You probably know how Japanese format their names–surname, first name. Then, I'll remind you before you notice, I will always make the first name first, followed by the surname, so don't be confused, okay? I hope you'll enjoy this!

Warning: Language will never leave the top of the list, I tell you.

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Two months ago. Two days after the tragedy.

"Whatever you do, always remember to calm down," a brunette said with a warning in her tone, following a man in front of her.

She knew that no matter how collected and contained this man was, he can easily snap when it comes to situations like these–situations that seem hopeless and unanswerable for him, and for almost everyone, that frustrates him even more.

"I am calm," the blue-haired man murmured, unknowingly to the woman, almost gritting. Of course, he wouldn't try to go berserk in front of people who respect him. He knew that. But, being calm at frustrating times like this is unlikely. He was one of the men who always have the answer for every problem in the world in just a second, and now, what did he think about solving one of the dangerous catastrophes in the world?

Nothing! He has no clue on what to do. And that's what frustrates him more. Noticing that silence gnawed them, the blue man stopped and turned, surprising the woman.

"That's why you're here, Meiko Sakine," he started, looking at the brown-haired woman with his clear, sea-colored eyes, "It's your job to keep me calm and caged at all times. Please remember that, too."

Meiko nodded, "Not once did I forget that, sir."

"Good, let's go."

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*** Going Up ***

Episode 1 – Utopia

Project 02: The Astounding Motion

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The two adults continued pacing through the endless, white hallways. The man seemed to be angry at why was this architecture has a structure that takes everyone to walk forever. Of course, the building was complicated. After all, Crypton laboratory is not only the country's best research facility, but also the world's. He mentally slapped himself, while the woman was quiet and patiently waited.

Everyone who passed by them are like ants, moving fast with either documents in their hands or files held. Seeing the recognized blue hair man walk by them, some gave a time giving him greetings; others, obviously gave him their way.

The man took a deep breath before walking through the sliding doors which slide automatically, as it detected a human's presence. Meiko followed after her boss, silent as a cat.

The room revealed a huge space with long tables and chairs all around. Contrast to the color that everyone saw outside, the whole room was a bit dimmed. There were a few lights lighting up the place. Computers, machines and probably, the earth's best technology ever made are located here in the heart of Crypton.

"President Shion!" the people greeted after they paused their work and saw the president.

President Shion gestured back, flicking his eyes with domination at the workers, "Continue. Don't mind me."

Everyone in lab coats went back to their own duties. Meiko noticed a group of men in white that didn't bother to move or flinch at the sight of the president, rather they really didn't mind the most powerful person in the world by terms of rank.

"Kaito!" a sandy-haired man in a white lab coat called, walking towards them with a mug of coffee. The woman felt relief, somehow, that no matter how difficult these times are, she felt something normal, something lightening. But, why did the man addressed the President like that? She wouldn't dare nor anyone, to greet the most valued man in an informal way.

Kaito felt the trouble his bodyguard feels, but he shook it off and instead, minded his own business. He tried his best, not to explode or do something worse than that. He needed to stay tranquil and in peace.

"Leon," he finally greeted. How he wanted to smile at his friend for not keeping in touch with him for a time, more like a few days since they started to go busy. Yet, that's impossible. Right at this moment, he wouldn't, until everything's back to before.

The yellow-haired man nodded at the president and grinned at the brunette who was caught off-guard, "Sakine-san, it's nice to see you visit here."

"It's my pleasure…" Meiko trailed off, waiting for the man's reply. Evidently, she didn't know who this man was and it's suspicious he knew her. Her job was to protect the president at all costs, terminate the possible threats, after all. She glanced sharply at the guy, observing him.

"Don't glare at me like that. I swear I'm a good guy and I will never hurt my friend here," the man patted Kaito like no woman was darting him death glares just in front of him, "My name's Leon–one of the greatest scientists around, I guess?"

Kaito looked at the man with his familiar glance. He was near to cannonade, fighting the war within himself and spoke, "Explain everything to me. Just. What the. Hell. Happen. Out. There?"

"It was all a mess, Kaito. A mess we… seemed to have no chances of cleaning," Leon stated directly, giving his mug to a raven-haired woman who went by his side and got his empty mug.

"Coffee?" she asked politely, as the president turned down her offer quickly. She gave Meiko an asking look with her plum-colored eyes. Meiko shook her head 'no,' waving her hand as she stole a glance at the woman's identification card, "No, thanks… um, Lola."

"Okay, then. If you need anything, just call me," the woman said, "Sakine-san."

Just as she kept up her guard, the black-haired woman smiled at her. "I just heard your name earlier, no need to be scared or something, all right? But, it'll be better if I know your first name. We can be friends!"

The brown haired woman knew not to trust, but since the president is comfortable here, she'll try to be, too.

"...I'm Meiko."

