All the inn employees helped with the setup, supplying cleaning supplies to every student. Buckets, mops, brooms, ladders, and rags in everyone's hands. They vowed to make the inn beautiful and that's exactly what they would do. There's no time to waste because this day is the last.

Leaves were picked up, the grass cut appropriately and the inn was cleaned from the inside and out. By the time they spoke about finishing, Hilla Cure would again shine from former glory. The news had arrived on the scene a few hours before the students got up, covering the fact that an alternative men's academy named Nirvana was helping a once beautiful resort. The newscaster spoke of safety, Hilla Cure's top priority.

The abundance of attendees and not one encounter with the wolves. They even documented and took the students' statements which they had a lot to say. Some of their opinions scared the newscasters.

They wanted to prove that the creatures were not a threat. Everyone had been welcomed to see for themselves. With so many people scared, this was broadcast to not only locals but a state-wide attempt to change the opinions of the public eye. If a bunch of students felt safe and loved at Hilla Cure then why couldn't others? The students only hoped Hilla Cure would be saved.

Scrubbing a nearby seven-foot-tall window, Crescent sprays glass cleaner before he makes sure no streaks are left behind. This particular window is tinted, right next to the receptionist's desk. They complained in the summer about the sun burning their station so Crescent will have to hang a curtain up after the shine. Ahni almost made it on the report earlier. A few cameramen ushered him and his friends to come, but Crescent was quicker, grabbing hold of Ahni and telling him to go to do something else.

Though Ahni was disappointed because he could've been on t.v. Crescent looked like a controlling dad and so he ventured off to find more of his friends. Crescent uses two hands, one dry, and one wet, wiping circularly. Ahni isn't assigned to his part of the inn after being scooped up by Mr. Riley. Because the inn is made up of three floors, one floor is broken into multiple buildings, the students had to split. So did the camera crew. He only hoped Ahni would continue to heed his warning and not show himself. 

Though their aunt and uncle are no longer looking for them, there's no telling who may have been out there. Their family is quite big and hiding out at Nirvana Academy is a sure thing. They were also reported missing and Crescent's labeled as a kidnapper, so the law can get ahold of them any minute. Something Ahni will never understand what it's like.

Crescent watches the outside world, leaves blowing, knocking to the newly-raked pavement. They had a long day ahead of them, but for once after all the drama it's peaceful. The sound of a bucket being kicked draws him to look, spotting Saikai struggling to pick his items up. He notices Kisha hasn't been around and there's no one helping him, but they all seem to be staring in Saikai's direction. 

Maybe it's because they all feel bad for him. His display of cowardness was a mockery. Goons were not interested in weak leaders.

What looks to be an attempt at isolating Saikai, Crescent knows this may be his opportunity. With Diamond, Kisha and Asho now out of the picture he doesn't know how long he will have with Saikai and if approaching him is a good idea, but the risk is worth it. Those uncomfortable feelings are to be addressed another day about the sexual assault.

He walks fast-paced, jogging, kneeling, and picking up the mop effortlessly before Saikai can even realize someone has approached him. Saikai looks up at him in curiosity. Crescent nods a simple hello in response.

"Can we talk?" Crescent says nonchalantly, refusing to look him in the eye as he shoves the mop back in Saikai's arms.

Saikai raises an eyebrow but agrees. The two stand and make their way to his station. Crescent clears his throat, tossing one of his rags in the trash. He reaches into his service belt and pulls out another clean rag, wiping the window once more. Act cool. The only thoughts running through his mind. Getting enough information from Saikai is the only thing he's interested in at the moment, though the thoughts of his hands touching him have yet to tame his smart mouth. Cursing Saikai out barely passes his lips.

Saikai fixes himself beside him, pretending to do something so that he will not draw too much attention, but the whispers in the walls are futile. Some students are shit starters. The risk these two are taking is significant considering the raid king is rumored to be under his wing. He wipes the trim.

"I'll tell you everything."

