MPK: This chapter was fun to write. It was interesting feeling out the vibes of the characters.

"Oh, Takuto-kun..."

"Great. Here it comes~" In the middle of english class, the entire room silently groans.

Kanako holds up her wedding ring to the light of the open window. "...Midterms are over and we haven't even celebrated."

"...Celebrate?" Takuto's ruby eyes flick back to the direction of her voice. "What do you mean...by that?"

Instead of a straight answer, Kanako goes on a tangent. "So, last night I finally called my husband. I thought there was a woman with him. I mean, even I can't stand being alone for too long."

"...Mrs Watanabe..."

"Oh, Takuto. Did you know?" The green-haired girl turns to stare at the back of the redhead. "Supposedly, the number one reason for a wife to cheat is revenge for the husband cheating first."

Takuto frowns, reluctantly continuing the conversation. "...I think I can understand that."

"Since I understand it, do you think...I'd be the type to do that too?" Takuto hangs his head down not knowing what to say. Just the muttering of the phrase "Um" could land him in hot water. "How about it, Takuto?"

"I think you can be whatever you want to be, Watanabe-san." Arata responds from the other side of the room. Takuto feels relief when he can physically feel Kanako's eyes off of him.

"Easy answer, Sexy Blue Eyes." She mutters boredly, "How about, if you were in my position, what would you do?"

Arata gathers his sentences before replying, not expecting to be the replacement for the hot seat. "If your marriage is as free as you say it is, I would do what I want. There won't be any consequences then, right?"

"And THAT is why I like you, Takashiro Arata-kun." Arata sweatdrops, "I'm planning to do just that." Kanako stands up from her desk chair, "What I'm saying is, since midterms are over, I'm having a pool party on my yacht for all the first years after class. Everyone come celebrate!" The classroom once filled with groans erupts into cheers. "Yes yes. Even the teachers as well." The English teacher screams in excitement.

Sugata leans over to Arata, "How did you know what to say?"

"Ah, she was going to do something like this anyway, right? I just gave her the permission she was looking for." Arata gives a weak smile.

"You read people rather well."

"Maybe a bit too well..."

"POOL PARTY AT MRS WATANABE'S! BANZAI!"

"You've never been to a pool party before, Niika-chan?"

"No...Is that bad?" Niika asks biting the tip of one of her thumbs.

"It's not uncommon." Ruri defends, "But I guess you haven't experienced living on the island for that long, have you? During the summer, the days get SUPER hot here. You're gonna wanna experience a way to cool off and enjoy yourself at the same time! It's a win-win!"

"Yes, there's always someone having a pool or beach party around this time." Wako informs her, "But this is the first time in a while that someone's holding one on a yacht..."

"All hail Lady Watanabe! I love her rich butt!" Ruri exclaims, "Now I have the excuse to buy a new swimsuit and take gorgeous summer selfies! Score!"

"It shouldn't be hard to find you something, Niika-chan." The blonde insists, "Hey, maybe you could get something from Kazuma's dad's store in town."

"Would they have something like that?"

"Of course. It's a surf shop after all."

"Oh."

"So you three are going after all?" Just then, a muted-blonde girl comes over to the girls' lunch table. "Um. Do you mind if I sit here, today?"

"Oh, Simone-chan. Not at all." Wako gestures for her to sit down. Simone sits next to Niika, while Wako and Ruri converse with them from the other side. "Yes, why not? I think everyone wants a break, just like Mrs Watanabe alluded. And on top of that, Niika will get to have her first island pool party experience."

"Really?" Simone looks to Niika, who looks down in embarrassment. "That makes me jealous. I wish I could go back to such a time of innocence."

Niika reels back, "W-Will it be that bad!?"

"No. It's just since I've become the secretary of the mistress, I've had to regularly attend events such as these." Simone puts her hand on her right cheek, "Just this year, she's become a big player in the global economy. Her talent is not to be taken lightly. Everyone wants to see her...And that's why I hate this woman." She mutters the last part to herself. "What I mean is the nuance of this kind of thing has worn off for me. But maybe you'll have fun, Takashiro Niika."

Niika sweatdrops, "I hope so."

"Oh don't be like that Simone!" Ruri tries to lighten the mood. "You might attend functions like this all the time, but that's only for work, right? This time, you'll be with classmates and friends! And most importantly...Southern Cross High's hot pretty boys!"

"B-Boys?" Simone stutters.

"Once for business, now for pleasure. The wide-open azure sea of hot men is ready to be explored! Open season is upon us!" Ruri's eyebrows wiggle, "Summer is for dates and hookups! Surely you've got your eye on at least one of them. Hmm?"

Simone blushes. The shyer blonde instinctively glances in the direction of a familiar black-haired male student. "Pleasure..."

"Hmm! Takashi huh? Seems fitting to me." Ruri folds her arms in approval.

"You too are always together. Even if it is for Watanabe-san." Wako agrees. "Why not ask him to the party, Simone-chan?"

"A-Ask him out!? Who said that I-!" Flustered, Simone composed herself. "He'll be there anyway. Besides, he shouldn't have to see my face more than he needs to."

Sensing sadness in Simone's words, Niika pats her shoulder. "Still, he may enjoy the personal invite. I-If it's directly from you."

Ruri smacks the table, "Yes! Exactly right Niika! You could potentially bring things to the next level, Simone-chan!"

"Y-You make it sound so easy!" Simone exclaims with a gripped fist on the table. "What if he brushes me off? Or knowing Takashi, he doesn't recognize what I'm trying to do?"

