Fantasy Code FERAL

[SilverFlight]

The loud patter of water on an open umbrella echoed down the empty cafeteria corridor. Signs of a a scuffle were littered in places, and signs that it had moved on were also there. A tall, slender man surveyed the destruction with a tip-lipped frown. He lifted a small com link to his lips, the scene reflecting off his dark-tinted sunglasses.


"Wrap up here. We need to leave before we attract more attention."


Several more men appeared behind him, their partners large polar bears. He told them to collect the targets Natalie had picked out.


"The helepad three blocks west." He was a local of Beijing, and quite powerful in his own right, but today he was running errands for his boss.


Once Leandra and Laohu had been delicately collected the man stepped up to Natalie carefully.


"Nice work." He said shortly. "Will you be riding with us?"


He turned back and invited the woman to walk with them, leaving through a side door and out to several waiting cars.


@DawnAntalios


"Come on buddy," Duik said to Fie. "We'll be your backup, but the stuff's happening downstairs. We gotta go see if they need help!"


He returned to the others, Rin, Haku and Xiao also to find Barry had appeared.


"The elevator's not gonna work because of the fire system." Duik said, shaking water from his thick coat. "It'll have to be the stairs."


He lead the way, keeping close to the interior of them, and out of sight from anyone who was waiting below. No one was.


In the distance he could hear sounds of a fight. It sounded like Simon.


When they got closer Duik could hardly believe what he was seeing. A hamster?! But it was moving like someone had flung a bouncy ball on the floor as hard as they could. It was almost too fast to track! Duik nearly cheered as Simon caught the rodent in a glass vase but caught himself as the animal's partner stepped into view. The man had his back to Duik, preoccupied with Simon and Duik took that chance to surprise him.


"Hyenaball!!" He yelled and whooped as he leapt from the top of the flight right onto the man's broad shoulders. Duik was smaller than most hyenas, but he was by no means little. At 100 pounds he could stagger even a well-trained man with his weight.


Suddenly something buzzed over the thug's com link "Wrap up here."


@crucialstar @andujarprime @Bolts @Peaceswore @DawnAntalios

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c96cdb4ef_Raven_Kitsune_35.jpg.fe3112f2962ae254674181e1fa1468ee.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="121097" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_04/57a8c96cdb4ef_Raven_Kitsune_35.jpg.fe3112f2962ae254674181e1fa1468ee.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Raven and Kitsune


"Good sport?" Kitsune mockingly retorted to Umbra. He had juked to the side at the falcon's attack but his injured foreleg hadn't held up to the move and the bird scored across his flank with its claws. "Come on down here and I'll make more than good sport." He scowled and turned his body to protect his injured flank as he limped on his bad leg.


Then, from the edge of his vision, Kitsune witnessed the fireball that was an eagle which was now heading for Raven. Incoming! his mind screamed at his companion while he returned his full attention on Umbra, well above and out of his reach.


Raven sensed, rather than saw, the tumbling, partly charred eagle that had been unceremoniously flung in her direction. The link between her and Kitsune hadn't yet fully formed, but his mental cry of alarm was enough to divert her attention to the new threat. She whipped her left hand up to deflect the avian missile and it clanged harmlessly off of the 9mm. The impact was almost enough to knock the weapon from Raven's hand, but her training took over and the gun only slightly faltered in her grip.


The bodyguard on the ground took advantage of the distraction and rolled away from Raven. Painfully, he rose to his good knee and from the waistband behind his back, he produced a thin taser-rod. Although smaller than a cattle prod, it would be quite effective on whomever met the business end of the device.


Raven spun back to the man and raised her pistol in his direction as she shook her head and tut-tutted at his bringing a taser to a gun fight. "Kit," she tossed casually over her shoulder, "hurry up and finish with the birds already."


"Right, captain," Kitsune breathed with a bit of labor and a slight roll of his eyes. This had been a bit more than he had bargained for, especially since he hadn't been able to enjoy his breakfast. His eyes darted from the falcon that wheeled and swooped overhead to the smouldering eagle that now struggled to re-launch itself into the air. If he charged the one on the ground, then the one above was sure to have an easy strike; on the other hand, if he kept his focus on the falcon then the eagle would make its escape. Well, Mr. Ramesh, Kitsune thought as yet another quote from his seemingly inexhaustible repository came to mind, you were right: 'there is never a good time for tough decisions.'


Without time to make a proper choice, Kitsune went after the eagle on the ground. A bird in hand... he thought as he tried to ignore the pain in his leg and flank. As the eagle frantically took flight, Kitsune leaped with his two, good rear legs and clamped his jaws down on the bird's taloned foot. Again, the fox fell to the ground in a clumsy heap with a bird in his teeth. He winced at the pain on impact, but held firm to the eagle. As the large bird of prey thrashed in a bid to break free, Kitsune rolled them along the ground until his good forepaw pinned the eagle's head to the turf while he kept his teeth firmly locked on its leg. The other clawed foot flailed and scratched at Kitsune's chest and face but the fox bore it without complaint, lest he lose his position of advantage.


Kitsune's opposite eye glared up at Umbra almost daring the falcon to make its move.


@DawnAntalios @Lioness075

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon stared down the man before him, his fists raised ready to block whatever he had. The goon mimicked Simons stance almost perfectly, something Simon had not counted on. None the less, he made the first move. Stepping in with his right, Simon dropped his shoulder and swung a right hook at the man's lower body. The goon dropped his left arm almost immediately and Simon's fist collided with the man's elbow.


His attack was not so easily slowed. Simon withdrew his arm like lightning and was ready with the either while the man recovered his own arm. Simons left arm aimed straight for the man's lowered head and shot forward faster than the blink of an eye. But when Simon's fist felt nothing but air at the end of the strike, he then got worried. The goon had continued to lower his head and lean forward so that Simon's punch missed entirely.


Now it was his turn. The goon was poised under Simon, and before Simon could react with his arm extended, the man jabbed upward at Simons abdomen. Fist met flesh, and Simon wished he had more on than just his workout clothing now. He felt a rib break under the mans punch, the pain of which sent Simon stumbling backwards gasping for air. He could hear the man chuckle as he lifted himself right again and began to walk forward toward Simon.


