Fading Sun [Closed]

Once Kou parked his Audi R8 in his spot behind the Academy building he locked it up and walked inside. The Headmaster office is all the way at the top so Kou being lazy and still quite sore went n the elevetor all the way up to the top floor. Once there he walked past Ayane's desk and started to unlock the door to the Office when he saw the light blinking on the phone system he figured he would just get them once he got in. Closing the door behind him he walked to his office on the left and shut his door. Walking to the tall windows he opened the blinds to allow the light to come in. The orange sun was staining the sky as he sat down in front of the window and clicked on the answering machine and placed it on speaker as he allowed his jacket to drap on the coat knob behind the door of his office.

You have 12 new messages. Message 1:
"Hello Alculard Family. My name is Dr. Anna Pierre Of Tokyo Hospital in District 7 and I have some grave news for you unfortunately. Yesterday Sierie Alculard was hospitalized at 7:43pm here at our location. Her diease seems to be getting worse and her body is denying to accept any of the medications we have been giving her. I would like one of you guys to come down here immediately if possible. The last news I have for you is Ikito Lamera was a Sensei at your academy and sadly he passed away at 6:15am this morning due to a deadly car accident which severly crushed his lower limbs and caused massive internal bleeding. We need to know if you have any record of his family that we maybe able to contact and inform them about what happened. Please give me a call at (xxx)xxx-xxxxx extxxxx Thank You and I am very sorry

Kou sat in his chair with his stunned expression and almost lifeless body. Are they serious?! This can't be- but his thoughts were inturrupted by the next message from the phone.

"Damn it none of you called me back but our family Lawyer called me and told me what is going on. Kou I know you listen to this shit in the morning and you can't hide it. You and Ryuu have been doing this for years behind Ayane's back so anyways. It's Fae and since someone is trying to breach the Alculard Land's Contract I have been contacted and asked to return. Plus you all seem to be helpless without me being there so I will be there by the end of this week. No slip ups and I mean it."

Shit Fae is coming back. This is all just going downhill right now at so not the right time. Kou mentions as he deletes this message from the system. No one else needs to hear their angry centuries old grandmother cursing at everyone over the phone. Like that wasn't bad enough. The next message came up and Kou just can't stand anymore heartache right now but this message made him stop from hanging up and letting Ayane pick up the rest when she woke up.

Hello Cousin's I am a very distant cousin most of you may not know about since I was told to never mention my name to you and I was told to not have you know about my existance until recently. It appears that my mother has made a contract with Takamichi before he passed away 5 years ago. I even attended the funeral but most would not have noticed me since I did leave right after they took his ashes and placed it on the mantle in the front hall. I got the notice to return to the grounds but my mother told me no since she is no longer welcomed there. Now that she has done something I can never forgive her for. So I am returning to the Estate. I should be there in a week or so since I have to transfer schools and such. I will call a few days before I arrive to let you all know that everything is done. Talk to you all soon!

Kou hung up the phone this time and was going to leave the rst to whoever was willing to listen to them. Kou sat and sighed as he called the Hospital in order to obtain more information about Sierie and Ikito.

Jin silently strolled down the room, walking past couple of desks almost too casually, as if this was nothing more than of the norm.

Hands inside of the pocket of his dark pants, still smoking the cigarette that was already burned halfway, he took quick strides to the opposite side where the door led to the Headmaster’s office. He had enough sense to knock but didn’t wait for a response has he pushed the door open. On hand still on the knob, the other running it through his now bit long dark hair, it seemed that he was intentionally trying to cover up his left eye. Though he no longer wore the white bandage he used to, he tried to make it less noticeable the fact that it was blind.

There were already voices inside, though it seemed muffled, which he guessed to be voice messages that someone was playing. Jin couldn’t have cared less as he walked inside nor was he paying attention to what it was saying. However what really caught his eyes was… the man who was now present inside. Familiar, wouldn’t be the word for it, he knew exactly who this person was. Kousei, was it? He introduced himself the last time their path crossed during their odd evening meeting.

