Fantasy Code FERAL

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe had to admit that using a code like that was clever and although she knew not how on earth was Strong able to communicate she was glad that she managed to outwit her captors to help them find her. Still, she did not really like the idea of crawling through the catacombs. The ancient burial grounds were surely a good place for an ambush, maybe they were waiting for them. It was then however when she registered Bael's word. Flustered she turned to him, her eyes fixating on him for a moment.


" If you think that I will sit idle then you don't know me well enough. " she said, triumphant pride resonating in her words " This injury is nothing compared to what Strong has to endure, I will not sit idly watching others do the hard work for me. "


She frowned.


" Neither the flames nor death could claim me. This wound will not be the last to scar my body. I WILL go. "


She turned to the others.


" As far as I know Greek mythology is depicted in two forms mostly - on urns and in sculptures. If we can find a museum where things like these are contained then we will surely find a clue of some sort! "


As she waved around with her hands in thinking she felt the pain resurfacing once again. Gritting her teeth she tried to mask her agony, the others needed not to worry about her right now - the only thing which was important enough was the mission to rescue Strong. She, however knew not that this seemingly harmless pain was but a herald of something much, much worse...


Deep within her body, close to her heart a faint essence started to move. It floated in her blood streams, coursing through her veins. It has begun...


@Sleipnir @SilverFlight @andujarprime @zCrookedz

 

[Lioness075]

Just before the pair could reach the front door, Beth appeared behind them with Totus on her shoulder.


Waving at Beth, Manjano then smirked at her strangers remark, knowing fully well that they were far from strangers now.


Seeing Beth's smile, Manjano almost wanted to match it with one of his own, as his quiet time in the mornings always put him in a good mood as well.


Hearing Totus greeting them and then nodding politely, Manjano blinked in surprise, as Totus had been far from polite or kind last night.


Oblivious to how Totus had been last night though, Falarion grinned at the owl and barked a 'hello' back at him.


"We love to watch the sunrise and hear nature waking up every morning!"


Half-grinning at Falarion, Manjano then glanced back up at Beth when she mentioned breakfast. It definitely seemed like most of the others should be awake by now. Leandra and Luness would be for sure.


Deciding to ask what changed Totus' attitude towards him later, Manjano quietly followed Beth inside in time to see Alec hurrying about as well.


Tilting his head to the side at this, Manjano paused uncertainly until Beth went ahead and went after Alec to try and figure out what was wrong.


@Flutterby


Leandra and Luness both appeared at the top of the stairwell and Leandra began descending the stairs before noticing Totus and Beth looking at something curiously.


Hearing Totus' question answered her unspoken question of what or who it was, as Leandra got to the bottom of the stairs and soon was joining Beth's side and keeping quiet for once.


Seeing as Totus had already asked Alec the question that Leandra wanted to ask, she didn't bother repeating it herself.


@Flutterby


The twins and their companions soon filtered inside of the room with everyone else, as the letter was revealed and soon everyone was trying to figure out Strong's message.


While everyone focused on the message, Falarion angrily paced back and forth in the back of the room, his fur sticking up on end at the thought of Gigi being demanded in return for Strong. What was wrong with these people!?


Everyone had already decided that giving up Gigi was not going to happen, but what if something went wrong?


At the mention of Gigi being used as bait, Falarion snarled, but was cut short by Manjano, who suddenly appeared in front of the riled up maned wolf.


Kneeling down, Manjano then thought to him, Hey. We're not going to do anything to get Gigi hurt. We'll all be there and be more than ready to defend Gigi if something happens. Don't get mad at them for suggesting to use her as bait. It actually could be our best hope in getting Strong back and keeping Gigi out of their hands...or paws.


Falarion sighed and sat down on his rump before saying quietly, "I know, I know. But it still irks me. Where is Gigi anyways?"


Shrugging, Manjano glanced back at the group trying to figure out the puzzle.


Sighing, Manjano stood up and rejoined the edge of the group, his mind quickly becoming as muddled as he felt everyone else's was.


@SilverFlight


As Leandra and Luness both remained quiet and listened to everyone else's ideas, Luness then thought to Leandra, Dear, isn't Apollo the greek god of music? Perhaps there is a connection with Strong's love for mythology and Greek gods as well as Samantha's theater idea.


Grinning at this idea, Leandra stepped forward and then pronounced to the group, "Hey everyone, Luness just had a great idea. You say Strong likes Greek mythology and gods, etcetera, right? Well, if that's the case, then the god we'd probably be looking for would be Apollo. I mean, isn't he the god of music or something? And Samantha's right about the theater part. The emojis make sense for it to be some kind of theater."


@everyone

 

[SilverFlight]

Alec took in the ideas, his mind working quickly, sorting out what fit and what didn't.


"The house is outside the brackets, meaning it should be taken separately? So we're looking for something that houses all of these things...theatre, music, dance...but what about the book. Literature? Writing? Poetry?" He looked at Samantha. "A theater is possible, but what about the other symbols in the brackets?"


He turned to Leandra. "Good idea, but again, we're not counting all the symbols...what sort of Greek figure would personify all those symbols? And what about the dots? maybe there was more Strong couldn't describe with the images she had...so there's a set, and we have part of it..."


"But how are we supposed to know who this one figure is if we don't know all the things they're associated with?" Calista growled.


Duik sat quietly with his muzzle resting on the table. "I dunno, maybe there's more than one. Maybe we're looking for a group of Greek god...thingies. And each symbol is supposed to represent one of them, but Strong couldn't put them all so, she put some of 'em."


"Hoping we'd guess the pattern with what we've been given.."


@ManyFaces @Lioness075 @ everyone

 

[Flutterby]

Beth and Totus stared at the screen, thinking deeply together while keeping an ear on the debate. They spoke softly to each other, trying to brainstorm together like they usually did.


"Catacombs for sure." Totus said.


"I didnt think there was that much of a Greek influence in Paris. None of us know Greek mythology."


"So why would Strong incorporate that? She would want it to be easier than that."


"So scratch Greek. Keep catacombs, the skull and the arrow."


"What about the cross?"


"Catacombs are usually by churches, so? That doesnt explain the first part of the message."


"Fine start at the beginning. A home or building, something about drama, music, dance, and books, and a religious catacomb."


Beth sighed and ran a hand through her hair. It was wavy from being in braids the night before. Frustrated by his patronizing tone, because she knew he had no clue either, she raised her voice above their private conversation, loud enough for everyone to hear.


