Progress (Loire's Meeting)

[Leon Loire]

OOC: All right, let's get this straight right now. This thread is generally open to almost everyone, however, it is highly recommended that members of the Hand of Fate, members of the Hircinian Pillarship, and members of Stern Mason's order either stay out, or PM me before hand with a damn good reason for showing up. While a lot of this is public, I'd rather not have the chance for some sort of mischief to begin. This is meant for the friendly public, not spies. So keep that in mind.

Also note that this is meant for Varronites in general, however, those of you that are Hircinian that do not distinguish yourselves to another group are perfectly welcome to come. People like Charlotte, Valencia, et cetera.

Now, the speech won't begin yet, but I'll be posting it in a few days. So get your introductions in soon, and we'll get the show on the road!


IC: The business between Leon Loire and Taiku Akimoto had gone well. So well in fact, that Leon soon found himself at the Club Legion, glancing about with an anticipating grin. The columns of the downtown hangout were swarmed in subtle shadows, yet were quickly bathing in light as the overhead illumination awoke. The floor shone warmly in the aura of lamps and neon chemicals.

Leon himself stood atop an ample platform carpeted in subtle burgundy, a pair of stairs orbiting the entire structure. Garbed in his signature attire, Loire’s mane sparkled in the various beams aimed toward his figure, the usual gloves still upon his fingers. He had expected the energy that reflected upon him to cause uncomfortable warmth, but he seemed fine.

Immediately surrounding the platform were Legion’s staff, all working to prepare the evening’s sole goal. The doormen stood at attention, checking their gear and keeping their attention set on the list of names and images that prescribed those tonight’s host did not wish to see arrive.

“…Particularly keep an eye out for those under the listings of ‘the Hand’ and ‘Mason,’ because their reactions need to be kept delayed. If you see one of the Pillars, let them through, but keep a keen eye. I’d rather not have Kurtz O’Neill show up and take over our meeting. I need most as Varronites, but if you identify a Hircinian, feel free to let them through. After the majority of them are in, I’d like to see what we’ve gotten so far, okay?”

The two nodded, yet the second man – a darker skinned, chiseled figure – quickly turned back and questioned, “What’s to do about an entrance fee?”

Leon quickly replied back, “Those not on the “VIP” list are to pay ten dollars, and those under the VIP list itself are being paid for by me.”

The man nodded back, then continued on towards the door, ready to keep a close eye on those attempting to enter.

Loire turned his attention away, toward the various seats and tables that now enveloped the floor around the platform. Plenty of space for hundreds of seats, tables of four or five all around with lamp and brisk menus ready to request whatever drinks and food they wished. Leon had noted that Akimoto had quickly called for all of his employees to call in a late night, and Leon attempted his best to suffice Taiku as a businessman.

‘Money doesn’t grow on trees after all, and he’s being generous enough for this to happen…’

Leon breathed in deeply, thinking of how it had all begun: for the past week, he had been hearing rumors of various fronts rising up, many that threatened his own ambitions for both the Varronite and overall well being, and his reaction had to be decisive. Stern Mason’s rapid return, Kvist’s attempts for underground power, the Pillar’s success in changing the hand of control… it all had to be replied to quickly and effectively, with a reaction that positively matched Loire’s resolve.

‘No more apathy, no more delay; it’s time for a response, it’s time to press forward our plans…’

Yes. It was time to throw his own name forward; it was time he acted as the leader he was constantly referred to as. It was time to play out Katsumoto’s intentions, and act as the Captain he wished to be.

Stepping off of the platform, Leon Loire passed over to the impressive bar on the perpendicular end of the antechamber and sat down, requesting a simple Dr. Pepper to quench him. Taking a quick sip, Leon pulled out a piece of paper that had been copied and spread across the school dormitories for the past few days, either through messaging programs, email, or the U.S. Postal Service. Letters to Varronites, to friendly Hircinians, to friends, to allies – to show themselves at the meeting of Legion, and to choose their alignment: that of Leon Loire, or that of none at all.

Inserting the small piece of paper back in his leather jacket, Leon took another sip, watching as one of Akimoto’s employees quickly came to question him of the most important moment of the night. The clock had struck eight; it was time to go to work.

“Mr. Loire, it’s that time. Are you ready?” the male bartender requested, his own outfit rather impressive; it seemed Akimoto paid the best for those that worked under his name.

Leon smirked. It was rather fitting that such a thought crossed his mind, what with a certain subject Akimoto himself intended to bring up that very night regarding an old order of his, “Yes, go ahead and open the doors. We’ll be spending about thirty minutes of ordering drinks and service before I begin.”

The employee of Legion nodded with a small smile, then quickly jogged to the door. With a sudden jolt of the heavy gate, the employee whispered to the doormen, and Loire’s own navy eyes caught sight of the crowd outside.

‘Beautiful…’

A moment later, the doors slid open, and Leon Loire stood up, happily saluting his crowd as they calmly march forth after paying for their entrance – or not, depending on whoever was on Leon’s particular list.

“Welcome everyone!” Leon Loire yelled at as a proper host, a grin wide across his chin, his right hand wide and welcoming, “Please, have a seat with your friends, and share a drink! We’ll be starting tonight’s festivities very shortly!”

Leon left himself standing at the bar, expecting some would wish to speak with him. A light satisfaction overtook Leon, and for the first time in a long time, his body fell proud of its actions.

Soon, Liberty would set its path towards Progress.

[jellar]

'If there's anyone that is ridiculously crazy, I'd have to say it's Leon Loire...' Jellar thought, reading a letter he had received from that man while walking down the street. The meeting he was invited to was to take place at a bar. Club Legion, it was. It was recognized, and well recognized by those in the school to say the least. Run by the infamous Taiku Akimoto, they would say. In any case, Jellar had never been to the place, not to mention that his birthday was only five days ago, he could not have gone their regardless due to his age. Now, however, he was of the appropriate age, and would not be under any pressure upon arriving.

He, for sure, was not the first one to arrive.

It was almost a rally, or maybe it was. By the time Jellar made it to the bar, there was a rather large crowd outside. The atmosphere was friendly; friends were chatting with friends, and no fighting was coming about. Hopefully there would be no unwanted guests around. Jellar was not up for another fight, especially after the huge riot that broke out. He still felt tinges in his stomach from the fight, though most of his injuries were long gone by then. He sighed habitually, stepping forward and into the crowd, glancing around and finding a lot of familiar faces, mainly with those in the Watchmen, though he did not initiate much conversation.

Soon enough, the time had come, and the doors swung open. It was the first time Jellar had glimpsed the inside of Club Legion.

