The wolves and the Sheep(Invited only)

[Shuya Katsumoto]

* One week prior *

“I see you haven’t changed as much as I thought, Shuya… you’re still the same troublemaker as you were before… don’t think I haven’t heard the rumors… They don’t only whisper about your return but also about the fact that you and Tiao have already had your arguments…”

“Arguments? The boy doesn’t got his priorities straight… He rather fights the entire Varron student body than ask for aid of anyone beside his precious pillars, captain and other lackeys. I tried to find out if aiding them in their battle would be any use, but it seems it would be futile anyway…”

“You could’ve spoken to Kurtz… he promoted that Gilsin fellow, didn’t he? He might’ve done the same with you if he knew what was at stake…”

“Kayoko… it seems you still don’t understand, but I guess it would be better if you didn’t know too much. I don’t care about becoming a pillar and even if I were, I would never want to become one by simply being appointed as one. Besides, Kurtz isn’t about to start any fights, he tend to lure all Varron students to their side under false pretends.”

“Always thinking about some plot being made, don’t you? I doubt Kurtz would want to befriend with all Varronites though. Well… anyway, what are you going to do now than?”

“Find myself some allies on the other side… if only for a short period of time. Tension between the two student bodies is rising and though I do not care about that, it might hinder my plans in the future… beside, both parties have been too quiet for long enough, it’s time we see some blood… I’m sure that our dear principle might show his ugly face again if that happens…”

“Ow Shuya! Don’t start the same thing over again! I don’t want to be the one who drags your battered body to the hospital again! Why can’t you just listen to them and stay quiet?”

“And become the obedient dog, just like Tiao did? You know nothing about his past, before he became pillar, do you? He was a real fighter kid, never in line… just like most of the Varron students… look at him now… I should actually pity the kid, but I rather just knock his skull in… no Kayoko, this is far from over… it has only just begun…”

Currently, Thursday evening, 6:45 pm

Shuya couldn’t forget the look on Kayoko’s face after he had decided about what to do next, but he knew he couldn’t let them distract him. The girl may have been the only one he never truly lied to, she was just like the rest of the Hircine students. He wouldn’t allow himself to get close to her anyway… he had made advantage of such relations… Loire for instance fell in the perfect trap… Kvist knew how to handle those things as well… but for this, he couldn’t use the help of one who had broken out of jail. Besides, Kvist only controlled a small population of the students… the good guys seemed to have more to it than that… Although his conclusion was far from his liking, he knew who he had to lure over.

And so he had done… four letters had been sent two days ago… he had written false words… words to lure the people that he needed here… he knew they wouldn’t come if he had been the one who wrote the letter… except for Scott of course…

Shuya sat a private table, the only table in the specially arranged room. He knew the manager of the restaurant, Shuya had helped him deal with some problems in the past and this was the perfect favor that could be returned. He sat at the head of a rectangle shaped table, four other chairs were positioned along the length of it. There would be no food required, only drinks. If someone grew hungry, they could of course order but Shuya doubted any of the people that would arrive here would want to eat… The daughter of the manager was waiting at the front entrance to welcome their guests, but she knew what to do if the particular customers arrived… she would lead them to the back, where they would be confronted with what they loathed… Shuya…

“Almost seven… I wonder what my dear friend would say when he sees me… Strange world we all live in… the one moment one wants to kill another, the other, he wants to work together with him… but I guess that in this case there’ll be two people who want to work together… that’s always pleasurable… I know he’s a man of honor, but he also made it clear what his true goals are… I think this may become a sweet deal for all of tonight’s guests… Damnit, Loire, hurry up already…

[Leon Loire]

The school day had, again, ended with a rather dull grey shade. No fights as of late, mostly due to the Varronite population slowly degenerating toward conformity, and Leon's own inaction starting to have significant affect. He was actually concerned over school work now, considering he had slightly forgotten the frustrating pains of a Californian education. The schools of the east weren't exactly easier, simply different in their formula of teaching, and now the various school schedules of differing classes was beginning to wear down on the "Knight."

Reaching his apartment door in student residence number six, Leon Loire pulled out a simple brass key and inserted the metal slab smoothly through the lock of the apartment's entrance, allowing the Senior student to pass through. Closing the door behind him with a simple thud, Leon tossed his backpack to the closet nearest him and sighed, preparing to pull off his coat. Of course, looking to the floor near him, Leon recognized a white box that contrasted from the beige carpet, and furrowing his brows, realized it was actually a letter.

'I'm assuming it's for me, but from who?'

Leaning down and grabbing the letter's edges, Leon smiled weakly to the paper's return addresser. The left corner of the letter read out as Kira Karyuudo, from a box office somewhere in the city.

Lightly folding his index finger inside the crevasses of the envelope, Leon slowly ran his flesh through the paper with careful precision, careful not to burn himself through a cut.

The envelope now open, Loire extracted the letter that awaited him:

Dear Leon,

I’ve ran into some trouble and now it seems things have grown even worse. I haven’t been able to get a good hold on Taiku and I didn’t know who else to write to than you. Could you please meet up with me Thursday evening around 7 at this Greek restaurant called Kreta? It’s not too far away from Hircine High, in the centre of town… I’m sure you can find it. Please keep this between us, I don’t want Kokaku or anyone else to worry about me… I hope you can help me out Leon!

Your truly,
Kira

Leon looked at the handwriting with a bit of perplexion. It had been a while since he saw Kira's notes from AP U.S. History last year, and the style of cursive seemed similar... but somewhat off. It didn't help things that the use of grammar and terminology were also a bit 'off' from Karyuudo's personality. After all, wouldn't she simply come straight to Leon herself?

Perhaps there was more to it... perhaps she really was at risk...

Either way, Leon knew he had no other choice than to find the place and show up. It was more than likely Kira either way - perhaps a bit rushed in writing the letter, but still her - and if she was truly in danger, he needed to do his best to help her. After all, she did trust him to give aid, right?

Something felt strangely wrong, but that feeling was more than likely the human instinct of the opposing danger Kira seemed to face. The only thing now left to do was kill some time, and find this "Kreta" place in a few hours.

*******

The western sky was beginning to darken tremendously, and a quick check at his watch informed Loire that the proper time had been met.

'7 'o clock sharp. Show time.'

Following a line of people entering the Greek foodplace, Leon stayed behind as a waitress led the group toward a table on the right side of the darkened hall. However, as soon as Leon stepped forward, another waitress, seemingly watching from near a corner, suddenly popped forward with a bright smile of eyes, and without even a word, led Loire to the back of the restaurant.

