p class="MsoNormal"uspan style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC';"Reacquainted/span/uuspan style="font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC';" Pt2/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"uYuka's Home/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"uYuka's POV/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"Making the final stretch back home and I am really tired. Climbing over a lush green hill. I see a small span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"two-story/span house. Living here in the Lost Ground nothing was considered extravagant, but the memories and needs were there. A tender smile appears on my face placing all the memories together on different parts of the house. I run down the steep hill to the front door. As soon as I get inside I begin to put all of my things away and go to take a nice, warm shower. When I get out I sit on my bed with a white towel wrapped around me. In my peripheral span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"vision,/span I see a picture on my night table. In the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"picture,/span there is a little version of me and two grown people. On my span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"right,/span there is a young woman in her early twenties, with long auburn brown hair, and emerald green eyes. She is also wearing a silk ice-blue scarf. On the left of me span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"are/span a man that looks to be in his late twenties, light brown hair, and light grey eyes. Both of them holding me in a tender, loving hug with loving smiles on their faces./p
p class="MsoNormal""I miss you guys so much. Mom, dad I hope you are watching over me."/p
p class="MsoNormal"I take a deep breath to hold back the oncoming tears and get dressed. I put on a pair of ankle-high black boots, my signature black and red, fingerless gloves, long black pants, dark grey shirt with one long sleeve on the left side and a black half vest and instead of hair being down like always. I put it in a high ponytail and braid it. The final touch is her mother's silk, ice-blue scarf and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"wrap/span it around my neck. It is the only thing I have of my mother and only one picture of my father. My father disappeared years ago, mother never told me why or where he was. My mother, span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"however/span, was dying not only of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"sickness/span but she died on the day of the uprising seven years ago. I shut myself off from the rest of the world after all that. Nothing could make me feel better except fighting and survival. I was always alone and preferred it. I always tried to do the right thing, but never wanted to be near people. Living in the Japanese Wilderness does that to you. Even worse on a child. You either become prey or a predator. Once I'm changed and refreshed I start to make dinner. For today's meal, I am making a creamy vegetable soup with slices of carrots, broccoli, and potatoes with a side of toasted bread. When I took a taste test I figured something is missing./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hmm, a dash of salt and pepper should do the trick."/p
p class="MsoNormal"With that in span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"mind,/span I add in those ingredients. Suddenly I hear knocking at the door and I know who it is./p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't feed lost people so go away."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's harsh Yuka and here I thought we were getting to be close friends."/p
p class="MsoNormal"A young man with brown hair and brown eyes appeared in my open window. He is one of the friends I made after my parents died. His name is Kunihiko Kimishima. He also helps me get money by doing jobs like the one I did early this morning. Not only does it give me good pay, but a good feeling to help those who can't do it themselves. He span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"leaned/span through the window and took a deep breath in dramatic fashion./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah right, what do you want?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I just have a job for you and Kazuma."/p
p class="MsoNormal""What job would that be?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll explain it all at Kazuma's place come on."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay, let me get this prepared to take some over there."/p
p class="MsoNormal"I pull out some corning wear in the top cupboards and prepare a batch of food to take with me./p
p class="MsoNormal""WHAT?! YOU FEED THEM, BUT YOU span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"DON'T/span FEED ME!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You leech off of my food every time you come over and I'm willing to bet Kanami isn't eating well. She is a young lady after all." span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"When I finish putting the soup in the corning wear, wrap half of the bread and bag it in a big messenger bag. I meet Kimishima in the front yard ready to go. I get in the car with him and we drive off to Kazuma's house. The whole ride there is silent and uneventful, after a few minutes of driving we park outside Kazuma's house. It's small and a two-story, which is perfect for two people. It used to a small clinic judging from the hospital chair you see when you walk in. It's a little beat up, but at least it's livable. When we get out of the car Kimishima knocks on Kazuma's window. This is a small habit of his. He knows full well Kazuma won't let him in the front door./p
p class="MsoNormal""You look like Romeo coming to see his Juliet. Don't tell me you two are closet lovers?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""SHUT UP YOU KNOW FULL WELL I LIKE WOMEN AND HE'S A GUY!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""That means nothing when it comes to love. I'll make a big speech at your wedding."/p
p class="MsoNormal"A big mischievous smirk lines my lips. It is always fun to rile up Kimishima. I would be rich if I did it for a living. Kazuma's voice shouted out from the other side of the window./p
p class="MsoNormal""Ah, man what do ya want?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kimishima slid the window open and pokes his head in./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hey what's happenin'?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Dude, go away we don't want any."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's harsh man."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry about it come on in."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Little Kanami's soft voice is heard through the window as well and from the sound of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"it,/span she seems healthy./p