Simon blinked for a moment as he tried to steady his breathing, and after he blinked he noticed something different about the goon. He now had a hyena attached to his back who had sent the goon into a panic trying to get him off. Simon did not waste time, lurching forward with Duik distracting the man he reared back his right arm while his left was draped around the rib he was sure was broken now, and sent it flying toward the man.


The goon, finally grabbing hold of Duik, bent over to throw the hyena off of him at a near by wall. He was however too late to stop Simon. He turned just in time to see Simon's callused knuckles reach the bridge of his nose right between the eyes. The goon went tumbling backwards, ass over end until he was stopped with a loud THUD as he collided with the side of the front desk.


The other goon who had been chasing after Jimbo with his guns, nearly lept from his skin when his comrade collided with the desk. After hearing the call for a retreat, he had stowed one of the TEC-9's away and had stepped over to the other side of the desk with the gun pointed at Jimbo. He never said anything, but after the other man hit the desk, he motioned towards the hamster in Jimbo's hand, which Jimbo slowly handed over so he wasn't shot right then and there.


"Up, monkey."


Jimbo scowled at him and slowly climbed out from under the desk. The man held out his hand for the hamster, which Jimbo handed over to him still wrapped in tape. Then the man motioned for Jimbo to walk out from around the desk, which he followed as Simon gritted his teeth in anger at the man holding his brother hostage.


"Here's what's gonna happen right. I'm gonna get my boy, AND his partner, and we are walking out of here. Anyone moves, the chimp gets it."


Simon and Jimbo's eyes met for a moment, as the man moved forward with his hostage and went to lift his fallen comrade. After draping his arm over his shoulder, he made his way over towards the vase Simon had captured the hamster in, all the while his gun still pointed at Jimbo.


He knocked over the vase, allowing the hamster inside to climb up the pants leg of his partner and the goon began to back away from the group slowly. It wasn't until he was out of the front door that Jimbo and Simon exhaled and the pair felt the weight of the situation begin to lift.


Simon, still clutching his abdomen which had begun to bruise a nice purple color, leand against the wall and slowly slid down until he was sitting on the ground. He looked over to Duik and gave him a grateful smile.


"Thanks for that Duik, guy would have had my number had you not stepped in."


Jimbo lumbered over towards Simon and Duik, looking very displeased having been used as leverage in the situation.


"Where the hell did those guys come from? What the hell did they want?"


@DawnAntalios (for the goons) @SilverFlight @anyoneelseinthelobby.

 

[Lioness075]

While taking the brief moment of calm to catch her breath and fly in place, Luness watched as her partly burnt eagle flew right at the bodyguard...in time for Raven to take him out and instead have the eagle crash into her. Great.


Shaking her head at this and chirruping, Luness then watched Kitsune get attacked by the falcon before he shifted his attention to the now downed eagle.


Taking this moment, since the falcon was clearly not paying attention to her, Luness dove to the side so she'd be less likely seen by the falcon on her approach, and then she let out a terrifying screech before igniting her own body and flying straight at the falcon.


Now it was time to end this before it got any worse for anyone else in the area.


@DawnAntalios @Kharmin


~~~~~


Bubbles could be seen on the pool surface, as Manjano wrestled with the bodyguard underwater.


Slow punches were thrown and soon Manjano grappled with the bodyguard and managed to get him in a chokehold.


As the man punched at him and even scratched at his face, Manjano gritted his teeth and only squeezed tighter until the man eventually slowed down and then stopped moving altogether.


A sudden burst of bubbles came from Manjano's mouth, as his vision darkened and he quickly realized he'd been underwater for far too long.


Struggling to the surface, Manjano then broke it with a big gasp before slumping on the side of the pool with his lower body still submerged.


Choking up water, Manjano feebly moved his head so he could see the group fighting in the courtyard, as he hoped that Manjano was faring well on his own.


~~~~~


As it were, Falarion was indeed faring well, as his enemy soon was no longer moving and lay in a pool of his own blood.


Releasing his grip on the man's throat now that he was dead, Falarion took an unsteady step backwards and surveyed the area to see if he could help anyone.


Blood soaked the fur around his muzzle and drops had splattered along his face and shoulders, too. He was definitely going to need a bath after this.


Hey, Manny, are you okay?


Tired...but okay. You?


My chest hurts...I think I broke a rib or something. Ow.


You'll be fine. We've got good doctors on our team.


Speaking of doctors, where's Leandra? I haven't seen her for a while now.


...She went into the cafeteria with Laohu, right?


Yeah...do you think something happened?


Well, we did just get attacked by bodyguards.