Leon had no real connection with Kira since the departure from Varron, so he suspected it was probable she had made friends with the restaurant. But still, when he came across a private table in a back room with a darker looking man at its head, he knew he should not expect a female host.

Analyzing the man's face, Loire felt a shiver down his spine at the identity. Throwing the letter down in front of him across the plate sprawled underneath, Leon pointed at the document and questioned, without anger or coercion, simply an order, "Explain that, and then we'll talk, got it?"

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“Who said I lured you here so we could talk, Loire?”

Shuya’s facial expression was hidden in the dark, the light in the room came only from one lamp, positioned behind Shuya himself. Though the room was filled with more lamps, Shuya had kept them off for the simple reason of joy. That and it would make sure Leon was on his edge, something that might improve the deals that were supposed to be made this evening. Yet, he knew that Loire had to feel somewhat safe as well, it would be a sign of Shuya’s good will and ‘good intentions’. With a small laugh on his face, the room was suddenly enlightened. The manager had been made aware of the fact that Shuya wanted to keep the lights dimmed, until his first guest had arrived.

“Have a seat, more will be coming later on… but I figured you might wanted an explanation for that letter you so harshly threw on the table…”

Shuya nodded towards the chair to his left, closest to him. Leon would probably be the one with the most questions anyway, plus if he was positioned closed to Shuya, he might find himself in a safer position… whatever would happen, he would be able to take a hold of Shuya before he could retaliate. Waiting for Leon to respond to his invitation, Shuya slowly moved his hand up. The same Greek woman that had helped Leon get to this room walked over to him.

“One whiskey for me please… Want anything to drink Loire? I’ll ensure you that this evening will be worth your time…”

Shuya knew Leon might consider declining a drink… having a drink meant that he would be here for some time, something that Leon might not want at the current time… Shuya knew he had to explain his letter at least… Making Leon feel comfortable would certainly be a good thing as well…

“As for the letter… Would you have come for anyone else? I had to get you here without risking anything that will be discussed tonight be exposed… To who would the great Loire listen, even if that person was as vague as mist itself? Who other than the one you so desperately longed and fought for… who other than Kira Karyuudo? I know you might want to hit me simply for luring you here under false pretends, using Karyuudo’s name instead of my own… I promise you however, that it will be worth your time… besides, I wasn’t completely lying… miss Karyuudo will be joining us as well… and she is slightly in trouble… I’ve heard about that incident she had with Shen… he is not one to forgive and forget that…”

Leon’s look showed more than words. The fact that Shuya spoke about Tiao the way he did, showing he knew more about the pillar than Leon had thought, was obviously confusing to Leon.

“Oh yes… I do know Shen… I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally… a while back… When you hadn’t even joined Varron yet…”

[Leon Loire]

A twitch in the muscles of Leon's arm tensed backward through his arm a bit at the contemplation of the current circumstances. He had been deceived, that was certain already; Shuya Katsumoto, the man that had helped that bastard Kvist harm Kira, was standing here now in the shadows toying with Leon as if he were a minion...

Sitting down quietly as Katsumoto offered, Loire noted the advantage and felt a mental smirk cross him, then wondered why someone so dangerous would clearly allow him nearby. Perhaps for easier discussion? Perhaps to manipulate him? Or perhaps... to lead him into a false sense of security? Leon couldn't tell, but because of that suspicion that floated over him, the Senior student nodded a simple decline to the offer of the drink - he had no intention of staying long, and he certainly had no intention of opening himself to poisons.

Looking to Katsumoto with a held-back glare, the host explained the matter of the letter itself. He quickly cleared the fact that it had been a very intention bait to lure Loire to the meeting, however, it seemed far from violent or aggressive and more to simply discuss... something. Before Leon could feel concern over Kira, however, Shuya also announced that she would be attending the meeting as well, alongside other unknown entities.

The trouble with Shen? Ah yes, that little meeting on the first day... such a minor thing, really. Leon must have furrowed his eyebrows a tinge, however, as Shuya's eyes seemed to glisten with interest and pride. What replied, however, was something that caught Loire's attention far more than the clash between the foolish jock and Loire's "secret crush."

"You knew him? Wait a minute... you're from Hircine High?" Leon questioned in surprise, actually interested to find a former - perhaps still current - enemy that had been a veteran of the school that now threatened the Varronite population. "What is this about Katsumoto? If you're connected to Shen so well, then why are you talking to me? Is this some sort of compromise?"

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“Hircine High has been the first school I’ve entered… that would be sufficient information for you at the moment. Yes, I do know Shen, I had the pleasure of fighting him personally in the past. Our fight was unfortunately cut short… But I’ve been able to learn enough about this school and it’s pillars… I however wasn’t around long enough to see them fall… each and every single one…”

Shuya slowly took a sip from his drink, before turning back to Leon who hadn’t asked for a drink himself. Shuya couldn’t blame him, his thought about Shuya would probably only be met by Shuya’s distrust for him, but drastic times required drastic measures.

“What I asked you lot here for will be explained when everyone’s present… I hate to repeat myself and telling everyone over and over again would waste a lot of my time… The reason why I asked you here before the rest had come here is because I know you would be the most difficult person to show my sincerity in this matter… I’ve given you enough reasons in the past not the trust me in the future… It is true, I wanted to take you down in the past… it is true, I have assisted in the harming of miss Karyuudo… but you know it was only to get to you… apart from that, you must know that I’m not stupid enough to think of such a violent measure… But I couldn’t pull out when Kvist had started his little game… I knew you’d be coming… and I would be ready…”

Shuya smirked slightly, his eyes still fixated upon Leon.

“There are several reasons why you should trust me… or at least aid me after tonight… One of the reasons should be exposed in about 15minutes… another reason would be our common interest… And finally, you are no longer my priority… You were what everything looked up to at Varron, Loire… You were not a man, you were an image… destroying that image would bring more individuality to Varron… plus it would give others the chance to show their ideas… not only yours… I don’t care about the goodness of ideas, I care about the fairness… and you Loire were pushing your luck too far…”

“Of course… now you are the perfect ally in a fight like the one I fought at Varron… the current system is the image… an idea… yet it’s only one idea and it’s far from open to any other ideas… I don’t care about your current strife or your current allies, but I know you are one of the few who would dare to openly fight that image… who would openly fight that idea…”

Sitting back in his chair, Shuya finally moved his eyes away from Loire, staring at the table with his calculating eyes.