"If he's really your friend, he'll give you a proper reason. And if you're lucky, give you a chance."

"Oh yeah?" Slightly irritated, Simone points at Niika. "Then, why don't you ask Tsunashi Takuto-kun?" The other three girls all choke on their food.

"Heh? T-Takuto?"

"If you ask him to go to the party, I'll consider asking Takashi." Simone bargains with a serious look.

"Hey, not a bad plan." Niika turns back to Ruri. Her hand strokes her chin in thought. "It would be nice for all of us to go with a date. Wako has Sugata, and I could find someone decent I'm sure...With Takashi and Simone, Takuto and Niika seem like the best choice!" Ruri begins to squeal, "Ahh! You guys! We'll be starting the summer with dates! This is gonna be so great!"

"Would you stop getting ahead of yourself?" Wako tugs on Ruri's school button-down sleeve. "No one needs a date, we could all just go and have a good time by ourselves you know?"

"But what's the fun in that!?"

"Ruri!"

"So," Simone eyes Niika at her side, her cloudy light blue eyes holding an unnecessarily intense gaze. "Are you going to ask him?"

"R-Right now?" Simone nods, "I-I...Sure. I'll try." As Wako and Ruri keep arguing amongst themselves, Simone watches Niika as she leaves the lunch table to speak to Takuto. He's at another table a small distance away conversing with Kazuma, Sugata, and a few other first-year boys.

"I'm telling you, I still have faith in the Erik Titan! You just gotta believe, Hiroshi!"

"Dude, you've got to face it. Rolling With The Titans is going downhill."

"What do you mean!?" Niika winces at Kazuma's sudden shout, "It's total peak right now! Are you blind?" The whitenette flips to a page in the manga he's holding and shows Takuto. "Does this not look like peak to you!?"

The redhead sweatdrops, "Tell me why are we listening to your otaku debate again?"

"Oh come on! Does this not look totally sick?! At the very least you've gotta appreciate the new titan form's design!" Takuto shrugs. "Ugh! I wish Arata was here instead of his boxing club meeting. He'd back me up!"

"Actually I think Arata would say something like, "A cool design doesn't mean a practical one." Besides, "peak" can be many things for different people. Just let it be." Sugata says and Kazuma groans, banging his head on the table. "Miss Takashiro. Is there something we can do for you?"

Niika is startled at the mention of her name once the discussion has died down. "S-Sorry Sugata-kun. I couldn't find the chance to cut in..." She grips her fist gathering her confidence. "I need to speak to Takuto-kun."

"Hm? What's up, Midori no me?"

"Tsunashi-kun, why don't you two go to a quieter spot? Out of respect for the young lady." Sugata smiles with a seemingly knowing look. Suspicious, Takuto starts to oblige.

"No no! That's okay! I'll only be a second." With determination, Niika suddenly shouts in the redhead's face. "W-WILL YOU GO TO MRS WATANABE'S PARTY WITH ME?!" She shouts a bit louder than she intended. The whole boys' table is stunned, speechless. The same can be said for the nearest 5 tables, who stop conversing to watch the scene unfolding. She only wanted her words to reach Simone, but instead, it bothered a whole quarter of the cafeteria. "Oh I-I didn't mean to yell I-!"

"-Sure!" Takuto playfully exclaims back with a hand to his mouth. "Let's go together, Niika-chan!" The other tables erupt into gossip. It spreads to other tables rather quickly.

"If only Arata-kun was here. Yare yare." Sugata covers his mouth to hide his smile.

Kazuma gestures in Takuto's direction, "Her brother is going to kill him! Sayonara, you red-headed idiot!"

Patiently, Takuto waits for Niika at their usual spot on the island's beach. The area was a great place to meet, as they've been there many times already. Although appearing calm on the outside, the redhead is as anxious as ever.

'If Arata finds out about this, he'll kill me.' Takuto paces along the sand. 'Does he know yet? Is that why she isn't here yet? But she texted me that she'd be on her way...Maybe she changed her mind? No? Yes? Yes? No?'

"T-Takuto-kun! I'm sorry to keep you waiting!" Takuto feels relief as his anxious thoughts are dispelled. Just as quickly, a wave of anxiety rushes him.

"M-M-M! Midori no me!" Niika stops running once she reaches the boy. She holds a hand on her chest to steady her breathing. "W-What are you wearing!?"

Niika shrinks back worriedly, "D-Does it look bad?" Takuto blinks and takes another good look at the girl. Niika is wearing a lavender tankini, with a two-layer ruffle top and high-waisted floral bottoms. She had pinned bits of her long brown hair in space buns to make it more manageable.

"No way! It's far from weird! It's cute! Super cute!" Takuto blushes. Niika sighs in relief. "It's just...does Arata know you are wearing that?"

"Huh? I told him I'd look for a swimsuit with the girls." Niika fiddles with the ruffles, "It should be okay, right? As long as I don't look weird compared to everyone else..."

"No no! You look great!" Niika smiles sheepishly. "I think you'll have the opposite effect though..."

The brunette purses her lips, "The opposite effect?"

"Your swimsuit suits you so well, that it'll make you stand out. Everyone might stare you down."

"Huh?!"

"Don't worry about it!" Takuto starts pushing the girl across the sand, his mouth moving a mile a minute. "As long as you're having fun! Hopefully, too many people won't bother you! If they do, you'll have me to shoo them away!"

