A/N: Hey everyone, I am here with a new story. Yeah, I know, 'Aren't you going to be tired from having to focus on numerous stories?' Well, in case you have forgotten, I have been working two jobs for a reason and a multitasker. From the end of July, or at the beginning of August, I will be going to Japan for almost a month. Gotta save that money for my trip. Plus if you recall myself mentioning my Amazons x Akame Ga Kill story being on hiatus? Well... that may have to be delayed longer than expected because I watched the movie and let me say this, it made me question the food chain and the morality of humans. I mean dear god, I had to wash my eyes and clean my ears for what I just saw and hear (Not because of the movie, which was a good movie, just from some of the scenes that were disturbing to learm). I mean really, if you have seen the movie, some of the scenes was just messed up in many ways (I got the DVD to watch it), even getting dark than I realized... damn. Anyways, where was I? Ah right, this new story. In case you know, Dead or Alive 6 is coming in March 1st but I want to set things before my trip to Japan. So, this will be with Faiz due to some similarities such as companies with motives, human morals as well as motivations, even acceptance. Let us begin the story, Dead or Alive in Paradise.

NOTE: THIS TAKES PLACE AFTER DEAD OR ALIVE 4 AND BEFORE DEAD OR ALIVE 5.

'Thought'

"Orphnoch"

A man was running quickly on the forest, carrying a briefcase as he is getting away from his pursuers. His lab coat already torn on the ends below, the sound of numerous assailants not too far behind. The lights flashing in the night, trying to spot him.

He has been running from them; running for a reason. To get their secret weapon away from their hands. The footsteps hitting the ground, crushing fallen leaves or branches with each step he takes.

'Have to get away quickly…they can't have this no matter what.' The man thought in his mind as he carried the briefcase.

After working there for so long, he failed to notice what was behind its curtains. And now, he had to run. Run as his life depended on it.

His foot was ensnared by a protruding branch, causing him to trip but roll down a small incline of the field. Landing on his side, the object in his hand fell out of his grasp and plummeting into the water.

"No!" He tried to stop it but the water already consumed it. He reaches in but felt nothing. He slams his hand against the dirt, his efforts being null now knowing its gone. His trump card against them.

"He must have gone this way!"

The man clicked his tongue in frustration, realizing he had to run before those agents get to him. His life was important knowing what he discovered. The dark truth.

Having no choice, he quickly runs in haste as the agents chase after him in the night.

Unknown to them, the briefcase begins to ascend onto the surface of the water before following the current of the river.

Dead or Alive in Paradise

Chapter 1: Begin a New Faiz

It was a normal day in the city of New York. Various citizens are doing their own activities for work or enjoyment. One person is currently going back to his home.

A young man with short hair that is both slightly messy and slightly spiked while being black as the plumes of a raven. His skin was a medium light ivory color with a young complexion, his eyes being a dark brown color. A black, hoodie-like vest that has a strap where the collar would be as the vest itself was unzipped, revealing a short-sleeved, white v-neck shirt. He is also wearing black cargo pants to match the vest. On his feet were gray shoes with black laces with the top slightly covered by his pants.

His name is Enrique. He is 18 years old and has been living with his sister for nearly half a year.

Enrique kept his free hand stuffed in his pocket, yawning. "Another day of errands finished…" He grumbled tiredly.

Honestly, he had to work between his casual lifestyle and the jobs he has.

He glances at the sky, seeing some billboards on top a few buildings. One billboard has the word SMART BRAIN.

The international company he has been hearing about for a long time. It started out small before it suddenly expanded and now it was known throughout the entire world. Television, products, etc.

Heaving a sigh, he progresses his walk back home. It has been a while since he could remember the last time he had dreams…

He hasn't developed one since…

He shook his head, reminding himself he needed to stay focused. He had his little sister to take care of. It was the reason why he has been working almost every week with different jobs.

Well, his jobs continuously render him wearied, especially when he only has one day. One day off to sleep.

It was the only way to keep them under a roof. Already he dropped off his sister at home earlier and he does his second job in two hours. Reason being for his walk is due to picking up some groceries needed for the upcoming weeks. He doesn't drive a car but sometimes rides a bicycle. Not to mention, here in New York, it was often short walks to the places he works and sometimes buses and trains for him and his sister.

