Author's Note: (I don't own the characters. They are from the Light novel/Anime/Manga called "Juuni Taisen" story made by NisioIsin) This story is not original and, it takes place after the Anime where the Winner got his One wish where the other 99 wishes got rejected. An AU Story Start. Let's not forget some War Criminal characters from the "Juuni Taisen vs Juuni Taisen" stories are there. So, I hope you learn them.
[Hey, I know there may be bad grammars, not clear details or something but, my mind is flooded with this! So please don't be harsh on me.. thank you..]
Chapter 8: "The Connected Warriors who favor Normal Choices"
=RAT/NEZUMI POV=
How did I end up like this?
I was planning to do my one job and go home with this little innocent girl that I'm supposed to watch over but now, I'm currently in the private indoor pool, watching those strangers swimming around and having fun. The transfer student, Meland and her uncle are there, staring at me like I'm some sort of outsider while Inoka was having fun with the Little blonde girl.
First of all, how did it happen? I remember this weekend was supposed to be peaceful and quiet. I tried to recall the time before I got here.
2 hours ago before the present,
At home, I remember I used my ability, "Hundredth Paths", and checked whether that strange letter would show up and warn me something inevitable but luckily, they aren't going to happen in all paths. I was hoping to enjoy my time sleeping both day and night again until I recently got a call from the Uncle about a certain request for his family.
The request was to watch that little girl, Inoka and babysit her. Her uncle seems to have a tight schedule and is entrusting me to deal with this work again. For some reason, I was surprised he put a lot of faith in me even though I rarely get to spend time with them ever since that nine month disappearance I made.
Anyways, I couldn't refuse that job because he told me that watching her adopted niece will be rewarded with an expensive Cheese Pizza as a free dinner and a little salary in return. I can see that Uncle knows what I want, so I accept that task and go outside.
On the way out, the Uncle also told me to bring some snacks before visiting his house. He forgot to buy some afternoon snacks for the little girl, so I decided to take another route and head to a nearby store.
Luckily, there was a Burger store nearby and I went there to get some burger snacks for Inoka but then, I looked at the Queue and noticed a big guy on the front, talking to the sales assistant. I can't hear anything but, the moment I went closer to join the line, I accidentally stepped on something on my foot and I didn't notice there was a little girl who glared at me after I accidentally stumbled on her right foot.
"Oops, I didn't notice she's there." I tried to back out but the blonde little girl keeps glaring at me, making me feel like she held a grudge against me.
"Hey, can you watch out next time. I'm on the line, brat." The little girl in a sailor uniform said in a cold tone.
"Sorry kid." I answered politely and took a step back but the girl grabbed my right ankle and stopped me.
"Kid? I'm older than you. Brats like you should respect your elders despite how small I am." She corrected, which made me wonder how old this little girl is. Surely with her height, she's not much younger than me right? She doesn't released me unless she saw I accepted her words. Before I tried to talk things through, someone approached us, who in fact, has the same sailor uniform as that little girl but a bit taller.
"Big Sis, I think their price is a bit-" The blonde man turned his eyes from the little girl to me, then out of a place, he glared me with his resentful eyes. "You! What on earth are you doing here?! Did you hurt my sister?!"
"Calm down sir, I meant no harm. I was on the way to order something" I said, trying to stay compose but those two blonde couldn't stop irritating as they gave me shivers down in my spine. Just as I try to use my Hundred Path ability to prevent this mess, a staff interrupt us.
"Excuse me good sir, are they your acquaintance?" The receptionist asked me as he pointed at the blonde people. He rubbed his head, showing he requires a reliable helping hand. "Young man, they seemed trouble to purchase those foods, maybe you can help them in return?"
"No no.. I don't know them, they just happened to-" Before I tried to cover this misunderstanding relationship, a bell from the entrance door reached out and a certain someone came in to greet me.
"Nezu-nii, you're here! I knew you're coming to this store!" A young girl with a doggy backpack said cheerfully. She hugged me, which the Blonde girl released me in the process.
"Inoka, what are you doing here? Are you here by your own?" I looked around to see if she has a company but to my surprise of her smirk, she admitted with a proud smile and nodded.
"Yup, I couldn't wait much longer so I went to your house, you were not there. So, I heard you were coming and buy snacks for me and here I am." Inoka said, thinking it's a good idea to let her roam off, which I felt glad she wasn't getting danger again. She turned to my side and noticed two people surrounded me. "Who are these guys?"
"They're-"
"Acquaintance of your brother, we seem to have forgotten our pockets and he offered us to pay for a kind helpful companion." The young blonde girl said, making a false information to use me on paying their foods. I was hoping she's smart to fall for this but-
"That's great to hear!" Inoka was proud to hear that. She pat my shoulder and smiled at me, "Nezu-nii, I'll search a table, in the meantime, you pay our foods while I help your friends for you!"
"Hey Wait-" Inoka guide the blonde people for a good place to sit while I'm on the queue, watching how innocently cheerful this little girl has while thinking my wallet's going to suffer again. The staff thanked me for helping them and my mind's on the middle of crisis, wondering why this turned out. If only I use my ability to prevent this but, it's already too late for that.
"Oh brother.."
As we got our fast food order and ate in the corner, the two sailor guys and I were having a discussion while Inoka is enjoying eating her favorite burger. It appears those two are blood related siblings, the little girl being the oldest while the big man is the youngest. I'm not sure about their age but they wanted me to think they're older than me so I respect their choice.
The twins thanked me for paying their food and in the meantime, they explained their reasons for coming here, which made me understand their situation and reminded more. "So let me get this straight, you two were on your way to your friends but you were hungry, so you went to this store without a wallet?"
"We were desperate, we can't help it." The young girl said.
"This is getting out of hand. You also said you don't know the way to your friend's location, right?" I asked, rubbing my head to try and give them suggestions. "Maybe you could ask those people around and they'll help you."
The twins looked at each other, thinking if that's a good idea but then, someone slammed the table and rose their hand with pure determination.
"I'll help you look! I'm good with directions" Inoka volunteers with her energetic tone.
"Inoka, please don't deal with more problems." I tried to stop her but, Inoka clenched her fist and make a reasonable talked out.
"It's not a problem, it's helping people, Nezu-nii. You do know I feel bad for foreigners who don't know their way."
"Thank you for the offer young lady but we can take this on our own." The blonde girl tried to stop Inoka from getting further but, the little girl grabbed her hands, turning their eyes and begged her,
"NO, I INSISTS! Please let us help you!"
With how intense their staring contest are, the blonde girl sighed back and lost, she nods and accepts the little girl's choice, "I understand. Do as you please"
Inoka thanked them as she hugged the blonde girl while her sibling, dropped his sweat, wondering if this is pure friendship achievement for his sister. Seeing her determination makes it impossible to stop her. So, I decided to support her because I was needed to babysit her. No one wonders why I'm doing this. I sighed back and turned to them, offering assistance.
"Fine, I'll use my phone to track their location. So tell us this place."
