Drama in the underground (with StainedCrimson)

[StainedCrimson]

Yuzuki nods and pours himself a small bit of whiskey in a decanter and settles in a seat opposite his surprise guest. Hearing the question he takes a sip before swirling the rest of the liquid as he thinks on the question to choose his words carefully. "I think it's too radical of a move to aim for right now. Far too many humans refuse to see their pets as anything but." His finger taps the glass as he continues. "And part of that is their unconscious fear of what could happen should pets be allowed to reach their full potential. I think this is short-sighted and ignorant." He focuses on Teito to meet his gaze. "As you've noticed the balance in my home is fairly equal and that is, in part, why I have succeeded where previous leaders have failed. While not on the same scale, this balance is also seen throughout my territory. However, due to repercussions that could result from other families should equal footing be too obvious and quick, it has been a slow but steady progress."

 

Leaning back he takes another drink before looking at Teito. "What is your stance on the matter?" He inquires even though he suspects he knows what the other is going to say. Still, hearing the other vocalize their stance and possibly come clean about a few other matters is the reason he's asking Teito.

[InkompleteWish]

Teito listened to the other and did see the reasoning of the other. It sure was rash and wouldn't probably be easily accepted but if other familys would see that then they might as well change their ways. The territories of the Umezake and the Ookami family were at the moment probably the only ones that handeled pets like that. Teito's plan is change the way pets are seen from within. His kin in his territory are currently studying to lead normal jobs or take up higher positions in society. If he could somehow allow them to be employed in other territories than maybe something would change but for that he needed trustworthy partners that allowed such things.

 

"Well, what would you think if a pet would become a doctor or a police officer? It wouldn't change much right? I want the pets to live good life. As humans were given the chance to evolve, why shouldn't we give pets that chance too?" he answered the question with another question. Humans were greedy and selfish most of the time. Pets might be a bit different but they wouldn't just take over the world if both humans and pets could live on equal footing. "As you probably already guessed now, it is my wish to give the pets this chance. To let them learn the things they want to, go working and maybe create their own family. Do you want to know why i want this or would you rather guess?" he said with a smirk. Plain out saying that he was a pet didn't sit well with his mind so he decided to play a bit. He couldn't lose much more anyway.

[StainedCrimson]

Yuzuki shrugs at Teito's questions. "I see the benefits of having them in higher positions such as doctors and policeman. Their heightened senses and abilities would be extremely useful, provided any human that might own them not be corrupt and force their pet to do otherwise." Leaning back and going into an almost lounge-like posture he raises a finger off the back of the couch to point at Teito. "So you see, I'm not so much worried about the pets involved, I'm concerned over the human aspect. That's the more dangerous one of the two by far. Even here, where I keep a tight control on information being leaked out, I have to be very careful in how I go about running my territory and giving pets more independence. In some cases it's all about the illusion and giving the humans the ability to see what they want to instead of the truth and in others it's hiding" here he gives Teito a pointed look "or disguising certain pieces so attention isn't drawn to them. Others I blatantly wave in the other families' faces just because I want to." He smirks.

 

Catching Teito's last question he tilts his head to the side slightly and gives him a bored look. "You've either been saved by a pet in or are one. There are very few people in our stations who hold sympathetic views with the pets. Sympathy can be deadly for us after all, but it's still there and when great enough sways us to take riskier actions than we would for someone otherwise." He shrugs though to indicate either way doesn't really matter to him. "I also toss in pet as a possibility since Lin and a few others wear hats and such to hide their pet features when they leave the territory without me."

[InkompleteWish]

(sorry it's so short. )

 

"I see. So the humans huh? I would totally approve of that. But i still hope there are humans out there execluding you to accept the other pets. Though pets have a bit of an advantage, they aren't immortal. Humans think they are demons needed to be locked away...pathetic. I think that humans are more demonic and should be locked away...." he said, letting his eyes glaze over. He remembered his time as a stray and how humans treated him or what they did to other humans. Killing, stealing, lying. Humans or pets didn't do any difference.

 

He listened to the other though and let him explain his point of view. It was true but not impossible to accomplish and though it is risky and maybe crazy, Teito was willing to accept that. "Hm. Well then i guess i don't need the hat anymore." he said and took of his fedora. His black ears twitched and his tail appear behind him.

[StainedCrimson]

Yuzuki raises an eyebrow. "I don't think caging each other will really solve anything. If nothing else it will just promote more anger and intolerance all around." He comments idly watching the other start to fade away into his thoughts. Seeing the ears and tail he just laughs setting his glass to the side. "I thought as much. It does explain all your secrecy and need for numerous alliances though. However, you need to tread carefully from here on out making them. A lot of families feel as if you're trying to merge together families to make one big one with yourself as the head. It's the reason for a lot of the hostility lately." He explains just as another servant comes in. "Sirs, dinner is ready." The human bows before leaving the room but causes Yuzuki to stand up. "Let's continue this over dinner then, shall we?"

