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Fantasy Code FERAL

Alec watched as the others began to filter into the courtyard. By then the creature had given up with the ham (it hadn't eaten all that much) and was now struggling to climb to the summit of Alec's person, perching carefully on his cap and pushing the brim into his eyes.


"Morning Lea." Alec said cheerfully.


"Nyaa!" The creature squeaked as it saw faces it recognized. It began its high-pitched, crackly purr.


Duik watched as Falarion slipped right into the pool and reeled back in stitches. "You sure got the bacon bro! I hope you like it soggy."


When Falarion's fur poofed Duik couldn't help but dissolve further into a fit of giggles. It made Alec smile. He'd nearly lost Duik the other night, again. Yet the experience seemed to do nothing to hinder the hyena's attitude.


@Lioness075


"Where's my son?" The hyena declared loudly.


"Nya!" When the creature. As it climbed clumsily down from Alec's head (he had to catch it half way and lower it to the floor) it made a series of barking trills. It waddled on the floor towards Duik and purred loudly as it reached him.


When Maia entered and chose a seat Alec grinned at her and called out: "Hey, don't let that table fall on you now! I think I pulled a muscle freeing you from the last one."


Alec took out his phone and began taking a few photographs of the creature to send back to the Watch HQ, if anyone would know what it was, they would.


Duik suddenly caught sight of Kitsune and waved a paw at him.


"Hey! There he is! Hero of the hour!" Duik got up and trotted over. "I can't really find words to thank you for hauling my spotty tail outta that mess last night...or saving junior here. Oh! By the way. I named him after you...Kit." Duik flashed the fox a grin. "It was either that or Foo-foo cuddelypoops...which was actually a very close second."


Kit rubbed himself against Kitsune's legs happily, overbalancing when he missed the next leg and face planted on the floor again.


@Kharmin


Alec watched the creature, feeling himself becoming a bit more protective of it


"My guess is it was part of the club owner's black market deals, and it got loose during the chaos. If that's the case this animal is probably extremely rare, and the last thing we want it for the Rogues to get it."


He saw Simon come in, and also saw him dodge the weight, shrugging it off as normal by now. Duik on the other hand started laughing again.


"Ooooooooh Simon got scolded!"


@zCrookedz


Meanwhile Kit had wandered over to Leanra and began wuffling loudly before curling up by her leg. "Nynnn." He purred, curling his long, thick tail about himself and sneezing when the tail tuft got up his nose.


@Lioness075


"It certainly doesn't have anything that could hurt people. Its teeth have only just started growing in and its claws are so short it couldn't shred tissue paper."


He smiled at Lea as the little creature blinked slowly beside her. "What I do know is its not supposed to be on solid food yet." His tone changed to the serious, professional tone he always took when his medical training took him over. "Its had to make a switch recently, probably because the one who took it from its mother had no idea what they were doing, but its slowly being malnourished. I need to find some kitten formula in the markets."


He didn't even know if that would be enough. But it was more complete than breakfast ham at any rate, and hopefully the cub would eat more of it.


The problem was he didn't speak a word of Chinese, and the item was obscure enough that he wasn't just going to find it.


He had hoped Xiao would have appeared by now, he needed a guide.


@everyone at the pool
 
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Jimbo smirked at Duik as he laughed at Simon and Jimbo's little scuffle. He was not overly pleased with how Simon had was acting this morning. He hoped that a cool dip in the pool would wash whatever funk was floating around in his brain off.


Simon re-emerged from the pool his head bobbing in the water like a cork as he glared at Jimbo from the waters surface. Jimbo returned his glare with his own and his tongue stuck out at him. After a final eye roll from Simon, he dove back under the water to retrieve the weight he had dropped in the fall.


Jimbo wandered over towards the buffet table and found a fruit tray with a great deal of interesting things piled atop it. Scooping as much as he could fit onto a plate, Jimbo then picked up the tray and carried it over to a seat beside Alec and Duik. He sat in the chair, watching the little cat-thing that Duik had named "Kit", dance around from person to person exploring. After throwing a few cherries into his open maw Jimbo nodded towards the little critter.


"Good name, it fits the little thing. Good thing you guys got to it before the Nian did. But, as anyone got any idea just what the hell it is?"


@SilverFlight @Kharmin @anyonebythecatthing


Simon swam down to the bottom of the pool, spying the black round form of the weight. He lifted it from the bottom with ease and pushed off the bottom towards the surface. Breaching the surface he took in the air and pushed himself towards the opposite side of the pool fearing Jimbo having more projectiles. Flinging his arm with the weight over the side, it came to rest on the edge with a loud THUNK. Satisfied, Simon pushed off the wall and began to float around on his back, half way submerged under the water of the pool as he stared up into the morning blue skies. The water felt nice and despite the rather abrupt entry into the clear, crisp waters, Simon was beginning to feel a bit better.


@openforconvo,butenjoyingpool ^^
 
Hearing Simon's greeting, Leandra twisted around where she was sitting to see him and waved back before grinning and saying, "Mornin', Simon!"


Yet, not a moment after waving and greeting Simon, Leandra's eyes widened when she saw Jimbo coming outside with some big weight in one of his hands. What in the world was he doing with that?


Leandra then subconsciously ducked when Jimbo threw the weight at Simon, who caught it, surprisingly.


Falarion scrambled behind Leandra and peered out form behind her before watching along with Leandra, as Simon stumbled backwards into the pool with a splash. Luckily, he wasn't close enough to splash the trio. Even though, Luness was still sleepily eating her bacon and hadn't really even noticed the commotion, if at all.


Hearing Jimbo speak to Simon even though he'd already fallen into the pool, Leandra blinked at him before Falarion spoke up, "Um, Jimbo, why did you just throw a heavy circle thing at Simon?"


Leandra merely shook her head in mostly confusion, as she picked up some more watermelon and began eating it again. When in doubt, eat more watermelon.


~~~~~


Manjano froze when the door seemingly opened itself, only to see Totus flying away and landing on a dresser nearby. Right.


Relaxing, Manjano took a step inside and then awkwardly stood there while Totus spoke to him.


Nodding at what Totus said, Manjano then inwardly wondered if he should close the door or not, but then worried that Beth might freak if she woke to him standing there in her room with the door shut behind him.


Shifting his attention to Beth, Manjano blinked, as he took in the sight of her cuddling with a pillow. He inwardly wondered where the sweatshirt had come from since it seemed larger than whatever size would properly fit her.


Seeing the bandages on her hands and the bump on her forehead made Manjano wince, as he felt bad that she'd been hurt so much last night. He hadn't really been much of a help either. In fact, he'd been all but useless in that mission overall.


Sighing and anxiously rubbing at the back of his neck, Manjano was just starting to wonder if he should do or say something when Beth seemed to wake up with a grimace and in pain already.


Taking another step towards her, even though he had no idea how he could ease her pain, Manjano then froze again, as Beth looked at him and gave him a sleepy smile as well as a sleepy greeting.


Seeing her clearly in pain, Manjano soon was at Beth's side and gently taking one of her arms to help give her some balance in getting out of her bed in, hopefully, a less painful manner.


@Flutterby


~~~~~


Leandra glanced up at Maia with watermelon in her hands and mid-bite in time to hear her greeting.


Quickly finishing her bite, Leandra then responded with a shrug, "Hey, we all had a long night last night and I am more than content to sit here and kick my legs in this cool water with little to no care in the world for the time being. I don't have to socialize to feel better, especially after that crappy socializing I had to do last night. Plus, I was never taught proper manners anyways. Well, I ignored the teachings anyways."


Grinning now, Leandra then picked up some bacon and threw it a few feet away to see Falarion scrambling after the bacon with his tail wagging like crazy.


Giggling, Leandra went back to eating her watermelon with her legs lazily kicking about in the pool.


Hearing Alec's greeting, Leandra smiled at him and then gasped when she saw the critter, which Duik had pronounced to be now named, 'Kit', squeak at her and the others. It still looked really weird, but its actions were just too adorable.


"Aww, he's so cute!"


Giggling, Leandra then added, "Wait, do we have any idea what gender this guy is? Like, is he a 'he' or a 'she'? Or are we just going to stick with 'it' for now?"


Trotting back with bacon in is mouth now, Falarion grinned at Duik and quickly swallowed his bacon before responding, "Well, at least, I don't have to worry about drinking water now!"


As Kit scrambled down Alec with some aid from him, Leandra grinned at him and exclaimed, "Weird-looking or not, Kit is still adorable!"


Falarion then gave Duik a confused look, even tilting his head to the side and resulting in one of his ears flopping against his head, before asking, "How are you his father, Duik? That makes no sense."


Hearing Kit react to Duik's question, Leandra gasped again and squealed in delight, as she exclaimed, "Ahh, it's killing me with its cuteness!"


Luness finally looked up form her plate, which was now devoid of bacon, and raised an eyebrow at Kit before saying sleepily, "I think its cuteness is its only defense. If that is even a defense to begin with."


Giggling, Leandra added, "Dude, that's the best defense out there. Kit's already won me over."


Seeing Kit face plant, Leandra laughed and then said, "Well, it's definitely still young enough to struggle with its balance."


Listening to Alec, Leandra became thoughtful, as she rubbed the bottom of her chin.


"Who knows, honestly. I mean, maybe the intel from the collected devices from our targets will provide us with some more information on it. It's definitely a mythical creature, but I haven't the faintest what it is exactly."


Leandra was snapped from her thoughts when Kit joined her, though. Grinning down at Kit, Leandra squealed in delight when it curled up beside her and purred. She squealed again and then giggled when it sneezed.


Without a second thought, Leandra scooped up Kit into her arms and then proclaimed, "I'm going to have to apologize, Alec, but Kit is mine now. The cuteness is just too much for me to resist."


Hearing Alec's tone change, Leandra rolled her eyes at him and then said in a mockingly similar tone, "Oh, yes, I see what you mean, Alec."


Grinning at him now, Leandra then added, "Honestly, isn't this why we have the internet or whatever? Can't we just, I don't know, Google the answer to that question?"


Scratching at Kit's ears, Leandra then added, "I mean, we don't know what specific species Kit is, but there has to be some kinda generic formula we could use so Kit gets what it needs to, well, not be malnourished."


@zCrookedz @SilverFlight @Epiphany
 
As Zoe spoke she looked at Raven, trying to see what her feelings were - only to discover that the girl, while seemingly fought with her composure, was as good as hiding emotions as she was once. No doubt that she had experienced some terrible events in her life, in the army it was inevitable... but she was unsure how much did Raven see - and more importantly how did she manage to cope with it.


" We all have our demons... " she whispered the statement to herself which often came around to haunt her as she watched - a bit surprised - that Raven shared her views on their newest pet. Though it appeared that she did not like the little newcomer it seemed that she had something more on her mind - the tension in the air was quite apparent as they discussed things with Simon and she almost felt uncomfortable in this trio. Fortunately enough the elevator arrived and after Raven suggesting that Simon would surely bring something to Xiao she nodded and was about to depart with the girl. It was then when Simon stopped her for a moment and complimented her on the mission. With a flustered smile she scratched her head.


