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 really 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…"

Episode 48: Beach

It had been several days since the encounter with the Black Joker and Leo finding out the truth about his sister. In that time, the graduation ceremony was held once again and the seniors finally received their diplomas. Leo even gave his speech again.

Finally, the ceremony ended with Principal Murakami declaring, "I PRESENT TO YOU, THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2007!"

The graduates cheered as they threw their caps into the air and ran down the stage to meet with their parents and friends. It was a good thing that Takada had arranged for the clean up crew to wipe out the memories of the people who had attended the previous ceremony so that current ceremony could be carried out without incident.

Like before, the twins' mother had attended. They did not tell her about Kat's secret. It was her secret to tell anyway. Of course, Emiko also told them something else.

"You're remodeling the café?" the twins questioned in unison.

Apparently, Emiko had called their aunt and not only would Café La Salle be repaired but also renovated as well. She wasn't going to give them any other details. She wanted to keep it a surprise for them.

It would take close to a month for renovations to be completed, much to Kat's chagrin. So, the rest of their stuff had been moved to their room in Titans Tower. Jinx was ecstatic to know that Leo would be staying longer while Kat was grimacing over all the business they would lose to Desmond.

Later that night, there was a Graduation Party held at one of the Senior's houses. There was beer drinking and belching contests happening, just teens celebrating their freedom. Of course the entertainment was great. There was a live band and Kat got to dance with Craig while at the same time Leo danced with Jinx. She grabbed his butt a few times, which made him jump in shock and blush. Kyo and his friends also came and so did the Titans.

Cyborg entered an impromptu eating contest and won, with Hikaru at a close second. A lot of girls kept hitting on Robin but Starfire growled at them to keep their hands off. Terra hung out with her girlfriends, Stephanie and Melissa who were trying to get along with Beast Boy. She was able to tell them everything and it did explain a few things about their blonde friend.

Raven and Desmond both talked with one another. It was all they did, but they enjoyed each other's company so it was still good.

Now…let's go to the present day, shall we?

It was a nice summer day and you know what that means? No? Well, let me tell you then. Since there was nothing better to do, the Titans had decided to go to the beach. Leo and Kat would be coming along as well and the twins had invited Kyo and Mahiro as well as their friends. Raven had invited Desmond and the Club Royals, much to Kat's dismay. Kat had also invited Craig and Karmen was coming along too.

Their stuff was in the trunk of the T-Car as most of the Titans rode in it. Robin opted to take his R-Cycle, along with Starfire who rode behind him. Jinx also rode behind Leo on his motorcycle.

The vehicles were then parked near the beach and Beast Boy was the first to jump out of the car and breathed in. "You smell that?"

"Your tofu smell?" Cyborg joked. Nearly everyone laughed at that.

"No!" Beast Boy snapped. "The ocean smell!"

"Personally, I do not see what is so…appealing," Desmond said as he dismounted from his bike and removed his helmet. Hikaru and Daichi were standing behind him. Walter had dropped them off and returned to the Turtle Hut to help Shima. Desmond had on a black shirt and black jeans with black sneakers and his sunglasses on. Daichi was wearing a straw hat, a floral shirt and green trunks. Hikaru was wearing a white T-shirt with yellow shorts. "The sun is too bright here."

"Oh, suck it up, Amakusa," Kat retorted, "Thought turtles loved the beach."

Desmond glared at her for the crack but composed himself. He was an albino, so his skin was sensitive towards sunlight. Luckily, they packed A LOT of sunscreen lotion.

Kyo and his group had come as well. Kyo was wearing black swim trunks and was surfing in the ocean. He was receiving many appreciative glances from a number of ladies on the beach. He didn't notice however since his eyes were more trained on Mahiro. Hotaru was wearing a white kimono with red lining. He didn't like the water, so he wasn't going anywhere near the ocean. Akira wore ice blue swim trunks and was also surfing. For a blind guy, he was doing relatively well. Bontenmaru was wearing brown swim trunks and watching the other women who were at the beach. He ogled a pair of shapely beauties who came walking by. Okuni wore a white bikini while Mahiro and Mayumi were wearing matching black bikinis and were sunbathing with Akari, who, disturbingly enough, was wearing a pink bikini (shudders). Yuya was also with the girls, she too was wearing a pink bikini. Benitora, who wore red trunks with black stripes and his bandana, just hung out on the beach with his girlfriend, even though he would never call her that with Kyo around, unless he wanted to be violated with a sword. Kyo had even convinced Suzaku to take a break and come along. She was wearing a red and white two piece. Kyo had explained to the Titans and Knights the she was actually a member of the small group from the Mibu Clan that was actually loyal to Kyo. She was by far the most loyal.

The Titans soon got changed into their swimsuits.

Leo was wearing a pair of blue trunks while his sister wore a red two-piece. Leo's blue spade tattoo was open for everybody to see, but no one really made a big deal about it. Jinx just thought it made him look sexier. Kat's red heart tattoo was just as visible, but Craig found that it made her more irresistible. Desmond was wearing a black t-shirt and trunks, still with his gloves on. He was determined to keep as much of his pale skin out of the sun as he could. Raven wore a black one-piece. Despite how bland it looked, her figure was still catching a number of glances from some of the male beachgoers. However, her aura of 'keep away' would discourage a number of them. Desmond was the only one who seemed to be immune to it. Starfire wore a purple bikini (much to Robin's delight). It made her look like a woman from a model calendar. It made the Boy Wonder feel like one of the luckiest guys in the world. Robin himself was in a pair of red trunks with his emblem on it. His well-defined physique would have made the fangirls he unknowingly collected since coming to Jump City squeal in delight. Beast Boy wore a pair of black and purple trunks. His green skin stood out in the middle of the beach, but people were used to seeing a green kid running around so no one really noticed. Terra was in a yellow bikini that made the boys realize just what great shape she was in. Beast Boy had started drooling before he turned into a wolf and howled when he first saw her in it. Jinx was wearing a black tube-top and bikini bottoms. Leo nearly fainted when he set his eyes on her. It just made the hex mistress giggle in delight. She had taken her time to pick it out, hoping that it would bring out that reaction. Although, having Leo nearly fainting meant that she could do even better. Cyborg put on a pair of blue trunks as well as not to be left out. They really suited him even if over fifty percent of his body was machinery.