Oh yeah.


~~~~~


Struggling to his feet from the pool and making an irritated face at the fact that he was completely soaked and needed a new change of clothes, Manjano made his way into the courtyard and quickly joined Falarion's side with a weary smile.


Looking around at the groups still fighting, Manjano took this moment to jog into the lobby area with Falarion limping at his side. His priority was his sister right now, not his teammates.


Seeing Simon, Jimbo, Duik, and Fie all gathered in the lobby, Manjano and Falarion walked up to the group before Falarion piped up, "Hey, do you guys know where Leandra and Laohu are? Or where the cafeteria is? We haven't seen either of them since the bodyguards attacked us."


@zCrookedz @SilverFlight @Peaceswore

 

[Bolts]

Barry looked at Xaio as she spewed questions at him. It was a times like these where he wished he could talk. Just to say something so they could get a move on. Luckily she seemed to understand that questions were not something to be asking right now. With Duik yelling at them about being backup, Barry stood by Xiao with Rin and Haku on the other. He made sure to keep watch on her just in case she were to fall over or some other means of harm. The point of him coming up here was to get her out of the building so no further harm could be done. He could hear the fighting going on downstairs as his comrades where fighting whoever the attackers were. He really wished he knew where BB was now though. Her being able to zip in and out of places would be good for getting the lay out of enemies. He carefully made sure Xiao would not slip on the stairs. The last thing a broken bone needs is a swift force.


@crucialstar @andujarprime


Out side, BB was trying to stay out of sight from the large birds outside, which included Totus. She flew around the building a few times and saw what seemed to be the hotel guests all around, at a safe distance, from the building. Her work here was done since there was no one else in harms way besides the trained troops that was her team. As she zipped around, she noticed the strangest sight. HOLY MOLE! She yelled which didn't mean much since the mass outside was as loud as can be. She saw behind the hotel a few drenched grunts lifting familiar bodies into a van. Oh no oh no oh nO! What do I do? What do I.. Wha? The grunts seemed to be unhurt like they had not been part of a fight. Did her team or for that matter Barry need help? She saw no one else coming out that she knew. Come on now, you're an agent! Yeah that's right, a butt kicking, devilishly beautiful agent! They got this but now it seems we got a little problem. You just gotta keep up! You just gotta do recon like before! Piece of cake... And I AM getting that cake from Zoe.. with her new found inspiration of cake on the line, she would follow the transport and make note of what was going on.





@SilverFlight @DawnAntalios

 

[Flutterby]

Totus watched as the other bird screeched and dove down to enter the hotel. He suddenly had a very, very bad feeling and followed behind the bird.


As he did, the fire alarm in the hotel went off, but there was no sign of smoke in the sky. Oh, no no no. Totus thought, as he guts wrenched. This is not a good thing; something is very wrong. The owl shoved his mind toward Beth's but all he felt was pure panic.


It seemed like a perfectly relaxing morning, at least to Beth, as she sat in her chair and tried not to shift around. She was thinking how nice it was to relax, when she got strange feelings from Totus. Distracted, she didnt notice something was going on, until the fire alarm went off. Manjano darted away, and Beth stood slowly as if to follow him. She intended to, but a group of people came darting out of the building. They looked like locals, in a mad dash to evacuate. She got stuck in between two of them. They jarred her back and forth as she tried to go the other direction, and it hurt so badly that she gave up. When she could, she got out of the way. But she was in some hallway with no idea where she was, and not even sure where the nearest exit was. Desperate, she reached out to Totus.


Totus.. I-I got stuck in a crowd, I have no idea where anyone is.


Its okay Beth, I will find you. Stay where you are.


Totus swooped in through the lobby. "Beth!" He shouted. Her mind was clouded with a combination of pain and medicines, and he could barely feel her. He flew back into the courtyard. "Elizabeth!" Totus swooped in through another door, and took a turn toward where he thought Beth was. After another, he found her standing in the middle of the hall, looking absolutely lost. He rushed to her, landing on her shoulder and rubbing his head against her cheek.


"What the hell happened Totus?" She whispered, as she began walking back the way he had come.


"I dont know, but whatever it was, wasnt good."


@everyone

 

[DawnAntalios]

Natalie watched with satisfaction as the girl finally gave in and fell asleep. She looked almost adorable as she slept there, helpless alongside with the tiger. She found it quite amusing - but her thoughts were interrupted when she heard footsteps nearby. Casually raising her head she turned towards the newcomer as she recognized her superior coming to check on the situation.


" Of course it was a nice work. " she said pompously " I was in charge of the mission, after all. "


She looked how they slowly moved the unconscious bodies of their targets with swift pace and she frowned. It was an interesting mission to test the mettle of her opponents... she was satisfied with the result on her end, she wondered if Umbra was just as successful as she was. Taking a deep breath she paused for a moment as she recollected her thoughts. When hearing the man inviting her to depart she nodded.


" I will be right behind you. " she said as she concentrated, her mind link establishing with her companion.


Umbra was quite satisfied with the carnage which was unfolding. He had half expected these goons to stop any reinforcements and repel every attempts of retaliation... but it seemed that quite the opposite happened. They were fighting, falling unconscious - even dead occasionally - on the ground, the strangers pummeling them left and right. He enjoyed this perhaps more than he should have - he himself held back, not wanting to oppose his mistress' will but these guards just seemed to be useless. Or, his opponents were quite strong, he did not know precisely.


A bit late did he notice the phoenix which like a flaming ball of death approached him with the intent of burning him to crisps. He, however, was more perceptive than the foolish eagle and was able to mostly avoid the attack - still few of his feathers got burnt from the assault, causing him to hiss in pain as he turned his attention towards the audacious bird. Instead of anger a hint of satisfaction appeared on his expression.


" So be it then! I shall challenge you, phoenix! " he exclaimed, flying towards her - but then he heard a demanding, serious voice in his head.


" We are leaving. " the voice of his companion rang in his mind just when he was about to attack the fox Kitsune once more " Tell those imbeciles to pull back - I will wait you outside. "


" As you wish. " Umbra whispered to himself aloud, letting out a loud, almost deafening screech which drew the attention of all the goons.


" We are done here. Those of you insufferable fools who can still move do so! " he turned towards his opponents, bowing his head. " It was nice to meet all of you. You were worthy opponents. Alas, we may meet again in the not so distant future... look forward to it. "


With that he laughed and soared through the air, vanishing from the building quickly, reuniting with his mistress. Lady N stroke his head, smiling.


" It seems they have managed to wound you, my dearest Umbra. Were they that good? "


