Definition

Obfuscation

They couldn't gather like they used to. Most parents were wary of what would happen if they did. The school was already held hostage once, and now it had been the victim of a terrorist attack. So now, all that's left of them was the first, sixth, and seventh platoons, with the addition of Yuno, Kiyoka, and Harness' first platoon.

Some stayed in Tiny Orbit, while others had their friends sleeping over at their own houses. Some re-enrolled in their old schools, while others don't.

The ex-Rossius members were the ones who didn't. They'd spend most of the day battling or talking over maintenance, coming up with all kinds of straegies for all kinds of battle.

Because they knew that it wasn't the end. They knew that the adults hadn't given up on their friend. And when the war comes, they'll be prepared for it.

~~~~~

"Thanks for coming on such short notice, everyone." Ban said as they took their seats. All eyes were focused on the men in front of them.

"I'll keep it short." Jin stated. "We called you here because each of you were in some way related to the recent events. For example, Mavis-san held one of the keys, and Mami-san was covering her." The two nodded.

Yagami stepped forward. "We would like to ask for your cooperation to tell us all you know about this staged war. Starting from when, where and how Eva contacted you, as well as what you were tasked with."

"If possible, we'd like to know any other detail you've noticed since everything started." Takuya added. "Then, we'll start with-"

"Excuse me." A hand was raised.

"Kirino?"

"If you don't mind, sir, I'd like to start."

The four men turned to each other, before he gave a nod. "Go ahead."

She nodded back. "The first time she contacted me was roughly three days after we returned the children of Ezeldarm to their homes."

"So around September last year?"

"Yes. If you recall, there are some who were put into orphanages because of what the World Sabers had taken from them."

They do remember that. There were about six or seven of them who admitted that their parents had disappeared after they were taken away. When it was clear no one was able to find them, they all assumed the World Sabers killed them.

"She placed one of them in my care." Pulling out her tablet, she showed them a picture. "Charlotte Rain."

Jin's eyes narrowed at that name. "It's going to be challenging to make the children trust her. Especially for Muraku and the seventh platoon."

"You don't even know the beginning of it." A video call opened, showing an exhausted blonde on the screen.

Kirito blinked at this. "What the hell happened to you?"

"Nevermind that." He shook his head. "Anyway, Kaidou kid, if you think Rain's gonna be your biggest challenge, you're in for a hell of a time with Itan."

"Itan Kyouji?!"

Reina was just as surprised. "How is that possible?! He was never found!"

"Apparently, when the sleeping gas wore out, he escaped the building on his own and stowed away on the ship to get to mainland. Your girlfriend spent two weeks looking for him in secret. She said he would be one of the most valuable assets to the group, seeing how much he knows about the organization."

Miyabi blinked frivolously. "If she was looking for him in secret, then how did you know?"

"You mean aside the fact that she brought him to me ages ago?" Kousuke rolled his eyes. "Really, did you even know that if it weren't for me, none of these guys would've ever found you?"

"...Eh?"

"And while we're on this topic, let's hear from you." The blonde crossed his arms, leaning back on his chair. "When, where, how, and why did Eva contact you of all people? That kid gave me the most absurd reason ever and I refuse to believe it, so you better have a good explanation."

"Well, it's..." She scratched the back of her neck awkwardly. "It's really only because I owed her a favor..."

"Huh?"

"What."

"Seriously?"

"She helped me with something not too long ago. I told her I'll do her a favor in return, and that's when she gave me that key. She didn't really explain anything aside that someday Ji-... I mean, the Seekers are going to come looking for it, and that I should protect it with my life until then."

"And you agreed without thinking about how it could endanger your actual life?" Mami had an amused smirk on her face, but the younger woman shook her head.

"To be fair, the smile she was giving me made me think it was just a game... I didn't realize how bad the situation was until the public announcement of her death."

"That might have been for the best." Yagami concluded. "If you knew too much at the start, you risk getting caught by the World Sabers."

"It's why Kyouji, Charlotte and I had to go underground." Mavis stated. "The less people who know about us, the better."

Niara's eyebrows furrowed. "But then what about Kousuke? He was basically the most informed out of us all, and he's the new CEO of Kamiya Craft. He's basically got the highest chance of getting attacked, but..."

"Keep in mind that I'm basically isolated here, Levanov. You all live within suburbs or cities, while I'm at the edge. If my place was bombed, this building would be the only one damaged. If it's yours?"

"The surrounding neighbours would've gotten hurt as well." Jin stated. "Eva knew we wouldn't hesitate to help her, but she didn't want to drag innocent bystanders into this."

"So she had no choice?" Ban muttered sadly.

"She didn't give herself a choice." Kousuke clicked his tongue. "I hate that I have to be the one to say this, but you should know. If possible, she wanted none of the Seekers too deeply involved in this. And Kaidou?"

The black and white haired man looked up.

"You're the last person she wants to involve."

~~~~~~~~~~

Obfuscation: Confusion resulting from failure to understand