It was starting to get dark and the only light available was that of the moon and the stars. Kat tracked into the forest, slowly, her head hung low.

"Looks like this will be my home now," she said to herself. For some reason, she felt at home here in the forest. It must've been her Beast Spirit side. "Well, I'm alone now, but I think that's for the best." She looked down on the cut on her hand. The wound had healed but there were still traces of dried up green blood on it. She walked over to a stream to wash it off.

"You're never alone, my child…" a voice, in the tongue of the Beast Spirits, entered her ear and then she jumped back up onto her feet, eyes wide.

"Who's there!?" she demanded, instinctively talking in the same tongue. "Show yourself!" She reached into her pocket and froze. She had left her cards behind! There was no way she could transform now and fight the Beast Spirit.

"Do not fear, my child…" the voice spoke gently, "After all, you and I are the same…"

"No, I'm not!" she protested, but she also sounded a bit unsure with herself.

"Aren't you?" the voice pressed. "The blood that flows through your veins is not red, is it?"

Kat stared back down at her hand and then clenched her fist, digging her fingers into her palm. She drew blood and green blood dripped from her palm to the ground. "No…"

"You are neither human nor Beast Spirit," the voice told her, "But do not fear, my child. We will still accept you."

"Who are you?" she asked and then she heard footsteps coming up behind her. She whirled around to see who it was and froze.

The figure's entire body was covered from head to toe in black armor that looked too fleshy to be armor, but too hard to be skin either. On the forearms were sharp green blades. On its chest was a bright green circle that glowed in the darkness and around its waist was a belt that had a bright green heart in the buckle, similar to Kat's own belt. Its face was odd. It looked close to skeletal with a bright green visor over its eyes. There was a long pair of antennae hanging over its back as well. The creature was obviously very dangerous and very powerful.

This was the Mysterious 53rd Beast Spirit but Kat knew its name…"Jo…ker…" she said slowly, backing away in fear.

It was the Black Joker.

The Black Joker walked closer towards the frozen girl and then gently cupped her chin.

"You may have a bit of human in you…but you smell like a Beast Spirit…like me…" he said, breathing into her face as sweat started to form on her.

"What do you…want…?" she asked, shivering in the Black Joker's presence. She knew he wouldn't hesitate to snap her neck and where he was holding he could do that in an instant. She could feel his power levels and it was frightening. She was indeed in the presence of a demon, the destroyer. The God of Death was what they called him in the Battle Game.

"I want you, my child…" he said stroking her face and hair with his other hand. She was too petrified to do anything now. "Have you wondered where you got your Beast Spirit side?" She slowly nodded. The Black Joker appeared to grin. "It came…from ME."

Kat felt she had just been slapped in the face by the confession. She wanted to deny it but then it all began to make sense! Her new belt! Her ability to mimic the forms of the other Beast Spirits! The green blood! And now the familiarity! There was just no denying it…she was the offspring of the Black Joker…

The Black Joker stepped back and looked at the girl who fell to her knees at the revelation.

"I'm…a Joker…" she muttered.

"Now that you know, where can you go from here? Return to the humans? No. They will reject you and call you a monster. You belong with me now, with your own kind." The Black Joker extended one of his hands. "Come with me…" Kat was about to reach up to take his hand when…

"STAY AWAY FROM MY ONEE-CHAN!"

Episode 47: Joker

Kyo was waiting outside the forest for Suzaku to return. "Kyo-sama," said Suzaku as she appeared next to him. "We have found the girl. She is in the forest."

"Good work," complimented Kyo. "Now get the others and leave. From the killing intent that I can feel from here, he may come out, and I can't control myself if he does."

"Hai!" said Suzaku as she turned to leave. "And, Kyo-sama…"

"Yes?"

"Please, be careful." Suzaku then vanished.

Leo charged at the Black Joker, gripping his bokken as his entire body crackled with electricity. He glided towards the Black Joker and swung but the Black Joker blocked with one of his arm blades and sent Leo flying with a blast of emerald green energy. Kat gasped as she watched her brother smash against a tree and slump down. His head bled from the impact as he cracked an eye open.

