(Y/n) (l/n) ~

"I want the recording of my Regional battle with Orochi," I slammed my fist on the nearest official's table. "Deleted from the wbba website."

"B-But, miss! That's technically very difficult for us to arrange, pl-please try to understand the situation," the said official told me for the hundredth time. The guy looked a little above twenty five years old. The worried and a little too intimidated tone of his voice told me that he wasn't much experienced at the job he was doing.

That angered me more.

I've been here for almost fifteen minutes, having walked all the way from my home; and the wbba officials have this stupid person on entrance duty who still hasn't taken my request anywhere. Maybe if he could transfer my word to someone higher in position or another more experienced officer, I might have a chance at a much more reasonable conversation.

"Listen, you good for nothing trash," I leaned down to him threateningly. "I'll give you ten seconds to call someone higher in authority before I get you thrown out of your dear office."

He didn't say anything about it, but his expression seemed to test me as if I was just another blader whining in front of him. On the other hand, the look of hesitation and fear was still upon his face, urging me to play worse cards.

Making someone more and more afraid of me was something I loved to do. I'm simply kind that way.

"What do you take me for?" I raised an eyebrow. "When I say I hold enough power to have Hanami expelled, I mean it."

Dear Devil, please don't send me to hell for this. I'm sure this doesn't count as abuse of power. I'm just an innocent child bragging a little more than my age allows.

For the third time, I squinted at the label kept on his table and managed to read: 'Itsuki Kaito'. Right, that's his name. I might or might not have already read it two times before and had forgotten within eight seconds at most.

Kaito hesitated more but my little threat helped him make a decision for the better. He rummaged through some drawers until he found a certain diary he was apparently looking for. I figured he wouldn't have needed searching. Most likely, he already knew where he kept his stuff but he was wasting time on purpose and/or trying to annoy me.

A few times he unsuccessfully dialled a number on the telephone, then proceeded to cross check in the diary when it didn't work. He tried again and just as I was about to accuse him of faking the call, he received an answer from the other side. The sharp static sound had me sure that the person on the receiving end wasn't thrilled by the phone call.

"Uhh, is the manager free? ... Trust me ... No, no, this is somewhat ... Listen to me, sir ... This girl wants to meet the authority, I ... I can't, I'm not able to ... Sir, this is important, I want the manager ... She appears to have some ... Please try to understand – " I groaned at his pathetic attempts to fulfill my little request. Why do all the annoying ones end up on my side of the story?

"Just say it's (Y/n) (l/n)!" I frustratingly helped him out.

"THE GIRL SAYS SHE'S (Y/N) (L/N)!" He suddenly shouted in the telephone, his tolerance finally giving out. I stared at him with eyes wide like saucers, not masking my astonishment at all. That was unexpected. Mind you, it's very difficult to surprise me.

Kaito sighed and slumped down in his chair heavily. I would never fail to register such a face – he looked so frustrated, tired, pathetic and ill. I stood there like a hawk, watching closely in case he bursted again. Think I pushed too many wrong buttons. Kaito muttered something that suspiciously sounded like 'This is the first time I wish I could just disappear' then looked up at me annoyingly.

"You have some serious talent hitting nerves. I only wanted peace! What did I even do to you?" Then added for my benefit: "The manager will see you soon."

I wanted to smack his face and say 'You didn't listen to what I said sooner. That's why!' but decided against it. I did not want to awaken a screaming Kaito again. I already had a field trip with one.

The next few minutes went in tensed silence, me catching the stupid official eyeing me with hateful looks that involved a lot of eyerolls and disappointed glances. I returned the favour with glaring right back with my pretty red eyes that totally shouldn't remind him of some demon.

Like, come on. If you have the rare red eyes, put them to use by glaring at others. Shu Kurenai could learn a thing or two from me.

"Uh-um, (Y/n) (l/n)?" A voice popped from behind and I screeched sharply, leaping a few extra inches in the air. This was surely not how I wanted to ascend towards the heaven.

The owner of the voice also made a little surprised sound at the back of his throat and muttered something I didn't make out. Probably a sorry. I inhaled and turned around, recognizing him as the manager of the Regional Tournament.

