Third Person

~

In a matter of minutes they're all seated around the sparsely used dining area. Kira had cut short the small talk in hopes of getting things over with as soon as possible but thanks to Kat foregoing her seat at Ares' other side to be next to Xie Ren, Lucifer and Mammon have ended up next to her stepdad instead.

Mammon being the closest one to him.

She tries to calm her racing heart, remembering they've planned for most of this.

There's been a strained silence since pleasantries at the door and she hopes to keep it up until they have to bring up the whole permission thing. She'll guide Ares towards that lane and all the Demons had to do was say "yes".

It'll probably be more stilted small talk until then. Nothing deep, nothing to worry about. A smile tugs on her lips as she lifts the professionally made and delivered pasta noodles into her mouth.

Lucifer hums around his chops sticks carrying on his performance as he studies the room, looking anywhere but her way, "Kuro-kun's stories really don't do this place justice, and the food is wonderful too."

Ares' bright look goes even brighter if that's possible, "It's nothing special, I'm just glad to get the chance to meet you, he doesn't talk about you two much, it made me curious. What did you say you do again?"

Kira tries not to choke on her food, she turns to her stepdad to his eyes have taken on the analytical look he has when he's dealing with clients. The mood shifts.

Lucifer doesn't miss a beat but Kira can feel him tensing through their bond, not from fear of being discovered, just irritation. "I teach History online, private tutoring for kids who don't go to regular school or need extra lessons."

"Sounds interesting."

The Demon smirks ruefully, "It is, you'd be surprised how many mistakes are repeated over and over in humanity's desire for conquest and power."

Kira turns to Mammon, 'Shut him up.'

Mammon laughs sharply, "My wife gets a little philosophical after a few glasses, right honey?" He moves to put a hand around him.

"Don't patronize me," Lucifer hisses lowly, subtly slapping the hand away.

"She's only had two though-ow!" Kuro perks up from Lucifer's right side, stroking the fire. Judging by the affronted look he sends Troy's way Kira can guess the blond had somehow shot a spell his way.

Troy continues eating, his expression a cool mask of indifference.

Ares gives the raven-haired boy a worried look which Kuro quickly dismisses with a thumbs up, "Bit my tongue."

"Guess you'll have to keep quiet for the rest of the night," Kira sighs solemnly.

"I'm fine."

'Shut up and eat your food, Kuro,' her smile twitches slightly and he murmurs glumly before taking the hint.

He sticks his tongue out her way just before rapidly eating his food with a mildly annoyed look.

Kira's breath of relief is halted by Ares' next question.

"And you Mr. Hatake?"

Mammon flashes a charming smirk alongside a wink, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"You sell courses for a living don't make it sound so glamorous," Lucifer spots as naturally as the weather.

Mammon sputters, "I don't remember asking you to speak for me."

"Not sorry."

Kira ignores them in favour of watching Ares instead, relaxing once again once she sees he's more amused than suspicious now. His eyes are soft and she spots the sliver of a vulnerable opening she had been waiting for.

She nudges him, pouting just a little, "You promised you'd stop interrogating friends' folks, y'know?"

He flinches, a nervous smile on his lips as he drops his voice to whisper, "I know, I know but I can't help myself sometimes."

"This is about the trip, remember? I really want to have some fun with my friends there and you, dad." She just a little bit of stress on the last word, willing away the guilt that floods her chest remembering she'll have to blow him off for at least the first two days.

Almost immediately she can feel the renewed ecstatic wave of energy radiating from him so much she'd have thought he had some Magic abilities of his own.

Seeing his reaction makes the boulder of guilt lift ever so slightly. Just the first day or two and she'll make sure they have the best vacation.

Ares coughs into his fist, trying to put up a cool front, "Well since you've brought it up," he turns away from her to rest of the table, "Might as well get this over before we finish up then."

"If you're talking about permission for the trip, Kuro already let us know beforehand," Lucifer drawls, "You can take him."

Ares' raises an inquisitive brow, "Don't you have plans together for the summer?"

"It's just two weeks," Mammon waves blithely, "We've got all the time in the world when he comes back, right kid?"

Kuro perks up at being addressed in the motion of spooning a third, or maybe fourth, Kira had lost count, helping into his plate. She notes the expression that tells her she'll regret the next words that come out of his mouth, "They just want me out of the house so they can do freak-ow!"

"You're biting your tongue a lot tonight, maybe it's a sign," Troy's remark is a disapproving tsk.

"And you Troy?" Ares asks before Kuro can start to argue, his eyes shifting between the blond and Xie Ren.

The older boy bows just slightly enough to show appreciation, his blue frosted tips swaying, "We'd be grateful if you could take him along."

