Living in Inori's "Royal Serenity" was about as normal as it could get. Half of their visa days had gone by in a flash and each of them contributed to keeping the RV clean and stable.

Inori for some reason had collected card and board games from several places she encountered which kept them busy for some time. Keijiro had also took it upon himself to also teach Saeko how to shoot and protect herself.

At first, he didn't want to think this was a coping mechanism from losing Fuji but Keijiro had even let the little girl use the pistol Fujitaka once held.

Right now, Keijiro was outside with Michael and Saeko while Ousuke and Inori stayed in the RV. It was daylight now and Michael leaned against a tree as he watched his friend and the little girl.

"It's been three days and you still don't know how to properly hold a pistol," Keijiro told the girl who stood awkwardly.

"But it's dangerous," Saeko whispered to him as if the gun would explode if she talked any louder.

"And it's also going to come in handy when someone tries to attack you," Keijiro said, "it may even help you in one of the games." He looked back at the empty can he had sat on a log that still hasn't been hit yet.

Keijiro then, for the fourth time, fixed Saeko's stance. "Can you at least try and shoot the can now?"

"If she doesn't want to do it then you can't force her," Michael called out, "maybe she's just too young."

Bang!

Keijiro looked over and saw that the can on the log was still standing but the tree next to it had been hit. He then looked back over at Saeko who looked proud of herself.

"I did it!" Saeko cheered.

"You really didn't though," Keijiro said and Michael glared at him, "let's actually try to aim this time."

Saeko gave him a thumbs up. "Got it!"

Keijiro straightened her stance again and she closed one eye to concentrate. When she fired this time she hit the side. It wasn't an exact hit but it still knocked the can over.

Saeko cheered again, raising her hands and accidentally fired into the air causing Keijiro and Michael to duck.

"Oops," Saeko said.

Michael got back up and started to shake his head. "Nope, take it away from her."

Keijiro took the pistol from the little girl's hands and she frowned.

"But I want to keep practicing," Saeko complained.

"You can't get excited like that when you have a firearm in your hand," Keijiro said to her, "I am not too keen on getting shot again."

Saeko reached her arms out for the pistol. "You said I have to protect myself. Let me practice moorreeee."

Keijiro sighed then glanced to Michael.

"Why are you looking at me?" Michael asked, "this was your idea."

Keijiro looked down at Saeko pouting at him then gave the pistol back to her. He then put the can back on top the log.

"Let's see if you can actually hit its center this time," Keijiro said right as the RV door opened.

"Are you guys going to eat or what?" Inori called out to them.

Saeko turned to Keijiro. "I'm not hungry right now, I want to stay out here."

Keijiro watched Michael instantly head back to the RV at the mention of food. He then looked Saeko in the eye.

"You can practice your stance but do not fire that pistol under any circumstance unless you're in danger," he said.

Saeko saluted to him and Keijiro walked back to the RV where Inori, Ousuke and Michael were already eating inside.

Michael looked up at Keijiro. "Did you just leave the child out there by herself?"

"She'll be fine." Keijiro assured him and sat down on the couch. Inori basically threw the plate of toast and meat into his lap. "Geez, why so rough?"

"You're welcome," Inori said for him.

"Thanks," Keijiro mumbled and Inori held a hand up to her ear.

"What was that?"

"We're not doing this," Keijiro said then looked at Ousuke who seemed to be thinking to himself, "what's wrong with you?"

"I was just thinking about which way we're going to split up when we play again," Ousuke responded, "maybe Inori and I go together and you two—"

"Uggghhhh." Keijiro groaned. "We literally have three days left, can't we enjoy it?"

"It doesn't hurt to be prepared."

"There is no worry or anxiety allowed in the Royal Serenity," Inori announced from a bean bag chair she sat in, "so go outside."

"Why do you all want me to go outside," Ousuke mumbled and continued to eat.

Keijiro was going to explain it's because Ousuke was their pet dog now but a sound interrupted him.

Bang!

Everyone was confused by the noise but Keijiro jumped to his feet on alert.

Michael looked up at his friend. "What's wrong? Isn't she just practicing?"

Keijiro shook his head. "I told her not to fire that pistol unless she was in danger. You think I would let her fire a gun without supervision?" Right after he said those words, a high pitched scream came from outside.

