On the of an open field with no one around, Diamond and Jamson teleported to the field as they both catch their breath having escaped from me at Elena's house. "Hehehe. Man that was certainly a close one I thought we were gonna be caught for sure by the cops." Jamson said. "Yeah but I must admit I used up too much of my spiritual energy today, using the Kurosekai on Lauren and escaping the cops who interrupted and my reunion with my sister after 10 years." Diamond said. "Speaking of which I want to ask. 10 years ago you slaughtered the entire Hanhito clan on August 6th 2010. Why did you spare your sister?" Jamson asked with a curious smile. "Is there an alternative reason behind why you spared her? Do you have plans for her or perhaps you don't want to carry the burden of exterminating an entire clan?"

Diamond glared at him for a second before she smirks. "I spared her because she was weak. And weaklings are not worth the effort of killing." She said coldly. "But she's not weak anymore. She's gotten stronger. And that's what makes her fun to toy with." Diamond's eyes gleamed with malice. "I have plans for her. Plans that will bring us both closer to our goals. And when the time comes, I'll be the one to crush her spirit completely."

Jamson nodded, his smile growing wider. "Ah, so it's a game to you. I like it. The thrill of watching someone dance on the edge of destruction before you push them off." He clapped his hands together. "I can't imagine poor Alexa will be enjoying this little game you have in store for her."

Diamond chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Jamson's spine despite his bravado. "Alexa is just a pawn in the grand scheme of things. She thinks she's found refuge in the shadows, but she's just walking into my trap. And once's she's in my trap.... She will be crushed..." Diamond says with an evil grin on her face. "Ever since the day she was born I've acted like the big sister she looked up to for so long which made it all the more easy to manipulate her.... I then slaughtered our clan just test the limits of my powers to see if she was worthy enough to challange me.... I told her to run away and come back once all her humanity is gone and in it's place is hatred towards me... The pieces are in place.... Soon her spirit will be broken and she'll be my plaything.... That I can garantee." Diamond finishes. Jamson nodded thoughtfully. "And what about her newfound 'family' especially, Elena?"

"Ah, Elena," Diamond said, her tone turning sour. "She's an interesting piece in this game, isn't she? So blinded by her own rage she can't see the truth. But she's no problem to me." Diamond says confidently. "My my such confidence, I'm so glad I partnered with you." Jamson said. But as they kept walking they are met by another masked and hooded individual in the same Ankokudzura robes as them. "Are you two done slacking off?" The voice although disguised sounded female.

Diamond greats the woman. "Why hello there, Luna." She said, recognizing her despite her disguise voice. "How have you been today?"

The masked woman, Luna, stepped closer, her eyes flashing with irritation beneath the shadow of the hood. "Spare me the greetings, Diamond, that's not the reason why I came." Luna said stern. "You and Jamson are supposed to be on a mission searching for one of the crystals we've been looking for to carry out our plans for the world, but instead you got sidetracked with your little sister."

Jamson rolled his eyes, "Come on, Luna, you know how it is with family reunions." He joked trying to lighten the mood.

But Luna was not amused. She pulled back her hood to reveal a face tight with anger. Luna is a white woman with tan skin, she has natural blond hair with grey eyes, and her expression is that of a stoic female anime character. "This isn't the time for jokes, Jamson. We need to find the crystal before it falls into the wrong hands. It's crucial to our mission." Luna then looked at Diamond. "You know what Potentia has orders."

Diamond nodded, her expression turning serious. "We know the importance of our task, Luna. But I had to see my sister, to ensure she's still on the right path." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "And I'm not done playing with her yet. But don't worry, we're on the same side here. Rest assured Potentia will have the crystal as ordered."

Luna folded her arms across her chest. "I understand that, but this mission is important. If we don't find the crystal soon, our plans may fall apart and the world won't be ours." She handed them a map with an 'X' marked on it. "This is where the crystal is supposed to be. We've had reports of increased spirit activity in the area." Luna said. "Now get to work. The Ankokudzura doesn't waste time on sibling rivalries."

Diamond and Jamson took the map from her, exchanging glances before nodding. "You're right, Luna. We'll get moving." Diamond said, her eyes lingering on the map before looking up. "But I want to make something clear, when the time comes, Alexa will be mine to deal with."