"I dont know Paris, Totus. What kind of church with catacombs has a library and a nightclub next door? They're probably right about the Greek stuff, and I dont know that either." Beth realized she had said it louder than she meant to, and glanced around the table, turning red. "Sorry uh.. The bracketed ones, whats about first letters? Of the symbol or of the deity it represents. Could be an acronym or something." Beth threw the idea out randomly, just trying to take attention off her snapping at Totus.

 

[andujarprime]

Rin's eyes went back and forth across the room as people spoke. His mind however was racing, if one could see the brain activity it would look like a literal thunderstorm in his head. He felt he was onto something now, he had seen the look of appraisal and relief that Calista had given him, he didn't want to let her down. He didn't want to let the group down. He was trying to come up with something when his eyes went wide. A building, that could have to do with all these things inside the brackets. Could the symbols in the brackets, be inside 1 building? "Calista..." He said aloud trying not to excite himself, or raise any false hope. "Paris has, a lot of museums. I think the Louvre, might have some Greek statues, can we check to see if the labyrinth of catacombs runs beneath the louvre? Or any other museum in paris? It might be a long shot, but we should check that. Then narrow it down by what museums house pieces influenced by Greek mythology." He looked around to see if anyone had any input. Sure, he could be wromg, but some idea of where to start was better than nothing right?


@SilverFlight

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon continued to listen to the others ideas until Calista and Rin called out and his attention was drawn to the phone. A wide smile stretched Simon's face, there was no doubt that Amber had sent the message. His heart began to beat a bit faster as the adrenaline rush caused by the text began to pick up. The problem was, Simon didn't know a damn thing about Paris. These catacombs that the group was speaking about didn't sound like the kind of place you would go to willingly. Then to top it off, there was the addition of the symbols in the brackets.


Jimbo had pulled a chair out from the table and was crouching in the seat facing the others. He craned his neck over the table to see the picture of the text and leaned back in the chair to watch as some of the others threw ideas around. Jimbo was in the same boat as Simon, they had never been to Paris before now, let alone knew anything about the places. However there was one thing that popped into his head, a memory from back before Singapore. Jimbo furrowed his brow trying to recall one of the many conversations of arts and history that he and Amber had shared on many occasions.He raised a hand to Calista clicking his fingers together to try and get her attention.


"Hey Fuzz Ball, what about those chicks. You know the ones who were the big god's daughters. Crap, what were they called......Moose's,........Mouses.......Musics? I remember Amber and I talking once before, probably while you and Simon were bickering about something. She was telling me about these girls who were the big god's Daughters, each one represented something different like art and music and stuff."


Simon raised an eyebrow to Jimbo and then looked back at Calista, he had no idea what the ape was talking about.


@SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Calista's paws tapped furiously on her laptop keyboard. The Louvre...She bared her teeth at the result. "That was a great guess, but the catacombs aren't recorded to run under the museum, wrong side of the river." So no Louvre, but the civet felt they were getting close.


When Jimbo spoke up you could almost see Calista's mind working.


"The Muses!" She cried. Alec double-checked the picture.


"That works. There was a muse dedicated to tragic plays, one for comedies, one for music, dancing, there was like, three for poetry." He consulted the first symbol again.


"So a home for the Muses...Paris has always been a place steeped in renaissance culture. That involves a lot of Greek mythology. The French monarchy loved it and with Napoleon, the influence only shifted to a more Roman take. Our biggest problem though, if the Muses have had influence on a whole slew of buildings in Paris, there's no way to narrow it down."


"Amber wouldn't have been vague. The clues she gave would lead us directly to one place, and one only."


Duik thought for a moment. "Maybe we're not looking for a building then, or at least not a physical building."


"A home for the Muses." Alec repeated, deep in thought.


@andujarprime @zCrookedz @everyone

 

[Flutterby]

Beth listened quietly, but she couldnt put the pieces together in her mind. Her brow furrowed in frustration. She had learned about Greek mythology in school, right? Why couldnt she remember any of it?


Totua glanced worriedly between Beth and the others. She was struggling just to keep up. There was no way she would be able to think of anything. Totus opened his mind to hers a little more, stealing a few of her memories. They were hazy; she had never been one to listen in school.


"In the mythology, didnt the Muses all live on a specific mountain or something?" He piped up, picking out the only concrete detail he could gather from her day-dream steeped recollection of that class. Beth hardly noticed his intrusion, as her head was starting to hurt anyway.


@SilverFlight @everyone

 

[andujarprime]

Rin was a bit dismayed he had guessed wrong, but then again he hated being wrong. His mind began to race once more when Jimbo mentioned the muses. He couldn't remember, where the muses lived. Why couldn't he remember? "Take a deep breath, and think." Haku whispered to him. He took a deep breath and tried to calm his mind, he put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall. It was at that moment that he heard Totus mention the mountain. It was also at that moment that he felt his cellphone in his pocket. His eyes popped open as a light bulb went off in his head. "Seriously??!!!" He exclaimed as he pulled his cell out. He pulled up Google and began searching for Muse Mountain. Up came Mount Parnassus. Then he searched mount Parnassus in france. Up top the first entry montparnassus, with a small map next to it showing "Le Catacombs de Paris" He shouted thrusting his phone out. "This has to be it!!!" He brought his phone out over to Calista and Alec. Placing it on the table where all could see. They were getting close, and his nerves were on edge, his blood was racing. This had to be it, they couldn't afford to spend too much time. They needed to find Strong, and fast.


@SilverFlight @zCrookedz @Flutterby @everyone

 

[SilverFlight]

Calista looked at Totus. "You're right! They lived on a mountain!" But before she could plug it into google Rin spoke up.


"Mount Parnassus!" Calista parroted. plugging in that instead and coupling it with Paris. "There's an entrance to the catacombs in La Cimitiere de MontParnass. That HAS to be it." She looked at Simon, Rin and Totus gratefully.


"That was some pretty great thinking." She admitted. "We may make agents of you yet!"


"So we have a location." Alec was grinning. "But we have no idea what to expect. I say we play it safe and send a team to the meeting point. We can have communications up with the rescue team."


"You'll need weapons. I'll admit that I called Nigel last night. he should be here any minute now with our Paris chapter's arsenal loaded onto a bus. Then its just a matter of getting Amber back!"


Alec thought for a moment. "In order to be convincing we may have to bring Gigi...but, I'm not sure if we can ask her to put her life in danger."


Suddenly there was a noise at the door. "You do not 'ave to ask my friends. I will go willingly."


Duik whipped around. "Gigi, you sure?"


The poodle nodded bravely. "If it will 'elp you recover your friend, I wish to do it! Besides, if zey wanted me dead zey would have tried to kill me yesterday, they only wanted to capture me, for what I 'ave no idea, but you will also be zere. I know I will be safe."