'He came…he came after me…' Kat thought, confused, 'But why would he?' The answer, however, was quite simply really, but she was unsure of it.

"Make your decision, my child!" the Black Joker roared as he roughly grabbed Kat by the arm. "Come with me and join me!"

Kat locked her eyes with those of the Black Joker's and her lips curled into a scowl. Her eyes glowed green and she said, sternly, "No."

Shocked and enraged, the Black Joker shouted, "WHAT!?" But then he caught her eyes blazing with an inner flame.

"You hurt my otouto-chan," she growled. She then roared, "NOW I'M GONNA HURT YOU!" Using her free hand, she threw a fireball at the Black Joker. The force of the blast loosened his grip on her arm and sent him flying and falling into the nearby stream with a splash. Kat then rushed to check on her brother.

"You okay?" she asked, filled with concern.

"Daijoubu…" he said with a groan and a small smile, "I'm glad we found you."

The Black Joker got up and stalked towards the twins. Kat stood protectively in front of her brother, one hand enflamed the other covered with frost energy. The Black Joker was now mad.

"Stay behind me," Kat said, eyes narrowed. She was going to take this freak down alone…or was she?

"TITANS! GO!"

Leo grinned as he watched the Titans leap out of their hiding place and attacking the Black Joker. Kat turned to her brother in shock.

"I said we came, didn't I?" he asked. Jinx walked over to them and gasped when she saw the wound on his head.

"Leo!" Jinx cried.

"Just a flesh wound," he said to the pink haired girl.

Meanwhile, the Titans were battling with the Black Joker. Both Beast Boy (as a gorilla) and Cyborg double-teamed as they sent the Black Joker flying with powerful uppercuts. Starfire and Terra, from the air, pelted the Beast Spirit with rocks and starbolts. In the forest, Terra had an ample supply of ammunition. Raven chanted and uprooted a tree before using it like a baseball bat and swinging it at the Black Joker as hard as she could. It smashed into a large rock and shattered it. Robin then threw his bird-a-rangs and they slashed the Black Joker in the arms and chest. The Black Joker hissed as he got back up and charged at the Titans but then tripped when a pink hex wave encircled his legs, causing him to fall.

The Black Fang was parked close by with its rider on top. He surveyed the battle. He would intervene when necessary. He looked to see Kat and Leo together, the girl standing protectively before her brother. He smiled.

Kyo stayed hidden in a tree, watching the fight. He gripped the sheath of his sword. He clutched his head. 'Let me out boy! You know good and well you can't keep me locked away forever!'

"Watch me…" said Kyo. He drew his sword and prepared to go into the fight.

Leo reached into his pocket and took out a card. It was the Ace of Hearts. "Onee-chan…here." Kat took it and looked at him.

"Otouto-chan, I promise to tell you everything, okay?" she said before turning to watch the battle. "Pinky, take care of him."

"Okay," Jinx nodded.

The Black Joker was being attacked from all sides by the Titans. Having enough, he unleashed a powerful wave of energy, pushing the Titans back with the force. His arm blades glowed green before he swung them, sending blades of green energy flying everywhere. A blade flew at Jinx and Leo, only to be swatted away. "Jeez, Leo, I leave you alone for a few hours and you go and get your ass kicked," said Kyo with a smirk. Kyo's sword began to ring. "Hey, Leo, you remember how to use the Mizuchi?"

Leo looked at him, confused for a second, before the name rang a bell. Gripping his bokken, he stood up, although shakily. Jinx was helping him up to his feet. "Hai, Kyo-san," Leo said, nodding. Leo's bokken began to ring as well.

"MIZUCHI!" exclaimed the warriors, sending twin strikes at the Black Joker. The 53rd Beast Spirit smirked as he slashed through the attacks.

"Worthless humans, thinking you can defeat me?" the Black Joker laughed.