'Neat,' he thought, moving with the crowd to go inside. He made his way quickly and hit the front of the line, anxious for Leon's speech today. The thing that had attracted his attention here was, above everything else, the actions of Stern Mason. He was the one that had Jellar step up into the school politics in the first place. Jellar had made a small name for himself that day in the cafeteria and his name was known across a larger amount of students that day, unveiling what he had wanted as a low profile. Whether that was thanks to Leon or Stern, Jellar would decide later, but he had yet to discern whether it was a good or bad thing.

"What's your name?" The question was asked by the doorman, and Jellar replied honestly and simply, reaching into his back pocket to take his wallet out and get ready to pay the ten dollars that everyone else was. However, the doorman stopped him.

"You're a VIP; you get in through his expense," he said, gesturing to the hot-shot of tonight. Surprised, Jellar nodded and stepped through. The sight of all the tables and such greeted him, and Jellar was about to take a seat. However, before doing so, he felt like confronting Mister Thompson first.

Walking nonchalantly towards Loire, Jellar gained a feel for the place. It was the first bar Jellar had ever been to. Had Leon made the date merely a week earlier, Jellar would not have been able to go, unfortunately. Finally, he made his presence clear to Leon and gave a low chuckle, followed by his own words.

"Got a nice crowd here, don'tcha Leon?" he said. "Thanks for the entrance fee. It's appreciated."

With that, Jellar left him to himself, whether Leon had responded or not. He would not return unless Leon requested it of him, as Jellar was now off to look for a table to sit at. He walked a small distance to a table close to the front, all seats empty. Perhaps some other acquaintances or big figures would join him at the table he was at. Before browsing through the menu, Jellar waited to see who he would be sitting with that night.

[Odin Reeves]

-Two days prior-

Returning to his vacant dormitory after another day filled with few academics and spares used for exercise, Odin opened the door the find a envelope laying on his short stemmed carpet. Most likely it had been slid underneath his door as it lay there on an odd angle, the front of the envelope face down on the light brown surface. Kneeling down he retrieved it from the floor brought it into the kitchen while so casually tossing it on top of every other student flyer that had been placed under his door. It seemed a new one was coming every week, and each one seemed less and less interesting. He let the address marked envelope to sit there as he went about his regular activities; snack, shower, read, run, shower, bed.

The next morning he woke up, went about his regular routine, and then found himself sitting on a wooden stool with his elbows propped up against the counter. Hunched over a bowl of Just Right cereal he munched away while placing down ‘The Brethren’ so that the covered was facing upward, the pages spread apart to keep his page. He was just finishing off the milk at the bottom of the bowl as the flyers and envelopes slid off the counter due to gravity and his unorganized way of staking. He ignored them at first, placed his bowl in the sink – filling it with water while putting his spoon in a small plastic basket of other utensils – then turned back around only to notice the ivory edge of the envelope from yesterday sticking out.

It hadn’t occurred to him yesterday, but this was actually a letter, and while having no return address it did have the correct information of his dorm room. Taking a few minutes to judge this he finally decided – after tossing the rest in his recycling bin – to open the envelope. What he read afterward only gave him reason enough to shrug and change around his plans for tomorrow, as it seemed he was going to ‘Legion.’

-Outside Legion, 7:58PM-

Standing near the front of the door Odin let out a soft sigh, followed by scratching the back of his head. He knew that if this was any other night he’d be out running, but he also found this to be repetitive and considerably boring. As his mind drifted through his thoughts of re-evaluation the door to Taiku’s club opened up. Bodies began to march forward, Odin being pushed forward or else off to the side. Nearing the doors he spoke his name, ready to pay the fee. He watched as a familiar face checked over the sheet on his clipboard, recognizing the name from memory of an earlier check.

“Go on in.” The casual gesture of a thumb pointing the way told Odin that, for some reason, he was considered privileged enough to enter without paying. He had no clue as to why this was, but he gladly accepted entrance. Heading straight for a vacant bar stool Odin sat down, remembering the feeling he had when he first entered ‘The Edge.’ Tonight felt just as similar, the new day was coming, he could feel it.

[Xenarius]

A Few Days Earlier

"Hmmm... new mail, I wonder what this is about. From Leon Loire, I didn't even know he knew I was here." I thought to myself as I was completing an essay on my laptop in the school library. I quickly read through the e-mail, and then went back to read through it again. Just to make sure what I read was correct. From what I could tell Leon was holding a party for a majority of the school, and it was going to be at Club Legion... Owned by Taiku Akimoto, who I had heard many times was not someone to be trifled with.

" I might as well go and see what this speech of his is all about. I mean I'm interested in helping to quell all three problems, even if not in the same way he is. No harm has ever come of going to listen to someone's ideas. Then I can talk to Maverik for guidance on the matter, after all I'm sure he'll have an opinion about what the watchmen should do in the upcoming conflict anyway..."

7:59 p.m.

" Holy crap there are a lot of people here." I thought as I arrived. Looking around I saw a few familiar faces, many watchmen including Jellar, and Odin, whom I only knew by sight from the last tournament. Soon the doormen opened the doors and started letting people in. I joined the line and eventually made my way to the front of it.

"Name?" The bouncer said in a monotone, a clipboard in his hand.

"Xenarius Durand." I replied tentatively hoping that I wouldn't be on the receiving end of a swift kick.

"Alright, ten bucks." He said.

I handed over the money and quickly entered the club. Looking around I walked around saying hi to many of the watchmen in the club. " This is a really nice place." I thought finally seeing Jellar sitting at a table near the front. Making my way over to him I sat down at one of the other seats at the table.

"Hello Jellar, how are you this evening?" I asked with a smile. "It should prove to be an interesting night."

(ooc: I think our characters have met a few times before, but if I'm wrong just let me know and I will change it to introducing myself to a fellow watchmen.)

[charlotte]

When word of a gathering of sorts, held at a club she had only briefly heard mention, hosted by none other than Leon Loire, reached her ears, Charlotte's curiosity had immediately perked. Apparantly he was holding some sort of social event at a place called 'Club Legion', which, upon a little more snooping, happened to be owned by a certain Taiku Akimoto, who seemed to be the source of several whispers in certain circles.

However, it wasn't Akimoto she was interested in, but Leon, which, finally prompted her to go. Social scenes were not her area of expertise, and low in her general comfort level.

Wearing a pair of black pinstripe pants and a red v-necked longsleeve t-shit, underneath of which was a white bouse, Charlotte decided to make the walk to Club Legion, rather than hail a cab. There were many thoughts running through her mind, and the walk, she hoped, would help clear it out before she reached her destination.

