Master of Puppets (Unfettered)

[Deleted]

Many of the students gathered around the school's clock tower with gasps and whispers at what had been left there. Not a body... but a note, forcefully fixed to the wall by a rather small knife. It was not necessarily a strange occurrence that this had happened, however no one had seen the person who had left the cryptic message. The final straw was the name scrolled in large lettering on the front that caused much pause and buzz about it...

UNFETTERED

... it seemed that many thought he wasn't someone to be simply called out, or at least so violently as implicated by the knife. It wouldn't take long before the word would reach the intended target and everything would be set in motion. Once opened the note would read...

Dusk on the roof. Come alone and bring the knife.

It wouldn't long after the bell rang that Kiyoshi made his preparations while the rest of the student body departed the school grounds for the day. With him, the Japanese student had brought a heating plate along with two traditional Japanese Sake saucers. Kiyoshi set the bottle of Sake on the heating apparatus, which was set to a very low setting, to warm to the proper temperature for consumption. He would hate for his guest to be subjected to a poorly prepared drink. Beyond that the preparation was done and all that remained was the waiting game, which Kiyoshi had mentally readied himself for as a silent mind would be key in this meeting.

The reason had been the bits and pieces of information he'd discovered on this figure. A man who seemed to be trying to change everything while staying amidst shadows much of the time. It was that ability and wealth of knowledge that Kiyoshi wished to pick at, the theatrics from the note were just that... theatrics. If he was to realize his new found goals then he would need some insight into the process involved in accomplishing such grandiose feats.

Silently Kiyoshi sat in a mediative position in what would be considered traditional garb for someone of his lineage. Beside him his trench coat was neatly folded his the Akechi crest that adorned it facing upward. He'd closed his eyes to focus on quelling his mind, although he remained every aware of the entrance to the rooftop waiting for it to open as the sun began to set beyond the horizon.

["Unfettered"]

OOC: I've been looking forward to posting here. Sorry for the delay! ^_^;;;

When Greeting Someone

UNFETTERED

Dusk on the roof. Come alone and bring the knife.

"...This is obviously a trap."

"Mm...~"

"Dude, boss, Marina's serious, man."

"...'Sides. I can dress up as a trap for you if you're into---"

*THWACK*

"---OW ...Sorry. :3"

"It'll be easy to set up a counter-ambush. We know the school grounds like---

"No. I've been very, very observant these past few days."

"..."

"If you're insistent on babysitting me, please get my gear ready into ze car und your iPod. Just keep your cellphone on standby. Zat iz as much as I'll allow. You vill vait for me in ze parking lot. You vill NOT leave ze vehicle for any reason unless instructed. Ja?"

"..."

"...Ja---Fine."

"I'm rarely called out. I feel strongly obligated.

"...Kekeke..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dusk was an interesting part of the day. Insert inane nattering of the adjective-addled poetry that dusk reflected on the situation and how perfectly it fit the German's attitude and/or the meet itself.---Or so the German thought to himself. However, "Unfettered" did let himself slip for a moment---there was symbolism. Meeting in the day would mean to soon see the night. To meet in the night would lead to dusk and then the day. To meet in the dusk is to meet later in the day and eventually in the night. While all of this sounded obvious, the cryptic message of course was... this relationship was bound to start off...

...

"Unfettered" smiled to himself, as he took his time walking up the stairwell to the roof. He had arrived looking relatively as himself: A white t-shirt, blue jeans, black sneakers, his hair tied up into a pony-tail to keep his face clear of hair, and his trademark Nazi eye-patch over his left eye socket. As usual, the German came with none of his items, having left them in the vehicle with Marina, save his wallet and its contents along with his cellphone. Hands were pocketed as he continued to make his way up...

...There was the faint smell of alcohol. However, the aroma was unlike any the German had had the pleasure of smelling before. Raising his brow before he even had fully arrived, the German took to the door, opening it gently. In one movement, the German had stepped inside, took a sweeping glance of everything, and closed the door---quietly---behind him before facing his "host." Walking heel-toe, the German's feet were unusually quiet as he observed the preparations for himself, his body slowly acclimating itself.

The man who stood before him was Japanese and wasn't afraid to show it---his culture, that is. Quietly licking the inner rims of his gums without too much excess movement, the German kept walking, still absorbing the fellow bit-by-bit into his memory, before stopping an estimated three feet from the fellow. The German slowly recognized the fellow, but was getting too absorbed into the atmosphere to make any of his other, usual reactions. Rather, the German slowly sat himself down on his knees (as he had seen on some of the various animes and mangas he had watched for himself and from the ones Marina had introduced him to) and extended his long arms to rest his hands on the knees.

Yes, this fellow was that one... that one who initiated the riot. If this was more easy-going, the German would've smiled---but a serious setting was a nice change for once.