"Your uncle doesn't mind?"

"Not at all, Uncle even thinks our little Troy-kun is way too attached to home." He drapes himself over Troy, about pinching his cheeks but the blond cringes away, holding Xie Ren's face back at arms length.

"I don't want to hear that from the likes of a jobless bum like you."

"Don't be so mean about it! It's not my fault finding work is so hard here!" he sobs.

"Try harder…and get off me, disgusting."

Successfully dissuaded from his interrogation, Kira watches Ares relax his guard for the rest of the night. The questions become less probing, more lighthearted and the Demons also seem to be getting way into their roles.

She excuses herself once she's done and exchanges knowing looks with both Troy and Kuro before heading towards her room.

Troy is first to meet her in the hallway, speaking in a plain whisper but she's very sure of his hiding just how amazed he is, "Can't believe your convoluted excuse for a plan is working."

"'Wow Kira, I never should've doubted you, you're so amazing! And cute, and smart!' You're allowed to say it, you wouldn't be wrong you know?" She hops around him, trying and failing to get a reaction she should have known better than to experience.

"I'd rather eat glass." He rolls his eyes, ignoring her angry glare for more important matters, "Now we know we'll get there, we should make a plan."

"Plan for what? We just have to be bait don't we?" Kuro walks up to them, a plate of the little cheesecakes they'd had as dessert in one hand and a fork already holding one in another.

Laughter in the direction he'd come draws their attention, Mammon and Lucifer arguing to be first about something and Ares humoring them.

"What's going on back there?" Kira asks.

"Ares brought out a bottle of shōchū since "the kids aren't here anymore" I guess," he answers while chewing.

"Focus," Troy reminds them

Kira shrugs, and "Kuro's right though, we just have to let Nightmare's guys know we're there and let Inoue handle the rest right?"

Troy's blinks, moving between the two of them, he had no idea what he'd expected from two of them but he figures their nonchalance should've be expected.

The words to describe his new recurring vision rest on the tip of his tongue. For the first time in what feels like forever, he wants to tell them everything, see if they take it as lightly and casually as they usually do.

It's related to this trip somehow. It has to be, the feeling drives him to the edge of a feeling he can't quite grasp.

A fear familiar and foreign at the same time and it irks him they don't feel it too. He wants to break their unshakable confidence in things just playing out for them but the thought makes his head throb, a thin white haze filming over his eyes paired with a hard lump in his throat.

He can feel his heartbeat picking up speed, he can't speak, can't bring himself to say anything but he keeps his expression passive. He can't let them know just how shaken he his. Not them, not Xie Ren and definitely not his Master.

"Dad! I'm almost eighteen, remember?" Kat's pitched whine reaches their corner of the hallway and Kira is first to bolt off, intent on witnessing whatever had caused her older step siblings embarrassment. Troy doesn't miss her lingering gaze on him but as always she doesn't push, she never will unless she knows her peace is at risk.

He's realized that now.

Kuro is slower, observing him and gauging whether it's a hill worth dying on when everything is just so fun now.

"What?" He asks the younger boy Kira's footfalls fade.

"You looked like you wanted to say something," the other chirps in reply, a fork pointed at him.

He stands straighter, schooling his features into distaste, "I shouldn't be surprised you're both planning to fool around."

Kuro winks, "It's called a vacation for a reason."

Entering the living room, Kira feigns heading in the direction of the kitchen as she listens to the chatter. Kat is trying to make the grown ups share their drink, a ploy to look more mature for Xie Ren who's happily toasting with the others.

"We should meet up like this more often." He sighs contentedly dowing his cup in an instant. They rest follow suite and Lucifer is already pouring more for himself.

"Two nights in a row not enough like you?" The Demon teases Xie Ren.

They're on cushions around the low coffee table, the Demons either side of her dad, Xie Ren next to Mammon. Kats sits perched on a couch, firmly chided by Ares into resignation as she pouts with arms folded. Kira's never witnessed her look so childish.

"You've all met up before?! No fair!" Ares mock sobs.

Mammon raises his cup after giving him a hearty pat on the back, "To more night outs when you get back from your trip!" He barks.

Lucifer scoffs, "I'm sure a busy man like Mr. Vermillion has his hands full with more pressing matters, right?" He presses and Kira realizes he wants to do some digging as a form of his own to get back at Ares.

Ares flushes, "You think too highly of lil ole me."

Xie Ren perks up, "If work's not keeping you busy, then there's got to be someone special right, come on, you can tell us. Tell us, tell us."

The rest of the table picks up the chant, prying.

Kira watches them with a deadpan expression, What is this? Highschool?

