Imperial year 1824, centuries after the revolutionary war in which many lives were tossed into the nothingness to be forgotten. After the war the revolutionary army and the empire's citizens transformed the nation. Upon the reconstruction of the Empire many things changed. The Empire accomplished many things throughout the years and it once again became a great land in which all it's citizens could prosper in peace. But sadly all must come to an end.
Throughout the years records of the revolutionary war were lost. Except for those that became legends. Rebels that scurried in the darkness shedding blood all throughout the land. Striking fear in those who lived causing an empire to crumble. The ones yet to be forgotten, Night Raid.
One can hear the thundering roars from the Colosseum throughout the Capitol. The nose swept through the busy streets of the city. The spectators cheered and clapped in multitude. Each and every seat filled.
"One the east side Koto the martial arts master." said the announcer. "On the west side Tatsuo the expert swordsman."
A tall lean young man with jet black hair and green eyes. Wearing a dark high collared trench coat, black pants and black leather boots stands at the arena on the west side.
Before him on the east stands a tall muscular shirtless man wearing loose fitting black pants. The beads of sweat forming on his bare chest roll down in the scorching sun above.
"I'm not holding back kid, so you better fight with all you got or I'm going to break you!" mocked Koto clenching his fists flexing his muscular figure as a threat, as he looked down upon Tatsuo.
The man easily towered over the young man even for his tall stature. He stood a whole foot above him. And yet the boy seemed calm as can be.
He flashed him a grin, saying. "I won't even need my sword to take you down." sweeping aside his dark coat.
"What did you say!?" demanded the man.
"You don't have to fight me, you know." said Tatsuo, who grinned at him with glee. His expression of pure amusement.
The man ran at him, but he didn't even flinch or move from his position. The man thought that he was bluffing, at least, that's what he believed in. He swung his fist aimed directly at Tatsuo's face, Tatsuo deflected his attack. He ducked and gave him an uppercut punch. HIs blow landed firmly on the man's solar plexus, suddenly pushing him back and knocking the wind out of him. He staggered backwards, almost tripping over his own feet, but managed to regain his balance. Tatsuo didn't even seem to put any effort into it; even though Koto was putting all his strength into his blow. Tatsuo stood his ground with a look of amusement on his face.
"Is that the best you got?" said Tatsuo.
"You cocky puny brat!" shouted Koto lunging forward even more infuriated than before. He brought his fist down on Tatsuo's head. But he dipped and weaved, however, this time he was met with a sidekick. Tatsuo managed to parry it with both his arms. The sheer force of the blow stunned him for a brief moment leaving him open to more attacks. Koto followed his attack with a double punch. The attack was so quick that Tatsuo was unable to the opening and using it to his advantage Koto attacked with a series of fast but powerful punches. Tatsuo barely had any room to breathe as he blocked each and every punch aimed at his.
The entire arena was roaring with excitement as the colosseum rattled from the sound. Every person watching the fight was completely enthralled, watching for the next move in the epic battle.
"Still feeling cocky, pretty boy?" said Koto with confidence. He stepped into his stance to continue the battle.
Tatsuo chuckled while catching his breath. He raised his head to meet his eyes, saying. "I still don't need my sword."
Koto snarled at him, throwing one of his legs out in a turning side stepped just enough for the force of the kick to flicker his hair. He followed with a spinning back fist to his side to create an opening. Koto clenched his teeth at the blows. He tried to give him an overhead strike. Tatsuo swiftly with the speed of a cat slid under Koto maneuvering and kicking at his feet. The impact of the attack knocked Koto off his feet violently. Tatsuo was not done yet he leapt into the air and struck him from above with an axe kick. Koto's body smashed into the ground.
The crowd watching the fight let out a collective wince for the martial artist.
Koto looked up and his eyes wide open in surprise. A groan escaped his lips as the pain from the attack started setting in. And soon he was out cold.
The entire colosseum went utterly silent in disbelief. Not a single sound could be heard as if time itself was holding its breath.
Tatsuo rose to his feet wiping the sweat from his brow. He looked down at the unconscious Koto, saying. "That had to hurt."
"The winner is Tatsuo!" said the announcer through the microphone.
Immediately the crowd began to cheer at his victory. Their cheering only grew louder by the second as more joined in. Tatsuo looked to his left and right, taking in the sound of victory.
