Having some lunch and tea. [Ran Ling Xiao]

[John Smith]

”To Ran Ling Xiao.

I would be honoured if the fair lady would visit me for lunch at a small café called Madam Blue. It can be found in the mall closest to the school. Please be there around 2.30 pm. It can be to our mutual interest.

- A friend.”

“That makes it the second time I lure her to me with a false note... I wonder, is she still as naïve to show up alone? Or will she take someone with her…” Anders said to himself with a strange voice of compassion. He was talking to himself again. Not a good sign. He looked around and his eyes went over the small wood tables. The comfortable but sturdy chairs. The small desk with dozens different kinds of tea in dozens of different jars. To the young blonde waiter who always seemed to have a bright smile. It was a medium busy place, some clusters of people were talking to each other, but not in a loud tone, some lovebirds were cuddling in the corner couches. Anders shook his head and took a sip of his tea. He blinked a couple of times to remove the tears. His tongue was almost-literally burning. He took a deep breath and wiped his eyes as he quickly swallowed the tea.

Auw, hot hot hot… Seems like pain tolerance doesn’t help against warm tea.

He snickered a little as the pain subsided. He placed his new laptop on the table and started to look at some stuff, waiting for the princess, that always needed to be saved. And his thoughts wandered off to the dark-minded Amazon-cousin of hers. Simply gazing at the counter. Once Ran stepped through the doors, she’d be close to the counter, and Anders would easily spot her and call her over to him. The only question was: Would she come over? He'd be surprised if she did and dissappointed if she didn't.

[Ran Ling Xiao]

Ran sat on the couch of her home, reading over the note and blinking curiously. A friend? She truly wondered who it could be. Then again, she had lost touch with many of her acquaintances and friends since moving here. " 'Could be just about anyone..." she whispered to herself, standing up from her seat and walking over to the counter in the home's kitched, where Ran usually left her notes. She set the note down and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, writing down a small note to Dain, just to let him know where she was should he arrive home before she did. She also left the note she had received next to her own note, not feeling it was in any way personal and Dain could read it if he wanted.

She grabbed her cell phone and put it into her jacket pocket then walked out the door. She had never heard of the "Madame Blue" Cafe, though thankfully she had been giving a clue as to where it was. In the mall closest to the school? Good, that wouldn't be hard to find at all. Hopefully. In any case she walked silently, her head slightly bowed and her eyes partially shut. It was true though, that regardless of the smile on her face while she was with people she cared for, Ran was still quite shaken from the things that happened at Varron. She saw things no human being ever wants to see, she'd been through mental, emotional and physical torture and just the thought of it made her shiver.
Of course, Ran had seen a therapist to help settle her mind. No matter how strong Ran was at the time, when it was all over it had quite literally overcome her and she broke down. Lately she was fine, though, more silent and reserved.

Finally reaching her destination, Ran walked through the mall until she found said Cafe and then entered. She was there right on time, 2:30 pm sharp. It was merely coincidence that she had arrived just perfectly, however. Her eyes wandered a bit to see if she recongnised anyone, however in a few seconds she heard someone call her over. She began to walk in that direction, and soon her eyes settled on the one who had invited her...

"No..." she said softly, her grey eyes widening as though she'd seen the scariest thing alive. Then again...wasn't he? To her at least.
She stayed frozen, staring at him with disbelief. Why was he here? Wasn't he in jail? More importantly, what did he want from her THIS time? 'Face your fears Ran. Look terror in the eye and show no fear.'

She lowered her eyes and her face became rather stern. Should she sit? He couldn't possibly do her any harm in such a public place....
She'd sit. If she started to feel like trouble was going to start, she'd leave. She'd leave and call someone. Anyone. Just so she would be sure to be safe.

With slow and calculative steps, she took and seat, her eyes staring fircely at the one she knew as Kvist. The man who'd caused her so much pain. So much Grief.
"Good Day." she said rather bluntly, the words mixed in with venom. Her dark hair covered her left eye and rested messily on her shoulders. "Why did you do this?" she question softly. "Why did you invite me to meet you here? What do you want from me...."
She kept her voice down and tried to keep it under control. Of course, it shook with surpressed anger, however it sounded as civilised and innocent as she could make it sound. Her hands fisted tightly then releases, making small squeaky noises because of the fingerless leather gloves adorning her hands. Her leg shook, being the only means of keeping her stress down. Truly, it was like a cat becomming intense from meeting up with a ferocious dog.

