Yugo Ogami was an amateur boxer trying to get his big break, but for the moment he was just an amateur boxer with tremendously talent in art of boxing. Unfortunately, this sport was bias towards him, even though he won roughly 98% of his fights, even if he displayed amazing aptitude and strength, it seemed there was always someone standing in the way that was more remarkable with the green. Yugo discovered the hard way that friends in high places and money could get you almost anywhere or anything, as long as you could pay back the favors or buy your way in, all was good. Even though most of these 'boxers' never made it to the championships, they would at least get their chance to shine, which was what Yugo needed desperately if he intended to stay in the game.

His father didn't leave him with much, after he died during the Tylon incident, just a small apartment near the end of town and barely any money to afford the propel burial he gave his father. But Yugo didn't take out his frustrations out on his poor deceased dad, he knew better than that.

Yugo was a high school dropout, who had really nothing to look forward to at this point. With his last family member gone, Yugo was a lone wolf, living from paycheck to paycheck and partying when he could with mostly superficial friends. He knew this life style wouldn't last forever; he had recently turned 22, and had begun to start thinking about his future. Yet, the idea of sitting in an office all day pushing papers or serving burgers in a fast-food was anything but alluring to him. No, Yugo knew he was meant for boxing, it made him feel alive, he had passion for the sport, it brought joy into his life, but if only he could get a darn debut fight as an amateur boxer!

The sun had just risen completely over the gloomy city as Yugo arrived home from an early jogging session. He slung the door open to his home and threw his shoes by the front doorway. Immediately, he grabbed a towel he had left prior to his exercise by the couch, and dried off his sweat. He looked around the small apartment, while he collected his thoughts, and headed over to the kitchen to snatch a drink.

Life wasn't as thrilling as he had hoped, he wasn't famous, he hadn't won the lottery yet, he hadn't been on a stable relationship since god knows how long, and honestly, he felt very lonely. But what caused him to feel alone was the fact he had to family he could call out to, even if it was just for small talk. He didn't have anyone to openly complain to or simply hang around with. Of course, he had a few close friends, but they were busy with their own family and jobs. Sure, he had his trainer, whom he was very fond of, but it wasn't the same.

He popped a can of soda open, knowing he'd later regret breaking his new strict diet, and made his way to his makeshift personal gym. Maybe, he thought, some more practice with the good old punching bag would knock those sad lingering feelings.

"One, two. One, two." He gently huffed as he maintained a steady pace between punches.

'Hey there kiddo, how've you been? You better be behaving and going to school every day.'

'Dad, c'mon, I'm gonna be 17 in the next month and a half. I'm not a little kid anymore, and yeah I've been doing fine.'

'I know, I know, not a little boy anymore. Geez, they grow up so fast… Look, I know I haven't been spending much time with you, and I can't believe I forgot you're this old, so how about we celebrate your birthday properly this time? How about it?'

'You mean it? I know your job keeps you far, I really don't mind if you can't come home.'

'What? You telling me you don't wanna see your old man!'

'No! I mean –… Yeah, dad, I look forward to seeing you next month.'

'Well good, 'cause I promise I'll be there. Remember, Yugo, I love you and miss you very much.'

'I love and miss you too, dad.'

The memory began to fade, but the feelings of resentment and sadness loiter in his mind. "Dammit dad, why'd you go getting caught by those bastards…" he whispered.

Each punch become more aggressive than the last, his breathing was deeper and faster, his light brown eyes utterly focused on the punching bag. BAM! He came to a sudden stop at a mid-punch; he could feel the bag giving away from its hook, he quickly glanced up and stepped away.

"A bit too harsh on that bag, don't you think?" A thick male voice called out from behind.

Yugo, caught completely off guard, spun on his heels to face the stranger, fist ready for an attack.

"Gado! What? How? When did you?" Yugo gasp as he lowered his defenses.

"One question at a time, old friend. You should really do something about that flimsy lock on the back." Gado said and was followed by some awkward silence.

They both stared at each other as if waiting for something to explode out of nowhere. Yugo decided to make the first move and speak up.

"Uh… So what do you need? I mean, you just showed up out of the blue, so something must be horribly wrong." Yugo picked up his towel once more and rubbed it against his forehead and neck, and returned his fix his eyes on Gado. Yugo wasn't the most perceptive person, but he could clearly tell something was wrong with his old friend.

"So, you consider me the bringer of dire news? Heh, I can't blame you after what happened last time." Gado said, his voice sounding weary and drained. He strained a small grin and looked away from Yugo.

