Episode 051 Previous Episode	Next Episode
Lines of Loyalty Ryoko Tsuyabura Age – 26 Age sworn to the Oath of Chivalry – 19 Designation – Knight-Errant Weapon of Choice – Mashihiro Tsuyabura Katana “How did the date go?” Edgar asked as he stirred the dressing into his salad. Across from him, Morgan leaned on the table with his crossed arms, an unusually glum expression masking his face. “Rebecca wasn’t it? Did you guys have a good time?” “Can we please talk about something else?” Morgan grumbled, his eyes hidden by the light reflecting off his reading glasses. “Sure,” Edgar said cheerfully, taking his first leafy bite. In the early afternoon, the light came boldly into the restaurant through every window and basked on every reflective surface. The whole establishment seemed to glow with the day’s enthusiasm. “We found out that the group of knights that Alan Vick has put together may be the most daunting force of knights ever assembled.” Morgan closed his eyes and let his head fall onto his arms. “Can we please talk about something else?” Everett opened the doors of the restaurant with a weighed expression. As if forcing Sisyphus’ boulder up the hill, he looked up, a glimmer coming to his eyes. Marilyn stood behind the hostess’ station, counting out the menus. As the doors closed, she looked up and smiled. “Hey!” she said, coming around the small podium. Everett smiled, holding out his hand, but Marilyn bypassed it and hugged him. Taken back, he was still for a moment until a smile melted his gloom and he hugged her back. “Hey there,” he said warmly. She stepped back. “What was that for?” She shrugged innocently. “You looked like you needed it.” “Still spreading love and good cheer to the world?” he asked. “Saving the world, one hug at a time,” she laughed. “Edgar and Morgan are that away,” she gestured. “Thanks.” Everett got a few steps passed her when she called out “Everett, do you have a minute?” He turned, the ninjato in his trench coat causing it to swirl around him. “Um,” she said, approaching him. She nervously brushed back her red apron against the white shirt. “I went to see Madame Kieri again.” “Oh no,” he muttered to himself while still trying to smile. Marilyn was quiet at his skepticism. “She recommended you come by.” He chuckled. “By name, Everett. By name and rank.” “Rank?” he puzzled. “A knight of the land,” she quoted, causing Everett’s amused smile to drain away. “One who hunts in the night and seeks answers to the schism of his world. One who clasps himself in the red and black of his office.” Everett blinked, then swallowed. “The fortune teller…told you all that?” “I’ve never said your name there, Everett,” Marilyn swore. “I’ve never said your name or mentioned the knights or anything.” Everett looked away. In the mirrored frame of an outdated movie poster, he could see Morgan and Edgar at their table, engrossed in conversation. He felt a sense of security in seeing them and turned back to Marilyn. “I’ll think about it.” With a girlish squeal, Marilyn leapt up at Everett, hugging him enthusiastically. “Ooh, thank you!” she exclaimed. She kissed his cheek, then dropped down to her feet. “I know you’ve been under a lot of stress. I’m sure talking to her will help.” “Yeah,” he said. “I haven’t said yes yet.” “You haven’t said no either,” she countered knowingly. Everett smiled good-bye to her and turned towards Edgar and Morgan. As he neared, Morgan looked up, seeing him and stood. “Hey,” he said with a tired tone. “How’d the date go?” Everett asked, shaking Morgan’s hand. “God, not you too,” he exclaimed, flopping back down into his chair. “What, are you kidding?” Everett asked, sitting down. “Edgar told Sydney, which means he might as well got it broadcasted on the nightly news.” “You told Sydney?!” Morgan exclaimed before letting his head fall into his hands. “I hate you people. I hate you people so much.” “We’re just happy you’re getting out, Morgan,” Edgar said sarcastically, chewing the last bite of his salad. “You’re too cooped up in that house of yours.” “I like my house,” he muttered before looking at Everett. “So what’s up? I take it this is about that Alan cat and the new guys.” “’Fraid so,” Everett said as he sat down. “We’ve got a real problem and it looks like it’s just the tip of the ice berg.” “Guys, I don’t think I can say this enough,” Morgan started. “You are not a knight,” Everett and Edgar said in unison. “Never the less,” Everett continued, “you’re going to be singled out by these guys eventually. And we want you to know what’s what and to get you on the same page as the rest of us.” “Translation: you don’t know what to do and you’re hoping I’ll have advice,” Morgan grumbled. He shook his head. “Alright,” he relented. “Lay it on me.”
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