as to why he did what he did. Rook, his childhood friend, was captured and he was unable to help him. He just lost Jin, and now the fear of losing someone else precious to him was getting to him.
"Kaito, I can understand why you are worried. But, what Kurogasa told me is all he knows. He knows Rook is captured because of the puzzle; don't blame yourself for being unable to help him." Souji said, trying to offer words of advice and comfort. Their recent battles were a nightmare. Only by a miracle was everyone able to survive.
"Che…" Kaito scoffed before storming off out of the room.
Kurogasa glared lightly at the male. But… if he was the Kaito that Rook spoke so fondly of, looked up to, then he could understand why he assaulted him. Even so, Kurogasa knew he didn't deserve it.
"Kurogasa," A voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Coming into the room was Baron Kaidō.
"Baron–san…"
The male nodded to the boy, his own way of greeting. "I need you to tell me everything. No… all of us need to know Kurogasa."
"R–Right… What about… uh… Kaito–san?"
"If anything else I will tell him." Nonoha offered.
"Alright…" Kurogasa nodded to the girl.
"Kuso!" Kaito shouted as he was outside the campus, kicking an empty can. "First Jin and now possibly Rook!"
He was worried, beyond worried for his friend. He had lost Jin recently. What would he do if he lost Rook?! Kaito sat down on a bench. He hoped coming outside would clear his head but all the fresh air did was make his mind more muddled. Kurogasa came to mind.
"…I gotta apologize later…" Even if he was still out of it, ever since Jin passed, that didn't justify the way he treated the injured young man.
"Ehehehehehehehehe, what's wrong? Feeling the blues?" A voice taunted.
Kaito's eyes widened. His feet planted on the ground as he stood up, looking around him. "Alright who are you?!" He knew it was useless to ask where the person was hiding, so he might as well go for the second best question.
"Well, that's not a nice way to greet someone!" The voice pouted but it had a playful side to it.
"Then get down here and let's have a proper conversation!" Kaito retorted, tired of the voice toying with him.
"My, my, how rude." The voice said. "Teenagers… they never respect their elders these days."
"Grrrrrrr… stop playing this game!" Kaito's scream echoed through the sky, portraying the anger and anxiety he felt in his body. The power behind it was enough to make a normal person tremble.
"Stop playing this game? Where's the fun in that? I love playing games!"
"I am this close to–"
"Now, now, hold your horses, I'll get to it." The voice said. "Since you're playing hard to get at, I'll tell you. I'm here to challenge you to a Puzzle!"
Kaito echoed, "A puzzle?"
"Exactly… or to be more specific, I'm challenging you to a Fool's Puzzle."
Kaito gasped, "Nani?!"
"I didn't stutter." The voice said. "If you want to meet with me, head over to this location! I'll be waiting!" At that point, a random card flew from out of nowhere and corner of the card stuck on the ground in front of Kaito. The black haired male gulped. Kneeling down, he took the card in hand and read the coordinates. It was self–explanatory, nothing special. He was to head to the cafeteria and begin from there.
"Alright, I'll solve your puzzle…" The growl released form Kaito was followed with him sprinting towards the destination.
"That's everything, I swear!" Kurogasa said, finishing his side of the story, repeating what he told Souji mere moments ago. Several pairs of eyes narrowed.
"So… this Mad Melody… you found a piece of it and LOST IT?!" Gammon yelled.
*BOP!
"OW!" Gammon shouted, before being bopped on the head by Nonoha's shoe.
"That's what he just told you!" Nonoha snapped.
"I know and I still can't believe it!"
"I get it already alright…?" Kurogasa sighed at the red head. "I know I screwed up massively. No need to put more salt to the wound."
"In any case, what matters is that we have to get the score of Beethoven's Mad Melody before it falls into the wrong hands." Jikukawa said.
"But where can we even start looking?" Cubic asked.
"Ana says we should start with those that know about it!" The long haired male declared.
"That's a good idea Da Vinci." Baron nodded his head. "We'll start with those that are interested in the scores existence, though we may have a culprit in mind."
"Who do you have in mind?" Kurogasa asked.