Karmen was dressed in a maroon bikini and a lot of boys were staring at her. If Takada had been there, the boys wouldn't have been so eager to steal glimpses of her. Hikaru was in a yellow one-piece with black tiger stripes. It made her look modest, yet strangely wild at the same time. Craig had on a pair of black and yellow trunks. Kat was keeping an appreciative eye on him while making sure no one else tried to steal her man again.

Jinx teased Leo again by lying on her stomach on a blanket and asking him, coyly, "Leo…do you mind rubbing some lotion on my back?"

Leo, hearing this, became flustered as his face went red and he stuttered, "R-r-r-rub l-l-lotion on y-y-your b-b-back?" Jinx giggled, loving the affect she was having on him. Oh, it was cruel but he was just so cute!

Soon, everyone was having fun…well, nearly everyone. Raven and Desmond were sitting on the blankets and under the umbrellas, reading…Of course, they were sitting quite close to one another…if you can call Desmond resting his head on Raven's lap close. The Goth girl had practically ordered him to after a small coughing fit he had. Hotaru was just sitting on the beach mumbling about how much he hated water. As for Daichi…he was sleeping as usual, peacefully snoring under an umbrella as he lay down on a beach chair, the straw hat covering his face. It was a good day for fun, considering what had happened several days ago. It looked as if it was going to be a normal day. That is until…

"Kyo-kun!" shouted a voice, causing Kyo to fall off his surfboard.

"Please, God, let me turn around and let it not be Yukimura…" mumbled Kyo as he turned around. He saw a man with black hair that went down to the middle of his back, in purple swim trunks. He had black eyes. Next to him was an attractive young woman with blond hair and sparkling blue eyes, she was in a purple bikini. "Change that… let me just sink to the bottom of the ocean and drown."

All the Titans turned to meet the newcomers. "Hi, everyone! I'm Yukimura! Who wants a drink?" Yukimura pulled out a bottle of sake. Everyone just stared at him. A surfboard flew through the air and slammed into Yukimura, knocking him into a daze. Everyone looked toward the beach and saw an angry Kyo.

"Damn you, Yukimura!" exclaimed Kyo. He then looked and the blonde girl and his face lightened with a smile. "Hey, Mizuki."

"Hi, Kyo," said Mizuki. Mahiro and Mayumi ran up to Mizuki.

"Mizuki-nee!" exclaimed Mayumi. Mizuki, Mayumi and Mahiro had a group hug while you could see Yukimura getting ideas. Kyo grabbed Yukimura and threw him in the ocean.

"Cool down, baka!" exclaimed Kyo.

Robin whispered to Kat, "Another face from your past?"

Kat had a look of resignation and groaned before holding her head. "It's vague…but I seem to remember him being the cause of me getting drunk the first time."

Leo then realized, "Oh, now I remember! Sanada-san is an old friend of Kyo-san's. The first time we met him was Kyo had to post bail for him since he was in jail at the time."

"JAIL!?" nearly everyone shouted in shock.

"Because of some stupid and/or crazy reason," Kat added as Yukimura fished himself out of the water. "Even if you ask him, he would still insist that he'd been framed."

"Hello, everybody!" he greeted. He recognized Kat and Leo. "Oh, it's been a long time! It's good to see you again."

"Hey, Yukimura," Kat greeted.

"Konnichiwa, Sanada-san," Leo bowed.

"My word, what happened to your face?" Yukimura cried as he saw the scar on Kat's face. "You have a scar!"

Kat smirked, "Hey, don't be such a drama-queen, Yukimura. Besides, it makes me look hardcore, don't you think?"

"Of course," Yukimura said before looking at the Titans, "And I see you've made some new friends." His eyes fell on the girls, "And some pretty ones as well." Starfire giggled shyly at the compliment. This also earned a glare from Mizuki. "So, what are your names?"

The Titans introduced themselves to Yukimura and Mizuki.

"I'm Jinx."

"Call me Beast Boy."

"I am Starfire."

"Cyborg's the name."

"I'm Terra."

"My name is Karmen."

"Craig."

"Hi, I'm Hikaru!" Hikaru pointed to the sleeping Daichi, "And that's Daichi!"

"Desmond," Desmond said, giving a curt nod.

"I'm Raven."

"Well, I shall introduce myself," Yukimura began, "I am Yukimura Sanada and-"

"A notorious drunk and womanizer," Kyo finished.

"You're mean, Kyo-kun!" Yukimura pouted.

"He is right, you know, 'Phobos'," Kat smirked.

"Anyway, I'm Mizuki, Yukimura's girlfriend," Mizuki introduced herself.

"And, thank Kami, the only person who can keep this idiot in-line," Kyo added, much to Yukimura's annoyance.

Putting on a smiling face, Yukimura said, "So, does anyone want sake?"

