Location | East District | Hamatora
Time of Day | Afternoon {2:30 P.M.}
"Hey, Ryota! You aren't paying any attention!" Ryota jolted up by the sound of something screeching inside his ear. Falling off the stool, Ryota landed on the ground with a thud. Glanced upwards his faced an anger Ashley. Though she was pouting Ryota couldn't help giving her a happy-go-lucky chuckle. In frustration Ashley chopped Ryota on the head, "Don't laugh! You have been asleep for an hour! Stay awake."
Nodding happily Ryota gave a wave of his hand, as he once again seated himself on the stool. A second later, the door chimed. Ryota looked up to greet the customer with a warm smile, "Hey! Welcome to Hamatora!" The smile dyed down once he got a better look at the man. Ashely glanced over at Ryota with curiosity,"Hey Ryo. That man-"
Ryota glanced at Ashely causing her to shout up. She quietly left Ryota's side and went to tend to the new merchandise in the back. Once in the back Ryota stared at the man, "Your not here to buy anything, are you?" The man looked over at Ryota, who Ryota in turn gave him a skin cutting glare, followed by a smirk. Stepping down from the stool, Ryota called to Ashely, "I'm leaving the store Ashely. Lock up when your done." Without another word Ryota escaped the store, the man following a few feet behind.
Entering a bar, Ryota seated himself at a table, the man sitting at the same table. A waitress walked up to the two,"May I take your orders?" Looking at the menu Ryota nodded, "No thank you." The maid nodded and went on her way.
After a few more moments of silence the man spoke, "Aid." Ryota glanced at the man, "I'm in trouble, and I need your help." Ryota kept a smooth smile, but his eyes showed a different set of emotions. The man continued despite Ryota's silence, "Core-" Ryota stopped him right there, "Shouldn't you be asking a Lander for some help? Why me?"
The man looked around, as if he was waiting for something to happen,"Listen, I can't go to a Lander. And we're buddies right?" Buddies wasn't the right word. Ryota would just go gambling with him from time to time. "I'm sorry, but I wish not to get involved." Ryota walked out of the cafe leaving the man behind.
"Ryota...What do you think of Minimum?"
"What do I think?" Ryota tilted his head slightly sideways. He had never thought of it before. It had only been two months since their Father, Asato Saiga, finally accepted them into the family. Officially moving them out of their Step-Mother's home, and into the Saiga residence. They were now full-fledged Saigas.
Glancing over at his Brother, he was still able to see the scar which was inflicted on him not to long ago. It made Ryota's stomach turn inside out, whenever he stared at it for to long. It was a reminder that he was weak, that he couldn't protect anybody.
Mitsuki never complained about the pain, wishing that Ryota wouldn't worry so much about it. Just like everything else. Mitsuki always harbored the pain, his own and Ryota's portion as well. He never shouted a voice of complaint, nor did he ever get mad at Ryota. He always protected him, always.
"It's nice...I guess. I mean..."[/color] Ryota didn't know what else to say. He never thought a question could be so difficult to answer. Mitsuki never turned his gaze toward Ryota, instead he stared straight ahead. Looking out at the moving ocean. The smell of the sea over took Ryota's sense of smell, and he too couldn't take his eyes off of the beautiful ocean.
Minutes past before Ryota continued, "I don't hate it...but..." Ryota paused trying to find the right words,"Minimum seems...unnatural. Sort of fake. Like it shouldn't even be here. At some points I can't help but think Minimum is an-"
"Minimum is an Error." Ryota's eyes grew wide. He quickly turned to his brother, with absolute shock covering his face. Error was a word no one was allowed to use, unless referring to those "people" who held unnatural abilities. Father always hated the word, and forbid Ryota and Mitsuki from talking about them. So Ryota never expected his Older brother to ever say the word, especially calling Minimum an...Error.
Laughter resounded in Ryota's ear, and he looked up at Mitsuki's face. He was laughing at Ryota. No. He was laughing at himself. Mitsuki's expression didn't match up with his carefree laughter, it was cold and cruel. Something that caused Ryota to look back down, turning his gaze to the ocean view. Minimum...is an Error?
Location | East District | Beach House
Time of Day | Afternoon {4:30 P.M.}
That was the end. Ryota opened his eyes to see he was facing a cream colored ceiling. The sound of the ocean waves calmed his short breaths, easing his mind. When had he fallen asleep? Where was here? Looking around he remembered he had came back to his home, his Beach House.
Glancing at his clock the time flashed 4:30. Reluctantly Ryota lifted himself up and stared out the window in a blank stare. Laying his head against the windowsill, wishing to fall back to sleep. Back to those peaceful days.
His thoughts where interrupted by a sudden knock on his door. "Ryota?" Ryota let a soft smile show. He knew that voice anywhere. It could only belong to one person. With his smile growing larger, Ryota opened the door to find Edwin staring at him quietly,"You look so alert Ed, what's the special occasion?" Ryota asked confused. "The meeting." Ryota eyes went wide, as he rushed to get ready.
