The final bell rung signifying the end of the school day. Students of Bev High quickly rushed out of the building but our main focus right now was on a certain group of 6 students, 3 girls and 3 boys.

It was a common thought between the girls about the boys they were accompanying all day. Despite their chosen profession, Sam, Clover, and Alex were still high school girls. As such, they had a strong desire to try and date members of the opposite sex, and these three girls each had a specific target in mind.

"So, Tazuka, wanna go to a museum later, if you're free?" Sam asked the oldest member of the Riders.

"I'd love to, Sam," Tazuka smiled, making Sam blushed. Good God he was just so gorgeous plus there would be no secrets between them, or so she thought.

"Say, Takada," Clover said, batting her eyelashes, "You wanna come over to my place so you can tutor me?" Of course, him tutoring her may not be her intentions.

"Let's make it a study date," Takada said. He liked Clover. He liked any pretty face (except Mandy since her voice reminded him of nails on a chalkboard) and spending time with the blonde Spy was indeed a plus to his evening before they went after Helga Von Guggen. Unlike Takada, Ichijyo never mixed business with pleasure. That was what set them both apart.

"Um…Leo?" Alex spoke shyly. "Wanna go skating later?"

Ryuki had been thinking about rescuing his mother actually, but he doubted his mother would want him to feel depressed about her kidnapping. Her wish was to see her children smile and enjoy their lives. But…he doubt he could, knowing that she was possibly in danger. As willingly as he could, he accepted her invitation, "Hai, Alex-san."

Sam waited outside the museum which was situated in Beverly Hills. She had been there before, several times. She just hadn't had much company with her when she went. She used to go with her parents, but once she was old enough she went alone or with Clover and Alex. Her friends didn't really appreciate the kind of allure history and art had for her.

She just hoped Tazuka did.

Sam was dressed up in an outfit that she hoped would show maturity, but also showed Tazuka that she knew how to have fun. The fortune teller was definitely mysterious and she was looking forward to getting to know him.

She checked the time and noticed that they were due to meet soon. Despite what she did know about him, she was still afraid that he might stand her up. She knew it was silly, but she just couldn't help but feel that way no matter who she was dating.

The sounds of an engine caught her attention and she saw a navy blue motorcycle coming to a stop in one of the parking spaces. She was about to turn away and continue waiting when she saw the rider pull off his helmet.

"Tazuka?" she gasped. The guy was nice, mature, AND he had a motorcycle?! Where did guys like him come from? She might consider moving.

Tazuka dismounted from his bike, dressed in a blue blazer with matching slacks over a white turtle-neck shirt. He also had on the usual black leather shoes. Sam could only watch as the older boy approached her and extended a hand in greeting.

"You came," she said, taking his hand.

"Well, you did invite me," he said, smiling, causing her legs to quake a bit. "Well, since you know this place better than me, I guess you'll be the one giving me the grand tour."

"Sure," Sam nodded. "Just follow my lead."

Clover was in her room at the Spies's villa getting ready for her 'study-date' with Takada. She really liked the guy not because he was cute but also smart. Being a secret agent like herself was a definite plus since the last few times she'd dated she had to keep that part of her life a secret.

She put on a red blouse and blue jeans and had her hair tied back in a ponytail. To finish the look, she put on a pair of stylish glasses. She admired herself in the mirror and winked to herself, "Perfect." She then heard the doorbell and gushed. "Ooh, he's here!" before rushing down the stairs towards the door. She opened it up to see Takada, with a bag slung over his shoulder and a bouquet of red roses in one hand.

"Hey, gorgeous," he said, grinning flirtatiously. He'd perfected the technique over the years and it had gotten results with girls. "Nice glasses," he complimented. Clover took the flowers before taking his hand and dragging him inside.

Takada was not by all means naïve. When Clover had suggested a study date just between the two of them, he knew that studying wasn't going to be the only thing they'd be doing. He wasn't going to use Clover like most guys. He did genuinely like her. His flirtatious personality was only because he was desperate for female affection since his mom was in a coma. Ichijyo saw him as being a pervert but that was the Snake's opinion. To be honest, Takada was more of a playboy rather than a pervert. He was usually incapable of being faithful to a girl and his eyes would wander. His favorite type of girl, to be honest, was the strong and take-charge type that he saw in Clover.

