Takeo Kukai's Story

"B-but you just said... I'm so confused... Have you heard of us or not?"

Aika tried to avoid her eyes, despite knowing all he was seeing was a blurry image. But the feeling was there. That...pissed off feel.

"I hate lairs..."

He caught what she said even though she was muttering. Aika clenched both his fists, ignoring the pain from his broken wrist. He watched as she and Sam traded some words before he made up his mind and walked a few steps after the girl and Sam before stopping behind them.

"I hate being called a liar. And even if I am one... I don't lie without a good reason to. " Aika removed his 'specs' and stared at the girl with a slight glint to his eyes. What did people want with him anyway? First, he was too smart, the next, he was too dumb, then now, he was a liar. Just...when could he be himself?

"You should know that records in the archives that are removed or destroyed were done so for a reason. It's a crime to have read the deleted records. You want the truth? Then you should know that's what I did. I READ those records without anyone knowing. " he began to explain his actions in a shaky, barely controlled voice. He closed his eyes and breathe in to calm himself. "If the government knew, I'd be dead by now. "

"The Blood Rose Guild, one of a handful of groups that are specially designed to combat against what we term 'Zombies' or the 'Undead'. In my knowledge, it seems that the Blood Rose is the only guild that is currently active in their activities. " he pointed at her and Takeo with pin-point accuracy without his 'specs'.

"Blood Rose Guild participated in several extermination programs, sometimes alongside another guild, but usually alone. Top-most honored guild within the Zombie Extermination Program. Well-known even amongst the other guilds. "

"Brazil Event - Reports show that the cause of the outbreak was voodoo and black magic. Luckily, the event was finished before any casualty was caused, safe for the dead bodies used by the shaman. Mission taken by: Blood Rose. "

"China Event - Seemingly a different cause due to a facial wash product. According to the records, they were not deemed as complete zombies, but merely subs. However, before any casualties spread, once again the Blood Roses stopped the outbreak. The Yu San Company, producer of the facial wash product, disrupted and disbanded in the process. "

"Miami Event - This one was caused by what the doctors claim to be a drug. Only one person was affected and one person was injured in the process. However, no casualties were documented. This was a report written by a member of the Blood Rose, the police were on the scene before any members could arrive. "

"And lastly...the Africa event...the largest outbreak that the Zombie Extermination Program has ever seen. Caused by a combination of black magic and a certain chemical that couldn't be discerned. The outbreak suffered several casualties: nearly 40 from the Blood Rose Guild and a near 3000 in the public. The outbreak was contagious and the dead rose. However, in the end the Blood Rose Guild managed to stop the shaman and begin exterminating the rest of those infected by the chemical. "

"And now here, I assume it'll be called the 'Yukkuri Event'. " Aika finished, staring at the girl with his crimson coloured eyes. "You have the entire truth, I've only listed several of the things that the Blood Rose Guild have done, and I can list more. You can hand me over to custody once this is all over. " He replaced his 'specs' back onto his nose and turned around.

"But the reason I asked...was because I admired such a group. Saving lives. It's a good thing to do...and not just one, two or even 10 lives, but perhaps even the entire world population. That's worth admiring. "

"The Blood Rose Guild, one of a handful of groups that are specially designed to combat against what we term 'Zombies' or the 'Undead'. In my knowledge, it seems that the Blood Rose is the only guild that is currently active in their activities. " he pointed at her and Takeo with pin-point accuracy without his 'specs'.

"Blood Rose Guild participated in several extermination programs, sometimes alongside another guild, but usually alone. Top-most honored guild within the Zombie Extermination Program. Well-known even amongst the other guilds. "

"Brazil Event - Reports show that the cause of the outbreak was voodoo and black magic. Luckily, the event was finished before any casualty was caused, safe for the dead bodies used by the shaman. Mission taken by: Blood Rose. "

"China Event - Seemingly a different cause due to a facial wash product. According to the records, they were not deemed as complete zombies, but merely subs. However, before any casualties spread, once again the Blood Roses stopped the outbreak. The Yu San Company, producer of the facial wash product, disrupted and disbanded in the process. "

"Miami Event - This one was caused by what the doctors claim to be a drug. Only one person was affected and one person was injured in the process. However, no casualties were documented. This was a report written by a member of the Blood Rose, the police were on the scene before any members could arrive. "

"And lastly...the Africa event...the largest outbreak that the Zombie Extermination Program has ever seen. Caused by a combination of black magic and a certain chemical that couldn't be discerned. The outbreak suffered several casualties: nearly 40 from the Blood Rose Guild and a near 3000 in the public. The outbreak was contagious and the dead rose. However, in the end the Blood Rose Guild managed to stop the shaman and begin exterminating the rest of those infected by the chemical. "

"And now here, I assume it'll be called the 'Yukkuri Event'. " Aika finished, staring at the girl with his crimson coloured eyes. "You have the entire truth, I've only listed several of the things that the Blood Rose Guild have done, and I can list more. You can hand me over to custody once this is all over. " He replaced his 'specs' back onto his nose and turned around.