"Kuso," Leo swore. Kat looked over her shoulder at her brother and Kyo then at the card. She nodded with determination. The Titans were still fighting with the Black Joker. He dodged the sonic cannon blast and slashed Cyborg across the chest. It even dodged all of Starfire's starbolts before leaping up and landing a powerful kick to her head, sending her falling. Terra grabbed her and began pelting stones upon the Black Joker but he sent an energy slash and split the boulder she was standing on in half, causing her balance to slip and her and Starfire to fall. Beast Boy changed into a woolly mammoth and broke their fall as the girls landed on his back. Raven was blasting with her dark energy but it countered with its own emerald energy. Robin threw his freeze discs but the Black Joker leapt over them to grab the Boy Wonder by the neck before attempting to crush his windpipe.

"Henshin!" Kat shouted, slashing the card through her belt.

"CHANGE SUZAKU!"

She fired an arrow at the arm holding Robin and green blood spilt to the ground as the Black Joker howled in pain as he let go of Robin who was gasping for breath.

"You dare attack me!?" the Black Joker shouted.

Mimic said with conviction, "Even though your blood flows through my veins, I will never join you. True, I may not be all human," she cast Leo a look in which he returned, "But there are people who will accept me for who I am."

"FOOL!" The Black Joker lunged at her.

"GRAVITY SLASH!" A golden figure dropped down and slashed the Black Joker away with a glowing golden sword. Green blood spilled as the Black Joker was sent rolling by the force of the attack as Grave stood up. "Hey, am I late for the party?" the gold Cerberus Knight asked.

"No, just in time," Kyo smirked.

Leo reached into his pocket but then remembered that he had forgotten his own buckle, but then Jinx handed it to him. "Jinxy-chan?" he asked.

"You forgot it, so I picked it up for you," she said, smiling. Nodding, he took it into his hand and slipped in the card.

"Henshin!"

"CHANGE SEIRYU!"

Now in his blue and silver armor, Advent Knight Draco stood ready by his sister and allies.

"Let's take this freak down," Mimic said.

"I agree," Kyo nodded.

"Time to take this sucker down," Grave said.

"Ikuzo!" Draco shouted out. The three Knights and the samurai charged at the Black Joker. Kyo didn't make it however. He fell to the ground and grasped his head in pain, as if someone was pounding from the inside. 'LET ME OUT!'

"Kyo-san!" Draco stopped as Mimic and Grave fought with the Joker alongside the Titans. "Daijoubu desu ka? What's wrong?"

"Leo! Run! Get away from here! I can't keep him under control!" Kyo was now on his knees, holding his head. "Everyone get away!" Kyo then stopped screaming and began laughing evilly.

"Let the fun begin…" Kyo tore off his shirt, revealing a blood red cross-shaped scar. His hair grew long and became crimson. His teeth became fangs and his hands became claws.

Mimic froze when she heard the voice and stopped her assault on the Black Joker. The Black Joker, sensing something foreboding decided it was time for it to make his escape. He vanished into a portal of darkness as soon as the Knights and Titans were distracted. His mission was a failure and he decided to cut his losses. No point in risking being sealed if there was nothing to gain from it.

Draco was also frozen with fear. It was a familiar feeling of dread that brought up another memory.

"Hello, my dear Knights. It has been far too long… Maybe now we can finish our fight, and I see you've got friends! Just more graves for me to dig…" Akuma sneered.

"Leo? What's going on…?" Jinx asked. Raven was frozen as well. The killing intent was massive, almost paralyzing. What were they dealing with?

"It's…an old enemy that nearly killed us," Draco said, his memory coming back.

"Boy, never thought to see your ugly face again," Mimic smirked, albeit nervously.

Grave's eyes narrowed under his helmet. He was going to protect Mimic, whether she liked it or not. Akuma appeared next to Grave. "You're not actually thinking of fighting me are you? Cute…" Akuma grabbed Grave by the throat and lifted him into the air. "Your precious girlfriend thought she could defeat me too… Do you know what happened? I smashed open her helmet and drank her delicious green blood! Maybe you'll put up more of a fight."

"FUUJIN!" Draco swung his sword and sent a blade of air at Akuma's hand. He let go of Grave.

"Thanks," Grave said to the Dragon Knight who nodded.

Akuma grinned as he looked at Draco and Mimic, "Time to cut you both open." He sent a wave of crimson energy at the twins who both dodged. Mimic drew a card that Draco recognized.