" I did my best, Simon. All of us did. " she managed to say " You have my apologies if I have overplayed the situation - I wanted i to be so authentic that I might have gone overboard, but fortunately it turned out fine in the end. Alas, I have to commend you on your bravery: I believe your task was the most difficult one from all of us and you gave played the gentleman well. "


With that she nodded at him and noticed Maia passing by and she waved at her. That girl also looked like an interesting person, someone she would love to know better later - but now she took few steps forward and entered the elevator with Raven. As the doors closed and the machine hummed into life once more errant thoughts started to race through her mind as she looked around in this small seclusive box. She was certain that they were closing on their destination shortly so she relaxed. Well, tried to relax, to be more precise, as she looked at Raven, trying to decipher her stoic face. This was an impossible situation for the girl - to be together with someone, pursuing a mutual goal was not something she had not experienced before... yet with Raven it felt just a bit more different. It felt like she was on a mission again just like in the old days and that she was going there with a comrade... back in the day they used to talk about topics to ease their minds, to be prepared and to soothe their raging heart and soul so that they could concentrate. While they were not in peril she still felt that bringing up a topic would be to their benefit.


With a silent sigh she looked at the door and spoke.


" Death. " she began " It is the natural part of life: we are born and thus we must die eventually. It should be a perfect cycle, one which we interfere in most of the time when we are on missions. Strange how such a simple concept, a simple phenomenon can be the central idea of some people - the single minded mentality of the Rogues is a testament to this. "


She paused for a moment and fell silent.


" I remember hiding atop the trees in jungles. Sitting underneath the snow in the arctic, sneaking in the veil of the night in barren wastelands - always on the hunt to root out injustice. My arrows always found their marks... I never missed. I saw hundreds of Rogue soldiers fleeing from us, their screams reverberated in the empty halls or in the barren wastelands. No matter where we were and when did we hunt them down their drowned screams of despair rung equally. And all throughout I felt no remorse. No regret. "


The door of the elevator opened and she stopped to face Raven with a serious expression.


" Death caressed me in my life, and I presume so did you embrace it. And that is why do I wish to preserve as much life as possible - I said that I was grateful for saving Xiao because you did not only save her - you helped me as well. " he hand clenched into fist for a moment as she closed her eyes. The anguished cries of the past now reawakened, vividly playing in her brain just as a theater repeats its films - the brutal, massive beast lunging at her friends, her desperate cries and the hail of arrows she had unleashed upon the monster... and the silence which followed when she stood in the sea of blood, the stains forever tarnishing her hand.


She opened her eyes and looked deeply into Raven's.


" I may not be the best person to socialize with, nor am I the best to show gratitude and love. I am a fellow soldier, an agent of order, the angel of equilibrium. I wanted you to know that no matter what happens and what hardships we will need to face you will always have me at your back - because you are a precious ally for me. "


Realizing that she might have gone overboard with her speech again she motioned for Raven to follow with a gentle smile. They were not far now from their destination. As they walked an another thought started to blossom in her mind and as they closed up on the makeshift hospital she posed this question tentatively:


" I have a request, if you don't mind. " she said " Since both of us have been trained in the military I would like us to become... sparring partners. To hone our skills and keep our knowledge up to date, you know. " she smiled " My old mentor always said: ' You can not truly know someone until you fight them. ' In retrospect I now know what he meant with this... and I would be very happy to learn some new moves from someone like you - or to exchange knowledge for that matter. "


Stopping at the infirmary door she turned to her.


" What say you? "


@Kharmin @zCrookedz @Epiphany @crucialstar ( arriving there soon )
 
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Totus inwardly smirked at Manjano's discomfort. If any male was safe for Beth to be around, it was the one that got nervous just being in a room with her. As Beth began to stir, Totus left the dresser he was sitting on and collected a few things. While Manjano helped her sit up, Totus placed a pair of flip flops near her feet and a hairbrush on the bed next to her.


Beth took Manjano's arm without a second thought and used it to ease into a sitting position. Her hands and head, even her chest, felt relatively fine, but her back was giving her a rough time. She silently cursed the Nian to make herself feel better.


Beth slid her feet into the flip flops and stood. She frowned, because she would usually stretch out her back upon getting out of bed, but she definitely wasnt going to today.


She scuffed her feet as she walked away from him, toward the full length mirror and began brushing out her hair. It was still brown, but she couldnt really complain that the medics hadnt thought to wash out her hair dye while patching her up. Her sweatshirt had "Heartland" across the top with a large number 3 below it; the lettering had begun to crack with years of wear and washing.


"Is everyone else already up?" She asked Manjano, ending with a yawn, as Totus flew over with a hair tie in his beak. She french braided her hair with practiced ease and tied it, giving Totus a loving rub along the side of his face. He churred, happy to be of help. Beth took a moment to turn her back toward the mirror and lift the back of her sweatshirt to look at her injury. There was a clear red line across the middle, slightly puffy and beginning to tinge blue along the ends. A few inches above it, all the way down to the tops of her hips, had faint, mottled bruising. Beth frowned and sighed, dropping the hem and turning the rest of the way from the mirror to look at Manjano.


Totus took his own study of the bruising with a dark expression, but chased it away as Beth glanced at him while turning back to Manjano.


"Is there food? Im starving." Beth said, putting on her best just-woken-but-still-cheery face, as she moved back to him, hoping for an escort to breakfast. Well, one with hands that would be able to assist if needed.


@Lioness075
 
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Barry noticed a few more folk coming into the area. Simon was pretty hard to miss and was also the one in charge for this mission. He looked a little tired. It could have been from working out but that didn't sit right. After last night, and his responsibilities, it was only natural to loose a little sleep. He probably needed some time to himself. Shortly after a new face came in. The dosser had mentioned some other agents would be joining but Barry had only he some interaction with Raven. She seemed to be making her rounds to the others, it was a matter of time before she made her way here. He ate a little more fruit before she came to join him.


He smiled at her as she spoke, giving an internal chuckle towards her respons to his muteness. BB perked up now while giving a refreshing gasp from her drink. Barry started drinking some of his bitter tea. Hey toots! Talking for the both of us is my thing! She said angerly. Naw I'm just kidding! Had you going there for a second didn't I? So you wanna know the amazing adventure of BB and her servant Barry? Barry spat out a little tea from that respons and gave the little bird a concerned look. Oh hush you, not like you're going to tell any story! Really, his is a pretty average guy. It was by luck he bonded with me, I can only imagine if he had met a sloth first. Still, born a small weak lad, he had no interest in sports. He got picked last for dodgeball and all that. [oh you cheeky..] Barry thought to himself while BB gave him a wink. He chose to find interest in theater and art and all that. Then on a fateful day, his singing voice brought all these birds to him. Only one would be bonded and I Jammed my head right into the opertunity. Atleast, that's what I would have done if I had cognitive thinking at the time. Anyway, life and all that till he and I moved to California. Fun times besides the whole 'no money thing'. Lead him to join the military. She scoffed at the word. They wouldn't even let me go with him. Said I was 'too small and unfit for it. The nerve. I gathered when he came back that he had done something interesting. He could spot things with ease. Only, he couldn't talk since he is a big dummy and got hurt! After that, some guy-





Her story was cut short by Simon getting blasted into the pool. That sparked her interest much more now and flew off. Barry gave a dumbfounded while holding the cup to his mouth. [well that is one way to get her to stop.] he turned to Maia and signed 'sorry'. He felt a bit awkward now.


Meanwhile BB had rested herself on Simons big toe. Well hey there big boy. Enjoying the water? I would swim but I don't know how. Do birds even swim?





@Epiphany @zCrookedz
 
Xiao Hui had been drifting in and out of conscious for a while now, especially hearing her mother's tune from Luness' mimicry. Letting out a soft smile, hearing Zoe's voice, on the other side, she felt reassured having not just Zoe, but also Lea, Lune, and Alec, all around her. She never knew she was. . so cared about, that she wasn't alone. But more so, Xiao Hui had been surprised Zoe came by, glad she's able to witness Zoe's acceptance and growth on the team. Perhaps, she'll talk to her later, to get to know her better. But, as soon as the lullaby continued, Xiao Hui's eyes fluttered slightly, as her eyes slowly closed as she allowed herself to revel in the hum, getting lost in it, gradually even more. She heard a slight distance male's voice telling her something may sting, but before she could say anything, she drifted off out of conscious , letting the sprinkles of the water splatter on her.


Whoever it was, she was grateful for their help, only to be whisked away gently off the ground, feeling warmth radiating off of whatever was keeping her afloat. Wanting more warmth, Xiao Hui went snuggled against whatever or whoever it was, wanting to keep that warmth as her teeth chattered in response to her being cold. Sighing in content at the warmth, Xiao Hui allowed herself to relax. Laohu, on the other hand, had gotten a bandaged wrapped around his limped right paw as he nudged Lea slightly, nuzzling against her arm, silently giving her his thanks. He chuffed at her before turning his attention towards the new agent (Raven), as he bowed his towards her, thanking her for her help of catching Xiao Hui. Soon enough, Laohu went, trotting by Alec's side, looking up at his partner, being cradled in his arm as if she was a fragile doll that would break if he wasn't careful.




As the wind blew across the plains of the meadow, lushness, vibrant colors of flowers bloomed everywhere, swaying in the direction the wind was blowing. The sun's ray shone brightly down, greeting the day, bringing life and joy to the plants after the tears that were splattered the day before. Loud echoes of laughter, giggles, and faint rumblings of snorts could be heard on the plains. With flowers in her hands and a face covered in dirt, a young, tiny, toddler grinned widely at a much older, yet, fair-skinned and quite a beauty of a mother before her, giving her the flowers she picked for her. As her mother took the flowers, she sniffed it slightly, breathing in the sweet-smelling aroma of the flowers, as blissfulness etched her face as the young Xiao Hui's bright, rosy cheeks, blemished her face. Thanking her daughter for such beautiful flowers, her mother opened her arms widely, wanting to embrace her child, however, as soon as Xiao Hui went to go and hug her mother, she disappeared, vanishing into thin air, as the scenery all around her darkened and turmoil hashed out. "M-mother?" She called out, trying to find her way around the emptiness, only to be greeted by a burning ember in front of her, as her eyes widened in curiosity, horror, and fright. Feeling quite on alert and scared, young Xiao Hui turned around, calling out to her mother once more, only to hear clashing of swords, grunts, and screams as she turned around, only to face a room full of corpses and lifeless bodies. Smelling iron made her gag reflex act up as she tried to suppress the urge to vomit, as her face darkened in fear, her tiny body shook violently, seeing blood splattered on the ground in the mansion her mother had lived. However, movement slithered under her feet as young Xiao Hui heard a hissing noise, as she felt something wrap around her body and leg, feeling scales and slim in one, as she froze in her spot. The more she struggle, the tighter the animal's hold was on her as she was greeted face to face by a viper, bigger than she can imagine as it's small, venomous teeth displayed as it hissed at her. As it aimed a strike at her, young Xiao Hui screamed at the top of her lungs, only for the a white tiger to appear biting at the viper's body, allowing the viper to unhook it's hold on her as she fell down to the ground, crying in fear. As the tiger fought off the viper, she felt a nudge against her legs as more screams and clashing began around her, the noise echoing in her ears as she saw nothing but blood,after blood, and lifeless body falling down one by one. People killing one another: it was kill or be killed. However, as soon as her eyes opened once more, her heart dropped as the young toddler tried to get back, pleading to the man that held her mother in his grasp to stop hurting her. "You're choking her!" She whimpered, calling out to the person, as the tiger stood in front, protectively, growling. However, the eyes that bore into her small, fragile frame, held no remorse and emotions as his mouth turned into a malicious grin as he took his sword and plunged it into her mother's heart.


