One day, the world awoke to an orchestra. It was not one of music, nor was it one of harmonious melodies... But instead, it was the screams of human beings, perverted into musical notes that attempted to mimic a certain famous musician's seldom played piece.

  In the first 4 seconds of the piece, the world had lost 4 million people. And that number only went up as more souls became notes for the song. For 4 minutes and 44 seconds, humanity was subjected to an unending, aching, terrible noise.

  Then suddenly... The world experienced total utter silence. As if it was a sin to speak during this hallowed moment. Then... just like the music, humanity heard a voice. It was almost as if the voice wasn't a sound, buy instead a memory that was being etched into their brains in real time. That voice, it called out to one man's name in particular. Shirou Mitsuzane.

  Those that stood at the heart of the disaster witnessed him emerge from murky black.... An almost blinding aura exuding from his body. His hair and clothes were whiter than any snow humans could perceive, his golden eyes shined despite the coldness that their glittering shine were drowned in, his imposing figure portraying death itself. Each step he took was heavy and meaningful - as if the world had recognised him as someone important. Someone dangerous. The coat that fit around him was carried by the wind, leaving a trail of what seemed like ashes behind the almost white flame of his coat. Though, the most surprising sight the spectators witnessed was not the man himself - but what he had brought along.

  In his arms was a woman in black, her face covered by a thin sheet of black - completely hiding any expression she was making. Though it didn't change the fact that those who saw her, said she seemed dead. Her fingers were practically bones, not to mention the disgusting black char that crawled up her arm - just stopping at her elbow. Her breathing was anything but natural as well. At different angles, it looked like she was breathing from the back of her head... And other angles made it seem like she wasn't breathing at all. It truly seemed like the man had dug up a corpse. A cursed thing that shouldn't exist in reality.

  Yet the man did not shed any tears, nor did his face contort into a scowl of disgust. In fact, it seemed the man had smiled?

  His face was adorned by a wide and almost exaggeratingly happy grin. It wasn't an evil smirk nor was it an arrogant simper... Yet those who had witnessed the man's smile, found it more unnatural than the discordant orchestra they had been subjected to moments ago. To them, he didn't feel human anymore. That, something was missing... No, it was more like he had gained something instead.

  Those who had witnessed this change, all agreed on one statement. Shirou Mitsuzane had reached a zenith that no man will, or should ever climb.

  It seemed that the noisy night, had been silenced by blinding light.

  Holding the bouquet out for them to see, Shirou paused for a moment - confused by their shock. He clenched his free hand, coughing into it to clear his throat before turning the bouquet upside down and sheathing it at his hips. Those in the room were forced to decide whether or not the act sheathing of a bouquet was the stupid part, or the fact it actually made a clink sound when it was "sheathed".

  "You're a total weirdo, White..." Yue said, closing her eyes as if to shield herself from his strange behaviour.

  Shirou continued to stare blankly at her before suddenly catching a flower petal in his palm.

  "Is weirdness the absence of normalcy, or is normalcy the act of abiding by the world's law? In any case, I do not follow such narrow rules." Shirou said, staring at the petal.

  He opened his hand up - presenting the petal as the plant matter turned itself into a living incandescent butterfly. The butterfly perched on Shirou's hand for a moment, before flapping its wings and taking flight - leaving a trail of light behind itself.

  As the creature soared and fluttered across the courtroom, it began circling and weaving through the Vanguards - as if examining them with curiosity.

  Landing on the red claw's finger, the butterfly turned a red hue - it's trail of light turning into a dust of red powder instead. The red claw looked at it with awe, finding its creation fascinating.

  "Did he use an illusion? Or did he transmute the petal?" The red claw said to themself, curious to what ability Shirou had used.

  Having their fill with the red claw, the butterfly began circling around the yellow wrench next. Its red colour turned yellow while the dust had turned into twinkling rock particles that faded in and out of existence.

  The yellow wrench tilted their head slightly at the creation, not sure whether or not to marvel, or cower in fear.