Now disinterested she heads to actually get drinks for the rest of them.

"It's nothing like that," Ares pushes back with a discreetly flustered tug at his collar.

Kira can feel the moment the Demons' interests spike in her own soul, the feeling of closing in on prey.

Lucifer coos in fake sweetness, "A man like you."

Mammon grins, "That can't be."

'Hey, you clowns are happily married, keep my dad out of your schemes.' She drawls into their minds.

They don't reply to her directly but she hears their huffs of displeasure from the other end of the room and Xie Ren's laugh from probably realizing what had happened.

Ares blinks, briefly put off by the change in atmosphere before Kuro bursts in with arms stacked full of board games all three Vermillions barely touched unless there were guests.

"A couple hours until curfew guys! Let's make it count!"

Xie Ren whoops, louder than is probably necessary but no one seems to mind as soft music starts playing from the speakers.

Kira searches the room for the source and spots Troy's phone screen glowing with the name of the popular song currently playing.

He catches her gaze before turning to sit on the sofa, not participating.

Kuro, Mammon and Xie Ren arguing over what to play quickly draws her attention and just like that she lets herself be drawn into the moment. Tomorrow she'll have to think of how to break the news to their friends and the volleyball team but for tonight, it's not all that bad.

***

Lucifer steps out onto the penthouse balcony, a quaint but intricately crafted adornment to an already impressive building.

He remembers the tabloids in Kira's room he'd glanced through during one of the now frequent occurrence her letting them roam while she did homework or exercised in the gym below.

It was certainly impressive that a single human family could hold so much wealth. Looking down at the magnificent sprawling cityscape alight against the dark horizon he can't help but come understand once more why They want them to keep the status quo.

He foregoes the chairs placed on opposing ends of the semicircular platform and leaves behind the boisterous laughter of the living room to lean against the railing and let the wind caress in his face.

He conjures a cigarette, studying his more feminine hands briefly, body changed and still feeling the same, he guesses this is just on of the decades he's not into it.

He lights the cig and places it to his lips, ready to let his thoughts wonder when Mammon's familiar presence slides up to his side.

"Keep your aura in check, you oaf."

Mammon snickers, "Just having a bit of fun, you are too aren'tcha?"

He says nothing.

The green-haired Demon leans against the railing next to him and for a second Lucifer wants it to break under his weight and drop him onto the pavement several stories below.

A Demon can only dream.

"Do you think we'll be able to put an end to this?" Mammon asks suddenly.

"We already have, we just have to make sure that bastard stays down," he snarls.

The larger Demon smiles ruefully, "You're not wrong, but Sath sure has a roundabout way of getting things done."

Lucifer doesn't face him but he feels Mammon turning around and he can guess that the other is looking past the double doors of the balcony into the living room. Right at Kira.

Their Keeper.

"The boss is eavesdropping on our little chat, she's trying not to show it." He chuckles.

"Let her try, she'll understand if she has to if she has too…" he takes a long drag, exhaling a lengthy plume of wisp silver smoke which tumbles along the gentle summer breeze, "But let's make sure it doesn't get to that."

***

'Who the hell is Sath?'

It's the very next day, the last day of school for all clubs to sort out their business before the summer holiday officially begins. And in two days she and the boys will be heading to New York.

She'd asked this question several times already, right from the moment they'd vanished down the corridor with Kuro, pretending to leave the building.

She'd asked it all morning and afternoon too only to met with either deflection or the familiar silence of them acting like she couldn't feel them just inside her soul.

It's all she can do not break the nearest desk from frustration.

She had hoped their nonchalance at eavesdropping the previous night meant it wasn't a topic that was off limits but apparently she had been dead wrong.

After the whole Shiro and Ryoichi situation a part of her had actually dared to believe they'd open a bit. She didn't keep them locked up in whatever void space was within the Seal. She treated them as part of their team and not instruments. She was trying her damned best to make everyone see they weren't just mindless killing machines.

She was doing everything she could but they were still refusing to open up.

"We lived for the Seal and whatever the Demons had been battling since it came to be…"

The Second Keeper's words from her time in the Tethered Pavilions creep back into her mind and she can't help wondering if this Sath person has something to do with everything.

'Drop it.' Lucifer's order a low vaguely menacing hiss at the back of her mind.

She curses, taking care to keep shielding her thoughts. Two, or three, can play it that way. They don't get to ignore her and come give commands when they please.

She's the Keeper and she's going to keep her control no matter what.

Excited singing coming her way down the corridor brings her mind back to the present. Moriko crashes into her, eyes alight as she sings some repetitive airy memory about being free at last

"We're going to have so much fun! Right, right, right?" She's nearly breathless with joy. Jade and Haru appear right behind her.

