MPK: Guess what guys? The ghost writer is back. For how long? We may never know... :) (EDITED)

"Takashiro Niika-chan!" Niika is called as she approaches the front double doors of Southern Cross High. "Over here girl!"

"Mrs Watanabe..." She doubles back to meet her.

"A certain red-headed male is looking for you this morning!" She shrugs ignoring Kanako and starts to continue on her way. "Wait wait wait! I know you said you don't like him, but I think you should hear him out! Maybe he wants to confess to you!"

Niika tilts her head, "Confess? Confess what? What did he do?"

Kanako flails her hands in front of her, "No not like that! You know, to ask you out! To be your boyfriend!"

"Eh? Boy...friend?" Niika thinks, "...I suppose we weren't friends before."

"Oh don't be like that! Stop being so negative!" Kanako pushes Niika back guiding her around to the side of the school, "Tsunashi Takuto seems to be a really nice guy, if you haven't noticed! And most importantly, HE'S HOT!" She exclaims. The students walking by them inside the school stare as they pass. "Niika-chan I'm telling you, you don't just let guys like this get away from you! You don't see males like this every day! If you're not careful, some random chick might just come out of nowhere and steal his heart away!" Niika listens to Kanako's words with a bored expression. "I promised to find you a boy! But only if you give this guy a chance first!"

"Why do I need to be worried about that? If he gets his heart stolen, isn't that a good thing? At least, that's what I was once told..." Niika says not getting the point. Kanako facepalms, "Besides, why do I need a boyfriend? I have my brother, he's a boy."

"No no no! That's not right at all!" Kanako shakes her head violently. "Your brother is family! You need a boy for romantic purposes! Trust me, you're going to want someone in the future, Niika! But by that time Takuto would be guaranteed to be taken by then! That's why you need to grab him away now while there are still sparks between you two! And right now he clearly has his eye on you!"

"Sparks? Really?"

"Yes yes! It's so obvious!" Kanako holds Niika by the shoulders, "Have some confidence! I'm rooting for you, Niika-chan! You don't understand right now, but you will thank me later! Now go on! He's in that little miniature garden. Class starts soon so don't be late!" Kanako waves prompting her to head off. "But if you end up scoring, be late all you want! In fact, don't even come to class! Make sure you get his azz, Niika-chan!" Niika sweatdrops at the girl's straightforwardness. She sighs and walks toward Takuto's location.

"Midori no me!" Takuto shouts spotting her before she comes over—his left arm swings behind his back.

"What is this about, Tsunashi Takuto?" Niika doesn't even greet him, instantly skeptical. She stands in front of him, "Mrs Watanabe said you wanted to see me. Why?"

"Geez," Takuto says taken aback, "Can't I just want to see you now and then?"

Niika replies as if there wasn't a blush slowly creeping onto her face. "No. Especially not at this moment. C-Class starts in ten minutes."

"Are you mad at me?" Takuto mutters, "I wasn't expecting such a harsh response..."

Niika starts to feel bad. "I'm not mad..." She remembers Kanako's words. 'For the most part, Takuto is pretty nice. And I would like to make a proper friend...' She thinks. "I'm sorry if it felt like I was. Maybe...I can trust you." Niika mutters the last part under her breath. Takuto utters a "What?" not hearing her. "You're one of the ones helping me understand all this Zero Time stuff. I guess I really, owe you a "thank you"...I guess." She fidgets with her fingers.

Takuto is taken aback by Niika's apology. "Aah! You really are cute!" He jokes to lighten the mood. He wanted her to smile in that moment. "Don't worry about it! I'm here for you if you ever need me! For anything!"

"For anything?" Niika questions, "Maybe, like a frien~"

"-This is for you!" Takuto grips the object in his left hand tightly before revealing it to her. Niika looks down at it. There is a bright shine to her emerald eyes.

"It's so pretty! What is it?!"

"Eh?" The redhead is taken aback again by her question. "It's a flower. Ah, they call it a peonie."

"A peonie..." Niika repeats. Takuto places the stem in her hands.

"I've recently been volunteering with the gardening club a bit. When I have free time, I've been helping out with watering the garden. They told me I could keep this one. I really wanted you to have it." Takuto rubs the back of his neck nervously. "It reminded me of you for some reason. I can't explain why I thought that, or why I wanted to show it to you. So please don't ask. I don't know if I have an answer." He scratches his cheek, a light blush appearing. "I understand if you don't want it. It was really just a spur-of-the-moment thing..."

"NO!" Niika shouts quickly, startling him. Her hands stop his hands from grabbing the flower back. "I WANT IT!"

Takuto blushes again, "O-Okay. Y-You can keep it." Niika looks sincerely happy as she holds the peonie to her chest with a blushing smile. Seeing Niika like that, made Takuto smile as well. "Oh uh, and another thing." He starts to say, "Today, is a very important day for me. So, in the spirit of things, I've decided I wanted to clean up some of my affairs..."

"Affairs?" Niika returns her attention back to the redhead, "I knew you were a playboy~Baka!"

"Not affairs like that! I mean like priorities! I've decided to put a few priorities in order. Starting today, I want to start over, like a clean slate you know? Take a few things off my bucket list...Do you remember the bet we made?"

'Bet?' Niika ponders, 'I don't remember a bet. What's he talking about?'

"The one where we compete to see who gets their first kiss first. Remember?" The brunette girl steps back.

"Y-Yes. W-What of it?"

"Have you...Kissed a guy yet? Or he kissed you?"

"What!? NO!" Niika exclaims, "Why would you even~"

"-Good." Without warning, Takuto leans in closing his eyes. Before Niika can react, he places his lips on top of hers, lingering for a few seconds. Finally, he pulls away after what seems like the right time. "N-Now w-we can call it a tie and I can move on with my life! T-Thanks, Midori no me!" Clearly feeling awkward, Takuto scurries away without waiting for Niika's reaction.

