|
|
Post by Kazuki Akimoto on May 18, 2007 6:54:03 GMT 1
ooc: No big, fancy entrances to this. Just control Rene for finding out the information on when to arrive (ambiguous for convenience). This is for folks who received invitations.
ic:
There was no big fuss about things, no queues of people lining up to enter the club aside from the usual customers out for a good time, if one were to simply look, they would see nothing out of place.
But, in the backgrounds, in a reasonably large office at the back of Legion, Taiku sat calmly and coolly with a cup of coffee in front of him. He had recently mailed several former Legion members and a handful of other individuals that he had gathered information on with regard to a meeting. At the moment, he was alone in the reasonably large room with his thoughts to entertain him as he waited on the possible arrivals.
He wasn't an egotistical man by any means, he knew that pride always came before a fall, as such he was not banking on anyone showing up as a certainty. He did, of course, expect a couple of them to show, particularly Zerreth and his younger brother, Tyler as well, but the others...Well, time would tell, nothing else. He was banking the future of Legion on their arrivals, and was completely prepared to bury it once and for all if it was necessary. On the other hand, he no longer saw it as a fight that was just his, the sole intent of pursuing Kvist and the Hand long since turning into a personal fight and remaining as it should have done in the past.
Legion was not an army for him to command, but the school was even more of a concern for him now than it was before. Varron was Varron, that much would always remain as fact, but Hircine was still an unknown factor to many of the students. The principal on the other hand, was the main reason Taiku had gained so much interest. Whilst he was by no means able to find everything out about a person, he was usually capable of finding out a few things on people when the need arose.
The Principal, on the other hand, had nothing. The man was almost a ghost in the system, completely unregistered. His legal documents were all recognised and whatnot, but the same discrepancies kept showing up. Any attempt to find out about family turned up nothing, and any attempt to find anything beyond his tenure as Hircines principal was full of holes. He had been able to find a few things that hinted the man was a former soldier, but military records were not the most trustworthy, and for the right price, easily capable of being fabricated...
However, those troubles were not for the moment, and as he waited, he watched the door calmly for the first of them to arrive...They would have been informed by now, had they contacted Rene, and would know that they should have been arriving around the current time.
|
|
|
|
Post by Maverik on May 18, 2007 19:35:52 GMT 1
Maverik slowly folded the sheet of paper in half and placed it on his desk. It had been a long time since he had let himself become involved in anything that he could avoid. So much so that many seemed to think he had grown weak and cowardly. Two adjectives that might have once caused him to pay certain people a visit, and leave somewhat permanent impression upon them to the contrary… But these days he wasn’t so sure… He was the Dean of the local school… He had a girlfriend… He even had a child on the way. He didn’t want to have to worry about the wars that the students faced, or keeping a reputation… Even being the leader of The Watchmen was something he did because he felt it necessary. Not because he wanted to be known as the strongest fighter…
“Damn it Kaz…” He muttered softly as he eased out of his chair, contemplating whether or not to go. He had tried so hard to stay out of the fight lately… But with recent events, that was no longer possible… Xian had bruises that were obviously from an attack, though she claimed they were due to her clumsiness… And the students were becoming more and more restless… Kvist was getting bolder, and he had already reclaimed some of his followers… Not to mention the fact that the Principal was becoming of great concern to Maverik… He was a dangerous man, no matter how calm he managed to remain…
*A few hours later*
Maverik arrived at Club Legion on his bike, parking it around back because there was no way he would get a spot anywhere near the club district at that hour. He passed the bouncer easily as they all seemed to remember him from the few times he had visited the establishment. He walked past the bar, where a bewildered Rene looked at him and went to ask how he had known when to arrive, seeing as he hasn’t called at all, but she was cut off before she could say a word. “I know the man Rene… Probably better than most…” He said simply, barely turning his head to face her. He strode past security and entered the Staff only areas.
Before long he found his way to Kazuki’s office, though the name Taiku was embroidered on it. Maverik knew full well why he had changed his name, and that he had adopted it officially since then, no longer going by his old Japanese name. But to him, he would always be Kazuki. Nothing would change that for Maverik, and so he never spoke the new name. “Since when have I been able to turn down an offer to hear you out?” He asked with a somewhat sarcastic half smile as he slipped through the door. “Besides… Things are getting dangerous… Xian has injuries she can’t account for, and I’m worried someone inflicted them on her… And they’re not just the usual scratches from the usual students… These were bad…” He said somewhat solemnly. “I can’t ignore the situation any longer… But that doesn’t mean I’ll blindly trust your plan… It just means that I won’t be sitting on the sidelines anymore…” He added before taking his usual spot, pressing his back against the wall near the door. He knew they would have to wait before he would hear Kazuki’s plan.
|
|
|
|
Post by Li on May 18, 2007 22:46:52 GMT 1
(Zerreth)
He had come back from a vacation, a nice long vacation. Not something to do when one transfers quite late, but Zerreth ignored that. He inserted the key and turned. As he pulled back envelopes fell to the ground. A fellow tenant looked on with indifference, but Zerreth knew this guy was interested in the piles of mail that emitted from his neighbor's mailbox. Li shuffled them together as Zerreth pulled any remaining envelopes in the box. They walked up to their floor, opened the door, jumped onto the couch and began sorting.
"Junk, trash, junk, trash..."
"Crap, garbage, crap, garbage..." They took turns throwing envelopes like frisbees at a garbage pail when Li threw an envelope that caught Zerreth's attention. Immediately, Zerreth dove to catch it as he realized the handwriting.
"Idiot, how did you not recognize Rene's lettering?" Zerreth tore open the envelope with a letter knife and began reading.
"We're leaving. Grab your jacket and let's go."
He parked a few blocks away to avoid the attention of the bouncers. He knew them and they knew him, but still Zerreth wanted to avoid those weird stares when people see someone like Li entering a bar. With a bunch of simple nodding, Zerreth and his younger brother entered without much hesitation. He sat on a bar stool and spun so that his back faced the bartender. Rene was on shift tonight as usual. He laid his arm with his hand outstretched as if waiting for something when a voice made him react.