"I will explain once I have the evidence to back it up. In the meantime, Jikukawa," Baron turned to the university student. "I will need you help with this."
"Sure."
"Edison, I will need yours and Da Vinci's help as well."
Both of those that bore the titles of the famous inventor and painter nodded.
"Nightingale, look after Morse. I will need to make a few calls and arrange the transfer of a certain individual." With those words the headmaster left the room.
"Hey wait a minute, what about me?!" Gammon protested.
"What about you? You're as useful as Kaito when he can't solve puzzles." Cubic's playful remark only earned him a harsh glare.
"Nandato~…?" Gammon growled.
"If you wanna help out, go find Kaito!" Nonoha said. "Besides, he needs to apologize to Kurogasa after what he did to him."
A frequent beeping noise erupted from Cubic's coat. Through the lab coat a red light flashed on and off. The small blonde took the item out of the coat. A square like object with a holographic screen projected different wave patterns. "This wave pattern… Kaito's involved in a Fool's Puzzle!"
Everyone had shocked looks on their faces, "EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
Kaito panted, standing in the cafeteria that was now free of students. He silently thanked the heavens that no one was here. If the students got involved in a Fool's Puzzle, Kaito wouldn't know what to do. His breath steadied as he looked around. He saw no clues as to where his next destination was supposed to be. "Alright, I'm here! Show yourself!" Kaito demanded.
A loud rotation of gears caused Kaito to turn around. The shutters were closing one by one, the glass windows from behind were hidden behind steel walls. Slowly, whatever light was in the room were vanishing. Kaito tried to adjust his eyes but it was too late. The shutters sealed off the cafeteria, blocking any and all light from the outside. Flames lit up one by one around the room. Kaito's vision was restored and his eyes widened.
Standing five meters ahead of him was another male in a purple cloak.
"It's an honor to meet the one who defeated Orpheus. Kaito Daimon." The figure greeted, removing the hood from his head.
It was difficult to pin down the male's age given the anorexic look to his face, but given his grey hair that framed his face, Kaito would say he had to be at least in his late forties. Ugly, swamp green eyes bore into Kaito's brown orbs, as a chill ran down the Phi Brain child's spine. His face was sickly pale, as if he would keel over and die any second.
"Who are you?!" Kaito demanded.
"You can call me Hades." The man introduced.
"The Greek God of Death huh…? What? You worship him or something?"
"As a matter of fact I do."
Kaito looked at him strangely, "Excuse me?"
"The lord of death, the one who holds our lives in his hand… a simple cut of the thread and the flames are forfeit." Hades began, outstretching his arms as a sadistic grin formed on his face. "Oh what wonder, to live on the edge of that thread, to be the doll in God's hands that he chooses to end; Kaito Daimon, this will be your resting place, but don't fret, I will allow you the dim hope of survival."
"Let's just start this Fool's Puzzle already!" Kaito gritted.
"My, my, so eager to die aren't you?" Hades chuckled.
"No I'm eager to smash your puzzle and beat the crap out of you!"
"Hehehehehehehe… very well then… It makes things easier for me and it will be one less person I have to worry about, by the time I'm through with you. Then after I'm through with you, I can search for the score of Beethoven's Mad Melody at my own leisure."
"What?" Kaito gasped with wide eyes.
"Behold!" Hades rejoiced, outstretching his arms wide.
The lights turned on one by one, revealing that they were no longer in the cafeteria. Kaito was standing in the middle of a large clock. The hands were pointing at 12, but the numbers were in roman numerals. What caught Kaito's attention the most, were the black boxes surrounding the room.
"What's with these boxes?" Kaito asked.
"Haven't you realized it boy? Those are bombs!"
"You've gotta be…" Kaito's eyes widened. Of course he would be stuck in a room, with a puzzle, and a bunch of bombs that littered the walls. Chords ran from the boxes to the large clock, each attached to the electronic timepiece.
"You have five minutes to complete this puzzle. But there cannot be a puzzle without the hint!"
"Okay, spill it, what is it?" Kaito asked.
"235. Oh and the hands are to be placed in the corresponding letter." The man known as Hades jumped off from the clock. The lights turned off once more before turning back on, and Hades vanished.