Alex was waiting while sitting on a park bench, dressed in a bright orange tank top and tight bicycle shorts along with her helmet, kneepads, wrist-guards, elbow-pads and finally her rollerblades. The reason she had suggested rollerblading was because it was an activity she knew Ryuki would love. He did seem a little depressed and since he loved sports maybe this could help cheer him up.

"OK, he should be here by now," Alex muttered to herself as she checked her watch. She really wished she didn't get stood up. It happened sometimes to her or at some cases she gets called by WOOHP.

"Alex-san!" she heard someone call and she looked up towards the direction to see Ryuki skating towards her. He was wearing a red t-shirt with a dragon emblem on it and black shorts that came down to his knees. He wore a pair of stylish red 'blades with black dragons decorating them as well as matching kneepads, elbow-pads, wrist guards and helmet. The helmet, she could see, was red with a silver dragon emblem on it matching the one on his shirt. Over his eyes he was wearing the goggles she'd seen him wear on his head. She stood up to greet him.

"Leo!" she called. Unfortunately, she had risen too quickly and started to loose her balance. "Woah! Woah! Woah!!" She was falling backwards and would've landed painfully on the pavement if Ryuki hadn't dashed forward and grabbed her before she hit the ground. She looked up and blushed to see him holding her in such a way it resembled a scene in a classic romance movie when a man was about to kiss the woman he loved. She didn't get a kiss, however, as Ryuki helped her to stand up straight yet keeping his hands securely on her hips. She couldn't help but feel disappointed about that.

"Daijoubu desu ka?" he asked in Japanese. Globetrotting on missions had helped Alex understand a few common phrases, Japanese being one of them. He knew what he'd asked her.

"I'm fine," she smiled, the red on her cheeks still showing. "I'm glad you came."

"I'm glad that you invited me," Ryuki smiled back. Despite knowing his mother was possibly in danger, without anymore leads, he had no choice but to wait in worry. He did not want to decline Alex's invitation either so he went with his heart and decided to go skating with her, much to her happiness.

"Race ya!" she challenged as she skated off quickly. Chuckling merrily, Ryuki chased after her.

At the museum, Sam was showing Tazuka around the place, explaining about some of the exhibits they had there. She feared that she was maybe boring him, but one sentence put that fear away.

"You're quite knowledgeable, Sam," he complimented.

Sam blushed, in appreciation, "You're welcome, Tazuka. Anyway, I really wanted to know more about you."

Tazuka shrugged, "What's to know? I go to college in Japan, I'm both a fortune teller and a pianist, and finally I work as an Operative for Smart Brain Corporation."

Sam frowned. "There has to be something more, like what was your life was before you became an Operative."

Tazuka frowned and pondered. "I met with the others a few months ago while they were on a mission. When I assisted them, I was recruited and became part of their group. Before that…I had a brother."

"You had a brother?" Sam asked.

"He died in an accident," Tazuka said. He didn't elaborate on the fact that Yoshido had been the one to choose his brother to bear the mantle of the Knight of Pisces due to his desperation. His brother was left unable to play the piano due to an accident that damaged the nerves in his hands. Sensing this, Yoshido gave the Pisces deck to Tazuka's brother. He confided in Tazuka and when he reached a decision to not fight, Yoshido decided to just eliminate him and sent a monster to kill him. Tazuka was unable to save him but when Fuji came to him since the Pisces deck was still intact, he swore an oath to fight as Zodiac Knight Jawz. He also decided to continue playing the piano in memory of his deceased brother.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry," Sam said in condolence.

Tazuka shook his head, "It's alright." He put on a smile, "Come on, let's continue our tour, shall we?"

"Yeah, let's," Sam smiled. Tazuka took her hand as she lead the young man through the museum, pointing out a few more exhibits as she explained their origins as well as the interesting facts about them. Tazuka heard a faint ringing but did not panic as he glanced into a glass case to see Sharkhan, his Alpha Zodiac Beast, following them, as if watching over them.

Clover had taken Takada to her room and closed the door behind her after he'd entered. A boy, all to herself, with no one around not even her parents, to stop her. Oh, this was a dream come true.

Takada put down his bag and took out his books, "Alright, let's start, shall we?"