Not a moment after the sound of a bus horn blasted outside.


"That'd be Nigel." Calista grinned. "Go to the bus and get geared up everyone. We'll form a plan once we're moving."


@Peaceswore @andujarprime @zCrookedz @Flutterby @everyone


Google Maps

 

[Peaceswore]

Ash let out a sigh as the bus drove down the smooth road as he leaned his head against the window and just looked out the window looking a bit on the depressed side as of this moment. Fie was laying ontop of his head while he played around with his phone actually playing fruit ninja this time. He was enwrapped with the game but he could see that there was something wrong with Ash. "Ashy, Ashy why you frowny Ashy Ashy why you so downy~" Fie chimed before giggling a bit at the little song he just made up on the spot.


Ash simply rolled his eyes before closing them. "City of love.... A place that many thing I was born at... Here I am but do I have a beauty with me? No just a bus full of weapons and I have to do a secret mission as a body guard for a animal right activist...." He said sounding down about this despite hoe interesting and awesome this truly was. Fie just rolled his eyes and giggled a bit as he went back to playing Fruit ninja. "Riiiight because everyone knows a girly girl is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than a bus full of weapons and going on a mission Keheheh." "Hey! I said beauty.... Never said it had to be a girl..." "Pfff Either way! Ashy I think you are missing the point~ Keheh."


"My point is...city of love, I should have a love with me." The purple haired man muttered as he picked up Fie with one hand before resting him on his lap. Fie just giggled and sat on his lap as he continued to play. "You may find one after the mission hehehe... Argh! Stupid bombs!" Keeping his deep purple eyes on the passing buildings he gently petted Fie as he went quiet watching everything go by.


Soon they arrived at their destination and when they did Ash stood up and walked to the door with Fie now on his shoulder while he kept playing with the phone. He decided to simply wait outside the bus to stretch his legs after all he has been sitting for hours on end...and he felt a bit sore from his last mission. So stretching his legs a bit seemed like the best of things for the time being...even if he had to go right back on the bus in only a few minutes.


@SilverFlight @Anyone going to the bus

 

[deer]

Xiao Hui watched as Simon vented out his frustrations as his voice laced with underlying emotions that she hadn't seen in quite a long time. She saw anger, despair, confusion, lost, and intensity, all in one, as she saw him reading the letter and punching the walls of the room. She didn't flinch as she stood there quietly as Laohu swished his tail back and forth, a tad entertain by Simon's outburst. However, the man definitely toned or rather, reeled down his anger, seeing that he was too calm for comfort, especially getting news that they had to do a "trade off" between friends. Xiao Hui tilted her head as Simon walked back over, as he agreed with her and Rin's plan and suggestion on dividing the group into separate missions. However, at the same time, she didn't like the idea of using Gigi as bait, as Zoe mentioned that tricking the rogues may undermine them and everything would be a risk to do so. Before Xiao Hui could put her input in about Zoe being in the front lines protecting Gigi by using her EMPs, Bael interjected and flat out refused to let Zoe get into the nitty, gritty, action. But, of course, Zoe had been appalled by such a statement and refused to back down. Xiao Hui eyed Zoe worried as she looked over to Bael for a few seconds, sighing softly to herself. Laohu chuckled, "It sounds like a lover's spat to me, if you think about it, Hui." Xiao Hui looked over at Laohu, rolling her eyes, not attempting to stop it, "Laohu . . now isn't the time for that, this is serious." Laohu stood up and walked around Xiao Hui, "The more serious you get, the more your forehead will crinkle. Don't overthink." Blinking, Xiao Hui hadn't excpeted Laohu to be encouraging, especially since, well, the tiger could be pretty lazy when he wanted to be. She had learned that early on in her years when they were together, only giving his own input and wisdom when he wanted. However, she felt like he was always testing her capabilities as he hid his own, but that's what made their bond even more special, since they're constantly changing.


However, soon, Alec inputed that it may as well be a trap as Xiao Hui looked over to a confused Calista as she eyed the message on the screen with different symbols. Laohu chuckled at Beth's input of someone texting her like a twelve year old. However, Xiao Hui heard Beth and Totus' input on the plan and had to admit that was also a good idea as well: being at the meeting spot, taking in the surroundings, getting some ideas and patterns of what they were going to deal with, and if there would be any chances or places the rogues would be able to trick them. But, Rin's outburst reflected any chances of her speaking as her eyes made a beeline over to the screen once more when Rin mentioned it was Strong. Laohu looked up at Hui, "Recognize this?" Xiao Hui smiled softly, "Can't forget." Nevertheless, Xiao Hui took mental notes of the symbols as she became lost in thought. She heard Rin saying it was a catacomb since the symbol of the skull must have meant death. However, that was only half of the puzzle, soon, Calista mentioned she liked Greek Mythology. "Greek Myth?" Laohu mused as Xiao Hui furrowed her eyebrows. Soon, Luness and Leandra along with Samantha placed there input as Alec began to expand more of his knowledge of puzzles. Soon, Simon spoke of Muses as they growing and itching feeling was beginning to grow stronger as Xiao Hui felt like the puzzle piece was coming together. Greek Mythology: Muses. A place where all of the symbols of the Greek Gods resides where a catacomb lies underneath. Next thing she knew, Totus spoke of Muses living on a hill and Rin frantically searched on his phones speaking about La Catacomb de Paris at those words, Calista's eyes lit up as she said Mount Parnassus. Xiao Hui clapped silently as a grinned appeared on her face. She giggled softly when Calista complimented the trio ahead of her as she Gigi walked through the door.


She was brave and noble, for doing things for her friends and having great trust in them. Because of her, Xiao Hui felt even more determined to make sure no one else got hurt or captured by the Rogues. Hearing that Nigel was here as Calista had called for him, Xiao Hui began to walk out of the room, with Laohu walking beside her as she signaled anyone who was looking to follow. As she made her way outside, Xiao Hui felt nervous in the pit of her stomach as she wondered where she would follow, should she protect Gigi or should she help and look for Strong? Where would she fit best? However, before she could bump into another person, Xiao Hui stopped in her steps and looked up, tilting her head she tippy-toed tapped on the male's shoulder, "Who are you?" Xiao Hui asked as she continued, not thinking of the male as a threat or potential enemy, she didn't feel any aura that screamed 'bloody murder', but spoke in a polite and soft manner, "I'm Xiao Hui, are you joining us?" She finished, not remembering if she had seen him before or not. Laohu looked up at the monkey on the guy's shoulders and chuffed slightly, "Laohu." He said, not before trotting off and heading towards the bus, looking for Nigel. Xiao Hui looked over at Laohu and shook her head before turning her attention back to the male. Was he suppose to be here with Nigel? Perhaps another agent? The more the merrier then, hopefully, they'd all get geared up and ready to formulate plan to get Strong and protect Gigi.




