They did not have to wake early because the next event began in the afternoon, at lunchtime. The teachers decided to set up everything along with the staff's help. With the resort's cooks outside working assigned grills, tables are decorated to suit a large gathering in one of the bigger spaces in front of the inn.

Shade chilled the air surrounded by trees. Old stumps were used as seats and dead trees were shaped into tables. Large bowls of snacks, fruit, and cans of various sodas/juices sprawled over the biggest tables, accommodating such a large group. Even a cameraman wearing Nirvana attire took appealing videos for future reference.

A relaxed gathering, with soft music emanating from a giant stereo attached to one of the trees. It's beautiful, yet unlike the campfire, attendance is mandatory for everyone.

Groups of young men, dressed in school-appropriate attire, gather in small clusters, engaging in conversation. Whether it's gym wear, uniforms, or casual clothing, each one is dressed to match their grade level. The principal stressed to these young men before departing that they should present themselves neatly and enjoy themselves. They are to behave as though they are valuable assets, or as Crescent refers to them, 'Cattle.'

Crescent's night was spent tossing and turning, but he didn't lack the energy to get up because something was driving him forward. He wants nothing more than to find Kisha and apologize. He was swept by the story and in that moment he believed everything. Though Kisha didn't deny it, Crescent feels it isn't his place to behave so mistrustingly. They recently had a nice time on the bus, but everything turns sour eventually between the two and that's a feeling he doesn't like. If only they could settle their differences like adults for once. Pride takes over and the idea of begging another man makes Crescent lose momentum, but he's had all night to fester in his wrong during the interaction.

Ahni is all ready to go wearing his gym sweatsuit. Crescent needed something a little more warm, a hoodie, and khakis. The two locked up before venturing outside.

Ahni bounces happily on his heels, looking around at the wooden walls in amusement. The dull sight of so much brown hinders the beauty, but this entire inn is built to reflect nature. Vines are allowed to seep through cracks, as walls and foundations are old trees stacked together and held by god knows what.

The definite smell of wood and grass gives the inn a constant earthly atmosphere. Large tinted windows, cut through brightness. The floors are marble, and giant rugs of various animal prints lead a path through the entire building. It is evident that Hilla Cure once upon a time had many visitors. The rugs were pressed, dried with old mud, and stale. 

Plants hang from walls, stunning pictures of animals in natural habitats. Ahni imagines bugs having a field day crawling around the walls and termites eating at the foundation. A playful laugh from the thoughts fills Crescent's ears which are more focused on the silence, looking towards Ahni with a questionable gaze. Ahni shakes his head in defense, but it's clear something is making him laugh. The lights are set to dim constantly because of the darkness projecting from the ceiling. It's hard for sunlight to reach.

"Today we are going to the cookout. It's been so long since we had grilled food. Man, Crescent. We used to gather under the subway when Mr. Reeves received some good meats from Mrs. Barbara every so often. He invited us all. Remember?" Ahni's excited, voice reaches a pitch reflecting a child's joy. The inn staff purchased enough food to feed a King's birthday party and Ahni plans to eat like the King himself. His stomach growls just from thinking about it.

Crescent only nods, tucking his hands into his hoodie's pocket. Shivers creep down his spine, he sighs. He's cold already before they can make it outside. The heaters are turned down due to the in and out traffic, and vents open to air out the heavy smells so the inn's temperature at night is colder than the day.

"Yeah. I've been wanting a hot dog." Is all Crescent can muster up, his voice keeping to a hush. Unable to keep up with Ahni's energy, Crescent moves a foot ahead of his brother, hoping Ahni drifts into a little more of a tamed demeanor. Though mustard, relish, and maybe a little bit of chili does sound good, his stomach turning knots not just from hunger. A cast shadow, a desire to escape, and his heart beating as his nerves telling him to go back and jump under the covers. This uneasiness is draining.

"Oh, by the way, is it just me, or is Kisha always lurking near you?"

Crescent shrugs at Ahni's question, a sudden jolt through his chest leaves an ache at his temple, but Crescent tries to compose himself by breathing in slowly. After last night, he felt Kisha would avoid him for a while. He needs to push it out of his mind, but Ahni always has a way of making everything about Kisha. 

