"There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others"
- Niccollo Machiavelli
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Maybe this wasn't the best plan in the world, but hey, it was something. Even though this something would probably get me killed.
Meeting personally with the Aogiri Tree, Black Rabbit, Honestly sounded like a terrible idea. So terrible, in fact, that Vin had to practically drag me out of the the Nest to go with him.
Apparently they're gonna discuss, "Business". Probably to determine who is better to rule over the 11th ward. I'd rather not have Aogiri Tree here, they're just a bunch of people that hate humans, show no mercy towards them.
Vin is driving us down there, in the car is just me and him, Kurona was ordered to stay at the Nest. Vin looked nervous, as if he knew this probably wouldn't go as the way he would have planned. But knowing Vin, he has something up that sly sleeve of his.
"So, you ready to face real killers, little buddy?" Vin teased, trying to lighten the mood a bit.
I groan. "Don't ever call me little buddy ever again. And when we're at the meeting, let's use my title name please... I don't want them to know I'm that famous hybrid that broke out of the burrow." I said in a commanding voice.
He put a hand up. "Yes sir. Just let me do the talking. Your just there in case something gets... sticky."
I sigh. "Just because I said that I finally got my kagune out doesn't mean that I'm fighter material."
He smiles nervously. "I know. That's why I have some... other friends coming along... hidden in the shadows and such... just play it cool."
I feel like we're going to buy drugs or some shit with a statement like "just play it cool". If anything does go wrong I'm getting the fuck outta there!
The car is silent again. I have a feeling Vin is more nervous than me. Meeting with Aogiri sounded like a death trap, hearing all the Shit they've done in the past few years.
I wonder if I would feel better if Kurona was here, she would probably have a straight face on, no fear at all. She brave and I'm just trying to get by, to survive. She can be strong in situations like this and I can't, it only makes me fidgety.
Comparing us makes me think of how much I've changed. Now that I mention it, I'm used to cooking human friggin meat! Before the sight of blood made me nauseous, now I'm not that fazed by it. But deep down in my heart I'm thankful for not having to eat like them, it sounds a bit rude, but how can they eat people?!
I can't talk like that. I've eaten plenty of people ever since... my parents were hunted and killed. But the others at Nest said I can eat normally like a human, that I've already showed them I respect them. That did make me happy.
"Here we are, the meeting place." Said Vin, stopping the car to the side of the road and getting out.
I sigh as I step out and glance around my surroundings. We look to be somewhere in the city, obviously, but in a different ward. I follow Vin into a small cafe, where we sit down and order coffee.
It takes awhile, but soon a man walks into the cafe, wearing a leather jacket and black pants. His purple hair shows easily in broad daylight, making it stand out, much like my own.
He sits across of us patiently, and orders a coffee, he stares at me as if I'm a tiny ant under his boot, which happens to piss me off, so I do the same. So this guy is Black Rabbit? Well, he pisses me the fuck off.
"So, discussions?" Vin said, interrupting out staring contest.
Rabbit smiles. "Sorry, just had a long day. Heard that a dove was killed in the 11th ward... by the hybrid no less... you wouldn't know anything about this, would you Vinny?" He said in tone that made my anger spike.
Vin grins. "If I had a hybrid, I would've eaten him already." He said.
That statement was obviously to make it so he trusts us a bit more, but if he does find out that the hybrid is sitting across from him, he'll try to kill us both.
"Lets be friendly about this, Ayato." Said Vin.
Rabbit, or Ayato, smiled a sinister smile.
"Fine. I'll play your bluff, Bird Keeper. But don't think that I still don't know your hiding Rize... and she's of great value." He said in a dark tone.
Is she really that popular? What the hell did she do in her past to piss off Aogiri Tree?! Rize definitely isn't one to mess with, but right now would be the right time to strike her down.
"I don't want to discuss her right now... we're discussing the 11th ward." Vin said, catching Ayato's eyes into a stare.
Ayato didn't seemed pleased by this, frowning as if Vin was now an ugly bird that was squirming on the side of a road after being hit by a car.
"Don't make me laugh. The true reason Aogiri is here is because of her, and you know it. We don't want your Damn ward. We want Rize. I came here to make a deal." Ayato said, with growing grin.
"Why her?" I blurted.
Ayato looked back at me. "Ah! so the silent prick decides to talk. Rize is the leader of the 11th ward, this is her domain... is he new or something?" He sounded amused by my presence.
Vin coughs. "He's my new Crow to the Nest."
Ayato smiles. "More like a woodpecker. Is all your lackeys like this, Vinny? The Nest must've never had a clean up from all the Shit that it's been swimming in."
Anger boiled in me. I stand, making Ayato flinch I surprise. I glare into his eyes. "How about I peck one your eyes out?"
He stood also and we stared at one another, hatred growing. Vin got in between is, placing a hand on my chest, away from Ayato. He gave me a warning glance.
"Don't make a scene you two... the last thing we need is doves on our tail." Vin said, making me and Ayato sit back down.
"What's your bargain for Rize? And what are you going to do with her?" Vin said in a demanding voice.
Ayato sighed. "Right to the point, eh? We want to trade the 12th ward for her. I can't tell you what were going to do with her though." He said.
Vin rubbed his chin. He looked off into space, outside the window. He mumbled, "The 12th ward has a large population..."
Ayato smiles. "Exactly! which is why it allows more food for your-"
"No." I interrupted.
Ayato looked about ready to pound me a new one, but Vin put a hand out to him, telling him to calm down. "Crow here is my adviser today... I will listen to his opinion." Vin said.
I nod thanks and continue. "That's a terrible deal. If Rise really is the leader of the 11th ward, then why the hell would we give her up over a ward that has a massive population, meaning more doves and a higher rate of being found out?" I explained.
Ayato flinched and Vin smiled.
"Looks like that settles it... sorry, Ayato... no deal." Vin said with a grin, standing up.
Ayato frowned at both of us with disgust as we left.
"You'll regret doing this, Vin. we'll destroy that precious Nest of yours." He said.
Vin smiled as we left the cafe. "That is if you can find its location, Ayato!" He said with a mocking tone.
We left a fuming Ayato to himself and climbed into the car. Vin smiled at me from the drivers seat. "You handled that like a pro... I should bring you along more often." He said.
I sigh. "Living in this city my whole life gives me the advantage here. I know the population numbers and where dove burrow are set up around the city. He was obviously trying to kill two bird with one stone, getting Rize and killing us without lifting a finger." I explained.
Vin laughed. "Your a bloody genius!" He yelled in glee.
I blush as his compliment. "Thanks. But doesn't this mean Aogiri is our enemy?"
He sighs. "I guess. But I've got some people to back us up, don't you worry. And also, we've got more people coming in the Nest soon, got a post card." He smiled.
More faces, huh? I wonder what they'll be like. I just hope they like me, unlike that bastard Ayato, if I see him again I'll definitely punch him in the face.
I look out the window and think... it's only been about a month now...
How long until Aogiri Tree finds us?