"Nooo!" She cried out-loud, her head turning side-to-side as her body shook violently, sweat beading down her face. Her eyes fluttering abruptly open as her breathing became shallow as she tried to get up, only to be stopped from the burning pain flaring in her ribs as Laohu quickly woke up, letting up both of his paws on the bed, as he stood on his hind leg, "Calm down, Hui. . listen to my voice, listen, you're safe, you're here. Look around." He said, soothingly, as he nudged against her shaking frame as her body lied back down on the bed. "Hui . . I know. . I know. . no more, it's over, it's okay." Laohu continued soothing her, waiting for her heart beat from the monitor to drop to its normal rate. Xiao Hui tried listening to the voice in her head that was Laohu's as she gripped Laohu's fur, trying to calm herself down. Her lips cracked from being too dry as her face paled, letting the sweat drop down from her forehead as she turned towards Laohu. Tears welled around her eyes as she breathes were shallow, as she attempted to calm herself down, trying to let her vision become clearer as she studied the room. "Shh . . shh . . I'm here." He continued and soon licked her cheeks as Xiao Hui soon gradually calmed down by listening to the heart monitor and the soothing, low tone of her animal companion. "W-water. . " She croaked out as Laohu nodded, moving towards the table where cooled water was just replaced a few moments prior as he pressed the top button as the cup that had already been there began to fill with cold water. He stood there, staring amused at the water dripping down from the machine. Once it was done, he carefully gripped it with his teeth and handed it to Hui. Taking it slowly, Xiao Hui gently took a sip, letting the cold water flow down her throat, as she felt the dryness of her throat clearing up. Once she finished, Laohu took the cup and placed it on the table once more as he propped his two front paws him as he looked at Hui, letting his tail swish from side to side. Looking at Laohu, Xiao Hui managed to smile, "How much . . medication am I on. .?" Snorting, Laohu shook his head, "You don't want to know." Laughing breathily only to cough, Xiao Hui covered her mouth as Laohu patted her back. Trying to clear her throat as she tried moving around, Laohu stopped her by placing a gentle paw on her, "Stop moving, Hui, the doctors said you need to stay here for a while more to recover. No more strenuous work, young lady." Huffing slightly, Xiao Hui was grateful for the pain medications, however, she felt some pain here and there, but it was bearable. "I . . " She began, her brows furrowing slightly as she looked down at her bandaged chest and ribs. Shaking his head, Laohu stopped her once more, "Don't, Hui. I know. . It's okay, as long as I was here for it." Giving Laohu a small smile, she slowly nodded her head as her eyes widened in alarm slightly, "Laohu . . who . . changed my outfit. ? And these bandages. . ?" "Don't worry, Hui, geez, you're becoming such a worrywart. They covered their eyes, I told them it was part of our culture to see one's body is such indecency, especially if they're not of family ties or married to you." Blinking, as she let out another soft laugh, she smiled softly, "How cunning. . Laohu." She complimented him only for Laohu's ears to perk, hearing the elevator and footsteps walking towards the room door. "It seems you have company, Hui." He grinned lopsidedly, seeing Hui fixing herself to look more presentable. Shaking his head, he sighed as he helped Hui moved around as he pressed the button for the bed to be lifted for her to be able to sit in comfortable position. Once situated, Xiao Hui breathed a sigh of relief, "That took a lot of effort . ." She managed to say as Laohu chuckled, "Don't be stubborn and wait patiently." Resisting the urge to pout, Xiao Hui nodded, waiting for the others to come in.


@Kharmin @DawnAntalios
 
Ash spun a poker chip in his hand as he starred up at the ceiling while Fie rested on his stomach. Last night was a horrifying blur, but in the end they lived again......though Xaio got hurt. Gods he needed to learn to take the initiative, he had explosives with him the entire time but he didn't use any even once! He should have warned the others, or waited till that mythic opened his mouth, hell he could have used his zappers to give the thing a heart attack, or even a flash bang, though the ones that he had were not as strong as the average one due to being just a pen. But still, why does he keep doing this? "Damn it.... I fucked up again." He muttered to himself as he closed his eyes for a bit. First he uses smoke bombs in the first mission he was in making it so Alec couldn't give him the needed cover, and now he didn't use the explosive he had on him to help his team out.


After a small bit he stopped spinning the purple poker chip in his hand and placed it in his pocket. "Fie are you up yet?" He asked his own eyes still closed. Fie let out a yawn and nodded as he sat up. "Yes Ashy.... I'm hungry." He mumbled still half asleep as he nodded a bit while rubbing his eye another yawn leaving the monkey. "Aren't you a tired one." Fie nodded at this as he stretched a bit. "Yeah.... I stayed up late." "Hm? Couldn't sleep?" Ash asked with a raised brow as know opened his eyes. "It's not that I couldn't...." Fie said as he smiled a bit. Ash looked at the monkey confused before he noticed something on the monkey's hands......black....ink....


"You didn't............" Ash said slowly as he sat up. Fie grinned at this as he got off of Ash. "I didn't what~?" "Fie...." "Ashy before you do anything else know one thing... I love ya! And you are the bestest partner ever!" And with that the monkey bolted. Ash tried to get out of bed however someone! Tied his feet together with a shoelace that he acquired from somewhere making him just fall out of bed. As Ash clambered to get the show string off of him he looked at Fie who ran right into a vent that he had prepared ahead of time so he could escape with ease!


Once Ash wasn't tangled he got up and went into the bathroom. "...................................................FIE!!!!!!!!!!!!" He shouted as he looked at his reflection. Fie had gotten very busy the other night...very busy. First off on Ash's forehead there in permanent ink was FIE IS THE BESTEST AND TOTALLY INNONCET. Then on his cheeks there were two rainbows, on under his nose was a very stylish mustache, and his hair....oh gods...his hair. Fie must have gotten his hands on some hair gel. As he had style Ash's hair giving him a spiky Mohawk...which had some weird green slime stuck to some parts of his hair. Oh! And he was given sideburns with glue.....and he swore to god that better be clean fur! "My face isnt' a coloring book you damn monkey!" He shouted knowing Fie couldn't hear him. With that he went to take a shower, but the moment he opened the drawer he tripped a trap and silly sting sprayed in his face till he moved out of the way which only caused a mess in the room. "I'm going to have a nice monkey fur gloves later." He muttered as he now got ready for the day being very careful with everything he did knowing anything could be booby trapped.


Fie on the other hand ran off till he found his way out of the vents. When he finally did he looked around for the others when he found them by the pool he grinned and ran up to them with a smile on his face. "Morning!" He chimed happily as he looked around, seeing Simon in sparkling pool with BB he suddenly forgot about his hunger. Placing the phone (which had a very his latest achievement as the start up screen) he had in his hand onto a table he ran forwad and with a big leap he jumped into the pool. "CANNONBALL!!!" He shouted as he became a tight ball before plummeting into the water right next to Simon's head making it so the man got a sudden splash on his face. After he did this he swam up to the surface and slightly stuggled to stay afloat as in truth...he hadn't gone swimming much...it was just too tempting not to do. "Ashy sh pff should come here a *cough spits up a bit of water* as soon as he can! Kehe He's slow!" He chimed as his head went under the water a minute before coming back up as he pretty much doggy paddled to stay afloat.


@zCrookedz @Bolts @Anyone near the pool
 
Maia Asim


@Lioness075 @Bolts


Maia stared at Leandra, a bit incredulous at the answer. Then she just shrugged and said "Fair enough. Enjoy your watermelon and that pool there. Well earned! Maybe next time."


She patted the other girl on the shoulder and moved on towards Barry. By which point, Leandra had squealed at the kitten-thing-whatever Alec had and promptly made her way over to the other agent.


"Right. Suppose you lot are close then," she said, taking a seat next to Barry and addressing him (and BB). "Not surprising. I've had a few partners over the years. Go through a few scrapes together and it's a relationship that never dies. It's good. It's healthy. Morale is, I mean. Good on you."


@SilverFlight @Bolts


The Egyptian girl tilted her head up at Alec's call. Then she grinned back at his teasing. "Oi! So last night was at sixes and sevens for lots of us, yeah? But never should a gentleman think the lady's ungrateful. Sore muscles? Have a seat and I'll sort you!" And she flashed half a dozen lightning fast punches in the air over the table before turning up the coy in her grin.


"Cheeky wanker isn't he," Maia observed to Barry. "Still, good head on his shoulders. First to respond, good sense of emergency management, bold enough. He's been your team's leader, yeah? No hesitation there. Anyway, what about you?"


@Bolts


Maia blinked in surprise at the sheer ferocity of the little humming bird. Then she laughed out loud. Not a shy laugh, not delicate, not with a hand over her mouth but full and open throated, the kind that carried over a crowd. Clearly the British girl was not shy or lacking in self confidence.


"Theater, is it? Art? Well, those are perfectly fine things. Music too, even if it was only for a time. Didn't realize you were a military man, though." Maia gave Barry another appraising look, reassessing him. "Is that how you ended up with us nutters in the Watch?"


At which point the hummingbird flew off.


"...Right. Well. That's awkward, that is. Fair's fair, though." Maia smiled at Barry and took a bite of food to buy time to collect her thoughts. "If your bondmate was still about, I'd ask how you ended up in the Watch. From the military straight in, then? No matter. I went in straight out of university, actually. Been an agent for...what, seven years now? Been stationed throughout England, China, Hong Kong and half a year in Egypt. That was an experience, let me tell you," Maia chuckled while managing a bit of a blush. "Let's just say I might look the part but growing up in London, culturally, terrible time in Egypt. Just awful. Still, it's been a good life working in the Watch. Otherwise, I'd be the best competitive practitioner of Jeet Kun Do in a constabulary somewhere. Not that there's anything wrong with that but travel's nice. I've holidayed in loads of places I wouldn't have otherwise."


"Anyway, hopefully your delightful bird there pops on back or we get more company. Because otherwise you'll have to find your ears." She waggled her eyebrows at Barry while adding, "I'll have talked them right off of you!"


@Peaceswore @zCrookedz


At which point Fie did his best impression of an actual cannonball, spraying water out of the pool upon impact. Maia gave a startled cry, sprang out of her chair and then broke out into laughter at the spectacle. "You're mad! Silly monkey."


"A bit of an oxymoron, don't you think?" observed Ahmose from her recliner by the pool side. Any water splashed up rolled right off that thick black-speckled white fur.


"Be nice."


"Oh, if I must," sighed the relaxed snow leopard, who went right back to reading her copy of the Screwtape Letters.
 
