Your dorm is my dorm(Leaf)

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“Alright… you’re sure he lives there right? Any roommate or something? Yes… who is it then? Tristram Moon? Hmm, I’m sure I’ve heard that name somewhere before… ah well it doesn’t really matter. Can you ensure that I’ll have the copy of his keycard by tomorrow, you’re on duty then right? Good good… thanks in advance Craig, you’re helping out the students by doing this, you know that right?”

Shuya smirked at the security leader who was on patrol today. Shuya had met him when he first came here and rather than fighting him head on, he had somewhat befriended the guy and had gotten quite some information out of him back in those days. It seemed the guy hadn’t changed a bit and with a small bribe, Shuya would be able to receive the backup keycard to Kokaku Musha’s dorm. All Shuya had to do was make sure that he’d enter the room while that Tristram guy wasn’t around… he had his geeky contacts for those jobs. He flipped open his cell whilst walking away from Craig after giving him a small nod. Returning to his car, the phone was finally picked up by Yuri.

”Katsumoto… what can I do for you man?”

Yuri de Gram wasn’t a tough student at all and had been frightened by Shuya in the past. However, Shuya had ensure him he would watch over the guy if he’d help him out with hacking the school pc’s when he needed it. Yuri knew Shuya would only call him if he needed help anyway…

“Gram, I need you to check out the school schedule of a certain Tristram Moon… can you tell me if he has any classes tomorrow and if so at what times?”

”You’re in luck I’m behind my computer right now… hold on a minute.” Shuya hadn’t been lucky at all, Yuri spent approximately 90% of his awake time behind a laptop, even during classes he had his faithful computer with him. ”Yes, Tristram Moon… Sophomore… has class from 9am to 4pm tomorrow with only lunch time free…” “Thanks Gram…” Shuya hung up the phone and entered his car with a delighted smile on his face, tomorrow he’d check out Kokaku’s dorm on possible clues on Kvist’s whereabouts…

* The following day *

Casually Shuya put down some money on the counter of the security’s booth and was quickly given a keycard. Without looking at Craig, he continued towards the dorm section and walked towards Kokaku’s dorm room. Pulling the keycard through the security lock, the door slowly slid open and Shuya entered the dorm. The main lobby was quite messy but Shuya paid no heed to it. He checked out all rooms to make sure he was alone before he walked back into the room where he had quickly glared at a picture of Kokaku, Kazuki and Maverik. Shaking his head, he started to look through Kokaku’s belongings and checked out his desk but he found nothing that could lead him to the whereabouts of Kvist. Disappointed, Shuya returned towards the main lobby and entered the living room. Again a slightly messy place but Shuya’s eyes rested on tape that stuck out of the recorder. It had the title ‘To Tristram Moon from Kokaku Musha’. Without hesitating he walked towards the television, turned it on and pushed the tape back into the recorder. Waiting for the tape to be returned to its begin, Shuya finally hit the play button. At the screen he saw the beaten body of Kokaku, tied to a chair while Kvist was making remarks and questioned his hostage. Licking his lips slightly, he found it interesting how Kvist tortured his guest. The room he saw however again gave away nothing…

However, Shuya’s eyes shot to the side when he heard the main door unlock once more, his hand moving into his coat where he had hidden a small pistol. Ever since he started involving himself with business that involved armed people, he had started carrying a piece towards the school as well. Turning to face the door he waited on Tristram to enter the living room, seeing Shuya face him while Kokaku’s torture was still playing in the background. Shuya knew it was best to confront the student head on, since there was no way out anyway and no place to hide either… but what could happen, after all, Shuya was armed while a Tristram probably wasn’t…

[leaf]

*It was not like me to forget things for school. Always found it foolish when someone says they forget their homework or their books. Guess mistakes happen. I doubt my day could get worse. At least this gives me an excuse to get out of the school and be alone for a bit. As much as I tear myself up with my thoughts, I would rather be alone right now. I could care less about the school at this point.

It did not take any guesses to know who took Kokaku. That only made it worse. This Kvist or whoever he is has already gotten away with much back in Varron. What has the Legion, the so called good guys, been doing all this time? My hands close into fist as I step into the dorms. It does not matter now. No matter how annoying it is, it is the past now. I need to find Kokaku, save him, then beat the tar out of him. I grit my teeth. How could he go and get himself caught?