Keijiro grabbed his shotgun and was the first to run outside with the others closely behind him. He looked to the nearby trees where he left Saeko and briefly saw another person, a guy, dragging her away.

Keijiro aimed his gun at the guy who was doing his best to subdue the little girl then saw something on the guy that made him freeze.

A key bracelet.

Michael saw it too. "Oh no..."

The guy had already dragged Saeko out of sight by now and they all could hear the sound of an engine and a car driving away.

"Hey, get back here!" Inori yelled after them and kicked the dirt, "who was that guy? Why kidnap a child?"

Keijiro stepped further and saw the pistol now on the ground near a few drops of blood. Saeko didn't look hurt to him so she must've shot the guy taking her. He picked the gun up off of the ground and headed back to the RV.

"What are you going?" Ousuke asked while following and saw Keijiro pack a bag.

"Back to the Beach of course," Keijiro said, curtly.

"Wait, wait, wait." Inori held her hands out. "You mean you're going back to that cult? Is that who took Saeko?"

"We had a feeling that might come after us," Michael explained, "we didn't think they'd take a whole child as leverage."

"They must've been watching us for a while," Keijiro said, putting the bag on his back and holding his shotgun close, "we were all in the RV so if they just showed up they couldn't have known Saeko was with us."

"So, they took her to lead you back to the Beach," Ousuke concluded.

Inori cracked her knuckles and grabbed a long knife from under the bean bag chair. "Well, I'm sure they didn't expect you both to return with backup." She looked over at Ousuke. "Ready to kill some people?"

"We're not killing anyone," Ousuke told her.

"No," Keijiro said with a dark expression, "I'll slaughter that entire Beach if I have to." He turned to Inori and gestured to the RV. "Does this thing move?"

Inori grinned and disappeared into her bedroom before coming back out with two gallons of gas. "I've never had anywhere I needed to go but I've been saving it for a special occasion."

Michael took one of the gallons from her and went back outside to fill the RV up.

Ousuke then looked over at Keijiro who was breathing heavily so he put a hand on his shoulder, causing Keijiro to flinch.

"We're going to get her back," Ousuke reassured him. He then gulped. "Even... even if we have to kill someone."

Keijiro stared at him then grinned and clapped the man's back. "That's more like it."

"You guys are bad influences." Ousuke sighed and sat down on the couch.

When Michael was done, he volunteered to drive and it took a while for the vehicle to start up before they could take off.

Inori stared out the window as they drove onto the road and moved at a steady pace. Keijiro wanted them to go faster but Michael wasn't sure if the RV could handle fast speeds.

"So cool." Inori gushed as she watched buildings and trees pass by. "We can go anywhere now."

"For that, we'd need to find more gas," Ousuke said, "we shouldn't park too close to this Beach place so we can sneak in."

"There is no sneaking in at the Beach," Keijiro said, "I want them to see me and know that they're screwed."

Inori faced Keijiro. "Alright, now tell us who we have to go up against at this cult."

Keijiro leaned back. "The person who runs the place is called Hatter—"

"Ha!" Inori laughed. "Like the Mad Hatter?"

"I guess so," Keijiro said, "he also has these people called executives that work for him. Can't remember their names but there's a cool chick with sunglasses, another emo chick, Chishiya—"

"Chishiya?" Ousuke asked, "he's an executive?"

"Yeah, and I could've been one too if I accepted the position. Obviously I didn't," Keijiro said, "now stop interrupting me. There was a nerdy guy with glasses and another guy who I literally can't remember anything about."

"Mahiru?" Michael asked from behind the wheel.

Keijiro shrugged. "That sounds right, I guess. There are also the militants who I think will be harder to fight against rather than the executives."

"A militant?" Inori tilted her head. "Wasn't that what you were?"

"Yup!" Keijiro said, "Aguni was in charge of us or whatever. There was also this ugly guy with a sword. He was called Last Boss for some reason."

"That's a cool name," Ousuke said.

Keijiro glared at him. "It is absolutely not."

Inori snorted. "That's such a lame name."

"I know right," Keijiro continued, "the militants were the only ones allowed to carry firearms at the Beach. So, they pretty much can do whatever they want."

"That doesn't sound fair," Ousuke said, "why would people even stay there?"