"Heh!? It'll be that bad!?"

Takuto panics, "L-Let's just get going!"

Docked at one of the island's ports is Watanabe Kanako's yacht. The dock itself is quite empty, but only because most guests have already stepped aboard the ship. The real hotspot is the boat's front deck. There are fancy hors-d'oeuvres plated on each stand-alone table and a full bar layered with fancy drinks. Takuto recognizes the pool that he and the gang had come over to clean just weeks before filled to the brim with fresh pool water. "Hey, you don't think the alligator is still here, do you?" Takuto worriedly peers left and right as the two finally move forward away from the edge and into the crowd.

The deck is actively packed with people.

"This is exciting." Takuto attempts to start a conversation, "Everyone from both first-year classes is here."

"T-They are...aren't they?"

"Look's like the Yo Twins got here safely. Kind of weird seeing Kazuma acting like a gentleman. Ugh." The redhead feigns a shiver, "I see that Wako and Ruri made it. Not sure about Sugata. No Arata yet either, thank god." He mutters mostly to himself. "We should try our best to mingle around. Maybe we could make some new...friends." Takuto notices the dark look on Niika's face. "Whoa, you're really pale!" Her breathing gets heavier. He turns his attention completely to her with a serious look. "Midori no me. What's wrong?"

"There's...people...everywhere." Niika shutters at the realization. Concerned, Takuto stands closer to her. He tries his best to shield her view of the crowd.

"Is...that a bad thing?" The girl has a hard time swallowing the gulp caught in her throat. Her eyes only squeeze shut in utter distress.

It is then that the green-haired host spots the two among the attendees. "Move!" In a bold purple accented white party dress, Kanako pushes the guests she is once politely greeting out of her way. She saunters over to Takuto and Niika, her white heels clacking across the deck. "Niika you made it! Welcome to my party! How does it feel? Being able to relax on-" Kanako cuts herself off after observing Niika's current demeanor. "You don't look so well. Is she okay?"

"Ah, Watanabe-san! Is there a place Niika...can sit quietly for a little while?" Takuto begs placing a comforting hand on Niika's back.

"Normally guests aren't allowed inside...but she'll be fine." Kanako gestures behind her, "Take the door on the right. But don't get any ideas, and stay where I can see you." She mutters in a voice more stern than usual.

"Something tells me you'd be able to see us even if we don't." The redhead sweatdrops. Taking her hand, he hurries to guide Niika inside before anyone else can bombard them like Kanako had.

Inside the first-floor door of Kanako's yacht, is a kitchenette area that overlooks the sea at one end, and the deck at the other. Takuto makes sure to face Niika in the former direction. The room is much quieter than the space they came from, with the exception of the occasional wait staff tip-toeing in to grab necessary items. For several minutes, Takuto sits next to Niika without saying a word. He doesn't dare to watch Niika as she calms herself down. The redhead only watches the waves crashing against the dock while holding her hand. The brunette's breathing gradually softens back to normal. When she feels comfortable enough, she wearily reopens her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize."

"I do." Tears sting at Niika's eyelids, "I-It's embarrassing." She covers her mouth before she can let out a sob.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Even if you say that!" Niika exclaims balling her free hand in a fist. "T-This keeps happening. I don't get it...I thought I could handle it."

"...Could it be, that you...aren't good with crowds?" Niika hangs her head low with a frown. "Ah. Lots of people can be intimidating. I'm sure they just overloaded your senses. That's a normal thing to be afraid of."

"I-Is it?"

Takuto swings his head back to look at the ceiling. "Yup."

"But you're not afraid. My brother isn't afraid. All of them out there aren't-!"

"Though you might feel that way, everyone out there is afraid. Even if they don't react the same way you do." Takuto looks to the other view of the yacht's deck. "Look over there." Niika hesitates before turning in that direction with one eye closed. "Do you see Wako? She's worried that Sugata won't show up. And there, Kazuma is clearly too nervous to be near Mizuno while Marino is watching them. There's Marino, who can't find the right timing to introduce herself to new people. Then there's me. I can't get over the thought of you regretting asking me to go to Watanabe-san's party with you." The boy smiles sadly to himself. "Although all fears aren't the same, we all have our own, and show it in our own ways." Takuto squeezes Niika's hand. "It's normal to fear, Midori no me." Finally, the redhead tilts his head her way. "If it ever gets to be too much, I don't mind if you lean on me. Okay?" There's a slam in the doorway suddenly, making Takuto's head shoot up. He scans the door, but there's no one in sight.

"...You really are strong." His head whips back to Niika. "I don't know how you do it." She mutters in a quiet voice. "Takuto?"

The boy blushes hearing his name without the honorifics. "Yes?"

"I don't regret coming with you today. Honest." Niika wipes her tears and gives him a small smile.

His ruby eyes soften, "I believe you."

The two exit the kitchenette area only when Niika is ready. Takuto makes sure to hold his arm out gently so that the girl can hold onto him for as long as she needs. She takes a deep breath and clutches Takuto's arm when he leads her back to the main area.

