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So Missy went in and found a seat on the couch. Nic was just about done pulling away from the computer.

Laurel stayed by the door for a moment before walking over and beginning to make up Nic's bed.

There was a bit of an awkward pause when Nic finished. "... Come on," Missy complained after a few moments. "I've been waiting forever to hear this."

Nic looked a little confused, but after a moment he replied, "... I need your help." Missy smiled broadly. "... But in order to do so, you need to know what I'm doing and why I'm doing it."

"Way to state the obvious," Missy said as she rolled her eyes a little.

Laurel paused, glancing over at them. "Should I leave?" she asked Nic.

Nic blinked, looking confused. "... You don't know this either. But you can leave if you want."

Laurel paused again before taking a light seat on the bed and observing quietly.

It took Nic a little while to get going. Apparently he hadn't expected to encounter his own nerves along the way when revealing a secret he'd kept for almost a decade.

To begin, he explained that he was once a member of the Yin Long for quite some time. But then he was set up by someone and committed a horrible crime by accident, and the Yin Long have wanted him dead ever since.

Laurel remained impassive, staring at the blanket she sat on as she rubbed it with her hand.

After some more prodding from Missy, Nic explained that since it had happened he had been focused on running and covering his tracks from the Yin Long. But now he needed proof that he had been set up all those years ago.

Laurel sighed a little but her face remained neutral.

"Who are you trying to convince?" Missy asked.

After awhile, Nic replied, "Ming Yue."

Missy's eyes widened a little. "Wait... Ming Yue Chiou..? Then... it was you. That assassin that drove the Yin Long bananas all those years ago." Nic didn't reply.

Laurel looked confused for a moment before looking at Nic. "I don't understand," she said simply, "Even if you found proof that you were set up, you still committed the act. Why would finding evidence make it better?" she asked quietly.

"... If I can convince Ming Yue, then there's a good chance I can convince Sheng," Nic explained. "And he might have enough power to convince the rest of the Yin Long to stop hunting me and everyone who is associated with me."

"But why would they stop?" Laurel argued quietly, "Even if you prove you fell for a set up... why would they stop hunting you? It's the Yin Long, they're not the forgiving type."

"If I could find the real traitor, I could return as a hero," Nic replied. "The one thing the Yin Long is bigger on than traitors is honor. Ming Yue has been disgraced for being associated with me. Restoring the Chiou family honor would warrant a great deal of respect from the other families."

Laurel took a long while to consider that, her thoughts still slower than usual. "Then... when Yue first traveled with us, it was to make sure you didn't run off again?" she inquired.