Chapter 9. Another Day, Another Problem

Speech patterns:

"Hello": regular speech.

"I can't believe this": Thought speech.

"GET OUT OF MY WAY": shouting.

'Where am I': Dreamscape/memory speech.

'I can't believe it': mumbling/muttering quietly.

(Because of this): authors note.

3rd Person P.O.V

Time: 7:30am, 19th February 2016. Zday +2

Location: Takagi Estate, Tokonosu, Japan.

Most of the crew were only just waking up to the sounds of people ordering others around, everyone aside from Alice who was still sound asleep in her bed. Saeko was in fact the first one up because of the amount of times her father made her wake up early for training, Saya was also awake at this time because of similar reasons. Hirano woke up in the guest room he and Toshimi were occupying and came across an interesting sight. Somehow Toshimi wasn't fazed at all with the idea of sleeping with the M2 Browning still strapped to her back, Hirano just gazed in astonishment before shaking his head away from the sight. Mercury and Yang were woke up at exactly the same time and both knew full well the potential consequences of what they did last night, Mercury just stared Yang down as he didn't really have any words that could explain her behaviour but then again it was also his fault for giving in so easily. Taniuchi and Muira were by far the latest of all the teens to wake up as for some reason Taniuchi was acting a little over hyper and it took Muira an hour and most of his energy to hold her down and unclip the tank pack. Yeah these are the kind of things they'd have to deal with everyday.

"Hey Hirano, why that look? Did something happen between you and Toshimi"? Morita asked as soon as he said Hirano's face.

"No. It's just I didn't think it was possible to sleep so peacefully with a heavy machine gun still attached to your back". Hirano again looked dazed after seeing the image appear in his head.

"You shouldn't worry about her quirks, just understand that you have someone with you that's all". Yamada said as he decided to walk off to the kitchen.

Toshimi walked out of the east hallway wearing her usual attire and still had the M2 on her back.

"You're not kidding Hirano, it's like the guns glued to her back or something. How else could she possibly have it on her at all times"? Morita stated while easily surprised by the fact that ever since Toshimi got her hands on the weapon it has not left her back.

"Well you're not the only one who has to deal with over attachments. It took me nearly an hour to get the tank pack and thrower away from Taniuchi and another 20 mins to calm her to sleep; to say she likes that weapon would be an understatement". Muira looked as if he had a few bags under his eyes from the night.

Time skip: 10:00am

The group was once again going about their own daily tasks. Alice was still having trouble coming to terms with what she was told yesterday and for the moment only seemed comfortable around Shizuka who despite her personality was acting a lot like a mother figure for Alice. Meanwhile Takashi was simply taking a slow walk through the estate when he heard Saya's voice seemingly shouting at someone, upon closer inspection it turned out to be her mother. After the argument she stormed past Takashi giving him an intimidating glare, which she only sent out when she was extremely pissed off about something. Takashi knew full well when she had that look it was best to stay out of her way.

"I'm sorry you had to see that Takashi, Saya's been a bit uneasy with what I've had to tell her. I hope you can reason with her". Yuriko Takagi asked in a semi-concerned tone.

"I'll see what I can do to calm her down". Takashi then walked off after their brief conversation to find Saya. Once he did he noticed how upset she looked.

"What's the matter with you, aren't you happy to know your family is safe"? Takashi asked before receiving a fierce glare from Saya.

"Just leave it for the moment, we'll talk later". Saya then walked off leaving Takashi to wonder what just happened. That was until he heard a yelp and took off to find the source of the sound, once there he noticed Rei brush by with a neutral face and Taniuchi on the ground while wearing the tank pack, she looked like a turtle as she desperately tried to get back up.

"Hey Taniuchi, you need a hand"? Takashi asked as he had a hand outstretched to her.

"No thanks, I got it". Taniuchi quickly rolled on to her stomach before feeling the full weight of the refuelled tanks hit her, with much struggle she managed to get back up on her feet. "What the hell has gotten up her nose all of a sudden"?

"Me, That's her problem at the moment. Saya and Me, she's made a wholehearted vowel to hate us but I didn't think her emotions would cause her to neglect the rest of our team". Takashi turned his head to where Rei went before shaking it disapprovingly.

