Ryo stalked through the stadium, his head down and fists in his pockets. He was here to do what Aya deserved, an immediate death. He wouldn't be cruel, he wouldn't put her through the torture that she no doubt deserved. Well, not physical torture anyway. He'd remind her of all her responsibilities that she avoided over the years. He'd guilt her until her heart wretched with every mere thought of herself and the monster she was.

She was a monster, he wasn't allowed to see Kaya until she was 2 after Aya took her away and she had since abandoned her. When he was without his daughter, he had never felt so low, so empty but somehow her mother could go almost a decade with as much as a single call. When Kaya asked for a poster of the famous Aya, he nearly screamed no. She'd been raised with no memory of her mother, no pictures or explanations just an empty parent slot. He had always wondered, though, how Kaya would react to the fact that her mother was Aya, the near perfect being on this earth. Not to mention rich. That would erase all the hospital bills that took Ryo years to think of a way to pay off.

He turned to the drug industry, his strong face and body made nobody want to purposely cross him. Even as a newbie, he was known as the guy that could make you buy everything he had at top dollar simply because of his appearance. Eventually, drugs turned to an all out gang. He had become the leader and, with his sneaky background, he created the StalKings. It didn't end there though, with the creation there was levels. He ran whore houses, meth labs, and stole. Not always personally though, he had low levels do the illegal things, mid levels created the drugs, and those he trusted ran the girls. Reason being, people could steal from the whores, it wasn't difficult, so he had to be sure that he wasn't being cheated. Of course, he and his boys just about got every discount on the block. He remembered the countless nights that he had spent there, with how ever many he wanted. It was a painkiller, to let out everything and dull his past. With that, he earned enough money to support himself and Kaya. To hell with Aya.

Except now, he was on a tight rope. Every cop in town wanted to catch the leader of the StalKings. One funny look, one loose screw and he'd be behind bars and Kaya alone.

He gritted his teeth, "You couldn't just stick with your family."

He walked around, trying to remember the layout, when he heard an uproar from the stadium area. "Damnit," he muttered, "she's already out." He walked over to the entrance, the lights off but electronic signs lit up nearly every corner. Once in, he realized that the spotlights on stage pointed to nothing and the roars were from a furious audience not receiving what they paid for. They screamed about her being over an hour late, some started picking up their belongings, convinced there would be no show.

"Strange," Ryo mumbled to himself, "Aya is never one to be late. Especially for a concert." Even if they weren't together, he still knew everything about that woman. As long as he had known her, she had never been late without a excuse. The longest he had ever waited for her was about seven minutes but that was because the traffic in town that day was beyond terrible to a major accident. That was forgiven easily enough. The fact that she wasn't on stage preforming though bothered him. Where was she?

People began to get up and grumble about a partial refund. So, she had been out she just never came back on. Something happened in the timeframe of her break that caused her to not walk back on stage. A small group of people left their seats vacant, carrying their bags close to their chest, Ryo figured he'd confirm his suspicions. As the group passed them, he quickly grabbed one of the woman's arms.

"Excuse me?" Ryo asked as kindly as he could, he realized too late that grabbing wasn't the most friendly way to ask a question. Luckily, she didn't respond as some people would.

"Yes?" Her manners were impeccable.

"Do you have any idea where Aya is?"

She sighed but collected herself, "Management came out and said that she'll be out soon. That was over a half hour ago though, there's no indication she'll be coming out soon either. There isn't much point in waiting."

Ryo thought about it, so they said she would come out but she hadn't? No, it was much deeper than that.

"Thank you, ma'am."

With that, Ryo walked away to the now empty seats. He plopped himself down and stretched, trying to get his blood flowing. Quickly, he grabbed for his cell phone that laid in his pocket, undisturbed. He navigated his way to the schedule to see just exactly was going on. He saw nothing of importance, just drug deals and potential snitches. He'd text his guys later. There was still no hint as to who Fifth was either. It seemed strange that Fifth hadn't even been spotted once by his Stalker diary. It tracked where people would be based on the viewings of his boy. Nine out of ten times, it was correct. Still, no a single person had seen or heard and it was strange. He pushed the thought to the back of his head, still scrolling. As he was about to close the thing, he saw a little tab blink, catching his eye. He was still in the schedule but on top was a separate tab labeled "Important". Curious as to what it could be, he tapped it.

His eyes widened and he cursed aloud, "Shit!"

Quickly, he got up and tried not to look suspicious as he jogged out of the stadium. Once out of immediate sight, he ran as fast as he could to his car. Nearly jumping in, he started the car and began to drive away, his heart pounding against his throat. He didn't want to believe it, it couldn't happen. But the odds were against him. That's why he started speeding toward the hospital, fearing that the phone was correct.