"WHAT THE HELL, MR. SUZUKI?" I shouted back. Why, today, is it suddenly so easy to surprise me? Why do I not have proper focus on my surroundings? I've lost all concentration and my mind is so unsettled. And yet, I can't quite grasp my mind around what's bothering me.

Mr. Suzuki cleared his throat, briefly gesturing with his finger at the other person in the room. (What was his name again?) The poor timid guy looked this close to hiding behind his desk and THIS close to running for sanity.

I cleared my throat too, understanding. "So... Mr. Suzuki. I figure you know what I'm here for?"

"No?" he asked honestly. "All I was told that a random girl barged into the clearly reserved area of the event and started screaming at my P.A.'s subordinate that she wanted to meet me – which can not be arranged without taking a prior appointment – and she was capable of releasing hell at the organisation."

I glared at the Kaito who was now fully hiding behind his desk. He must've found a chance to message from his computer while I thought he was doing his usual work. "The hell you said about me?!"

"I-I said nothing! You heard me talk!"

"You could say all that garbage but couldn't tell him about my actual demand? How helpful you are over here!"

"What is it, (l/n)?" Mr. Suzuki demanded cautiously. I heard the urgency in his voice that he wanted this to be as quick as possible. "Look, I know if you yourself are here, it won't be for nothing. But try to understand a little. It's the last day of the tournament and I have to finish all the paperwork and registrations. My next management duty is in the National Tournament of Italy and I figure you're brilliant enough to understand how far is that from Japa – "

"I don't want to hear your stupid schedule," I held up my hand dismissively.

Mr. Suzuki's jaw tightened. Imagine disregarding his lined up schedule, which is equivalent to not caring about his time. "How can I serve you?"

"Love it when you know your place," I raised my chin and smirked. He shook his head once, seeming disappointed at my arrogant behaviour and where it would take me. I continued innocently, "I want the recording of my Regional battle with Orochi Ginba deleted from the website."

Mr. Suzuki looked ready to flip Kaito's desk. "(L/n), you do know that's technically not possible!"

"That's why I'm asking you," I elaborated. "Listen, it stays between the two of u – three of us and nobody needs to know a thing."

He didn't look convinced. "Indirectly, you're suggesting corruption in the wbba."

"It's not corruption!" I reasoned. "It's my battle, it has my record. What problem can anyone else have with its removal?"

"And? Orochi Ginba doesn't have a say in it? Or when tomorrow somebody's gonna search for it and finds out it isn't there? They'll complain to the wbba and then what? What am I gonna say?" He argued. "I can't risk my job!"

As I said, I always get the annoying ones.

"You're making this seem harder than it is," I rubbed my forehead. "You see, you don't have to care about Orochi or anyone else here. I'm sure you can come up with something like, uhh, your publisher was extracting clips from the live CD and my battle accidentally got erased. It's perfect."

Mr. Suzuki stayed silent. For too long. If anything, I thought he was considering my request until he said something I didn't expect him to. "Why doesn't Theodore Glass make you the owner of the wbba while he's at it?!"

I was briefly taken aback by his sudden statement but soon recovered with a glare, remembering he's got nothing on me. I didn't know the whole idea of Ashtem – Theodore Glass – having influence on the President of wbba: Shin Komazaki, but I did know that Komazaki was just another puppet in Theodore's hands. Like many more were. How he even managed to get a hold of the wbba President, still surprises me. Ashtem is like a literal snake with too much poison under his control. I don't know anyone he laid his eyes on and wasn't able to toy with.

I consider myself a lucky exception in his world. I get to exploit every privilege Theodore has. I get to control everyone he gets to control. Even if he'd never admit it, he trusts me with his life. I think I do too. But I hate him too. Probably because I'm not evil like him.

I'm the kind one.

"If you drag Theodore's name in this business and I find out about it," I gritted my teeth. "You'll be done."

Mr. Suzuki recomposed himself, understanding his mistake. He slowly nodded and looked at his watch. "Your business will be done in a day."

My approach could be considered questionable in the eyes of zillions. I was well aware I wasn't entirely doing the right thing.

Guilty could be what would explain my actions. Doing something like this just to hide what I did to Orochi may be the worst path to atonement. Was I really thinking that deleting the record could delete the memory as well? Wouldn't the memory stay much longer in my mind, and yet longer in Orochi's mind?