  "Creation of a living creature out of another. Not even the folks in my district would commit such a taboo." The yellow wrench remarked.

  Finding the yellow wrench's company satiating, the butterfly moved on over to the green needle. Landing on the green needles hood, the butterfly turned emerald green - meanwhile its trail had turned into a substance similar to silk.

  Chuckling to themselves, the green needle crossed their arms as the butterfly began dancing on top of his crown.

  "A butterfly huh? And here I thought you were the cold and calculating type, Mr. Mitsuzane." The green needle remarked.

  Feeling full, the butterfly lifted itself up before hovering over the orange ghost. It tried changing its colours like with the three Vanguards before, however due to the unconscious state of the Vanguard - its attempts were futile. Instead, the creature made its way towards the grey flask. The butterfly stopped right in front of the Vanguard's face, it's colour turning a translucent grey. This time however... It had no trail. As if the grey flask had nothing to give to the butterfly.

  With the creature hovering in front of them, the grey flask strangely looked at the creature with disdain. This shocked Oliver and most of the other Vanguards, as they had painted the grey flask as a person who lived off taboos.

  "What's wrong? Jealous you didn't give it a trail?" The red claw remarked.

  The grey flask clenched their fist before taking a deep breath to calm themselves.

  "It isn't that... I just don't like bugs..." The gray flask said, shooing away the butterfly.

  The butterfly evaded their swatting hand, quickly flying towards Yue. Strangely however, the butterfly didn't change colour this time, nor was there any unique trail. It had returned back into its incandescent hue, only circling around the woman playfully.

  Clicking her tongue, Yue rubbed the back of her head as she looked towards Shirou with a slightly annoyed look on her face.

  "Stop talking in quotes you nerd... God, you really are a weirdo..." Yue said with a huff, though a slight smile crept up her face.

  The butterfly circled her a few more times before flying up towards the Director. As it crept closer and closer, it began turning a dark shade of purple - with the closer it got to him, the darker its saturation became.

  Landing on the open palm of the Director, Branford crushed it easily in his hands. He looked up at the squished entrails of the bug on his palm, noticing the mixture of different coloured blood smeared across it. Scoffing slightly, the Director turned his gaze to Shirou - anger... But also fear, abundant in his eyes.

  "Now then Mr. Mitsuzane, may you have a reason why you not only destroyed my executioner, but also sent around this descent energy draining creature?" The Director questioned.

  Upon hearing the reveal, the Vanguards immediately froze up in fear - save for Yue and the grey flask.

  "That's so not cool..." The red claw said, trembling slightly.

  The yellow wrench became silent, but only out of fear. The green needle on the other hand was mostly startled, however regained their composure quickly.

  "I knew someone like you had other plans involved..." The green needle smirked.

  The grey flask sat back down in their seat while Yue rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

  "Did you two seriously not realise your energy was being drained?" Yue retorted, looking at the claw and wrench.

  The two immediately looked away in embarrassment, though even Yue could feel their burning red blushes from across the room. The only thing she could do was sigh in disbelief.

  Even though the Vanguards who were victims of Shirou's plans were very startled, the person who was the most shocked in the room... Was Oliver. Looking up at Shirou, he wondered why a person like him did what he did to save him. He wasn't special. He was nobody. Just a kid who wanted to play hero so badly. So why? Why him?

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  Without realising, his hands had begun trembling and tears had began streaming down his face as well. Wiping away his tears, he was confused why his body was reacting in such a way. Shouldn't he feel relieved that he was saved? Shouldn't he be jumping with joy? Shouldn't he be grateful for a second chance? So why was he crying then. He needed answers. Any he could get.

  Grabbing onto Shirou's sleeve like a scared child, Oliver asked Shirou a question.

  "Mr. Mitsuzane... Why did you save me?" Oliver asked, his voice meek and quiet.

  Shirou paused for a moment before looking at him as if he asked a ridiculous question.

  "You called out for help... Of course I'd save you." Shirou said, placing his hand on top of Oliver's head.

