maskormenacelogs | I will never go down any other way

[After their previous conversation concerning information about Yuu's world, along with learning of the reason behind his strong desire to reverse vampirism, Nike couldn't help wonder if there was additional news that Mika may have informed him about. As far as she knew about them, they haven't seen each other in a very long time, so it wouldn't surprise her if they had to catch up on stuff.

Her powers are now under control -- all due to the help of Kanaya's bangle on her wrist -- and enough time has passed to give them their much needed space. Now was a good time as any to poke Yuu's head and see if she can help him with anything since she can now help him better without too many distractions getting in the way. It was one of the many reasons she decided to schedule their meeting at the park. Other than Yuu enjoying the view of the sky, it was a good place to talk about anything without feeling trapped. Ducks are a good source of relaxation especially when they are fed. That's why Nike brought bread crumbs from her job with her today. It seems like Yuu had the same idea except for them.]

Thanks! Ice cream is always good to have any time of the year. [She'll take one.] At the very least, I wish I had them back home. They really help in cooling down, don't they?

Heh. Yup! Plus it tastes great. I wasn't sure on the flavor you might want but I hope that one's okay.

[It's not quite as often as they used to catch up, now she's moved and all. But at the same time, Yuu is glad she seems to be happy. That's the main thing. And they are wanting to still keep in touch of course. Whether he really pays the bracelet much if any mind, he is grateful for this. And the park in general. The sound of the ducks, the blue of the sky. After his upbringing it is no wonder he takes the chance to be outside as much as he can.]

No ice cream? [They had it back home even prior to the virus and all. But depending on Nike's timing back home maybe that was prior to figuring how to keep foods cold, frozen? Still he can't help instinctively asking even as he takes a lick of his frozen treat, watching the ducks swim or start to come closer to them on the shore.]

No, no, it's totally fine. I don't really have a favorite flavor or anything like that. Not until I taste all the flavors your company and this world has to offer first!

[She finds it almost impossible to make any type of inform decision. In this case, she needs to taste all the different types of ice cream flavors she can find. Until she does, she will happily accept anything that's offered to her. Who could really reject free treats? And besides, ice cream was one of the few tricks she found that has the ability to help her stay cool while ignore Heropa's voices. It was always one of her most preferred treats after a hot day at work.]

No. There wasn't any, as far as I know. [Enjoying her treat for a few more moments, taking the time to search through her memories for any clues of having heard about it. Somehow, she feels if it did exist, then her sisters would be in love with it, or it would be an expensive and private treat that only the wealthy can have.] I don't think ice cream has really been invented in my world yet. Which is a shame. I really like it.

That might not take as long as you're expecting if you keep visiting me on my breaks or when I get off of work like this, you know.

[But regardless, Yuu can't say he doesn't enjoy it. He gets to drive, even if it is a huge, slow truck. And he gets to make children smile. Which still amazes him even after everything back home. Or more precisely, because of everything that happened back home. He treasures it. That simplicity. The sound of their excitement as they order, the laughter.]

Guess there's a lot we both miss out on back home though.

[Home. That's likely just why Nike cornered him earlier to make him come here, now. He's aware he's probably been a little...distracted lately.]

All the more reason to keep doing it, right? I do want to decide on something soon. That way you don't have to feel uncertain over which flavor I would like best.

[Nike imagines he would be the type to fret whenever it came to other people. As laid back as he was, it wouldn't surprise her if he was more thoughtful than he lets on. He may not have his heart on his sleeve like many of her own friends and acquaintances, but Yuu wasn't impossible to read. He wasn't as much as an emotional mystery like Riku. His past back home was the true source of it than anything else.

And it was exactly the reason she decided for them to meet the way they have.

After all, the way he spoke about Mika, about wanting to tell her something about him. It all sounded very important. How could she miss the chance to touch upon it when Yuu suggested it? Without a second though, she will show Yuu the bag of bread crumbs.]

Speaking of missing out on back home, have you ever had the time to feed the ducks before? I know you said you like the sky best. What do you feel about animals, hm?

Well, so far there haven't been any you hated at least. [Though so far they haven't really gone for really out there flavours. Yuu will probably get there eventually. It's still the little, simple things about this place that cheer him. That are new to him in comparison to what he is used to back home.]

