Masaru rolled a red coloured lollipop from one side of his mouth to the other, and bit on it with his back teeth. Looking around, and back down to his phone, he stood in the middle of a particularly busy airport terminal. From the window paned ceiling, the last of summer's lights entered in the airport, while the chilling air of a close autumn wafted in the building. Tapping on his phone, and sending a message to his older brother; Masaru turned the device off and put it into his jacket's pocket.

"Life is weird."

Crushing the candy in his mouth, Masaru took the stick that used to be attached to it, and put it inside his other pocket. The only luggage he had was slung around his body; a brown travelling bag. He looked blankly in the distance, before raising a brow. In the distance, he could see a large group of recognisable faces: Ryuzaki, Payic, Maverick, Inu, Yozora, Chiharu, Rino, Wyvon, Ryu, Trio, Riku and Max.

"Actually, life is more than just weird. It's unpredictable..."

"Hey... isn't that Masaru?" Ryuzaki muttered, walking towards him. As the two got closer to each other, they stared at each other with dumbfounded faces. "Holy shit it's Masaru..."

"Fancy running into you here." Masaru said plainly, waving at the group. "What's the occasion? Is it because summer is ending, you all need one last vacation?"

"Yo, Masaru." Ryu waved from the back of the pack. Masaru responded with a smile and thumbs up.

"Us? Vacation?" Ryuzaki chuckled, before pointing dramatically at Masaru. "You clearly don't know me!"

"Nor do I really want too..." Masaru whistled.

"Well, you clearly have, since we talked over the phone..." Ryuzaki said. "That's besides the point, you know why we're at the airport."

"Zeroth Dragons? If so, which country?" Masaru asked.

"Yep, it's in China." Ryuzaki said.

"Well, you guys enjoy your trip then." Masaru said. "Make sure you get the Zeroth Dragon."

"We will, don't you worry. Anyways, what are you doing here?" Ryuzaki asked.

"I just came back from a trip in America." Masaru said. "What's up with the group though? Isn't that Max? Why is Wyvon in the same group as him? I thought they had a... "history"..."

"Well... long story short, I beat Wyvon in a Cardfight, obviously, and since I did, I would kick him and Rino out of the group; but being so kind, I graciously let him stay." Ryuzaki said.

"Isn't that a bad idea?" Masaru raised a brow, peering at Wyvon who refused to look in the direction Max was in.

"Oh, they'll be fiiiiine." Ryuzaki said with a dumb grin. "It could be worse."

"I don't see how it could be worse..." Masaru muttered grimly.

"Enough of this idle chitchat, we'll be late!" Ryuzaki shouted, signalling everyone to start moving again. "I'll see you soon Masaru! See your Chronofang ass!"

"Riiight..." Masaru sighed, watching everyone pass him.

"But this story is even weirder than life."

(Opening here)

"Life loves screwing with me today... first, it was meeting that group earlier in the morning while in the airport, and now the next thing it's hit me with is insatiable hunger while I'm fatigued... and walking on the streets of Tokyo... to my apartment... which is another ten minutes away..."

Masaru took a deep breath and clutched his stomach. Steeling himself, he continued his walk while passing various stores, including food stores, which were releasing heavenly flavours to torture the hungry Masaru. From the sweet smell of freshly baked cakes and fluffy puddings, to the savoury smells of rich curries and steaming ramen, these all hit him at once, making him hold his stomach even more.

"Yeah, I really need to get something to eat... But what should I even get...?"

Masaru groaned, looking around him. His eyes gazed the shops in front of him, before landing on a chicken shop. He nodded, and marched to it, entering the shop with a determined look. There were only three customers inside currently, all with distinct looks - a girl with a mask and cloaked hood, a boy with dark red hair and a scar on his right eye, and boy at the counter ordering some food, with dyed green hair - and Masaru only added to the unique atmosphere present.

"Well, at least I can eat in peace if there's so little people..."

Masaru began walking towards the counter, and passed the boy and girl, who were cardfighting. Taking a look at the fight briefly, he quickly lost interest and went up to the front, resting an arm on the counter.

"Man... that guy looked really similar... red hair, a scar on his right eye and pale skin... this guy too... he has such brightly coloured hair, and those piercings! I swear I've seen them before... Wait a sec-"

Taking a second glance, Masaru's jaw dropped in shock. It soon hit him that he knew two of the three people currently inside the shop: Callum and Zak. Watching the chef behind the counter hand a bag of food to Zak, he began shaking at what he had encountered.

"Third time life is screwing with me... Callum and Zak... They have Zoa... THEY HAVE FREAKING ZOA!"

Saying his thanks, Zak turned around and caught a glimpse of Masaru; paying no attention to him. Masaru rubbed his eyes, and discreetly followed the duo as they left the shop. Walking past the masked woman, Magus, he silently followed them as they weaved their way through the busy streets. When they settled down at the bench, Masaru snuck behind a tree, and watched the two eat their food.