"What ever your problems are with each other. Tell her not to get others involved, I could've exploded if I hit the ground to hard". Taniuchi then stormed off to her room leaving a dumbfounded Takashi standing in the middle of the hallway.

Elsewhere outside the Estate.

Saeko tried again to bring herself round to practicing her sword skills but something seemed to be missing from her. It didn't take her long to figure out she was starting to lose her killer intent, Saeko could easily think of a few explanations as to why this was happening but the most obvious of them all would have to be that new dream of hers.

"I need to focus, clear my mind and prepare to attack without mercy". Saeko than managed to calm her mind enough to start practicing. Nearly 5 minutes after starting she was so perfectly in the zone that she barely managed to stop before hitting Morita Square in the head.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you there". Saeko's apology was answered only by a cautious grin.

"Don't worry about it, you seemed to be comfortable now. So, think you can teach me some of those skills now"? Morita asked as politely as he could hoping to side on her good side. His answer was a second bokken flying towards him, which he instinctually caught.

"Your reflexes are average but good for a simple beginner, however I expect you to pay close attention to what I'm saying understood"? Saeko's voice finally turned back to its original commanding tone as she face Morita with a stern look. The training only lasted an hour as Morita didn't have nearly enough endurance to withstand Saeko's onslaught during their practice spar. Saeko also realised that her killer intent wasn't fading but instead just remained dormant inside her waiting for her to actually fight.

Everyone was eventually called to one of the rooms in the estate for a meeting of some sort. While everyone was entering they could see Saya in the centre of the room with Takashi standing next to her. Hirano and Toshimi had a strange feeling about what was going on but they didn't get the chance to ask the question.

"Why exactly are we here for, and why are you the one telling us what to do Takagi"? Rei asked in absolute spite as she glared at the two again.

"One, cut the attitude Myiamoto as it is not called for. Two, I think I know exactly why we are having a meeting". Mercury always being the observant type already started to piece together a possible scenario.

"We're here to discuss whether we stay in this group or if we go our own way". Saya said shocking nearly everyone at once, everyone except Mercury and Yang who didn't seem surprised by this change of events.

"Why would we leave, this place is like a fortress and your parents seem to know exactly what their doing so what gives". Hirano spoke in an overly confused tone trying to find an answer in itself but got nothing.

"Well that's exactly the point, this place is secure and we know that my parents are safe but what about everyone else's. We need to know if your parents are alive shouldn't we, the only problem is that my parents are going to be evacuating the city within a matter of days and my mum thinks it's best if we stay here for the time being". Saya tried to remain as calm as possible while dealing with the memories of this mornings argument. (A/N: yes I realise that I changed how the meeting went but that's only because this time round Saya's parents figured that if she was with Takashi then there was a better chance of her surviving).

"I see. If that's the case than I'll gladly lend my assistance in aiding your search, after all you will need the extra firepower". Toshimi stood up and nodded in approval to what Hirano said.

"You've got our full support". Yang slammed her fists together as to prove a point while Mercury just stood in a relaxed position.

Everyone was snapped out of the moment of moral boosting when they heard commotion outside in the courtyard. They all ran out to the balcony to see what was going on only to see a few transport vehicles and a forklift carrying a cage with an infected man inside it, and stepping out of another vehicle was what looked like someone very important.

"Who's that"? Toshimi asked while staring at the madness.

"That's the head of the Takagi family, the man who personally judges what's right in the household and who orders exactly how things are meant to be done and in what way. My father". Saya's voice hitched after saying the last part and nearly no one knew why.