“That would be sufficient for you to know before the other guests arrive… Have you got anything to say in reply, mister Loire?”

[Kira Karyuudo, Hikari]

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick...

She'd been waiting near the entrance of the dorms for five minutes already, and still her cab hadn't shown up. Still, it was just a few minutes shy of ten to seven the night she'd been invited by her friend to Kreta. A Greek restaurant... One that, she found upon looking, was too far away to just walk to. She shuffled slightly, her hand pulling out the letter she'd received from Kokaku.

Dear Kira,

I got a surprise planned for Hikari but I’m going to need your help with it. Could you meet up with me at a Greek restaurant called Kreta, around 7:15 this Thursday? And not a word to anyone, you’re the only one besides me who has to know about this!

Yours faithfully,
Kokaku

Kira sighed, stepping outside now because her cab just pulled up. She almost took her time in getting there, and then stepped up her pace. She would still be early, she knew, yet didn't want to make the trip any longer than it had to be. She wanted more time to be able to plan out...well, whatever it was Kokaku needed help planning. She had no clue of the deception she was handed, that the writing wasn't her friend's. She'd never seen his handwriting, after all. Or if she had, she really couldn't remember it.

Sliding into the cab, she gave the driver the address to the restaurant softly, the music nonexistent now. Leaning back on the seat, she sighed and looked out the window.

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick...

Her watch clicked away, the driver tried to make light conversation... Kira responded, but was generally uninterested, and so gave him an apologetic smile. The ride was silent after that, save for the click and tick of her watch.

Ten minutes later, after a slow ride due to traffic, Kira paid the driver and stepped out, tugging the edge of her jacket with a slow sigh as she moved to the doors of the restaurant, pulling them open and stepping inside, and was greeted immediately by a young girl with a bright smile.

"Hello, Miss, I'll take you to him right now, if you'll follow me..." She said, turning and walking away through a small section of the restaurant, leading her towards the back.

Kira, after raising an eyebrow, followed. Glancing down at her watch, she saw it was 7:05pm, and shrugged, not looking up as she entered the back room. When she did, she was looking straight at someone she should not have seen: Shuya Katsumoto.

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick...

Those few seconds, when all went dead-quiet - the woman who'd escorted here disappearing quickly - were filled with those soft noises, and Kira frowned. Finally, she took notice of the other person in the room, and she relaxed slightly. Leon. 'Well shit...' she thought sourly, eyes narrowing as she looked at Shuya.

"So, should I congratulate you on managing to get me here, Shuya?" She questioned dryly, an eyebrow arching overtop her cool blue eyes.

Shifting and seating herself, she kept her gaze on Shuya, her eyebrow still raised, but not as much as it had been. 'Seems my night just got interesting...better not be a complete waste, though...' She thought, slightly irritated as she waited for his reply.

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick...

[( Sorry, it's definitely not my longest. >.<; )]

[Leon Loire]

Loire's own gaze glanced back at the shadow that looked over him with a strange feeling of intimidation. The silhouette of Katsumoto, regardless of the obvious knowledge that it was him, brought a sort of strange memory of the military man he once worked - possibly still worked for, had the project not fallen apart from political investigation. Here sat a man that had once attempted to break down Loire with whatever means were possible... and now he wished to make an alliance? It made no sense; clearly it was a trap!

Or perhaps, it wasn't...

Listening rather intently to Shuya's replies, Leon found himself honestly surprised by the man's thoughts. He had fought against Loire simply because of his image, his singular idealism? Therefore, Shuya believed crushing Loire would actually encourage individualism when Leon himself was attempting to end the oppression of that individualism? Perhaps it made some sense, but at the same time, Leon felt a chill run down him. Would it be wise to align with someone who simply battled ideas based on their power? And at the same time, was it possible he was actually right on wishing to at first destroy Loire?

"So you're willing to place another idealist in place of another, simply because of their own overwhelming power? I can see how that crosses our intentions, but still... I'm beginning to wonder how this would prevent further aggression between us."

'Perhaps, in the end, he only wishes to end a threat that allowed us both to resume our war...'

Nodding quietly to Shuya's question for more replies, Leon kept himself quiet for a moment, before adding, "How are we to work together, if its clear we'll end up opposing one another either way?"

In the end, that question was rather ironic; after all, Leon always kept the possibility of allying with Blayne to fight against Kvist and his Hand, if their threat ever rose. If he could see himself temporarily allied with the Hircinians, why not Katsumoto?

Quickly enough, however, a rather feminine growl seemed to resonate from somewhere to Leon's right, and within the instant of hearing Leon felt both relief and surprise. 'So Kira really is... well, at least I know Shuya wasn't lying.'

"Let me guess: he used something related to Hikari to drag you here as well? He's pretty good about tricking his targets, that's for certain." Leon spoke out to Kira quietly and rather neutrally, too occupied by the situation's rather heavy dilemma to allow his emotions any sort of heat or care. Kira was safe; that was all that mattered. In the meantime, Leon had to keep his attention to business, to politics.

"Now Shuya, how many more should we be expecting? If we're to discuss something, I'd like to get it over with."

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“I never said that tonight would be a promise for us never to have any quarrels anymore, Loire… mind that. I am however positive that your battle and mine are not with each other at the moment… they seem to both point in the same direction… hence why us fighting would serve no purpose now. I am no fortuneteller and neither are you, I cannot promise you we will never fight and I don’t even want to… I think our fight is inevitable anyway… but it will happen when the time’s right… and that’s not now…”

Shuya slightly moved his head back as he started to move his chair to the left a little, than back to the right… followed by another turn to the left. His eyes were however distracted as the Greek waitress suddenly re-entered the room, bringing in his second guest… a guest that was early to say the least… but it mattered not. Kira’s presence would ensure Leon that Shuya had been telling at least some truth, plus it would work as a small leverage on the matters at hand. Smirking at the young woman as she spoke, Shuya began to shake his head.

“No… a congratulations is out of the question… I must say you people are an easy bunch to read and mislead… good willed people always help out their friends, is it not… miss Karyuudo and mister Loire?”

Shuya’s eyes were skeptic but his smile showed otherwise, he was just having his little fun with the people here… Leon would probably know but Kira might react hostile if he dragged on with the show for too long. Gesturing with his right hand, he allowed Kira to choose a seat to her liking. Leon’s ‘cut to the chase’ remark was heard but Shuya did not immediately respond to his words.

