The Meeting

The city lights flickered below as Kazuki rode his motorcycle through the labyrinth of Kyouten's streets. The engine purred beneath him, a comforting sound that resonated with his restless energy. The wind whipped against his face, carrying the sharp chill of the evening. It was a long ride, one filled with the kind of anticipation that gnawed at his patience.

He parked several blocks away from his destination, slipping into the shadows with ease. His motorcycle was too conspicuous to leave nearby, and Kazuki preferred the advantage of surprise. As he walked the final stretch, his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, cataloging every detail—the parked cars, the dimly lit alleys, the faint hum of distant conversations. His instincts never rested.

The address Ivan had given him was scribbled on a slip of paper now tucked into his coat pocket. It had passed through careful hands before reaching him—from Hime to Berkeley, from Berkeley to Kagezan, and finally to Ivan. The thought of her orchestrating even this encounter made him grit his teeth. Hime was always several moves ahead, but tonight, he intended to change that.

When he reached her building, he hesitated for the briefest moment, his hand brushing against the cool steel of the door. Hime had an uncanny way of throwing him off balance, of making him question his every move. Tonight, he was determined to regain control.

She stood waiting in the doorway, her figure illuminated by the faint light spilling from inside. There was no smile, no greeting, just the steady weight of her gaze locking onto his. She didn't need words to command attention.

"Kazuki," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "I wasn't sure you'd come."

"You knew I would," he replied, stepping closer. "You wouldn't have sent the message if you weren't certain."

She tilted her head slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Perhaps. But certainty isn't as interesting as risk."

He smirked, following her inside. The air within was warm, scented faintly with sandalwood and something sharper he couldn't quite place. The space was deliberate, every detail carefully chosen—much like her.

"Nice place," he remarked, his tone casual. "Though I expected something... different."

"Disappointed?" she asked, leading him into the living room. Candles flickered on a low table, casting shifting shadows across the walls lined with books and artifacts.

"Not at all," he said, his gaze sweeping the room. "It suits you. Controlled. Calculated."

She raised an eyebrow as she took a seat, gesturing for him to do the same. "And you think you have me figured out already?"

"Not yet," he admitted, settling across from her. "But I will."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Kazuki studied her, the way she held herself—calm, poised, yet undeniably guarded. It reminded him of the stories about Venus, the shadowy information broker who had shaped the fate of empires. Could she be...? No. He needed more than conjecture.

"You invited me here for a reason," he said finally. "What is it you want?"

Her eyes glinted in the low light, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. "And here I thought you came because you were curious."

"Curiosity only gets me so far," he replied, leaning forward. "You don't strike me as someone who acts without purpose. So, what is it?"

Hime leaned back, her fingers tracing the edge of her teacup. "I wanted to see if you lived up to the stories."

"And?"

"You're intriguing," she said simply. "But I expected that."

Before he could respond, the faintest sound reached his ears—a shuffle, just outside the window. Kazuki stiffened, his instincts flaring. Hime didn't react, her expression unchanged, but he saw the subtle shift in her posture. She had heard it too.

"We have company," she said softly, setting her cup down.

Kazuki rose, his movements fluid and silent. He glanced toward the window, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows beyond. "How long?" he asked.

"Long enough," Hime replied, her voice calm. "They've been tracking you."

His gaze snapped to her, suspicion flickering across his face. "Me?"

She nodded, standing gracefully. "Kagezan isn't without enemies. And neither are you."

Kazuki's jaw tightened. "You could've warned me."

"I just did," she said, meeting his gaze evenly. "But it seems they're eager to interrupt our conversation."

He didn't respond, his attention shifting back to the window. The tension in the room thickened as the faint sounds grew closer. Whoever they were, they weren't subtle.

Kazuki turned to Hime, his voice low and steady. "Stay close."

She didn't argue, stepping beside him as he moved toward the door. The ease with which she followed him was unsettling, as though she had expected this all along.

The hallway outside was dark, the only light spilling from the city beyond. Kazuki led the way, his steps silent, his hand resting on the weapon concealed beneath his coat. Hime moved behind him, her calm demeanor unshaken.

When the first shadow emerged, Kazuki reacted instantly. His hand shot out, slamming the intruder against the wall. The man grunted, his mask slipping slightly to reveal a grim expression.

"Who sent you?" Kazuki demanded, his voice cold.

The man didn't answer, his gaze darting toward Hime. Kazuki's grip tightened, his frustration mounting. "Answer me."

Before he could press further, Hime stepped forward. "Let him go."

Kazuki glanced at her, his brow furrowing. "Why?"

"Because he's not here for us," she said, her tone decisive. "He's a distraction."

Kazuki hesitated, then released the man, who slumped to the floor. He looked at Hime, her composed expression betraying nothing. "You knew this would happen," he said, his voice low.

"I suspected," she admitted. "But now we know for sure."

He took a step closer, his gaze narrowing. "You're playing a dangerous game, Hime."

She smiled faintly, the kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes. "And yet, you're still here."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the tension between them crackling like a live wire. Then, without another word, Kazuki turned and began walking down the hall, Hime following close behind. The game was far from over.