Keiko Misao's Story

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Akira was taken aback when Aeon spoke. She remembered his name thanks to Cassiopeia introducing him and herself to her prior to the mess. The tall male had never spoke much until now. On the bus was the first time she noticed him, and she hadn't heard a word come from his mouth even when she was conversing with Cassiopeia. Though right now he was speaking at normal rate. She watched him get Keiko to safety, smiling a bit. At least he isn't abandoning her. She seems to be attached to him somewhat.. Though she wasn't planning on leaving anytime soon. She was worried about Kei and Jonathan.. not to mention Silas..whom she still hadn't seen. She gripped the leg pole as she got even more worried, but heer eyes widened as she felt it move in her hands. What the..? She looked up only to see Aeon, jumping out of her skin a bit. I-I zoned out.. She thought to herself, shaking her head in attempt to collect herself, "B-but.." She stammered, unable to explain she was waiting to find her best friend, unable to explain her crush was still somewhere out there.. Dead or alive she had to know. He was always there, regardless of her flaws. How could she abandon him now?

Then she froze, he (Aeon) told her red haired companion (Jonathan) to get her out of here? What the hell?! I'm a senior too.. Just cause I'm a girl doesn't mean I need protected by you guys! She was growing flustered, face red in irritation and embarrassment. Though she fled as soon as she realized everything was going to hell. She fled through the window, but promised herself she'd find a way back inside.. That she'd look for Silas. Though she felt herself waking up before that happened.

--- End Dream ---

Akira gasped, falling out of her seat as she awoke. She now sat in the floor of her classroom, witnessing several students waking, some still sleeping.. or whatever just happened. It was weird.. Though she noticed one student in particular, Kei. She walked over once she'd composed herself, rubbing the back of her neck, "Hey.. it's probably time we talked about yesterday... I've got work soon.. but can we walk together and talk about this...?" She asked giving a smile. If anything, the dream reminded her how quickly someone could be snatched away. Life was like a balloon waiting to pop. She didn't want the fight and events at the drunk party to be the last thing she said to Kei. She wasn't sure if they could ever be friends again, especially due to his growing interest in Devone, but she at least wanted to apologize, bring a little clarity to the situation.

"I realize I've been overreacting a lot this year, and I promise I'll have a handle on it soon.. I just want to explain everything and apologize properly." She replied nervously, "I might not get another chance for awhile.. I've got a lot of stuff to do for Ms. Roselle to make up for pretending to be a boy.. and I work.. So I hope you're free." Her tone was awkward and nervous, and her eyes hadn't met his since she first approached. I've got to get in control of this or everyone is going to hate me...

She gripped her bag on her shoulder, awaiting the taller senior's response. At least this way, she could say she tried to mend her mistakes. Plus she wanted out of the building as soon as possible. The dead bodies, the inhuman groaning, the fights.. It all felt too real. She was definitely done with zombie movies. She felt jumpy as hell. Well there goes my pride.. I'll jump like the girliest of girls at the next zombie flick I watch..

"I need to find her." Keiko’s grip on Aeon’s arm loosened as a realisation registered in her brain. She had been doing backflips on what her senior Aeon was like, if he really was alone like she was or just had a cold personality. Now, she finally knew. Aeon is not alone. He has someone.. As the chaos unravelled with Mr Drone’s sudden appearance as a morphed monster leaving Keiko paralysed on the spot in fear, she couldn’t help but think, So if I were to die, nobody would cry for Keiko.. would they? Keiko.. has nobody. No family.. no friends.. no memories to see her life flash before her eyes. Nothing.. just.. static—"Misao." Keiko’s eyes blinked being brought back to reality and swiftly turned their attention to Aeon again. Even the impersonal way he referred to her, was a reminder of how distant she really was from everyone present. What surprised her was how he softly held her hand and clasped it. It just didn’t make sense to Keiko. Why would Aeon..? She glanced down at the gesture that linked them, mildly distracted by questioning thoughts as Aeon continued to reassure her. "You're safe." Her hazel eyes started to fill with water just as her senior lifted her up causing her to gasp in shock. She had been picked up before too by Kei after breaking down. In fact, perhaps she had been just the –freak out- one in this apocalypse but being picked up by Aeon was much stranger. Kei had a warm personality that was easy to trust and open up to while Aeon was the opposite in that regard. He was cold and hard to understand, not leaving his emotions open for interpretation. "Take her." “Take me?!” Keiko had dropped back to her feet, with a hand to her chest still trying to process what was going on.