"..."

Nodding his face to his compatriot, he looked off to the still slowly cooking drink. For the time... the German decided he would trust this fellow and risk himself. The German would smile, quietly still staring at the drink.---And slowly reach behind himself with his left hand to pull out the knife from his back pocket before resting it horizontally between the two of them. It had been sharpened, the blade wrapped in a cardboard & duct tape sheath that was layered inside of the cardboard to allow for easy access to put the blade in and to pull it out without any stick.

"I am referred to as 'Unfettered.' Danke for ze invitation, Mister...?"

...Man who stabs his messages to the clock tower...

Only the twinkling in the German's eye betrayed any further amusement at the thought.

Along with...

...?

[Deleted]

{OoC: Its been so long since I've been this... ah, memories. ^_^}

Hearing the sound of the door to the roof opening, Kiyoshi opened his eyes to gaze at the mysterious man who seemed to be one of the Legends at this school. It wasn't long before the Japanese youngster noticed the Nazi patch covering the man's eye. Interesting development in that, it would be reckless to simply assume the man was down to one eye and more so that it was a handicap. His own country's history had proved otherwise in one famous manner. Also the irony of this semi-secret meeting was not lost on Kiyoshi... a German Nazi meeting with the Japanese. The last time an alliance between such groups had formed the world was changed forever, though the Germans got what they deserved the Japanese suffered more than their share. However this wasn't an alliance meeting... too early in the game for that.

Of course given the almost ceremonious vibe of this meeting, Kiyoshi nodded graciously in response to the one he was giving, however only dropping his head to the same level as Unfettered. This would often be construed as saying they were equals... debatable as of this moment. The blue hues of the Japanese student did not miss the placing of the knife in its newly made holster. A small smile formed, the asking for the knife being brought had been less an instruction and more of a gift. Someone who had stuck to the shadows so long might be hesitant to come to a secluded meeting alone, thus the possession of the knife was to ensure a level of safety without assistance. Whether that had worked or not the way intended was irrelevant as the desired outcome had been achieved. Regardless Kiyoshi's guest had introduced himself and should be shown the courtesy of such a reply.

"Akechi... Kiyoshi Akechi. A pleasure, Unfettered."

While introducing himself, Kiyoshi adjust his sleeves before grabbing one of the saucer cups and the warmed bottle of Sake. He poured the slightly steamy liquid into the cup almost to the edge before carefully extending it to his guest with a polite nod. Once the cup was taken, Kiyoshi would proceeded to do the same with the other cup before replacing the bottle onto the heating place. With the saucer in his right hand, the Japanese male would extended his arm outward and upward so that the cup was just above the level of the top of his head with full extension. A brief grin gracing his face as he offered a traditional toast with the friendly drink.

"Banzai."

Kiyoshi would proceed to down the warm traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage in one mildly long drink. A contented sigh escaped him as the last bits of the liquid drained down the back of his throat, formalities and pleasantries aside they had business to discuss. However as much of face-to-face discourse was transformed into a test, Kiyoshi would extend one such item to this Unfettered.

"So... I'm curious if you have any inkling about why I have asked you here..."

["Unfettered"]

Observing The Ceremony

"Akechi... Kiyoshi Akechi. A pleasure, Unfettered."

The German nodded again to... Kiyoshi. Another Japanese name. Quietly, "Unfettered" waited as Kiyoshi appeared to go through some sort of... ceremony, handing him a cup of... sake? 'Zis iz sake, then?'

Graciously accepting it with a serious smile, the German held it, trying to do his best to imitate him when he filled his own cup.

"Banzai."

Uncertainly, the German stared at the man, stared at the sake... shrugged and drank in one go, still attempting to emulate his current compatriot.---

It burned. A lot.

"So... I'm curious if you have any inkling about why I have asked you here..."

Lightly, the German stared at Kiyoshi, a serious, grim look on his face.

---He swayed lightly in his seat.

"...Ja."

Complete composure.

---He swayed lightly again. Then again, the German didn't normally drink...

[Deleted]

Gently, Kiyoshi set his own cup down while eying the German as he responded, noting the slight swaying that was occurring. Apparently Unfettered was not a heavy drinker, perhaps the friendly drink should have been less in quantity, however there was no real harm done with that. Still the Japanese host smiled courteously at his guest while embracing the brief response he was given, expected from someone who stuck to the shadows of the school so well. It would seem he should start off the exchange of information.

"Yes, well... I have heard a great deal of whispers and rumors about you. A group called 'Militia' I believe where you planned to change this system... at least that is what it seemed to be. However not many can really speak to the actual man you are. Makes me wonder about the skill set someone who could weave their fingers so thoroughly while remaining a mystery to many subordinates would have."