"235? The hands corresponding to a letter? That doesn't make any sense." Kaito said but then smirked. "But no matter, there's no puzzle I can't solve! Pazaru Taimu no…" He then pulled down the bottom of one of his eyelids and stuck his tongue out. "…hajimari da!"
Cubic pulled up schematics of the school, trying to pinpoint Kaito's exact location. Even so he was having difficulty. "Man, I can't get an exact location of where Kaito is." Cubic said in annoyance.
"Can't you get an estimate of where he might be?" Souji asked.
"I can try, but that would be inside the school itself."
"Oh so we only have to find a massive puzzle inside a seventy story building. That sounds freakin' easy!" Gammon's sarcasm was met with a growl from Cubic as he tried to lower the possibilities of where Kaito might be.
Souji narrowed his eyes. There must be an easier way to track Kaito down but… Then it hit him. His eyes widened. "Cubic, don't focus on Kaito!"
"Huh?"
"Focus on the areas within the school that seem odd, like the shutters having activated or alarms."
"Uh, ok." Cubic said before typing in the information on the touch screen of his robot friend, scanning the schematics of the school until he got a hit. "Ah, the shutters from the cafeteria are closed for some reason!"
"Then that's where he is!" Nonoha declared.
"Nonoha, stay with Kurogasa–"
"No way, I'm coming!" The brown haired male's retort was followed with a groan.
"You can't go." Souji said. "You're still injured and you need to recover."
"I know that but I want to help in some way!" Kurogasa replied. "I know there's something I can do to help! Please Jikukawa–senpai!"
Souji was silent for a while, thinking of what he should do. After a while, he said, "I guess there's no harm in that. Besides, Kaito is trapped in there and if you really think about it, Kaito's the only one in danger and not us." Kurogasa's eyes widened, a grin breaking out as he stood. He still felt pain in his legs but it wasn't as bad as before. He was able to walk, and that was all he could ask for.
"Are you sure you can walk?" Nonoha asked a bit worried.
"I'll be fine." Kurogasa assured. "It's just worse than it looks." Brown eyes met with blue. It was obvious that Nonoha wouldn't be able to convince him otherwise. With a heavy sigh, she gestured to the door. "Thanks," Kurogasa said, before painfully wobbling over to the door. "C'mon, we gotta be quick and save Kaito."
Sweat trailed off Kaito's face. He had five minutes to solve the puzzle. His only hint being the number 235. The answer would be a Greek letter that could be formed with the hands of the clock. As it stood, there were three possible solutions.
Iota…
Lambda…
Nu…
But none of those letters corresponded to the number mentioned in the hint.
"This doesn't make any sense…" Kaito gritted as he looked up at a digital clock and and saw he had less than four minutes left. "Okay. If 235 were broken down, it would be 47 times 5. But five is the number of Epsilon. It's not possible to make the letter with two hands."
Kaito gritted his teeth. He only had three minutes left.
"What's the matter Kaito Daimon?" Hades voice spoke out to him.
"Grrrrr…" Kaito growled, looking up.
"Is it too hard for you to solve?" Hades taunted. "Does that mean your victory over Orpheus was a fluke?" The mention of Orpheus drew out the memory he had concealed inside himself. The last few moments of Jin's life… Kaito gritted his teeth, his body trembled massively.
"No… I've had enough!" His right eye opened the pathway. Instead of searching for the answers in a limited space, he began searching for the answer in the universe within himself.
Cubic continued to monitor Kaito's brain wavelength as they arrived at the cafeteria. All the shutters were closed, blocking out everything, "Oh no, his brain activity spiked up!"
"Is that a bad thing?" Kurogasa asked.
"It's very bad! He managing to control it but if he keeps this up he'll be in danger! Whatever puzzle he's solving is pushing his limits!" Cubic hollered.
"Kaito…" Nonoha said worriedly.
"A–re…?" Ana said as he got close to the shutters and felt something warm. "The shutters feel warm."
This caused a massive spike in curiosity as everyone placed their hands on it. Ana was right. The male painter placed the right side of his face on the shutter, his ear squeezed between the shutter and his head.