Firstly, there was her recent induction as a direct pawn of the pillars, and her partnership with a fellow pawn, a senior named Valencia Donahue. Although she held no loyalties to the Hircine Pillar System other than the subtle blackmail that MacMillan had forced upon her, her attitude towards it was more of an apathetic acceptance, an almost nonchalant uncaring. The school system wasn't, for her, a pertinent issue to be resolved.
Above all, Charlotte valued peace and quiet in the school system, and if that meant signing on with the pillars, then she would most certainly do it.

However, there was also Stern Mason. Here was someone who sought to change the system, and perhaps had the means to. Stern, though, was not like Leon Loire, who's ideals she could actually admire and even trust, to an extent.
No, Stern Mason was the type to secure a happy ending only for himself and perhaps, if they were lucky, his most trusted underlings. He struck her as the kind of person who wasn't performing his plan for the good of all, but rather for his own personal wants and needs. Stern Mason was the sort of person, like Kvist, who needed to be stopped.

How unlike Leon Loire.

It still mystified her as to why Leon and the pillars had not managed to join forces. Their wants didn't seem to be any different after all, when broken down to the simplest terms.

Leon wanted peace in the school and the school system.

MacMillan and the pillars wanted peace in the school.

However, it was a conflict of ideals and means that drove the two groups apart, the pillars wanting to maintain the current system and 'reform' those who protested - thier way of keeping the peace. Leon and those who followed or worked with him wanted to change the system, to make it better for students - his way of keeping the peace. It was the dfference in ideals that caused the violence, like in every conflict in every other part of the world, no matter how significant or minscule it ever was. History never taught the present generations anything, if ideals were what still drove them apart.

Breathing a great sigh, Charlotte strolled along, sighting the Club Legion not far off and making her way towards it.

The place was large and very finely made, she surmised upon her first glance of the place, dwarfing her with it's seeming lustre. She walked towards the entrace, noting other people, many, and in fact, most students also entering, or arriving in cabs or thier own vehicles. The turnout for such an event felt indeed monsterous when standing outside the club building, watching the endless stream of people trickle in through the doors, most stopping to pay money, but others simply passing in with a word; people she could only guess were VIPs.

She approached the door, making her way through the throng of people (which strangely seemed somewhat dimished whilst being in the thick of it) towards the doors. Eventually nearing the end of the line, she extracted a ten dollar bill from her pants pocket, brushing back a strand of hair and correcting her glasses as she did so, fully expecting to be one of the many forced to pay to enter.

However, she was met with a shock upon nearing the head of the line.

"Name?" A tall, well dressed bouncer holding a clipboard asked, her, glancing down his sheet almost lazily.

"Charlotte Anders," she replied simply, the folded ten clenched firmly in her grasp. However, rather than scribbling her name down and asking her for her fee, he scanned the list briefly and turned back to her.

"Alright, go ahead," he waved for her to go on.

Eyes snapping wide, Charlotte slipped the ten back in her pocket and complied, making her way into the club and allowing the line to move foward.

No fee? Her thoughts swam momentarily as she looked about for any familiar faces, most notably Leon.

A VIP? Why me?

The surprise beginning to wear thin, Charlotte took another look about the area, finally managing to see a familiar face and head of hair over the mass of socializing people. It was Leon, standing at the bar, so she pushed her way through towards him, a slow half-smile forming upon he lips as she neared him.

"Good to see you back on your feet," she said, moving up beside him and watching him with a sidelong look. It was good to see Leon back as the leader she respected and recognised him for - possibly the one person she truely looked to for all the emotions a leader is supposed to instill.

[Kokaku Musha]

“Come on guys, I don’t have time for all of this… you don’t even look like you’re actually trying! Put more strength into that punch Richard, the speed is good as it is! Daniel, you know that that strike is just as powerful as your previous, but not as fast, so don’t use it then!”

Kokaku had instructed some of the Watchmen to spar with one another about an hour ago but he soon found out he had been to eager on doing so. The members in front of him were new arrivals at the dojo and even though they were all Varron students, none of them had been real fighters. With the new school however, they wanted to be on the safe side, even though it was far more peaceful then their previous school. By joining the Watchmen they both hoped to strengthen themselves and make a difference if another riot would occur, even a weak one.

“Come on Daniel! A fight is not only about knowing your own strength! It’s about knowing your opponent’s strength as well! You’ve been able to read his moves for over an hour now, use the knowledge you’ve gained! Try to…”

But Kokaku was cut short as his mother had suddenly moved from the bench towards the door and now towards Kokaku, addressing him while she walked over.

”Kokaku… There’s a letter for you, no address on it, just your name… Means someone must’ve dropped it there personally…”

Although her eyes showed slight caution, she didn’t worry about it too much and neither did Kokaku. He simply turned his back on the sparring members and nodded towards his mother, taking the letter from her. Reading it carefully, a small smile started to appear on his face. ‘A small meeting at club Legion eh? I haven’t been able to visit it since it’s opening… I wonder why Taiku hasn’t invited me… ah well, this is a good opportunity for me to go and check it out… Taiku will probably be there himself anyway…’

Kokaku fumbled the letter and placed it in his pants as he walked up the stairs towards their offices, not even noticing how Daniel finally took Richard out with a well placed kick…

* Time of the meeting *

It proved to be a quiet yet warm evening so Kokaku decided to take a walk. He had just returned from the drycleaner and was wearing his best suit for tonight. He didn’t know what kind of meeting this would be, nor did he know who else was coming exactly, but he felt like looking nice anyway. Arriving at the club however, he immediately recognized one of the doormen, it seemed he had come to San Francisco as well, Taiku really did have good men underneath him. Perhaps Kokaku would be able to get another job her, helping his close friend out, but that would probably be troubles for later. They hadn’t spoken about Taiku’s club at the short moment they had seen each other… Something that Kokaku pitied and would soon change. The doorman had also recognized Kokaku by now and gave him a warm smile.

“Good to see you again mister Musha. You’re on the VIP list of course, so no payment is required to enter.”

Kokaku simply returned the smile:

“If a require payments to enter, you may as well stop calling me mister Musha and just call me Kokaku, since in that case you’d be above me.”

He gave the doorman a wink before he continued inside, where a rather large group had already formed. Kokaku recognized several people but scanned for Leon, which at the moment, he just couldn’t find. Raising his shoulders slightly, he continued towards the bar and ordered him a beer. Another familiar voice rose from behind him as he smirked once more.

”You have barely come in and you start drinking beer already? You’re not turning into an alcoholic, are you Kokaku?”

He turned around and stared into the eyes of one of his ex colleagues and friends, Rene. She was smiling, just like Kokaku and both seemed to eventually turn towards the bar again.