He is currently walking on a path near the river. This is one of the spots where he could relax a bit on the way home. The young man looks at the river to enjoy the scenery until something caught his attention.

"Hm?" He noticed something floating by the river. It was a silver briefcase.

"Who would drop a briefcase in a river?" He said to himself. Seeing that no one is going near it, he decides to pick it up to check its contents hoping to find something that may lead to its owner. He waded through the water, reaching for the briefcase before it was washed away and put out of his reach. Grabbing the handle, he lifted it up.

Setting it on the ground to let it dry, he noticed a logo on the silver briefcase.

"SMART BRAIN." The young man read the logo. It must be owned by one of the executives of that company.

He could remember how SMART BRAIN rose and became rivals with the now gone DOATEC. In fact, it became the top company for several years in a row.

When he opens the suitcase, the contents of it surprised him. Inside was a unique yet advanced buckle not like any form of technology made in the States… or anywhere in fact. While there were places that were advanced, this was almost above that.

On the lower half of the case was a cell phone-shaped device. Kinda old school for a flip phone but there was also two other pieces of tech, one almost square shaped while the other being kinda like a laser pointer.

"Just what are these…?" He takes out the odd belt. He noticed the function, seeing the empty panel. Looking at the phone-shaped device, he assumes it was meant to be connected onto it. Odd…

Thinking about it, maybe he should bring it back home for safekeeping. He had to work at his second job soon and he needs to deliver the groceries back home. He could give it to the nearest police station later.

Picking up the bags, he also grabs the suitcase before heading home. Hopefully, he will understand more of it when he gets home.

"I'm back." Enrique greeted, removing his shoes before closing the door behind him. The apartment was small but enough to live in. There was only one bedroom meant for his relative while a sofa was set in the small living room. The said sofa being a futon for him to sleep on. Some of his belongings weren't much, only clothes and books he keeps in the closet that is across the living room. The television was slightly small while the kitchen was stocked with needed utensils and food. He carries the bags as the person on the table took notice of him. Not to mention the place is very clean since he had to make sure everything was spotless.

"Hey, big bro!" She greeted.

His little sister was younger than him, being in her early-mid teens as she had a few papers in front of her along with a paper and notebook. Her hair is a brown color and matching eyes. A backpack was also on the table, left open.

"Still doing your homework?"

She nodded. "Yup! But I am almost done with it!"

"Good. I am gonna make dinner in a moment once I put these groceries away."

"Are you going to work after that…?"

"Yeah." He replied as he set the groceries on the counter. "You know how it is, Marie. But don't worry, I will be alright."

She nodded as she returned to her homework. The young man begins to prepare dinner for the two. It has been usual for them. After they have dinner, the young man will go to his next job while giving his sister advice in case anything happens in their home.

After dinner, Enrique decides to check the odd belt and phone inside that suitcase.

While he removed the buckle and phone to take a closer look, he also noticed a manual was included with the contents. Flipping open the pages, he begins to read the functions of the odd devices.

Enrique's eyes read through the manual carefully, trying to figure out the functions of the belt.

"Alright...so I can input codes on this phone…" he grabs the phone. "In order to use this as a gun. Huh..."

It was strange to see a phone to have a function that acts as a gun. Then again, its technology is advanced, unlike any tech he knows of.

"What is that?" He looked back to see Marie looking at the belt with curiosity.

"Oh, Marie." Enrique greeted. "Just checking the manual for this belt."

"Where did you find it?"

"At the river not too far from here."

"The river? Shouldn't we return it?"

"That's the thing," he taps on the logo. "Recognize it?"

"Smart Brain? Why would they make a belt for a phone?" The brunette tilted her head.

"That's what I want to know. I mean isn't that company more on other stuff, not weapons?" He gestured to the manual.

"Weapons? That's certainly suspicious…" Marie pondered. "What does that phone do?"

"From what the manual said, it can become a gun."

"A gun? Oooh, just like in the spy movies!"

"Not just that." He then reads another page at the manual. "It's also used for transformation."