  Oliver felt a strange sense of calmness as Shirou patted his head, though he slowly became annoyed as Shirou began continuously patting him.

  "O- okay sir... Please stop." Oliver said with closed eyes.

  Shirou immediately halted his gesture before turning his back to Oliver, and looking up at the Director. Despite the physical difference in height, Shirou was the one who held the higher ground between the two. It was clear by the way the Director had stayed silent despite not having his question answered, that Felix Branford not only feared Shirou... But also respected him. With his eyes fixed upon the white haired man, Felix put his hands in his pocket, before asking his question again.

  "Why did you save Oliver Rand?"

  Upon hearing the question, Shirou looked at his rose necklace before looking back at the Director.

  "Because I was in a similar situation to him once. You wanted to kill me... The only difference was that you couldn't. So to repay fate, I decided to save another similar soul..." Shirou explained.

  The Director narrowed his eyes before sitting back in his chair. He fluttered his lips as he tilted his head back, looking at the starry sky above them.

  "You know I can infinitely summon more of those executioners right?" The Director said as various intimidating figures peered into the courtroom through the ceiling.

  Shirou hummed before pulling out his bouquet again.

  "There are 15 roses in this bouquet. Your statues persist on your descent energy. That being said... I believe I can destroy all you can muster with just one rose..." Shirou said, pulling out a singular flower.

  The Director looks back at Shirou before chuckling.

  "Fine... I trust- no I believe you can do that. However... As a vanguard yourself... Don't you think you should vote as well?" The Director said, a new set of scales dropping into the court.

  As a diamond appeared in Shirou's hand, he scoffed slightly before looking at the gem.

  "Then if you want me to play your game... You'll have to follow my rules." Shirou demanded.

  The Director smiled slightly before lacing his fingers together.

  "Why of course... I wouldn't want to upset 'the snow white executioner' now would I?" The Director remarked.

  Shirou chuckled slightly, though it looked very strange due to his expressionless face.

  "Then, I propose another ending for Oliver Liam Rand. Not only will he be spared... But made into a Vanguard as well." Shirou said, his voice almost echoed.

  As he spoke those words, a new scale appeared in the middle of the previous five scales. Curiously, the new scale in the middle appeared to be closed up by a lock and chains. Felix observed this feat, his heart racing with excitement... But also humiliation.

  "Hijacking my authority to force your own? That seems very much like you... Fine, have your way." Felix smiled. It waned slightly.

  He nodded slightly before looking at the scale. He raised the diamond up, but stopped just before throwing it onto the scale. With his back still turned to Oliver, he asked the boy a question.

  "Why do you fight?" He asked.

  Oliver paused for a moment, before looking down at the floor. Suddenly, he looked back up - this time with a more determined look on his face.

  "Because I want people to be able believe in heroes." Oliver responded.

  With the answer he was given, he turned to face Oliver - a subtle small creeping up his face. It was a strange sight for Oliver to behold, though he felt slightly... Proud.

  "I knew it..." Shirou remarked before throwing his gem.

  As the diamond landed on the chained scale... Nothing happened. Oliver's jaw dropped at the sight, confused why his salvation didn't come.

  "What the hell is-" but before he could finish his sentence, Shirou lifted up one finger.

  Putting his raised finger up to his lips, Shirou made a shushing noise. Immediately after, an intense beam of energy struck the scale - breaking the chains that had once bound it. The diamond then fell on the scale properly, a flower sprouting out from its carbon body.

  Oliver stared at the flower with both relief and joy - it's advent symbolising his spared life.

  "Oh hell yeah! Suck it!" Oliver said, flipping off the Director.

  Branford twitched his eye, trying his best to contain his anger from Oliver's barbaric actions. He stood up quickly, clenching his fist tightly before letting the anger go.

  With a deep breath, he crossed his arms before speaking.

  "You do realise one vote isn't enough for the verdict to change right?" The Director remarked.

  Oliver's celebration immediately halted as his body froze up in complete fear. He immediately began bowing and apologising for his mistake.