Kira looks over the blond girl's shoulder, searching for Troy. She'd been hoping to have some support while delivering the news but it seems she'll have to settle for just Jade.

She smiles nervously, "Listen Momo, I've got something to tell you…" she doesn't know what in her voice gives it away but a dark shadow falls over Momo's face, getting even darker by the time Kira is done explaining

I'm dead, aren't I?

"WHAT ON THE HELL KIRAAAAA." Momo is shaking her by her shoulders in front of their builds entrance, practically throwing around, "HOW DARE YOU?!? AND WITHOUT INVITING THE REST OF TOO?! YOU'RE THE WORST!"

"YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT?!" Kira shrieks, trying to free herself.

"Keep moving," Jade hisses to a group of students that had paused to watch the display.

Haru is trying to get between them, but clearly he's on Momo's side, sobbing while grabbing at the hem of Kira's blazer, "You're not really leaving are you Kira-san?!"

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Kira deflates, avoiding Momo's heated glare, "It's just for two weeks guys, I'll be back in no time."

Jade had known long before the other two so she decided to help the brunette out just a little. She ruffles Momo's hair playfully and lifts Haru to his feet by his collar.

"Go ahead, we'll have our own perfect vacation, right blondie?"

Momo perks up, vindictive. Kira guess it's more about being left out and less about the leaving. "Exactly! We'll go to the beach and it'll be more fun than your dumb New York trip! You'll see! We'll even figure out why no one talks about the attack on the police precinct."

Haru whimpers, "Kira-san."

Kira sighs, running a hand down here face, she doesn't quiet agree with the Overseer's mass brain washing methods but she's not one to judge, "I promise all six of us will do something awesome, and safe, when we get back but it's a family thing and I'm taking Troy and Kuro 'cuz I've known them longer."

They both finally look at her, calming if only a little. She hadn't expected things to be this intense but she when she thinks about it for too long it makes her heart ache a bit.

This could very well be last normal summer in the world and there's no one she'd rather spend it with other her team and these three but she has go.

To make sure it isn't the last.

To ensure they have brighter summers for years to come.

Her eyes move to slight curve of Jade's lip, "Go let the Volleyball team know, we'll be waiting."

'We'll always be right here.'

It goes unsaid but she understands regardless.

Kira gives a single nod, dashing off before the intensity of warring emotions in her chest can keep her rooted in place.

***

The rest of it all passes in blur of activities and preparations.

To say the Volleyball team hadn't taken her surprise trip kindly would've been an understatement. They had a four week training camp and apparently their third best starter was going to be gone for two of those weeks.

She'd only managed to get off with a warning after promising she'd do even more private training with Captain Miura after the camp. Her lie about a terminally ill grandfather had probably helped but that banked on no one doing a deep dive into any of the Vermillions.

With her normal life firmly sorted out all she had to deal with now was making the meet-up plans with Inoue.

"For privacy reasons I can't say exactly where we'll be staying but I'll find a place or something along the Long Island area and well around there 'kay?" Her mind goes to one of the many public attractions she's researched. Lots of cover to transform or melt into the crowd.

She gives her best smile, a gesture she realized wouldn't show clearly through the shroud of her Mask.

"That's a lot of ground to cover, how will keep in touch?" He asked.

Her first instinct had been to give him her phone number but so far she hadn't seen the presence of one in any of her visits.

Kuro swoops down from his perch on the Council temple's roof with a broad grin.

"I'll send my feathers out to look for you, and it'll lead you right to us if you're not too far."

The Division Captain seemed to think it over for a second before agreeing, "That works I guess."

"All I'll need is a bit of blood~"

Kira notes Inoue bristling slightly but he holds a finger out, "It's not like you'd be able to do any harm to me at your level."

Kuro hisses like an offended cat, "Don't try me."

Kira leaves them to where Jade is leaning against a pillar, her session with Tokiya done for the night.

"How's it going?"

The brim of Jade's hat lifts ever so slightly, "We've found something that might work but until I get it done, he gets to use be as his little guinea pig," she stands, towering over Kira as she does, "Honestly, Vermillion, how do you manage to find even more crazy than them?"

Her chin tilts in Troy and Kuro's general direction and Kira can't help her own smile.

"I guess it's just my luck, huh?"

***

"Good riddance," Ryu laughs, his face barely registering surprise after Kuro had finally broken the news on the trip a mere day before?

"After all I've done for you? What if I die in a horrible plane accident on the way, are those really the last words you want to say to your best friend?" Kuro pouts.

"Don't jinx it."