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"Still no clue." Alec answered Jimbo as the pair settled into the morning. "I want to say its a member of felidae, but it has some structural differences I just can't place. At any rate I do know it is male." Alec finished by answering Leandra's question.


Duik nodded in agreement and then said with his paw against the side of his mouth "Alec is scary-good at that."


He pouted defensively at Falarion. "It makes perfect sense, I adopted him, so now he's my son, but if you reeaaaallly want, we can share him. Its always better if two parents raise a kid after all."


"Speaking of those devices we pulled last night." Alec began, "I should probably take a look at them, we don't have Calista here, and I guess the job's not done until we send that data back to HQ."


At Maia's retort Alec grinned back, "Not unless you're certified!"


@zCrookedz @Lioness075 @Epiphany


The tiny creature allowed itself to be picked up and cradled by Leandra, it replied by washing her arm vigorously with its little sandpaper tongue.


Leandra announced she was keeping Kit. "Good." Alec answered. "He can sleep on your face tonight....but you might have to take Duik too."


"Anywhere my kid goes. I go." Duik announced stubbornly.


"We can try to get the formula I think, would be optimal, but because I don't even know what family it belongs to, I have no idea how much it'll help."


When Fie entered and dove into the pool Kit looked startled. He wiggled free of Leandra's arms and padded/tripped over to the side of the pool to see the monkey.


"Nya." He said softly and reached out paw, threatening to overbalance int the water. Duik gasped and rushed for him, stretching a paw out to keep the cub on dry land.


"You certainly have to watch this kid." The hyena said as Kit wandered back, now fascinated by something else.


@Peaceswore @Lioness075


"You can watch Kit for a while D, I'm going to go check on Xiao."


"Finally." The hyena muttered.


"What was that?"


"Uh nothing! Tell her I say hi!"


The infirmary door already had 2 sentries by it, Zoe and Raven stood, poised to enter. He greeted them both for the morning. Not seconds after that he heard Xiao cry out from inside. He shot a worried glance at the pair, but did not open the door right away, hearing the muffled voice of Laohu as well, though what they said was lost to the other side of the door.


Slowly he knocked and pushed the door open, leading the way for the two women behind him.


"Bad dream?" He asked softly, taking his cap into his hands as he stepped in, an old habit drilled into him in his childhood. He sat down on the edge of the bed and looked over at her. "How are you feeling? Can I get you something to eat?"


He was a bit at a loss for what to say, especially with Zoe and Raven behind him, so as usual, he resorted to humour. "You and Duik are going to take years off my life, you know that?"


It was then he felt something furry brush his leg and looked down. There was Kit, looking up at him with those huge, dark eyes. Alec shot a look at the doorway where Duik had just arrived, looking like he'd been caught at something.


"I tried to grab him, little guy's fast when he wants to be!"


Alec rolled his eyes and reached for Kit, lifting him up onto the bed. The little animal immediately began sniffing about the covers, bumping into Xiao's idle hand and pushing against it with a louder purr. "Nynnn."


@DawnAntalios @crucialstar @Kharmin
 
Jimbo watched as Kit hopped around and he listened to Alec. At least they knew something about it? Though he was having a hard time figuring out how gender could help the figure out what the little beast was. None the less, Jimbo smiled as he watched him clamber over towards the pool and Duiks protectiveness of Kit.


At the mention of the mission and the devices, Jimbo glanced over at Simon who was still just floating around on his back before looking back to Alec.


"I messed with it a little bit last night. Tablets locked up tighter than a first gear hairpin. This is one of those few times I will say, I wish that little fuzz ball was here to crack it."


Jimbo leaned back in the chair with a pineapple in hand, which he promptly bit into as he closed his eyes to relax.


Hearing that Alec was going to be seeing Xiao, Jimbo opened one eye and watched as Kit darted off behind him and then Duik right after. He smiled as he chomped down on the pineapple again.


@SilverFlight @poolbuddies


Simon continued to float through the pool on his back, vaguely registering the mumbling of people's conversations as his ears were under the water. It wasn't until he felt the ever so slightest pressure on one of his big toes did he open his eyes and see BB using his toe as a perch. He smiled at the little bird and closed his eyes once more after BB's questions.


"If you were a penguin you could swim better than me. Don't think hummin birds swim very much thought."


When he heard the noise of the little monkey, he had a brief moment of wondering where Fie was going to be landing with his cannonball. But Simon quickly realized.....it was Fie.....and prepared himself for a splash from a tiny little monkey. Sure enough, a small spray of water sprayed Simons face as the little monkey entered the water beside his head. Simon smiled as he reached up and wiped water from his face and turned his head to see Fie bobbing in the water.


Simon chuckled to himself, but BB and Fie's distraction had left Simon floating right towards the wall, which he slowly bumped with his head. He sighed and wiggled his toe a bit to tell BB it would be submerged very soon. He righted himself and noticed he had floated over to the side where Leandra, Luness, and Falarion were sitting and enjoying their morning. Resting his arm on the side of the pool he looked back over the water at Fie swimming around doggie style, which made him chuckle.


"Fie, your much braver than Jimbo. He doesn't like the water."


The comment gained Simon a glare from the gorilla from his seat as he polished off his pineapple. Simon smiled as he placed his hands on the pool edge and lifted himself out of the water with ease. He sat on the edge a few feet away from Leandra and her crew, letting the sun warm and dry him a bit.


"So how is the Sinciato clan doing this morning? Haven't seen your brother yet, is he still sleeping?"


@Bolts @Peaceswore @Lioness075
 
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It had been a very long night, and by the time Bael and Cedar had gotten to sleep, the boy had only managed to take the best off before crashing, still in an undershirt and dress pants.


The next morning, when he woke, the dark-haired medic rolled over and, as was customary for him, checked his phone first thing. Bleary, wincing when the over-bright light hit his green eyes, Bael cringed and began looking over notifications. Then he stopped, eyes wide, a grin slowly growing on his lips. "Cedar," he said, shaking the bear awake, and the response was prompt when the black bear's head popped up. "Oh my gosh." He held the phone out to the bear, who matched his expression. Then Bael stood up to get dressed and make his tea.


When Bael made his way out to the pool — it seemed a nice enough place to enjoy his morning and most of the group seemed to be out there — he had earbuds in and held a mug of tea, looking very intently at the color as Cedar loped along beside him. "Bael, no fair! I wanna hear it too, y'kno — let me hear it too!" He was complaining, though the human half of the pair didn't seem to hear.


For the first time since arriving with the Watch, Bael was not wearing his typical vest and white undershirt. Rather, he had opted for bare feet, jeans, and a red t-shirt that one could only assume belonged to a band — lightbrown with the face of a roaring bear prominently displayed on the front, with the phrase Relient K written over it. Cedar had been cleaned of his dye and was back to being a cinnamon-red color, and had fallen to sulking. Bael sat down near the others, taking a sip of the dark tea before looking up at the others, not yet taking out the ear buds.
 
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<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c920cf12a_Great-Fox-Wallpaper_15.jpg.e6c40e0ef46eab89fcb18d462367d0f9.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="118222" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c920cf12a_Great-Fox-Wallpaper_15.jpg.e6c40e0ef46eab89fcb18d462367d0f9.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Kitsune


Kitsune made his way toward the buffet, but after his encounter with Raven he really had no appetite. He had failed her again and the rejection in her tone was no longer so difficult to hear. There was no praise for escaping the club with Jean-Marc's infamous glasses or for Kitsune's heroics in rescuing Duik and the young cat-creature-thing. Instead, it had been the silent treatment all of the way home and all of last night.


His attention turned at Duik's hail. Even with the sour emotions within, Kitsune managed to put on a happy facade so that the others wouldn't know the turmoil in his heart. He detoured from the buffet – even the fresh sausages couldn't stir his appetite – and made his way over to the small assembly.


"Think nothing of it, Duik," Kitsune said as he nonchalantly waved away the hyena's thanks. "I was just doing my job." Although not according to Raven, he added mentally. At Duik's news of naming the cat-creature-thing after him, Kitsune puffed up a bit more with pride. "Well, that's quite the honor you've bestowed," he said to Duik. "Calvin Coolidge once said, 'No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been awarded for what he gave.' I hope that I can live up to the expectation that this little fella can aspire to attain.


The fox chuckled lightly at the creature – no, Kit's – antics as the animal affectionately rubbed against his leg and then promptly fell over. With a gently paw, Kitsune helped his namesake back onto his feet where it promptly bounded away to investigate some of the others. He nodded in agreement with Alec's assessment that Kit had likely been part of the shadier dealings at the club and, despite his desire to not become attached to it, Kitsune sighed and was grateful that they had been able to rescue it.


And so, Raven's words and demeanor stung a bit less in light of what they had accomplished. Although not completely satisfied with the outcome, Kitsune's appetite returned and the assault of the sausages on the buffet could no longer be withstood. He licked his chops in anticipation and hummed a light tune as he excused himself and turned toward the breakfast spread.


@SilverFlight @OthersByThePool

 

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Hearing the answer of Kit's gender, Leandra nodded absentmindedly while continuing to pet Kit in her arms.


Falarion blinked at Duik and then nodded at him, his ears flopping about in the process, before replying, "Oh, it makes sense now."


At the mention of sharing Kit, Falarion jumped to his paws and excitedly barked, "Sure! That sounds like fun!"


Leandra giggled at Falarion's excitement and then said, "Hey, don't forget that you gotta take care of that kid, not just play with him all the time."


Pausing to think about this, Falarion then said, "I think Duik's better at that than me. He can be the responsible parent and I'll be the fun one."


Rolling her eyes and snorting at this, Leandra then replied, "Yeah, good luck with that, Falarion."


Leandra's eyes widened in delight when Kit licked her arm, as she giggled and then said, "Well, that feels weird."


Laughing at Alec's remark of her sleeping with Kit, Leandra retorted, "Well, my companion so happens to be a personal heater so Kit will probably prefer to sleep with Lune instead of me."


At the mention of having Duik tag along, Leandra grinned and said, "Well, at least, he has a good taste in music."


Falarion perked up at the mention of Duik following his kid and barked, "Hey, me too!"


Leandra giggled at Falarion's response and said, "Might want to clear that with Manjano first, mate."


Falarion made a pouting face at the mention of this before saying, "Aww...okay."


When Kit wriggled free of her grasp, Leandra all but matched Falarion's pouting face as she said, "What, no goodbye, furball?"


Falarion let out a startled yelp when Kit nearly fell into the pool, but then relaxed and let out a sigh when Duik stopped him in time. That was a close call.


As Kit wandered off yet again, Falarion also absentmindedly wandered off, returning to the buffet table to eat more bacon. Luckily, his height allowed him to do so without any need to climb onto the table itself.


@SilverFlight


Hearing Alec talking to Duik about seeing Xiao Hui, Leandra rolled her eyes and let out a small sigh before picking up some bread she'd found on the buffet table.


Absentmindedly nibbling on it, Leandra quickly masked her frustration when Simon joined her side.


Smiling warmly at him, Leandra replied, "I think the Sinciato clan is enjoying their well-deserved break right now. As for Manjano, I have a strong feeling he's with Beth at the moment."