"I forgot all about my hunger the moment I set my eyes on them... I will get Zoa, no matter what!"

"By the way," Zak said, licking the grease and breading of his fingers. "Do you have a shank on you?"

"Yeah, why?" Callum asked, shoving a handful of chips drenched in burger sauce into his mouth.

"There's a certain someone I need you to stab. It can't be a lethal stab, either." Zak said.

"Who do you want me to get?" Callum asked.

"The guy behind that tree. He's been following us since we left the chicken shop." Zak pointed to the tree Masaru was hiding behind.

"What are they even saying?"

"Oh? This cheeky fuck is stalking us?" Callum raised a brow, turning around and staring at the row of lined trees behind them. Scanning them, Callum nodded and slumped back into his seat, shoving another handful of chips into his mouth.

"Yeah but... it's the guy Izanoku faced in Malaysia." Zak said in a low tone.

"HOLY SHIT WHAT?!" Callum shouted, pieces of his food flying out of his mouth.

"Not so loud..." Zak sighed, putting a hand to his face. "But yeah... looks like we gotta take him out for a bit."

"Why don't we kill him?" Callum asked. "I say we kill him!"

"We're not trying to get in trouble with the police." Zak said. "Besides, we can use him to our advantage."

"How?"

"You'll see."

Standing up, Zak took his empty box and crushed it in his hands, compacting it to fit in his pocket. Rubbing the palms on his trousers, he looked at Callum who threw his empty box onto the floor. He stood up and used his foot to flatten the box and brush it underneath the bench. Using his right shoulder, Callum shrugged it, pointing to the general direction of where they should go next making Zak nod in response. The two began walking, as Masaru followed a few feet away.

"Would a stab in the gut be enough to take him down?" Callum asked.

"Yeah, just make sure it won't kill him. I know how you can get with that shank of yours..." Zak sighed.

"Oh, don't worry... I'm perfectly happy I get to draw blood for the first time in ages...~"

"I feel like an idiot doing this... but if it's to help save the world from doom, I'm ready to sacrifice my own life for it. Well... maybe not... look, I'm not letting this chance slip by me... damn fate, why do you have to be so cruel?! Haven't you already made my life miserable with those failed gachas?!"

Callum tilted his head to the left, as Zak broke away from him, and headed down an alleyway. Callum continued walking straight, as the two separated. Masaru smirked, and began running to the alleyway which Zak walked down, and entered it recklessly. Inside the small, cramped area, Zak stared at Masaru, backed up against a wall. It was dark, dingy and overall an unpleasant place to be in, both appearance and smell wise.

"I've got you now!" Masaru exclaimed, as Zak opened his left eye.

"No. I don't think so." He said.

Callum ran inside the alleyway, and used his arm to grab Masaru around the neck. Masaru began screaming as Callum toppled over Masaru, wrestling him to the dirt covered ground. Callum growled as he held Masaru's neck tightly, suffocating him. Zak walked over, and took out a red rectangular shaped bag, and slid out the contents into his hand. Callum's eyes glowed with excitement, letting go of Masaru, and knocking him to the floor.

"Help... somebody help!"

Masaru began shouting again, while Callum used his foot against Masaru's head, pressing down on it and keeping him shut as he used his heel to dig into Masaru's cheek. As Zak took out the silver shank inside the bag, Masaru began his counterattack, grabbing Callum's leg and shaking it vigorously. Callum stumbled back, and got off him. Huffing and puffing, Masaru stood up, before the shank flew past him just barely, and was caught by Callum. Donning the blade, he twirled it in his hand, before charging at Masaru, and aiming for a straight cut inside his stomach.

"Holy shit, I'm going to die..."

With one clean slash, the shank cut into Masaru's right side of the abdominal area, leaving him speechless as blood began running out from his body, staining his shirt. Searching for his breath, Masaru looked at Callum with blurry vision, before receiving a consecutive, hard punch to the face by him, knocking out the lights in his eyes and causing him to fall to the floor in agony. Letting out an estranged groan, Masaru used his remaining to move his hand to the shank, and slowly pull it out. Zak put a hand over Masaru's, and didn't let him move his hands any further.

"You'll die if you take it out."

"...but it hurts... my head is light... my face is numb... I can feel blood seeping from his nose and stomach... my whole body hurts... and you don't want me to die...? What kind of logic is this... you guys are messed up..."

"We're back from the chicken shop." Zak announced, closing the door behind him. Callum heaved and dropped Masaru onto the sofa in the living room, scratching the back of his head.

"What now?" Callum asked. Zak took a first aid kit from a drawer in the hallway, and walked into the living room, sitting down next to Masaru and opening the kit.

