A New Phoenix is Born

T.C....

"Feels good to be back home. Can't belive I could stay away for almost a mounth.
There's full moon outside and that means all the writers are either on the field, or the Arcade (an abanandoned mall without a roof where graffers meetto challenge themsleves compete against each other to prove  who has the better skills). I'd better step on it, I really miss the boys"

The streets of Tokyo were quiet and desterted, the only thing breacking the silence was a Kawasaki Ninja. Once heard, graffers just spawn out of  nowhere as if they want to welcome it but no one dares to get closer. Exclamations of astonisment and fright came from everywhere.

-Is that Hagane Kanzaki?!

-No, way, he's dead, I was there when it happened.

-But the bike and the jacket with the Phoenix Rebirth patch, it;s him! There's no doubt about it! Someone Tell Kaito the Hagane us alive!

-He's going to the Arcade!
Let's follow him! Everyone seemed to say.

The Arcade

"Finally, I'm here! Where is everyone? What happened while I was gone?"

The arcade was flooded with translucent silver moonlight that gave the artwork on the walls a sense of superiority, even to the less impressive artwork, they all had the mark of a genius.

"But something was bothering me, something  had changed, too many of the original artwork were replaced or completely raised. Was this Daisuke?"

Lost in my chain of thoughts, I fail  to notice that arcade filled with people toert watching me with amazement and fear.  I just froze  unable to say anything.

The silence was broken by someone running towards me with tearful eyes hugging me and saying:

-Is that you brother? I thought I lost you forever!

But that didn't last for long when he realised I've got boobs and I'm actually a woman.

-You idiots, this is a woman!
How could you think Hagane is alive? yells Kaito at the whole group and removes his biker helmet.

Even if he seems to hate his brother, Kaito could never forget his brothers death, that's why couldn't control his tears.

-What did you say? asks the girl with a trembling voice

-You heard me Suki. Hagande died right after you left.

-That's inpossible! Says Suki falling on her knees and bursting into tears.

-It's all your fault!

-I loved Hagane I, could have never hurt him!

-Yeah, you loved him loke a brother! He decided to become king thinking this way he would win your heart and you'll see him like a real man.

-I didn't know... I didn't know he felt this way... If I knew...

-If you  knew then what?
You allways belittled him, miss "all city". He thought that was the only way he could win your heart and respect.

-You can't blame me for my talent, we allways worked toghether and did some amazing artwork, I was about to become a Phoenix.

-You might as well throw my brother's jacket to the bin. The Phoenix is dead!

-But Akito, the guys love graffiti, they would never give it up.

-If they don't quit on their own I'll help them! says turning his back and pointing out his team, the Crossing out Tokyo. And please tell Rei that I'll be waiting for him in three days at the scrap yard around midnight. If he didn't change his mind, of course.

-Wait Kaito, what are you talking about?

-Just tell him that and you'll find out.

"This cannot happen, Hagane is dead and Kaito wants to ruin the Phoenix Rebirth. I hace to find Akito."

The following day

Suki was walking down the street where the writers were usually active, but she noted that most of the tags are gone, the walls painted black and white. The few tags or pieces of art left, pieces that used to bring life to the buildings, acomplished with great effort and risk, were either crossed out or replaced by the "Crossing Out Tokyo" team and their grey markings.
The whole place looked like a graveyard, not a theme park full of life, the way used to be.

Lost in her thoughts Suki didn't notice that she was passing by Akito who was sitting on a bench with a girl an seemed to have a lovers quarrel. She come back to reality the moment she heard his voice. Turning around she realised it was really him.

She walks towards him and slaps him.

-Who the hell do you think  you are and how dare you slap me?

-Arata, or what your name is, I suppose she is another one of your girlgrends. Says Yamada angrily.

-Aren't you ashamed of wasting your time dating while Hagane is gone and everything around you falls apart?

Akito swallowed his words as if his mother was telling him off. He loses self control and strart crying, falling down at Suki's feet.
Yamada looks at the whole scene in shock.

-Arata, what's going on ?
Who is this woman?

-Suki, an independent graffer, that used to be part of our team when Hagane was alive.

Suki is an 18 year old young woman, with black raven hair that gave her certain charm, her face bearing a symmetry rarely seen. Although at first sight she seemed selpless, she was the complete opposite of that.

Coming back to his sense, Akito stands up and teels her should have stayed away. This just got him another slap on the face.

-You dare say that? Why didn't you let me know he died? How could you let him die?!

-He did it for you! He loved you too much and no one could stop him!

"So Kanzaki was telling the truth..."

-Did everyone knew he loved me except myself?

-Just about it! You don't really notice  things around you.