[InkompleteWish]

"That i know. But it is the only possibility for me, a pet, to get enough power to change something maybe. But no, i don't want to be the head, i would rather pull the strings backstage." he said, remembering his time with Taiki. Even at that time, his 'master' was smitten with him and always listened to his suggestions. In a way he was controlling his old master. It gave him experience and enough time to plan his next moves. Though he wanted to set the pets free, he didn't like standing in the limelight. But destiny decided for him to become the next head which meant that he needed to approach things a bit different. Only he was responsible for his actions. "I would want your opinion on that matter if you don't mind. What should i do to make it less suspicious?" he answered the other leader and relaxed himself.

 

His ears peerked up after hearing the door open. The servent said dinner was ready and it seemed that Yuzuki wanted to talk afterwards. Well, haste makes waste. So Teito stood up and replied "Sure." and followed the other leader out of the room and towards the dinning room.

[StainedCrimson]

"Stop being so direct about it and bulldozing your way through." Yuzuki replies to the question getting up, setting his glass to the side. Walking out the door he leads the way to the table in a less formal dinning room, one meant more for personal family dinners and such, instead of the formal dinning room that they passed. Sitting down he looks at Teito and waves him to seat himself where he wants. "Now then, considering how much you pissed off a few of the families already, we should talk about the length of your stay and how to get you back without you being attacked the moment you leave my territory."

[InkompleteWish]

"Hm. But that is my personality. Humans thought me to fight for my believes, though appearently not with enough patience on my part." he said, obviously accepting his faults for what they were. He didn't learn much patience and even if he was probably a bit more intelligent or strategic than most pets, he had still been living half his life on the streets. Though now not anymore, that part of his life left some scars that probably won't heal that soon. Without force, he probably won't accomplish anything as a pet. Only time would tell if it was the wrong decision or the right. And if his decisions led him to his death then so be it. He just wanted to accomplish something for himself and his kin.

 

"Do not worry. I do not wish to dwell here to long. I appreciate your hospitality but since you are hiding me here i am bringing danger to your family. That i do not want. I guess i will only stay until my arm is okay to move around again. Though i will let you decide. And do not worry. I might be injured but i search for some unnormal ways around the city. My pet charachteristics are sometimes of great help after all." Teito said, sitting down a seat away from Yuzuki.

[StainedCrimson]

"Having patience and a good strategy are always key factors when you're instigating a war." Yuzuki comments dryly before sighing as he looks at Teito. "You'll stay here as long as you need to. My family is in no direct danger from housing you. Our network and forces are a lot better than anyone knows or gives us credit for." He gives Teito a dangerous smile. "I have my own reasons for making my family incredibly formidable, but I also won't just show my hand to the others prematurely for a half-baked plan to give pets freedom." His eyes narrow. "If I'm to back you you need to have a better plan in place."

[InkompleteWish]

"Hm. Then what would you advise? As it is you noticed that i am incapable to lead this plan further all alone. And since you don't mind me being a pet myself, you seem to be my best choice at the moment." he said, starring at Yuzuki. It was true, his plan wasn't really strategically evolved enough to start this fight. Yet it was all Teito could come up with alone. He might be the leader of the Umezake Family at the moment but he gained it more through favour and his abilities. It was not like he got good leadership qualities to back up his plans. He might be able to lead a family to safety or strength but not to fame and fortune. He just didn't cut the ideal leader material. He was a second in command, the right hand.

 

"But well, i shall think it over for a bit but i guess i will not be able to come up with a better plan. As it is, the only things i am able to do is making alliances to get pets higher positions while they study." he said, resting his head on his palm and sighing. He could teach to a certain extend but beyond that they needed to show the will to learn. Though he isn't a perfect leader, he is a good commander and fighter. At least one point where he is good at in this whole tragedy.

[StainedCrimson]

Yuzuki leans back and it almost seems like he should be smoking something as he lounges back in his chair. "While gaining allies and support was a good move on your end, you need to also strengthen and marshal your own forces. Make yourself a strong enough force on your own to where others will not only think twice, but at least three times before going against you. Not just in brute force or financial means, though one or the other help, but information on those that pose a threat to you and those under your care is also an excellent way to at least get some to look away from your actions and not interfere if not ally with you outright." He pauses to take a drink and to let the servants set out the food before they bow and leave the room.

 

"For now we'll focus on getting you healed and settle into an informal alliance. That will give you enough backing to at least make the other families wary of attacking you again anytime soon. Those I'm allied with will let me know should any attack is given serious consideration and we can plan and adjust accordingly. For now, just take this as a small vacation and relax while not worrying about anything for a day or two." He gives Teito a small smile then starts to put food on his plate and eat.

[InkompleteWish]

"I see. Yeah, you might be right. I will think about ways to accomplish that." he said, resting his head on the palm of his hand and leaning back into the chair. He should really talk with his right hand man about it, while he was mostly the brawl, he needed someone to be the brains. Not that he was dumb but let's just say that he prefered fights over strategy meetings. It might be in his nature to be that feral but though he knew that, he didn't want to change anything.

