Chapter XXIII

Suspicion

Year 2049 of the Dominian Calendar

Duel Academy,

Under the night, inside a dark room, the dim light from the oil lamp supported on the plain, white counter flickers, making the shadows sway around, two tall benches follow the edges of the counter. Banner's glasses reflect the flame, his head moving subtly left and right as he reads a document on his hand.

There's a pile of documents to his side, on the counter, a line of clean glass flasks as long as his lamp's light reaches and a boiler used for crafting concoctions. Ahead of him, faint outside light coming breaches through the small crevices left by the curtains stretched all over the window wall.

He gapes upon hearing a soft click behind, the brown mantle covering him flapping soundly as he turns around. A twilight forms, the silhouette of the newcomer thinning out as the artificial light basks them from behind. A young boy in a yellow jacket with white details, the school's uniform. He recognizes the face, it's one of newly admitted middle-schoolers.

All the tension building up on Banner's shoulder releases, he smiles in a mix of relief and curiosity:

"Bastion Misawa?"

"Professor, I saw you walking out in the forest," his bluntness makes Lyman flinch.

"Did you follow me here to ask me what I was doing?" he grabs the lamp, walking to the young man, bending over his knees to be at his eye-level.

"No," he shakes off his head, peeking out both sides of the corridor before shutting the door silently. "I wanted to ask you something else, but I thought during the day it was not a proper occasion since other people could listen and make rumors."

He twiddles his fingers, his gaze cast down a tad conflicted. Again, Banner sighs, for a moment he thought he had been caught, but it doesn't seem like the student has any interest in snitching on him.

"Come," with a hand lightly holding on the boy's back, he gently guides him and helps him up the tall bench that was more fit for high school students. "What did you want to talk about? You shouldn't be here at this hour."

"I know I shouldn't. But neither should you professor," he rebukes, his head still lowered as he faces the ground from his privileged spot.

There's a minute of quietness, a bead of sweat forming on the professor's face, just to be surprised by the next sentence of his student:

"Don't sweat it, professor. I won't cause trouble," he lifts his gaze, facing the extremely tall man. "I've heard you never worked as a summoner, despite being one."

"You mean I never had summoning as a profession?" He places the lamp down onto the counter, it seemed a long conversation was about to start.

"Yes. I heard you were a historian before and now, you're a professor, but even so you don't teach a lot of summoning. Why is that professor? Do you not like summoning?"

His brows raise amusedly. For a young man, he has quite the attention to detail, but why is he interested in this? Not to say his inquiry was of personal value and a bit meddlesome.

"That's a complex question, Bastion," he chuckles, nervous while his brain whips the words into shape. "It's not like I hate summoning, I'm just more interested in other activities in a professional area."

"But not everyone can summon. You can, but you don't do it. Isn't that a waste?"

Touché.

"Just because someone is born a summoner, it doesn't mean they must cultivate their talents as a summoner," he titters hoarsely, leaning against the counter while gesturing. "While it's good to have cool powers you can control, and it's a talent not all people are endowed with, it doesn't mean you have to be a summoner just because of that. People are free souls, they have the right to choose their lives and which paths to take, even if others don't agree."

The big, grey eyes of the boy were wide open, glimmering as if he'd heard a true sage, Banner had to hold back his laugh at the sight. If his wisdom may help those youngsters, then it can't be that bad being a teacher here, right?

"Does that answer your doubts?"

"Yes, thank you," he nods, his cheeks reddening a bit as he lowers his gaze abashedly. "To tell the truth, professor, I have been thinking if I should become a summoner or not."

"That's quite the young age to be worried about those things," giving soft pats to the boy's back, he says. "You're an early bloomer, huh?"

"I have been interested in some books lately, I thought it'd be cooler to do research instead. I don't know if I want to work as a summoner in the future…"

"Research? Well, that's your call, but why did you come to the duel academy, then?"

"I-I thought I could improve myself here and find out what I want to do. "

"There's no need to be nervous, just be honest with yourself," he chuckles, at this point, despite the rule breaking they did here, he was having fun. "If you really can't imagine yourself summoning like most do, give research a try, likewise, you should give summoning a try before you decide. Though, I admit you do have a good insight if you understand that this academy isn't solely for summoners who want to enroll for the army…"

"Give it a try…? Do you say that because your son is also a summoner, professor?"