*Tick… Tock… Tick… Tock*
"Ana hears a clock ticking!"
A clock…? That single thought ran through everyone's minds. Why would a clock be ticking?
"It's a time bomb!" Cubic's declaration was met with groans.
"Not again!" Gammon whined.
"U–Uh, shouldn't we be clearing out?!" Kurogasa panicked.
"We can't leave! Kaito is still inside!" Everyone agreed with Ana's shout.
"If only we could get inside…" Nonoha whispered.
"Cubic do you think you can connect to the school's network? I'll try and hack the system to open the shutters." Souji said.
"I'll try." Cubic nodded before typing furiously on his touch screen.
Kaito's eyes were wide as he stared at the clock beneath him. 235 had a different meaning.
It wasn't the year that started on Thursday of the Julian calendar. Six in Greek couldn't be made on the clock.
It wasn't the fact of 235 being the second number of the tenth row of a skewed Fibonacci–Pascal triangle.
The number was the atomic number of an isotope called Uranium, but that wasn't the answer.
235 was the approximate number of lunar cycles in 19 solar years in ancient astrology.
Wait, no he was looking at this the wrong way.
Break down the number again.
235.
Wait… 2 + 3 = 5… no… 2 + 3 + 5 = 10.
"Ten is Iota!"
Kaito had only two minutes to go. Both of his hands pushed against the minute hand. It was taking all of Kaito's strength in his limbs to even move it. Slowly it budged, but he only had a minute left and he was at the 3.
"Dang it; why does thing have to be so heavy?!" He hissed through gritted teeth.
Thirty seconds.
Kaito was at the four.
Fifteen seconds.
The hand was at the five.
Five seconds.
Kaito pushed with all his strength, "GRaaaAAAAAAAAAHAH!"
*BOOM!*
The clock read six o'clock.
"BAKANA!" Hades roared out.
Kaito panted, trying his best to catch his breath. Sweat beaded down his face, dropping onto the clock as he swallowed. That was too close for comfort. "There's no puzzle… I can't solve…" Kaito panted. The shutters began opening one by one, the light of the sun piercing through the darkness. That's when Nonoha and the others noticed Kaito, safe and sound, "KAITO!" They all shouted.
Said male turned as he watched his friends run up to him. Seeing Kurogasa with them, the male narrowed his eyes, but his face was softer than the norm. With a heavy sigh he scratched the back of his head. "…Sorry…"
"Eh?" Kurogasa asked confused.
"I'm sorry with… how I treated you… I'll do a better one after I find the guy who did this!" Kaito began looking around once more, trying to find Hades within the cafeteria room.
"It's alright man. I know what you're going through." Kurogasa said.
"Huh?" Kaito asked, looking at him.
"I know what it's like to lose someone precious to you, so I don't blame you for acting the way you did…"
Kaito was silent. What could he say in this situation?
A piercing laugh echoed through the room. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Now I understand how you are the boy who defeated Orpheus!"
The Phi Brain children were on alert as they turned to see Hades, standing a few feet in front of them, "Where did he come from?!" Gammon exclaimed.
"How should I know? He's like freakin' Houdini!" Kaito snapped.
"The test was a success." Hades chuckled.
Kaito parroted, "A Test?" as the cloaked figure chuckled.
"Indeed. This was a test to see if you were the one that boy spoke of, the one that could defeat us."
"Boy…" Kaito pondered before he realized it. "You mean Rook?!"
"Heh, heh, heh… maybe," Hades chuckled.
"Where is he?!"
"Like I would tell ya," Hades scoffed. "All you need to know is we are taking good care of hi~m."
"Kono yarooooooo…" Kaito growled.
"I'd love to stay and chat, but I have other matters to attend to. So–"
*BANG!*
A bullet from out of nowhere pierced through Hades's head, shocking the Phi Brain children, and Kurogasa before he fell dead to the ground. Kaito slowly turned his head. Standing in the area where the Phi Brain children sat for lunch, were four people all wearing the same purple cloaks; one of them removed the hood from his head. It was a tan looking man that appeared to be in his early twenties. Blonde hair spiked at the ends around his neck. Though his eyes were the cause of the children, developing chills. They were dull gray, empty even.