Niika stays frozen for several seconds, in awe of what has just occurred. Her brain slowly catches up with her and then there is a click. "...Eh?" When it does hit her, Niika's face turns a red that the makers of Crayola would be proud of. "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!?"

Niika dashes down the sidewalk towards the front of the school where Takuto is headed. She nabs him by the collar and tugs on his tie. "T-Takuto! W-What the h-heck was that!?"

"Nii-ka...c-can't b-breathe~" He chokes out. Niika releases her unintentionally heavy grip. Takuto inhales and exhales, "All I did...w-was get rid of the bet...so I wouldn't have to...worry about you...getting ahead!"

"W-Worry about me getting ahead?! What's that supposed to mean?!" Her cheeks puff up in anger.

Once Takuto gets a hold of himself he answers her in detail, "Since it is my~I mean it's an important day for me, I wanted to clear up something for myself. Since the bet was in the back of my mind kind of bugging me, I wanted to get rid of it once and for all. So I kissed you, with the hope of creating a tie. Don't worry, it was my first kiss too..." The back of his hand brushes against his lips as he hides his blush, embarrassed. "Ah! Now I can move on to dealing with the other of life's obstacles!" He reassures himself. His reasoning makes Niika speechless. Takuto pulls out a gold pocket watch from his pants pocket and checks the time. "Oh, crap! We're going to be late! Meet you in class, Midori no me!"

Niika doesn't stop him this time as Takuto scurries away into the school building. She shouts out in frustration, "HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!?"

"The cat licked its paw, happily." The teacher says, "Can anyone pronounce this sentence? The faster someone answers the question, the faster I'll let the class go to lunch!" She spouts. The rest of the class sighs. The bell had already rung two minutes ago. Just about everyone in the class at that moment is wondering why teachers always do this to students. Keep them after the bell for a few minutes to talk about nothing. It's like they were trying to make them be the last ones in the lunch line.

"The rat clicked his paw, hapuily?" Wako tries to answer but is wrong.

Unlike everyone else, however, Takuto isn't thinking about that. His mind settles on worrying about Niika. She hadn't come to class all morning. He hadn't seen her since their talk. Since he...kissed her...Did she want to avoid him now? Was it something he said?

"Tsunashi-kun?"

But maybe it wasn't his fault. Maybe it wasn't the fact that he kissed her that she didn't attend class. Maybe she had gotten sick on her way to class. Maybe she got stuck somewhere. Kidnapped perhaps? By The Crux?! Oh gosh, could that have really happened?! And he wasn't there for her like he promised that he would be! Then he'd have to leave immediately to save her!

"Tsunashi-kun~" Takuto fidgets in his seat slightly.

No. Niika wasn't in danger, Takuto felt like he would have sensed it. They were connected after all. Exaggeration or not, Takuto had come to believe that. Maybe she just went home. Maybe she was angry at her brother and didn't want to be in the same room as him right now. Oh! Maybe they're fighting!? That could be it! But Arata's stayed poker-faced this whole time...Ugh! Whatever reason Niika's not in class, it's not his fault. Right?

"Of course, it's your fault." Takuto mumbles, "It always is with her...Baka."

"Tsunashi Takuto-kun!" Takuto lifts his head, not immediately pulling away from his thoughts. He pays attention just enough so that he can hear the teacher talking.

"Yeah?" The redhead responds unenthusiastically.

"Can you pronounce the sentence? I've asked 2 people already. If you can't give the correct answer, that tells me the whole class doesn't get it and I'm giving extra homework tonight so you all can work on pronunciation, grammar, and translation..."

"-Typical teacher." Takuto grumbles, "The cat licked its paw, happily."

"Wow...That's correct." The teacher is astonished by his sudden answer. "Alright then, we won't have extra homework. Just a little practice on translation. Tonight's homework is pages 145-147 #10-38. Good day everyone! Study up, there's a test next class!" The whole class groans as they leave the room.

"28 questions? That's not extra?" Kazuma complains to Sugata when he walks over to him.

Sugata feigns a shiver, "Please don't jinx it. She might hear you and add more."

Kazuma sighs, maneuvering in the opposite direction to the bluenette. "You guys go on ahead. I have to grab something from my locker."

After putting back his textbooks, the silver locker door bangs back into place. Kazuma strolls down the hallway, deciding to take the pathway outside toward the cafeteria. He admires the outdoor scenery as he passes by. Then abruptly, he stops.

"What do we have here?" Kazuma wanders off the cobblestone path. He walks towards a tree someone is sitting behind. "I found you!"

"Kazu-kun." Niika notices him, "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Kazuma says, "Have you been here this whole time? I got worried when Arata-kun showed up for class and you didn't." Kazuma sits down next to her. "Did you two have a fight? Because of yesterday?" Niika shakes her head. "Then what's wrong? Most of the class was wondering why you weren't there, even that red-headed idiot..." Niika hugs her knees to her chest. Kazuma narrows his eyes due to her reaction. "So it's that red-headed idiot's fault after all. What did he do now?" Niika is hesitant to tell him.

"Ah...Nothing. Nothing really." Kazuma's face hardens.

"That's not true and you know it." Niika doesn't budge. "Fine. I'll give you some space for now. But after classes are over you have to tell me what's up!" Niika doesn't say anything. Kazuma frowns. He stands up, reaching out a hand towards her. "Come on. At least come to lunch." After a second, she finally accepts his hand and stands.

Meanwhile...

Arata finds himself in the school's club room building. After scanning the area, he stops outside the room used for the drama club. "A 3rd year?" He looks through the glass of the door, "Maybe the one in charge..."

"She's pretty~"

"I know, shut up. I'm not in the mood to deal with you right now." Arata steps inside and approaches the girl, "I hear this is where Niika goes when school's out." He doesn't say hello.

"You're correct about that." Arata eyes her carefully. "We haven't been formally introduced. I'm Endo Sarina, 3rd year and president of the drama club. Nice to meet~"

"Are you a star driver?" Arata gets right to the point. He glares at her and Sarina drops her hand slowly. "No, you don't have a cybody mark. But still, I sense something off about you. You're not normal."