Despite the clash of my own thoughts battling it out in my head, my face remained stolid like a stone. I pull my keycard out of my pocket and suddenly freeze at my door. I could hear sounds in my room. Kokaku was captured so...who is in my room? I continue to unlock my door and slowly push it open. My eyes narrow as I see Shuya in my room.*

"You again..." I said in the most even voice I could.

*I was not in the mood for this. I could hear the tape still playing. Why was he watching the video? Better yet, why was he here in the first place? Seems he was involved as well. The evidence here was good enough for me.*

"Start talking.." I said.

*There was no point in spouting the questions. Shuya knows exactly what I want to know right here right now.*

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya’s hand loosened from the gun as he noticed who entered the dorm, a familiar face who, though it appeared stern, did not give any leads to an assault pointed at Shuya. ‘Ah, that’s right… Tristram Moon, Leaf… the guy I had a little encounter with a few months back… Figures he lives here with that Musha fellow. It’s obvious why he received a tape… roommates above all, no?’ Shuya slowly rose his eyebrow as he was commanded to start talking. Though he was in a tight spot here, appearing to be a burglar and what not, he wasn’t used to getting talked to like this and he didn’t like it one bit either. The several years younger student however stared at Shuya with narrowed eyes and Shuya could not resort to anything but shake his head while smirking.

“Me again… and what do you think I have to say to you mister Moon? You want to know why I’m here? Perhaps I’m a close friend of Musha that has gotten a copy of the keycard cause Musha allows me to spent the night here if I’m tired from school… or perhaps I’m simply here to steal all your stuff…”

Turning towards the television, he pushed the standby button and the screen immediately turned black. Moving back towards Leaf he made a step forward, not to intimidate but simply to see how Leaf would react.

“But I guess all evidence points towards me being a nosy character, doesn’t it? Alright, I guess I owe you as much as to explain why I’m here… I was here to find out more about that Musha guy going missing… perhaps find some information that could be of use to me… Now, what would a student like yourself be doing here at this time… shouldn’t you be in class?”

Shuya had simply avoided giving any information he didn’t want to give easily and at the same time had turned the tables of good and bad guy at the scene… Waiting for Leaf’s response, he crossed both arms and stared at the boy with great interest…

[leaf]

"Irrelevant," I replied.

*My mood had not changed. I was not up for games. His question of why I was in my own room was pointless. There was no reason for me to answer and it did nothing for him to know. I did not move as Shuya took a step forward. My arms hang loosely to my sides as I stared at him.*

"He had a cell phone call in the middle of the night, left and did not come back. The package with the tape came soon after his absence." I said calmly.

*Shuya was not my friend much less an ally. Bu, Kvist's men would not need to know or care about this information. So telling him could not possibly put Kokaku in anymore harm than he already is. Though such information could have been easily had by asking me rather than breaking into my room. Still did not answer why this one wanted to know anything about Kokaku. But, whether I ask or not would not matter. He will either tell me why or he will leave. Or he will continue to goad me with more useless questions. This one may have information that I could use but he is already proving to not want to be any help. Now he has the information there is to gather in this room. I was not sure what he will do now. Probably cast me behind and leave. It would not surprise me if that were the case. I gaze at Shuya, waiting for him to make his move.*

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya smirked at Leaf, intrigued by his short reply. The young student in front of him hadn’t spoken more than necessarily on their previous encounter so Shuya could safely assume that he was a man that didn’t like to waste his time. Though Shuya had the same ideal, he would usually try the other man first by actually wasting his time. This one however immediately followed by explaining what happened to Kokaku the night he disappeared, leaving nothing for Shuya to speculate on. Shuya slowly rubbed his chin with his right hand, calculating how effective it could be to have this individual involved. The more souls the better of course, it would certainly aid in getting rid of Kvist. However, Shuya had to keep in mind what would happen after the event.

“Well… adding up everything, that phone call was presumably from miss Karyuudo. However, Moon, I do wonder what your exact relation to Musha is… Are you simply roommates, or more to close friends? Cause, in case of the latter… who am I to keep you from going to his rescue, eh?”

Shuya looked at Leaf calmly, trying to guess the moves of the young man. However, everything he read in Leaf’s face showed his honesty and obvious dismay of Shuya. It had been the same with every other person… Shuya knew he should’ve thought about the consequences of aiding Kvist in the past before actually aiding him. He never got the result he had wanted and now, when he wanted to get rid of Kvist, it seemed everyone thought he was still aiding the man. Would Leaf think the same? He probably would and Shuya couldn’t blame him for it either. However, if Shuya ever wanted to get rid of the captain and pillars to finally crush the principal himself, he would need people that at least stayed neutral in it all, better yet aid him.