"We patch him up. That punch was really unnecessary..." Zak muttered, taking out bandages and disinfectants. Callum rolled his eyes, and walked to the small kitchen next door, and poured out a glass of water, sipping it.

"Welcome back..." Izanoku growled, slugging down the stairs with her hair tied up in a messy bun, and dark bags under her eyes. She entered the living room, still dressed in her light pink pyjamas with white polka dots, and fluffy pink slippers. Rubbing her left eye, she took a peek at Zak, and her face dropped to shock.

"Surprise." Zak said sarcastically, applying pressure to Masaru's wound, after cleaning it.

"W-w-w-w-what is he doing here?!" Izanoku shouted, putting her hands against her head, and looking at both Zak and Callum.

"He was stalking us so I shanked him." Callum explained, handing a glass of water to Izanoku. She took the glass, drank it, and spat the water out at Callum's face, hyperventilating at the situation she was put in. "...now at least I don't have to shower today."

"You never shower..." Zak mumbled, applying a bandage on Masaru's torso.

"What?! I do! I did it last night! Did you know that if you shower everyday, it can damage your skin! I read it in a newspaper when I was little!" Callum shouted.

"Right..." Zak rolled his eyes, wanting to make a witty remark about how Callum barely washed whilst he was a slave to Izanoku's mother, or in prison.

"IN OTHER NEWS, FOR BRINGING MASARU INTO THIS HOUSE, I'M COOKING MEALS FOR A WHOLE WEEK STRAIGHT, AND YOU TWO ARE UNDER HOUSE ARREST!" Izanoku shouted like a little child, stomping the ground and crossing her arms.

"You see, this is where being trained in not eating proper food for more than 2/3rds of your life is useful." Callum snickered, as Zak rolled his eyes.

"I know that you like the fact he's here, Mistress." Zak said, rubbing Masaru's bruise with ointment on a cotton pad.

"I do not!" Izanoku shouted, smacking Zak across the face.

"It's obvious, y'know." Zak rubbed his cheek, staring at Izanoku.

"What's obvious?!" Izanoku pouted, crossing her arms.

"You love him."

"What? Of course not! He's an enemy, I can never like him!" Izanoku whined, stomping the floor again and smacking Zak multiple times.

"Ow." Zak said, putting a pillow where Masaru's head was. "That hurt soooo badly."

"Mmmmmm...." Izanoku pouted even more and sat down in the recliner chair, crossing her arms and legs.

"Oh yeah, Izanoku." Callum took out his FICA, and looked through the cards inside his deck. Taking out "Zeroth Dragon of the End of the World, Dust", he presented it to her. "Happy early birthday. Keep it."

"Huh? You're giving it to me?" Izanoku took the card, and looked strangely at Callum.

"Your deck needs it more than mine." Callum said. "Do you want me to take it back?"

"Um... no... I just thought you were going to protect it." Izanoku said, tucking the card away in her upper pocket.

"Well, I think you're more capable of doing it too." Callum said with a shrug.

"It's weird how calm you are with the Mistress." Zak said.

"She's the only person who gives me a reason not to hate this shitty world. It's that simple." Callum said, looking at Masaru. "Hey, can you clear this fuckface from the living room? I wanna watch White Flower in peace, and he's taking all the seats in the couch!"

"Fine, but on the condition I'm moving it to Mistress' room." Zak said, picking up Masaru.

"What?! No!" Izanoku shouted, shaking her hands. "Don't let him in my room!"

"Oh, fuck yeah! I'll say yes on all of her behalf." Callum clapped, sitting down and turning on the television.

"It's decided." Zak shrugged, and walked up the stairs, before Izanoku jumped out of her seat and followed him, hugging Zak behind the back and not letting him move.

"Noooo! You big fat meanie!! No, no, no!" Izanoku cried, stomping the floor again. "You meanieeeeee! Zak is being a big fat meanie!"

"Mistress, I am 6 foot 1, and you are 5 foot 6. I suggest it's best you try not holding me back." Zak said, using his long legs to go up the stairs, despite Izanoku trying to hold him back.

"MEANIE!" Izanoku shouted one last time, letting go and falling on her bottom. "O-ow..." She moaned while pouting as she watched Zak go to her room. Curling up into a tight ball, she sighed coldly. "Mmm... why did it have to be him..."

"Ugh... where am I...?"

Masaru slowly opened his eyes, and stared at the white plastered ceiling. Moving his hand slightly, he could feel the soft futon underneath him, and slowly closed his eyes again.

"Did I make it back home?"

Moving his hand to underneath his t-shirt, he felt the textured bandage that covered his torso. Letting out a distorted groan, Masaru slowly sat up, and cupped his face with his hands.

"Or am I in a hospital? Maybe this is a kind stranger's room..."