"ATTENTION EVERYONE, THE MAN YOU SEE IN THE CAGE USED TO BE ONE OF THE RETAINERS TO MY FAMILY AND A VERY DEAR FRIEND OF MINE, ON OUR LAST ASSIGNMENT HE TRIED TO SAVE A FAMILY FROM THE INFECTED AND AS A RESULT WAS BITTEN. HIS LOYALTY AND DEVOTION TO THE SAFETY OF OTHERS EARNS HIM MY HIGHEST OF PRAISE, BUT ALL THAT MEANS NOTHING NOW AS HE HAS BECOME A MONSTER WITH CONSCIENCE OR REASON". Souichiro nodded his head in a way of saying they should open the cage. As they did the former retainer dashed out heading straight towards the don. 'I'm sorry friend'. Souichiro whispered before swinging his sword once and cutting off the infected head. "LISTEN TO ME ALL OF YOU, WHETHER IT IS SOMEONE YOU KNEW, A BELOVED OR CLOSE FRIEND, OR EVEN FAMILY. IF THEY ARE INFECTED THAN DO NOT HESITATE TO KILL THEM, FOR THEY WON'T MISS THE OPORTUNITY TO KILL YOU". After finishing his speech the crowd slowly disbanded, up on the balcony everyone had neutral faces.

"Well that was a thing, I guess". Yang's smart remark seemed to be ignored all together and they nearly all returned to their original discussion until a certain otaku opened his mouth.

"Swords are inefficient". Everyone turned to Hirano after he said that.

"What". Takashi said while not entirely believing what Hirano just said.

"I said a sword is not efficient at killing the infected". Hirano repeated in greater length this time.

"How efficient a sword is greatly depends on the skill and strength of the wielder, if both are on equal levels than you can cut through numerous body's without effort". Saeko argued trying to back up the claim that a sword is better than a gun.

"You're wrong. A Japanese sword can get chipped as soon as it hits bone and tends to dull out after cutting through three or more opponents, and once it gets blood over it it's effectiveness in combat is severely reduced". Hirano started becoming over defensive about how a gun is better than a sword.

"He's right you know, in the last 300 years or so Japanese swords have been made at a very pitiful quality and were mainly used for Seppuku or Honour killing where someone volunteers to be a Kaishakunin, other than that their pretty useless, only ancient Japanese swords back as far as 800 years ago were made with high quality strength". Toshimi backed up Hirano's claim with the history she knew of Japanese swords.

"Even so, if a regular or modern sword is well maintained than there is not need to worry about its effectiveness in combat". Saeko managed to throw aside Toshimi's claim, Morita was just standing beside her nodding his head in agreement even though he knew next to nothing about swords it was better not to anger Saeko in this matter.

"Hirano, I think you've made you point so you should calm down". Takashi placed a hand on the defeated otaku only for him to whip it off.

"Don't touch me, you don't even know how to fire a gun properly. I saw you down the on the road, you missed three times in a row with a shotgun. That only shows how unskilled you are". Hirano spat out, but made a grave mistake in insulting Takashi while Saya was nearby as she quickly turned her head to face Hirano with a stare that looked like it could burn a hole through steel.

"How dare you talk to him like that fatty, do you have any manners at all". Saya nearly shouted at Hirano and after a few seconds he took off, angry and upset.

"Kohta where are you going, great now look what you've done Takagi". Toshimi than took off after Hirano with an interesting amount of speed considering she still had the M2 strapped to her back. Everyone decided to help look for the otaku before he got himself into trouble again.

Time skip 20 mins.

"Jeez for a fatty he moves pretty fast". Saya spoke to herself before coming across Saeko who sitting silently at a pond of Koi.

"The Koi are a very beautiful type of fish, mainly because of the varied markings each one has but also how they move in perfect harmony with each other". Saeko stated calmly while still looking at the pond.

"So the regional kendo champion also has a part time job at a pet store, you get more interesting by the minute". Saya stated blandly while standing over Saeko. Suddenly the two heard shout coming from across the area but took their time heading to investigate it.

"C'mon kid just hand over the weapons, we won't ask again". One of the guards was trying to ask Hirano to hand over his weapons while two others were standing over him.

"No, these are my weapons and besides I'm the only one who knows how to use them". Hirano started to cry at this point before he heard an all to familiar voice.

"Kohta, hey what are you guys doing to him". Toshimi ran up to the four people with only a light strain evident in her breathing as she looked at the scenario in play.

"Listen girl it's nothing personal, we just need him to hand over what doesn't belong to him". The second guard said while trying to get the weapons out of Hirano's grip while the third man looked at her and noticed the big on her back.