[John Smith]

And the girl entered through the door. Right on time apparently. How oddly surprising. When considering that Ran had pretty much been late for everything involving him. Then again, she had good reason for dragging things usually. He raised a hand and called out her name. She responded by approaching him. Seconds passed and she realised who he was. Anders was amused when the reactions kicked in. A stifled laughter escaped his lips before he closed down his laptop. Placed it on the ground while waiting for her to get over her shock and sit down.

“Hey friend.”

He took another sip of his tea, good that it had cooled down while he had been waiting for Ran to show up. It was a bit too bitter now the hotness didn’t cover up the taste with pain. He placed the cup on the small plate again. His eyes fell upon the pretty girl who he had tormented badly in the past. He would usually have grinned boyishly at these thoughts, but right now his mask wasn’t there to protect his facial expressions.

“I thought I was being nice by inviting you. Rather than having masked men show up in the middle of the night and drag you away? I’ll remember that next time I wish to talk with you.” He grinned when holding a short break. “Would you believe I just want to small talk with you for once? No forced things, just a chat.”

He smiled reassuringly, took another sip, and then leaned back. And took a second look at Ran, giving her some time to answer before something struck him, she had nothing to drink. Or eat. What kind of Lunch has nothing to drink or eat for half the participants? Not a very good one.

“Where are my manners…? What do you want to drink? Tea? Coffee? Warm chocolate? Vodka? A muffin? It’s on my treat today, friend.”

He would get to his point in a second. Once he was through with the pleasantries to make Ran calm down and perhaps not be so bloody paranoid in his presence. So he could get some information she should possess. And if lucky, have her do him a small favour.

[Ran Ling Xiao]

Friend.
That very word comming from his mouth literally made her cringe. As far as she was concerned, Kvist was in no way her 'friend'. He wasn't even deemed worthy of acquaintance. Regardless, she decided to let it go and not make a fuss over the word.

Ran stared at Kvist unamused by his following words, crossing her arms and shaking her head softly. "It'd be nicer if you could do me the favour of leaving me alone." she said simply, letting her eyes stray from his face, which she hadn't seem in a long while. Actually, she had almost forgotten how he looked, however she could never truly erase his visage from the depts of her mind. "I find it hard to believe that your only intentions are to speak with your former favourite person to torment." she said, "Especially after you already threatened me."

Regardless of his little 'kidnapping' statement being a joke or not, Ran would always take his words literally. You never knew what to expect from that snake, and Ran would not ever drop her guard around him. 'People like him never change.'

Ran remained silent after she was offered some food or drinks. She forced a smile and shook her head. "No thank you. I'm not particularly hungry or thirsty." The words were spoken between her teeth and she quickly changed her facial features back to it's expressionless state. "You wanted to talk, then please....Talk."
As her final phrase was spoken, Ran motioned with her right hand for him to go on. She could be a bit more cocky now. She could be blunt. She could be however she wanted. He no longer held those she held dear to her heart captive. He couldn't hurt anyone she cared about anymore. Dain could obviously handle himself and Ran didn't doubt that Xian's boyfriend could protect her. Who else was there? She wasn't particularily close to anyone else other then being acquainted with a few others. This left a load off her mind.

[John Smith]

"Former? Oh no, sweetheart... You are still my favourite little play toy.” He smiled and his face turned into an abomination of its former beauty. He felt like laughing like some sort of cartoon villain. He covered his grin with taking another drink of his tea. Pouring down the rest and pushed the small plate and cup away from him. He interlocked his fingers and started to roll his thumbs around each other while simply looking at Ran with a half smirk and a perverted glint in his eyes.

“Afraid I might have done something to the food? Meh, your funeral.”

Probably the wrong expression to use with her. Whatever. Let’s get on with this…

“Two things my dear. First and most importantly. Where is your cousin and how can I contact her?” Before she could respond, Kvist would fire a second question, a question involving the current situation, and not some perverted obsessions. “What do you think of our new school? Do you like the false sense of security they lull us into?” He hadn’t seen Pan for ages, and in some fashion, he missed her. He knew he had to put her behind him, but he just couldn’t. He looked at his old friends face and wondered for a second what would have happened to him if he had never run into the two cousins. Would he still be ‘Donar’ or would he have turned into ‘Kvist’ some other way? What if questions were interesting.