Falarion perked up at the mention of Beth and then bounced over to Leandra's side before plopping down and saying, "Yeah, he's with her right now!"


Rolling her eyes at Falarion's enthusiasm, Leandra then picked up her second bread roll before saying in a slightly irked tone, "And there you have it. Just another person here falling in love and getting all mushy with someone else."


@zCrookedz


While the others all socialized and enjoyed one another's company, Luness fluttered back to the buffet table and landed on it before hopping around to eat the various meats provided.


Seeing Kitsune joining her, Luness nodded at him before saying, "Hello there, dear."


Remembering how Kitsune had helped last night, Luness immediately added, "You were quite the hero last night, dear. You helped Duik from the rubble much to Alec's delight and you even saved little Kit. You were very brave."


Picking up some bacon and quickly gobbling it up, Luness then glanced at Kitsune, curious to see his reaction to the praise considering Raven probably would just dismiss it as folly. From what little interaction she'd noticed between the two, they seemed to be tense whenever together, a different aspect from the rest of the group. It piqued Luness' curiosity, but she knew better than to push her luck in asking such personal questions before befriending someone.


@Kharmin
 
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Rin awoke early with the rising sun. He spent the first 2 hours recalling his night and then meditating. Breathing as calmly possible. Haku had already been up and on the balcony facing the sunrise. As the golden glow of the sun washed over them, they both began to feel a bit more awake. Rin was getting bits and pieces of the night. The lights going out, the crashing noises, the Nian. Finally the rigging going down and burying Duik, and Xiao falling from high up. His eyes remained closed the entire time, only clenching tightly at ever memory that seemed to slap itself on the view screen in his head. His breathing had intensified."Slowly, calmly. Remember your breathing exercises. Remember your ritual, your routine." Haku whispered to him when she sensed his breathing was becoming erratic. It wasn't necessarily that the beast last night had scared him. Or the danger of the mission, he had faced both in equal parts in his time as an agent. No, it was the concern for his team, the danger facing such an inexperienced group that had rattled him. He had almost exclusively worked alone for the past 4 years. Able to control everything about the mission. Leaving nothing up to chance in order to finish the mission. Not this time, so many variables, so many pieces in play, and so many of them inexperienced to his knowledge. He let out a sigh, the three weeks of suspension had been a god send. He had no doubt that without the training time, things could have turned out much worse. He also had to remember to thank Agent Strong and Calista for sending along the other 2 agents as back up.


With a sigh Haku shifted as Rin moved to get up. She climbed up his extended arm and positioned herself on his shoulders as he made his way inside. Rin always made sure to get a balcony room that would face the sunrise up on the highest floor. And for that she was both grateful, and delighted. She needed that morning sunbath to fully wake, and it helped with their meditation. This morning more so than any other in a long time they needed it. "We should check on Xiao before anything." She suggested to Rin who she felt was already beginning to plan out their morning. He nodded his agreement as he set her down before he made his way into the bathroom. Several minutes later, she was draped around his neck again, her scales still a vibrant red and orange, making a perfect color contrast to his black polo, worn over black chinos, a red belt and red shoes. "Then we can work on getting that dye off of you." Rin said to her. "But after breakfast, please." He added lightheartedly and she smiled and nodded. It wasn't that they didn't like her new dye job, they both loved it. But the vibrant red viper already made an appearance with Alec. If a similar, rare, snake were to be seen with the other member of their small group, by lord knows who else could have been in that casino spying for the rogues. They didn't like taking chances, it was the sole reason they brought another dye pack from the base.


They found the nearest cleaning lady and asked for directions. Unfortunately she was only able to point them in the way of the front desk. With a sigh Rin nodded and made his way to the concierge and asked for instructions to the infirmary. Showing him on a small pamphlet map of the hotel grounds, the concierge circled where they were now, and placed an x on the infirmary. Rin nodded and made off to find Xiao. When he arrived one of the new agents, the one who helped distract the Nian with her gunfire, was already there, poised just outside. He smiled and bowed a greeting at the waist. "Good morning, I am Rin. Thank you for your assistance last night, and sorry I could not introduce myself then." He said as he straightened himself out. "And this is Haku." "Hello dear." Haku greeted warmly, yet a little distracted as she wanted to find Xiao. "Xiao is through here?" She asked interrupting Rin from starting a conversation before seeing to Xiao. Rin groaned."Please forgive her rudeness, we will be out in a few minutes. Just need to check on Xiao." He explained as he knocked on the door and stepped in. Having heard Alec's voice inside he figured she was decent and up for visitors. "Good morning everyone." He greeted them all with a bow as he entered the room. He paused to take in Laohu's bandaged arm, and Xiao's bruised form. He sighed "I am sorry things got crazy last night. And I am glad to see that you are up this morning." He finished with a smile. "I came to see how you are before heading to breakfast. It is good to find you in company already, now I don't feel that I was interrupting your rest." He said lightheartedly as he laid eyes on Kit. "Oh my, it seems we have a new friend." Haku said with amusement in her voice. They didn't know what Kit was, but it didn't seem to be a danger o anyone at the moment, just a cub, or kitten exploring.


@crucialstar @DawnAntalios @SilverFlight @Kharmin
 
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Barry listened carefully and intently to Maia's words. It was pretty easy to keep track up since it had similar tones to BB. By shear instinct and muscle memory, he started mouthing each word she was saying. It was fairly easy since that was his and BB's neat little trick. He was impressed by the fact she had been all over the world pretty much. Knowing the lands around oneself was one thing he enjoyed a lot. Knowing the lands of many places was something he could experience through the Watch. It wasn't his reasoning for accepting the offer, it was just an extra thing to think about. Looking around the area was amazing as is. The aura of the celebration was still in the air this morning. Though the incident last night had ruined it for those taking part, the city as a whole was not wavered by it. He looked around the area and managed to spot some napkins and a few pens for hotel guests to use. He held up a finger to her to ask for a moment before he got up from the table.


He walked over and grabbed a pen, some napkins, and another plate of fruit though a lot of it was gone since Jimbo took some as well. Fruit was good, he couldn't blame someone for getting a plate themselves. He walked back over and started writing down. Ehh, it's an easy fix. Just not as fast as a small hyper bird talking. Anyway, that is amazing! I haven't been much places myself. This is my first mission after all with the Watch. As far as I know, Simon was in charge. As for the ear talking, I can assure you I have much practice and patients to take it. He smirked at himself while writing that last bit. Seven years is a lot! You must have had a few run ins with Rouges. Anything like what happened last night happen often? He took his hand that was stitched and flexed it a little. Writing put a little strain on it but nothing bad.


Penguins get, like, no air time though. I get to zip around as much as I want in the air! Then Fie cannonballed right next to Simon. BB was pretty far from the splash zone. If only I were bigger. I could show you a thing or two about cannonballing! I'd be some sort of elephant and be a gold medalist in it. Still good form and effort on your part... She dwindled on the last part since she didn't know his name till after Simon spoke up. She started hovering over Fie now as he doggy paddled the pool. So Fie, What's up? Anything neat going on? Pool feel good? I like this area! It's so open and everything. I could just get lost in that plant for hours if it weren't for all the other stuff!





@Epiphany @zCrookedz @Peaceswore
 
" You sure you want this one as your companion? " the voice asked seriously " He is feeble and weak... we have found him half dead and beaten on the road. He was forsaken, left to die by his own family. Why would you want someone like this as your soul mate you bond with? "


" He is fluffy! " the cheerful voice of the young girl came as she stepped closer. Her crystal blue eyes vibrated with happiness as her twin-tailed blonde hair flew in the spring breeze. Eos felt his fur being caressed by tiny hands and felt the strange feeling creeping over him once more. He could not speak, he could only witness the little, blonde haired girl as she looked at her parents and an other girl standing next to them. The mother turned to the other girl now.


" And what do you think? Will this partner be good for Zoe? Will she grow to like it, will it be useful for her? "


" It matters not what I think, mother. " the other girl replied, her young falcon screeching on her shoulder with approval. " My little sibling must decide it for herself who does she want to bond with - if it is this buck then I trust in her. "


" Your ideas are preposterous, Natalie! " her mother yelled in rage, slapping the girl on her face " Efficiency is what e are going for! Usefulness! That is the sole purpose for bonding. "


" Maybe for you it was. " Natalie replied with a cold voice " But my sibling will have her heart desire. She loves this little buck and thus he will be her partner. "


The mother said nothing just frowned and walked away with anger. Natalie took a last look at them before she followed, her whisper caught by Eos' keen ears.


" Good luck, Zoe. You will need it. "





With that the eyes of Eos fluttered as he finally woke up on the balcony, the last shreds of the dream fading into oblivion as he did so. It was strange to have that dream right now... to recall when he first met Zoe, even when she was not yet of age to bond. The little girl always snuggled with him and hugged the poor buck, never letting him to have a free moment. No matter if it was a game or her studies she would always drag him with her - and that filled his heart with warmth. He loved Zoe, just as he loved everyone else in this group now - they were family, a close knit group with a lot of love in it. And he wanted to cherish every moment they could have together.


As the old stag descended on the stairs and made his way to the pool he found almost everyone chilling there, having fun. He looked at Fie jumping in the water, Simon having a good swim and then going to talk to Leandra's little group... it was such an idyllic picture that it made the old stag smile. Nodding a them with a welcoming gaze his attention wandered to Barry and Maia. He looked at the duo curiously as he waked up to them. They seemed to radiate an aura of joy and happiness, he definitely wanted to go and say hi. And, of course, to introduce himself to the girl - they did not have the opportunity yet to do so.


" Ah how wonderful it is to see youth having such a wonderful conversation. " he said, walking up to the curious pair, glancing at the paper Barry was writing on " Not even the barrier of verbal obstacles can stop the blooming relationship between the best of friends. " he smiled, bowing his head gracefully before Maia.


" Greetings, my fair lady. I wanted to properly introduce myself as well since we had not yet had this pleasure to do so. I am Eos, Zoe's companion, it is an honor to meet someone like you. " he glanced at Barry with a sly smile " I have to say that Barry is indeed lucky to have met someone like you. Today it is but an alliance, tomorrow is friendship... but who knows what the future holds, am I right? "


Wiping off the smile from his face he turned somewhat serious but was still at ease.


" I couldn't help but to overhear that you are a well trained agent, Miss Maia. I am truly grateful to have someone as mesmerizing and as talented like you fighting at our side. The Rogues will surely stand no chance once we unite our might against them. "


He looked left and right as if he was searching for someone but he just tilted his head.


" Oh my, I wanted to introduce Zoe to you as well but I can't see her anywhere... probably went off doing something on her own as usual... the little hothead... " he smiled at Maia and chuckled " In any case, I hope you are feeling happy in our company, Miss Maia. Yesterday was quite a rough mission but you have handled the situation quite expertly, I was truly impressed. "


He now turned to Barry with that same sly smile.


" So did you for that matter, Master Barry. Your glass maneuver was truly a unique plan - combine that with BB's voice you was one of the heroes of the night. "


He decided that praising was enough now and he decided to sit down and just smile for now.