After listening to a few whispers from Simone, Kanako sighs. "So that's what it is. If it's too loud, we'll just quiet the place down. Takashi!" Kanako waves the boy off and he seems to understand. She snaps her fingers, "Miss Agemaki, do you mind?" From her left, Wako nods. Takashi walks Wako over to a piano conveniently placed in the open space above the middle of the pool. He sits down and with a signal, is instructed to play. Wako softly clears her voice and begins to sing. Niika's ears perk up. The loud voices of the guests start to be drowned out by Wako's voice. For a second, Niika panics, but when she realizes the sound isn't only in her head this time, the rest of her anxiety is relieved.

yawaraka na hi ni koboredasu tsubomi

madoromi no naka yorokobi wo ukete

mezametate no yuuki ni fureta

hajimari no asa ni niteru kara

By now, the entire deck is quiet, respectfully listening to Wako's song.

ichimen someru hana wa

sora e to noboru hikari

ikuoku no ibukitachi

ima, sekai ga umare kawaru

"Her singing...it's good."

"Matches the vibes of this island, I would say." Takuto smiles in Wako's direction. "It's turning out to be a great place." Niika somberly looks down at her toes. The fresh summer breeze blows through her hair, but instead of bringing her joy, she feels melancholy for various reasons. "What a beautiful song."

"Uh oh. You didn't fall for Wako again, did you? Not with this one standing next to you!" Ruri approaches, grabbing Niika's arms suddenly. The long-haired brunette shakes her head in Takuto's direction, letting him know that she could handle Ruri's antics. "Niika! Your swimsuit is so cute! Wako and Mizuno did a good job finding this gem for you!"

"T-Thank you." She mutters shyly. Ruri giggles.

"You're stunning. Very demure."

"The one you're wearing is quite the size, Ruri." Takuto points out with his arms folded.

"This is nothing. You should see Miss Ishino's." She gestures to the adult teacher sitting at the bar, seemingly under the influence. In a drunken state, the woman mutters something about the party being a house call, so that she had to attend. Her purple monokini snatches her body as much as physically possible. "Truly bold. So how are you guys enjoying the party?"

"That's just what we were going to ask."

"Simone-chan. Takashi-kun." Niika smiles at them, "You two were able to take a break I hope?"

"The mistress has been unexpectedly lenient this evening. Even my piano playing was optional for this event. But I don't mind entertaining the guests."

"You sounded really good though." Ruri admires.

"I agree. Your practice has paid off." Simone says from beside Takashi blushing.

"Well, it's kind of refreshing having something else to do aside from swinging a sword in my off time. I'm glad you're enjoying it." Takashi's eyes lower in a seductive glance as he stares back at Simone.

"Ugh...All this "couple energy" is starting to affect me today." Ruri mumbles and excuses herself. "I think I'll go for a drink." She slips away leaving the four to face each other.

Feeling a little uncomfortable himself, Takuto gulps. "You two look cozy."

"So do you two." Niika and Takuto realize they're still arm and arm, and release each other in a panic. "Oh don't be embarrassed. As the mistress would say, young love should be embraced."

"I think you have the wrong idea." Takuto sweatdrops. Although her heart seems to sink, Niika nods in agreement. Takashi and Simone look at one another confused, before letting it go.

"Takuto-kun. Do you remember the last time we were here?" Takashi asks. Takuto tilts his head, not understanding what he is trying to imply. "You're still a dual-wielder, right?" The redhead's expression stiffens. Takashi glares in the brunette's direction. "Last time, you and Kazuma bested me."

Takuto defensively blocks Niika from the black-haired boy's view. "All we wanted was to protect Niika." Niika looks between them, noticing the shift in the air.

"Well, I had by rematch with Kazuma already. In Zero Time." There's a sinister glint in the common boy's black eyes. "But what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Wanna go again?"

"Wasn't your cybody destroyed?"

With a smirk, Takashi shares a mischievous gaze with Simone before she puts her arms around his neck. She pulls him in close. "You let us worry about that."

"Is that how it is?" Takuto frowns. Feeling tugging on his wrist, he glances down at Niika. Her worried face makes him grasp her hand in reassurance. "I think playing the piano suits you better than carrying a kendo stick. But I accept."

At the same time...

"Seriously, Sugata-kun? When you said you wanted to take a walk before the party, I figured it only be for a few minutes." Arata looks down at his watch. "We're still far from the dock and it's probably started by now."

"But you promised to humor me. You said you'd be my escort so that my maids wouldn't have to chaperone me." The bluenette smirks with his eyes closed. "Can't you see I have a lot on my mind?"

"But you haven't said anything this entire time."

"I'm forming my words."

"Could I trouble you to hurry it up a little?" Arata sighs, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're trying to distract me." Sugata looks to the side. Before Arata can suspect him, he lets out a light chuckle.

"I can be quite the distraction. I'm sorry." He apologizes.

"Now you're just deflecting." Arata stops in his tracks but Sugata keeps walking. "Would you stop beating around the bush? I hate it when people do that. Plus it's not your style at all."

"I suppose you've known me for some time to be able to suggest that about me, huh?" Seeing the bluenette not hesitate to stop, Arata walks forward to catch up before he loses sight of his friend. "...I...was just wondering if I came to the right person to talk to about this."

"Well, there's only one way to find out. What's going on, Sugata-kun?"

"...Arata-kun. How much do you know about the Central Maiden?" Sugata pauses his movement when Arata does. The bluenette carefully analyzes the brunette's reaction.

"A-A little. Thanks to Kazuma." He admits, "What about it?"

"I'm sure he told you, that she's another myth on the island. Such a myth, that no one's brought up the story in decades. There hasn't been any evidence left of her for years."

"...But if you're bringing this up, I assume you think she's real?" Arata sweatdrops nervously.