"Transform?"

"It says here once a code is input on the phone, I need to put in on the belt to initiate it."

"How can a belt make someone transform?"

"I don't know how that's possible." He admitted. "But it all explains its functions in the manual."

"Really?" She looks at the booklet in question.

"Yeah…." He yawned tiredly.

The brunette noticed his tired and exhausted eyes. "Enrique…?"

"I'm okay…" he brushes his eyes. "Just go finish your homework, okay?"

"Okay…" She stands up and goes to the kitchen table to do so. Deep down, she was worried. Her brother has been restless at times and he could only sleep for one day or a few hours. But even then, he had to look after her, practically raising her for almost a year. He was the only young adult in the apartment to keep them under a roof and not in the streets. Herself having the only bedroom while her brother tiredly sleeps on the futon, always home late at night.

He never noticed but she would wake up in the middle of the night to check on him after having to work the entire night.

He had the burden weighing his shoulders for a long time...she wished she could do something to help. She wanted to do something to ease his burden.

Looking at his watch, he noticed the time. "Alright, Marie. I have to get going in a bit. Just remember what I told you."

"Always check through the peephole to find out who is knocking. Never open to anyone we don't know. Dinner is already left for me in the microwave and to go to sleep for school tomorrow." She said, her words feeling repetitive to her mind.

He smiled. "Good. I'll be back around 2 or so." He went to grab his needed clothes and begins to get himself ready.

When he was away from her sights, the brunette lowered her head. Almost a year since things has changed for them. Her brother made a promise to their parents to take care of her. The only thing she worries about is his state of health.

"I hope you're okay…" She spoke to herself.

The next morning, the teen is currently walking to his morning job after dropping his sister off at school. He yawned, looking at the time on his watch. From working at a diner in the morning to another one in the night.

Looking at the bag he's carrying, he also brought the odd belt and phone. If there is time, maybe he will try to find out more about it. He continues to walk through the streets until he arrived at his destination.

Looking up, he saw the sign that said 'Johnny's Diner'. He took a deep breath. He knows he works nonstop but if it means to help provide support for his sister and their place, then what choice did he have?

He entered through the back door, himself getting ready to start today's shift. Once he is in his uniform, he begins to serve the diners.

Enrique carried the tray that carried the plates of food for the customers, bringing it to the customers. He gave his greetings to the occupants before handing them their meals.

"Hey, Enrique! We got two orders ready!"

"Coming!" He responded. He then grabs the next plates as he carries it to the next customers. It was the usual routine even though it often exhausts him. Serving customers or even helping out in the kitchen.

When his boss talked about him getting a break from noticing his tired state once, he couldn't. The money was the only thing to help him and his sister stay under a roof, even food and clothes. He doesn't really mind if it will keep them together as a family. He made a promise to his parents.

Setting the plates down for the customer, he gave his partings before returning the tray to the back. Once set, he picks up the new set of plates for the next customer.

9 hours later...

He yawned, putting his work apron in the bag as he sighed. Another day of work finished as always.

"Tired as usual?"

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw one of his co-workers. She has slightly freckled pale skin and amber eyes. Her hair has been cut into a spiky crop which just reaches her shoulders. The color of her hair is a subtle mix of dark red and black; most likely dyed due to having medium dark eyebrows. She was currently wearing her casual clothes since she sometimes does the morning shift.

"Hey, Mila." He greeted.

When he first worked here, he got to know some of the employees. Mila is one of the very few and she was older than him and provided advice to working around the diner.

"You really gotta take a break once in a while you know?" She advised. "You are practically working two jobs in one day."

"It's fine, Mila." Honestly, he swears it feels like she was the big sister trying to help the little brother. Mila was aware he works two jobs and often made sure he is reminded of the time.

"If you keep this up, you will get sick. What will your sister feel about that?"

He stops himself for a moment before glancing at the young woman. It was a sensitive question but he can understand why she would say that. The owner was the reason why he works here and Mila was looking out for him.

"I'll...think about it." He replied, picking up his bag. "See ya, Mila." He waves his hand and leaves the diner.