Their back in the library they'd first met, at the the very same table but now Ryu's in his new wheelchair, something that had taken a whole lot of getting used to on Kuro's part

He can't imagine just how bad it must be for Ryu though.

The longer he goes without finding some sort of cure, the more guilt eats away at him. A guilt magnified by the steady stream of occult literature he's noticed his friend reading shortly after his release from the hospital.

Currently on Ryu's side of the table amongst other books is the 'The Lesser Key of Solomon'. The other books are also texts on mysticism and bullshit sorcery, and though Kuro is confident there's very little truth to many of them and that Ryu's lack of Magic talent won't let him hurt himself it still send shivers down his spine.

His gaze moves to the black feather in a little Ziploc bag on the table. He hadn't mentioned Ryu's sudden new interest to the others. He hadn't wanted to see it himself but this was slowly becoming something he wasn't how to approach.

Magic wasn't something for the weak of heart and right now, Ryu was looking weaker than his cheerful demeanor let on. Kuro doesn't want to leave for two weeks without a means to monitor him but there's little his feathers can do from halfway across the world.

"You're getting a bit too into this stuff, at this rate I might have to book you a cozy little room in a psych ward."

"Does that offer come with or without a straight jacket?"

"Not funny."

"You started it."

"I'm just worried you're turning to the wrong things for…" he glances down but catches himself, eyes sliding instead to the feather once more

"No, Kuro, I don't think I can heal myself using black magic," Ryu bursts out laughing, like the idea should be just as absurd to Kuro as well, "I'm just a bit intrigued, there's actually a lot of stuff that's happened in the city no one talks about."

Kuro remains quiet, unable to speak if he'd wanted to because Ryu keeps talking.

"Kobayashi-san texted me about it the other day, the terrorist attack at her mother's precinct, the way it had mostly faded from main headlines before the next day and how no one can quite remember the details. She was there too and just like everyone she says it's all a haze." He flips the page, brown eyes bright, "She thinks the two of us should spend the summer investigating."

"Don't tell me you're letting Momo rope you into her crazy talk?" Kuro teases.

"Why do you care? You're leaving me to frolic on the beaches of New York all the eye candy in the world."

He stretches across the table, closing the book in the other's hands. "Don't be like that, I'll have enough fun for the both of us."

Ryu lifted the book, bringing it down hard on his head, "That doesn't make me feel better, scumbag."

***

Troy returns from his patrol some time around 1am. Kira and Kuro had turned in earlier to make their own preparations for the meet up at the airport later that morning.

Setting off at 11am for an approximately twelve hour trip, they'd arrive in New York at roughly the same time as the locals.

He'd packed his things already all that was left was inform his master but on setting for in the house. He'd realized the old man still wasn't back.

Unsurprisingly though, Xie Ren is up, mindlessly scrolling through his phone now there wasn't any housework left.

"He's not back yet?"

The older man turns to him with a sly smile, "Don't tell me you're feeling antsy."

Troy scowls, "I simply asked a question, if you don't have an answer just say so." He turns to March off for his room but Xie Ren's scrambling foot steps follow him out of their living area.

"Wait, wait, wait."

His pulled back by his sleeve and he notices just how much the aura change.

One of those rare moments his sorry excuse for a guardian isn't joking around. It doesn't help the nerves already set on end from this new task.

"What?" He huffs out.

Xie Ren finally looks as mature as he should, his voice taking on the same quality, "We know you can handle yourself but please, be careful out there?

Troy pulls away, "You could have said that without accosting me."

Xie Ren huffs out a breath, watching him leave, he turns to the open courtyard door Troy had come in through, eyes on the moon. 'I'm trying my best, shifu.'

***

Ares had booked their tickets through a private airline belonging to an old schoolmate of his. A person he wasn't particularly fond of but "He'll definitely keep our info very private, he hates when I get any sort of attention."

"We're trying to evade his family and the paparazzi" Kira had explained to Kuro and Troy as the made their way through to the terminal.

The Demons and Xie had been left behind and once a safe distance off Kira had called them back into the Seal now the Kuro drop off scam was complete.

Behind her ribcage, her heart was beating a mile a minute, they were really doing this.

They were going back.

Sort of.

Troy throws her a mildly questioning glance, "I understand the paparazzi but why his family?"

"The Vermillions aren't exactly the healthiest family."

"I read that Ares-san's younger brother tried to blow him and his dad up on a yacht." Kuro chirps.

Ares laughs good-naturedly from up front, "It was just a prank gone wrong Kuro-kun, don't believe everything you read on the Internet."

Kuro turns to Kat and if her subtly horrified expression iss anything to go by he has his doubts.

