Required Assistance [Sukiro]

Once again, Tsurinai Naito found himself walking through the hallways dedicated to the first years. His eyes were narrowed, and his arms were folded across his chest. He wasn't particularly looking at anyone, but he did get a few looks himself. Maybe because he was so rarely seen walking in the hallways for the first years. After all, he was only usually found around his own classes, the Kendo Club, and then the dorms. He wasn't the type to simply walk around with no reason, so many guessed what he was looking for at this time. Even with the numerous eyes following his every step, the confident Tsurinai continue with his stride that would lead him to class 1 - A. He seemed to time it perfectly, as when he grasped the handle of the door the final bell of the day would ring with all of its splendor. Many students were rushing to get home, and as he opened the door he found himself face to face with numerous first years ready to charge out the doorway. However, out of respect for their senpai, or just fear, they stepped aside and allowed Naito to enter the classroom. His silver eyes looked towards the teacher first, and he gave her a slight nod signifying either respect, or acknowledgement. This wasn't the first time he had come into her class. It had happened once before when he offered to walk home with Kiyomi Mio just so he could speak with her about a few things. Of course, the conversation didn't go entirely well, but he was impressed with her resolve. Though, he believed she was too foolish and spoke too much of friendship. That was not the meaning of strength. Atleast not in his eyes. Though he didn't agree with her opinion, he did not disrespect it. Or atleast, he didn't attempt to. Ever since their first meeting, apparently Naito came off as rude. Was he really so rude, or just kept things blunt and to the point? Whatever the case, he needed her assistance this time around.

Looking for Kiyomi Mio, the silver haired student would finally speak. "This is sudden Kiyomi Mio, but I need your assistance. If you're free today, can you accompany to Shibakuzoi? I'll pay for the bus fair, so it will not cost a dime for you." Tsurinai Naito spoke with his usual calm tone and didn't hesitate to make eye contact with the young female. Since this was the second time he had come to her directly in class, it was obvious that rumours would spread because of it. Naito honestly didn't care about rumours such as this. After all, his entire life was based on business and anything non business related did not interest him. He knew Kiyomi Mio was an avid reader, and knew she probably knew of books he had not known of. This was why he came to her for help. There was a large book store located in Shibakuzoi, so with her help he'd be able to learn as much as he could about Personas or Shadows. And since she were a Persona-User, he didn't need to hide anything from her. Not any more, at least. Of course, after their last talk it was sure to be an awkward time with one another. Well, maybe on her part. Tsurinai Naito wasn't the type to dwell on the past, and he believed he could convince her to change her mind about her speakings of "friendship." After all, what did friends do for one another? They were used against you, or used by you. No one wanted a friend unless that person had their uses. Atleast, this was what Tsurinai Naito firmly believed. For someone with his upbringing, you could not blame him for thinking this.

Regardless, Tsurinai Naito placed a hand on his side and awaited Kiyomi's response to his request. The calm expression on his face signified his current mood. Indifferent as always.

Its another day within the walls of Kizuna Academy, someone quiet and slow like most days in school were. Inside room 1-A the freshmen class watched as their teacher was up on the podium a book opened in one hand while pointing to students in the class to stand and  speak in front of the class. Picking those who were somewhat the quietest or the most hardworking students in the class, some of which didn't wish to do so and just skipped their turn. One of which was Mio, standing at her desk with her workbook in both hands and spoke aloud toward the class, keeping her eyes set on the book so she wouldn't feel nervous looking at the rest of the class. The bell rang as she spoke.

"Alright thanks for speaking. We'll continue this tomorrow."

Ms. Shepard spoke toward the class, as they all quickly started gathering their things and one after another they headed toward the door. When suddenly the door opened and everyone stopped completely before moving to the side. Mio taking her time placing her books in her bag, and was curious of what was wrong with everyone and looked their way. And as she turned her head, she watched Naito walk into the classroom slowly walking and nodded toward the teacher, with everyone's eyes on him from behind. She quickly turned her head back toward her bag and sighed, She can hear foot steps coming closer toward her desk.

"This is sudden Kiyomi Mio, but I need your assistance. If you're free today, can you accompany to Shibakuzoi? I'll pay for the bus fair, so it will not cost a dime for you."

