Kyousuke
Dreamer
Senior
Tell me when, and why, you give or take Karma from me. Otherwise it is meaningless.
Posts: 271
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Post by Kyousuke on Nov 10, 2008 18:37:17 GMT 1
Kyousuke walked in the Hircine halls again. It was nostalgic in a way. The school still smelled the same. Some combination of blood and disinfectant that the janitors frequently had made use of during his last term as a Junior. But none of it looked the same, not quite at least. While his vision had been corrected from total darkness his vision wasn't exactly 20-20 anymore.
He was told he could wear contacts or glasses to increase the effectiveness of the surgery, but that just sounded like an excuse they used when the procedure didn't go the way they advertised. Although he only came to that conclusion after they sent him the prescription by mail a month later.
Luckily for them he wasn't as angry as he was before his year spent at Hircine. Instead of bothering with a prescription that probably wouldn't work he learned to cope. He still had the skills needed to survive without his eyesight, the fact that he could see most of what he needed to within six or seven feet just gave him a sense of confidence that he wouldn't have had otherwise.
Unfortunately it meant that he had to rely on Ketsren "Okama" Tekechi to get him to school, and public transportation for everything else.
But luckily that had almost no standing for what he was going to be doing today. Side stepping and shouldering his way past the occasional student was getting tedious, but he needed to be. The school meeting hall, it was the place that held the most students other than the cafeteria. Interrupting class seemed less rude than interrupting lunch though.
Walking down the middle isle felt a little strange. The emptiness of the room seemed to engulf him, drowning his sense of distance. He didn't have sonar thanks to being blind, but hearing people shuffle around a hallway was as good a way as any to navigate around people and know you weren't walking into a wall. One of the perks of having partial eyesight came in handy then.
Kyousuke found himself at the stage. It was higher than the floor, which was good tactically for what he was about to do. Stepping up wasn't really an option so he placed his hands against the wood stage and lifted himself up, swinging his legs up and to the right, swinging himself up onto the stage. When his back was against the podium and microphone he could hear static coming from the speakers.
"ATTENTION STUDENT BODY, A MEETING IS TO BE HELD IMMEDIATELY IN THE AUDITORIUM, THE DISCUSSION PERTAINS TO THE POSITION OF SCHOOL CAPTAIN AND THE CURRENT PARAGON ATTACKS."
The announcement repeated itself several times over the next five minutes, during which dozens, and then hundreds, of students poured into the auditorium and grabbed seats. All seemed anxious and the sound of conversation was just short of overbearingly loud. But Kyousuke stood calm and collected while he leaned against the podium, wearing an outfit of a green pullover and jeans that a few choice people would recognize.
The gathering began, and Kyousuke dove straight into the heart of the matter once hew as convinced enough of the student body had approached. It would only be a matter of time until faculty stepped in to muck things up, it wasn't like they wouldn't notice someone using the P.A. system. So he reached behind him and plucked the microphone out of the stand and nodded curtly toward the side of the stage.
A second hum of static sounded, getting some attention. But he really gained attention when he clapped his hand over the mic. The dull boom ceased all sound in the auditorium long enough that he could raise the microphone and speak into it, loud and clear, his Japanese accent mild despite the typical stereotype that was usually given.
"I'm going to keep this concise; I'm making a claim at Captainship of Hircine High. If any high standing student thinks they would do better, they are free to come speak to me on stage." But to keep the general rabble under control it wasn't just him on the stage. After the call was made several of his old Genaht acquaintances had made their way onto the back of the stage, something Kyousuke had set up to keep things as smooth as possible.
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Post by Alkaiser on Nov 14, 2008 7:22:17 GMT 1
"Yeah...I suppose that means me."[/i] The interim school captain looks to the ceiling and says. For his inherited position of power, Alkaiser had maintained his low-key social profile quite well. As long as no riots or student deaths occurred on his watch, he figured he was holding down the fort quite well. A public call-out over the loud speaker was just something he could not ignore, however. As he sighs, he nudges his locker shut and wonders to himself how so many common students get a hold of the PA system.