"...Aren't you quite preceptive. And straightforward."

"AH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING ARATA?! YOU CAN'T JUST BE RUDE TO WOMEN!"

Arata clutches the side of his head, 'Anaki! Don't yell at me!'

"THEN START ReSpEcTiNg WaMeN!"

"I am! I am! Just be quiet!" Arata shouts grimacing angrily at Anaki's strong resonating voice in his head. He was still not used to the cybody's volume and had not yet learned how to deliberately tune it out, or at the very least turn it down. Understanding what was going on, Sarina smiles.

"Is your cybody bothering you, Takashiro-kun?" Sarina suddenly asks him. Her eyes hold a mysterious gleam.

"Huh?"

"Is your cybody bothering you?" She repeats already knowing the answer. Sarina's gleam turns into an all-knowing-like look, "I think it's amazing. Being able to communicate with a cybody is a rare thing. It's a power only you would have, Galaxy Lying Eyes."

"How do you~?"

"Or is it Galaxy Lion Eyes?" Sarina asks curiously, "There has always been a history of miscommunication over the years about the correct name. No one has known which name was the right one. Only the star drivers that controlled the cybody know for sure. That includes you, Takashiro-kun." Arata's eyes jitter in confusion and panic. Sarina only sighs and continues, "Anyone who knows about cybodies knows about GLE's legacy, and what your cybody mark looks like." She explains, leaning back against the wall. "It has always been said that your first phase is being able to communicate your cybody. To be able to hear them speak. Their thoughts and opinions are at your access as well. It's truly remarkable."

"Damn. She has us all figured out huh? Hehe! No point in hiding anything from her~"

"I said be quiet Anaki!" Arata shouts, not caring that it would look like he was speaking to no one. Luckily Sarina had understood.

"Anaki. That is its name." Sarina giggles, "It seems like it's awake and very active. Most likely naturally talkative, which is probably a bad thing for you, am I right?" She steps closer to the brunette male. Arata glares down at her as she lowers her voice. "Because of your first phase, I bet you've had your moments growing up. Times when you were talking to someone, and you heard a second voice around, but when you looked around nobody else was there. Or when its voice was so loud that it gave you an annoying headache." Arata sweatdrops at the fact that what she is saying is completely true.

"It still happens. Frequently. What of it?"

"You would learn how to be able to control your special power if you sided with us." Sarina urges, "Join our club, Takashiro-kun."

The girl's mysterious aura bothers him. "All your club members are star drivers, aren't they?"

"No. But they all know about them and acknowledge their existence. We have knowledge that could end up being very useful to you. We can help you, and in exchange, you can help us."

Arata ponders for a moment, "No. I won't do this. I won't let you use me."

"Takashiro-kun, there is a growing war happening on this island. One between The Glittering Crux and the freelance Star Drivers. And like it or not, you happen to be involved in this war. Since you are a freelance star driver, one would automatically assume which side you'd be fighting on. But as of right now, you're neutral, undecided. I can't express enough how beneficial...no, how crucial it is for us to have you on our side. The side of the good guys." She specifies if she hasn't already. Arata seems to momentarily waver. Sarina takes another step closer, "Think about Niika-chan. All you want to do is protect her right? Let us help you. You won't need to protect your sister alone anymore~!"

Arata cut her off, "I've been protecting Niika all my life. Since that day...and you think that if I join you all, things are just going to automatically get easier?" Anaki stays silent, feeling Arata's growing irritation. His blue eyes grew dark, "I've protected Niika against the world for this long. Tell me, what exactly makes any of you more qualified to do any better of a job? What makes you think that the lot of you individuals, suddenly swooping into our lives, would make life better for us, huh?" Arata asks menacingly. Sarina doesn't answer. "That's what I thought. You can't! So stop acting like you guys will do more for her than I! I am all that Niika has in this world, and all she'll ever need! Niika will stay with me because that is how it's always been. GOT IT?" He shouts angrily before exiting the area.

"Ah..." Sarina puts her hands on her hips, "I hit a nerve..." She shrugs, "Oh well."

As the last school bell sounds, most of the students get up to stretch and chat. They all begin to talk among themselves. Kazuma practically bounces over to Niika's desk. "So Niika-chan! Are you feeling any better?!"

Niika's response is blunt and delayed, "...Ah, Kazu-kun. Yes."

"Are you sure?" He watches the girl. She seems to be barely paying attention, her head down staring at her desk, in a daze. "Something's still clearly bothering you. You can tell me. I'm supposed to be your friend remember?" Niika's only response is a light frown.

"Midori no me," Takuto appears next to them, "Are you ignoring me?" He asks worriedly. When she doesn't respond, he waves a hand in front of her face. "Niika?" He frowns at the fact that he had used her actual name and she still hadn't responded. "Niika-chan!"

Niika suddenly jumps, "Ah! Takuto-kun!"

"Are you okay? You weren't in class this morning and..."

"Yes! Why wouldn't I be..." She asks quietly, refusing to look him in the eye. Kazuma raises an eyebrow at the scene.

"Takuto!" Wako calls for him before he can reply. "Come here!" Takuto glances at Niika once more before moving away towards her.

Kazuma stares down at the brunette again, who has purposely averted her eyes from Takuto's pouting gaze. "He looked pretty hurt just now you know. He's clearly worried about you." He pauses, "I remember earlier you hinted that redheaded idiot had caused some friction between you two. Will you tell me what's going on now? Class is over..."

Niika stands up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's nothing really, Kazu-kun." She continues pulling on strands of hair, sighing.

"Ah, Niika-chan! Don't do me like this! I want to help!" Kazuma pouts. He places a hand on his chin in thought. "How can I get you to trust me more?"

"Okay! Takuto-kun! It's a date!" Wako suddenly shouts, getting the attention of the whole room. They start to gossip.

"Wha-a~" Before Takuto can even reply, Wako has already grabbed him by the hand and has led him out of the classroom and down the hallway.

