A/N: It took me one week to conceptualize this chapter, but one day to write it all. This part is really stressing for me, so I'm just relieved that it's finally out. Review and enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN K (ANIME & MANGA) AND ITS CHARACTERS.

April 17

12:35 P.M.

"Let me explain..." Vulture paused, sitting on the couch. "We're not here to stir up trouble in Shizume. Envy and I are here as Misaki's personal protectors and informants, representing on behalf of our family. You see, there has been some minor issues on my brother's authority—"

"Yata-san is a leader?" Shouhei butted in.

"He's the next head of the clan." Spinning herself on the stool, Envy cleared the confusion.

Putting aside his cigarette, Kusanagi leaned closer to the interrogation party. "What do you mean by that?"

Both Vulture and Envy glanced at each other, seemingly confused. "How oblivious is Homura to our name?" The girl asked.

A momentary assessment on the current situation kept the Red Clan quiet. They had one of the most shocking morning they ever experienced, and the flow of events weren't favoring them. Things had sped up, and Homura still needed to follow the catch. How did something important slip under them? They had no idea that Yata had so much background before he joined. Why was he hiding it?

"It's not our fault that Yata said nothing about you guys. You're the ones who mushroomed out of nowhere." Chitose defended the clan's pride.

This time the duo had nothing to say. they were guilty of the accusation, and no valid reason could be presented. Vulture twitched, lying on the back of the couch. He had so much to say, but the lack of time made him think of whether he'll tell. Would they even understand? It was a family matter, and divulging confidential information could endanger everyone. If they only lived a normal life, everything would be a lot easier...

Addressing to no one in particular, Envy opened her mouth, formally introducing themselves. "We are a fraction of Adolf K. Weismann's floating Black Market. We choke the supremacy over the state and control whatever comes in or goes out. We are the eye of Japan."

"So you're one of The Grays?" Struck in awe, Dewa stood directly at the fifteen-year-old girl and glared.

Vulture kept his eye on Dewa, probably raising his guards. "Yes... unfortunately." He complied in return.

A tinge of resentment ran through Vulture's words, changing the entire atmosphere. Kusanagi's composure broke into a carved disbelief. These two fellows— Envy and Vulture— were far too young. How dangerous were they? And if they were insisting that Yata will be the next can head of their organization, then the Shock Troop Leader's role in Homura might conflict the natural cycle of the Seven Kings. How come Kusanagi only knew of this now that it's getting out of hand?

Kamamoto, Bandou, and Chitose were feeling uneasy—they could sense the malevolent aura spreading like wildfire. The tension at the bar could be fathomed no longer. Even Anna was restless a she sipped from her glass of fruit cocktail. Eric didn't move an inch; leaning against the door, all he had to do was to make sure that nobody will go out. The battle of silence went on for a several minutes, until someone's phone rang— it was Vulture's.

"What?" His automatic response sounded dead.

"You have three days left, my sweet child." It came out as a static on Vulture's side, but he completely got it.

"So do you, Fallen."

Dropping the line, Vulture sighed in relief. Three days more. His Calvary would end, yet what surprise might be installed for him? That man was a master of deceit, just like him. On the 20th of July, a new revelation will be unraveled; soon their family will rest in peace.

"Is he buying time?" His cousin mused, closing the talk to themselves.

"No. he's doing fine."

Occurring simultaneously while the call was being entertained, Eric heard light footsteps approaching the building. He opened his eyes, his stance still against the wall, and observed the outside activity. When he felt the presence at the door, he lazily got up and almost opened it, but his instincts held him in time; he had to make sure it was him.

"Who is it?" Someone tried to turn the knob.

"Eh? Why is it locked? It's me, Totsuka."

Hearing the photographer's reassuring voice, Eric unlocked the it and welcomed Totsuka. "Sorry for the hold up, Totsuka-san. I'm just being careful."

"Ah. I've heard that incident this morning from Kusanagi-san. How are you?" Totsuka warmly smiled.

"I'm okay. Thanks for the concern." Eric's flushed cheeks amused Totsuka.

Not being used to being smiled at, the delinquent hovered over the interrogation team. "They're over the counter Totsuka-san."

"I see. Let's join them!" This man of many hobbies beamed, enlightening the pub.

As the two blonde men walked closer to the counter, they sensed an invisible pressure surrounding everyone. Totsuka wondered how bad things have affected them during his absence. Will it be that chaotic if he left Homura? Sighing, he also saw two new faces,the girl sitting on one of the stools and the guy at his napping couch. They shared the same features as Yata, having the same chestnut hairs— only the girl had a brighter hue and the latter a darker shade. Their skin tone also contested together. How strange was that?

The girl, showing no emotions at all, had a nice huge waves, her long shaggy hair reaching her waistline. Those hard black marble eyes were lined with a thick layer of ringlets of eyelashes, portraying a doll's eyes. Her nose was too proportional, and her thin pale lips had something to boast about. She wore a baby pink dress with matching black heels. Was she deprived of height? Totsuka considered laughing but didn't anyway.

Why was the other one so familiar? Homura's executive pondered about it for a moment, trying to recall if he met someone with shimmering golden eyes that almost looked ridiculously like Yata with some distinguishable differences. This guy had his front hair tied with a black string, got four claw marks on his right side of the neck, and was obviously older. The way he sat reminded Totsuka of Yata, always ready and confident. What relationship could these two have with their clansmen? They were blood-related. Of course. Those who couldn't see through that didn't know their genetics...

"Totsuka-san! Welcome back." Bandou greeted, disrupting Totsuka's chain of thoughts.

"Oh? Haha! I'm home, everyone." With his eternal smile, he replied.

The others, especially Kusanagi, were delighted to be with him again. "It's nice to see you in one piece after two weeks." The bar owner commended.

Anna, now standing beside Totsuka, clutched his sleeve. "Where's my souvenir?"

All the while when everyone's attention shifted to Totsuka, Envy's eyes were dead set on Vulture. His head tilted, as if assessing the newcomer's appearance. That specific behavior was rare for him, so the girl gawked at him. Had Vulture held some connection to Totsuka that he was attracted to his presence?

"Tatara...?" Vulture snapped off.

Everyone turned to the voice's direction. Totsuka was merely in question. "Yes?"

"You don't remember me, do you?" The man on the couch continued. "Don't you recall the color that never fades?"

Just across the waters lie this color,

A hue that fails to show its grand splendor.

Left with nothing but a treacherous lie,

All you'll ever hear is a silent cry.