Kira had noticed it as well, that incident had happened a little while before she and Ares had met and after, none of the family's accidents had been quite as blatantly obvious.

Unless they wanted to hire bodyguards and have the most stressful one week of their lives, this was the best way.

Ares and Kat both had on large sunglasses and hats over their summer clothes. As for her, she was going as plain-faced, blends easily into the crowd, uninteresting, Kira.

A small victory but at what cost?

Finally in her first class seat Kira wills the excited jitters to subside. They're going for a mission first, fun later. She sends one last text to her friends and turns to Kuro on her left as he speaks.

"Can't be better than flying through the air yourself," he sniffs while looking out the window, petulant, and Kira can begin to parse what kind of beef he's having with the plane but she agrees somewhat.

The thrill of free fall and dancing through the air was one of those things she couldn't help but be grateful to Magic for. So many experiences she never expected and in a couple hours she was going to have another one.

"Inoue said the New York Division of the American Agency will be expecting us but I still feel a bit on edge," she mumbles to no one in particular. Even though she had felt Kuro scan the plane before putting a privacy spell on their row she still kept her voice down to a whisper.

"You two just need to be on your best behavior." Troy huffs , pulling out his head phones with full intention to drown them out.

The seatbelt sign appears overhead and Kira takes that as her cue to settle in too. There was no turning back now.

Not that she planned to.

***

Stepping out of the plane to the blast of warm air was all it took to undo most of the composure she'd fought to scramble together on the plane.

Most of her time was spent contemplating what could be waiting for them on the other side. While Kuro and Troy had barfed their insides out and ignored the world, respectively, she'd been fighting back both nervous and excited jitters.

The magazines and movies she had dived into doing little to distract her for too long. She really should have gotten some sleep but thanks to her powers she didn't necessarily need it to function. There's be exhaustion but she could power through until she was sure they could finally relax.

"How on earth do you have air-sickness? You can literally fly."

"Flying by myself and flying on a plane are two different things!"

The three of them had broken off from Ares and Kat who had taken up the task of getting a car to take their hotel, a place called Suites Cherish run by another Ares school friends.

Kira stirs them towards the restroom slipping in and ignoring their arguing. Once inside she checks the stalls to make sure she's alone and placing her carry on bag atop the sink. She pulls off her long sleeve top, taking a moment to eye the Keepers Seal on her shoulder. She's yet to master the high level spells capable of Masking it from humans and other stronger Magic users so her only choice was the next best thing.

Unzipping her bag she gets out a fake shoulder compression sleeve. Wearing this all the time back home would have been suspicious but now on a two week trip she could finally wear her sleeveless and off shoulder clothes without worry.

She changes immediately after getting on and gives herself a once over and a smirk in the mirror, this trip was going her way no matter what.

"You hurt?" Kuro has immediately she stepped, eyes zooming in the sleeve.

Kira beans at him, "Don't worry it's fake but as an eligible Asian cutie in New York I've got to give myself every advantage."

"Aren't you being a bit too overconfident for someone who showers in makeup before stepping out in public?" Troy had framed it as a question but Kira could tell he'd made up his mind already, that doesn't stop the statement from dropping an anvil onto her pride.

Her grin twitches, "No one asked you-"

"Hey!" Kat's voice is an angry hiss, an attempt not to draw too much attention to herself. Kira thinks the giant pitch black sunglasses perched on her nose aren't particularly helping. "We got a cab to the hotel, let's get going."

Right, their opportunity to meet up with Inoue was quickly approaching.

***

Suites Cherish, contrary to Kira's expectations, wasn't particularly as grand and eye arresting had she'd expected. Compared to the other hotels in the area it was smaller and more discreet which in hindsight makes a lot more sense.

The reception is reasonably large, some guests and tourists drifting in and out while others lounged in comfortable sofas spread about the room.

They're welcomed in by an expectant doorman and almost immediately hotel staff swarm them to get their luggage.

It draws a bit of attention from the guests not engaged in conversation and Ares sighs under his breath.

"Damn it, Ginny."

As if summoned, a slim middle-aged woman strides into the lobby, eyes ablaze with her shoulder length dark hair styled into a slick bob and deep blue pantsuit as contrast.

Ares spots her waves but the woman already has him in a very friendly hug that lasts only a few seconds before pulling away.

An assistant that had come with her stands off to the side.

"You really shouldn't have, We can carry our own stuff you know?"

The lady, Ginn Fritz, waves it off sweetly, "Can't a gal do something for her buddy that's always too busy to drop by?"

Ares chuckles, "You've got me paying full price for everything to make up for it."

