Chapter 123: The Pieces Are Assembling

Gao and his friends were inside. After eating something, getting over the news about Tasuku and catching up with Noboru, they were ready to talk about what they should do next.

"I don't know what you are all planning, but I am ready to help you at anything," Noboru said as he scratched the back of his head. He didn't have any idea of what they should do, except that the Buddy Police Force was in capable hands.

"From what we know, we have to find where Azi Dahaka is residing and what is his plan to conquer the earth. That's what we really don't know right now," Drum said.

"I called Kazane earlier and she said that she found nothing so far. She crossed path with the Pu- Tasuku and she was surprised when she heard it was him all along," Baku resumed before sighing. He said nothing about why he was sighing while his buddy checked on him. He wondered what was wrong with Baku, but made no comment.

Jackknife closed his eyes and said, "I still find it hard to believe that he joined them. Tasuku wouldn't do that," he looked at them and continued, "But I think our conflict about the Buddy Police Force state was one of the source of it. Demios must have used it to his advantage."

"It is his choice Jackknife," Ironchain intervened. He noticed everyone glaring at him, "It is the true, but I'm not saying it is the right choice!" he yelled his explanation.

Halberd added in the defense of his friend, "I believe Ironchain is right. I don't think Tasuku has been forced like Kiri, so he chose to join them."

Tenbu lightly smiled, "What are you suggesting?"

"We know that Kiri is affected by the Disaster Core and is obeying Azi Dahaka because of it," Halberd started.

"The core gadget. We have to destroy it," Kuguru said.

"That's the easy part. Since Kiri didn't chose and is currently The Reaper, destroying the Disaster Core will save him," Halberd said.

"But it will be different with Tasuku," Baku said.

Jackknife looked at them and replied, "There is hope that I can convince Tasuku that he is making the wrong choice. I know I can. When we met, he called me Jack. Before he left and joined them, he was calling me Jackknife. There is hope," he put his claws on his chest, we are still a family. He thought.

"How are we going to do this?" Gao asked.

They had no idea how and none of them replied. Tenbu knew what they should do, but because of the pact with Azi Dahaka, he couldn't share any vital information's with them. Despite that, he looked at them and saw in their eyes, the conviction, stronger in some than other's, that they could save Tasuku, Kiri and make sure that Hinako win the elections. Tenbu believed in them.

Meanwhile, Zanya and his brother were in front of the Buddy Police Station once again.

"Big brother. They won't let us meet Tsukikage even if we try asking them again. How are we going to see him?" Akatsuki asked.

Zanya lightly smiled as he replied, "We are going to use what Tsukikage thought us."

One minute later, they were in front of Stella who was tapping her arms with a disappointing look at them, "What were you doing trying to sneak in the elevator?"

Zanya and Akatsuki didn't immediately replied, they were still disappointed they were caught up so fast by someone despite what Tsukikage thought them.

"Answer me. You are lucky I was the one who caught you and not Seiichi," she ordered.

They both hesitated to reply and looked at each other's. After a while, Zanya said, "We want to speak with Tsukikage. We haven't seen him for a while and we have to know what's going on."

"Please. He has done nothing wrong. He never wanted to kill anyone. We know it," Akatsuki said.

Stella lightly frowned when she heard that and eventually lightly smiled, "Do not worry about Tsukikage. I made sure that no one did anything wrong to him," she winked at them and whispered, "I know what's going on, but I cannot tell you or anyone anything. Don't worry, I know he is innocent and I'll make sure he's out of here."

When they heard that, they both lightly smiled.

"Can you tell him that we are okay and waiting for him when you can?" Akatsuki asked.

"Of course," she replied.

"And tell him that I'm sorry for doubting him and we are waiting for him at… our home," Zanya whispered.

"Don't worry. He'll know for sure," Stella answered with a smile.

The two brothers left the Buddy Police Station, satisfied by what she told them. When she said that she knew what was going on, they knew something was about to happen. Zanya looked at the place and said, "Soon. We'll have Tsukikage with us and ready to stop Azi Dahaka and Tenchi."