" Just looking at you two fills me with hope and radiance again. " he chuckled " Shining examples of the Watch, brave protectors... I wish we had not so many enemies in the first place. " his cheerful mood turned into something of a concerned one " Yesterday was something uncanny... the attacks of the mythical beast was truly an unexpected turn of events. " he turned to Maia now " Have you ever faced a mythical creature before, Miss Maia? "


@Bolts @Epiphany (mentioned) @Peaceswore @zCrookedz
 
Hearing more voices outside, Xiao Hui tilted her head, looking towards the shrugging Laohu. Breathing in and out, gradually and calmly, Xiao Hui felt as if she was on red alert, wondering why people were outside her room or rather visitors as Laohu said. However, her eyes widened in surprise seeing that it were none other than her teammates coming to check up on her, leaving her stunned. Laohu chuckled at her reaction, feeling joyous for his partner that most of them came to see her. Hearing Alec speak up first, Xiao Hui jumped slightly, hearing his voice as she was used to the quietness of the infirmary room. Nevertheless, she enjoyed hearing other voices besides her own voice and Laohu. At hearing Xiao Hui's thoughts, Laohu rolled his eyes playfully, scoffing towards her, "My voice is lovely to hear, don't deny that, Hui." He teased her before Xiao Hui laughed slightly before bringing her attention towards Alec, nodding, "Nightmares are pest aren't they? It's why I can't or rather won't sleep." She said truthfully before looking over at the company behind him. Smiling warmly at Alec then towards Zoe, the new agent she hasn't met yet, and Rin.


As Alec sat at the edge of the bed, Laohu laid down on the couch inside the room as Xiao Hui tilted her head in response to his question if she was hungry or needed anything. Shaking her head , smiling, she said, "No, I'm not hungry, thank you for asking. And I don't think I need anything. Did you eat yet? How is everyone? How are you?" She asked, quite curious of everyone's condition and worried if anything else happened while she had been MIA. It had been a while since she talked, so, taking the glass of water that Laohu refilled for her earlier, she sipped it, being careful to not move so much. At hearing Alec's tease Xiao Hui laughed softly, coughing a little at the end before slightly flushing, "I can understand Duirk, but I can reassure you that I'm not leaving any time soon. Plus, I can say the same, if you ever recklessly went head on with Nian or anything, for that matter. And I thought I was the worrywart." She teased him , gently patting his hand in reassurance as she nodded at him. But before she knew it, she heard Duirk's voice, wondering what he was talking about only for her to feel a soft , furry, coat by her hand. Blinking from the loud mewing of the unknown creature nuzzling her, Xiao Hui looked down, opening the covers as she gasped slightly. "You're so cute!" She exclaimed, her face overjoyed as Xiao Hui giggled at the little animals purr and antics. Smiling at the little one, Xiao Hui gently petted her with her free hand, "What's your name?" She asked softly, cooing at the him before looking over at Duirk, "Oh? So he's a sly and quick little one huh?" Xiao Hui said, giggling slightly, "Reminds me of BB a little then, if he was able to get away from you so quick, Duirk." She said teasing him playfully before Laohu lifted up his head, narrowing his eyes at the little creature, scoffing, "He's not that cute, Hui, it's probably your love for animals that you think so."


Sighing at Laohu's critics, she pouted at him before Laohu rolled his eyes, ignoring the darn creature. However, hearing another voice, Xiao Hui looked over, smiling softly at Rin and then Haku. Blinking at her, Xiao Hui pondered on something as she attempted to place the little animal by her hand on her lap as she stroke his fur and dabbed his little nose gently. But before she could express her thoughts, Xiao Hui listened to Rin's voice, as he greeted everyone and commented on the new friend that was currently playing with her fingers as she moved it hand around slightly. "Good morning, Rin, did you and Haku sleep well? It seems we do have a new friend. What do you think of him? Duirk seems to be fond of him, but Laohu's quite reluctant to acknowledge him." She teased slightly as she heard Rin's apologies. Frowning slightly, she shook her head, "Don't." She began, "Apologize, Rin, you didn't do anything wrong. No one did. Especially since Nian. . up until last night, I hadn't even known existed, if I had, I would have told everyone during the briefing, but I hadn't, if anything, it's my fault." She said solemnly before continuing, "I will always welcome visitors even if I'm asleep. .since well. . . this bruising and being here is nothing compared to. ." "Compared to what you and the other agents had to go through if you all have been here longer or perhaps in the military, army, or other gruesome missions such as these or worse." Laohu interrupted quickly before Xiao Hui said anything. Blinking at the interruption, Xiao Hui turned towards Laohu in confusion before wondering how much medication was she actually on? Shaking her head, she returned her attention back to everyone else, "If you're hungry, please, get something to eat. Thank you, for coming by and visiting me. It's my first time. . well, being visited by others before." Xiao Hui sincerely admitted as she was beyond grateful for everyone's company, but didn't want to worry them. However, Xiao Hui eyed Haku, showing curiosity and determination. "Haku?" She called out towards her, as Xiao Hui gazed over at her, taking in her form, "You're not him. ." She spoke up, reassuring herself, only for Laohu's attention to be drawn in looking over at her, "You're you and he's him. You'll never hurt me." She said determined as a soft smile graced her lips, nodding at Haku, "Thank you for being here." Xiao Hui said, knowing Haku perhaps knows what she had meant by this words as she spoke, "Laohu's quite fond of you, even if he doesn't admit it." Laohu chuffed slightly swishing his tail, "Letting out my secrets are you?" He said before Xiao Hui shook her head, as she smiled at Haku and then Rin.


Soon, looking down little animal, she observed him, seeing that he looked familiar but she couldn't figure out why or how. Regardless, she adored the little thing as she continued giggling at his antics. However, before she got too distracted, Xiao Hui looked behind Rin as she saw Zoe and the agent (Raven). "Zoe! You're here." Her eyes lighting up even more, She teased, keeping a light hearted tone in her voice at Zoe, hoping she would understand that she wasn't being serious, "Just kidding, but, I'm sorry for worrying you, Zoe. Come and sit down?" Xiao Hui asked, as she patted on the bed next to her, "There's room for everyone to come and sit instead of huddling by the door, makes me feel like you're going to run away from me." She joked, feeling maybe Lea had rubbed off on her in a good way since she's feeling quite upbeat and playful today. As she laughed slightly once more before turning her attention towards the woman next to Zoe, Xiao Hui observed her posture and expression, wondering if the woman was from the army or military recently. Greeting her, Xiao Hui smiled sheepishly, "I wish we could have met properly on better conditions but seeing that I can only stay here and greet you, I apologize." She said politely before continuing, "If Laohu told me correctly, you were the one that helped Lea and thought of a plan to save me from falling, wasn't it?" Xiao Hui asked rhetorically before bowing her head slightly, "Thank you for helping me and catching my fall." She said sincerely before lifting her head up, "I know you guys are probbaly wondering why I was up there." Xiao Hui observed as she looked at the new a get before glancing around the room, taking a deep breathe. "Well, if the plan hadn't worked, from everyone firing their pistols or making their noises and distractions. Laohu and I would have been the back up plan, of course a rather reckless one, but since we didn't have a plan to take down a beast that was a myth until last night, it was a risk to take. Thankfully we didn't need to use that plan, since it require me. . well. . riding and jumping on Nian's back, paralyzingly him." Xiao Hui spoke, only to feel dryness in her mouth as she sipped on her water as Laohu continued for her, "But, we couldn't have thought Nian would blindly use the roof as an exit, knocking Hui out of the way in the process. He was utterly unpredictable, that one, I believe even if we had a plan or not, facing the beast would have only worked if we actually knew what it was thinking." Laohu finished before the both of them let the idea sink into their minds. As the silence began, Xiao Hui looked at the animal again, placing the water down on the table , as she left the small animal in her arms, kissing the top of his head. "How did we find you?" She wondered out loud, before looking at Alec, feeling happiness radiating off of her because he checked up on her but also the fact she had company for the first time in her life. Even if she gets scolded for her behavior, she only had done it in case things went awry, even if it meant she got hurt. Changing the subject, Xiao Hui looked around the room, eyeing the furniture and the spacious area of the hotel. It was quite kind of them to allow the Watch Agents to stay here, even more so that the medical team set up seemed more advanced and professional. She had yet to greet or see any of the medical team. "Is everyone relaxing? I never got a chance to check the hotel. What do that have here?" Xiao Hui wondered out loud before laying back on the bed, resting her body as she let the little cat like animal lay in her arms. She felt a little tired from sitting up too much as she stopped talking to let the others talk. She felt quite chatty today as Laohu noticed the same thing, but didn't find anything wrong with that, if anything, he was glad she wasn't as reserve as she was before.


With: @SilverFlight @andujarprime @Kharmin @DawnAntalios


Mentions: @Bolts @Lioness075


 
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<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c921de8cf_Raven_Hyde_35.jpg.a81e30ce1ed3dc2336bb751575490042.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="118266" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c921de8cf_Raven_Hyde_35.jpg.a81e30ce1ed3dc2336bb751575490042.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>Raven Hyde


The elevator doors closed and left them in an uneasy silence which the blonde nervously broke. Zoe spoke of death as someone who had encountered it in much of the same fashion as Raven; however, Raven knew death more intimately than Zoe could possibly know. She still had the scars to prove it but Raven was never one to brag about her past, especially that part of it.


As Zoe waxed on in her train of thought Raven realized how similar it was to the people that had been brought to see her during her psychiatric sessions at Fort Bragg. The doctor had wanted Raven to know that she wasn't alone in her struggles to deal with the hell that she had miraculously survived. The stories, like Zoe's, had been all the same: strife, struggle and the fleeting dance too close to death. Raven listened, but never heard. No one would ever completely or truly know.


At Zoe's resolution as Raven's comrade-in-arms, the dark haired captain merely nodded in understanding. She was reluctant to allow this person to commit themselves to such a partnership but Raven reminded herself that it wasn't really her choice. The psychiatrist warned her that re-engaging with people would process entirely new emotional ties and that Raven couldn't disassociate herself forever – it wasn't healthy. That argument was what got Raven to accept assignment to the Watch and the red fur-ball Kitsune, and she wasn't all too pleased with how that had all worked out so far.


But listening to Zoe's experiences, brief as they were, helped Raven to realize that the blonde woman knew more about their similar experiences, at least more so than anyone else with whom Raven had deigned spend any time.


They walked down the corridor with the dizzying printed, commercial grade carpet toward the rooms quartered off as their make-shift infirmary. The hum of the ice maker next to the soda machine buzzed loudly as the antiquated compressor labored to make its inevitable plight known. One room, the TV blared loudly as they passed, as some detached talking head pontificated on the morning's early stock trading. It was too early for the cleaning services to start, so their progress to Xiao's room wasn't held up by carts overflowing with cheap towels.


They paused outside of the door as Zoe made her proposal. Raven crossed her arms casually as she considered the implications of it. "I'm not much of a hand-to-hand fighter, quite honestly," Raven replied. She lifted the .357 from its holster at her hip and held it flat in the palm of her hand. The aged weapon bore the scars and pits in its metal that defined its well-worn use. The grip had been redone but was still smooth with wear. For being so inanimate, the pistol was alive with history and perhaps was a more adequate representation of the one who wielded it.


