I can give a million reasons why

[lostinshadows]

[It was a tasteless war.

Lavi's seen countless wars before, but nothing like this before. Even after being given the reason for it, he can't really find it in himself to accept it. The way it commenced left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he knew it wasn't in his place to say anything.

It wasn't his job to question it; he was only there to observe.

But then one of the Rebels caught his attention, the same person Akaba Leo had told him about.

Yuto.

Lavi's attention was caught by him, aware of who he is even if the other didn't know himself. He didn't want to get caught in the crossfire that had buildings tumbling, but he broke his own rule soon enough when his duel with Yuto became interrupted by a falling building and surrounded the two, trapping them in a tunnel.

Lavi grumbled to himself as he carefully pushed a slab of building off of him. He looks around, searching for Yuto.]

Comments

[darkduelist]

[He ran into one of the Academia and faced him the same way he would face any of the invaders. Yuto didn't speak much, focusing on making his opponent give in and stop the duel.

And then that building fell, trapping them both in the tunnels probably somewhere beneath the city.

Yuto quickly stood up from the ground and retreated into the shadows, observing his enemy with wariness and at the same time wondering how to get out of here. How they both can get out of here even, since he's not planing to leave the other behind to die here.

But for now he's mainly watching. And keeping distance.]

[lostinshadows]

[If Lavi wasn't so battle-honed, he might've missed Yuto's presence but he's there and on instinct, he looks over at where the younger man is. It takes a blink for him to adjust to the darkness properly, but Lavi doesn't inquire if he's okay or not.

He gets up to his feet, brushing dirt off of him while he carefully inspects his surroundings.

From the looks of it, there's no immediate openings but the tunnels usually stretch out and he can only hope that there's a nearby opening for them to slip through.

A glance at where Yuto is.]

You're alive.

[darkduelist]

[There's no reply from him as he keeps his cold grey eyes fixed on Lavi. It's obvious he wants to keep the distance no matter what and won't try to get friendly with the other either.

Yuto again takes a quick glance around, trying to figure out which way to go. Good thing he has a good sense of directions or else this would get even more difficult.

And so the duelists picks the path and starts walking, then stops after a moment and again looks at the other, as if waiting for Lavi to follow.]

[lostinshadows]

[It's not as if Lavi was expecting an answer.

Besides, if Yuto can find a way out, then who is he to complain? Then again, the other still views him as an enemy, and Lavi would rather not take the chance of possibly being challenged into a duel right now.

Either way, he'll move to follow Yuto, giving him a short nod.

You lead, he'll follow. Once they're back on the surface, they can go their separate ways.]

[darkduelist]

[Good.

The other doesn't seem to want to duel, but that doesn't mean much in the end. They're enemies no matter what.

And Yuto starts walking, glancing at the other every now and then as if expecting an attack any moment now. He makes sure there's always a fair distance between them.

And soon they reach a part of the tunnel that collapsed almost completely. There's debris everywhere and parts of some destroyed metallic constructions. It doesn't look safe at all, but they have to find a way through this if they want to get out of here.]

[lostinshadows]

[Every time Yuto glances back, Lavi is walking leisurely with his hands in his pockets. It's not in his nature to do any ambushes, especially if it's one-on-one, so him attacking Yuto is less likely.

But once they reach the part, Lavi steps closer in order to inspect it.

Not safe, but he figures that one of them should be able to get out. He places a hand on a debris, testing the stability of it before he carefully moves it to the side. The space is definitely big enough for one to go through and he glances back at Yuto.]

There should be enough room for you to fit through.

[darkduelist]

[Yuto is watching him whole that time, always prepared to fight if he has to. But no fighting happens and moreover the other tells him to go through the space now formed in the collapsed tunnel.

Yuto gives him a suspicious look.]

Why?

[His eyes narrow and his gaze grows shaper and colder as if he's trying to look through the other and find out what he's thinking.]

[lostinshadows]

[Always so suspicious, but Lavi would rather deal with him than that other guy — Kurosaki Shun, he's sure the name is. But he doesn't look at all deterred by the sharper and colder gaze coming from the other. It's to be suspected since Yuto views him as an enemy while Lavi—

Lavi doesn't really have enemies; every person whether they're enemy or ally is the same to him.]

You can fit and can climb out of here. You still have friends to get back to, right? [Lavi may be with Academia, but that doesn't mean he shares their beliefs.

Yuto has friends, allies, he has to get back to. As for Lavi, he's already received word from his mentor, enough to convince him to take his time and simply choose to explore the tunnel if he wants. He might be able to find something worthwhile, but getting Yuto out is more of a priority.]

[darkduelist]

[He's eyes widen a little when the other says that, then he frowns once again. His gaze doesn't lose any of its sharpness and it's just as distrustful as earlier.]

Aren't we enemies? Why do you want to stay behind? Why are you letting me escape? [He doesn't understand any of this, but it might as well be a part of some plan of the enemy.

So Yuto still remains in his place, looking at the other, trying to find in the other's eyes, behavior, in the way he speaks something... anything that would give him away.]

[lostinshadows]

We're enemies only if people say we are.

[A glance back at Yuto before he turns away.]

Like I've said, there are people — your friends — waiting for you back on the surface and I'm sure they're all anxious to find you.

[Nothing gives away in Lavi's body language or even his behavior. He seems to be genuine about this, at least. His eye studies the makeshift entrance, mentally going over any other escape route, but nope.

Gotta get Yuto out first.]

And it doesn't matter why I want to stay behind. It's not as if I have anyone looking for me, anyway. [Just hurry up and go, Yuto. It's easier to drop some of his mask when they're alone like this.]

[darkduelist]

I don't understand.

[Is this some sort of trick? Or maybe there are some decent people among the Academia ranks?]

If you don't consider me an enemy then why did you duel me earlier? What are you doing here, in this dimension?

[He doesn't understand and he isn't going to go anywhere until he gets an answer.

It's not as if I have anyone looking for me, anyway.

Yuto tightens his fists.]

Besides, I'm not going to leave you behind.

[The other may be with Academia, but Yuto just can't go knowing that the other is staying here with no other way out.]

[lostinshadows]

[Why indeed.

Lavi almost laughs. It's the same kind of question he's heard so many times throughout his life that hearing it again makes him amused. He flashes a grin at Yuto.]

Why am I here? Why did I Duel you? I can give you a lot of different answers but possibly none that you'd be satisfied with. [A pause.] I'm part a group that's not affiliated with either side; our job is to record history, taking part on one side of a war and making sure it's remembered. That's the only reason why I'm with Academia. Usually, we stay until the war is finished, but—

[He trails off, shaking his head.

Now really isn't the time for this.]

I'm your 'enemy', right? Why not take the chance to leave me behind? [He looks at Yuto curiously.] Or is it that you're that kind of a person to care about your enemy?