"Whoah," he scratches his head, pulling his collar away from his neck, the kid is pinning him against the wall with those questions. "Where do you have this from?"

"I've seen him in the corridors and on those screens showing the best students' grades. But you don't seem to be interested in summoning, so I thought hearing your opinion on the matter would make sense."

"Is that so? Hm, that's another complex question, you're quite eloquent," he pulls his own collar, his throat drying a bit. "Well, even people like us who are family and both summoners, have different goals. It's not wrong if you want to be something else, but regardless of what you choose, pour all your heart and mind into it."

"I understand, professor," he balls his fists in a childish excitement, as if he had a new discovery.

"Listen, if you want, I can help you learn about researching and how it works, and if you're interested, I can give you a good recommendation for college too."

"Would you really do that?"

"As long as you don't denounce me to the school board for coming here late hours and get me fired," he laughs, fearing the prospect. "I can help you."

"I won't tell anyone," he jumps out of the seat, his eyes even more lit than before. "I promise! But I want to learn all sorts of methods and-"

He blabbered about all the things he's been thinking and dreaming about, Banner chuckled, taking him all the way to the dorm and they kept it as a secret.

Back then, Bastion didn't put much thought into whatever his teacher was up to by sneaking around, but now, as he walks into Domino's university corridors, through the beams of sunlight spreading from the open arches of concrete adorning the pathway, he wonders why he was there at the time.

His eyes dwell on the carving of the Genex medallion, narrowing at it. Is it possible that even then, Banner was already unhappy with the academy as an institution?

A hoarse voice calls out to him, breaking his immersion, he staggers. "Oh, Misawa, here you are!"

An old man beckons, coming closer. His disheveled white hair going all around, not matching his neat suit, his moustache going slightly up as he smiles, adjusting his glasses with his knobby hands.

"Professor Eisenstein."

"I have been searching for you to talk about our next article," he catches up to the young man, walking along with him.

"Sure, I also have some other matters to discuss with you."

"What is it, my boy?" he stops, a hint of worry in his tone. "Are those entitled scholars making trouble again?"

"No, nothing like that. I'm just thinking of going on vacation at the start of next year…"

"You? That is quite surprising. Not once you visited your family and you've been living in this university ever since you started studying, you don't even go on summer or winter vacations…"

"That's true, but there's a place I need to pay a visit to," he tucks the Genex medal into his pocket. "One that I haven't seen in a long while…"

"Well, we have been working nonstop this year, indeed. I'm sure some well-deserved rest will return that creative spark to your mind," he nods in agreement. "Come, let's go to my office, I'll show you the newest books I've got."

They chat in a friendly manner while walking to the professor's office.

Morning time,

Zane sits on one edge of his apartment's couch, both legs crossed above the grey cushion, he's dressed in a plain white T-shirt and long, baggy dark pants; his sharp glare directed at Rie who sits around the middle of the large piece of furniture, a concerned curl on her brows. Her knitted white pullover folding in waves over her thighs, covering most of the black shorts she squeezes between her fingers, as if bracing for what's next.

"Let's try it again, Rie. But you need to stop after ten seconds this time," he pulls a timer from under his folded arm. "And… Start!"

As soon as he orders, he can feel a small amount of his energy being slowly drained as the seconds pass. The trail leads to Rie, she squints her eyes, struggling to do it.

"Stop."

She lets go of the breath she's been holding, but the flux of energy has ceased, only a little delay this time when he clicks to stop it.

"You're improving," he praises with a proud, tiny smile. "But how do you feel? Any pain?"

Swinging her head briskly to both sides, she denies it. Ever since she woke up after the underground episode, after recharging all those gems he had, she didn't have any more problems, but Zane suggested they train her powers since this could be essential in the future if she wants to help them. Before he can ponder more, the doorbell rings.

They exchange a confused glance, it doesn't seem like he was expecting any guests. Frowning, he stands up, gesturing with a hand for her to wait there. His eyes squinting as he looks into the intercom monitor, raising a brow as he opens the door.

