"Mmnn.." Aya would have smirked if he could have found even a hint of amusement out of what Ken said. But despite the lack of mirth, there was a bit of comfort in knowing he wasn't the only one thinking along the same lines. "Schuldig seemed to think we're working together. He called upon an alliance."

Aya was silent for a moment, thinking. Then he sucked in a breath and looked straight to Ken again. "Based on his words the deal with Yohji was more than just a truce." He paused for a moment, but then decided to continue right to the bottom of it. "Crawford did not suggest an alliance, but seemed willing to work together. I wanted to meet him again before talking to Omi."