In less than 30 minutes, Aya would meet Kaya. From where he was, it'd be awhile before he'd make it. Especially now that people were getting off from work. He gritted his teeth, "Don't you dare touch my daughter."

"So, who is your idol?"

"Um... I'd have to say my dad. He's shown me so much recently and, well, he's my dad." Hideo said, rubbing his head. He didn't like that question, it had been asked every year at school and every year he didn't have an answer. Up until now, he had no idol.

Kaya laughed a little, "You say that so generically, it's cute."

Hideo looked down, trying to hide his small blush, "Yeah, well, who is your idol?"

Kaya straightened out, "I'd have to say my dad as well."

"Why?"

"He's the only one that's been here for me. My mom isn't here and he doesn't like talking to my grandpop and grandma."

Hideo nearly bit his lip, "You really don't have any family aside from him?"

She shook her head, "I always wanted a little brother or sister. I don't know, just somebody to talk to, y'know?"

Of course he knew, he had a brother and sister. His head stung from that harsh memory. He had a brother and sister. The last he saw them, his sister's head was near off and his brother had looked like he erupted from the inside out. He would've ended up just like them had his dad and aunt not saved him. He would protect his new baby sibling with everything he had now, he couldn't stand being in so much grief ever again. He could only imagine how his parents felt.

"Have you ever wanted a sibling?" Kaya asked, bring Hideo back to reality from the darkness of his thoughts.

He swallowed, "Um, I have... had... a brother and sister. Then, my mom is expecting another." He had said it so quietly, it was a near whisper. Still, Kaya had excellent hearing, she caught every word.

"Hideo... If you don't mind, what do you mean you... had a brother and sister?"

He looked down and placed his hands together, "Hah... That's why we're in the hospital. My siblings were killed by some gang, myself almost included. My mom was stabbed, so that's why we're still here. The baby is okay though."

He brought up his eyes, still leaving his face looking down, and glanced at Kaya, "Sorry, that's a little dark."

She snapped to meet his eyes, "No, no, I'm fine. I just... wasn't expecting that, I guess."

"It's okay, not many people would."

"Are you okay?"

That question had been asked countless times since they had been staying here. It was custom now to hear it at least twice every waking hour. He'd gotten to the point where he would just walk into a room smiling and talking about being happy. He was tired of the grim faces and bad news, the fact that he made a friend was enough to satisfy his family. His mom couldn't walk much but his Aunt Minene met Kaya, she seemed to have a liking toward her but didn't mention it to Hideo later that day. They were just happy he wasn't being a shut in.

He smiled, "I'm fine."

She brought forward her hand to meet his face, with little force she made him look into her eyes, "Y'know, you can lie to your family but not me."

A little nervous, Hideo stuttered, "W-what do you mean?"

"You're hurting."

"How would you know that, missy?" He said it a little too harsh, he was about to apologize when she began to shake her head at him. She had already forgiven him.

"Your hair saves you for the most part, but I see past that."

"Past what?"

"Your barrier. Your voice can be your greatest asset but your eyes are your greatest traitors."

He shrugged, "Okay, so I'm sad my brother and sister were killed. Who wouldn't be? But I'm not letting that hold me back."

"Yes, you are."

She had said it so surely, so calmly. He was almost propelled to believe her. Yet, his hard head prevented him from believing her at this point.

He looked up and opened his mouth, Kaya quickly placed a finger in front of his open lips. He was forced to shut his mouth, he wasn't going to talk back. He'd talk when the time was right and convince her just as he convinced his family. He knew how he felt, she had just learned about this, there was no way she could just pick up on him in a matter of a minute.

"Ever since I met you, Hideo, you've carried this sadness on your shoulders. Of course, our friendship was too premature to question you about it so I've been biding my time until it slipped out and here it is," Kaya said, not once straining her eyes or looking away. She spoke so clear and so sure, it was as if she had been preparing for this her while life. "I'll be honest, I don't know what it's like to witness murder, especially that of my own siblings. One thing I could be sure of, would be my grief."

Hideo stared at her, something inside of him awakening. He tried to force it down, but with each word she spoke he felt it well up all the more.

"I've cherished these past few days, you know that? You have spent all day with me and for that... and for that I consider you something I've never had, a best friend. So, it hurts when I see you so damaged to the point where you aren't you. I've yet to meet the real Hideo and, because time will only heal so much, I doubt I will ever meet him. But as your friend, I want to help, to soothe what troubles you, just as you have helped me. I've never had a friend before, so I'll try my hardest to be sure you never have to lose another." She pointed and lifted one of the wires that were attached to her chest, "You've given me another reason to fight, another reason to live."