"Because it's a paradise that helps you escape from what's out there," Michael answered, "all the people there do is party and drink like it's nothing."

"Sounds fun." Inori admitted.

"It can be at first," Keijiro said, tapping his foot, impatiently, "jeez, are we there yet?"

"We just left," Michael told him.

"Relax," Ousuke said, "I'm sure everything will be fine."

Keijiro looked the guy in the eye. "I'm just gonna start calling you jinx at this point."

The group continued to drive for a while until the sight of a tall building finally came into view.

"Is that the hotel?" Ousuke asked, peering out the window.

"Sure is," Michael said and parked a good distance away from the building.

Keijiro was the first out the door but felt someone pull at the back of his collar.

"Hey!" Keijiro said and escaped from the person's grasp before turning around.

Michael stared back at him. "We need a plan. You can't just rush into there blindly."

"Watch me."

Inori held up her knife. "Yeah! Let's go!"

Michael shook his head at the two and the group continued to the Beach on foot. The closer they got, they could now hear the loud music booming from inside along with a few shouts and cheers.

"Is that music?" Inori asked out loud.

Keijiro sighed. "Yes, it is."

"This is going to backfire on us if we don't be careful," Ousuke said, "maybe we can find a way to negotiate with these people."

"Hatter isn't the negotiating type," Keijiro said, approaching the Beach's entrance and took a deep breath. "All you need to do is prepare yourself for a potential fight."

With that being said, Keijiro walked back into the Beach and the music instantly stopped. All of the residents gazes fell on them and their gazes soon turned into fear when they spotted Keijiro specifically. There were a few gasps and some of the residents even ran back inside.

"Do I want to know why they're acting this way because of you?" Ousuke whispered to Keijiro.

Keijiro tried to refrain from laughing. "Let's go."

The group of four walked into the building and the residents still continued to stare and gawk at them. Inori raised her knife, trying to look intimidating and she snickered when a few residents actually scurried out of her way.

Keijiro was planning on going to the room where Hatter had his meetings but saw someone in particular.

"Hey!" Keijiro ran over and grabbed the person, putting them in a headlock. He then dragged them and himself out of sight.

"What are you doing?" Michael asked his friend who was trying to keep the person in their grasp from screaming.

"He's an executive," Keijiro said, "I don't know his name but—"

"My name is Mahiru!" The guy glared up at him. "What are you doing here? I thought you ran away."

Keijiro scoffed and let go of Mahiru. "We didn't run, we simply left. Where is Saeko?"

Mahiru blinked at him. "Who?"

Inori thrusted her knife in the man's face. "Don't play dumb, peasant!" She grinned smugly. "You're messing with the residents of the Royal Serenity now."

Ousuke side eyed her. "The what?"

"Where is Hatter?" Keijiro demanded and made Mahiru face him. "One of your stupid Beach resident's took someone who belongs to us. Where are they?"

Mahiru only stared at him. "You don't know? Well, I guess it makes sense, you left before it happened."

"Before what happened?" Michael asked

Mahiru looked from side to side then lowered his voice. "You can't say anything about this. None of the other residents know yet."

"Know what?!" Keijiro snapped.

"Hatter... Hatter is dead."

Keijiro took a step back. "What? Then who—"

"So, you're back."

Keijiro turned at an unfamiliar voice and saw Last Boss holding his sword just inches away from Keijiro's face.

Keijiro gaped at the man. "You can talk?"

Last Boss sheathed his weapon. "Follow me. Aguni said you'd come back."

When the others tried following as well the man glared at them.

"Only him." Last Boss gestured to Keijiro.

"What?" Inori crossed her arms.

"We're not letting him go alone." Ousuke objected.

Keijiro waved his hand. "It's fine. I'll be okay."

Inori still wanted to refuse but Michael put a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. Keijiro then followed Last Boss in silence up the stairs and they approached the meeting room Aguni first brought him to.

Keijiro made sure to look somewhat intimidating as Last Boss opened the door and they walked inside. He expected to see the rest of the executives but none of them were present.

Only the militants.

And one little girl.

"Keijiro!" Saeko jumped up from the couch and ran over to him. She buried her face into his side and hid behind him.

"So, this is the brat that replaced me for some time, huh?"