Ginny gasps, "Stop making me look bad in front of our little friends here." she turns to the teens, "Don't mind him, all rooms on top are all yours, for a discount. Bring friends, have some fun and enjoy your time in the city."

Kira can already feel Kuro vibrating at her side, the last thing anyone should be doing is inviting Kuro to do whatever he wants.

Ginny turns away, facing a Ares, "Speaking of fun, Ares, I called Jerry and some of the guys over when you told me you'd be coming -"

"Gin! This is a family trip I can't-"

Kira takes the opportunity, "Sounds great Ares, you can catch up with your friends while we explore the city."

He turns back to her, a bit shocked, "But we made plans."

Kira gives him a thumbs up. He'd be with his friends, Kat would leave to sleep off her jet lag as usual and since it didn't affect the three of them they could run off to meet Inoue and be back before lunch, hopefully.

It's perfect.

She could see Ares cracking a bit, he knew she could take care of herself, this wasn't their first vacation to a big city after all.

Just one more push.

Before she can open her mouth though Kat speaks up instead, "I'll keep an eye on them."

"Really?" The whole group stares, even Troy had his eyebrows raised more than usual.

Katherine smiles, speaking through gritted teeth, "Really, it's about time for me and Kira got some private bonding time, right sis?"

No.

But instead Kira simply raises her thumb, not trusting her voice.

Not picking up on the mood or more likely ignoring it, Gin motions for her assistant to hand out all their key cards before rushing a still disgruntled Ares towards the adjoining pool room to the lobby.

Kira had hoped Kat had been lying to Ares about watching them just so she could sneak off to get her own alone time but seeing as she's following them to the hotel exit she realizes the truth was the opposite.

'Do something.' Troy huffs in her mind.

'I'm working on it, dammit.'

"I know you kiddies are planning something," As if reading their thoughts Kat speaks up, a victorious smirk to her tone as they stand huddled together a few steps away from her, "It's the whole reason you dragged us here."

Kira turns to face her, feigning innocence. "We're for the concert, not really a secret."

"Don't bullshit me, Kira." She takes a menacing step forward, "I'll find out what you're up to and you'll be sorry for lying to us"

Kira shrugs, a big smug herself, "You'll have to catch us first though."

Kat startles, blinking and stepping back to take in the whole scene, Troy and Kuro were no longer with them, she does a one eighty, regretting instantly when the patter of Kira's sneakers start down the busy sidewalk.

The redhead gawks, seeing just how far Kira is already. Shit, I forgot she's an athlete.

"We'll be back in time for lunch!" Kira yells over the crowd, drawing stares but ignoring them to cut her path to their rendezvous point.

Kat snarls, about taking off after her but she recalled Ares' instruction about a tracking app he'd made all four of them install. They could all use it find each other. She opens her purse to get her phone but spots three extra phones alongside hers.

"Those little-"

***

Kira pulls out her second phone, an older one she kept on her in case of emergencies, this one was without Ares tracking app and she was pretty sure he's got no idea she still keeps it around.

Their rendezvous point had been an old build in some demolition area they'd passed on their way to Suites Cherish.

She's walking with purpose towards it now. Keeping her eye on her location through her phone app. It's one of the reasons she'd brought along.

"Won't she call Ares about what's happened?" She doesn't jump at the sound of Troy's voice close behind her but a shiver does run down her spine.

She spins around to face him, their bothe just a few yards from the build now. It's an old apartment block, and she figures a spa resort of some kind is going to be built in place soon.

"Don't sweat it, she'll be embarrassed to say anything about it unless we don't show up."

"You're more alike than expected."

She ignores the jab in favour of more productive conversation like the reasonable, mature leader she is, "Where's Kuro?"

"Distracted already probably."

Kira scan the bustling side walk and busy roads and she catches Troy doing the same

"I'll reach out for him but while he's not here let's come up with our distraction before it's too late."

She hadn't given much thought to what the "distraction" tactic would be until now. "Something noticeable but not too big," she mumbles to herself, trying to think of anything, "I wonder if Inoue has something in-"

The words are barely out before a small dark shape flutters down line of sight. A black feather.

She looks up and around the whole street now filled gasps and murmurs of fear and surprise.

All over the place a torrent of little black feathers are tumbling through the air flakes of snow. They are smaller than the usual feathers she sees Kuro use but she has no doubt it's him.

She sighs out a curse and Troy's scowls at her side tells her he's come to the same conclusion. The fall of feathers isn't the only thing either, a wave of Kuro's Dark Energy washes over them, stifling the air and sending a chill even through the regular citizens but to other Magic users the only word Kira could find to describe it would be…animosity.