The auditorium had a good amount of students in it. Alkaiser liked being on stage in front of students, because he knew how to work the mob mentality to his favor and win over crowds in no time. Much of what he had accomplished at this school was due to proper words in proper situations, and this one could very well be an addition to that collection.
"So...it's Kyosuke."[/i] he thinks to himself. Steve strolls to the stage unassumingly, and begins to takes his place at stage right. There was a history between these two that went back to the days of Genaht. The members that Barzahd saw as he tried to make his way onto the platform were all familiar to him, not that that would gain him any favor. They hold out their hands to halt him for a moment, then recognize that he is meant to be up there with their guest speaker. It was his calm and nonthreatening nature at that moment that granted Steve safe passage.
The crowd, still silent from Kyo's efforts to grab their attention, would surely notice the presence of the iconic Sophomore. Steve flicks an itch on the tip of his nose, then proceeds to cross his arms in front of him. For a moment, no sound is made.
"Alright, I'm here. Impress me."
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Kyousuke
Dreamer
Senior
Tell me when, and why, you give or take Karma from me. Otherwise it is meaningless.
Posts: 271
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Post by Kyousuke on Nov 14, 2008 21:32:01 GMT 1
Kyousuke didn't know who was approaching the stage, one of the problems with his eyesight that was more of a temporary setback than anything. Once the Pillar was on the stage and spoke it was easy enough to tell who had stepped up. Thoughts of his past affiliations drifted through his mind as he gave a pacifying motion to his temporary protection.
"Barzahd, I've heard very little of your recent involvement. I would venture to say that I should have impressed you simply by being ready to act while you concealed yourself."
The two hadn't had many dealings with each other personally. Alkaiser had chosen to stay out of the general Genaht affairs and was little more than a voice of support. But the fact that Kyousuke was speaking in such placid tones would be one hint at the change he had gone through. And that Kyousuke did not turn to address him.
While the crowd mulled over the words Kyousuke had just spoken into the microphone he straightened himself and made use of his pristine posture. The general murmurings were incomprehensible, but from the way Barzahd had been operating he assumed many of them had forgotten the presence of the ruling student hierarchy.
"The position of School Captain has been left open. I know you well enough that you're talented and intelligent, but you lack the qualities of a leader."
Kyousuke smiled faintly as he stepped closer to the edge of the stage, his impaired blue eyes scanning the blur that was a good bulk of the Hircine student body. "I'm sure many of you who know him as Alkaiser agree that he is a good friend and can motivate well. But I want you to think back to our glory days of peace under our former Captain, Darren."
That had mummers rippling along the auditorium with greater volume. "I want you to look to the previous times of turmoil, when violence flared under the influx of students from Varron, and the militaristic and brutal regime held by our departed Principal." His right hand waved to the side of the stage, pointing at the red haired Pillar, not hesitating to drag the Sophomore under him in order to make himself look to be the better choice.
"This Sophomore was a friend to the sports teams, I know, and I can feel your glares." There was a brief pause in which he let himself smile, the Okama's information combined with his own knowledge of Alkaiser was helpful. "But did he stand firmly against the wrongs that happened around him? Where was he when I stood against Varron and the hired help of our former Principal?"
Kyousuke lowered the mic a moment and then turned to Alkaiser. A moment of silence was allowed to linger again, and then the mic raised. "Where will you be during the next psychotic raid by Paragon students, who've already attacked and burned down school dormitories in the middle of the night?"
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Post by Alkaiser on Nov 16, 2008 23:26:59 GMT 1
"How dare you."
Alkaiser's clenched fists shake with rage. This ignorant nobody was playing politics with the sophomore pillar, and was doing a fine job of upsetting him. "You weren't there! You weren't anywhere!" Barzahd's calm demeanor is now replaced with a shouting defense.
"This man stands to decieve you." Steve turns to the crowd and addresses them. "He was not in that office when our former principal fell, but I was. For him to even mention that situation is a mockery to the actions that we took to protect all of you!" Although the crowd currently stood in support of his adversary, they fell dead silent to the pleading yell of Steve Barzahd.