"Then, I'll see you around, Meiko-san!" Lola said and sped away. Speaking of the President, Meiko gazed around her, seeing no sign of him. This is bad. At a place she's a stranger to, she needed to find the president. After a few seconds of searching and asking, she eventually came to where Dr. Leon and President Shion were, with several assistants in groups near them. The blunet looked behind him and saw his red bodyguard. He sighed and felt released from a feeling like he's suffocated.

"I'm sorry I got distracted and lost," Meiko said upon arriving, bowing her head low. Going back to standing, she turned to the president and asked quietly, "Are you fine, sir?"

"I see that Sakine-san is finally here," Leon started the conversation, nodding at Meiko. "Shall we start?"

Kaito gave a small nod to his comrade, even though he's hardly okay. He turned back to his friend with a look. Leon made the other assistants went out of the room for a while, leaving the major scientists and some of their personnel. It would be another huge shocking blast when revealed to the world.

"They're all going out?" Meiko asked, gazing at the people who went out of the room. There were plenty, and she wondered why Leon kicked out these people out. By her estimate, around ten people, including her, the president and the top scientist are the remaining ones in the room.

"All of those who don't know yet, yes, they are," Kaito said, beating Leon in explaining. After all, the scientist who knew 'it,' had better things to explain. Although, they knew it'd be pointless to lie when people saw it with their eyes and they will know it soon. "The remaining here already knew, except us."

"So," Leon started the explanation, the very reason why Meiko and Kaito set foot on Crypton laboratory. "…What everyone saw in the past 48 hours, including Kaito yourself, are not fireworks or firecrackers of any sort. They were weapons, nuclear to be exact."

Meiko and Kaito were both taken by Leon's first words, though Kaito tried his best not to show any surprise. Meiko, on the other hand, had her red eyes widening.

"Who are the block-heads did this?" Kaito almost shouted, if it weren't for Meiko who eyed him. 'Calm down' was what Meiko mouthed to him. The man calmed himself, still hissing and guessed, "Is it the terrorists? Rebels…? Who…?"

"There is no one who did it, watch your horses," Leon said, frowning. "It was all an accident, unfortunately. Those weapons are in test and they were released when we never expected. Our people told me that the controls suddenly jammed and there was nothing we can do to stop it from hitting somewhere or exploding when it's still flying in the air.

"The weapons belonged to a branch of Crypton–It was located near the 'city' where it happened," the yellow haired doctor bowed his head, trailing off. "…We did and–I did my best in stopping those things to no prevail. We used all we had just to stop it! But, in the end, it was my fault I didn't try harder…!"

He bowed lower in guilt as memories came back to him. Leon saw himself at that time, panicking as he slammed his table hard and yelling at the people in front of him who worked at numerous computers.

"Where the hell is it heading…? DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN! ...Damn!"

"Idiot," Kaito sighed, staring at the doctor in front of him. "You said 'there is no one who did it,' so stop feeling guilty. Everyone is, so don't be such a drama king and get over it. What we need to do now is to solve what we screwed up instead of crying at the past."

Leon understood, agreeing to his friend. This is such no time for self-guilt. Meanwhile, Meiko was amazed at the president's statement. He was easily adapted to the situation, as expected of the leader of the United Nations.

Unknown to the two, Kaito himself, is at the verge of panic and frustration, hidden by his face.

"So now, what's the status?" Kaito said, sucking his fears inside, leaving no traces. He should be fearless like any leader, especially if he's the one who governs the whole world.

Leon, who recovered from his sentiments, faced Kaito with a clear resolve. "Since it happened two days ago, the air contaminated with nuclear are starting to spread. By my calculations, it won't take long, just two months and it had conquered the atmosphere."

"How many people died?"

Leon took seconds of gathering his strength to tell his answer. It must look severe for the doctor to say it. Meiko braced herself for the impact of the scientist's words. This is, after all, an unavoidable part of her job. Kaito finally showed a horror-stricken face when Leon spoke.

"Three-fourths of humanity are wiped out, Kaito."

Soon, the doors were opened and a man in his tuxedo with black glasses came in. He bowed politely to the three before resuming to his straight posture.

The glasses guy gave greetings to the doctor and to the President. Adjusting his glasses with his crunched eyebrows, he spoke, "Sir, we're at chaos! Everyone's panicking and…" he gave a terrified look on his face before continuing. "…Almost everyone starts to die. Everywhere! Hospitals all over the world are going to be full soon!"

"N-no way…! That's too fast!" Meiko exclaimed. Leon gave a worried look and said, "It went into this already? I didn't calculate that–it's unbelievably powerful for a nuclear exposure."

"Is that all, Kiyoteru?" Kaito had his thinking position, mumbling. Hiyama nodded fast. The three of them expected the President to have a plan, and based from his expression, it seems that he already has one.

Kaito cleared what Hiyama told him, devising, "You said everyone started to die? I must've heard you wrong."