He spoke in his usual tone and stared her in the eye, as she looked up to him. Her heart was beating faster then usual, though not for any reason she would rather have but one of anticipation and not really knowing what to say. The day of when he was going to walk her home and their, what she would call a fight returned to her head within those few seconds. Was this to make up for that, or was it a chance for him to get some pay back.

"I guess I can spare some of my time. But you don't have to pay for me, I got enough to get myself around."

She said in a soft tone, though not trying to look him directly in the eye and closed up her bag, throwing it over her shoulder. She slowly walk out into the isle of desks and toward the door, not worrying if Naito was following her out or not. But just wanting to leave the room was what she wanted to do.

Tsurinai Naito did not say a word as the young woman stood up and headed for the door. Was her not taking his money a pride thing, or was it resentment from their previous conversation? No matter, the Tsurinai simply followed behind her while crossing both arms across his chest. Of course his face was as calm as ever, but the boy couldn't help but question what his female partner was thinking. It was obvious she didn't like him. Or atleast didn't like his morals and ideals. She took great pride in respecting those around herself, which was the complete opposite of what Naito stood for. Where he wished for humanity to evolve through strength and struggle, she was more nurturing. Of course this bothered him, but he knew once she saw the reality of life she'd change. Everyone would change once they got a taste of it.  Though could someone like himself, who was arguably sheltered the majority of his life, talk about experiencing life? Regardless, he'd follow Kiyomi Mio out into the hallway where he'd finally look to explain why he had come for her. Shifting his silver hues to their corners, he'd tilt his head and finally open his mouth. "I could use your assistance, Kiyomi Mio. I've searched this library up and down and couldn't find a certain piece of literature I need for my research. I recall our first day together you were in the library yourself. I took it upon myself to assume you're an avid reader, so surely you'd be of help when it came to anything dealing with books. Though, I could be mistaken." Naito gave a brief shrug of the shoulders as he continued to walk, but awaited her to walk by his side. It'd be much easier to talk this way without having to awkwardly stop. To be honest, it seemed the only time the silver haired swordsman talked with the female was when he wanted to know something. He had never just accompanied her just for the hell of it. She was not the only one he was this way with now that he put some thought into it. Where the majority of the student body, not including himself, were looking to always spend time with friends and neglect their studies he was the exact opposite. Perhaps that was one reason why he kept such a distance from many of the children his own age. They didn't hold much in common, and most of them were severely immature for their age. Or just blabbermouths that were so obsessed with their own voice. Constantly vomiting drivel that had no meaning or cause for leaving their lips. Boy was Naito cynical when it came to the people he surrounded himself with. In all honesty, he most likely wouldn't have been talking to Kano and company if they hadn't shared the same potential of summoning a Persona. After all, they were born on two different leaves. 

Once reaching the exit of the school, Naito would press open the door and hold it for Kiyomi to exit first. Of course the weather was still cold, and light snowflakes danced down from the crystal clear sky. The teenager couldn't help but look at the sky with narrowed eyes and a slight frown. It may have looked as though he was sad, but in reality he was not. He just was not used to the weather yet. When he transferred to the Ueitawa Region it was so warm back home. Coming to a mountainous, cold region out in the middle of nowhere was a turn off to say the least. Though he should have been grateful! If it weren't for Ueitawa, he wouldn't have unlocked his true potential. The power of Persona was going to be a game changer for his life. Ever since his private studies as a child, he had read about the supernatural world involving demons and other selves, be he never expected he'd experience such things first hand. It made him wonder just how many more people in Ueitawa had the power to evoke a Persona to aid them in combat. If he were to go by a count of what he had seen, it would be about... seven, if not more. That were alot of users, and those were all just recently aswell. The disappearances were occurring before he had even come to Ueitawa, so that meant there were possibly more Persona users even before them. It was certainly something to look into when they got the chance. Although, it was a relevant subject to bring up right now, wasn't it?

Looking towards Mio, Naito would begin to try and probe her mind for alittle bit of answers. "Kiyomi, how long have you been living here in Ueitawa? I'm just curious."