p class="MsoNormal""span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Oh,/span Kanami I have someone here to see you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Really, who is it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"With span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"that,/span I walk in through the door. In the room stands a little girl with long, light brown hair that is tied into a pony-tail and light green eyes. A big bright smile appears on both of our faces. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yo."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yu- Chan!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kanami runs up and hugs me around the waist tightly. I hug her back in a tightly. Kanami is like a little sister to me and her best interests are important. I would do anything for Kanami. She makes me realize that there's still light in the world./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hello, how are you little Kanami?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm ok."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Is Kazuma taking care of you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Well…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"I gave a harsh angry glare to the male sitting on the medical chair. His face turned pale and his light brown eyes are showing guilt, but also fear. He ducked his head down, so the top of his dark brown hair is visible. Kazuma knew how important Kanami is to me and he is like the kid brother I have to discipline every single time. Even though we are the same age I have to constantly lecture him. Maybe reach points of disciplining him myself. He is a very close friend and in a small span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"way,/span he saved me. Kazuma gave me the strength I needed to get back to my old self and beyond. He span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"may be/span a pain in the ass, but I still care for him. I look back at Kanami in a sisterly way and kneel in front of her. I pull the corning wear and the wrapped bread out of my bag./p
p class="MsoNormal""Here I made you this. A young woman like you needs her nourishment."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Thanks,/span Yu-Chan. Can I get you and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Kimishima/span something to drink?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't bother they're leaving."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That'd be great."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kimishima answers for the both of us./p
p class="MsoNormal""So what do you two want?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Look, I came here to deliver food and for this span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"job,/span Kimishima's got lined up for us."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kimishima sits down in a chair across from Kazuma./p
p class="MsoNormal""You two remember the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Lardos/span gang right? They hang out span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"in/span the subway ruins."/p
p class="MsoNormal"I took a minute to remember the Lardos group that hangs out by the subway./p
p class="MsoNormal""span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Lardos, Lardos/span span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"wait/span isn't that?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kazuma finishes her thought./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yea, that's span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Hideki's gang nothing but a little group of kids."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Now, this other gang is trying to move in on their territory and it's lead by an alter user."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kazuma puts his hand on his hip to show some of his confidence./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I get it fight fire with fire."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Kazuma can handle this himself, so why do you need me for this tiny job?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-no-proof: yes;""Never know when you need back-up, right/spanspan style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Now you know I hate being back- up."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kimishima shrugs nonchalantly. Kazuma chuckles with his ego showing more./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""If this guy really is an alter user. Then I can't guarantee what will happen."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I go into the kitchen to peak in on Kanami. Turns out she is warming up some of the soup I span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"brought with me/span. I didn't really pay much attention to the rest of the job. I figure I didn't need to because I am only back- up. I miss out on most of the action if Kazuma handles everything well. I didn't really need the money since I live alone, but Kimishima slides me a little so I'm not walking away empty-handed. Even if I don't fight my time is used and that's reason enough for him. My supply of food and other materials is enough to last a few months at a time. Kazuma's voice startled Kanami and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"me/span from the kitchen./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR MIND GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE?!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""You're asking for way too much."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I NEED THE MONEY I'M TOTALLY BROKE."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Huh? But what about that job this morning you were supposed to make a fortune."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I'm telling you I'm broke."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Uuugh, I can't believe you did it again. You're such an idiot."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kazuma's and Kimishima's annoyed talks meant he received an offer that money was an issue and would probably go on for some time. These two could go at this for hours if left alone. Plus, Kazuma is terrible managing the money he gets from his jobs. He gives it away without a second thought. It's sweet of him to help others when needed, but he needs to think about Kanami as well. She is so young and mature for her age. But for a kid her age living in the Lost Ground, it's a kill or be killed world out there and no place for a child no matter what. Kanami steps out of the kitchen to intervene the small fight. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Mr. Kimishima, will you and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Yu-chan/span stay for dinner?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""That'd be great."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kazuma pushes him by his face and grabs him by the collar and calls him a leech. To me, they were both leeches a day never comes by when they want food from me. They began to play rock, paper, and scissors like children for ho will get say over the money. I whispered to Kanami with annoyance lacing my voice./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""We put up with this because?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"She shrugs and rolls her eyes wondering the same thing and we set the table for dinner. After that Kazuma and Kimishima sit outside to talk some more. Kanami is working on the dishes while I clean up the dining room. I look out the front door and notice the sun is setting. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It's time to go to the party."