"No, sir, everything you said is what I reported," The four-eyed man confirmed. Kaito crunched his eyebrows in thinking, his eyes show fight within his thoughts. But, in just a second, he sighed and spoke.

"Then, I thought of a simple thing we may do. Although, it can be only temporary… we have to bet," Kaito muttered, gazing at his friend. "And this requires your help, Leon."

With that, Kaito ordered Hiyama to send the others an invitation to Crypton. Hiyama sped away with a nod as the man also commanded Meiko to go that place of the conference to wait them there.

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Several hours later

Crypton Laboratory–President Shion's meeting room.

Meiko was confident that this problem can be solved. Anything the President do was almost perfect; like she can't see a hole in everything he made. She had no idea how his mind work, but she can say she knew the patterns how he steps.

She bowed with respect at another president who went into the meeting room. Her duty now was to greet the leaders, after President Shion ordered her to and leave the main laboratory room.

A few minutes later, the private meeting room of President Shion built in Crypton Laboratory was filled by the leaders of the world. She waited for a bit outside, and figured out that she must continue waiting inside. Therefore, Meiko went inside the room and said to all, "The President will be here any moment. Please have patience."

Seconds passed and the blue-haired man with a sandy-haired acquaintance entered the white, wide room. Of course, this is a meeting room so expect nothing out of the ordinary. All stood up.

"Be seated," Kaito said, starting the conversation. Everyone sat at their places, impatient. Without further argue, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very serious situation we're having and we made a temporary solution to this matter. This here, is Doctor Leon," Leon stood up at hearing his name, "One of the top scientists of Crypton–its head scientist to be exact, and a dear friend of mine.

"He and I formulated a temporary cure to this 'early nuclear exposure' a few hours ago before all of you came to this meeting. Yes, meaning, there are more to this exposure. We haven't tested it yet but, we have 50–50% chance we're gambling that it'll work or not."

With this, Kaito gave an approving look at Leon and the doctor showed a liquid within a test tube. The president observed that everyone seemed impressed, but knowing that it has risks because it is not tested yet, they surely won't try it in their countries, and Kaito knew that.

He sighed, volunteering himself, "Since we have no other choice, I guess I'll be the first to–"

"What if it doesn't work, Shion?" a pink-haired woman interrupted, having the guts to be the first one to ask and talk. She was always the one to talk ever since they had the first meeting.

"We have to stay positive, Miss Megurine," Kaito replied back with confident, although he was also pressured. "It's 50–50. This is, like what I said, temporary. If this works, we can guarantee we can work at the real cure to come."

He was able to know everyone's way of thinking, except for this pink lady. She was hard to read and might try crazy things. Luka Megurine sighed and it was a hint that Kaito already deducted what she will try to do.

"I'll do it," Luka decided quickly as always. Everyone's faces, except Kaito and Meiko's are shocked. This was Leon's first time in a private meeting with her, of course, he'll be surprised. With those, the woman continued fearlessly, "If no one's going to do it, I'll do it… even without you guys, anyway."

He smiled, shutting his eyes as his hands support his chin, "Very well then, it's decided. Luka Megurine's country will be the first one to test the cure. …Dr. Leon, if you may."

Leon was going to ask his friend if he's sure, but even without Kaito's look, Luka snatched the test tube from him and said, "You have another one of these, right? I hope you don't mind me going now."

"So, I can say we are now between life and death," Kaito declared, opening his dark-blue eyes to every leader of all with certain expressions. "…And we trust this, especially to Miss Megurine."

The pinkette was already in front of the automatic doors, opening. Luka Megurine turned her back briefly and glanced at Kaito, before going out of the room as she said, "I am doing my best to believe, Shion. If this doesn't work, you…"

Kaito sneered quietly, knowing the consequences beforehand. He already knew what'll happen if he do this, but there's no point if he do nothing but to sit while the world is in danger. He smiled back confidently, almost challenging, "It'll be my pleasure to suffer the consequences."

"My, I'm assured. Then, there's no point for me in staying here anymore. …I'll report afterwards, President."

Whoosh. The doors slide and closed shut. Kaito glanced at the people in the room who started to stand up. He pronounced coolly, "Everything's settled. If this works, we'll be sure to send the cure to everyone. If not, then this is the last time we'll see each other.

"This meeting is over."

A/N: A huge thanks to anyone who reads this. I'm not blind, people! I saw a plenty of you reading this small story I have, and it'll be fun if you'll voice out your comments, criticisms or something. Anything. I'm nice and I don't bite... Actually, I'll be glad to reply to every reviews submitted, as long as it's answerable and that I'm willing to.

Anyway, a sneak peek for Project 03, since it was fun to write for me:

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"Kid, behind you…!"

So far, for the fourteen years of my life, I've been through and still experiencing a living hell.

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You'll review, right? I'd love to know where I'm lacking so, I can improve myself or something. ;)