The Heart of Zero

The story rewinds to the day after the rooftop battle—

Yahageshii and Ryuosho had just survived an intense confrontation, the tension still coursing through their veins. The once lively school grounds, filled with laughter from the sports festival, now lay in silence, marred by traces of chaos and foreboding shadows.

In mere moments, they had been thrust from the lightheartedness of campus life into the darkness of a life-or-death chase.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky burned with hues of gold and crimson. Yahageshii and Ryuosho left the empty school behind, their footsteps echoing on deserted streets. The growing night seemed to amplify their unease, as the echoes of the rooftop battle lingered in their minds.

The two sprinted down the dimly lit streets, their shadows stretching and shrinking under the flickering streetlights. Ahead, the three Watchers they pursued vanished into an alley, their movements swift and calculated. Yahageshii's eyes locked on their disappearing silhouettes, but a heavy breath behind him made him glance back.

Ryuosho lagged a few paces behind, dragging his feet and wearing an expression of sheer reluctance.

"Hey! Lazybones, pick up the pace! They're getting away!" Yahageshii barked, urgency lacing his voice.

Ryuosho, panting and exasperated, rolled his eyes. "We're just a couple of expelled middle schoolers now. What's the point of catching them? What do we even do if we succeed?"

Yahageshii clicked his tongue and grabbed Ryuosho by the collar, pulling him closer. "As if you don't want payback! That Watcher nearly turned you into a pile of ash earlier!"

Ryuosho shrugged nonchalantly, a cheeky grin on his face. "But I'm still standing, aren't I?" He cast a quick glance at Yahageshii's still-smoking Alien Soul, then quipped, "Honestly, I didn't sign up for this. We should've been wearing gym clothes if we knew we'd be running like this. Might as well hand me a 'Most Unmotivated Award.'"

Yahageshii let out an exasperated laugh, shaking his head. "Lazy as ever," he muttered. He released Ryuosho and placed his hands on his hips. "Fine. I'll scout ahead. Just don't fall behind, got it?"

The duo continued their pursuit, their bickering providing a stark contrast to the somber night. However, the Watchers had disappeared entirely. Yahageshii, growing anxious, spotted a narrow alley ahead and gestured toward it.

"Let's take the shortcut. We might catch them off guard," Yahageshii suggested.

Ryuosho crossed his arms, hesitating. "You're gonna get us lost. And what if they're waiting to ambush us? Honestly, why not just find a café, kick back, and let them come to us?"

Yahageshii shot him a glare and dragged him by the shoulder into the alley. "Even if we're dropouts, we've gotta see this through. Otherwise, what's the point of all this running?"

Ryuosho sighed dramatically, letting himself be pulled along. "Fine, fine. But if we end up on the evening news as a pair of suspicious loiterers, it's on you."

Their banter subsided as they moved deeper into the labyrinthine alleys. Suddenly, faint murmurs drifted through the still night air. Yahageshii froze, motioning for Ryuosho to stay quiet. They ducked behind a rusted trash bin, holding their breath.

The dilapidated buildings loomed above them like silent sentinels, their windows dark and forbidding. At the alley's mouth, three shadowy figures stood, deep in conversation. Yahageshii's brow furrowed. He leaned closer to Ryuosho and whispered, "This is our chance. Let's find out what they're planning."

Ryuosho raised an eyebrow. "You know, we look more like petty thieves than vigilantes right now," he muttered under his breath.

Yahageshii shot him a look that silenced further complaints. He crept forward, eyes fixed on the Watchers.

The figures exchanged words in hushed tones, their postures tense. Yahageshii squinted, trying to make out their conversation. Behind him, Ryuosho mumbled, "If we keep this up, we might as well start a new career as spies."

"Shut up," Yahageshii hissed, elbowing him lightly.

After what felt like an eternity, the Watchers began to move again. Yahageshii and Ryuosho stayed close but kept to the shadows. Then, one of the Watchers, Number 26, suddenly stopped and glanced toward the alley.

Yahageshii froze, heart pounding. Ryuosho panicked and clamped a hand over Yahageshii's mouth, the two of them crouching awkwardly behind their makeshift cover. Number 26 scanned the area, his eyes lingering for a moment before turning back to his companions. Satisfied, he followed them around the corner.

Once the coast was clear, Ryuosho let out a shaky breath. "We almost blew it! I'm telling you, this is a bad idea."

Yahageshii peeled Ryuosho's hand away and smirked. "Admit it—this is kinda thrilling, isn't it?"

Ryuosho rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. Despite the tension, their shared adventure had fostered a sense of camaraderie.

As they trailed the Watchers further, the streets grew narrower and darker. Yahageshii's determination burned brighter, even as doubt flickered in Ryuosho's hesitant steps. They didn't know where this pursuit would lead, but one thing was clear: the night was far from over.