Back to the Present,
Never would I imagine that I end up meeting their friends in the Private Indoor Pool, swimming together like they have some sort of party going on. The twins thanked us again and offered to swim with us. I rejected since I'm not fond of swimming right now but Inoka accepts it. Together with the blonde girl, they went to the pool and swam together. I never thought to see this little girl actually good at swimming. I bet that former adopted father taught her to swim well in the past.
While Inoka was enjoying her time, I sat on a small bench and watch that girl, hoping she wouldn't drown with her companion. The same time, I can feel those nasty looking eyes watching around me with those vicious aura again. I thought it would be that blonde brother of hers but to think most of his friends had their eyes on me. That transfer student Meland and her uncle also stared at me like I'm some kind of criminal to watch out.
In the meantime, I tried to ignore those staring and focused on the girl's safety but then, someone approached and sat beside me. An old man with a plain clothes greet me politely. Unlike his friends, he gave me those gentle eyes that's telling me to stay calm, which I couldn't because that old man gave me an unpleasant feeling that made me think we met each other in the past.
"I heard you're helping the twins for coming here. I thank you, young man." The Old man said, introducing himself as Sir Cancer. Funny, my mind suddenly recalled I heard that name somewhere before.
"It was nothing. Inoka was actually the one offering their help, I didn't do anything in the end." I answered with an honest way.
"That's not true, your will to help your friend and strangers prove how you're doing something, with little action comes the cost of helping them in the end. It's amazing you've come this far." Sir Cancer chuckled. "I also heard you disappear nine month and reunite with her, is that true?"
"If so, what is it?" I turned my eyes to the old man, waiting for his answer. I could've lied but telling this info brings no harm around me, I guess.
"I wonder if, there's some other way you'll talk about those times. I could repay you in return somehow." Sir Cancer replied, offering a deal to tell more about them.
"I could try that unless-" I pointed at those people behind us and asked his permission, "You tell your friends to stop glaring at me. Seeing them like that makes me feel like I'm the villain around here."
The Old man accepts my condition and we sat there, discussing my personal but minimum topics after my nine month hibernation.
=ARIES/MELAND/FRIENDSHEEP POV=
Of all the places, why is he here?!
After that two yesterday's battle and rejecting the War Veteran's offer, Sir Cancer returned to the hotel and gathered us to discuss our next plan. It seems our leader wanted to transfer us to a new VIP Hotel, which Dandylion can deal with it. The next one is inviting us to go on a private swimming pool during winter.
He wants all of us including himself, to be bathe with chlorine waters and cleanse us from that black ink that covered us. He told us that black liquid was able to track our body, which means the enemy might come after us if we still have those scent. So, Sir Cancer thought up of going on a swimming pool with us, this would explain everything.
Even if the water is cold, swimming in the pool makes me missed the relaxing times. I've always been dealing with wars and stuff but I never expecting hanging out with my team could get a sense of relief in my mind. If only things would stay the way it is.
However, that didn't last long.
When the War Criminal Gemini were the last to come by, we weren't expecting they invited two people. We thought they were strangers that gives us trouble but only one of them did so, it was the Warrior of the Rat, the target enemy we were after.
The War Criminals tried to stay calm, learning we had a rat inside our relaxing vacation day. Not only that but an innocent little girl befriended the old Gemini girl and got invited to swim with them. Now, it's too late to convince them because ruining the little girl's expectations might ruined their wonderful day.
So, they left the Gemini twins and the girl alone, which leaves to the Rat Warrior, Nezumi, sitting on the bench and surrounded by the enemies he doesn't care of. In fact, he doesn't even know the other War Criminals. Maybe he lost his memory or something? Yet, we believe he has some history with us on that island, we wanted to settle things with him but to my surprise, no one questions him.
Somehow, Sir Cancer went to the Rat Warrior, offering discussions in exchange of leaving them alone. We respect his decision and leave them but, most of us were curious as we hid behind and listened to their chat.
"And so I got here. Can't remember anything in the past. Nor anything until I visit them again." Nezumi said, rubbing his head for remembering those days. Sir Cancer nods back as he understands his experience. But what he wants is the truth, which he tried to asks if he has some sort of Amnesia but, Nezumi answers that he only dreams and waking up without a memory.
It sounds suspicious to me. Despite him talking about dreams, it recalls my time on why hearing his voice reminds me that I knew him in the past. But it doesn't matter now that he's on our palm. Maybe if we forced him to talk, we could find enough answers to learn the truth about the whole war, the War Veteran's plans and the reason why he saved us.
Then, Sir Cancer bowed down as he apologized to Nezumi. "Well then, I'm sorry for the troubles you're facing right now, if there's some way we could help you in return, let us know in advance, young man."
Seeing as how our leader was satisfied with their chat, he offered Nezumi a handshake as their peace settlement. The moment Nezumi accepted his offer just by making their hand touch, he suddenly felt goosebumps, backing away and slapping the old man's hand aggressively.
"Stay back!" The silver teen panicked, making everyone surprised at his sudden reaction.
I never imagined a day to see someone brave enough to stand against Sir Cancer. It was quite intense when Sir Cancer glanced at his hand and turned back at Nezumi silently. I was expecting this moment would turn worse until, a little girl stepped in the center of their intense showdown and break the silence.
"Wait wait wait! Nezu-ni, you know slapping this old man would hurt his hand! That's so mean! Why did you do that?!" Before the silver haired boy replied with a shaky voice, the Little girl grabbed his arm and pushed him closer and points at Sir Cancer. "Apologize! Say sorry to this kind gentleman"
"I..." Nezumi looked away at first but, he rubbed his head and sighed, bowing his head in a polite way and said, "I'm so sorry for my actions. I wasn't expecting I trigger my hand when I did something inconvenient."
"It's okay young man, strange things would accidentally happen at a time like this." Sir Cancer replied with a gentle smile. "If you have troubles, let me know and I'll help you fight it."
"I don't need it. I can fight them on my own, Mister." Nezumi made a straightforward answer, which surprised us to reject our leader's offer again.
"Very well then, I respect your decision."
After apologizing, Nezumi asked permission to go home early and Sir Cancer accepted them. Our Leader also offered them a ride back home but the little girl volunteered to walk along with Nezumi, so we allowed them to give them space.
Once they left, everything started to get awkward and no one dared to ask Sir Cancer about Nezumi's deal with him. In fact, I noticed Sir Cancer looked a bit sorrowful and pitiful as if he felt sorry for the silver haired warrior.
Meanwhile, the others paid no heed as they focused more on swimming on the pool and cleansing their bodies from that Mastermind's shadowy scent. Sir Cancer didn't tell us about the Rat Warrior's deal and called out the topic for the better. I still don't understand that. Maybe there's a good reason not to know the truth. I should find a way to get answers on my own instead of relying on them. Things will get busy once we finally understand our goals.
=RAT/NEZUMI POV=
The Next Weekend Day,
Who knew that making promise with that old man could pulled it off and made me relax. Ever since I answered his question, his fellow friends and that transfer student have stopped watching me, leaving me alone for good, which I finally pull enough from getting stalked. Today is weekend that a class would be coming tomorrow, so I have time to buy some groceries before that.
As I went to the grocery store, I happened to find a small bench and a familiar young girl sitting there all by herself. The blonde young girl with a sailor uniform sat alone, being gloomy. I wasn't expecting to find her in a place like this but I do wonder, if she's there, maybe her brother's with her?
