~House of cards~ [Kazuya/Invite]

[Eurydice Sudeki]

.::Everyone had their reasons for why something meant the world to them, even titles. And then there were some that just didn't get the huge significance of something that didn't seem like much when looked at from a certain perspective as such in this case. She was listening more intentively than he could imagine and analyzing as she usually did. Picking up all the he said and tried to find its essence::.

~I hear him clear but I still don't see how a name brings you out of the shadow of another person. A name didn't mean you were stronger or weaker at least not in my book. I can see the frustration in that this Lucien, whom now I've learned isn't a Dragon but a Crow, was handed this while Kazuya worked for his. Things like that yes I can see it as a slap in the face, and I can agree I do only see Leon as the Lightning Dragon. After all it was what I always knew him as.~

.::And then he hit her with a comment that might not have been appropriate presently. Why? Well those lingering mixtures of anger and joy was still swimmingly in her from everyone. Talking with him was slowly pushing it away and yet suddenly the other's displeasure was rising in her again, almost becoming her own. His saddened smile would go unnoticed as she immediately stopped walking and snapped her head up towards him. She let go of his arm turning so she faced him fully. Oh there was that tinge of anger in her voice. And this was a girl that was able to hid herself well, she really really needed to get a hold of that ability to get herself completely back to where she needed to be::.

"Seriously Kazuya? You really think I would ridicule you and look down on you for that? I'm sorry I don't see the same value in it as the rest of you do, forgive me for valuing something greater. The last thing on my mind is who the hell is named what. I don't see how a name brings you out of anyone's shadow. You want to walk a path of your own, then do so. You don't want to be in their shadow then stop treading down the same beaten road. Forge your own, what is so wrong in doing so?"

.::A frustrated sigh::.

"I'm not going to get into anything referring to David or Leon, other than if you want to continue walking behind someone who has turned his back then suddenly decides he cares if Leon passes a name to someone, by all means..They don't have the power to stop making you a shadow, you do.."

.::She felt a little light headed, as her body swayed for a moment but she caught herself. Other's people anger was pretty damn powerful sometimes, and Kazuya's was strong in the beginning::.

"I can't believe you would think I would think that of you..It's not like that and I'm just frustrated that with all the other things to care and be upset about this is most important.."

.::She eyes squinted in pain, holding the bridge of her nose. There was also a notable purple glow in her eyes if he was capable of 'seeing' such::.

~I'm losing it.. I really need to calm down. It really wasn't that upsetting but those people and his emotions of anger.. Damn..Couldn't we just go dancing? Yea that would be nice~

.::Her back would be turned to him by now as she visibly was trying to relax. She needed to be soothed indeed, but there was a fear on her. A fear of a full loss of control. Hopefully he understood she really wasn't trying to ridicule him. But how could he know that her burst was due to those people reactions inside her? Hopefully this wouldn't ruin things::.

[Kazuya Hikari]

Calmly and coolly looking down at Eurydice after she had stopped and snapped her head up at him, letting go of his arm and turning to face him fully, his arms would hang loosely at his sides, completely unfazed by the tinge of anger in her voice and would stay silent during her outburst. He wouldn't say anything after she was finished, simply because there was nothing for him to say.

What could he say? She was right... But he had been playing catch-up with Leon and David for years, and he was tired of it. Tired, and wanted to finally stop. Her back to him now, his hands would twitch for a second, before curling up into fists.

"Eurydice."

If she turned around, she would find his arms suddenly wrapped around her, pulling her into an embrace. Even though his armor was cold, she would find herself being warmed up by his arms, as he had slowly increased his body temperature, not too high, but high enough that she'd feel warm even with the armor on.

"I'm sorry..."

Sorry for what though? For thinking she'd think less of him, or being part of the reason she felt anger and frustration right now? The correct answer is both.

[Eurydice Sudeki]

~I know I'm not wrong at least not entirely. Yes I shouldn't deem what is important to who but a title? Of all things in this world? The world is still apparently a silent hell and there was so much that needed our attention I really don't care who is called what. I have better things to do and more important things to worry about. But I- ~

.::At the sound of her name she didn't turn immediately. Her eyes remained closed as she bite at her lower lip::.

~It did sounded like I ridiculed him a little bit didn't it? Even though I said I wouldn't.~

.::Taking in a deep breath she turned and just as she did she felt engulfed by his arms drawing her into an embrace. Still feeling a bit dizzy she stumbled just a little before regaining her balance against his. It wouldn't be until she felt the warmth and heard his apology that she would wrap her arms around him to return his embrace. Another exhale as she felt it was her turn to apologize::.

"Actually.."

.::She decided to look up to him. Here came the apology::.