"Yes big brother," Akatsuki replied.

Stella sighed, glad the two kids were out of there safe and sound. Her lips lowered a little, knowing she didn't tell them what Tsukikage told her. She stood up and walked in the corridor of the Buddy Police Station, looking for Commander I who was surely spying around and searching for information's to arrest Seiichi and Sueroku. She searched on two floors and didn't find Commander I. She wondered where he was and continued looking around.

"He's harder to be found today," she whispered, Has he been spotted?

She looked around, a little worried, when she thought he might be snooping somewhere riskier and was more discreet. She made no comment and continued her search.

Eventually, she noticed him on the second floor and sighed, He's just cleaning the floor like a real concierge.

She checked around and saw a few Buddy Police Officers and knew she couldn't talk to him right now. She walked near him and just a gaze was enough for her to let him know that something happened and she will give the detail later. She continued her way, not noticing that Takihara and his buddy saw what she did to the janitor.

Takihara wondered what was going on and when he saw the face of the janitor, he finally recognised Commander I. He knew that something was really going on now, but felt a little reassured. He decided to talk with Stella later about it, wanting to be a part of whatever they were planning right now.

With everything said with Noboru, everyone was returning to their home. Baku and his buddy went their own way. Axia checked around and when he noticed there wasn't anyone who could accidentally eavesdrop them, he asked, "Is there something wrong Baku?"

The boy looked at the small blue dragon and replied, "Not really," before sighing.

"There is something troubling you Baku. It is better to tell than letting get over you head," Axia explained before taking a few steps forwards and turning back at Baku.

The boy stopped and didn't say anything. He thought about what his cousin talked about. He still didn't give an answer to him and wasn't sure what he should do. He knew one thing for sure, he wouldn't let his friends down and behind, even if it was for something his cousin asked him to help with. He looked at his buddy and said, "There is something my cousin asked me, but I'm not sure what I should do about it. He wants me to do something and… I'm not sure how I should reply."

"What did he ask?" Axia curiously asked. When he saw his buddy gazing away, he knew it wasn't something pleasant, "You can tell me. I promise I won't judge you."

Baku didn't immediately replied. He thought about it for a while and admitted, "My cousin wants me to… join the Disaster force."

Axia iris expanded, but made no judgment comment and waited for the boy to continue his explanation.

Baku looked at his buddy and elaborated, "Of course. I didn't reply right now and I'll never help Azi Dahaka invade our world, but there is something I can do if I accept."

The blue dragon knew where he was going, "It's too risky to do this. They could kill you if they find out."

"I know, but if I accept, I will know where they are and we can stop them, save Tasuku and Kiri from them," Baku resumed.

"The moment we come, they will know it's you since you just join them… If they let you know where they are. They could use a trick to bring you there without ever knowing where it is Baku. It's a bad idea," the blue dragon protested.

Baku sighed, but, "You're right. I don't think any of my friends will agree to this and… If I join them, even for this, I will hurt all of them. Plus, it's as you said, it surely won't work. We still have time to find them and stop Tenchi… I hope."

"Don't worry. I'm sure they are going to make a mistake eventually," Axia said with a smile.

"Just like when we found out about the Disaster Core," the boy replied. He made up his mind and knew that he will remain by Gao's side.

Kazane and Phoenix were walking towards the mall, with her buddy being a little frustrated.

"That boy Davide managed to escape us without being able to notice it," he said.

Kazane looked at her buddy and cheerfully replied, "Even so, I think we know a little more about where Azi Dahaka might be located."

"With Shido and Sophia, they were always going towards the north part of the city," her buddy remembered as he gazed at her, "We just know more about where they are."

"True, but we know a little about Kyoya background. I searched for a while on the news and internet and his company is a rich one. I'm sure he's not living in a small house. There is a lot of small one where we are looking for," she explained as she checked on her cellphone for more intel.

"We are all getting frustrating for getting nothing at all. Especially with the news about the elections," Phoenix grumbled when he thought about the result.