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"uspan style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"HOLD Mobile Unit/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"In this busy mobile unite our same male alter user is waiting for orders. Deep in thought, he analyzes all the information that he collected. His fire burning to turn in the criminals to justice. In his span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"hands,/span he is holding the same crystal that is still cold to the touch. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanNo matter how long he has span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"held/span it, it would never span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"get/span warm. It would stay as cold as ice. A young girl with a span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"pixie/span cut and blue hair and blue eyes came up behind him to give him news on the mission./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Report from Ellian shows a reaction at Zebra 43."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Roger that. Native alters huh?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"With that said he formed his right hand like a dagger. The blue-haired girl noticed the crystal in his hand and took it from him. She holds it in the air to get a better look at it./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Scherice!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Oh calm down Ryuhou. I see you with this thing all the time. I just wanna know where you got it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I didn't buy it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Oh, was it a gift from someone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Bitterness and jealousy laced in her voice. Ryuhou took it back from her and holds it tightly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It's from my past. A past I should have forgotten about, but I can't seem to let go of it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Scherice rolls her eyes and leans on the back of Ryuhou's chair./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""There's always something attractive about a man who has a past that is shrouded." She mumbles to herself./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Hmm, did you say something?" He turns to her./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""No, nothing at all" Her face filled and voice filled embarrassment with a span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"light/span pink blush on her face. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-s-Cry-ed-/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"uspan style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Sunway Ruins/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I left ahead of Kazuma and Kimishima to subway ruins. Once I get there I get off the borrowed bike far away from the subway to find a good place to hide out and watch over Hideki's gang. With a pair of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"binoculars,/span I can see the trespassing gang. I am filled with rage to see all the kids on the ground not moving. I hate it when someone does this. I look at my watch wondering why Kimishima and Kazuma are late. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-If they don't hurry up soon. I'm going to go down there myself-/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI want to show this fat ass hippo alter user what real punishment is. He has no reason beating on people younger and smaller than him. This is another reason why she hates being back- up. She is always stuck in one spot. Just in the nick of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"time,/span the boys show span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"up/span before any more damage is done. I speak to them on the intercom equipment Kimishima gave to me before we left./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It's about time you ass- wipes got here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I say with annoyance and anger. Kimishima replies on the other end./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Give us a break. My car broke down."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I shake my head in disapproval that he keeps these rickety old cars around. Throughout the entire span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"event,/span I stay in the ruined building not too far off from the battle. The gang's leader goes down after Kazuma elbows him in the stomach during his conversation with Kimishima. After a few span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"minutes,/span he gets up. He tries to hit Kazuma again, but Kazuma dodges and grabs his arm. Then comes the main event of everything. The use of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"alter/span power. The one thing I notice a lot of alter users do is doubt Kazuma's alter power. It may be small, but it packs one hell of a punch literally. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHis alter forms on his right arm that goes all the way up to his shoulder. It is yellow armor, the fingers of it are red, the inside a deep orange, and pits of silver; on the elbow around the wrist, and on the tips of the fingers. On his span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"back,/span three red spikes appear ranging from big to small, and his hair goes from its normal chestnut brown to spiked and deep fiery red. The leader of the opposing gang summons a giant robot for his alter. All throughout the fray nearby buildings are being destroyed and giant clouds of smoke and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"rubble/span fly everywhere. In the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"end,/span Kazuma became the victor. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It looks like we can go home for the night. Kimishima, how are Hideki and the kids?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""They're fine. We got everyone out safely."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Cool, I'll meet you and Kazuma in a minute."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"When all things seem well a mobile HOLD unit comes into view. I quickly get out of the building I was hiding in to get to Kimishima and the others. As I run closer to where everyone is. I hear Kimishima in the distance./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Kazuma it's HOLD we have to leave!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""If you give me four thousand I'll buy some time for you to get out of here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Okay, Yuka lets go."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kimishima grabs my right arm and tries to pull me with him, but I don't move./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""No, I'm staying here. You appointed me as back- up for a reason right?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Don't get yourself killed."