Kiyoshi smiled a show of his intent, some would consider it sinister but more so a clever smile. It wasn't often that he plotted anything but when he did, he liked to think that he was very clever about it. Nothing in these meetings was meant to be final, just stepping stones... placing the idea around with the right people and seeing if anything stuck or lingered in their minds.

"Someone who has attended this school since first entering high school would have a great knowledge of the grounds, faculty, and experience on what changing it would take, at least in your case. An invaluable asset to anyone."

Safe to say much of the flattery would be called 'buttering up'. Kiyoshi had pretty much asked without asking and said without saying that he wanted to pick at the knowledge within Unfettered's mind to find what he would need to achieve his own goals. However, though that was the immediate goal... taking bits and pieces of a gold vein is good... bringing the entire vein into the fray was better...

["Unfettered"]

Taking It In...

Perhaps the German should have declined the drink---too late now. Still, the German was just on the verge of being stupefied, still within the realm of cohesiveness.

It was enough.

"Yes, well... I have heard a great deal of whispers and rumors about you. A group called 'Militia' I believe where you planned to change this system... at least that is what it seemed to be. However not many can really speak to the actual man you are. Makes me wonder about the skill set someone who could weave their fingers so thoroughly while remaining a mystery to many subordinates would have."

Quietly, realizing he still had the cup in his hand, the German bent down (perhaps a bit awkwardly from how he was kneeling) and place it---

---"Unfettered's" face changed for a split second, hidden at a downward angle before resuming its otherwise lucid neutrality as he sat himself up properly. Looking up just in time to see Kiyoshi's smile, the cogs and gears were turning, grinding, making quiet notes. For his acquaintances sake, a hint was given in the form of a small smile.

"Someone who has attended this school since first entering high school would have a great knowledge of the grounds, faculty, and experience on what changing it would take, at least in your case. An invaluable asset to anyone."

The German paused, still smiling---he swayed a little more lightly this time---as he attempted to sit still as possible. But the quiet, hard-to-read smile was a consistency, as the German kept staring at Kiyoshi. A minute passed. Another. Thirteen seconds---

"Kekekeke."

"Unfettered's" eye had a particular twinkle, but at the moment his smile was more one of comfort then anything else.

"My first impression of you vas right."

Holding up his hands, palm open, the German lifted them slightly, as if to caress the Japanese man's face remotely.

"I am in ze presence of a mann vith an untapped cult of personality. Your command of ze English language is proper, your timing is impeccable, your insight (however much you may overestimate me) is to be feared. You are indeed ze mann who started zat riot a few days ago vith words that could start up a firestorm."

"Unfettered's" hands lowered after the series of dramatic praise. He knew he was being buttered up and it did please him---but so to, he had to convey his own gratitude and observations to the gentlemen before him. His head was raised up, as if waiting to look at the evening moon. Perhaps he was.

No, the German was not simply glazing over the implied questions, the information. However, there was a process and much like the foreplay of a tea ceremony, so to would the preparation also have to be set. Still loftily looking up in the sky, the German's quiet smile never wavered for a moment.

"Vat iz it you're looking to accomplish? For what ideology, belief, and/or principle are you throwing your mind, body und spirit into for?"

Perhaps it was the drink speaking. Perhaps the German just liked to play with words, the way they sounded, the way in which you could accent them. Perhaps he was genuinely curious. Regardless, the German closed his eye as he looked up, "humming" inaudibly to himself as he waited for an answer.

[Deleted]

To butter up and to be buttered up… Kiyoshi was not oblivious to the fact that much of what Unfettered said about him was exaggerated, which the same could be said about his own words to the man. The hand gestures were a tad bit odd though. However as lofty and slightly off as the praise was, it wasn’t out of the picture that Kiyoshi would eventually be the embodiment of all that and more. If there was one sure thing in all this, it was that he possessed the will to achieve all that he desired. Regardless as he continued to listen to his German guest, noticing that his implied questions were unanswered in lieu of a few of the German’s own. That was acceptable as it was only proper to share information for information in fair and courteous deals, beside this was a potential asset and ally.

“You want to know what I fight for… fair enough.”

The young Japanese student nodded while closing his eyes for a moment to collect his thoughts and how to answer as well as possible without giving away too much. As useful an asset or ally Unfettered might be, he could be just as great an adversary especially with great knowledge. Now his vision wasn’t going to be secret very long but it was still good not to get too specific. He eventually looked back at the German with a steely ferocity in his eyes.

“Change… so long students have tried to destroy this system without success, without foresight. If it were to be destroyed, what next?... We go back to having the police here in riot gear at the littlest of fights? No… a unified student body under one banner that no longer enforcers the non-fighting policies. Let students settled their disputes in combat when they begin… before they fester into resentment. A pillar and captain who fight for the students’ freedom and not to contain them. That is what I will be.”