"Who are you?!" Kaito demanded.
"I am Kaiser. I am the one who holds your friends life." His deep voice had an allure to it, a form of charisma that drew in the audience.
"Kaiser?" Kurogasa asked.
"That's right. I am the leader of this group here known as the Chords of Death."
Kurogasa gasped, "Chords of Death?!"
"Must you always parrot the words of another, or is that your true form, a parrot that copied the existence of others?"
Kurogasa gritted his teeth, "Nani!?"
"Why…" The voice of the only female in the group echoed softly, "Why did you kill him!?" The power behind her shouted words was enough to make a body tremble in fear, and yet those of the other side did nothing.
"He has served his purpose and outlived his usefulness." Kaiser said calmly.
"You have no right to decide that!" Kaito screamed at the killers.
"Just as you have no right to decide the future of humanity!" Kaiser's words struck a chord within the Phi Brain children.
"What are you talking about?!" Kaito exclaimed.
"You refused the Orpheus Armlet, an item that would change the mind of the human being, make them exceed their limitations, awaken to their full power. Originally, we wanted humanity to change, to go beyond their limits, but, as the ages passed, we realized a crucial fact." Kaiser's eyes narrowed. "War and strife, they're a part of humanity. They're parts of us that will never change."
"What are you saying?" Ana asked confused.
"If humanity refuses to change, then it is best to put humanity out of its misery." Kaiser's words were strong, without a hint of hesitation and doubt in the seriousness of his voice.
"You… You think humanity can't change so you decide to kill us all off?! That includes yourselves too!" Gammon declared, pointing at them accusingly.
"You naïve fool…" Kaiser said coldly. "You really don't get it do you…"
"What's there to get?!" Kaito asked. "The fact is, you don't think humanity is worth it! So you decide to commit genocide because of a few mistakes!"
"A few…" Kaiser's eyes narrowed. "You truly are ignorant of the world. Tell me, do you think it's fair that you're allowed your happy school lives, when those in mid Africa are treated as slaves and are unable to be granted the same luxuries as you? Do you think it's fair that you can sit here and enjoy your food and beverages while the rest of the world ignores those who cannot have the same? Do you think it is fair you can live in peace when wars are being conducted?"
"It's still no excuse that you get to decide on who lives and who dies!" Kurogasa snapped.
"You think humanity can change?" Kaiser asked, his eyes narrowing once more. Stern, cold eyes that appear to have seen war to its fullest glared at the Phi Brain children. "You, of all people, should be able to see the cruelty, humanity can do."
"But those people changed, they want to get better!" Nonoha countered.
"Ever heard of the phrase: History repeats itself?" Kaiser retorted.
"But you don't know that! The future can always be changed!" Cubic declared.
"It is because the future is uncertain, we cannot take risks. Soon the entire race will destroy itself. Why wait for the end when we can usher it in now and protect the future from more pain and suffering?"
"By having you kill innocent people who have nothing to do this?!" Kurogasa shouted. "I don't think so!"
Kaiser closed his eyes. "So you fail to see reason. Very well then. Let this be known." Kaiser held out his hand, his composition changing drastically. "We will collect the score pieces, and you will help us."
"What?!" The group asked.
"We help you?!" Kaito asked angrily. "Yeah sure, when the fat lady finally sings!"
"We will obtain the score pieces, and we will triumph in our ultimate goal. If humanity is unable to move past our trial, then it's best to kill them all."
"We won't let you!" Kaito pointed at Kaiser.
"You better keep Rook safe, because if I find one thing that's wrong with him, I'm gonna freakin' beat your ass!" Gammon declared as he slammed his fist into his right hand.
"You're the group after Beethoven's Mad Melody correct?" Souji glared, stepping forward. "Don't expect to hold onto that piece. We'll find the other pieces long before you can."
"I, Ana, declare that you will not fulfill your wrong dream!"
"We'll all do whatever it takes to stop you!" Cubic followed up.
"And we'll save our friend!" Nonoha declared.
