Tea Time with Strangers

Tykal stood in the hallways scolding another younger student. His school books tightly held under his left arm and his right arm jestering as he spoke. It seemed like he was irritated from a distance the way he stood however, on his face was a look of concern and sincerity. “I understand that the coach has been putting a lot of pressure on you recently, but if your grades begin to slip, they’ll pull you from your extracurriculars and then it won’t matter if you disappoint the coach or the team. To add to it, I don’t mind volunteering to help you with your studies but I have work I have to do too. If you’re going to miss our study sessions, please let me know beforehand so I can allocate my time elsewhere.” Tykal’s voice was calm and peaceful despite being troubled by the other student. Their conversation went on for a few more minutes before the younger student bowed and went on his way. Tykal sighed running his fingers through his hair before turning around and heading down the hallway towards the student council room. On his way he was stopped by one of the teachers. The two spoke briefly, whatever the two were talking about, seemed to be pleasant since they both were smiling. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to return to my studies. Exams are just around the corner and it’d look bad on my- I mean it’d look bad if I didn’t try and set an example for the student government by showing strong study habits.” Tykal bowed out before heading into the student council room.

Nearly an hour later Tykal left the room. He looked fatigued forcing an upright posture walking to a vending machine staring at it a while before moaning, “Looks like they’re out of anything other than carbonated beverages.” Tykal continued down to the first floor vending machine by the gymnasium in hopes to at least find a sports drink or bottled water. After a sigh of disappointment, Tykal gave up defeated on his chore of finding something to quench his thirst. He still had some studying to get done but after noting the lack of beverages in the schools vending machines he decided to go to the local cafe. There they’d at least have his tea and he could study in a ‘charming’ atmosphere.

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Travelled to cafe
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The cafe was somewhat lively this afternoon. There were many customers and full tables. Today was making a point of forcing Tykal to study at home. Regardless, at least he could get himself something to drink. The walk here only served to increase his thirst. “Here for your special blend?” the waitress said welcoming him as he walked up to the bar. Tykal nodded, “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.” The waitress smiled sweetly, “Do you know how popular your recipe is!? It’s never trouble to serve the guy keeping this place busy!” Tykal blushed slightly, “I...it’s nothing really, to be honest I just wanted to be able to drink my tea here without loitering.” Tykal looked around at the dining room, “I must say, I’m glad to see so many other people enjoying my brew. Oh!? Do you mind adding ice to mine? It’s a bit too warm for hot tea today.” Tykal waited patiently for his tea before walking out on the patio and sitting at a table in the corner. The little umbrellas over the tables provided ample shade for studying and the refreshing tea only aided in relieving his stress. “Would you like a refill?” the waitress asked coming outside to the patio stopping at his table. “Uhhh… sure, I think I’ll be here a little longer before heading out.” Tykal replied putting his pen down and pulling out his phone. It was a good place for a break anyways.

While Tykal was enjoying his tea and studies, Lui could be seen making his way down the sidewalk, a few bags starting to form under his eyes. He lived the troubling life of both a Persona user and a fencing captain, so his shortening sleep period was starting to take its toll. Realizing that his eyes may just seal shut if he didn't get more energy in his system, he noticed a café further down the road. Even though it was certainly busy, he figured it would be better than nothing.

One of the servers looked around for any open tables and invited him to sit with... someone else. While Lui would have grumbled over having to share a dull conversation while half-asleep, he also had no energy to disagree either. After slumping down into his chair, he gave his order to the waitress as well.

"...House blend, if you please."

After the waitress would leave, he would rest his elbows on the table as he gave the tall student a sleepless, blank gaze.

"What are you studying there? Looks like fun. Is the house blend any good?"

Tykal looked up from his phone when the stranger sat down. "Oh?" he said noticing the fencing captain. They had never formally met, though Tykal had taken fencing before. He recognized him more from the year book picture rather than from around the school. Tykal nodded when asked about the house blend. "It's not really to my tastes, but the regulars seem to like it. I mostly just drink the specialty tea. It seems to have gained quite the popularity over the last month or so." Tykal smiled faintly, "I like the atmosphere, though I'm beginning to regret selling my recipe here, it's gotten a lot more congested. The lack of business was always an attraction. Made it easier to get entranced in my studies." Tykal head up his text book showing the third years honors anatomy on its spine. Tykal took a sip from his tea glass.