-Where's Rei? I've got a message for him.

-We had a fight, he's gone.

-You really can't keep anyone around you can you? 
Is she your girlfriend?

Hearing this, Yamada turns red.

-I, I am Aimi Yamda, numbles her then gets intrerrupted by Akito.

-It's a long story...

-Gather up the team, from now on Phoenix has a new leader! Let's go to our headquarters.

-We don't have one anymore, Kaito destroyed it.

-Oh, you're hopeless. How many members are in your team?

-Myself, Kazuma and Rei. 
For now

-What do you mean for now?

-Kanzaki declared "going over" to all the taggers. Our teams doesn't stand a chance. Rei decided to take it upon him to revange us.
There's a fight coming with a member of his team. The loser will lose his right for tag, forever.

-Let's go there is no time!
Kanzaki told me to warn Rei that battle takes place in three days in the scrap yard. Any idea where we can find him?

-I think so. For sure he's practising at "what colour" ( a skyscraper where the Phoenix Rebirth team members were practising before a competitin).

What Color

Rei was there, practising, covered in spray an paint from head to toes, looking like a peacook.
Toghetther with Kazuma, they were trying  to figure out the best way to beat Shun in the competition.

-Kazuma, what do you think about this "back to back" tag (a wall painted from one end to the other). He is just a beginner after all, they all said it.

-I don't think we should understimate him Rei. The weird thing is that lately there's no tag of his in the town, he only performs in a team.

-Then this should be super easy. There's no way I'm gonna lose to that guy.

-There's no way you're gonna win, you idiot not with this mind-set. Says Suki angrily. If what Akito tells me is real, and Shun is your oponent, you are rushing to conclusions.
The competitionis in three days at the scrap yards. Do you think it was random they chose this place?

-I was at the Arcade that night, I don't need your advice, says Rei. What gives you the right to come back here after you abandoned us? 
You didn't manage to become a famous writerin New York so you've decided to come back here where you're a star? Well, things have changed around and I wanna inform you that  you're not an "all city" anymore.

-But, I am your new leader. so you better get your shit together.

-You, a leader? You gotta be jocking! Ha ha ha! Let me guess, it was a Akito's idea, who of course is with his little Princess.
What is she doing here? Why the hell do you keep getting her involved in our business? Says Rei punching Akito in to stomach.

-You moron, don't you see it's your folt? You're the one who hit her that night! None of this would have happenedif you haven't done that.

-What???? So you are to blame! says Yamada.

-Yeah so? 
What are you gonna do abou it?

-I think the police would have quite an interest in your competition, you delinquent.

Hearing this, Rei walks towards Yamada with his fists up. Suki intervenses:

-That enough! You won't say shit the cops! And you, stop acting like a child and take some responability for your deeds! This is not the right time for a fight!
What would Hagane say if he would see you right now?

A deafenin silence was surrounding. For five minutes no-one dared say a world until Kazuma decides to break the ice.

-All right everyone, let's listen to what Suki has to say!

-This Shun is a master ub car graffiti, he is a destroyer. For many years he ruined hundreads of vehicles because his are either made with drills or sand paper.
Some people say he is a king in this area but I've seen some of his tags and his far from being a king. Still, you will never beat him in a "back to back".

-What do you have in maind? Ask Akito.

-Whole car ( a piece that covers an entire car).

-Do you want me to beat him  where he's more comfortable? 
That's impossible!

You can and you will because you won't be using just a simple tag, you will make an artwork.

-Me, an artwork? you gotta be joking.

-Not on bit. I take the leader role seriously, Let's start prepping. There's a lot to do  and only two days left. I need  spray, paint, markers and a lot of skill.
The Phoenix is not dead!
Do you hear me Hagane??

After many hours of work

-Suki, I can't do this, it's too much for me. Said Rei.

-Shut up and stop complaining, if you can run your mouth, you can run your hands too.
The secoun outline is all wrong, focus will you.

-"The secound outline is all"... blah blah blah

-What did you just say?

-Nothing my lady, I'll fix it right now.

-Font, exterior, shadows, get to it Rei.
Right, the crayon sketch is done. That was the easy part, ha, ha. Now you have to put on a wall then on a car.

-You're kidding me, right, I'm exhausted.

-You' re right, today you do the wall, tomorrow the car, and you'll make a name for yourself in Tokyo before long.

-I'll be a king! Rei shouted, full of enthusiasm!

-Eh, we should first focus on making sure you don't lose your signature".
Suki amused, making a joke on his belfalf.

-You're so mean...