"Damn it, Kuro!" She dashes into the nearest secluded alleyway, Troy on her heels and thye both shift into their costumes before navigating to his position atop the to-be demolished apartment complex.

As they arrive Troy wastes no time dropkicking Kuro into the concrete rooftop.

Thankfully, he's in costume too and while Troy tears into him Kira takes the time to study the city below, the black feather storm now slowly disappearing.

She wants to ask how he'd done that and what made him think it was a good idea but she's briefly distracted by just how different it feels up here. Far away from home but still Demona.

Still the Keeper.

She wonders if the others had ever been out of Japan too?

Her thoughts are halted by a strange whirring sound in the distance. Like the sound of helicopter blades. She lifts her eyes to the clear blue skies, searching, willing the boys to shut up while she searches.

"I was just trying to get it out of the way!" Kuro sobs.

"By broadcasting out location like a challenge!" Troy smacks him.

"Whaaa!"

Kira tunes them out honing on the sound and searching for an aircraft. It's coming right at them but she can't see anything even with her enhanced sight. No regular human could have possibly noticed them even in daylight so that left one, very bad, option.

Someone has reacted to Kuro's threat.

Before she can alert the guys to leave the air just a few feet from them ripples and she picks it up finally, a Magic energy signature, Dark Magic Energy.

She jumps to the side just as a small cubical projectile made of wood soars by her head.

That gets the boys' attention and they all turn to see the newcomer hovering about a few feet from them, standing on a flat chunky device bearing resemblance to the stereotypical sci-fi movie hoverboard.

The person riding it looks to be male, a little taller than Troy, with the muscles of his dark-skinned arms folded under his chest.

His face is hidden behind a helmet with chrome visor but his head tilts ever so slightly before landing on Kuro who's Energy flares at the attention.

Riling this guy up should be the last thing that they do but before she can stop him Kuro lunges into action, feathers flying from his wings but the hoverboard person dodges effortlessly, doing a spiral in the air over them and dropping even more wooden cubes.

They don't remain cubes for long, glowing and breaking apart to create a swarm of tiny puppets that crash into the trio with prejudice. They're unexpectedly strong and skillful, pulling at their capes, dodging attacks and straight up coming back unless they've been hacked to pieces or incinerated completely.

Kira is about calling for retreat when their attacker dives straight for Troy, a staff with a long blade attached to its end stabbing right at the blond.

Troys scoffs, leaning back into backflip kick as a counter but the board rider twirls away the silver ringed locked of his dreads spilling out of his helmet.

"I don't know who guys are but there's no way you're ruining my perfect patrol streak, so back off!" The rider orders in english.

His tone is annoyed, voice not to too deep, no distortion from a Mask of any kind. Kira pales, heart thudding. That voice, the dreads.

No way.

But a smile breaks onto her face regardless as she runs towards them. She's laughing as she pulls down her hood and Mask, screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Rian, you bastard!"

Their attacker stops fighting Troy, whirling around to face her.

The board falls with a heavy clunk and he steps off just as his visor fades away. She jumps into his arms and he catches her with shock expression that melts into smile.

"Kira?! How on earth-" he's laughing now too, orange-red eye crinkling softly. They remain the same way as they breathless cackle and they talk over each other.

"You didn't say you were coming!"

"How was I supposed to know you loved here now?!"

"You'd know if you answered my texts!"

Their arguing and laughing at the same time, completely oblivious their confused audience of two quickly turned to three with Inoue's arrival.

He coughs into his fist, drawing their attention at last.

Kira startles, realizing they'd for longer than should be acceptable for two people that should just be meeting.

She hops down, warmth flooding her cheeks as she faces the boys.

"I- I can explain!" She says hurried trying everything in her power not to let her voice squeak.

Inoue nods, expression severe, "Yes I'd very much like an explanation as to why you'd reveal yourself to to a New York Agent when you vehemently resisted the same for us."

Shit, my Mask. Kira laughs nervously. Wait, New York Agent???

She looks up at Rian who winks at her.

More mortified heat crawls up her neck especially with Troy and Kuro looking a lot more interested at Inoue's reveal.

So much from her time in Washington was starting to make sense but she remembers that right now none of that really mattered.

They had a job to do.

She gestures to the guys, eyes on Rian, "Rian, meet my friends," she points back to him, "Guys meet, Rian Sage, he's my old classmate…" she doesn't want to say the rest but she knows he'd tell them any chance he got later on so it's best to get it over with now, "And my ex-boyfriend."

Understanding the word bōifurendo in her statement Rian takes it as his introduction and raises his tattooed hand in a wave, grinning, "Nice to meet 'cha."

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