"What?" Saikai asks shocked. Crescent's whisper isn't really a whisper, but more of a loud breath. Some students nearby look their way and Saikai clears his throat as a means to get Crescent on another sound level. The awkwardness shrouding their frames as their back is turned to everyone else leaves a chill in the atmosphere.

"Asho," Crescent whispers again, this time holding his breath just a little bit. Talking bad about your leader? Another secret he's getting ready to expose. No one besides Saikai he recognizes, and if they have something to say then he doesn't mind fighting here at the inn. After what Asho has done to him, he owes that shrimp no loyalty. 

 "The first day at the gauntlet. He approached Ahni who was gullible enough to accept just to get me some help. That's how we ended up in his gang in the first place. My brother isn't the smartest."

"No, that isn't what happened, Crescent." Saikai kneels, bending his knees into his chest to wipe the base of the trim. The spot was already clean before he got here, but he needed to buy some time to discuss whatever Crescent was looking for.

"You were bought. Asho supplied money to the elite who hosted the gauntlet before your match ended. He spent quite a lot. No other gang could negotiate because you were already handed over. Your name wasn't even disclosed. In other words, he cheated. That isn't how the rules go during the gauntlet. That's the reason no one approached you but him."

Crescent looks out the window, narrowing his eyes. Ahni complained that day that they were left to fend for themselves. No other gang leader was in sight. He wasn't sure of the rules and what happened after a fighter is injured, but it all made sense now. No one would approach them anyway. Mixing that with Ahni emotional state and it was bound to be a deal. 

"My first mission..." He continues. "I was told to get some pictures." Crescent decides to change the subject, leading Saikai on to see if he knows about anything else.

"My chemist was meeting me that day. He had to have used you after the encounter during the lunchroom. You're the only one who hasn't experienced Kisha's bad attitude. The shockwave of his actions towards you even stunned me. That day was a drug deal, but I got word from a student who calls himself Phantom that Asho planned to sabotage. So I already knew you were there." Saikai had it all mapped out. He groans, pressing his hands on his knees as he stands up. He's been in that position too long, the weight of his frame killing his joints. His legs tingling and he's feeling numb. Tries to give them a little shake, but the crawling sensation finds its way up his inner thigh and he squeezes the rag tightly, clenching his jaw. It oddly feels good.

The Phantom? The same person who spoke to him that day in the locker room? A student moving around through the cracks like a roach, but they all knew better than to know anyone with that type of movement had an agenda on his own. Who is this Phantom? He decides to hide he too knows Phantom from Saikai. Not everything can be trusted just yet.

"That explains everything." Nonchalant, and keeping cool, he acts as if nothing is bothering him, but hearing the truth only pisses him off. Further supporting his thoughts that he's just a pawn. No matter what happens from here on out, Crescent's grudge keeps growing and it's equally dispersed for everyone in this school.

"Now, the vandalism," Crescent wants to clear the air. "The posters around the school. I think he sent them out after he sent us on that mission. A bunch of rookies. We were meant to be exposed. He gave us your gang IDs because he wanted to throw D.A. off, right? He said something about I had what he wanted. That stupid spotlight. I don't know what he's talking about though. I'm being pulled into this game--"

"Diamond doesn't own a spotlight to cover his trucks. He has an alarm system that's supposed to alert him from his room. Diamond's security is more strategic so by the time the intruder knows he's caught, Diamond will already be right behind them. It doesn't take much for him to find whoever did it. But no, not a spotlight or cameras. Diamond's method of punishment is different from anyone's here." Saikai again intercepts. 

Every gang leader knows a lot about the choices each of them makes. Their preferences and the way they operate. The secret is that though the top gangs often fight because of territory issues and on subjects like resources, before Asho showed up, things were peaceful.

They were all friends and Sano loved everyone with an iron fist. Whether it would be about security, movements, sales, or anything in particular, they traded goods and this school was a structured cesspool of crime. 