@SilverFlight @andujarprime @DawnAntalios @Sleipnir @Hel @Lioness075 @zCrookedz @ManyFaces @Peaceswore @Flutterby
​

 

[Flutterby]

Beth felt a wave of relief when Totus spoke and it actually helped. She had no idea where he pulled that bit of information from, maybe her own memories of school. She slid her hand into her pocket and pulled out the bottle from the infirmary, taking a pill to cut off the headache before it got too terrible.


She was focused on that and all but missed Gigi's entrance, but Totus caught all of it. She looked toward the front of the house, moving at the same time as Totus, when the horn of a bus sounded. Calista ordered them up and out. Totus hopped to her shoulder as she stood, and she left the room in favor of the crisp air outside.


Her steps slowed when she noticed the male leaning against the bus, whom Xiao had approached already. He was vaguely familiar, but she couldnt place him.


"He was at the hotel, but didnt come on the first mission." Totus reminded her softly. She nodded gratefully, and kept her pace slower while deciding what kind of weapon she would like to borrow from the Watch. She was most comfortable with hunting gear- a simple knife and dependable rifle. But this wasnt the trail and she wasnt camping. In any case, she wanted to claim a knife, so she wouldnt feel bad about carrying Manjano's.


@Peaceswore @crucialstar

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe stood in silence, observing the guessing game without wanting to interfere. She was good at code cracking but this time she had other matters at hand. She wanted to devise the perfect plan to help everyone and in order to do that she needed time to think. That, however, did not mean that she did not listen to the conversation. First they deduced that it had to be the Catacombs in Paris then finally they pinpointed the supposed location where Strong have been held captive. Upon hearing that they needed to depart immediately she nodded.


" I will put on my combat suit. " she said, heading to her room, changing clothes quickly. She glanced at her shoulder and met with a disturbing sight - around the now treated wound she found strange, thin black lines circling around it. She could have sworn that this was something very familiar but she could not pinpoint the reason. She decided to ignore it and put on her regular clothes which felt wonderful for a change. She put on her gloves, readied her bow and arrows and hurried downstairs after the others. Eos walked by her as they proceeded towards the bus, looking at her with a worried expression.


" Are you sure about this? You still have that injury and... "


" I will not sit idle. " Zoe cut him off " I want to fight, so I will go. I will hear no complaints about this. "


She suddenly stopped as she heard a faint laughter behind her. She turned her head but there was nobody there. Confused she headed forward when she heard the laughter yet again, this time as she turned around she caught the glimpse of a young blonde girl running away before she vanished.


" Is there something wrong? " Eos asked with a worried voice.


" Nothing... " the girl shook her head and headed to the bus. She saw there Xiao, Beth and a newcomer she had not seen before. She walked up to them.


" Brace yourselves, this mission is crucial. " her eyes narrowed " Strong must be freed at all cost. "


She looked at the boy and nodded.


" If you have come for Gigi's autograph I am afraid you are at the wrong place. But if you have come to help us you are more than welcome. "


@SilverFlight @crucialstar @Flutterby @Peaceswore

 

[Lioness075]

Hearing Gigi give herself up as bait for this mission, Falarion worriedly trotted over to her side before saying softly, "Are you absolutely sure about this, Gigi? I mean, I'll stay by your side if you really want to do this. I'll defend you no matter what."


At the sound of a bus horn outside and the mention of someone by the name of Nigel, Falarion worriedly glanced back at Gigi, not exactly wanting to go anywhere without her at the moment.


@SilverFlight


Deciding to give Falarion and Gigi some space, but also feeling a bit weird about how quickly he seemed to be getting close to Beth, Manjano uncertainly exited the room, heading outside and towards the bus.


Seeing someone with purple hair and a monkey on his shoulder, Manjano frowned slightly, as he felt as if he'd seen the guy before. Alas, he couldn't quite recall so he walked past the guy and Xiao, who decided to greet the weird guy.


Walking up to the bus door, Manjano uncertainly glanced inside, unsure of who this Nigel person was beyond the fact that he'd given Manjano his camouflage watch. As it was, Manjano still had his dagger handy, his other one was with Beth now, so he wasn't entirely sure what else he wanted.


Thinking about it, Manjano then realized some kind of long-distance weapon could prove to be useful so he took up a belt of throwing knives and wrapped it diagonally across his chest before securing it.


Putting on his dark leather jacket over the belt to not make it obvious that he was armed as such, Manjano then turned towards the new guy, as the others began greeting him. He certainly seemed to be the oddest of the group now, which was saying much when Manjano still felt really uncomfortable around Zoe and Eos. Eos spoke so oddly and Zoe seemed overly dramatic to him.


@anyone nearby


Leandra was ecstatic when the others figured out Strong's message and soon Nigel appeared with the bus and some new guy, who had oddly enough dyed his hair purple. There was no way that was natural anyways.


Exiting the building with a few of the others, Leandra couldn't help but join the seemingly growing crowd around him and his monkey companion.


Equally curious as the others, but not wanting to add to the questions and comments directed his way, Leandra merely stood near the small group and curiously peered over shoulders at the guy. He was kinda cute, but Leandra had no idea what he was actually like yet.


@Peaceswore @crucialstar @DawnAntalios


Meanwhile, Luness flew outside and then began calmly circling the bus while the others greeted the newcomer.


If they were going to be on the bus for a while, Luness wanted to stretch her wings a bit first.


@anyone

 

[SilverFlight]

Alec followed the others out. Gigi was the last and used a special print-scanner to lock the door behind her.


"I 'ave never been more sure about anything Falarion my dear. If I can 'elp with this then I will. Besides, if I were to go to ze rally without you I would not put it past zose dastardly villains to be waiting for me zere too."


Duik grinned when he saw the pair outside the bus. "Hey! Monkey man! Haven't seen you since New York!" He held out a paw for Fie to tag it.


@Peaceswore


The bus was big indeed, a double decker with an open upper level. The windows were darkened to no one could see inside. Its camouflage was intriguing, having been painted purple with a large image of Gigi in concert on both sides.


Just then there was a loud crash from the interior of the vehicle.


"Ah! You're here!" familiar voice sounded just after and to Alec's surprise an entire section of the bus's flank began to rise, exposing Nigel and his companion behind a high work bench. Nigel's hair seemed to have been previously set ablaze and was now smoking happily. The man himself held a complex-looking tool in one hand and what looked worryingly like a bomb in the other. Behind him however the walls were covered in every single weapon imaginable.