"That's another win!" he exclaimed with a smile.
Tatsuo stood at the bustling streets of the imperial Capitol, which became an enormous, beautiful and lavish city of roughly 200,000 square kilometers, encircled on all sides by three rings of beautiful bright white glazed stone walls standing 12 meters tall. The large canals in which trade ships ran through were rebuilt to further help the flourishing of the Empire's economy. Leading the way to build a great palace, lavishly decorated with green and white glazed tiles standing 85 meters tall
After claiming the prize from the fight. He fidgeted in broad daylight with his earnings despite knowing better.
Yet the throngs of people filling the streets paid him no mind.
"With this much money I can continue my travel through the Empire." said Tatsuo while counting his reward. "I'll have to keep a tight budget though if I plan to make this money last. Who knows when I'll be able to return to the Capitol to make some extra cash."
He looked around at the loud busy streets packed with merchants. He couldn't help but to gawk at their products. But as soon as he saw their prices he evaded his eyes.
Tatsuo was amazed at how expensive everything had become lately. The prices had been rising at a steady rate for sometime now. But the sudden increase in taxes sent the prices skyrocketing even more. He also noticed how much the job rates had decreased.
If this keeps up any longer the Empire will be facing a depression. thought Tatsuo a bit concerned.
The reason why Tatsuo thought about all of this was because of what happened years ago. When the late Emperor was still in charge the western nation began an assault on the Empire's borders. The enemy forces were strong and quickly advanced into the Empire's territory. Because of the truce formed during the revolutionary war the Empire hesitated to strike causing it major loses in resources and land. Not long after the southern republic joined the fight. Therefore bringing about a depression to the whole nation. Inevitably the Empire was forced to strike back. The Emperor called his troops to the enemy border and attacked full throttle. The enemy soldiers were pushed back but didn't surrender. The war dragged out longer than expected. This affected the nation as a whole causing major economical issues. Eventually the more experienced and stronger army of the Empire defeated the western nation. The Western and Southern lands were surrendered to the Empire. This brought the Empire to an expansion period and boosted it's economy once again.
This had happened nearly a century ago, but the scars left by the depression had yet to fade from the Empire's history books and citizen's hearts.
All of a sudden, Tatsuo spotted an unusually large number of guards. They all seemed to be prepared with weapons and ammunition. He firmly held them in his gaze.
I don't think this is a good sign. He thought to himself.
One of the young guards that looked to be no older than him turned around. Their gazes met and the young man's face lit up. "Tatsuo!" He blurted out.
Tatsuo looked at him quite perplexed. He had no idea who he was but he seemed to know him.
The young man approached Tatsuo with a bright smile. He wore the white and black imperial guard uniform and had a rifle. "It's been a while huh?" He said going in for a fist bump.
Tatsuo held out his hand fist bumping awkwardly. Still attempting to remember who he was.
"Come on don't tell me you've forgotten me already. You only left the village a couple years ago." said the young man. "It's Razan."
Tatsuo looked at him from top to bottom. His expression is even more perplexing than before. "What! No way! You've lost a ton of weight bro!" replied Tatsuo.
Razan grinned cheekily puffing up his chest with pride, saying. "Of course, once I started training to be a guard I lost weight like crazy, man."
"You must have all the flabby skin hiding underneath that uniform." Tastuo began to pick on Razan like in the old days.
Razan's face changed into a bright red color as he tugged his uniform closer. "No not really."
"Oh I'm just messing with you bro." said Tatsuo light heartedly.
"Anyway, what have you been up to all these years?" asked Razan.
"Well I've been traveling here and there. I visited the four major cities of the Empire." answered Tatsuo, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh that Northern city is huge compared to the Capitol but it sure is lively there." said Razan.
"Yeah it really is." said Tatsuo he glanced back at the other guards Razan had split off from. "Is it okay for you to be talking to me? You seem really busy."
Razan turned back to see his comrades. His expression became grim almost instantly. "I shouldn't be telling you this Tatsuo, but you should be careful out here." he spoke softly almost in a whisper. "There's some rumors going around but the military has been trying to keep it under wraps." Razan checked to verify nobody was eavesdropping. "There's a band of assassin's calling themselves Night Raid again."
"Night Raid?" repeated Tatsuo a bit too loudly.