Luna's eyes narrowed at the declaration, but she said nothing, knowing better than to argue with Diamond when she had that look. "Good. This dark and cruel world will fall. And in it's place will be a better world, one of peace.." She puts her mask and hood back on turned and disappeared into the shadows with spiritual energy, leaving the other two alone once more.

Diamond studied the map under the pale moonlight, her thoughts racing. The crystal was said to be in an abandoned mine, just up ahead there shouldn't even be anyone around however it's a long hike. "Looks like we've got a hike ahead of us," she murmured to Jamson. "Just great and here I thought we could relax a little." Jamson complained. "We have no choice." Diamond said. "Let's go." Diamond said as the two walked up to the mountains.

April 23rd 2020

Meanwhile I was sitting at a hospital I recovered mostly physically but mentally I was not okay.

April 22nd 2020

"It's as you said, sister. I've sacrificed my humanity and got stronger all this time!" I said as spiritual energy slowly starts to build up. "I've lived my life for one single purpose: To kill you! It ends here, bitch!" I recalled yesterday the first time I saw Diamond in 10 years remembering building up spiritual energy in my hand with the intent to kill. I recalled her saying: "Oh, how delightful. I've been waiting for this moment, Alexa. But tell me, how much of a monster have you become to match me?" That set me off as I said "Enough talk! You're dead you fucking bitch!" I remember charging at her yelling "DIIIIIIIEE!" And landed my attack. But she caught my attack like it's nothing. "You're not going anywhere, Alexa. Not until I've had my fun with you." And then she broke wrist when she said "Enough." Elena tried to intervene but I didn't let her. "Stay out of this.... Elena. The only one.... who's going to eliminate her... Is me!" I still challenged her despite my broken wrist and injuries "I told you before... I've lived my entire life for this day.... This moment. THIS FIGHT IS MINE!" I activated my red Dobutsu eyes to fight back.

But it wasn't enough. Diamond beat me brutally treated me like a toy I felt even more violated by her to the point to where I would rather get raped by Ringo Maverick over and over again. The worst he did was break me physically but Diamond she broke me not just physically but mentally as well as I recalled her words. "You're still too weak. You still have your humanity. And you know something? As long as you have it."
You'll never kill me." I always asked myself what was wrong but deep down I knew she was right my humanity still remains and as long as that's there I will never beat Diamond.

But perhaps the most painful moment of our reunion was Aqua's death. I recalled back the moment when Diamond killed Aqua. I hugged and held on tightly to my dog's body, the last thing connected to me ever since the Hanhito massacre. "AQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" I recalled my yells as I held his lifeless body. It was the most pain I have ever felt in a long time.

April 23rd 2020

Back in the present I cried again. It was clear to me that nothing had changed. I was so weak. Not only was I not strong enough to kill Diamond, but I couldn't save Aqua. I felt a mixed of emotions, failure, sadness, heartbreak, anger, and murderous vengenace.

Elena walked into the hospital room looking at me with a concerned look. "Are you okay, Alexa?" She asked, noticing the tears running down my face. I looked up at her, my eyes filled with anger. "Why are you here when you know it's obvious." I asked sternly.

"I had to come, I had to know if you're okay," she replied, her voice filled with genuine concern. "I know you're hurt, but we can't let Diamond win by tearing you apart like this." Despite her concern I still had doubts. "I'm not okay." I replayes my voice almost a whisper. "I couldn't save Aqua." I said tearfully.

We'll find a way to stop her," Elena said firmly. "Together, we're stronger than we ever were. We have allies now. We can't let her win." Though I felt her words I ended up pushing them aside. "No.... I have to stop her... I have to kill her."

"Alexa," Elena's voice was soothing, but it couldn't dull the pain. "Revenge won't bring Aqua back, nor will it bring back the Hanhito clan." She paused, looking at me with understanding eyes. "It may not bring them back but at least I'll have justice." I said coldly and vengful.

"Justice is one thing, but becoming the monster you despise is another," Elena replied gently. "Let's focus on healing first. Then, we'll talk about what we can do together to stop Diamond." She offered a hand to help me up, but I ignored it. "I'll never be like her," I whispered, clenching my fists. "I'll never become a cold-hearted killer like her. I'll strike her down with my bare hands.... Even if it cost me my humanity."