"We've imported all of the unique ones I made for you too. They're in that compartment." He waved the bomb over a corner. "At least, the ones you didn't smuggle onto the mission." He looked critically at Alec, who shrugged innocently.


Calista jumped up onto the table and turned to face the group.


"We need to decide who's running decoy with Gigi and who is going after Amber. I'll be heading up the rescue team. We'll get dropped off first and the bus will head to the excgange site with Gigi." The tone in her voice ended all argument about that fact.


@everyone


"Duik and me will protect Gigi." Alec stated, and an excited squeal from Duik told him he had just made his partner's day. Duik ran over to Falarion and put a brotherly paw about his shoulders. "Don't worry dog, Gigi will be perfectly safe with the two of us on the job!"


@Lioness075

 

[Lioness075]

Following Gigi outside, Falarion had a big dorky grin on his face upon hearing Gigi express how she wouldn't want it any other way, as she wanted Falarion to be with her.


Wagging his tail excitedly, Falarion then replied, "They won't stand a chance against me! Or anyone else in this group, especially Manjano! He's great at combat!"


Hearing the mention of a 'monkey man', Falarion glanced over at the new guy and gawked for a moment, as he wondered why in the world the man had purple dyed hair. What an odd selection.


Not wanting to leave Gigi's side, Falarion grew increasingly excited when Duik joined his side and put a paw over his shoulders.


Grinning at Duik, Falarion then responded in a mocking tone, "Hey, don't call me a dog! That's rude."


Pausing, Falarion then added sheepishly, "Plus, my species is actually more closely related to a fox than anything else. Though, we are also more closely related to bush dogs than wolves. Honestly, I have no idea why we even have wolf in our species name."


@SilverFlight


Manjano jolted his head to the side when Nigel loudly exited the bus, making quite the ruckus inside.


Frowning at the odd and slightly annoying man, Manjano then stepped up to his weapons table, as he wondered if he could get something beyond just his dagger and throwing knives.


Seeing Beth nearby, Manjano gave her a simple wave before walking up to the weapons table and eyeing everything available. It sure was quite the array of a selection.


At the mention of unique weapons, Manjano blinked, as he had only received his unique watch. Was he supposed to have a weapon as well?


Deciding probably not since he'd never been told about one, Manjano returned his attention to the table before settling on taking a handgun for himself, an M9 that had a silencer on it and was definitely more suitable for Manjano's combat style.


Setting up the holster on his right hip, replacing where his other dagger would've been, Manjano then holstered his handgun before glancing back at Beth, wondering if she was going to take anything from the collection or stick with his borrowed dagger.


@Flutterby

 

[Peaceswore]

Ash was leaning against the bus as he looked up at the sky a small sigh leaving him as he thought about what he should do. 'Here I am, only on business I bet I won't even be able to have a single night with another...or even get a chance to look at any art...' He thought

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before he turned his head to look in front of him when he heard someone ask who he was. He closed his eyes for a moment and thought about what to say, he had yet to look at her and simply listened to the women's voice (one he found to be very comfortable to listen to). 'Party of the watch...from the sound of it.' He thought he was about to open his eyes but before he could there was a clatter on the ground and Fie placed his small hands over Ash's eyes.


Ash was a bit surprised by this but he just stayed where he stood with his arms crossed. "Fie I swear if you broke another phone just now... You are paying for it." He said as he tried to pry the money's hands off his eyes but Fie wouldn't relent. "What are you doing?? Move your hands off my eyes!" He exclaimed only to have Fie shake his head. "Nopes! Not happening nu uh! You lady! Get on the bus before purple hair here sees you! Quick! Act as if it's a matter of life and death! This guy is um....hmmm... What do humans not like..... Oh! Killers you don't like killers and uh... Muggers! Yeah he's both of these so run!!" Fie shouted making a sigh leave Ash's lips as a tic mark appeared on his forehead. "That's enough of that." Ash patted Fie's head a bit before he moved it down where he found the scruff of his neck. Carefully he grabbed that and pulled him off of his head and eyes. "Much better, what is your problem?? Some tim-...." Before he could finish his sentence his eyes landed on the women right in front of him.


His eyes locked with hers and he didn't say a thing for a small bit as he held Fie by his side (who was just dangling there as he sighed...he was also trying to reach Ash's now cracked phone). He didn't look at any other part of her body yet....he was just in awe at the sight before him. He couldn't explain it, but there was a glow from her, her eyes were just hypnotic, something that seemed to pierce his own eyes...they were... They were... Hell he didn't have a word to describe what he saw.


After a minute he didn't say anything but soon enough he was able to pull himself from his trance. When he did he blinked a bit and looked around, before lightly facepalming as it seemed he had zoned out. Looking right at Xaio he gave her a soft inviting smile as his hand still covered one eye having yet to remove it after that faceplam. "I'm sorry, it looks like I got lost in your lovely eyes Miss Hui." He said with a light chuckle as he let his hand fall to his side as he also let go of Fei (who landed gracefully on the ground). "My name is Ash, Ash Utopia."


When he said this Fei's attention had been taken by the hyena. Looking at him he snickered a bit before climbing up Ash's leg to get high enough to high five him. "Kehehe It has been! We had to do something else so we missed soooo much! Hehehe I blame Ashy~~" The money hummed while.


Ash on the other hand placed his pointer to his lips and chuckled a bit before lowering his hand as he looked back at Xaio after closing his eyes for a moment. "My apologize for laughing, it's just that... Only a few minutes ago I was thinking that I wouldn't get a chance to see even a single work of art while I was here. But mere moments after I step off the bus I get to see the finest work of art in all of Paris." He said with a confident, yet kind smile. His words by no means pushy or repulsive in fact they were smooth, silky and kind all wrapped into one. "As for your question, yes I am going to be assisting you on this mission. Seeing as I've been rather lucky so far, we may be working together on one of these missions, or at least I hope we do." After saying these words he smiled at her and gently took her hand in his, at the feeling of her soft skin he was just amazed to say the least. 'Goddess...I must be in the presence of one...only explanation of a women of her caliber to be walking on this earth. ' He thought as he brought her hand to his lips which he then softly kissed before slowly lowering letting go of it. "I couldn't help myself... Oh and this annoying little guy is Fie my partner." He said as he pointed at the money that had climbed back to his shoulder.