"No milk today, kid. Just go right on up to the office."
He turned his head to look over his shoulder with a look of puzzlement and curiosity.
"Must be serious huh?"
She merely nodded and gave the signal to go right on up. Zerreth got off the barstool and motioned for Li to do the same. They entered the "Staff Only" area and began to weave around the labyrinth that was the staff hallways. They eventually came up to Kaz...Taiku's door and knocked on it. Regardless of how long ago Kazuki had changed his name, Zerreth realized that the change may never settle in.
As he turned the knob, the sudden shining of brighter light made him squint for a bit. Since when were the bulbs outside changed? He thought. As he looked around, Zerreth noticed that he was the second there, only after Maverik. He nodded to Maverik as if to accept his presence and fully entered the room.
"Rene didn't give me my glass of milk today. What's the issue?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Valencia Donahue on May 19, 2007 0:35:44 GMT 1
“Ruth… May you please get a job soon? I really don’t want to move to the dorms on campus, even if it would take away a chunk of our money troubles…”
[RUTH]: “Hmm. I’ve been trying to find a job after you got back from the principal that day… No luck. I’ll try a little harder though, so hang in there, eh?”
“I’ll do what I can…”
Valencia sighed as she held the letter deftly in her hands. Her expression was a concerned one because the reason why she didn’t want to live on Hircine High’s campus was to avoid the troubles associated to that school. Sure, most of their money problems would go away if they would let the government help out a little, but especially now, Valencia preferred the seclusion. In spite of such seclusion, we have letters like these ending up in her mail:
It’s mail like this that makes Valencia wonder where the heck her life was taking her, but she didn’t mind too much as long as it gave it meaning of some sort. Besides, it had to do with MacMillan, the person she’d never want to be locked in the same room with ever again unless it did her some good (which should be considered as hardly likely). Who doesn’t want to know more about their unofficial arch-nemesis in order to get rid of the circumstances that bind one to such an atrocity to humankind?
I don’t know the sort of people who wouldn’t, but I know someone who would…
Some while later…
Valencia felt a bit out of place being back at Club Legion again, mostly because she had a gut feeling that despite how private things were said to be, there will be other people there who she won’t be recognize beyond their appearances… And that’s if she’s lucky. She asked around until she was directed to Rene, who in turn provided her the necessary details and even tried to calm her a little with a reassuring smile after noticing the Vietnamese lady’s gaze droop rather than meet eye-to-eye—a sign that she wasn’t comfortable enough to even look someone in the face. By the time she made it to Taiku’s office, a few others were already there and as predicted, they weren’t people she could attach a name to unless she did some research. She nodded to everyone present out of common courtesy and proceeded off to the side of the room. She meant to pass the time exploring her surroundings before settling down somewhere comfortable in time for the meeting to really commence.
|
|
|
|
Post by Odin Reeves on May 19, 2007 3:21:50 GMT 1
Envelope’s lay on the carpet of Odin’s dormitory as he returned home from his weekly errands. Placing the bags of groceries on the counter he set back to pick up the likely candidates of further messages tossed in the trash. Shuffling them like a deck of cards he left them stacked on top one another as he went back to his routine, putting the next 3 days worth of food in the fridge, pantry, and freezer before turning his attention toward the stack of paper stuffed in paper.
His downtime had grown greatly since yesterday, and so he started off with opening up each envelope one by one. Time passed slowly as he looked at CD and DVD offers, false lucky million dollar winning forms, and other such smut that he was to disgusted to actually look at. Once he gotten to a hand-addressed letter his eyes peeked with interest, his brows pushing downward through curiosity. He read the letter through once, looking at the name at the bottom; Kazuki… He didn’t know a Kazuki, not personally at least. He remembered the name from back in Varron, but it escaped him. Rereading the letter he made connections with the rant from Leon Loire at Legion, Taiku standing up afterward, and finally the notice to contact Rene if he was interested. And so his mind fluttered back with the general connect that yes, Taiku was in fact Kazuki, something he either forgot, or never really put together.
After the connecting tone followed by the series of number tone’s he heard the monotone ring registered on every landline. A young woman answered, not to his surprise as he started off without much though on courtesy. “Rene, it’s Odin. So, Date and time please.”
-Present time-
Slipping through the doors he had no trouble with the doormen, despite having a small conversation about work and if he remembered either of them. Of course he did, faces were burned into his mind after the attack on the Edge, only now there faces seemed much more calm.
Nodding to Rene as he passed he made a beeline for Taiku’s office, blending in to the crowd as he wore cloths appropriate to summer. The only addition was a black onyx ring held around his neck by a thin silver chain. The ‘L’ wasn’t quite as distinguished due to the numerous scratches across the rings surface, but was still presented its shape. Cradling his knuckles over the door once was all he gave notice before stepping inside. He paid little attention to those already inside as he nodded toward Taiku and slipped off to the side of the door. His back pressed against the wall, keeping his distance from the majority as he crossed his arms and made a summary of those he knew.