Letting out a hiss from his gritted teeth, Masaru ran his hands gently over his bruise. It was right above his left eye, leaving a bulge of light purple flesh sticking out. As he scanned the room, Masaru looked bleakly at it: a desk, a chair, a light, a window with the curtains closed, and the futon he was lying in, with a pink duvet.

"Is this a girl's room?"

Staggering to his feet, Masaru walked to the window, and dragged the curtain back weakly. He looked outside, to only see it was evening, as the full moon was shining brightly on Tokyo. Dragging the curtain back to it's original state, Masaru heaved himself to the door, and opened it. Rubbing his eyes, his vision became slightly clearer, and he noticed a small set of stairs. Walking down them, he entered the hallway, and contemplated going inside one of the two doors presented to him. One of the doors was wide open, welcoming anyone in, while the other was closed shut, like someone was inside.

Taking a deep breath, Masaru took a courageous step inside, to see the TV turned on, with White Flower playing on it. Staring at the anime, he shook his head and looked at who was inside. The only person inside the living room was Callum, who was laying on the couch; eyes shut and loudly snoring. Walking to him, Masaru's face cringed as he realised where he currently was: The house of Izanoku, Zak and Callum.

"Life really does love screwing with me today..."

Hearing a feminine yell come from the small room inside the living room, Masaru wandered over to it, to only see Izanoku suck on her index finger with a pout. She had changed from her pyjamas, into a black sweater and blue jean shorts, with a pastel red apron covering the rest. Slowly turning her head to Masaru, who stared at her with a confused face, her face became one of agony.

"Oh... it's you..." She muttered coldly, crossing her arms while still gently sucking on her finger.

"I could say the same thing..." Masaru rolled his eyes, and looked at her with a straight expression. "Tell me."

"What?" Izanoku asked.

"Why the fuck am I in your guys house?"

"Oh... after Ca- Kakashi shanked you, we brought you to our humble home and patched you up." Izanoku said simply, removing her finger from her mouth.

"So you guys kidnapped me?! What the fuck?!" Masaru exclaimed, marching to Izanoku. "Get me out of here! This instant!"

"Aww, Masaru," Izanoku smirked and cupped his cheek with a forced smile. "We're never letting you out of this house, ever."

"Get off me..." Masaru slapped Izanoku's hand away from his face, and grabbed her by the ear. Pulling it, he growled in her face. "I. Want. To. Get. Out. Of. This. House."

"Tch, even if you wanted too where would you go? We've taken your phone, wallet, passport, bag, and just about everything else you could contact the outside world with. You're stuck here forever." Izanoku muttered, and puffed her cheeks at the last part.

"Damn it..." Masaru let go of Izanoku's ear and crouched down. "It's helpless, then..."

"It is." Izanoku sighed, rolling her eyes. Masaru stood up straight, and looked around the small kitchen. There was a sink, workbench, various drawers and a fridge. He let out a frustrated groan, leaning against the workbench. Izanoku looked at Masaru, and tapped his shoulder gently.

"What?" Masaru asked, looking at her with narrowed eyes.

"It might be meaningless, but... I'm sorry." Izanoku said with hesitance, putting her hands behind her back.

"...what use is sorry going to do? You've already did the damage, and you wanted to kidnap me in the first place, so why would you even apologise?! You could avoid this whole thing by not even doing it..." Masaru said with a loud voice. Looking away from Izanoku, he covered his eyes as tears began streaming down his face. Izanoku looked at Masaru, and looked down.

"Mommy!"

"Ah, Iza, sweetie..."

Inside a dark bedroom, a woman in her late thirties with long, purple hair turned to face a young Izanoku, standing outside the room. Opening the door further, and letting the light from the hallway shine in, revealed a young Callum, who covered his eyes as tears streamed down his face. His shoulders were being held tightly by the woman's hands, while Izanoku stared at the boy. She made a loud gasp.

"Mommy, who is that boy? What is his doing here? Why is he crying? What's his name?"

"Oh him..." Izanoku's mother, Mirai, swallowed a lump in her throat as she looked at Izanoku with her devil red eyes. "Go on. Introduce yourself to my daughter. Her name is Izanoku. Can you remember that?"

"U-uh.. Y-yes, M...Ma'am..." Callum sobbed, slowly turning to face Izanoku. "I... I'm Callum..."

"Good boy." Mirai patted his head, while Callum fidgeted. "Tell her what I'm going to do with you, or else I'll punish you."

"Um... M-Ma'am is going to... Ma'am is... Ma'am is g-going too..." Callum began speaking, shaking as he tried choking words to Izanoku. She stepped forward, and looked at Callum with wide, kind eyes. He looked at Izanoku with a fearful face, before slowly relaxing his aching jaws. Letting go of his gritted teeth, Callum gazed at Izanoku with an innocent look.