"Those two seem to be off in a hurry..." Kanako mutters while coming over, catching Niika's attention.

"I wonder where they're going..."

"THAT'S IT!"

Niika and Kanako jump in unison, "What is!?"

"I have to do my best so she'll look my way! Ah~Niika-chan is putting the pressure on me. Kyaaa!" The boy squeals with his hands on his blushing cheeks. He was clearly too into his private thoughts, having a doki-doki moment. "I'm getting all fired up!" Kazuma cups a hand around his mouth and then shouts, "Let's go on a date! Niika-chan!" The class freezes again and noisily gossips about them as well.

"Huh? A date? With you two?" Kazuma purposely ignores Kanako.

"What do you mean, Kazu-kun? A date? Like Wako and Takuto?"

"What do ya mean, what do I mean? I mean a date ~let's go out today! Just like they did! That way, I can spend some time with you one-on-one and I can talk with you privately." He refers to Kanako but doesn't make a physical gesture.

Niika hesitates, "O-Okay..."

Kazuma takes her hand, "Nice! Let's go!"

Kanako comprehends the scene, "Well well. Good luck, Niika! And Kazuma! Try not to have too much fun on Niika's replacement date. Remember you're just a fill-in for~"

"Shut up." Kazuma says in a menacing tone before he leaves the classroom with her. Niika only blinks at his sudden change of attitude, not saying a thing.

"Areh? How rude! He's still as mean as ever..." Kanako puts a hand to her heart, "I guess I can't blame him though. You don't normally smile at people you despise. Well, whatever."

"So, Niika-chan! What do you want to do first!?" Kazuma asks, completely excited. Niika has barely exited the bus. She watches as the bus pulls off.

"I-It will come back right?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, of course. But we have a good amount of time before then! So let's do as much as we ca~"

"Why did you drag me out here, Kazu-kun?" Niika asks looking very worried, "What is this place? It seems familiar...but it's so, crowded now."

"What do you mean Niika-chan?" Kazuma thinks, "Oh yeah, we've been here together before when we experienced that cybody's effects that one time. We're just a little ways from the school." Niika still doesn't look at ease. Kazuma sighs, "This is the town of the island, the more urbanized area. Where all the stores and company buildings are really. A lot of people commute here to get like groceries, and do fun things."

"Fun?" Niika shivers when remembering that awkward conversation from before. Kazuma notices the tiny red flag.

"Sure. You know, like going to the movies?" Thinking Niika would understand, Kazuma lays out some examples. Niika stares at him, "Biking? Fishing? Kite flying?" She still only stares, "Spa treatments? Restaurant eating? Getting ice cream?" Niika's mouth stays shut. "Oh come onnnn! You've never had ice cream before!? ARE YOU SERIOUS!?" Before Niika's solemn look can reach him, it is replaced by a look of shock. Someone has bumped into her, and she shrieks when he does so.

"Sorry." The man mutters. "Eh?" Niika doesn't reply to him because she's too busy hugging Kazuma to death, shaking.

Kazuma laughs nervously, blushing. "Don't be! You're making my job easier, hehe...he..." The man's girlfriend, who is clinging to his arm, only raises an eyebrow before urging her lover to keep moving.

"Uh, is she alright?" A nearby street vendor asks Kazuma. Niika quickly twists behind Kazuma, shrieking again. The street vendor minds his own business after that.

"T-There are so many...people!" Niika clutches Kazuma's school jacket tightly. He winces from the minor pain.

"Uh, yeah. That's who most likely would inhabit a town. Niika, you're acting like this is your first time in society. Haha!" The whitenette removes her hands and holds them in his own. When he turns to face her, he finally sees her expression. Kazuma's smile drops, face hardening. "Oh man, are you okay? Damn, you look like you've seen a ghost!"

Niika is almost in tears, "There's so much...g-going on..."

"It's like this at school though. Is it really bothering you that much?" Niika's current state not only confuses Kazuma but seems to break his heart. "Quick, come with me." With a resolve, Kazuma grabs Niika's wrist and tugs on it. "Come on. Hurry!" He escapes with her into a mini alleyway nearby. The small space is much quieter than the center of the town, where they had just been in. However, Niika still can't seem to calm down. "Hey. Breathe! It's calmer over here..." Niika does as told, but still wears a frown. "Niika-chan, look at me." Growing impatient, Kazuma cups Niika's face in his hands. "Look at me." Her emerald eyes finally met his. "Do you remember me? Do you know who I am?"

"Wha...t?"

"Who am I, Niika-chan?"

"K-Kazu-kun..."

"That's right. I'm Kazuma. You met me in our homeroom a few months ago. Then we got to know each other. And I became, your friend. Remember?"

Niika's shaking starts to subside, "My...friend?"

"Yeah. Can you hear me now, Niika-chan?" Kazuma holds the girl by the shoulders. "And as your friend, I'm asking you to trust me right now. You have my word that no one around here is going to hurt you. The majority of people around here are friendly anyway. But if someone even dares to try and harm you, they'd have to go through me! You're safe as long as I'm with you. Okay, Niika-chan?"

"Yeah, Kazu-kun." She wipes her forming tears away, "I'm sorry~"

Kazuma pulls Niika into a hug, "I don't know what the heck triggered you like that but if there's a problem, let me know alright?" She nods, "Good...You ready to continue our adventure then?"

"Adventure?"

"Yup!" Kazuma smiles, "Our adventure in Southern Cross Town Square! Our mission~" Kazuma animates each motion, "Is to find out what makes this place so amazing! If you choose to accept this mission, take my hand!" He holds out his right hand for Niika to hold. Niika hesitates. Kazuma whispers, "Psst! It's okay~"

Niika takes hold of him, "I accept the mission, Kazu-kun!" She exclaims as confidently as she can. Kazuma can't help but blush.

"Well...a-alrighty. Hehe." Kazuma scratches his cheek nervously, "First stop! That ice cream parlor!" He points down the street from the alleyway. He pulls her back out in the open. "You not having ice cream in your life is getting dispelled TODAY!"

