Snow was falling. It was pure in white and clandestine.

The first time she trodden in Japan was greeted by the cold atmosphere. Bitterly insinuating her unwanted arrival. It sent unpleasant chills from the blasting wind approaching her. The soles of her boots were heavy to move, almost buried by the white torrents. But no matter, she choose to ignore it even if it was unavoidable.

She was barely wearing any suitable clothes to fend off the cold. Mainly wearing a knitted beanie and a scarf, which did not provide any comforting warmth. Despite almost freezing in her tracks, she was more concern on protecting her beloved instrument – a guitar. Snugging the strap of the bag with great security rather than concern of her health. Even in that situation, she considers it with such importance.

To be likely opposed by the blast of nature against her will was testing the strength of her determination. Instead, encouraging her to proceed further.

She didn't tell a single soul. Leaving the place she revered as her " home". The things she brought on her journey was a guitar and pocket money. A journey to reach the promise land – Shizume City.

Back the place of her undying past.

Chapter 5 : Iron-Male

( Fe-male)

"DAMN IT! I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE"

Yata slammed his fist against the table. His patience was wearing thin from being contain in one place. The chair he sat seems to recoil at his intensity, as if it was trying to back away from him. Though, in reality it stumbles backward from the brisk movement; on suddenly standing up.

He flipped the skateboard off the table with his bottom heel, which was expertly caught by his hand and tucked under his armpit. Ump by his unnerving distress gave him an urge for some action and decided to go outside.

"Totsuka-san I'm going out for awhile" Yata announce brazenly " Don't even think about following me.."

" Take care then.. " Totsuka voice reach within an earshot, as the vanguard brashly scuffle to the door and left with his skateboard in a blink of an eye.

If Kusanagi just saw what had happen. Yata's head would have already been squash by the bartender's iron gripped hands. Fortunately, the bartender wasn't present at the moment, leaving Totsuka and Anna in the premise - and supposedly Yata who had just left a few seconds ago.

At current, the others are narrowing down a search on the gang who tried to take Anna as a hostage. It would have been better to let it pass, but according to Kusanagi's implication they need to initiate a sense of authority. In which serves the purpose of Mikoto Souh, the Red King –the perfect figure suited in pure intimidation. Keeping those people within their territorial reach and let them be aware of the mortal danger their crossing to. Also, the fact remains that they tried to harm their youngest and most precious member was unforgivable. It was deserving to punished them but the conclusion usually depends on their King's mood.

"Yata is still pretty upset from being grounded, huh? " he mumbled, reaching for the fallen chair and putting it back to order.

The bartender was particularly rough with the punishment and had put the vanguard in the sidelines. Cunningly aware, that it's the position which displeases Yata the most. This resulted the vanguard's very, very foul mood.

Totsuka shifted his eyes to the little girl in red who was sitting quietly on the counter.

Anna had been unusually silent. Not the usual stoical doll that best describes her but comparing to something more unmovable - like a statue.

A map of Shizume City was placed on the counter where four red marbles moved around. The marbles were poured by Anna's strain ability where it confines her precious color - the beautiful red. She was in deep focus and concentration as her powers were being use a navigation device.

Totsuka had tried to ascertain any response from the little Anna. But she was blunt on ignoring him by all means. Even though, she was given a task to keep a watchful guard on their area. It seems that Anna was intent on using her powers shown in the unprecedented movements of her marbles. It was like she was in a drastic search for something or rather someone. If that's the case there is only one suspect that Totsuka could think of for making Anna's curiosity grow. It was a person clad in darkness; the perfect description for that person would be like a stray animal - more specifically a homeless cat. Independent and detached was the impression he got from 'Anna's savior'. Honestly, even he too was intrigue by that person base on intuitive means. He felt that they're going to meet that person sooner or later.

And I'm sure Anna's probably thinking the same thing...

" Anna be patient okay? "

As if Anna had heard his small remark, she responds an upbeat nod. Totsuka muse a smile, while moving towards the large glassed pane windows. He could see clouds began to gather a certain amount of bleakness preparing for the heavy downpour.