"Where are my manners?" Tykal extended a hand, "Tykal Mahavari, I believe we're in the same school." Tykal would wait see whether or not his handshake was accepted before continuing. There wasn't much observational skills required to notice the fatigue on Lui. It was likely Tykal had a similar look, though he had not glanced in a mirror since lunch period. Tykal wasn't the Student Council President or anything but he was an active enough member that as a club captain Lui should have some knowledge of the foreign exchange student. Depending on how much digging he did on his own or if he listened to the rumors he might even know about his parents. His mother, playing a famous miracle doctor on television, or even his father's political career across seas. Both were unsettling. Tykal had hoped in coming to Endymion he'd avoid all the politics and drama that his parents seemed to revel in. He'd been at the school for a good year now. One of the honor students ranked in the top 10% of his class, Tykal gained some reputation at the school. Sadly, thanks to his merciless study habits, he was viewed by many average or more slacker-esque students as an elitist trying to follow in his parents footsteps. If only they knew how much he was trying to escape that life or how that even here, their influence on his life drained the energy from him.

Lui was feeling conflicted on this kid; on one hand, the boy was the topic of discussion among the commoners as an elitist student whose parents gave him the standing to pretty much look down on whoever he chose. However, this also meant that Tykal had a variety of connections and talents to warrant making a connection. Lui wasn't certain if the boy was subtly haughty or just taking his accomplishments in stride, given his comment on the success of the café due to his tea recipe. Nevertheless, Lui figured that it would be worth trying to get more details out of him and potentially connect with him.

"Oh, so you're Tykal? I've heard heresay about you. I'll spare you the negative speculations on your personality, but apparently you've got quite the upbringing. Oh, and I'm Lui Saito. Captain of the fencing club, but that barely holds any merit anymore.

Still, I see you're studying anatomy. What year are you? This kind of stuff looks too advanced for a second-year or so. You must be pretty smart to grasp this kind of stuff. If it weren't for this frustrating club, I may actually be considered an honors student. Not really in the top 10% like you, but still..."

Lui couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealously on his standing. If it hadn't been for the fencing club and his cautious nature towards Class 0, he would've been a very promising honors student. Instead, he had to restrain the school's view of his intelligence, which eventually lead to his disinterest in school. Nevertheless, if he could wrap his finger around Tykal, he would gain a very strong piece on the chess board. Just play it casual and maybe he'll be interested...

"...And coffee's still not here. Forgive me if I pass out on the table."

Tykal looked down into his tea when Lui mentioned the hearsay and his upbringing. Tykal was neither deaf nor ignorant to the rumors about him. He didn't even want the label of being an elitist. In truth he wanted nothing more than to have average grades and play some sport just well enough to barely make the team. He had hoped this place would give him a new life but old habits were hard to break. Lui had commented about the fencing club holding little merit which shocked Tykal visibly a bit. Tykal was quite fond of the club, if it weren't for his parents forcing him to take a position in student government he'd have stayed in the club. "What's going on with the Fencing Club?" His inquiry answered or not was met with him addressing the later statement by his fellow student. Tykal's expression looked shy almost uncomfortable as he spoke stirring his tea awkwardly. "I don't think I'm all that smart. I mean, what good is all this going to do for me outside of entrance exams. Besides I've seen students in the bottom 10% able to hack the school computer network and there's one who can even juggle. I don't believe academics is a good way to measure intelligence." Tykal secretly envied Lui. What he'd give to be fencing again. He wasn't particularly good at the sport, which is why his parents forced him out of it but, he enjoyed it all the same.

Studying more than he was able to just relax and enjoy his childhood, Tykal couldn't fully understand why others envied him. His friends, the faculty, even strangers seemed to try and give him special treatment or use him for his family ties. He hated it. He couldn't disappoint his parents but at the same time he wanted nothing more than to scream and just live how he wanted to without worrying about their approval or reputation. Tykal was glad when Lui mentioned coffee. It was a good subject change and clearly brightened Tykal's mood as he relaxed a bit more. "Not that I can necessarily approve passing out on the table, but I wouldn't hold it against you. The idea sounds enticing. Between exams and work, sleep is something of a legend anymore. " There was a certain irony to being the son of a famous couple and working as lowly floral assistant at a local flower shop. Tykal loved the work though. It was more an act of rebellion towards his parents than just a job. He refused to use the allowance they sent him. What was the point, he would learn how to survive on his own if relied on them. Though in hindsight the tea recipe he gave the cafe and the business it brought may only add to the pretentious persona he gave off to others. "If you'd like, you can drink the rest of my tea. It doesn't have as much caffeine as coffee but it may help."