A couple hours and three ice cream cones later, Niika only having had one of them, she and Kazuma pass by a bookstore. Kazuma's face lights up. "Ah! It's already out!?"

"Already out?" Niika repeats the male, who's practically banging on the glass display.

"Oh sorry Niika-chan, but do you mind if we go in here for a sec?" Kazuma says, hand already twisting the doorknob.

"Sure." Niika obediently walks him inside the store. Kazuma follows the shelves, trailing along them with a finger. Niika looks up and tries to read the sign above her. "M-an-ga?"

"Yup. Manga." When he stops on the title he was looking for, Kazuma bends down and pulls it out. "Ah ha! Gotcha. See? Look Niika-chan." Niika takes a peek at the inside cover with him. "Rolling with the Titans. Ah! I was waiting for this volume! I heard from a friend that something happened with Erik, so I wanted to get it as soon as possible!" His emerald eyes lit up with delight, "Ah, the Erik Titan cover art looks so cool! I really like this illustrator's art style."

"You're flipping through it backward. Won't you spoil the ending for yourself?"

"Oh that, you read mangas backwards, right to left. See? This is the title page." Kazuma gestures to the book.

"Do you like to read these often?"

"I do. But I don't usually buy them." Kazuma confesses, "I don't have enough money to buy them all the time, but now and then I save up a little to get one. It's nice to support the original creator once in a while I think." He says rummaging in the table of contents. "Everything's online these days...Hey. Want to try reading one?" He gestures to the shelves, "Maybe there's something you might like in here. And I'd always love a new companion to talk about manga with."

"Sure, I don't mind." Niika smiles at the mention of being a companion.

"You've made a mistake Niika-chan."

"...Areh?"

Kazuma sets a hand on her shoulder, "From this day forth, I will slowly drag you down into anime hell." He deadpans in a dramatic tone, "So be prepared!" He then speaks in a lighter tone and with a smile. "So come on. Let's see if we can find one you might be interested in." The two rummage through the section of Japanese manga books. A few minutes later, Niika slides out a book halfway. "Whatcha got there?"

"K-Kyoto G-Ghoul."

"Are you a fan of gore?"

"Gore..." Kazuma gently places a hand on top of Niika's occupied one and slides the book back into its place.

"Not for you."

Niika places a finger on another one. "What about this one?"

"Personally, I'm not a fan of the school life genre." Seeing that she is about to ask why, Kazuma gives her a quick response. "There's not really enough action for me. And most of them end the same way anyhow." Kazuma doesn't elaborate anymore, turning to the bookshelf and scrolling through the books, cutting off the topic. Niika puts the book back and finds a new section.

She slides out a book halfway again, "Boku no P~"

Kazuma slams his hand into her hand, jamming the book back into place. "DEFINITELY NOT FOR YOU. WHY IS THAT EVEN IN HERE?!" He screams, earning a shush from the bookstore owner. Kazuma swings Niika around quickly, "TRY LOOKING OVER THERE INSTEAD."

"W-What about Me...Me-ch-as?"

"Let's stay away from mechas. I'm nOt really a fan of ThOsE, aNd I dOn't ThInK yOu sHoUlD bE either." Niika wants to ask why, but seeing Kazuma's empty expression and hearing his suddenly weird tone of voice startles her. She disregards her concerns, returning to the bookshelf and browsing in a new section.

The brunette tries another book, "Boku no~"

"Hey, I thought I said not to look over here!" When the bookstore owner shushes him again, Kazuma flinches. "Oh wait hold on. Boku no Superhero. Yeah, I think you might like this series." He still puts the book back, but only to pick out the first volume. He takes the two mangas to the cashier and pays for them. "I'm watching that right now actually. The anime version. If you like it let me know, then maybe I can put you on to it afterwards."

"Okay." Kazuma holds the door and they finally exit the shop.

A little later, the two take a walk along the outer edge of the town center, away from the buildings and commercial areas. There is a place Kazuma wants to show Niika. Along the way, they stop upon a field-like area.

"What are those?" Niika points out to Kazuma, "Those stick things out there."

"Oh, those." Kazuma peeps over his shoulder, "Those are the guardians."

"Guardians?"

"That's just what they're called around here. There are vipers that come out. Those scare them off so they don't bite." He says putting his hands in his pockets, "Kinda like us, star drivers guarding the maidens and protecting the island so that The Crux doesn't bite."

"Vipers? What are those?"

"Vipers? You know, the snakes?" Niika grows pale.

"There are snakes out here!?"

"Yup~And the further we walk away from the town, the more abundant they are~Oooooh!" Kazuma teases.

Niika grabs his arm, "I've always heard snakes are dangerous, so that makes me scared of them." She tightens her grip moving behind Kazuma while they walk. "But on the other hand, they sound so cool. And I want to see one."

"Heard? You mean you haven't seen one before? Really?" Kazuma lightly scans the area. "Now I really want to show you one! Imma find one and bring it to you!"

"No don't!" Niika resolves cracks in an instant.

"Haha! I'm joking. Even I'm not crazy enough to do that. But if we do come across one, I'll protect you, Niika-chan!"

"Thank you, Kazu-kun." Kazuma's lingering blush from Niika holding onto him intensifies.

"Of course." Kazuma stops suddenly, "We're here. The place I was trying to show you."

Niika looks around. The two have reached the coast of the island. Miles away from the school, the other side of the island where the ferry didn't operate. The sunset is clearer and closer than before. It reflects along the water, making it look like it stretches forever. Niika's green eyes light up, "Wow! It's so pretty, Kazu-kun!" The brunette runs closer to the tide. She kicks off her shoes and steps in it. Kazuma slides his shoes off and does the same. It is a nice and cool sensation.

After a little while, Kazuma comes to sit down on a nearby rock. The whitenette watches Niika playing in the water, splashing around. "She's like a little kid." He sees the sunset shine down on her as she spins around and around until she gets dizzy. Kazuma can't help but chuckle. Niika then saunters over and sits down beside him, most likely recovering from her dizzy spell. "Had fun? Hehe."