"Isn't that alcoholic?" Robin asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"Trust me, Tweety, you do not want to drink that stuff," Kat said, remembering her experience. She still remembered how painful that hangover was.

Leo clapped his hands together and said, "Well, it's hot, so why don't we have some kakigori?"

The non-Japanese members of the group all had an eyebrow raised.

"Kaki…gori?" they all questioned in unison, confused by the term…well, almost. Starfire knew what it was though.

"Yes, a most excellent idea!" Starfire said gleefully.

Leo immediately took out from one of the bags a small contraption resembling a blue and white penguin. There was also a handle on top of the penguin's head. Starfire commented on how cute it looked. Leo also took out several bottles of fruit flavored syrup and lay all of them down on a blanket. He turned to his sister, "Onee-chan, I need ice."

Kat nodded and produced a solid block of ice that he gave to her brother. He opened the lid of the contraption and put the ice block into it before placed a bowl under it. Closing it, he then began turning the handle and everyone present could hear some sort of grinding sound and could see ice shavings falling into the bowl like snow. When the bowl was filled up, Leo took it out from under the contraption, which was an ice-shaving machine. He then popped open one of the bottles and poured the syrup onto the ice shavings until it had turned from white to orange. He then placed a small plastic spoon in it and presented it to everyone.

"Kakigori!" Leo announced, "I believe it's also known as snow cones here. The perfect summer treat."

"And with me around we can have all the kakigori we want," Kat added, grinning proudly.

"Looks like you're good for something after all," Desmond quipped.

"No kakigori for you," Kat hissed.

"Onee-chan, we are all friends here," Leo chided. "So, who wants one? I have various fruit flavored syrups here so you can also mix them up!"

"Make mine sake flavored!" said Yukimura.

"Mizuki, didn't you have an intervention for him?" asked Mahiro.

"We did. He turned it into a party and everyone got drunk," Mizuki spoke dryly.

"Why does that not surprise me?" said Kyo.

"For Yukimura, alcoholism isn't just a condition, it's also contagious," Kat quipped.

At everyone's request, Leo had made several bowls of shaved ice and they each poured the fruit syrup onto them. Kat made sure he had enough ice.

Soon, while enjoying the frozen treats, they all heard an announcement…there was going to be a swimsuit contest (for girls only) and every girl on the beach between the ages of 16 to 21 were encouraged to participate. All of the boys had brief thoughts about their girlfriends onstage in model-level bikinis. Of course, they tried to crush those thoughts after a second because they knew their girlfriends might make them suffer for having such thoughts.

"Oooh!" Starfire beamed. "Friends! We should try to participate in this event! It would be most enjoyable!"

"Yay! A swimsuit contest!" Akari cried out joyfully.

"It's for girls only," Kyo remarked. To see Akari participate in that getup…even the idea was just…nauseating.

"I don't do bikini contests," Raven replied in her usual grim tone.

"You don't do beaches either," Desmond commented casually. "Yet here you are in a very flattering swimsuit."

"Don't make me hurt you," Raven practically growled at her boyfriend. Of course, a slight blush was forming on her cheeks because of his compliment.

"Say, Gar," Terra smirked at her emerald-skinned boyfriend. "Do you want to see me on stage?"

Beast Boy erupted into strange mumbles as his eyes went swirly. His hormones were doing a number on him as he imagined Terra competing in the competition.

"Hmmmm," Hikaru pondered as she thought about the competition. "A chance to show off just how hot I am and outshine all the others."

"Your ego astounds me," Desmond snickered from his seat. "What makes you so sure you'd win?"

"Kyo!" Mahiro squealed as she cornered her boyfriend. "Will you cheer for me in the competition?"

"Uhhhhh," Kyo blushed brightly. Mibu he could handle. Beast spirits, he could handle. Heck, he could even handle those Trial things. Unfortunately, Mahiro was one of the only people who could effectively stun him without trying.

"Oh, Leo!" Jinx grinned as she wrapped her arms around the Knight of Seiryu. "You'll cheer for me, right?"

"Ano…" Leo mumbled as his face turned a bright red.

Kat snickered at the sight. Leo was still the innocent kid he always was in a lot of ways, but that was probably why so many girls wanted him as a boyfriend. Of course, Jinx was very enthusiastic about their relationship. Kat smiled at their antics before she turned to find Craig looking at her with a weird glam in his eyes.

"W-what are you looking at?" she asked, feeling nervous for some reason.

"Nothing," Craig grinned. "I just thought that you might be able to win the competition."

"Oh, no way!" Kat frowned. "I don't mind wearing a swimsuit, but I am not about to go parading around in front of a captive audience in it."

"So you admit you're scared?" Craig grinned.

"What?" Kat asked slowly, getting a dangerous glint in her eyes. "I must have heard you wrong. Did you just say that I'm scared of entering?"

"Well, why else wouldn't you enter," Craig shrugged with a mischievous smile. "I sure can't think of another reason."

"I am going to make you eat those words," Kat growled.

Desmond watched the exchange with a smirk on his face, "I do believe that the little firebird had just gotten played. So predictable."

"Ah, I'm too young," said Yuya and Mahiro in unison. Unfortunately, the two girls barely missed the cut, both being only 15.

"I'll easily win. I have the body of an 18 year old," said Okuni proudly.

"Aren't you like 40?" asked Bontenmaru. A loud crack was heard. Every guy on the beach collectively winced as Bontenmaru fell to the ground, clutching a very sensitive area.

"You think he would have learned after the third time he talked about Auntie Okuni's age," said Yuya.