" I hope Yata doesn't get caught by the rain"

" Don't worry" Anna's sudden words intrigue him as he refrain from speaking " His going to be meeting with that person."

Heavy poundings of forces itch into his ears. Punches and Kicks, rampant collisions instantly caught a pair of sharp hazel eyes. Just a mere distance, his eyes swept to the far corner leading to a gaping path. Yata could see the distinct shadows of figures on the wall, scuffling in their whims. A brawl had started. He mirth a smirk, as he found a sense of release to regress the heat inside of him. More like an excuse to vent out his frustration.

Just the execution of three sleek moves, his skateboard carried him to the alleyway and landed on the center of the fight. He didn't miss any introduction to properly greet them with a turbulent landing. The wheels heavily grazed the asphalt, creating small cracks as the haze swooped amassed. Baffling the fighters, as they all got pushed away from an unknown force. It took the fighters some time to recover their senses when the dust cleared away.

" Y-you..." one of the fighter's spat, accusingly point a finger on the intruder " Your HOMRA'S vanguard – Yatagarasu "

The other fighters mirrored a shocking and angry faces at the unwelcome player. Agitated more, on the fact that a red clansmen had intruded.

" What? Is there a problem of me being here?! " Yata asserted a grin, laying down his skateboard flatly on his heels.

" Yatagarasu mind your own fucking business. This clearly doesn't concern you reds"

" Interesting! Actually I was just getting bored and kicking some asses would probably be entertaining" his eyes glinted, burning fiercely. The need for actions was intense, and the only way to settle it was the battlefield.

" Tskk.. The hell now this guy shows up! "

The fighting was just an expression of hostility. He has nothing against them. It just the source of relief that he gets, pouring out the fury built up inside. He didn't even need to use his red aura to defeat them - not even worthy nonetheless. One by one, they fall to their knees and were rendered unconsciously. His fist was going to reach for the last count, but someone struck first with a swift sucker punch. Ending the last guy a total knock out in the head.

The clouds grew darker and bleak, shadowing the only two people standing in the alley. Droplets of water, slowly pour down causing a sounding echo. A drop fall on one of his eyes, causing a disgruntle reaction which only added the effect to come out of his stupor. If not for the illicit jingle and the motioning silver padlock glinting in his eyes. He wouldn't have believe it in himself either.

It's him again.. That son of a bitch !

Clad in a darker shade of clothing, hood still depress further. The drizzle of rain came, their clothes now drench in an unpleasant wetness. Yata would have just left him in the rain, if not for the dangling mess of bandages hanging from this guy's left arm. Its seems that the guy notice it and started piling it up - and still ignoring him. Damn this guy, he really likes to piss of people so much. Instead of berating at this person, he reluctantly decided to help him.

He inwardly clicked his tongue " I guess I have no choice.. "

Despite what burnt fury he had, it was regress to a minimum. It was probably release from the brawl or the rainy weather.

No..

It was the fact that he denied his guilt. He had use his red aura recklessly. Hating to admit, it took some reluctant courage as he step forward. Trying to conjure as sense of fairness in the making between them. He was the one who injured him after all.

It was sooner that he thought...

Totsuka didn't expect Yata to bring 'Anna's savoir' into the bar. Despite the contempt the vanguard felt, he was trying to repay his fault. Though, the two were far from getting along as their conflicting presence was covering the space. It was heating the place up for a different reason. The bad kind.

Yata decided to dry himself on the kitchen while the other stayed at the basement. Expectantly, Anna tagged along with her savior despite the vanguard's protest, weary of the implied actions going to happen. Though, it was quite impossible what he was thinking.

Totsuka had notice some things regarding on ' Anna's savior'. It was something distinct that was hardly miss by. When he realized it, his mischief played out. He couldn't help but bring this into an entertaining conclusion.

He was mopping on lustrous wooden floor, moistening the damp footsteps. He hummed playfully, counting to a melody in his mind. His thoughts swirling in deep glee, as his eyes prod against the basement doorway.