"Shoot! Okay. Okay. Stop starin' at me with those 'I thought you told me you were going to remember this time. We can't be late to this meeting.' eyes. It was a common mistake. It wasn't like I meant to forget. I-It was just that I didn't have the time to remember. It isn't like I was the only one-"
Right than Ryota heard his phone buzz. It was a text from Ashely and a few other members. Don't forget about the meeting. He didn't even read on.
"Okay...so maybe I was the only one...ARGH!" Ryota throw his phone on the bed, and sighed. Today wasn't his day. First the flashback, than he forgot about the meeting. He still had to deliver some flowers to the Hospital. Picking up his cellphone Ryota made call, "Hey, Ashley. Before you head to the zone could you deliver the vase of flowers that is on the counter to the hospital. Just say its for room 369. Thanks."
Hanging up Ryota smiled happily at Edwin, "Okay, Eddy. Lets get goin'." Heading out he called up to Nia, "Come on Nia! We gotta go!" Once the two were beside him, they headed off to the truce zone.
Location | Between the East and North Districts | Truce Zone
Time of Day | Night {8:30 P.M.}
Walking into the truce zone, Ryota had his headphones turned up to max, so he couldn't hear anything but the music. Why? Because as soon as he stepped into the building he heard her voice. The Cheshire Cat. Her voice echoed in his head, and Ryota couldn't take it. So he put on his headphones, and sat in his seat. He was silent throughout the whole beginning of the meeting. Commence the Mad Tea Party. Yep that was Cat for you, she was still as loud as ever.
Turning his gaze to Michael, he could make out a few words through the music. It seemed there was a huge attack caused by Core. Looking at the documents, Ryota reached for them, reading over the following names.
One particular name caught his attention, Stephen Howard. His status was unknown. That was strange, didn't he just see Stephen a few hours ago?
Thinking back to earlier, he remembered that Stephen wished for some kind of help. Was it because of this? Ryota let his mind wonder, trying to get a good picture of Stephen's facial expression. He was sort of antsy when they were talking. Was what he needed help with that important?
Core- Was Core after him? Ryota was thinking when he heard a distant voice. Followed by a tap on his shoulder. Taking off his Headphones he listened to what was being said, ”You can bet that they’re lovin’ the in-fighting we’ve got going on. I know I am. But anyways, I see one of us is keeping silent. Why is that I wonder?” Focusing his eyes on Nemiel, Ryota was silent for a few minutes. He had a blank expression which was rare.
Catching eyes on him he quickly changed his expression to a natural smile, "Sorry, about that. I was just...collecting my thoughts." Pondering on his own thoughts, he searched for words to say, "Oh, yes. Michael, as always you have such detailed documents. That mind of yours is amazing." Ryota laughed a little at himself.
"But...something bothers me about this...Never mind, sorry for my rambling." Ryota flashed a smile at everyone, letting the documents fall back onto the table and pushing them away.
Time of Day | Night {8:30 P.M.}
Walking into the truce zone, Ryota had his headphones turned up to max, so he couldn't hear anything but the music. Why? Because as soon as he stepped into the building he heard her voice. The Cheshire Cat. Her voice echoed in his head, and Ryota couldn't take it. So he put on his headphones, and sat in his seat. He was silent throughout the whole beginning of the meeting. Commence the Mad Tea Party. Yep that was Cat for you, she was still as loud as ever.
Turning his gaze to Michael, he could make out a few words through the music. It seemed there was a huge attack caused by Core. Looking at the documents, Ryota reached for them, reading over the following names.
One particular name caught his attention, Stephen Howard. His status was unknown. That was strange, didn't he just see Stephen a few hours ago?
Thinking back to earlier, he remembered that Stephen wished for some kind of help. Was it because of this? Ryota let his mind wonder, trying to get a good picture of Stephen's facial expression. He was sort of antsy when they were talking. Was what he needed help with that important?
Core- Was Core after him? Ryota was thinking when he heard a distant voice. Followed by a tap on his shoulder. Taking off his Headphones he listened to what was being said, ”You can bet that they’re lovin’ the in-fighting we’ve got going on. I know I am. But anyways, I see one of us is keeping silent. Why is that I wonder?” Focusing his eyes on Nemiel, Ryota was silent for a few minutes. He had a blank expression which was rare.
Catching eyes on him he quickly changed his expression to a natural smile, "Sorry, about that. I was just...collecting my thoughts." Pondering on his own thoughts, he searched for words to say, "Oh, yes. Michael, as always you have such detailed documents. That mind of yours is amazing." Ryota laughed a little at himself.
"But...something bothers me about this...Never mind, sorry for my rambling." Ryota flashed a smile at everyone, letting the documents fall back onto the table and pushing them away.