Gripping her bag's strap tightly as she walk through the first year hallway, walking with pose and her footsteps were louder then the students that walked by. She whisked her long braid over her shoulder letting it dangle and jump with every step she took, with her face more serious then her casual/energetic self. She feels a certain pressure, as if some kind of weight has been put on her shoulders, maybe from Naito's "surprise" visit or maybe she just feels a little stressed out because of whats been happening lately. She didn't really know what to do at this point but just do what Naito asks of her and try not to get overpowered by hardheadedness of how much he thinks he's better then others. Just thinking about it made her upset and she tried to put those thoughts aside as he began to speak.

"I could use your assistance, Kiyomi Mio. I've searched this library up and down and couldn't find a certain piece of literature I need for my research. I recall our first day together you were in the library yourself. I took it upon myself to assume you're an avid reader, so surely you'd be of help when it came to anything dealing with books. Though, I could be mistaken."

He said towards her. She of course didn't mind that he assumed of her as a book worm being that she's mostly found within the library of the school. And there is a chance that the library wouldn't have the book, in which case he'd have to go to a larger library or a book store. She took a large sigh, before slumping her shoulders and continued  with her pace slightly slower then his was, she she would have to be directly next to him, but still keep an eye on him. She noticed that Naito did make her a little edgy but she thought of it as a good thing and needs someone to keep her on her toes.

"I see. Well I do dabble with books mostly novels, but I think if we both looked around a bit we can find whatever your looking for."

She said with a emotionless tone. Again though not his fault for thinking like that, though just the sound of it gives her a little nudge in the wrong direction. As they we're closing in on the double doors, Naito opened the door but stood aside, which surprised Mio quite a bit. It made her spirits jump a little but she held onto it for a bit, not wanting to show him anything. She simply walked through into the open grounds, as the cold winter air brushed against her cheek.

"Thank you."

She said before walking out completely and looked around seeing some of the students still outside doing their own thing.

"Kiyomi, how long have you been living here in Ueitawa? I'm just curious."

She turned around, tilting her head in the process. Wondering why he wanted to know, but then again to Mio, he was like a half open book. Once you read one of those pages, you can tell what the rest of the story is going to be about. Placing her finger on her bottom pink lip, she stared into the cloudy sky above them. It hasn't been that long since she came to the school, she entered only a few days late but in the end it was about three to four weeks she's been here now.


"I'ma go with three weeks."

She said lifting three fingers up toward Naito before turning herself around, taking hold of her bag once more. She headed down toward the schools gates and looked down the street with the bus stop not to far from their school, used by those students that live away from school grounds. As she walked up to the bus schedule that was hanged in a glass case, it read that the next bus was coming in another six minutes. She sighed and pushed up her glasses, before looking down the road hoping to see it come around early.

When she answered his question and turned around, Naito couldn't help but raise a brow and tilt his head to the side. She had been there for only three weeks, yet was a target for the culprit to toss into Limbo so quickly. Was it because she was around them, them being the Persona-Users, that the culprit made her a target? It was surely a possibility, and the thought caused Tsurinai Naito to stop in his tracks and ponder about it. They were only seen together in school, in the library. However, there was a chance Kiyomi had spent time with Kano Genji or Ogami Gabishi outside of school before that date, correct? After all, Kano seemed to know her from somewhere before. Ogami seemed to be meeting her for the first time then though. This quickly prompted the silver haired teenager to immediately ask another question after she had just answered. "Kiyomi Mio, did you happen to meet Kano Genji outside of school before we met that day in the library? Actually, did you meet any of us outside of school before or after we met at the library that day before you became a Persona-User?" It was a broad question but had a deep meaning behind it. If she had only been around them during school hours, that most likely meant the person tossing people into Limbo was a member of Kizuna Academy. It was possible the culprit was watching them the majority of their day.. It was possible the culprit was watching them as they spoke right then and there. The young male couldn't help but shift his silver eyes to their corners before picking up the pace of his stride. Walking beside Mio, he'd take her hand in his own and speed up their arrival to the bus station. Though he didn't say a word, he looked her into the eyes and expected her to pick up the signs of "let's not talk here." After all, if he was correct then it meant the culprit would always be ahead of them. After all, they'd be able to watch them, gather information on them, and act around them with ease. When they finally reached the bus stop, he'd let go of her hand and look back towards the trail they had come from. He was looking to see if anyone had been following them, but alas all he could see was a few students wandering around. It could have been any of them.