"Speaking of which, I thinks it's best if you hand that over to us immediately". The third man started approaching Toshimi only to be stopped when a certain navy blue hair girl turned the corner with the flamethrower already in her hands, the rest of the group shortly followed her.

"Enough, what is going on here". Everyone turned to where the voice came form and froze solid when they saw Souichiro and Yuriko Takagi walking into the scenario.

"Sorry sir, it's just these people won't hand over the weapons that don't belong in their hands". The first guard said while trying to remain as calm as possible.

"If I may interject here. These weapons are actually mine and Yang's property and while you may believe they don't have reason to carry them I'll let you know that we allowed them permission to use them as it was a means to defend against the infected hordes around the city". Mercury's cunning allowed him to figure out an easy solution to the current predicament.

"Sir this kid's obviously lying, there's no way these two could possibly get the hands on enough money to buy all this". The first guard responded trying to dissuade the previous statement.

"You want a bet, Yang and I drove three Yakuza group to bankruptcy to get the money and buy all these and the halftrack in the garage at the moment". Mercury responded.

"Wait a minute, you drove three Yakuza groups broke. Oh now I remember you, I used to go to some street fighting matches and maybe even place bets just to have some fun every once in a while. Your Mercury Black and your Yang Xiao Long, the tag team hand and foot fighters known as Metal Dragon said to be unbeatable, I actually lost quite a few bets when you were fight various opponents. It all makes sense now, so the weapons really are yours". The third man realising his mistake stood up and bowed in respect to the pair.

"So you two are the infamous Metal Dragon, I must say I didn't picture such a pair to be mere teenagers. I suppose it's not surprising that the two of you would be alive, however I must ask why you let these people carry around such overkill". Souichiro looked at Mercury and Yang sternly after glancing at the others behind them, each one carrying their own accustomed weapon.

"Everyone must have some way of defending themselves, so it's only natural that we let them use our valued collection in order to attain the best ability to survive and live through this madness". Mercury gave his answer to the Don and while Souichiro didn't look convinced he was more than impressed by the fact that a teenager was giving a well-understood argument to him.

"Very well than, if it means that I won't have any trouble in my household than I will let you and your friends keep their weapons". With that Souichiro turned and left the area while displaying a look that was completely uncommon in Yuriko's eyes, acceptance.

"Consider yourself very lucky we arrived when we did Hirano, if we didn't than we'd be down a few vital pieces of equipment and your effectiveness as a sniper would be lost". Takashi started a full-blown rant right in Hirano's face.

"Enough, you can all leave before this situation gets any further out of hand". Mercury basically ordered the others to leave while he and Yang went the other way.

"Honestly, I feel like this groups being run by a king Taijitu. Two heads calling the shots, you and Takashi. It doesn't help that the rest seem to contribute less and less each time round". Yang's analysis of the group's current situation couldn't be closer to the truth.

"Your right, and for once I have no idea how to resolve the problem". Mercury blankly stated as they walked by the tents toward the main entrance to the estate. Both of them froze at what they saw and mentally slapped themselves for thinking it wouldn't be possible. There at the main gate to the courtyard was an all to familiar minibus, with it was an equally familiar and repulsive trio followed by fresh new faces that were no doubt part of the same group.

"You've got to be kidding me. Like a pack of Beowolves, they just search for the nearest populated area to ruin". Yang's hair started to glow after speaking as to say she was pissed.

At the courtyard.

"I can't believe the son of senator Shido is alive and here for that matter, it's a shame about the current situation I was going to vote for him during the next election". A guard holding a umbrella over Shido's head was more the willing to lose his position as guardsmen of one of the Japanese Ultranationalists just to vote for a tyrant.

"As much as I like your praise I'm just a simple school teacher". Shido's smile could fool most simple-minded people.

"Here we are, I must warn you that the Don is quite busy at the moment so it would be best if you wait for a while". The guard then retracted the umbrella and started opening the door.

"I don't care what happens to me honestly I only care for the safety of the children I saved". Shido's moment of glory was short lived however when a fire eyed brunette dashed toward him and aimed a bayonet at his face.

"How admirable". Rei's eyes displayed a horrifying amount of killer intent.