" It was a battle worth remembering. " the falcon nodded " It was like a dream come true. "


The lady chuckled.


" Well then, I hope you will be prepared - I am sure they will miss their poor allies. "


And thus they vanished as they boarded the cars.


@SilverFlight


-----


Zoe and Eos finally managed to fend off every intruder they could when they retreated. The girl was still confused and did not fully understand what was going on. This attack seemed to be different from the other, there they needed to fend off 'only' a Nian - here they were cornered by many hulking agents who were quite strong - fortunately they were better.


" Are you all right? " Eos said, rustling his fur to get rid of the water after the fire alarms finally shut down.


" I think so. " Zoe responded, still baffled about the attack. She looked around, watching how everyone was doing " Nobody got injured, right? " she asked with hopeful words " Is everyone ok? "


@everyone

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/57a8c985434e6_Raven_Kitsune_35.jpg.dce9581c44a1ad1a21b37f94a34399ef.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="122009" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/57a8c985434e6_Raven_Kitsune_35.jpg.dce9581c44a1ad1a21b37f94a34399ef.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Raven/Kitsune


The brute with the taser rod realized his plight and was relieved to hear the call to withdraw. "Next time, girl," he spat at her as he struggled to hobble away from her.


"Until then," Raven replied and nodded toward his shot up knee, "you can keep the shrapnel as a momento." With the imminent threat crippled and retreating, she turned her attention to where Kitsune and the eagle still thrashed about on the ground. The bird was trying everything to get the fox to release its jaws which were still clamped tight on one taloned foot. The eagle flapped its wings, scratched with its free claw and tried to peck at Kitsune while the fox shifted and rolled them on the ground in effort to avoid all things sharp and pointy that the eagle brought to bear. The pain in his injured foreleg greatly hampered his movement.


Raven aimed the 9mm at the pair and waited for her shot. Through his unscratched eye, Kitsune saw her pointing her gun at them. "Hey! No!" he tried to yell through clenched teeth.


Crack! A single shot rang out and the eagle immediately stopped moving. Kitsune released the bird, rolled away from it and looked back to Raven. "Are you insane?" he shouted. "You could've killed me!"


Raven quickly glanced around at the rest of the encounter and realized that the enemies were all in full retreat. Her group had been scattered by the attack so training dictated that they re-assemble and regroup. It wouldn't be smart to chase after the foe who seemed to be more coordinated than they were at the moment.


She holstered the pistol and glared at her companion. "If you were more capable, you would have finished that eagle long before it was necessary for me to shoot it," she chastised. Kitsune's ears drooped and he looked at the ground in front of him, oblivious to the wounds to his face and flank that glistened in blood.


"Pull yourself together and start regrouping everyone back here to the pool," she ordered. "I'm going to check on Xaio's progress and make sure that she is able to get to the courtyard." Expecting her command to be followed, Raven turned on her heel and headed toward the lobby.


Kitsune sighed. Laboriously, he rose to his three good legs and limped around the courtyard. "Everyone, let's regroup here," he called out to the team as he tried to ignore his own injuries, "and take stock of our situation. Let's get the wounded together and if you have communication with the others, let them know to fall back here."

 

[SilverFlight]

"Like a brother do!" Duik laughed at Simon and winked at him with one of his famous grins. "I have no idea what those clowns wanted, but they sure messed with the wrong team." He said with a definitive snort in the direction the thugs had retreated, scratching his shoulder lazily with one hind foot.


"Man Alec's gonna freak when he gets back."


Duik was happy to see Falarion and Manjano as they appeared. "No clue where they are for now, we should like, do a role call. Hey Fal, you gonna be ok?"


He had noticed the wolf's injuries and made a face at them with concern in his soft, brown eyes.


"I'm doing good." Duik answered Zoe's question honestly. "Lot better than some for sure." He added, looking back at Falarion. "I hope we find Leandra soon, Fal could use a patch job."


It was distant but he heard raised voices coming from the direction of the court yard. It sounded like Raven, then he heard Kitsune's voice clearly, telling them to regroup near the pool. He glanced at the others before moving to obey.


The hall was more than a mess, with water seeping into the carpet and bits of decor strewn about the place as if it had been hit by a rather violent indoor tornado. Duik picked his way over to a pair of double doors that opened out into the courtyard. He caught sight of Kitsune and grinned.


"Heey boy! What does the fox say?" He offered his paw for an enthusiastic hi-five, but when he was the angry gashes on the fox's body his expression fell.


"Holy bruh, you ok?"


As people began to filter to the meeting place he noticed there was a distinct lack of Leandra and Laohu. That worried him.


Alec was first alerted to the fact that something was wrong by seeing a herd of black cars screech around the corner from the hotel. It made him quicken his step, the shopping bag gripped firmly in one hand, the other sliding close to the hidden weapon at his side.


He reached the doors to find them open and the foyer trashed.


"What the heck?" His worry jumped up several notches and he called out. "Duik? Xiao!"


By the time he found the hyena Duik had run the length of the hotel and found no trace to Leandra or Laohu, reporting as much to a grim-faced Alec.


Quietly he waited for the others to finish gathering together. They now had a big problem: Leandra and Laohu had been taken, by people they'd never incountered before, to a place that was completely unknown.


"Someone should call HQ, I think we need help."


@zCrookedz @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios @Kharmin @crucialstar @Bolts @Peaceswore @Flutterby @Epiphany @andujarprime

 

[deer]

Seeing Duirk and Fie, Xiao Hui breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that the two of them were alright, no injuries and no blood. Feeling a bit better to walk, Xiao Hui smiled slightly, as she looked between Barry and Rin at her side, "Thank you, my friends. I believe. . I'm able to walk by myself now since the medicine is kicking in." She said sincerely but swiftly as she balanced herself upright and made sure she was slowly standing on her own strength as she walked forward, biting back the pain she had by her rib cage. This is nothing, compared to then, Xiao Hui, don't show any weakness. Taking a deep breathe, she heard cracks as she willed herself to stay strong. The performance isn't over yet. Sighing, Xiao Hui relaxed herself as much as she could, holding Kit in her arms. "How are you, little one?" She cooed as she followed behind Duirk and Fie with Rin, Barry, and Haku at her side. As they approached the interior room, Xiao Hui stopped in her tracks, giving Barry a sideway smile, thanking him for his diligence, especially since the floors were wet. Seeing the scene before her, the smell of water, the smell of rust, and the smell of blood made Xiao Hui scrunch her nose up slightly as she resisted the urge to vomit. However, before she could even react, seeing Simon taking on a goon with Duirk's help, she quickly stood to the side, out of harm's way to not burden anyone. But, what caught her attention was when the goon managed to hold Jimbo as a hostage. Thankfully, Simon and Jimbo were able to get out of that situation as quick as it came. Taking a deep breathe, Xiao Hui felt her heart beating out of her chest as her breathing shallowed. Her nerves were skyrocketing seeing that no one answered her questions and seeing the sight before her prove that a lot of thing was wrong.