"I never really thought about it before, but if the culprit was someone who went to school with us, then they could always keep tabs on us. Also, if I recall correctly, Kano Genji received a letter saying someone important to him was going to be thrown into Limbo if we didn't stop helping people. Then a few days later you were sent into Limbo, probably because the person mistook you for his girlfriend or a close friend." The silver haired teenager pinched his chin between his index finger and thumb, obviously giving this some serious thought. It would be hard to narrow down who exactly it was that was tossing people into Limbo just from taking Kiyomi's case in the matter. After all, how many students used that library? Naito couldn't help but give a sigh as he raised his hand to the narrow of his nose and pinched it. There was just too much he didn't know about what was going on, and he didn't like it. For someone who loved to surround himself with information, missing out on such details made his job of finding the culprit much more difficult. And this also meant his job of recreating the world with Limbo would be more difficult if he couldn't take control of it away from the person misusing it. "How troublesome.." He whispered beneath his breath.

During these moments the bus finally arrived for the two students, and he'd make his way onto the bus before Mio on purpose. Putting enough fair into the container for the both of him, he'd head back towards the back of the bus and would take a seat, obviously still in thought. It wasn't like him to want the opinion of others, but he'd look over towards Mio and give a slight tilt of his head. "Any ideas of your own, Mio? Anything at all?" He hadn't even noticed he used her first name only this time around. Something he never did when referring or talking to another person.

Tsurinai Naito was not one to think of women as anymore than potential business partners, but he'd be lying if he said he was expecting Kiyomi Mio to take the seat beside him. His silver eyes had shifted away, looking towards the window of the bus, and a subtle frown found a way to his face. It wasn't as though he was upset, he simply was a stranger when it came to people invading his personal space in such ways. Though he held himself higher than those around him, one still needed to remember Naito was a teenage boy. This meant he still was inclined to have small moments where his basic instinct reverted to that of an average young man near a female. To keep his eyes from wandering to Kiyomi, he made an extra effort to send them towards the window so he had nothing to look at. It helped keep his mind on the situation before him, and also helped him focus alittle bit more than before. Getting his mind back on the subject, the young Tsurinai began to grind his teeth. If this culprit was a student at the school, then why would they be tossing other students into Limbo? Would it be for some kind of reason? Perhaps attempting to gain status and getting rid of those who may possibly get in their way in the future? No, that couldn't have been the case. The people that were thrown in were too different, and the only things they had in common were they were all students at Kizuna Academy. Well, even that was partially true, seeing how other people were disappearing outside of the school aswell. It was possible more than one person was doing the tossing of people into Limbo, and if that was the case then one of the culprits shared a building with them six days out of the week. It could have been a teacher.. It could have been another student.. It could have been anyone. What a pain in the ass. Naito found himself cogitating more and more over possible suspects, and in the end it all lead back to nothing. More information was needed, even for someone with a mind such as his.

Looking back towards Kiyomi, the silver haired teenager would listen to her words. If this person was attempting to lower their numbers, then why toss people into Limbo in the first place? It was like he was giving them more ammo to use against him in the end. Was this their true motive, or was their something more. The bad part about comparing this to a book was there was a definite beginning that lead to a definite end. When it came to this journey, those involved had no idea where they were going. It was like walking down a broken path with a dim match, and darkness all around you. The one thing that kept Naito going was the possibility of the Hierarchy. Limbo was no a curse, it was a gift. With its power, alot of people could evolve into competent beings. After all, humanity was becoming quite stale, and it was possible the person behind these disappearances knew this aswell. The Tsurinai wished to meet the man or woman and probe their mind for why they were doing it. If he agreed, there was a chance he'd even let them continue. Atleast, that's what he told himself. Even Naito was brainwashing himself to believe he'd do such cruel things, when in reality he would not. After all, his whole reason for the hierarchy wasn't just because he wanted a world ruled with power.. There was a deeper meaning behind it aswell. Something he planned on keeping to himself.

"We're going to need to think about our next moves more carefully. Since the culprit probably knows us personally, they most likely know our strengths and weaknesses as people in general. Infact, they could even know where we live, our usual schedule, and how to pick us off one by one. It goes without saying they are most likely a Persona-User, since they can see the doorways to Limbo, so it is possible they're formidable. But that's fine.." The silver haired boy would cross his arms over his chest and close his eyes. A thin smile came across his pale face as he tilted his head down and finally continue to speak. "..I don't think he's betting on us being formidable aswell. Each day that passes, we grow in strength. Soon he, or she, will be the one looking over their shoulder at every pass." At this time, the bus was coming to a stop in the busy city of Shibakuzoi. Opening his eyes, Naito would look out the window with a calm expression. He had almost forgot why he had asked Kiyomi to accompany him. 