"I'm sorry for how I responded.. It still sounded like ridiculing and I apologize.. I guess all their emotions aren't gone yet.. But I just don't see it the same way.. It's frustrating and I know it must be the same for you.. I think you know I have a lot of that..And so do you.."

.::She would reach a hand to his face just to turn it towards her if it wasn't already. If it was she'd turn it a bit more than go back to the embrace::.

"Tell me I'm wrong when I say you must be tired of it...Let's just let it go for now, what do you say?"

~I wasn't saying he couldn't say anything now. He could say all he want. But afterwards to just let it go and continue with the day. Or we could just talk about it later and enjoy the day. Relax and let the frustration wash away like before. It was on him~

[Kazuya Hikari]

Feeling Eurydice wrap her arms around him and return his embrace, hearing her let out another exhale of breath, Kazuya would see from the corner of his eye her looking up at him, his face turned away from her, as he had been, and was now, carefully staring into empty space.

"... You have nothing to apologize for, Eurydice. So don't worry about it..."

Feeling something touch his face, his face would be turned towards her as he looked back down at her.

"... I've been playing catch-up so long... I'm tired. Can I... Can I finally rest? ... Alright. Let's just let it go for now."

Pulling away slightly from her, he would continue to look down at her as he'd shift his arms so he was gently holding her instead.

[Eurydice Sudeki]

~Well wasn't this getting far more serious than I would've currently liked, let's move along no?~

.::Eury smiled at him. Then with a small push off him, she flicked his nose as she stepped back::.

"There ain't no rest for the wicked."

.::She laughed a little about it. Still moving in a coy manner back from him. She would likely revisit this later, but for now they were supposed to leave it be. Let sleeping dogs lie as they say::.

"You are not allowed to proceed until you prove that you are going to be a ball of fun mister samurai...No more sourpuss."

.::Playfully she would bow in a traditional manner to him, still grinning at him as she stood back up waiting::.

[Kazuya Hikari]

A small smile tugging at the corners of Kazuya's mouth seeing Eurydice smile at him, he'd feel her give a small push off him, flicking his nose as she stepped back, causing him to grin slightly.

"... I guess that means I'll sleep when I'm dead."

A tad morbid, but in way, true. Only when he was dead, could he finally truly rest, but while he was alive and breathing, the rest he got was fleeting and brief. Watching her move back from him in a coy manner, a wry smile would appear on his face as she bowed in a traditional manner to him, causing him to let out a low chuckle before he would suddenly step up to her and pick her up, carrying her in his arms bridal-style.

"... Is this proof enough for you?"

[Eurydice Sudeki]

"What are you-AH!"

.::She squealed as he suddenly scooped her off the ground and into his arms. Her flower crown almost fell off, but quick reflexes kicked in and she grabbed it, readjusting it so that it remained in place again. Her arms looped around his neck for added sport as she mused::.

"It's getting there. It's slightly passable...Slightly."

.::Eury laughed again and tapped his armored chest to single him to place her down. If he did then she would stand before him and usher him on. If he didn't well then all the proceedings were in his hands::.

"You're a wolf in sheeps clothing."

[Kazuya Hikari]

A wolfish grin appearing on Kazuya's face, revealing his pointy canine teeth, as he heard Eurydice let out a squeal after he had swept her off her feet and into his arms, seeing her adjust her flower crown before it fell off and loop her arms around her neck while musing.

"Oh well, if it's just slightly, I'll try harder next time."

Placing her down after seeing her tap his armored chest, he would be ushered by her after she stood before him, and casually shoved his hands into the pockets of his Sky Force jacket, that wolfish grin appearing on his face again.

"Guilty as charged. But what does that make you then?"

He would ask, giving her a mischievous look. He didn't know where they were going, so he was letting her lead the way obviously.

[Eurydice Sudeki]

"If you're implying that I'm the sheep you might wanna rethink that."

.::Amusement in her voice as she lead the way. Her flowing dress moved just as graceful as her own steps against the curves of her form. With each step a small peek of her gold sandals would appear from underneath. If anything Eury could be the sly fox, calculating how to remove the wolf from the flock of sheep. Why? Cause with the wolf removed the fox gets the sheep, and the wolf no longer as to pretend to fit in. Win win::.

"Ya know I'm honestly really intrigued to see you dance.. I don't know why but I am.. I really want to see this..And for that, there's two places we're going.. "

.::She smiled mischievously back at him and then looked forward humming what seemed to be a latin tune. Mid walking it seemed like she did a little cha cha move, then continued walking normally without the humming, just a giggle::.

[Kazuya Hikari]

"I would never imply such a thing, I am greatly wounded by your accusation."

