Chapter One: Warning Bell

It had been a long time ever since Kuroudo last saw the large ball of fire in the sky set with much clarity, without jumbled thoughts going through his head and therefore distracting him. It was a spectacular sight, and he was glad to share it with his best friend, who sat right beside him without saying a word. The moment was too precious for any of them to take for granted --- just like their friendship that came dangerously close to its breaking point. Too close, in fact, the blond-haired young man corrected himself, pressing his lips together firmly to supress a scowl that would've ruined the moment. All for a stupid microchip…

"I'll fix the Shooting Mirage, don't worry," Kyousuke assured, leaning back against the wooden bench casually. The scene that played in front of them reflected itself through his spectacles, but his attention was not focused on it anymore, but rather on the still figure of his teammate. The Shooting Mirage was of sentimental value to Kuroudo, as it carried memories of his life and of his friends back in France, and the fact that it was destroyed because of a crazy experiment inspired by his so-called 'instinct' seemed something to be upset about. Kuroudo's match with Gavin Connor Hammer, the European champion from Team Griffon who came to Japan to battle him, ended in a draw but left his Gear a wreck. It wasn't a pleasant sight; even the Gear Master didn't like it.

But to the genius' surprise, the other shook his head, and the gesture stunned Kyousuke greatly, pushing him to utter an expression filled with disbelief. Did he hear it right? No? Kuroudo didn't want his Gear to get repaired? The Gear that brought him victory, from France and all the way to the Asian Cup? "I believe the Shooting Mirage has fulfilled its mission," came Kuroudo's soft-toned explanation, his eyes still focused on the setting sun as if he was entranced by it. Then, after a few seconds of silence, he cocked his head to the side slightly to flash a teasing smile towards his companion. "Besides, I don't think I'd ever allow a VT Chassis to be incorporated in it, even if you personally advised that I do."

Kyousuke smiled back. "I'll make you a new one, then."

Those words didn't linger among the notes of silence for long, because they suddenly heard voices coming from above the hill that was situated behind where they were sitting. It was Kouya, calling out the blond's name loudly, momentarily forgetting that the person he was looking for had the keenest sense of hearing among the four representatives of the Tobita Club. But the young Gear Fighter wasn't alone; also with him was the fourth member of their team, Jirou, and two members of Team Griffon, who were Kuroudo and Kyousukes' former teammates.

After a few minutes of thanking, hugging, squishing, hair ruffling, and other gestures depicting gratitude and pride in Kuroudo's 'victory' against the notorious Gavin, the two Gear Fighting teams parted ways. And since the triumphant young man felt very much happier than he usually was, he invited his comrades over for dinner at his place, which came as yet another surprise. "Mom wouldn't mind," he said off-handedly with a slight wave of his hand as he led the way towards the Marume residence, his friends following very close behind. "It's been a while since we had guests anyway. She'd love to fix something up for you. French cuisine, anyone?"

The inquiry definitely perked up the others; at least, Kouya and Jirou. They named one dish after the other in excitement, giving out those they have never tasted in their lives and mispronouncing each one that Kuroudo had to correct them after every suggestion. Kyousuke, on the other hand, stalked behind the three in silence, although the expression on his framed face was not that of contempt or discord --- expressions that had been almost always on his features ever since he dropped out of Crush Gear Fighting more or less a year ago --- but rather of silent amusement. He could not help but let a smile leak through, however, when Jirou added before letting out a loud laugh, "And don't forget my red bean buns!"

"Wow, you cook great, Marume-san!" Kouya exclaimed loudly before stuffing yet another spoonful of froide sauge into his mouth. With his cheeks bulging like a balloon, he looked around the different dishes that were prepared for them and thought of which one to try out next; there was so much to eat in so little time. Spotting the delicious-looking ris engoul --- the so-called 'fancy rice' with bits and pieces of sumptuous meat --- at the opposite end of the dining table, he nudged Kyousuke to get the plate and hand it over to him as he continued to chew and swallow the food that filled up his mouth. "Kuroudo's so lucky to be able to feast like a king everyday!"

The comment earned another roar of laughter from the Gear Fighters who ate to their hearts content and their hostess, the hospitable Armelle Marume, Kuroudo's blond-haired, blue-eyed mother. She was a very warm and personable individual, and her pleasing attitude made Kouya and Jirou conclude in silence that their comrade got his rather aloof and serious attitude from his father, who they haven't heard about ever since they got together as a Gear Fighting team. They didn't want to push their luck in asking Kuroudo about him, though, because they were sure he wouldn't want them to not mind their own business. They just hoped the time would come that he would tell them the truth.

As the uproar died down into a few words here and there, Kuroudo rose, excused himself from his mother and his guests, and headed towards the bathroom. His absence would've gone unnoticed if he came back quickly, but he lingered in the lavatory long enough for Kouya to inquire about him once again, similar to what the youngster did back at Singapore when the Asian Cup attained its conclusion. "Why so surprised?" the Gear Master suddenly intervened after putting down his glass of water on his side of the table, looking at Kouya intently through his large eyeglasses. "You know how hygienic and systematic Kuroudo is; he can't live without things being clean and in order. He's actually one of the neatest Gear Fighters I know."

"Don't worry about him, Kouya," Armelle guaranteed with a soft smile. "He's just like that."

But Kouya was not definitely not convinced, despite the fact that the persons who assured him that Kuroudo was going to be fine was the blond Gear Fighter's mother, and his best friend. Reaching under the table to fix his shoe that was about to fall off --- he had been playing with it throughout the meal --- he glanced around uneasily and prepared to leave the table. They don't understand! This isn't the first time Kuroudo stayed too long in the bathroom! I know he told us that it was the light, and that he's pale-skinned, but I've seen him long enough to know how pale his complexion is and know the difference!

Pretending to feel all jittery due to the call of nature, he got up on his feet and excused himself in a hurry. As he left, he heard Jirou comment, "So that's why he asked what's taking Kuroudo so long," but he didn't care about it anymore. There was something wrong, very wrong with his friend, but unfortunately, he was the only one who noticed. Thus, he was the only one who could help. At that, he tore through the corridor that led to the Marume's lavatory in a half-run, his footsteps echoing through the bare hall with a certain pattern of sound. Finally, his destination was in sight, and he quickened his pace even more, getting more desperate by the second.

He gripped the doorknob, twisted it, and pushed the door open.

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Author's Notes: I know that all of you, more or less, expected Kyousuke to have spotted the difference that Kouya did, but I'm afraid I had to change things a little bit to build the angsty atmosphere. Please don't flame me about that; I did it for a reason, and it will come handy in the later chapters. Anyway, I would like to thank Ice Suzaku and Hareta for helping me out with the details. The details you gave me were priceless! And of course, I'd like to thank Fire Princess, my ever-wonderful sister, for reading. The Takeshi side-story will take formation soon.

I'm not going to deny that something's wrong with Kuroudo, but any guesses on what might he be going through? And I almost forgot: froide sauge is a French chicken dish; I had to go through sites to find the names I used in this chapter. Also, I'm playing around with my little theory that Kuroudo is half-French, so please excuse whatever bits and pieces of my insanity you'll find scattered around in this fic. I just come up with the weirdest things. Thanks again, everyone!