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I nod and Kimishima runs back to the car. I stood far enough away to step in when I'm needed. Kazuma can always take care of himself in a fight, but this is HOLY. They are HOLD's most elite fighters against span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"alter/span users. Kazuma jumps into the air and puts a dent into the body armor of the enormous vehicle. The shuttle door opens and out came a tall slim figure. I remain on the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"sidelines/span watching as this new alter user came forward. His appearance not yet visible because of the light shining behind him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I take it that you are a member of HOLY? Alright span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"fine,/span let's do it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"The door to the mobile unite closes to reveal the male HOLY soldier. The feeling of a threat rose through me as well as a sense of familiarity. Not only that but an intensity I can't describe. The color of his dark teal hair and piercing red eyes scream span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"at/span me. Even though I know his attention is on Kazuma. I can't seem to escape this pull. Is it a pull of a worthy opponent, a history together or something else? What is it that draws me in so much? In the blink of an span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"eye,/span Kazuma and this HOLY solder begin fighting. In no time a humanoid alter appears and catches Kazuma off guard. With two dark purple span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"ribbons/span like span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"antennas,/span it grabs Kazuma's right arm and hit him in the stomach with the other. Almost falling over Kazuma reaches for a small rock and throws it at his opponent only to have it destroyed an inch before hitting his face thanks to his alter. Even though the rock was destroyed, the dust reaches his eyes. Temporarily blinding him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Think I'm a coward for doing that"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Not really. It's what the least I could expect from a low level alter user."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""What did you say!?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"The battle gets more and more intense. This guy throws and beats him around like a ragdoll. I could not help but stand there. In only a few short moments Kazuma was on the ground. In all my years here. No one has ever beaten Kazuma. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-I can't believe he beat Kazuma. Kazuma is one of the strongest alter users I know.-/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"My mind fills with shock. This guy is treated him like an amateur with his humanoid alter power. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI have no choice, but to step in and fight. Activating my alter, I go in front of Kazuma before they could touch him. I take my fighting stance and glare at my opponent. The strange alter user stands span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"solidly/span before me. Not at all phased by me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You must be the other alter user I'm searching for. I must also take you into custody."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Sorry I have no time to be arrested tonight."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"His alters antenna come my way and with a simple span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"breath,/span it froze in span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"mid-strike/span. The other came and I dodged it effortlessly. I get close proximity and kick him in the side. I manage to grab his arm and flip him over my shoulder. The mysterious alter user quickly recovers and gets to his feet. He charges at me at an incredible speed. Too late to defend myself from his attacks he slams his palm into my stomach, knocking me down hard. I slide across the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"ground/span and stop right next to Kazuma. I bare my ice claws and charge full force at him. He did the same and we pass each other with. I receive a heavy blow to my left side and the stranger gets three shallow cuts on his right arm. Blood dripping from his wounds heavily and my bruises span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"start/span to form and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"swell/span greatly. We continue to fight leaving cuts and bruises on each other. We fought for almost five minutes and neither of us giving up. We knew we had to win no matter what, but I had to get Kazuma to safety and back to Kanami. Fire and ice on the battlefield, dancing to the song of battle. Goals so strong that could stop them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""You are very skilled and your alter power is amazing. However, this must end, I must take you in. No matter what."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Thank you, so we agree on winning this battle. I just don't agree on be taken to HOLD tonight. So I can't dance too long." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Both fighters are breathing heavily and covered in wounds. Never have they come across an opponent that can match their abilities until now. We stare deeply and intensely into each other's eyes. The fire burning in them could melt anything even my alter. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-The only thing I can do is quickly grab Kazuma and run, but I need a distraction. He is span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"faster/span than me and with Kazuma as extra weight. I'll be slowed down. I have no other choice, but this. - /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I blow cold air and shoot diamond spikes from my claws. I make a quick dash towards Kazuma, so I can grab him and go, but it was not successful. The span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"guys altered/span uses its antenna to wrap around my legs causing me to trip. It uses the other reformed ribbon to bind my hands behind me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Can't we have dinner first?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I'm sorry, but this isn't my thing and you have to be taken into custody."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Awe, too bad I was hoping we could have some more fun."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"The two teens span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"stare into/span each other eyes. Hints of familiarity shine in them. The intensity returns five times stronger. No matter how deeply we stared at each other. It felt like we were the only two here. The new alter user asks the one question that made our paths intertwine. /span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Do I know you?