Pretending to look and sound hurt, the ends of his hachimaki fluttering in the gentle breeze that blew, as well as his front hair blown back, following after Eurydice, just slightly behind her, Kazuya appeared more as her personal bodyguard than anything else, especially with his twin katanas slung on his back.

"... Well I'll make sure not to disappoint you. Where exactly are these two places we're going?"

Returning her mischievous smile with the wry smile still on his face, he would hear her hum what sounded to be a Latin tune followed by a little cha cha move mid walk, then returning to walking normally with a giggle, all the while he would continue walking behind her like a lovesick puppy, a slight smile on his face seeing how happy she seemed to be.

"Eurydice... Thank you. After I left The Lightning Tower, I was angry, and I had to work hard to keep my rage in check... Or I end up letting loose my Qi. But you managed to calm me down... and for that, I'm grateful..."

[Eurydice Sudeki]

"Hm? Oh well they both aren't too far from my home.. One though we have to wait for the night sky, which doesn't look too far off..Don't you trust me?"

.::Trust that was a big thing, especially with Eury. The way she asked was all in good fun. But truth be told how far did he really trust her or rather how far would he trust her? With his life? Even this early on? What if she would, despite her words, choose hers over his in an instance? She looked over her shoulder with a smile another little gust blowing some hair away from her face::.

"Heh you're welcome.. Believe me I know all too well about that. So no need, you helped me remember?"

.::She said teasingly::.

"And why the hell are you walking behind me? I have one shadow and one is all I need..."

.::They would walk for about an hour give or take as the sun was starting to set. He could hear the music playing. With electricity being available in Dragon territory some were able to fix up a few amps and radios and get them working in unison. Sometimes they did a live band from time to time. People out of the streets seemed to be in a festive mood. It was usually like this around her way every other day. She figured it was something to keep the spirits uplifted. A few kids would suddenly run by them giggling chasing after one another. The smell of food filling the air::.

"Here we are."

[Kazuya Hikari]

"I never said I didn't trust you. ... But I do trust you though."

At this point, and after all he went through, Kazuya only trusted his life with himself. But despite this, he would protect those close to him and cared deeply for unconditionally, to the point that he was willing to sacrifice his own life to save theirs.

"Yeah, I remember... And alright..."

Picking his pace up so he was now walking beside Eurydice, after walking for about an hour or so, the sun setting, his ears would pick up the sounds of music playing, the smell of food filling the air as a few kids ran past them, giggling happily. Turning to her, he would smile slightly at her, his hand searching for hers as he would walk around and explore the street area, his other hand casually shoved into his jacket pocket.

"... It's been a while since I've been to a street festival. Haven't had the free time to go out since becoming General."

[Eurydice Sudeki]

.::This time he would not find her hand as she was already in the process of hooking her arm in his again. She knew he couldn't really see it the way she was, but at least he saw something right? Heat signatures, wish she had something like that for certain situations. Well meaning more naturally that she didn't have to use equipment. Nevertheless she breathed in the smell of the food, it really was mouthwatering::.

"Mmm smells so good..Well that's what happens when you have duties right?! This sort of stuff happens every other day over here. What's funny is when I originally had my home here it wasn't so lively.. I enjoyed the semi quiet and now they're festivities."

.::She said with a smile as she waved her hand like the place was a showcase. She wasn't complaining because she saw the hope in everyone and it was commendable how they held onto it. There were certainly street performers, and many in various costumes and all the likes around. Street vendors that sold various items, or even gave for free sometimes. It was a light in the darkness::.

"They hold one pretty often to keep the spirits up and entertain the children."

.::This was where most of the people knew her but just as Eurydice nothing more, nothing less. Especially the children, though it bothered her greatly inside because of her current loss she could never deny the joy she also felt::.

~What can I say I do love kids~

.::Kazuya would suddenly feel the little tugging on the ends of the fabric that flowed from his armor and the laughter of two little children. A young boy and girl of the ages 8 and 9::.

"Hey mister!"

.::Both children would be still be playing with the fabric a little. He would find himself being hit with rapid fire questions, and more than likely wouldn't notice Eury letting his arm go and walking over to a vendor momentarily to leave him to be assaulted by children::.

"Ar-are you a for really real samurai?"

"Yea! Are you?!"

"Is this real?"

.::If he was leaning down the little girl would ask and tap on his chest armor. While the boy would reach to tap his sword but not pull on it::.

"Are these real?! Where'd you get them from?!

"Do you save princesses?!"

"Do you know all that cool stuff?! You know that stuff when you be like Ya! and hiyah!"