“There will be two more… so hold your horses Loire… I don’t give a damn whether you want to get this over with or not, this is too important for you not to remain here so don’t act as if you’re running this place… cause I can assure you, knight, that you don’t… I will tell you what you need to know when I see fit to do so… in the meantime, let’s ask ourselves the question, why would someone who has shown that he is hostile with you guys all of a sudden invite you over to talk and perhaps… team up?”

Turning his attention to Kira for a second, he suddenly dropped the entire matter he had mentioned only a second ago and asked her an entirely different question:

“Now, miss Karyuudo… I see you have recovered from your injuries… I am glad to see you have… yet, do you feel safer than before? Have you got the feeling that someone like Kvist couldn’t get to you again, even if he wanted to?”

[Pain Killer]

"God, what time is it?"

The soon-to-be fourth member of the meeting sat in the alley beside Kreta, atop the lid of the dumpster as he cursed himself for the fourth time for not having a watch. The self-proclaimed Pain Killer had been waiting impatiently for 25 minutes, completely oblivious to those who had already entered the restaurant, slowly getting more and more frustrated with himself. Sighing, his hand fell to his pocket, pulling out the note he had found in an envelope stuffed into the slits in his locker days before, glancing over it one last time as if somehow it had grown a clock-face during his long period of wait.

Hello mister Rydell,

I’ve heard some things about you that sparked my curiosity… fighting the captain of Hircine High have you? I can’t blame you… but if you want the success you’re after, you might want to put your goals a little lower. I can help you get there… did I spark your curiosity as well now? Meet me at a restaurant called Kreta around 7:15 pm on Thursday. Be there…

Normally, I don't meet anonymous people. Last time, it turned out to be Trent... but this could turn out better. All I gotta do is watch myself. I can do this... What the Hell time is it!?

Finally, sick of having the same thought run through his mind every five minutes, Adam hopped off the dumpster, striding quickly through the front doors of the restaurant. If he was early, then he'd simply wait at a table somewhere, and if he was late, well, there's always the concept of being "fashionably late". As soon as he entered, he was beset by a young woman, presumably a waitress, motioning for him to follow her to some back room. Confused at the concept, Adam hesitated at first, wondering if somehow she was randomly coming on to him, before shrugging and pursuing the girl.

Once he entered the room, however, he was somewhat disappointed.

"Please tell me you aren't the 'mastermind' behind this, Leon. I thought I made it clear before, I don't need your help in beating any Hircine punk, and your call to band Varron together doesn't interest me in the slightest."

Loire, as the only one Adam was familiar with in the room, had earned his undivided attention for the moment. There was no insult meant to the other two, it was simply the way Pain Killer worked; ignoring those he didn't know until they did something to garner his interest.

[Kira Karyuudo, Hikari]

Kira sighed and leaned back in her seat. If there was ever a time to look more business like or aloof, it was now, and it was the picture Kira displayed. Her bold red, button-up shirt was left open at the top, and her black jacket was done up beneath it. Her black jeans, though no longer visible, completed the ensemble, and as she leaned almost casually in the chair she sat down in, she lightly rested her chin upon a loosely curled fist.

Cool and calm, she continued to watch Shuya, they had lost their heat a few moments ago, and now she was all professional. "Yes, Shuya, and you're just the person expected to play upon them."

She nodded, before glancing to her friend. "Not necessarily Hikari, Leon. Not directly, at least. My letter was from 'Kokaku'."

So saying, she moved a hand to withdraw the letter, tossing it almost carelessly in front of him so he could glance at it if he wanted. While Shuya might have expected a heated, angry Kira, she was showing none of it. There was cool reproach in her eyes. She knew why he did it. They would never have come otherwise, and what better way than get them here unawares.

"While we might not run the place, I'm sure that if we don't wish to stay here, we could leave, though in all probability, you've planned for that as well, Shuya?" Kira asked, pointedly raising an eyebrow as she spoke, her tone cool...almost...uninterested. When he turned to her, however, that eyebrow fell, only to rise up again a moment later.

"Should I feel safer, Shuya, when I have so many like Kvist around, perhaps even in this new school? While I don't think he would be quick to jump me again, I've not ruled the possibility out." Her answer, while slightly ambiguous, did answer his question. She was being careful now, and despite her little show with Hikari the first day, she'd hung back and kept her head down for now, so to speak.

Now, perhaps, it would be different... Now, perhaps, she could be at ease.

Kira didn't count on it.

Minutes ticked by, filled with silence and the occasional word from either of the three. Her attention was diverted when a new person arrived. A boy, no older than herself of Leon, she guessed. And he made a very dire mistake in assuming so quickly.

'Well, I guess there's always those who prefer to see what they want... We're all guilty of it, at one point or another.' Kira thought, noting the way he ignored both Shuya and herself. He was focused, she could give him that.

With Leon seeming as though to reply, Kira waved her hand to cut him off, her hands coming onto the table, fingers lacing together as she looked at this new arrival. She didn't know his name...and probably hadn't.

"You might be wiser to not assume such things," She began, her voice bordering on imperious with its coolness. "If you'd look and take notice, you might know, through past occurrences that neither of us would be here with Shuya willingly..."

"Let me guess, you received a letter, too?" She questioned, suddenly deviating from her former path, her fingers arching up to settle against their counterparts in an arch, and she peered at him with those cool blue eyes overtop of them. To say she was unimpressed was a bit of an understatement. "Perhaps, if you've not caught on yet, you'll direct your attention to the man sitting at the head of the table..?"

She'd made her point, and fell silent again. Watchful, calm, aloof.

[Leon Loire]

'Wonderful... so I still have to concern myself over Shuya trying to wring my throat.' the lack of a further gain bothered Loire a small bit, but then again, it wasn't much of a surprise. Katsumoto had worked for Odine, after all, and it was very possible his interests were still aimed at government contracts.

Still, when Kira had sat herself down and Shuya replied of manipulating the two so easily, Leon found himself glaring at the shadow that sat to his left with intensity. They had been tricked... and for what? It was frustrating to think he had round them forward with so much simplicity, yet did not even have intention to bring them harm. It seemed two more were to arrive, and with more desire Leon wished to lash back at the cocky fool.

'I suppose we've all gotten used to the evils of Kvist, or the monstrous ambitions of the Varronite way.'