Another hand had clasped around hers and she couldn’t help but get lost in the dangerous moment. She had been protected, carried by and held hands with a few different guys in such a short amount of time. It’s like being in the movies!!!! Keiko’s eyes went starry eyed and she swayed side to side in her excitement at the idea. It wasn’t because ‘they were guys’ or that she was ‘hopelessly romantic’. She just always had some kind of desire to be living like a movie or tv show series or really, anything on tv. Keiko had this perception that such a life was better than her boring one. Although, she had never watched a zombie flick before or at least, not long enough to know how many people die in them. "Stay together." Keiko shook her head, forcing herself out of her daydreams to realise she was holding onto Kaoru’s hand which made her smile. He was a very small boy and if not for the fact he was a student at their school, she would have mistaken him for a grade schooler. Even though, he was much braver than she had been. She admired that. "If we stick together we'll make it, I promise.." Keiko reached out and patted his head with her free hand after hearing his promise. It was just something she felt like doing on the spot. She no longer felt afraid of what was to come, or how uncertain it was…

--End Dream—

Keiko’s body felt uncomfortably positioned and she was seeing pitch black. The last thing she could remember was patting Kaoru’s head.. so where was she now? She opened her eyes slowly, the school grounds in front of her a blur but still somewhat recognisable. Her stomach growled loudly as she arched her back and both her hands came on top of it as if to suffocate or drown out the noise it was making. “So.. Keiko was only dreaming?” She blinked several times unsure of how to feel about her dream. On one hand, she was happy there weren’t any monsters in sight and that nobody had died or been ripped apart. On the other hand, she was sad that she hadn’t gotten any closer to her peers. “Food will make Keiko feel better!” She said to herself with a fist pump to the air before picking up her hand bag and easing it onto her shoulder. She started walking towards the school gates before unconsciously eavesdropping on a conversation occurring between two students. “Would you like to go someplace to eat?" Keiko’s head turned rapidly to the two students (Daniel and Bishop) as she ran to them in a sudden dash, stopping right before a possible crash and tidying her hair. “Hi hi, Keiko heard something about food?” She head tilted innocently with closed eyes then realising, she recognised one of them. “Oh…” She poked her bottom lip before pointing at him (Bishop). “Bishie. You are?” She had gravely mistaken his name with her poor memory.

"Oh, hello Bishop. I'm Daniel Trist, I must express that I am ever so pleased to finally make you acquaintance." "Eh~?" Bishop's expression was shocked as the other blonde American (Daniel) outright spoke his name as if he knew the boy. <What the hell?> Bishop was on the defensive at first seeing Daniel extend his hand forward. He was totally confused. Mostly because he had no idea who this person was (Daniel). "My mother has told me all about you. Would you like to go someplace to eat?" "Y-Your mom? What?" opposite to Daniel his parents had failed to tell him anything about any possible relatives, it honestly slipped his mother's mind with all of her antics. Bishop somewhat reluctantly reached his hand forward to shake Daniel's. He was curious to why the other student was so formal. Looking him over he was dressed quite well, a lot of students were actually because of the school uniforms. But from his experience so far dealing with other people, he had the air of a prince about him. There were a few other he knew that had a similar behavior as well as mannerisms. Devone being one of them.