"What is mommy going to do to you?"

"She's going to make me feel good in my special place." Callum said without tears streaming down his face, or stuttering. His body no longer shook greatly, and he seemed to find peace while speaking to Izanoku.

"Special place?" Izanoku asked, looking at Callum up and down. "Where's that?"

"Right here." Mirai pointed at Callum's crotch, smirking. Hearing her voice made Callum began shaking again, and made him grit his teeth together tightly. His tears slowly crept back, before she cupped his crotch.

"Y-yes... r-right there..." Callum muttered. Izanoku nodded slowly.

"Do you think me and him can play together, mommy?" Izanoku asked, before Mirai hugged Callum tightly.

"No... sorry Iza, sweetheart, but Callum is all mine. You can't play with him."

"Is it because dad isn't here anymore? Do you need someone to be like him? Is Callum our new dad?!" She squealed, getting excited.

"...that's enough questions, Iza." Mirai sighed. "Go back to your room this instant. Me and Callum will have lots of fun... won't we~? ♥︎"

"Y... Y-yes..."

Izanoku nodded hesitantly, and left the room, closing the door behind her. She puffed her cheeks, and put her hands into her pockets, sitting down at the bottom of the stairs.

"I miss daddy and Zak."

Standing in the kitchen silently, Masaru looked down as Izanoku continued to cook her dinner, feeling a pit of guilt inside her stomach. She cut the final bits of the vegetables, and washed her hands, before wandering to the stove. She stood there, looking puzzled.

"Don't tell me..." Masaru said, sniffling. He wiped his tears and walked up behind Izanoku, looking at her. "You can't turn this on?"

"Well.... what if I can't?" She said, looking away from him.

"Which do you want to use?" Masaru asked.

"The front right and back right." Izanoku said.

Masaru nudged her to get out of the way, and turned a knob on the stove to the max setting; six. He watched as the cooker turned on, and stepped back, letting Izanoku take the lead once more. She stared at the blue flames with awe, and put a pan at the front, and a pot filled with cold water at the back. Izanoku then took out a handful of spaghetti, and placed it into the pot of boiling water. She sank the pasta with a wooden spoon, and put a lid on top to let it cook.

"Thank you..." She said quietly, and walked over to the other end of the kitchen, opening a cabinet and taking out a small bottle of vegetable oil.

"No problem..." Masaru said, looking at her from a distance. "...I'll go back to being a captive, now."

"No, no." Izanoku shook her head, putting the bottle of oil on the workbench. "I'd prefer if you made yourself at home."

"Why? I'm the enemy, aren't I? You kidnapped me for a reason, no?" Masaru asked.

"Because to me, I don't feel like you're an enemy." Izanoku replied, pouring some oil into the pan. It began to crackle, making her jump a bit, before she put a handful of onions inside the pan. "Yeah, maybe we shanked you and brought you here, but we could've easily let you die. I actually had no clue Callum and Zak were going to do that."

"Eh? You didn't?"

"Nope... it was all spontaneous." Izanoku sighed, sweating the onions down. "Those idiots... but since they brought you here, I didn't want to treat you harshly... even if you view me as a bad person, I'm not like Callum or Zak who just feel nothing after what they done. I have regrets; I regret even trying to kill you and your friend in the first place. And yet, fate is giving me a second chance to talk with the guy I nearly murdered."

"Yeah, fate is weird... I would never think to see you again. But yet... here I am, in your house." Masaru muttered. "I still don't like the fact you took away my stuff and you're keeping me in here."

"I took away your stuff as a safety precaution. I don't fully trust you, y'know..." Izanoku mumbled, adding in chopped carrots and celery. "Because of the people I hang out with, I don't want you to call the police or something, and have us all arrested... I guess, even though I'm bad, I'm still scared... I'm terrified that judgement will rain down upon me one day and give me what I deserve. So, for now, I want to live to the fullest. With nothing holding me back."

"I understand what you mean... y'know, my brother kind of deals with people with messed up psyches. I'm sure he'd be happy to talk to Callum, or you, or maybe even Zak, about your issues." Masaru said.

"Nah... even though we're all messed up beyond the point of saving," Izanoku added mushrooms. "We're not seeking medical help. We're seeking a reason to continue living. You don't know our pasts, do you?"

"No, I don't." Masaru said. "Will it be important?"

"Well..."

"I'll see you some day, Izanoku."

The sun was setting for the day, as outside a court, a lanky, black haired man with gentle purple eyes bent down and kissed a young Izanoku's forehead. Standing behind Izanoku was her mother, and behind the man was a young Zak who looked down, crying.

"Arata, I'd prefer if you didn't touch Izanoku." Mirai said, pulling Izanoku away from him. She rested her hands on Izanoku's shoulder.