“tsk…” he closed the door behind him, his expression still blank. Unlike last time, his eyes looked bored, not even a hint of a smirk that he wore during their last meeting.

“Sorry to bother you, Kousei-san,” he said in the usual cold and indifferent voice. He wondered if the other would even remember who he was. After all he realized in the many years he lived that most never took their own words seriously. Not that Jin would blame the man if he couldn’t recognize who he is, he looked a lot more plain then that night. Simple black pants and long sleeved shirt, he no longer was wearing the colorful kimono nor the white bandage he used to cover up the left eye. “I’m actually new to the school. I forgot the reason but the teachers told me to pay a visit to this place.”

Making the call to the Hospital was one of the most difficult things to do. As he waited for the nurse to finish taking down Ikito's Information he was placed on hold. He texted Ryuu and told him to check the messages when he came into the office later on. As he was on hold a young man strolled into his office with a halflit cigarette in his mouth. Most would think of him as a delinquent if they were to see him but Kou met this young man when he first got here a few days ago in the Garden. But again his attention is needed elsewhere as the Nurse returned to the phone.

"Yes....I will inform the everyone about it...Yes thank you very much."

Kou hung up the phone and sighed as he finished jotting down all of the notes on his paper before looking up at the man sitting comfortably in the chair across from him in front of his desk. "Well now. How interesting of you to pay me a visit so early in the morning excpt this time you seem bored. Is it because you are actually in the Academy building? Or could it be because you are in the Headmaster's Office?" Kou toyed with the man as he got up and placed Ikito's documents in the outbox of his files. He was going to have to announce Ikito's death at the meeting later tonight once all of the Staff was up to speed. Kou went back to his desk as he adjusted his long hair again before he sat down and looked at the man in front of him. This is an Academy related ordeal so he will have to take care of the need that has this man in his office so early in the morning.

"If I can recall from our first encounter in the Garden. You did mention that you ar new and you just arrived here, correct? So I would assume that they would like me to help set you up for some classes." He mentions as he looks for the New Student Files in his left hand Drawer. Once he found it he brought out a sheet and decided to finish up the rest of the paperwork. Kou placed the Nilla Folder on his desk and smirked as he folded his hands and leaned onto his desk more. "Last time I was not given a name since it would have been irrelevent if our paths were never to cross again. Please do understand I see many of our Staff and Students and even to this day I still recall most by name. This time however I will actually need it not only for when we cross paths more often but for me to complete your application here. So I ask politely: May I have your name this time, please?" Kou held every bit of sarcasim that he contained on their very first meeting a couple of days ago. Hoping that it is a way to break the ice that this one came in with but also to help him feel more welcomed than what most would feel when they went to a 'normal' Academy.

A smirk came upon those thin lips. “So it seems that you are not as interesting when met at the academy as elsewhere,” he said coldly as he took couple long quick strolls towards the other male. The smirk only lingered for a quick seconds before disappearing, masked again by the same blank expression.

“Takasugi, sensei told me to get you. Takasugi… TAKASUGI!”

“Oy, Zura, can you stop yelling? I’m trying to sleep.”

“It’s not Zura, it’s Katsura! And you have been ditching class for a week.”

“Zura, shut up.”

“It’s Katsura!”

“What of it? It is just names, they are all the same.”

“Names are important to a person.” a pause. “You… never told me your name.”

“Takasugi.”

“Bakana! That’s your surname!”

“You guys all just call me Takasugi.”

“That’s-“

“I don’t have one.”

“…huh?”

“I forgot it. People always just called me Takasugi.”

“… Jin.”

“hm?”

“Jin. I’m giving you a name. Jin.”

“What nonsense are you speaking Zura?”

“IT’S KATSURA, GOD DAMMIT!”