After the announcement, nearly all of the beachgoers went towards a stage that had been built for such an event. Girls in one-pieces, two-pieces, bikinis and various forms of revealing swimwear all signed up for the competition and given numbers. Afterwards, they were all told to stand on stage. The number of beauties who had signed up was about 30, including the Titan girls, a female Advent Knight and the girls from Kyo's group. This was quite a sight for the men in the audience, watching beautiful beach bunnies strut their stuff on the stage.

"Terra! You can do it!" Beast Boy cheered. She waved at him. Jinx winked at Leo who blushed in response. The MC (Master of Ceremonies) then ran up the stage with the microphone. He had on red trunks, a red Hawaiian shirt with a yellow flower pattern and wearing sunglasses. His hair was styled after Elvis Presley.

"HELLO, EVERYBODY!" he shouted into his microphone, "It's a beautiful day here on the beach and today we will be treated with quite a sight as all the girls behind me will compete in an attempt to win today's swimsuit competition! Now, the winner is actually up to you! After we introduce all of the girls, all you people in the audience will then place the name of one girl you think is the sexiest!" He smiled, "Well, without further ado, let's get on with the show!"

The MC read a name on the list and announced, "And we begin with Miss Kitten!"

"WHAT!?" Robin shouted.

"WHAT!?" Starfire snarled.

A girl with shoulder length blonde hair with a pink hair-band in it, blue eyes and wearing a revealing pink bikini walked up in front of the stage. She blew kisses to all the men who hooted and hollered at her. Noticing Robin among them, she winked and waved at him, "Hi, Robbie-poo!"

"Someone you know?" Leo asked. Robin hid his face.

"Robbie-poo?" Kyo chuckled.

"Can it!" The Boy Wonder snapped. Kitten did whirl, showing off her thong-clad butt and strutted back towards the other girls. She gave Starfire a condescending smirk and Raven and Terra had to restrain her.

"Alright, Miss Starfire!" the MC announced.

Starfire, not wanting to be one-upped by the spoiled brat named Kitten decided to show her stuff and strutted like a professional model. She did a sexy pose, exciting wolf-whistles from the male audience. Robin smiled at Starfire who winked at him but he scowled at all the men. Starfire did a twirl and then appeared to float back to the other girls. Kitten just growled at her.

"Alright, next up we have…"

And it went on. Raven received some wolf whistles, and watched as Desmond blew her a kiss. Hikaru skipped and did some acrobatics, exciting cheers. Karmen did the same pose as Starfire and got even louder hoots and hollers. Terra also got her own praises, especially from Beast Boy who howled as a wolf and applauded as a seal. Kat, of course, was still nervous, but her competitive nature would not allow her to back down. When her name was called, she walked confidently up front with her hands on her hips. She received a lot of cheers as well as from Craig and her little brother. Despite the scar on her face, she was still pretty attractive. Jinx went up as well and then when she winked and blew Leo a kiss, he fainted dead away.

"Enjoying the show?" Beast Boy asked Akira.

"I'm blind," Akira pointed out plainly.

"This is turning into quite the show," Cyborg said, grinning. He had a camera.

"Mind giving me some of those photos later?" Bontenmaru asked only for Okuni to smack him upside the head.

"Hey, Mahiro's coming up next!" Benitora exclaimed, and Kyo focused his eyes on the stage as her name was called.

Mahiro strutted up on stage; she twirled in place, earning some very loud cheers, mainly from Kyo, Mayumi and Yuya. "Next we have Miss Mizuki!" Yukimura's girlfriend took the stage. She did a sexy pose, exciting wolf-whistles from the male audience, especially from Yukimura, who was trying to climb on stage. "Now we have Miss Suzaku!" Everyone in Kyo's group looked at him in shock.

"Mahiro talked her into it," explained Kyo. Suzaku, though a great warrior, was very self-conscious. Suzaku nervously walked on stage and received various cheers, causing her to blush. She then twirled and received even more cheers. She then turned and walked back to the girls.

"Next up is Miss Akari!" exclaimed the MC.

"WHAT?" exclaimed everyone in the Titans, Knights, and Kyo's group. All the guys in the audience prepared to cheer… until Akari actually came on stage. All the guys averted their eyes and some even began to vomit in pure horror. Apparently, Akari couldn't quite pass for a girl, mainly when one of her boobs, which was actually a small meat bun, fell out of his bikini. Akari was then chased off the stage.

"I…am gonna be sick," Robin muttered.

"Oh…god…" Craig said, eyes wide, traumatized.

"Dude in a bikini," Beast Boy mumbled, "Not cool." Cyborg, on the other hand, was trying to delete the image from memory.

"That is…disturbing," Leo spoke.

"You said it," Kyo nodded in agreement, "Never thought Akari would even try it."

The Titans had found out that Akari was a guy in reality because they had met him at Prom…and well, he was a notorious cross-dresser.

"Well…" the MC began, "That's all the girls. Now, you guys will go to the ballot box and write the name of the girl you think is the hottest and put it in the ballot box. Then, when you're all done, we'll count the ballot and see who wins this swimsuit competition!"

A number of the male audience members went rushing for the ballot box. Kyo could see that Yukimura was one of them. The other boys decided to remain where they were until the crowd got a little more civilized. No point in risking life and limb trying to prove what each individual boy knew for themselves. Their girls were the most attractive by far.

When the crowds thinned, the boys managed to make their way to the ballot boxes. Unlike the majority of the men who had severe difficulty on deciding who was the best, the boys knew exactly who they thought was the most attractive.

"So who'd you vote for?" Beast Boy asked Cyborg when they managed to get away from the voting station.