"She's still my child, Mirai..." Arata said with bitterness. "This might be the last time I see her, y'know?"

"Does it look like I care? She may be your daughter, but now she's legally mine, and mine only. You have Zak, don't you?"

"Heh, yeah." Arata ruffled Zak's hair. "But still. She's my little girl."

"You don't see me hugging or kissing Zak, do you?" Mirai shot back.

"He probably wants one. Look at him..." Arata knelt down and hugged Zak. "It'll be okay champ."

"Tch. You don't see Iza sobbing because of the divorce. Zak is weak, just like you."

"He's shedding tears, which means he cares for both you and his sister." Arata picked Zak up, and patted his back. "Izanoku. Don't listen to your mom for me. Laugh, cry, smile, scream, and most importantly, feel. If you're upset... don't hold it in."

"Daddy..." Izanoku looked down, and bit her bottom lip.

"Don't listen to his meaningless slop, Iza." Mirai said, kissing Izanoku's cheek.

"We'll see what happens in a couple years time." Arata said, looking at Mirai. "I don't hate you. I still love you. But... maybe we weren't meant for each other after all..."

"I still remember your confession in that deli we'd use to go to everyday after classes." Mirai said, squeezing Izanoku's shoulders gently. "I don't feel "love" for you. I'm sorry. But really, I respect you more than other now. Take good care of Zak, at least."

"Jeez, Mirai... You're such a tsundere..." Arata laughed, turning around. Moving his head, he looked at Mirai and Izanoku. "One last thing, Mirai. Don't silence your feelings, or teach Izanoku the same. I remember how you'd use to bottle everything up until it exploded into one mess..."

"Tsundere? I am not such a thing." Mirai denied, sighing. "That's the past me. You've taught me not to. Don't worry. In fact, why bother worrying? We'll most likely never see each other again."

"I guess your right... but, even if we're not lovers. Can we still be friends?"

"Fine. We can still be friends." Mirai said, looking away from Arata.

"Good... I hope I'll see you guys some day. Zak, say goodbye..." Arata laughed half-heartedly, as Zak waved his small hands.

"Sis, mommy... I'm gonna miss you two!" Zak shouted, as Arata wiped the tears off the child's face.

"I'll miss you too, Zak!" Izanoku shouted.

"Goodbye."

Tears fell from Izanoku's eyes, and into the mixture of vegetable, meat and sauce cooking in the pan. As she stirred the ingredients together, Masaru listened intently, and put a hand on her shoulder. Hearing her sniffles, he slowly pulled her into a tight embrace, running his hand down her back. Izanoku pushed her face against Masaru's chest, and began sobbing uncontrollably.

"What happened to your dad and Zak after that?" He asked with a gentle tone, turning down the stove's heat to 3.

"I don't know... you'll need to ask him." Izanoku said, wiping her tears. She looked up at Masaru and buried her face into his chest again. "You... you remind me of him, y'know..."

"I do?" Masaru raised a brow.

"Yeah... you guys are similar... that's why I couldn't bring myself to kill you in Malaysia."

"I... I see."

"Something smells good." Zak walked into the kitchen, and saw Masaru hugging Izanoku. "What in the ass-"

"Don't get the wrong idea. She was just explaining her past and got emotional. It made me feel bad. Sympathetic." Masaru said.

"Right..." Zak raised a brow, and stood next to them. "Her past, huh..."

"I heard you went with your dad after the divorce." Masaru said.

"Ah, that... we moved out of that town." Zak replied. "We went to where my dad's parents were, and moved in there. Sadly, he never found another girl he loved as much as our mother. Though, he..."

"He what?" Masaru asked.

"He... worked himself to death." Zak muttered.

As the coffin was lowered into the ground, a teenage Zak wearing a black suit stared at the pit his father was being lowered in. His purple eyes were shot wide open, and his whole body was shaking. His mouth gaped open very slightly, and his hands were tight fists. Constant tears streamed down his face, like a waterfall, and when the coffin was lowered to the ground once and for all, Zak dropped to his knees, grovelling on the floor.

"Dad... why'd you have to work so hard... what was the point of work, if it meant you were gonna die... we promised to visit mom and Izanoku one day, together... so why? Why did you have to die before we could fulfil that promise...?! Why does God hate us?! It's not fair! Why? Why me...?! Why you! Why not some other fool who deserves to die?! Why you... you worked so hard, and went through so much... SO, THIS IS WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN? DEATH?!... DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD! COME BACK! I'D DO ANYTHING TO SEE YOU AGAIN, DAMN IT! I MISS YOU! I MISS YOU SO MUCH!"

Zak screamed, as his grandad knelt down beside him, and put a hand on his grandaon's shoulder. He shook his head, wiping his tears.