"Food sounds good.. Sure." Bishop drew his hand back to scratch the back of his head closing his eyes. “Hi hi, Keiko heard something about food?” "Hm? He turned to see the curious girl he met earlier, Keiko. He smiled happy to see her, in the back of his mind he noted to himself that she wasn't in his dream. “Oh… Bishie. You are?” Bishop blushed a noticeable amount when she pouted up to him. <Gee, she got my name wrong. No big deal.> Bishop sweat dropped rubbing the back of his head again as he easily swapped to Japanes. "Ahh, yeah. It's me Bishop. Good to see you Keiko." He turned to Daniel wondering if the boy spoke any Japanese at all. He was getting the idea that he didn't. "Uhhh, this is a friend of mine. Keiko." He gestured to the shorter junior next to him (Keiko). "Keiko, this is another friend of mine... Daniel." The last part of his sentence was questioning, after that his cousin Daniel just introduced himself and claimed to know him. "she asked if she could get some food with us. Would you mind if she came? Keiko is good company." He watched Daniel while casting a glance to Keiko his kind smile never fading for a moment.

---

---

The other boy(Bishop) was seemed shocked at first of Daniel being able to identify him, but calmed down. "Food sounds good.. Sure." Bishop replied.

"Excellent!" Daniel's face brightened. He had always wanted to meet this cousin of his(Bishop). Suddenly a girl(Keiko), about his age also approached rapidly without warning. Caleb's hand instinctively shot inside of his inner jacket pocket and closed around his custom .40 caliber automatic pistol. It had optional 3 shot burst, metal jacket ammunition, and an extended clip. However, Caleb relaxed as the girl(Keiko) came to a stop not far from them.

“Hi hi, Keiko heard something about food?” "What is up with this girl..." Caleb thought. He could speak and understand Japanese almost as well as a native. After all, his father was Japanese. Bishop seemed to know the girl as they engaged in conversation. Daniel really couldn't understand much of what they were saying, but the girl(Keiko) seemed to speak...in a strange way.

"Uhhh, this is a friend of mine. Keiko." Bishop said gesturing towards the girl(Keiko).

"Ah, so I was correct! Bishop knows the girl."

"she asked if she could get some food with us." Bishop continued, "Would you mind if she came? Keiko is good company." Caleb stayed silent,

"It's time for Daniel to make his own decisions now. Obviously he'll say no, he doesn't even know the girl(Keiko). Not to mention, her manners seem quite...underdeveloped. She also seems to have some sort of mental disability of some sort...people like that, you never know what they'll do next." Caleb looked back down at his phone, waiting for Daniel's response.

"Of course she may come along!" Caleb dropped his phone and it hit the floor with a horrible cracking sound. Caleb couldn't believe what he'd just heard, Daniel shouldn't have invited the girl(Keiko) and the boy knew it.

"WHAT!" Caleb exclaimed in disbelief. Daniel in turn turned to face the older male and fixed him with an icy glare.

"I'm sure there aren't any objections." Caleb was dumbfounded.

"Surely sir, you jest!" This was the most irrational decision Caleb had ever seen Daniel make. This girl(Keiko) could be anyone, but yet he persists?

"Caleb," Daniel softened his expression. "I'm sure you are well educated on the fact of how important a first impression is. However you choose to degrade your own. Remember, you do not only represent yourself, but myself as well. Please do represent me well."

"Jesus, the boy really knows how to get his way, doesn't he?" Caleb reluctantly submitted. "Of course sir, my apologies."

"Now," Daniel faced the rest of the group. "shall we make our way? Please, allow me to offer my own automobile as means of transportation." With that, Daniel began to make his way to the parking lot, exiting the building. Caleb on the other hand, grudgingly picked up his now cracked phone off of the floor.

"I knew I should've gotten the insurance on this thing!" Caleb thought as he followed Daniel out.

With everything in the last few minutes had passing by as a blur, Jonathan had effectively blanked out, losing track of what was happening around them and what was being said had been dulled by the roars from an enraged Mr. Drone.

The beast of a man, now zombified, was obviously angrier due to what Jonathan had launched at him, but the makeshift rocket served its purpose at buying the group a few precious minutes to get the hell out of dodge. All Jonathan knew was that this Takeda was seriously injured after being flung into a nearby wall, but the group were scrambling through the now opened windows.

To freedom, hopefully.