Standing up, he'd await her to exit the bus first before following behind her. Once they were both out onto the sidewalk, he'd begin to lead the way to the bookstore. "Kiyomi Mio, I'm sure you think I'm a bad guy with how I talk about others, don't you?" The question literally came out of nowhere, and was asked in a rather blunt tone. However, the thin smile was still plastered upon the Tsurinai's face. "I'm no stranger to people expressing their opinions about my beliefs. Alot of others believe my ideals to be too intense for this world. I feel that is an excuse not to strive for change." Placing a hand on his side, he'd turn to look towards his underclassmen, looking to see her reaction to his sudden words.

"Oh, is that so?" The young Tsurinai said this as calmly as everything else that left his lips. Not many things fazed him, and personal opinion was surely note one of these very things. After all, when you were the son of a business man who ran a very prestigious company, you heard things through the grapevine. Some things were easy to ignore, while others required a few adjustments. Kiyomi Mio was a fellow student, and one who shared his power. Though this meant very little to him, it gave him a reason to acknowledge what she said. When she spoke her mind in their last encounter, he simply left because he believed replying would lower himself to her level. Now he was learning abit more about this person he thought as a slight nuisance before. Like a child, he believed Mio was naive to the true nature of the world, and that was why she was so inclined to speak on needing others. She probably didn't have much experience alone as Naito did. Or perhaps she simply blinded herself to the possibility that people wren't that reliable. Whatever the case, the young silver haired teen knew she would one day be forced to grow out of her naivete. The world was about to change, after all. And if people did not evolve with it, then they would be left behind with the other dregs. Or so Naito presumed. 

Breaking away from his thoughts, the young man would look towards Mio as she asked him a similar question. Narrowing his eyes, he kept his facial expression completely neutral. This poker face seemed to be his main trait when speaking with others. "I believe.." Naito began to answer the question. "..you're a pain. But a pain that speaks the honest truth, which is an endearing trait, I would guess." He answered this with a calm tone, and it was difficult to tell if this was a compliment or an insult. After all, he had to keep her guessing. Normally he wouldn't have even answered such a question, but perhaps this time he was inclined too. He had asked her first, even though he hardly cared what the answer was going to be. Kiyomi was an interesting subject for observation, however. One that held promise, but may have blinded themselves from the truth for far too long. She was an... anomaly to some degree. On Tsurinai would need to probe abit more before  calculating what sort of reaction she would take when he revealed his true plans for Limbo.

After walking for abit more, the two would find themselves standing outside the book store. Though it was a store, it was as big as a library with selections never before seen. Shibakuzoi was all about being proficient, and apparently having everything over the top was its way of achieving such things. The silver haired boy would open the door for Mio, awaiting her to enter, before following behind. "Alright, I'm looking for a book on anything dealing with the human psyche. More specifically, the aspect of Personas." Naito raised his gloved hand to his chin and pinched it before his index finger and thumb. "The school had... barely anything I could use." In truth, he had simply read them all already and wished to broaden his horizon. With Kiyomi's help, the search would go much smoother in a larger environment.. Though, it's not like he NEEDED help or anything. He'd never admit such a thing.

With that Mio awaited Naito's answer with a little skip in her step. She did realize that she has some problems with both her personality and emotions, choosing to show them openly is something she choose to do, to express herself more to people and wouldn't be mad if he said anything that would come from those parts of her. Though it just hit her that she was acting a little to friend just for a second there, and she knows how Naito acts so his answer is going to be very....blunt and straight to the point. It kind of got her sad as to how can someone act like that all the time. Shaking her head she got herself  back to reality but not quite the right time. Naito said that she was a pain, that spoke the honest truth and was a trait most endearing.

"Ehhhhh, a pain! but but I don't even do anything! And besides your the one who called me out here."