"Chazz?!"

"Hey, Zane," he waves his hand. "Miss Fonda asked me to drop by and make a report on you."

The other summoner carefreely passed by him, not asking for any permission to enter, astounding Zane that closes the door with a huff. Will Miss Fontaine put people on permanent watch duty on him or what?

Chazz's steps halt as he's greeted by the sight of Rie sitting down on the couch, waving his hand awkwardly as she greets him back. His eyes narrowed, flashing at the Zane.

"So it's true she's still here."

"Is that what brought you today?" he folds his arms inquisitively.

"Nurse Fonda said I could recharge my gems," he tilts his head towards Rie. "Part of the treatment."

"She what-?!" he gasps, indignant. "No, that's-"

His answer is cut off in half as Rie herself sprouts from the side, in front of him, stretching her hand with a smile as if asking for his gems. Chazz's cheeks blush a bit as he drops a few gems onto her palm.

"N-nice to meet you again," he tenses up. "I-I'll be counting on you."

"Rie?" Zane questions, confused, she simply smiles at him as an answer.

She walks to the couch enthusiastically, his eyes following her movements. Maybe this is her way to repay Chazz for saving them back at the mansion? He can't understand her at times.

"Hey, just because she's helping now, doesn't mean you can freeload and recharge gems at my place," he raises a finger, making a point.

"Didn't you do worse than charge gems, though?" his eyes lid in half, criticizing. "I saw that video of the underground fight."

"That's a dirty move, Chazz. That was-"

Their conversation is interrupted by a familiar, high pitched and annoying voice, sobbing and crying aloud:

"I'm so glad you're fine, milady!"

"I told you to stay in your own dimension, Yellow!" Chazz grits his teeth, stomping the ground once.

"But I was so anxious to see how our lady was doing. Once you help someone, you need to see it through, master!" he wiggles his hips, floating close to Rie's face, pointing at himself. "Do you remember me? I helped save you in the hospital."

She nods faintly, much to his excitement, not knowing how else to answer his question, her lips mustering a "Thank you", an arrow pierces Ojama's heart when she smiles, hearts shaped inside his eyes.

"Hey, leave her alone!" his summoner demands.

"How about I also get a reward for helping, milady? I'll be content with a kiss!"

She flinches, slowly bending backwards as he puckers his disproportionate lips to gesture it, tapping his cheek to show where she should do it, bringing his face closer.

They freeze at a thunderous shrill echoing inside those walls, Chazz has to cover his ears. A shadow arises from behind the couch, swallowing Rie's whole silhouette in it, a Proto Cyber Dragon, her head bent up to look at it: its body could barely fit the height of the apartment, bending its head down to not hit the ceiling, the metal of its mouth clinking and tinkling while the plates shake abound.

"If you want a kiss, he can give you one," Zane blurts out in a grave, but stoic voice, not even bothering to glance over at the Ojama.

The fact this isn't even the first time he summoned a monster inside his own apartment tells everything, it's no news he wrecked it a few times in the past to fend off old enemies and he'd do it again if presented the opportunity.

"Gyaaah! Master Chazz, please help me!"

He flies back, seeking shelter, but Chazz simply flicks his finger, shoving him away, claiming in a reprimanding tone:

"You deserve it!"

Ojama yellow sweats as the dragon grabs it by the scruff with its mouth, tossing him away, his face flattens against the glass windows after colliding with it.

"Don't break anything, those windows were just repaired," Zane says over his shoulder, shaking off his head in disapproval at the fuss.

Rie finally had some room to breathe and do her job, although she worriedly watched over the scene as Yellow summoned his other brothers and they cried together while the Proto Cyber kept a watch on them. The other two summoners just resumed their talking as if nothing out of the ordinary was taking place.

"I'm going to make a trip to the east," Chazz folds his arms.

"How? The borders are still closed. I don't suppose you're using underground connections, are you?"

"You can bypass the rules if you say you're investigating incidents related to the Shadow Riders and provide some documents, also if you aren't blacklisted as a summoner. The Empire is desperate to track them, it seems."