He had expected Maverik, simply because these two seemed to always be around each other when he visited the club, though that was hardly ever. The other two males he failed to know personally, but recognized them from past meetings. Finally his eyes drifted over Valencia, someone he hadn’t expected, but didn’t see any problems in being here. Seemed this was a multi-layer situation straight from the beginning, he just wanted to see what part he’d have to play and dissect whether or not he was capable.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kei on May 19, 2007 6:58:28 GMT 1
"A letter, huh.." "Hehe, from the smartest zombie in the universe." Keisuke smirked, receiving the envelope from his brother. Although he would've liked if his old friend called, he appreciated the use of the card he gave at the "progress meeting" that listed the address and phone numbers. It seemed... more formal, old-school, civilized. Just the way as rolemodels should behave. Looking up to the now youngest Varial, Kei asked his brother if he wanted to come, seeing as how they were both present on that special night. Seige: "Nah, I'd rather not. I don't know him personally. Just by rep. Besides, he listed you specifically right? I'll drive around. Just got the baby tuned remember?" His brother said with a slight smile. In all honesty, he just doesn't like intruding where he wasn't specifically asked for, you know? Even if he's a little jealous. Keisuke: "Yeah yeah, I'm the one who paid for it, remember?" He said jokingly, laughing at his sibling. The pair had the Subuaru tuned, finally hitting 299 wheel horsepower, with 320 lbs of torque to the wheels. Next they planned on putting on a lightened crank pulley, and some TEIN springs. But, Seige unfortunately doesnt make as much as his older brother yet, but, still enough to get what he wants. The only thing he needed help on thus far was just to pay for the tune, he'd pay his brother back the second half when he gets paid from work. A man's pride. Driving toward the infamous Club Legion, Kei parked his beloved baby, his V12 Vanquish S, an Aston Martin a block or two away under a municipal parking spot. Paying some quarters in the meter, he left it at two hours, not caring how long the engagement would take. He was wearing a pretty tight black shirt (something to caress his physique, albeit not to a severe extent), with the logo of the world and a dumbell on his left breast plate, reading "Planet Fitness" with bold white letters. Of course, coming back from his job as a personal trainer at the gym, he wore darkish grey sweat pants (although they were pretty thin), and his regular Adidas Samba's. Feeling a bit guilty for not coming in a... "gentlemanly" way, he at least believed that his presence was all that really mattered you know? Walking toward the bouncers, he recognized their faces as the ones who checked him out the last time he came in. He said not a word, and walked straight inside. Finding a woman who described herself as Rene on the phone, he graciously greeted her (although in a subtle, "flirtatious" way) and acknowledged the whereabouts of Mr. Akimoto; Club Legion's big bossman. Opening the office door slowly, he grabbed a very quick glance of those present, and looked down, toward his left, focusing on the floor, turning his body as to pretend to shut the door without wanting to make excessive noise. ~That's... Maverik? I... I think that's him. Yeah. Has to be. Valencia? What's she doing here? Whatever...~ Keisuke remembered Maverik from Kazuki's funeral. His unnerving depressing wail over his friends death... he remembered putting his umbrella over this student while laying over Kazuki's coffin. It was a sad sight indeed. Now facing the others, he gave a slight smile and a silent "hi" to Valencia, nodding his head to one boy who leaned against a wall to himself. Scoping out the faces, he started looking at their faces momentarily, merely studying them before anything. What a surprise. " Is that.. Zerreth? Li?" He stated somewhat quietly; His mouth opened slightly. He hasn't seen them for almost two years. Last time he seen Li was in his old friend's, Tim's, hospital room. And the last time he seen Zerreth was the day he came back from jail. At least to his recollection. He remembered these two students bearing a highly regarded reputation around the school, especially Zerreth. Taking a step to the right of the door, he, like the rest, leaned against the wall, his arms folding over his chest; the sole of his right foot being against the wall. Finally looking at the man of the hour, he grew a somewhat big smile, looking toward Mr. Taiku Akimoto, the businessman. No. Mr. Kazuki Shinato, the successful Varron Graduate. He couldn't help but smile. Shaking his head left and right, he stopped moving his head before speaking, still bearing his smile of course. These two were no longer students of Varron Academy. What really drew them here? "Do you think we've grown, Kazuki?" |
|
|
|
Post by Kyukaku on May 22, 2007 5:02:20 GMT 1
"Hey, a letter..." Kyukaku muttered to himself, placing his sandwich into his mouth as he picked the envelope off the table, holding his drink in his other hand. Kyukaku walked to his room, sitting upon his bed and setting his drink on the nightstand before taking a bite out of the sandwich held in his mouth and setting it down. Its not everyday I have mail! ....Well okay, it is. But its not everyday I have non-spammy mail!Kyu placed his index and forefinger on the edge of the envelope, ripping off the side to reveal the letter. He leaned forward, preparing to read it to himself through a mouthful of bread and turkey. Tyler, you may have been in attendance during Leon Loires speech at Legion a while ago, in such mind, you will also have seen my own outbursts in a rather uncouth manner. It remains to say that I reacted without my wits on me, a large amount of personal stress compromised my intentions and my verbal offerings to you all, but I have further discussion to have with you.
Legion may have suffered once as a result of mistakes that I, and solely I, can accept responsibility for. However, one mistake gave me no right to disband an organisation that had the power or influence it did. Some of you were my friends, some my allies, and some even my staff. I took away from that by dragging you into a fight that was mine, but ended up involving many of you in the attack on the Edge.
I request only your attendance, that you show up and hear out what I have to say to you. Should you decide that I no longer am the person you wish to side with, I will show no animosity to you. Your choices are your own, but this isn't just about us anymore, not just about Kvist and the Hand.
If you choose to show up, contact the club and ask for Rene. She will give you the information on when the meeting is to attend. Whilst I admit it is somewhat cloak-and-dagger, I would prefer to keep this a little more under wraps than Leons political rally. On top of that, I have some things I wish to discuss that may compromise my future intentions should they escape outside of the meeting.
I will look forward to your arrival, should you choose to attend.
~Kazuki. Kyukaku swallowed his bite before setting down the letter and retrieving the cellphone from his jean's pocket. He dialed for Club Legion and asked for Rene, getting the appropriate time and day of the meeting Kyu had already told Taiku he would be at in advance. ---Day of the meeting--- There were three sharp knocks upon the office door of Taiku's, immediately followed by Kyu's own entrance. "Hey." Kyu offered a small wave towards Taiku, followed by a nod to Zerreth, Li, and Odin, for they were the only ones Kyukaku knew in the room. He made his way to a nearby empty chair, sitting back and making eye contact with Taiku. He gave no small talk, showing that he was ready to listen whenever Kaz decided he was ready to talk. |
|
|
|
Post by Dain Gavyns on May 23, 2007 6:28:27 GMT 1
(Yeah, yeah, I'm coming *grumbles*. Oh, by the way, this is going to be set after a certain character-developing post that I've yet to write, but I figured, since I'd been meaning to write it, it was time to start posting after the fact. Hopefully I'll get that particular one up tonight, but... who knows.)