He turned his gaze back to the other, meeting Kousei’s eyes dead on. “Takasugi, Jin.”

He took the cigarette between his fingers, blowing out the smoke as casually leaned against the Headmaster’s desk. “Now Kousei-san, don’t try so hard making yourself seem friendly,” he said in a low tone. “I’m sure that’s how you managed to talk your way into earning everyone’s favor. But just set me up for some classes and I’ll be out of your way in matter of seconds.” Jin wasn't quite sure why he was acting a lot more distant than usual. He wasn't giving the same so called 'sarcastic' remarks as he did in the earlier meeting nor was he giving the other anything but a cold shoulder. Perhaps it was the fact they were within the academy, especially the headmaster's office. His main goal at the moment was to get over whatever he was sent to do here and get out.

Kou saw the smirk come across the young man's lips and his words made Kou chuckle darkly. "Well I respond the same way the person comes to me as. You are definitely not the same when you are within the building. I take it that you hate learning?" Kou asked as his eyebrow went up in confusion once the young man's expression returned to its emotionless state. So it seems like he hates to be around the building maybe from past expriences Kou supposed.

Once the name came up Kou worte it down and smirked a bit because now he has a name to the face that he shall always remember. Jin removed the cigarette and Kou just pushed his dish towards the man so he can use it. He knows Ayane hates him smoking in the room but sometimes the stress grets to him so he takes a smoke now and then. Kou placed down his pen after Jin finished speaking. Rubbing the bridge of his nose and pinching it to prevent anything from starting up. "Jin, lets get the records straight here. I, unlike most, do absolutely nothing to gain anyones favor. In fact they gain mine if they wish to remain here and if anything happens and no one else is available they come to me. May I ask do you really know what this Academy is all about Jin? If not we are going to go out for a bit to have a discussion." Kou mentioned with his Sapphires piercing into Jin's own eye that was exposed. So it appears that he has had a bad experience with Academy's in the past and Kou is hoping that they can help change that around. He would hate to let go of such an interesting student. But maybe he needs to be allowed more time to adjust like Soole. Not everyone is into to school like some are.

Those words, it triggered something very uncommon within him, an emotion that was never generally displayed in public. Anger, hatred, or whatever it was categorized as, for the split second, it overruled all sense of reality or logic he had within him. The calm, collective look that he wore entering this room, was no longer there. If it was possible, those dark eyes looked even colder than before, and the hint of compassion he had before, was wiped away only to be replaced by revulsion and distaste.

But, within mere seconds, all was gone, and what remained was the same bored yet composed look.

“Why… I love learning,” a smirk played at his lips and his eyes held the hint of amusement that was present that very night at the garden. A personal that was perfectly played out, it was hard to believe it was not anything but fake. But perhaps it was all in the act to cover up his little slip not moment earlier. “If they wish to stay here?” he repeated almost with a playful tone. He let out a harsh laughter, “So you are saying I have to gain your favor if I wish to remain here?” The smirk began to fade. “And so I have no choice but to listen.”

Was it that know-it-all demeanor? Or was it the act of superiority? Or perhaps both. The way the other man carried his words, it was starting to get on his nerves. In truth, he knew it was not the other’s fault, after all, this Alculard had all rights to speak to him in such a manner, and he, as a student, should be polite enough to listen. But since when had this teacher like tone started to irritate him? No, there was no need for such question… he knew the answer… ever since then, he just couldn’t, no didn’t want to, accept another teacher.

The war, had taken more than his beloved, it also took the only man he would consider his teacher away from him. The man who thought him how to grip a sword, the one he respected and loved, was killed during the long years of battle. He wondered at times how he could live on, pretending it all didn’t happen. Jin even had cruel thoughts of destroying this life that took everything away from him; thoughts of seeking out revenge upon the other race, even if it meant he was betraying his own kind.