  "I'm sorry! I was so hyped up I forgot!" Oliver exclaimed.

  The Director sighed in response, sitting back in his chair with an annoyed thud.

  "Apology accepted... but sorry isn't going to fix anything... You're still going to die." The Director retorted.

  Oliver was about to fall into despair once more, however Shirou placed his hand on his shoulder.

  "Don't worry... Have faith for a better future. Never give up hope." Shirou said, his words were surprisingly gentle.

  Oliver was confused by his words, until he started hearing the sound of rocks hit metal. Looking back at the scale, he saw three new flowers sprouting from a ruby, an aquamarine and an emerald.

  Looking up at the Vanguards, he saw the three stone owners standing up tall. The red claw gave him a quickly thumbs up while Yue's face had a huge smile plastered on it. The green needle only stood with their hands behind their back, however Oliver could tell they were smiling.

  With a dumbfounded expression on his face, the expression slowly turned into a grateful smile.

  "No way... Weren't the votes closed?" Oliver said, confused yet his face was beaming with joy.

  The Director whom was equally surprised, stood up and confirmed his statement.

  "Indeed, that was supposed to be the case. Actually... It is supposed to be the case. I had several contracts put on this courtroom to prevent cheating... However it seems I forgot that rules don't apply to that man..." The Director sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

  Shirou smugly hummed, crossing his arms as he stood victoriously.

  "I merely turned back the clock a bit... So I expect everyone with a conscience to vote correctly. Otherwise, my fingers may just slip..." Shirou threatened, his words instilling fear into everyone in the room.

  The yellow wrench and grey flask quickly threw in their gemstones - though the grey flask seemed particularly unhappy with the action. Two more flowers sprouted up, filling Oliver's heart with hope.

  "Just one more... Just one more." Oliver repeated like a mantra.

  The last person to vote had finally woken up from their slumber, holding their head as they looked around.

  "H- huh? What's going on... Is work ove- MR. MITSUZANE?!" The orange ghost yelled, holding their amber stone tightly against their chest.

  Shirou nodded slightly, causing the orange ghost to faint once more - but not before throwing their stone into the middle scale.

  As the last flower sprouted, the Director's eyes narrowed onto Oliver. He was confused how come Oliver Rand had evaded death despite everything that was put against him. It was as if fate itself wanted to keep him alive. His survival changed how Felix Branford saw him.

  "So he's your new favourite huh?" The director thought to himself, clenching his fist tightly.

  Standing up, the Director tossed his obsidian stone up, catching it swiftly with a swipe. Holding his stone in such a way Oliver's face was covered up, the Director smiled slightly.

  "You've stated your case, and now it's my time to answer. Now don't worry, I won't vote for death just to piss you off... Even if I could I wouldn't by the way. I'm not unjust..." The Director retorted, lowering the stone to see Oliver's face.

  In his eyes, he saw a boy who was scared... But also determined. Someone who'd risk everything for someone else. Maybe it wasn't so bad to let him join.

  "I've grown soft in my old age I believe..." The Director said, tossing his stone into the middle scale.

  As the stone fell on the scale, it clanked and bounced slightly against the metal - before finding a spot far from the rest, yet close to the quartz token. It took a moment for the gem to crack, but once it did so, a lavender seemed to sprout out of his stone. The sight seemed to have an effect on the Director, causing him to pause and collect himself for a moment.

  "Ehem... The verdict has been decided, Oliver Liam Rand has been spared. From now on, he shall be working under the Vanguard initiative. His mentor until decided to be unfit, will General Ying Yue." The Director said, snapping his fingers.

  The flowers began growing rapidly, piercing the starry sky above - causing them to crack.

  Once they had shattered, the courtroom followed suit. The group was brought back to the real world, all sitting in their original positions as if the trial was all but a dream. However, even though the dream had shattered - one person still believed he was stuck in some sort of fairytale story.

  Deep in thought, it took Yue touching his nape with her cold hands to wake him up from his stupor.