"Tons!" She smiles innocently. A warm smile erupts from Kazuma.

"I'm glad. Seems like you like it here."

"I could stay here forever!" Niika tells him.

"When I come here, I usually do it to ponder about life. The whats, the whys, and the hows." Kazuma admits to her, "Being born on the island, I don't get to see a lot of much elsewhere. I've been to Tokyo on the mainland once, but that's it. I like to think about all the places I could go though, when I'm finally free to explore." Kazuma skips a small rock that is nearby across the water. "I want to go when all this cybody mess is done with...but I know, that'll be a long time wait, maybe never..."

"You can't leave the island if you have a cybody?" Niika asks.

"Huh? Well, it's different for certain holders. Maidens, nope. Once their cybody is activated. They're not allowed to leave. Warrior cybody holders like us? Ah, your answer is yes. I can leave." He stops himself before he goes on a tangent. "But, I won't. Not now. The Crux...they're lurking around too much. They've become much more active than before. If I left now, there's no telling how much trouble they'd bring. Not just to the island, but eventually to the rest of the world." The wind picks up around them, lightly swishing around their hair. "I have to stay. The island needs me. I'm one of their best chances of survival. Also, this is my home after all. There's a sense of duty here too." Kazuma narrows his eyes, "I'm trapped, Niika-chan."

"Duty..." Niika repeats with a heavy heart. Suddenly the wind blows a little hard, swishing their hair more. Kazuma notices and leans back into it.

"Now, I'm not usually one to go outside and enjoy nature. I know that if I had a choice, I'd be in my bed under my covers or in front of my computer." Kazuma admits to her, changing the topic. "But there's something about the feeling of a sea breeze. It's nice."

"It's magical." Niika whispers smiling, "When the air meets the water. They tease each other, dancing on each other's surface. It's the wind you feel, before a season changes. I love it."

"...I wouldn't think to put it like that, but whatever floats your boat, hehe." Kazuma mutters to himself, "At least she seems to be enjoying herself."

When the sun has almost set, the two head back up the road towards the town again. Kazuma hopes they haven't missed the last bus. Niika doesn't mind the walk though, humming along the way. That keeps Kazuma content. Reaching the town sidewalk, Niika sighs.

"I enjoyed today Kazu-kun."

"I'm glad I was able to take your mind off Takuto." Kazuma tells her, "By the way, you never told me what was up with that. What did he do?"

"Oh, that." Niika looks down, "He...This morning he, k-kissed me." Kazuma freezes in his tracks.

"He did what?!"

"I know! It was so sudden! I didn't expect it at all!"

"Why the hell would he suddenly do something like that?!" Kazuma asks visibly irritated.

"H-He said it was to, end a bet we made a while ago. To see who would get their first kiss first. I had forgotten about it. I didn't even know he was being serious! Thinking about it just makes me so~" Steam comes from Niika's ears as she lightly growls. "So...so~!" Niika tries to shake away her growing blush. "Ah! I'm so confused! Why'd he have to do that, Kazu-kun!?" She wails. The gesture is overall adorable.

Kazuma turns away from her, "...Niika. If you don't mind me dropping the chan." He starts, "How do you feel, about Takuto-kun?"

"He's an idiot!" Kazuma chuckles lightly at her quick response.

"Ah ha, aside from that."

"Aside from that?"

"He may be an idiot in your eyes. But so far, you haven't really said, whether you like him or not." Niika wavers, which catches Kazuma's attention. "Do you hate him?" Niika hesitates before shaking her head. "Then, do you like him?"

"I don't know." Kazuma looks up to the sky. The stars have started coming out, and the town is much quieter.

"Maybe you're in the middle. You don't hate him, but you don't like him like that."

"Maybe." Niika thinks, "What about Kazu-kun?"

"What about me?"

"Do you like Takuto-kun?" Kazuma's eyes widen.

"What!? No! No way! NO WAY!" He denies repeatedly, "I don't like guys! I like girls! Honest!"

"That's pretty mean Kazu-kun."

"Huh!?"

"So you like any girl. But you don't like any guys. What about Sugata? And my brother? They're nice people."

"Sugata, a nice person? Maybe. Your brother is a different story." Kazuma mutters to himself before standing in front of Niika. "Wait a minute! Time out. I don't think we're on the same page. I'm talking about a "romantic" type of like. Don't tell me you were thinking I meant like in general!?"

Niika tilts her head, "I'm confused Kazu-kun."

Kazuma slaps his forehead, "Niika. I don't like Takuto in a romantic way. Actually, to be honest, I don't like him in general either. Something about him just doesn't sit right with me. And right now, I can't explain what. But I don't trust him. And frankly, you shouldn't either." Kazuma takes a deep breath to ease his tension. He laughs, "Honestly! You honestly thought I meant to like him romantically, didn't you? Haha!" Niika blushes with embarrassment. "Don't you know there's more than one type of like in this world, Niika-chan? Ah ha! Where have you been all your life?" He wipes his eyes, "Trapped in a box? Haha!" Niika flinches. She doesn't respond to his question. Kazuma suddenly catches on to the situation and immediately drops his smile at her silence. He sees her sudden grave expression. "N-Niika?...Are you seri~"

"Look Kazuma! A puppy!" Niika runs away from him without a moment's notice. She stops in front of a dog a few yards away from where she left him.

Kazuma stands there, not knowing what to be more dumbfounded about. The fact that Niika had left his side so fast just to pet an animal or the fact that she had just silently hinted at being trapped in a box. "T-That can't be literal...can it? It was a joke. I'm overanalyzing this. There's no way." Kazuma only watches from a distance away as the smiling brunette laughs as the small puppy licks her face with delight. He has a hard time believing that someone who could manage a smile that big, could have gone through anything...traumatic. "They say the people that smile the most, have hurt the worse." His eyes narrow, "Just what the heck have you gone through, Niika-chan?"