Leon stayed his tongue however, as Kira had replied to their host rather effectively. Instead, Leon turned his attention to Kira's reply, and found it interesting that Shuya had used Kokaku instead of Hikari, yet still referred to Kira's best friend "indirectly."

Picking up the letter given to him and quickly reading over its subject, Leon couldn't help but smile at the situation. Here they were, two relatively intelligent senior-grade students, and highly experienced Varronites to boot, drawn into a sort of opportunist trap by letters of help.

"You know what I find amusing Kira," Leon spoke softly as he placed the letter back on the table, near his own, "is that we never wondered why the supposed senders would not use the telephone."

Leon was not in the mood to tell Kira that she had been used to draw him in. In truth, he was feeling rather self-conscious of the possibility of another slip of his feelings to her - and since he still wasn't sure of the status of those feelings in the first place, he feared a possible entanglement between her and another person again. After the moment with Lisa Hughes back in Varron City, Leon was beginning to question himself regarding love... and if it was even worth it anymore.

So he decided to let Kira remain ignorant on that subject, and sat back in his seat, staring mindlessly, supposedly with a blank face, into darkness.

Then, after a few minutes of awkward silence, Leon began to think back to a rather sarcastic term Shuya had used in reference to Leon: "Knight." In truth, it had been a long time since Leon Loire had referred to himself in such a sense, and he wasn't even sure if he deserved to anymore. Finding his left hand rummaging through the hidden space of his shirt and chest, Leon's fingers found the cold chain of his Griever, and pulled it outward with a slow motion. Holding the cross of the item inside the pinch of his index finger and thumb, Leon's navy gaze examined the cold metal of the lion that stared back at him, a sort of sad emotion passing over his face and body.

'Have I lost what I was? Even as Leon Loire? Am I really nothing more than the sinner I was before I took this name?'

Such quiet moments with people of his past didn't help things, and sighing a bit in frustration and allowing the amulet to drop back down against his chest in defeat, Leon found himself staring at the darkness again, a frown growing on his lips.

'All I have is my ideals, and even those will die when I leave this school... so what's the point?'

It didn't help things that Kira had brought up the facts of Kvist's harm to her, or the fact of possible rumors regarding that same man of monstrosity. Kvist truly was back... and the fear of him striking at Kira Karyuudo again brought a chill down his spine, and a mental image of her broken form before him.

"No... that won't happen again. Not in the least." Leon Loire whispered delicately, his eyes never glancing to the girl next to him, in the clear fear of seeing blood on her face, a limp arm on that chair...

Eventually - pttf, such an underestimating word - one of those planned arrivals made himself known, and it was none other than Adam Rydell, someone Leon Loire was completely surprised to see.

'Of all people... Pain Killer? Why the hell would I want to work with someone that once tried to serve Marcus Lawson?'

Rydell quickly examined the three quiet figures sitting at the table, and after ignoring both Kira and Shuya, quickly went to believe Leon was the ring leader. The subject himself wished to respond, but Karyuudo quickly cut off that idea with the motion of her hands. Fortunately Leon found the familiarity of Kira's personality an uplifting fact, and as Kira stood up to remind Adam of his clear lack of recognizing a shady man at the head of the table as the host, Leon could not help himself but smile.

'I suppose if there's anything I can count on to have from Kira Karyuudo, it's that sense of hidden wrath in her. I can count myself lucky not to be at the end of it at most times.'

Leon felt a bit relieved from his dark thoughts, and now turned his attention to Adam, "Believe me Rydell, do you really think I'd want to involve myself with a rogue fighter that supposedly served Mason instead of Lawson? Oh yes, and we can't forget that brother of yours. He's always a trip."

Leon grinned at the familiar, then looked back to Shuya directly afterwards, and felt a smirk now convert from his smile, "Now tell me Katsumoto, who is next on your list of captives? Dean? Some random Hand thug? Because while I do not hold a terrible grudge against Rydell in any means, I'm not certain how you can connect the two of us as possible 'allies.'

"And remember that you are not the one in power of this place either, since Kira and I can easily manage to leave whenever we wish, and most likely do not need your alliance either way, in whatever effort you plan to aim towards."

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“By all means miss Karyuudo, you can leave whenever you want to… but I doubt you’ve come all this way only to leave again… besides, there’s too much to gain here tonight for you to consider leaving…”

Shuya’s eyes remained calm as they rested upon Kira. The girl had certainly changed since that Varron incident a couple of months back, but Shuya doubted if it would be for the good. Her sudden hostility towards almost everything would endanger her more than she could ever fear in a place like Hircine. The pillars weren’t people who would plan an assault on Kira like Kvist had, but they were quick in their actions non the less. If Kira kept this temper of hers going on, she would soon be picked out as a troublemaker and dealt with accordingly. That, however, was why Kira would be the perfect ally in this fight…

“I doubt any of you would feel safer than at Varron Academy, miss Karyuudo. This place seems so peaceful and quiet, but you guys have no idea what goes on behind the scenes… beside, at Varron you at least knew what you were up to… over here, I doubt you guys truly have a clue… That little performance you showed a couple of days ago in the hallways Loire… That’s not the way to deal with the problem at all…”

Shuya’s eyes moved from Kira back to Leon and down slightly, noticing the item Leon held in his hand. He could only smile slightly, he knew that his word had struck Leon… which would only deem perfect in the current situation. This would of course lead to Leon reminding himself for whom Shuya had worked in the past, but currently, there was no true connection between Odine and Katsumoto… Shuya had always been able to hide from things he wanted to remain hidden from and Shuya doubted he would be able to contact Odine either… but it mattered not, Odine could have no hand in the current events anyway.

It was then that Adam choose to arrive at the scene… he couldn’t have picked a better timing. His immediate reference to Leon made Shuya move back into the shadow slightly, as his thumb and index finger slowly moved towards his chin. Things were getting more interesting by the minute… Loire, a key player in this play, seemed to be the most troublesome rock in his shoes at the same time as well… Brilliant… Before any of the males could speak however, it was Kira who responded to Adam. Shuya could do nothing other then smile and wait. Shuya hardly knew Adam and it seemed Adam knew nothing of Shuya… perhaps it was better that way… though if he had known about Shuya’s quarrel with Leon back on the roof a few months ago, his standing towards Shuya would’ve been better… It mattered not however, Leon made another stupid remark about them being captives and this time, Shuya couldn’t stop himself and broke out in a large laughter. Moving back into the light slowly, he turned his face towards Adam first.

