The Reception: Aya/Schreient/Ken/Open Aya. Ken's mouth opened as if to say his name but no sound came out. If Aya's reappearance was part of some insane plan of Estet's, Ken had to give them credit. Someone had done their homework. There were small differences, of course, but overall, Aya was as Ken remembered him. His appearance, his demeanor, his voice, hell, even Aya's movements were familiar.
"/No way,/" Ken whispered, switching to Japanese without hesitation. It couldn't be... Ken stared for a moment longer, then seemed to shake himself out if it, working past his initial disbelief. Omi had said Aya was alive but Ken certainly hadn't expected to find him here, like this. Provided it was Aya and not some impostor.
Ken tightened his grip on his gun and showed no sign of lowering it. Supposed long lost friend or not, giving up your weapon was a guaranteed way to end up dead. Besides, Ken would be damned if he backed down first. He was the one that had gotten the drop on Aya.
Ken took a deep breath, exhaling through his nose. "/Why are you here?/" he asked, voice sounding just a bit lost and not as demanding as it could have been. What did Aya want? Why had he come back? And why had he left in the first place?
Of course, Ken thought wryly, if it was really Aya, he'd be lucky to get a response let alone anything resembling an explanation.