"Are you still hunting Mad Dog?"

"Yes, his recent moves worry me and since I've failed last time, I have to make up for it!" he says, closing his fists determined.

"That's not your fault," he shakes his palm, dismissing it. "My bad for that, but as you can see, at least someone's happy," he glances over to the catalyst cheerfully sandwiching a gem between her hands.

"What are you going to do, Zane?"

"I have some appointments in the underground, but for now… You don't happen to know anything about gems changing color, do you?"

"You mean when they get depleted?" his forehead creases, puzzled.

"No, not this way. I mean, a gem that changed color while still being usable."

"That's not possible."

"I thought so too," Zane lets out a dispirited sigh.

"Is it about her? Can't you find a contact who knows catalysts in your underground net?"

"They're not reliable. I don't want to expose Rie now, I think that filthy underworld has seen more than enough of her for the time being and I'd like to figure things out before making my next move. Banner is trying to reach a friend he knows, but so far, things are bleak."

Soundless steps draw close, startling them both as the aforementioned woman stops beside them almost unnoticed, her hand filled in colorful gems.

"You're done already?" Chazz is amused, checking the jewelry as if proving whether it worked or not. "Well thank you," he bows slightly, almost uptight, his brows frowning instantly when he looks back at the other man. "As for you, I can't help you with that."

"Sure, have a nice trip. And take your trash with you," he prods his head towards the Ojamas.

"You're so cruel, master Zane!" they whimper in unison.

"I'm no master of you lousy bunch!"

"I'll tell you if I find anyone who can help Zane," Chazz says, walking to the door and dragging his monsters along. "Try not dying!"

"You too!"

As soon as Chazz leaves yet another deep sigh leaves Zane's lips. He's been trying hard to find out the problem with Rie's gem to no success at all. Meek, discrete steps approach him, he flinches at the slightest sound, her message already prepared:

"Are we resuming the practice now?"

"I think we should grab something to eat first," a tiny smile graces his lips, looking her way. "How about we order some food?"

Startled, she ponders for a moment before typing a request.

"Can we have more cake?"

At a tea-restaurant,

Garius sits at the round wooden table with a glass plate above whose support was made of elegant polished wood in curved designs. His chair followed a similar pattern, rounded edges; his fingers hold a white teacup with light-green filigree at the borders of the cup and likewise, on the cupholder where he places it after taking a calm, loud sip.

The glassy surface of the table also contains a plate with a five flower-petal shape and golden trims with a generous chocolate cake slice, topped with warm chocolate sauce dripping to the plate, along with plain checkered black and white cookies.

The smell of coffee and tea permeates the air, as well as the warm scent of sweet pastries and diverse baked snacks; behind Garius seat there's a glassy wall from which outside can be seen: the rectangular plant pots attached to the whole outside wall, from which small bushes with flowers adorns it; a busy street of the city, despite that all the sound heard inside was the ambience music which consisted on calming musical notes along with such hushed voices, one could barely realize all the other tables were full of socialites and men in suits.

The corners of the inside walls are adorned with layered wood making levels of depth; a chandelier with crystal beads dangling making the luminance at the center of the ceiling.

"Ah, this is the true flavor," Garius exhales, satisfied. "Don't you agree?"

He stares across from him, where Aster Phoenix sits, both legs and arms folded, staring in boredom at the other man.

"Yes, it's a good place," he roams his eyes around in approval. "But I doubt you called me here for chitchat."

"You should enjoy your tea while you can Mr. Phoenix. But of course, I called you here to ask how the investigation about the perpetrators of the terrorism at the stadium is going. Certainly you do have results to present?"

"I've tracked a few suspects, but I wouldn't divulge names now, my Heroes are closer than ever to pinpoint one of the main assaulters after sieving through a list of dangerous criminals."

A deep sigh soars. "Is that a new way of you summoners spouting your incompetence?" he slurps his tea, his eyes glaring in annoyance at Aster.

"I want to progress the investigations, but I have questions for you too, general. It's important."

"And which questions could I help you with? I'm not one of the subversive people you're seeking for, if I may remind you," he prickles, disdainful.