"I do. I am a believer." Sugata's amber eyes pierce Arata's blue ones. "In fact, I dare say I think I witnessed her power with my own two eyes."

"...Y-You...h-have?" Arata swallows silently.

After a second of silence between them, Sugata releases Arata from his intense gaze. "Witnessed might be a stretch. But I've definitely sensed it." He puts a hand to his chest, "You know how I hold a King cybody? Lately, I have been sensing a presence, similar to its own. I have reason to believe it's the Queen cybody."

"That's it?" Arata exhales the breath he hasn't realized he's been holding. "You think that myth is real just because your aura compass has been tingling?"

"Instead of aura, it's more accurate to use the word "libido"." Sugata explains as the two start walking again, "As a star driver, we can sense the presence of other driver's cybodies. It's been years since I sensed a cybody I haven't recognized."

"But you met Takuto's though. And Niika's, and mine's~"

"-Exactly." Arata frowns in confusion. "All once myths. But the Queen cybody, for lack of better words, "feels different". Warrior cybodies like them feel one way, and King cybodies another. But this "other feeling", is new." Sugata's eyes narrow. "And it's close."

Arata's eyebrows furrow, "Well, whoever holds the Queen cybody, makes them the Central Maiden, right? Kazuma told me that if The Crux got their hands on them, this "Zero Time war" might as well be lost. Do you have any idea who might be the driver then?"

"...I have a hunch." An evil smirk overtakes Sugata's lips, "But it doesn't matter. If the Queen cybody does exist, the Central Maiden won't be helped but be drawn to me. Whoever it is will reveal themselves to me soon enough." The brunette frowns.

Reaching a set of cobblestone stairs, Sugata and Arata travel up to a lookout point near the island's lighthouse. "All this walking and talking has kind of bummed me out. I don't think I want to go to the party anymore."

Sugata drops his ominous demeanor for his usual straightforward one. "Does this mean my plan worked?"

"If you didn't want to go, you should have just said so."

"But I couldn't be the only one not attending. I needed someone to stay with me as an excuse."

"You mean a scapegoat."

"Same thing." At the top of the lookout, Sugata notices the sunset over the water near the lighthouse. "Besides, this is a view money can't buy. A much better view than from the yacht's perspective, I'm positive."

"...You might be right about that." Sugata watches Arata as his blue eyes sparkle at the sight. "I'm still not used to sights like this."

"Well, they're there. You should try looking out for them more often." The boys turn around from the lookout's railing.

"I'm sorry. Do we know you?"

"Maybe. Maybe not." The male sits on top of the nearby bench with his legs crossed. He doesn't look at them, instead watching the scenery.

"Do you know this guy, Sugata?" Arata whispers to the bluenette, "He's got the school uniform, does he go to our school?"

Instead of answering Arata, Sugata addresses the male. "I've never seen anyone else in this part of the park before."

Ignoring him just the same, the suspicious guy sighs, framing the view in front of him with his fingers. "Did you know? This spot is the best place on the island to watch the sunset. I like to capture beauties just like this."

"Are you a painter?" Arata asks, gaining a look from Sugata. Since he wasn't getting answers, he attempted to get his own right from the source.

"Yeah. I've done quite a few. You might see them here and there." He stretches in a lackadaisical way, "But there's nothing I want to paint anymore, and I haven't had a brush for a while. So it's been rough."

"Rough? How so?"

"It's just so...annoying." He makes a gripped fist, "I'm trying to convince myself to give up, but I haven't painted it yet."

Arata's eyebrows furrow, "It?"

"The one painting I need to paint," The male swings his head back as he looks up toward the sky. "~is crying to be set free into the world."

"Then just do it." Sugata states boredly before Arata can respond.

"You're right." The male finally turns his head in their direction. However, the glare of the sun makes it hard for Arata to make it out from their distance. "Talent is granted by God. It might be a sin not to use it." Sugata's shoulders flinch.

As Arata squints trying to see past the sun's rays, Sugata pulls him further away. "Let's go, Takashiro-kun." Bewildered, Arata can't help but instinctively look back at the unknown male before leaving with the bluenette. He figures that if Sugata had nothing to say to him, that the guy is clearly bad news.

"If you're not tourists you might see me here again. If you stop by sometime, don't hesitate to say hi!" The male yells after the two. He smirks, boxing them in with his fingers as they leave down the opposite staircase. "...What beautiful boys. I'm happy people as beautiful as you, still exist out there."

Two days later...

"A wheel! A GIANT wheel! I-If I let the wheel roll...it'll crush me underneath it like a pancake!"

Sarina frowns mumbling to herself, "Those aren't the words at all."

Wako sweatdrops, "She's trying her best, Senpai."

"Mizuno's determined to get a role in this play." Tiger explains from beside her, "Give her a proper chance."

"Kind of hard to do if she keeps going off-script."

"She's including improv way too much!" Jaguar exclaims, but the girls quiet her down.

"Kazuma, look at me! I'm a pancake!" Mizuno shouts proudly from on stage.

"You're doing great, Honey!" Kazuma shouts from his place in the Drama club room. He turns his attention back to his gossip buddy for the evening, Takuto. "I knew something was up the other day. Like a lot of the others, Takashi likes to hold a grudge. I should've barged in between you and threatened him. He would have lost his resolve real quick."

"I'm sure he would've. You have a habit of being scary to others." Takuto folds his arms, "You were too busy spending quality time with your girlfriend and her sister to be of any use. Nice job by the way. I didn't see one drink get spilled on you all evening." The whitenette gnashes his teeth. "Besides, it wasn't necessary. I want to take him on."