Underneath the tired mask he wore, Lui couldn't help but smirk as he saw Tykal's apparent humility in his ability. He either had high expectations placed on him or was merely humble about his abilities. Either way, Lui decided that playing to his upbringing was no longer a preferred option, given his downward gaze as he mentioned the rumored connections. Lui decided to establish with Tykal that his status would mean little to him, but it wouldn't be terrible to keep in the back of his mind. It wasn't often he got to hang out with someone of such standing...

"I get you, Tykal. You're your own person, regardless of where you're from. As long as you're with me, it doesn't matter where you come from or where you'll go, just who you are on the inside. But I feel ya. All school grades can teach you is just how much information you can memorize and regurgitate for an exam. I'd like to say I'm fairly intelligent, but it honestly depends on what kind of smarts you're looking for."

"What's going on with the Fencing Club?"

"Disinterest, apparently. The club has been declining and would've closed up shop last year had I not stepped up to try and keep us alive. But thanks to those manipulative fools on the Martial Arts club, our attendance is severely reduced. I've been trying to get more members to come around, but progress is slow at best. If you're interested in joining, I'm always happy to bring in new members, regardless of skill or time."

Lui stopped for a moment to accept the coffee from the returning waitress, who would offer Tykal a refill of tea should he be low. Lui would slowly sip on the coffee, testing the heat before taking a sizeable gulp to get him energized again. Feeling a bit more perky, he would continue his questioning.

"So, now that I can keep my head up longer, do you mind if I ask where you're from? I'm familiar with another transfer student as well, so I guess I just wonder where everyone's coming from to consider moving to Endymion."

Tykal's eyes widened a bit when Lui appealed to him being just himself. It's not that he didn't want to hear those very words shouted from the high heavens. He just didn't expect to hear them from all short of a stranger.  "I appreciate it. It's refreshing to hear someone tell me I can take a load off every once in a while." Tykal gave a soft grin. It would seem that the Fencing Club and Martial Arts Club are at arms again. At least that world wide feud hasn't changed. It was like that with the schools back home. Only in the reverse. Tykal gave a light chuckle at the idea of joining the Fencing Club here. He personally would like nothing more than to join. His parents strong words and influence over his decisions however, left him wracking his mind on how him joining the team could be used a publicity stunt on his end to gain more influence to appease his parents. Even being here sitting where he was now was a minor manipulation by appealing to his parents image. It was easy to convince them that their son attending school like a normal boy, having to live a more 'humble' lifestyle would be something the tabloids and critics would eat up. To be successful despite living purely off his parents fame would make them out to be shining star examples of success. In truth, that's the lie he told them so that he could free himself of their overbearing shadows.

Tykal smiled when the waitress brought his companions coffee and offered to refill his own tea. "Alright sure, but I think after this tea I shouldn't drink anymore for a while. That much caffeine is bad for you after all." Tykal stated to the waitress. It was a bad habit he held from living with his parents. They were so concerned with their child getting fat from soft drinks and sweets they practically starved him of them until educating on their effects which by then, turned him away from them for the most part. It was clear Lui was feeling peppier, abnormally so for just 1 glass of coffee but who was Tykal to judge. Two cups of tea in and he barely felt any different from when he came.  When asked where he came from Tykal smiled excitedly.

"That's a long story. Not that you'd believe it from my father is Indian and my mother is from Australia. Though I was mostly raised by an English woman. Hence the 'posh accent' I suppose." Tykal air quoted the posh accent part. "Mom spends most of her time traveling for her career and my father's gone to work for some country in the UK. Don't ask me which one, I rarely pry into his affairs." Tykal scared the back of his neck smiling, "Politics are possibly the most boring subject I've ever had the misfortune of studying." Even joking Tykal's dialect sounded uppity. He never meant to sound that way. Maybe he should throw in a foul word or dumb down his dialect a bit, cover his accent up slightly. It was difficult to do but he didn't want to portray the wrong idea.

"Moving to Endymion was actually my idea. I need a school to-"   run away to, but at the same time "cater to my parents standards." Tykal sighed, "Are normal parents this over protective?"