Old stories about the past, some people believe in them. Fascinated by them. Though he stands on the fence about the whole thing, he will have to see it to believe it. Crescent doesn't know if he's truly scared of it all or not. Ahni wasn't there to hear Hilla Cure's history, but Crescent's sure if Ahni was then he'd have been able to ground him. Ahni wouldn't have allowed such an expression from Crescent toward his hero Kisha. His innocence can't be matched and Ahni can push away the truth, even if it's staring right in his face. His dumbwitted approach sometimes isn't all that bad.

"No. He's not--"

"Are you sure? Look..." Ahni kneels closer to his brother, hoping to hide what he's doing.

Crescent stops moving as Ahni darts his eyes awkwardly, directing his brother in the direction to their left.

Crescent glances backward as a shadowed figure hastily striding pushes only a few feet from his features. The rush causes him to inhale sharply and hold his breath, a waft of sugar plumes consumes his nose and he knows all too well of the only person who always smells sweet. A pounding heart hurts so much as he can hear it now clearly in his head, his anxiety skyrocketing. Fists balls up, and his eyes shut tightly, an electric shock locking his frame to the floor. The soft patting of Kisha's shoes fades until they meet a carpet and only then does Crescent have the courage to slightly open his eyes. He follows Kisha, hoping that he will stop to address him, but Kisha presses the inn's doors open, sliding from the building. 

As the door closes behind him, Crescent watches through the glass, he quickly vanishes around the building. Crescent sighs, looking down. His presence means nothing. As quickly as those eyes tend to stare at him can they treat him like he's nothing. Crescent raises his hand, rubbing at his arm as he tries to push back the pain that begins to swell within his chest. This is a new type of pain. It's the worst.

"He doesn't even like me." Crescent spits the words out a little too loud.

"You sound disappointed," Ahni whispers, following his brother's side as the two make their way outside. Watching Crescent continue stride lost in thought, Ahni isn't aware of the situation, but something happened. Crescent's sad expression, he wants to ask why. He asked for Kisha to protect Crescent, not hurt him.

After being separated on the bus his brother was happy, now this? What a rocky way to start a relationship. They find ways to interact without him being there which is odd. Kisha takes the time out to only come to Crescent when he's alone. The bus, the campfire, the dorm, the gym, the lunchroom, the nurse... Wait-- Ahni raises his hand, slapping his head suddenly as he screeches.

"Aaaahh, dammit! Am I the vibe killer?!"

"What?!" Crescent jumps, fearing the worst for his brother. He stumbles, twirling around to find Ahni lost in gaze, looking back and forth frantically.

"Huh...?" Ahni gasps, not realizing he shouted. He instantly shuts his mouth, wide-eyed, and stares at Crescent innocently. His hand shoots down to his side and he chuckles awkwardly. "Oh, nothing, Cres. Hahaha." The quick recovery from Ahni follows sucked teeth and an eye roll from Crescent. 

A calm breeze engulfs Ahni once the door opens. He smiles, looking towards Crescent as if needing permission to go play. He's rearing and vibrant with life, the reflection of happiness boiling within his essence. A beacon of sunshine, something that Ahni doesn't need to hold because he's the source. Sometimes Crescent wishes he too can achieve such peace. Crescent answers with a nod and off Ahni flies, a group of his friends welcomes him in the distance.

Ahni's becoming popular. He seeks solitude in his friendships and they make him happy. Though he hangs out with regular students, he often avoids gang members. Ahni has yet to get into fights and will bring back comics to read after time with his friends. He loves them. More information and infatuation with heroic-type figures. 

Crescent finds his feet drifting through the crowds, attempting to spot a vacant seat near the hot dog griller. Given the chance, he'll scoop a few up. He wants the quietest place possible, only blending within the crowd. As he continues his stride, a quick grab of his forearm tells him that he isn't getting that today.