“You know me, Rene… I need to have something to do, whether it be moving or drinking… Say, is Taiku around by any chance?”

Waiting for her to respond, Kokaku slowly started to drink from his beer, keeping his position against the bar and just laying back, waiting for whatever to come…

[Kei]

"We're going out. Time to enjoy your 18 years of living." Keisuke yelled from the second story of his house, getting dressed. Coming towards the kitchen, he caught his brother eating some cereal, watching something on the news. "Hurry up, I'll go warm up the car." Grabbing the keys to his younger brother's Subaru Impreza STi, he went out the front door, pressing the "unlock" button from the mechanism while coming down the small stoop, and opened the beautiful white door. ~Jackass forgot to put up the window..~ Stepping down on the clutch (and by reflex the brakes), he turned the ignition and started the car. The beautiful exhaust note breathing like a beast. What a car.

Seige: "So you're driving tonight? Showin' off my car's a little low, don't you think? Maybe I should take out the Aston-" Stopping himself, he saw his brother start pressing down the throttle, reversing. So much for trying to joke around. Taking big steps, he caught up and jumped into the car. "Where to now?" He asked, receiving no answer. Getting out of the driveway into the street, Keisuke remained silent, and slipped the gear to first... ripping it. Hitting second in mere seconds. "The fuck are you doing? What's so important this time of the night?" Watching his brother's driving, and the road, it always impresses him, every day of every moment. His shifting is flawless, his braking and common sense of trafficking even. Finally looking away, he put down his window and leaned his head to the right, looking lazily and thoughtfully outside and toward the skies.

"It's... nice outside."

Keisuke: Getting ready to park the car a block away, he started telling his brother where they were going, but not perhaps why. Turning off the car, he got out of the car quickly, taking a few steps forward and threw the keys back to Seige. "Like I said earlier. You're 18. I'm taking you out to a club." He said, with a suspicious grin on his face. "You're well in school, so. Here's the reward. Have fun, and slut around." He said in an inviting tone. In all honesty, he was telling the truth. However... it wasn't the whole truth. He needed to see someone, and after what Seige told about the function, Kei had a good reason to go. He wasn't a Varron student anymore, but, neither was the person he needed to see. It's funny, really. No matter how hard you try, you can never abandon your history with Varron Academy.

Walking toward the line, they were finally up front. "Seige Castillo." His younger brother said, merely waiting for his judgement. "That'd be ten dollars, sir." Keisuke broke into a laugh. "You're rather unpopular these days, huh Seige?" It wasn't like his younger brother. He demanded more attention than even Kei himself, and that in itself is a feat. Afterwards, Keisuke gave a twenty to the bouncer, walking in. "Oh, don't bother. I know I'm not on the list." Walking in, he saw quite a number of people around, looking perplexed, impressed, unenthusiastic, and excited. The first person he saw was this... Leon Loire character. He never met him, but, he heard mild rumors from when Kei was still in Highschool. To this extent, he actually became one of the only people who Keisuke had faith in. And to think, he never even met the guy. Inevitably, he walked toward the bar with the least amount of people, wanting... to 'hide' so to speak. Wanting to merely keep his privacy, and stay away from the kids. "I'd like... a whiskey on the rocks please. Hm... Southern Comfort would do just fine." He threw down a five for a drink, and two dollar bills as tip. "Thank you very much." Keisuke mentioned, nodding his head and grabbing hold of the glass. Relaxing on his barstool, he merely waited for whatever was to happen.

There was one other person he was looking for. But, that in itself would be an arduous task. He hasn't seen him for six months, to maybe a year. All his connections to Varron and it's students... we're gone. And that, no matter how unexpected it was, was the truth, even to someone whom everyone knew, as Keisuke Varial.

Seige on the other hand, was moving along, noticing a lot of people from the huge riot he was in, and from around the halls as well. ~Over there... Jellar I believe. And that... Kokaku? Not to mention Leon up there. Heh. If it isn't politics, then I dont know what to call this fucking thing.~ He said with a smile to himself. Now it was time to mingle. He'd join Kei again when the time comes.

[Kyukaku]

---The Dorms, Two Days Ago---

"Adam, it looks like you have some mail over here!" Kyukaku yelled from the doorway to wherever his roomate lay inside. Dropping into a squat, Kyu picked up the pile of mail at their door, closing the door behind as he entered the room.

"You've got some magazines and stuff here, what type of magazines are even peak your interes-" Kyu cut himself off, shaking his head dismissively. "Scratch that, I don't want to know."

Kyu threw the package of mags atop the table, fiddling threw what was left. There was a newsletter adressed to Adam that had "Varron" at the top. It peaked Kyu's interest, but he quickly tossed it to his roomate as he saw the same one for him, only with a letter attached to his.

Kyukaku opened the letter, reading it and way before reading the name at the bottom decided it was Leon. No one else liked to use such a big words and so many sentences to say so little. The fact his letter stated to destroy both his and Adam's papers did catch his attention though, so Kyu made a mental note to do just that when they were finished.

Club Legion....guess someone was writing me a letter.

---En Route to Legion, Today 8:01 PM---

Kyukaku had left a few minutes later than he should of, but he knew what he was doing. In truth, making himself late gave him an excuse to drive just a bit faster. When driving the Mercedes Taiku had given him, he would take any excuse he could to do just that, though being wary of getting pulled over.

He pulled into the lot of Legion, finding a spot after the turning past the first row. He regrettably stepped out the car, walking away from it as he pressed the button on his fob, locking it with a beep.

"I love that!" Kyukaku exclaimed to himself as he jittered with excitement.

He made his way to the door, the doormen ushering him in before he was even close enough for clear verbal communication. Kyukaku didn't even know there was a fee to get in here, as everytime he came he was ushered in like so due to his friendship with Taiku. As he stepped through the doors there was music and the roar of many voices speaking at once over the music, though that wasn't anthing strange in a place such as this.

Making his way straight to the bar, spotting Leon. He gave him a nod as they made eye contact. "Well, for someone as lame as you this isn't bad for a get together is it?" He stated with light hearted humor, giving Leon a grin before realizing they weren't alone.

"Oh, Miss Motivation!" Kyu exclaimed, remembering the speech she had given Leon in the cafeteria as he extended his hand. "I don't belive we've really met. I'm Tyler, but go ahead and call me Kyukaku or Kyu. Most people do."

[Tong Xian Tian]

The day before

[/u]

Tong Xian Tian was at home as usual enjoying her time in her warm and comfortable home. Of course the pregnant woman had been much sleepier then usual and enjoyed her time alone at home that she used to sleep for hours in Maverik and her room. She was asleep as usual, just having a very lovely dream when her little Golden monkey, Ming Ming had suddenly decided to jump on Xian's head and hopped away onto her dresser.

