~Gang Wars in West Rukongai.~

'Backup hideout?He's right,that's exactly something Crows would do..' Listening to Loki's plan attentively she shakes her head."That's not easy,it's too dangerous.The one going as bait would have to leave zanpakuto behind,cause they'd search you. If the news about us haven't spread yet you'd have to engage them,gain attention.And there's no guarantee they'd take you to the hideout.Unless.." suddenly getting an idea she smiles grimly,"unless one has a reputation with them..like 'Bloody Moon' does.."

sitting comfortably on the pillow drinking his tea, shin nods..

"True...True..."

Loki looks at Altria seriously."No!That would be too dangerous for you!You caused a lot of problems for them under that identity.Your hand-to-hand skills aren't very good either,you'll be in trouble alone and without a weapon." He looks at others to back him up.

Shiro looks up, "i'll do it. sides, I can summon my zanpakuto at will if i need to, so it won't matter if I leave it somewhere." he sips his tea as if there is no big deal.

She shakes her head."Loki,Loki..you're forgetting who exactly it is your dealing with.I'll be fine." She glances at Shiro."That wouldn't work.With you they'll just probably try to kill you on the spot.And you have no rep with them so no chance of getting to the base.." Suddenly growing silent she looks Shiro over with a calculating look.'Maybe??Yes..that would definitely work!And the others can't say no then..heh.' She smirks,getting a determined look in her eyes."Let's get captured together then.I have the rep and you have the skills to get us out of trouble if something goes wrong." Considering the matter settled she looks at Mai."By chance,you wouldn't happen to have a weapon of any sort?"

having a thought of some new ideas and thinking if it would work out or not, shin drinks a little before speaking..

"Uhmm, what if i seperate myself from you guys? While you guys are captured, i can sneak in and serve as back up if things go wrong."

shin thinks back the scenario during the fight..

"From what I can remember, i wasn't in any of the fight earlier. Meaning, there's a possibility that they don't know that I'm with you guys. Getting you guys captured without me won't be anything suspicious to them."

Catching the determined look in her eyes Loki sighs. Man,she already made up her mind.There's no changing it no matter what I say. Gulping down another mouthful of the tea he nods in agreement with Shin."Yea,that would work.They shouldn't associate you with the group.Wait,so do I have to get caught too?They sure as heck saw me." Recounting the encounter in his head he's hit with something that wasn't noticed before in his excitement."Wait, wait,wait..why the heck are we getting involved with the Crows in the first place?It's the Alliance boss we want."

"That may be but what we really need right now is information.Having a talk with Crows leader should be very...educational,don't you think?Leaders usually know a lot more then everyone else.We are already involved here after all.Finding out everything we can about the so called Alliance before getting to district #69,like their location,would be extremely helpful.I like Shin's idea,you should stay as back up too.It was mostly me and Shiro,if they ask we can say there was an argument and you broke off.Things like that happen all the time here." Thinking about something that has been bothering her she questions Mai,"I heard that Shadow and Crows united?Yet it's only Crows here?"

~
Mai nods in confirmation."They have agreed to unite their forces but there's a long history of fighting between them.It is not something that can be put behind lightly.They are..mistrustful of each other.Their bases are separate,in different districts.They operate together only when doing something against the Allied Forces." Deciding not to ask who they are,having an idea already after mentions of zanpakuto,or what they want with the Alliance and their leader she gets up and walks to the small closet built into the back wall.Spending some time rummaging she emerges at last with a wooden sword,placing it before Altria and returning to her seat."I am sorry,I'm afraid this is the only thing of a weapon I have." Glancing out the high,small window at the night sky she's surprised how quickly the day ended."It is late already.Please,stay the night,"she extends the invitation uncertainly. 'Surely they will not act out their plan in the darkness of the night?'

Shiro looks over to Altria and the others. "hm... It is rather dark... maybe it would be best if we waited?" He looks around with a passive look.

Picking up the wooden sword she runs a hand along it."Oh Mai,this is perfect!" Glancing outside Altria considers the night sky.'We could go now..cover of the night..but it's also more risky.Those idiots might be drunk and do something unexpected...morning would be better..' She looks at others,"I suppose..going in fresh in the morning would work. If everyone's ok with that?And.." She smiles at Mai,"If it's not too much trouble for you?I wouldn't want to inconvenience you in your own home."

"Hn,works for me." Loki shrugs,stifling a yawn."I'm fine with staying,if you don't mind Mai-san." Casually,he asks a concern of his."Just for reference,do any of those goons know where you live,Mai-san?"

Shiro looks up at the mention of Loki's question, he seems to have a thoughtful look. (in thought) '...... that could be problematic... but, we she should be fine..... but Mai-san... ' he seems lost in thought.

"No,please,it's not a bother,truly.I would like to repay you any way I can." Getting up she walks back to the closet,starting to look around for extra bedding.Loki's question seems to surprise her,for a moment her shoulders stiffen."N-no..I..don't think so.They shouldn't know..w-why?Do you think they might come here?" A slight tremble in her voice betrays fear.