Razan shushed him immediately. He looked over his shoulder at his comrades making sure they didn't hear him. "Yes, Night Raid. Now I know what you're thinking, another bunch of posers but these guys are dangerous. They've already killed many high officials."
Tatsuo looked at him skeptically. He raised his eyebrow questioning what he was being told. But the firm gaze of Razan confirmed he was not pranking him. Razan looked genuinely worried and even to an extent afraid.
"Now don't go telling anybody what I just shared with you. Just be careful out here you never know. And if you hear anything just run." said Razan.
Tatsuo nodded without saying a word. Even if he could, what would he say after hearing something like that?
"Razan!" shouted a mature feminine voice.
Both young men turned to see a tall middle aged woman glaring at Razan. She wore the same type of uniform only it looked different meaning she was of higher rank.
"What are you doing over there? Get back into formation!" ordered the woman sternly.
"Well I've got to go bro but it was good seeing you." said Razan, rushing back to the other guards.
Night Raid. What is the Empire becoming.. He thought.
"Oh shoot! I better find a place to sleep tonight or else I'll be sleeping on the streets." said Tatsuo as he rushed off himself as well.
Soon after, Tatsuo reached the outer district between the first and second walls of the Capitol. This district had the most affordable inns of the Capitol. They weren't the greatest but much better than the streets of the Capitol.
Tatsuo walked through the streets. He was surprised to see how different the avient of the area felt than the inner Capitol streets. It was a very sharp contrast to the lively inner Capitol. The people walked with the heads bowed and keeping to themselves.
Tatsuo almost regretted coming to this part of the city. But at the single thought of just how much an inn at the inner Capitol would charge a night he refused to go back.
In the distance he spotted a decent looking inn. It didn't look as shady as the other ones. Perhaps he could have a hot meal. Tatsuo opened the door and stepped inside. The small inn was warmly illuminated by the laps hanging on the ceiling. There wasn't a spec of dust in sight as well. Tatsuo was utterly speechless at how well kept the place seemed to be. Still, he didn't get his hopes up too soon.
At the front desk sat a young girl skimming through a book. She was so engrossed by her book she failed to notice him. Tatsuo glanced at the cover.
How to start a business. Read the title.
Tatsuo chuckled softly. This alerted the girl. She quickly set down her book.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't notice you." she apologized profusely.
"It's okay. I see you like reading." said Tatsuo.
"It's just a hobby. It gets boring in this job sometimes so I like to kill some time." she said with an awkward smile. "So do you need a room?"
"Yes, just for tonight I won't be staying very long. Also do you serve meals here?" asked Tatsuo.
"Yes the kitchen is open till 8 o'clock. Tonight we're serving beef stew with rice potatoes." she answered politely.
"That's so good. I'd like to get a room and a meal then. How much will it be?" He asked, pulling out his money.
The young girl began to ring up the cash register, saying. "Okay that'll be 85 coins."
Tatsuo winced at the cost of the night. Before he wouldn't have spent more than 65 coins for a one night stay. Nevertheless, he pulled out the coins from his pouch and handed them over.
Better than sleeping on the streets and getting robbed. He thought to himself.
The girl handed him his room key. "It's room 11 on the third floor. The elevator isn't working so you'll have to take the stairs." she said.
Tatsuo only face palmed himself when he heard what she said. What could he expect of his room's state, now.
"Thank you, have a goodnight." said Tatsuo as he made his way to the stairs.
It was moments like this he regret lugging around his back pack.
As he made it to the stairs a young woman with long crimson red hair in a high ponytail, wearing a black leather jacket, red tube top, black shorts with a black belt, and black leather knee high leather boots walked out the staircase. He froze mid step as she passed right in front of him glancing at him briefly with her red eyes. Her scent lingering in the air. He whipped around to look at her again but the door was already closing behind her.
"Who was that…." he thought out loud.
"She's staying at the inn as well." said the young girl from the front desk.
Tatsuo didn't even turn to look at her as he remained dumbfounded.
Tatsuo made his way through the hall of the third floor to his room. He stood outside the door with the number 11, sliding in the key and unlocking it. He stepped into the room turning the light switch on. The room wasn't that large but it was tidy. There was a small twin size bed with a wooden night stand. On the other side of the bed was a wooden chair and just across it was a small tv at a corner. Tatsuo slammed the door behind him shut. He staggered towards the bed setting his stuff on the wooden chair and dropping onto the bed himself. He buried his face in the fresh clean white sheets.
