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Kuji had never felt so trapped before in his life. As he nervously padded through the dangerous streets of the Outer Limits, he teetered on the verge of panic. This was the first time he had ever disobeyed his parents. This was the first time he had ever escaped his home. Most importantly, this was the first and only time the pampered lepus had ever been utterly, hopelessly alone. He could find no trace of the familiar amongst the bars, ruffians, and filth of the area. Even worse, he knew that his behavior betrayed him for the alien he was. Any passerby would be able to determine immediately that he was lost and afraid. They could tell at first glance that he was rich, defenseless, and naïve. He was an easy target.

Despite his precarious position, Kuji could not bring himself to turn back. An important Engage match awaited him: one that he would most definitely lose. His right leg had ached terribly for weeks and he was certain that he could not fight decently with such a serious handicap. He had hoped that the pain would subside with time, but the injury only gnawed away at his speed more and more. Asking his family for medical attention was absolutely out of the question. Any sort of weakness he showed would be considered a defect and might result in his being returned to CCorporation. He had been genetically engineered to be perfect; he could not afford to fall short no matter the reason. And yet he could not perform, either.

He had cracked under the pressure. Desperate for an escape, he had climbed out the window of his pent house suite and carefully descended the fifteen stories. The dizzy heights were nothing compared to the dizzying expectations he conquered every match. Such an irrational, flashy, reckless act was stupid, but the momentary freedom he enjoyed as a result was worth every ounce of the risk. Until he tried to blend into the Business District. Even amongst his own kind, he did not know how to behave. Therefore, he stuck out like a sore thumb. One of his neighbors, aware that he was not typically allowed to roam unescorted, alerted his parents.

In less than an hour, both CCorp agents and family employees had assembled to capture him. Should he skip out on the upcoming battle, both parties involved would lose a great deal of money. Naturally skiddish and quick despite his throbbing limb, he managed to evade them just enough to slip into the Outer Limits to hide. And now he was trapped. His heart pounding in his chest, he did his best to look inconspicuous as he navigated the dangerous territory.

He had no plan and nowhere to go. It would only be a matter of time before he was discovered... or worse.

Kuji did not have the sense to watch where he was headed. Distracted by his fear, he periodically glanced over his shoulder as he walked, taking his eyes off of the road ahead and nursing his growing anxiety. Any moment some CCorp agent might find him. Any moment some dirty criminal might choose to approach. Should he encounter either, the ordeal would undoubtedly end with a fight. That was the last thing he wanted. Unfortunately, because of his carelessness, he ran smack into one. Before he knew what had happened, the small lepus found himself knocked to the ground. Naturally, when the other hissed in response he shrunk back, trembling with both shock and fear.

"S-s-sorry, sir!", he stuttered, unable to pull himself together enough to stand. The stranger clearly belonged in the Outer Limits. He seemed right at home among the dark, ominous alleys and bulky daruma lurking about. That could only mean that he, too, was a ruffian. Kuji shuddered. It was all over -he had stumbled upon the wrong sort of guy. Undoubtedly, he had made a huge mistake by fleeing home. Now he would get battered without the Engage or its doctors standing by. He deserved such a fate for betraying his adoptive parents so recklessly. However, despite his defenselessness, the pain never came.

Cocking his head to one side, he allowed himself to relax a touch. What was going on? "P-pansy?" he repeated curiously. He could not imagine why he had been called a pansy. Wasn't that some kind of flower? His 'mom' had planted some in the garden on the roof of his skyscraper once. They had lasted a week or so before they withered and died from lack of water -the woman really did have a knack for not caring for the her possessions. Kuji could not for the life of him figure out what the flora had to do with him, but he decided he was not in the position to argue. Instead, he held his tongue and shied away from the brute's out-stretched hand.

Why was the odd male being so nice to him so suddenly? Was it some kind of trick? Kuji's suspicions cemented when returning to the 'nice part of town' was mentioned. So this Cyrus was a member of CCorp, then? The friendliness was nothing but a façade to trick him into trusting an enemy. "N-no way! I'm not going back," he protested immediately, somehow mustering the courage to speak up. Desperate to avoid his doomed match, the pampered kid attempted to bolt. He did not get very far; his leg buckled and gave out before he even made it to his feet. And then Cyrus confused him again. The older lepus seemed almost... concerned about his injury. Why bother behaving so kind? It was not like Kuji could escape. "Er... W-well... I guess you could say my body is some one else's livelihood," he replied meekly. His gaze dropped to the street as though her were ashamed of his condition. "I c-can't afford to be weak at any time for any reason."

As if the fact the he had failed to keep himself healthy wasn't degrading enough, Kuji found himself lifted into Cyrus's arms. A faint blush streaked across his features and for a second he was too surprised to react. Was this... normal? "H-hey! W-what are you doing? he exclaimed finally, extremely embarassed. "I c-c-can't go to your apartment! Mother says that other's peoples homes have STDs!" Not that he had any idea what such an STD was. It had to be something bad, right? "And stop calling me a pansy! I'm Kuji. I look nothing like some plant, okay?"