Kazuma rolls his green eyes, "And there goes the hero complex."

"It's not a hero complex!" Takuto quiets his voice and the two slide further into the back of the room. "It's not about that I swear." His ruby eyes quietly shift over to one of the room's windows. Engaged in a separate conversation are Sugata and Niika. "He practically blamed Niika for being in the way. I had to defend her." The light of the evening sun peaks through the glass shining down on her hair. When she lets out a small laugh, Takuto smiles. "She's worth it."

FAR AWAY...

"Open the cybercasket! APPRIVOISE!"

"Just relax, and leave the rest to me. Secretary!"

"Sugata-kun, is it true that you were in a one-man play?"

"That's right. But how did you know?" The bluenette sighs, "Ah. My fiance is quite the chatterbox when it comes to me it seems. She always seems to spill the beans."

"I also asked about it. I'm sorry." Niika hangs her head low, "I've never acted in a play before...I wanted to know what it was like."

Sugata quietly studies the girl with his eyes before speaking again. "It was in middle school, actually." Niika looks back up. Sugata's gaze meets the window. "My teacher proposed I play every role to prove a point. But in reality, everything went decently well. I even got a fan club overnight. Still, it was quite an embarrassing time."

"I'm not very knowledgeable about this sort of thing...But something like that takes courage, right?" Sugata turns to her again. "To be able to conquer fear. That's amazing."

"It was." The bluenette pats the girl's forehead. She smiles in response. "I happened to get a role that suited me, that's all." His amber eyes seem to blankly stare when he tucks a lock of Niika's hair behind her cheek. "We all have our roles to play when the time is right. It's only a matter of time."

sukitooru kisetsu ga suki

kaze ga mata netsu wo tsurete kuru

nansenkai mo megutte, nanmankai mo kagayaku

sou yatte hikari ga umareru

Niika didn't know what to be more stunned by. Sugata's sudden empty demeanor or the new singing voice in her head. She wants to turn away and look around her, but Sugata's intense but dead gaze keeps her head in place. It's when he gives her a smile that she gasps. Sugata's fingers feel cold against her warm cheek. "Unfortunately, we can't escape this fate. Niika."

At that moment Niika feels a pain in her chest. Like clockwork, Sugata catches her before she can fall to her knees. Time freezes. The cybody marks of all the star drivers in the room glow.

"Midori no me!"

"Niika-chan!"

"Saa. Let us in. Oh, Divine One." Sugata whispers to the brunette in his arms. "With the key that belongs to only you."

Very confused, and a little scared, Niika reluctantly closes her eyes and opens them again. They glow a bright emerald green. "The door to another dimension...has been opened."

In Zero Time, all is normal. Wako and Sugata float above in bubbles, as Arata, Kazuma, Niika, and Takuto stand on the ground in front of the newest enemy cybody.

"New cybody alert. Nice curvature." Arata boredly says with his hands in his pockets. "I like the green."

"Are you really admiring the enemy?" Kazuma's dark tone was back. He sighs, "I recognize it. It's Daletos. The cybody belonging to Secretary of the Adult Bank."

Still slightly shaken, Niika cautiously squints in front of her. "But below it. Isn't that...Takashi-kun?"

"In this world, I am called Banker!" He raises his right hand high, "Secretary! Take me inside you!" Disappearing from the floor, Banker reappears inside Daletos, creating a chest orb in its center.

"What the heck?! That's someone else's cybody, right? Did he just fuse with it!?" Arata is taken aback.

"Secretary must be the one in the Cybercasket. She's letting Banker in the cockpit to drive it from the outside. He's going to use her power to make the cybody fit as his weapon. A decent plan."

"They can do that?!"

The whitenette glares up at the fusion, "Yeah. We better clear the way. He looks serious for a change." Kazuma and Arata back away floating upward in bubbles. "Let's go Niika-chan!" Niika only looks at her shaking hands. "Niika-chan?"

"Midori no me." The redhead's closer voice grabs Niika's attention. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

"...R-Right..." With a gripped fist, she obediently backs away too.

"Looks like they've set up your challenge, Takuto!"

"And I'm going to take it." Takuto's cybody mark glows a bright blue. "APPRIVOISE!" The redhead disappears from the ground. A rift in time and space cracks and opens up wide. Out stretches a hand, followed by a head, body, and legs. A white cybody breaks into the colorful space. In the middle of cybody's chest, a blue orb appears and Takuto stands in its center. "Dazzling the stage!" He shouts as white pants and red and white knee-high boots frame his legs. A white, yellow-accented majorette-like uniform jacket appears on his body. "Galactic Pretty Boy!" His bangs once red like the rest of his hair, turn blonde. "TAUBURN!" He strikes a pose, throwing arms outward and ending with a snap.

"Star Sword, Améthyste!" Daletos pulls a purple energy sword from its chest orb like a sword from its sheath.

"Figures. They're using Banker's Star Sword. Seems like The Crux is allowing him to drive another cybody even when his emblem's already been taken. They must really have faith in this plan." Kazuma conveys his thoughts aloud to the group above. "Don't you dare go easy on him, Takuto!"

Tauburn bangs on its chest orb, "Star Sword, Emeraude!" It pulls out a green energy sword from its chest. "Star Sword, Saphir!" It then pulls out a blue energy sword. Tauburn switches to a fighting stance, waiting for its opponent to engage.