.::The little boy would do poorly executed martial arts move but adorable nonetheless. The little girl would laugh just as the boy tried to perform a kick and fell on his butt. He would frown momentarily and then just start laughing with her. This would be the only break Kazuya would have to speak with the energetic bunch. Meanwhile Eury would return standing a little behind him to his side holding a medium sized box in her hand. She was just smiling cause she knew these kids loved to ask a thousand questions::.

[Kazuya Hikari]

His hand grasping nothing but empty air, instead Kazuya would feel something hook around his arm as he turned his head slightly to the side and see Eurydice beside him, smiling wryly back at her as she waved her hand like she was showcasing the place to him.

"Yeah... I'm usually worn out at the end of the day, so going out is the last thing on my mind. It's a good idea, with Barker a constant threat looming over us, all we can do is keep our spirits up and stay positive."

Feeling a little tug on the fabric of his armor and hearing the sounds of laughter of two children as he was addressed, he would turn his head to peer down and see a little boy and girl beside him, continuing to play with the fabric a little as he would crouch down in front of them just as Eurydice let go of his arm.

"... Why yes I am, in a sense, except I'm not from ancient Japan. And yes it is."

Kazuya would answer as the girl tapped on his chest armor, as she would not only feel the cold metal, but also hear the clear clinging of the metal, while the boy tapped the katanas slung on his back, not minding being bombarded with the rapid fire questions from both of them.

"Yes, they are real. I received them from my father, whom had the sword smith that works for him and I craft them for me. I'm afraid not, I don't save actual princesses, but I have saved 'princesses' in the past. And yes, I do know Karate, would you like a demonstration?"

Kazuya had even done the quotation marks motion with his fingers, smiling wryly as the little boy would do poorly executed martial arts moves, the little girl laughing as he ended up on his butt from trying to do a kick, frowning slightly before joining in as well. Straightening up, aware that Eurydice had returned and was standing slightly behind and to the side of him, moving away a bit, so there was plenty of room between him and the kids and those walking around, he would start with a front kick, then launch a rapid assault of punches, then end with a tight and controlled roundhouse kick.

Pulling one katana free from its sheath on his back, he would then demonstrate the various kenjutsu techniques he had been taught, adding in some acrobatics to the mix, executing back flips and the like, before finishing off with a somersault and coming up on his feet, katana pointed in front of him, lowering his katana back down, as he would bow to them and the audience, if one had formed.

[Eurydice Sudeki]

"YEAH!"

"YEAH!"

.::The children would say in unison as the boy eagerly got up brushing the dirt off him. As Kazuya would follow through with his demonstration a crowd undoubtedly formed. Many people stopped what they were doing to watch his rather impressive display. Even Eury made a 'hmm' sound watching him move rather effortlessly with the armor on. The crowd marveled as he finished with a bow. They clapped as the two kids ran up to him afterwards, still so wildly energetic practically bouncing up and down::.

"WOW! That was SO cool!"

"Yea! You were all like..Ya and ya..and flip here and there.. and and it was SO COOL!"

"You really a for real samurai!"

"Yea yea! I want be able to do all that.. Like all that sword stuff and.."

"You're handsome!"

"Alright kiddies you're smothering him."

"EURY!"

"EURY!"

.::Again in unison they spoke as Eury walked up and they came running to her. She still having the box in hand as she looked down at them with a warm smile::.

"What are you little monsters up to huh?"

"We're not mon-"

"Rawr!"

"Ooo you're getting better with that."

"Ok he's one, but I'm not."

"Yeah you're a little angel when you want to be."

.::With her free arm she would ruffle the girls hair and then the boys::.

"Did you see the samurai guy?! He's so cool!"

"Yes, I did.. He is cool isn't he?"

"SUPER COOL!"

"You look pretty Eury! Like a princess or something. .Can I have a flower thingy like that too?"

"Haha thank you.. I'll see if I can get one made for you ok?"

"YES!"

"Alright how about you two run off and enjoy well I go talk with this really cool samurai here ok?"

"OK! Bye mister samurai! Bye Eury!"

"Bye!"

.::Finally they would run off on their merry way. She shook her head laughing at them, they were a riot at times. Looking back over to Kazuya she'd walk up over speaking playful::.

"So mister really cool samurai, you left a lasting impression on those rascals ya know.. And I was impressed you moved like that in that armor of yours...Hmm not bad.."

.::She handed him the box, with a smile::.

"Here."

.::Once he'd open it he'd either be able to 'see' the contents inside, or at least feel them out::.

"Unless you wanna stay in that armor.. But we are supposed to be dancing, so I thought you'd want more freedom.. My place is a few minutes away you can leave your stuff there if you'd like. You trust me, so trust me that I didn't give you a ridiculous looking attire."

.::Smiling she waited::.