Day 1
At the rather casual introduction, Noah gave a friendly wave of his hand, still holding a pleasant smile as he and Kuro coaxed along the overtly gentle conversation. It was really out of place in the current setting, but just because the world was on he verge of extinction didn’t entail that they couldn’t keep their manners right? He was watching them, and surely, along with Noah’s own morals, would appreciate to treat the common man as such. There was no longer any established order, yes, but they couldn’t revert back to their cruel, primal instincts just yet—they had to rely on one another to survive efficiently. Besides, Noah felt partially responsible for all of this—even though he had saved everyone in Tokyo, he had also imprisoned them. And he would do his part, starting with this young boy.
"Ahaha, do we seem that calm? We’re just a couple of odd balls I guess you could say… But we’ll make sure you get somewhere safe, Kazuo-kun. At least until your leg will cooperate."
Looking to Kuro, whom was already helping Kazuo to his feet, Noah gave a nod as they made a sluggish trek towards their parked van a few more blocks away; It was pitiful, knowing that the younger was in pain because of an indirect injury like this—in fact, how many others were doomed to suffer in this great transition? Kazuo was but one in a sea of people—surely there was far worse to come. It was inevitable… but Noah kept from thinking too much upon the guilt and pressed on. There was simply no time right now. Luckily there had been no exterior damage done during the panic and everything was in tact once they arrived at their vehicle; It was apparent that they would most definitely have to be careful of the frantic bodies moving about and drive with utmost precaution. They couldn’t afford to let anymore accidents happen, especially of their own accord. Loading Kazuo up comfortably in the back seat, Noah seized the driver’s side, pulling out his keys and revving up the engine. And for a small split second, he realized it--he wouldn’t have a use for their apartment key anymore, or the spare for his old home—the home of his parents’ residence. They were but mementos now, a sad curve spreading upon his lips in one final understanding. You have to let go of those things now; You have a big job to do… The van all warmed up to go, Noah looked over to his partner on the side passenger seat to his immediate left and sighed. What was the point in hiding their activities? Really, it would only serve to make them look like the villains here with keeping such secrecy—-There was really no helping it now: Everyone, eventually, would have to come to learn the state of the world and what was happening within the Firmament. Kazuo would simply be the first. It was as simple as that. "Kazuo-kun… there’s something Kuro and I are about to tell you; it may seem unbelievable, or crazy even, but it’s the best explanation you’re going to get right now… Forgive me if it comes across as too much for you to handle…"
"Thanks." Kazuo smiled. "Where were you guys heading, anyway?"
Not being able to get around on his own made Kazuo antsy, normally. The last time he'd sprained an ankle he hadn't been able to run for a month. It had left him bouncing off the walls mentally, and though he'd kept up a carefree smile around everyone else, he'd been restless and agitated on his own. He was too used to working out his thoughts and his nervous energy with physical exercise to be able to sit around all day doing nothing.
But right now, he was relieved enough not to care, and busy trying to balance his weight against Kuro without overburdening him. He felt lucky that the walk to their van was so short, even if his slow pace meant it took a while to get there.
And it was lucky that their ride hadn't been vandalized. He'd expected more looting and damage with conditions like this... or maybe people were just too panicked to bother right now? Stealing cars or electronics or anything else that looters seemed to go after during normal disasters or blackouts didn't make much sense when things were so... abnormal. He guessed people were going to end up trying it anyway, though.Â
At least Noah and Kuro seemed to have escaped it for now. Kazuo just hoped his own home was far enough out of the way to have avoided this mess, too.
He wriggled around in the backseat for half a minute after they helped him up, finding a position that let him keep his leg somewhat elevated but wasn't completely unsafe.
"Sure, fire away," he said, buckling his seatbelt. Hearing them out about whatever they they were going to say was the least he could do in return for the help.