"Uhnnnrrh...." she grumbled as she opened her eyes and looked at the monkey with an angry glare. The monkey looked at her back and tilted it's head with a very adorable look. Xian couldn't stay mad at her little friend for long and smiled at it. She was now having a conflict with herself in her mind on whether or not she should get out of bed and get some chores done. It took her about two minutes but she soon convinced herself that she might as well do something else besides sleeping all the time. So Xian sat up in bed with minor difficulties as she pushed herself upwards to stand up. Once up she walked over into the living room and then opened up the door to see if she had any mail in her mail box. Xian lifted up the top and reached in with her right hand feeling that there was indeed some mail, she then grabbed in and took it out, looking at each letters carefully.

"Bill, bill, bill, Ooh! A check! Bill. What's this?" she asked as she found an envelope with only her name on it. "I might as well check it out."

Xian walked inside placing the bills and check on the table for Maverik to see once he would get home. She then pulled out a chair and sat on it, opening the letter and pulling out it content. Xian then looked through it and read it.

"A meeting? At Club Legion?" she asked herself. "I've never been there but I might as well go and see what all this is all about...." she thought out loud.

At Club Legion

Xian walked there realizing that it wasn't too far away from home. She looked around herself and noticed that there was a lot of people coming in. 'Wow...I didn't think this place was so popular...' she thought as she walked up to the doorman.

"Name please." he asked.

"Tong Xian Tian." she replied simply.

"Alright, go right on through."

Xian walked inside looking at who was there but there were too many people to see any familiar faces so she just stood around. She would have ordered some alcohol or something but it wouldn't have been very wise so she just ordered some water. This would be good for the night any who.

Xian ordered her drink and got it almost at once. She just stood there though, taking a few sips from her glass as she continued to look around and take in any bit of information she could to figure out why she got invited there. It wasn't everyday that this Chinese girl was invited anywhere so it was quite a mystery to her.

[Valencia Donahue]

Here we go again. The journey continues.

Recap time, from the top~♪ Ever since this one incident, in which Valencia encounters Sir Squawk-a-Lot AKA Leon Loire for the first time, she has been growing increasingly interested in the likes of the Varron transfers. Why? Well, with her most of her young life in high school “wasted” when so much more could’ve happened, something deep down told her to look around and examine things more closely, specifically whether or not the peace she’ve been living was real. I mean, it wasn’t as though she was mindlessly going about like the majority of the school, but rather she knew something was up and wanted to know what it was. Hence, why she wanted to see her situation from another angle, which would be the “Varronite Perspective”. Insert fate. Stir. And you have yourself a story. And… Like any other story, you have a goal. No need to go knee deep in details, I’ll just say that her friends have been really supportive of Valencia branching out into the world again and helped her whenever they could when it came down to understanding this “peculiar Varronites”. In truth, they don’t know the other reason why she needed their information, but whatever works, right? Right. And since Valencia got herself dragged into life, a la Hemingway, she was willing to use whatever she could get her hands on that’ll undo some stirring and actually work.

The problem with this is that you can’t really unstir sugar from water and things like escaping the clutches of some demonic force of darkness aren’t any less different, but whatever it takes, she’ll take it. That’s it, whatever it takes. But… Like medicine, however, aside from its potency, prescription and flavor matters. So Valencia decided to check out Stern’s little shindig to see if it’s her thing. It wasn’t completely her thing for one reason and that was creepiness factor. Eyech. The aftertaste might not be palatable, might being the key word. So… She continued to explore her other options that’re available.

And here, now you can start reading, if your eyes got tired.

Valencia stood outside Club Legion, taking a brief gander at the neon signs about her until she sidled along with the other folks who were making their entrance. She dug into her pockets and fished out her ID once she was at the door, then continued fumbling about in search of money. The man at the door was about to say something until she stopped him, giving him ten bucks. Payment for entry because she was a regular person? Or… Just a tip because she was actually a VIP? Whether or not it was necessary, Valencia didn’t bother to see if she was a VIP because she swiftly made her way into the building without so much as passing a glance at anyone along the way. Once a fair deal of traipsing was done, she finally found a spot she felt comfortable in at a lone table off to the side a few tables away from the front, then heard Leon say his piece.

Okay… This is a rather… Jovial atmosphere.

…Valencia thought to herself, taking note of how the loose “aura” was. Keeping to herself, Valencia’s eyes wandered over to the familiar faces of many sorts and felt a bit lonesome here in the midst of many. No, she didn’t want company, but it just seemed alienating how people had their own circles and such like at school in spite of whatever relationship you have with whatever person in question. She rested her head into the “coils” of her arms and began to wait. It might be a long wait, but at least she had one companion that never left her alone. Solitude.

After this, I wonder if there're other choices to consider...?

[Li]

(Zerreth)
"We're going empty handed." Zerreth said as he released the magazine from his side arms.
"And of course by that, I mean, I'm loading them if there's trouble." He said with a cheap grin on his face. He stuffed two magazines into the sewn-in pockets inside of his Henri coat. It was supposed to be a "safe" meeting, but ever since what happened at Varron, Zerreth was always on edge in that bar. Even if it was Kaz--Taiku's...

Zerreth headed out the door with Li right behind him. As he heard the click of the door locks he smiled. Once more, he had found what was truly his. While other students had dorms, he had his own condo. Something that he was able to afford by himself. Although, he probably had Kazuki to thank for as that tournament oh so long ago gave him a financial base. From then on all he remembered was stepping into his car, driving along some road and parking on the street. The sign said Club Legion so Zerreth assumed it was "it". He attempted to casually walk through the doors while nodding to the men as if he was taking note of their presense when he was stopped by them.
"What the--?" He thought out loud. It was then that he realized that since coming to San Fran, this was his first time entering Club Legion. Of course they wouldn't know who he was, and of course they wouldn't let two "minors" enter.
"ID?" Zerreth thought for a minute. All his photo IDs were used with his "real" name which ended up becoming a problem, untill Zerreth remembered. His Varron ID was the only one that was accepted without a last name. He wasn't sure why, but he got lucky. He took his wallet out of his pocket and pulled out his Varron ID showing it to the burly men. "Zerreth, no last name. It's easy to find since it's so short." After a moment of silence and of flipping pages they signalled him to go on in.