-Akito, stop wasting more tine, grab your girlfriend and head out there, I'm sure Kanzaki, or even Chief Daisuke, will do something about this coming battle. Suki told him.

-I'm not his girlfriend. Mumbled Yamada as her cheeks turned red from being flustered.

-Right, whatever you say. I like you, you know, I think you'll be a great graffer.

-Me, a graffer?!! I never said I wanted anything to do with it.

-Then, why are you here? Is it because of Akito? 
Aaa?

-I've told you alerady, we aren't a couple.

-That's enough Suki, I'll deal with Yamada. Kazuma chimed in.
Akito you can go and investigate without worrying about her, it's too dangerous  for her anyway.

-The guy from the park?!

-Nice to meet you Yamada. I'm Kazuma.
What do you say about dropping your firs tag, you'll understand us better afterwards, even Rei, who's a pain in  ass.

-Hei, I heard you!

-Okay sure, I hope this won't make me a delinquent as well.
"I hoped Akito would be the one to teah me, that way we could spend more  time together. I think I'm starting to like these guys.

-Don't worry about it, you'll  have pently of time to be a delinquent. Akito chuckled.

-That being said, we'll meet 2 days from now in the scrap yard. Akito, if you find anything, Rei and I will be here for you. Suki added.

-Whaaat? I'm gonna spend two days with crazy Suki? She gonna kill me!
Please don't leave me alone!.

-What do you mean you'll be alone, dear? I'll take good care of you. Suki replied as she punched him, knocking him to the ground.
Go on, go on, guys, I'll let him sit down for a while,  he's had a rough day. Suki told the others.

Once the members of the team Phoenix  departed, Kazuma, together with Yamada, went to school she attended looking to introduce her to the art of graffiti.

-So, where are we going exactly? Yamada asked Kazuma.

-To your school!

-My school?! Are you crazy? I'll be expelled!

-There's nothing better in this world than having people appreciate your art, and the more populated the place, the higher the adrenaline in your body and your satisfaction when you do it.

-Uuuh, alright, now I'm really excited, let's go!

-Hold up, we have something to sort out. 
Are you really planning yo go out like that?

-Like what?

-Your clothes!

-What's wrong with em?

Since it was still Summer, Yamada didn't wear much, a brown tank top, a short dress and some sandles, her hair flowed down over her shoulders.

-With that get up, all you're missing are two pompons and you can sings up to be  cheerleader.

-You're so bad! Fine, let me get changed.

-I hope I don't have to wait  all day for you.

-Just five minutes!

At Yamada's home.

-Mom, I'm home!

-Welcome back, dear.
Do we have guests?

-Oh, right, that's Kazuma, a classmate, we're working on a project together.
Can you serve him some tea while I go to room and get changed.

-Pleased to meet you lady Yamada.

-Well, this colleague of yours is really cute, are you sure it's just a project?!

-Mooom, please! Yamada's voice echoed from her room upstairs.

-So, Kazuma. is there something  between you and Aimi?

-It's as she said, just a "school project"

-Well, since you're the first boy Aimi bought home, I thought my little beetle was in love.

-That's fine, from what I know, Yamada already likes someone else. We can't rule out that she's in love however.

-Tell me more, Kazuma, I want to know everything! Yamada's mother begged him, with fiery eyes.

-Well, he is a friend of mine, I think they're a good match.

-Is he handsome?

-Lady Yamada, I'm not fit to answer that question. But maybe we should ask her!

-Hey Yamada, what do you think, is Arata a good-looking guy? Kazuma shouted loudly, frustrated that it was taking longer than five minutes, he had been waiting for her more than 40 minutes by now.

-What? What are you talkig about?! Yamada ran down the stairs, hoping to interrupted their conversation.

-Oh, dear, it's natural to like somebody, you don't have to embrrassed about your feelings. Yamada's mother said as she hugged her.

-Mooom, I don't like anybody and I'm not in love either! I'll get you for this Kazuma!

-You said five minutes!
It was a pleasure lady Yamada. We'll head out now.

-Oh, it was my pleasure. You're always welcome. 

-That won't be the case! Yamada muttered as a pushed Kazuma out of the house.

-Good luck, dear! Take care!

-How could you tell my moom that I'm love?

-Well, aren't you?

-Noo, what's wrong with you?

-Don't worry, "little beetle" I won't tell Akito you've never had a boyfrend before. Kazuma laughed softly.

-You're the wrost. I hate you. Let's go!

-At this rate you'll learn graffiti....

-What's wrong now?

-I waited an hour so you could  get a scarf and a pink shirt. At least your pants are black. 
I'll borrow  you some of our gear, but know that, you'll have to earn it.

