Kazuo stood at the doorway, arms casually to his side, but his angular face stern and eyes hard. His lips were pursed in a slight grimace as he surveyed the now-barren landscape, watching as the red slowly seeped away, cleansed by the purity of humanity's own full moon. He gave a sigh, before dismissing Crimson Fragment, which was angrily crackling with sparks and static while hovering at his side. The young man was fully ready to launch himself into the other realm when he saw his injured comrades sprinted full speed from the portal, but they had luckily shaken off whatever beast that had dared accost them during the rescue mission.

He was quite angry at himself for not taking action earlier, having underestimated the sudden opening of the Crimson Sky because of the plethora of Chasers that had gathered here, familiar and strangers alike. It has been awhile since he had seen his comrades this wounded. What's more, a little boy was involved. Kazuo quickly shut the door to the Dangeki, locking it tight. He knew that Shiina's defensive magic would be enough to protect them from whatever that's out there. For now, at least. 

Sighing again, he slowly made his way back to the congregation, analyzing the solemn faces of each individual. He passed by Yuuma, who he gave a small pat on the shoulder. [color=fff79a]"Okay. I guess you can hold off studying your exams this time, huh? Seems like we got too much on our plate right now."[/color] Kazuo gave his friend a reassuring smile, though his usually warm eyes were alight with anguish and guilt. [color=fff79a]"Sorry I couldn't be out there with you, buddy." [/color]

But as Yamato spoke up with what exactly had occurred within the demon's realm, Kazuo instantly perked up, his head tilting curiously. [color=fff79a]"An opposing faction, you say? People strong enough to even put you at an unease, Yamato? Did they say what they wanted? How many were there?"[/color] Kazuo glanced over towards Chikage, raising his eyebrow slightly. [color=fff79a]"What's going on here, Chikage? Does this all have to do with these two people coming to us today?"[/color] Kazuo gestured at the two strangers as he spoke. Though his tone did not fluctuate from its usual, calm undertone, there was a slight edge to his words. [color=fff79a]"What's more, we've attracted more than just the regulars today..."[/color] The young man sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly, frowning. Kazuo then glanced over at the boy and was relieved to see that the kid was doing OK by the looks of cookie crumbs scattered over his mouth. Eos's baking was considered a divine gift, after all. Still, what was a kid doing out in the middle of the night? And of all the nights that he could've snuck out from his home, he had to wander across the most potent time the Crimson Sky would open up to the mortal realm. [color=fff79a]"So much for catching up on my drama tonight..."[/color]