The redhead sighed. It was clear he is working too much. Whenever he works in the morning, it was shortly after he drops off his little sister at school before leaving to get her when her classes are done. At night, he would work until very early morning. He was so driven to keep himself and his sister under a roof. But honestly, it was slowly exhausting him.

She is worried about him. Hopefully, he will take some days off to relax.

As for the young man, he is currently walking home. While he plans on getting ready for his next shift, he wanted to check on the belt he found yesterday. From what he found on the briefcase, it also contains an odd pointer-like device and a digital camera.

A good guess was they are weapons. If the phone can be a gun, then the rest can be weapons for whatever the belt does.

He continues to walk until something caught his attention. There is a young woman around the same age as her walking in front of him. But that's not what got his attention.

'A woman wearing a ninja outfit…?'

He noticed her clothes were similar to a literal ninja. However, the clothes in question nearly caught his attention. Nearly felt his tired mood change as his cheeks burn red, he mentally slaps himself to make himself maintain eye contact at her eyes, not at her body.

"Excuse me…" He said politely before his eyes took notice of a sheathed weapon hidden on the back of her waist. He could tell it was a real deal just from its texture and condition.

"Yes?"

She noticed his body grew tense, a sense of fear. Why would he… oh.

The weapon she had hidden from any person she passes by.

"I-I'm just passing through here." He managed to say and carefully moves around her, almost intimidated by the weapon she had hidden. "I-I… should get going."

As he managed to leave the area, the young woman looks at the hidden weapon at her waist. 'I have to be more discreet next time…'

She did her best to hide the weapon from anyone but somehow, he was the only one who took notice of it with sharp eyesight. How did he even notice it in the first place?

He must be trained to notice but it didn't seem like he was trained at all. Odd…

She can't think about it now. She leaves the area to search for a safe place.

"You don't see that everyday…" He mumbled to himself. He could be tired and imagining it, but it is real. He never expected that he would meet a woman wearing a ninja outfit. His eyesight was like this for a while. Hell, he can remember the times his hearing was more refined last he recalled.

Was his body getting better? It can't be since he only went to work every day. He would have been drained completely but no. It has been happening frequently but he would always ignore it.

He shook his head. Right now he has to head home and prepare dinner.

Seeing there is an empty spot, he decides it might be a good time to test the belt. Looking left and right to see no one around, he strapped the belt to his waist. He then opens up the odd phone, the screen revealing a list of codes.

"Whoever made this in Smart Brain must be smart…" Enrique commented. Seeing the first code, he pressed the button 5 three times before pressing ENTER.

STANDING BY!

He blinked in shock, hearing the sound from the phone.

"Uh…" He heard it let out a standby sound. Looking at the belt, he remembered what the manual instructed. "Well… it did say to place it in the buckle." He places it in and locks the phone in place.

COMPLETE!

Red lines begin to form around his body, until they dimmed, creating a suit around his entire body. He was now in a black bodysuit with red lines running along the arms and legs. The torso armor was silver and rounded with more red lines running through it to connect to the belt. His hands held metal fingertips with bands on his wrists and elbows. Over his head is a black helmet with large yellow eyes and a pair of antennae which split the eyes to make it look like a PHI symbol on the face. On the said helmet was a small silver mouthpiece that had designs that resemble teeth. On his left leg, from the knee down, was a metal brace.

He looks at himself in surprise seeing him in armor. "Woah… this is really cool." He was amazed to see this. The belt actually made him transform and placed into an armored suit. "I know it was wrong to test this but man… this is actually pretty awesome."

Placing his hands on the helmet, he noticed it also conceals his face. It would explain why he is seeing through a visor.

"Guess there's more to Smart Brain that I thought." He said to himself. He knew that the company made a special weapon looking at this belt. But question is, for what purpose? And why keep it a secret? They have made appliances, phones, etc but why a belt that can grant armor?

"Well, I better head home soon." As he is about to turn off the suit, he suddenly heard a fight that is ongoing, hearing the sounds of destruction.

"A fight?" He noticed. Seeing himself in the armor, he noticed he could stop whatever's going on with this.

The young man then runs to the commotion, hoping no one got hurt.

A few minutes earlier...