Kiyoshi had laid his vision for the future at the longtime 259 student’s feet, steely eyes still focused to see what the response would be, however so slight. If it was negative then it would appear that Unfettered was not the man he might have thought, positive and they might be that much closer to an understanding or even an alliance. After gauging the reaction to his own answer, Kiyoshi would be more direct in his own questions.

“Now… what can you tell me about the workings of this school and those within it?”

["Unfettered"]

OOC: I'm going to start off small... and slowly expand to re-build momentum. ^_^;;; Sorry for the wait!---I guess "Unfettered" really did have a lot to say... >_>;;;

As a reminder, this was when the SLF was on the rise... however "Unfettered's" knowledge of it in the future was very shallow and will remain so here. His original spirit commentary remains relatively unchanged in this passage of time, surprisingly.

Long Lamentation

With tipsy ears, the German swayed himself into a forward listening position. "Unfettered's" tolerance appeared, however, to be working well enough, as he kept smiling, his cheeks still a tinged with rosy red---but mind working ferociously at a comprehensive pace. Holding himself up by resting his hands on his knees as pillars, the German allowed himself to enjoy the company of Kiyoshi.

Eyes of steel.

Foresight for stratagem.

Capacity.

Potential.

Kiyoshi understood that mere eradication of the Student Hierarchy system would amount to nothing. He also understood that stagnation would not help out 259. Instead...

“Now… what can you tell me about the workings of this school and those within it?”

The German made no movement, smiling to himself, closing his eye.

A good half minute. Was he thinking?

Three minutes.

Seven, if Kiyoshi would wait that long.

...

"Kekeke..."

Whenever he was interrupted or if he was allowed the long wait, the German would nod himself, seemingly to wake himself before erecting his sitting position strangely tall, as if sober and alert, his hands resting gently on his thighs.

"Vait."

The German's smile persisted. Knowingly.

"Vait... und ze oppurtunity vill present itself."

"Unfettered" would pause a beat to see if Kiyoshi began to understand the symbolism tie-in the German was making with his words and action... or inaction. In any case, the German would laugh to himself. Hard.

Tears welling up in his eye, he'd look at Kiyoshi, tilting his head in an incredibly self-amused mannerism.

"259 vorks at a clockwork. There is a constant... 'season' of cold vars und times of peace und revolution. It is not always repetitive nor is it something that can be predicted but must rather be felt months in advance to read the flow of power."

Preparing himself for the full-blown monologue, the German would nod his head forward, a tuft of loose hair covering his eye... which for whatever reason suddenly appeared to be... menacing? Was there a hint of red showing in the pupil?

"Ze Student Hierarchy has fallen. Instability und inconsistency of power for every Student Captain has lost the spiritual faith of many at 259. Should you come across the annals of our history, you vill find in your own conclusion how it vas only ze first Student Captain, Mitsuki Park, who brought about the 'Golden Era' to 259's Student Hierarchy. Integrity, honor und knowledge prevailed und ruled."

"...She also set the pace for stagnation, vith all Student Captains, veather by coincidence or no failing to bring about any change. If anything, they have only grown more corrupt and have become little more then fear-inspiring warmongers und bullies. Even more recent descendants fail to even inspire the fear, effectively become ineffectual und defunct."

"The loss of Mitsuki Park to... 'growing up' sadly still marks her as irreplaceable vith unmatched charisma und character as a person."

History lesson. Closing his eye and grinning a few personal details away, the German opened up to continue with a nod.

"Since then... 259 has fallen into these... 'seasons' of war, inactivity, stagnation, reaction, preparation... und repeat."

"There is much history in zis place... but as to ze most relevant persons of our current 'era' they vould, in no particular order: Leon Sudeki, Gabriel Seran, David Blaze, Mr. Asiv, Sean Barker... und perhaps ze man of ze alias 'Scene.'"

"Leon Sudeki is no longer really a student here... but rather a faculty member. In his time he was of a group of... seemingly self-titled 'Dragons.' These names, however have stuck... und I had ze personal pleasure of 'awakening' Mr. Sudeki into a more aggressive state of mind ven he was a student here. Do not trifle with him more then as needed. He possess special knowledge of various things but is most famous for his qualities as a fighter. Typically of neutral-chaotic disposition vith varying level of being a factor in school politics. The vine has it that his clan's blood is running their offspring into ze school... But keep civil und you should be fine. Look for a fight... und look no further. All aside, Mr. Sudeki is a delightful person to be around."

