Tatsuo looked at him. Then nodded. "Very well, go with the others. Bring back whatever information you can. [i]Don't[/i] get caught." He narrowed his eyes in an 'am I clear?' gesture. Then dismissed him.

The Prince accepted his decision and turned. He looked at Buta, decided he was restrained enough, and kept his eyes drifting until he saw Shizuka. He felt very bad for that youkai. The plans for her had been settled in advance. Kuroaki had seen to that. Shinrai would never forgive him for being negligent with his power over them. He thought she would approve of his plan to free them though. And most of them seemed to want to help her, or at least to not be against it.

He approached Shizuka and Tatsuo fell into step with him. He looked over his shoulder. "What is it?"

Tatsuo's eyes were on Buta. "I think I'll stick around over there for a while. Just in case."

Kuroaki felt uneasy but he didn't comment. He split off to stand near to the wall youkai and her guards. He nodded to them and then faced her between them. "Shizuka-san, are you doing well?" he asked.