Kasumi walks around the city as she keeps an eye on the surroundings, keeping watch for any pursuers. It's been a year since the fall of DOATEC. So far, she managed to escape the assassins that came after her life due to orders from the clan. But she knew that she needs to find a permanent hiding spot where the clan can't touch her. Each place she went to forces her to move to another location after being discovered. Now, she was here in New York for the time being.

All she can do is wait a bit longer for her friend to come to the city. Then she could finally relax and plan her next move.

As she looks around to find a place for the night, her training kicked in, forcing her to move as a cluster of spikes hits the tree, piercing each projectile in place. The spikes she saw weren't like an average kunai.

'What is that?' She looks at the weapons before noticing the one who threw the projectiles to her surprise. It was a gray monster that held knight-esque design on its body, there were fish-like scales on its forearms and neck, slivers of shrinking spikes seen on the forearms. Its head was almost equivalent to a demon but held the motif of a stingfish. In its right hand was a spear, three long blades seen on the weapon.

She has never seen such a monster like this before.

"Where is it!?" It demanded her.

"What are you talking about?"

"The Missing Gear! Location states it is here!" It replied. "You are the only one around so it is a plausible cause that you know where it is!"

Brandishing the lance, the Stingfish growled at Kasumi threateningly.

The young woman took a step back, her hand holding onto the wakizashi on her waist. The monster has clear hostile intentions. "I don't know what kind of Gear you're talking about. Stop what you're doing or I have to fight back."

"A human, fighting me?" The monster snorted. "Let's see you try."

The ash-colored beast lunged with its spear, promoting the kunoichi to evade the pierce before seeing its claw. Reacting quick, she raised her sheathed weapon as it collided. The strength it held made her grimace, her arm shaking as she prevents the limb from cutting her.

Just what in Kami was she facing? It's something she never faced before. Acting fast, she dives down to avoid the next attack before slamming her palm against its chest but barely budged.

"Is that it?" It swings down the chance but she narrowly dodged it, the concrete breaking from its attack. "Gotta do better than that, human!"

The young woman waited for a chance to attack, calm breathing. She witness spikes grow on its arm before throwing them.

There.

Using her ninjutsu, she teleported behind him in a flash of cherry blossoms, surprising the beast.

"What the!?"

Slamming her foot to its spine, the beast grunt before the young woman delivers another kick that finally pushed it before using her ability again, the same foot hitting its chin, swiftly reeling it back with a punch to its gut.

"What did you just do, human!?" The beast didn't see this coming at all. It clutched its face after that hit. For a human, she actually gave a few good hits. Was she a normal human or something else?

"Something I can do."

Picking up the lance, the Stingfish heavily glares at her. She felt the growing bloodlust from the monster. If tension could cut through, she was sure the beast was now going to fully push itself to the limit kill her.

Kasumi dodged the spike the beast slammed, the strength clearly inhuman. The monster was extremely unknown and whatever it is, it was out on a mission. Grabbing her weapon, she evaded its next attack before striking it across its hide. The Stingfish monster was pushed but it quickly grabs her leg and throws her at a distance.

She plants her hand on the ground before flipping over and landing on her feet. She maintained her stance as it runs towards her. When it swings the lance, she teleported but the attack was a feint. It slams its elbow to her stomach, earning a cough before the beast grabs her neck. She coughed again, being lifted up as her eyes see the monster who held amusement.

"Now you will die for what you did." The beast moves the lance to her heart. "Although, I wonder what it would be like when you are brought back as one of us?"

"What…?"

"Hey!" Gunshots sparked off its hide as the monster noticed the man behind it. "So that is how it shoots…" the masked man looks at his device. "Guess the manual wasn't joking."

The Stingfish looks at the woman then at the armored man.

"So you have it?!" The monster barked in disbelief.

"Have what?"

It points at the belt on his waist, "The Missing Faiz Gear!"

"Oh." He looks at the belt first before his attention at the monster. "You are attacking that woman for this?"

The beast dropped the woman as he aimed his lance at the armored man. "Hand it over if you both don't wish a painless death!"

"No can do." Looking at the phone, he aims again and fires a few more shots. It actually pushed the monster back.