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Yuka stares at him with a confused face./span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold',sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: JA;"I was dreaming. In my span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"dream,/span I became two different people. One that wanted to change the inevitable. He is screaming loudly hold on, hold on, hold on! I kept wishing with all my might. The other who had an encounter with her past. She has all these questions running through her head. Who are? Where have I seen you? What are you to me? Tell me, please tell me. I want to know. Please tell style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"uYuka's Home/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"uYuka's POV/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"Making the final stretch back home and I am really tired. Climbing over a lush green hill. I see a small span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"two-story/span house. Living here in the Lost Ground nothing was considered extravagant, but the memories and needs were there. A tender smile appears on my face placing all the memories together on different parts of the house. I run down the steep hill to the front door. As soon as I get inside I begin to put all of my things away and go to take a nice, warm shower. When I get out I sit on my bed with a white towel wrapped around me. In my peripheral span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"vision,/span I see a picture on my night table. In the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"picture,/span there is a little version of me and two grown people. On my span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"right,/span there is a young woman in her early twenties, with long auburn brown hair, and emerald green eyes. She is also wearing a silk ice-blue scarf. On the left of me span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"are/span a man that looks to be in his late twenties, light brown hair, and light grey eyes. Both of them holding me in a tender, loving hug with loving smiles on their faces./p
p class="MsoNormal""I miss you guys so much. Mom, dad I hope you are watching over me."/p
p class="MsoNormal"I take a deep breath to hold back the oncoming tears and get dressed. I put on a pair of ankle-high black boots, my signature black and red, fingerless gloves, long black pants, dark grey shirt with one long sleeve on the left side and a black half vest and instead of hair being down like always. I put it in a high ponytail and braid it. The final touch is her mother's silk, ice-blue scarf and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"wrap/span it around my neck. It is the only thing I have of my mother and only one picture of my father. My father disappeared years ago, mother never told me why or where he was. My mother, span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"however/span, was dying not only of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"sickness/span but she died on the day of the uprising seven years ago. I shut myself off from the rest of the world after all that. Nothing could make me feel better except fighting and survival. I was always alone and preferred it. I always tried to do the right thing, but never wanted to be near people. Living in the Japanese Wilderness does that to you. Even worse on a child. You either become prey or a predator. Once I'm changed and refreshed I start to make dinner. For today's meal, I am making a creamy vegetable soup with slices of carrots, broccoli, and potatoes with a side of toasted bread. When I took a taste test I figured something is missing./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hmm, a dash of salt and pepper should do the trick."/p
p class="MsoNormal"With that in span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"mind,/span I add in those ingredients. Suddenly I hear knocking at the door and I know who it is./p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't feed lost people so go away."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's harsh Yuka and here I thought we were getting to be close friends."/p
p class="MsoNormal"A young man with brown hair and brown eyes appeared in my open window. He is one of the friends I made after my parents died. His name is Kunihiko Kimishima. He also helps me get money by doing jobs like the one I did early this morning. Not only does it give me good pay, but a good feeling to help those who can't do it themselves. He span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"leaned/span through the window and took a deep breath in dramatic fashion./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah right, what do you want?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I just have a job for you and Kazuma."/p
p class="MsoNormal""What job would that be?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll explain it all at Kazuma's place come on."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay, let me get this prepared to take some over there."/p
p class="MsoNormal"I pull out some corning wear in the top cupboards and prepare a batch of food to take with me./p
p class="MsoNormal""WHAT?! YOU FEED THEM, BUT YOU span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"DON'T/span FEED ME!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You leech off of my food every time you come over and I'm willing to bet Kanami isn't eating well. She is a young lady after all." span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanspan style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"When I finish putting the soup in the corning wear, wrap half of the bread and bag it in a big messenger bag. I meet Kimishima in the front yard ready to go. I get in the car with him and we drive off to Kazuma's house. The whole ride there is silent and uneventful, after a few minutes of driving we park outside Kazuma's house. It's small and a two-story, which is perfect for two people. It used to a small clinic judging from the hospital chair you see when you walk in. It's a little beat up, but at least it's livable. When we get out of the car Kimishima knocks on Kazuma's window. This is a small habit of his. He knows full well Kazuma won't let him in the front door./p
p class="MsoNormal""You look like Romeo coming to see his Juliet. Don't tell me you two are closet lovers?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""SHUT UP YOU KNOW FULL WELL I LIKE WOMEN AND HE'S A GUY!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""That means nothing when it comes to love. I'll make a big speech at your wedding."/p
p class="MsoNormal"A big mischievous smirk lines my lips. It is always fun to rile up Kimishima. I would be rich if I did it for a living. Kazuma's voice shouted out from the other side of the window./p
p class="MsoNormal""Ah, man what do ya want?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kimishima slid the window open and pokes his head in./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hey what's happenin'?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Dude, go away we don't want any."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's harsh man."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry about it come on in."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Little Kanami's soft voice is heard through the window as well and from the sound of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"it,/span she seems healthy./p