@crucialstar @SilverFlight @Everyone at the bus

 

[zCrookedz]

Jimbo smiled as Calista responded to him with enthusiasm. Simon, smiling from ear to ear clapped Jimbo on the shoulder and squeezed the big furry apes neck muscles. He was sure glad Jimbo had thought of that, cause lord knows he wouldn't have. As the little bit of information jumped between the group, mostly Rin, totus, and Calista; Simon let his mind wander a bit and began to think about getting Amber back. He knew he had his own personal reasons for wanting to get her back, but after making his promise to Calista during his drunken rant, he dared not give the idea to much thought.


Luckily his attention was once again grabbed by the conversation at the mention of Nigel bringing weapons for the mission. Simon balled up his fists and drew his arms into a flexing pose with a huge determined grin.


"Fantastic! Maybe he fixed my Shocklets."


Jimbo couldn't help but smile and begin to chuckle at the name, before adding.


"Had enough of your Wankers have you?'


Simon frowned at Jimbo and bopped the big ape on the head as the pair followed the others out to the bus.


Simon smiled at the sight of Nigel, having missed him back at HQ. He walked over to the bus and slapped a hand down on the high table smiling at Nigel.


"How's it hanging doc! Sorry I missed ya back at HQ."


Jimbo walked up to the bus and looked over the huge arsenal with the eyes of a child in a candy shop. When Nigel motioned to their weapons having been imported, Jimbo glanced over to compartment and reached in to find his case containing his .50 caliber revolvers. He glanced inside again and smiled as he founderstood a box labeled "Simon" he picked it up and tossed it to Simon.


Simon opened the box to find his repaired gauntlets gleaming like polished silver.


"Thank God, I didn't want to have to go into a fight with......wankers..... "


Jimbo smirked as he looked over to Calista and tucked his gun case under his arm.


"I don't think your gonna be able to keep Simon from going after Amber, Fuzz Ball. If he goes, I go."


While Jimbo might be a little more submissive about not going after Strong, Simon wasn't going to even negotiate the fact.

 

[Flutterby]

Beth caught the beginning of Xiao and Ash's conversation and frowned. No, he was not someone she needed to get to know right away. Not at all. Totus ruffled his feathers, appearing peeved by the man's obvious fliratious attitude. In the owl's mind, that one could be much more dangerous than Manjano ever would.


Beth climbed onto the bus, surprised to find a smoking Nigel there. "Hi Nigel!" She chirped. His invention, which she wore happily, definitely bought him a little affection from her.


Totus chose to leave her to browse the weaponry and settled nearby, watching silently.


Beth sensed eyes on her, but a single glance told her they belonged to Manjano. She gave him a small smile at his wave, and started glancing over the unclaimed weapons. Nothing seemed to catch her interest, at first.


Then, her hand shot out and she picked up a knife. It was a simple piece, familiar to her because it was nearly identical to her favored hunting knife, only a bit bigger. Bonus, she could strap it to the inside of her calf to keep it hidden. She undid Manjano's dagger from her hip, and held it out to him.


"Found something a little more my style." Beth said distractedly, as she was already looking for something else. She needed a gun, but she had very little experience with handguns. There was a rifle hanging on the wall, but it was far more military than she was used to. She needed something small, lightweight, but easy to use.


"Any gun recomendations?" She asked aloud, to anyone nearby with more experience than she.


@SilverFlight @Lioness075 @everyone

 

[deer]

Xiao Hui tilted her head to the side for a moment, taking in the purple-haired male's appearance before her. The one thing that caught her attention the most about the male was his unique colored hair as it glossemed underneath the sun rays, next was his height that seemed to have tower over her small stature. Nevertheless, she waited for the male to respond to her before speaking again, to not overwhelm him. However, soon, she heard Zoe from behind her as she spoke with a purpose and straightforwardly to the male. She smiled softly, nodding towards Zoe, "We are getting her back because this time we would be ready and we have a better chance now that we can formulate a plan than going in blindly, no?" Xiao Hui said to Zoe before she saw Beth and Totus, waving towards them and then towards Leandra as she followed behind. However, Xiao Hui's attention was diverted away from the girls when she heard a clatter on the ground and the male before her spoke to the monkey named Fie. She listened with quite curiosity and interest as she tried to maintain her laughter, but seeing the duo in front of her, she just couldn't help but let out a light laugh, seeing how carefree they were. Xiao Hui was glad for a slight distraction and seeing how close the duo looked, her smile widened even more. From first perspectives, it seemed they were care-free and a comedic pair. But nevertheless, Fie was able to get the male distracted long enough to cover his eyes. Confused, Xiao Hui wondered why Fie would want cover his partner's eyes, that is, before the monkey started saying things she didn't understand. Perhaps he was being mischievious and playful.


Leave quickly? Get on the bus? Life or death? Killers? Xiao Hui blinked not believing that the two before them were murderers, muggers, or killers, if they were, they would've killed them by now. So, she couldn't understand why Fie wanted her to leave and warned her. Being quite stubborn and curiosity getting the best of her, she shook her head and decided to stay, wondering if the male would be an ally or not. But to say she was taken back and stunned by the monkey's outburst was an understandable. She wanted to tell him it was alright and he didn't need to worry. Soon, the quite seemingly tall male before her ended up being able to pry his companion off, holding him carefully by his neck. Next thing she knew, she was now face to face, in front of the man as her eyes were locked on his. Xiao Hui couldn't help but stare into the male's eyes. Never in her life would she meet someone that was born with lavender eyes and a male that could perhaps even surpass a woman's beauty. With his defined jawline with skin that looked quite smooth, leaving no hint of scars or imperfections, she wondered if he was a model or an actor of some kind. He seemed to be the definition of flawless and the type of person girls would fawn over and worship the ground he walked on. She couldn't help but feel keep her gaze on the male before her, not sure why she didn't want to lower her gaze. Maybe it was out of respect or maybe she had to admit he was quite a handsome fellow as he had a charm about him that she couldn't quite put a finger on what it was. However, after a while, Xiao Hui wondered why he wasn't speaking to her. Was she intimidating? Then again, no one ever dare look at her in the eye, perhaps it's because she was told that if she stared long enough at someone, the other person would feel as if she was piercing through their soul and seeing beyond them. Was it like that for him?