"Miss Myiamoto, you would begin to know how glad I am to see you alive". Shido's fake smile and relieved voices wasn't fooling anyone this time round.

"Do you know why I'm good with a spear. Because I trained with a bayonet, by my father who was never phased by anything his whole life. So I couldn't bear it when I saw him apologise to me saying that I was held back because of him. But I know that only you had control over the grading of each student". (A/N: Which I must insist is a bullshit system to begin with, luckily it could never be allowed here in Australia). Rei's breath was heavy with anger as she dug the bayonet into Shido's cheek causing blood to start appearing. The rest of the group appeared behind the door each one displaying various emotions. The most notable of all of them was Taniuchi surprisingly as she was twitching frantically and her eyes displayed her desire to burn her former teacher to ashes as made evident with her hands slowly opening the valves.

"Myiamoto, your not actually considering murder are you. Remember your fathers a police officer, it wouldn't bode well for him to know that his child killed someone". Shido was now resorting to his ability to persuade people.

"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT FROM YOU". Rei yelled at the top of her lungs getting nearly everyone's attention.

"Than you should kill him". Souichiro peered from the side of the building with two guardsmen and his face showed a stern and serious look. "A while back I used to have an association with his father but now that all means nothing". After hearing those words Shido was in utter shock but then an idea popped into his head.

"Very well then, go ahead and kill me but just know that this action will play as a deep reminder in your conscience. As your teacher I can't offer you any better information". Shido had believed he won this argument as Rei was tremble while trying to make a decision.

"Myiamoto, before you make a decision could I say something". Mercury and yang appeared walking up the other set of stairs.

"Go ahead". Rei's voice easily had hints of confusion and sadness in it.

"Mr Shido, I hope you understand that this world we live in now has no room for guilt or regret. Like you once said back at the school when you tried to kill one of our fellow students "only the strong can survive in this world, the weak have no place" and your partially right, however your concept of strong is completely different to what I believe it is. My concept is that to be strong in this world means to not have hesitation to do what is right, to not feel guilt or remorse if your actions have lead to an unforseen series of events. Note also that in order to live in a world where you need to kill in order to survive a conscience is no longer existent, after killing for the first time you feel all these emotions hit you at once but after you continue to kill you get used to it and that signals the death of your conscience. Myiamoto I'm finished speaking, you can make your decision now". Mercury's long talk had come to an end and while the rest of the group have various looks on them Rei slowly raised her head to Shido's view and she wore a sinisterly maniacal smile on her face.

"Thank you Mercury, that's made my choice a whole lot easier". Rei than raised her rifle back up to Shido's face.

"Wh Wait what are you doing"? To say Shido was shocked that his last plan had been turned on it's head would be an understatement. Even further to his terror he saw Rei's finger squeezing the trigger.

"Putting an end to my family's suffering". After finishing her one liner she straight out pulled the trigger giving Shido a third eye for a few seconds before his body fell backwards and slid down the stairs with a streak of blood before stopping at the bottom of the main entrance in a pool of crimson.

"We were prepared for that outcome but we didn't actually expect you to make that decision". Yang walked past Shido's corpse as other people started to gather around the situation.

"What was that noise, Mr Shido did something happ-". Yuuki stopped speaking as she and Tsunoda approached Shido's body and the ones responsible for it. Something clicked in Tsunoda and without reason or hesitation he turned directly to face Mercury.

"What the hell have you done you bastard". Tsunoda's fists were clenched and he looked ready to charge.

"Nothing really, just coached Myiamoto to make the right decision". Mercury than pointed over to Rei who had just snapped out of her blind rage and looked down to see Shido's body, realising she actually killed him Rei started being hit by all sorts of emotions before throwing her rifle down on the floor. "And by the looks of it I'd say her conscience has died with him".

That did it. Tsunoda in his own blind rage charged straight at Mercury forgetting all to well how many time Mercury had kicked his ass. This time though he was being watched by Yuuki and the rest of Shido's new group as well as every other survivor in the estate, so he tried to look like the tougher opponent and many of the people Yuuki included figured he would be victorious.