She said without hesitation just after the words left his mouth, flailing her arms outward vertically. She spoke loudly that people around them started to stare at her weird little episode. As she began to notice their stares she stop and crossed her arms and gave a little "humpf" as she quickly jerked her head to the side, with her eyes shut. Ignoring his words though they stuck inside her head, she pretended to forget. Watching him continue to walk down the sidewalk toward the book store, she followed behind with her cheeks puffed and her shoulders scrunched. As they made their way toward the front entrance, Naito once again open and held the door for Mio.

"Thanks."

She subconsciously said without a second thought, she was a little mad at him before but then forgot of it with a few seconds. She let out a small sigh and lifted her head toward the large amount of books that was laid upon her, on tables, shelves on shelves of the store was filled with books. Her eyes shined from the lights as she looked and she rose a brow from the site of a speck on her glasses. Removing them from her face she shoveled through her pocket to find a white and pink frilled rag, and cleaned both lens of the glasses, giving them a small blow from her mouth to blow away any dust, she placed them back upon her face.

"Better."

She said to herself before listening to Naito speak once again. He wanted help in search of a book that dealt with anything of the "Human Psyche" or aspect of Persona. But what came to mind was would it really give information on Persona's themselves. She hasn't really gotten a real explanation of what Persona's are other then a part of the user. And do these books that speak of the human mind really show something about these things. She didn't know how or what Naito looked through the books and what his conclusions may be, but maybe hanging out with him today will finally give him some answers.

"Alright then I guess I could do that. Why don't we look within both the health section, for anything that has to do with the human brain and mind. And probably the fiction section as well, people probably don't know about them as we do, but they might have seen or known of something that comes to a similar aspect. Probably some lore on humans wants or even their emotions coming alive to aid them when in trouble or something like that."

Mio didn't even know it herself. She couldn't give a straight answer, mostly cause there isn't a Persona information section anywhere to be found here or anywhere for that matter. She doesn't know how many people in the world this might be happening to but something is better then nothing and if no one was going to do some research on it she was gald it was Naito. She just hopes that if he finds something, that he'd share it with the rest of us.

Naito watched the young woman's display to his words and couldn't help but raise a brow when she began to flail. What was she, a child? When people began to look at them both because of her display, the silver eyed teenager would close his eyes and let out a sigh. This Kiyomi Mio was reminding him of his younger sibling, even though there was such a large gap in age between the two. Well actually, perhaps there wasn't much of a gap. Mio was a first year, so she could have been about fifteen, if not sixteen? His younger sister was around thirteen now. It was true that the young Tsurinai had called her out to accompany him, but in all honesty he wasn't expecting them to speak much on the journey. Perhaps it was his fault for asking her so many questions that she began to open up to him. Well, was open up really the correct term to use here? It wasn't as if he invested much time in her to see how she usually acted. And honestly after last time he could understand why she was more reserved when around him. They didn't agree on many things when it came to people, after all. Keeping his arms crossed upon his chest, he looked back towards Mio. It was sad to say her act would have been almost too adorable for someone who wasn't like Naito. However, the Tsurinai was more confused than anything. The young woman asked him what he thought of her, and he spoke the truth, albeit alittle bluntly. Apparently even though he praised her honesty, his own was wrong? Women were so confusing. Lucky for him, he didn't need to deal with any long lasting relations with people. When it came to being a Tsurinai, the only relationships you dealt with involved immediate family and any arranged marriages for business. Everyone else were to be used as tools to help push your ideals.. Tsurinai Naito believed this was how relations were supposed to be. There was no such thing as genuine friends. There was.. ALWAYS.. a purpose for one to become a "friend" to another. With another slight sigh, he continued his journey within the library with her. He didn't say a word, because honestly he had no idea what to say to an upset female. It reminded him of his first meeting with Watanabe Chiyo, and how she immediately slapped him for just being himself.