"Whatever you have planned for the Mad Melody won't happen! Once we get our hands on those pieces, they're burning for the rest of eternity!"
Kaiser scoffed. "Then, let us see who will decide humanity's ultimate fate." He then threw a smoke bomb in front of him, causing the smoke bomb to explode. Everyone coughed from the thickness of the smoke and when it cleared, the cloaked people and Kaiser were nowhere to be seen. Kaiser's voice echoed in the air as he said for his final words, "Go ahead and try to defy the inevitable, because no matter what you do or how hard you try, you will never conquer Death."
Cubic raised his see through computer as he tried to track the men down, but to no avail. They had disappeared completely to the point he couldn't even trace a heat signature.
"Dang it, we think it's all over and then this crap happens…" Gammon growled. The others could understand his feelings. They had fought for so long, and now they had to deal with someone else.
"…Beethoven's Mad Melody…" Kaito's words drew in everyone's attention. They were soft, calm words that hid the anger that radiated through him. Brown eyes looked at Kurogasa as a new comrade radiated anger.
"You know where the next score piece is?"
Kurogasa shook his head. "No. But I think I know where to find the clue."
"Where is it?"
"When Rook joined me on my journey, he told me about something that perked my interest. One of the places that Beethoven lived at was said to be under the POG at the time, a newly formed branch. That place is near Vienna, Austria."
"It's all the way over there?" Gammon asked incredulously.
"What did you expect, for all of them to be huddled nearby each other?" Kurogasa gave the redhead an indiscriminatory look.
"In any case, we'll have to inform Principal Baron about this." Souji suggested.
"He said something about transferring a certain individual right? He should be in his office then!" Cubic recalled.
"Then let's get going!" Kaito sprinted off, the others following shortly, minus one person.
"Hey wait a minute I can't run!" Kurogasa cried out.
"Oh right…" Nonoha said before going back to him. "I'll help you walk back."
"Thanks, Nonoha–san." Kurogasa smiled up at the girl. Her cheeks flared up once more.
"I–It's no problem!" Nonoha stuttered.
"Ara, Nono–chan is blushing?" Ana smiled while making the observation, startling the athlete.
"Huh? Me? Blushing? D–Don't be ridiculous!"
"As much fun as it is to tease her, we don't have the time." Souji's comment earned him a glare from the athlete but at the moment he didn't care. "Let's head to the Headmaster's room. Nonoha, carry Kurogasa would you?"
Nonoha gawked in disbelief, "WHA?!"
"Sorry but we're in a hurry and we need to tell Principal Baron."
Nonoha groaned as she knelt down to Kurogasa. Turning around she placed herself to the point of offering a piggy back ride. Kurogasa blinked. "Um… no offense but I'm kinda heav– WAUGH!" Nonoha didn't take no for an answer and easily lifted the boy onto her back.
"I am in clubs ranging from sports to martial arts, swam six hours to an island resort when there weren't any boats, I ran for most of my life in stupid puzzles that are meant to kill people! Lifting your body isn't much on that."
"Oh…" Kurogasa blinked. "Okay then… still… sorry to be a burden…"
"You're not a burden." Nonoha groaned as she followed the others back to the Headmaster's office.
Baron Kaidō's gaze was looking outside the thin glass panels. In his right hand, next to his ear was a phone. Nodding he spoke. "Yes, we have confirmed it still exists. Time has refused to erase it, so it is up to humans to do so. Only a select few can play it, and Beethoven is sure to be on their list. I am requesting a transfer to Root Academy, along with the transfer of Kurogasa Kururugi."
He became silent as he nodded his head once more. Even though he knew the person on the line couldn't see it, he was so used to it, and it was a quirk he developed. "Thank you. Then I will see you in three days." He then hung up the phone before looking at the scenery again. "Jin… I wish you were here now…"
The memory of his dear friend played like a broken projector. The good times, the sad times, the worse times… each of it served to stir the heart of the former POG official.