p class="MsoNormal""span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Oh,/span Kanami I have someone here to see you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Really, who is it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"With span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"that,/span I walk in through the door. In the room stands a little girl with long, light brown hair that is tied into a pony-tail and light green eyes. A big bright smile appears on both of our faces. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yo."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yu- Chan!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kanami runs up and hugs me around the waist tightly. I hug her back in a tightly. Kanami is like a little sister to me and her best interests are important. I would do anything for Kanami. She makes me realize that there's still light in the world./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hello, how are you little Kanami?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm ok."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Is Kazuma taking care of you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Well…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"I gave a harsh angry glare to the male sitting on the medical chair. His face turned pale and his light brown eyes are showing guilt, but also fear. He ducked his head down, so the top of his dark brown hair is visible. Kazuma knew how important Kanami is to me and he is like the kid brother I have to discipline every single time. Even though we are the same age I have to constantly lecture him. Maybe reach points of disciplining him myself. He is a very close friend and in a small span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"way,/span he saved me. Kazuma gave me the strength I needed to get back to my old self and beyond. He span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"may be/span a pain in the ass, but I still care for him. I look back at Kanami in a sisterly way and kneel in front of her. I pull the corning wear and the wrapped bread out of my bag./p
p class="MsoNormal""Here I made you this. A young woman like you needs her nourishment."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Thanks,/span Yu-Chan. Can I get you and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Kimishima/span something to drink?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't bother they're leaving."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That'd be great."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kimishima answers for the both of us./p
p class="MsoNormal""So what do you two want?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Look, I came here to deliver food and for this span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"job,/span Kimishima's got lined up for us."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kimishima sits down in a chair across from Kazuma./p
p class="MsoNormal""You two remember the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Lardos/span gang right? They hang out span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"in/span the subway ruins."/p
p class="MsoNormal"I took a minute to remember the Lardos group that hangs out by the subway./p
p class="MsoNormal""span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Lardos, Lardos/span span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"wait/span isn't that?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kazuma finishes her thought./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yea, that's span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Hideki's gang nothing but a little group of kids."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Now, this other gang is trying to move in on their territory and it's lead by an alter user."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kazuma puts his hand on his hip to show some of his confidence./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I get it fight fire with fire."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Kazuma can handle this himself, so why do you need me for this tiny job?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-no-proof: yes;""Never know when you need back-up, right/spanspan style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Now you know I hate being back- up."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kimishima shrugs nonchalantly. Kazuma chuckles with his ego showing more./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""If this guy really is an alter user. Then I can't guarantee what will happen."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I go into the kitchen to peak in on Kanami. Turns out she is warming up some of the soup I span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"brought with me/span. I didn't really pay much attention to the rest of the job. I figure I didn't need to because I am only back- up. I miss out on most of the action if Kazuma handles everything well. I didn't really need the money since I live alone, but Kimishima slides me a little so I'm not walking away empty-handed. Even if I don't fight my time is used and that's reason enough for him. My supply of food and other materials is enough to last a few months at a time. Kazuma's voice startled Kanami and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"me/span from the kitchen./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR MIND GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE?!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""You're asking for way too much."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I NEED THE MONEY I'M TOTALLY BROKE."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Huh? But what about that job this morning you were supposed to make a fortune."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I'm telling you I'm broke."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Uuugh, I can't believe you did it again. You're such an idiot."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kazuma's and Kimishima's annoyed talks meant he received an offer that money was an issue and would probably go on for some time. These two could go at this for hours if left alone. Plus, Kazuma is terrible managing the money he gets from his jobs. He gives it away without a second thought. It's sweet of him to help others when needed, but he needs to think about Kanami as well. She is so young and mature for her age. But for a kid her age living in the Lost Ground, it's a kill or be killed world out there and no place for a child no matter what. Kanami steps out of the kitchen to intervene the small fight. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Mr. Kimishima, will you and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"Yu-chan/span stay for dinner?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""That'd be great."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"Kazuma pushes him by his face and grabs him by the collar and calls him a leech. To me, they were both leeches a day never comes by when they want food from me. They began to play rock, paper, and scissors like children for ho will get say over the money. I whispered to Kanami with annoyance lacing my voice./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""We put up with this because?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"She shrugs and rolls her eyes wondering the same thing and we set the table for dinner. After that Kazuma and Kimishima sit outside to talk some more. Kanami is working on the dishes while I clean up the dining room. I look out the front door and notice the sun is setting. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It's time to go to the party."