"Onee-chan?" Draco questioned, "But Takada-san said-"

"He's not here and it's our only chance!" Mimic then swiped the card through her belt. "Hayaku!"

"EVOLUTION ZHUQIAO!"

Draco slid in his Category Queen, "ABSORB QUEEN!" and then stared at his Category King with uncertainty. Looking at the visage of Akuma and then thinking of his friends, he did what he had to do. He slashed the card through his Advent Absorber. "EVOLUTION KING!"

Both his and his sister's armors glowed as their cards rose up and then merged with them. For Draco, his cards spun around him before they smashed into his body, creating new pieces of armor. For Mimic, her cards arranged themselves in a row before flying back into her armor. She exploded with golden flames and stood in her ultimate form.

Akuma stared at both Draco King Form and Mimic Wild Form as they gripped their weapons, staring straight at Akuma. The possessed boy just continued to smirk at the two Knights. He had to admit, these new forms of theirs might just prove to be entertaining.

"You wanted a rematch, now here it is!" Mimic challenged, her hands gripping her Wild Slashers tightly. Her memories of her last battle with Akuma were still fuzzy, but she recalled enough to know that he was insanely strong and more than capable of tearing her armor apart with his bare hands.

Draco pointed at Akuma defiantly, with his King Dragon Blade resting on his shoulder, "We will free Kyo-san from your clutches, you demon." He then pointed down with his thumb, "And like my onee-chan would say, 'you're going down, man'."

"You guys," Mimic said to the Titans and Grave, "This is between us and him. So, please don't get in the way. If we need help, we'll give you all a holler."

The Titans and Grave were obviously reluctant to let this happen, but they knew that they had no choice. There was obviously some history between the twins and whatever had possessed Kyo. This was a battle that was beyond them at the moment.

"You fools truly have no idea who I am, do you? You call me a demon? How dare you insult me like that! I am beyond any mere demon. I am Akuma, the first Crimson King!" Akuma shouted out.

Draco was shocked by this. "Otouto-chan, what's wrong?" asked Mimic.

"Onee-chan, Kyo once told me about the first Crimson King of the Mibu Clan. He said that he was the ultimate warrior; the longer the fight goes, the stronger he gets," explained Draco.

Mimic gripped her weapons tightly, "Then we're gonna have to take him down hard and fast!" exclaimed Mimic as she charged at Akuma. Draco followed, ready to attack.

Mimic folded her scythe blades in and then combined them together before reaching behind her back for her Suzaku Arrow. She then combined her Wild Slashers with the Suzaku Arrow, forming the Wild Arrow. Then, she summoned all 13 of her cards. Her Category Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King cards all arranged themselves in front of her before they fused together to form the Wild card and then it flew into her hand. She clutched the card in hand before slashing it through her weapon.

"WILD!"

The power of the card was absorbed into her weapon as she took careful aim at Akuma. She then said, "Sorry, Kyo," before calling out her attack, "WILD CYCLONE!"

At the same time, Draco held out his hand as the Category 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of Spades flew off his armor and into his hand. He then gripped the handle of the King Dragon Blade and slid in the 5 cards.

"SPADE 10!"

"SPADE JACK!"

"SPADE QUEEN!"

"SPADE KING!"

"SPADE ACE!"

It then announced the name of the attack, "ROYAL STRAIGHT FLUSH!" The sword, the King Dragon Blade, glowed gold as energy surged through it. Draco gripped the sword tightly and prepared to strike down Akuma. "Forgive me, Kyo-san…"

Draco swung his weapon down as large projections of the cards he had just activated arranged in front of him in a straight line. With a powerful swing, a surge of golden energy traveled through the projections and straight towards Akuma. At the same time, Mimic fired a spiraling green beam of devastating energy. Both the green and golden energy merged together before surging towards their target. The surge of power also sent out a powerful wave of power all around that pushed everyone back with great force. Akuma simply smiled.

The energy collided and caused a great explosion of golden and green energy. A pillar of light erupted before a mushroom cloud was seen high above the forest.