However, the group had seemed to ignore his suggestions of finding a way to the rooftops, the ragged students dashing as quickly as they could across the yard away from the school, however their sudden movements had attracted more zombies towards them. Jonathan had noticed a student (Bishop) a few couple of yards away from them calling out, trying to distract the incoming horde, but Jonathan realized that it was futile as more infected gained ground behind them.

They had to make it past the fence that stood before the students... now.

Scanning the surrounding area beyond the fence, searching for a particular building, Jonathan refused to give up hope just yet. But, no matter how hard he looked, the Tower was nowhere to be seen. Deep in his gut, the red-haired junior realized that something was wrong, that something was out of place regarding these recent events.

The zombies. Students that he had just recently met and have never seen before. CyberTech Tower not being in view whatsoever...

---

Jonathan bolted upright from where he was laying down, a slight panic settling in. Unfamiliar surroundings and with no recollection of how he got there- "Take it easy there. You took a nasty hit on the head, and another student brought you here to get fixed up. Your belongings were brought here as well." Recognizing that he had been taken to the school's infirmary, a male doctor standing next to the gurney that he was occupying for the time being, Jonathan noticed a feeling of déjà vu when the room had appeared identical as it was in his dream, despite never have been there once.

After spending a few minutes getting his relatively minor flesh wound checked out and brought up to speed as to what had happened, Jonathan was allowed to leave the infirmary and another awkward feeling of déjà vu settled in as a blonde haired student (Bishop) entering the office as Jonathan grabbed his personal belongings to leave - it was the same student that was in his dream. Shaking the feeling off, the redhead continued on his way... his thoughts interrupted by the intercom speaker, explaining about the recent events that had transpired.

Sleeping gas? Now that's a thought, the boy quietly said to himself as the speaker finished with the "...after school clubs being cancelled..." message. Pulling his phone out, Jonathan thumbed in the number for his residence, a female voice (almost) immediately answering the phone. "Fenix residence, this is Black speaking. How may I help you sir or ma'am?"

"Hey Mira, you-" Jonathan softly talked on the phone, speaking in English rather than the local japanese that the students had commonly communicated with.

"Oh, it's you. Do you need somebody to pick you up?" The voice had interrupted Jonathan, as if the woman on the other end was annoyed at him calling her by her first name. "That won't be necessary. There was a little accident at school, but it's nothing to be worried about-"

"Nothing to worry about? It was on the news about how your school's janitor made a sleeping agent and knocked out a good portion of the school. How is that nothing to worry about?" Again, her voice having that hint of annoyed caretaker tone to it. "You know, you really shouldn't be interrupting me when I'm speaking. Anyways, can you check out this... Miss Morrison... some more? I'm sure whatever she did to make that stuff could turn out to be a real gem," Jonathan replied in his usually playful tone before continuing, "Plus, I can walk back, it's not that far," He didn't wait for an answer from the woman as he ended the call, making his way past another blonde student (Daniel) towards the main office...

I wonder what's going to happen next. Awkward students, zombies, a janitor making sleeping gas, and now a student with blonde hair in two different places? Today has to be at least an eight on my weird-stuff-o-meter.

Keiko decided to put the nightmare behind her. She had had many.. many bad dreams before. Most of them were about losing someone, being dead, or the more reasonable one, being unable to ever get her prior memories back. "Ahh, yeah. It's me Bishop. Good to see you Keiko." "Oh." Keiko poked her cheek as it puffed up with determination to think. Bishop.. Bishop.. isn't that a priesthood kinda.. thingy? Bishie is a priest? Her eyes widened and shook in their sockets as she jumped back, gasped and covered her mouth with her hands in an exaggerated shock manner. But Bishie is so young! "Keiko, this is another friend of mine... Daniel." Keiko composed herself as best as she could before waving with a closed eyes smile towards her new other blonde acquaintance. "Heyo! howdy do?" She blinked, hand still floating in the air before blinking a bit more as Daniel and the older man discussed something seemingly important. Keiko head tilted, watching their conversation play out. It was hard for her to understand what their relationship was except that the younger one was calling all the shots. "shall we make our way? Please, allow me to offer my own automobile as means of transportation." Daniel stated simply as Keiko watched him walk away from the school.