 

//Not sure if i can do that.// he thought to the others suggestion. Teito couldn't think about relaxing. Not if he was the leader of a mafia family. Vacations weren't really a part of his life. There was to much to do and so many to protect. It would be nice yes but was he really ready to do it? He didn't know. He did know however that he can't do much here either way. The other would insist about him resting. He let his thoughts wander a bit before sighing and putting a bit of food on his plate. He wasn't really hungry actually but he didn't want to appear rude. He also didn't want to ask for food when he was hungry too (it might be late at night after all). So he decided to eat a bit, at least enough to last him over the night.

[StainedCrimson]

Yuzuki nods and waves a hand as he speaks "It's about finding someone who compliments you. Human or 'pet' really doesn't matter but until you manage to get things secure in your own territory you may want to keep any pet equality changes going on subtle and seemingly insignificant until your position is more secure. Outside that just look for someone who seems to have the skills you need and the ability to grow in them and in strength to support you without having to worry about their loyalty being compromised by their own ambition." He suggests before taking a few bites. "And try to remember that even though you're the leader and protector of your family, you can't do it all. You have to find a way to divide up your responsibilities so that you're not overworked and over-stressed. That way should the time ever come when you're really needed you're not sick or incapacitated when that moment comes. If you are not able to step up when needed then your family will fall."

 

He gives Teito a small smile. "I don't mean to alarm you but I thought you could use the advance. As a leader you set an example for those who follow you. If you never take time to relax or recuperate, how will your followers be able to without feeling like they're letting you down or you're inhuman with standards they can't meet." He says gently. "It doesn't have to be much, a small trip out to a place you like, seeing a movie, visiting a friend or family member... Small things like that. Here your options are limited obviously, but you can still walk around or see a movie or something."

[InkompleteWish]

(I am sorry, i am currently not sure what i should write. )

 

Teito nodded along the conversation. He understood the others point of view and that this would be the right choice to make in his decision. He might consider to train his forces after he returned to his district. But for now he needed to think about a plan. Joining with allies was a good plan but he took the wrong approach. He should consider his own people first and ask his right hand man if he knew something interesting. While thinking and listening to the other he always took a bite of the food now and then. "Yeah, i guess so. There isn't much of a family that i have except for the mafia so it is hard to relax when you've been around them for so long. I had quite often a knife pointed at my throat so i guess i was constantly on defensiv mode because of it." he muttered and took another bite.

[StainedCrimson]

(It's okay)

 

Yuzuki gives a small smile at Teito. "It's alright. I understand that position all to well. It's the reason I made sure to make my family strong enough to gain us recognition, but not so much too quickly as to get the other families worried. Growing up I also had a lot of close calls and tricky situations. I'll do what I can to help, but for now let's get to know each other and form an alliance based on something more than just need for strong allies hm?" He offers as his smile grows slightly.

[InkompleteWish]

While Yuzuki talked, Teito listened intently. His ears twitched now and then. He heared something....or someone comming closer. But he didn't dwell on it longer, he relaxed yet again in his seat and took a few bites of his food again. After swallowing his food and making sure that his arm wouldn't be put under pressure he talked. "I will take you up on that offer." and raised accordingly his glas of wine for Yuzuki. "Let's try to get along and thank you for your hospitality. Let's hope for the best." he spoke and waited for the other to take his invitation.

[StainedCrimson]

Yuzuki smiles and raises his glass to lightly tap it against Teito's. "To new friends and a hopeful future." He responds before taking a sip of his drink. Since he doesn't have the same hearing as Teito he, of course, doesn't hear the person approaching but also doesn't expect any trouble while in his home. All of his staff is well trained in both martial arts and at least some sort of weapon.

[InkompleteWish]

(I was thinking that Yuzuki's brother would stomp into the room and miss Teito's pet attributes at first or something. Decision is up to you. :3)

 

After clinking the glasses (is that the right wording?) he began eating fully. He was a bit hungry actually and now that they were done with that conversation he didn't want to bother with another. Teito became grumpy at times if he was hungry enough and a grumpy pet wasn't a good pet. At least Teito wasn't, his subordinates often suffered from that. Though they didn't mind as much actually. It was good that they accepted Teito for what he was or rather is. They are like a family and everyone is taking care of the other. In his earlier years the pet would have never thought that he could be part of that. A happy family but his 'destiny' deemed him worth probably.

[StainedCrimson]

Yuzuki settles down and eats his own food and seems to ignore the sudden stamped that seems to be coming down the hallway towards them. Suddenly the doors fly open and blur races towards Yuzuki and almost tackles him out of his chair. Chuckling Yuzuki grapples with the younger male for a minute before putting him in a choke hold with one arm while his free hand fists and rubs the knuckles in his skull. "And to what do I owe the honor of this surprise visit?" He asks looking down. Chuckling the younger version of Yuzuki, except with with different colored eyes and his hair is more brown than black, looks up. "Just decided to stop in a bug my big bro. That's what younger siblings are for right?" He gives a big cheesy grin towhich Yuzuki rolls his eyes and with an amused huff shoves his brother to ground where he lands with a loud 'oof'. Rolling over to get up the young guy notices Teito and blinks up at him before grinning. "Hey, who's the stiff bro?" He asks while pushing himself up and dusting his clothes off, not seeming to have noticed the cat ears.