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"uspan style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"HOLD Mobile Unit/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"In this busy mobile unite our same male alter user is waiting for orders. Deep in thought, he analyzes all the information that he collected. His fire burning to turn in the criminals to justice. In his span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"hands,/span he is holding the same crystal that is still cold to the touch. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanNo matter how long he has span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"held/span it, it would never span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"get/span warm. It would stay as cold as ice. A young girl with a span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"pixie/span cut and blue hair and blue eyes came up behind him to give him news on the mission./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Report from Ellian shows a reaction at Zebra 43."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Roger that. Native alters huh?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"With that said he formed his right hand like a dagger. The blue-haired girl noticed the crystal in his hand and took it from him. She holds it in the air to get a better look at it./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Scherice!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Oh calm down Ryuhou. I see you with this thing all the time. I just wanna know where you got it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I didn't buy it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Oh, was it a gift from someone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Bitterness and jealousy laced in her voice. Ryuhou took it back from her and holds it tightly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It's from my past. A past I should have forgotten about, but I can't seem to let go of it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Scherice rolls her eyes and leans on the back of Ryuhou's chair./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""There's always something attractive about a man who has a past that is shrouded." She mumbles to herself./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Hmm, did you say something?" He turns to her./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""No, nothing at all" Her face filled and voice filled embarrassment with a span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"light/span pink blush on her face. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-s-Cry-ed-/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"uspan style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Sunway Ruins/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I left ahead of Kazuma and Kimishima to subway ruins. Once I get there I get off the borrowed bike far away from the subway to find a good place to hide out and watch over Hideki's gang. With a pair of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"binoculars,/span I can see the trespassing gang. I am filled with rage to see all the kids on the ground not moving. I hate it when someone does this. I look at my watch wondering why Kimishima and Kazuma are late. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-If they don't hurry up soon. I'm going to go down there myself-/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI want to show this fat ass hippo alter user what real punishment is. He has no reason beating on people younger and smaller than him. This is another reason why she hates being back- up. She is always stuck in one spot. Just in the nick of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"time,/span the boys show span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"up/span before any more damage is done. I speak to them on the intercom equipment Kimishima gave to me before we left./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It's about time you ass- wipes got here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I say with annoyance and anger. Kimishima replies on the other end./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Give us a break. My car broke down."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I shake my head in disapproval that he keeps these rickety old cars around. Throughout the entire span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"event,/span I stay in the ruined building not too far off from the battle. The gang's leader goes down after Kazuma elbows him in the stomach during his conversation with Kimishima. After a few span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"minutes,/span he gets up. He tries to hit Kazuma again, but Kazuma dodges and grabs his arm. Then comes the main event of everything. The use of span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"alter/span power. The one thing I notice a lot of alter users do is doubt Kazuma's alter power. It may be small, but it packs one hell of a punch literally. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHis alter forms on his right arm that goes all the way up to his shoulder. It is yellow armor, the fingers of it are red, the inside a deep orange, and pits of silver; on the elbow around the wrist, and on the tips of the fingers. On his span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"back,/span three red spikes appear ranging from big to small, and his hair goes from its normal chestnut brown to spiked and deep fiery red. The leader of the opposing gang summons a giant robot for his alter. All throughout the fray nearby buildings are being destroyed and giant clouds of smoke and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"rubble/span fly everywhere. In the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"end,/span Kazuma became the victor. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""It looks like we can go home for the night. Kimishima, how are Hideki and the kids?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""They're fine. We got everyone out safely."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Cool, I'll meet you and Kazuma in a minute."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"When all things seem well a mobile HOLD unit comes into view. I quickly get out of the building I was hiding in to get to Kimishima and the others. As I run closer to where everyone is. I hear Kimishima in the distance./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Kazuma it's HOLD we have to leave!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""If you give me four thousand I'll buy some time for you to get out of here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Okay, Yuka lets go."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Kimishima grabs my right arm and tries to pull me with him, but I don't move./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""No, I'm staying here. You appointed me as back- up for a reason right?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Don't get yourself killed."