"Hikaru," Cyborg shrugged. "I gotta admit that the girl is fine!"

"Yeah…a real tiger," Desmond commented from his seat. "Careful or she'll sink her claws into you too."

"Better not let her hear you say that," Yuya grinned. "Or else she's gonna scratch you up!"

"If you only knew," Desmond chuckled back.

"You don't seem nervous about Raven losing," Kyo observed. "Aren't you afraid that if she loses she might be upset in her own way?"

"Raven has never been an outwardly emotional person," Desmond explained. "I'm sure the other Titans can certainly attest to that."

"You got that right," Beast Boy sighed. "I've been trying to get her to laugh for so long I can't even remember why."

"Anyway," Desmond continued. "I'm not worried about Raven losing because even if she does, I still think she's one of the most beautiful women in the world."

"Awwww!" Mayumi sighed dreamily. "Yuya, why can't the boys we know be more like that?"

"Raging hormones, girl," Yuya groaned. "It claims most of the men in the world. Desmond here is one of the few survivors."

"Hey!" a number of the boys cried indignantly.

"We're not that bad," Kyo frowned. "Well, Yukimura and Bontenmaru are, but the rest of us are okay."

"We'll see," Yuya shrugged.

Cyborg's sensors alerted him to an incoming person and he turned slightly to get a better look at it. When he saw who was coming, he pondered whether or not if he should warn his friends. After a moment, he decided that it would be funnier if he didn't. Of course, that didn't stop Kyo from making a similar observation.

"Hey, Robin," the sometimes possessed boy spoke up. "Your stalker is coming for you."

"Huh?" Robin blinked. "My-OOF!"

"Robbie-poo!" Kitten squealed giddily as she wrapped her arms around the Boy Wonder.

A number of the boys, more noticeably those who hadn't met Kitten before snickered slightly at what they were witnessing. The ones who did were trying to keep their snickers quiet out of respect for their fearless leader. Of course, it was a losing battle.

"Oooh! Robbie-poo I missed you so much!" Kitten giggled. She then managed to run her hands over Robin's chest, making the Boy Wonder start shivering. Many of the boys were positive that it was revulsion. Robin couldn't do much about it because she had his arms pinned.

"Why can't I get girls to throw themselves at me like that?" Yukimura sighed sadly. Kyo heaved an annoyed growl before smacking him upside the head.

"Uh…Kitten?" Robin asked, desperately trying to figure a way out of this situation. "Why are you going after me again? What happened to Fang?"

"Oh," Kitten pouted, not releasing her hold on her target. "That jerk got himself thrown in jail again! Right before my last prom! Can you believe that jerk?!"

"Didn't you guys throw him in jail?" Kyo asked Leo quietly.

"I'm not sure," Leo shrugged. "I think he was the strange fellow with the giant spider for a head, if what Beast Boy-san told me was true anyway."

"Mmmmm!" Kitten sighed as she continued to hold Robin. "Oh but he's not like you, Robin! You're one of the best boys around. I heard you were dating that orange-skinned tramp. But that can't be true Robbie-poo! Not when you can have me!"

Robin still was trying to desperately find a way out of his current situation. He looked to his friends and found that they were having fun watching the sight. He was also getting ticked at Kitten for talking badly about the girl he loved. He wanted to tell her off but a nagging thought in the back of his head told him that the spoiled daughter of Mad Moth may have something planned, or at least some way to exact revenge if things didn't go her way like it did at her prom.

He looked to his friends again for help but they were still finding his situation funny. Robin silently vowed to put them through some 'serious' training sessions after they got back to the tower. He glared at them for a second before he noticed that their faces began to look pretty scared. It was then that he felt a dark chill run down his spine. He slowly turned his head to see what was behind him and he saw a VERY angry Starfire glaring at the blonde clinging to his back. The other girls were behind her, looking pretty sure that they weren't going to step in anytime soon.

"Uh…uh…Starfire, this isn't what it looks like!" Robin spoke very quickly. He was usually an excellent detective, but seeing his girlfriend at this level of anger was something that made his mind go blank. Judging by the looks of apprehension and/or fear on the faces of the other boys, they didn't want to mess with her at the moment either.

"I know that, dear Robin," Starfire spoke slowly and with enough malice to fill a tanker truck. "Please hold still while I remove this…this…spoiled child from your body."

Kitten frowned darkly as she reluctantly let go of Robin and turned to face the one she considered to be her rival in getting Robin's affections. Too bad she didn't accept that she had already lost before the competition began.

"What do you want, Loser?" Kitten asked angrily. "Robbie-poo and I were having a moment."

"You were not!" Starfire growled, her eyes beginning to glow.

"Oh please!" Kitten snickered. "I'm a WAY better woman for little Robbie-poo! I mean, what do you have to offer? Sure, you may have some of the looks needed to snag a man, but I know how to use them!"

"You….you…" Starfire hissed. It was now painfully obvious that she was now righteously at the blonde. She had just insulted Starfire's visage, which she knew her dear Robin liked. She had also made an insult at Robin's character as a gentleman. Kitten had to be punished!

"Yaaargh!" Starfire shrieked as she lunged for Kitten.

Kyo, easily recognizing the killer intent, was the first to react, "Grab her, guys!"

Starfire, before she could actually reach Kitten, was tackled by Beast Boy (as a gorilla), Cyborg, Leo, Kyo, Desmond, Robin, and Akira. Despite the muscle and weight put on her, Starfire was still pushing even with her Tamaranian strength.

"Star! Calm down!" Cyborg cried.

"Don't let her get to you, Starfire!" Desmond shouted.

