Garoth was surprised to hear that Ayako was already looking for Megumi. Was that just a coincidence, or was the fox just one step ahead of everybody. In any case, he didn't have time to dwell on the matter because Scarlet was coming over, and by the looks of things she had something figured out. "Does my favorite redhead have some news for me?" he retorted in a playful tone. He did resent being called a bird, but he couldn't think of an equivalent mildly demeaning word for mortal on the fly, so he just resorted to calling her by the color of her hair.

"Excusing yourself again?" Malik drawled once Ayako stood up after receiving a message. Malik was a pale, gaunt man that looked like a borderline undead, but his unadorned forehead revealed that he was human. He had dark rings under his eyes that matched his dark hair and robes, yet despite is sickly appearance, he spoke with a full, almost threatening voice. 

"Yes," Ayako replied, ignoring the man's harsh tone. "It seems as though that wolf that I just branded has returned. She will be a valuable asset if she decides to join--"

"Before you let her join I want to speak with her," Malik interrupted, again in a blunt tone. "You have a habit of romanticizing our work. I want to make sure she'll be more than a waste of paperwork."

Ayako nodded, but remained silent. He had wanted to spare Megumi the experience of talking to Malik, but she would have met him eventually so perhaps sooner was better than later. With that, he made his way through the halls and eventually came upon the little gathering that Megumi was with. "Ah, Megumi, you returned quickly." He gave a pleasant smile to the others, but motioned for the wolf to come with him. "If you do not mind, let us talk in private. I found some information that you may like to know."