He kept firing at the monster until he can't fire anymore. "What the?! It only has a limited number of shots?" He taps the gun repeatedly in a hurry. "And no reloads for it either?!"

"Look out!" Lifting his head at the voice, the monster punches him in the face, the impact pushing him harshly to a mailbox, denting it greatly.

"Gonna feel that in the morning…" He groaned while holding his head. Thank goodness the armor managed to negate the pain or prevent any bones from being broken. "But man it hurts like hell."

Regaining his vision from the disorientation, he saw the lance the monster held. With a yelp, he quickly moves away as the mailbox was impaled instead of him. The pressure breaking the panel of the mailbox when it pulls it out, mail spilling from the hole. Looking at the monster, he was about to move away again but he was grabbed by the ankle and pulled, the monster glaring down at him.

"You are going to hand me that Faiz Gear or I will take it from your corpse myself!"

"Not a chance." He denied before he slams his other foot on its crotch region, earning a yelp from and a release from its grip.

"You damn brat!" It stumbled.

"Hey, you were vulnerable there. Took the opportunity." he aimed but no energy came out. "Oh come on! Why can't it just recharge on its own?!"

The monster then punched Enrique in the face, sending him back to the wall. He gritted his teeth in pain before looking at the phone again.

"Come on, there must be something!" Looking at the codes, he pressed the number 2-7-9.

CHARGE!

"Huh?" He blinked as he rolled away from the monster's attack. He fired the gun again at the monster, this time firing once more. "That's how you reload this?" He deadpanned. "I am such an idiot… I literally should have read the rest of those codes on the phone."

Note to self: read every detail of the phone and the functions. Seeing the monster recover, it decided to attack him again.

"Okay, no choice but to fight him head-on." He said to himself as he puts the phone back on the belt. The man decides to punch the monster, the attack connecting. His attacks are actually hurting it. The armor must have given him a boost of strength.

The armored man evaded another attack from the spike, giving him the chance to kick it as it stumbled back.

Seeing a chance, he punched the Stingfish a few more times before finishing it with a kick in the stomach. Just as he was going to continue his assault, the monster stopped moving.

"Huh?" He was confused until he saw blue flames around the monster before its body begins to dissolve into ashes. He lowers his arms and looks at the ashes in surprise. "Did it just…?" He rubs his visor and looks at the ashes. The monster actually fell into ashes upon death. It was… eerie.

Kasumi was also surprised seeing the monster dissolve into ashes. Her eyes drift to the armored man who stared at the ashes and then his hands.

"This belt really is something…" She heard him comment. Her sight changed to the object around his waist, recalling the monster's demand. The Gear was a mere belt.

Seeing the monster destroyed, he decides to check on the woman but immediately recognizes her. It is the woman he met earlier. No doubt she is cautious of him.

"I-I'm not going to hurt you." He waves his hands in reassurance.

"Who are you?"

"Uh…" He looks at himself. How can he turn off or remove it? Looking at the phone, he recalled the END button it had. It was way too obvious. 'Seriously?' He thought. Shaking his head, he pressed it, canceling the armor.

"You're the man from before." She recognized.

The young man scratched his head, "Y-Yeah… surprise?"

"Where did you get that kind of weaponry?"

"Found it in a river."

She raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "You're not lying?"

He shakes his hands in panic. "N-No way! I'm not joking! I literally found it moving in the river and I had to pick it up! I didn't think the belt would literally do something like this!"

She observed him, his body showing no signs of deceit whatsoever. With his reaction being genuine, he was telling the truth.

"Relax, I'm just asking. I bet you're intimidated from looking at my weapon from earlier?" He nodded. "I'm not gonna hurt you if that makes you feel any better?"

"Er… okay?" He replied. "But um…" He scratched his cheek. "Why would you wear… that?" He gestured to the ninja clothes.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I-It's just… revealing." He averts his gaze from her.

"Really?" She looks at her attire. "Been wearing this for a long time. There's no problem with it."

He nearly facepalmed but held back. "A-Anyways, are you going to be alright?" He asked her.

"Yes, and thank you for your help."