Clover frowned. Studying? Did Takada really think that was all she wanted to do? Well, might as well play along. "Right, let's start." She took out a binder and sat on the floor with Takada, watching him and listening as he explained a particular difficult section which they had covered in chemistry. There was also some physics stuff she had trouble grasping as well some math as well. Takada knew, or at least suspected, that she was using studying as an excuse to spend time with him, but he didn't mind.

Clover would listen to him talking as he explained the theories to her as well as show her some shortcuts in the equations.

Clover noticed he was wearing some sort of cologne. She leaned closed to catch a whiff. This, however, prompted the young genius to look over at her.

Smooch.

Their lips suddenly met.

In the reflection of the television set, Cerberus watched on, making sure that its contract holder and his consort were protected at all times.

Across from the villa was Mandy's house and through her contacts the annoying nemesis of the Spies in Bev High had found out that each of the Spies had gotten dates with the three new boys on the block. Presently, Mandy was spying on Clover and Takada's 'study-date' through an expensive pair of binoculars when she caught the kiss. She growled as she watched it unfold.

Ryuki merrily chased after Alex as they skated along a pathway in the park. She was so energetic and vibrant he couldn't help but fall for her. He wasn't at all naïve about girls but he had trouble seeing them as beyond friends due to his sheltered life. He'd always been surrounded by strong female figures and role-models like his mother as well as her bodyguards who he saw as surrogate sisters. They would give their lives to protect him. He didn't want them to have to do that but early in his life he had little choice of the matter.

Ever since his father's death, his mother had instructed the bodyguards to keep a watchful eye over him and his sister at all times. His mother had also dropped work in order to spend time with her two children. Because of this, Ryuki felt quite close to his mother. They had a strong bond and relationship.

When he'd revealed to her that he was Zodiac Knight Draco, she was shocked. At the same time, their home had been attacked by the strongest of Yoshido's Black Knights, King. Despite her protests, he went to fight King and soundly defeated him. He, however, was wounded badly. Luckily, Shadowcobra and Pluto were there to save him before he 'passed on to the next world'. When he woke up, his mother tried to talk him out of being a Zodiac Knight. However, it was already too late. His fate as a Knight had been sealed since he found the deck and the only way out was to be defeated or death. She gave up when she saw his resolve and gave him her blessings. Of course, she would still worry. After recovering from the shock, she decided to create costumes for her son and his friends, much to Ichijyo's annoyance and chagrin.

As Alex and Ryuki skated past a few storefronts, Dragonzer could be seen gliding alongside them in the reflections on the glass. The red dragon was pleased that the Alex-human was cheering up its contract holder. Since Matriarch-Emiko was taken by the Twin Contractors, Dragonzer's contractor was very depressed. Seeing him smile was a welcomed change.

Another pair of eyes was watching them, filled with an emotion that could either be anger, disgust or a mixture of both. While Mama was in danger, he dared to have fun. It wasn't right for him to do so. He should be out looking for her!

Well, if he wasn't going to do his job, maybe she should do it instead. She walked away, making sure she was unnoticed before disappearing into an alley.

Sam and Tazuka came to a stop outside the villa on Tazuka's motorcycle. Sam had to admit that driving one was nice, but riding it with someone you liked was even better. They had spent the afternoon discussing the finer points of art history before they realized the time and Tazuka decided to take Sam home.

"Nice place," Tazuka admired as he looked at the villa. "Did WOOHP give it to you for services rendered?"

"Actually our moms got it for us," Sam smiled. "They figured that since we were such great friends we'd like to live together. It's been pretty great."

"I see," Tazuka nodded. "Ryuki, Takada, and Ichijyo were living together when they met me so they would probably know about it better than I do."

Speaking of the Dragon Rider, laughter and the sounds of wheels could be heard coming from the pavement. Sam and Tazuka turned to see who was coming and he smiled as he saw Ryuki and Alex skating towards them.

The two bladers came to a halt as they reached the villa. Both of them were panting and showing that they had put a whole lot of effort into their skating.

"I win!" Alex giggled.

"Only by a little, Alex-chan," Ryuki smiled. "I'll win next time."

Tazuka blinked at the 'chan' reference his little brother had attached to Alex's name. He couldn't help but smile. It seemed that he might actually be getting over Caitlin at long last. At least Alex was a good choice rather than one of the fangirls Ryuki would unknowingly collect.