Elena's eyes searched mine, trying to read the depths of my anger. "Alexa, I know you're hurting, but you can't let her win like this. You're not alone in this. We're a family now." She said firmly, her grip on my hand tightening. "And we protect each other." But I'm still in conflict I was still hellbent on sacrificing my humanity to kill Diamond.

"A family," I murmured, the words feeling foreign on my tongue. "I don't know if I can do this, Elena."

Elena knelt beside me, her eyes filled with empathy. "You don't have to do this alone," she said. "We're here for you, and together we'll find a way to stop Diamond without losing yourself in the process."

I looked into Elena's eyes, searching for the strength to believe her, but I still felt apart inside that wants revenge. "I don't know if I can," I admitted, my voice cracking. "Every time I think about her, all I see is red. Her words hit me like, that's why I will get stronger on my own, I'll destroy my humanity every last bit of it so I can strike her down without fail." I said coldly. "I promised Diamond I would do it 10 years ago when I was a child I intend to keep that promise."

Elena squeezed my hand, her grip firm but gentle. "Alexa, please. Think about what you're saying." Her voice was filled with urgency. "That type of thinking will only lead you down ths path of darkness. If yoy give in and lose yourself, then Diamond has already won." Maybe darkness is all what it takes." I said sternly.

There was a moment of silence until Lauren came into the room. "Is everything okay." Elena sadly turned to Lauren and sadly shook her head no and Lauren immediately understands. "Elena can I have a word with Alexa? You can meet up with Avery, David, Soren, Rachel, and Cecilia in the meantime."

Elena nodded and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Lauren approached me, her eyes filled with understanding and a hint of sadness. "Alexa, I know you're hurting, and I know what you're thinking." Lauren said. "Then you should know what I want."

She took a deep breath. "I know you want revenge, and I understand it. But think about the cost. If you go down that path, you'll only become what she wants you to be. A monster." Lauren paused, giving me time to digest her words. "Believe me. I've met a lot of people in my time who has been in the exact same position as you. Anyone who follows the path of revenge. It never ends well for them. Those people fall to darkness sacrifice everything all for the sake of vengence and it led to their ultimate downfall." Lauren says this but I shoved off her words.

"What do you know about revenge?" I snapped, the anger in my voice palpable. "You've never lost everything you cared about. You've never had to watch the person you love the most be taken from you." I felt the rage building inside me again. "Maybe I should murder everyone you care about. Maybe then you'll have at least have some idea of what I've been through and understand half of what I'm going through." I said but my words didn't faze Lauren.

Lauren sighed heavily, "That's an interesting theory. Unfortunately you're a much too late to put it to the test. Because everyone you're talking about is already dead. I believe I already told you this but you've seem to have forgoten." When she said this I was surprised and didn't say anything.

Her eyes never leaving mine, she continued, "I'm over 40 years old and I've been on this Earth longer than you have and I've had my fair share of loss. Like you I've failed to protect those I cared about too."

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I had forgotten what she had been through. I felt a sudden pang of guilt for my harsh words. I looked down at my bandaged wrist. "So it seems that neither of us had the best time of our lives. Didn't we Alexa?" Lauren said. She then continued. "I undertsand what you're going through but you have to give up on revenge. Letting it consume you is exactly what Diamond wants. She wants you to give into your hate and sacrifice everything for vengeance you'll lose yourself as a result." Lauren explained softly. "Is that what you really want?"

I was silent for a moment, contemplating her words. The anger in me didn't dissipate, but it felt heavier, weighing me down. "No, that's not what I want." I murmured, feeling a twinge of doubt in my resolve. "But what else can I do?" I looked up at her, my eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I can't just let her get away with this. She's taken everything from me, everyone I've ever loved!"

Lauren nodded solemnly, her eyes never leaving mine. "I know it's hard, but you have to find a way to channel that anger into something else. Something that won't consume you, but will give you strength to face her again without becoming like her." She placed her hand on my shoulder, the warmth seeping through the fabric of my shirt. "I've seen you fight, Alexa. You're powerful, but power isn't enough to win against someone like Diamond. You need wisdom and strategy too. And that's what we're going to work on together." Her words finally hit me as my rage calms down. "I'm... I'm sorry for what I said eariler about killing those you cared about." I apologized with guilt.