"Gabriel Seran was a man I originally scouted out for my own intents and purposes... back when I actively was trying for a push for change in 259. A man of rather wealthy background, he possessed very strong potential---potential that I did not see at the time. I do not think you were around for the time, but... there have been two great exoduses where many 259ers became transfers themselves in foreign schools in California... only later to come back. Gabriel Seran was amongst those in the first transition as a relatively normal student of no remarkable note. He came back a full-blown monster, though I have not had the pleasure of talking to him on many occasions to confer further then that. His personality has turned... overtly ambitious and recently graduated. Makes sense, smart guy as he vas---but he then went onto become a faculty member here as well. I do not recommend approaching him unless you keep an open mind as his personality may be rather... disheartening. Otherwise a non-factor to school politics."

"David Blaze vas a monster the moment he transferred in. The information I've managed to sneak on him depicts him as rather... well off, much like Mr. Seran. Und like Mr. Seran, ze school where Mr. Blaze transferred from is where he became a monster at, but he is no 259er. Mr. Blaze has held onto the title of Student Captain on two occasions due to his natural growth und talents. He is a skillful fighter and capable as all-around, but is a person I have not yet personally fought vith, nor am I looking for a reason to. However, he is a man who has inherited the spirit of stagnation and has made no forward progress with the title of Student Captain, even going so far as to desecrate it on more then one occasion... giving the title to someone. Infamous for taking sudden absences of long leave, he will come back only to destroy all built-up political power und act as a living deterrent... while failing to fill the void of order. I have attempted to get along vith the man but his personality, much like Mr. Seran's, leaves something to be desired. While civil enough, he is unfortunately a valking contradiction... und VILL be a huge factor in terms of political impact as his personality naturally invades into the political agenda. Potential rival or ally to Mr. Seran, he is one you vill vant to duck from. His moral compass is spinning constantly but typically is of a more law-based mind vith good intent. Be wary."

"Mr. Asiv is the Student Supervisor but acts more as an... enabler. Surprisingly easy to talk to... if you can make him your ally, potential boons may come, but as he is a faculty member, he is otherwise neutral. He serves many other roles here. This includes defense of 259 from outside forces."

...Grimace.

"Such as from Sean Barker. 259 has been attacked and has launched attacks (with legalities as a huge issue of utilizing students either being covered up or publicly broadcast on ze news), ve have had to deal with a variety of issues. Sean Barker is a catalyst for being the absolute worst, kidnapping students while performing inhumane experiments on them. Thankfully ve rescued them but... many suffer (or benefit) from enhanced natural abilities und... other side-effects."

Rousing himself from deep thought, the German swept the hair out of his face, showing an increasingly sobered look on his face. There was a tiredness about him that quickly washed away as he took on his next face---smiling reflection.

"Scene is ze last... but may be a non-factor. I bring him up only as representation of a persisting issue here at 259: Agents of chaos."

"There have been many students here who have attempted to bring about conflict for the sake of conflict. Und many, like myself, lean towards a more chaotic stance in nature... but the overall plan for these... 'Agents of chaos' is relatively null and has proven to be ineffectual. I set myself apart from these 'agents' as I secret more of a long-term plan."

...And with this, he eyed Kiyoshi very curiously... with a very curious smile.

"...Plans that appear to coincide delightfully vith your own."

There was much to cover. Like any school, the enviroment had rapidly changed over the past few years and went and gone with many hundreds of students. But, for a moment of respite and to allow Kiyoshi to aim more focused questions, "Unfettered" would give him the time.

Smilng.~

[Deleted]

Patiently Kiyoshi waited for the German to say whatever he planned to say in response, though the delay of any verbal indication became some what puzzling as time went on. Had the drink had even more effect on him then initially thought or was the machinations of his guest’s mind working during this period to filter what would or would not be revealed? It was a quandary of sorts but one that Kiyoshi could do little about, he’d arranged this for a reason and did no plan to abort with nothing gained. Eventually Unfettered straightened up as though the previous state had been an act, and began to speak.

Kiyoshi listened intently making mental notes of all that was laid before, the history lesson being first. It was almost just like 552, save that there was a gathering of protectors to the school that were organized. Frankly he couldn’t recall any of the actual captains, just the Defenders or what it was. The difference was that there seemed to be no unified element like that at this school, which played nicely toward the chaos that could be used to bide one’s time. Still he had to remember he wasn’t the only one with ambition.

Next were the key players, all of whom seemed to be on the older end of the spectrum if not within the faculty. Leon, Gabriel, David, Sean, and Scene… this made Jayr the only student he could think of in his way. Still none of these select few would simply stand aside. The in depth analysis proved useful if only to reinforce the German’s initial statement of patience, waiting for the opportunity to present itself. Kiyoshi was by no means a patient young man in many things, often it was the biggest thing held against by his old teacher/master/big-brotherish figure Auroth. Given the manner of intelligence Unfettered reminded Kiyoshi a lot of the Crimson Fury. But given all the information where was a decision to be made.