"There are rumors about Neos, the Elemental Hero that was the main prize, flying like a comet above the skies of Domino. How would he appear? Why? Right after he was stolen too, is this the work of the terrorists? Then, there's the decree about the lockdown. I take it that those two are related?"

"No, they aren't related," he scoffs, his head shriveling back so much his neck folded under his chin. "And I don't know what you heard, but the stolen card hasn't been tracked yet, it's unsure what the origins of that comet are, but it's impossible that it's Neos," his eyes squint in distrust.

"Impossible? I wouldn't say that," he contests. "How Neos would have been summoned and by who is the real question in the air, however, it's a fact that there was no comet."

I'm sure he wouldn't slip out so easily about Ancients, but what I'm aiming for here is: how will he react when I pose those questions?

Garius snorts, swaying his head in full disgruntlement, his lashes arched over his squinted eyes:

"You should stop reading and watching the sensationalistic media that focuses on conspiracy theories, Mr. Phoenix and adhere to our official news. The lockdown was to help in our efforts to contain the criminal within our walls because we trust the work of the military in identifying them, that means we trust you'll do your job."

He knows something. Of course, what did I expect?

"Do you really think this will work against highly perilous criminals?" he disregards the provocation in a stern, but elegant posture. "All I conclude from the public announcement made, is that now the Shadow Riders are even more wary of the Empire's moves and they can think ahead how to best thwart whichever plans you have, this could cause serious troubles in the long run, you know?"

"I appreciate the input, but making decisions on what is better for the investigation isn't your task, summoner," he scoffs, tugging his collar pompously. "It's mine and of the military, your job is only to investigate and do as you're told. Fulfil your duty and I will worry about mine."

The corner of his lips tugs up in a haughty smirk, looking down on the young summoner, his gaze filled in despise.

Good. He's onto me now, I can play this card to my advantage.

"My duty is also worrying the influx of people and especially the ones who went out, and according to my latest results, I can confidently say your 'lockdown' let some people pass, which means the criminals could as well be in another continent as far as I know. Let's both do our jobs properly, General."

Aster didn't lose his composure, his posture emitting an imposing aura, a sketch of defiance in his tone.

"You and your Heroes have a penchant for playing detective," he hisses between his teeth, attempting to offend his duel monsters too. "But focus on your objective. I'll take care of any suspicion of illegal flow of people in and out of the capital."

The dim route the conversation took is disrupted by the sound of clacking heels, they both look at the side.

A young woman elegantly marches towards their table, her long blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, fanning open to the sides, the locks at the tips brushing on her shoulder bone as she walks, her divided bangs shaking too; her hazel eyes squinted, a polite smile on her face. Her social long sleeved shirt is buttoned up to the neck adorned by a necklace with a heart-shaped emerald fit into a golden frame; it seemed a bit off with the rest of her clothes, Aster notes. Her tight, dark-blue long skirt coming up to under her breast line and ending at her knees, the buttons are fully made of green gems with golden borders. She supports a clipboard on her lower arm and a purse hangs from her left shoulder.

They both stand up immediately as per the courtesy of gentlemen to stand when a lady comes into the room.

"General Garius, Mr. Phoenix," she bows slightly, her golden earrings made of a circle from which green crystals dangle singing a song while brushing against each other.

"Illya, you're late for the report," he sits down after the empty greeting.

"Pardon, Sir," she answers placidly.

"Oh right, Mr. Phoenix, this is my secretary, Illya Voguel. I don't think you ever met her?"

"Nice to meet you, Miss Illya," he offers a brief handshake before sitting down.

"Now, how about you also sit and give some details to him?"

"About that, Sir," she bows, putting a hand in front of her mouth while whispering into his ear, his eyes cast at Aster briefly as he nods, making "hm" in understanding.

"I see… Well, it seems I'll have another appointment now, Mr. Phoenix. I'd like you to resume your investigation," he tilts his head to the other man.

The secretary unattached some documents from her clipboard, giving it to Aster, her pink lipstick glistering as she smiled. Taking the stapled papers on to his hands, he stands up.