"It's refreshing to hear someone tell me I can take a load off every once in a while."
"And it's also nice to talk to someone who can entertain me with a decent conversation."
It was working. Tykal appeared to be surprised at Lui's response. It was understandable; a stranger this kid barely knew was telling him that he could talk with him regardless of his background. Still, Lui considered the type of attention this kid could give to the club. Apparently, this kid was feeling the pressure from his parents and attended Seven Stars just to meet their standards. If this kid needed something to improve his image, maybe he could help in that regard...
"You've got a colorful past, Tykal. India, Australia, and even England? That explains your quaint accent. I'd love to ask about what your pa- you know, I probably shouldn't. I don't have that expansive a backstory; my dad's originally from Japan, but that's about all for me. Other than the Divide."
"Are normal parents this over protective?"
"Depends on what you consider normal. Some parents are more extreme with their expectations while others are extremely lax. My parents just want to see me find my place in the world that I can't stand. But sis... She can be pretty demanding when it comes to managing my life. She expects me to drop the club and put some 'actual effort' into my studies, but that's not what I want. So, I told her I was going to make my own purpose in life, and she's a bit... displeased with that decision.

But I'll keep moving without her. I plan on changing the world with or without her support. But if the club could gin a little more reputation in school, perhaps Sis will actually see my efforts as worthwhile for once... Heh, sounds like an impossible task when you say it out loud. But at the very least, helping you would be a nice first step."

Laying down the bait and hook for Tykal, Lui looked down on his coffee with a disappointed sigh before taking another sip. Maybe this kid could be useful to his purpose after all. Now all he needed to do was take a bite at this lead to a higher reputation...

Tykal smiled at Lui's kind words about this being a decent conversation. Originally Tykal just viewed it as small talk but Lui was right. It was an entertaining conversation. Tykal even rationalized that he wasn't wasting time either. As a member of the student government, getting to know a club president, a club president that runs a club he was interested in at that, could be seen as trying to relate with the student populace. In terms of his career in that club, it was quite the initiative move. To make things even better, lending a bit of attention the clubs way, served as an opportunity at further advancement.

"Other than the Divide..." Tykal whispered to himself thinking about it.Tykal cringed slightly. The idea of demons and collective conscious were bad enough but the destruction of 1/4 of the population was too much. Tykal tried to ignore it praying the events were a once in a millennia catastrophe. Luckily the conversation continued without much of a delay to let the implications of the former statement sink in.

Tykal grinned when Lui spoke of his sisters strictness. It had been like that his whole life, although he was an only child there was no sibling bond to appreciate. Something he's been envious of while at the same time, thankful that his parents weren't so foolish as to subject another child to their way of life. "Your sister seems rather protective of you." He hesitated on the term protective as if trying to pick the right word.  He wanted to quote his parents when it came to what he wanted. When Lui said it without so much as a single worry an annoying twitch rang in Tykal's head. It wasn't about what YOU want, it's about what's expected of you. That stupid philosophy was drilled into his head like a commandment.  Tykal saw the bait Lui was laying out for him. He was neither naive or ignorant to the attention he begrudgingly bared. This relationship would advance both of their extracurricular. Though Tykal was possibly average at best. He knew maybe one set of movements that he could use as a trump card but anyone who had been practicing for over a year would be able to read his movements easily.

"It would look bad if the captain of a club I was in didn't take academics seriously. So how about we make a deal." Tykal said before taking a sip of his freshly refilled tea. "My current goal is to become Student Council President. Being able to claim that I not only 'saved a fellow student from academic failure' and participated in an athletics club, would surely catch attention on my transcript. " Tykal continued after pausing a moment to take another drink, "In return for attending a few tutoring sessions, at least until your overall GPA increases, I'll join the Fencing Club. Even if it's negative attention, my joining is bound to bring in students that wouldn't normally attend matches. And as long as I actively dismiss any offers from the Martial Arts Club, it'll cause them negative stigmata. It's got to be a bad club if even the 'Elitist Over Achiever' isn't willing to join. You and your club get more reputation and I get a shining letter of rec from the faculty board. Sound like a fair trade?" Tykal air quoted through certain parts of the conversation. As he spoke of the obvious manipulation and benefits there was a certain passion in his eyes. A serious demeanor that could only be described as chilling, almost ominous.
Just another negative flaw for him to bare on his chest. When he got serious he comes across as a bit terrifying.  It was so bad that when he was on a debate, the opposing team became some mentally psyched out they forfeit.