Deep within the forest area, a fairly large number of trees had been vaporized by the attacks. The area was now clear of everything except for the Titans and Grave as they got back to their feet. Smoke seemed to fill the area as they searched for the two twin Knights. Jinx was on the verge of panicking while Grave seemed to be getting extremely worried.

"Leo!" Jinx cried out, cupping her hands over her mouth. "Leo! Answer me!"

Grave was also showing the same amount of concern, "Kat! Kat, are you there?"

Soon, the smoke cleared as the Titans saw three figures headed towards them. They saw both Leo and Kat, out of their armor but also filthy with dirt on them. They were both supporting an unconscious Kyo who looked a little worst for wear and his arms were on the twins' shoulders. He wasn't fully conscious, so the twins were dragging him along.

Kat passed Grave and gave him a curious look but shrugged him off. It wasn't like he was someone she really knew, right? Jinx rushed over to see if Leo was fine and he smiled at her. He was a little exhausted from using King Form, but he was starting to get used to it. All he would need would be a good night's sleep. His sister wasn't showing any signs of exhaustion at all, only guilt.

The other Titans were just standing there, shocked to the core. They knew that the Knights possessed a lot of power, but they never knew it was THAT much. They had thought it was amazing before, but the thought of two super powered teens with the combined power of an A-Bomb in the city was very frightening. But, they knew the twins well enough that they wouldn't cause any evil. And Kyo, he was hit by the attack head on, and it only knocked him out. Just how powerful could he truly be?

A black figure with one eye watched all this unfold and appeared to be thinking. He then vanished without a sign. He was going to go over his plan again.

The Titans had brought Kyo back to the Tower. He was resting in the infirmary, bandages wrapped around his wounded body. The force of the twins' combined attack would've killed a normal person. Thankfully, Kyo wasn't normal; far from it to be honest.

Meanwhile, Leo was on the roof, sitting at the edge and kicking his legs absentmindedly. The wound on his head had healed when he had transformed to King Form. He was gazing at the stars.

After they'd returned, Kat and Leo hadn't spoken much to each other. They were still affected by the revelation of Kat's true identity. Kat didn't have any doubts that he saw her as his sister. But then, did he know the whole truth that she was created with the Black Joker's DNA? Could he still be angry at her? Sucking it up, she then went to confront her brother. Jinx followed her too. She needed to talk to Leo as well.

Kat sat down next to Leo and commented as she watched the sky, "The sky looks beautiful, doesn't it?" She received no reply. She tried not to let it faze her, but it did anyway. "We used to do this when we…I mean when you and the original Kat were younger." He flinched at that. She then said to him, frustrated, "Okay, I know you're angry at me for keeping this a secret. I know there was a promise between us to never keep secrets from each other, but I just didn't think you would accept me if I did!" She sighed, frowning sadly, "I was afraid, okay? I was afraid you'd reject me. I was a fool." She didn't receive an answer, "Oh, stop with the silent treatment and talk to me! I was an idiot for not trusting you."

After seconds of unbearable silence she finally received a reply.

"You're right about that," he said, a bit of humor in his voice. Kat smiled. At least he was talking to her now. His emerald green eyes looked seriously into hers as she backed away. She'd never seen him so serious before. "Whatever made you think I would reject you? Because you're a clone of my sister? Because my true sister is dead and you're only a copy?" Kat frowned, and nodded. "Baka," he muttered, surprising her. "Don't you ever think that, okay?" He took her hand in his. "Listen to me and listen well, onee-chan. Even though you are not really my sister, as you say, to me you are. You saved my life, you watched my back, and you protected me, advised me, and were there for me when I needed help. To me, that shows you are my sister. As far as I'm concerned, you are still my onee-chan. You just have a new body. Your soul is still the same."

"But…I'm not even human," she said, tearing up a bit. She could feel it bubbling up in her heart. She could feel hope. Hope that she could still be part of the family the first Kat was part of.

"Neither is Starfire," Leo replied, "But she gets by. Kyo was right about humanity. It doesn't mean we become monsters if we lose it. As long as we have souls, human or not, we are who we are. Look at Hikaru-san, Shima-san and Daichi-san. They are Beast Spirits too but they aren't any less human than we are." He paused. "What I'm trying to say is that I don't care if you're half or fully a Beast Spirit or human. Onee-chan is still onee-chan." He then hugged her. "Daisuki…onee-chan."