"This way, Crescent." Vergyl turns, releasing his arm and fading into the crowd. That's right. He still belongs to Asho and even when they aren't at the academy, gang rules still stand. They aren't to mesh. Crescent turns to follow behind Vergyl, watching him twist and dodge standing individuals, the idea of traveling farther from his hot dogs burns his limbs. Soon they meet up with the dark-haired shorty staring at a nearby tree, sipping a can of orange-flavored juice. He looks occupied with undeniable favoring towards the object before him.

He turns to greet them and smiles at Crescent suddenly.

"You know, you deserve a promotion," Asho calls out without hesitation. His eyes quickly glance at the tree before he taps it, saying goodbye and stepping towards Vergyl.

Crescent narrows his eyes, fingers fixing his glasses. He isn't here to hear such bullshit. After putting the pieces together as much as he could, listening to Phantom, and dealing with Kisha, Crescent knows that Asho doesn't have his best interest at heart. 

"Why's that?" Crescent asks sounding like a smartass.

"Your success of course!"

A quick eye roll, Crescent sighs. Blatantly stating different from what happened is as if Asho's playing with him. Either he has guts, or he's really stupid. Kind words from someone like Asho only mean he has an idea in mind.

"You'll be one of my close bodyguards and friends. You'll travel with me at all times. You like that idea, Crescent?"

Asho releases a small laugh, those dark eyes glistening with evil intent. He taps at his cap, taking another sip of his drink. Vergyl interrupts the two with an arm raised to get Asho's attention.

"But... Asho, he hasn't done anything significant."

Vergyl's trying to help wiggle Crescent from the situation and Crescent's all for it. He nods innocently at Vergyl's statement, shrugging, but the desire to punch Asho in the face is burning his left. A tight fist concealed inside of his sleeve, nails digging into his palm hides it away. With Asho so close, he's arm's length away. A swing and staff will interfere. That's when the trouble starts. It doesn't sound too bad.

"Doesn't have to. He has something I want so bud out of this Vergyl." Asho isn't listening.

Crescent grits his teeth looking down at the concrete as the two talk a little more. He decides to keep quiet, knowing that the more he thinks about everything, the worse he feels. This psychopath is out of his mind if he thinks Crescent is going to be used so easily now that he knows what happened. He never trusts anyone. Asho isn't trustworthy nor does he show respect. He deserves whatever bad things come his way.

Will Asho protect him once D.A.'s leader gets a hold of him?

"Asho, what did you do with the IDs?" Vergyl blocks the conversation once more, hoping that Asho doesn't spill any more than he already has. Crossing both of his arms, Vergyl releases a small sigh.

"Gave them as a gift."

The already horrible mood of last night, now mixing with the annoying voices of his leaders beckons Crescent to vanish from their presence. His left foot scrapes the ground, readying his weight to drift into the crowd. Standing here as if he is merely a leashed dog sickens him. Because of Asho's power, he tucks his tail, but this isn't the life he knew he could have. The number of members from Kings that attended he doesn't know. They are standing around laughing, enjoying themselves-- waiting. The smug look on their faces, trying to portray as normal students. It's all just a joke and the inn staff soaks it up. So many facades, contorted expressions to mimic happiness, and fake words.

"Ashooo!" Someone shouts from the crowd, frantic and stern. Students begin to peel sideways, allowing whoever it is to approach. The surroundings got quiet, all ears tuning in. They are arriving pretty quickly by the pace the students part suddenly.

Crescent watches too, until spotting the familiar color of red.

Once close enough, Saikai digs into his pocket and pulls out a stack of IDs tossing them straight at Asho's face. Vergyl successfully blocks with an extended hand. They scatter on impact, some even traveling and hitting Crescent's shoe. These are the raid IDs. He quickly counts them and notices one is missing.

"Do you think this is funny?!" Saikai's aggression escalates beyond comfort, with Vergyl intervening almost instantly as the redhead narrows the gap. Given Asho's height compared to Saikai, Vergyl looms over Asho like a protective shield. He is determined not to let Saikai touch Asho, standing as solid as his weight will allow, even as Saikai's frame crashes into his, pushing him backward.

"You have no idea what you're starting. Bringing mine into your petty shit. You're attempting to start another war?" 