"Looks like the gang's ALL here," a voice called from the opening door, a voice by which the following facial expression could only be a smirk. The slightly-mocking, but mostly joking tone of voice that had been sorely missing from the repertoire of one Dain Gavyns as of late. The door, opening a crack, produced a head, full of semi-long dark brown hair, topped with a blue baseball cap turned backwards, and a big goofy grin on his face. "Is this the gathering place to our seEEeeEecret meeting?"
The head smirked, still refusing to enter the room outright.
"Best keep quiet, huh?" Dain's head peeked back through the other side of the door. "I think I see... uh oh... yep... some drunk people. We are IN trouble now."
Finally, the joker opened the door fully, letting himself in and gingerly closing the door behind him, of course making a big show of it, further amplifying the 'secrecy' of the situation. Dain was dressed in his usual attire, favoring his favorite color, with a pair of baggy blue jeans and a blue and gold Hircine Timberwolves football jersey. He felt the eyes upon him, or more so at his choice of shirt, and he could only shrug and grin even wider.
"What? Don't like my 'digs'?" He joked, pulling at the collar of the jersey. "I just thought it was my color."
As always, Dain tended to find himself funnier than most everyone else did, and he laughed a bit at his own joke. Scanning the gathered few, the graduate couldn't help but crack something witty about his present company.
"Alright, so we've got the boss-man," his nod went towards Taiku/Kazuki, "Daddy-Dearest," in the direction of Maverik, "Thing One and Thing Two," with an endearing smile towards Zerreth and Li, "our very own Stern, and with an emphasis on the 'stern'," his gaze turned to Odin, standing off to the side, giving him a sour look that one could only assume was his impression of the younger student, "Mr. Scott," he said rather genially in comparison, giving a nod to his 'student' Kyukaku, "and... well.... yeah, I've got nothing on you," he said with an apologetic shrug to Kei.
Stopping on Valencia, however, Dain's eyes narrowed in puzzlement. He didn't know this one too well, but from what he did know, was that she was a Hircine native, and NOT one Kazuki would likely be giving his real name to, or, at the very least, allow her to be around those who would likely, as a force of habit, refer to him by his true name.
Finally, Dain decided to speak up, saying the thing everyone else was likely thinking. Jerking a thumb towards Valencia, he asked, not terribly condemning, but mostly out of curiosity.
"Who invited the blonde?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Kazuki Akimoto on May 23, 2007 23:23:40 GMT 1
As they gradually began to arrive, he acknowledged them with nods, the raise of a hand here and there, but as of yet said particularly little for the time being. Rather than repeat himself over and over, he would instead speak to them all in a single address, save the backtracking for later arrivals. On that note, however, there was one who was taking particularly long to arrive.
'Though it's not at all unlike him to be late, emo-phase or not....'
He gave a particular nod toward Valencia, simply for the fact that the young lady seemed very uncomfortable in this situation. She was in fact the person he had counted least on accepting the invitation, and the fact she was here was a rather large step to take, even considering her less than friendly relationship with Hircine and its Principal. His attention was diverted by a head that stuck through the door, an eyebrow raising.
Dain, in his eternal wisdom, was able to seemingly make a joke out of anything. Put him in a plain, empty white room, he'd probably still find something to joke at...Eventually, of course, he stepped in completely and Taiku was taken very momentarily aback at the choice of attire. However, he smirked lightly before quipping at him after his little speil toward him and the others present.
"To think, I'd bought you Dashboard Confessionals tickets. Fine time to un-emo yourself, Gavyns...."
The remark was, naturally, in light humour and as he cracked it he rose from his seat, leaning forward and plucking a cup from a ring that circled the coffee pot in the middle of the table. Pouring a cup, he gave a sincere glance toward the former business partner with a very brief smile.
'Good to have you back, though...'
Keeping the words to himself, he glanced up from the cup before speaking, directly addressing Dains first question posed, namely being Valencia and her presence at the meeting. Smirking, he set the cup down, folding his arms through themselves and began calmly.
"Good question to start with...I invited her, and for those of you who don't know, this is Miss Valencia Donahue. Yes, she is a Hircine student, but that isn't entirely the point. The reason I asked her along is twofold, you see. Firstly, you are all aware that if I wish to find something out, it can be done with remarkable ease. By such, I'm aware of a personal problem Miss Donahue has with the Principal regarding a few events that occurred a short while back, something about jumping out of windows and whatnot...Now, you all know even more well how the faculty at Varron would function. If they could blackmail you into something, they would.
Secondly, and in direct consequence to my first point, I may be able to offer her a way out of that situation. I won't lie, it will involve a lot of work, but the ends will justify the means. That is, of course, entirely up to you in all respect to make your decision, Miss Donahue."
His attention shifted from the young woman moreso toward the entire table, and he continued speaking once again. "Now, to clear a few things up. I'm not here to give a big emotive speech like Leon has done before, nor am I here to rally people against Kvist, nor am I rallying people against Hircine by ANY means. I think those of us present are quite past that by now, the singular causes with superficial purpose in the end....? No, I asked you here because quite simply I'd like to try and make things better; for us, for the students -both Varron and Hircine...
I know full well that some of you are aware of my own personal fight against Kvist and the rest of his group, but that is a fight for me and whoever else chooses to involve themself, I will not ask any of you to involve yourself in it. As I stated in the letters I gave to you all, if you decide that my intentions do not suit your own, I'm not going to harbour grudges of any measure."