I couldn't find her brother and right now, there were suspicious grown ups approaching her. Seeing those guys makes me feel they're up to no good and leaving her is not really a good idea. Besides, she's Inoka's new friend now. I think now it would be the time to repay for being a companion to her.
By the time I reached out to her, those strange guys have suddenly left, their face were covered in fear, making me wonder what the young girl did to make them cry. When she noticed me, she didn't gave me another fright but decides to turn her head away, pretending I wasn't there. This made me curious on why her sad face almost made her cry. Is it about those strangers she faced just now?
Only one way to find out as I went in front and looked at her. The blonde girl rose her head and knew I was going to chat with her, she gave me a seat and I accept her offer. To stop the silence mood, I was the one who made a first talk,
"What happened to you? Isn't your brother with you?"
"We went into a fight." The young girl said with her deep voice. "After we parted ways and went to our job, the target escaped and it was my brother's fault. I tried to scold him but he rebelled against me, blaming that the mission failed because of me."
She continued to explain her reasons to be away from her brother. It seems that her sailor brother seems to be the first to make trouble. There was a time they got ambushed by a stalker and wanted to capture them but the brother didn't listen to her advice as he got careless and got his back hit by the enemy's bat. Becoming angry by that attack, the brother aggressively finished that enemy and sent them away where they couldn't interrogate.
The older sister was mad her instructions were not followed but the younger brother refused to accept his mistake, thinking if somebody messes with him, they will be destroyed in return. Knowing their rebellious nature, the siblings got into a fight and thanks to that, the older sister fled from home and desires to be alone and give space away from her sibling.
"And so here I am, minding my own business" The young girl said, crossing her arms. She still refused to accept her brother rebelling against her. "Why doesn't he respect his big sister? Is it because I'm shorter than him? Does he treat me like someone else?"
Sounds tough for an older sibling. I don't know if there's something to comfort her. As a matter of fact, I can't relate to having those sibling relationship problems since I'm just a single child without problems. But if I leave her now, things will get difficult for her.
I wonder why she wanted me to listen to her frustrations since we barely met and were not even close friends. Heck, If she ever finds Inoka around, I bet she'll share those facts with her despite discussing it with a kid. Now that I mention it, if I really left her in despair, Inoka would definitely worry for her and she would probably be upset at me like last time. I sighed back, knowing there's no other way to avoid this situation.
"But if that's how you thought about him? Do you hate your brother?"
"Of course I hate him. He always messed up everything, even the things I taught him about. Just because he's bigger than me doesn't mean he has to be bossy around! I'm the older sister, I protected him and he rebelled against me. I was supposed to stop him and he demanded apology from me?! Is this the thanks I get?! That good for nothing brother always get what he wants. In fact, I don't need him anymore. I don't want to see him again. I could make the choice that I want and live without him." The blonde girl folded her hands and looked away, which gave me a sigh to see her acting like a brat.
"If you do that, you'll regret it sooner. It's normal for a siblings fight and-"
"What do you know about us?! You think you know better how an older sibling feels when I'm the most responsible for looking at each other's back?! The world is cruel as ever."
"Look, I don't have a sibling and I never will understand you. But even so, if you keep hating him too much, you will eventually lose that person sooner." I gave her an honest reply, which gave her a shock reaction and turned back to me, "Tell me, do you want to leave your brother from your life forever?"
I gave her a serious look and continued, "Listen, I don't understand the siblings' burden but I've seen everything happen. Sometimes, siblings fight themselves and misunderstandings break off. I understand they could resolve them in the end. But, even that sibling you tried to hate is also the one who cares and looks up to you the most."
"My little brother… cares about me?" She looked at her hands, thinking if it was possible. Then, she shook her head, "That's not true. I'm sure you're lying just to scare me."
"Well, what about the time you two got separated way back before you two reunite? You think he gave up and leave you behind?" I can see the young girl getting speechless as her thoughts flashed up the memory bond with her sibling. I sighed back and taught her a lesson. "Its normal to be mad at your sibling but even everyone makes mistakes, and they know that. You know, if you keep like this, you will never get to see your brother again. They have their own purpose to live for in the first place"
It's true. After all, I've seen and met some twin siblings with relationship problems before. I haven't forgotten the day when I used my ability and formed a partnership with those two warriors. Remembering the same previous memories about those Tatsumi brothers. Even if declaring their money was their wish, they still believe they want that just for the fun of themselves or the joy of bonding themselves as siblings.
From the other paths, I remember that I allied the Warrior of the Dragon and he admitted that he missed his younger brother a lot and he has no desire for this world. Even the Warrior of the Snake explains that without him, he'll be alone and that money won't solve everything. Those two knew that killing each other to the death will definitely happen soon but they still want to stick by themselves and fight as warriors till the end. After all, the Tatsumi brothers are twin warriors who wanted to keep each other's company.
However, the path of getting them together did not end well and it was ruined because of the Rabbit Warrior's influence and my ability's existence. Even if I wasn't involved, their promise to fight together ended up fall down alive but not from being a zombie. Despite that, it was thanks to the Warrior of the Ox and Warrior of the Tiger who end them together so they wouldn't separate. Their times of getting separated had affected their chance of living, especially how they missed each other and thought about themselves instead of focusing on winning.
I hate to admit it but seeing those Blonde twins fighting and hoping to separate themselves, has reminded me of the Tatsumi Brothers' relationship that sometimes, they won't admit their feelings of getting separated as siblings. It's frustrating to see another Deja vu happening right now.
"Oh man, I don't want to get involved but, if I don't do something, My mind will be getting more trouble again." I rubbed my head, deciding a terrible decision that will make me feel tired.
"If you're free, maybe you could try to take a deep breathe and go for a walk?" The Sailor girl surprised as she gave me a look of confusion, thinking I'm crazy to hang out with a stranger. I rubbed my head and continued, "You know, if someone could spend their time on exploring this area, maybe they could find some nice things out there. That could change their pace"
"In other words, you'll stick with me until I'm satisfied with your care?" The sailor girl clarified and I raised my brow, seeing her wondrous stares.
"What a direct answer?! I never thought of going with her." My original plan was to give her advice to go for a walk and touch grass. I was expecting she would do it alone but I never expect she thought I'll accompany her. I wanted to deny her point but seeing her curiousity looking eyes doesn't make me want to think of how I'll destroy her expections. I let out a sigh and admit defeated, "Sure, I can show you this place to make you feel better. What do you say, you're in?"
The sailor girl thought up for a second until she started to smile at me and nods back, "I'm in. My name is Doubl.. W2, you can call me, W2 nee-san, I'm older than you."
This was her second time correcting our age but nevertheless, I agreed her terms. "As for me, I'm Tsugiyoshi Sumino, you can call me, Nezumi by the way. Everyone prefers that."
The sailor girl who calls herself M2, agreed as she stood up and followed me. I decided to show her a place that could cheer her up inside the department store. There was a Cat Cafe nearby and I took her there.
M2 sparkles her eyes at seeing how adorable the cats are whereas I, on the other hand, took a step back from the door after the cats suddenly hissed at me. For some reason, all the cats glared at me like someone not worthy to welcome to their place.