Steve's voice grew soft. He looked down as he spoke. "You've got to understand...We've never faced anything like Paragon before. To think that we could've predicted the raid is nothing short of ridiculous. To think that handing the captainship to someone just because they say that they can do it better is suicidal."
There was no sound. The change that occurred at that moment was nothing more than a subtle glance that the students began to pass around. The spectators looked to their friends, their classmates and their rivals. The glances seemed to be saying "maybe we should think this through."
It was not support, but it meant that their ears and minds were open. It meant that Steve had a chance.
"I failed you when the dorms were attacked. This boy questions where I will be next time. But my eyes are now open. My question to ask him is why he would let there will be a next time?"
Steve looks at Kyo and shakes his head. He wonders if the boy even recognizes that he was a Varronite. That's where he was when Kyo was standing against Varron. "Look, there's no definite way to defeat this threat, but dividing the student body is the last solution we want to employ. Since you've just alienated all of us Varronites, you should understand that a little better now. I will be more proactive in dealing with these maniacs. I'm open to any help you can give, but I will not let you lead this school into disaster."
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Kyousuke
Dreamer
Senior
Tell me when, and why, you give or take Karma from me. Otherwise it is meaningless.
Posts: 271
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Post by Kyousuke on Nov 17, 2008 2:35:50 GMT 1
Kyousuke, unlike the younger Hircine student, did not waver for a moment in his calm. In fact he seemed to have gained even more of a calm resolve the more Alkaiser spoke. Having turned back to the crowd, pretending to be able to see and sense their reactions, he listened intently, drawing in the sounds of both the crowd and the speech Alkaiser was steadily expanding on.
They were still listening to him, questioning Kyousuke, free will was filtering into their heads. That was something he had wanted to encourage, it was always easier to trick people into thought than to outright tell them something. Just like it was easier to make a situation where one needed to defend themselves than asking them to speak directly to such a large crowd.
Having gotten exactly what he wanted from the conversation, and even though he could still tear into the argument that was made, he decided he would end his part in it. He had nothing more to gain from it, so he smiled politely, and walked up to the Pillar. The microphone was held up the inside of his wrist was hiding behind his back, so he could speak privately with Alkaiser for a moment.
"I'd like to speak with you once everyone is back in class, I'll be waiting on the front steps." Kyousuke turned, swung his hand back in front of him, and faced the gathered students with a placid expression. "That is precisely the attitude Hircine needs. Everyone, please welcome our new Captain Steve Barzahd." He spoke clearly and impeccably into the microphone and without a moments pause passed the mic to his left from his right, and pressed the powerful instrument into Alkaiser's chest.
Kyousuke would release it once he was sure Alkaiser would have a grasp of it and step away. He would then turn and quietly nodded to his allies, leading them off the side of the stage and out the back entrance of the auditorium.
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Post by Alkaiser on Nov 17, 2008 19:36:26 GMT 1
And just like that, it was over. The grand exchange of words that Alkaiser was expecting to ensue never came. What was Kyosuke's plan? Steve couldn't help but think he had just been tricked into something, but what that was, he knew not. At the moment, Barzahd was not even sure of what he had to say. At least now he could say it into the microphone.
"Thank you..." was what came first. "I've been taking my position lightly, assuming that Tyler would someday make it back here and make everything better. I think it's obvious now that that is not going to happen. I will become better. I will become the captain you need me to be."
Given no other option, the crowd begins to stir in satisfaction, as if they had all gotten something right. Steve finishes with the answer they're expecting.
"And I'm going to start with Paragon."
That was what got them. The crowd applauded accordingly as Alkaiser set the mic back into the podium and dropped off the stage. He exits the auditorium, and shortly after all of the students file out and return to their classrooms. Now to find Kyo.
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Kyousuke
Dreamer
Senior
Tell me when, and why, you give or take Karma from me. Otherwise it is meaningless.
Posts: 271
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Post by Kyousuke on Nov 20, 2008 1:10:28 GMT 1
Kyousuke hadn't stayed long enough to hear Alkaiser's closing statements, at least not directly. But he had cleverly he had the stage microphone broadcast into the P.A. system as well. HE was quite sure that some of the faculty would have something to say about that, but in his experience they were usually useless at beast, and obstructive at worst.