"Since we're done here, I'll take my leave and analyze the new info," he shakes the sheets that ruffle, flinching after noticing something. "I'll contact you once I know more."

"Good! I expect your input soon."

After Aster leaves, Garius sneers angrily, mumbling a dozen curses. The cumbersome high rank summoner is observing him and he's better be watchful of his words when they talk.

"Illya, keep an eye on Aster Phoenix, if he researches or dab onto data he shouldn't, communicate immediately to me, understood?"

"Understood," she bows briefly. "If you excuse me, I have to use the toilet."

"Ugh, you don't need to announce it, you unbecoming woman."

Snickering as if it was a joke, her fingers lightly covering her lips, she turns around, vanishing into the sides of the restaurant, to the female toilet.

Putting the purse on the marble counter of the communal sink, she opens it, taking both a cellphone and lipstick she grapples on her smaller fingers, using her index to type a number.

As the call rings, she pops out the cap of the lipstick looking at it in the mirror, puckering her lips to spread it evenly, she can see the reflection of the toilet cabins all open behind her. Someone picks up, she puts up a devious smirk.

"I received your message," she preens some strands of her bangs, tucking it back her ear while a voice whispers on the other side. "Yes, I know, let's say as expected of such an arrogant man, he can't see the truth," she scoffs, making a pause. "Ah, I met an interesting young man today, I believe he's a friend of yours."

Her eyes squeeze, enticed at the fact as she gives the finishing touches to fixing her uniform.

"It'll be my pleasure to fill him in on the details."

Outside the tea-restaurant, far away from the sights of people, Aster rides on the backseat of a taxi, he pages through the documents, stopping at a page with an uncommon note a quarter of a page size clipped along, handwritten. A bold invitation, his eyes narrow in distrust. Or perhaps, a ruse?

[Mr. Hero, I may have the answers you seek. How about we meet tonight?]

Letting the pages fall, ruffling loudly, he tucks the documents into his briefcase, casting a thoughtful glance to the murky, grey sky.

Afternoon,

Zane sits at the right end of his couch, a round timer on his hand, he's ready to press the button on the side of it and initiate yet another training session to help Rie, but the doorbell rings again. He gasps exasperated, slapping the timer on the table nearby and standing up. What's with visits today? He didn't invite anyone.

Checking the intercom, he opens the door raising a brow again. "Aster? Don't tell me nurse Fonda told you to come here too?"

The silver-haired man gapes astounded for a minute before solving the mystery:

"Did Chazz drop by before me?"

Zane opens the door fully, waiting for his friend to enter the apartment. The younger summoner stops at the living room, greeting Rie with a smile, she beckons smiling back at him.

"We meet again," he bows, a hand to his back and one onto his chest, "I hope you are feeling better, milady."

"Save the chivalry for later," Zane interrupts. "Why are you here?"

"Don't be so grumpy, I've brought a gift and I also wanted to check on you," he rummages inside his briefcase, tossing a small object.

It flies so fast Zane can but see a smudge of grey, catching it right in front of his face by reflex, opening his fist to see a keychain covering roughly a quarter of his palm. The piece was pure silver, carved, polished in the shape of a Cyber Dragon whose eye was made of rough yellow topaz, the repartitions between each section of its body were of incredible detail.

"What is this for?" he flips it around, impressed. "It's very well done."

"It's your birthday gift."

"Oh, I almost forgot about that, Syrus brought a cake and a couple new gems."

"I'm sorry for the delay. I asked a friend of mine, an artisan that makes all my accessories, the gem on the eye can be easily replaced too if it breaks. I wanted him to keep that in mind, also to not make anything that would break easily since you do participate in quite violent summoning battles. The chain should be sturdy enough and it's easy to carry it anywhere, since it's small."

"Thank you, I'll make good use of it."

"You better do! This is the finest craftsmanship you can find out there," he held his nose high, speaking proudly of his friend.

"This isn't the only reason you came for, is it?"

Aster quickly glances over at Rie, clearing his throat with a forced cough. "I was told she could recharge some gems."

Before Zane has the right to complain, Rie is fast to nod once and willingly steps ahead, stretching her hand as if that was a mission given.