Lauren gave me a gentle smile, patting my shoulder. "It's alright, I know you didn't mean it. But let's focus on the now. We need to get you back on your feet, not just physically but mentally too. And then we'll figure out how to deal with Diamond without losing ourselves in the process." She stood up and offered me her hand. "Once you recover I'll help you." Lauren said.

I took a deep breath, the weight of her words sinking in. Slowly, I allowed her to pull me up. The pain in my wrist was a stark reminder of my failure. I nodded, not trusting my voice to speak without breaking. "Thank you, Lauren," I managed to whisper.

Meanwhile Avery, David, Soren, Rachel, and Cecilia all waited at the front of the hospital sitting in chairs all patiently waiting until they saw Elena walking from the elevator. Avery was the first to stand up. "Is she okay?" He asked Elena immediately. But Elena looked at her husband with a sad look of uncertainty on her face. "No she's not okay. She's hurt. And not just physically." Elena replied.

David stepped forward placing a hand on her shoulder, "What can we do to help?" He asked. "We need to be there for her, she's lost everything, her entire clan, her family, and now her dog." Rachel added.

Elena nodded, "We're doing all we can, but she's insistent on going down a path of revenge. She believes that if she sacrifices her humanity, she'll be strong enough to defeat Diamond." Soren frowned, his gaze darkening. "We can't let her go down that path."

"Agreed." David said. We have to show jer that there's another way. That we can still fight for justice without losing ourselves in the process." Rachel spoke up, her voice filled with determination. "But how do we do that? She's so consumed by anger."

Cecilia leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "We need to remind her of who she is. Of the values she holds dear. Maybe then she'll see that there's more to life than just revenge." David nodded in approval. "And we need to stand by her side, no matter what she chooses. We're her new family now, and family sticks together."

"Yeah... but Alexa hasn't always been open when it comes to her thoughts. Even back when we were all young." Rachel explained softly recalling my childhood. "She's always antisocial, refuses to play with other kids. She spends most of her time reading animal books and training."

"True, even during our middle school and high school years, Alexa would keep herself isolated as possible." David said. "I still remembered the day back in middle school she refused to show any empathy to victims of true crime cases we were assigined. She may have passed with flying colors but there was no hint of empathy. She argued with the teacher ehen she was furious when she hears that she didn't care simply due to the faxt that the victims were human." David explained when recalling my memories.

Cecilia sighed. "I remember her always getting bullied because of her love for animals and her status as a Hanhito and because of her being extremely attractive, guys would sexually harass her and girls would pick fights with her out of jealously."

"And let's not forget the time she protected a stray cat from a group of bullies and got her ass kicked for it. She never backed down, even when she was bleeding and bruised." Soren added, a hint of pride in his voice.

"That wouldn't be the last time she would protect any animals she sees." Rachel says. "I recall her flat out admitting that animal lives, History was always her lest favorite subject because it's what makes her angry simply due to the fact that said history was about humans. But all of that seems fated, if I recall children born in the Hanhito clan are groomed to hate humans since birth which explains their secrecy and isolation from society in favor of animals. Alexa must've been groomed from that same enviroment and Diamond's massacure of their clan was the last straw. This explains why all these years she didn't see the value in human life and why she all the things that have happened all these years. She was buliding uo her hatred for hiumanity so that she can use it as a strength to kill Diamond.*

Elena nodded in understanding. "We need to make her see that there's a balance. That not all humans are evil, that some are worth fighting for and that we are here for her."

"It's a good thing you're the only person who's close to her when no one else was." Avery said.

Elena nodded, "And we're going to stay by her side through this. She's not going to face Diamond alone." Elena's voice was firm. "Ever since she came into my family I promised to be there for her. And I intend to keep it." Everyone nodded and agreed. But as everyone was about discuss what to do they hear a familiar voice. "Well seems like I'm interrupting something." Elena and the others look to see Lauren, Tyler, and Harlacher all standing there. "Lauren, Tyler, Harlacher." Elena said. "Come with us we need to speak with you privately. All of you." Lauren said sternly.

The group gathered in a private room in the hospital. Elena explained the situation with me and my desire for revenge. "We have to help her find another way to deal with her pain," she said, her voice urgent. "We can't let her become like Diamond."