I actually prefer when she looks angry, makes her look prettier... in a way.

[Ran Ling Xiao]

Ran listened silently, trying to record every question he asked and shaking her head. What was he up to? Not wanting to ask for him to repeat himself, Ran tried as best she could to remember all the things he asked. Of course, she'd go in reverse order, seeing as the last few questions were still fresh in her mind and it would be best to try and not forget what she knew.

"Uh...The school..." she began, blinking softly. She wouldn't say too much. Keep personal things to herself, and, should she need to say anything she'd rather not...lie.
"It's fine." she began, giving a shrug. "I've not been much of a victim to Hircine students. Of course, being a Varronite, I'm not really spoken to much."
Her eyes travelled to the side as she thought of what more to say. After a few seconds of silence, she turned her attention back on Kvist and gave another shrug. "As for the false sense of Security...I mind my own business and try not to involve myself with the pillars. I see nothing to worry myself with with Hircine itself." she said, smiling softly, placing her hands neatly on her lap. As long as she made no trouble, she'd be left alone, as far as she knew. Sadly, Ran was never really left alone as her luck would have it.

"As for Pan...I don't know." she said simply. "I haven't seen her since I moved. Maybe she stayed back at Varron since she graduated and all. Or maybe she moved back to China or some other place." she said bluntly. "Strange you ask me, who says I'd even bother telling you if I knew?" she asked softly. Her eyes closed gently for a moment before re-opening.

From what she had gathered up until now. From the comments and the things he asked, He was still the same old Kvist. "Guess Jail wasn't enough to change you." she mumbled unintentionally. She had quickly caught herself though, but too late. She brought her hand up to her mouth then gulped softly. "Well, uh, I mean..." she said in still her quiet tone, but couldn't find anything to save her. 'Note to self. Remember to keep thoughts in head.' she sighed.

[John Smith]

[Oocoo: Sorry for the delay... Had a writers block.]

There's no feeling like the one when you have do a job and get nothing in return for it. That was just about what Ran gave him in return for his 'hard' job at getting her here. But he could live with it, after all, he was a very kind guy. When you looked past all his concepts of 'The more innocents injured before the job is done, the better.’ A concept Ran had faced once or twice. Donar looked down on the table and had to realise one thing: Ran had by far surpassed her usefulness. Except the comforting screams of terror once he tore her body apart. Too long had passed since it had happened last, that he had heard her screams. Oh, he so longed for a terror filled scream. He closed his eyes and folded his hands in his own lap. Figuring it was soon his time to leave Ran sitting here.

Oh screw that, I’m not travelling to China to kidnap her…

"Guess Jail wasn't enough to change you."

He raised an eyebrow and fixed his eyes upon Ran and she went from expressionless to scary to whatever, the harm had been done. His fists went from relaxed to clenched, and moved underneath the table. He didn’t have any good memories of prisons, in any case, he didn’t have any good memories of life it self. His fingers suddenly snapped out and gripped the edge of the table. A simple show of brute force had the table fly sideways into a table to Kvist’s left. The couple there fell back in sheer surprise. Kvist was up almost before the wooden table had struck the ground again. His right foot made a simple front kick to the chair Ran was sitting on. If she were lucky, she might manage to guard herself from the fall, but it wasn’t within the human nature, prepared or not, to be able to react before the kick would strike her chair. The chair, not built for such kicks would simply fall back and have Ran fall to the ground.

“Heheheh… Ran, Ran, Ran… You never learn do you? You should simply tell me what I want to know. But take a walk with me… The rest of you, mind your own fucking business...”

He offered her a hand to get pulled up by, she could accept it or not, in any case, she wasn’t done with her little date with Mr Nightmare. He had a thing to show her, and she’d have to either get threatened severely or have a sudden and naïve trust in Kvist.

“I promise I won’t do something like this again…”

[OoC: 11 days... That's not long ... xD ]

[Ran Ling Xiao]

Ran became stiff on her chair as Kvist smacked the table to the side. It looked like she had struck a nerve which in a way made her feel good inside. She didn't have time to think much of it however, her mind quickly becoming worried for those around. She'd feel the worst if others were hurt because of her. Sadly, she should of thought of herself first. Kvist kicked her chair and she fell back giving out a shriek,
"Keeyaa!" and BOOM! She fell on the ground.