Behind Vergyl, Asho leans until one eye is exposed and a falling baseball cap clings to untidied hair, taking a small sip of juice. Uncaring personality, a childish arrogance washes over entitlement. He taps Vergyl on the back for him to step aside and Vergyl abides, but not without a glance to make sure the situation is healthy enough. It isn't; however, there's nothing he can do right now, Asho is also his boss. His focus remains on Saikai, intently.

"I owe you shit! He's coming for you, fucking coward!! That's what all this is about! You're scared! Last time they interfered, but let's have it now where they become center stage." Asho barks back, juice drops splattering from his huffing.

Saikai steps forward this time, his foot clapping on the ground. He doesn't care if Vergyl separates them, he wants to smack Asho right here and he threatens to; hand lifting. The only reason Asho has the balls to say anything is because of the field trip. The staff will notice and call upon the teachers, thus that puts a lid on anything. Until then, they are free to bash each other. Asho always hides behind his tactics in a dingy office, playing the courageous, cunning leader. As if he has a clue of how things work. Everyone knows the brain is Vergyl.

Again Vergyl blocks, who decides to raise a hand and place it on Saikai's shoulder. Too close for comfort because as soon as he touches Saikai a hand suddenly reaches over Saikai's shoulder, placing a firm grip on Vergyl's chest and lifting him an inch or two from the ground. With hard collision with the figure behind him, Saikai nearly stumbles from the impact, but the familiar shade of a brown limb comforts him.

"Step in front of him one more time, four eyes."

That husky voice, laced with deep snapping aggression, Kisha's heard enough. Saikai was left with a few gang members to protect him, but neither of them stepped in, not that they needed to anymore. His intenseness-- he's holding back and Crescent meets him with full attention, but Kisha still doesn't seem to notice his presence. Looks like he's very protective over Saikai, something the first year has mentioned. Their dynamics in personality stand on opposite ends, but Kisha is devoted to Saikai. Slightly looking left and right, an igniting fire begins to burn in Crescent's chest. Envy of such passion, he wants that strength all to himself. His hand reaches up slowly a coursing desire to demand of Kisha why he can't help him boils upon dry lips. The pit of stomach erupts in not only growing hatred for Ash and Vergyl but now, even more for Saikai. One day, those fists will be his, and everything connected to them will no longer cease to exist. Saikai and Kisha's friendship is nothing but a fluke. 

Vergyl snicker brings Crescent from his dark thoughts, his hand suddenly retreating and hanging into mid-air for a moment as he quickly tries to piece together what's going on. Vergyl's level of energy matches Kisha in arrogance, but it's apparent in strength and size who will win. He's smart enough to know Kisha's leash. There are times when Saikai can't control him at least those are the stories Ahni usually comes back with. As far as Crescent can see, Kisha's quite the listener. 

Vergyl is among the rare few who do not fear Kisha and makes no secret of it. Asho, on the other hand, becomes tense whenever he encounters Kisha in the hallways on their way to class. Although Kisha never acts on it, the rumors of Asho's cowardice are a constant source of mockery. Crescent observes Vergyl briefly glance down at his hand before looking up again. His clothes are wrinkled and unkempt, which is unusual for Vergyl, who is known for his meticulousness and the very few things that bother him.

"This is not a high school game! You're putting all of us in danger, you idiot! Don't you understand what will happen to you once he finds the truth?! Do you think your desire to be top will just fall into your fucking hands? You will always be third Asho and by the looks of it, you're never going to be first."

Saikai's blood boils. Impersonating his gang for a petty ride to the top, finally, someone is taking measures into their hands. At first, Crescent thought it would have to be him but to know Saikai is willing to step up first, he's finding new information about Saikai that can work in his favor. He watches carefully as the scene unfolds, watching each one of their reactions. There is buried animosity that has festered for too long. The painted treaty of these gangs' society is just as fake as the rest of this school. Ego-- a detrimental word.

"You're the coward. Just look at you, weak weak weaaaakkkk! I will sit on top and use you all as my pawns! I get what I want!! I get it! It's about time for a new King." Asho stammers on his feet, flailing his arms around as a child throws a fit. He was riled up, emotional, and very loud, but weak protest is just that. Out of everyone standing, Asho is the weakest link, but a small dog must bark loud enough.