"How difficult can this be? I'm beginning to speak too much on a personal level with her.." The young man thought to himself as he closed his eyes. His expression remained neutral, making it hard for one to predict was he was thinking. "How did our conversation turn into such useless drivel? When did I start becoming curious to what people think of my ideals? Especially those who know nothing? Tch, I'm becoming a blabbermouth.." Yes, he honesty believed he was becoming soft when surrounded by these careless children around him. When he had first learned the secret of Limbo, and the power he held, he knew he'd do anything to achieve the Hierarchy, even if it meant killing those in his path. Though he still believed he could do such a thing, there were a few others that he found himself actually listening too. More specifically, Kiyomi Mio and Kano Genji. The absurd thoughts of friendship, he listened too, yet still rejected. Perhaps he listened because he wanted to show them the true nature of humanity. The true nature of the dregs and the corruption in their current generation. He believed they had a chance to play a part in the rebirth, using Limbo as the womb for the sudden change. He wanted them to see things his way, even by force. After all, strength was what kept the competent and incompetent apart. He believe their will was strong, even though they brainwashed themselves with useless drivel, and so he wished for them to join his cause. This was the reason he called Kiyomi out to accompany him. To see if she had had a change of opinion about the properties of Limbo, and what to do with it once the culprit was captured. Surely even she had something, or someone she wished to see again.. Limbo's powers could bend reality.. that also meant it could most likely bring back those that departed the realm of the living if enough will was used to drag them back. Everything was possible here.

When they entered the bookstore together and Naito explained his case to what he was looking for, he simply listened to her response. It seemed she may have been just as troubled as himself when it came to looking in the appropriate sections for information. He'd simply give a nod to her orders before turning to walk away. However, for some reason he would suddenly stop and turn back towards her. "Before we start this search, Kiyomi Mio, I'd like to ask another question. This is strictly business... Before I asked you about what you'd wish for, if given the chance. Now i'd like to ask you: "If I were to say Limbo could be used for the betterment of the world, and humanity as a whole, would you use its power?"" The question was very sudden, since they were just recently talking about what they thought of each other. Apparently Naito wanted to change the subject off himself, and back onto the task at hand. He'd even close the distance between them, so he was looking down towards her with narrowed eyes. Sadly he wasn't there for the whole awakening involving her Shadow, and what she was hiding. However, he did notice they were in a hospital, so she had to have lost someone dear to her for such a debacle to take place there. "I requested to spend time with you because I believe you have a smart head on your shoulders, even though we disagree on more mundane things." The silver haired teenager would close his eyes while placing a hand on his side in a nonchalant manner.

"We've both had our negative time in Limbo. In your case, the situation with your Shadow and the hospital. I'm not entirely sure what such an event was about, but it showed me you had the courage to stand up to your doubts without waver. I respect people who show such a powerful display of will. It shows me you were willing to adapt and evolve to the circumstance, even if it meant putting everything you had on the table. If more people could do the same thing, then this world we live in now would not be in such chaos. People react violently out of fear and weakness, and because of this it dwarfs humanity's potential evolution." The Tsurinai's eyes would slowly open, as he continue to look down on his lower classmen. "I may seem cynical when it comes to people, but it is because I expect so much more out of my fellow man. Time and time again, we've showed great resilience over out lifetimes, yet now we're in an all time low. Limbo is only seen as a bad thing because the person behind it is using it incorrectly. If we were to take control of such a place, we could make things better. We could even bring back whoever that hospital room was for.." Unlike the rest of his blunt statement, the last sentence seemed to be rather soft in comparison. Like it actually had emotion behind it. Perhaps because his own sister was plagued by bed rest in a hospital for the majority of her life aswell, that he felt there was a connection between himself, and Kiyomi. One of understanding, but nothing more than that, of course.

Stepping back from the young woman, Naito diverted his gaze away. He had even made an effort to use his long bangs to cover the majority of his face. "Regardless of what we do, the world is going to change. It's already happening now with all the rumours, and now Shadows are escaping into our world aswell. Those in the Velvet Room once told me our world, and Limbo, were slowly merging into one and the same. If that happens before we find the culprit, then I believe the Shadows will overwhelm us all. Everyone will be forced to face their Shadows, and we've seen what happens when that occurs. Ueitawa would be wiped out completely." He said this low enough for just Mio to hear, but loud enough to get his point across to her. "So no matter what happens, this world won't be the same. I'm willing to use the cause of this to make it better for humanity as a whole. To create a Hierarchy where humanity will evolve naturally. I'm willing to do all that is necessary to reach this goal, even if it means eliminating threats. I choose to tell you this, Kiyomi, because you have my respect." He explained his case to her with little reason, most likely to see her reaction. With everyone else, he simply left them there, not caring on what they thought of what he said. After all, words meant so very little to him from those he deemed as trash.