He could see Yugo, as a 17 year old kid, desperately looking for his father, and he could see himself just a few years younger, not that there was much of a difference. He remember delivering the news of Yuji's death, and Gado having lived fighting wars as a living, wasn't the most sensible of people when he broke out the news to Yugo. Surprisingly, Yugo took it rather well; he was quite mature in that aspect and most likely had been expecting the news for some time. His father was a great fighter and soldier, but was a man nonetheless, and like all men, he was mortal and vulnerable.

"Gado… Let's go over to the living room. You want something to drink?" Yugo said trying to move the conversation along.

"Sure, water would be great." Gado moved over to the couch and waited for Yugo to return. He looked around the apartment, not much had changed, maybe just a bit emptier he thought.

"Here you go. Now what is this horrible news you've come to share with me." Yugo grinned as he handed the glass of water to Gado. He quickly took a seat and looked straight at Gado, for some reason, he wanted to catch every word and gesture the older man made. He wanted to be sure to grasp the severity of the situation.

After taking a big gulp of water, he faced Yugo and began to speak, "I suppose you have already heard of the notorious group called 'The Zoanthrope Liberation Front'. They are very similar to Tylon you could say, but they are wise and keep to themselves. I've been tracking them for many months now, and I believe I am getting closer to the truth."

Yugo opened his mouth as to speak, but Gado continued after a quick mouthful of water.

"They are unlike Tylon in many other aspects. They don't go around kidnapping at random, it's like they have a select group of targets that can be classified by age, gender, nationality and even family. Their murders are very precise and clean, and the police have found it a challenge to even determine the weapon used during the crimes, let alone any biological evidence of the murderer. The point is that they are extremely organized and know what they want and how to obtain it. I can't even trace places that might be supplying them materials of any sort, it's like everything they do it legal or they buy in such small amounts that I can't even pin-point them." Although Gado was a very collected man, there was a trace of frustration behind his words.

"So basically, you are chasing the ZLF but can't because you can't even find them… how am I suppose to be of help?" Yugo asked bewildered by Gado's description.

"Well, I did say I was getting closer, didn't I? I believe that their base of operations has to be within our very city. It was as soon as I began searching nearby and taking down suspicious men who were working for the ZLF that their attacks have been almost stopped. It's like they are now waiting for me to slip up or go away. Either way, the men I caught handed me with little information. They were too low ranking to know anything that might have helped…" Gado paused for a moment and inhaled deeply.

Yugo leaned further back on his seat and waited for it, for the request he knew was coming, but he wasn't prepared for what soon followed.

"Look, I have a friend, a very close and trusted friend, searching with me. She has been able to hand me some important details that I have yet organized even in my mind. All I wanted from you is surveillance. You understand what I mean?" Gado said and now waited on Yugo's reply.

"Huh? You mean like some reality TV where I watch the streets and pretend to be a superhero or something?" Yugo was skeptical about the idea.

"Well no, not like that. Look, I know your secret hobby of picking fights at night or at the outside of bars. I also know you run into all sorts of people when you do so. You should also be aware that you could lose your boxing license that way, so I know you keep a low profile about it. All I'm asking is for you to do your casual thing just tell my friend if you see something that comes off as extra weird, especially if it revolves around zoanthropes." Gado was dead serious now. He handed Yugo a small card with only a phone number.

Yugo took the card between two fingers and looked back at Gado, still a bit unsure about the entire situation.

"Well, I have to admit, you have done your research… even on me. Although, I am not too sure what to make of that last part, but I'll help you. If I see anything out of place, I'll dial up your 'friend' and spill whatever I get. So, uh, does this friend have a name?" Yugo was now curious about this special person.

"Jenny. That's all I can tell you for now." Gado said as he got up from the couch. He looked around the place one last time and smiled now a livelier smile.

"I better be going. Have lots of work ahead of me. Who knows, maybe you'll be running into some old friends soon enough." Gado gave a small chuck and headed towards the door.

"Uhuh… Well, glad I could be of help to you. Don't be a stranger, see you later." Yugo said not bothering to get off his seat.

"Bye Yugo, take care." Gado said and with that left the house.

"Man, what did I get myself into? It's like the older he is, the weirder he gets…" Yugo sighed and turned back to the mysterious phone number on the small card.

"Wonder if she's hot…" Yugo put the card away in his wallet and slid the walled back into his back pocket.