"Kisha can't protect you when he's dead! Dead!!!" Asho threatens.

"He's right, Mr. Himmons. You should know the rules. Peace doesn't exist in our world for too long. It is bound to happen. With the recruits--" Vergyl agrees before a quick cut of his eyes lands on Crescent and then back toward Kisha. 

Stepping around Saikai, Kisha presses aggressively at Vergyl's chest which forces him backward instinctively influenced by strength, and shoves into Asho who drops his can.

His face pushes into Vergyl's back causing Asho's hat to shift, falling to the ground and ending up beneath his shoe. The two are then driven a few feet from Saikai, Kisha now in between them. He backs them up until Vergyl slams Asho's small frame into a tree, flailing arms of panic trying to lash out from behind, but a quick grunt from Vergyl stops him.

"Then you know the consequences," Kisha whispers, eyes narrowing. If they're insinuating a fight, he will surely end it with bloodshed. First, every member who opposes and then Asho too must go. Kisha's top lip rises on one side, exposing a small fang. After the rumors finally reached his ears, he didn't like how they portrayed his gang. Orchestrating petty vandalism as if they were nothing but unruly children.

"I'm more aware than you," Vergyl answers, Kisha releasing a growl to silence him.

As the tension rises to dangerous levels, Saikai allows Kisha to bully the other two, knowing without a clear command, Kisha will hold back as long as possible. Roughing them up will instill fear, and remind them how strong they are.

Suddenly, a sound of heavy clapping, thunderous like someone banging on pots, erupted from the crowd, slicing through the tension like a knife through butter. Like a wave, everyone in unison turned their attention towards the source. A path cleared instantly, and a man began to approach.

Expressions of fear and inferiority flickered across the faces of those nearest to him. A fearful, subdued gaze; life seemed to drain from the area in an instant. Every instinct in Crescent's body screamed for him to run, but he couldn't; he was also caught in the web of pressure. He needed to know who this was. Who carried such an ominous presence? The hair on his arms stands with every approaching tap against the concrete. His senses are boggled by a gut-wrenching realization that they are all in danger.

The man pauses in front of Saikai, a smile playing on his lips as he licks them. His gaze shifts to Kisha, who peers over his shoulder, their eyes meeting in a silent confrontation.

The charged atmosphere between them escalates the tension. This is more than rivalry; it's sheer animosity. Without a word exchanged, their intense emotions collide. Despite the instigation from the Kings' leaders, Kisha stands resolute, though it's clear his unhappy mood will do little to defuse the situation.

"Pick on someone your size, mutt." Crescent listens as the man shoots Kisha a snicker. Saikai doesn't look at him though he stands a few feet away. His legs and feet are clear in peripheral, but his sage green hues are darting back and forth, focusing on the rapid rise of his chest. 

Kisha turns, releasing Vergyl, his stride approaching the man with no fear. The bystanders watch intently, fearing what will happen if Kisha places his hands on the other male.

Saikai, being their only separation, reaches out, stopping Kisha in his stride as his best friend collides with his arm. He nearly loses balance, indicating to him that Kisha has no intention of stopping. Saikai's yet to find the courage to raise his head, fingertips noticeably shaking.

"Kisha... No, please." Saikai orders him in a faint tone. He rests his frame, takes in a small breath, and closes his eyes to gain control over his nerves.

Everyone's watching him. He brought the attention, addressing Asho publicly, so these next few moves are his failure. The Elite class was on the second bus when they boarded. They are a proud group, flashing their gold emblems, they were easy to spot a mile away. Saikai didn't think that their leader too would be here. He chooses his words carefully, Kisha's weight threatening to push him out of the way at any moment. Between his shaking courage, he also shakes his head slowly.

"You have business with me... Diamond." 

(((A/N

Ahhh, so, into the fray comes a man with horrible energy. He's messing up the vibes...

Can't they all just get along?

Don't be afraid to tell me what you think by commenting.❤️❤️

Drop a vote if you like. 👍👍))