Jack Atlas. Twenty-three years old. Professional duelist. Part-time card maker and full time grump. Aki Izayoi. Twenty-three years old. Professional duelist. Part-time psychic and full time friend to Jack. They both stood in front of the city, in front of the place where they had once lived. The place where the people they loved the most in the world resided. The place where it all started.

"I'm scared, Jack."

"Call me Atlas."

He smiled, a small beam that lasted a nanosecond and took her hand. She was shivering. "It'll be ok, Aki."

"I know."

But the truth was, they didn't know at all.

***

They strolled through the town. Wherever they went, people turned, as if they were stepping on a path of twigs which constantly broke and grabbed every one's attention. A mexican wave of shocked whispering and speculation intimidated Jack, but his stoic poker face did not fade. He realised in surprise that he had been holding onto Aki's hand and quickly pulled away.

Suddenly a young woman ran right into him. "Oh! Gomen Asobase," she apologised, bowing. She was beautiful. Her large, dark eyes were sparkling. She was wearing a cute white blouse and a rather short, black miniskirt edged its way up her long, skinny legs. She was carrying a fashionable handbag, and she held a phone to her ear as if it was permanently stuck to it.

"Nice to meet you!" Aki held out her hand, hoping for some kindness. The woman took her hand and shook it, before wiping it with a tissue from her pocket. Jack blinked. Had he just imagined it or had she cleansed her hand right after shaking Aki's? Aki had gone a deep, attractive shade of violet. He turned to her. Aki wasn't in the best of shapes- her hair was greasy, her outfit crumpled and her knees muddy from where she had fallen.

"You are Jack Atlas!" The woman's eyes brightened even more and Jack felt as if he was staring into two miniature stars. "And Aki Izayoi!"

What a nerve, thought Jack. Gushing as if she didn't do any thing.

"May I please have an interview with you?" she asked excitedly. She pulled out a notebook. Jack huffed. She reminded him of Angela, Carly's rival reporter, who had been nothing but trouble and had insulted Carly to the point of no return. He considered it.

Perhaps she was Angela? Dyed hair, coloured contacts... It seemed likely. "And who, may I ask, are you?"

"The Editor of the Domino City Times," she said automatically, pulling out her business card. It read: Ren Ersatz. Well, that was interesting. Not Angela then.

"Thanks, but another time would be better."

"Oh, ok! Here is my phone number! See you."

"WAIT!" Jack stopped her. He couldn't resist asking. "Do you know a Carly Nagisa?"

"Pardon?" Ren was already back on the phone.

"Last name Carly, first name Nagisa? She's a reporter..."

"I don't think so." She shrugged. "OH! Wait! I think I know who you mean. There was a shy, clumsy rookie reporter who met with me the other day. Her name may have been just that."

Jack's heart thumped in his chest. So Carly hasn't given up? He was so relieved...

"Her reporting style was just TERRIBLE, though. She was going on about poverty in the Satellite. I ask you! Like any one would want to read about that."

Jack's limbs stiffened. "Good day to you!" The woman left, almost skipping off, her skirt spinning around as if she was Marilyn Monroe. Aki noticed and rolled her eyes. "What a rude woman," she declared.

Then she stopped. Her mouth fell open. Jack looked over to see what Aki was staring at and he joined her in a miny panic attack. There was a biker, dragging his D-wheel, looking forlorn and tired. He raised his head and yawned deeply. His hair was short and spiky, his face arguably handsome. Behind him, helping him to push the bike, was a young woman who looked like she could be the man's sister if Jack had not known that he was an only child.

It was Kiryu.