"This is good, Secretary. Focus all your power into the blade. And leave the control to me!"

"I got it, Banker!"

"Let's do this, dual-wielder!" Both cybodies lunge forward into battle. The star swords clash: once, twice, and so on. In a stronghold, Daletos breaks Tauburn's blocking with Star Sword Améthyste. Tauburn flys back, due to the opposing force.

"His sword is powerful!" Takuto admires but keeps his cool. Daletos rushes Tauburn with another attack, only to fake out the driver by instead jumping into the air. It waves the sword in the air. "Blade Technique: Divine Blizzard!" From directly above, the offensive attack sends flashes of energy in Tauburn's direction. Tauburn has no choice but to take the brunt of the special attack. Tauburn is forced to kneel to recover.

"Good, Secretary!"

"We can win this, Banker!

"Not good. That technique is stronger than before because of Simo~I mean Secretary's added libido. Their teamwork is excellent. Banker's really driving like he has common sense this time."

"Look who's admiring the enemy now?" Arata glares in Kazuma's direction. "We're supposed to be rooting for Takuto, remember?!"

The whitenette folds his arms, "If he loses, I'll just step in."

"If he loses, he dies! Hello!?"

"Every time I try to step in early, someone goes, "Oh no don't, he can handle it!" so..." Kazuma peers to his left, "How about it Sugata? The power of friendship will guide him, right?" Sugata closes his eyes, not responding. "Welp, if he's being silent, he must be fudged."

Niika has a preminition.

Daletos jumps into the air again, this time much closer. "Once more! Blade Technique: Divine Blizzard!" In the surprise attack, Tauburn can't dodge in time either. Tauburn is pinned to the ground by the energy shots. With one more strong slash to the side, Tauburn is severely injured. Its arms and legs cleanly detach from its body.

"Oh no! Watch out!"

"Tsunashi-kun!"

"Takuto!"

Niika blinks, "If they use that awful attack again, he'll get hurt!" She grips her fists angrily. "T-There's gotta be something we can do! This isn't right!"

"Two against one." A voice softly utters from beside her. "Doesn't seem fair, does it?" Niika gasps when Sugata invades her floating bubble. He slings his right arm around her neck, bringing her close. She's in too much of a state of shock to make another sound. "I'll just give him a hand then." Niika's eyes widened.

"Sugata! No!" Wako yells, but too little too late.

Sugata has his free hand raised to the sky, "Kings Pillar!" A hard blue ray of light erupts downward from the sky. Before Daletos can swing again, it hits Tauburn on the ground directly.

"What are you doing!?"

"Have you lost it!?"

"What's happening?!" Takuto exclaims. Suddenly Tauburn's star swords grow exponentially larger covered in blue energy. "Whoa...This...This'll do just fine!" With new enthusiasm, Tauburn readies itself for another attack. "This isn't over yet!" Daletos can't help but stare upwards at the freakishly oversized weapons in the other cybody's hands.

"That's..."

"Way too much..."

Tauburn points the swords toward the sky. Without calling any special attack name, Tauburn brings down the star swords onto Daletos. Unlike what Niika saw, it is Daletos whose limbs are severed, causing its core to malfunction. Banker's bubble forcefully detaches from the enemy cybody before it explodes due to the calamity. "Maybe, that was too much..." Zero Time fades away.

Back in the Drama Club room, time has started again. Sarina, Tiger, Jaguar, and Mizuno are completely unaware of what has just occurred. They continue as they have been. "Yes, Yes that's enough. Thank you for your time, Mizuno!"

"YAY!" Mizuno practically bounces off the stage and jumps into Kazuma's arms. "Ka-zu-ma!" She playfully calls his name, "I'm finished!" Kazuma however, like the others in the room is still recovering from the latest battle in Zero Time.

"W-What was that?" Mizuno tilts her head to the side, confused. "He could just do that!?"

"Sugata!" Takuto instinctively runs to the sliding door opening it. Wako follows him into the hallway. "Wait! What happened just now?! The King's Pillar!?" Three of the four bystanders are alarmed by the phrase.

"Are you crazy!? What were you thinking?!" Wako shouts at the male. Sugata was already making his way down the corridor with his bag on his shoulder as if nothing abnormal had occurred. "What if you didn't wake up?!"

The bluenette only waves them both off, not even turning back to face them. "It's whatever. Talent is granted by God, after all." At the same time he is rounding the corner, Arata is passing by. He pats his friend on the back with a smile and takes his leave.

"Huh? Sugata-kun?" Arata swallows, feeling that ominous aura Sugata was displaying during their last one-on-one conversation. He shakes his head and continues to the clubroom. "Are you ready, Niika?" Still at the window, Niika is also reeling from the feeling of Sugata's gazes. She remembers his blank stares and mysterious words, all making a shiver go down her spine. "Hey, are you good?" The brunette girl only nods. She reluctantly agrees that it is time for her to go home.

When the school bell rings the next day, Niika is the first one out of her seat. With her stuff preemptively packed in her schoolbag, she darts for the door. Before she can open the sliding door to walk out, a pale hand clasps her wrist. "Miss Takashiro." The little hairs on her arms instinctively stand.

"Y-Yes?"

"If you went any faster, you would've hit your head on the door before you could even open it. You should slow down." Sugata says from his seat at the door. The bluenette lets go and turns back around in his seat, packing his things. "Have a good rest of your day." Niika's lips quiver, she starts to say something back but is unnerved by Sugata's loose smile. She slides the door open and exits the classroom before anyone else can pass her. She makes it a little ways down the hallway before taking a breath.