It was to be the next hour that Baron finally had a clue on what occurred down below. He heard of the Fool's Puzzle Kaito was thrown into and how he solved it, along with the name of those responsible for Rook's abduction and the ones who possibly hold the first score piece. To say upset was an understatement. He sat at his desk, mouth hidden by enclosed hands as he rested his head atop them. The Phi Brain children and those who belonged to the POG stood in silence. Tension hung in the air, a heavy sign of their reality.
"…Kurogasa…" Said boy lifted his head. Baron looked at him dead in the eyes. "You know where the second piece is located correct?"
"A clue to where the second piece is. It might be a goose chase but it's the best I got so far."
"I see. And you say it's in Vienna Austria?"
"Yes sir." Kurogasa nodded.
"Very well, Kurogasa. I want you and the others to head to Austria to find the clues."
"So much for taking it easy…" Gammon commented while scratching the back of his head.
"I didn't mean now." Baron sighed. "I'm having another transfer student come in who will help you. The student will be here in three days, so you can prepare until then."
"Who is it?" Cubic asked out of curiosity.
Baron remained silent. "This person… is possibly one of the very few candidates who can play Beethoven's Mad Melody."
"Wha– you're kidding!" Kaito accused.
"I am not. It's rather fitting, and yet ironic, that this person's title is Beethoven."
"Wait… a title then…"
"Yes. This person was scouted to be a Phi Brain child, but that person did not want anything to do with the Orpheus Ring. This individual is… rather… unique… in a way. Not an enemy, but becoming a friend will be most difficult."
"Hmmmmmm… I wonder what the person is like." Nonoha wondered.
"You'll know when you meet them." Baron said before turning to Kurogasa. "Now then, Kurogasa, you need a place to spend the night."
"W–Well I could book a hotel–"
"It would be better if you were nearby one of us." Souji interrupted the boy.
"But–"
"Souji is right. It's better safe than sorry." Baron agreed.
"Okay…" Brown eyes looked across the room, looking at everyone.
"Not me." Cubic shook his hands. "My room is full of lab equipment and my inventions!"
"Ana will have to decline. My art studio will not be able to handle another."
"There is no way I'm letting another guy stay where my sister is."
"And I'm currently in a one room dorm at the University." Souji smiled sadly as he took another sip of his apple juice. Kurogasa then looked at Kaito and Nonoha.
"Sorry, my room's a mess." Kaito said.
"But there is an extra in the dorm we live in!" Nonoha exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, but that extra room is going to be used for the transferred student when they arrive." Baron said, "Which means…" He looked at Nonoha.
Nonoha blinked once, then twice, "WHAAAAAAAT!?"
Kaito and Gammon shouted, "NAAAANIIII?!" in surprise at what the man was insinuating.
"Um…" Kurogasa blushed.
"I do apologize for this Nonoha but you are the only one with a spare room correct?"
"But–But–But–" Nonoha stuttered.
"This is only temporary until the transfer student arrives." Baron sighed. "So please, try your best to bear with it."
"Then he's going to bunk with the transfer student?" Nonoha asked.
"More than likely… I doubt Kurogasa will know that the person even exists."
"Uh…" This caused mixed reactions. What was this student like?
"At any rate please allow him to stay with you for the next three nights."
"U–Um…" Nonoha stuttered, looking at Kurogasa who was still blushing, before she finally slumped her shoulders with her head hung down saying, "Hai…"
Kurogasa looked at Kaito and Gammon, and they looked pretty ticked off, scaring him a bit. He could only laugh nervously with a sweat drop.
Nonoha sighed. "Well, this is it. Nothing special, make yourself at home," The girl waved her hand. They arrived at the dorms ten minutes ago, but it took some time to shake off Gammon and Kaito because of the circumstances.
"I'm really sorry about this Nonoha–san." Kurogasa apologized.
"No it's fine, if it's just for a few days. I'm not blaming you or anything!" The girl shook her head as she waved her hands.
"Well… if you're sure. Then should I head into the extra room?"
"It's across from mine. I used to have a roommate but then she got transferred to another school."
"I see."
"Well, anyways, make yourself at home. I'll… cook us some dinner." She said, before heading over to the kitchen.