Kat was stunned but then slowly placed her arms around his waist, crying into his shoulder. How stupid was she to think he would reject her? She even made him worry. She had let her fear control her and look at what had happened. The Black Joker had almost gotten to her.

"Don't even run away again, onee-chan," he pleaded, "I can't bear living without you."

"I promise," she said, letting go, and then said, "But I think I should leave. Someone else wants to talk to you." She looked over her shoulder, "Right, Pinky?" Jinx walked over as Kat stood up. She gave Jinx a pat on the shoulder and whispered, "Gambatte," to the pink haired witch in encouragement. Jinx nodded and sat next to Leo. He scooted away, blushing a bit.

"I think I know why you've been avoiding me, Leo, and I'm sorry," she apologized. "I shouldn't have tried to come on to you too strongly. Most of the guys I know would usually act first but since you weren't making the first move, I decided to do it myself." She laughed, "Big mistake, huh?" She continued, "Then, I talked to Kyo and your sis and realized how you operated. You like to take things slow, right? You don't like rushing into things unexpected. As such, you don't like being surprised and this morning I must've really surprised you." She sighed, "Leo, I really do love you, I know that, but I need to know if you really love me. I'll try to take things slow, but only if you're with me, okay?"

Leo had listened to her patiently and smiled. He then placed his hand on Jinx's and intertwined their fingers. Jinx looked at him and smiled back as she scooted closer and leaned against him. He then wrapped an arm around her shoulders so she could lean into him more, resting her head against his chest.

"Okaasan said this," he quoted, "Relationships take time to grow, but you need to set the pace." He then elaborated, "What I'm trying to say is that I'm not ready for that kind of physical contact in a relationship…yet." Jinx felt some hope after hearing that. "To me…sex is something you should share with someone you share REALLY deep and loving feelings with. I'm still only a little experienced with relationships, but I do believe that we shouldn't be moving too fast. We're young so there's still time." He looked deeply into her eyes. "Aishiteru, Jinxy-chan." He then leaned over and placed his lips on hers. Jinx kissed right back. Their kissed deepened with more passion.

When they broke apart, Jinx smirked, "Anyway…I was thinking of taking you swimsuit shopping at the mall. You wanna come? There's this really cute bikini I wanna get."

Leo blushed. He was picturing her in a bikini and nearly fell off the roof.

Kat was standing in front of the Tower, waiting for someone. She then saw a girl with short black hair and violet eyes, Mahiro, approaching. "Where is he?" asked Mahiro.

She and Kat walked into the Tower. "He's in the infirmary. He lost control and that… that thing took over," explained Kat.

"He lost control again," said Mahiro, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "This has only happened twice before. Once was when he fought Nobunaga, and well, you probably remember the other time by now. He tries so hard to keep that monster under control. He's been to several mystics to put seals on the spirit, but its rage is just too strong." Mahiro began crying. "That thing is killing him. Each day a little more of my Kyo vanishes and that thing gains more control!" Kat looked at Mahiro, shocked. "I'm afraid… I'm afraid that I'll wake up one day and the Kyo I know and love will be gone forever, only that creature remaining…"

Kat placed her hands on the sobbing girl's shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Her shirt was starting to get wet from the tears, but Kat did not care. This girl, her friend, needed someone right now for comfort. "We won't let that happen, Mahiro. I promise you that we'll figure something out." Kat then smiled confidently down at Mahiro, "Besides, Red Eyes is strong; I bet he'll fight that thing until it's just a stain on that sword of his. He is a great samurai, after all."

"Thank you, Kat," Mahiro said, wiping her tears away.

"Hey, no problem," Kat said, shrugging, "It's what I do. Now, I'm going to take you to the infirmary."

In the infirmary, a man in a white suit stood over Kyo. "It would be so easy to end your life right now… but there would be no fun in that…" The man heard footsteps approaching and vanished.