"J-Just doing what was right is all." He yawned once again, using his hand to lower the sound. Guess the exhaustion really was getting to him.

She smiled, relieved that the misunderstanding is cleared between them.

"I should head home… I have to prepare food for myself and my sister." He said.

The mention of food caused Kasumi's stomach to growl in protest.

"I'm guessing you're hungry?" He guessed.

"Yes…" She admitted, hiding the embarrassment she felt for a moment.

He sighed. "Maybe I can help? To put all of this as water under the bridge?" He offered.

She pondered on his offer. While she doesn't want to impose on someone she just met today, it is getting late and she needs to find a place to stay for the night. Not to mention, she may know something about that odd belt and why that monster was targeting it. Especially after…

She shook her head. She can't think like that at the moment. For now, she had to lay low without being seen. It already has been a year since.

"Um...sure."

The young man smiled softly. "Alright. You can follow me to my home."

After being on the run for three days, the man finally took the moment to calm himself. He lost the one piece of evidence that would have taken down Smart Brain and reveal the world of who they were.

Looking at his personal laptop, he opens it before placing a USB into the port. He transferred the files he needed but without the gear, he wouldn't have enough. Clicking on an application, he copied it to allow himself to track the status of the Missing Gear. When it loaded, he was greeted with the current status of the now found equipment.

"Someone found the Gear…" He grimaced. He types the computer but stopped. "What?" He adjusted his glasses. Checking the location, he noticed it was in the city. Taking a moment, he used his skills to find anything in the area before he found an old camera. Checking, he saw the grainy footage, seeing a young man using it to fight the very monsters he ran from.

"So that young man can use it…" The man said to himself. He doesn't know if he should be thankful for this moment of luck. The fact a civilian is capable of using the Gear or the obvious fact the monsters were now trying to find the stolen gear.

If that young man tries to find out about Smart Brain, perhaps it would be best to help him out. But right now he has to lay low. He can't attract attention to the young man and himself.

"When the time's right…" He clicked a file, displaying the image of a motorcycle. "I will give this to him."

After a few minutes of walking, the two arrived at Enrique's apartment within the complex. The young man opens the door to be greeted by his little sister.

"You're finally home!" The girl hugs her brother. "Did you get called to work again?"

"No, just had some trouble along the way." He assured. "Especially with this belt."

"Really? The belt?"

"It literally does make someone transform."

"... are you joking?" She spoke after a moment of silence.

"The manual said so remember?"

"Ohhhh." She realized. "So cool! Did you fight some big mean bad guy like in the comics?!"

"Yes, but it's a monster."

"Swee- wait, monster?" She blinked. "You actually fought a monster…?"

"Again, yes." He sighed. "Have you even finished your homework?"

"Yes, I did!" She saluted.

"Alright. Then set up the table so I can prepare dinner."

"Yes!" She cheered until she noticed someone by the door. "Um, Enrique, who is she?" Marie asked her brother. "Why is she wearing a ninja outfit?"

"I asked myself the same thing… just… go to the kitchen and set the table up."

"Okay." She quickly nodded and goes into the kitchen to set up.

"She seems energetic, almost."

"Been like this for a long time. Sometimes I question if her brain operates on nothing but sugar."

"I heard that!" Marie yelled in annoyance from the kitchen.

"You were supposed to." A whine echoes from the kitchen.

She looks at the apartment. "Is it only you two staying here?"

The copper-haired ninja felt the air turn morose. "... Yes." He enters the kitchen and begins to cook dinner for them.

'Did I bring up a sensitive question?' She queried. Something occurred in the family that she doesn't know about.

Her stomach growled.

She could put that thought aside for now. She needed a good meal before she continues her travel due to what happened…

A few minutes later, the young man carried food to the table. "It's ready."

The young woman then sits on the table, the two siblings sitting next to each other as they eat their respective meals. After a while, the young brunette decides to ask the question that occurs in her mind.

"So...are you a cosplayer?" Marie asked the woman in complete curiosity.

"Marie...do you think she is a cosplayer?" Enrique asked.

"Yeah, what else when she is dressed like a ninja!" She pointed at Kasumi.

"Marie, pointing at someone is rude."

"Sorry."