At this point, I shouldn't even use the word guilty to describe the feeling. Ashamed or regretful could provide a better idea. Though, did it matter anyway? I had more than a single reason back there. I admit I felt threatened that Orochi would win. And I lost sense of emotion back there. And the fact that possessing such power made me blind; I completely ignored the consequences. I got so absorbed in the satisfaction of that moment, that victory, that I forgot I can't risk the Beyclub, especially Daigo, looking at me that way.

How could somebody understand my situation without judging?

I knew that I was carefree. I did enjoy what I did back there, not worrying what would happen later. Why did it even matter?

"Nice meeting you," I held out my hand.

-------------

After getting away from the staff's area (I swear that place was suffocating), I went to take a little peek at the battle going on (I have complicated curiosities) but that little peek didn't go as brief as I thought. I won't ever admit that the only reason I spoke up there was because I didn't like the idea of Xander, Wakiya or Valt challenging Shu when I was much up ahead in that list. The three of them should know their damn place. How could they even think of defeating Shu when none of them were able to defeat me yet? And Shu beated me very well. They shouldn't stand a bare chance.

It was pathetic. Stupid.

But of course I didn't say that. I said something far more amazing. I knew I'd hate Hanami's reaction, but it was worth it.

Only at that time, had I noticed the look upon Daigo's face. Now I'm not some professional observer but something was definitely off about him. His usual calm and peaceful aura seemed unnecessarily kissed by despair. Not only that, something akin to dullness was holding him close. Should I go meet him?

I thought he was ahead of his matter with Yugo. Guess I thought wrong. Yugo's battle with Wakiya today might've dug up some buried thought in him. Daigo was fragile and precious in his own way. Of course my friendship with him was meaningful as much.

I desperately searched the outer arena for a certain group of weirdos. I knew it shouldn't be very hard to find the crew. In a crowd of people going about normally, how hard can it be to spot a bunch of bladers out of whom: one would be talking endlessly, one would look like boredom warmed over, another would seem he doesn't fit in with them, other would have a lollipop oddly in his mouth. And all that with a couple of twins.

How many such crews would be in the arena today?

Turned out, only one. As clear as I'm able to spot the North Star in the night sky, I was able to find the Beyclub. Wonderful comparison. For a moment, if I ignore the fact that I hate people and the said people were annoying, the Beyclub was a very nice bunch to hang out with. And even then, I hate how strong my imagination is to be able to feel into situations I'd never fit in. Me hanging out with the Beyclub? As imaginary as heaven.

"Woah woah, easy there," I hurried to block Daigo's way. The rest of the procession stopped with him. Shu tilted his head indifferently and Rantaro rolled his eyes like the Rantaro he is. Toko was looking cute today. I think he recently got a haircut.

"Hi, (Y/n)!" Valt cheerfully greeted. Like I expected. He was always so enthusiastic, I wanted to smile back gratefully. But of course I wasn't stupid enough to try. I've had enough of rehearsing in front of the mirror and I'd be lying if I said it looked nice. I did not want Valt to think that I'm feeling grumpy.

"And why, on this lively and fresh day, (Y/n) (l/n) herself decided to bless us with her kindly presence?" Daigo voiced out his thoughts, not even trying to hide his annoyance. Sad. I came to check up on him, did he know that? Did he know that I genuinely care about him?

Here, I wonder if my love and care for Daigo will prove to matter more than my urge to fire a comeback at his statement.

"Because (Y/n) (l/n) thought that your unkind existence could use some reverse from her side," I greeted back. I promise I still like you, Daigo; just can't hold back from replying with the same energy as you.

"And ungrateful," I added. He wouldn't get that reference but it was enough to satisfy me that I successfully pointed out how ungrateful he sounded. I can't blame him for it. He can't automatically know that I come holding worry in my eyes, yet he failed to recognize it.

"Unnecessary!" He growled. Oh, I just offended an already offended Daigo.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead, a little out of the way but knowing better than to act like a child. As much as I'd love to keep up this argument, his situation means a lot more for me.

"Alright, Daigo," I touched his shoulder encouragingly and lowered my voice. "Come with me."

"What's happening?" Valt wanted to know. Others were abnormally silent but not like I cared much about it. If anything, it's better they aren't bothering me.

