Katana World

"……"

Zanya’s words, however, confused him. What did he mean, ‘he’d lost his fire’? And what was this about choosing not to turn him in? It probably wasn’t something he should complain about, but…Rouga didn’t get it.  Kisaragi Zanya didn’t know him. What he’d given him back at the fighting stage was a mere glimpse into what his life had been thus far—nothing more. Nothing he should have been able to base such an extreme decision off of…

"… You’re a fool."

—… Whatever. Once again, it wasn’t something he should question. If whatever bizarre conclusion Zanya had come to kept him and his father off his back, Rouga couldn’t care less about what he thought.

Zanya would offer a small smile, inclining his head after responding to the other’s comment on his apparent foolishness. He watched the other’s every move, and made no sudden movements as he reached into his pocket to withdraw a hand drawn map. Considering the time he’d put into it, it actually looked well, like a map. 

Eventually he’d heard an answer, and nodded energetically. 

“If you decide to put your trust in me and my aptitude for noting down landmarks, then this map is yours. While it may not be the best thing out there, the ‘scientists’ that dragged us here clearly had no intention on providing ones we could acquire by normal means.”

“Of course, it might not be a hundred percent accurate, but seeing as you seem rather stand offish as of this moment, I have little choice but to leave you be. I know that area relatively well, but even I, Zanya Kisaragi...” He would say the last part in a sheepish, yet somehow self loathing tone. “..Am not perfect.”

That being said, he would take a step closer. Not enough so he’d be invading personal space, but enough so that he could show the other what he’d drawn. All his time studying how the police operate seem to have paid off in this ability to map out quadrants. 

           —It mattered not. He was nearing his destination: the “District Gamma” he was informed that his housing would be located in. And while his sense of direction had gotten him this far, it seemed to finally reach its limits. Perhaps he could save time by speaking to one of the locals…

          Approaching a young lad with dark blue hair, the Warrior would speak. Hopefully he could simply find his answers and depart. (He was no master of social interaction, unfortunately…)

That quiet but strong voice the other had attempted to sway the youth's mind, but he held firm that this stranger was indeed a stranger. 

"If you are looking for an escort, you could have chosen a better person to inquire this of. However, seeing as I've been exploring for the past few days, I shall be able to take you to where you need to go."

With a small smile, the younger bowed his head to the much taller male. He felt as if he was in the presence of greatness...perhaps on par with the Legendary Brave Tasuku of the Dungeon World...

No, no, he must clear his thoughts of such foolishness. The man before him was lost, and Zanya could help him find his way, that was it. 

"I will be happy to show you around. I didn't really have that much help with that, so I know the situation you're in. I'm honored to assist you in whatever way I can, sir."

Aaaah, he was starting to sound like his father already! This place really was teaching him a thing or three about being more responsible about things!

Because, at that time, he’d thought that was what friendship was. He’d thought it only right to yield to the person that had given him a home, clothes, companionship—a life. That was what he’d deluded himself into thinking but in reality, he’d only been…—

Rouga ignored Cerberus’s growls at the person behind them, pausing only when he was informed that his direction would lead only to a dead end. It was then that he turned, eyes narrowed near-dangerously, expression twisted in a scowl. 

He would look at the other cautiously, but made no move to his core gadget or to activate his buddy skill. There was a sadness that must be addressed here, and he was going to attack it as best he can. He'd learned from the others that a little kindness could go a long way, and even though this was technically the wolf, he was acting as if they had broken fangs. 

"You and me team up? Only if you asked. But I would never force that on you. The only thing I want to do is to make sure nobody decides to put you out of your misery."

With that, his eyes narrowed behind his frames. 

"You almost look like you've lost your fire. If I have to anger you to make you get it back, then so be it. I remain by my choice not to turn you in. Not back home, and not here."

Folding his arms across his chest, he would glower at the other, not once backing down under that scowl and gaze at the other. He was the son of the head of police. He would NOT scare so easily. 

He wanted the other to have a chance. That's all. 

He reached for his own mug, taking a small sip. He still couldn’t puzzle why Zanya had fainted like that, but it probably wasn’t best to ask about something like that right now… The poor boy seemed quite embarrassed.

"A-ah… You don’t have to address me like that…" He was vaguely aware that more than a few girls referred to him as such, but never had he been called that in a one-to-one conversation. "Something like ‘senpai’ is fine, right? Ah, sorry, that sounded a little pretentious… Anyway, there’s no need for formalities. We’re equals."

"I hope you don’t mind, but I checked your ankle over. There’s a bit of a sprain, but it’s nothing too serious so you should be okay soon. Still, I wouldn’t risk worsening it anymore today if I were you."

"I’ll have to ask my friend if you can stay the night, but if not, I’ll walk you back to wherever you live. Don’t be shy about it, alright? I’ll be happy if I can help at all."

He paused. What more could he do to break the ice…? Oh!

It did a world of good to calm him down, to drink the tea. Over a small silence between the two of them, he finally seemed to be able to lose his flustered state. 

However, when the discussion started again, he felt that same flutter of panic in his chest at the other actually speaking to him, of all people. He...wanted to make the other proud of him somehow, in the same way he strived to impress his father by being one of the best, if not the best, in his grade. 

"O-oh...sorry. I heard you called that and assumed that...was how one should address you. You said you'd let me call you...S-Senpai?"

What, equals? He and Tasuku as...equals?

With a small whine he shook his head, biting at his lower lip before answering. "Senpai, as someone who intends to join the Buddy Police, I cannot look at you in that way just yet! Maybe when I join, but...not now. You are clearly my superior, s-senpai."

His voice had cracked mid sentence from budding anxiety, and he was about to flub up again, he just KNEW it. He'd set the tea aside and buried his face in his hands at his own embarrassment...he couldn't even talk correctly anymore! 

"No...I can't impose that m-much! I can walk just fine. I can...Hnnn..." He trailed off. Tasuku, walking him home? No, no he couldn't allow that! That would just freak him out all the more!

"I-I'll stay only if it isn't any trouble. If there is, then I'll see myself out, senpai.Thank you again for patching me up. If I wasn't so clumsy..."

There was a long silence that followed when his name was asked. Tasuku didn't know who he was? Well Zanya wasn't really anybody important, so he'd forgive the other for forgetting about him. The next time he spoke, it was in a quiet voice, almost a whisper, muffled through his hands as he continued, unable to even remove his visage from hiding. 

He...did not just hear what he thought he heard, did he? Stabbing people was /illegal/, and Zanya's father, being involved in the Justice system back home, had plans for Zanya to take his place once he'd grown up. And now that he arrived in this city, laws were completely abandoned?

Still, he had to answer in as polite tone as he could. 

"Ah...thank you. That is obviously the answer I've been looking for this whole time--I am in your debt. I now know what I must do."