Kazane said, "We are not going to let Tenchi win the elections. What he's doing isn't the right thing. I don't want to be separated from you. You are my buddy and one of my best friends."

"One of?" Phoenix chuckled while looking a little insulted.

"I have a few more before you, but you are the only one to be my buddy Phoenix," she replied.

The green bird closed his eyes with a small smile, "Yes. And you are also my only buddy Kazane," that's why I will protect you. No matter what.

Takihara and his buddy Card Burn were looking for the new janitor, also known as Commander I. The man checked around for him, but it took a while to find him. He eventually saw the janitor cleaning the main entrance, hiding his face so he wouldn't be recognised. Takihara admitted that it was a good disguise, it wasn't easy to recognize him at first glance and it needed to give enough attention for guessing who he really was. Also, he didn't really leave an impression, making him even less noticeable.

Takihara and his buddy looked at each other's before watching their surrounding. There were a few workers and other strangers who were walking around.

They knew they couldn't speak freely with Commander I. Instead, Takihara had no idea how to speak with him alone.

He walked near Commander I and wondered how he should bring it up. He wasn't sure how to do it when his buddy whispered, "Keep going. I sent him a message."

He wondered what he meant and gazed at Commander I, who was checking on his cellphone. Takihara turned toward his buddy, who was holding his cellphone. He lightly smiled and replied, "Good. Where did you ask him to meet us?"

"In the park after work. It is better outside of here right?" Card Burn asked.

Takihara nodded and they continued their duties.

Commander I checked his message and was a little nervous, "Why do they want to meet me?" Are they working with Seiichi? He checked who sent the message and thought, I don't think so. It is Takihara.

He was still nervous that the man found out who he was, just like Stella and probably Card Burn. He decided to meet the man, and hope that nothing bad will happen.

Takihara and his buddy waited for Commander I to come. The man was nervous about what he was about to tell him, but knew he had too.

Commander I came to him and stood by his side. None of them said anything.

Card Burn looked at them and sighed, "We shouldn't waste any seconds you know."

"Right. Commander I. I called you here because there is something important I want to talk about with you."

"What is it?" Commander I asked, hiding any nervousness and apprehension.

"We know you are disguising yourself in the Buddy Police Force Station. I guess you want to put a stop to Seiichi. Am I right?" Takihara asked.

Commander I knew that the man was sure of his words and his answers wouldn't change anything. He had no other reason to be there and find a way to stop Seiichi anyway, "Yes. What are you going to do about it?" he asked, wondering what the man want.

Takihara looked at his superior, before all went wrong, and said, "Whatever you are doing Commander I. I want to be a part of it. I know you are going to do this for the best of everyone and find a way to stop Tenchi so Hinako wins the election. I want to help you to accomplish this. Card Burn is my buddy and I refuse to lose my partner like that… And also the kids who were in the Buddy Police Force and everyone else with a buddy," he looked at Commander I with conviction.

"You shouldn't put yourself in trouble. You can only-"

"Card Burn and I will help you. There is nothing to gain if I don't do anything and everything to lose if I stay out of trouble. Not just for me, but everyone else. I am a member of the Buddy Police Force to protect the civilians and make sure that everyone obtain justice," he insisted as he took a step forward, "I know what is going on and how bad it can turn out to be. That's why I know this is the only option for me."

Commander I looked at Card Burn who replied, "I agree with Takihara Commander I. The risk are more worth it than avoiding it. I will also do everything for the best outcome, even if there is a price to pay for it, for succeeding or failing."

The commander looked at them both, he wanted to argue, but after a few minutes to trying to convince them of changing idea, knew it was pointless. He closed his eyes and sighed, "You are just like Stella. You are not going to listen to my warnings," he lightly smiled, "But I know I can trust you three. Fine. For now, don't do anything until we are ready to put a stop to this."

"We won't," they replied.

Commander I was proud that in the Buddy Police Force, there were adults like them with a strong sense of justice and desires, just like Tasuku.

AC: This is the end of this chapter.

Next: Funeral