He sat at the bar as he noticed at least one familiar face. "Rene, good to see you here. I got stopped by the guards at the front which led me to believe I was in the wrong place."
"Hello again." He heard her say as she lay down a glass of white liquid.
"Your usual milk?"
"Why do you put up with it? I thought bartenders hated that joke."
"We do." Zerreth smiled as a rush of nostalgia came over him. Yes. This was the place he belonged. Varron really was where he felt comfortable...
Zerreth spun around as and noticed a few other familiar faces but decided to watch from the sidelines.

[~MeL~]

Stepping out her doorway, Melysa looked about and seemed to be waiting for something. Standing still with her hands tightly together at her back she began to hum a melody. Swinging her head side to side slightly, Melysa blinked and sighed.
Nodding to herself, she hopped off of her porch and began running. She was dressed a little nicer then usual, since she has been re-adapting herself pretty good now. Her hair was pulled back and a hat lay over her head. Jewlery was dangling along her neck and wrists as she ran around. Her hat almost flew away once in a while, but she made sure it would stay on tight.

--

Standing still, her eyes watched with amazment the club that stood infront of her. People were walking in, paying their fees and enjoying this wonderful night. Melysa got to the door and was about to pass when the big doorman stopped her.
"Name?"
Blinking, Melysa turned around and looked at him, silent.
"Your name miss."
Tilting her head to the side, she wondered why he wanted her name... Did he want do be her stalker? Taking a step back, Melysa looked around and saw people giving the big guys money to go in. Searching in her pockets, Melysa was trying to find money, and began to think that she had gotten dressed for nothing.
"Your name, mam. I need your name!"
Melysa was a little paranoid still, and she thought that giving him her name was a bad idea, so she quickly spoke out.
"Sy-Syr-Syrene!"
The man looked at her a little confused, before shaking his head and grabbing the bill that Melysa extended to him. Before he could look back at her she was out of sight.

---

"Pretty!"
Smiling to herself, Melysa stood in the far back and looked at everything and at everyone enjoying their afternoon. Excited to be somewhere doing something, Melysa wondered why there was a party now.
"Who's birthday is it?"
Melysa has asked this outloud and some looked at her funny. Realising it wasn't someone's birthday, Melysa added.
"I mean... All my wishes to the new couple!"
Realising that her reason for a party were false by the look people had on their faces, Melysa lowered her head and moved away from where she was standing now. Walking aorund the place, she decided to start exploring this place a little.

[Alkaiser]

A crumpled leaflet masks the face of a certain local high school student as he trots down a busy street downtown. He walks at a good pace, knowing that he's already later than he wished to be for his engagement. A puddle splashes under his footsteps, once moving in a steady rythym, but now coming to a stop just across the street from a bar which is enjoying an outrageous turnout tonite. At least, he thinks it was a bar. It was tough to see through any of the windows with the throng of patrons cluttering the sidewalk. This was where he needed to be. The leaflet, a signed invitation from one Leon Loire, is lowered to reveal the face of Steve "Alkaiser" Barzahd.

"This looks promising..." he says to himself. Dressed up in his pair of red dress pants and black shirt, Steve was definately looking to make an impression. Steve crosses the street carelessly, approaching the crowd and searching for familiar faces or anybody who might seem like they have a bigger part to play in what's unfolding tonite. He sees nobody of interest, probably because they've all already made it inside. The students who needed leading remained, just nameless faces looking to help the cause. They parted as Steve came in, giving his ego a small boost as if it were needed.

"Oh goodie, short line." Steve auidibly remarks to himself. He walks up to the burly security guard, dressed even better than Steve himself. When asked for his name, Steve complies and is let through, being told that he was on the VIP list. As he enters, He sees Leon across the room, being mobbed by a bunch of other students with questions. Deciding that it is not entirely worth it to try and bother him, Steve elects to just take a seat, at a small table with only two chairs near the wall, just off to the side of the stage where Leon will presumably speak. He crosses his legs, puts his hands behind his head, and kicks back, waiting for the events of the night to commence.

[koenig]

(It had been many years since I had recieved mail. So i was quite confused when I saw a single letter in my Dorm room. Opening it up, the letter was about leon loire. A very old and very good friend of mine. It seemed he was having some sort of meeting tonight at club legion.

Throwing the letter off to the side I went into my room. Cleaning myself up I put on my nice black leather jacket that went down almost to the ground. Underneath the leather jacket I had a black muscle shirt on. I was wearing a nice pair of dress pants and just my normal shoes.

As I finished dressing I grabbed my blue bandana and tied my hair into a ponytail with it. Walking out the door I headed towards club legion. I had no idea what this meeting was about, but Leon was a very good friend of mine and I decided I would show up for his sake.

As I walked up tot he club i was sked my name by the doorman. Giving him my name and the fee he asked for I walked in. Looking around I saw leon right away, it seemed everyone was rushing over to talk to him. Walking over slowly to where kyu was I nodded to leon. As I closed the distance behind kyu I put my right hand on his right shoulder and leaned closer to him so he could hear me above all the chatter.)

"It has been a very very long time my old friend"

(I said into his ear before turning around and walking to an empty table with 5 seats around it. I knew if he wished tot alk he would come sit with me, but it seemed he was talking to someone else. It would have been rude for me to jump in, instead I just let him know I was here)

[stern]

(technically, I'm not showing up, but I feel like I'm the straw that broke the camels back her, so i thought I would say something....though considering an invitation was mailed to one of my subordinates roommates, it's not like Stern wouldn't find out about this eventually.)

Briiinnnnggg.....briiinnnngggg.

Stern leaned over from his desk, glancing at the caller ID before picking up the phone. He continued to type on his computer as he spoke, clearly busy with multiple things to do. His tone was harsh and brutal, clearly showing this extra surprise was not welcome on his to do list.

"Make it quick, I'm expecting a call."

A voice came on over the phone, hard to make out without paying attention, background noise of moving cars distorting words even further. Still, the reception was still good, and Stern heard enough to make sense of it.

~Already....I thought I would need to push him further.~

"I see, continue to keep an eye on him....What? No, do not attempt to monitor what's going on inside, I can already guess what he's doing....He has no proof of me ever committing wrong. Suspicion is not worth risking what he wants to do. You don't need to watch him anymore."

Stern hung up the phone, not waiting for a response. He leaned back in his, rubbing the back of his neck to ease the stiffness caused by the hours at his computer. He remembered he needed to find a clean disk later, if the phone came in back from Varron about those files he needed. He was till surprised Leon gathered people so quickly. He had seemed to lost his bark back in the cafeteria...Stern's subtle suggestions must have been listened to.

~Leon....always the optimist...hopefully I haven't overestimated you this time....~

Stern rubbed his eyes before sitting up straight again, typing as he did. He needed what he was working on to be perfect....to be obviously perfect....at least that even those that would deny it would know effort had been put into it. Hircine blueprints flashed on the screen, Stern stopping his search through his pages to look briefly.