However, when the male made sudden movements and face palmed one of his eyes, Xiao Hui tilted her head but was caught off guard by the male's tone. It was very suave and rich, yet kind. However, hearing his words of being lost in her eyes made her stare at him in surprise. Miss? Shaking her head, Xiao Hui smiled softly, "You don't have to apologize and please, Xiao Hui is fine." She said, hoping he would take off the "miss" since hearing those formalities reminded her of home. As the male introduced himself, her smile widened, "It's nice to meet you Ash. Ash Utopia. You have quite a unique name, where did it originate from?" Xiao Hui wondered curiously before he heard a chuckle from Ash's side. Had she said something funny? Listening to Ash's repl and explanation, Xiao Hui stood there even more shocked that Ash had just compared to her as a the finest artwork in all of Paris. Her face turned a light rosy cheek hearing that compliment as she couldn't find any words to say back to the fellow. Ash basically made her speechless and she couldn't help but unconsciously rub her index and thumb together as she bit her lip nervously. On the other hand, Laohu watched as Simon took some arms as Beth came with Totus, retreating from the new person that had arrived. Tilting his head, Laohu walked over to where Duirk and the monkey were and said, "What's going on? We should get ready." He said signaling them to the bus.




"I. . I don't know about that, Ash," she said letting out a soft laugh, "I mean. . its like you said, you haven't had time to see other fine works in Paris, so I'm sure there's definitely more finer artwork than . . what you're referring to." Xiao Hui laughed nervously, her face still showing a tinge of pink, hoping she didn't sound awkward or weird. She never would, in a million years, think she would be compared to artworks in Parks, I mean, they're gorgeous and she. . well, she believed she was average. However, hearing Ash's compliment, she couldn't help but smile at him. He was kind. Soon, Xiao Hui's face brightened even more when Ash had admitted they would be working togeher. "The more the merrier!" She exclaimed quite estatic since she feels like she made another friend in the process. It was always an experience to meet new people. "If you have any questions, please ask and we can brief you. Have you gotten your weapon of choice and gotten suited up?" Xiao Hui asked as she glanced at his clothing for a bit, seeing they were a bit lavish styled yet very put together. But what Ash did next took her for a little spin, he gently took her hands, bringing it to his lips, and gently placed a chaste and gentle kiss on it. Her face flushed brightly, seeing his actions as she hadn't had a male this close or "intimate" with her before. The only thing she had gotten was a handshake, but what Ash did took it to another level. Xiao Hui resisted the urge to take her hand back quickly as Ash had let go of her hand, excusing himself yet at the same time he introduced Fie. Taking this chance, Xiao Hui nodded towards Fie, hoping her face didn't she her reddened face and nervousness, "Hi Fie." She said as Laohu huffed and lightly growled at Ash's actions. Looking back at Ash, Xiao Hui shook her head, "Oh, no. . It's fine. I believe some cultures do it for greetings, if I remember correctly." She said, waving off what just happened befor although the color of her face hadnt toned down yet. "We should head to the bus and get ready. Welcome aboard, Ash and Fie." Xiao Hui said welcoming and invitingly. Looking at Zoe and Leandra, then back at Ash, Xiao Hui smiled towards them as she made her way for the bus, hoping her reddened cheeks would turn back to normal soon.



@SilverFlight @zCrookedz @DawnAntalios @Lioness075 @Peaceswore @Flutterby @everyone
​

 

[SilverFlight]

Duik looked at Falarion as he defended his fox lineage and laughed. "Dude, I call everyone 'dog', I call Alec 'dog' and he's about the furthest thing from it. It means were friends. Besides, if I called you 'fox', it might send the wrong message." The statement made Gigi laugh.


@Lioness075


It didn't take him long however to notice how Ash had reacted when he'd seen Xiao. He stifled a giggle and glanced at Alec.


The man had been on his way to the weapons rack when he stopped short. Watching Ash, Duik saw several expressions cross Alec's face, the last being a determined look of indifference crossed with a small scowl.


"Falarion may not be a wolf, but that guy might be." He grumbled, thumbing in Ash's direction.


Trying not to look too worried he made his way past them and into the bus, aiming to choose a backup weapon just in case. There, he could also overhear what the pair was saying.


As the conversation continued Alec was doing a worse job of hiding his growing dislike of this Ash Utopia. Thankfully he had his back to them so the only ones who could read him were Simon, Jimbo and anyone else close to the weapons.


@zCrookedz @crucialstar @Peaceswore


At the 'finest work of art in all Paris' line Alec rolled his eyes, but chanced a glance back. Hearing Xiao's wonderful laugh at that obviously practiced line nearly made him wince.


"Looks like ya might have some competition huh?" Duik had sidled up to him and prodded him slyly with the question. It took Alec a moment to register it.


"What? What are you, I don't know what you're talking about." He turned back around and checked the clip of a sharp-looking hand gun. this time he was determined to look indifferent.


"Its none of my business who she talks to...and how." He put the handgun away in its holster and fastened it about his waist. "As long as we can count on this guy not getting distracted on the mission."


"Or you." Duik said quietly.


To Alec's great relief he heard Calista bark sharply at Ash, "Hey! On your own time Romeo, we have a mission to do!" She turned to the rest of the group.


"People protecting Gigi, back of the bus, people on the rescue, up front got it? We move five minutes ago!"


@crucialstar @Peaceswore @everyone


Alec made his way to the back with Duik. Gigi marveled at the array of weapons as she climbed aboard as well.


"Hey Gigi, shouldn't you tell your companion where you're going?" Duik asked.


At the mention of Isabelle Gigi stiffened. "She would try to stop me, she cannot 'ave anything 'appen to her precious star." The hurt in the poodle's voice was poorly masked. Duik gave Falarion a concerned look.


@Lioness075

 

[zCrookedz]

As Simon slipped the gauntlets onto his hands to make sure they fit properly, he caught Ash and Xiao out of the corner of his eye. Raising an eyebrow he watched as the man picked up her hand giving it a kiss, sending Xiao into a fit of blushing and stuttering. He couldn't help but smile at the way she was acting, but then something else made him think. Up till now, he had only really seen Xiao hanging around Alec. As soon as he thought it, Alec appeared in his view and he seemed to be giving the situation some attention as well. The eye roll and the comment about wolves made Simon smile at the obviousness of his jealous friend, and he wandered a bit closer flexing his hands and examining his gauntlets.


"Little trouble in paradise Alec? That Ash fellow is quite.....something isn't he."


He tried to keep his voice low as to not draw attention to him or Alec. Jimbo had noticed Simon walking over to Alec, but had decided to continue examining a few more odd and ends in the arsenal. Simon glanced back over to Ash as Calista headed for the entrance to the bus and couldn't help but laugh loudly, finally Calista was yelling at someone other than him.


Simon followed Alec onto the bus, but turned off at the front rather than heading to the back. He looked back outside to see where Jimbo had gotten to, and when he saw the big ape his jaw nearly dropped to the ground. In only a matter of moments, Jimbo had fashioned himself with more guns than someone would ever need. His normal holster held his .50 calibers, but over his back was slung a pump action shotgun over his left shoulder and an MK9 over the right. Around his neck dangled 2 short barrel berettas, each with the stock removed to be used as hand guns. The wide leather X across his chest held clips for most of the guns, and there was a soft clink of metal and plastic as Jimbo got on the bus and sat down next to Simon. The pair looked at each other, Simon breaking his wide eyed contact only for a second to examine his partner. He then looked up at him with a confused look.