Did those ferocious beast think I'm a Rat deep inside? I may be part of the Rat clan but I don't smell like them. This is why I don't understand cats.
One ginger cat growls as they stepped closer and I backed away until, I accidentally stumbled upon someone with a wheelchair and almost fell down. Luckily, no one got hurt and I turned around to check that person, only to witness that one of their wheelchair's holders with decorated goat horns has been broken.
The mysterious girl with braids saw the damage and muttered. "You... you... How dare you do this?! You insolent Rodent!"
"..!" I immediately stepped back when that girl in white clothes rolled her wheelchair and tackled me violently. My back pushed the wall and her wheelchair got my arm and it hurts.
This lady doesn't hesitate to kill me. I took a glance on her and realized she tried to show who's the boss by rolling her wheelchair and went closer to me again. If she does that again, I don't know if I get more bruises again.
The moment the braided haired girl charged me again, W2 went to the front and spread her arms to stop her. "Gotou, it's okay. He's with me."
"Get out of my way Double Mind! This guy destroyed my horns! He'll pay for it." The black haired girl shouted, trying to get her hands on me.
"That was an accident, he didn't do that on purpose." W2 defended me but her friend doesn't accept as she pointed at her with her cold expression.
"False! And Why are you siding with him when you're supposed to be our side?! Are you betraying us?!"
"No, I would never do that. Just calm down, Gotou. We're in public." Gotou wouldn't listen to her as she snaps out and speaks fact.
"I don't care about that. I just want this rodent to have a taste of his own medicine! Have you forgot he's a Warrior who participate in that ferocious War that made us lost?!"
Warrior? A war that made them lost? In the first place, How does she knows I'm a soldier? If what she said about getting lost from that War are true, does that mean that she's one of the relatives to those guys from that Twelve Zodiac War?
Speaking of that, I remember that Warrior of the Dog mentioned about recruiting children and training them before adopting to rich families. If this Wheelchair lady and M2 are those skilled warriors who seek revenge for killing their savior, what would I do now? I've already dealt the adopted young girl and now, I have to solve his pupils who always gave me those bloodlust looking glares at me. What now? Should I use my Hundredth Path ability?
"Listen Nezumi, it may be sudden but, if I can't win this fight, will you do me a favor?" The vivid memory of the previous alliance with the Dog Warrior flashed out right in my mind, trying to remember a promise with him. "I've already told you my work as both teacher and mercenary right?"
I nod back and listened back as the Warrior of the Dog sighed and stared at the night sky with his melancholic expression. "Among those students, there are three who will come to the winner and one of them is a pitiful disabled but strong person. If the Winner saw my disciples in their terrible mental state, can you tell them to show my pupils what a normal person would do? Like what you kids do these days, you know.. you could probably-"
"Excuse me, if I may ask.." The two girls turned their eyes on me as I pointed at the Cinema behind us. "Would you and your friend settle this down after we watch that movie over there?"
"You think you get away this after you broke my handles?!" the girl named Gotou twitched her eyes and muttered, which I shook my head and continued.
"Not apparently, It was a way to repay you back. W2 Nee-san and I were going somewhere else after watching that movie, maybe if you have time, you could come with us and I'll show you around?"
"You serious about this?" W2 said while Gotou turns her eyes to the questioned blonde face until she faced me again and wondered, "You're going to treat me, for free, right?!"
"I'll pay the tickets but, it depends on where we go after that." I answered. For a second, I thought she would charge and attack me again but to my relief, the Wheelchair lady has calmed down and gave me a nod of approval. W2 took a deep breathe to see her getting along with us.
"Lead the way then." Gotou accepted as she follows where I go. "By the way, I'm older than you. So call me, Gotou nee-san, Rat brat."
So she definitely knows me. I wonder if that Dog warrior taught her about War Candidates in the past. Even if she's not the Warrior of the Dog's student, maybe she could be one of that Old Sheep geezer's relatives. I remembered he had few grandchildren who were strong and smart warriors to not ally with strangers.
Anyways, taking those two in a walk at department store was not my expectation but there's no other choice, it would've been one heck of an argument if I leave them like this. There was a Cinema nearby and I'm glad I used this opportunity to avoid those arguments in a time like this.
Speaking of that, getting accompany by those warrior's relatives makes me wonder if it's necessary to get along with them but, I think of this as a friendly way and opportunity to survive from their secret devilish bloodlust. With the Cat cafe out of the way, I invited them to watch that available movie, which happened to be on time. When we arrive, I saw a familiar receptionist in charge of getting tickets in the desk.
"Welcome to the Cinema, how may I get your offer?" The receptionist greet us for his work before he noticed my presence coming here. "Nezumi?"
I widened my eyes when I turned to see a familiar guy who also gave a shocking surprise reaction. I never expected to see him working like this and to think we meet up here is a bit coincidence. Rounder suggests to meet those guys but not like this moment when I'm not alone. The girls wondered our ten second silence before I break it down and greet him politely. "Hello, Gunner nii-san. It's good to see you again. I came here for that movie, so can I have three tickets, please?"
"Sure thing, Nezumi. It's nice to see you come here with-" The man named Gunner agreed and held a card reader but when he spotted two girls, he suddenly reacted differently before turning back to me. "Your friends?"
"They just happened to join me for a special occasion. Nothing special, don't let it bother you." I don't know if I convinced him. Gunner looks unsure if they're really my so-called friends or not. He checked my companions and noticed they have a strict terrifying aura that convinced us we're not really getting along.
I get that he's trying to protect me but if things go down, an argument would waste more time. Just before I reasoned out, Gunner sighed back and replied.
"I understand. I'll accept your decision." He does? That doesn't look like he accept my point but regardless of that, he wanted to respect my choice and proceed with caution as he gave me that sign. Before I paid, he immediately took three tickets and gave it to me. "As a Favorite friend, I'll give you this for a reward. I hope you enjoy watching with them"
"Are you serious? What about your job?" I dropped my sweat, not buying his offer.
"What? You think a friend won't treat you like that? I'll pay for you so don't reject my offer, Nezumi." He crossed his arms, showing who's the right boss.
"No, I insist.. let me pay for this." I tried to do the normal thing but Gunner raised his hand and shook his head.
"No. Take them or I won't let your friends join your friendly parade shenanigans." Gunner said, forcing me to hold those tickets. "Besides, you may not remember anything but, your other Pals and I knew you gave us everything in the past. So it's our turn to thank you. Come on, don't keep them waiting, the show is going to start soon."
What is he talking about? What did I do to turn them and treat me special like they owe me or something? Did something happen nine months ago when I was comatose? I wanted to ask more but, the movie is getting close soon and those girls are getting impatient.
"Fine, I'll take your offer." I lend their tickets and accept them. "Thank you, Gunner nii-san. I owe you."
"No need. I also thank you for coming by, Nezumi." Gunner said, giving a cheerful smile as he led us inside.
Once the girls and I got the movie ticket and their seats, the three of us watch a movie about a soldier surviving against a brutal war that happened long time ago. I don't know if it's a true story but his struggles kinda resemble to how I experienced my fight in the past.