While he sat on the steps he decided to briefly think back on the previous year, and the ones before that had been considerably more chaotic. He realized rather easily that his entire life had been a perfectly cycled mess. Death and pain followed peace and the circle had yet to be broken. He was hoping this last circle would be the least, or at least a longer rest.
When Alkaiser was finally free of the auditorium Kyousuke would still be just where he had said,, sitting patiently on the stone stairs that had been redone only a month before. The reason was stashed away but the rumors that followed had hinted at some kind of explosive going off on the steps, but he never found any reliable details.
But that didn't keep the stairs from being freezing, which was why he was starting to wish he had asked Alkaiser to meet him in a warmer place. Like the boiler room, or the kitchen. Sitting on cold stone had a way of drawing every ounce of warmth out of you if you let it, and Kyousuke had let it out of patience.
"Alkaiser, I find it hard not to notice the absence of Kyukaku's former Pillars." Allowing enough pause for Alkaiser to form an opinion, likely one that would be suspicious of the crafty Japanese male. "I would ask you to consider finding replacements, even temporary, to be sure that you have enough influence and manpower."
With a somber smile Kyousuke added, "You do seem to have motivational issues, perhaps you could find someone to compliment that minor fault."
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Post by Alkaiser on Nov 28, 2008 8:27:39 GMT 1
(OOC: Sorry again for delay. At first it was because I didn't know what to say, then it became a matter of exams. But enough excuses... ) Steve made his way to the steps, and there was Kyosuke just as he said. As he began to speak, he hinted that he wanted a piece of the captainship pie. While this desire was not unforseen, Barzahd still needed to ponder the request. The Japanese boy in front of him was searching for more influence within the school...something Alkaiser was very familiar with. "Motivational issues? I'm not so sure about that one..." Alkaiser lead off. The only one he thought he had trouble motivating was himself. Then again, his ego had gone unchecked for quite some time. "Still, you've definitely shown me that I need to work harder if I'm going to help out the school in any way, if not just to keep you out of trouble." Alkaiser smiles as he makes the remark. "I need to know why you want the job, Kyo." he says, cutting straight to the chase. "Just because I don't have any pillars doesn't mean that I'm giving it away...so as I said earlier, impress me."Part of Alkaiser wanted to just casually stroll away after that remark and see what actions Kyo took in the coming days, but such an idea would be unwise if Steve truly wanted to keep the peace. Instead, he let the senior speak for himself.
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Kyousuke
Dreamer
Senior
Tell me when, and why, you give or take Karma from me. Otherwise it is meaningless.
Posts: 271
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Post by Kyousuke on Nov 29, 2008 6:16:07 GMT 1
Kyousuke had a moment to think back to Alkaiser's motivation issue, but when he thought about it he found nothing he hadn't seen before. So instead of prodding the same issue he simply let the ex-genaht have his moment of self reassurance, no point in demoralizing him. "I'm glad I could help enlighten the issue for you."
At least he didn't have to prove himself again, that was a bit annoying to start with, but that wasn't something he could easily avoid. So for the moment he just let a moment pass by, rested his head back a couple more inches, and then simply closed his eyes as he decided he would admit how simple it was.
"I want to protect this school. It was good for me, and I have some time to spend here." Kyousuke paused for a moment and then frowned slightly. "I'm nineteen and still have a year and a half of school to finish thanks injuries and transfers. So you can think I'm doing the nobel thing to protect the school, or that I'll be bored and have more free time on my hands than most students. In either case I'm just what you see.."
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Post by Alkaiser on Dec 4, 2008 23:48:22 GMT 1
There wasn't much to be said. Alkaiser kept his reply short and sweet. "Alright. Just like me, your time in this position may be limited so use it wisely. I will officially support you as one of the pillars of Hircine High. You know your responsibility is to the school and the students, so protect them like I know you can."
Should Kyosuke have any further questions, he could ask them now. If not, Alkaiser expected to follow him back into the school, where he would monitor his performance for the next few days. Either way, the two would become allies for the time being, which was good news for the heavily targeted and quite inexperienced new captain.
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