  "Hello, earth to Oliver? You okay kid?" Yue asked, tilting her head.

  Perking up slightly, he looked at his squad leader for a moment with an analytical gaze - before looking over at the other Vanguards.

  "No way... Am I... Really...?" Oliver asked, touching his own face to confirm he wasn't in an illusion.

  Yue narrowed her eyes slightly before sitting in the closet chair and crossing her arms.

  "Yes. It's real. You're one of us now. And begrudgingly, I'm supposed to be your mentor." Yue sighed.

  Oliver turned to her with a grimace, causing her to stick out her tongue before smiling slightly.

  "Well whatever... It's better that I'm your teacher than one of these freaks. Especially that red one there." She leaned over to whisper to Oliver as she pointed at the red claw.

  The red claw tapped their finger on the table - making sure to use only their middle one. Witnessing the action, Oliver was reminded by how he had shown the Director the middle finger earlier - causing his face to turn bright red. He stood up quickly, bowing as low as he could go.

  "I'm sorry again sir! That was really uncalled fo- actually no you totally deserved it now that I think about it." Oliver said, slowly rising from his bow.

  The Director's smile quickly turned into a scrunched frown after hearing his "apology". He sighed before standing up and walking over to him.

  "Honestly, I kinda did deserve that.... But please don't take my actions to heart. You must've realised it as well... Your existence is an anomaly, in a world where they walk." The Director said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  Oliver paused for a moment, before looking at him with a serious look in his eyes.

  "Yeah... But I'm gonna prove I'm not like them. And you can't do anything to stop me." Oliver responded with the same kind of tone.

  The Director raised his eyebrows before a smile began dancing on his lips. He let go of Oliver's shoulders before putting his hands in his pockets, then staring up at the ceiling.

  "Oliver... You truly are a perfect market item. If only I could display you for the world to see." The Director said ominously.

  Oliver's face contorted slightly into disgust, finding the Director's words... Predatory in nature. Still, he remained calm, as he knew someone was looking out for him. Speaking of which.

  "Where's Mr. Mitsuzane?" Oliver asked, looking around the meeting room.

  The Director turned over to him and shrugged slightly.

  "He said he needed to take care of urgent business. He told me to tell you one thing though... 'if you give up hope, just look in your heart. That's where you'll find strength'..." The Director informed.

  Oliver found the words very... Cliché, yet he couldn't help but be touched by them. It's like something he'd hear from someone close to him like his aunt or his sister. Who was Shirou Mitsuzane to make him feel like this?

  Before his mind wandered to strange topics, the Director snapped his fingers in front of Oliver's face - bringing back into reality.

  "You seem to do that a lot... Do you have a condition of any kind?" The Director asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Oliver began rubbing the back of his head in a self comforting manner as he told the Director he didn't actually know.

  "But I did get bullied a lot in highschool because people thought I had mental issues... I don't..." Oliver said, clenching a bit of his hair secretly.

  The Director paused for a moment before nodding his head slightly.

  "I understand. My apologies for bringing that up..." The Director retorted.

  Oliver shrugged, paying no mind to it.

  "It's fine. I'm used to it anyway." Oliver said, a soft smile crept up his face. Though it looks very brittle.

  The Director and Oliver stood awkwardly in front of each other for a few moments - both unsure how to continue the conversation. It wasn't until the Director remembered the Vanguard initiation process that he finally spoke up to relieve the tension.

  "Right! You kids like cool things that will differentiate you from others right? That's the trend nowadays I believe... So how about getting a cool new codename?" The Director said, clearly desperate to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

  Oliver paused for a moment, causing the Director to panic for a moment. However the Director's fears would quickly be wiped away, as Oliver's face contorted into a massive shit eating grin.

  "Enlighten me on that topic my good sir..." Oliver said, trying/failing to hide his excitement.

  The Director chuckled slightly at his reaction, finding it heartwarming that children in the current era were raised to be able to get excited from the littlest things.

  "I did it Lavenza..."