~Your getting cut into pieces quicker than ever.... I wonder who'll be in charge when I'm done with you....~

Stern skipped past more pages, quickly getting back to work. He notably worked faster, with more enthusiasm.

~Remember Stern, the beginning is always easy...it gives you a taste of success so you work for more.~

[Audrey Pierce]

Audrey sat with her legs crossed, her right leg bouncing slowly up and down as she held onto the letter addressed from Mr. Leon Loire in her right hand. Sitting on a bench in the park was something Audrey ever had the chance to do, especially since she usually lingered around her dorm room. If it came from Leon Loire himself, she knew that many people would attend. Likely her fellow Varronites but she could be wrong. Nonetheless, Audrey sought out to go there herself and see what exactly why this was being held.

Standing up, she quickly tugged at the ends of her plaid skirt as she fixed it and she sighed,"Better than wasting another day all by myself."

She stretched her hands above her head as she began to make her way towards the famed Club Legion. Never really being inside, she had no idea what to expect. Who knows what or who could lurking within it's walls. This frightened and excited Audrey so, a sly smirk appeared on her face.

Holding up the letter in front of her face as she walked, other pedestrians dodged out of her way and yelled back at her recklessness. She simply ignored it and read the letter over and over,"I wonder why someone like me would be invited," she shrugged.

Appearing at the front entrance seemed like it took longer than it should have. The stern bodyguard that stood a few inches away from her held a list in his hand as he stared down the dirty blonde young woman. He asked her name with a small annoyance easily noted in his voice. Her eyebrow raised with confusion and was about to question his attitude, but knew that it was not necessary. She happily spoke her named and watched as his eyes scanned over the listed he grasped ever so firmly in his left hand.

"Anytime now, King Kong," she muttered under her breath, which caused the guard raise his eyes towards her as she whistled innocently and shifted her eyes around him. He stepped aside and gestured her to go on inside. Nodding to him, she continued to make her way inside.

The people who had already arrived were a few familiar faces. Audrey smiled internally as she repeated their names in her heads as she watched them converse with one another. The aura in the room was quite calm and with minimal tension. Sighing with relied, she spotted a very well-known figure. She tip-toed as quietly as she could, seeing how he was at the bar with the host. She knew her beloved would not expect her to be there, or perhaps he already knew. But she wanted to get him before he could have the chance. Standing on the opposite side of him as he spoke with an unknown girl she had never seen before, she kissed his cheek and whispered,"Looking good, handsome."

[Carlos]

---Day before meeting---

(vvvvvvvvrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmm, vvvvvvvvvvrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmm)

Waking up a bit sleepy with my face against the pillow, I heard vibrating coming from my sidekick so I extended my hand through the bars of my bed frame and grabbed my sidekick, as I was bringing it back toward me I heard an indistinct moan next to me, lifting an eyebrow I felt an arm move while on my back, smiling I grabbed the arm and held it up as I turned over onto my back setting the arm down on my chest I flipped open the sidekick and put in my code, looking around the small screen I saw my text indicator telling me I had a text message from Leon. I grinned and quickly opened and looked over it (Meeting at Club Legion...Tomorrow at 8 o' clock...Wonder what it's about? Knowing Leon it has to do with the current comotion on the school system. But why would he need me to show up, I'm outta the system...Hmm, well whatever, I'll go.)

Closing my sidekick screen and trying to remember what I did last night, I looked to my left and saw a pair of jade green eyes staring at me, smiling I moved my head closer to her's and kissed her lips gently, retracting my head I smiled at the gorgeous face that was staring at me and smiling. Then remembering what exactly happened the night before I was mentally smacked with the girl's name and flashes of what her and I did last night appeared in-front of my eyes, staring into her eyes I snickered a bit and kissed her again. Sitting up, her arm slipped down to my waist and her voice resounded as it traveled into my ears saying...

Girl: "Ready for round six I see."

Me: "Hmph, yep. But first I gotta pee.

Girl: "OK."

I got up from my bed and walked over to my bathroom, walking in I did what I had to and returned to my room where the girl was waiting for me, I looked at her and saw her eyes widen as she stared at my lower body and at that moment I realized that I was naked, grinning I walked to her and I removed the covers from over her body and gazed at the utter perfection of her form, my jaw dropped and I was stunned and speechless. She laughed and stood up, as I was still in a state of shock she embraced me and her lips again pressed against mine and brought me out of the shock I was in, I looked at her face as it rested on my bare chest and I just laughed to myself. I looked down to her face and I grabbed the bottom of her thighs and lifted her up so that our faces met and I said...

" Round six is on"

She smiled and I placed her against the wall and we started at it again.

---A few hours later---

I looked over to her as she was getting dressed and I finished drying myself off, as I grabbed my underwear and put in on all of the sudden I felt a firm hand against my ass and I twinged a bit at the small sting that formed after the hand was removed, I turned around and I saw the girl smiling widely as she fixed her hair a bit...

Girl: "Wow...Wow. Carlos...Wow.

Me: "Exactly what I was thinking. I wish we could stay here and chat but I have a shot load to do today. Sorry.......Jade.

Jade: "I'm glad you remembered my name. It's ok Carlos, call me."

I felt her embrace me and I embraced her, then she lifted my head and kissed me once more before she left my room and then my apartment. (At least this one was worth it. She was gorgeous and kind, but still shes not the right one, eh whatever.). I finished getting dressed and left my apartment.

----Day of the meeting, 7:40 P.M.----

"Twenty minutes for me to get to the club, as always I'm gonna be late. Well It don't really matter, I'm pretty sure that it won't start immediately, so I'm good"

I was ready to leave, so I gathered the usual and left for Club Legion.

----Club Legion entrance 8:03----

I stood in-front of the Club as the crowd dwindeled and when it came to the last few people I walked to the door and entered casually, as I entered I was stopped by a bouncer and he asked...

Bouncer: "Whats your name?"

Me: "Carlos Fernandez."

He looked through a few sheets of paper and then looked back at me and motioned me to enter. I simply nodded and entered the club, walking over to the bar I shook hands with the bartender and said...

"The usual man."

He nodded and handed me two double shot glasses and a bottle of agua ardiente, I smiled and sat down, pouring myself a shot I gripped the glass and tossed it back quickly without a twinge or a cringe. Looking around I saw a few familiar faces that purtruded like a rusty nail through a piece of thin leather, but I wasn't to worked up, I just got up from my seat and walked over to the first face I noticed, that of Melysa Rouleau. It had been a while since I've seen her and she seemed like a completely different person, she looked almost the same but I knew what was different about her. I approached her and tapped her on her shoulder and said...