Seeing Zoe and Eos, Xiao Hui was glad no harm came to both of them as she sighed in relief. However, as Manjano and Falarion walked in, Xiao Hui glanced at Falarion's injury as she winced. "Most of us are okay, however, there are some of us who got the brute of it. Hopefully, we can figure out what's going on and get those who are injured patched up." She said softly as she started walking towards the lobby, but stopped in her tracks when she heard Falarion's question. "No . . ." She mumbled to herself as she looked at her bruised wrist and the small ache on her bottom. At the mention of cafeteria, Xiao Hui looked over her shoulders as she felt the urge and the need to run towards the cafeteria, hoping Laohu and Lea were there. But, seeing how everyone was heading towards the pool area, she walked over silently, willing herself to not jump to conclusion. As she reached the pool with everyone, Xiao Hui turned and saw Kitsune's injury as she winced once more, hoping they'd be able to get him cleaned up soon. However, seeing Duirk walking back inside, Xiao Hui called out to him, "Please. . Duirk . . find them. . " She whispered. A few moments passed as she waited for everyone to come to the pool, only to hear Alec's voice and Duirk walking outside to the pool where they all were. "I'm . . okay. There are a few injured but mostly we are all . . fine. . I hope. . " Turning towards Duirk, with hope in her eyes, Xiao Hui asked him, "Did you find them?" As her eyes scanned the area, hoping to see her white tiger and Lea's frame walking through the doors, Xiao Hui waited for a positive answer. However, at not seeing them, her breathing became heavier, her legs felt as if they were about to give out when she gently leaned forward towards Alec. Shaking her head, she looked over at Duirk, seeing his expression and then up towards Alec. The next words Alec spoke made her crack. "No!" She yelled loudly. Not wanting to wait any longer, ignoring her companions and anyone else, Xiao Hui gritted her teeth as she took off into the direction of the cafeteria, disregarding the inflaring pain she was feeling when she run as hard as she could. Once she found the cafeteria, she brought Kit closer to her as she moved around aimlessly, her eyes devoid of any life as she found chairs toppled over, some dead guards, and the place looking like a mess. Her frame shook slightly as she muttered, "Who . . ? Why . . ? Where . .?" Fear enveloped her heart as she bit her lips to the point they bled, her hands turned white as she clenched her fist tightly.


@SilverFlight @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios @Flutterby @andujarprime @Kharmin @Epiphany @Bolts @zCrookedz @anyoneelsehere

 

[SilverFlight]

Alec steadied her, suddenly looking a bit alarmed. He put a gentle arm about her shoulder, trying his best to provide some form of comfort and was surprised when she cried out and dashed for the cafeteria. He followed her without a second's hesitation.


"Xiao! Slow down, you're still hurt!" His voice was filled with concern for her and as they both stopped to survey the destruction he could only look in disbelief. How could this have happened? Laohu was gone? Alec knew all too well what the fear of losing your partner felt like. His heart went out to Xiao.


"I don't know..." Alec whispered, answering her questions in a soft tone. He closed the short distance between them and folded her into a tight hug. His voice suddenly adopted a grim and determined edge: "But we're going to find them."


((mini post for @crucialstar :3 ))

 

[deer]

She couldn't believe the state the room was in. She surveyed the area, feel the cold wet floors on her feet. Who could it be? Was it them? Or someone different? No, matter, whoever it was, Xiao Hui could promise they wish they hadn't taken her friend and partner. At hearing Alec's soft tone and whisper that he didn't know either, Xiao Hui stood there, closing her eyes as she tried to imagine what must have happened in the room. There was definitely a struggle and she knew that both Laohu and Lea wouldn't leave willingly. So, it must have been someone we didn't know, if Laohu struggled so much. But, who could it be? Laohu isn't easy to carry or capture. So, how? His injury? As well as Lea's involvement? Why Lea too? However, seeing the shattered window, it couldn't have been done by anyone but. . Laohu. Had he used his roar to cause it? It must have been. Lea couldn't reach that high and the guards looked well. . disabled as well. However, before she knew it, the space around her was enclosed by a tight yet warm embrace. Xiao Hui was slightly alarmed as she almost pushed the figure away only to relax in his embrace when she realized it was only Alec. Hearing his determined yet grimaced voice, Xiao Hui allowed herself to lean against him, getting some sort of small comfort, only to look up, looking at him with a hardened gaze as she spoke distantly and coldly, "When we find them, I'll kill them if any harm came to Laohu or Lea."





(mini post for @SilverFlight :3)

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon looked up at Duik and grinned the best he could, but the slow aching pain in his abdomen still made him look pained even with his grin. Jimbo raised and knuckle and bumped the Hyena on the shoulder with a grin as he made his way over to Simon.


With his free arm, Simon lifted it and Jimbo swung his head under to help lift his brother to his feet.


Once Simon was once again mobile, he looked up to see Manjano and Falaroin walking over in a bit of a panic. Voicing their concerns, Simon began to look around for Leandra and Laohu. Last he had seen of them, the pair had been walking away from the pool after Simon and Leandra's discussion. He hadn't seen them in the fight or being carried out through the lobby so maybe they were still in the building.


Duik spoke up and confirmed what Simon was thinking to himself. While Simon pondered and tried to help look around for Leandra and Laohu, Jimbo wandered over towards the elevator and called it down. After about 5 minutes of heading up to the room, Jimbo returned with a first aid kit, a pair of pants and shirt for Simon, and his phone. Seeing that Alec had joined the party while he was gone, he lumbered over to him first and handed the kit towards him hearing his suggestion of calling HQ.


"Here Doc, thought this might be helpful for those who got injured during the fight."


After handing over the kit he lumbered over to Simon, who was making his way towards the courtyard after Kitsune had approached. Simon reached for the clothes draped over Jimbo's shoulder, but Jimbo recoiled and instead slapped the phone in Simon's hand.


"Call her Simon. We need help."


Simon looked down at the phone, Jimbo had already unlocked it and pulled up Ambers number. Simon sighed as he leaned against the door frame to the courtyard, his free arm still clutching his abdomen. He hit the little green button and the phone began to ring.


"Hope she's in the mood for bad news."He said with a sigh as he placed the phone to his ear.


@SilverFlight @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios @Flutterby @andujarprime @Kharmin @Epiphany @Bolts @crucialstar

 

[Lioness075]

Manjano nervously looked about the group when Duik responded about being uncertain of Leandra's location. Where was she? Was she injured?


Falarion let out a small whimper upon feeling both Manjano's anxiety kicking in and his own injuries beginning to ache and throb. His adrenaline rush was definitely wearing off.