"Would you guys like to come in?" Sam offered as she got off Tazuka's motorcycle. "The only ones here are probably Clover and Takada anyway."

"We have food!" Alex added. "It's getting closer to dinner anyway."

"Sounds good," Ryuki smiled.

"I suppose we could stay for a while," Tazuka shrugged. "Thank you for your generosity."

Sam and Alex both gave off bright smiles, inwardly cheering at their good fortune. Thy quickly brought the boys inside to give them the grand tour. As they got in, they noticed that the television was on. As the four teens went to investigate, they found Takada and Clover curled up on the couch with the blonde wrapped in the genius' arms.

"Hey, guys," Clover waved with a bright smile on her face. "I see you guys brought your dates home too."

Alex blushed brightly while Sam got slightly rosy in the cheeks. Ryuki just blinked, not even considering his outing with Alex as a date while Tazuka just chuckled.

"And what about you?" asked Sam. "I thought you were having a study session."

"We were," Takada defended. "She seemed to get a hold of things when I explained them to her and soon we decided to move onto more fun stuff."

"You heard the man," Clover giggled.

As the 3 possible couples reunited, they were still being watched like a hawk by Mandy. The black-haired girl growled even louder than before and was on the verge of breaking her binoculars with her bare hands.

It was getting late, so the boys decided to take their leave after dinner with the three girls. The three Riders stood in front of the door where the girls were to see them off.

"I had a great evening, Sam," Tazuka said before kissing Sam's hand.

"Remember, you can ask me to come over if you need help with your lessons anytime," Takada said before lightly kissing Clover's lips, even though the blonde wanted it to last longer.

"I had fun today, Alex-chan," Ryuki said, giving the girl a kind and playful smile. Her heart fluttered when he kissed her forehead.

As the three boys turned to leave, suddenly a trap hole opened up under all 6 teens. The Spies knew what was happening as the Riders braced themselves for another ride to WOOHP. There were shrill shrieks of fright and screams of delight as the two groups fell into the hole which then closed up. The door to the villa automatically closed and locked itself.

They once again found themselves dumped into Jerry's office, landing on his couch. Well, the boys landed on the couch while the girls landed in their respective boys' laps. Clover actually didn't mind the ride much. If it meant spending more time with Takada, she welcome another mission. Sam and Alex were feeling the same way as both Tazuka and Ryuki caught them.

"Good evening, girls, gentlemen," Jerry greeted. GLADIS wasn't present right now either. Probably still going through her upgrades or maintenance as Jerry claimed.

Clover, still perched in Takada's lap, questioned in an annoyed fashion, "Oh, Jerry! What was the big deal with woohping us here?"

Tazuka, taking the role of leader, asked, "Has there been another kidnapping?"

Jerry shook his head, "No, at least not yet. We do have reason to believe that this gentleman may become the next target." The screen showed a picture of a middle-aged man with his silver hair in a ponytail and green eyes being photographed at a fashion show. The girls gasped.

"That's Fabio Balducci!" Clover squealed. "I've bought a whole lot of his designs!"

"We'll be guarding him?" Sam asked.

"Wow!" Alex said in surprise.

"Precisely," Jerry said. "It is possible that he may be next on our kidnapper's list."

"What makes you say that?" Takada asked.

Jerry explained, "The victims had all been kidnapped in an order ranging from their fame as well as the popularity of their work," Jerry said. "Next to Ryuki's mother, he is the most famous designer on the planet."

"I'd vouch for that," Clover raised her hand.

"Good," Jerry nodded. "You'll be leaving for Italy tonight on one of WOOHP's private jets. Your gadgets will also be provided for you."

"Tonight?" Ryuki asked. It seemed too soon but then they were close to finding his mother. They knew who had taken her, but they did not know where she was being kept.

"You'll all be going undercover as reporters for a fashion magazine," Jerry said and Takada responded by grinning.

"Will we be going into the dressing room?" Takada asked. All the other stared at him. "Just checking!"

Jerry coughed into his hand, "Anyway, I hope you luck. We may be able to crack this case yet! Goodbye!"

The couch flipped backwards into another hole that had just opened up as the 6 teens screamed.

"I love my job," Jerry said as he sat back in his chair.