"Murder won't solve anything!" Kyo cried loudly, trying to catch her attention.

'Like hell it won't!" Demon-Eyes Kyo snickered from within Kyo's mind. 'It sure solved all my problems whenever your ancestors got in trouble!'

'Not helping so shut up!' Kyo barked at the spirit residing in him.

"Starfire! Please!" Robin shouted. "You're way more beautiful than her even on your worst day!"

That had gotten Starfire to ease up for the moment. She looked over to Robin with sparkling eyes as what her boyfriend said registered with her.

"Really?" she asked.

"Of course, Star," Robin smiled. "I'd pick you over her anytime."

"Oh, Robin!" Starfire cried as she slipped through the grip of the boys and glomped Robin tightly. The Boy Wonder barely had any time to react before Starfire continued her assault with a passionate kiss.

Kitten watched the display with a deep anger towards the Tamaranian girl. She abruptly left with a pout on her face and a growl coming from her throat. No one was really paying attention to her since everyone had their eyes on the unfolding drama.

"Nice save, Robin," Beast Boy snickered as he changed back to his human form.

"Nice reflexes, Kyo," Mahiro smiled as she and the other girls walked up to the dog-pile of boys that were in the sand. The swordsman just grinned sheepishly.

"I say we should have let Starfire pummel her," Kat snorted. "Little sk-"

"It's not nice to say those things about people Onee-chan," Leo cut in from his position under the dog-pile. "No matter how accurate it may be."

"I don't mean to be a bother," Desmond spoke up. "But whoever has their hand on my rear, could you please remove it? I am VERY uncomfortable right now."

The tone in his voice swore instant death for those who didn't get the message fast enough. The boys quickly got up, practically scrambling away from the albino boy. Desmond calmly stood up and brushed the sand out of his clothes before heading back to his seat where he had been calmly reading his book.

The MC then came up onto the stage and said, "The votes have all been counted. Will all the girls please come up onto the stage?"

"That was quick," Kat muttered.

"I wonder who will win?" Leo asked. He glanced at Jinx who winked at him. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and then went up with the other girls.

"Oh, this is so nerve-wracking," Starfire said nervously. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked to see it was Karmen.

"Relax," Karmen smiled. "You'll do fine."

The boys all stood in front of the stage to see the girls all standing side by side, awaiting the results. The MC opened up the envelope he had in his hand and scanned the names. He was going to announce the winners.

"Alright, in third place we have…Miss Raven!" the MC announced.

"What?" Raven gasped in shock. How was it possible?

"Go," Starfire urged and Raven walked to the front.

Desmond frowned. He had originally bribed a few of the audience into voting for Raven. He wanted her to win so badly and all she got was 3rd place! He scowled deeply but when he saw Raven smiling, he smiled too and waved. Kyo cast Desmond a look and then shook his head.

"In second place we have…Miss Kat!" the MC announced. Kat's eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped.

"Yatta, onee-chan!" Leo cheered happily. "Yatta!" Craig smiled as a blushing Kat went to join Raven, standing next to her.

Kitten was sure she was going to win. She gave Starfire a mocking look and grinned before blowing a kiss towards Robin. Robin grimaced in disgust and then looked to see Starfire ready to lose her temper again. He could see her eyes glowing hatefully as they were aimed straight at Kitten.

He just prayed that Starfire would win.

"Alright," the MC said, "Now, for first place. Remember, girls, you're all winners here but sadly there can only be one NO. 1. The first place winner is…"

Suddenly, there was loud screaming and everyone turned their attention towards the direction of the scream. Something was rising up from the water.

Kat cringed and muttered, "Oh, not again…"

Desmond narrowed his eyes as Hikaru growled. They knew what was coming.

It was humanoid to a point, with arms and legs, but that was when the similarities ended. It had scaly green skin and wore a turtle shell on its back. Its head resembled an octopus with numerous tentacles lashing about. Around its waist was the belt that designated it as one of the artificial Beast Spirits known as a Trial.

"Oh, just what we needed," Desmond grumbled. "One of those Trial things again." He watched as many of the beachgoers ran in fear of the Trial and sighed. "Now my day has been officially ruined."

"Well it's just the start of mine!" Hikaru giggled before her form shifted to become the Tiger Beast Spirit. She let out a feral roar. She looked over at Daichi and sweatdropped since he didn't even stir from his sleep, even with all the screaming. "Lazy elephant," she grumbled.

Desmond reached for his bag with a vine and pulled his Advent Buckle into his hand along with his card. He was ready to activate it when he began coughing. Raven, concerned, went to him and said, "You better sit this one out."

"No," he objected. "I am an Advent Knight and I must fight."

"But," she began to protest but saw the resolve in his eyes. She sighed. "Fine but let me help you."

Kat rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed. She summoned her belt and held her card in her hand. Next to her was Leo who already had on his belt after he slid his card in. The twins nodded at each other.

Robin pulled on a spare utility belt and snapped it on. Despite all of the Titans being in swimwear, they were still the protectors of this city. Pointing a finger at the Trial who had finally gotten to shore, he shouted, "Titans, Go!"

"Henshin!" the three Advent Knights cried.

"CHANGE SUZAKU!"

"CHANGE SEIRYU!"

"CHANGE GENBU!"

Kyo went to draw his sword but stopped. 'What if I lose control again? I wouldn't be able to stop myself…' The monster saw Kyo's hesitation and struck out with its tentacle. Kyo was hit and shocked with electricity, stunning him. Akira was slashing at the creature, however its armor was so thick that it did little damage. Benitora tried to impale the creature, but had no luck. Bontenmaru slammed his fist into the creature and sent it flying toward the Titans.