"Um... you're kinda scaring me now?" Daigo leaned closer, clearly not wanting to do anything that involves him coming with me. "What's up?"

I rolled my eyes and put an arm around his shoulder, dragging him along without any explanation. Wasn't he the one with issues? Don't say he didn't see himself staring at Yugo up there like a vulture. Not to mention, the saddened look on his face. Did he not realize he was doing all that?

"Ahh, what is it?!" He whined: a sound that reminded me of a cat scowling grumpily.

Wonderful comparison again, (Y/n).

Ah, you're welcome, (Y/n).

"YOU GUYS CAN GO BACK HOME," I shouted at them from a distance, then muttered, "Daigo will be safe with me. Don't worry." Because I knew he'll be better with me than he'll ever be with any of them.

None of them moved to leave like I told, but I could care less. I was already smart enough to drag Daigo out of their possible hearing range. Reason being, I wouldn't really appreciate the Beyclub overhearing our conversation. They don't respect privacy anyway.

After stopping us, I crossed my arms and gave Daigo a look that well showed I was unimpressed. Daigo stared right back and kept his mouth shut, much like he'd shut his mind from everything else. The embarrassment on his face was clear, though I didn't see the point of being embarrassed of one's own thoughts.

"What's the deal?" I started when it was clear he wasn't going to say anything. "Something bothering you?"

Daigo didn't look very comfortable about it. Whatever was on his mind, it clearly needed to be solved out if I wanted the old Daigo back. He was really worrying me, which should've been illegal, because I disliked to show any kind of care as such. It destroys the focus I should have on life, not on unnecessary emotions that can weaken me.

Yet, there was I, very much the same (Y/n), against all odds and principles, wanting to make him feel better. I had no idea why. Probably I should be doing something better, like training. But I just couldn't bring myself to be indifferent about him. After three years, I was starting to care once again.

Daigo wouldn't meet my eyes, neither did he make any attempt to voice out his thoughts. Whatever it was, Daigo didn't want to tell for sure. Uh, that could be fine by me? Just gotta go through a few billion possibilities of what could be the matter. Then I'll be able to guess correct and collect my bonus reward.

This was as easy as making Lui's teeth flat.

"Daigo, I understand what you're going through is not easy," I softened my tone, but it still sounded like I was being forced into it. Hey, my voice, a little concerned tone would be helpful here! "But, you know, you did the right thing. Last step is to move on."

Daigo looked ready to throw me at the sun. After meeting Zachary Kaneguro, I didn't appreciate the comparison.

"Don't even pretend to understand my situation," he lashed out. "You can't possibly have any idea about what I'm going through without being in my place. Go take your unwelcomed help anywhere else."

I rolled my eyes.

I had a pretty nice idea of anger making people say things they don't mean. Daigo was doing the same.

So, of course, I did the nicest thing out there. I lost some of my patience. Just some, you know.

I glared and raised my right fist at Daigo, ready to boomerang him towards the battle stage and back, if he didn't surrender. Because that's what real friends are for.

Daigo stepped back and raised his hands a little. Clearly, he got my loving message. "I don't mean there's room for violence, hey, I'm your friend," he muttered nervously.

I laughed. Not genuinely. Just something about the fear in his eyes, that I couldn't help my twisted sense of satisfaction.

Daigo looked like he was having his worst conversation with the worst chemistry teacher. He did exhale when I dropped my hand but I was sure if I even blinked as much, he'd run away to a police station.

Though I'm already banned from Japan. Won't make a difference.

Just kidding.

"You think I have no clue how it feels," I threatened without using any threatening word. "How do you know, anyway, I've never been in a situation same as yours?"

"You wha – "

"It doesn't mean I've also cheated in the past!" I said quickly before he could get any ideas. "It's a hypothetical example, wanting you to realize this. If you don't know how many situations I understand, dare not assume."

Daigo didn't say anything but his jaw tightened. I'm often told I have natural talent for hitting nerves.

Nonsense. Daigo might just have a candy in his mouth to explain why he was gritting his teeth, right?

"I know," I tried to sound casual. "Your matter with Yugo is not what's eating your mind. You're not thinking about how you should've been battling in his place. Instead, you're bothered how you could've been in his place, had you not made the said mistake."