"But the reason I asked...was because I admired such a group. Saving lives. It's a good thing to do...and not just one, two or even 10 lives, but perhaps even the entire world population. That's worth admiring. "

"I'm... Impressed. We could use someone like you in the Blood Rose... If you're up for being a part of us..." she told Aika, smiling softly. "Actually, I take that back, we need someone like you. You're damn smart... It's a shame you hide it... Sorry for calling you a liar back there... forgive me..?" she asked, somewhat sheepishly.

Airi looked at Sam with a smile. "Sure, I'd like that..." she stood up, Bandit climbing up to her shoulder. "Now, if you excuse me, I'm gonna wash all this Behemoth goop off me. Again... Gai si, verdammit and merde..." she muttered in various languages before trotted into the bathroom and looked at Kukai's wounds. "Hey, partner, you okay..?" she ran a gentle hand over them before taking off the jacket and holding it out. "Sorry about taking this... I don't have any clean clothes but what's drying over there..." she gestured to her still drying school uniform.

She walked into the shower, stripping as she went. She turned on the water, singing "Sexy, Free and Single" and dancing a bit as she went.

Airi made a noise of surprise. "You're kiddin' me!? Those devil thing made your eyesight better? I would ask for a pair but I don't think my body would agree with me... I'd be covered in bruises and that's just at school..." she pouted before she grabbed her mp3player from her pile of clothes and turned it up, a song, One of Repetition, came out. It was soft and calm, unlike the singer. Anyone who's heard Airi would recognize her voice as the singer. The song was beautiful but the sound of Airi's voice made it sound, better...

"Oh, shit..! Not now!" she rushed to turn it off, blushing. She hated when other people heard her sing. She held the little device close and sighed as the song ended, allowing her to turn it back up at a reasonable volume. "Sorry guys, that song's a bit... Uh... Personal to my heart..."

Mokou sighed as the warm water washed over her. She would've loved to just have been able to take the day off, but she came to school specifically to give Lazarus a present, since it was one of those 'I'm generous so I feel like giving someone something' days. She smirked as she remembered what she'd gotten him, and she turned the water off. She draped a towel around herself and left the showers, moving over to Lazarus' locker, opening it and sighing.

"Laz! I told ya to keep some of my spares in your locker!".

Lazarus turned and stifled a laugh. "She actually thought I'd do that?".

Lazarus grinned and went over to his friend, passing her and continuing to her locker, which he opened with a replicated key. "Yeah, I have a habit of making replicas, so here, catch". He threw the Key to Mokou, knowing that she'd probably left hers at home. She caught it and scowled. "You're so unreliable sometimes, but I have a gift for you too. Here, put these on!".

Lazarus just glared.



Lazarus walked back out to the group, his cheeks slightly red and his eyes filled with anger. "I'm gonna kill you for this, woman". Mokou just grinned, and announced to the group.

"This here, is Lazarus J. Inaba, and now he's even more of a rabbit with these Rabbit ears I got him! Hooray!". Mokou held her hand over her mouth to stop herself from bursting out laughing, and laughed even harder when Laz gave her the bird. His rabbit ears bounced as he turned his head and glared.

"Yep, definitely gonna kill you".

"Hey, just wondering if you knew, but would the forcefield penetrate the ground? Or would we be able to go under it?"

Airi thought about it. "Well, since the person summoned Behemoths and Rakes, that'd be a no we can't dig. In order to summon either you'd need a full barrier. I think this one intents to kill everyone here..." she leaned against the lockers. "I really wanna kill this bastard now..." she messed with the volume on her mp3player before sighing. "Look, it's late... Everyone head to bed. I'll take first watch." when only a few people moved, she poked Bandit. "That's an order from your leader in this shit. Go. Fucking. Rest." she ran a hand through her hair and stood.

She moved to the door and sat, pulling the jacket around her more. Her hand went around her dog tags and she squeezed them. It had been a while since she had to use that phrase. She only hoped she'd be able to get everyone out of this alive or she'd die trying.