I can't believe how hectic it was today. He thought as he exasperated.
Tatsuo flipped over onto his back staring at the ceiling. He could see the texture of it because of the light.
I should probably take a shower but I'm so worn out already. Maybe just a short nap. He thought as he began to drift off into unconsciousness.
All of a sudden, Tatsuo found himself in a vast grassy field. The bright blue sky looked impeccable as the breeze blew through the tall grass. The scenery set his heart at ease washing away all his problems.
Tatsuo closed his eyes taking in the peace and tranquility surrounding him. A faint soft smile began to form on his face.
Suddenly, he heard the clear sound of footsteps coming from behind him.
Tatsuo spun around rapidly but was met with a tall cherry blossom tree in full bloom. His mouth agape as he stared at the beautiful tree before him.
He walked towards the tree feeling drawn towards it as if some invincible force was pulling him towards it. Tatsuo now stood below it's branches gazing up at the tree. The shade of the tree gave him comfort and warmth. However, he did not question for a moment anything that was happening to him.
Instead, he took a seat under the tree and leaned back onto it's trunk. Tatsuo gazed out at the grassy field and sky above. His eyes began to feel heavy. Slowly Tatsuo started to close his eyes once again allowing himself to drift off. The moment he closed his eyes he could clearly feel a warm familiar embrace around him.
Normally this would've startled him but this time he welcomed it. His heart recognized and yearned strongly for this embrace. He could feel his body sinking into it and feeling whole. Something which he hadn't felt in so long. Soon he realized tears streaming down his face.
"I love you, Tatsumi." spoke a sweet feminine voice gently into his ear.
Suddenly he was filled with an immense sadness that he began to sob. He could feel the warm body of someone in his arms and a faint kiss on his lips.
"I'm so glad I met you, Tatsumi." said the same voice from before.
Tatsuo was being overwhelmed by the sorrow in his heart.
"I love you." said the voice again.
"No Mine!" shouted Tatsuo as he sprung up from his bed. He was gasping loudly as tears streamed down his face. Tatsuo grabbed his chest tugging at his shirt. He could still feel the overwhelming sadness and sorrow that filled him in his dream.
"It was just a dream.." he said, almost frustrated at himself.
Tatsuo sat up on the bed. He looked around the room then at his wrist watch. "It's 2 o'clock. I missed the kitchen time." He said, scowling.
He stood up and walked towards the window opening it to get some fresh air. On the other side of the window stood a brick wall from another building. He let out a long sigh and leaned onto the window sill in defeat.
"I haven't had those dreams in a long time. Why do they have to start causing problems now?" He thought aloud. "I really can't have a break can I.."
He trailed his gaze along the wall towards the alleyway. That's when he noticed the back door to the inn opening. Tatsuo stared at the door waiting to see who was exiting. Suddenly, the young woman from before walked out. She carefully closed the door behind her. Then she looked around. Tatsuo quickly ducked out of vision. He peaked slowly at the young woman seeing her walk down the alleyway. He also just realized she was carrying a large black case on her back.
"Wait was she carrying that with her before?" muttered Tatsuo confused.
By some strange reason something within him was screaming for him to follow her. He stared at her intently as she walked. Tatsuo was trying to make sense of why he felt the strong urge to go after her. But as he was thinking about it she only got further and further away. Finally Tatsuo hurriedly grabbed his short sword and rushed out the window. He swiftly landed onto the old stone floor without a scratch. Luckily for him she did not hear him. Tatsuo then proceeded to follow the red head.
The young woman had been heading to the headquarters of the imperial guards. She roomed around staying out of sight from anybody.
Tatsuo thought her behavior was suspicious. He began to remember what Razan had said to him earlier.
What are the odds she is from Night Raid. He thought brushing his suspicions aside.
He patiently watched as she stayed put waiting for something. But the wait wasn't for much longer. Soon the same middle aged woman from earlier. The one that shouted at his friend came out of the building. And just as she did the red head began to move. She started to follow the woman.
The guard walked through the streets towards the outer district. She headed for the red light district known for its crime rate. Tatsuo began to have a rough idea of what was happening. His suspicions became more clearer as he continued to follow the two.