"Relax Elena." Lauren said. "I've already talked to her about revenge and she's calmed down a bit. She's agreed to think about other options." The group sighed in relief as Lauren continued. "Anyway there's something else that you all need to hear so please listen carefully." Lauren said. Theres was a moment of silence until Lauren started talking. "There's something about Diamond that you all need to know." Lauren said her voice deep but soft. "Diamond is a member of a secret terroist group known as the Ankokudzura."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock. They all had questions as they looked at Lauren with disbelief. "What do you mean by that?" Avery was the first to ask. "Yeah what is this Ankokudzura?" Rachel asked. "The Ankoku-what? I can't pronounce that but who are they?" Soren asked next. "This is not one of those conspiracy theories is it?" Cecilia asked. "Calm down everyone I'm not finished yet." Lauren said as everyone sat there silent in silence. "Anyways as I've said the Ankokudzura are a worldwide terrorist organization. They're a group of mercenaries who operate in the shadows, they specialize in stealth, assassination, and infiltration. They are a dangerous force to be reckoned with." Lauren said.

The tone of the situation set everyone in the room off. "Shocking, I know, but it gets worse from here." Lauren said. "Anyways the name Ankokudzura means "darkside" (暗黒面) in Japanese. They are most known for assassinations on anyone within the law enforcement and justice system including judges, police officers, military units, prison guard, prosecutors, and jury as well as anyone who stands in their way." She explained. "Wait but if they're terrorists why hasn't the government or police caught them yet?" Avery asked. "My officers and I and several others and I as well as  the military have spent years finding them but most of the time they're impossible to catch. They disappear and reappear and nobody would see them coming and even when we do catch them they never break during interrogation." Harlacher said. "We've also tried many times to gain intel on their operations but many people were sent have been killed." She explained.

"They're like ghosts," Elena murmured, her eyes wide with horror. "But why would Diamond be a part of such an organization?" Rachel questioned. "We're not sure the reason why Diamond would join but we do know this," Lauren said grimly. "The Ankokudzura wants to create a new world. They're a group of cultists who are under the belief that the world is a dark and cruel place so they're planning some form of world domination where they old system is dead and in it's place is absolute rule." She explained deeply. David leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "What could they possibly hope to achieve by controlling the world?"

"We don't know what their vision of controlling the world is. One things for certain it's not good." Tyler said. "In regard to Diamond we believed at some point after the Hanhito Clan Massacre, Diamond was recruited by the Ankokudzura which explains why she hasn't been in the public eye for the last 10 years. Our sources also say that Diamond is one of the upper ranking members of the Ankokudzura. The Ankokudzura Lieutenants." Lauren said deeply. This shocks the gang right in the room. "The Ankokudzura Lieutenants are probably some of the most powerful in all of the Ankokudzura. Consisting of eight lieutenants they are impossible to catch, and are the closet to the Ankokudzura's mysterious masked leader and are said to know the leader's true identity, and have a large body count." Lauren explains. "Many officers, judges, soldiers, prosecutors, jury members, as well as many others who have stood in their way all fallen by their hands. Suddenly it all made sense to Elena. "That's why she's been so powerful. And why she's been so elusive all these years." Elena murmured. "But how do we stop her? And what do we do about Alexa?"

"We're not sure yet." Lauren said. This news did not sit well with Elena and the others who wanted to protect me. "But we can't let Alexa go through this alone. She's already lost so much. And if we don't find a way to help her, she'll only get herself killed trying to avenge her clan and Aqua on her own. We need to be there for her, guide her through this. And maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to bring Diamond to justice without losing Alexa to the darkness in the process." Elena spoke with determination her eyes never leaving Lauren's as Rachel, Soren, Avery, David, and Cecilia nod in agreement.