The Trial got back to its feet only for starbolts to bombard its body, causing explosions on its hard armor. It did little damage as it lashed out its tentacles at Starfire. She got hit and electrocuted but a birdarang sliced the tentacle before it could do any serious harm. Starfire gave Robin a grateful smile before returning to battle. Robin gripped his staff and charged as well.

Cyborg and Beast Boy (as a rhino) charged at the Trial and they both tackled it but it dug its legs into the sand and began to wrap its tentacles around them. Cyborg's and Beast Boy's eyes widened as electricity coursed through their bodies. Suddenly, a rock rocketed towards the Beast Spirit's head, hard, knocking it back. It still didn't let go but Hikaru fixed that by lunging at the tentacles and slicing them to ribbons, spilling green blood. The Trial didn't seem to care as its tentacles began to regenerate. But then, it noticed a large shadow above it and looked up to see a LARGE boulder hovering over it. Terra was standing on top of it and when she let go of her concentration, the boulder flattened the Trial. Terra grinned proudly.

But, victory was short-lived, however, as a blue fluid seemed to flow out from under the boulder before reforming into the Trial. Shadow's eyes narrowed behind his visor as he witnessed the Trial using another surprising ability.

"Draco," he spoke, catching his fellow Knight's attention. "The Trials we have met thus far have each had their own special abilities, correct?"

"Hai," Draco nodded. "Each one caught us off guard."

"It's freaking annoying is what it is," Mimic growled angrily.

"Agreed," Shadow nodded recalling the last Trial they fought against. "I think this one has the ability to use other Beast Spirit abilities. It already copied abilities from the Jellyfish and Tortoise Beast Spirits. I don't know if it can use more but I am not willing to find out."

"Then we'll take it down before it can use more!" Mimic cried.

The Trial roared angrily before it threw its tentacles at Terra and knocked her off the boulder. It went to attack again but then black energy engulfed its tentacles, forcing them to wrap around itself. It was Raven and then Jinx threw a hex that sent the Trial flying…straight at the three Knights. They drew their cards and activated them.

Seiryu Blade: "KICK! THUNDER! MACH!"

Suzaku Arrow: "FLOAT! DRILL! TORNADO!"

Genbu Staff: "RUSH! BLIZZARD! POISON!"

The images of their cards appeared above them before being absorbed into their bodies.

"LIGHTNING SONIC!"

"SPINNING DANCE!"

"BLIZZARD VENOM!"

Both Draco and Mimic jumped up and executed their attack, slamming into the Trial with their kicks. The Trial was sent flying again by the force straight at Shadow who stabbed it with his staff before spinning around and then throwing it out onto the sandy beach with great force. It was weakened, but still not destroyed.

"That thing is stubborn," Beast Boy commented. "It just won't stay down."

"Beast Spirit DNA," Mimic began. "It's what makes it so tough."

"You'd know that, wouldn't you?" Shadow jeered, earning glare from her. The fact that Kat was part Beast Spirit was still a sore spot for Kat despite her friends and brother accepting her.

The Trial got back to its feet and then saw Kyo. Hissing, the creature lashed out its tentacle to deliver the killing blow to Kyo. However, the tentacle was stopped short. Kyo looked up to see Mahiro in front of him, the tentacle wrapped around her neck. "NO!" exclaimed Kyo. He then let out an animalistic roar that gained everyone's attention. He slashed the creature's tentacle clean off, causing blood to splatter everywhere. Kyo's hair grew long and crimson once again.

"Kuso, Akuma's taking control again!" cursed Mimic as she looked at Kyo.

Something different happened though. A visible blood red aura surrounded Kyo. The aura solidified and revealed Kyo's new form. He wore blood red armor with tattered white trench coat over it. His long crimson hair flowed like blood. His crimson eyes glowed like a demon's. "I'm going to destroy you…" threatened Kyo.

Everyone around them was stunned. Hikaru growled at the threatening aura she was feeling. Raven was sweating and her eyes were wide open with fear. The killing intent was so intense that everyone could feel a good portion of it. People with high sensitivity to such things found that they could barely breathe.

"Is that…Kyo-san?" Draco asked.

Mimic shook her head, "I don't know…it's not Akuma though…"

"But is that a good thing?" Jinx asked.

"The Demon-God…" muttered Suzaku.

"The what?" questioned Mimic.

"It's the true power of the Mibu. Kyo-sama is in complete control, but now he has strength that rivals Akuma's," explained the Mibu warrior.

The Trial roared again and lashed out at Kyo. He easily dodged and grabbed the tentacle. He yanked it and pulled the Trial towards him. He slammed his fist into the Trial's face, sending it flying. Kyo the vanished and appeared behind the creature and deliver a powerful kick to the creature's back, sending it flying into the sky. "Titans! Get ready!" said Kyo as he vanished again. He appeared above the Trial and delivered a powerful drop kick into the Trial, sending it plummeting back to earth.

The Titans then struck hard, attacking the Trial relentlessly. Cyborg and Starfire blasted it with sonic beams and starbolts, respectively, Robin threw explosive discs, Terra threw rocks at it, Raven threw whatever her powers could grab and Jinx blasted it with hexes. The attacks impacted with it, causing it to stagger as green blood began to drip off its body. It was slowly regenerating the wounds, however, and if it were allowed to heal, it would go on a murderous rampage and become unstoppable.