“Well then,” Shuya continued, “I guess there’s enough you and I have to talk about… that’s the least I can do I guess… Shall we take a seat then or do we continue this conversation standing here all day?”

Shuya turned around and took a seat on one of the chairs there before Leaf had responded. He expected the student would be very interested in hearing what was going on anyway… However, Shuya knew that if Leaf hoped for a location on Kvist, he would be sadly disappointed. Waiting on Leaf to take a seat, Shuya slowly moved his hand inside his coat again and placed the security lock back on the gun. He didn’t feel endangered at all by the presence of this young lad, someone who’s intention did not seem to be simply fight and destroy any random bloke…

[leaf]

*Despite what Kokaku thought about my information gathering skills, I actually knew very little about specific students. I shocked Kokaku on several occasions when I claimed to not even know who Kazuki was. Now that I do know, I was still not impressed. Very few people actually have made actions worthy of my notice and most have moved on from high school. Shuya was no different. My last encounter with him was a simple sparring match as far as I was concerned, nothing more. Besides that short bout, all I know is that this one has broken into my room and has interest in this particular incident. He mentioned a rescue though I have no idea what sort of connection Shuya has to Kokaku, if there was one at all.

"The tape would not have the same effect if it were sent to anyone less than a friend," I reply simply.

*Now this trespasser offers me to sit down, already taking a chair for himself. One could find that annoying but at this point I have an opportunity. Though I was unsure if this one was going to be any use at all. But, perhaps I will know at least why he saw it necessary to break into my room for all this. I set my backpack down, had no intention of returning to class now. I sit down in another chair and waited. Trying to lead this one into a direction to talk about was not going to be much use. I knew very little myself right now and I was willing to gather what Shuya was open enough to reveal*

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“I bet to differ on that, Moon… A tape with this kind of content is enough to frighten at least half of the school… No one wants to see themselves or their loved ones in such a situation and if that situation is created by Kvist, they fear him… and of course that fear would give him power. I’m sure that sending this tape to several key figures that aren’t associated with Kvist could lead to chaos… but it seems he’s not intended on doing so. Perhaps he fears the Hircine student body… perhaps he simply is suicidal and wants you guys to end his pity life… I don’t know…”

Shuya sighed slightly as he finished speaking, his throat slightly dry from the past few hours of intensive carefulness… He knew he should’ve ordered someone to guard the door, but he preferred to do these kind of things on his own, without being disturbed by useless followers or any other kind of interruption. And yet, here he found himself with the one person that could’ve come here… the chances are small and yet here Leaf is… Shuya was amused by the short answers he received from the boy even though was as informative as possible and open to the guy. This one was quite the opposite to most people Shuya had seen here.

“Alright then… No, I do not know where Kvist is right now and where his secret torture room is positioned…” Shuya continued. “In fact, I didn’t came here for that tape… I came here to find any clues in regard to where he might’ve gone to… things that indicate he has been working on Kvist’s location perhaps… but unfortunately, no such thing exists. All I know is that Kvist has a dorm here, not too far from this one… I don’t intend to check it out myself… I have no need to run into Kvist’s henchmen waiting for me, but Shinato knows about it too… so perhaps he’ll send some people… That covers about everything I know about it so far…”

Shuya moved his head to directly face Leaf and wait for him to answer to anything Shuya had just said, if not question any further. It mattered not, Shuya was too tired to find any good excuses anyway… besides, this one seemed to have no direct relations to either Legion or the Watchmen, so Shuya was probably safe from any bad karma…

[leaf]

"Like I said...it would not have the same effect," I reply, much calmer now, "Chaos in the school, he has done that. He was successful in Varron despite his so called opposition. It's apparent he gets more entertainment from more personal targets. The Edge, Kira, and now Kokaku; he is proving that he can do as he wish with no repercussion."

*My eyes narrow slightly. It only proves how useless the 'good guys' are in the end. I sigh softly. Seems Shuya knows very little on the matter as well. Kvist has a dorm room with possible henchmen? Well with Legion already knowing of it will make it annoying enough. I get up out of my chair and reach for my backpack.*

"And why are you trying to gather info on this?" I ask as I sling on my backpack, "And why would he have henchman for you, Shuya?"