"I understand your concerns, Elena. But we have to be smart about this. Going after Diamond isn't going to be easy, especially since she's part of the Ankokudzura. They're not just any ordinary group of thugs. They're highly trained, highly skilled, and highly dangerous. I know because the three of us fought Diamond she beat all of us without breaking a sweat, if she wanted to, she would've killed us instantly on the spot and in any case we wouldn't be here in this room right now. We need a plan that doesn't involve Alexa throwing herself at Diamond again and expecting a different outcome." Lauren's words were firm, but her eyes held a hint of softness for her adoptive daughter's pain. "Lauren's right, Elena, the Ankokudzura's too strong, powerful, and skilled for even the average person to handle, and besides these bastards have been a thing since the early 1800s, they've been gathering members and establishing connections." Tyler said. "Due to their skills of infiltration they've managed to infiltrate police stations, military, counties, governments, the criminal underworld, the justice system, even the United Nations. They've managed to recruit people from all kinds of places, they've hired bounty hunters, even inmates who are still imprisoned. Using their motives such as tragedy, or money regardless of reason the Ankokudzura has recruited people from all across the globe having eyes and ears all over the planet. If they wanted to they could take over the world in a single night and we'd never see them coming. Think of them as bees. Even one bee is insignificant as long as they continue to gather and grow in a huge colony, it will swell into unstoppable proportions." Harlacher said. "Going after them is risky as they will likely be aware of our plans and it will end in disaster, we can't let emotions cloud our judgment." She continued.

There was a moment of silence until Lauren puts her hands on Elena's and looks at her daughter with motherly love despite not being blood related. "Elena I understand how you feel but until we can come up with a proper strategy going after Diamond is completely out of the question, we don't know how they intend to carry out their goals or their true motives are." Lauren said softly. "The Ankokudzura are a force to be reckoned that will cause the whole world to shiver in fear and I don't want you or Alexa to get hurt." Elena looks up at Lauren worried. "B-But.... what are we supposed to do?" Elena asks stuttering. "For now all we can do is protect each other. But don't worry we'll find a way to stop them." Lauren said. "When Harlacher informed me and Tyler about this we decided to keep this a secret from you because at the time you weren't ready to receive this information until now." Lauren said she finishes by saying. "Now that you know we can mentally prepare you. You have my word Elena, we'll stop them no matter what."

Elena nods, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "We'll do it together, then," she says, her voice steady. "We're a team, after all. And we won't let anything happen to Alexa." Rachel, David, Soren, Avery, and Cecilia all nod in agreement, their expressions mirroring Elena's. Lauren nods seeing their determination on their faces. They are suddenly interrupted by a door knock and a female voice. "Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell may I come in?" Lauren looks at Tyler who nods. "Yes you can come in." The door opens and a nurse comes in. "I'm sorry to interrupt I was told you were in here." The nurse said. "No worries we've just finished wrapping up." Lauren said. "Okay well I have some good news." The nurse said with a smile. "Alexa's condition is stable we're just about ready to release her but first we'll need your signature since you are her mother."

Lauren nods and stands up, taking the clipboard from the nurse. She quickly signs the release forms and hands it back. "Thank you," she says, her eyes never leaving the nurse's until she nods and leaves the room. The group takes this as a sign to get moving. They all stand up and Lauren says. "Okay everyone let's get going. We'll need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We're going to get Alexa out of here and get her somewhere safe until we figure out what our next move is going to be." Everyone nods in agreement especially Elena.

Meanwhile I was sitting in my hospital room as a male doctor wearing a mask comes in. "Alright, Miss Alexa you are about ready to be released." He said. I didn't say anything as I slowly stood up. "It must be hard.... Having that horrific reunion with your sister after everything she did." He said in a calm tone voice. I looked at him with a blank expression. "I'm sorry about what happened with your clan." He said with a sad look on his face. I nodded. "Thank you." I murmured. "You know you're not the only one who has had dreadfully encounters with that bitch." He said which cause me to stop into my tracks.

"Excuse me?" I ask him. He looked at me with a serious look. "Diamond is a monster, she's killed many innocents and ruined many lives. She's not just a killer but a terrorist as well." He said. My eyes widened as the revelation hit me like a ton of bricks. Could it be true? Was the woman I called sister a member of some notorious group that's been causing chaos and destruction all over the world? "Unbeleivable I know but I do know a way to stop him." His voice lowered as he said this. "How?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The doctor leaned closer, his eyes locked on mine. "Well if you want to know, I'm a man with many anwsers I know eveything about Diamond, about the Hanhito, and the Dobutsu." I raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Someone who's been watching the shadows, studying the Ankokudzura from the inside out. And I have a proposition for you, Miss Alexa. If you wish to truly defeat her, you'll need to understand her, and to do that, you need to understand them. I can help you with that." His words were enticing, and for a brief moment, I felt a flicker of hope yet at the same time I couldn't trust him as he reveal his name. "My name is Dr. Steve Barnett."