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I nod and Kimishima runs back to the car. I stood far enough away to step in when I'm needed. Kazuma can always take care of himself in a fight, but this is HOLY. They are HOLD's most elite fighters against span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"alter/span users. Kazuma jumps into the air and puts a dent into the body armor of the enormous vehicle. The shuttle door opens and out came a tall slim figure. I remain on the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"sidelines/span watching as this new alter user came forward. His appearance not yet visible because of the light shining behind him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I take it that you are a member of HOLY? Alright span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"fine,/span let's do it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"The door to the mobile unite closes to reveal the male HOLY soldier. The feeling of a threat rose through me as well as a sense of familiarity. Not only that but an intensity I can't describe. The color of his dark teal hair and piercing red eyes scream span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"at/span me. Even though I know his attention is on Kazuma. I can't seem to escape this pull. Is it a pull of a worthy opponent, a history together or something else? What is it that draws me in so much? In the blink of an span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"eye,/span Kazuma and this HOLY solder begin fighting. In no time a humanoid alter appears and catches Kazuma off guard. With two dark purple span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"ribbons/span like span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"antennas,/span it grabs Kazuma's right arm and hit him in the stomach with the other. Almost falling over Kazuma reaches for a small rock and throws it at his opponent only to have it destroyed an inch before hitting his face thanks to his alter. Even though the rock was destroyed, the dust reaches his eyes. Temporarily blinding him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Think I'm a coward for doing that"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Not really. It's what the least I could expect from a low level alter user."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""What did you say!?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"The battle gets more and more intense. This guy throws and beats him around like a ragdoll. I could not help but stand there. In only a few short moments Kazuma was on the ground. In all my years here. No one has ever beaten Kazuma. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-I can't believe he beat Kazuma. Kazuma is one of the strongest alter users I know.-/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"My mind fills with shock. This guy is treated him like an amateur with his humanoid alter power. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI have no choice, but to step in and fight. Activating my alter, I go in front of Kazuma before they could touch him. I take my fighting stance and glare at my opponent. The strange alter user stands span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"solidly/span before me. Not at all phased by me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"You must be the other alter user I'm searching for. I must also take you into custody."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Sorry I have no time to be arrested tonight."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"His alters antenna come my way and with a simple span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"breath,/span it froze in span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"mid-strike/span. The other came and I dodged it effortlessly. I get close proximity and kick him in the side. I manage to grab his arm and flip him over my shoulder. The mysterious alter user quickly recovers and gets to his feet. He charges at me at an incredible speed. Too late to defend myself from his attacks he slams his palm into my stomach, knocking me down hard. I slide across the span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"ground/span and stop right next to Kazuma. I bare my ice claws and charge full force at him. He did the same and we pass each other with. I receive a heavy blow to my left side and the stranger gets three shallow cuts on his right arm. Blood dripping from his wounds heavily and my bruises span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"start/span to form and span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"swell/span greatly. We continue to fight leaving cuts and bruises on each other. We fought for almost five minutes and neither of us giving up. We knew we had to win no matter what, but I had to get Kazuma to safety and back to Kanami. Fire and ice on the battlefield, dancing to the song of battle. Goals so strong that could stop them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""You are very skilled and your alter power is amazing. However, this must end, I must take you in. No matter what."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Thank you, so we agree on winning this battle. I just don't agree on be taken to HOLD tonight. So I can't dance too long." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Both fighters are breathing heavily and covered in wounds. Never have they come across an opponent that can match their abilities until now. We stare deeply and intensely into each other's eyes. The fire burning in them could melt anything even my alter. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"-The only thing I can do is quickly grab Kazuma and run, but I need a distraction. He is span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"faster/span than me and with Kazuma as extra weight. I'll be slowed down. I have no other choice, but this. - /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"I blow cold air and shoot diamond spikes from my claws. I make a quick dash towards Kazuma, so I can grab him and go, but it was not successful. The span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"guys altered/span uses its antenna to wrap around my legs causing me to trip. It uses the other reformed ribbon to bind my hands behind me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Can't we have dinner first?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""I'm sorry, but this isn't my thing and you have to be taken into custody."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Awe, too bad I was hoping we could have some more fun."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"The two teens span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"stare into/span each other eyes. Hints of familiarity shine in them. The intensity returns five times stronger. No matter how deeply we stared at each other. It felt like we were the only two here. The new alter user asks the one question that made our paths intertwine. /span/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;""Do I know you?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"Yuka stares at him with a confused face./span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold',sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: JA;"I was dreaming. In my span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"dream,/span I became two different people. One that wanted to change the inevitable. He is screaming loudly hold on, hold on, hold on! I kept wishing with all my might. The other who had an encounter with her past. She has all these questions running through her head. Who are? Where have I seen you? What are you to me? Tell me, please tell me. I want to know. Please tell style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p