A deep focused breath entered and exited the young Japanese man as he hung his head slightly in thought…

… the history of his country…

… his heritage came to mind…

… to rush in again…

… Honnoji…

… to sit aside patiently…

… Tokugawa…

… the answer was clear.

This internal deliberation took a few solid moments before Kiyoshi gazed at his guest again before giving a thankful bow for all the information provided. Further reassuring his new decision was the situation, he had sought out the knowledge of this long time student for a reason and to ignore the suggestion of patience would be foolhardy.

“You’ve been more helpful than I had originally hoped, though you’ve changed my plans somewhat. If I had the support of those I’ve been seeking I would be able to make a move, however I’ve not been able to convince them.”

A simple shrug and smile showing this change did not dishearten him.

“I shall wait for the opportunity as you say.”

Grandiose decisions made there was the smaller, albeit more important goal to get to. Kiyoshi could not consider himself on par with Unfettered in these terms of strategy as the German obviously had more information than he though and the mind to use it. In fact there wasn’t really much Kiyoshi might be able to offer in an alliance save for will. A small smile as he spoke again.

“Since our plans seem to coincide perhaps we should join forces…”

The offer was made.

["Unfettered"]

OOC: I'm going to re-start posting with you... short. Very, very short posts. >.> I apologize.

After Four Years Of Waiting...

There was much to deliberate about. The knife and the sake seemed almost forgotten in the mass of words. Almost. It was, however, Kiyoshi and not "Unfettered" that was under the spotlight. Even as the German meandered on, his eye would casually stray over to Kiyoshi. Evaluating. Observing. Musing.

The German liked the careful consideration Kiyoshi was giving the situation. He would not say it outright, but the actions he had recorded from before had already left the German's predisposition towards the man as...

“Since our plans seem to coincide perhaps we should join forces…”

...

A most wicked grin took to the German's face as his eye lit up. Sitting up comfortably at full height, the German's hands proceeded to rest over the curves of his bent knees.

'Finally.'

"Join forces? Do you have terms?"

The German didn't even attempt to hide his body language at this point.

...

...Enthralled?

[Deleted]

Kiyoshi could easily see that the German strategist was intrigued by the prospect of an alliance between the two. The next few steps of interaction would be key toward ensuring a last truce, previous like-minded individuals had been lost in these details. A deep contemplative exhalation of breath was followed with a small smirk of joy since he would get to go over his idea for the future.

“Beyond the change for the school is the change for ourselves… a united group with the ideal of freedom at the forefront. An group of like-minded people holding their freedom to live their lives outside of the constraints placed on them.”

A brief paused followed the words of what the planned Crows were to be about, though perhaps not in the most fluid way because the idea was too fluid to be worded easily. In reality it was something that had to be intuitively grasped by the person being brought in for them to get it. Kiyoshi knew all this, thus stopping the speech about it to focus on the more solid mechanics of what their positions, either within the same group or within a simple alliance, would be.

“In short for a group, or even mere alliance, to work it must be much like a person. Limbs and muscle can be replaced… however without a brain and heart it will die.”

Kiyoshi halted partially to see if Unfettered would see where this whole speech was going and also to accentuate the final few points by gesturing to the German with his hand.

“You already have the knowledge and means to it beyond myself. A manner of planning beyond what I am capable of… a mind seemingly unrivaled in the school. Cool and calculating.”

The hand shifted to gesture to the Japanese student.

“But, as in the analogy a brain needs a heart. I have the passion and relentlessness needed to execute the plans that you could easily formulate. However rash and unpredictable I can be at times… in essence the two of us combined would make what many call the perfect warrior.”

A small smile as he tilted his head back and gazed upward as the sun continued to drop beyond the horizon.

“The sky’s the limit.”

["Unfettered"]

OOC: Sorry for the grammatical/writing redundancies. It's late in the evening/early in the morning... felt like experimenting. Hope it turned out alright. >.>

A Push

With soft consideration, the German leaned forward, watching as Kiyoshi went forth to describe his... ideals. Dreams. Romantics. Philosophies. Ideals. Principles. Hopes.

Beautiful, quite really.

“Beyond the change for the school is the change for ourselves… a united group with the ideal of freedom at the forefront. An group of like-minded people holding their freedom to live their lives outside of the constraints placed on them.”

United group. Ideal of freedom prioritized. Like-minded individuals who believed similarly.

How easy is freedom to be talked about only to be held in the hands of corruption?

“In short for a group, or even mere alliance, to work it must be much like a person. Limbs and muscle can be replaced… however without a brain and heart it will die.”