His eyes, very subtly, switched to Maverik before he spoke, intent on reaching straight for the next issue. Besides Valencia and Kei, he was the only non-Legion affiliated person here. As such, he was intent on justifying his reasons for asking his friend here first and foremost, eventually answering the comment that had been made to him when he had arrived.
"I have no such intentions of having you blindly trust me, nor anyone here. I wouldn't ask anyone to follow me, I made that mistake once already and lost a lot of things I can never replace. Instead, I would only ask that the willing people stand at my side as equals. As such, I would ask you to create an alliance with the Watchmen to help us with the knowledge of events inside the school. You work for the Principal, thusforth you are more suited than any of us for understanding him. On top of that, I cannot watch everyone, most importantly in the school."
Smiling, he turned his address to Kei with a simple nod, a partially cryptic but simple response to a question posed as he had arrived that finally received an answer. He had immense respect for the younger male, both in that he was one of the few people who he had yet to fight to a decisive finish, and the fact that he had done so in the interest of the schools well-being a long time ago...He had been furious that the fight be thrown, but the reasons provided by Kei had, over time, justified it to Taiku...
"Kei, you were asked to come simply because I wanted you to hear what I had to say. As is the same with the others, if you decide not to involve yourself with the intentions I have, I will harbour no grudges...
The rest of you, well, I doubt any real explanation is needed. Odin, Zerreth and Li, Tyler, Dain...you all I owe an apology for my choice to end Legion after the incidents that happened back in Varron. I felt at the time that for the sake of safety for everyone it was best to disband and prevent anyone else from being hurt. I stand by my decision then, but realise that it wasn't the time to do it. I've explained what I wish for Legion to become, I guess I leave it to you all to decide, not to mention ask any questions you might well have...
Though, to clear a few things up right away, Odin and Dain, your old jobs are waiting for you. I'll discuss that with you afterward."
Shrugging his shoulders, he sat back and looked over the numbers with a calm sigh. Behind his composed exterior, he leaned forward on his arms a little as he awaited any queries from the group. Patiently, he raised the coffee to his lips with a slow sip...
|
|
|
|
Post by Maverik on May 24, 2007 12:37:05 GMT 1
Kazuki was perhaps the only man in the entire city who Maverik trusted totaly and completely, who didn't already belong to The Watchmen. And although he had almost killed Maverik twice, he would entrust his life to him. But that was his decition... Something he chose to do. To beleive in his friend. He would never ask his men to do the same unless it was their choice to do so. "I can't promis an alliance... Because I can't tell the Watchmen to trust you as I do. But I will work with you towards this goal, along with the other, less likeable one... But whether or not The Watchmen chose to help you is for them to decide. Not me." He said truthfully.
He looked among the others there. He knew them all, even if some only by their school records. "I've said from the start that I want to bring both Varronites and Hircinians together into a good relationship. One where those titles no longer lable them as seperate people. And so anything that will help that goal is something I will easily aid..." He said this to everyone, not just Kazuki. "And at the same time, I wish to discuss Kvist... Whether it be now, or after your meeting here... But I will welcome anyone who wishes to stay to speak on that matter" He added with a note of seriousness.
|
|
|
|
Post by Li on May 29, 2007 20:20:00 GMT 1
(Zerreth)
He thought about it for a minute. He had heard of Maverik and his Watchmen. From what he remembered, he knew at one point that had he not been part of Legion, he would probably have been in the Watchmen. A more, for lack of a better word, conservative group that Zerreth would've admired... no, does admire.
"No objections here." He said as he turned to Li who nodded in agreement.
"But how will that affect our general policy and methods? Surely the Watchmen aren't as blunt as we are? From what I remember, we had been pitting fire against fire." He said as he could feel his pistols cutting into his back. He wasn't prepared to drop them yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by Valencia Donahue on May 29, 2007 23:37:47 GMT 1
Right off the bat as soon as everyone assembled, someone brought up that Valencia was the odd one out and that person was Dain. Yay for Captain Obvious? Well, it was pretty uncomfortable to be in a room filled with complete strangers save for Odin and Keisuke, but at least she didn’t have to be the one to bring it up. She sighed quietly when Taiku told them about her escapades, knowing that there’s little point to pretend that it never happened. She found herself a nice spot on the floor off to the side to seat herself when he continued on and spoke about her predicament with MacMillan. Yes, she chose to sit on the floor for the time being. It might be weird, but this topic was touchy for her and she didn’t want to mess up anyone’s furniture on accident by, say, clawing and stuff.
I wonder if MacMillan replaced that chair yet…? Or was it always messed up to begin with and he leaves it in his office for the atmosphere and amplification of his sadistic aura? Hm.
The cat was out of the bag and now, more people knew about Valencia’s problem. Like it’d mean anything to them as much as their problems would mean anything to her, but the topics at hand were obviously important enough to fit into one big, discreet meeting.
One of these days, I’m going to get myself one flippin’ story time to know everything I need to know about these “aliens” before I go on… All this is beginning to feel like I’m reading a sequel without ever reading the first…
Valencia nodded to Taiku and gave her reply…
“I came here to listen and to judge for myself what you have to say…”
That probably came out rude, but the Vietnamese lady really didn’t want to waste anyone’s time with unnecessary words.
|
|
|
|
Post by Odin Reeves on May 29, 2007 23:53:19 GMT 1
Despite what Taiku had promised, he seemed to go off into speech-mode. Odin found it long, slightly boring, but it was more of a personal talk with individuals in an open crowd once he got past Valencia’s recent history and vaguely went through her current predicament. When it came around to talking about Legion his ear’s perked up, if only to fully accept the apology given through a show of respect. He hadn’t put thought into why Legion was disband, but he thought it had something to do with the safety of others and blah blah blah, all that superhero stuff that seems to follow every sympathy filled talk. Didn’t matter to him, he was fine, he had accepted the terms of dismissal, and he went on to live his highly scheduled life just as he had before. The fact that Taiku was in San Francisco was a bit weird, but he had passed that mark of surprise long ago.