Things are different now and their adaptation shows how strong each one of them is. Diamond lost all respect when Sano graduated and the leader of Kings died. 

How does one simply know how to combat these decisions? It takes a lot to keep a secret at Nirvana. With all the shadiness that is circulating through the school, some students have specialties in exposure; extortion; and laying it all on the line for some cash. These are known as Informants. The Phantom has to be one of them. They all have a certain goal in mind. No one questions it because everyone wants something over their competitors. 

Crescent frowns. The person who had taken the picture. The blinding spotlight homed only on him. That was Asho's doing as well? It would be weird for him to ask D.A. for a picture just to make flyers to expose his member. It was all a ploy. Orchestrated by that asshole. A spider. The details infuriate Crescent. He stops mid-wipe, sucking in a ball of cool air before his head falls with a thump against the glass. Angry that he didn't see the warning signs. Angry that he should have stopped this a long time ago. Asho will pay for what he's doing. The rag in Crescent's hand suffers from his clenched grip as he stares out the window. Asho thinks Crescent is just some dumb adult that he can control?

"Everyone knows about you and Kisha by now."

Saikai's words bring him from his thoughts and his hand suddenly loosens, a tinge of an embarrassed whatever pulling his eyes to a nearby bush. Of course, they did. It isn't like they are hiding their little interactions. The moments are packed full of emotion, at least from Crescent's side, so he's barely able to make any planned thoughts. Not that he's one to calculate anything, but he still doesn't want to look like a fool.

"You are under Asho's command and yet you have caught the eye of my enforcer. Don't you think that's worth exploiting? The number one gang caught by a newbie. Asho doesn't want you as in you physically. He wants to utilize you."

"Why do you make this sound like it's not about me at all?" Crescent sprays to clean a spot that's covered in a dirty footprint. Taking in a deep breath, he kneels to wipe.

"He wants Kisha and Diamond to fight. If he can get them out of the way, the elites and the pack will crumble. Since Kisha fancies you, putting you against Diamond will prompt a fight between them. Kisha's been itching to put his hands on Diamond anyway and he's super possessive though it might not seem like it."

"I don't care if Kisha gets jealous, I'm not his property." His words deny Kisha's personality trait, but the butterflies are fluttering inside his stomach. The very idea of Kisha seeing him as something no one can touch, is exhilarating. Being that important, an intoxicating thrill pulses into Crescent's chest. Kisha's such a daddy. 

"Are they on the same level or something?" He sighs, cutting his mind to tame his ragin joy. Crescent decides to focus the deep feud. He's been hearing it ever since they got here. Ahni always comes back with these bogus stories about Kisha and how strong he is, but one day he came looking disappointed.

One of his friends told him that there was someone else stronger than Kisha. Ahni didn't want to hear it, but Crescent knew by the defeat in his eyes as he recalled the moment, Ahni was doubting his hero.

"It's not that simple... I'm sure you're aware that Kisha is Native American. Believe it or not, so is Diamond. He's just an albino. Fighting skill-wise and body structure the two are almost identical. I guess the feud comes from them naturally hating each other." Saika lies. That isn't the entire truth, but it wasn't his place to tell Crescent what really went on between the two. He has some respect for Kisha and if they ever develop into something beyond this childish play then Kisha will tell Crescent the truth. Not that it's something Saikai will be looking for.

"The other day... The story at the campfire... The wolves changing into humans?" Crescent asks further. He has enough information to shift the focus. Whether or not Diamond and Kisha are enemies does not concern him.

He cares more about his safety; and Ahni's comfort than some past he can't change. Saikai's tone seems more worried. They are best friends so he has every right. Looking towards Saikai, Crescent takes in that he's drifting off into space, hand placed on the glass. Saikai's lips part a little before his breaths unsettle. 

"Those are myths. A cultural history. You believe it?" Saikai snickers, cutting his eyes towards Crescent.