"Ohhh." Keiko said to herself, blinking before fumbling with her fingers as if something was bothering her. "What's an.. automobile..." she mumbled to herself as it wasn't a term she had heard of before, slightly blushing as she followed after him. "Oh." She stopped in her steps and sashayed back to Bishop, pulling him along by the arm. "Come on, food awaits~!" she said energetically, laughing playfully.

---

---

Daniel stepped outside "The weather wasn't half bad here, well so far." he thought. The boy waited impatiently for his bodyguard, tapping his foot in the process. However, when Daniel turned on his heels to continue to the parking lot, he heard the intercom crackle on from inside of the school.

“Attention everyone! Airdalen High would like to apologise for its most recent sleeping gas incident. After thorough investigation, we have discovered the school janitor Miss Morrison had released a homemade fragrance in the ventilation systems as a quick means of performing her duties as cleaning lady, as well as to serve her own means as she has always had a strong disgust towards body odors. Unknown to her, the fragrance also served a second function as a sleeping gas that has worked on a selection of students and staff alike. This specific concoction also possessed a trace of the smell of roses... It is unfortunate that one of our senior students has passed away on our grounds due to his severe allergic case. Airdalen High does not tolerate pranks of any sort for any reason given. As a result, the school janitor has been fired and apprehended by the police. Due to this incident, after school clubs will also be cancelled for today. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Varthur Laurence..”

Daniel saw as Caleb literally froze mid-step, his body frigged as if he had been frozen in a split second. "W-what?!" Caleb's face distorted in horror.

"Yes I agree Caleb," Daniel replied in a concerned tone. "This is quite the peculiar turn in events..." The boy allowed a smile to takeover his face. "However, your physical condition has taken the top priority of my concern!" He was almost laughing now, trying his best to hold it in.

"Sir!" Caleb took on a most serious expression, but was still recovering from his initial shock. "This is hardly a joking matter! Someone was killed!"

"Oh calm your nerves Caleb," he said regaining his composure. "Did you not hear? This 'Varthur' fellow had some sort of allergic reaction. Nothing to be worried about." As if to emphasize his final statement, Daniel continued his walk to the parking lot as if nothing had happened. "Are you coming Caleb?" Daniel hollered back. "Or do I need to call an ambulance?" Sticking his hands in his pockets, the boy strode away, allowing a chuckle to escape his lips.

Caleb felt like he had just been hit in the head, twice. First the announcement, then Daniel's behavior. The man shook himself out of it. "I'm on your heels sir!" he called back, jogging to catch up. He knew he would have to talk all of this out with Daniel, but maybe after a little something to eat. He really was growing hungry.

Bishop smiled to Keiko as as he talked introducing her to his supposed relative Daniel. The other blonde seemed ore into the conversation with his...... Bodyguard? That's what he would assume right now anyways. They talked about the incident Varthur which brought his mood back down again. He was trying to remain cheery but times rsther difficult, he was the type of person that didn't wish death upon anybody. Bishop was a rather peaceful kid. He slowly stepped outside a faltering smile across his lips, but was distracted when suddenly Keiko grabbed a hold,of his arm. "Come on, food awaits!"

Bishop blinked and smiled naturally again being dragged by Keiko to catch up with Daniel and his bodyguard. "Ok ok, I'm coming!" Bishop hurried finally catching up to follow wherever Daniel was leading them. He did have to speak with his parents about who this kid was in relation to him. As far as he knew,meh had no other cousins or anything so this was quite the surprise.

"So where all are we going? I need to text me parents, let them know il be late." He looked to Daniel curiously still letting Keiko cling to him. He founding kind of cute to be honest. Reminded him of having a little sister! which he kind of always wanted. He glanced to Keiko and smiled again at her, before giving his attention back to his fellow junior (Daniel). He had a lot to ask and talk to him about.