Two hours have passed by and the movie was over. The girls were deeply touched the ending on how the main character soldier managed to survive and honor his remaining friends and gave them gravestones as remembrance to their good deeds. I also find the story interesting because no matter how difficult their choice, they won't regret and face them in the end.
The next stop is the shopping mall, I wonder if they prefer clothes more than toys. This idea was related to Meland's personal interests. I thought girls would love to visit and enjoy getting clothes but to my surprise, W2 and Gotou aren't interested in them. They give me those fishy looking eyes, showing my suggestions were fraud.
I sighed and learned they're not normal girls with no sense of fashion like that transfer student. There was a Karaoke room place where they can use Karaoke machine and sing to make them feel better.
At first, I was hesitant to ask if they could sing but to my surprise, this little girl W2 can actually sing despite listening to new songs on her first try. I sang a bit and got a good score but W2 has a better lead and she almost a full high score. Gotou nee-san, on the other hand, refused to sing because she doesn't want to take it. There's a slightly chance she might be bad at it but I did not force her.
=NO POV=
At The Children's Park
Friendsheep usually handles the grocery for her team and walking around feels good for her but now that they moved to a new hotel, she took a long route, which brings more trouble to her legs.
Before she passed the park, she finds a tall sailor man riding a swing alone. It was M2, the young War Criminal of Gemini. Friendsheep used to find him and his sister together and now, she was starting to wonder why he's alone in the park without his sibling.
"M2, you're alone? Did something happened to your sister?" Upon closer look, Friendsheep noticed some messy black ink in his clothes and his weapon.
"I regret it. I should've apologize to sister before I let out my rage." M2 clenched his fist and looked down. Friendsheep felt worried, wondering if her sister is alright. The air was intense when she thought their battle made them lose.
"Tell me something that we missed" Friendsheep kept her composure, not buying her thoughts and hope his explanation clears up. M2 nods back and accept her request.
"We fought an enemy shadow but they escape because of my recklessness. My sister and I got into a fight and split up." M2 shook his head and continued, "I don't know where she is but it's best to leave her behind."
"In other words, you're running away because you thought you troubled your dear sister." Friendsheep felt unease, wanting to help their fellow companions. "Listen, if I were you, you should try to talk to her. It's not too late for that."
"What do you know? I can tell she hates me when I see her again. I was out of control when that shadow got my sister's hand. Luckily it wasn't serious but, I let out my guard and got them away. It's all my fault." M2 crunched down, feeling anxious that he messed up their sibling bond. "I made her worry too much, I shouldn't be a burden to her. I really want to be a good brother to her, a reliable partner. But now that I said those mean things, I wonder if she'll face me again? I'm kinda scared, Friendsheep."
"Then you should tell her how you feel. You still have a chance . She won't go anywhere." Friendsheep encouraged him but M2 shook his head.
"But-" His voice was shaking, still scared enough to face his own sister.
"You're not alone. W2 could be troubled without her brother right now. I heard she always misses you when you're hanging out with those guys." Friendsheep held his shoulders and gave him a smile to support him. "W2 doesn't like being alone and she probably needs you right now. Maybe you should go to her and apologize. Then, you'll able to work as Double Mind and find that Shadow Warrior again."
"You really think so?" M2 asked and Friendsheep nods back.
"Of course, we're War Criminal companions after all." She offered a hand to the big sailor man, hoping he was convinced, which he lightens up and smiles back.
"Thank you." M2 accepted her hand and stood up. He started to move forward and decided to face his sister and apologize to her. If he can't stay by her side, what kind of brother will he be? They've been facing those obstacles together as brother and sister and no one dares to separate them. If M2 can't be with her, he'll regret losing her. That is his biggest fear than death. There's no way he'll leave his sister behind.
"We'll go and look for big sister. She must be somewhere nearby, I can use my ability to track her down." M2 closed his eyes and walked on the street slowly. Friendsheep liked his motivation as she follows him.
[Double Mind]
M2 used his ability that allows him to read his navigation mind to find his sister. He closed his eyes and focused on finding her presence, trying to visualize where she is. The moment he forced to use his ability, he heard a voice.
"We've been watching movies and clothes, isn't there a good place near the Department store?" His sister's voice called upon his mind. M2 let out a smile as he found a hint where she'd been. Friendsheep noticed his reaction, thinking he hit the jackpot.
"So, did you find W2?"
"I can hear her but..." M2 took his break from using his ability and continued, "She's somewhere near the Department store. There's game music around her. Let's go."
Near the Department Store,
"There she is." The two War Criminals reached the Game Store and find his sibling. But they noticed she was not alone. "Is that-"
"Why is Nezumi with them?" Friendsheep asked, wondering his deal with the older sibling and... Gotou? She was confused on his motives while M2 gripped his weapon and clicked his tongue.
When he found out his sister is inside the Supermarket at the Arcade amusement area, he saw she was accompanied by two companions. Hanging out with Gotou the Capricorn War Criminal is okay but that one teenager, who happens to be their target for their operation is different. Friendsheep was speechless to see him going along with two War Criminals.
"For the last time, don't treat me like a child. This isn't for me, right?" The older sister said in her thoughts, only her brother can hear them quietly. "If you think this is everyone's game, I'll let it slide, Nezumi."
It seems that this silver haired teen and his sister were playing this Dancing Arcade machine. Gotou watched their game while W2 and Nezumi were standing and playing that dancing arcade, stomping their foot in the same arrow timing on the screen.
The moment the arcade game concludes, W2 earned a high score, better than Nezumi. Even she beats those previous high score, which means she's a better dancer than they are. M2 noticed his sister gave her opponent a genuine smile. He can hear her thoughts as he listened carefully.
"Not bad, I didn't expect I could pull this through, it was quite fun. Thank you Nezumi."
"..." M2 hasn't heard praises from his sister before ever since they got stuck in that island and now that he listened to his sister praising a stranger, he started to feel loss of his words. Like an empty shell without a pearl. In fact, he wonders if he's truly the brother she needed to be with.
"Come on W2, we got to follow them. I wonder if Nezumi has sort of plan." Friendsheep gave him sense back as M2 thinks he still have a chance and follows her.
"We'll never know. But if he dares to lay a hand on my sister, I'll kill him!"
=RAT/NEZUMI POV=
Back at the Department Store,
Nothing happened so far, which is good. I'm starting to feel uneasy whenever those two are following me. For some reason, they remind me of that transfer student, Meland, who always follows me after class. It's kind of creepy when I feel those bloodlust surrounding me. I wonder who made a grudge against nobody like me.
Now that the sailor girl and that wheelchair girl are done in this department store, I decided to tour them one last place, which is a green park close by. There was an Ice cream stand and I bought two for them. It's better to give them a treat while walking on the park.
I pushed Gotou's wheelchair and led them to the cliffside, where we could see the high view near the park and the ocean. The wind flowed around and each of us took a nice breath to get a break from that walking.
Oh, this is so relaxing. This feeling of listening in a quiet place in lovely weather is somehow enjoyable. It's like I'm forgetting my worries of those two strangers and I felt like sleeping under my bed again. Moments like this makes me think this place is far more memorable and peaceful than experiencing hardcore wars.