“Welcome mister Rydell… I’m glad your curiosity won… please have a seat, everything will be explained in a bit…” Turning his face back to Leon, his eyes grew cold and stern again. “Now mister Loire, I’m actually getting a little sick of your constant complaining of you being here… if you don’t wish to be here, you are free to go. I will know I have misjudged you completely… I thought you were that same knight from months ago who actually wanted to see this current system changed, who wanted to make sure that those close to him stay safe… but if I am mistaking, please leave now… You are not my captive, though I find it ironic you use that term, since our final guest was, in a way, a captive indeed… He’ll join us shortly… However, I expected some sort of hostility from all of you anyway, so I assumed a short explanation to you guys would seem in order… You Leon look to much at ideals however… Though you and mister Rydell might have entirely different ideals, your goals point in the same direction. The current Varron student body is divided heavily and though I normally strife for ones individual power, I know you cannot win a battle against the current system with individuals… you guys need to start thinking and acting as one… or neither one of you will reach the goals you’re after…”

“Of course…” He continued with a grin, “No one will be forced to keep this short term alliance after their goals have been reached… but that’s how it always goes… as history has shown us, America and the Soviet Union allied themselves due to a common foe, yet after they destroyed him, they went for each other… Was that a bad thing? I doubt it… but life it seems requires both individuality as teamwork… So Loire, I doubt you do not need my alliance… it’s the best you currently have… Mister Rydell, by now you probably have lots of questions to shoot at me… until our final guest arrives I can only say… shoot…”

Shuya had purposely remained quiet towards Kira. The young girl would probably play the least violent part in all of this, yet it would be the most vital and important one… besides, in the end, she too would gain from all of this… every single person in this room would benefit from this… but would they see and realize this? Or would they back out due to small difference between one another? Only time could tell…

[Pain Killer]

"Past occurrences? I don't really care. He could've thrown you off a bridge, and I wouldn't even raise an eyebrow. It's got nothin' to do with me."

Kira's assumptions towards his own knowledge was somewhat frustrating, and Adam found himself annoyed at her for it. His classic 'Me First' mentality prevented him from finding out the major happenings back in Varron, for if they didn't happen to him, they weren't worth knowing. Sighing, his gaze travelled back to Leon, who had begun addressing the Senior student. Immediately after Loire spoke the words "brother of yours", Adam would cut him off.

"Don't."

Trent had always been a touchy subject for the younger Rydell boy, and he dealt with it in the same way he always had; avoidance. Still, such a thing could be seen as a weakness, and his pride would not allow such a thing to continue, so instead Adam attempted to change how his word would be interpreted.

"I don't want, or need, Marcus Lawson. Not anymore. But if I could go back, I would still have helped out Stern. He gave me a purpose in life, in a time I needed it the most. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here now. I won't put up with you badmouthing him, got it?"

With that settled, Adam's attention would turn to the true orchestrator behind these events, the one that Leon referred to as 'Katsumoto'. When Shuya offered him a seat, Adam took the closest one to himself, which was coincidentally the furthest from everyone else, spinning it around in order to sit backwards on it, his forearms resting on the seat's back as he listened.

A captive? Perfect, now we're gettin' a jailbird too?

Images of a big bearded tattoo freak passed through Adam's mind, and he frowned in annoyance. Soon as that one showed up, Pain Killer was leaving. Shuya seemed to have some sort of issue with Leon's attitude, and the more Pain Killer thought about it, the more he could feel the tension between the other members of this meeting. Deciding it had nothing to do with him, he gave the smallest of shrugs and continued to wait, attempting to figure out what was going on before Shuya spoke to him.

"I do have a question, actually. What's in this for me? While your note mentioned something about helping me with lower goals, I don't see why I should. I gave Darren a run for his money, and made one mistake. I won't make it twice. And if I wanted to be a Pillar, I'm sure they're weaker than the Captain, so that's no problem. So I'll ask you again... What's in this for me?"

[Kira Karyuudo, Hikari]

[( Really sorry you guys. I have no excuse, both for the time I've made you wait and for the length of my post. )]

While Shuya thought she was angry, he couldn't have been further from the truth. She was annoyed at most, but definitely not angry towards anyone.

"As you've put, and as I've noticed, peaceful on the outside doesn't mean it's peaceful within." She remarked, though it was to the side, a mere agreement with him but yet she stated she knew beforehand of what he had said.

"You should be more concerned with past occurrences, then, because it may just be beneficial to you one day. And apparently, if you had noted, the very fact you are here means this has something to do with you, and as such only proves my point. If you had known about it, you'd be in better shape than you are now by way of knowledge." She quipped in response to Adam's reply. Shrugging her shoulders, she settled further into the chair, taking a backseat as the events unfolded.

Noting the way Shuya seemed to have purposely left her out and in figuring that he would have something to say to her later - else she wouldn't be here...save for use as some sort of leverage with Leon. Still, it seemed they could only wait and twiddle their thumbs to learn just what Shuya had planned for them all... And this meant waiting until their final guest showed up.

Rolling her shoulders with a slight yawn that had her closing an eye, she reached over and gently nudged Leon with the tips of her fingers. "Hey, cool down and sit back. We're in for waiting, there's no need to make tension heat the room up, is there?" Retracting her arm, Kira resumed her slightly slumped position, draping her hand on her lap...

[( once again, sorry for the length, but there's not too much else I can do at this point. x.x; The next one (if our last guest shows his face ) should be longer... )]

[Kyukaku]

7:26...

Kyukaku slipped his phone back down into the pocket of his jeans, noting that he was still a few minutes early by the time. Taking a deep breath, Kyukaku reached into the inside pocket of his khaki jacket, pulling out a crinkled piece of paper. Unfolding it, Kyu decided to examine it again. It was memorized by Kyu at this point, but he needed to kill a few minutes somehow.

It begins… it’s time for you to repay your debt and for me to help you gain back the popularity you’ve lost. Interested? Be at a restaurant called Kreta this Thursday, 7:30 pm. Don’t be early but don’t be late either… I’m counting on you Tyler…

Shuya

Kyu took another deep breath, crinkling the note in his fist as he shoved it back into his inside pocket. Kyukaku did owe Shuya, he knew that much was true. After being framed for rape and shipped to jail with false evidence stacked against him, Kyu seemed like he would be stuck in there for ever. That was, until Shuya stepped in however. He managed to get Kyukaku out of jail, though the details of how were lost to Kyu but that mattered little to him.

The question on his mind now was, what did Shuya want him to do?