She looked up, determination apparent in her strong eyes, "I wish to be the same for you, when you're ready. Denial takes you as far as to trick and deceive, but acceptance is what is needed for closure and strength."

Hideo was struck with emotion, he had no time to grieve or even say goodbye. Though he sometimes thought of his siblings as a nuisance, he'd give his life for him any day. He felt hot tears streaking down his face, he didn't even bother to hide them. All he did, was rise from his chair and climbed into Kaya's bed. She took him eagerly in her arms and allowed him to sit next to her.

"How did you get so smart?" Was all Hideo could ask. The words she used and how she used them were beyond perfect. They were inspirational. He had no idea how he was the same to her as she was him. But, he was grateful.

She gave a small chuckle and petted his head, "Teachers come by sometimes, give lessons." she motioned toward a stack of books on the other side that Hideo had always assumed was her father's, "Plus, you get bored."

With that, they both laughed. Soon, they both cried. Not long after that, they both fell asleep in the other's arms.

"You realize that people will come looking for me."

"And."

"I'm a international celebrity, it's not like you can hide me."

"Wear some glasses, you're fine."

"For a kidnapper, you're really stubborn."

"For some that's kidnapped, you talk too much."

Aya slumped into the back of the chair, her arms folded. She had lost fear of this man long ago. He had taken off his mask and revealed his (handsome) face. He had long, unruly black hair and electric blue eyes. He'd be the type of "bad boy" she'd meet at any photo shoot. He hadn't said where they were going exactly, but she could tell they were in the middle of downtown and the outskirts. The only major place she could think of that was there was the hospital.

"Where are you taking me?"

Yuki huffed, "To hell, want a duffel bag?"

Aya was shocked that he had managed to kidnap her but he didn't do much with it. He hadn't demanded money or power, just to follow him. She figured it was do that or "Dead End".

"I wonder what people are saying about Aya's disappearance."

Yuki laughed, "A bit full of yourself, are we?"

"I can afford to be."

Yuki raised an eyebrow but said nothing in return. He drove silently, ignoring all further questions and statements, eventually Aya gave up and plopped even more into the seat.

He sat there, thinking of what to do with the woman. Minene said she wasn't getting her hands dirty, he was fine with that but he needed some preparation. Plus, maybe she could do some visits to the dying children or Yuno. She was famous, right? Quickly, he pulled out her cellphone and tossed it to her.

"Call your manager or whatever and tell them you're taking a few days off."

Aya's eye's widened, "I'm on tour, I can't do that!"

Yuki rolled his eyes, "Where is the part where I actually care? Do what I say or you find out just how cruel I can be."

Aya sighed, she couldn't fight this man. She'd lose horribly. Before he checked on her, she checked her schedule. No Dead End was in sight, she figured she had to follow his orders to keep her life. Before he got suspicious, she went to her speed dial and clicked a name.

It was answered on the first ring.

"Aya! Where are you?! Do you not remember the concept of a ten minute break?!"

"I'm sorry ,James," Americans and their names, she thought to herself, "I started to feel ill. Just give everybody their partial refund. Better yet, reschedule the concert. I just need a couple days to cope..."

"A couple of days? Aya, do you understand the repercussions? The costs alone would at least triple what you made on this concert."

"James, you know just as well as I do that I have no lack in funding from the company or my own personal money."

"But Aya-!"

"Thank you, James," Aya said quickly and hung up before James could finish. She'd pay for that later. Literally. It didn't matter much, she was filthy rich, she could spare some "repercussions". She turned off her phone and handed it back to Yuki.

"Good enough?"

"Very. As long as people get their money, you won't find yourself in too much trouble."

Before she could respond, she glanced out the window. She was right, she was at the hospital.

"Why are we here?"

"A number of reasons, but you're about to make new friends," he said, opening the door. He paused for a second, then looked at her, "And I could mouth off to Ninth, she won't hesitate to splatter you on the walls if she has too."

Aya felt herself tense up, but remained silent. As she tried to open the door, she felt his hand on her shoulder.

"Here, take this."

She turned around, "Take wha-"

She stopped midsentence, what she saw had blown her mind. His hand was open and it looked as if a hat, glasses, and a jacket were all being made by invisible fairies. They were literally coming into existence from the palm of his hand. Who was this man?

Once finished, he offered them to her, "Put these on, we don't want anybody to recognize you."

She, then, for the first time, wondered what this "game" was really about.