"if I had any money on me I'd bet 200 yen that the grey haired kid is going to be sore tomorrow". The woman in the casual purple dress said as she was interested in the fight.

"Enough. If there's going to be a fight than at least make it on even grounds". On of the guardsmen said as four others started clearing some space for the two.

"I'm going to make you pay for assisting in our leaders death, than I'll take care of the brunette". Tsunoda had all but lost complete self-control as he tried and failed to intimidate Mercury.

"Shido was a snake and a murderer there was no way we were going to let something like him live, even if Myiamoto didn't kill him I would've. If you can't see what he's made you become since we started Highschool than I'll gladly beat some sense back into that empty head of yours 'old friend'".

Music start: Avenged Sevenfold. I Won't See You Tonight Part 2.

Both started to slowly circle each other before Tsunoda sprinted forward with one of his arms hung back ready for an accelerated strike.

"Wait a minute, hey lady I think you would've lost your bet. I've had that happen before too". Some random man said while watching as Mercury effortlessly blocked Tsunoda's attack and shoved him back with a foot to the guts.

"And why exactly would you say that"? The same woman asked as they saw Mercury dash towards Tsunoda before double front flip jumping over him, landing behind him and tripping him up. Tsunoda was luck to roll out of the way of a rib-smashing stomp. He unfortunately couldn't dodge one of Mercury's attacks that combined a break dance, pretending to trip himself Mercury used that momentum landing on his hands and propelled both feet into Tsunoda's chest as he was recovering, Mercury than followed that up by launching himself in the air stretching one leg up high before slamming it down on Tsunoda's shoulder with a loud crunch to signal his shoulder-blade breaking, he then finished it off with an upper kick to his jaw knocking him out cold.

"Because that's Mercury black of the infamous street fighter pair Metal Dragon". The first man responded as Mercury stood victorious over Tsunoda's unconscious form. Everyone was at first in awe at the sheer skill Mercury had but in the remains of Shido's new cult that awe quickly turned to anger, as Yuuki looked like she was going to throw a tantrum at what had recently happened while another member was running with a baseball bat to beat Mercury's head in only for him to come to a surprising stop as his weapon was quickly yanked out of his hands by a unimpressed blonde. Even more to his horror was seeing her effortlessly snap it in two.

"You should really think about what your doing before you make a mistake". Souichiro had enough of the madness that was taking place in his home and after some serious debate ordered the remainder of Shido's group to leave and never come back while some of the guards were about to dispose of Shido's body they turned around to see Taniuchi with her flamethrower pointed directly at the corpse slowly burning it away.

"So you think it would have been possible to bring our old friend back". Yang looked over to Mercury as he stood at the gate while the minibus drove out.

"No not anymore. his head is as thick as concrete, I was just wasting my breath trying to bring him back but there's now. He's no longer worth trying to save". Mercury started walking off while some of the other survivors eyed the two. Walking up the stairs he noticed that Rei was still in the same position while trying her best to come to terms with the fact that she had just murdered someone.

"I can't believe you convinced her to do that, don't you have any clue what could've happened to her". Mr Maresato eyed Mercury down with a disappointed look, but who could blame him after seeing that series of events. He made sure Alice was with Shizuka so she would not have to see the madness that had occurred.

"What happens to Myiamoto depends on the way she recollects the actions she's taken, I may have given her reason behind the choice but the final decision was up to her and her alone. How she turns out in the next few days is only up to her". Mercury simply walked past everyone with a calm look on his face before turning around and seeing what could only be described as a extreme mix of comical and disturbing at the same time. At the bottom of the entrance was Taniuchi sitting on some stairs warming her hands at the now indescribable burning body, though it wasn't seen he could sense in her aura that her darkness was currently in partial control.

Time skip 2:30pm

Saya, Takashi, Kohta and Toshimi were gathered in one of the tents trying to explain to a bunch of arrogant adults what's happening.

"Let me tell you again. Killing pandemic, that gives no reason as to why dead corpses start walking around eating people, face it there's not going to be a way to stop this unless any of you are top rank medical scientists with access to a state of the art laboratory and even then do you think we'd have the time and resources to protect you while you do god knows what". Saya's voice rang out through the tents getting everyone one edge pretty quickly.