"I'm a shooter," Raven said as she offered the cold, steel weapon for Zoe's inspection. "It's the only thing I've ever been any good at." Raven shrugged as if the point weren't all that relevant. "I've never put much stock in being close enough to my enemy to touch them."


Pistol returned, Raven eased it back into its holster. "Any gun, really," she added and patted the .357, "although this one and I have ... well, we've been through a lot together and I know that I can trust it to do what it's supposed to do, when it's supposed to do it."


"I've not found anything else as reliable, not even my companion," she said and sighed in mild exasperation. "But, I suppose it's time I started looking again, so yes, I would be willing to spar some with you."


Raven acknowledged Alec's approach with a curt nod, then with a slight wave of her arm indicated that she and Zoe should follow him into the room.


The scene shouldn't have shocked her, but it did. It wasn't that Xiao was strapped up six ways to Sunday in a bed with a bevvy of med-tech equipment plugged into or around her – actually, there wasn't much here at all. No, instead it was the sight of one of their team (my team, Raven had to remind herself) that was wounded that caused her to pause. She remained a pace behind Alec and Zoe so as not to crowd Xiao with too many people at once.


She seemed in good care with Laohu acting as her attendant although Raven was sure that the injuries would be quite painful. Nothing like what I had, she recalled, shuddered, and immediately buried the memories again.


Then, the cat-creature bolted past them all in a white flash of fur followed by an apologetic and rather spry Duik. The thing was lofted to the bed by Alec where it immediately set about endearing itself to Xiao. Raven still didn't trust it and her expression darkened with how readily accepted it was with the rest of the Watch.


Her attention was distracted with Rin's introduction. "Capt... er, um I mean Raven," she replied and nodded to both Rin and Haku. "Raven Hyde. Sorry, habit and all." She shrugged off the thanks; honestly everyone thanking her was getting unnerving. "I was just doing what I was trained to do," she explained.


Soon the room became uncomfortably crowded with everyone visiting the infirm, after all it was a hotel and not a real hospital. From the door frame, Raven stood in her casual, military pose and let the conversation swirl around at the periphery of her focus. She maintained a watchful gaze on the cat-thing, ready to move at a moment's notice.


Laohu's commentary interrupted her vigil when he mentioned others having been in the military. Raven was sure that the comment was directed at her, but Xiao's companion didn't seem to be paying particular attention to the ex-captain at the door.


When Xiao's attention turned to her, Raven, again, deflected the gratitude by repeating that she had just been doing her job. The answer to why Xiao had been up in the rafters didn't fully make sense to her, but then there really wasn't any plan going in to the club to begin with so Raven simply discounted the explanation.


As they turned back to the new-found cat-creature, Raven silently excused herself from the room.


@DawnAntalios @SilverFlight @crucialstar @andujarprime

 

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Simon leaned forward letting his arms hold up hos huge frame as he listened to Leandra and Falarion. After Leandra sighed and mentioned "mushy" stuff going on, Simon was smiling from ear to ear. He slapped his knee with a free hand and began to laugh harder than he had in a while. This went on for a good 10 to 15 seconds, before Simon began wiping tears from his eyes and looked back to Leandra. He may not be able to pick up on everything that goes on around him, sometimes having things fly right over his head, but Lea's attitude reminded him so much of his sister at that moment it was hard fro him to miss.


"Jeeze ,phew, that was good. Even my thick skull could pick up on the jealousy there Lea."


He smiled at her while he talked. But when he finished his smile slowly got smaller until it was more of a sad smile as he looked back to the pool, seeing BB had moved on to conversing with Fie now.


"Team romance is dangerous. If something happened to the other, which in our line of work happens more often than a happy ending. Or things begin to deteriorate from the inside, the mood effects the team, the team begin to fall apart, then everything just crumbles away."


The more he talked, the more serious he got. Almost a bit eerie how serious Simon was at that moment. He looked back up, but it was more like he was focusing on something that was invisible to everyone else but him.


"Don't think about it too much Lea, chances are, it will all fall apart in the end anyways."


Jimbo had been watching from the other side of the pool the entire time Simon was speaking to Leandra. Listening to what he was saying, Jimbo began to push at the bond between him and Simon to bring Simon's focus to the present, and like a light switch, Simon realised that what he had said to Leandra and how it probably sounded. He tried to think for a moment how to back peddle a bit, but decided that he would rather just change the subject altogether. Clearing his throat and trying to perk up his attitude as he talked.


"Eh hem, anyways, thanks for last night by the way. You, Zoe, and Beth were fantastic with Marie-Lynn. Sorry about where the.....story......went. Hope it didn't make you too uncomfortable."


Jimbo sighed and shook his head as he picked at a few straggler berries left on the fruit tray he had grabbed. He looked up at the sound of hooves on pavement to see Eos joining the group for breakfast and simply nodded to the stag.


@Lioness075 (mentioned) @Bolts @Epiphany @Peaceswore @DawnAntalios
 
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"Hey Rin, Haku." Alec greeted them with a raised hand. "I hope I didn't shake you up too much running around like a lunatic last night." He said apologetically to the viper. He had genuinely felt bad, as soon as Duik had been in danger, it was all he had thought about.


@andujarprime


"Oooh Nightmares." Duik leaned forward and put his dark muzzle on the bed like a worried dog.


"If you like I can mix you some relaxing sleepy-time music...or I could always sing to you." He grinned.


"Or Al--"


"Don't, finish that." Alec interrupted, already slightly embarrassed as the others in the room heard. "I'm fine Xiao, no injuries." Then he smiled, "Nope, when it comes to worrying I will fight you for the title." He stuck his tongue out at her playfully, but his eyes spoke of genuine relief that she was all right, and despite the nightmare, in good spirits.


"His name is Kit." Duik announced like a proud father as the little animal purred all the louder under Xiao's touch. He then attempted to climb to Xiao's shoulder. Being as big as a full-grown cat the maneuver was a little awkward, with Kit curling his tail under Xiao's nose like a white, fluffy mustache.


Duik snorted, trying and failing to keep a straight face.


Alec felt Xiao's gaze on him as she asked how Kit was found. "Duik found him, about when he dove for the side stage and got caught in the debris fall. Though speaking of the little runt, I have an errand to run...I was hoping you'd be well enough to come with me, but by the looks of things I think you'd better stay here."


Kit was now happily perched across her shoulders and showed no intention of leaving. "You can babysit if you like."


Alec explained about the kitten formula, and how Kit wasn't eating enough on his own. "But when I get back, maybe he'll take a bottle from you."


He rose and moved to the door. "Maia speaks Mandarin right?" He thought he remembered her speaking to the doorman the night before.


Duik made no move to get up. "I'm staying with Kit." He announced stubbornly. Alec frowned, but the hyena seemed adamant.


"Come on, what's going to happen to me in the hotel? I promise I won't get caught under anymore rubble okay?"


"D..." He sighed, suddenly looking much more tired. "Fine."


@crucialstar @DawnAntalios @Kharmin @Epiphany (mentioned)
 
<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c92240a7d_Great-Fox-Wallpaper_15.jpg.bf7a3b069df8ffb6a9063775cdb34287.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="118282" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c92240a7d_Great-Fox-Wallpaper_15.jpg.bf7a3b069df8ffb6a9063775cdb34287.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Kitsune


"Oh, hi Luness," Kitsune said happily, but his ears drooped a bit under the phoenix's praise. He glanced toward the shaded area, but saw that Raven had left the courtyard.


"No, it wasn't brave," he said as a more dour mood sat heavy on his furry shoulders. "It was stupid and risky. I should have waited for more help. I put myself in jeopardy and if I had been caught then who know how many others in the team might have been put at additional risk in then trying to rescue me. I knew better, but I did it anyway." Kitsune sighed, looked at the plate of sausages and then turned away from them having once again lost his appetite.


At mention of his new name-sake, Kitsune looked toward the cat-creature and inwardly grimaced. Perhaps it wasn't such an honor after all since the thing would now forever remind him of his ridiculously stupid act. Raven was right; he was a dumb companion who would never get it right. Maybe it would be better for her if he were replaced.


The thing about it, though, is that Kitsune honestly liked Raven but their joining had occurred so late in her life that the simpatico relationship was taking some serious growing pains. They were told that it would take time – more time, in fact, than most – and they should be extra patient with one another. Kitsune had been thrilled at the aspect of the joining, but now ... ?


@Lioness075

 

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Zoe looked at Raven with a tentative smile. By looking at the girl she had realized that her speech did not have as big of an impact on her than she had hoped it would. She realized that she had her scars of her own, perhaps rivaling or even surpassing her own dark memories of the past. She knew not how to reach out for her, how to help her to ease into a trusting position where they could be true allies... but perhaps it was neither the place nor the time for that. She nodded happily as she explained that she was a shooter herself.


" I do prefer ranged weapons as well... but to be honest I am using a bow, as strange as it might sound. I craft my arrows from titanium and special alchemical essences to have the most lethal weapon possible... I just thought to learn how to use guns as well, they have their own advantageous perks I would not mind to reap. In any case I am glad that you are willing... it should be fun to an extent. "


As they waited around she noticed Alec's arrival and she smiled at the boy, following him into the infirmary. When she saw Xiao and what stage she was in her heart sank as it seemed to be a rather painful restraint to be bound to bed like this. She remembered the last mission when she was the one who was forced to be in a bed for a while... for her it was hell incarnate.


She listened to Alec's concerns and she smiled. They were truly an adorable couple... well at least they looked after each other and Alec always blushed when Xiao was around... or was mentioned for that matter. As they were talking Rin and Haku made their appearance and she welcomed them with a respectful bow.


" Thank you for coming here. " she said " I hope you too are all right. "


With that she turned to Xiao as she spoke to her.


" It seems the tables have turned now. " she said with a sardonic smile " It is you who are bound to the bed now and I am here to make sure that you are not dead. But... " she looked around and nodded " It appears that you are in a great company already. "


She sighed as she listened to Xiao's explanation of her insane idea. To ride such a beast was lunacy to begin with but to endanger her life for such audacious, bold plan... to be fair she would have done the same so she could not blame her at all. Shaking her head she looked at the girl with serious concern. Before she could say anything the strange little animal arrived with Duik and the small pet climbed on top of Xiao, cuddling and purring with her as everyone watched them in awe. Zoe frowned.


" You seriously can not do something like that without telling us first. " she said " We were prepared for most things but not everything, especially not an attack from such a monstrous creature. We could have been seriously injured by it! "


She paused.


" Raven was right, we should have had an organized plan, to adept to all situations. I would like to hear your opinion in the... "


She turned around, her eyes looking for the militaristic girl but she could not see her anywhere. It appeared that she had left them alone and that made Zoe's heart shrivel in fear. She had an eerie deja vu from this... the same thing happened to her when she initially joined the group and it did not go well - she remembered how much she had to go through to be remotely close to everyone else... she did not want anyone else to suffer such fate. Looking around the room she stood up from her chair.


" Please excuse me, I have something that I must do. " and before running outside she turned to Xiao, smiling " Get better, Xiao. Recuperate fast. " and thus she hurried away.