"Irrelevant." The silver haired boy would say with a calm tone after the young woman spoke of medicine being a good thing. "More people die day by day from war, to corrupt authority figures. Medicine is not a cure for idiocy, and those who hold power right now have failed to lead mankind as they should. After all, we're killing one another constantly with no signs of a middle ground. The bad far outweigh the good, Kiyomi Mio." Though Naito spoke with such a calm tone, he honestly believed every word he spoke. In truth, humanity was its own worse enemy. They killed one another, and acted as a cancer to themselves over the years. The further they expanded, and the more they experienced, the faster they devolved into idiotic barbarians. Though there was some good that came from the current world, it was shunned by the bad that already existed and continued to grow. She failed to see the larger picture here, and this was most likely why she was so against the Tsurinai's views on the world. He had done his research over the years, and he was no stranger to the supernatural. Where some were afraid of what Limbo could achieve, Naito welcomed it. He had no problem using the supernatural for the betterment of the world, and the humans that populated it. He believed he had all the strength necessary to lead the people, and even if he did not he would not mind if another took the reigns. As long as the Hierarchy was created, anyone who had the strength to lead it had his blessing. Humanity would evolve regardless.

Then the conversation took another turn. She apparently enjoyed his compliment to her about having a good head on her shoulders. It was just him telling the truth, but telling how her face lit up apparently it could be mistaken as flattery. It was a shame Tsurinai Naito wasn't the type to flirt, or this would be the perfect opportunity to sweep Kiyomi Mio off of her feet. Instead, the teenager placed a hand on his side with a nonchalant motion while narrowing his eyes. Her face looked like a tomato. He almost came out and said this outloud, but he decided to keep it to himself. After all, it had nothing to do with helping with the conversation at hand. Well, with that out the way, he was able to continue on about Limbo, and expected her tone to soon change. He knew how she was, and he knew she held a soft heart within that beating chest of hers. In more than one way, she reminded him of his sister. Perhaps that was why he put himself in such situations where he knew she would lash out at him, yet he stood his ground anyway. Maybe he wanted Kiyomi to come at him because it reminded him of home? He quickly removed the thoughts from his head.. Such things needed to be purged from the head completely.

Continuing on, he studied her reactions with his silver hues, watching to see what she thought of his plans. She seemed rather angry, turning away from her and balling her fists... This was a natural reaction, was it not? His facial expression remained with complete indifference. Suddenly she turned and came towards him with her hand raised as if she were going to smack him. He had been here before with another young female... It went without saying that she did move to slap him across the face aswell. However, Kiyomi seemed to stop short, and fell into his chest like a child. Naito's eyes would widen from this, as this wasn't something he was used too. After all, the Tsurinai did not shed tears, even for their fallen family members. So seeing her do something such as crying, a simple emotion, felt so strange to him. When she attempted to speak within each breath, he found himself lifting his left hand and placing it on her head. Patting Mio's head, the silver haired teenager would shift his eyes to their corners. Using his other hand, he'd grasp the one she was going to use to slap him, and would lower it slowly. "That's enough for today, Kiyomi. There's no reason to waste tears on the past. Let's try and look ahead for the time being.." These were the best words he could find to try and remedy the situation, as he rubbed her head like he did his little sister's. Waiting for her to stop crying in his chest, he'd keep his indifferent expression. It was strange trying to be.. soothing..

Tsurinai Naito would give a simple nod to the young woman that was calming herself down, and would watch her walk away. He had nothing to say on the situation, and only narrowed his eyes. Anyone could have guessed what was going through his head at this exact moment. Was he thinking about her? Perhaps he was thinking about the research they were about to conduct together? Whatever the case, he was thinking and that was obvious. After a few minutes of standing there, the refined young man would make his confident stride off towards the non fiction area. It went without saying that the following hours the two spent with one another was one of awkward silence. Naito hardly said a word unless he needed to, but he did not shun the younger classman. Instead, he actually stood by her side and simply assisted and spoke to her whenever she was having trouble on her end. This would probably be the nicest thing he had ever done in his life for anyone other than his younger sister Miki. As the two spent time together, the hours would easily fly by to the time the place would need to start shutting down. At this time, the Tsurinai would regroup with Kiyomi and exit the store together. Of course he'd see her home before heading back to his own dorms, but throughout their trip together he hardly spoke a word more.

[End]