As Lui mentioned his desire to do what he wanted, it seemed to trigger something in Tykal, as if it annoyed him or something. Did his parents really ingrain in him his dependence on appeasing them to the point where it was testament? Nevertheless, Lui would instinctively tighten his fist at the mention of his sister. Sure, she protected him, but the degree she takes it is a major pain to deal with.
"Your sister seems rather protective of you."
"That's putting it lightly, yeah. She's energetic and stuff, but she's a real pain to live with."

However, as Lui began to hear this uppity child start trying to bargain with him, Lui's features seemed to harden, turning his face into an indecipherable mask, as he waited for Tykal to finish. So, this kid was trying to barter improving Lui's perfectly fine GPA in exchange for joining the club? While Lui could see the passion in the boy's eyes as he seemed to delight in his ominous, debating attitude, Lui wasn't a fool; he too delighted in meeting a challenging opponent. Soon, he would break his façade, only for a moment, and surprise this Tykal with a side very few have ever witnessed.

The cold, ruthless face of the true Lui Saito.

After the discussion stopped and Tykal waited for his response, Lui moved his hand to rest on his chin, acting as if he were considering the offer. Next, he drew in a deep breath, suckered him in with a thoughtful line, and delivered the surprise attack right after. He wouldn't raise his voice, just deliver the line in the most serious, fearless way he could.
"Hm... It's an interesting proposition. However, I have one question for you...

Do you take me for a fool? That's a very big mistake on your end.

I never said I was a failing student, Tykal. But you assumed so, and you planned on taking advantage of that fact. Are you a debater, Tykal? Like we discussed before, the school's measurement of intelligence is absolute garbage. There's a reason why I'm not standing over YOU in grades right now. But it wouldn't matter to you, because all you want out of this is to live up to the expectations of some parents. Be your own person, man! Don't let THEM decide your life! That's why I chose to live my life how I desire. The world will not mold me.

I will not be molded by this world. This world will be molded by me!"

Stopping himself just short of slamming his fist on the table, Lui cleared his throat and shifted in his seat.

"Allow me to present a better opportunity, if you're still going through with this goose chase. Instead of wasting your time teaching me, you should be teaching my sister. You two may get along. She desires to join the Cadets and even wants to run for student council as well, but her grades are just short of the threshold for Class 0. If you can help her improve grades even a bit, maybe use your deceptive skills to worm your way into her mind, then you will have not only a running mate with all the energy you need to fuel your campaign, but your reputation will certainly skyrocket when she sings your praises for helping her realize her life dream...

Teaching my sister in exchange for joining my club... How does that sound?"

Tykal remained relatively calm even when Lui began to shout only showing a minute look of surprise before sipping his tea to hide the urge to make a rather wide grin. Though that urge was quickly dismissed when he spoke of the being his own person. Tykal's grip on his tea cup tightened as his brow narrowed some. If it only it were that simple. He had no idea the idea the pressure constantly on him. Or that even one wrong move meant his forcible expulsion from this school by his parents. Tykal may have been forced into the whims of his parents but what he did place on his plate he intended finish completely. If he had to place his pride in academics then, he'd be a shining example of perfection. The only way he could rebel safely was to achieve a mark even higher than the ones his parents had made. If somehow he could be perceived as better than them, it'd be the only foothold he'd need to overcome their shadow. Tykal's grip lightened and his body relax when Lui cleared his throat.

Tykal placed his tea down gently before folding his hands. To someone who didn't know him well, his body language gave off an air of superiority. Not that it usually didn't, but he had been rather lax during the conversation so far. "I meant no offense to you. If anything I admire your enthusiasm in your modus operandi." Tykal leaned forward some, "As to the world shaping, it is impossible to not be influenced by the world around us. Perception is reality after all. It takes great status to influence the world. It is through will power and perseverance that the seeds we plant take root and eventually blossom." Tykal paused for a moment. He was beginning to sound just like his parents. That disgusted him to no ends but sadly this was the world he knew. If he was forced to play their games, he'd be the victor.

Tykal held back a victorious smirk when Lui spoke of changing the deal. Regardless a deal was still on the table. One that benefited Tykal. It wasn't until he spoke the word Cadet that set Tykal on unease. They were all short of a military that relinquished their lives to serve the queen. He was already entangled in the shackles of another's will. Though having someone in the Cadet's praise him would carry over influence into new territory. He'd just have to be careful not to be given too high a praise otherwise he'd simply be trading one hell for another. Tykal leaned back and took a sip of his tea as if he were pondering the deal before sticking out his hand and placing his cup back down. "Then we have a deal?"