*If he has nothing more of use, there is no point in me staying. Though this was my room and he has broken into it, I had more important things to worry about. Kokaku was still being tortured and I still had no idea where he is at.*

"How tough are his henchmen?" I ask.

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya looked at Leaf guessingly, trying to see if the boy indeed needed an answer to the question he asked or was merely checking to see if Shuya would give another honest answer. It didn’t matter too much, being honest to this one would keep him in the game and the more people played this game, the better would the odds be that Kvist would finally be buried ten feet under.

“Well mister Moon, I was under the impression that you would’ve figured that out yourself, but very well. The reason why I’m collecting information like this is because I want to get rid of Kvist but don’t feel anything worth getting bruised up or killed for either. I do not intend to fight Kvist myself, but getting rid of Kvist would be… let’s say a thing less to worry about. Now, what I said earlier… I didn’t meant his henchmen are in fact waiting for me per se, but I’m sure Kvist never leaves his dorm unprotected… so if I had to go there, I’d probably end up getting either wounded or filthy by the blood I’d spill there… Now I wouldn’t say I have too much of a problem with either one, but I don’t see the use of me getting into that kind of trouble for someone like Musha… There are others who can do that in my stead… who think they have some sort of bond or whatever with the guy that’s worth getting shot for…”

Shuya wasn’t directly attacking Leaf’s thoughts about Kokaku and whatnot, but he did make clear that he didn’t do this for anyone but himself. Spreading his arms again, he let a loud yawn escape before he answered the final question aimed at him by Leaf.

“Well… I cannot say I know a lot of his lackeys… I know several key figures have already been taken out or brutally murdered by our good friends from the Watchmen and Legion…” Shuya slowly slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out several pictures, throwing them towards Leaf. On them could be clearly seen how a guy named Maverik pulled out the ribcage of Tank, one of the higher ups in the hand of fate. Next to Maverik were the shades of Kazuki and several Watchmen. Shuya expected some form of disgust coming from Leaf, but whatever came, he suddenly realized he respected this one more than the others… this one fought for himself against great threats… for his own feelings, not following orders but his own… not being part of the corrupted Watchmen or Legionnaires.

“However Moon, most of his henchmen are armed and I am almost positively sure that if there are people stacked up in his dorm, they might carry heavy weaponry… not just some light pistol… Moon, might I ask you a question? How far are you willing to go and how well armed are you to get the job you wish to get done, done?”

Perhaps not the person with the best odds in defeating Kvist and all his men due to his individuality, but it was the person Shuya felt most resemblances to. And even though he would pass out any information regarding Kokaku to Kazuki, simply to increase the odds of having Kvist finally killed, he wouldn’t treat this guy the same way he did with Kazuki… Leaf deserved to be treated better… perhaps even funded by Shuya… who knew?

[leaf]

*A person that rather have other pieces do his work? Sounds about right. He made it clear what his target was in the matter, whether it was truth or not. Rather smart approach as getting involved in gang conflicts tend to lead to injury or death. Too bad Kokaku got himself deeply involved in such things.

I walk over and take a look at the photos. Only face I recognized from any of it was Maverik. Seems he has gotten stronger since I last fought him a few years ago. Unfortunate that such strength did not take out the head of the gang. I did not care for Shuya's terms of taken out and brutally murdered. In the end it was gang warfare, plain and simple. And this war was one that should have ended a year ago back in Varron. It only shows how useless all the manning and resources for these factions came to be. I toss the photos back onto the table.*

"Apparently the others have not gone far enough," I say simply, "As for my resources, I have none. Unlike what seems to be the mass majority, I do not carry firearms or live in bars that are designed to withstand attacks from armed men. Few know I exist much less are allied to me. You have been in my room, what you see is more than accurate assessment of what I have."

*One has to start somewhere and rock bottom tends to be where I am usually anyways. Though what I have now will not matter if I cannot even find Kokaku.*

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“Not far enough?” Shuya responded questioning, “Maverik is supposed to be the dean of Hircine High… supposed to end any bloodshed, not cause it… And on another note, mister Moon, this event occurred right before your dear friend got himself kidnapped… perhaps he wouldn’t have been if this hadn’t happened…”

Shuya wasn’t at all being angry or aggressive, but the fact that Leaf was actually approving these methods made him wonder how good these proclaimed good guys really were. Both Maverik and Kazuki had already disappointed him and now Leaf had done the same. It wasn’t as easy as dividing the world into good and bad guys, but if there weren’t even people who could be called ‘good guys’ in Shuya’s eyes at all, where would he have to find his temporarily allies? For now, these questions would have to wait since this wasn’t the matter at hand right now… Slowly, Shuya stood up from his seat and started to walk towards the door.