"If it's not too much to ask, I'll leave this in your care," taking a silver gem from his pocket, he lifts her hand from beneath and delivers it kindly.

She retires to the couch to fulfil her task. Aster tilts his head, calling Zane further away from the girl, glancing over his shoulder to see whether she was distracted enough before starting:

"I might have bumped into a clue about the Ancients."

"Does anyone suspect it?"

"I'll find out soon enough," he trails off momentarily. "But what about you? And her?"

"We'll be fine, even if the underground saw her powers, they know they're only getting their hands on her over my corpse," he also glances over at her. "By the way, don't get too used to recharging your gems like this."

"Oh, I saw the video of that 'epic battle', you did much worse than recharging gems," he provokes snarkly. "That said," his tone changes midway, tapping Zane's shoulder a couple times in assurance, giving it a tight squeeze. "In your position, I wouldn't have chosen differently. Saving a life is what matters in those times. I'm proud you were able to make a grounded decision amidst the fight."

"Still, I feel bad using her as a battery like this," he sighs heavily.

"She seems happier now than before, so you have to be doing something right. And if I learned something through the years is that you don't want to overprotect girls or it might backfire…"

Noticing the vague stare of the other summoner, he swiftly changes topic. "Aster, do you know anything about gems suddenly changing color?"

"Isn't that the basics? They get depleted and-"

"No, not the discoloration process," he rubs his hand on the top of his hair, messing the strands. "Rie's gem, it changed type after that underground battle."

"Are you sure you didn't mistake it due to different lighting or any other circumstance?"

"No, no!" he shoves both hands to different sides. "She confirmed it too. I've never… I've never seen this happen before and the hue is unusual too…"

Still digesting it himself, he closes his jaw with a grip, his orbs cast unto the ground, pensive. His friend can't help but worry along, seeing how many wrinkles just formed on Zane's face and how distressed his whole mood was.

"I thought you'd know because you use those colorless gems."

"Are you saying her gem is discolored?"

"It's not only that, her gems is… Made of all colors. But it used to be a blue opal or a blue agate, I don't fully remember which."

"That's impossible, it isn't-"

"I'm telling you, something is amiss."

Zane massages his temples, before they can continue, light steps approach them, Rie brings the recharged gem, offering it with a smile, even though it didn't change its tint.

"Thank you," he reciprocates, the corners of his lips curling up briefly. "About your gem, milady, maybe I can help."

They hear a gasp, her eyes filled in expectancy, wondering which secrets he'd known, he shakes his hand and head in denial.

"Not me in person, that friend of mine I mentioned before, the one who made your gift," he awaits until Zane confirms with a nod of his head. "He's a gemologist. He probably doesn't know much about catalysts, but he should know about her gemstone at least. I'll try to get an appointment with him for you two."

"That's great!" they exchange a glance, smiling. "Do you know when he'd be able to welcome us?"

"Let me state this again: I'll try, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to receive you in his house," his mind goes adrift as he recalls hearing about Sartorius' crisis of insanity. "I can guarantee he won't be denouncing you for having a catalyst under your roof. He's a very calm person and keeps things to himself, he'll keep the secret," he stares at Rie's direction at the last part, as if to soothe her concerned expression.

"Thank you, I was running out of options," he takes a deep breath, in relief.

"Consider it as an extension of your birthday gift," he smirks insinuatingly.

Before a bickering spectacle begins, the pink-haired woman tugs on Zane's clothes, showing him the timer he'd dropped before. His eyes widen slightly as if a brilliant idea enlightened his mind.

"Ah right and since you interrupted our training session, how about you join it to help Rie?"

"Training?" Aster's brow raises in doubt and wariness.

"What do you say, Rie? Do you think you're able to drain energy from both of us at the same time and stop it at your will?"

Flaring her nostrils determined, she bends her head in a staunch affirmation, fearless.

"Come," Zane invites, walking to the couch, a muffled chuckle coming out of him. "I'm sure you'll find it fascinating."

Aster unfastens his collar, pulling it with a finger, already afraid that he dared interrupt their training and now he's being dragged into it. Zane had that most sarcastic smirk too, part of his underworld persona slipping into his face, this can't be good.