"Your dad was a good man, Zak. Be proud of what he did... he's up in heaven now. He can relax in peace. God has his reasons for bringing Arata up there so early. We might not understand that reason, but all we can do is pray for his peaceful afterlife. Lift your head up high. Arata wouldn't want to see his own flesh and blood on his knees, crying over his death. He would've wanted you to stand proud, and move on."

"I can't help it... dad... he did so much... so why would God betray him so easily...?!" Zak sniffled, hitting the grass floor. "There's so many evil people in this world, yet they don't die... they don't suffer... so why us? WHAT DID WE DO WRONG?!"

"The big man up there has his reasons. Just trust his judgement."

"Why... why should I trust him, when he took away my own father...? Why work hard when this is what you'll get in return... it's so pointless... so pointless..."

"Zak..."

"I'm sorry to hear." Masaru said.

"It's fine. What we do is something God would disapprove, yet we're still here, alive and kicking." Zak said. "We're evil. Me, Izanoku, and Callum. I've accepted that as my role in society; a criminal. That's why I do criminal things. Why play by the rules if you're gonna die anyways? You've gotta lie, cheat and deceit others."

"We may be criminals, but we're not evil just because it's fun." Callum said, walking into the kitchen. "We're "evil" for our own personal reasons. At least remember that, if you're gonna get some worth from me shanking you."

"Why'd you even shank me?" Masaru asked, as Izanoku pulled away from his chest.

"Ain't it obvious?" Callum raised a brow. "It's cuz you were threatening us. So we had to fight back."

"I was just stalking you..." Masaru muttered.

"Yea, like that's a normal thing to do." Callum said. "Get your head out of your ass, you wanted to take our Zeroth Dragons, and I weren't gonna have it, so I shanked you for that. We don't wanna get ourselves in trouble by leaving you in the alleyway, so we decided to bring you here, without Izanoku's permission. Be grateful you're even living; I could've shanked you in a more deadly place."

"You also gave me a punch to the head for no reason."

"Just in case, bruv. You had a gun in Malaysia, so I wanted to make sure you were down for the count."

"I guess... actually, now that I think about it... you guys weren't trying to kill me?" Masaru raised a brow.

"Well... I had a second motif for bringing you here." Zak spoke up, crossing his arms. "I recognised you from Malaysia. And me and Izanoku we're talking about you on our flight back to Japan. She told me how she wanted to talk to you more and get to know you better."

"Wait... really?" Izanoku raised a brow, taking out four plates from the drawer. "You guys... brought him here for me?"

"Huh? What?!" Masaru exclaimed.

"Yeah... It seems like our plan worked." Zak smiled.

"Man, Izanoku, plate up already, I'm starving!" Callum groaned, walking back to the living room.

"Yeah, yeah, I've got it." Izanoku laughed a little, putting some bolognese over the spaghetti.

"Maybe I misjudged them..."

"I'll get my dinner later, Izanoku. I'm still full after eating earlier." Zak said. "Just pop it in the microwave."

"Are you sure? It's best served hot..." Izanoku pouted.

"Yeah, it'll be fine."

"Hey, there's four plates...?" Masaru raised a brow.

"One's for you." Izanoku said quietly, putting one of the plates of food in the microwave.

"One for me? You shouldn't have..." Masaru said.

"No... it's... it's my apology, for dragging you here. After this, I'll get your stuff so you can leave our place." Izanoku said, handing Masaru a plate of spaghetti bolognese. She smiled sweetly; genuinely at him, as Masaru took the plate with gratitude.

"Thanks... Izanoku." Masaru said.

"I'll get the utensils in a bit. Feel free to sit down somewhere." Izanoku said, picking up two plates, one in each hand.

"Do you want me to carry one?" Masaru asked, looking at her.

"N-no, I'm fine..." She huffed, kneeing Masaru's back. "Hurry up! I can't hold these plates forever!"

"Ah, sorry..." Masaru snickered, sitting down at the recliner. Izanoku put down the two plates on the coffee table in front of the sofas, as Callum sat up and took a plate.

"Mama Mia, Izanoku cooked actual food?! What's the chance the bolognese has period blood in it?!" Callum shouted. Izanoku entered the kitchen, took some utensils and entered back into the living room, sighing.

"Zero percent. Now, if you'd like period blood in your spaghetti, that can be arranged now since I need to go to the toilet." Izanoku said, dropping forks and knives in the middle of the coffee table.

"Uhhhh, no thanks!" Callum took a fork and stabbed it in the middle of his plate. Twirling the noodles around his fork, he shoved it into his mouth and slurped loudly. "HOWEE SHEET DIS ISH AMAAAAAAAAAZING!" Callum shouted, smoke coming out of his mouth due to the temperature of the food.