When I looked at those girls, I noticed they have a bittersweet and relaxing type of expression that likely tells that they're at peace deep down inside. I wonder if they're enjoying here.
I'm glad I came here. I really enjoyed this experience. It brings me the fact that this world has some place to keep my mind relaxed from my overthinking effects of my ability. If only this moment would last much longer.
=NO POV=
At the Park,
Friendsheep and M2 managed to find W2 and Gotou and they were still accompanied by the Rat Warrior. Seeing them relaxed on the top makes them bothered. It made them worried if Nezumi's plan was dropping those two off the cliff and killing one of them. But those thoughts were removed when those three walked away to the playground.
Over there, M2 saw his sister holding Nezumi's hand and seeing that sight blows his mind. It's like his heart was shattered when he thought his sister replaced him. Looking at their friendly going along sight made him think W2 wanted a brother who stepped up. He raised his eyebrows, hearing her thoughts about the Rat Warrior.
"Thank you Rat warrior for being a tour guide." M2 clenched his fist, not buying her thoughts. He wanted to leave them and give up but her thoughts won't stop.
"Thank you for helping us relaxed. You clearly helped Gotou to get her well." M2 picked his morning star weapon and took a deep breathe.
"Thank you Nezumi. Without you, I wouldn't be able to experience this relaxing breeze." M2 glared at the Rat warrior with his vicious eyes and gripped his weapon.
"That's it.. I've had enough of this!" M2 shouted as he charged at the Rat Warrior. He picked his morning star weapon, holding it tightly. He approached the Rat Warrior, trying to hit his head with his spiky weapon as a surprise attack.
"What the-" Nezumi noticed him and he immediately turned his head down, avoiding that deadly hit.
Nezumi was shocked to see his brother going to kill him. M2 attempts to hit his shoulder next as he charges back and swings his Morning star. Nezumi evaded those attacks and this time, he remained calm and determined to dodge his attacks.
"Wait M2! What's gotten into you?" W2 was surprised his sudden actions of fighting the Rat Warrior.
"Shut up! Let me kill this brat!" Her brother won't listen as he attacked the silver haired teenager. The Rat Warrior was focused on avoiding his spiky weapon, knowing if he got hit once, it's game over for him.
W2 wanted to stop the commotion and try to approach them but Gotou lent her shoulder and shook her head, "Don't do it. Let them be, it's their fight."
"If this goes on.. " W2 said, worrying about her sibling. She finds that M2 was starting to take it seriously as he rose his morning star.
She shook his body and ran towards her brother to stop the fight until there was a sudden turn of events. The moment an enraged sailor man was going to attack, Nezumi suddenly fell as his body was down and he was unconscious, avoiding the slash in a miracle.
M2 clenched his fist and grabbed the sleepy teen's collar, shaking him to try and wake him up. "Hey! Stop being a coward and fight me! Aren't you a warrior?! Hey!"
W2 and Gotou, who saw the fight, have wondered why Nezumi fell asleep in the middle of the fight. They turned their eyes to their fellow companion, Friendsheep and gave her the look of her "being the culprit".
"It wasn't me! I didn't use my hypnosis, I swear!" Friendsheep said truthfully. As much as she wanted to say, everyone taking blame on her sounds offensive and she knew this is her second time.
Friendsheep guessed the Rat warrior being unconscious is not coincidence. Something inevitable has happened and the next part that she made her intuition, her guess was correct. Gotou noticed a flash bomb was being thrown in their direction and her team immediately avoided them.
Blowing that flash bomb was out of their reach, showing they escaped on time. On the other hand, they saw a shadowy figure approaching them, holding bombs.
"Eleventh warrior of Goat, Kill accordingly, _" The strange shadow man calls themself.
"War Criminal of Gemini, Kill with no choice-" M2 hesitated and glanced at his sister. W2 noticed her brother was sad and she knew it was awkward to give their titles. But then, she noticed the enemy in front is the same shadowy warrior who tried to kill them before. It's like they're getting their payback from that last fight. She took a look back to her brother, who looks sorrowful with her, she recalled something from her mind,
"Even that sibling you tried to hate is also the one who cares and looks up to you the most. If you keep like this, you will never get to see your brother again."
W2 sighed back as she learned that lecture from that Rat Warrior got that point. She held M2's hand, who was stunned at her actions and looked at her in surprised look. She gave him a serious look and nod back, earning a respectful decision to her brother.
"War Criminal of Gemini, Kill with no Other Choice, Double Mind!" M2 and W2 said at the same time.
"War Criminal of Aries, Count and Kill, Friendsheep" The elegant warrior called herself
"War Criminal of Goat, Kill morbidly, Gotou Heaven" The lady in wheelchair said, earning a glare to her opponent.
As they finish their call, the Shadow warrior lights their dynamite and throws it to the War Criminals. M2 grabbed the unconscious Nezumi and jumped out of the field, avoiding the explosions again. The enemy kept throwing more bombs aggressively and the warriors escaped to something secluded where no innocent bystanders would find out.
They managed to reach out of public space and face against one shadowy bomber warrior. W2 tossed Nezumi to Friendsheep and replied, "Guard him, that enemy over there is our prey. This time, he won't get away with this."
Friendsheep respects his word as she lends Nezumi's arm on her shoulders and leads him away from the fight. She wanted to take the other companion as well but Gotou wishes to stay and fight with them, which she accepts her choice. Now that Friendsheep has fled the battle, W2 and M2 begins to fight that shadow warrior with no one interfering.
The Bomber attempted to hide behind those trees and threw more bombs but W2 used her crossbow and shot those bombs, avoiding the attack. M2 grips his Morning Star weapon and charges but the Bomber uses smoke bombs that only triggers two seconds, eventually stepping the twins away. The range was high and the Bomber's movements were unpredictable, not knowing where they would throw their bombs in the next attack.
M2's attack is no use unless he's closer to the enemy. Only W2's sharpshooting skills can provide support but it won't end the fight. Unless, someone lends their shoulder and whispers in their ears.
"I got a plan, follow my signal you two." Gotou said as the twins agreed.
The Shadow bomber looks behind the tree, observing the Criminals and then, seeing they find an opening move to finish them, they charge and throw another bomb. However, they didn't expect the Gemini girl to manage aiming the side and shooting those bombs with her sharpshooting skills, sending them back to the Bomber.
When the Shadow warrior finds their counter attack, they escape from the trees and use their smoke screen while jumping off the side. They think the War Criminals haven't seen them but they weren't aware someone was behind them. The Gemini boy swings his Morning star and hits the Shadow Warrior's back, destroying their weak points.
As the Shadow warrior struggles to stand up, W2 stomps their chest and finishes them with his giant spike weapon. Killing those shadow people doesn't make a sound, only spilling inks and dark bloods right out of their body. It doesn't look gory because they'll disappear like a black smoke blowing by the wind.
"I'm glad you know my calls. As expected, you two make a perfect team." Gotou compliments them, which they flattered of her answers as they rubbed their heads.