Last time they spoke Shuya urged him to seperate himself from Leon and his other familiars; and he did, for a while. After months of being literally on his own, the charges had finally been cleared. Kyu came to San Fransisco and merely wanted to get back to as normal of a life the world would let him have.

So far the plan hadn't worked out too well.

Kyukaku slipped his left hand into his pocket, removing his phone from his pocket once more. Three minutes had passed, and this was about as on time as Kyu could be. He put the phone back in his pants, turning on his heels and walking towards the entrance of the restaurant. Once isnide the hostess quickly waved Kyu on to follow her. He thought perhaps she was goin to seat him for one, and he had been too hesitant to say something otherwise.

He followed her, formulating in his mind to tell her he was here to meet someone but by the time he opened his mouth that someone was in front of him. Kyukaku's brow dropped in puzzlement, his brain trying to work out what was happening.

"Shuya and Leon?" Kyu spoke first, then widened his gaze to see the other two in the room. "Kira?" Kyu asked, even more confused. he hadn't officially spoken to Kira, but he had seen her on many occasions; one of those being the time she had been hung off the roof of the school.

"....and Adam." The simple phrase had been stated this time, as if Kyu's brain just gave up on trying to formulate the events. Kyu crossed his arms and turned his gaze to Shuya, still not taking a seat.

"Okay, I'm lost."

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“Don’t be an idiot mister Rydell… I guessed you to be smarter then this…”

Shuya’s eyes were pointed directly at Pain as he responded to his words, not with aggression, but with a little tint of frustration. He thought by now every single one of them sitting at this table had figured the system out. Taking down the captain alone isn’t going to work, even if you do pull it off.

“Almost taking the captain down doesn’t mean anything, believe me, I can know… I did so in the past and have been offered pillarship at the time… which I of course declined… But let’s just daydream for a minute, shall we? Let’s say you do take him down… what do you think you’ll gain by standing there alone? You wouldn’t last for three seconds as the new captain… no one’s going to back up an angry beast… Without backup, you won’t ever get what you want… Apart from the other pillars immediately taking you down, you’ll have an entire student body against you… And just like you don’t care if I had thrown miss Karyuudo of a bridge, the entire Varron student body won’t care if the same happens to you… so please, give me one good fact why you would be able to keep captainship after taking down Blayne and I will let you go and do whatever it is you wish to do on your own…”

Shuya’s voice had calmed down after his small sneer at Pain Killer and his eyes were now simply expressing his memories and his thoughts. He had wondered a while about the entire situation and had carefully chosen every word he spoke towards Pain, keeping in mind that both Kira and Leon were present as well. However, he wasn’t too sure about Adam’s pride… would he give in due to common sense, or would he require another push in the back before he would? Shuya wasn’t too sure but he didn’t want to risk anything and losing Pain Killer, who had already seen most members of their little group would be too risky… Besides, it appeared he knew Stern as well and though Shuya had never gotten the pleasure Stern had offered, he was still weary of the unknown student. With a sudden dry voice and his eyes no longer locked at Adam but rather at the table, Shuya suddenly broke the silence once more.

“Mya is in San Francisco too you know… Your dear brother was kind enough to escort her... Thought you might be interested in hearing this?”

His eyes suddenly rolled towards the hand of Kira as she slowly moved it towards Leon and nudged him, telling him to sit back and relax rather then being on edge. She was correct, tension would not make things easier, especially not since their last guest had yet to arrive. Before Adam however could respond to what Shuya had just said, if he wanted to respond to it at all that was, their final guest suddenly stepped in. Kyukaku… His few words did nothing but bring a wry smile on Shuya’s face as he gestured his acquaintance to take a seat as well.

“If you’re lost you’ve come to the right place to get back on track, Tyler.” Of course Shuya purposely misinterpreted the words Tyler had spoken, but the fact that he called him by his first name was something that perhaps in the eyes of people that began to understand him a little would be seen as awkward behavior. However, for now it might not have struck the minds of the people around him. Facing Kyukaku again, Shuya continued:

“It’s good to see you’ve gotten on some more weight… couldn’t have done too well in the tournament if you hadn’t… any more problems between the current people that have gathered here I should know about before moving on?”

[Leon Loire]

Loire felt himself glare back at Katsumoto with a raw anger. The man seemed intent on continuing to hold the idea that he held the meeting's power, and yet he attempted to make it believed that he was some generous, gracious host. Yes, Leon had every right to leave when he wished - and, in fact, he had every intention to stand up within a moment - and Shuya's reaction only made that desire worse. Leon's ego was mounting, and a frustration was ordering him to give up and leave.

'I don't need him, not by a long shot.' Leon thought to himself, glaring at the man's shadowy frame with some sort of seething hatred that seemed alien to his body; he was acting odd, cornered, pushed to the edge. Events of late were overwhelming him, and now it was all collecting together into one massive burden.

Rydell's reaction had been ignored, not because Leon was angry with him per se, but simply because the man had defended himself legitimately. He had given up on serving Marcus Lawson, and respected Mason for understandable - although disagreed - reasonings. Therefore, Leon decided to drop the attack; he was too tired to continue a two front war.

Leon felt his legs ready to snap upward in a standing position, and his face turning somewhat red, yet his nerves found a slight touch pressed against his arm; surprised, Leon turned his attention toward his right, seeing Karyuudo there staring back at him. She prescribed him to settle down, speaking that tensions only made things worse.

'True enough.' Leon Loire thought to himself, 'But I frankly see no other reason why I should accept someone that wishes to destroy me ordering us around as if he owns us, then acts as if we're welcome to leave.'

To Loire, Katsumoto was manipulating them, plain and simple - and Leon Loire hated to be manipulated.

'Gotta blame Stern for that... it's ironic that his beloved watch dog happens to be here.'

Kira's point was noted, however, Leon was feeling too much of the pressure; he was too deep in hell, and he had no way of keeping himself floating. The riot at school had brought up a chaotic change in school politics, the return of Kvist and Trent were bringing the stress of the old Varron days to the brink of chaos, and now Leon had Shuya Katsumoto attempting to build a temporary alliance that was meant to benefit them all, yet would not prevent the two from attempting to kill each other in a matter of weeks.

'Then there's still Alec, and Odine, and the Conservatives, and the Guard... damnit, this is too much! I need air!'

Leon felt himself stand up, nearly kicking the chair back as his body motioned upward. He couldn't take it anymore, he was suffocating; he needed to be free. The fog of politics was too much...