---

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The sunlight glinted off of the hood of the white Lexus full-size sedan as Caleb approached the driver’s side. He turned on the hidden microphone in his suit jacket before he spoke. "Alpha 1 to Bravo team. We’ll be departing shortly.” moments later, a reply trickled out of the receiver in Caleb’s ear. "Copy that Alpha 1, we’ll be right on your tail.” As soon as he opened the door, a burst of steaming air hit him like a tidal wave. The bodyguard reached inside and turned the AC to full blast before opening all of the doors and windows of the car. By the time Daniel and the others arrived, the sedan was already at a manageable temperature.

"My apologies for the rather...humble car. Fortunately, I’ll be upgrading once we are better settled in.” With that the boy climbed into the back seat along with Bishop, leaving the front seat for the girl (Keiko). Bishop had suggested earlier a rather expensive restaurant not far from the school. So the five were off in no time, with a black SUV trailing behind.

After a few minutes, while pulling into the restaurant's parking lot, the Lexus’ rather striking figure on the road looked quite modest indeed amidst many similar and higher class cars. The group piled out and Caleb was allowed a moment to walk out of ears reach of his companions. "Alpha team, this is Alpha 1. We have arrived at our destination.” The piece in his ear delivered a reply.

"Copy, the area’s clear.” The bodyguard beckoned the teens into the building, but as the group was being led to their seats, Daniel spotted a face he seemed to recognize (Devone). "Devone Kim, that was her name!” He had heard quite a bit about her at school, mostly from conversations in the hallway. Quite the hot topic. She was sitting with another girl (Arietta), and the two were engaged in conversation. "It might be a good idea to become associated with the two…” the young aristocrat thought. "After all, getting to know Devone could really give me a boost up that social ladder.”

Daniel moved towards the two ladies. "Devone Kim I presume?” he extended his hand. "Daniel Trist, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Daniel said with a smile.

Keiko had to sit in the front seat of the car next to Daniel's driver with a pouty face. She wanted to sit with her classmates but didn't want to be rude so she sat where she was directed to sit. Sometimes she would look at the driver and try to picture him as food just to cheer herself up. It wasn't working but it made her giggle to herself a few times that she was even trying to do such a silly thing. The drive was really short as they arrived at a fancy looking restaurant that tempted Keiko to run out of the car and jump into paradise. Luckily, she held herself back and clung to Bishop instead with tightly sealed lips in order to stop herself from drooling before she had even had a look at the glorious food. Keiko could smell the meals already from the outside though and was sure that she would like it here. She clung to Bishop more when they got inside the restaurant as it proved to be as fancy as she anticipated from the exterior. It made her really nervous to be at a wealthy establishment. Keiko herself was only middle-class and worked at a bakery. A part of her felt that she didn't belong her but being with other people that she knew; Bishop and Daniel helped her feel more at ease. She wasn't here for the people, but for the food! And the food was going to be more than worth it.

After she and Bishop were lead to their seats, she noticed that Daniel was missing or at least she couldn't see him anymore. After stretching her neck and turning her head in every direction she could think of, she spotted him at a different table talking to two women. Keiko recognized the one with black hair from her school (Devone) as she had seen her before by the school gates but they had never talked. "Keiko wonders if Daniel is going to eat with them instead of us." She rested her chin on the table and oogled the menu unsure of how much she should order. Keiko was definitely unable to afford it and she did not want to be too much of a hassle by ordering more than she was supposed to. "Uh.. ah... hmm" She fiddled with the menu, turning it anti clockwise, upside down, diagonal as if reading it in all directions made a difference to how appetizing the meal sounded. "Something with a lot of calories... " she mumbled to herself.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I've never been stolen from so I can't relate personally but it must have been dreadful. Especially as an.. invaluable item you say? Maybe a family heirloom? That's awful. I'm glad the thief responsible is paying his dues. Well done on turning him in."

Arietta's eyes softened a bit as she took another sip of her drink. She's nice enough.. Arietta thought with an optimistic attitude... of course her definition of nice probably was warped compared to certain Airdalen students. She nodded at Devone's guess as to what the item was.