Of course, he calmed himself thinking that it was because his teacher and his love, had been human. Because they were mere morals, it couldn’t be helped. Their life was too fragile. But as those excuses kept his anger in check, it seemed as though he developed a natural impulsive rejection to all those who acted like his superior, those who only were trying to teach him something.

Subtle facial movements that undertoned his face and Kou couldn't help but feel in the wrong. Maybe it was something that he had said to cause this atmosphere to go from docile to a heated inferno. But as soon as the heat wave came it was gone like a cool breeze washed it down somehow. 'Past issues maybe? For now I should watch the tones and not upset him anymore than needed' Kou mentioned as he pulled out a cigarette of his own and lit it up. Inhaling the poisonous fumes, according to Ayane, and allowing them to settle for a few seconds as he exhaled it out slowly through his pursed lips.

Jin's response made Kou laugh a bit as he hears the sarcasim in his voice. This is the person he enjoyed meeting. But something is keeping this interesting individual at bay and Kou was drawing concern the more they spoke in this stuffy office. "Well it's not that they have to gain favor with me but it is a matter of just remaining on my good side and doing what they are supposed to. I have had to expel some students over the years because of all the issues that they caused on campus and I just can not allow anyone to harm anyone here under my watchful eyes." Kou remarks as he takes another inhale....and exhale of his stick. "Of course if you just do well in your classes there is no problem at all really. Some students graduate into their field of choice and usually want an Alculard to sponsor them until they are well wnough on their own. I usually handle such affairs. That is why most will try to gain favor with me in particular. You don't have to like us of course but all we ask is that you pass you classes and don't harm anyone here that's all." He takes another puff before stopping for a bit and dumping some of the ashes into the dish.

Kou leaned back and sighed as he looked back at Jin. "It is still early." He mentions as he looks at his jade watch before looking back at Jin. "This room is feeling a bit stuffy and Ayane would kill me if she found me smoking in here." Kou got up and grabbed his smokes out of their secret drawer. "How about we take a walk in the garden huh? I think the environment will cool me down a bit since my nerves are still in a bit of shock right now. I think fresh air will do us both some good plus no one is really in there at this early hour. What you say Jin?" Kou asked hoping that Jin would accept and just take a stroll that way he can be informed on what this Academy is really about and not by the lies the media feeds into the minds of the public today.

He let out a cruel laughter. “No one harmed, hm?” he repeated with pure amusement. He couldn’t help but to think they might as well throw him out at this very moment. Considering his hidden obsession of killing that was well known during the war added with his cold, uncompassionate demeanor, he wondered how long it would take for someone at the academy to piss him off enough for him to regain his compressed obsession for blood. “Want to know what I think, Kousei-san?” he said with a playful smirk. “I think you Alculards needs to start running background check on your students. Considering the man years they lived, who knows what types of ordeal they got themselves into in the past.”

Of course, he didn’t know who this Ayane was but that statement, only made him blow out the smoke a little more than he normally did. The smirk still etched on his thin lips, it was as if he had done so just to see a reaction.

“And if I say I have better things to do?” he replied silkily.

"Well we ensure the safety of our people that is for sure but it isn't like we have never had such issues in the past and we have learned from those mistakes." Kou mentions as he figured he may be in the office a little bit longer than intended. Still smoking a bit but he felt that this one had some hidden intentions even though it isn't directed towards him. But the comment he made actually caused Kou to smile. "See and this is all the more reason we should talk more Jin. You are not the first with a blood lust nor ar you the first that has been in a war and killed as many people. I have some Staff and even Students who are in the same catergory. Background checks is the easy part for us since I can obtain such information quickly. Our security team and even Staff are still part of their Military Units to this day. Some even outliving you by Age and war. But enough talk about these checks we can discuss those later." Kou mentions as he looks away.