While Lui initially felt disappointed at Tykal's lack of reaction, he grinned maliciously as he recognized the anger or frustration appearing on Tykal's face as he brought up being his own person. Sure, he was likely under pressure from his parents and might suffer some consequences for trying to worm his way out of their demands, but if he thought that exceeding his parent's expectations would put him on top, he might be sorely disappointed. Whenever Lui exceeded his family's expectations, that just forced even bigger expectations on his shoulders. If this happened with Tykal and he found himself being crushed by the shadow of his family, he might never truly feel fulfilled. Lui wouldn't want him to suffer like that... unless he intended on really pissing Lui off further. Lui would start whispering his words to Tykal, considering the dangers of speaking out loud.

"I'm not saying it's impossible to resist it. Heck, I've already been impacted. The problem is that... well, the society we live in is one that I don't want to see stifling the growth of generations down the line. People are too complacent with what's happening around them, expecting the Cadets to always come to their rescue. But I believe that we can make this world better for the people who live in it. It does take great force to influence the world, indeed. But we are a different sort. We have our own ways with words, so why not make connections? I have friends with big aspirations, and I'm willing to help them reach their heights. That way, when they become the bigshots they desire to be, I'll be holding that rope tied around their ankles. That... is the influence I have, Tykal. But it's not enough. You and I can do great things together...

Lui extended his hand to meet Tykal's in a handshake and agreed to the terms set. If this kid could actually survive Sumi's relentless energy and push her to her height, that would be one less witness trying to keep watch over his activities. The kid benefits, and Lui would get his own form of satisfaction.

"Consider it done, Tykal. Thanks for doing business. I'll give you her contact info as well as mine, so keep in touch, alright? You're a powerful kid, no matter who you come from. Just give my thoughts some time to stew, okay? Oh, but before I go..."

Taking the final big sip of his cup of now cold coffee, Lui set down some money for his drink and reclined a bit in his chair, feeling satisfied.

"Anything else you want to ask?"

Tykal shook Lui's hand firmly giving a menacing grin before smiling back to a nonthreatening facade. A hand sealed contract between the two would be forged. Tykal would use the club and Lui's sister as stepping stones to rise to the pinnacle of school status, and Lui, would fall just short of them. Tykal began to wonder if his dad was like this with politics. Shady business deals and blatant manipulation under the term 'compromise' seemed to be the ideas behind successful bureaucracy after all. Maybe success was truly nurture rather than nature. No that wasn't it. Tykal could've lived a life far different, instead of being an asset to his family he could've always been a thorn in their side and been a burden. Likely he'd have escaped to boarding school far away from them, placed as far from public eye as possible. By that point his success would've meant little to them as a problem child. No success was a personal choice, one Tykal wagered his pride on.

Tykal exchanged phone information with Lui. Tykal smirked when he was asked if there'd be any more questions. "I have but one right now." Tykal put his book away in his bag and stood up, "When does practice begin?"
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END OF THREAD
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While Tykal may have tried to indicate he would truly benefit from the barter with a wicked grin, Lui would playfully wink and fire an invisible gun to him. Lui would certainly not rise in popularity thanks to this, but keeping another member in the club would expand the awareness in the school. Besides, even if he couldn't keep his grip on Tykal, he could certainly benefit from Sumi after Tykal brings her to the status of Cadet. Whether Tykal would be a connection or a temporary tool didn't matter. However, should Tykal try to twist the detail on him, Lui would turn those in his web to despise Tykal. Rumors were a dangerous fire starter, and the general public was the patch of the patch of grass ready to ignite.

"Practice typically runs after school on Tuesday and Thursday. Come see me in the Sorority Hall and we can get you your equipment, unless you have your own. Anyways, delighted to meet you. Have a good day."

After sliding his seat back under the table and thanking the waitress, Lui walked back towards Little Tokyo, the voice of Shirokishi ringing in his head.

"And you are allowing him the chance to trample you underfoot? You know he will try to sweep you out as soon as he's had his fill of you."
"A person of his high standing does so on a fumbling support system. If I feel he is lording his position, a swift kick to his supports should send him the wakeup call. Besides, I've got something he could only dream of... a Persona."

~~Lui EXIT~~