The ducks? Hm. Not really. We didn't really see a lot of animals or strays outside since the virus. [Probably ran off or killed by the Horsemen. Still, he doesn't want to bring this catch up down so soon so he gives a shrug.]

But sure. Animals are okay, I just never had one as a pet or anything.

That's because you keep bringing the ones that taste really good! [Of course she hasn't hated any when he keeps bringing her the more popular flavors first. At the very least, she figures they're popular flavors since she has seen ice cream parlors sell similar flavors.]

A virus? I don't think I've heard of that one before. What kind of virus can affect animals to the point they disappear? [The very idea of some type of illness killing all the ducks in the world was a little odd to her. Ducks are usually very easy to find, next to chickens and fish. It was curious to hear about that.]

Well, we're not here to adopt any new friends today. At least, not the pet kind. I think feeding them is more than enough to gain their gratitude. Ducks love eating bread. Just like the little fish too. Here. [She'll hand him a handful of the bread crumbs onto his hand.] Throw them their way before they decide to fright it out of you instead. [All said in a playful tone. Guess who has experience being attacked by ducks?]

I'm sure you'll let me know if I bring you one that doesn't. [Probably by Nike then wanting to try some of whatever he might have and ended up having that instead. But whatever.

And well....the virus is complicated.] I meant more that, well, there weren't as many humans to care for the animals. Or the ones in the wild, they probably were attacked by the Horsemen roaming around.

[Still. Her instructions seem simple enough, even if Yuu pouts a little at her teasing before doing as she tells him. Throwing some bread to the ducks as he licks his ice cream.]

You know I would! I'm not the type to lie.

[Eating her ice cream while Yuu offers an explanation over the type of virus that affected his home will leave her both curious and slightly weary at the thought. After all..] What are the Horsemen? [She doubts they are literally what the name suggests -- half horse and men. It'd be interesting if it were the case thought.

While Yuu takes care of the nearby groupd, Nike will concentrate on using her wind powers to boost her bread tosses over to the ducks by the miniature pond as an attempt to get their attention while eating her ice cream.]

I know you're not.

[She's never given him reason to suspect she's lied to him. Or if she ever has, it's probably been for something minor if at all. So he's not worried on that.]

The Horsemen are these...these monsters that showed up after the virus. Before I joined the military with the vampire extermination squad, I'd go out and deal with those.

[Because he still managed to at least feel useful and take out his frustrations on something that way.

But he doesn't get to dwell on it too much because the ducks quickly finish the bread and then look to him expectantly, one of them coming up raaaather close and peering at his ice cream.]

O-oi, no. It's not for you. [Yes, he is now all but pelting the bread at the duck.]

Monsters.... [She'll continue to silently listen to his explanation. It was all strange for monsters to appear due to a virus. Incurable illnesses are scary enough as it is. Adding monsters to the mix was slowly becoming a little overkill.] Are there many of these Horsemen back in your world? Are they difficult to defeat?

[It was just amaze to imagine Yuu taking them on. No matter how prepare of a fighter he may be, he was still just a kid in her eyes. Especially when he is slightly arguing with the ducks over his ice cream. Nike will try to hold back a giggle by entertaining her mouth with her frozen treat. The keyword being trying.]

Now, now, the more violent you get, the more it'll want to take your treat from you. Just entertain it with the bread and I'm sure it'll back off. [If not, she could always use her magic to slightly intimidate them.]

Many enough. But they aren't as tough as vampires. [Still usually require a squad to wear one down together, but not as powerful. Let alone as powerful as vampire nobles, but still a threat.

The childish air he gives off at times is probably prominent about now as he tries to shift and hold his ice cream away from the duck, throwing some bread down to the grass below their seating for it to concentrate on.

At least that seems to work.]

The vampires and Horsemen aren't connected, are they?

[She couldn't help wonder if it was the case. Just like, she can't help wonder if the virus had any connection with either one of those two things too.

There will be a light smile as she watches Yuu's solution to the duck problem. It was a good one. More than enough to get a head pat for it.]

Good work in figuring it out. For someone who hasn't fed ducks before, you're doing a good job in keeping them in line. [With another teasing tone.] How would you like to be the general of this duck army, huh?

Not really. The vampires were around before the virus and all. They just...took over after that, taking advantage. I think the Horsemen were some experiment.

[He never really thought on specifics. How it all came to be. There's still pieces he's missing, for all that he's piecing more information together from what he was told by Mika.]