"Actually, I'm also curious." He replied. "Aside from the revealing outfit, why are you dressed like a ninja?" His eyes drift to the weapon. "And no offense but that wakizashi looks way too real to be a prop."

"This?" She grabs the weapon in hand. "It's actually a real wakizashi."

"What?!" Marie nearly jumped from her seat. Aside from the belt being a weapon of sorts, the blade is something to be nervous around.

"Don't worry, I won't use it here." The woman assured. "You two are good people."

"I forgot to ask, what's your name?"

"Ah, my name's Kasumi." She introduced herself. "What are your names?"

"I'm Enrique and this is my little sister Marie." The raven-haired teen introduced himself and his sister who waved her hand in greeting.

"Nice to meet you two." The woman bowed. "I'm sorry for bothering you like this."

"It's alright." He assured, raising his hand. "I wanted to do this, so it's not a problem."

"Still, I still felt like an extra burden. I don't want to impose."

"I'm just doing the right thing." He said. "Even I helped you from that monster."

"Yeah!" Marie nodded. "It's nice seeing someone new!"

"I see…." She replied.

"By the way, do you plan to go to a hotel later?" He asked. "It is getting late."

"Oh…" She tried to find an explanation as she can't tell them the actual reason. "I plan to find it later. I just arrived here."

"Why don't you stay here with us?" Enrique suggested.

"Eh?" The young woman responded in surprise. "You want me to stay here?"

"Of course. It isn't right to leave someone like you in the open especially at this time of the hour." He explained.

"Are… you sure it is alright?" She asked the older sibling carefully. "We just met a couple of hours ago."

"It's alright. I know you don't have any bad intentions despite the revealing outfit and you wielding an actual weapon." He pointed out. "Not to mention you fought that monster before I arrived. In a sense, you saved my life when you warned me a few times of its attacks."

"Really…?"

"So don't worry about it. I am returning the favor for what you did. It is nice having someone new around the place for a bit."

"I agree with my brother!" Marie added.

The woman now is thinking about their offer. She doesn't want to impose on the two but knowing that the young man uses some kind of belt to fight the monster from earlier got her attention. Not to mention when she heard he obtained it a few days ago since he was familiar with it.

While she knew she has to stay hidden, staying with the two could provide her info on who owns the belt in the first place. This is something she has no idea about that is completely unrelated to DOATEC.

"I...I'll accept." She accepted the offer.

"Yes!" Marie cheered in joy. "We have a new house guest!"

Enrique patted her head. "Calm down, Marie. There's no need to surprise her."

"I can't help it! You brought a new friend home. And she's a ninja cosplayer!" She exclaimed, staring at Kasumi.

"Did you really think she's a cosplayer?"

"100%!" Marie nodded quickly in response.

"Even with a real wakizashi as a prop?"

A long pause was the first thing to hear until, "...She's someone who likes attention to detail?" The brunette tilted her head.

Enrique slams his head on the table in disbelief. This was going to be a long day for him.

At an office, a man is looking at the night sky contemplating the situation. The missing Gear is not yet found by his men and the traitor has escaped. Their secret cannot be exposed to anyone.

Already they lost contact with one of their agents, leading to the possible assumption it was used to counter their agent.

"You think he used it?" One of his agents asked.

"No. Something tells me someone else is using the belt based on the time we lost our agent." The man denied, staring through the window. "Someone who is against us."

If that someone managed to expose the truth, this will become a problem in their plans.

"Send in more men to recover the Faiz Gear." The man ordered the agent. "Our secret can't be exposed."

"Understood." He nodded as he left to inform some of the staff to recover the gear.

Whatever happens, the Faiz Gear must be recovered no matter what.

A/N: There you have it, folks. The first chapter is done and hopefully, it will allow me to continue this while I rethink on my Amazons story due to that movie. I do apologize if you were anticipating its update but that movie... damn, it was dark in my opinion so I need time to think of possible changes and such. But I do hope you enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to review, favorite, follow this and let me know if you wish to see more. And if you don't like it, then why are you even reading it in the first place and why have a problem with it? Remember that I will be busy around July-August so from those two months, I won't be able to publish much due to preparations.