"What, no snub nose?"


Jimbo smirked and lifted his right leg and set it on his knee, parting the fur at where his shin would be to reveal a smaller shiny short barreled pistol hidden under his fur. This made Simon laugh and clap Jimbo on the shoulder, his smile and facial expression determined and ready to get the mission underway.


@SilverFlight (@crucialstar & @Peaceswore mentioned)

 

[Lioness075]

Ignoring Ash's ridiculous behavior nearby, Manjano calmly stood near the weapons table, mostly just waiting on everyone to board the bus so they could start this mission already.


Seeing a flash of movement by him, Manjano's head turned sharply in time to see Beth picking out a new knife.


At the offer of her returning his dagger to him, Manjano paused uncertainly, as he had no where to really put it, before he took it back from Beth and then mulled over where he could put it now.


After a moment of indecision, Manjano then settled on readjusted the strap so that it could fit diagonally across from the strap already going diagonally across his chest with at least eight throwing knives on it.


Hearing Beth asking for gun recommendations, Manjano glanced around the selection before spying a small crossbow on the table with a pouch of bolts by it.


Having no idea if Beth would like it, but feeling as if the compact and simplicity of the crossbow may be her style, Manjano picked up the crossbow an pouch of extra bolts before offering both of them to her.


@Flutterby


Unable to hold back her laughter after seeing Ash and Fie reacting to Xiao as well as Xiao blushing, Leandra doubled over.


By the time Leandra recovered from her fit of laughter, she had to wipe away a few tears as well.


"This is just great."


Grinning, Leandra quickly realized that she needed to find something to arm herself with before they left, but she couldn't resist saying something before she walked away from this little group.


Overhearing Calista's nickname for Ash and finding it wholly amusing, Leandra then said to him, "Hey, Romeo, you gotta be more settle than that if you're actually going to try for anything with Xiao. Trust me."


Suddenly wondering if Alec was nearby and had overheard her, Leandra skimmed the area around her and made a mix of a comical and anxious look when she saw Alec was indeed nearby. Whoops.


Not wanting to linger any longer, Leandra quickly walked past Ash and soon joined Manjano and Beth at the weapons table.


Browsing the selection, Leandra made an annoyed face, as she didn't know the first thing about combat or any of these weapons. Great.


Stubbornly not wanting to ask her brother, who was all too familiar with most, if not all, of the weapons present, Leandra hesitantly picked up a few daggers before setting them back on the table. This was not going to be easy.


Having already decided that she'd be on the rescue team, Leandra knew she was going to need something, anything to help defend herself and the others on her team.


Spying what appeared to be something of a staff with a half crescent bit of wood curving at the top of it, Leandra uncertainly picked it up, surprised when she felt how well-balanced it was.


Well, she could thwack someone on the head with it if they were annoying her and she could trip her enemies. So many uses!


Grinning at her thoughts, Leandra was about to wander onto the bus when she overheard Alec grumbling about Xiao and Ash's interactions. Wincing, Leandra realized that she may have poorly timed her remark to Ash. Again, whoops.


Deciding to board the bus before Alec might direct anything her way, as she still had no idea if he'd overheard her remark, Leandra quickly boarded the bus and sat down in one of the front seats, distracting herself by admiring her new staff.


@Peaceswore @anyone


Luness continued to circle above the bus and gathered group, wanting to get every second of flying time as she could before they were stuck on the bus for who knows how long.


Hearing Duik's response and quickly realizing that he'd completely missed Falarion's joking reference to Duik finding it offensive earlier when Gigi was called a dog, Falarion lowered his head and sighed. Well, that was no fun.


Overhearing Alec mentioning the new guy nearby, Falarion glanced over at him and tilted his head to the side curiously when the man kissed Xiao's hand.


"Um, why would someone kiss someone else's hand? Is that some culture thing?"


Confused by Ash's behavior, Falarion shifted his attention back to Gigi when Duik mentioned her informing her companion that she was leaving on this dangerous mission.


Tilting his head at Gigi's pained response, Falarion walked up to her side before nuzzling her shoulder, a seemingly common thing for him to do nowadays, before saying softly, "Regardless of how she'll react now, imagine how she'll react if she can't find you anywhere. It'd be chaotic and she'd call in the police or whoever she could to find you. She could jeopardize our mission."


From what Falarion could tell, it would've been pointless to try and suggest that Isabelle would genuinely worry over Gigi since their relationship was clearly strained. But suggesting that Isabelle could jeopardize their mission might convince Gigi otherwise of leaving her companion in the dark about all of this.


@SilverFlight

 

[Sleipnir]

Bael huffed, looking very displeased with Zoe. "I just said--"


Bael, you don't own her. She's entitled to do whatever--


I know better.


Well, it's her choice. Let her screw up if that's what she wants to do. She's a good fighter. They need her.


Bael studied Ash closely, skeptical, but didn't say anything about him. He wasn't exactly inclined to speak to him at that moment; he was more concerned with the mission at hand and wanted to get everything situated. The man's unusual taste in hair and fashion was something to behold, and he certainly was more confident in his romantic capabilities than Bael ever could be, but talking to him would be for another time.


What do you think?


We stay with Gigi, obviously. I mean -- you're pretty much useless on the field. You'd be better off here.


That's what I felt. But you can fight well. I didn't want you to just think about me. What about you, Cedar bear?


Well, I can fight, yeah, but I'm not trained and I'm not a very big bear. I can kill, but I'm also not terribly inclined to fight if I can avoid it. Remember my cousin around Yosemite?


Swatter?


Yeah. She smacked people around for food. I'm a lot like that.


"We'll go ahead and stay with Gigi," Bael announced. "I'm more useful that way. Cedar bear's too lazy and tiny to fight, y'kno'."


Upon the announcement that they were leaving, Bael grabbed his bag - packed with several basics for injuries - and headed to the back of the bus with Gigi and the others.


He stopped shortly beside Wednesday and looked at her for a moment. "Y' comin' with?" he asked, curious as to where Wednesday planned to be for this little mission.


He stared out the window intently, bright green eyes tracing the outline of every building. He was a bit concerned. After all -- what if it was a trap? How could they be sure they'd walk out with Strong alive? If these rogues found out what they were up to... They might not come out with Gigi or Strong.


@DawnAntalios @Peaceswore (Mentioned) @Hel