"He's...acting so strange..." The brunette girl frowns.

"Midori no me!" She is caught off guard when Takuto runs up behind her, touching her shoulder. Niika accidentally bangs her other shoulder into the school lockers behind her trying to get away. She yelps in pain. "AH! Are you okay?" Takuto cautiously approaches her again.

"I'm sorry. You surprised me..." She tries off in whimpers.

The redhead lightly places his hands on her upper arms. "Does it hurt?"

"I'm okay...t-t-t-!" Niika hisses before composing herself. "What is it, Takuto-kun?"

"I uh, just wanted to know if, well-" Takuto pauses, "Can I walk you home? I mean, walk with you to your home. To escort you but not in a weird way~"

"-Yes." Niika cuts him off.

"Oh...okay." Takuto sweatdrops, "We can stop to get ice cream or something too...Only if you want!" He blushes. "We can decide on the way! I'll grab my shoes!" The boy leaves her to change his shoes on the other side of the lockers. From the other side of the entryway, she catches Sugata leaving before her. He only smiles in her direction, before walking away. Reminded of his odd behavior, Niika holds her arms, feeling uncomfortable.

"Saa. Let us in. Oh, Divine One...With the key that belongs to only you."

Niika frowns, "Divine...One?"

"Takashiro Niika-chan." Not as alarmed because she is approached from the front, Niika looks up from her thoughts.

"Simone-chan?" Simone directs her outside before the body of students can bumrush them. "I-I wanted to talk to you. About w-what happened the other day-"

"My real name is Pamela. Watanabe Pamela."

"W-What?"

Simone leans against the entrance wall, "That's right. Me, and that woman...we're related. But only by marriage." Her hair brushes against the pink concrete wall. "The girl who I work for, my mistress, is also the newest wife of my father, Leon Watanabe, the head of the Grand Tonerre Foundation. This makes her my stepmother. Can you believe that?" The light blonde folds her arms. "I've hated her all this time, working for her alongside Takashi, only hoping to reveal her flaws and try to change the circumstances. At the very least, I wanted revenge on her, for my mother's sake. But it turns out, that she knew it, all along."

Niika's head spun due to the array of new information. "That...you were her step-daughter? Or that you wanted revenge?"

"Everything." Simone lets out a "tsk" noise. "My real identity, the state of my mother, my want for revenge...and even my crush on Takashi." Her cloudy blue eyes lower solemnly. "All this time, I've been hating her for making my life miserable, when the truth is she's been trying to pick up the pieces I never had the courage to do."

"I'm sorry. I don't quite understand." Niika tilts her head to her, "I get what you're saying but, why are you telling me this? What exactly are you trying to say?"

"...You get that I'm Secretary, and Takashi is Banker, right? That we are part of The Glittering Crux." Niika closes her mouth. "As President, the leader of the Adult Bank division, Kanako holds a lot of power. Even outside The Crux, she is a prominent business tycoon not easily messed with." Simone grips her left hand in front of her face. "If I was half as strong as her, Takashi and I could've beaten Takuto. In Zero Time."

Niika faces her, "Why would you want to do that?"

Simone also properly faces her, "To take control of The Crux, of course. The first person to beat one of you will be named the new leader. I thought I stood a chance. That's why I let Takashi drive my Daletos. I wanted to rub a win in Mrs Watanabe's face. But instead, the entire time she was filled with worry. For the both of us."

"...I'm sure she would be. If Takuto hadn't taken it easy on you, Takashi could've been seriously hurt!" She exclaims, "Then what would you have done?"

"Cried, probably. I gave up because I was worried about him." Simone lets out a harsh chuckle. "Though both our emblems to drive are now gone, Kanako still signed us up to have our cybodys repaired. Without us even asking."

"Repaired?"

"It's a complicated topic." Simone stares at her seriously. "What I'm trying to say is, even though I strived to cause Kanako's demise, she showed me kindness. Without her, I would've never received proper treatment, I would've never been able to use my cybody at all...and I would've never met Takashi. An irreplaceable part of my life." At that moment, Takashi exits the school building while ironically talking with Takuto. Instead of showing each other any signs of hostility, they seem to be all smiles. "Both of them are now, I suppose. It was battling Tauburn, that made me realize this." Simone smiles in his direction. "Instead of chasing my blind anger, I should be grateful for the people who've entered my life. Before I lose them forever." She looks at Niika again with an enlightened expression, "I'm glad we lost. Else, I would've never known this feeling."

"..." Niika not knowing what to say, sighs. She looks at the boys. "...I'm glad that Takashi is smiling again." She clasps her hands in front of her skirt. "After being beaten, twice, in Zero Time, I'd thought he'd be pretty upset."

"Of course not." Simone smirks, "Through it all, he still has me." Without another word, Simone runs off in the boys' direction. She shouts his name on the way over, "Takashi!"

"Simone!" Takashi respectfully calls back. He catches her in his arms. They hug with blushes on their faces.

Niika grips the strap of her school bag. "To be grateful...for the people who've entered my life..."

"If it ever gets to be too much, I don't mind if you lean on me. Okay?"

"Midori no me!" Takuto calls to her, "I'm ready to go!"

With a new resolve, Niika steps over to meet the redhead for their walk home. "...I want him to know...that he has me too."

And so the adventure of life goes on.