“Being unknown means you indeed don’t need any weaponry of any sorts, Moon. But fighting one of the most known figures around means you do… As for finding Kvist… sometimes it’s better to let the pray find you, then actually hunt it and make it feel uncomfortable… Kvist is a fool when it comes to his own bloody pride… With the right leverage, he will easily come for you… That’s all I can do for you now, Moon.”

Shuya had walked up to the door where he waited for perhaps some final words from Leaf or perhaps more that would make him stay here. However, he had already slowly moved his hand inside his coat again and pulled out the gun with silencer still attached to it. With a soft cling, he laid the weapon on the dresser close to the exit. It might’ve been too high for Leaf to see while he sat down, but Shuya guesses Leaf would understand what he had just deposited right there. If Leaf would no longer speak to him, Shuya would casually walk out the dorm and finally have a well deserved smoke… He just hoped Leaf would know how to wield a gun… No need for unknown bystanders to get wounded, right?

[leaf]

"Correct, taking out minions and his officers accomplishes nothing," I reply just a calm, "Needless bloodshed, there is only one person moving them and they have yet to remove him. The same person hanged a young woman on the school roof and was never punished for it. His actions only show what little repercussion there will be for other students who decide to rise up and create chaos."

"I've seen enough to know that in order for this to end, one side or both sides have to lose. And we both know that Kvist will not stop, this is his amusement. If the event had never occurred, he would have continued with another plan to create chaos. If Maverik wishes to end the bloodshed he should be focusing on ending the war. Tearing out a student's ribcage will not do it lest it is the brain behind it all."

"Factions only create a reason to have wars and this war has gone long enough. I am not fond of any of them, through them is why Kokaku is involved and now in this situation. Neither the Watchmen or the Legion done enough to stop him. They only stop his minions and let him plan another attack."

*I let out a long sigh. Most words to ever come out of my mouth in a long time. And funny enough, I doubt he really cares. Seeing him place a gun on the table, I was just another person he can use to remove him. His advice was simple enough but there was a slight problem with it. Especially for an unknown one such as myself.*

"He has no reason to come to me," I continue as he walks to the door, "I never approved of any of their methods. But, I have no sympathy for drones who can't think of themselves. The one who lost his life to Maverik, gave it long before he met Maverik. The rules have changed. This battle has gone far from the school. It's a gang war, to get involved is asking to have your blood spilled. I wish to end the bloodshed. Though Kazuki tried to solve it with bloodshed back in Varron, you carrying that weapon shows that only one thing can stop it now."

*I would not be shocked if he kept walking. Why should he care? But, there was one more thing that was vital.*

"Umm...I never fired one before," I say finally, with some hesitation.

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya sighed slightly before he turned around after Leaf had spoke of the different factions, their actions and their retaliations. Before Leaf continued to speak after he spoke about Legion and Watchmen only fighting minions, Shuya interrupted him by fully turning around again after placing the gun on the dresser. His eyes were slightly cold as he reminded himself of everything he had done in the past but something assured him that he could share at least some of his thoughts with Leaf. The student had proven to be a true individualist, not being a member of any gang of any sort, not even flinching when Shuya had placed an illegal weapon in his room.

“You seem to think I care for certain sides, Moon, but I’m afraid I have to disappoint you… To be honest, no I don’t really care if Musha gets killed or not, nor do I care if any of it happens to anyone else I don’t even know… Would you care if some random guy got killed? I know that fighting fire with fire is the only solution here and to be honest, I quite like it. You mistake me for someone who doesn’t want people to get hurt or wounded… yet, I’m a person who doesn’t want people to get hurt by those who think they do it for the cause of good while in fact, they are nothing more than the ones they fight. Let me tell you a little story…”

Shuya still stood against the door and slowly picked up the gun as he moved back towards Leaf, stopping near the man before he continued to speak again.