Hearing Duik's concern, Falarion wagged his tail a bit and put on a smile that was a mix of worry and confidence, as he replied, "I'm sure it's not that bad!"


Overhearing Duik's concern towards Falarion reminded Manjano of his companion's injuries and he immediately knelt down beside him before noticing the bruising on Falarion's chest. That didn't look so hot.


Falarion felt Manjano's concern for him and let out a small whimper before shoving his head against Manjano's chest for a brief hug, one which was very light since Manjano worried about further injuring his companion.


It's okay, mate. You'll be fixed in no time.


It's not just that...I'm worried about Leandra. Where did she go?


I...I don't know.


Hearing Duik mention that Falarion needed a patch job, Manjano glanced over at him and simply nodded in agreement. His companion surely needed something to aid in his recovery.


Falarion gently pulled away from Manjano and perked his ears towards the sound of shouting from one of their teammates. Kitsune was it? He'd hardly gotten to know the fox since he'd joined their team.


Standing beside Falarion in case he needed the extra balance, Manjano then headed out to the courtyard with Falarion close to his side.


Once they got outside, both Manjano and Falarion instantly had their heads on a swivel, trying to locate Leandra amongst the group. Yet, she still wasn't present.


As his heart began to speed up, Manjano anxiously rubbed at the back of his head and began to wonder if it'd be okay for him and Falarion to simply break away from the group and look for his twin sister.


Once Xiao shouted no, Manjano's fears were confirmed. Leandra was missing along with Laohu.


While Xiao ignored her own pains to make a break for the cafeteria area, Manjano slowly jogged after her so he could keep pace with his companion and keep from furthering his injuries. Any more injuries and the team would be useless if another fight were to arise. He had to keep his companion safe, too.


Once they got into the cafeteria, Manjano froze in place not too far from Xiao, Falarion lowering his head and letting out a whimper at the sight before them. Water soaked the floor, furniture tossed everywhere with broken pieces scattered about, broken windows with glass lying strewn about on the ground, and a few sparks danced from some live wires not too far from the bar area itself...which had some cooking ingredients laid out.


As Alec made his appearance and comforted Xiao, Manjano gritted his teeth and clenched his fists at his sides. He only had three people he had to protect in this world. Falarion, Leandra, and Luness. It was the only thing he had to do right now...but he couldn't even do that!


Feeling Manjano's angry burst, Falarion nudged Manjano's side with his head before thinking, Maybe we should investigate the scene? I could catch a scent or...something. Anything to help.


Shaking his head in annoyance and anger, Manjano then thought back, You can try.


Limping ahead of the gathered group, Falarion skirted around the live wires and then went straight to the bar and the ingredients left on top of it. Luckily, as a maned wolf, Falarion was just tall enough to get his nose to the counter and not have to try and stand up on his hind legs, which would hurt considering his current injury.


Sniffing at the ingredients, Manjano's eyes widened, as he said in a slightly excited tone, "I can smell Laohu and Leandra! They were here."


Moving around the bar to where some bar stools had been knocked around, Falarion put his nose to the ground and sniffed about again before saying slowly, "There were...two...no, three people here. Um...two males and one female."


Looking up, Falarion then glanced about for a moment before noticing what appeared to be a bloodstain on the ground further into the kitchen area.


Feeling his heart racing, Falarion nervously limped to the bloodstain and then sniffed at its edge before flattening his ears against his head and hiding his tail between his legs. Leandra.


Hearing Falarion's one thought sent Manjano's heart into overdrive, as he hurriedly jogged through the kitchen area to join Falarion's side.


Staring down at the bloodstain, albeit it was a small one, Manjano felt himself infuriated. Leandra had been injured by someone and then kidnapped by them. He should've followed her or something! Anything to keep her safe!


Suddenly, something glinted in the corner of his eye and Manjano glanced away from the bloodstain to see an empty syringe lying on the floor not too far away.


Walking up to it and then kneeling down, Manjano then thought to Falarion, Hey, any chance you could sniff at this and know what was inside of it?


Joining Manjano's side, Falarion made a face and then said, "I don't know anything about serums used to knock people out or...anything else. I wouldn't even know what I'm smelling if I tried to sniff that thing."


Sighing, Manjano stood up and then walked back over to the bar area before propping up his elbows on the counter and putting his face into his hands. This was a disaster and the team had been caught completely off-guard. For their mistake, his twin sister and another teammate's companion were now missing. And to make things even better, Leandra had some kind of injury, which had drawn blood from her.


Muttering under his breath, Manjano whispered, "Fuck."


Rejoining Manjano's side, Falarion let out yet another whimper, as he buried his muzzle into Manjano's side, wishing he had a better way of comforting his companion.


@crucialstar @SilverFlight @anyoneelsewhonoticedthesetwo

 

[SilverFlight]

It was Duik who reminded Alec that people were hurt. Reluctantly he stepped away from Xiao, giving an order to a nearby staff member, scurrying to keep the other frightened guests under control to get his medical bag.


Once this had been produced be set to work calling those with injuries over.


As he worked his mind raced.


"This certainly has the Rogue's style. but I don't get it, why go through all that effort to capture two of us? They were trying to kill us all last time we met."


Duik had a thought about it too, then he noticed a strange card on the floor. It was red, as so many things in the hotel were, but the symbol was not of a monkey, it was of a tiger fighting a dragon. It was not wet, that was the odd thing, so it had been dropped after the sprinklers had been shut off, only after the chaos had settled.


"Hey, what's this?" He had posed the question to all but it was on Xiao he fixed his brown gaze, if anyone would have been familiar with symbology here, it was her.


@crucialstar @Lioness075 @Kharmin @anyoneelseinjured


Amber's voice sounded clearly over the phone. "I just landed at the Beijing airport." She began, "Darcy wanted me over there as soon as we heard about the attack last night. Is everything ok?...or did something else happen?"


@zCrookedz

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe looked around, puzzled a bit about the attack. She felt strange, not because they needed to fight so soon after the previous battle but rather because this fight did not feel right. Indeed, from the start they were not struggling for their lives, it seems that they had been toyed with. It was evident when she was battling with one of the ruffians herself - she overpowered the man easily but he had at least a couple of allies which could have rushed to his side - yet none did. She highly doubted that this was due to lack of cooperation, there had to be something else in the background. But what?


" Why did they take Laohu AND Leandra...? " Zoe tried to figure it out " They are no kindred companions, nor do they share a common, mental link so why them? "


" Divide and conquer perhaps? " Eos posed the question " It can be due to the fact that they wanted to weaken Xiao and Luness? "