She hastened her steps as she looked left and right, her eyes scanning for Raven - and eventually she found her.


" Raven, wait! " she exclaimed as she finally caught up with the girl, slowing down as she got near her. When she stopped her breathing normalized and finally she was able to look into the eye of the girl and speak.


" I know what you must feel. " she said with a serious tone " Though I know not what happened to you in the past I can relate to your feeling - the feeling of suffocation when too many people clump up in one place and they try to drown you in happiness and team spirit. When you are forced to join a new company but you know not how to. "


She put her hand on her heart as she spoke.


" I have gone through this. I am still going through this - but I will be damned if I allow anyone else to suffer the same fate as I did. " she walked up to her. " I know that you are a seasoned soldier and that you value discipline, order and tactics over fooling around. That team spirit is as important to you as a successful mission would be. "


She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts.


" I can not ask you to open up, nor would I force you to socialize - I am unable to do it myself. " she now looked in hr eyes " I just want you to know that Xiao's survival is your triumph, more so than you credit yourself for it. That you have expressed your concern towards her meant more than just the sense of duty, it was not 'only your job' or 'the right thing to do' - it means that you are the part of this team now. You are a part of this family. "


She realized that she had spoken perhaps too much again and was unsure how Raven would take this myriad of ideas, compliments and thoughts she was showering at her. Instead, she saluted at her respectfully, looking at her with a firm, stoic face.


" Thank you once again for helping, Raven. We did not have time to properly know each other for the circumstances were rather dire when we have first met. Because of this I want you to officially welcome you in the team. "


She offered her hand for a shake with a smile on her expression.


" Welcome to the team, Agent. You are now one of us. "


@SilverFlight @crucialstar @andujarprime @Kharmin
 
Seeing Beth frown after standing up in her flip flops, Manjano tilted his head slightly to the side before asking softly, "What is it?"


While Beth shuffled to the mirror and began brushing her hair, Manjano began to feel awkward again, as he wasn't really sure what to do beyond awkwardly stand there while Beth brushed her hair. Where was Falarion to break the awkward silences when he needed him?


With a better view of the ragged sweatshirt, Manjano felt an urge again to ask about it and opened his mouth to do so only for Beth to ask about the others.


Shifting his attention to her face instead of her sweatshirt, Manjano merely shrugged and then said, "I don't know."


As it were, Manjano had wandered about earlier, but had only seen a select few, Alec, Duik and the cat-like creature, earlier. He had no idea who else was awake and up by now.


Watching her fix up her hair with Totus tugged at the corners of his mouth, as Manjano nearly smiled. They were like the perfect partners for one another.


When Beth inspected her back, Manjano couldn't help it when a subtle gasp escaped from his lips. It looked almost mutilated with how bad the bruising looked and Manjano instantly feared for someone even touching her. Instantly, Manjano feared that Simon would slap Beth on the back for some reason and hurt her more. Random though, but still.


Biting the inside of his cheek so he didn't say anything about it (he was quickly catching onto Beth's stubbornness), Manjano almost blinked in slight surprise when Beth suddenly changed the subject to food. Then again, he really shouldn't have been so surprised. He did stuff like that all the time with Falarion (though it probably worked better than doing it to Totus considering Falarion certainly had some degree of ADHD).


Nodding at Beth, Manjano opened his mouth to respond, but instead found himself blushing slightly when she joined his side. It made sense that he should help her along, but it still, well, surprised him.


Offering his hand to her, Manjano then half smiled at her while waiting to escort her to the elevator and then to the poolside buffet he'd seen earlier.


@Flutterby


~~~~~


Leandra's face contorted into an expression of confusion when Simon began abruptly laughing. Was it something she'd said?


Falarion matched Leandra's face, as he wasn't entirely sure what was even going on to begin with.


Hearing Simon finally explain himself, Leandra's face instantly became as red as a tomato, as she sputtered, "W-what? I-I have no idea what you're talking about, Simon!"


Falarion's head quickly began to swivel, as he looked between Leandra and Simon, trying really hard to follow their conversation now. Though, his face was comically serious, as serious expressions just never quite looked right on the maned wolf's face.


Remaining completely embarrassed by what Simon had said, Leandra almost missed his change of demeanor until he began speaking to her about team romance. Blinking, Leandra's face seemed to regain some of its more normal color, as she listened to Simon's tone and noticed the way his smile even seemed...different. What in the world had caused such a change in his attitude like that?


Listening to Simon's suddenly moody talk, Leandra shifted a bit uncomfortably where she was sitting and was pleasantly surprised when Falarion nudged her shoulder with his head in an attempt to comfort her. Smiling softly at him, Leandra began scratching behind his ears while Simon continued to speak.


At the mention of things falling apart in the end, Leandra's expression almost mirrored Simon's one from moments ago, as she responded, "Whether or not I like it or you do, people are still going to fall in love. We can't avoid that kinda stuff from happening, especially when teammates are just meeting one another. It's bound to happen, in my opinion. We also have no idea if they'll end up falling apart. That's mere speculation and..." Leandra paused to meet Simon's gaze before continuing, "I have a strong feeling that you're saying this based off of personal experience, Simon."


Sighing, Leandra added, "Y'know, if you ever want to talk about it, I do enjoy listening to people talk about themselves so long as they aren't trying too hard to make themselves look amazing. Most people have far more exciting lives than my brother and I had while growing up."


When Simon seemingly got distracted by something, Leandra glanced to the side and then muttered under her breath, "I already gave up on romantic interests years ago, anyways It was just a false hope among many others."


Hearing Simon clearing his throat, Leandra glanced up at him and then blinked in surprise when he quickly, and almost painfully, changed the subject. Touchy subject then.


Luness had faintly felt Leandra's comfort from where she was with Kitsune, but she had decided to stay back, as she knew that Leandra preferred to handle situations on her own unless she asked Luness for help. She was just stubborn like that.


Shrugging at Simon, Leandra replied with a slight grin, "Eh, it usually takes a lot more than that to kill my mood. Don't worry about it, Simon."


Fully grinning now, Leandra added, "Please don't ever make me try to befriend the bitchy rich lady again, though. I have a horrible history with rich, prissy adults and the such."


At this point, Falarion had lost interest in the conversation and was no longer getting any scratches behind his ear, so he lay down near Leandra's abandoned plate and began absentmindedly pushing a grape from one side of the plate to the other.


@zCrookedz


~~~~~


Luness tilted her head to the side curiously when Kitsune's mood dropped almost immediately after he heard what she'd said to him. He clearly didn't handle praise all too well. That, or he was believing what someone else was telling him. Leandra had been that way many times before when she was younger.


Shaking her head at Kitsune's response, Luness then straightened her head before saying, "Dear, those are risks one must be willing to take in order to protect those closest to them, else nobody will ever go above and beyond to save anyone on this team. If nobody went above and beyond, then would Xiao and Duik even be here right now?"


Shaking her head at Kitsune's pessimistic outlook, Luness added, "Dear, if you hadn't been courageous and made what you consider a stupid move, Duik might be dead right now. Same with Kit, our new cat-like companion. Those two owe you their lives. I can't imagine anyone here is actually mad or upset with you for helping the team."


Not knowing Raven all too well, Luness was oblivious to the conflict those two seemed to share.


@Kharmin
 
Maia Asim


@Bolts


The British girl watched Barry rise for writing implements and took advantage of the opportunity to actually eat some of her breakfast. She tucked into it with a healthy appetite, fuel required to make up for not only this morning's workout but last night's activity. Stretching experimentally, she winced slightly and rubbed her right side. The table hadn't left too much of a mark since it'd landed flat across her. All that glass on the floor had sliced up her side a bit. Nothing that wouldn't mend in a few days, thankfully, but still a bit bothersome this morning.


She watched Barry write with unfeigned interest. And she laughed at his description of the hummingbird, her nose crinkling with her smile. "First mission, is it? Well you did alright then. Not too shaken I hope? They're not all like that, I promise. Mythics are about as hard as they come. No, most animals lose their intellect when their partner dies. For the Rogues, them that seem to keep a glimmer, it makes them cunning but it doesn't make them bullet proof. Not like that Nian anyway."


@Bolts @zCrookedz (mention) @Lioness075 (mention)


"So Simon's in charge then." She craned her neck over towards the pool where the big man sat next to the standoffish Leandra. "Surprising. After that business in Singapore, I didn't ever expect to see him in the field again. We crossed paths once...what, five years ago or so? Six? Early days in the Watch for me. Doubt he remembers me, though. Anyway, it's good to see him in the ranks again. Good man. Good head on his shoulders."


"Anyway, it's tempting to talk up what I've done on assignment. The truth is, it's often grunt work. Chasing down leads, shaking bushes so to speak to see what falls out. You've served and that's good and all. But don't think this job's military 'cause it's not. Not really. It takes a delicate touch as often or more than a closed fist." Which Maia demonstrated by tapping her glass before flashing out another wicked quick punch just above it, fast enough to rock the vessel with the passage of her hand. Dressed in blue jeans, a t-shirt and a stocking cap, she might seem little more than a casually dressed tourist visiting a foreign country. But the swift ferocity of the motion dispelled a bit of the illusion, revealing the competitive martial artist underneath. "The Watch wouldn't assign you here if you didn't have something to offer," she added. And just like that, she smiled gently and seemed completely innocuous once more.


@DawnAntalios @Bolts


When the stag approached her, Maia pushed back her chair slightly and grinned up at the taller animal. "Eos, is it? Maia Asim. That nutter over there's Ahmose," she gestured to the Snow Leopard lounging on a lounger.


"We've met. Briefly. An honor, Eos," the great cat said in a dryly amused tone as she set her book aside. "For us. Dubious honor for you if you spend much time around that one."


"Shouldn't have picked me then for a companion, you tosser."


"They bribed me," Ahmose said loftily.


Maia rolled her eyes. "Anyway, you know Barry I assume. He's nice. Friends are good, yeah? Job's hard enough, no point in handling it all yourself is there. And yeah, I've been at it a few years now. My whole career actually. For as long as I'm with your team, you'll have my best."


Eos' mention of the glass lifted the British girl's eyebrows. "Oh, the bottles on the floor were your idea?" she asked Barry. Then she gave him a thumb's up. "Nice one. Good thinking, that. Most animals have callused feet but most don't walk on pavement or tile. I'm fairly sure you slowed it up some, that Nian I mean. Maybe more than my pistol did anyway."


And then the question on mythics again. Maia sighed and blew a stray lock of curly brown hair that'd fallen out from beneath her purple stocking cap. "Right. A bit. Worked with an agent partnered with a unicorn if you can believe it. Nice girl. Not too friendly, though, if you know what I mean." She winked. "Faced, though? A Chimera, once. Orders were to take it alive so I ended up running from it and leading it on until it came after me into a cage we'd boxed up for it. And then he was boxed better than a Christmas cracker." She chuckled in fond memory. "It was scary. Nothing quite like last night, though. We'd chosen the terrain and it wasn't terribly sentient, not like these Rogues."


"How about you, Eos? Any stories to tell of you and your...Zoe was it?"
 
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