"Hey Mel, It's Been a while."

[Kira Karyuudo, Hikari]

They had decided to come together by cab. Quiet conversation was had between the two, with an occasional blush or giggle. Hikari, curious as ever, wanted to know all the details of the recent date between her and Taiku, considering her friend neglected to tell her the day Rocco appeared at her dorm-room door. She had redeemed herself by knocking quietly upon Hikari's dorm when she came back...before leaving a few short minutes afterwards to undress and sleep.

It wasn't long before they arrived just outside of Club Legion, and they both stepped out, each paying half the fee to the driver before looking at the line and sighing. It wasn't too terribly long, but it was still a few minutes to wait. Slipping into line, they continued their muffled chatter, waiting patiently for their step into the bar.

As they finally reached the door, Kira spoke for both, gesturing to herself and Hikari as she said their names: "Kira Karyuudo, Hikari Shinodai..."

A sudden smirk crossed the doorman's face, and he noted offhandedly. "Says here by the host that I'm supposed to act like you're not on the VIP list to phase you out. I assume you know what this means?"

"You betcha." Quipped Hikari. "It means we're supposed to bowl you over and get inside anyway."

The man just laughed. He had at least a good foot on Hikari, and was rather bulky, though majority of it was muscle. "Yeah, that works. Maybe one day I'll be tempted enough to let you try it. Anyway, you two are cleared and paid for, head on in."

The two girls grinned at him, moving on inside, and Kira even went so far as to pat him cautiously on the arm, in good sport, offering a friendly wink as they soon disappeared inside the club. Mingling in the crowd together, they awaited what they had been invited here for.

[Dain Gavyns]

"I guess I'm going to this thing... you coming too?"

Ran Ling Xiao looked up from the television, a rare treat these days, and nodded heartily. A small, sad smile crossed Dain's features, and he nodded, almost lifelessly.

He felt terrible for his girlfriend. Certainly, she would understand where he was coming from with his issues, as they weren't too far off from her own, at least, they wouldn't be in her mind. However, it was, as always, in Dain's nature to not bring others down with his own troubles as much as possible. As such, he had always avoided the subject when possible, and put on a happy face even more. All the while, he knew his girlfriend was no fool, and had seen through it quite easily. To prevent from becoming lost in his thoughts even further, Dain immediately shook his head, noting inwardly at how strange it might have seemed immediately following his previous nod, and grabbed his coat and his keys, motioning her to follow along as he did so. Hopping up and turning off the television, Ran grabbed her own coat as well, following in step behind Dain, wordlessly. She wanted to say something, but knew as well as he did that he didn't want to talk about it, and allowed his unspoken wishes to remain in sanctity. Nary a word is spoken as they hop into Dain's jeep and drive to Club Legion.


--- Just a Couple Bit of Minutes Later ---


Dain found a parking space around the back, almost instinctively heading to the employee parking section, even if this wasn't the Edge, and he hadn't, as of yet, talked to Taiku about working at this new club. He doubted the big guy would mind, and didn't seem to care too much either way if he did or not, by the way he gave no second thought to putting his jeep in park and hopping out. Ran followed along, trotting a little faster to catch up to walk alongside him. Dain looked over at her, and she looked back, catching his eye. She smiled, and Dain simply looked on, that same distant, sad look in his face. However, his hand reached out, taking hers and lacing his fingers between hers. They walked like this, hand in hand, but despite this obvious show of affection, Dain did little else to reveal anything more to what his mind was on.

The pair quickly made their way to the front, where the bouncer held a clipboard with quite a few sheets of paper on it. Dain walked up, looked the bouncer straight in the eye, and spoke quite plainly.

"Dain Gavyns. Ran Ling Xiao."

The bouncer nodded, and began to leaf through the sheets of paper. Dain, however, proved to have no patience for this, and simply walked past him, pulling Ran in tow, tossing out as he walked by, with a hint of disgust in his voice: "If you don't know us, you haven't worked here long enough."

The bouncer looked very affronted, but Ran, as she passed, turned to the man and mouthed the word 'Sorry' to him. Shrugging, he continued to flip through the list, finding both to be on the VIP list anyway. He shook his head, deciding to continue to tend to the other people trickling in.

Once inside, Dain's grip on Ran's hand, while not tight in the first place, loosened considerably, allowing her to release it and go off on her own, should she wish. Dain, however, simply opted to sit at the bar, attempting to stay far away from any old acquaintances, yet managing anyway to sit in the stool next to Odin Reeves, asking quietly for a water and looking on at the scene before him.

What ridiculousness are you getting yourself into now, Leon...?

[Ran Ling Xiao]

(I'll just start off from the part where Dain and Ran are walking towards the entrance~)

Ran followed along as quickly as she could, trying her best to keep up with Dain. It really pained her to see him like this, but at the moment she doubted she could say anything that would help. There would be a moment, but it wasn't now. The best thing she could do was be there. When he looked over at her, Ran did the usual thing and smiled even though it was unreturned. She was a bit disappointed, but not mad. Ran understood and she wouldn't give up on trying to keep the mood from dropping any lower.
When Dain took her hand, Ran held it back gently and went on, feeling happy that despite the way he was feeling, he still made an effort to show signs of affection. It was better this then being completely ignored, right?

Once they were both up to the bouncer, Ran had wondered if she would of needed to do the talking, however she didn't and Dain spoke both his and her name rather monotonously. Ran watched the bouncer begin to look through the list a split second before being pulled past him while Dain spoke bitterly towards hims. Of course, it would be Ran's job to try and appologise, and she quickly looked back and mouthed 'Sorry'.

Inside finally, Ran stood still and let Dain walk over to the bar. She just watched him go with a soft smile and worried expression before turning and looking around for people she knew. With a shrug, she decided to follow her boyfriend. If someone wanted to talk to her, they'd come and see her or she could talk to them later.
Ran placed herself near him, though saying nothing. She wasn't exactly next to him, but near enough for people to guess she was 'hanging out' you could say, with Dain. Her eyes shot here and there, taking in the people she knew, not paying attention to those she didn't other then a few she possibly recognised or who seemed to stand out.

"Xian's here..." she whispered to herself, keeping her eyes on her pregnant friend. "She seems alone...did she really come alone?"
She decided to watch over her, waiting until Xian either noticed her, or at least until someone approached Xian and looked like they had come as her...companion or something. She would of went to see her, but Ran didn't feel like speaking at the moment. Small talk was about all she'd do, and she'd probably end up boring the other person, though, not intentionally.

All she could do now is wait...