(GS3) Field: Destroyed Shopping District

[Cherry]

Yugure didn't even get a chance to call out the name of her friend before he bolted out the door. What on earth got into him? It felt like he barely took note of her... The woman bit her lip, having seen the people she cared about scurry away from her as fast as possible. A smile that was supposed to be warm and inviting to new comrades turned into a scowl of sorrow. I never should have come back, was the thought that rang in mind.

The soldier sat there, a confused mess, trying to figure out what to do.

[Cipher Izanagi]

Seifer watched as Satoshi had run out, not knowing why he did so, he frowned. He'd try to talk to him later about what had just occurred. However, when his attention switched back to Yugure he gave a soft sigh shaking his head. "Not that it's my place, nor should you really take what I say to heart, but for someone like you, that look doesn't suit you. ...I don't really know what's going on, and I won't pry any further than anyone lets me..." he took a moment to mull over his next choice of words before opening his mouth to speak again. "...How about instead of me continuing to act stupid, and say the wrong things, you tell me why you really came here." he was more direct and firm with the next statement, but his face was actually kind and understanding. Probably an odd mix of signals.

[Cherry]

... The job of this knight was to gather warriors for the oncoming onslaught. A nightmare in which they would have to do what they can to survive. Being sad wasn't part of her job description. Seifer was right, it didn't suit her. "Thank you." Gratitude was expressed before hearing an inquiry for why she actually came in. Honestly, the thought of new friends sounded really nice. However, pressing matters came before her heart.

"... I need your assistance as a champion. We're all going to be in danger soon", stating similar things said to Hikaru, she went on. "I need people who want to survive, and want others to survive."

[Cipher Izanagi]

The brunette remained quiet for a few moments staring blankly at the female before him. Trouble? Survival? He took one glance at Rosalia's sleeping form, still leaned against him before looking back at Yugure. She had even mentioned the word champion. So it was something about that again. The same thing that he had asked both Satoshi and Neo to not bring up anymore. However here she was, asking for his assistance in something else. He opened his mouth to decline it, and yet... "...Just what do you mean danger. What do you mean you need people that want to survive."

[Cherry]

"Otherworldly beings are going to come to us... They're more advanced than us, incredibly ruthless, and won't stop until..."

Beginning from her nightmares of a year's past, the reality was a vision she dreaded. As cruel as it seemed, the woman hoped the sight Seifer's beloved peacefully sleeping the night away would give him drive. When a person or object precious to a warrior was on the line, it tended to bring out latent potential. That's how she wanted to believe it was for Exculpate and her powers.

"I can't give all the details yet. I'll... be able to give them to all of you freely soon enough."

[Cipher Izanagi]

Otherwordly beings... "...I'll help on one condition." Seifer paused again, this time his face becoming deathly serious, which was definitely not normal for him, though she may not of been able to tell. "If this is going to involve those around me, you tell me the details in full now. I want to help, and Rose here being in danger is more than enough... But last year..." he sighed this time shutting his eyes. "I got in over my head last year. I failed. This time I want to know every detail I can so I can prepare. That's my condition. No secrets, no hiding the truth." opening his eyes as he finished, Seifer waiting for Yugure's answer. What she chose to do here would determine what path he took.

[Cherry]

"I'd give you the exact details if I was allowed to", the soldier stated, not meeting his demands. "This is different from last year, we're not aiming to win once everything starts. I can tell you that these beings control the power to seal away entire beings. Not only that, but they can greatly twist the workings of a heart."

At the very least, she could tell him that. Anything to let Seifer know that hiding the truth and keeping secrets isn't a task she wanted to fulfill. Nevertheless, it was one she had to. A quiet sigh was let out, knowing that this would be unsatisfactory. Still, an attempt had to be made.

[Cipher Izanagi]

Seifer gave a soft sigh at the response, staying silent for several moments and increasing the tension in the air. His face showed that he was slightly annoyed with her answer, but while it was not the answer he wanted, he got enough information to make a choice. "Almost like mind control. M'kay..." without a word he shifted Rosalia's weight lifting her up onto his back like a piggy back ride, placing his number written down on a slip of paper in front of Yugure, his eyes a soft crimson in the shadow of his bangs. "When whoever is pulling your strings decides to say that you are allowed to tell the people who's lives are at stake every detail, contact me. I've decided I'm going to help for now... If for no reason other than to just protect Rose." shifting the red head on his back a bit more so that she wouldn't fall, he stood fully, his eyes shifting from crimson to a sky blue. "I'm sure I'm not the only one you've spoken to, and I'll be honest right now. ...If certain things hadn't happened over the previous couple of days, I would of walked out on you the moment you started talking about this. ...I wanted to get away from the past and try to enjoy my life, and Vanguard again. ...Keep in mind the lives that are at risk here. It's not just me, whoever's ordering you around, or you. It's people who are not even involved... If what you said is true. ...And while I find it hard to believe, I'm going to put my faith in your words. I just hope the puppet master in this scenario understands that lives aren't play things and secrets aren't something to be kept when danger is just around the corner." he didn't speak the last bit with any venom, nor did he display any malice. It was a rather even look and tone he wore the entire time. She probably got an answer completely different from what she expected, and maybe more dialogue from him than she could of wanted, but he spoke his mind in order to convey the severity of the situation from his point of view. "One more thing. Even if the other people you ask are more willing to do what you say, without questioning anything... At least tell them what you told me, about the sealing and heart warping." with that, he actually gave a small, somewhat comforting and seemingly out of place smile given the weight of what was being talked about. Shifting one more time so that he was absolutely sure that the red head on his back wouldn't fall, he made his way out of the coffee shop, and toward his house.