Crescent hesitantly shakes his head no. He's unsure if it makes sense. Thinking about this is mind-blowing. God's existence is questioned and the world they know but a lie. He prayed throughout his life hoping that one day the man above would come to save him, but Crescent knew his sins of theft and crimes kept him clear from God's sight.

Yeah, he grew up shitty, but Crescent believed those were just cards he drew. The only thing he felt during that time was regret. He isn't sure of how strong Kisha's desire to return to him is. Can he be forgiven? 

Why is this such a thing for him? He fights with Ahni on bad days, and Ahni will often come back trying to amend what had been but a simple disagreement. He'd often scold his brother for overreacting. Is this what it feels like for Ahni? Is Crescent paying for his bullying ways? Frustrating.

"But you're more worried about Kisha." Another snicker from Saikai.

Crescent glances at Saikai, his face as blank as he can hold it. Saikai's right. Is it written all over him? When he saw Kisha in the inn a few times, he'd glance at him, but Kisha never looked back. Not a hello, a nod, no acknowledgement. That became their routine for the time being. He doesn't want to admit that it forces disappointment into his mind each and every time. He wants to call out to Kisha, but he holds back not knowing if Kisha will even give him a minute.

"Don't worry.  Kisha's not one to hold a grudge, but you'd have to go to him first. He doesn't have a choice but to forgive you." Saikai speaks calmly.

"What do you mean?" Crescent awkwardly chuckles, a little happiness with that explanation and his voice pitched to prove it. There's hope in mending what little they had. He's glad, but then with their bad attitudes, he isn't sure if they can get along afterwards. Kisha has one time to say something smart and Crescent isn't going to let him off easily. Raising the window cleaner bottle, Crescent sprays as high as he can above his head. A press on his tippy-toes and he reaches to wipe the dust as the mist from the cleaner taps at his cheeks. It smells nice, landing on his glasses. He smiles.

"He's drawn to you." Saikai's voice is an uncertain whisper, but the seriousness in his tone catches Crescent off guard. 

A small gasp from parted lips silences the air between the men as Crescent freezes from the words. This whole petty crush thing, is Kisha feeling it too? Are they just fussing for no reason? Crescent heart tenses up until the red hue flushes at his cheeks and he casts his gaze to the blurry picture of a worried Saikai. Saikai isn't enjoying this topic at all. It's clear by the frown plastered across his face, but it serves him right for being an asshole. Maybe if he's honest with himself and not a spoiled brat, Saikai will get better at communication. 

"You like him too, right?" Saikai's disappointment reaches new levels the more he bangs that mallet against the glass, large pieces of it falling off in the darkroom he calls his heart. His pulse is dry, the thumping in his chest slow as everything feels like it's punching him in the gut. 

"What? Hell no!" Crescent is quick to answer without thinking. He nearly chokes on his breath, coughing to clear his throat. Crescent jumps, swiping the window cleaner from the spot before landing on his feet and stumbling into the glass. The front of his shoes catches the rim, and Crescent almost loses balance. Greased hair meeting the window, swipes a smudge stain once he pushes himself into a standing position. He sighs. Why is lying like this? Telling Saikai will not prove anything, but trying to convince himself in the same breath of hoping Kisha likes him. Who is the real sociopath here?

"Then you will not mind..." Saikai starts to chuckle. It's clear Crescent's embarrassed and in a way it's sort of cute. He's acting out his discomfort in a way that doesn't require him to be so jumpy. Just ask for a ladder.  "... watching over him until I'm back?"

Crescent turns towards Saikai, frowning. What? He has just learned some juicy information and now Saikai leaves him with a daunting task as if he's a sad warrior about to embark on a dangerous mission. The fuck is this melodramatic scene turning into? How can he face Kisha or even look Kisha in the eyes knowing that he knows something he doesn't? Crescent isn't even sure if he's able to put that aside or start to utilize it to his advantage. He'll end up pressing Kisha's buttons to see what he can get away with. The thoughts of being petty are satisfying. 