"Oh man… this is such a bad idea… what was Baron–san thinking…?" Kurogasa muttered as he strolled his way to the extra room. He knocked into the corner but didn't feel pain. Kurogasa looked at his right arm.
The Orpheus Ring… He couldn't recall how he got it. He was missing a crucial bit of information from his memory, and that bothered him. "And what's with Baron–san, making me stay with Nonoha–san?" He wondered, as a blush crept on his face again. "I mean, I could've moved into the vacant dorm room. Why did he make me wait for the new transfer student?" Opening the door to the empty room the boy sighed. "First Rook's capture, the loss of the score piece, then finding myself with an Orpheus Ring, ugh… this is so not my day…" He recalled the events that followed one after another. Placing his bags on the floor the brown haired male sunk into the bed. Blue eyes stared out the nearby window. "…Ironic… The one time I actually wanted to come here, and I can't even enjoy it…" His eyes narrowed as he pulled out a small locket. It looked like a pendant, but it was in the form of a puzzle.
Tweaking it a bit, he solved the small pendant puzzle and opened it up to reveal a picture of his parents. "Dad… Kaa–san…"
The door pushed open, revealing Nonoha in an apron. She came in to tell him supper was ready, but the nostalgic and sad look on his face halted her progression. Her eyes portrayed a sympathetic look. "Are you okay?" Nonoha asked.
Kurogasa flinched, immediately hiding the pendant back into his shirt. "Yeah, I'm good!" He placed on a fake smile, trying to reassure the girl.
"C'mon Kurogasa, don't try to hide it."
"No, no really I am fine. So, is dinner ready?" He tried switching the topic.
*GROWL!*
And luckily he stomach agreed with him. The one titled Morse began feeling light headed. When was the last time he ate?
"It is. But you're not eating anything until you tell me what's wrong." Nonoha said.
Kurogasa was trapped, "Nani?!"
Talk about something that left a bitter taste in his mouth, or go for a night without food?
"Really… uh… Nonoha… I really don't want to talk about it… not yet…"
"Oh… alright then, but don't keep it bottled up alright. If you ever want to talk, you got your new friend to help!" Nonoha slammed her fist on her chest.
"Eh? I have a new friend?"
"Duh, that's me!"
Kurogasa blinked dumbfounded before he smiled a bit, "Thanks…"
Nonoha matched his smile and stood up. "No need for thanks. Let's go eat before the food gets cold alright?"
"Got it," Kurogasa nodded as he followed the girl out of the bedroom.
StarlightAT: And thus the first Puzzle has been solved!
Fenikkusumaru: Yeah, it was fairly easy, but things are gonna get crazier and puzzles are gonna get harder!
StarlightAT: Augh… my poor brain is gonna break after all of this… Wait… maybe I CAN SOLVE PUZZLES JUST LIKE KAITO AND THEM! Hehehehe… I will never lose again… Hehehehe…
Fenikkusumaru: How about this? All of you readers out there, we need your help! We need you guys to make some good puzzles. Star and I can't make the puzzles alone!
StarlightAT: Well we could… but then the chapters will take forever to come out. And sadly I am lacking patience! XD
Fenikkusumaru: We'll get some help from them nonetheless. Besides, you don't know a lot of puzzles to begin with.
StarlightAT: Hey I am researching and trying some out online… when I really shouldn't be… my poor, poor laptop… T^T
Fenikkusumaru: Okay, but it really doesn't hurt to get some help from the readers does it?
StarlightAT: Nope not one bit, in fact, PLEASE HELP!
Fenikkusumaru: Yeah, that's what I thought. Well you heard her guys! We ask for your help to give us your puzzles for the Phi Brain children to solve. I would prefer you send us a PM to either of us and not in your review. I repeat in bold: Send your puzzles to either of us through PM and NOT in your reviews!
StarlightAT: What he said! It's easier to handle if it was PM's! If you send your ideas through review… we will not take them! DX
Fenikkusumaru: And besides, taking your idea through review would kinda look like we're spoiling the next chapter.
StarlightAT: Indeed! Alright that's about it I think for this segment! What do you say Fen?
Fenikkusumaru: Yep, until next time!
Both: Keep on solving puzzles!