"All I'm trying to say is that there should be some logical explanation as to why this is happening". The women in the casual purple dress said while a few other people agreed with her.

"Well sorry to break to you but there's not. Did none of you pay attention to what my father said". Saya's face started to go red out of frustration, but that only worsened when the woman got an idea in her head.

"Oh, so that's what you really want to put across. No wonder you were all waving guns about like you some specialist force, listen to me everyone this is the daughter of the man who wants us to no is forcing us to be killers against our will. People like them are the precise reason why others suffer in third world countries". The woman looked like she was going insane and in truth she wasn't really that far off.

"What the hell has global suffering got to do with anything I just said". Saya now looked slightly confused by this point in time.

"It has nothing to do with the current situation today, all that's happening is the worlds dealing with the same crisis and you people in the tent think you can act all just and righteous saying we're in the wrong while at the same time being virtually oblivious to what's going on around you. You may be adults but at this current time I'd say we know more about this than you do". Taniuchi said smugly as she and Muira walked up to the argument.

"How dare you, you should watch your tongue child. Adults are talking here". The woman was more than annoyed by Taniuchi's presence.

"Right, than could you direct me to where the adults are because at the moment all I'm seeing is a bunch of hairless baboons squabbling about stuff they don't even understand". Muira couldn't help but be shocked at the absolute personality switch Taniuchi gone through after spending one night at Yang and Mercury's household, Saya on the other hand felt like she was loosing she edge to show others up.

"One more word you pip squeak mouse and I'll". The woman couldn't even finish her sentence as they saw Taniuchi slowly opening two the valves of the tank pack.

"You'll what, make the others watch helplessly as I turn you to dust". Taniuchi's grin was completely sinister when she looked up.

"Hey Muira, how long have you known Taniuchi"? Takashi asked while trying not to make eye contact with now psychotic navy blue head.

"Two years, I guess she just never showed this side of herself to anyone. It's actually starting to scare me". Muira answered while looking back at the situation before stepping in. "Tan, I believe it's best to show some self control and not torch anything else for a while".

"Yes. Please just get that psycho pyro as far away from us as possible". One of the other people in the tent pleaded while everyone else in the tent were as stiff as statues. The rest of the group walked away to let the tent recover from a near massacre.

"Tan, what's with you. This isn't the person I fell in love with, what's going on". Muira looked Taniuchi directly in the eyes while speaking so he could get the truth out of her.

"Fine, you want to know the truth. Why I'm letting a former self return, than I'll show you". Taniuchi proceeded to roll her left pant leg up and exposed serious scars created from scorching. "when I was younger my parents expected me to be better than you Takagi and go as far as to be on a different league to you, for the most part I tried but you had access to everything needed to be perfect and no matter how good my scores were my mother would be furious at me for still being second place to you. It got that bad that she'd go as far as beat me each time, one night she'd lost it completely and proceeded to burn my leg. In doing so something just snapped inside me, I later grabbed a gasoline canister and some matches from our garage, dad didn't mind if I succeeded or failed he just wanted me to be happy so when he saw what mom did to me he freaked out and took off to regain himself. While that happened mom was sleeping peacefully and smiled thinking she'd get me to do better, I walked in to their room and drenched mom with the canister and when she woke up she didn't have time to react before a lit a match and tossed it at her'. Taniuchi started to break down at this point but what scared the group around her was that she was still smiling, by this time other group members had showed up to make sense of what was happening and even Saeko was shocked by how far stronger Taniuchi's darkness was to her own as she continued. "I just stood there listening to her screams of agony while she slowly burned up and all I remember doing was smiling sinisterly, it was pure joy and relief watching the person who made me suffer turn into a charred pile of ash and bones. When my father got back home it was chaos, I still remember clearly the look of pure fear he had on his face when he saw me standing next to moms burnt remains holding the empty canister in one hand and looking at him with the same smile. He explained to the police when they arrived everything that happened before the incident as he called it, and I was required to attend psychiatric therapy for an entire year afterward. I thought I was done with that madness but just seeing this brought it all back, and now I can accept that I'm someone who likes burning things to the ground". Taniuchi had all melted down after confessing to murdering her mother in cold blood.