" Or they just did not hit their mark... " the girl murmured but just kept walking on calmly. Everything seemed murky and impossible to make out, she never did understand the logic behind attacks like these. Why would anyone want to do something like this?


She noticed Xiao and Alec as she let out a sigh. It had been a rough journey for the girl in the past and now an even greater loss was what she needed to endure. She wanted to comfort her but she knew not how - besides, Alec already seemed to be on the case.


When Duik found the card on the floor she stepped closer to inspect it. She was unfamiliar with the sign but it was a masterful work nonetheless.


" Strange... why would they be negligent enough to leave something like this behind...? " she mused.


" Unless... "


She turned her head towards Xiao. Could they have possibly left it behind intentionally as a bait? The falcon did mention something about meeting again... was it a possibility that they were lured into that certain place where the others were brought?


Everything seemed cloudy and dark as Zoe frowned.


" I don't like the look of this. At all. "





@SilverFlight @crucialstar @Lioness075

 

[Flutterby]

Totus had to direct Beth back to the courtyard; the rush of people had completely disoriented her. They emerged as everyone else did, and she stood back to watch for a moment, catching up on what was happening. Her heart was in her throat, as she began to feel guilty that she hadn't helped her team at all.


"You wouldn't have been able to help, not with your back as sore as it is." Totus said softly from next to her.


Beth nodded, but her expression was still wounded as she watched Xiao and Manjano discover part of themselves was gone. She watched Manjano go, and then glanced at Totus. He nodded, and perched near the rest of the team, as she followed after him.


Beth stood back as the others inspected the scene, noting the found card. She looked between Duik, Xiao, and Zoe, for a brief moment, a look of apology on her face as Manjano moved away.


Beth approached cautiously. "Manjano?" She said softly, coming up next to him by the bar. He looked completely distraught, and she caught a muttered curse as she came closer. She stopped next to him, facing him, or well, his shoulder. "If you want to be left alone, just say so, but.." She blinked a few times and dropped her eyes. "Im sorry. We will find her." Beth gently reached out and rested her hand on his upper arm. Her face seemed entirely calm and comforting, but her heart was racing with the thought that he might lash out in his emotional state, and touching him might put her in the crosshairs.


@Lioness075 (@SilverFlight @crucialstar @DawnAntalios)


Totus sat, puzzling over this new development. A rush of emotion from Beth brought him out of his thoughts, and he glided over to the fox. "Alright, soldier-fox, lay down before you make your injuries worse." He said, in an uncharacteristically warm tone. "Consider yourself relieved of duties until you are looked at." He had noticed the dynamic between he and his human companion, and he couldnt help but be reminded of his early days with Beth.


@Kharmin

 

[Bolts]

Barry stepped out into the room with the others after trying to escort Xiao out. It seemed that they took care of the immediate threat but the sullen look on their faces meant this was far from over. The mention of two of their teammates getting captured didn't sit right with him nor should it. He might be new here but tactically this didn't make sense for the enemy either. At least not yet. He didn't have anything to say nor could he with wet paper and no voice. All he could do was stand there and listen as the team had their initial theories and feelings. He was looking around at the scene. Were they in any condition to continue a fight? A few of them were hurt pretty bad from last night. Perhaps a stealth approach was the better option? Less contact and more information gathering. Risky but worth it when done right. He pondered that thought as well as bringing it up to the others. Surly the enemy made a mistake somewhere that lead to their base of operations? If they could find out that much, then it could go a little more smoothly.


Something still didn't feel right after all of this. Sure he and his teammates were in harms way but something was missing. Through all the chaos and noise, there just wasn't enough of it. Where was his little friend? At first he didn't think anything of it. He looked around the room but caught no sight of her. The last place he saw her was rounding people outside because of the fire alarms. He walked outside, studying every last bit he could. Still no sight of the small hummingbird. If she where there, he knew she would come flying towards him by now. He bit his lip ever so slightly while his eyes shifted even more in a desperate attempt to find her. Not at a time like this... He thought to himself. Did she really run off somewhere unknown?


BB flew over the busy streets of the city while she kept her eyes locked on the targets car. Her burning passion for helping her team and cake did not subside. Who's the baddest agent of em all? BB. Yeah~ Who's gonna kick all the baddies butts? BB! Yeah~ She sung to herself. Where ever they were going, it was in a hurry. That didn't seem weird though. After all, they were kidnapping. That seems like an urgent situation to deal with. Wow, these guys kinda suck at watching their surroundings.

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon lifted his head and watched the ceiling as he heard Ambers voice. After the wreck the last 24 hours had been, he was glad she was on her way. Having her around might give the group much better leadership than he could provide.


He sighed after she asked what was wrong and looked over at Jimbo before answering.


"We have just been attacked again. Not by the Nian, but a group of people. Mostly thugs, and other than few minor injuries, most everyone is ok. But......"


Simon looked over the group to double check and make sure that the two that were missing hadn't shown back up yet. When he did not find their faces, Simon let the silence hang for a second before speaking again.


"We can't seem to locate Leandra and Laohu. I think they might have been taken."


@SilverFlight


Jimbo watched as Simon spoke on the phone for a moment before he heard Duiks voice chime up again. Turning his head he saw him examining what looked like a red ard of some sorts and his curiosity was peaked.


Making his way across the soggy carpet towards the group, Jimbo watched as Zoe joined Duik in examining the card and he approached next to the girl looking over the card as well. He looked up at Zoe as she inspected the card, chiming in his own thought about it.


"Those guys were either the stupidest henchmen in the world or they want us to figure this thing out. You guys ever seen something like this?


@SilverFlight @DawnAntalios

 

[Lioness075]

Falarion overheard someone calling over the injured and flattened his ears against his head, as he wasn't really keen on finding out just how bad his injury truly was.


Yet, as Beth approached Manjano's side, Falarion felt he could slip away for now and decided that ignoring his injury wasn't going to help him any.


Staggering away from the pair, Falarion soon made his way over to the medical personnel and let out a small whimper when one of them guided him to lay down on his side so they could help him out without furthering his injury's damage.


@SilverFlight


Manjano felt Falarion's presence edge away and he looked up in time to both feel Beth's touch and hear her voice.


At the feel of her touch, Manjano immediately stiffened and his gaze went sharply towards her in a heartbeat, though his expression was more of one being distraught than that of anger.


Shaking his head at her and then looking away, Manjano muttered, "I should've been here. I should've protected her. I had a promise to uphold...and I couldn't. I...I fucked up, Beth."