When the owner finally hauls the puppy away, Niika and Kazuma stand together once more. Niika looks up at the sky, "I miss the sunset. I'd never seen a sunset like that before~"

Kazuma swings the plastic bag of books around, "Now I know you're messing with me. Sunsets like that happen every day, it just depends on where you are looking at them. You need to look up at the sky more often, Niika-chan." He speaks in a quieter tone, still in shock from his earlier thoughts. "It's late. Let's get a bite before you head home."

"A bite?"

"A bite to eat." He explains quickly. "Food. From Cafe Eater, we've been before. See, nothing new." He gently pulls her over, "I know the owner personally. And the food's good, trust." When he opens the door, something bangs into Kazuma's head. "Ah-ahh!" He rips it up off him quickly. "Huh!? Vice Prez!?"

"Vice!" The little white and yellow fox ambushes Niika too, but she is able to catch him in her hands. "Aww!" She pets him lightly. Kazuma is calmed by her smile.

"Kazuma-kun! Long time no see!" Cafe Eater's owner calls out to him. "Late-night snack?"

"Haha very funny." They greet each other with a handshake.

"Good. Ah, remember that last surfboard you sold me? It handled like a beauty." The man tells him. "I plan to do some more business with the store soon."

"I'm sure my father would love to hear that."

"Speaking of beauties, who's this one?"

"This is Takashiro Niika. She's new on the island." Niika bows politely.

"Another offlander? That was fast. I didn't expect to meet another one this late at night." He sounds surprised, "It's nice to meet you though, Niika-chan."

"Another?"

He gestures behind the plant, "The ease dropper there." The person shrieks and ducks.

"T-Takuto?!" The redhead mumbles something and reveals himself.

"N-Niika-chan? Good evening..." Vice Prez moves to Niika's shoulder.

Kazuma scoffs, "How ironic." He notices Wako sitting at a table not too far from them. "I guess we don't need to find a table. You've already reserved a spot." He instinctively grabs Niika's hand. "Hey. We'll have the usual tonight." He tells the owner before brushing past Takuto.

"Sure thing Kazu!" He exits into the back as the four get situated at the table. Niika goes to sit next to Wako, but after seeing a spark travel between Kazuma and Takuto, she makes sure to sit beside Kazuma, to keep the peace. It didn't help though, the two still ended up across from each other. They match each other's glares.

"Uh...What were you guys doing out here this late?" Niika asks Wako. Before Wako can answer, Takuto did.

"We were hungry." He states vaguely.

"We were in town all day, then it got late." Wako tries to clear things up. "You?"

Kazuma responds, glare still pouring into Takuto's. "A date." Takuto seems to waver.

"Kazuma took me out and cheered me up." Niika says, "I had a lot of fun seeing the island!" Takuto sweatdrops and Kazuma smirks triumphantly.

"I'm glad you like it. Our home does have its perks." Wako's light smile fades. "Actually, we weren't just going through town. Takuto was trying to cheer me up too."

"Huh!?" Kazuma turns to Wako and Takuto returns the triumphant smirk.

"Yeah, Kazuma. I wasn't trying to show off for her. What type of gentleman would do that?" There is a sparkle in his teeth.

"You shut up!" Vice snuggles into Niika's shoulder sleepy.

"Today is Sugata's birthday. But Sugata hates his birthday."

"What? Really?" Takuto mutters, "What a coincidence."

"What is?"

"-Nothing." Niika pouts out of frustration.

"Why does he hate his birthday Miss Wako?" Kazuma asks. The food comes out and is set on the table, but all eyes are on Wako.

"The name "Sugata" is given to the people in the Shindo family, who are born with the mark. It's a very special name." Wako explains, "You see, exactly five years ago, Sugata learned about his birth and the secret of the cybodies on his birthday. Ever since then, he's hated his birthday."

Kazuma's eyes narrow, "And?" Takuto steps on his leg. "Hey!"

"Hey yourself. Be respectful." The redhead scolds, "Bringing up the topic of cybodies doesn't give you the right to start getting pissy."

"You..." Kazuma grits his teeth. Upon seeing Niika's worried expression, he backs off.

Wako continues, "Sugata's cybody is... kinda different from the rest. Cybodies like the three of yours, are Warrior Cybodies. The ones like mine, Maiden Cybodies. But the one held by the Shindo family...by Sugata, is the King Cybody. Most likely the strongest on the planet." Wako grips her hands together. "But the Cybody seems to be broken. It won't move these days."

"So he can't pilot it?"

"Even though the cybody won't move, it can still be apprivoised. And the driver that does it gains an incredibly powerful first phase."

"What exactly is a first phase?"

"A cybody power that you can use, once you've apprivoised, even outside of Zero Time. Like you being able to hear the maidens when they need help." Kazuma explains to Niika, "Or like mine that stops time for a little." Niika nodded understanding.

"You can stop time!?" Kazuma arrogantly flips a hand through hair. Takuto groans, "I wonder if I have one..."

"Probably. But you're probably too dumb to even notice it." Kazuma takes a sip of his drink.

"Hey!"

"Unlike us Maidens, Sugata is capable of leaving the island if he wanted. But to prevent that kind of power from being used outside the island, he's prohibited from leaving. So he's trapped on this little deserted island. Like us maidens."

"Him too, huh..." Kazuma saddens.

"You're the ones with cybodies who can't leave." Niika understands due to her and Kazuma's earlier conversation.

"What kind of power does Sugata have?"

"Nothing."

"What?"

"He has a mark, but he's never apprivoised. And he shouldn't." At this, Kazuma closes his eyes and bows his head over silently. Takuto and Niika are the only ones out of the loop. "All the people who have apprivoised with the King cybody...As far as we know, every one of them has unleashed a first phase called the King's Pillar...and then fallen into a deep sleep." Wako looks like she is going to cry, "Not one of them has awakened."

"Wako...Feels for Sugata doesn't she?" Niika whispers. She and Kazuma walk a little ways behind Wako and Takuto. They all decided to walk Wako home first.