Yugure AF+1

[Cherry]

It wasn't a venomous response, which was nice. Calling her real commander some sort of puppet master wasn't very appreciated, however. Still, it was to be expected from one who had to be kept in the dark. Of course lives were at stake, that's why Yugure didn't dare get anyone's hopes up. Humanity was going to be torn apart and mangled before getting even a slight glimpse at a lasting victory. Taking the slip with the number, she met his eye contact with one gratitude and utmost dedication to the effort. Hopefully, her expression was taken to heart and not for granted. "I wanted to get away from my past too."

The disgusting time of her former selves made her stomach churn. Enjoying Vanguard was a far away dream for the girl, however. But it wasn't for Seifer and Rosalia. Thankfully, despite how the man felt, he agreed to assist. "Thank you. I'll tell you everything when I can. And I'll tell the others about the sealing and heart manipulation."

Seifer +2 Affinity

Tsubasa, Hikaru and gang, along with Seifer. A militia more powerful than this would be necessary, but required those who could steel themselves. Adding the number to her phone, she noticed Satoshi requested her presence at the beach. Time to go after him.

[Jello]

Slipping on his gloves and getting to the coffee bar, he leaned against a wall, propping himself up while texting Shiki.

"at stargatebucks, head over asapppp < o , o < > o , o > -haru"

He started on his famous Royal Brew-Irish Creme blend with vanilla and a bit less than a dash of cinnamon. He was excited to have Shiki taste-test this for him... but also he had a bit of venting to do today. Haruka was actually a tad bit worried about how Shiki would take all of this. Does Shiki ever get serious outside of Cardfights? And even then he isn't really THAT serious... Hmm...

[Nobody]

Thankfully, he was already on his way out so it didn't take long for Shiki to arrive at his destination as guided by Haruka's amazing messages. Hell, this time he didn't even get lost, what a miracle.

Shiki greeted Haruka with a wave, and sat at some table close to him because standing is for fit people.

"Here I am, what's up?"

[Jello]

Sliding the new concoction of coffee over to Shiki, Haruka seated himself in front of Shiki. It's easier to talk when you can chat face-to-face anyways. He had some interesting news for the guy.

"I've been cheating on my girlfriend with an idol who is also my girlfriend's sister. I've been getting eaten alive by guilt but then I also really like the idol cause she's been helping me get on my feet and standing by me when my girlfriend was absent but I'm still cheating and that's really messed up so I need help. Shiki. Help me."

Haruka was leaning over the table talking to Shiki, maybe a bit too close for comfort. But getting the point across was the big deal here. He was really worried and Shiki seemed like a maybe, sort of, semi-viable choice to vent too.

"Also try this coffee I made. It should be good but I don't know what you like so, ehh." He scratched behind his ear, sitting back down in his seat casually.

[Nobody]

This situation was rather, new for Shiki. His skills in picking up girls were lacking and he never really had any close friend to ever have that sort of talk. Needless to say, at first he was confused, but then thinking mode engaged.

"Take them both, ofcourse!" was the first thing that came to mind, but that wasn't the right thing to say right? Afterall, Haruka's a friend.

"Talk with the girlfriend about her disappereance?" he asked, taking a sip from the mug, tasting it a bit and then tilting his head left and right, eyes pointed upwards while he was trying to form an opinion on the taste.

"This is.. pretty good actually!"

[Jello]

First, Haruka gave a slight fist pump of success for Shiki's like of his coffee. Another point for the coffee-making community. But also, he became slightly concerned with Shiki's idea. Confronting Yukino about her disappearance was a risky idea, considering she would definitely feel entitled to ask questions back. Like.

Why are you always with Hana?

Are you cheating on me with Hana?

We're through.

For some reason every time he imagined seeing Yukino, he felt as though it would go exactly like that. And that made him have mini panic-attacks on the spot. He took a couple of deep breaths before returning to Shiki's idea.

"I could do that, yeah... I'm just not sure if I should tell her about the cheating as well. Do you think she'd forgive me? I mean, Yukino is pretty rock solid recently..."

He sort of used a weird analogy to mean she had a rigid personality, but it could also be misconstrued as "not flexible" or something. Awkward. However, Shiki was right about at least talking to her. Haruka had spent so much time in Hana's arms and not his own girlfriend's. That was already a bit off as is.

So, remember when I called you the scum of the Earth? You still are.

... Only sort of, My Vanguard. Only sort of.

Rip.

[Nobody]

"You know what those repetitious internet slangs that everyone seems to repeat untill their death for no reason and that somehow spread across the entire word say, you only live once." he exclaimed, slowly drinking Haruka's own experiment over the course of this conversation. This was really something, not even Shiki himself knew he could actually take this matter somewhat seriously. The wonders of friendship.