Airi looked up from her dogtags to look at Tenno. He came over quite randomly. She sighed and shook her head. Somethings never changed. Her old team didn't sleep until she had.

"So who are you really? I don't mean zombie hunter or soldier or a student. I mean what do you like? Hobbies, movies, what your family's like? Then I'll tell you the same."

Airi raised an eyebrow at him but let him continue.

"You see my friend Satou and I did this with other Yakuza when they were injured after a fight. It helped take the stress of knowing its not OK off. I know this is a different sort of situation, but I just want to take my mind off the zombies before I go to sleep."

"Ah, I see... Well, why don't we make it a game? It's called 2 truths, 1 lie. I'll say three things about myself, one isn't true. You guess which one is the lie. Then it's your turn." she smiled and turned to Sam. "Hey, Sam! Come play with us?" she called over to him. She smiled at Kukai. "Yo, you up for a game of 2 truths, 1 lie?" then leaned on the wall. "We played this during missions with new recruits. A good way to get your mind off the Hoard and it allows you to get to know everyone. So, everyone up for it?"

"OK I'll start." Tenno began saying trying to think of past events.

1st. "I met with the Dalai Lama on a vacation once."

2nd. "I took a trip to Shanghai"

3rd. "I've met the Pope"

"What is truth, what is a lie"

"Nope" Tenno said with a thin smile. "I have never been to Shanghai, let alone anywhere in China. I did meet the Dalai Lama on a vacation to India where he lives in exile. I also met the Pope once when I tagged along with my dad on a business trip to the Vatican. My family has several financial links to the church." he said.

"Who else wants a try?"

(OOC: Sorry about the late reply, but I've been working on T7C's OOC Stuff for a while and I wanted to finish it asap)



Mokou would've shaken Tenno's hand, but he'd already walked off before she could. She grumbled to herself and went over to where he and the others were currently sitting, shuffling awkwardly. "Listen, Tenno. I'll have your back until all of this is over, but when we're out of here, don't expect me to stop beating up any Yakuza scum I find, alright? You might even be on my hitlist too, so don't piss me off. Oh.... and thanks, I guess". Mokou coughed and turned away, making sure to avoid contact. Lazarus snickered at this and nudged her with his foot. "Aww, did you like it when he fixed your wounds, eh Mokou?". He snickered again as Mokou gave him an 'I will murder you. Brutally' look, and this only served to make him laugh harder. He looked at the others, blinking a few times.

"Who else wants a try?".

"Count me out for this one, Tenno". Mokou sighed and sat down on the table she'd been laying on earlier, stating that she'd be going back to sleep to try and see if she'd feel better when she woke up. Lazarus nodded, and said "Sweet dreams, 'Princess'". Apparently, Mokou was capable of ignoring his mocking tone, and simply shut her eyes. Lazarus wiggled a tiny bit to try and get comfier where he was, but only succeeded in making himself look weird. He grinned and asked. "Anyone got anything to drink? I could go for something right now".

"Hey, Sam! Come play with us?"

Airi's words snapped Sam out of his daze. He turned around to see her and a few of the others all standing around talking. A light, jovial mood exhumed from the small group. Sam smiled and trotted down the bleachers he joined just in time to over hear what they were playing.

"Ah 2 truths one lie eh? Used to play something like this back home. It was a drinking game."

He said with a laugh before he put his hand to his chin as he pondered what his choices would be.

"Ok 1. I once shaved my coaches mustache off and wore it in front of him the following day.

2. One time I was attacked by a peacock

3. I got arrested once for stealing a mail truck and going on a joy ride."

Everyone was playing a game of 2 Truths, 1 Lie. Seemed fun. Especially when guessing was involved. When he heard Sam's choices, he answered out of nowhere, leaning against a locker.

"Peacock. A lie. " he answered, before stretching and walking over to the group, stumbling a couple of times, but managing not to fall face-first. Aika ended up sitting a few feet away from the main group... cuz everything was blurry, of course.

"So...am I right? "

Sam gave a quick chuckle but shook his head as he crossed his arms over his broad chest.

"Oooh sorry bro. I was 8 years old and I tried to ride one at the zoo. Needless to say Mr. Peacock was none too happy with what I had in mind. He rushed me and sent me running to my folks."

Shepard paused to laugh at the memory before speaking again.

"Good times. So anybody wanna make a second guess? You got a 50/50 shot now. Pretty good odds."

Airi smiled as everyone started coming over. Just like old times... She shook her head as Aika got the answer wrong.