"Well, my sister and I have each other's back. After all, we're Double Mind, we're bound to connect as siblings." M2 answered. He knew the plan was to follow Gotou's signal to attack the bomber and using Double Mind's ability to track down his next move. He realized this plan wouldn't have complete unless they work together. Good thing the twins have their mind connection ability to deal with their enemy despite losing their vision. Speaking of that, he was impressed they stlil cooperate in battle even if they went through to their last argument.
As he turns to his sister, he was shocked to say that out loud. He still knows her sister won't forget his rebellious nature back then. So, he clenched his fist and decided to be brave.
"W2 nee-san, I.. I have something to tell you." M2 said as she looked straight with his determined eyes.
"I'm sorry" M2 and W2 suddenly said at the same time, which Gotou surprised.
"What? Why? Wha-" They said at the same time again and they turned away in embarassed. "I should be.. You first... come on.."
*sighs* The twins let out a deep sighed as they couldn't say one at a time. Gotou let out a small chuckle as she watched the twins struggling with their apologies.
"Me first.." W2 acknowledge him with a silent nod as she watched her brother holding his hat and looking down. "W2 nee-san, I'm sorry about that last battle. I shouldn't said those mean things to you. For today's battle, it's my fault this problem happens."
"I'm sorry as well. I shouldn't force you to do this. As an older sister, it's my responsibility to know your feelings more. I should've let you do things you want." M2 replied. She spread her arms, offering a sibling hug and let out a gentle smile. "Will you forgive me?"
"Of course nee-san." M2 accepted her hug.
The moment Friendsheep came by, the twins got reconcile and forgive each other. Seeing their sibling bond made her touched as she doesn't want to interrupt them. Gotou, on the other hand, meets up with Friendsheep and asked her, "By the way, you happen to know where that Rat Warrior is?"
The elegant lady shook her head and made a silent whisper, "Let's not talk about that. What matters is those two getting along."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the park,
The silver haired teen dreamed of a strange yet nostalgic dream that will forget when he woke up. Once he rubbed his eyes and sat up, he noticed he was sleeping on a bench alone.
"Where am I?" Nezumi rubbed his head. He was sure he used to hang out with those two girls from that pool and now, he was left alone.
=NO POV=
The Next Day,
Nezumi and Inoka were heading to the Burger store to get their snacks for the whole day. They were planning to watch a movie in the little girl's home. Luckily, Nezumi has enough money to buy a whole meal.
The moment they went inside, they met the blonde twins who were eating burgers on the table near the window. Inoka, as excited as usual, greets them and the blonde girl waves her back with a smile.
"Little Inoka, it's good to see you again. Come sit with us." W2 said as she pat an empty seat. Inoka obliged as she went beside her. Nezumi sat next to M2, who stares at him silently.
"W2 nee-san, I'm glad you like that burger that I suggest. It's really good, isn't it?" Inoka sparkled her eyes when W2 agreed. The blonde girl was holding the limited burger that Inoka suggest and she wasn't regret eating it. In fact, the twins wanted to order this menu more but they need to conserve their money.
"Now that I think about it, little Inoka, can I have a request?" W2 said as Inoka nods back. "I wonder if you show me where that private pool again, my brother and I wanted to swim there. If you like, you could join us for the fun. What do you say?"
"I'll go! I'll go! It's fun when everyone goes!" Inoka accepted her offer directly, which W2 gave a relief and smiled at her cheerful friend. "I'll take you there for free! Let's go! Right now!"
"After we eat." W2 commented. Inoka agreed as she discussed her plans to spending time with them.
"Give me a break" Nezumi sighed back, defeated that his intuition was right. As much as he's aware of this little girl being naive towards strangers, he can't help but accept her ways to deal with them in a good way.
Nezumi thought he could leave her to them since they look like friends already but the big blonde man suddenly leaned his shoulders and glared at him, "You're coming with us, right? You don't want to let your cute sister wander around without a brother, right? Aren't you supposed to keep her safe? If you don't take care of her, I'll kill you. So make sure to be a good brother and follow her words, you got it?"
His haunting cold words can only reach his ears. As much as he wants to admit that they're not a close blood brother and sister relationship, denying his suggestions could get himself trouble. If he used his hundredth path abilities right now, he could experience both scolding by Inoka and those blondes. He sighed back and defeated once again, deciding the right choice he can't reject
"Alright, I'll go."
=NO POV=
Meanwhile,
Friendsheep was called by Sir Cancer to meet up along with Unsun Sashitari and other warriors. She heard that W2 and M2 went into the private pool with Nezumi and his little friend, which didn't affect their meeting. In fact, it's good that someone's watching that target while they're going for a private event. As soon as she arrived and sat next to Sir Cancer, the War Criminals discussed their progress.
"Baron Sue and I were working on the system and fortunately, we found some good leads to get that 'Mastermind.'" Unsun Sashitari replied. He used a remote and activated a projector screen, which shows a holographic image view of their evidence. "To do that, we need to uncover our past. Do you remember our time on Archipelago Island?"
"That hideous place that trapped us inside a Fake Virtual World for Twelve Months, of course we won't forget that. Why do we need that info?" Doctor Finnish said.
They remember that island was once the organisation's prison where they were held as captive warriors. War Criminals like them were stuck in a fake virtual world where the arena takes place. They knew getting stuck in that island had no escape and there was no getting out of the digital world.
However, they didn't expect a miracle to happen after twelve months. Those thirteen people inside the tubes have suddenly woke up after the system succeeded in completing their quest. They didn't know what happened and how they escaped. Their memories were fabricated but some remain hidden. In fact, they don't want to experience that place again. Everyone assumes that mentioning the Archipelago Island could be related to this discussion.
"In my theory, what if the Mastermind was the one who captured and brought us to that prison? And what if one of the Twelfth Zodiac Warriors were involved with the Mastermind?" Sir Cancer asked.
"What do you mean? We know those guys are strong, but I don't think they're interested in hunting us." Dandylion said.
"And besides, those guys are already dead." Gotou Heaven commented, making the fact real.
"Exactly." Baron Sue agreed but she showed an image of a mysterious temple. "What if I tell you the Champion was working with the Mastermind to gain a wish or a chance to take the Rite of Passage?"
The moment they heard that trial, most warriors were surprised that the Champion might partake and used it on them.
The Rite of Passage
It's a trial for winners of the Zodiac war that must participate in a secret temple. Only the champions are allowed to get inside and follow their traditions. They say when a champion passed their trial, they could grant unlimited and impossible changes that defied the heavens. Even if they're not interested, the other zodiac clans will take their wish.
However, no one succeeded their trials ever since the second zodiac war. Most warriors believe this trial is impossible to complete unless they have a chosen warrior with unique strength and ability powers that can solve them.
The War Criminals know the Rat Warrior champion could never win that trial but maybe, he put up some tricks or something else. Maybe something could've changed their sides and not let the champion partake that challenge.
"No way! He couldn't be! That Brat doesn't even lay a hand on us!" Look May said. She does have a point, everyone agrees that the current champion is not strong enough.
"Taking that Rite of Passage? I'm sure that pipsqueak didn't pass that impossible trial. I don't think he's interested in winning as long as he survives." Dandylion added.