Daigo growled at me angrily, a sure sign that I grabbed the correct point. I'm simply so understanding that way. I know all about human emotions, especially of those having their origin in the darker side of their path.

Daigo had also walked right into the trap of evil.

"So what's the problem with that? You got issues?" He questioned.

"Calm down," I rubbed my forehead. "Look... I don't mean harm, okay? I just want you to feel better and, move on," I tried for a genuine smile. "You've got a lot ahead, and honestly, you're way more worth than some little mistake."

Daigo did calm down a bit. I was thankful my words were actually working! For too long, he stayed silent and just when I was about to pull my knife to make him talk, he sighed. "It's not that I'm not grateful... I do appreciate your presence... genuinely."

It was sudden. And I was moved. Really. To the heart.

"Daigo, I know. I care about you just as much," I said slowly and decided fake crying for special effects but then remembered I didn't bring the required eyedrops with me. I frowned.

"Oh yeah? Now move," Daigo demanded, completely ruining the perfect moment. And that was how I knew I had succeeded in making him feel better.

I glared and punched him upon the head. "WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?"

Daigo did not look impressed, either because I didn't move or because I punched him or because both.

He hit me back.

I kicked his foot. He kicked me back. AND HERE I THOUGHT NOBODY HAD THE NERVE TO FIGHT ME.

"HOW ABOUT BATTLE RIGHT NOW?" I smacked his back.

"BECAUSE YOU'RE GOOD AT BLADING?" He hit me back.

Okay, I didn't wanna do this but he's the one who forced me to. His fault.

I pulled out a knife from my pocket, making Daigo screech so hard that I feared birds across Antarctica would've flown off. And Antarctica doesn't even have flying birds.

"DEATH TO MY ENEMIES!" I gestured at him pointedly and he broke into a run. I chased.

"THAT'S A GOOD DIALOGUE AND ALL, BUT I THOUGHT WE WEREN'T ENEMIES!"

"WE ARE NOW."

I ran behind Daigo for a few good minutes, occasionally screaming death threaths at him. I silently calculated when he would run out of energy and decided to quit messing with him before his feet surrendered.

The new idea in my mind was much too hilarious even for me. Before I could say it to him, I lost control and started laughing like an idiot. Daigo hesitantly stopped and turned around, keeping safe distance.

"You... You..." I stuttered out, holding my stomach. "You thought it was... ah, a real knife," and I burst into laughter again. My long hair were all over my face but I held onto my stomach, keeping balance.

Daigo thrust his hands into his pockets annoyingly. He muttered something about my sense of humour being stupid and walked back to me. I put a hand on his shoulder, calming down and finally not laughing anymore.

"Okay Daigo," I breathed. "You actually believed it was... not a real knife? How?"

Daigo has this shocked/afraid expression on his face. He seemed as if he had ants crawling around in his jacket. Just when he was this close to running again, I grabbed him.

"That's okay. I know I win," I put the knife back in my pocket.

"Uh so," he eyed me from head to toe. "Is it real or not, afterall?"

I smirked. "I don't know. You tell me."

"With you," he stated. "Real or fake is equally possible."

"Maybe. Let's get going."

Daigo followed me outside the arena. The sun had already passed noon, though it was enough hot to squint my eyes from time to time. Probably one in the afternoon.

Daigo told me he wanted to rejoin the Beyclub at the school since it wasn't nice of me to drag him away like that. I told him the Beyclub are a stupid bunch and he shouldn't be training with such brats. Then he told me Beyclub are a more friendly bunch than I am. And I told him he better accept the fact that I'm friendly or I'll kill him (because that's what real friends do).

"You know," he hesitated. "You probably wonder why I came to see Wakiya and Yugo's battle today but didn't show up at your battle with Orochi that day."

Uh-oh. I hope he isn't getting any ideas.

I swallowed. "Because I told you guys to not to?"

"Whatever though. I hope you're not upset about it. See, I didn't discriminate. Just – "

"I get it. It wasn't anything special anyway," I rubbed my arm. Way to go acting so suspicious, (Y/n).

"What? Absolutely not."

"Absolutely yes."

Daigo shrugged and it was over. I was glad he left the topic without much discussion. It wouldn't even matter later.

I was just proud that I made it to the Nationals, clearing everything in my path.

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In 4446 words.

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