"Ill give it a shot..." She shrugged and thought about it. "The mustache? That doesn't seem like you for some reason..." Bandit meowed in agreement. "See? Even the cat agrees..."

"Am I right?"

Sam broke out into a hearty laugh this time, barely even able to contain the memory of that hilarious day.

"Strike two! Sorry Airi this was actually one of my finer moments. See it was when I was in a camp for Olympic hope fulls. We were all studying and training are asses off for our shot at getting to the Games. The one that was training me and the other guys and gals in the weightlifting division was this old, hard ass Marine. Real balls and brass kinda guy. Running off of piss and vinegar. Well his name was Coach Obrin and man was he mean..."

Sam paused to chuckle as the memory swelled in his mind.

"Maaaan I thought I was gonna die. See the coach was dead drunk. Three hours pissing on about the new guys, 'they're scum, they're weak', and then he passed right out. Boom!"

Sam said smacking his fist into his other hand to emphasize his point while he told his story.

"We couldn't even move him. The guy was built like a buffalo and twice as hairy. So I just just snipped it right off his face."

Tears began to well up in Shepards eyes as his laughter threatened to over take him.

"And you've never seen a man more proud of his moustache than Coach Obrin. I mean, in all my life I will never love a woman the way this man loved that lip ferret. Big walrus-y thing—all waxed up!"

Shepards laughter was infectious and the whole group was in stitches as they listened on to the tale.

"So the next morning, he wakes up, it's gone and he is furious! But he can't just say, you know, 'someone stole my moustache!' So he calls us together, all the trainees... We were all thinking he was gonna pound our faces in one by one! ...But instead there he is. He's eye-balling all the trainees something fierce. Not a word. And he comes up to me, and I'm wearing the Goddamn thing on my face! I had glued it on! I'm staring the old man down wearing his own damn moustache!"

Sam couldn't hold it in and broke out into an uncontrollable laughter as the group did the same. For a moment, just a moment, they weren't survivors. They weren't zombie hunters. They were teenagers. Laughing about some stupid prank, and they were happy. Even if it was just for a few precious minutes...

Airi burst out laughing at Sam's tale, falling over onto the ground. She'd never heard something as funny as that, in her entire life. But that really didn't mean much, seeing as she only heard dirty jokes from the older hunters or really corny ones from the younger. As the group laughed, she sobered a bit. "Alright, alright, my turn." she sat back up and made a slight show of thinking.

"I got it!

1) I'm absolutely scared eels to the point I can't visit the aquarium without causing a scene.

2) My house is a zoo for the weird stuff.

3) I can speak 14 different languages.

So, folks, which is my lie?"

She leaned forward, looking everyone in the eyes.

Knowing himself wrong Tenno still replied. "Is the first one about the eels wrong?" he asked. Most likely, knowing Airi's personality, it was the 3rd one. Who knows until the answer? He thought to himself.

Airi shuddered and shook her head. "Ugh, no, I despise eels... Not sure if Ku-ku remembers this mission but there were so Slickers, they're like electric eels with claws, and I got swarmed by them... Never liked anything eel related unless I was eatin' 'em." She turned to the others. "Any other guesses? Come on, guys. I ain't that hard..."

Aika felt a little disappointed for the first time when Sam told him that his answer was wrong. But at least he made a mistake. Fair enough.

"I'll try one more time. How about...14 languages? I haven't met anyone who knows 14 languages...and even I find that to be quite an impossible feat. Maybe 4,5...but 14 is just..." Aika shook his head.

(OOC: Sorry for the super short post. >.<)

Airi nodded and grinned at Aika. "Yep! I know only 10 not 14, though I'm learning Arabic for some mission in Egypt. By the way, Ku-ku! We got a mission after this!" she said a bit late. "I completely forgot in all this madness!" she told him, stretching her arms above her head.

This didn't help Tenno at all, who right now would rather be facing Bruce Lee in a fight right now. He simply got up and walked to the gym door. Before he went out he told the group "I'm just going to go for a walk, if I'm not back here in an hour give me a call on my cell." He continued to walk outside to the halls.

It was hopeless sure, but Tenno started to look through the hallways for a teacher. "Yep. As I thought." There were no teachers in sight. A zombie came out of a corner only to have Tenno walk up point blank to shoot in the head. "34" Depressed still he continued to walk through different floors of the school, keeping quiet while doing so. He heard a faint yell down the hallway and booked it. Maybe it was another person? Maybe it was a demon they were talking about? He didn't care either way. He ran right in front of a boy with red hair who looked like he had been through hell.

"So.." panting still "Are you a fighter?"