...Caution was to be had. "Unfettered" observed his memories over the destruction of limbs and muscle---to find such people akin to such natural importance and to lose them, after all, was incredibly debilitating. Yet still, he mused only to himself as he listened with rapt attention to Kiyoshi.

“You already have the knowledge and means to it beyond myself. A manner of planning beyond what I am capable of… a mind seemingly unrivaled in the school. Cool and calculating.”

To this, there was no outward change aside from a simple nod of gratitude at the compliment from "Unfettered." However, inside, the German laughed.

“But, as in the analogy a brain needs a heart. I have the passion and relentlessness needed to execute the plans that you could easily formulate. However rash and unpredictable I can be at times… in essence the two of us combined would make what many call the perfect warrior.”

“The sky’s the limit.”

Passion? Most definetely. Words? To anyone who would let themselves not be wrapped up in the romantics, they would swoon immediately over the luxurious tongue that this boy was gifted with. A perfect warrior, after all... seemed possible. Anything seemed possible with Kiyoshi. To be... "Unfettered."

At this, the German began laughing quietly at first... and then growing in volume, hunching over with more extremity, 'til his forehead touched the ground. However, the German held up a hand, waving dismissively---not at Kiyoshi.

Himself.

So easy was it to fling the rocks of criticism. Harder still was the ability to encourage, nurture, grow. In the German's silent, mental nit-pickings he realized exactly how much his ego had hardened over his spirit... like a hardened casing of animal fat, waiting for the wick to be lit and melted into an overtly porous abomination. In himself, the German ravaged quite plainly at how overestimated he felt that Kiyoshi's trust was in himself.

...

"Tell me..."

"...Vat is... strength?"

Slowly, the German pushed himself up from off the ground---subtly reaching for the knife he had placed between them earlier on. There was a strange smile on his face, as he looked without looking, listening to the cooling air without listening, in a trance of sorts.

With only a beat, he continued on, potentially interrupting whatever answer Kiyoshi gave.

"Vithout gold-laced words, for vat 'freedom' do you 'fight' for? Vithout honoring compliments, vat vould you have me throw my life for? Vithout romantics, vithout passion... vat could one live for?"

Beat.

Smile.

---Suddenly stabbing into the palm of his left hand, the German huffed suddenly as he fought against the pain and continued his action. Dramatics were his specialty, if you got his hypocritical point. Ha ha. Point. Life knife. Everyone laugh.

The German smiled as no one in his mind laughed. The German smiled as he looked on at Kiyoshi, the blood flow from his hand slowing, hardening into "ice." Pulling the knife out completely from the shallow wound, he tossed it loftily to the side as he sucked at the ice, as if to try to numb his own self-inflicted pain. Hunched over, as if he were totally wretched.

...And slowly, he stood up again.

Blood had completely stoppled dripping from his hand, as he looked on Kiyoshi with a slightly deadened eye.

"If you vould have me join you, tell me your gang's---no, your 'organization's' name."

"You say Ich possess brains or intelligence or wisdom."

"Perhaps. Perhaps."

"You say you possess passion. Energy."

"Perhaps. Perhaps."

"To create the perfect warrior with our combined talents?"

"Perhaps."

Beat.

Grin.

Beat.

Frown.

Beat.

Laugh.

Beat.

No emotion.

Was he killing his emotion? Was he acting for acting's sake? Was there a subtly hidden meaning? No meaning?

"Ich have people who follow my orders. They are not exceptional at fighting like myself... they are delightfully wunderbar und experienced at gathering information. If you are to convince me, they are to join you along vith me."

"...They are... ze closest thing to family Ich have."

"There is a girl vith violet eyes who wanders just out of reach of ze school valls. She is not mine, nor will she ever be, but should I succeed in navigating ze von vith violet eyes to you, I ask that you look not at her actions vith contempt... for ze von I speak of is truly more 'Unfettered' then you... or myself. Her joining, vether she means to or no, vill be enough for you, myself und her to create a presence of charisma zat vill draw others."

"Vether good is committed or evil is committed, ze ends do not justify ze means---but if evil must be committed for freedom---nay, if evil is chosen in ze name of freedom of expression, I ask zat you beg my pardon but issue full consequences. For in that, I recognize the failure of the pillars provision of consequences to the choices made... in ze name of liberty."

"Und lastly... I beg zat upon consummation of zis organization zat you are ze von to lead it."

"...Those are my terms."

With that, he stuck his palm to his mouth while sucking on it lightly before unceremoniously sitting down in front of Kiyoshi. Adjusting his legs in this closed in distance, the German hoped (whether by hunching his back or no) to be on eye-level with Kiyoshi.

"If you accept... I ask now:"

"Convince me to join you."

Convincing words? Righteous fists? Clever threats? A gimmicky one-liner? As the German leaned his head face down towards the ground, he waited to see with his ears how this Kiyoshi would best act.