General? Nah. That's....Guren and the Hiragi are the ones in charge.

[Even within their squad back home, Yuu isn't the leader. He's too reckless and headstrong, for as much as he is getting better on working with Shinoa and the others.]

Were they? [Give her a moment to think about it after throwing more bread over at the pond ducks, trying to increase their little brigade of ducks.] Hm. That would be a good way to take over the world, I guess. What do they look like? Are they really what their names suggest? [A Minotaur-looking experiment thing.

An amused, but almost indignant smile will pop up at his reply.]

But they aren't here now, and I don't think I'm general material. [Then again, she doubts she is royalty material neither.] One of us has to have some leadership skills or else they'll overwhelm us easily. Don't you want to have a duck army to follow you around?

Don't ask me. I kind of missed out on when they initially showed up and all and it's just...how things are now. But er, if you're thinking of literal people with horses or something, that's not....

[Not how things are. How they really look.]

I guess out of the two of us I am the one with military experience. But I dunno. A duck army is a pretty big step down from having an army of people with Cursed Gear. They don't even have any training.

[Teasing. Right back. He has something of a feeling she's leading this into why she brought him here. Home. Mika.]

Then how do they look like? Otherwise, the Horsemen will look like a weird mixture of people with horse bodies or horses with people bodies. Whichever one of the two that looks more menacing! [Or silly to her.

Just like this conversation right now. It'll get a feint pout from her.]

Don't already label them as inferior. You'd be surprise what a duck is capable of doing! They can be quite menacing if push comes to shove! [No, not really, they really can't, but she is more than willing to defend their honor all the same. Which, to be fair, the ducks were a rouse, for their upcoming conversation. She just needs to open the door to it a bit. In trying to figure out the reason for his slightly mood change.] Now that we're speaking about having an army of people with Cursed Gear, you did mention them before and Guren too. Does...Mika know about them too? Shinoa, Telephone Pole, Yoichi, and the other girl? [Whose name she forgot, sorry.]

I dunno how to describe them. They're just.....really big monsters. Not like that. Even if I guess I can see how you'd think that with the name.

[Still. That isn't why she dragged him here. To talk about the horsemen. He can tell, even with that pout of hers. Even as he rolls his eyes and scoff over her defending the ducks who scramble for the bread.]

Mika knows them, yeah. He....when I first found out he was still alive, I saw him attacking Guren. So I went in to stab him and kill him, not initially realizing it was him. I thought he was just another vampire. Shinoa and the others were there too. Kimizuki, Yoichi and Mitsuba. He had more time with the squad the next time, apparently. When we went on the run after the battle at Nagoya.

[It was true she was more interested to learn more about Mika and any information he may have told Yuu about their world, if the other boy was more ahead timeline wise.

Nike will stop eating her treat when Yuu began to explain the way they were reunited -- with Yuu attempting to murder Mika, believing he was rescuing his mentor from sudden doom. She'd make a comment about Guren's importance, but the wording in his final remark catches her attention instead.]

Why did you guys run away after the battle? What happened?

That's.....er, well. I kind of passed out last I remember. But Mika explained what happened after. Shinoa and the others defended him and let him get me out of there to recover for a bit. That's when we sort of actually got a chance to catch up, apparently. And when I....when I made him drink from me.

[He pauses in licking at his own ice cream for a bit then,lips pursing as he remembers Mika in his room suffering. Which probably wasn't nearly so bad as back home, since he regularly does get that synthetic blood here. Even if it's less effective, the way Krul's wasn't as effective over time.

He's not sure how much to say, swallowing even as he raises a hand to his neck where the bitemarks are.]

Why? [Why did he pass out? It couldn't have been one of Mika's comrades trying to rescue him after witnessing Yuu trying to kill him, could it? She highly doubts it considering Mika's over-protectiveness over the younger boy.

She'll continue to listen to Yuu's story while returning to enjoying her melting treat. The story was going smoothly until he said his final remark over allowing Mika to drink from him. Her attention will freeze for a moment. Wait a minute.

It'll take some time for all of the screws in her head to begin to turn. The idea that Mika was a vampire was beginning to make so much sense to her. With how, he warned her to not get too close because he has killed people before; the way Yuu was so desperate in finding a cure to vampirsm; the reason he confused Mika for another vampire was due to the uniform, most likely; along with the red eyes and now Yuu's bitemarks. Nike will jump to her feet as she realizes many minutes too late.]