"It was a custom made piece of jewelry.." She explained, "It was gift from my father to my mother. A butterfly hair clip made from sapphires." Arietta used her hands to show the size of the accessory, though she wasn't sure just how interested Devone was in her story. She decided to keep everything short and sweet, "It was a bit heavy, but it was all I had of my parent's. They both died a long time ago."

"After all, we don't need trash like that in our society. The less of them the better."

Arietta chuckled a bit, closing her eyes. He isn't.. Then she opened them, twirling her finger along her glass absentmindedly, "But of course. Thieves are the worst kind of bottom feeder. I'm glad that we see eye to eye on that." She mused. There you go again.. She thought to herself. Though she didn't feel too horrible. It wasn't like she'd given any names. Besides, it seemed Devone and her were hitting it off once she told the story about her transfer.

She was about to order herself something to eat, but her thoughts were interrupted as a young man (Daniel) approached them. He left a table with another blonde (Bishop) and a rather pretty brunette (Keiko) who seemed to be working on their own order. The boy that approached held a different air about him than the other two, he was from the hierarchy while the other two seemed to be somewhere toward the middle of the financial ladder. She picked up her glass, blue eyes scanning the blonde as he spoke to Devone, sizing him up. Just who are you..? Arietta's eyes never left him once, not until he was done speaking.

"Devone Kim I presume? Daniel Trist, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

She smiled a bit, looking over to Devone, "My, you're quite the celebrity." She giggled, then looked to Daniel. Do we have the same intentions? Or are you only after her status? The blonde knew she was 'using' Devone to improve her own popularity. Though even after Arietta gained her own recognition, she wouldn't drop Devone like a hot potato. She actually was enjoying herself once she got past her nerves. She was also looking for friendship. Is it really horrible to want your friends to also have usefulness? Her eyes flipped back to Daniel as she thought of it. Would you make a useful friend as well?

Bishop followed his host Daniel to the rather nice car, glancing to his side to see Keiko holding onto him. When they got in, he blinked seeing her (Keiko) be sat at the front and frowned a little bit, wanting her to join the two of them. "Humble? This car is nice! This leather is really cool." Bishop smiled rubbing the seat he was in, and looked around the interior of the car. His attitude about the whole experience spoke olumes on how different the upbringings were between Bishop and his cousin Daniel. He kept looking up to Keiko trying to figure out how to try and talk to the girl, but he couldn't think of anything.

When they arrived at the restaurant he smiled smelling the amazing food from the outside and looked around. The junior was completely oblivious to the happenings and security going about due to all the of the prestigious persons by this establishment. When Keiko clung to his right arm, he smiled and laughed a little beginning to walk. "Hungry?" Bishop asked the girl with his accented Japanese. They stepped inside and were seated immediately, he looked over the menu noticing that Daniel left to go to tlak to his former pen-pal Devone. He perked up seeing her slightly, but was curious about who the girl she was sitting with (Arieta). He noticed that she was another blonde like him and his cousin which was interesting. <Wow, I guess Japan is a lot more diverse than I originally thought.> "Keiko wonders if Daniel is going to eat with them instead of us." Bishop blinked turning to his curious friend (Keiko) and patted her back. "I'm sure he has a reason to talk to them... Now how about we decide what to eat?" He looked to the menu and saw a lot of delicious options but his face grimaced seeing the price on some of the items. "Oh... Wow." He looked to Keiko again and got an idea. "I- don't know about you but this is a little expensive... You wanna share a meal? It could be fun. Maybe eat something we both haven't had before."

Depending on what him and Keiko decided the two would definitely eat, and quite well. Bishop would ensure that Keiko got home safely then would be taken home himself by either Daniel or had his parents come pick him up. Bishop would give Daniel his phone number as well as Keiko for them to all stay in touch. Later that night he had his bags packed and was moved to his grandmother's house to allow his parents some alone time..... for stuff. He didn't know, and he kinda didn't want to know honestly.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________


Bishop woke up at an early time in the day to get himself ready for Varther's funeral. He sighed not in a really great mood today, but was sure to wear nice formal close, a black suit and tie with a white shirt. His grandmother- being old fashioned- nagged that he do certain things but Bishop dind't know Varther very well or his family. He couldn't say if they were going to have a 'traditional' buddhist Japanese funeral. But he had his condolence envelope, flowers and incense for the wake and funeral. He ate breakfast quietly, glancing at his phone but wasn't expecting anyone to call or text.