"You plan on running or something?" Crescent raises an eyebrow. He expects Saikai to do something like this. In the presence of Diamond, they all should run.

"No, I'm protecting everyone. Kisha will take over the gang in the meantime. I need you to watch him. Listen to Asho, but report everything back to The Pack. Do not let Kisha fight Diamond."

Crescent rolls his eyes. He doesn't have such power. Not being a leader a mere goon of stature is equivalent to garbage. 

"Where are you going, anyway?"

"Just trust me Crescent. I'm not giving Asho what he wants." Saikai's tone is serious, fist-clenching the rag in his hand. Crescent watches him, as Saikai's expression turns to worry and a sense of loss. He can tell Saikai isn't saying everything. That look in his eyes, Ahni had that same gaze when he thought trouble was just around the corner. A glossy look of unsure decisions and fear.

His green hues can't focus, dancing around rapidly. He seems broken-spirited, and yet willing to go through with whatever plan he has in mind. A small sigh peers from Crescent's lungs. He isn't sure if what he's doing is a good thing, but his voice comes through with confidence.

"Alright, I'll help you." It's enough to get Crescent on board. He doesn't know where it'll take them down the line, but Kisha and Saikai are more trustworthy in his eyes. Working together but beneath Kings, isn't this the Phantom's idea?

"What's on your mind, Crescent?" The words are directed, yet he doesn't think that question should apply to him. Saikai looks like a shivering mess.

"Diamond... is he that bad?"

Saikai refuses to answer immediately, huffing a small amount of air.

"Have you ever met a man with the appetite of a serial killer, the drive of a starved dog, and the movements of a snake?"

"No." Crescent's head follows his voice. The light shaking aids in drawing his bottom lip into his mouth. A quick bite on the dry skin that coats it, Crescent licks the spot a few times.

"So, what makes Kisha so strong?" Crescent presses on. He soaks up the information but tries to get all his questions in quickly without dwelling on them. All of these words are just him trying to warn of how dangerous Diamond is, but if that's the case... isn't Kisha worse?

Saikai snickers, shaking his head before he turns his gaze back to the window. He watches the leaves sway, a few trickling from the tree, falling in unison.

"A coin has two sides," Saikai mumbles.

Crescent follows Saikai's eyes, and they both watch two leaves dance toward the ground together. They cross paths, twist, blow, and cross paths again, switching positions. The reason they are always compared is that they are the same.

"What you're thinking is true, Crescent. He is something we all want." Suddenly Saikai pushes up on his feet, turns, and walks away from Crescent. He leaves Crescent standing there alone to go through the massive amount of information he has just received.

His hand draws up to his chest clenching at the rag for an answer. Something they all want? Is Kisha that popular? Out of hundreds of students, Kisha chose Crescent to cast his presence on. Sweet words, and intentions, are covered by a hard exterior. All this time, is it just Kisha's way of expression?

Crescent's being a dick. That day in the gym after the gauntlet, the nurse's office. His smart remarks oftentimes leave Crescent angry without ever thinking about the little things. But that's Kisha's way of flirting?

He didn't have to help that day in the park, beneath the tree he whispered words, even in the gymnasium he caught Crescent's head, and now this trip. Kisha parts himself even though Crescent's from another gang and then he'd often try to conceal it. On the bus, at the campfire.

These encounters... His face heats up, as his eyes clamp shut. Crescent has been reading them wrong this entire time! His entire frame stiffens, heart skips a few beats. His stomach begins to churn from the racing thoughts and emotions, the regret fuel.

Without thought, palm open Crescent buries his face into his hands.

Now with the current situation placing them further apart, he wants even more to fix things. Something inside burns with a need to keep them close. It's a nagging desire.

'Fucking... asshole....'

(((A/N

What do you think Saikai plans to do?

Now loaded with a better understanding, what will Crescent do? Being a firehead... He's starting to cool off. XD

What do you guys think?

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

Drop a vote if you like. 👍👍))