When the mention of his old job arose he smiled. Something to distort his current routine was accepted happily. It meant there would be a break in his life, something else to add in with uncertainty as to what would happen each and every night. Currently he was able to roughly predict what would happen in his classes, knew what he’d be doing after school, and then it would repeat itself. The fact that money was included seemed to be an extra bonus.
Realizing that he should speak up his mind came up with a complete and utter blank. He stared forward, not so much at Taiku as at the edge of his desk before his hands unfolded and slipped into his pockets.
“Continue.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Kei on Jun 6, 2007 4:56:19 GMT 1
He almost forgot. He was one of the older, more experienced 'members' of Varron Academy, and he exceptionally remembers everything that happened before, and after his graduation. Even though Kazuki talks like this, the whole situation worries him, immensely. Did they really know what they were getting themselves into? Were they really looking at reality? Or is Kei the one not down in his own...
"Kazuki..." He finally spoke up. Looking down with his eyes a little squinted, just as how he always used to walk around when still in highschool. His arms were crossing over his chest, one foot against the wall, and his back slouching to a minuscule extent. "I'm honestly worried about this. And, before any of you assume for me to be the one to abandon the cause, I suggest you let me finish." He said informatively. He raised his head, looking toward his old friend, no, perhaps new friend, Taiku, and slowly stared into the visages of everyone in the room, as he spoke. "Before anything gets decided upon, I want for all of you to think about something. Perhaps I'm not giving you enough credit, but..." He stepped off the wall, and put his hands to his sides. Slowly with his right, he slid his fingers gently into his right pants pocket, and put on his same old glasses. "This is a highschool. We can't just do whatever we want. Look at Valencia. She's still a Senior, with a future in front of her- a future in front of all of us." Well... most of them anyways. Taiku had already reached "success", although he still needs a family, or whatever else demands him in life. "We can really get hurt here, and knowing that, we have to make sure no one innocent gets involved... although that is of course easier said than done. We're in our youths, Especially those four." He said, slipping back to the wall behind him for support, crossing his arms again. Keisuke nodded his head toward Valencia, Odin, the "twins", and Kyukaku. "At least we all graduated Highschool, and Maverik, right? Is actually the school dean now. It can be extremely dangerous, throwing these students into what they don't even know what they're getting into." He stopped, took a breath, and spoke again. "I'm sorry, they've only an image and an idea of what might happen- but we all know from past experiences how bad things can really get. Even Zerreth and his brother. From what I understand, they're the ones that I'm least worried about." From reputation of course. Wait for why. "They were in Varron before any of us were, and were there to witness what ultimately shaped the school for years to come. As for Valencia, she's being put directly into the "hot seat", which i think now is by choice, with the Principal, and now with you, or, us, rather. It's just a scary thought." He hasn't spoke so much in a VERY long time. It's almost unusual.
Getting off the wall, he took off his glasses, placed them on the table, and took off his shirt. Turning around, he turned to "face" them (with his back). He had an odd scar, one extending from one side of the shoulder blade, to the other. "This... I got from a sort of... "war" that a huge majority called an event taken against the head of the school. Me being young, I made the stupid mistake to move after resting, thus reopening the wound." Putting his shirt back on, he looked toward Kazuki. "For the pain these kids have to face, for what we will definitely face, it will take a lot of time for some of us to recover. I think if everyone's willing to accept the danger factor in this... task, then I believe we should move along with it. However, until those you plan on involving are aware of what might happen, we shouldn't make a real move just yet."
Of course. His friend isn't that stupid. But, it never hurts to remind one, right? Better safe than sorry... but if you're safe, you'll be sorry.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kazuki Akimoto on Jun 13, 2007 1:35:33 GMT 1
ooc: No disrespect to Tyler, but the thread needs to go on. If you wanted anything said here, just god me and do your thing man. Posting order is OUT!!!
ic:
The only one of the group who had spoken anything that truly merited Taiku to respond to him was Kei, and with a small smile on his face, he stood from his seat with the coffee cup in hand. He knew there was little he could do to avoid sounding like a preacher, but the questions and remarks merited answers, answers that, once again, only he could really give. Over the years, he had taken it upon himself to lead, whether for good reasons or not, he had done the best he could to give people an option that wasn't always in front of their faces, but sometimes the best option was the one right in front of them.
"You're completely right, Kei. For the school-going people here right now, that applies perfectly true. After all, why should anyone jeopardise their future for a radical case?"
He sipped the coffee before setting down the cup on the section of the table nearest him, having paced a little to the side, leaning against the wall as he spoke. He was simply getting into a rhythm, and he found he was able to do so quite efficiently as he paced around...
"That's the reason I decided to request you all to come here. I've made it clear that I fucked up with Legion in the past, my own issues took too high a precedent and whatnot. Yeah, I'll admit that Kvist is still a target in my books, but that's a fight none of you should be dragged into against your will. I'm not about to sugar-coat anything, yeah, the chances are that being affiliated with me could create some trouble, maybe stir fighting up within the school, but like I've said, it's your choice."
His head turned to Valencia quickly as he continued, his words directed particularly to her.
"Tell me this, when you were enrolled to Hircine, what did you expect from your experience at high school? Coercion and blackmail from the faculty? Infighting and chaos between two groups of students? I would doubt it, no...?"
Shrugging his shoulders as he turned back, his back colliding with the wall loosely as he folded his arms over his chest, he leaned forward to take the cup again and took a slow sip. Whilst he was not aiming for a 'dramatic' pause of any sort, there would be no better opportunity for him to halt his words a moment. It was something he'd thought about a lot growing up in America with the corporal punishment regime, that it was an atrocity that children were no longer able to just enjoy their school years.
"Sure, myself, Dain and Kei are proof that you can get through the system. But getting through that system isn't always the safest thing to do. I may not have been around for the war that Kaveh instigated, but I heard enough about it. Did you ever imagine that you'd have had to deal with something like that, Kei? Dain and I didn't get off easy either, but I have little intention of getting into old stories right now. The fact of the matter remains, those of you who think I want to bring about a revolution...You're wrong. I just want some change, I want to see the friends I have, the people I know who still have to go through the system go through it without the same crap we did."