After breakfast he got into his aunt Musubi's small car and began to drive towards the funeral. He was quiet during the trip, except when he looked out the window and saw a pink haired girl he recognize (Momo). "Aunt Musubi, could you pull over? I know that girl." She pulled up to the bus stop, and Bishop rolled down the window peaking out. "Hey! Momo, are you going to Varther's funeral?" He asked, happy to see her but was sure not to sound too chipper about going to a funeral. Especially the one of their classmates. After her answer, he would extend the offer of giving her a lift to the location.

---

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"Well" Daniel said to the girls (Devone and Ariettta). "Meeting the two of you was the highlight of my day, but I'm sure you have many a topic to discuss privately." The boy began to turn away. "Oh yes...and if you ever decide to for whatever reason..." He flicked two cards with his phone number on the table. "Please feel free to contact me."

With that, the Junior walked over to sit with his own group (Bishop and Keiko). The meal was good, nothing short of what the price stated. He had Caleb take care of the group's bill before having him drive Bishop and Keiko home. Daniel provided his companions with cards as well, before saying farewell.

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The next morning, the blonde awoke from the sound of a rapping on the wall of his room. "Hello sir, are you awake?" It was undoubtably Caleb's voice.

"I am now." Daniel replied groggily. He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What time is it?" The boy asked.

"Right around 7 am sir. You know it's a good practice to awake at regular times."

"Yes, yes. Of course. I understand." Daniel climbed out of bed and dressed himself rather informaly. (A black T-shirt with khaki slacks, and a red blazer) He wasn't going anywhere in particular today, so he refrained from anything more formal. The two then strolled out the door, and into their car.

"Same place? Or are you feeling adventurous?"

"Same." The aristocrat looked out the window, watching as the buildings and padestrians zoomed by. Then, an idea hit him. "Maybe Bishop would like to kill some time together. After all, it's quite lonely to be a murderer without an accomplice." The boy pulled the phone from his pocket and tapped the icon with Bishop's name on it. "And from the way he's been eyeing these seats, I'm sure he wouldn't be dissapointed by the car we'll be taking." Smiling at the thought, he put the phone to his ear.

"Ah yes. Poor fellow, I do wish his sorry soul a proper resting place." Bishop was curious about what caused his cousin to speak so profoundly. He knew how to use the English language to try and impress people, but it was in his nature to be more care free and relaxed. He supposed it was Daniel's as well. From what he understood, the other blonde was well off compared to him. "As for a place to go...I'm sure we'll find one. Or we can go any place you'd like, on me of course!" The junior blinked unsure of he should take up on his fellow blonde's offer, it was a kind gesture but he wasn't the type to get by on other people's money. "Well that's awfully nice but-" "Wait, a 'friend' you say? This wouldn't by any chance be Keiko again, would it?" Bishop rubbed the back of his head an looked to Momo closing his eyes. "Aahh... Ummm, n-not exactly. I don't know if she'll be at the funeral. But if she is maybe we can add her too?" He found it curious to why Daniel would specifically ask about Keiko, she was great to be around and was welcomed company but seemed a little random he'd ask about her in his honest opinion.

"Oh do tell who it is Bishop, I don't mind Keiko or any friend of yours. A friend of yours is mine as well." "Oh umm, it's Momo to be exact. We're riding together to the funeral with my aunt and her mother." He spoke into the phone taking a glance at all the women in his car. It just occurred to him that he was the only guy and it caused a tinge of blush to spread across his cheeks. He turned back to the window adjusting the phone against his ear. "I'll try and find Keiko and see if she would like to join us, as well as Momo too. It would be nice for he all to do something positive after this." He glance up feeling his aunt's eyes on him, but didn't see anything, but he knew she was paying attention. "Till then ok?" He would await for his cousin's reply politely, then hang up as soon as he knew the conversation was over.