After a few more minutes of walking, the three arrived at their destination. The woman entered an establishment guarded by several armed men.
Tatsuo's demeanor had changed. He simply glared at the building silently.
There's only one thing she could be doing at a place like this. He thought.
He narrowed his eyebrows as he spotted men entering the establishment.
The red head snuck her way inside through the roof. Without any hesitation Tatsuo also snuck his way inside.
He started crawling through the cramped place. At this point he'd lost sight of the red head but knew exactly how to find her. He began looking for the guard woman.
Tatsuo creeps through the crawl space quietly. Every now and then peaking into the rooms below. He wasn't surprised at what he ended up finding in such a place. Countless women being used in the trade. He saw women of all young ages heavily drugged and shackled. Some were being violated as their minds were elsewhere.
Tatsuo lifts a board to look inside a room. He saw the guard woman from before sitting in the room alone smoking a cigar. Suddenly, a man walked into the room. He took a seat across from her.
"I told you not to fucking call me at work." said the woman. "What the hell do you want now?"
"You weren't picking up my calls and I had urgent matters." said the man with an angry tone. "We're deep in shit this time."
"What the hell did you do now?" She said, putting out her cigar.
The man whistled and two men burst into the room dragging a nude woman with a bag over her head. They dropped her onto the floor and removed the bag.
"What the fuck!" shouted the woman as she stood up.
"I see you recognize her. She's the daughter of a well known merchant." he said.
The girl lie on the floor chuckling as her eyes lost focus.
"What the fuck do you want me to do!? I can't do anything!" she yelled at him infuriatingly.
"The bitch came herself how was I supposed to know who she was. Now you have to fix this whether you want to or not." He said placing both of his hands together. "Or else we're going down together. I'm sure as hell not going to die alone. I'll make sure to bring you with me."
Face palming herself as she looked at the girl. She was visibly cornered.
Tatsuo glared at them both with anger swelling up inside him.
"Fine." she said with a sigh. "This is the last fucking time I fix your problems."
The man stood up and grabbed her by the face. His long finger digging into her cheeks. Her eyes widen in shock as he did this.
"Listen to me bitch. I put you where you are. I made you. So you have to do everything I tell you to do." he said intimidatingly. "The next time you show me disrespect I'll make you won't forget who I am."
He shoved her aside causing her to slam into the wall. She started shaking as she reached for her face. She massaged her cheek where he left red marks.
Then gazed at the girl laying on the floor cackling. Finally she snapped. She pulled out her gun and began to shoot. The first bullet entered the girls cheek. She kept shooting without stopping unloading her gun on the girl's face. The gun kept clicking as she pulled the trigger but was out of bullets. The girl's face was a bloody mess. Somehow she was still alive and gurgling blood. She walked over to her and began stomping on the girl's face letting out her frustration.
"Why don't you just fucking die already!" She screamed with fury.
All while the man sat by without interfering. He did not even seem phased by any of it.
Finally the woman stopped, she panted as her sweat rolled down her face. The girl was definitely dead this time.
"You're done already?" said the man with a laugh.
"Shut up." she said wiping off the blood she got onto her face.
Tatsuo watched the whole thing. His face was grim.
Suddenly the lights went out in the room.
"What the hell?" said the woman. "What's the meaning of this-
She was unable to finish her sentence the moment someone dropped in from the ceiling.
"Shit!" shouted the man.
There was a thud followed by another. And the men from outside pounded in the door. Till they finally burst through the door. The light from the hall spilled into the room. Both the bodies of the woman and man lie on the ground. Their necks sliced open. They were choking on their own blood in a panic.
"Search the whole place! Don't let the killer escape!" ordered one of the men.
From the hall echoed multiple gun shots. The men ran away from the gunshots.
"Where do you think you're going!?" demanded the bodyguard.
"The hell with you all I don't want to die here!" shouted the terrified man as he punched the bodyguard and ran for his life.
He didn't make it far as a beam shot through his head. He plopped onto the ground. The bodyguard stared at the body in shock. He quickly stepped back into the dark room.
I need to get out of this place. Tatsuo thought as he placed back the board and started to crawl out of the building.
He could still hear the screams of the people within the building. The loud gunshots filled the establishment.
Tatsuo finally made it out of the building. He quickly got to his feet and started to escape frantically.