Eventually, the two of them reached the school with the necessary tools in hand and a Yamada properly clothed for the job. This time, Yamada's hair was tied and she wore a hat, a parka, mask, glasses, gloves and even a jacket belonging to the Phoenix team. Of course, her get up matched her pink scarf.

-Kazuma, it's really hot, I can't breathe!

-Stop complaining and let's do it already, you're than Rei.

-Don't compare me with that idiot, okay!

-You have the wrong idea about him, Rei is actually a really caring guy, who loves his friends, even if he doesn't know how to show it.

-Yeah, I've seen how he shows that he cares, with a bat in my head.

-Understand that it was a misunderstanding. Kazuma explained.

-Oh yeah? And when he wanted to hit me, it was a misunderstanding too right?!

-We aren't here for that, let's get to work. She grabbed the spray can and started painting the school's walls.

-Hey, what are you doing, wait!?

-Gradditi!

-You've got a long way to go before you use a spray. Here's a marker instated, it's pink, just how you like it.

-A marker? But I thought we were painting  a graffiti! Yamada said, disappointment plastered all over her voice.

-That's what we're doing. Take the marker and draw an  outline first.

-Why don't you use stickers? It's  a lot easier for a novice. I use them all the time. A random guy shouted at them.

-Good idea
Hey, who are you and what are you doing here? Kazuma asked as he turned towards the guy.

-Hey there, my name's Hiro, and I'm here for graffities, fust like you guys.

-Hey, my name's Yam... She didn't manage to finish before Kazuma stopped in.

-Her name's Yumi, I'm Kazuma.

-I see. Miss Yam.. Yumi, the fundamental rule of a graffiti artist is that his identity must be a secret, at best, only your friends or crew can know your real name. Always use a pseudonym when you sign your work.
I have some stencils if you want to use them. Hiro added.

-Sure!

-Hold up, Yumi, this guy is shady, we can't trust him. Besides, I've never heard of anyone named Hiro.

-Don't be like that, Kazuma, I just wanted to help!

-No one asked for it. Got it!?

-Woah, I just noticed, you guys are from Phoenix Rebirth, I'm a big fan! Can I at least stay and see how you work.

-How about you stop being a joker? Kazuma was getting angry.

-But I'm not kidding, I really like your work a lot, your style is coolest.

-Yeah, whatever, give me those stencils then.

-Yumi, we'll use stencils so it's easier for you, we'll leave a tag  saying something like "Yumi was here".

-Now use those bubble shaped stencils to draw letters, we'll fill them up afterwards. Easy right!?

-Easy, yeah right! For you, maybe.
Hmmm, I think I got it. What do you think Kazuma?

-The letters are upside-down, I hope you jocking, you're hopeless.

-I don't think her chaotic style is bad, as a whole, it has a certain allure, something different, something special I'd say. Hiro jived in.

-Nobady asked you. Kazuma sanarled  at him.
I thought you said you were a novice, now you're an art critic?!

-I was just sharing my opinion.

-Well, you can stop now.

-Give me that spray, you'll see what I can do! Yumi cried out.

-Hey, watch it! The wall is your canvas, not me. Kazuma yelled as he dodged out of the way so she won't spray him too.

-What do you guys think? Yuni asked once she was done.

-I've seen worse. Said Kazuma.

-I think it's awesome! Hiro praised her.

-Yaaay!

-Hey, who's there? It voice said from afar.

-You're making too much noise, dumbass! Kazuma told Yumi as he grabbed her hand and started running, but when they reached the corner, they bumped into a ploice  officer and all three of them fell down.

-What the hell is going on here? The police officer tried getting up  on his fit, still dazed by the impact.

-Hey! It's those vandals. The cop shouted and soon after, other cops were approaching them.

-Hey, Kazuma, what are we gonna do? Yumi asked.

"Come on Kazuma, think. I could escape on my own, but if I leave her here, Akito will kill me."
-Alright, Yumi. You run  while I keep hip busy.

-And how do I know I won't be bait so you can escape? It's not the first time you run away and I get caught.

-Just trust me. Go already!

-Hey, if you two are done arguing, how about we get out  of here! Hiro shouted  at them  as he was climbing a safety ladder leading to the rooftop of the school.
Give me your hand.

-I can't reach it, get lower! Yumi cried.

"Oh, right, I forgat to tell you that Yamada was about 1,50m in height and the ladders was about three metres from the ground."

-Kazuma, help!

After managing to evade the cops, Kazuma got a head-start and used Yumi as a spring board and used his feet to hang down from the ladder.

-I knew I couldn't trust you, you traitor!

-Hurry up, goofy, how long do you think I can stay like this?