Holding up his fingers, he began to rattle off each one with a small synopsis of what he saw the former gangs of Varron as...
"The Knights of Varron...A bumbling group who sided with Leon, barely got anything done, fell apart when their leader vanished. Genaht. Probably more sane than folk give them credit for, but Ein's as unstable as anyone else can be. Not to mention, unless your IQ is through the roof, you'll likely just piss them off. The Hand....Well, no explanation needed. The Watchmen, good intentions, but aside from Maverik, I saw few people who could have done much to influence change. Legion, well, back then, let's just say I was more interested in revenge than getting the job done..."
A slightly exasperated sigh escaped his lips, the smile on his face as he spoke waivering as he continued, the hand lowering. "I've got tired of hearing about the system screwing with our generation. Basically, aside from each other, who's really going to help us? I mean, really...I could count the people I was able to count on for help on one hand, and they were all students themselves. You see the pattern that kinda develops over time....?"
Despite the hint of 'Lord Of The Flies' that was appearing, the prospect had to be considered by most, if not all, of the group present. He knew well enough of Dains troubles, same for Kyukaku and the twins, Valencia, he doubted much more than 'blackmail from the Principal' was needed to describe her situation. Odin, Kei and Maverik, well, they each had their own reason for being asked here. Of course, with his basic intentions made clear, he could only wait to hear out the others now...
|
|
|
|
Post by Valencia Donahue on Jun 15, 2007 2:21:38 GMT 1
When Valencia was briefly inquired about her expectations towards the high school, she merely nodded to confirm that she wasn’t expecting blackmail or anything else like that sort, particularly from the administration. In a sense, she partially expected chaos and fighting though. She could remember very clearly that in middle school, or at least around that time, she was bullied a lot and often had to resort to violence. The school did little to discourage such behavior, so the torment continued and Valencia in turn had to keep “defending” herself… Not because she gave a darn, but rather because such behavior was intolerable and they were asking for that textbook (and chair and desk and stress-relief-squishy-apple and Bunsen burner) to be smashed against their skulls. It’s a wonder how she gets away from getting into too much trouble considering such violent tendencies, but… Well, that’s getting off-topic.
I was told that such inexcusable behavior would be dealt with at the high school I was going to enroll into… With almost everything at my disposal to further my knowledge of the world around me. Well, the Pillar system got rid of most folks, I’m permitted to defend myself without fear of being reprimanded, and Hircine High has all sorts of things going on… I’m just sickened by its icky underbelly and wish to get out from beneath it. Anyone else who’s able to come out with me… Erm… Well, that’s up to them more so than I.
As Valencia continued to sit there on the floor, she listened attentively to Taiku’s words, taking mental notes whenever snippets of the past surfaced. It was beginning to get easier understanding certain things, which was a good thing, but…
If I weren’t in the company of his other respectable guests, I would’ve highly suggested that he get on with it already and quit wasting our time walking around the bush and stab it for gosh sakes. My future at the moment is dangling off of a chain in someone else's grip and people expect me to prefer THAT than an opportunity to be free?
Valencia, you really are selfish, aren’t you!?
Huh… And why was I not surprised that Leon’s followers were merely followers? Hnn… Keisuke has been around for a while… Perhaps I will have a story time with him later, if he is willing.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kyukaku on Jun 24, 2007 6:45:05 GMT 1
Kyukaku began shifting in his chair, mentally separating responses that would be vocalized or not. He remained quiet as the others began to speak up on their thoughts. When there seemed to be a significant pause, Kyukaku briefly raised his hand, speaking up to voice his thoughts on what had already been spoken.
"Yeah, I uh...I don't want to just get through the system." Placing his hand on the arm rest, Kyu pushed himself to sit up, bringing his gaze over all the others in the room, making eye contact as he continued.
"For most people, probably some of you, that may be all you want and that's fine. Once you're through you're done, you can run your own life. However, that's not for me. So Kaz, if this conversation is what I think it is, I'll let you know, and everyone else here, that I don't intend to get through, I plan to change things. I don't think that the system is something thats truly evil, but at the same time it has serious flaws, sometimes fatal. Things need change. Despite all the talk we, and so many others before us have had about this, my question now is: what do you propose we do?" Kyu paused again, giving everyone a glance, finally settling on Taiku.
"Not to be cliche, but talk really is cheap. Especially when it comes to this."
|
|
|
|
Post by Odin Reeves on Jun 24, 2007 23:45:57 GMT 1
"Taiku, get on with it."
Odin's patience was dwindling by the second. Here he was, making a big long rant with few breaks, the exact opposite he said he would do. It seemed like this was even longer then Leon’s speech, and the only difference is that he didn’t have a bar stool to spin out to distract himself when things got boring. And so he was stuck, his attention full on the head of the establishment, his former and most likely future boss.
Shifting his weight forward he pushed off the wall, his hands shifting through his pockets before his left came out and grasped the small onyx ring hanging around his neck. It was no longer big enough to fit around the second knuckle of his index, middle, or ring finger, and to wear it on his pinky was so risqué he wouldn’t even bother… Not to mention the lack of comfort he’d be feeling. Giving the small chain strung around his neck a quick tug he ripped the ring from his neck. Anyone watching could take this however they wanted, but to Odin this was once again a matter of comfort. He wasn’t use to wearing a necklace, it left odd, distorted his training, and seemed tacky. The fact that he still had the ring should be enough.
Leaning back against the wall his left slipped firmly inside his jean pocket, disposing of the ring as his right made the opposite motion and rested softly against the wall. He was ready to turn and leave if things got to ‘complicated’ and would most likely do so if Taiku continued to blather on before getting to the point. In order to add emphasis to his last statement he spoke up again, his voice still rough, showing he was trying to remain calm.