"It's okay, you're not the only one with a darkness. You've just got to learn to accept it and let it fade away". Saeko placed a hand on the crying girl in an attempt to comfort her. to her surprise and that of everyone else's Taniuchi's whole body started emitting a low glow before dying down again and she looked rejuvenated afterward.

"What just happened to her"? Shizuka asked in her usual tone while harbouring confusion. Mercury and Yang on the other hand picked up on it quickly.

"What's happened is that through unleashing the truth publically and accepting what the responses would be, Taniuchi just unlocked and activated her Aura". Yang walked up to the girl and placed a hand to her forehead to find out some things. "And by the looks of it your Semblance is able to manipulate and amplify the very element you use as a weapon".

"Wait, what's a Semblance and I thought you were the one who could use fire". Taniuchi as well as everyone else looked visibly confused by this new word.

"1. Semblance is more of your souls offensive ability and 2. My Semblance is to draw power and energy from a hit and convert turn that into strength for my attack, it's like some of those task battles where your opponent gets stronger every time you hit it". Yang said calmly while everyone was nearly lost at this point.

"You said that only someone who has an unlocked aura can activate someone else's". Saya requoted what Yang said a couple of days ago.

"While that is true for the most part, on rare occasions someone is able to activate their aura without assistance, but only by some random and various trigger". Mercury filled in the blanks that Yang had left out. "But considering the circumstances now, I don't think it's worth waiting for those various triggers. Everyone link hands, Yang and I will try to simultaneously activate all your auras. Just clear your mind and concentrate on our voices". Everyone after linking closed their eyes and tuned their ears to hear only Mercury and Yang.

"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality, through this we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all, infinite in distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder protect thy". After finishing those words everyone started to glow faintly before it slowly dissipated, Mercury and Yang after that were exhausted as they had used a lot of their energy to activated over a dozen auras at once.

"Whoa, this feels so weird but natural at the same time". Morita stated as he saw the light of his aura on his hands before it faded.

"I can agree with you there, I don't think it will be easy to get used to. So what are our Semblances"? Korukami asked as his light faded away.

"Hard to tell at this time, Merc and I used a lot of our aura's energy to activate all yours so we may have to find out". Yang than fell backwards and tried to rest for a bit.

"What do you me by energy, our aura is part of our soul like you said". Saya was above everything else curious by what Yang meant.

"Like our body's, our aura's have a limit of energy and depending on the amount will allow you to find out how strong your aura is. It's hard to explain in full detail but there's only so much you aura can take or do before it depletes and after that, like you body you have to rest and recover energy". Mercury finished and lay down next to Yang.

"If our aura is meant to be like an amour, shield and sword than wouldn't that mean we could be immune to the infection". Rei said as she perked up at the idea.

"Whether or not we are, I'm not willing to risk putting that theory to the test". Takashi said while denying any chance of that ever being confirmed.

"Good, because if you ever go than I go with you". Saya said while leaning on him and grabbing his hand while they were still glowing, examining their new power before it faded.

"I think we should get inside, it would be better to talk more about this in a more comfortable environment". As Shizuka finished, the sky suddenly lit up. Soon after it faded all electronics started powering down.

"That can't be anything good". Takashi said as everything and everyone went quiet.

Chapter end.

A/N: god this was a long chapter to think out and write but hey everyone now has an active Aura, hurray. A few points I want to quickly mention.

I kept running through my head whether or not it was a good idea to kill Shido or keep him alive, eventually I decided he should die because he deserves it.

I wanted so badly to make a dual where Mercury could use some of the moves he displayed in RWBY volume 3 and also I want to bash Tsunoda just a bit more.

I've decided to change the pairing name for Mercury and Yang. Someone suggested to me in one of the reviews to possibly use black dragon or black sun but those two have already been taken however I did come across an idea. Yang's combat nickname is the yellow Dragon and the name Mercury is a type of metal so as I wrote in a few lines, their new shipping name is Metal Dragon.

Lastly I realise I left this chapter on a cliff-hanger but what's the problem with that

Well that's all from me for this chapter so until the next one rolls around Seeya's.