“I was up on the roof with Kvist when he assaulted and trapped Karyuudo… In fact, I even helped him by preventing her to escape. When Loire arrived I even threatened to cut the rope if he came any closer, only to ensure my own safety. Simply put, I put my own needs and safety before anyone else’s… I’m not what you’d call a typical hero. But if there’s something I can’t stand, it’s people who spread lies about how good they are and how they will stop the evil from spreading while in the end, they will only replace it by some new evil… themselves. Loire was such a fool, so I got him out of his hiding by assisting Kvist that one time. I agree, it was a mistake to help a man like Kvist, but I had just arrived here and saw in him the fastest way to get to Loire. I cared not for Karyuudo’s life, in my eyes, she was just as guilty as Loire by believing and supporting him. In any case, Varron got closed down and we all moved here… a new place for us all, or… is it? Not to me, Moon… in fact, this place is the first High School I’ve been transferred to… the high school that would correct my dirty blood… all they did was spill it, never correct it… If there is one party that tells lies and in my eyes should be removed, it’s the principal and his lackeys… Kvist just happens to be in the way of it all…”

After his long speech Shuya listened to what Leaf had to say about Kvist and Kazuki’s acts in the past before he once more responded.

“He has no reason to find you, yet… I gave Loire a clear reason and he immediately found me… Now, I know you’d never do something like that, but there’s always another way. You could try to find out more about his past and what not, see if there’s anything you could work with. And yes, this has turned into a large war… but it’s no different from Varron when Kvist attacked the Edge and several people died or ended in near dead conditions. Me carrying a weapon however simply means I do not intend to die… if I feel threatened by someone or something, I won’t hesitate… Helping out you guys with getting to Kvist only increases the amount of danger I’m in… this is… adapting to the situation.”

He gave Leaf a smirk before he held out the gun towards the student, intending him to take over the weapon. He smiled as Leaf told him he had never fired a weapon before, Shuya hadn’t expected that anyway, but it wasn’t too difficult.

“This is a M9 Beretta, a 9mm pistol. It had replaced the sidearm during the 90s, when the Colt.45 was the standard sidearm, but due to several flaws it had been taking back again… They’ve improved most aspects and I’ve twitched some things here and there… I custom made the silencer as well… With a filled 15round magazine it’s about 2,6 pounds, not counting the silencer. You can remove it if you wish… this baby makes enough noise to scare people away. I’ll make sure you get some extra magazines soon, I don’t carry a lot with me anyway… The magazine-release button can be reversed in case you are left handed as well… You simply remove the safety lever, hold the gun with both hands for best accuracy, look down the loop, shoot your target and keep the gun steady, even after firing… it’s child play mostly…”

Shuya took a seat again as he allowed Leaf to study the weapon or question him again. Shuya expected Leaf to have gotten somewhat questioning towards him about why he helped him exactly. Perhaps he’d question about that… Shuya had enough reasons why he would help out Leaf where he didn’t help out Kazuki or anyone else. In fact, Shuya might actually involve himself personally after all, not wanting to see someone like this get gunned down by a bunch of lackeys…

[leaf]

*Perhaps it was from being involved with Kokaku or simply Varron in general that left me desensitized to something like a student carrying a firearm. He could have easily used it on me if he wished it. Doubt it was out of sympathy or kindness as his involvement in past matters has shown what sort of person I was dealing with. A matter of convenience is why I live. Killing me in my own room that he broken into could cause some trouble that he had no interest in dealing with. Why kill me when he could use me as I already revealed what my target is.*

"I already know you have your own agenda," I replied, "Why else would you willingly hand over the means to remove a life? I doubt I am the only pawn you are moving in hopes of capturing Kvist. And you seem to think I care much about the factions that exist. There is no good guys or heroes in this. They simply use their beliefs as a reason to use violence. I could care less on the matter. I just happen to have a friend involved who went ahead and picked a side."

*His involvement in the rooftop incident was unexpected but, it did not matter now. The incident created unneeded chaos that he assisted with. But, as I mentioned before, taking out minions does not fix anything. Despite our own outlook on matters, we both did see one thing similar. And that was the so called good guys are not much better than the people they were fighting. I did not know the members specifically. I only knew what actions the groups have taken and the effects it had on the school as a whole. Chaos is only a hindrance and no side was making a move for order.*

"So you decided to assist in making chaos to bring out Leon?" I continue, "As troublesome as that made things at the school, it is irrelevant now. You know what I am after. I already know the ex-captain did not help make order and neither did the Legion. If you want to make it clear that you have no interest in order or ending bloodshed, fine...it's clear. You already mentioned that you are assisting others to get Kvist and I doubt they have similar views as you or I. I am just another person you hope will take care of it without you getting much more involved."