“And get to the point, Leon’s speech was bad enough.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Dain Gavyns on Jun 27, 2007 5:55:02 GMT 1
"Check your attitude at the door, jackass," Dain snapped suddenly to Odin, giving him a rather unimpressed look. He wanted to go on further, explain to him how that little badge he wore on his coat didn't mean shit to more than half the people in this room, but, for the sake of stopping an argument before it started, and for the sake of the simple fact that it wasn't what Taiku brought them here for.
He'd give him another chance, later. But for now the kid had touched upon a nerve not often found on the slightly older man.
Either fortunately, or unfortunately, for Odin, even this annoyance was as short-lived as most negative emotions Dain found going through his system.
"A'ight, Taiks," Dain tossed a made up on-the-spot pet name for his good friend and, to some extent, mentor. "Odin's almost got a point. At least, he's staring at one from about fifteen feet away. If we're gonna save these kids from the doom and gloom - Oh, and Kei, could you put your shirt back on, you're making me nervous," Dain interjected himself with a little laugh and a sly smirk over at Keisuke. "As I was saying, doom and gloom, I'm all in, but what's the plan? What can we, as a bunch of washed-up old fogeys, save for a few exceptions," his hand passed in a gesture spanning the high-school age students, "do besides cheer from the sidelines? I'm afraid Hircine administration would register something foul amiss if we ALL decided to sign on as student deans. Still not sure how Mav here managed to score that transfer, as xenophobic as these people seem."
With a shrug, rising from the position he had taken, leaning agaisnt the door to keep it shut and closed to unwanted outsiders, a sly move that most likely no one had either noticed or realized, and casually slid a chair to do the same job. He strode over to Valencia, plopping himself down on the floor next to her. He looked over at her and shrugged.
"Looked comfy. And YOU," he spoke suddenly with a mock-serious tone, his index finger pointing at Taiku, holding a stern look before it softened once more with a vulpine grin. "I'm holding you to those Dashboard tix. Chris Carraba is just soooo dreamy."
|
|
|
|
Post by Kazuki Akimoto on Jun 27, 2007 7:47:18 GMT 1
Giving little more than a simple glance to Tylers words, a brief gesture of a nod as Odin made his rather quick snap...Though his annoyance would not be clearly visible, particularly to the younger people in the room, it was fairly evident that if nobody else, Dain would read his irritance at Odins remark. Folding his arms as he sat back in his chair, he simply rode the slipstream of his slightly younger compatriots, when the former part-owner of The Edge struck almost exactly upon his point.
However, there was little point in swithering the point around, especially with Odin mere minutes away from spitting his pacifier, and he left the remark on concert tickets to hang in the air alone, albeit with a wry smirk in Dains direction at the comment.
"Very true. If we all offered our services as Deans to the school, it would look suspect. There's certainly no shortage of people willing to swing fists in the place, but teachers they're lacking."
Shaking his head, he sat forward and picked up his coffee, sipping it again. There, as much as it could be either the most ridiculous idea any of them would have heard, there was a fine line between complete lunacy and sheer genius. It was no secret that teaching jobs were easy to come by, particularly in the more violence-prone schools, and the earlier stages of the transfer had seen many of Hircines teachers injured in scuffles between the less...cooperative of the Varron students and the Hircine students who chose to involve themselves. As a result, the school was forced to, and currently was still, employing a number of substitute teachers.
"The one thing about the system, because a student can't be expelled, the chance of his education being successful is far higher than it was before our time. I know for a fact that every single one of us is far smarter than we ever let on. The thing is, you two...", his focus switching to Dain and Kei respectively, his eyes shifting between the two as he spoke, "...Yeah, it's not going to be a cakewalk, but you're either in or you're out. Right now, no more second guesses. Tomorrow, the paperwork can be done and set up, and you'll be the inside men. The rest of you, obviously, would only need to help them out at first, gather people in. The first couple of weeks are all about finding out exactly what goes on, this is where Valencia comes in. MacMillan has you under his thumb, at least, that's the impression he would like to have, otherwise you'd not be here. As such, you're privy to things the others wouldn't be, and whatever you could find out would be invaluable."
With a barely considerable pause, one that took him from his seat to his feet again, though still leaning over the table somewhat, his palms flat against the polished wood, he shrugged slowly.
"After that, once people start to see there's more than just a few people on their side, what with a couple of new, more approachable faculty members who know how it feels to go through the system, the Chinese whispers start. Stern had that much right, garnering an unsettling in the students. But we go the opposite direction. As for me, there's a 'Plan A' and a 'Plan B'. As it stands, I'm stuck here, considering my cousin recently began attending the school and I've already had something of a run-in with MacMillan. Like Dain said, it'd look too suspect if I made any approach, but you two have much cleaner records than me."
Glancing at Maverik, who hadn't spoken for quite a while as of yet, he spoke as something of an aside to everything else, moreso directly to his closest friend than the others.
"It's crazy, but it will work. The thing is, if you're going to stand with me, I'll need every available hand you can get to help with the information. We used to have strength in our numbers in our day, but they're the minority now, if we can't work together, they are the ones who feel the repercussion."
Reaching down, squatting to his knees a moment, he picked up a small wooden box and set it in front of him, opening it with the contents obscured from view a moment, taking a small pouch out and holding onto it personally before spinning it a half-turn, pushing it into the centre of the table. In it, various onyx rings were set out in neat rows, a half-dozen to a row, with varying sizes on display. Legion rings, the former insignia of the gang, and as he opened the pouch into his hand, four of the exact same rings tumbled into his palm. Slipping them over his knuckles, his fist tightened around them.
"If you're in, you're in to the end. Take your size."
A brief glance toward Maverik made it clear between the two that this wasn't directed at him, knowing that he couldn't expect the Watchmens leader to take up his insignia. Still, to the others who either had lost their rings, cast them off or simply needed to replace them, the offer was in front of them. If it was taken, Legion would be reborn...
|
|