He raced back to the inn. Quickly slipping in through his window. Tatsuo sat on the floor, hands over his mouth still in shock. He felt his stomach churning.
He recounted over and over what he witnessed. Then remembered what Razan had shared with him.
"She's got to be from Night Raid." said Tatsuo. "But then who are the real enemies of the Empire here.."
Tatsuo was too disturbed to fall asleep now. He stayed up the rest of the Night thinking about what happened. Questioning who was the real enemy. He knew the Empire was going down hill but never thought it was this rotten already.
Eventually the sun began to rise. The sunlight rays began to slip into the room through the open window. Tatsuo in a daze turned his attention to the window. He stood up looking completely worn out.
"I guess it's morning.." he mumbled. "I should get going to the train station before it gets packed."
Tatsuo shut the window and gathered his belongings before walking out the room.
He reached the front desk within minutes. And the young girl was already there.
"Good morning." She said cheerfully. Till she saw his grim tired expression. "Oh, did you not get a good night's sleep?"
Tatsuo looked at her snapping out of his daze, saying. "Not really."
He placed the key onto the counter desk sliding it towards her.
She gave him a faint smile as she took the key, saying. "Sorry about that. Was the room not to your liking? This building is really old. It's been around since the revolutionary war."
"No, don't worry I just didn't notice the time." he answered. "Well I should be on my way. Have a good day."
A look of disappointment flashed across the girl's face.
"Actually.." Tatsuo paused. "Has the red hair woman returned?"
For a brief moment the girl had smiled only to be disappointed again.
"She has but she checked out earlier." said the receptionist.
"Oh, well then goodbye." said Tatsuo as he exited the inn.
The girl let out a disappointed sigh, saying. "I couldn't even ask him anything"
Tatsuo walked out the inn into the streets. Again just like the day before the streets were quite silent and empty. This time he did not even question it. He knew better now after what he witnessed.
I don't know how long the Empire plans to keep this quiet. He thought to himself as he walked.
Suddenly he spotted a group of guards rushing through the street fully armed.
Guess they found out what happened already. He thought as the image of it crossed his mind.
Tatsuo scowled at the memory and didn't stop walking.
Finally, he arrived at the station. Not to his surprise it was filled with guards on duty. They all obviously looked to be on edge. Tatsuo didn't pay them any mind. He hurried and went to buy his ticket. As he did so he saw some paper notices pasted on the walls of the station. Not just one wall but each and every single one of them. He scanned the sheet of paper.
Wanted dead or alive, Night Raid. he read.
Tatsuo stared at the symbol on the wanted poster, depicting a falcon-owl type of bird with a red eye, with wings outstretched and talons ready.
"We set those up today." said a familiar voice from behind Tatsuo.
He whipped around to see Razan staring at the wanted poster.
"Oh it's you." said Tatsuo. "I thought you said the Empire was trying to keep it under wraps. What changed all of a sudden?" asked Tatsuo, fully aware of the answer to his question.
"They murdered our captain!" said Razan with an anger filled expression. "Those bastards murdered her in cold blood."
Tatsuo didn't say a word in fact her evaded his friend's gaze. Of course, they'd hide the details of her death. Why did he expect otherwise?
"But there will be justice, Tatsuo." said Razan as he gripped his rifle tightly. "Those bastards will pay for their crimes."
"What comes around goes around." replied Tatsuo stoically.
He placed his hand onto Razan's shoulder, saying. "Make sure you make the right decision."
He walked off to the ticket stand without turning back. Tatsuo understood the grim situation. Also that there was nothing he could do or say about it. He was realistic after all.
"Second class ticket to the western major city." requested Tatsuo.
"That's 58 coins." answered the man beyond the stall.
Tatsuo handed him the money without complaint this time.
The faster I get out of this place the better.
Tatsuo got his ticket and hurried to take a seat at a nearby bench.
That was when he noticed another poster. Only this poster wasn't of Night Raid. This poster had the print of a cloaked individual in a metallic mask.
Wanted dead or alive, Shadow Slayer. It read.
Tatsuo didn't even bother looking at it any longer. He took a seat on the bench and sloped his tired arms.
This whole goddamn place is rotten.
Suddenly his eyes snapped wide open. His face filled with shock. As the redhead from the night before stepped onto the waiting area. She glanced at him for just a moment, locking eyes.