Slowly she pushed herself up, wincing a little at the pain though it wasn't anything all too painful. Not compared to some of the pain Kvist had inflicted on her before. No, this was more like a love tap.
Her hair messily covered her face though her features could still be seen. Her grey eyes looked towards Kvist in a shocked way, breathing heavily. Just the kind of thing she'd expect from him though.

He began to speak and Ran listened carefully. Her face became bitter and she regretted staying here this long. 'This is going too far. I don't like this at all.' she thought, slapping his hand away harshly before spitting near his foot.
"Don't!" she said angrily. "I don't want any kind of contact with you..."
Her tone was cold and she looked away, pushing herself up by herself and brushing the hair to the side where it covered her eye again.
"You think I'll believe you now? You just smacked a table to the side and kicked my chair down, bringing me with it. I'm not stupid. I'm not taking a walk with you either, you're obviously plotting something and I refuse to get sucked into it again. Find another "TOY" to play with. Nothing you can say will convince me to come."

She looked towards the people around who were staring and murmuring to eachother and Ran closed her eyes tightly and turned around. "Thanks for nothing!" she yelled, starting to walk away quickly, in a way that people usually walked before starting to run. Ran however wasn't about to run, instead she just wanted to get out of there quickly. Would he go after her? She didn't know but she still had a bad feeling at the moment. This was far from over even if he let her leave.

'From now on, I'm not meeting any old friends unless I get a name in the letter' she walking through the Cafe's exit.

[John Smith]

Oh please bitch. A simple fall and you’re all worked up like this? Ya know, I could’ve kicked you in the face. Then you wouldn’t even be talking right now. In hindsight, I should have kicked you in the face.

He wanted to say this, he wanted to spit this out into the face of Ran while she were this angry, just to aggravate her some more. A darker side of him held his thoughts inside his head. The side that wanted more than just random anarchy. It let his pride be insulted without him making any retorts. It wasn’t worth the trouble. He only hoped she would shut up soon before he would shut her pitiful mouth forever. A cold, unforgiving smile crept across his lips when Ran shouted her last words. Oh, how much he would make her regret that later. He should pay Dain a visit then. The only logical thing to do. Strike the ones she loved.

As I thought, she is prettier when angry.

She turned around and started to walk away. He set his eyes on her behind as she left the café. But he still couldn’t let her go, he needed to bother her some more. So, as she left, Donar grabbed his gear and left with her, his longer legs easily. But he would stay behind her. He ignored the calls of the man in the shop. Not entirely ignored. When the word ‘Mall Guards’ popped up, he found a reason to get away quickly.

“Hey, wait up cutie. Quite a scene you made. I’ll make this quick. Come with me and I’ll unite your family again, leave and it will be separated forever.”

He waited a moment or two for his words to sink in.

“Your sister is still alive. Take a ride with me, and I’ll tell you where you or your family can find her… Simple deal. Right?"

[Ran Ling Xiao]

Ran cringed as she heard Kvist's voice, having had a feeling he'd follow her. SHE made a scene? He's the one who had smacked a table over! Nonetheless she listened, her attention being grabbed completely at the mention of her Family. She stopped then and stood still, her eyes widely staring down at her feet. What did he mean?

“Your sister is still alive. Take a ride with me, and I’ll tell you where you or your family can find her… Simple deal. Right?"

"Ai....Long...." she whispered, turning towards Kvist quickly, her expression softening at the mention of her youngest sibling and only sister. No...she had to keep her senses....he couldn't be telling the truth. This was just a ploy to get her to change her mind. But...could she really take that chance?
"No. I want you to take me to her. I'll tell my family about finding her AFTER." she said. Her family wasn't here. They had moved to another town near Varron.
"I'm finding it hard to believe you....but I can't take a chance. You better have my sister Kvist." she warned. She didn't like this...not at all, but there was nothing she could do. She would never risk her younger sister's life because of doubt...

"Fine. Lead the way..."
She waited for him to begin walking, her thoughts invading her mind. Things like what she would do if she'd find herself in a trap or...how she would tell her family to come up here and come pick up her sister when she'd have her. If she'd have her. It was all too confusing and Ran hated that. Walking straight into another trap or finding your sister but then obviously there would be a catch somewhere. Either way she felt unsafe. VERY unsafe which made her smile softly and huff. 'Looks like he still got it....that Bastard.'