The door slid open as both women walked into the infirmary. Kyo was covered in bandages all over his arms and torso. No doubt he had received the full brunt of both the Knights' strongest attacks. He wasn't equipped to any machines since he was only sleeping. Kinda like Leo after his first change into King Form. Frankly, Kat wasn't sure if she should be surprised that Kyo was hurt like he was or not.

Both girls walked over and pulled up chairs. Kat just stared at the sleeping figure of Kyo as Mahiro placed a hand gently on his cheek.

"This guy can just sleep and sleep," Kat said, crossing her arms. "How do you stay with a guy like this, anyway, and still stay sane?"

"Compared to Hotaru and Akari, this is nothing." She then cupped a hand over her mouth and smiled in amusement to Kat, "Watch this." Mahiro then yelled out, "Kyo, Yuya and Benitora are making out!"

Kyo suddenly sat up in bed. "I'll kill him!" he yelled. He looked around in confusion, "Hey, what happened? Damn it, I passed out again, didn't I?" Mahiro wrapped her arms around Kyo.

"Kyo!" exclaimed Mahiro happily.

"I'm fine Mahiro, but your hug is kinda reopening my wounds…" Mahiro, begrudgingly, let go. "I lost control again, huh?"

"Yeah…" said Kat.

"Is everyone still alive?" asked Kyo.

"We're all fine. The forest will have a very large clearing for a while, but other than that, we're all fine," said Kat. "Otouto-chan and I went into Wild and King Forms and hit you with out strongest attacks. I think we managed to knock it right back into that dark corner of your mind."

"Wow," Kyo blinked. "No wonder there's a new clearing in the woods. Still, no one got hurt or anything?"

"I guess some of us were shaken up, but no real injuries," Kat replied. "Akuma didn't get the chance."

"Good to hear." He looked at Mahiro. "Hey, Mahiro-chan, I'm kinda tired right now. Mind if I go back to sleep?"

"Not at all," said Mahiro, a smile on her face. "I'll be right here when you wake up."

Kat, realizing the two of them needed some time alone, left them. She decided to take a bit of a walk.

Today a lot had happened and boy did she need her rest. Taking on another Trial was the usual for her these days. The emotional stress of her brother finding out her secret took a lot out of her. Facing the Black Joker was intense and fighting Akuma again was no walk in the park. If she didn't get some rest soon then she was going to drop.

Of course, she then heard her brother wailing, "JINX! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

"Oh calm down, baby," she heard Jinx giggle. "What's a little skin between lovers?"

Kat chuckled. Looks like Jinx was trying to help her brother loosen up, or loosen his clothes up at least. With a yawn, Kat went into her and her brother's room and closed the door behind her. She crawled into her futon and pulled the covers over her. However, before she closed her eyes, one thing bothered her. Why did Akuma call her Grave's girlfriend and why did Grave seem so worried about her?

On some days she hated mysteries.

In one the darkest corners of Kyo's mind, Akuma was chained back up. Usually he wouldn't be too pleased at being back in his prison, but it had been an eventful day filled with pleasing facts.

The Black Joker that he had been hearing about had finally shown his face. Akuma could feel the power radiating off of the creature and he liked it. That Beast Spirit was undoubtedly a true killer like him. Akuma hoped for the day where he could fight the creature one on one. What a glorious battle that would be! The best part was that the Black Joker couldn't die! They could just keep fighting and spilling blood!

Another fact was the evolution of those two annoying twins. The Wild Kat and King Leo had replaced the two children he had met back at the academy. Those forms suited them. Their strength had increased to a noticeable level and those two final attacks were most impressive. Akuma could imagine the slaughter that one could unleash if they were used on the masses. "Oh, yes… This will be so much fun…"

ZK Chromedragozoid: Okay, this chap couldn't have been done without Shadow Element 13 and a friend called Ten Faced Paladin! Thanks to you both! So, now the Black Joker has appeared and Akuma has awakened. What will the future hold? Just wait and see…Now, for the preview!

The twins have finally graduated from high school, so now they are all of to the beach to have fun!

Episode 8: Beach

Added bonus: Scenes at the beach and Leo fainting when Jinx is in a bikini. Stay tune!