-I still can't reach it.

While trying to pull Yumi up, kazuma slipped, but he was caught in time by Hiro. The two held on and formed a rope of sorts  while she climbed over them. Once they had reached the roof, they noticed that the cops were still after them.

-Hey, Hiro, good job. Kazuma thanked him.
I didn't know  what would  have happened if you didn't were there.

-It's too early for celebrations, we're still stuck here. We'll have to jump.

-What?!!! I knew you were vandals, but you're also suicidal?!

-It's called parkour. Kazuma tried to calm her
It's not that far away, even you can make it. We'll jump on the nerby building  and climb down the pipes.

-You're mad if you think  I'm going to jump, I'd rather be caught.

-Yumi, this is part of  being a graffiti writer. Don't be afraid. Hold me hand and we'll jump together. Kazuma tried to encourage her.

-Hiro will jump first, then we'll follow.

-Come on, guys! Hiro shouted from the other side.

-You can do it, Yamada
Who wants to jump, jump! If it’s death, Death! Says Kazuma.

-That's not very helpful, you know.

-At three. One, two, threee!

Since Yamada was too scared, she pulled Kazuma back which shortened his jump. Sensing that he wouldn't make it, he pushed Yamada far enough so Hiro can catch her while he plummeted to the secound floor of the building, breaking through one of the windows with his head.

-Kazumaaaa!!!

-Don't worry "little beetle" , I'm not dead. Kazuma voice come from below.
I'll see you at the bus station.

-If you call me "little beetle" one more time, I'll kill you myself.

The trio managed to escape and meet at the bus station.

-I was worried about you, fool! Are you alright?

-I've been better, but come on, I'll take you home before you actually kill me. Kazuma told Yumi.

-Hey, you said your name is Hiro right? Thanks for the help.

-Don't worries , Kazuma, Yumi.

-See you! Yumi said as she left  toghether with Kazuma.

"Aimi Yamada and Kazuma?! Guess the Phoenix guys aren't so boring after all. This will be fun.

After Akito breaks up with the rest  of the group, he goes to the Arcade to gather information about a possible conspiracy. This time, the place was no longer  empty, but full of graffiti writers. They were confident again, thanks to Rei's courage when facing Kanzaki.

-Well, well, well, if it isn't Akito, or should I say Arata, Eiji Arata. Looks  like you've been busy as of late battles, the police station, a novice and now a new leader. How's Suki, by the way?

-Who are you, and how do you know all this ?

-That doesn't metter, I'm just a messanger. More importantly, I know why you're here and I could help you.

-The reason I'm here? Akito asked bewildered.

-Don't play dumb with me, I know you come for Kanzak, or for Chief Daisuke. Or who knows, maybe for both of them?!.

-What do you want from me?

-I don't want anything, like I said , I'm just a messenger, but my leader thinks you and your team have something special.
So how about a competition?

-Your leader?

-You'll meet him soon enough.

-And what do I gain if i do a competition?

-The information you need, that's what you're here for, right?

-Okay, but it will be something simple and fast.

-Of course.

-I'm going to get my spray, Akito said.

-Who said anything about graffiti? The messenger asked

-What?

-I'm not a graffiti writer.

-Then how would you like us to compete?

-How about some parlour?

-Fine, the first one to reach the 3rd floor of the mall and cross the ledge wins. We will climb the walls to the secound floor, jump over the obstacles there, and up to the third floor we'll use the escalators, running, and jumping over ledges. Nothing fancy!

-And what do you get  from all this?

-A little bit of fun!

-Works for me. Let's do it!

Akito managed to move past the climbing segments and obstacles, but he lagged behind on the escalators. In a desperate attempt to win, he tried to execute a lateral jump from the wall straight towards the perch, but he failed and slipped into the gap only to be saved by the messenger before was too late.

-Why did you help me? Akito asked the messenger.

-If you had died, it wouldn't have been fun for anymore.

-Thanks, I owe you one. Later!

-Hold up, I'm not done.

-The game's over, I lost besides, you said you didn't want anything if you win.

-True, but I had fun, so I'm going to help you.

-Why?

-As i've said before, my leader likes you guys.
Now listen, Daisuke will let Kanzaki do whatever he wants as long as the graffiti artists are out of the picture. However, Crossing out Tokyo aren’t allied with anyone. If you manage to turn Daisuke against Kanzaki and the other way around, Crossing out Tokyo could be history.

-Thanks for the info, but we'll see about that.

-The pleasure was mine. The messenger said before makimg himself scarce.

"Looks like someone's spying on us, but can I actually trust what he said, or is it just a trick played against us?"

"Will continue in the next cartoon..."