Masaru picked up some spaghetti, and blew on it before taking a bite. Tasting some of it, he nodded as the al dente pasta coated in the sour tomato sauce mingled in his mouth with a rich beef flavour, while the soft and sautéed vegetables gave varying texture alongside a hint of sweetness and freshness throughout. The mushrooms added a strong umami flavour that complimented the minced beef, which was exploding with juicy flavour. It was a simple yet complex dish that was being shovelled into Callum's mouth quickly and without method.

"Wow... this is great!" Masaru exclaimed.

"I'm glad you boys are enjoying." Izanoku smiled, before leaving to go upstairs and into the toilet.

"Dude, Izanoku never cooks this good." Callum said, devouring the morsels of flavour around his lips by licking them with his tongue. "Last time she cooked, she somehow burnt the chicken on the outside while having a raw centre! That shit requires skill."

"Well, this dish is excellent. I've never tasted her cooking before, but just from this, she's pretty good." Masaru laughed.

"Izanoku has a little schoolgirl crush on you." Callum said, slurping up the remains of his plate.

"...she what now?" Masaru asked, dropping his fork.

"She likes you." Callum said with exaggerated mouth movements. "She wants to ride your dick- actually, that's too far, scratch that. It'd make her day if you talked to her more."

"Me and her don't mix." Masaru said, picking up his fork from the floor, and blowing it. "She's a bad guy, I'm a good guy."

"So? That doesn't matter, my man. Izanoku rarely smiles. But today, she's been gleaming for some whatever fucking reason. And I think it's cuz you're here." Callum said, chucking his clean plate on the table.

"You're perceptive..." Masaru mumbled.

"Just some food for thought." Callum said, clicking his back. "Welp, I'm gonna take a ten hour nap. See you whenever fate wants us to meet again."

Callum stood up, and left the living room to go upstairs, and into his room. Masaru was left alone in the living room, eating his food in silence.

"Izanoku has a crush on me? God, why does life love fucking with me today?!"

(Ending here)

"Thanks."

Masaru stood outside of the front entrance of the house, waving at Izanoku. It was an hour before midnight as he made his exit.

"No, thanks for being here, it was fun." Izanoku said, smiling a little. "Maybe... in your spare time, come visit us again...?"

"We'll see. I don't really want to hang out with troublemakers, though..." Masaru said.

"We're harmless, really." Izanoku laughed half-heartedly. "Well... maybe not..."

"Eh, whatever. I'll come by your house and drop some Haunted Astolfo Beanies for Zak. See ya." Masaru began walking away, raising a hand to the air as a "bye".

"S-see you!" Izanoku waved at him. Once he was out of her sight, she closed the door slowly, sighing.

"Wait... shit... I FORGOT ABOUT ZOA!"

Next time on Z World:

#27: Water Towns

Payic: Hey, we're relevant to the plot, Maverick!

Maverick: Weren't we always relevant? :^)

Payic: Press F to all the shafted characters.

Maverick: F

Payic: What's this Preview for?

Maverick: WE GOING TO CHINA SO EVERYONE GET READY TO SEE RYUZAKI SHOUT JAPAN IS SUPERIOR IN HONG KONG!

Payic: But we're visiting Beijing, Shanghai and the Water Towns...

Maverick: Look, if Yozora and Chiharu gets to fuck in China, Ryuzaki gets to shout Japan is superior in Hong Kong.

Ryuzaki: Hell ye *fist bumps Maverick*

Maverick: Hell ye *fists bumps Ryuzaki*

Payic: You idiots... everyone, tune in next week as we witness Fox trying to not make another 6000 word chapter!

================================

A/N

Holy Jesus fuck, this chapter exceeded 6500 words, and is like 200 words (as of writing this part) away from hitting 7000; apparently writing about three criminals and Masaru makes good content???

Last week's chapter was 4000 words, so uh, we've been slowly escalating...

(This was kind of meant to be a filler chapter but instead now it's become the longest Z World chapter, ironic)

THIS SHIT IS NEARLY LONG AS THE FINAL Q N A IN CRAY'S COLLAPSE LMFAO

Here's your goof of the week:

Callum: I have no such thing as a death wish o3o

And we have this other one...

Callum: Is that... SHANKS???????????????

Yeah... XD

Callum: MOOOOOOOD AF BOI

Ryuzaki: I'm going to kill you for hurting my Maverick

Callum: I hurt you before you could even hurt me by stealing Dust o3o

Ryuzaki: BITCH, SOMEONE BAN CALLUM FROM THIS BOOK DAMN IT! CALLUM TEMEE, I WILL MURDER YOU! SHI NEEEEEEEE *explodes*

Callum: Wtf

Yikes, it's 10 words off being 7000 words! Gotta dip, before this legit reaches 7000 holy fuck- TOO LATE, IT'S 7000 WORDS

FUCK-

That's all, Fox out!