[center]Valla released her hold, leaving Aito rubbing his throat; the realization of his mis-step fresh in his mind. [color=87CEEB][i]Damnit, man, I said something stupid. I knew the button was there and I pressed it anyway.[/i][/color] He watched as she ascended the stairs, spitting sarcasm back at them. Aito took it in stride, fighting down the urge to open his Enlil Network interface and shoot her a quick apologetic message. That, however, wasn't his style. He preferred to handle interactions face-to-face; even if Vatalla was upset, he was willing to risk that gambit. Still, he had pressing matters to attend to.

 Akira set out the basics of his Class, following up with an impressive display. The summon was a squat lion-like thing Aito had never seen before. It certainly wasn't a common Monster, and that brought a smile to break his otherwise darkening mood. Sticking close to its master, it cast wary glances at those assembled. He fought down the urge to pet it. 

[color=87CEEB]"Nice, looks like you've got a good spread of utility. With that thing holding the forefront, seems like you'll have an easy time performing the Thief portion of your Skill-set. I like it, man. A lot."[/color] With a nod in Akira's direction, putting forward his approval; he listened more intently to the duo that followed.

 Red spoke up first, as he had expected. [color=87CEEB]"I'm not big on violence, either,"[/color] he offered with a smile in her direction, walking backwards to face over the group, [color=87CEEB]"and Lucy's a nice name. If I had a weapon I would've named it 'Lucilotte'; so I guess we have similar tastes in naming beloved objects."[/color] He chuckled, bringing a hand to the back of his head; mind still not entirely cleared of his worries. [color=87CEEB]"So you're a quick attack type, based on agility. Nice! Monsters hardly ever understand that method of attack. Just be careful. No offense, but you're small. Some of the higher-tier Monsters can counter that."[/color]

[color=87CEEB][i]I like her, she's cute, but I wonder,[/i][/color] Something felt a little off about such a slight and smiling girl wielding a weapon so fondly named. [color=87CEEB][i]I'll have to see her in action, I bet. I'll hold my bad feelings back until that happens. Not like I've got a good reason to doubt her, anyway...[/i][/color] He sighed, a little. [color=87CEEB][i]I'll have to wrap this up soon.[/i][/color] Thankfully Red nudged her companion forward. His eye darted to the stairway, from time to time.

 [color=87CEEB]"Hey, I'm the same way! Minus the whole 'Masochist' thing, kind of a kinky Class name, Yoshi,"[/color] Aito's gaze was soft, though his mouth was set in a firm line. [color=87CEEB][i]I might have to have a talk with him, later.[/i][/color] Still, it never hurt to have more willing meat-shields around; he, himself, being proud to be among their ranks. [color=87CEEB]"No one in the club is cannon fodder, trust me. Don't think of yourself that way. If you do, you'll certainly end up in a nasty situation. Then I'd have to throw myself in front of your throwing yourself in front of someone. Just let me know if you need to talk, alright?"[/color] He chuckled heartily, thinking that he saw a familiar form in the distance.

[color=87CEEB][i]About time...I hope that's you, Zeke.[/i][/color]

 The hallway was coming to a close, Aito eager to catch up. Still, he had Yoshi to listen to. Something about the kid reminded him of himself, back in his middle school days. [color=87CEEB][i]Withdrawn and easy to drag along. I'm not sure if he really wants to be here...[/i][/color]  The two met eyes to eye for a moment, and Aito gave him a wide smile. Then he gave the same to Red and Akira. [color=87CEEB]"Well, it sounds like you guys have potential for sure. I'm thinking I might push you ahead of the other applicants and..."[/color]

 That was when his suspicion was confirmed. Zeke spoke up, typical in his presentation and fashion. If Aito were to hazard a guess, Zeke had been catching up to them for a second. [color=87CEEB][i]Which means he probably saw right through me. Damn.[/i][/color] He lifted a hand, waving fondly; trying to keep his face as serious as possible.

[color=87CEEB]"That's Zeke,"[/color] caving, his Enlil Network interface open, and his hands rapidly working to send out a message, [color=87CEEB]"he's pretty much my bro. Even if he can be a little harsh, at times, he's a good guy. He's above me in the chain of command, so I guess the final decision falls to him. Great Hunter, great secretary, great friend. Make sure you show him the same courtesy you showed me, alright?"[/color] There was no need for that statement, Red curtseying and Yoshi protesting their outing inwardly; or at least that was the [i]Displacer's[/i], gleaned from a glance at his face.

 [color=87CEEB][i]Hahaha, ah man. This's going to get me in some trouble...[/i][/color]

 He raised his voice. [color=87CEEB]"Of course I'm taking responsibility, Zeke, you act like I didn't plan to do that once I brought them out of the HQ. Which reminds me, there's a crate in there; another Jojo drop-off for the rookies."[/color] His fingers worked at the message screen, Aito's intended recipient obvious to his friend. [color=87CEEB]"It's not like there's anything going on until the overnight, by my guess anyway."[/color] Or, at least, he hoped not. 

[hider=To Vatalla]

[color=87CEEB][i]Hey, sorry about that. I'm an idiot. I know I pissed you off, at least a little. I'll be coming up there, in a few. Try not to bite my head off, but I want to talk with you. For real.

[i]Or[/i] you can tell me to fuck off and I'll try to stay out of your way.  If you're looking for the manifestation points, check the janitor's closet on the east end of the first hallway. According to the reports, that's where the laughter was most loudly heard. Probably the best bet. 

Later, Hellcat,
Patchy.[/i][/color][/hider]

 [color=87CEEB]"Anyway, man, what kept you? Cannon said the meeting was...somewhere like nine minutes ago,"[/color] he gave his friend a broad but crooked smile, [color=87CEEB]"That's why I went ahead and started marching on."[/color] A thumb, over his turned shoulder; pointed at the group behind him. [color=87CEEB]"Besides, I think a second opinion would be good. Catch up and we'll talk business, bro!"[/color]

The translucent screen closed and he left the rest to Valla; turning his attention back to the potential recruits and his friend, progress halted while the MHC Secretary caught up completely.  His heart might've sunk, but his smile was still purely pleased. [color=87CEEB]"I'm planning to check the third floor, for a while. That cool with you? Responsibility's mine, so I figure I can carry on with what I was going to do."[/color][/center]