"They're betrothed remember? I think it's natural." Kazuma replies, "I don't know what Takuto was thinking, taking Wako on a date. Especially on such an important day for Sugata."

"Takuto too."

"Hmm?"

"-Nothing. Just thinking." Niika watches the two in front of them. "Whatever those two are talking about, it must be serious."

"I bet he's still trying to make a move on her. And he was telling me to be respectful...he's definitely hitting on an engaged woman!" Kazuma whisper-shouts annoyed. "If anything happens between those two, the maiden could lose her power anyway. I'm going to break this up~!" Suddenly Takuto grabs Wako's hand and runs in the opposite direction of everyone's travel. "What the~Takuto!?"

"Come on! If you don't want to slack behind!" Takuto shouts in the distance. Niika follows in the run behind them. Kazuma mutters a curse word before joining her. They all stop a few miles away.

"What was that all about!?" The whitenette exclaims when they all catch their breath. "Why are we at Sugata's?"

"I'd like to know that t-too." Wako says. Everyone looks to Takuto. Takuto knocks on the front door. Jaguar opens it.

"Takuto-san, before you start. My apologies, but the master will not see anyone today." Tiger peeps in the doorway as well. She waves to Kazuma and he sweatdrops when returning the gesture.

"Is he in the house?"

"...He has been alone in the training room."

"Got it. Thanks." Takuto walks away dragging Wako back down the path where they had just come from. The other two still reluctantly follow. "Here's about good."

"Hold on! What are you trying to do?"

"Wako's going to sing."

"Sing?" Kazuma and Niika ask in unison.

"Why?" Wako asks.

"Sugata's in a bad mood today right? You're his betrothed, so if he hears you sing, it'll make him feel better. Then maybe he'll come out and accept the birthday gift you bought him." Takuto explains gesturing to the bag he held, "This is a present from us to Sugata. And to myself too..."

"Yourself?" Kazuma ponders, and then he understands. "Oh. That's what you meant." He whispers to Niika. "Then why didn't he just say something!?"

"Will you sing? Wako-chan?"

"...Yes." Wako finally answers. Takuto sits on a nearby rock. As Wako starts to sing, Takuto closes his eyes. Niika watches him, for some reason feeling depressed. Kazuma can't help but notice.

"Niika, come over here with me. I need to talk to you."

Meanwhile...

"Niika! Niika-chan!" Arata treks up a hill calling out for his sister. "Where the heck could she be? She's never this late coming home."

"Hmmmm, uh oh. What if The Crux took her?"

"Shut UP, Anaki."

"No no! I'm serious!"

"And I don't care!" Arata is irritated enough at the absence of his little sister. He doesn't need his cybody to add more stress to his spiking blood pressure. That's when he hears the singing, "Down below? Is that Wako? And Takuto?"

"Look look! And Niika-chan too! And she seems to be cuddling with Kazuma-kun! Ooooooh! What a turn of events!"

Cuddling is a stretch. Niika is sitting with Kazuma a little ways away from the singing, engaged in conversation. "But why?"

"Maybe they're together now."

"No way." Arata shuts down the theory. "There's more to the story."

"But it would explain why she was out so late~"

Arata scoffs at his sing-song tone. But his cybody had a point. Suddenly he hears footsteps a little ways from him. Arata hides behind a tree. A girl in a scaly costume comes out to peer down below at the teens. She then hides her face with a mask. "Wait a sec, I recognize her...that's Yano Mami. She's in my physics class. What is she wearing though? And why is she here?"

"Uh...Arata..."

"Yo, Yano-chan!" Arata casually greets the girl.

"Arata! What are you doing!?"

He tries his best to ignore Anaki, "What are you doing out here?"

"Ugh! My name is Ondine!"

"Nice try. But I've seen your face already." Arata tells her continuing to approach. The girl pales and steps back. "Isn't it too early for Halloween?"

"Dammit! Get back, Takashiro Arata!" She curses, "Run away! If you stay you'll ruin everything!" She then looks at Arata's chest. "Hold on, you're a cybody user?"

"Arata! Let's get away from here! You only came for Niika right? You shouldn't be talking to this person right now!"

Arata twists his ears in response to the ringing of Anaki's loud voice. "What of it?"

The girl places three fingers near her eye. "Glittering Star!"

Arata tilts his head, "What, was that?" Mami backs up cautiously, "It kind of looks familiar?"

"You didn't respond to the salute. You're not in The Crux! You're one of them!" She got in a fighting position, "Stay back or else!"

"The Crux?"

"ARATA YOU BIG DUMMY! SHE'S A MEMBER OF THE CRUX DAMMIT SO RUN AWAY!"

Arata's eyes narrow. They want to widen, but Anaki's yelling makes them wince together. "Oh."

"Swim, Mermaidoll!" A huge turquoise glow erupts from "Ondine's" chest, a huge glowing version of herself coming out of her body.

"THIS IS WHY I SAID TO RUN!"

"SHUT UP ANA~UGH!" Mermaidoll flies into Arata and sends him back flying down the hill. He hits a tree trunk with a lot of force.

"Did you feel that?" Takuto asks, but no one around him answers. He opens his eyes and looks around. Wako is almost finished with her song, but it seems as if Kazuma and Niika haven't really heard a word. Takuto jumps off the rock and starts to approach the two until he hears Kazuma's next words.

"Because I like you, Niika."

Takuto freezes.

"And I mean it in a romantic way, not in a general sense. There's just something different about you, something positive and special. You're honestly the first girl I've ever genuinely thought about in this way."

Niika freezes too.

"However, you don't see it, but I think...Takuto may like you in that way as well." The world seems to stop for several seconds for everyone.

"Kazu..."

Kazuma grips a fist tightly, "That's why...I~"

"WAKO-SAN! LOOK OUT!" A shout from above catches everyone's attention. They all panic.

"WAKO!"

And so the adventure of life goes on.

MPK: Read & Review!