There was only one way to stop it and Draco was holding it in his hand. As the Trial charged at them again, bullets began to rain down on it from above in rapid succession, causing sparks to fly off it and stopping it in its tracks since the shots were distracting it. Everyone looked up to see a gold, white and black figure with peacock tail-like extensions on its back and holding a gun equipped with a blade. On closer inspection, they knew who it was.

"Pluto!" Karmen recognized happily. The Knight of Byakko landed on the sandy beach and turned to regard them all. He looked at both Draco and Mimic.

"Draco, what are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? Finish that thing now!" Pluto said.

Draco nodded, "Hai!" he then activated the card, swiping it through his Advent Absorber.

"EVOLUTION KING!"

His cards flew around him, spinning as they began to glow gold. His armor glowed as well and the cards flew back towards him, slamming onto his body and forming new armor. When the change to King Form was complete, he summoned his sword and gripped it hard in his hands. The Trial saw this and lashed out at him with a tentacle. Draco grabbed it and the Trial sent a surge of electricity through the tentacle in an attempt to electrocute him.

It didn't work. Instead of being electrocuted, Draco was absorbing the electrical energy into himself. Not only that, he was also draining the Trial of its own energy. Draco's red eyes flashed as he tugged at the tentacle, pulling the Trial with it before spinning it over his head. The Trial spun around and around and Beast Boy was watching as it spun, spinning his head around and then he got dizzy. With great strength, Draco then tossed the Trial straight into the air. He then summoned two of his cards; the King of Spades: Evolution Qinglong and the 6 of Spades: Thunder Deer. Mimic, Shadow and Pluto, getting the idea drew out their own Category 6 cards and tossed them to Draco, who caught them in his hand. He then slid the cards into his sword.

"SPADE 6!"

"DIAMOND 6!"

"HEART 6!"

"CLUB 6!"

"SPADE KING!"

The sword absorbed the energy from the cards and finally announced, "FOUR CARD!" The Evolution Qinglong card was projected in front of him with the projections of the other Category 6 cards at the corners. The projections were then absorbed into his body as the elemental energy of the cards surged through the blade, coating it with fire, electricity, ice and wind energy. The Trial came falling down straight at Draco. The projections of all the cards Draco had activated appeared above him, in the same order and in a straight row. He then leaped straight up and through the projections as his body absorbed the elemental energies. When he passed through the final projection, the Trial was already in range so he swung his sword in a wide arc, slicing the Trial at the middle. There was a huge explosion and Draco came falling back down followed by smoke and fire. When he landed, only Draco was left standing and no sign of the Trial was in sight. Draco then looked at Kyo, as if preparing for a fight.

"Do not worry, Leo. I am in control," said Kyo as the aura around his body vanished and he returned to normal.

Draco deactivated his belt buckle. The energy field swept over him and stripped off his armor. Shadow and Pluto did the same. As for Mimic, she simply swiped her card through her belt buckle.

"SPIRIT!"

"What happened to you?" Leo asked Kyo.

"Yeah, what was that?" Kat added.

"According to Mibu legend, the last one who is born of the Mibu Clan gains immense power and if they can control that power, they could save the clan, if not they would destroy it. This actually helped me make sense of what one of the Mibu once called me when I was a kid, 'He who is destined to save or destroy'. I can control the true power of the Mibu Clan, the power of the Demon-God. When I become the Demon-God, I fuse myself with Akuma and the old man. This grants me all their strengths. I don't really use that form to often though. I don't even wanna think about what would happen if I lost control while in that form," explained Kyo.

"Woah, heavy," Cyborg said, amazed.

"No kidding," Beast Boy nodded in agreement.

Robin had his eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Kyo. He had a lot of power, too much for a normal person. It was the same for the Knights. Leo…Draco was able to destroy the Trial in one blow. It wasn't that he didn't trust his new friends…well, he didn't fully trust them…there were still a lot of secrets they hadn't shared, but Robin feared their power could fall into the wrong hands, like Slade…

Raven listened to Kyo's story and in a way it was similar to hers. She had once been destined to destroy the world but like the red-eyes samurai she had fought against it. No…Kyo actually embraced his destiny but not as a destroyer.

Takada looked at Karmen who smiled upon seeing him. She then ran over and hugged him, saying, "I'm glad you're back."

"I am too," Takada nodded. Kat slapped his back.

"Nice to see you," Kat grinned and then she frowned, asking, "Where did you go?"

Takada informed her, "I was out looking for the Baihu Beast Spirit. The King of Diamonds."

"And let me guess," Kat's eyes narrowed, "You couldn't find him so you came back empty handed."

"Actually…I did find him," Takada said. Desmond was paying attention now.

"Souka? Where?" Leo asked.

Takada then said, "Kanenone Gakuen."

A day at the beach ruined. Now, a new arc will begin. Let's see what happens next, shall we? Also, a new combo review:

New Combo:

Four Card (5,600 AP)

Cards Used: Thunder Deer, Firefly, Tornado Hawk, Blizzard Polar and Evolution Qinglong

Description: An Evolution Qinglong projection will appear in front of Draco with the projections of all the Category 6 Cards of the Knights at the corners. The projections are absorbed into his armor and the sword will charge up. Then all the projections will appear in front of Draco in a row. He will then dash through the projections, absorbing the energy of each card when he dashes through each of them. Draco will then reach the target and slashes his way through the target.

Preview of the next chapter: The location of the Baihu Beast Spirit has been discovered and he's in the place where it all began for Leo and Kat. Jinx and Hikaru go along on this dangerous mission as well as Kyo and Mahiro. Even more old wounds are opened as more of their past is revealed and Leo meets a certain special someone again…guess who?

Episode 9: Kanenone