Keijiro looked to the person who spoke, standing next to Aguni. The guy had a lot of piercings and dark hair that was half tied up. He also had a gun on him and wore black giraffe patterned shirt.

Keijiro ignored him and focused on Aguni. "Kidnapping children, Aguni? That's pretty low."

The guy he ignored sneered. "That little—"

Aguni held up a hand to silence him then nodded to the guy.

The guy then raised his gun and Keijiro thought he was going to be shot but the guy shot another person in the room instead.

Keijiro wondered what that was about and looked down at the dead man to see that it was the same person who had kidnapped Saeko in the first place.

"We never intended to bring a child into this," Aguni finally spoke, "the militants were supposed to bring you and only you back here. I don't need someone who can't follow simple instructions on my team."

"But why waste your time on me?" Keijiro asked, "aren't I a traitor?"

"Hatter isn't ruling things anymore so there are new rules," the guy next to Aguni said.

Keijiro pointed at him. "Uh, who's this?"

"This is Niragi," Aguni explained, "the one I told you about who was away for some time."

"Right," Keijiro said, not really caring. He then looked down at Saeko who was clearly scared.

"Everyone get out," Aguni surprisingly ordered the other militants.

"What?!" Niragi waved his gun. "This guy ran away, right? He should be punished—"

"Now. And throw that body in the dumpster."

The other militants began to leave the room except for Niragi who gave Keijiro a nasty look before picking up the dead guy's body and leaving as well.

Keijiro then looked down at Saeko. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah." Saeko sniffed. "I... I shot that guy who tried to take me. I did good, right?"

Keijiro smiled. "Yeah and now he's dead so everything's fine." He then glanced at Aguni. "So... Hatter's dead too, huh?"

"He is."

"Sorry for your loss, I guess."

Aguni glared at him. "Why would you be sorry?"

"Because he was your friend..." Keijiro watched Aguni's expression darken. "Never mind. I'm assuming the militants have taken over now." He put his hands on his hips. "I thought one of the executives would've been next in line to be leader."

"And if they were?"

Keijiro rolled his eyes. "Look, I don't care about whatever Beach drama is going on. I got what I came here for so I'm leaving."

"You're staying," Aguni stated like it was a fact.

"But why?" Keijiro complained like a child. "You can't keep me here. I'll just run away again."

Aguni took a seat in the chair at the end of the table where Hatter use to sit. "You're a good fighter, I'll admit that. If I'm going to be leading this place then I want someone like you on my team. I also need someone to watch over Niragi since I won't be able to."

"Pretty sure Niragi can take care of himself." Keijiro felt someone tug the end of his shirt and looked down to see Saeko staring up at him.

"Who is that man?" She whispered.

Keijiro grinned to himself then gestured to Aguni. "This is Pablo. He's just some old man."

Aguni's eyebrows furrowed. "What—"

"Nice to meet you, Pablo," Saeko said, still slightly hiding behind Keijiro.

Aguni rubbed his temple in frustration. "You're going to be a real pain."

"I don't have to be if you just let me go."

Aguni ignored him and continued. "You and your friend's rooms haven't been taken so they're still technically yours. You are dismissed."

"Wait. How did Hatter die?"

"That is none of your concern," Aguni growled at him, "I am in charge now so change your tone with me. And if you try to "run away" again then trust me, you will face the consequences this time."

"Yeah, whatever." Keijiro grabbed Saeko and left the room before Aguni could throw something at his head.

Keijiro and Saeko made their way back down to the first floor and the group was relieved to see them.

"Ha! You did it!" Inori said and lifted Saeko up who giggled.

"It was that easy?" Ousuke was shocked. "We don't have to fight anyone?"

"That's great, let's go," Michael said but Keijiro grabbed his shoulder.

"Um... we may or may not have to stay here for a while," Keijiro told them.

"What?!" Inori shrieked. "No way! Did you sell us out to the cult?"

"We can just sneak away later but let's just act like we're staying," Keijiro said, "so chill."

"Chill?" Michael sighed. "What if we can't escape this place again? What did Hatter say about all this?"

"Oh, Hatter's dead."

The group stared at him aghast but one person's voice called to them which drew their attention.

"Hey! It's you guys!"

Keijiro turned around to see two people approaching him but he only recognized one of them.

Arisu.