'That would not be good..and it's not that hard to track where someone lives..they could find us easily..' Altria stands up,grasping the wooden sword in one hand."Don't worry about it.I think I'll sleep on the roof.It's a nice night,I'd rather spend it outdoors.I'm a light sleeper so if anyone approaches I'll knock three times on a wall,ok?Rest up,we'll have a packed day tomorrow." With a wave she walks outside,closing the door behind her.Glancing around she takes a light jump onto the roof,stretching out into a comfortable position.A comfortable breeze tugs at her bangs,sweeping them out of her eyes she looks at the starry sky in thought.

"Yeah,no need to worry or be afraid,Mai-san.We are here with you.If any of those goonies show up we'll just beat their heads in again." Loki finishes his tea,fighting back another yawn.

~
"T-thank you." Reassured,Mai wrestles with an unidentifiable bundle,barely managing to pull it out.' How lucky that I saved those extra bedding.' A little further from the fire hearth she sets out three futons,pulling hers further away into a corner."Here you are."
~

"Much thanks." Loki stands up,stretching his limbs tiredly.Choosing one of the futons he rolls it together and picks up."Gonna go see if Altria-chan is ok up there.I'll be back shortly." Sliding the entrance door open he steps out,quietly closing it.Facing the roof he measures the distance,taking a leaping jump.Coming up beside her Loki drops the futon near her."Here. This roof doesn't look overly comfortable." Taking a seat he's surprised to be able to see much of the district."Man,this mission is like a trip down a memory lane.Kinda refreshing."

Opening her eyes at Loki's appearance she glances at the rolled up futon,a small smile of thankfulness showing on her face."Thank you,Loki-kun.Ah wait, you're not giving me yours,are you?I really don't need it then.Sleeping on a roof is nothing new." Taking in the view of the District and the night sky hanging overhead it she sits up,leaning forward and hugging her knees."Trip down memory lane,"musing the words she smiles sadly,"I guess it is.A very short lane though it did feel like ages.To be honest,I'd rather not take such a trip.I'm not proud of things I've done here." Falling silent for a while and just watching the scenery she quietly asks,"Being here..on this mission..it's not,"struggling to find the right word she finally settles on one,"it's not..hard for you?I have two years worth of memories but you grew up here..."

"Nah,it's not mine.Mai-san pulled out enough spares for everyone." Unused to it, Loki hopes he doesn't give away the little white lie."This one's yours.As I said,the roof not the most comfortable place to sleep.You need rest just like everyone else." At her quiet words his brows furrow and he leans to look into her face."Hey!You shouldn't be ashamed either!You did what you had to survive this hell.That's all." Catching the sharpness of his own voice and words said too loudly Loki settles down."Sorry.Didn't mean to yell.But I mean it.It's not hard for me,just..I dunno,nostalgic I guess.It wasn't all bad,growing up here.Hard and often ugly life but there were lots of good things too." Standing up sharply he unrolls the futon."There,get some rest,ok?" With a friendly pat on the shoulder he leaves the roof jumping down.Stopping near the door Loki considers going back,feeling bad for abruptly leaving like that.Sorry..I know this place drudges up bad things for you.But if I start talking.I'm not ready to bring up those years cause they are tied with Yuki.And I don't want to remember those things. Sliding the door open he walks inside,shutting it behind himself.With a blank expression he usually adopts when upset or bothred over something Loki huddles in a sitting position in the corner.Shutting his eyes he does he best to dozz off,used to sleeping in such a position.

~inside with Mai and shin~

Shiro seems distracted by something almost as if he's daydreaming. his gaze seems fixated on something that only he can see.

Surprised at Loki's loudly said words,followed by sudden leave she can only shake her head.'Is that..what you feel as well?Seems like it's still a sore spot..' With a sigh she gets up and settles on the futon,pulling a blanket around herself at a cold gust of wind.Watching the sky she falls into a reverie,remembering some of the past events.

With little effort Loki falls into deep sleep,his head rolling forward.Splayed out in his corner he looks comfortable,even too comfortable for such a position.Occasionally light wheezing like sound is heard from him.Dreaming of a particularly spectacular glory fight of the past he has a silly grin plastered on his face.

~asleep~~

Falling asleep some time during the night she wakes up to the morning chirping of birds.Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes she yawns and stretches.The warm futon contrasts drastically with cool morning air on her face.'Ah..the airs cold..don't wanna get up..' Snuggling under the warm blanket she allows herself couple more minutes of morning bliss before at last getting out."Ghh...brr.." Shivering in the cold morning air,especially after warmth of a bed,she rolls the futon up and jumps off the roof.Opening the door she steps inside."Time to get up!Let's go people,we have things to do." Looking around she first notices Loki sleeping in a sitting position,preparing to shake him awake and both thank/whack for giving what was now obviously his bed,an empty cot catches her attention."Guys...up now.We have a problem..where's Mai?"