Gods...he hated how everyone comes to him with their same thought. Maybe from now on he should just mention it to them from the very beginning. Giving off another trail of smoke much more forcably this time he was a little peeved but it isn't Jin's fault but to Kou it doesn't seem right to announce such a statement to an incoming student here. Kou sighed again as he tried to calm his nerves right now a break down was building up and the last thing he needed was this rage fit comeing up infront of a student. Too much has happened in just a matter of hours. Jin blew out more smoke than he normaly does and Kou gave him an eyebrow. Possibly the intention of getting him in trouble a bit? Well two could just as easily play at that game. He smirked darkly as he looked back.

"Well now if you have betterthings to do with your time then so be it. I find that the Jin I met a few days ago in the Garden to seem to be more of my interest than the one standing before me. Regardless of the fact I am closing my office so you will have to leave whether you want to or not." Kou mentioned with his own smirk and sarcasim waiting for a reaction. If playing hard to get is the game Jin picked the wrong Alculard to try and outbeat. Kou inwardly smiled, 'This one seems like a lot more fun than he makes it seem' Eveil intentions arise and Kou couldn't help but to remain a sarcastic tease from now on everytime that they meet.

He admit, his world had been small. Though Jin spent most of his early childhood traveling and being taught many different studies that were available, in the end he limited himself to the small island they called Japan. It was, undoubtedly, his mistake to try and live a life as if he was a human, limiting his understanding to only so far as human society could offer him. He sometimes wondered if everything would have been different had he abandoned that life early and decided to widen his range of vision. If that had been the case, he certainly wouldn’t have set foot in this academy, let alone stand in front of this man listening to what seemed like a lecture.

Though, this man, Kousei, seemed to have misunderstood his intentions.

From the beginning till now, what set the difference between that the jin he met that night at the garden and he who was currently standing before him, was the fact they were within this office and academy he wanted to get out so much. He had been having hard time accepting the fact the had to move on from the past and even get used to the fact he no longer could go back to those days at the small school he had attended with Katsura. Jin’s intention from the beginning had been to irritate this Alculard. To make him get frustrated enough for him to lose any interest he may have had. That time at the garden, he didn’t exactly know who this man was, Alculard as he may have been, he didn’t realize his position within the academy. Amusing and entertaining as Kousei was, if he was truly involved in this academy this much, he wasn’t sure if he even wanted to cross path with him again. Pity, though, he had a personality that Jin might have come to like.

He took couple strides towards the door, paused as he placed one hand on the handle. “Kousei-san,” he said in the same calm tone, “I’m not as childish enough to play hard to get.” The smirk now turned to a smile. “Funny, isn’t it? I happened to like the Jin from that night as well… just like how the Kousei I met that night, is more to my interest.”

He turned to face the other once more, his calm gaze unwavering. A part of him wondered if the other would understand the meaning behind those words, but a part of him, didn’t mind if he didn’t.

“Walking in the garden, is more appealing a night, wouldn’t you agree?” It wasn’t a question that needed to be answer. More of an implication.

Well to Kou it seems as if they are both off on the wrong foot and Kou can't help it but the office is making him feel worse right now and he is not in the mood to deal with it. He watched as Jin went to the door and watched as he mentioned about their previous meeting just days ago. Kou just chuckled as he went to the door and pulled off his jacket from the hook. "Well it seems this office is making us both dislike each other." Kou mentions as he opens the door and Jin walks out with Kou behind him. Checking his poket he made sure he had his keys and everything else. Locking the door they walked out and headed to the elevator. "The garden is much more beautiful at night then during the day. I will definitely agree with you there." Kou mentions as they get in and head down. "But you know...the Graden is the best place to normally catch me in a much better mood and not my office. Too much drama inside an Alculard office." They walk out of the elevator and then out of the building. Kou goes to place the Jacket in his in his Silver Audi R8. He turns to Jin and signals for them to head to the Garden to finish their talk and end up on much better notes and moods.

[Kou and Jin are leaving the Office and are walking to the Garden: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]]