"Okay, Rie, let's do it differently this time, I want you to do like in the underground and take a bit of both of our duel energies. I'll tell you to stop after a few seconds, stop first Aster's, then me."

He quickly runs by the instructions while positioning beside the other summoner, the timer on his hand, his eyes focused on the screen of the device, while one of his hands gestured a countdown from three to one. Rie takes a deep breath, closing her eyes.

"Start."

As soon as the word is given, Aster feels this chill bristling his nape, his eyes widening as the silver dust floats away from his body in a trail, his head shifting to the side, he can see another faint stream of dark-blue energy, but Zane is unbothered by it, paying attention to the fast passing seconds.

"You can stop now."

The silvery dust gradually disappears as it converges into her body. Zane's energy vanishes in a second; his companion is left amused, with a hand to his chin. Rie finally opens her eyes, squinting them, her hand landing on her cheek as she switches her gaze between them, perplexed.

Her eyes ultimately land on Zane, she's done this training many times by now, but she never had another person for comparison and that's why she can't understand something in particular. She's sure Aster's energy came out much faster and fluidly, but Zane's…

"That was incredible," the young man interrupts. "You had your eyes closed the whole time, how could you tell the difference between my energy and his?" Aster points his thumb at the man to his side.

Admittedly, Zane is also curious about the answer. He didn't give it much thought before because of the hectic battle, but back then, Rie didn't take a single drop of his power, yet she emptied the whole reserves of an entire room. How does she differentiate duel energies?

Startled by the inquiry, her hands fumble around her shorts' pockets, taking out her PDA and typing while walking near them.

"I don't know how to best explain," she grimaces at her own honesty. "But ever since I became a catalyst, I'm able to 'see' duel energy and feel it, even with my eyes closed, if I concentrate."

"Everyone is able to see it, not with their eyes closed, though, and you aren't basing yourself by color, are you?" Aster continues, simmering the idea into his own head.

"The shades of the colors can vary, but that isn't all," she states, tapping a finger to her cheek before resuming her explanation. "Every duel energy has a different shape, a unique sensation to it and even a different smell."

"Smell?" they flinch at the same time.

"So, what does my energy looks like?" Aster points at himself eagerly, he'd never heard about it from anyone before, he thought the uniqueness of duel energy was restricted to color.

"It's very sophisticated," she ponders deeply. "I haven't encountered an energy like yours before, it's obfuscating and feels very refined somehow."

"What about his energy?"

"Zane's energy is overbearing," she beams. "Unlike yours, it's a lot more overwhelming, but it also has something regal in it too. I've drained it many times so I know."

"O-overbearing?" he stammers.

Despite the tone, the way she smiled was so heartfelt, having fun at the conversation. He couldn't tell she was the same woman from the slave mansion that wouldn't dare look in his eyes and say such words. Yet, it was comforting to see Rie openly stating her thoughts.

"When you say it like this it's a bit embarrassing."

The blue-haired summoner ponders. Is this how it always has been for all catalysts? Could they always discern duel energies like that?

"And here I thought I had beat him again," Aster mutters to himself, disappointed, raising his voice next. "It was nice helping you two, but I have to go now, Zane and Rie," fastening his suit while standing, he beckons at them,

"Back to work?" he puts a hand over the back of the couch, glancing at him over his shoulder.

"Yes. I'll tell you if I find out more, Syrus too," a faint smile flashes on his lips. "I hope to see you both soon with news. Take care."

After he's out, the apartment is set into silence again, Zane stares at the closed entrance door until a puffing sound comes from the side as Rie sits beside him, a concerned glance as she bites her lips.

"Is there something troubling you?"

"Not me," she replies quickly, weaving another message right away. "Zane, your duel energy feels stuck. I only understood it now because Mr. Aster's energy was very easy to bring out, but not yours."

"What do you mean?"

She gulps, before rephrasing it. "You're having issues drawing out your duel energy, aren't you?"

A deep, bothered huff escapes his lips, his brows bridging close, since when did she perceive it? His expression gives her the message that maybe, she shouldn't have asked.