Mika is a vampire! Is that...what you're trying to tell me? [Not that she's afraid or judging, she was just shocked in not having figured it out before.] ...Yuu, did you experience all of these moments or is that what Mika told you?

Why did I pass out? Ah, well, I was trying to help Guren. That was in He and Shinya were fighting one of the vampire nobles and I kind of took...was it three pills? A-anyway, Ashuramaru kind of took over for a bit, so I don't remember the fight much other than Guren yelling at me to get out or something.

[Yeah. Yuu's memory is a mess for various reasons, not just pertaining to the seraph experiments and all. Still, he doesn't want to outright lie, even if there might be certain things he's less...comfortable talking about.]

Mika...Mika is. I wasn't sure if you already figured, with his fangs and eyes. It happened years ago. But he spent years avoiding human blood. I don't remember that though. Mika told me stuff he knew after the last I remember back home.

[Like Guren.]

Do you mean the pills that give you super strength? Why did you take so many!?

[Didn't Yuu explain it was dangerous to take that much? She couldn't help feel as upset as Guren must have felt over the matter. Regardless of the circumstances, Yuu shouldn't have sacrifice or taken any chances!

She'll continue to listen to everything he had to say though. Making mental notes of it. The idea that Mika was a vampire, to be fair, she didn't really suspect until later on. Or to be more specific, in their previous conversation. Somehow, the way he was trying to hide a specific fact about him spoke volumes, but she didn't want to assume unless she was absolutely certain about it. Which Yuu validated it as true now.]

And yet he believes himself to be a killer. [A rueful smile.] I always knew he wasn't being entirely honest about that, not with the way he said it -- it felt more like a warning to keep away from him. I guess I now see why he did that. [But the way he admitted it as a way to not intimidated but warn her was what kept her from fully believing him.] ...do you want to talk about it? The stuff he told you about the future that you'll experience...?

Because Guren was in trouble! I mean, sure he can be a jerk sometimes, but...but he's still family.

[Therefore, Yuu would do whatever it took to save him. To save any one of them if he had to. Even if that meant literally dying - until Ashuramaru fixed him up.]

Well, he was....he was fighting with the vampires. So he probably has killed before. I have. But Mika probably just didn't want you getting hurt.

[He licks at the ice cream again, pausing as he considers her offer. All that Mika told him...he hasn't really had the chance to talk it out to anyone else yet.]

What Mika told me....a lot happened. Mostly with Nagoya, I guess. With Kimizuki's sister, and Guren.

[Of course he would sacrifice his life for his family. Nike should've guessed as much, no matter how against she is about it. Then again, she isn't one to talk considering she scarified her own future happiness for her country. She'll let it go and even pat his shoulder as a reward for his courage.]

...more reason I couldn't leave him alone though. Even if he has killed someone, the way he warned me about it...I took it as genuine concern for my safety. Would a true killer really do that?

[She doubts it. Just like she doubts Mika's heartless act. Deep down, she has a feeling he doesn't want to act the way he does, he only does it because he has been acting that way to survive for so long. It was all just assumption on her part, but for some reason she can't really leave that boy alone at all. The same can be said for Yuu too. It was really difficult in ignoring his mood changes, no matter how slightly different they may seem as.]

What happened to them?

Probably not. Even knowing he's a vampire now and all, I still...I can't really accept being on opposite sides of this fight.

[Not when Mika is concerned. Any and all other vampires are fair game though, as far as Yuu can tell. Particularly Ferid. The very thought of that noble has his free hand not holding the ice cream clenching in a fist as he purses his lips. Trying to find the way to word this but.....she's probably not going to take it much if any better than he had.]

There was a fight, at Nagoya. The military -- Kureto Hiragi and the rest, they'd brought Mirai. Kimizuki's sister. Only, we knew she had the virus but....they'd experimented on her too. The Seraph of the End project. I found Guren, but he was...apparently something wasn't right. I can't imagine he'd have stabbed me otherwise. But then, I guess I lose control again. Worse than in Shinjuku. It was after that fight we were on the run from both the military and the vampires. But Ferid and Crowley caught up with us. Ferid....he had Akane's head.