*A took the pistol in hand. I went through the few motions the weapon had, the magazine-release, the safety. Unfortunate that things had to come to this. But, to get closer and more involved, I will have to learn how to use this firearm. Hopefully, I will never have to use one again when this is all over.*

"Do you give this tutorial to all your pawns?" I ask as I continue to study the weapon, "Or am I the only student who is behind the times?"

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya smirked as Leaf asked him a direct question when playing with the gun in his hand. Shuya estimated Leaf misunderstood several aspects of Shuya’s life but it didn’t matter too much to him. However, being labeled by someone, whoever it was, was something Shuya didn’t like at all… though he still had that same smirk on his face, he replied slightly colder than before.

“What you fail to realize, Moon, is that there will always be chaos. Sometimes hidden, sometimes not… like now. If everyone and everything is at peace, you think the world would be a better place? There’s always a new dictator to follow the previous… Always people who will fight for no reason… I simply give those who say they fight for a reason that isn’t valid what they deserve… a beating of their own. I will not hide it, I like a good fight, but in my opinion, total bloodshed is worthless and pointless… no one will gain what they want. However, at Varron, Loire made his actions look justified… whilst they were not.”

“You are not a pawn, Moon, unless you decide to be one or call yourself one. If I wanted Kvist out of the way that badly I could’ve done it differently… However, your personality is what intrigues me… so different from most people around here… why would I stand in your way at your quest of revenge? If the result is the same to me, why would I not aid you, rather than leave you to your own? Pawns follow the bidding of someone, act without thinking… I for one however am certain that your head at the moment is almost exploding due to an overload of thoughts. If I rescue someone from prison… that guy owes me something, right? What does that make him? A pawn of mine? No… and neither is someone who seems to fight for the same goal, only for different results. Position yourself in my shoes… would you take on Kvist alone? Or would you try and rally up all of his opposition to fight him? Of course… all of that happened before this… I think if one person has the right to pull the trigger, it would be you…”

Shuya finally smiled as he added:
“And yeah… I guess you could say you’re somewhat behind times… Both Kvist and Shinato train their followers how to use guns… I think it would be best if you were at least able to shoot someone who wants to kill you, rather than any random bystander who begs to god for mercy…”

[leaf]

"I am quite aware that people will continue fighting," I returned, "I am simply removing a dictator who thinks he stands above everything else. Revenge? No, this is not revenge. I bear no hatred nor urge to payback Kvist for taking Kokaku. This is an action that has become...necessary now. Though Kvist's actions have moved from the school to specific members of two gangs, one of those members happens to be Kokaku."

*I found Shuya's explanation of how I was not a pawn unconvincing. Just because I am not taking direct orders from him does not mean I am not a playing piece. Just because you do not move a pawn does not mean the pawn still does not threaten two squares on the board. For whatever the reason, he sees a use for me and intends to arm me for that use. It matters little, as long as I get to Kvist and Kokaku.*

"I have never seen Kvist before," I continued, "A student who wears a mask was about the most I heard about him. Doesn't sound like a person who would let his past be known much less anything. His men are expendable. Unfortunately, I am not an expert on pissing off gang leaders."

[Shuya Katsumoto]

OOC: Sorry for the delay mate, lot of issues going on…

IC:
“Wait, so first you’re telling me you’re not a hero of any sort, you’re simply doing what’s in your interest and now you’re saying that taking down Kvist isn’t about revenge for him taking Kokaku but because it’s become necessarily for him to be taken down? I don’t quite follow mister Moon… Are you implying you might be a hero after all? Most interesting indeed…”

Shuya smirked slightly as his eyes wondered off towards a clock on the wall before they moved back towards Leaf, listening to what he had to say about Kvist.

“The fact that he doesn’t want his past to be known doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a past… he has not the power nor the connections to be able to remove any documents written about him in prison, school… or any mental hospital for that matter… Kvist might try to appear like a ghost, he lacks the capacities to truly be one. You don’t need experience to piss off gang leaders either… The guy sent you a tape, so he most definitely knows who you are… I doubt he understands what you’re capable of… probably your biggest advantage in all this… the fact that you are so distanced from everything…”