Motioning past Kira in a rapid dart, Leon ignored any remark by the group and reached the edge of the door that supposedly hit their shadowy corner, prepared to open the door and leave, the only remark in his trail aimed toward Karyuudo, "...Best you leave as well, if you can trust yourself alone with him."

Soon enough, Leon knew he'd feel guilty for conceiving to leave a friend alone with an enemy, but at the moment, such thoughts were suppressed, forgotten; he couldn't even think of anything other than the hope to escape, to breath freely again...

Opening the door, Leon prepared to exit, then caught sight that something was in his way. A person... a remarkably familiar person.

Tyler 'Kyukaku' Scott brought in the attention of the entire room, seeming to make a list of those in the room itself; to him, it was clear that this conglomerate of unlikely allies must have been the thing of episodes from "The Twilight Zone."

"I was lost too... 'til you showed up Tyler." Leon sighed, looking to his friend with tremendous relief. Rydell was... somewhat trustworthy, and Leon had no idea why Katsumoto would be any support. But Tyler was trustworthy, Tyler was another friend that could help support him as Kira gave her own words of wisdom to keep things balanced.

Yet Leon soon found himself caught off guard, primarily by Shuya's apparent - even friendly - familiarity with Kyukaku. He acted as if they were friend, allies even. Where was this coming from? When did Tyler involve himself with Shuya Katsumoto?

Leon stepped back to allow Tyler inside, then shut the door and quickly paced back to his seat, leaning forward; he was still fuming with the frustration of all the things to concern over, yet now Kyukaku's involvement seemed to act as the truly curious factor of keeping his attention; of course, the matter of suddenly considering to leave Kira behind had certainly helped guilt him to reconsidering as well.

"Let's just move on - please, I'm drowning here, and I'd like to see what you wish to gain from this... well, unique band of individuals. Plain and simple." Loire quickly replied, his eyes on the figure in a strange rush; he was still shaken, frightened by his sudden choice of leaving... it wasn't like him to retreat, yet there he had been...

[Pain Killer]

"Tch. Fine."

There wasn't much else Pain Killer could say to Kira, as she'd quite clearly gotten the better of him in that particular exchange. Still, it didn't mean he had to like it. Fortunately, Shuya took that moment as an opportunity to speak his piece, one that Adam couldn't help but give an arrogant smirk at. Katsumoto had gotten him all wrong, it seemed.

"Are you kidding me? The Hircine students are a joke, and I'm pretty sure I could take any Varron student currently attending the school, including those present. Two on one, three on one, five on one, it doesn't matter to me. In the end, going up against the School Captain will make me famous, and defending it against all comers will just cement that legacy."

His tongue slipped out, running across his lips as if he could taste the victory, like a tangible thing, before retreating back into his mouth. Shuya's offer was tempting, but it appeared that he had nothing really to offer Adam that the Senior wasn't prepared to fight for on his own. Before Pain Killer could even start to stand up, however, Shuya said the words that rooted the Rydell boy to his seat, staring at the table in front of him in shock.

Mya's... here?

His sister had been taken to San Francisco. It was a revelation of epic proportions in Adam's mind, and he couldn't help but dwell over it, ignoring Tyler's entrance as well as the rest of the words spoken. None of it mattered, it was their own business that he didn't particularly care about. Still, if this "Katsumoto" knew that Mya had been brought to San Francisco, then maybe he knew where she was now. Even with that newfound hope, Adam denied himself from having his spirits raised too much. After all, no doubt Shuya would want something in return for that particular information.

As of now, Adam would remain silent, waiting for Shuya to explain himself and the reasons behind this meeting. There was no point in repeating Leon's question, as it would merely take up time, and Pain Killer was eager to get this over with.

[Kira Karyuudo, Hikari]

The sudden motion of Leon had her blinking, his words drifting back as he started towards the door. Almost immediately, she found herself tensing, yet not to move anywhere. She was slightly uneasy now, with her friend going. While Shuya hadn't been threatening at all as of yet, she couldn't be too sure of him or this other newcomer. This Rydell.

And yet, the retreating footsteps stopped suddenly, as Leon found the fourth and final person at the door. And despite the fact he said her name, she couldn't recall his, nor did she believe she knew the guy. But Leon did, and judging by his...semi-wrong-sounding words, they were friends. Relaxing again somewhat, she sighed, slumping back into the seat.

As far as she was concerned, there wasn't much need for her to be here. Slight gain, perhaps, but she figured that at the moment, it was moreso to one of the people here...namely, Shuya. Then again, he said there was something in it for her...and she was starting to get impatient. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly, crossing her legs and shifting slightly.

"So...Shuya, I believe we're all here now... Perhaps you wouldn't mind telling us what this scheme of yours is before we have anyone else leaving..?" She said, tilting her head with her gaze pointed to the man at which she spoke.

She merely reiterated what Leon said, just in a calmer manner. She didn't look at him, giving him the time he needed to think about his actions and calm himself down. There wasn't much more she could do however. And, figuring Shuya would be speaking soon, she didn't ask this newcomer anything...yet. There was always time for that afterwards.

[Kyukaku]

Kyukaku looked at his friend in response to his reply, flashing him the best sincere smile he could. He was still supremely surprised at who was in the room, as he expected this to be black business with Shuya alone.

Kyu walked past Leon at his direction, taking a leaning position against the wall. He wasn't ready to sit down; in a way sitting amongst those in the room symbolized plunging himself back into the conflicts between those in the room. Shuya had played his part in the dangling of Kira over the roof, Leon and Kyu fought upon the other side of that coin. Leon and Shuya hated eachother whereas Shuya and Kyu had a profound respect for one another. Shuya got Kyu out of prison, and Leon still didn't know that. As Leon described it, it felt as if the air inside was suffocating him.

Shuya welcomed Kyukaku now, referring to Kyu's stature. He shot Shuya a bemused look, as he hadn't gained a single pound. It could of been that Kyu had toned himself more so recently to give off that sort of look; or perhaps it was the lack of innocence in his gaze and the way he carried himself. Shuya had first met Kyu when he was new to the city and the evils within it. Sadly, the same thing could not be said about him nine months later.

Leon and Kira both probed for the reasoning of this invite, something Kyu couldn't help but feel impatient for as well. Outwardly he spoke nothing as the two had covered that well enough as it was.

Wanting me to pay him back in some way is expected, but what in the world could that be that would involve the other three in the room?