In just a matter of seconds, he counted.

1..2..3..

AGhhhhhhhh...

The scream of victory sounded in his ears, as he giggled to himself. Frantic footsteps dashed out from the basement and was getting near him. Yata briskly appeared, with a flabbergasted expression - dyed in a deep crimson. Totsuka chuckled at the sight, already aware what he was trying to say despite his mild sputtering.

With an upbeat nod, the light brunette grin " That's right he's a girl "

Ending a deep aghast from the drained vanguard, who almost fainted on the floor.

The vanguard's frown deepen as he stare at the white shirt. Hands clutching and almost wrinkling the fabric. A towel drenched over his head as he finished ruffling his chestnut hair.

" Why couldn't Totsuka-san just give it to that bastard.."

The smile that the light brunette showed him was affable. Hard to disagree, but somehow it hid a tricky hint of playfulness. He intrigue a suspicion but passed it into noting. It was probably just his reluctance not wanting to do anything with that person.

The towel slip to his shoulders, swaying side to side as he reach to the bottom ground.

Dim in the flickering light, catching a few strips of brightness in the area. He saw a shadow across the sofa, almost brooding against the brightness. Being aware of this guy presence instantly foul his mood.

He didn't bother to present himself, and was nearing at his direction. Lights, flickering bits to bits and as he went nearer he felt something off. He hitched a gulp, as he instantly froze behind the sofa. His eyes widen as his tan complexion turn into beet red. He wasn't mentally prepared for the incoming shock.

The brood figure, that was touched by the lights crash his expectation. In turn out to be a slim built with a very curve backside. The droplets of rain become glitters that pasted against the delicate bare flesh. He was in daze of distraction that the fabric in his hands had been long forgotten as it drop to the floor.

"Pervert… "

A soft whisper suddenly become a guilty noise inside his head. His face flushed in deep red as he started stuttering. Anna suddenly popped up from the sofa with accusing eyes, as she repeated such shame words against him.

" PERVERT " this time with such emphasis, that it seem to echo. It felt heavy this time as the guilt heated his face up which become redder than before. He tried to stutter in defense but-

" Oi! What the hell are you doing ? "

The sound of this person's voice stunned him. Ashamed, he screamed in fright as if he encountered a ghost. That voice alone provoke his nervousness and without any second thoughts as he dashed away from the basement.

He couldn't believe it that... that guy was a g-girl?

" Before you go... " Totsuka brought up her dry cleaned clothes which was suited in a paper bag.

She barely turn over her shoulders as she accepted the bag callously. As if sensing her willingness to listen, Totsuka subtly ensued a conversation not wanting to make her uncomfortable. " If it's not rude to ask may I know your name? "

" What for? "

He glance towards the hopeful Anna as if ushering him to not be unnerved by this person's domineering silence. He could tell of her great interest in this person. Knowing that her curiosity leads her to at least know this person, most likely a name.

" Since we are already acquainted. A proper introduction of your name would be nice. " He pressed a gentle tone as he glance to her back. As expected of her hesitance, as her shoulders lax upon hearing his words. It was hard to tell if she was willing or not as she continued her way out of the bar.

" Tsukino… "

The words she spoke were an approving volume of delight to Anna's ears as she left.

" Isn't that nice Anna? You finally got her name"

Anna nod, as her eyes face brim in contentment and that was enough to lighten the mood. Not because of the dreariness cause by the rain but Tsukino-san's appalling silence that was somehow suffocating. Even Totsuka admits it, that his amicability wasn't close enough to touch her desolated barricade of detachment.

" By the way.. " Totsuka lean his body towards the counter where the small vanguard had considered it as his temporary shield of defense. Still hiding himself from the utter embarrassment " Yata.. you don't have to hide anymore she's gone"

" Shut up! " He thoughtlessly shouted, as he almost jump out from sheepish cowering and blushed " I know that.."

HahahaXD Poor Yata.. Still can't get over with his shyness...

This chapter has been finalized. Sorry for the inconvenience editions..

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