"I see. We've been observing him lately. Do you encounter the times when those Shadow Warriors attack us when you're closer with him?" Friendsheep asked.
"If he was controlling those Shadow Warriors, I don't think that's the case. Last time, some of them went into our base without him." Muppet Bottle corrected.
"Right! I swear the Rat boy was being hunted by them in their house!" Look Me said. She recalled the time she fought against those black assassins inside his house. She firmly believes the twelfth champion has no power to control shadow warriors while she watches them.
"No wait.. I think they're right." Friendsheep objected as she raised her hand. "There's a sign. Whenever a Shadow Warrior appears, he immediately falls unconscious just like that last time when he fought against M2."
Everyone were surprised to hear that. Even Sir Cancer was impressed as he gave a clap and compliment her. "Your observation skills are marvelous as always Friendsheep. I see why you're the perfect candidate to investigate the Twelfth Champion" He turned back to his team and continued. "As for my answer, I half agreed that the Rat warrior was teaming up with the Mastermind. In fact, I found some investigations during the past two weeks."
"Let's hear it then." Doctor Finnish said.
Sir Cancer's investigations explained his theories regarding the Rat warrior's special ability deep down.
The time when he met that Rat warrior at the private pool, Sir Cancer realized the silver haired teen was cautious when he shook his hand. It's not because he's scared of the old man, he's aware of his superhuman strength. Sir Cancer would guess it's his physical appearance but looking at the teen's expressionless reaction, he knew it's not his first time to witness his hidden power.
Since then, Sir Cancer secretly used Friendsheep to watch over the twelfth champion and investigate his normal life. The young warrior, Nezumi was seen as a lazy, sleepyhead student in class with nothing to care for. Even if everyone treated him as a slow student, no one knew he had a couple of bodyguards who were looking after him.
Sir Cancer couldn't believe his discoveries were becoming useful. The War Veterans are on their move. Half of them are on a watch and protecting Nezumi whenever his student life goes outside. He investigates their relationship, hoping to find answers that would lead to the mastermind.
Not only that but apparently, Nezumi can understand the War Criminal's personal traits. Sir Cancer believes he studied their secrets and theories that he might have met them in the past. Sounds unbelievable but Sir Cancer has a few clues to follow that answer.
One of them was the part where Nezumi slaps his hand in their peaceful greeting. Sir Cancer bets that he doesn't want to hurt his hand despite touching him. This can lead to Nezumi knowing his Superhuman strength.
Another one is the Double Twins interactions. W2 informed the leader that talking with Nezumi felt like he knew them like they were acquaintances in the past. They never told him about their usual lines of no choices but, Nezumi knew those lines and use them to get them back together. He also knows Gotou's health has gotten worse and her favourite therapeutic hobby is having a fresh air outside.
Sir Cancer thought his learning about the war Criminals was studied through knowledge but apparently, Nezumi has experience of dodging Double Mind's attacks even their surprise attacks can avoided so easily. Friendsheep attempted to use her Hypnosis ability to make him sleep but Nezumi covered his ears and cancelled her ability.
The leader discussed that the twelfth champion's knowledge could be the reason why they were stuck inside the Archipelago Island. He also believed the young warrior could be involved in immersing their virtual prison world and getting out with them. Something might have happened that brought the champion there but he was not sure if the Mastermind ordered him.
"So the Rat Warrior, Nezumi actually knows our powers but, do you think he's one of the people who made us lose and brought us to that island?" Sir Cancer replied.
"Now that you mention it.. from the very start, that Rat Warrior was just playing us like we're his toys. I knew I had this bad feeling about him." Gotou Heaven clicks her tongue and slammed the table. "We should interrogate him before ending his life."
"Wait a second! Don't jump to conclusions Gotou, have we forgotten our rules? We know he's the key to solve our mess but capturing him would make the Mastermind's plan go on hand. What if the Mastermind wanted to betray the Rat and force us to dirty our hands?" Look Me asked.
"So you're telling me you wanted Nezumi to live? You're getting soft, aren't you Look May?" Friendsheep mocked her.
"That's not what I'm saying, White brat!" Look Me said, clenching her fist. As someone who opposes this idea, she decided to fight Friendsheep in their argument.
"Now now Ladies, let's calm down for a bit." Sir Cancer said in his deep serious tone. He stomped his feet loudly so that everyone stopped and turned their attention to him. Now that they're quiet, Sir Cancer coughed up to clear his throat before he came up an idea. "Everyone, why don't we take a vote. I'm sure no one will mind about that?"
"Pick Yes or No if you Agree to question the Rat Warrior and get them involve" Everyone agreed as they made a lottery box and brought small papers with yes and no vote.
No one said a word on who they chose for as long as they got their honest answer. Once everyone got their papers on the box, Baron Sue took charge of counting the "Yes" and "No" answers. As a judge of their team, it's her job to balance and make a fine result that would end the conflict.
When she finished, everyone checked up and waited for the answer. "The voting is over, I will reveal the answer."
"A tie."
"You're kidding me! Why?!" Dandylion complained. Everyone would've laughed at this but this voting decision was so serious. No one thinks it's a joke and Baron Sue knows the outcome is peculiar as expected.
She believed that the people who agree on the Mastermind's relationship with the Rat Warrior are Friensheep, Gotou Heaven, Muppet Bottle and Doctor Finnish, including herself as well. That leaves those who disagree were Sir Cancer, Dandylion, Skull Pyon, Iron May and Look Me.
In short, the result showed that five people agreed while five people disagreed. What a terrible voting result.
However, the people inside this meeting are eleven in total. With Double Mind out of the count, the voting should have one more answer that could finalise their result. And yet, someone bold enough to not vote with them. Dandylion counted the voting result again. "Wait a second, one.. two.. three.."
"Unsun Sashitari, may we ask why you didn't vote with us?" Sir Cancer looked to the Archer warrior who folded his arms and turned away from them. The Others weren't pleased with his behaviour but Unsun Sashitari sighed back and answered for them.
"Sorry to say that I refused to vote this pointless argument." Unsun Sashitari said. He noticed the team's glares but he didn't mind. He was glad the voting was over as he smirked back in reply. "If you're telling me I have no info, you got it wrong, friend."
"What do you have then?" Friendsheep asked, not amusing his answers.
"Another secret that makes me believe the Rat Warrior is not allied with the Mastermind." Unsun Sashitari declared as he picked a flash drive from his hand and showed it to his team.
*Character Details 8:
Name: W2222 & M2222/Double Mind (M2 -Boy, W2 -Girl)
Occupation: (Still Looking for More Choices)
Title: Former War Criminal of Gemini
Ability: Double Mind (Using the Connected Twin Spirit Responded)
Warrior Quote: "Kills With No Other Choice"
Wishing Quote: I want Choice
(My Creative Non-Cannon) Personality:
The Older Sister(W2) is the most responsible and strategist while the Younger Brother(M2) wants to be reliable and dependent for her. As failed experiment soldiers, they don't really have good social skills, which seems harder to get along with non related siblings. Despite that, they wanted to find their choice to live a normal life like their teammates. As long as they have each other, nobody beats the Double Mind siblings. Among the War Criminals, their team believes those two have the best partnership and teamwork skills of all.