(Damn you Emil!! That's a cheap trick! XD)

[John Smith]

"Take you to her? Fine with me."

He started to walk, knowing Ran would follow him. The couple walked past some shops and stores. Once Donar saw the last shop, he promised himself he would strangle Ran if he heard her gasps at some of the sales at the shoe shop. He smiled at his promise and turned at the exit. Walked some metres before stopping shortly, looking out over the parking lot that was half empty. He scouted for his motorcycle. Then he spotted it. He took a glance back to make sure Ran was still there, while plotting for the place he would take her. He found the perfect place in his head. They would most definitely be alone. He snickered and walked once agian.

"It's over here..."

He stopped at his jet black motorcycle. He only wondered for a second at how Ran would manage to stay on it, then he realised she would be forced to cling herself to him. He'd find that wonderful. He even planned to drive a special route so a survaillance camera would catch him and her. A little bribery and he could get a copy of that tape. Great fun. And especially funny if he sent it to Dain. Fucking hilarious.

"This time you get to be awake when I drive you somewhere." He said while sitting down on the motor cycle. "Coming?" He said before the ignition turned and the engine made a roar.

[Ran Ling Xiao]

Ran followed behind silently, not even paying attention to the stores and people around her. She was so focused on her thoughts that it wouldn't be surprising if she walked straight into something. 'He could be lying...I gotta find out if he is....' she thought, looking towards him then, only seeing his back since she was following a few steps behind him. 'I need to come up with a plan....'

Ran was surprised to find she had made it to a parking lot, catching Kvist's eye as he looked back towards her, making sure she was still there no doubt. She nodded at his words and looked towards the motorcycle. She raised a brow then shook her head. There was no way she'd sit on that thing with Kvist driving. Absolutely NO way. 'If we are driving somewhere I could be stuck in an even worst situation.' she thought. 'No escaping. This won't do.'

Ran turned to Kvist as he spoke, paying to attention to his first phrase. She shook her head afterwards at his request and crossed her arms.
"There's absolutly no way I'm getting on that thing with you. I don't even like people seeing me walk ten feet behind you." she began, pulling out her cell phone and smiling softly. "We are just going to get my sister, right? Nothing to worry about, so I'll just call myself a cab to drive me there, pick up Ai Long and leave. Unless...that's a problem?"

She tilted her head and looked at him innocently, flipping her cell open and placing her thumb on the first number she'd dial. Should he not allow it, Ran would know something was up and at least this way, she'd have a means to get away from Kvist. Good, this plan seemed to be good. If it didn't work, she could think of something else. 'I absolutely am NOT getting a ride with Kvist. I refuse.'

[John Smith]

She have to argue everything I say or do? Even when it is for own good?... Sigh. Stupidity still reigns supreme.

"And in case I refuse to tell you the location? And will only show you? Either you risk yourself, or you risk your little baby sister. Remember, she's barely more than an infant. Imagine what she will become if she grows up in my care. Or rather, without my care, since I'll drown that thing as soon I can't use it anymore... Which seems to be soon with your reactions..."

He smiled to Ran and turned off the engine again, just so they would be able to hear each other over the roar of the engine. He lifted his left leg over the motorcycle. He was for a second considering to kick her then. But no. His foot touched the ground. Kvist once again towering above the smaller Ran. His face turning into stone and eyes directly down upon Ran. She would have those two choices, leave now, or come with Kvist. And that was the only thing Kvist would allow. The rest of her petty squables with going on a trip with Kvist would be ignored. He leaned back down again and his stone face becoming gentler to look at. His right hand touched his little scar at his eye. He hadn't thought about that scar for about a year or so. He could barely remember how he had gotten it.

"So, what shall it be? Your imaginated death, or the true death of your sister?" He sent a frustrated look up the sky, if they knew he was alive, they would probably be searching for him, and he shouldn't be caught on a random satelite photo. Then again, the would have a hard time recognising him from his changes. Still, the most paranoid thing around, was the government. His eyes trailed back down to Ran.

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

[OOC: Sorry for the major delay, school and other stuff got me pinned to the rack.]