[He might not quite have mentioned Akane by name necessarily. But even so. It's obvious in the way he's all but shaking as he fumes at the very thought of such a sight that it upsets him. Infuriates him.]

I don't blame you neither.

[Especially when Mika was concerned. It must be hard to fight against him, she thinks. Just the thought that Yuu stabbed him, it made her curious to know his initial reaction to it was like. Her attention will return fully to him while listening to the rest of his story that his very best friend must have informed him about. There may have moments she had to momentarily pause as she tries to remember some of the names of the friends he has spoken about before. Mirai was Telephone Pole's younger sibling; the virus he has made mention of the disease that wiped out most of the animals; the Seraph of the End was new; the detail over him losing control was recent as well. However, the detail over Ferid having a girl's head will catch her attention especially after noticing Yuu's reaction to it. As much as details about Guren, the virus, and Mirai were important, somehow it feels like this detail was even more so.]

By her head, do you mean...decapitated? [A short pause.] Who is she? Akane?

I mean, four years after he killed her and the others from the Hyakuya orphanage besides Mika and I, when we all tried to escape Sanguinem....he still has her head.

[Decapitated. Yuu can only imagine the sight, not having actually seen it himself. But from the couple of times Yuu has dealt with Ferid, well. He's somehow not surprised, now he's actually had time to mull it over somewhat without raging. It's still there, simmering at the pit of his stomach, even now, but not now so strongly that it threatens to overpower him. That Ashuramaru tries to take advantage of it.]

That's horrible.

[More than horrible, it was disgusting. Only a vile individual would do something like that. Kill and keep the head of the person they assassinated. Nike already didn't like this Ferid. She already believe he was beyond redemption. But, noticing Yuu taking it worse than she has will have her reaching for his hand.]

I know this won't help or mean much, but I am so sorry, Yuu. I'm sorry that you'll experience that in the future. But I'm sure you'll find a way to take her back and allow her to rest. Don't allow him to bring you despair when he isn't here! [More like, she was pleading for him not to allow Ferid to influence him away from home.]

You don't need to apologize. It's -- it was all him. I wasn't even sure if he was still alive until Mika came here and talked to me. But....between us, we'll figure what to do about Akane. And the others, if it comes to that.

[Whether it is just her or Ferid might be implying he has the other Hyakuya kids' heads too. Still, he doesn't push her away or pull back from her reaching for his hand either.]

I don't even want to think if he shows up here. With the continuum, even if I did try get revenge, he'd just come back.

[All she can do is nod her head, believing Yuu over figuring out a way to save Akane from Ferid's hands. She'll just grip his hand a little tighter for good measure over her belief in his promise.

When he begins to talk about the best way to react to Ferid, Nike will take her time to reflect on it before making her decision over the matter.]

Don't speak to him. There is no reason for you to, even if he decides to use her head as leverage. He won't have as much power as he did in his world now that everyone else has super powers too. And if you do have to engage him, then do it in public spaces. But...if you have to meet with him in person, I rather you didn't do it alone. Even with Mika by your side. I want to be there too...

Wh--Nike, there's no way you'd want to be anywhere near him!

[He wouldn't be so worried on Mika's part. But Nike? Even if he might still be learning about her powers, he's still not sure he wants her exposed to Ferid. Remembering how the Hyakuya were right next to him initially when it all went down too, back then. How fast Ferid had been.

Sure, Nike isn't entirely defenseless, rarely anyone is around here, but even so. He can't help instinctively protesting and shaking his head at the idea, even as she grips his hand.]

[His reaction over not wanting her anywhere near Ferid will catch her off guard. Why did his reaction remind her a little of Livi's? It was almost enough to spook her.]

Why not!? I just want to make sure he doesn't mess with you! Rile you up! I just know his type to do just that because he gets off on that sorta thing.

[She just wanted to keep Yuu from doing anything rash. To keep his cool. She just didn't want him to be left alone with him. Neither him or Mika.]

It's too dangerous, that's why!

[Yuu doesn't want Nike getting involved if he can help it. If he can stop it and keep her safe. Not that it would take much if any digging for Ferid to pick up on her being pretty close to him or anything, if Ferid were to show up here.

Not that there would be a whole lot Yuu could do if Nike decided otherwise. She could be just as stubborn as him, of not moreso at times.]

I mean.....you're not wrong, but. I don't want to take that chance with you being there.

I will never go down any other way

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