How he would...

...

Hm~

[Deleted]

Kiyoshi sat patiently while Unfettered seemed to go through a bit of a transformation. He couldn’t be certain if it was something snapping inside the German or just a show to try an emphasize the seriousness of the words he spoke, as though it was necessary. Still took in the entirety of the show before him, noting the impressive power over ice that was shown. Everything was boiling down toward the end, or at least the atmosphere seemed to feel that way, and misplaced actions or words. Once the German had settled down again, Kiyoshi sat still for a moment in deliberation about how and in what order to answer them.

“I accept those terms.”

A quick answer to the easiest subject to deal with, then onto the rest of it.

“… you ask what I fight for, simple… the freedom to live as I choose. But I know that this more easily accomplished with the assistance of others and there are others who want the same, working together can guarantee it. For you… the answer is whatever you find when you look inside yourself.”

Kiyoshi took a deep breath to settle himself slightly.

“I will lead only as much as I must… I will never force anyone to do anything that they have deep convictions against. Just as anything I do, I do simply because I choose to… expect no more from anyone else. There is a loyalty… a bond in that, which is stronger than anything.”

Soon the Japanese student’s eyes locked on the eye of his counterpart as a dead serious tone overtook him, beyond the partially philosophic musings of the rest of the conversation.

“The only way I can think of to convince you to join me is to earn your trust… so here it is. I know that power can corrupt, that the pressure to achieve my goals might drive me beyond gray areas… so how can I in good conscience say that I won’t change? I can not, thus gaining your trust becomes problematic. However I have already given you the answer…”

Very slowly Kiyoshi gestured to the knife that had been given to Unfettered at the start of it all.

“Thus, you must except my one term… if I betray everything I claim to fight for YOU must stop me.”

In essence Kiyoshi was anointing Unfettered as his second, in a more literal sense than he had implied in his earlier analogy. He had mentioned his impulsive nature and that he wanted Unfettered to keep him in check by using his calculating mind. That had been meant on the matters of decisions and actions that would be taken, now that was given a much more literal sense. Kiyoshi waited for the answer on the accepting of the terms before disclosing the name.

“We shall be called… Crows.”

["Unfettered"]

OOC: But really, thank you for being so patient. XD

Picking At The Dead Flesh

"All but one."

Impressive. Truly impressive. The German would give him that. In this man, "Unfettered" saw himself with Militia. The ideals and principles that he had held onto so long had only become broken records, playing the fuel of a dying flame. In Kiyoshi... there was a shot for one more chance... one more time...

"Ich vas ready to serve you the moment you accepted my terms. I've heard your conviction. Ich see your ideals. More zen likely, you vill fall to ze lust of power, but your principles vill vork to protect your ideals... as vill I."

"Ich vill not strike down ze man Ich pledge loyalty to. To do so vould be to contradict ze very trust I have placed in you. Rather, I beg you instead to live through your sins, no matter how far you have fallen..."

"Und succeed in spite of yourself."

Striding over to the man, he would clasp Kiyoshi's right hand in his own, gripping it tightly, a deathly conviction in him. The warmth of Kiyoshi's hand made the frozen blood begin to flow again.

"If we are to be Crows... then Ich vill gladly have you pick at my dead carcass for your cause. My life forfeit for your dream."

A promise.

A guarantee.

An oath.

...

...Kiyoshi may not have known it then, but aside from Mr. Asiv, Kiyoshi was the only other one that "Unfettered" had sworn loyalty to.

OOC: Next post will be really short, but hopefully you vill like. >.>

[Deleted]

There was much to be pleased about in Unfettered’s response to what Kiyoshi said, however there was still some to be disappointed in. He had gained a very valuable ally/subordinate/whatever it would be called in the future, the word to describe it was meaningless. Still there was part of Kiyoshi that hoped, given the problems of his past, for someone willing to remove him from the world should the proper occasion arise. However the German’s attitude was admirable and hardly something that could be even remotely counted against him.

Regardless Kiyoshi grinned, as the positives outweighed the negatives, and took the offered hand while hearing the final bit of Unfettered’s pseudo-pledge. At the end Kiyoshi rose to meet the German on their feet, however the young Japanese man was considerably shorter, and make one thing to be clear above all.

“I can respect that, however… remember that the moment you become completely obedient to what I say, you’ve lost much of your usefulness. I need someone worthy of respect and intelligent to challenge me… to make sure I keep from making those mistakes for as long as possible.”

Kiyoshi gave a half-humored smirk while glaring in a dead serious manner with his eyes. This one was not a request or a term to be agreed upon nor was it a command… just a fact. As with history, Julius Caesar had a slave follow him through the streets of Rome constantly whispering… ‘you’re only human’.