Feeling tears threatening to spill over, Manjano propped up his arms once more before hiding his face in his hands. How did he mess up this badly? Where had he gone wrong?


@Flutterby


Suddenly, Luness flew in through one of the shattered windows and landed on the counter not far from Manjano and Beth.


Quickly turning about to survey the scene and situation, Luness' racing heartbeat never slowed, as her wide eyes took in everything before her. Manjano's distraught figure, Xiao's fearful and torn expression, Alec and Beth trying to comfort the two stricken people.


It was true then. Leandra and Laohu had been taken.


Tears rolled down the phoenix's face and dropped to the counter beneath her, as she seemed to wilt to half her normal size, all of her feathers laying down and tight against her body.


Her heart felt torn in two, something had been taken from her very soul it felt like. Quietly weeping, Luness then looked at Manjano, who really wasn't that far away from her, and whispered to him, "You promised...You promised you'd protect her if I wasn't there for her. Wh-where is she!?"


Shrieking her last question, Luness then turned away from Manjano before he could respond, as she flew right back out the window she'd flown in from.


Flying out to the pool area and away from the others, Luness landed in a dense tree before she hunched over and began weeping again. The pain she felt right then and there was immeasurable. She had no idea if Leandra was even okay.


@Flutterby @anyoneelsewhonoticed


When Luness made her appearance, Manjano couldn't even bring himself to look at her, though he felt her familiar presence not far from him.


Just as he expected, she soon lashed out at him and exposed the promise that he'd made years ago. A promise he'd been unable to uphold and now Leandra was paying for his failure.


As Luness flew away, Manjano turned away from the counter and put his back up against it, as he slid down to the ground with his legs outstretched.


Looking at the bloodstain not too far away from himself and Beth, Manjano closed his eyes and lay his head back against the counter, as a couple tears escaped down his cheeks.


@Flutterby

 

[Flutterby]

Beth chewed on the inside of her lip, brow furrowing as she watched Manjano. She wanted to reassure him, but this much personal guilt wouldnt go away with a few nice words. She parted her lips to say something anyway, but Luness flew up to them through a broken window.


Understandably, the phoenix was very upset. And it showed in the way she spoke to Manjano. "Luness-" Beth began, but the bird was gone before she could say anything more.


Beth's eyes stayed on where Luness had disappeared as Manjano slid to the floor. She sighed, and then looked down to him. He looked utterly defeated. And now was the worst time for him to give up.


Beth sank to her knees stiffly, tucking her feet under her. "Manjano.." She sighed. Beth saw the tears running down his cheeks, and reached her hand out, but stopped herself and let her hand fall onto her lap again. "Leandra was really only a few seconds away, with one of the biggest animal companions on the team. No one had any reason to think she was in danger. Although, I don't think she would appreciate all this talk about protecting her; she is plenty capable of doing that herself. This was a planned attack, a very well-planned one."


Beth lifted a hand again, but didn't know how to comfort him. When she spoke to him, she always got the feeling she was bothering him. "Being upset is valid. But it can't stop us from acting. I'm here for you if you want me, but otherwise, I'm going to help the others so we can start looking for them."


Beth began to rise, her eyes downcast. A lot of use she was today; she didnt even know what to do to help Manjano, and she was his closest friend on the team.


@Lioness075

 

[Lioness075]

Manjano quickly wiped away his tears upon hearing Beth staying by his side. Crying wasn't going to help anyone, yet it seemed like he was doing so uncontrollably right now. Why couldn't he keep himself under better control? Because it was his twin sister in trouble?


Having heard Luness' harsh reprimand wasn't helping any and Manjano felt frozen in place.


Suddenly Beth's voice pierced his thoughts and Manjano opened his eyes, which were red now. Though he did not look at her, Manjano seemed to stare off into the distance, as he listened to everything Beth said.


Beth was right. None of them could've imagined Leandra and Laohu being ambushed. She was right again about how they were talking about protecting her.


Manjano let out a soft chuckle at the thought of how Leandra would react if she'd overheard them talking about her like that. She would've been ripping him a new one for conveying her in such a weak manner.


Seeing Beth lift her hand uncertainly beside him, Manjano shifted eyes towards her, listening to what she said next. It almost felt like a slap in the face, hearing it coming from Beth of all people.


Manjano blinked at her, but he didn't get mad at her. In fact, she sounded a lot like Leandra in that moment. Despite his normally stoic expression and attitude, Manjano had always had a tendency to let his emotions get the best of him, especially when the situations involved those close to him.


Seeing Beth's downcast expression, Manjano tilted his head at her before gingerly moving his hand away from his lap and taking her hand, which she'd uncertainly raised moments ago.


Looking in Beth's eyes, Manjano then said softly and in a pained tone, "Don't leave. I..."


Dropping his gaze now, Manjano then continued, "I'm of little use in situations involving family. It's always been a problem for me."


Not wanting to continue souring the mood, Manjano then glanced back up at Beth before saying with a twitch of the corner of his mouth, "You sounded a lot like Leandra a moment ago. She always knew what to say in order to cheer me up or kick my ass into gear."


Pausing again, Manjano blinked before adding, "Thank you, Beth."


@Flutterby

 

[deer]

Once Alec had let her go, Xiao Hui stepped back as well looking towards Duirk and then the nearby staff members with sending them a half-hearted smile, wanting them to take care of any injuries others may have suffered. However, her attention was the brought to Manjano as he made an appearance along with the injured Falarion. Watching the anger and distress in Manjano's eyes and expression, Xiao Hui felt as if she was looking in a mirror of herself, knowing exactly everything Manjano was feeling inside: turmoil, defeat, frustration, and most of all, shame. Observing Falarion as he was casing the room, Xiao Hui listened carefully at every remark of evidence he found. A sigh escaped her lips when Falarion sniffed the ingredients on the counter that they were in fact, there. She didn't know whether to feel relieved her assumptions were true or distraught to know that there was even evidence of Leandra and Laohu being there, but now they were missing. Soon, Falarion had sniffed the bar stool, calling out the people that had surrounded her companions: two male and one female. However, when Falarion sniffed the blood that was stained on the ground, Xiao Hui knew. . . it was Leandra's , seeing how Manjano had lashed out. Clenching her fist, Xiao Hui's eyes furrowed as she tried to calm down her nose, but her whole form shook. How dare they cause her friend to draw blood! But, at hearing the words "syringe" and "knocking people out", Xiao Hui formed a grim expression on her face as she felt the slight prick on her bottom once more. "That's what the prick was." She said blankly as she looked at the bruise on her wrist.





As Beth and Totus seemed to have appeared in the cafeteria, Xiao Hui watched as Beth made her way towards Manjano. Seeing that she was there to support Manjano the way Alec had done, she left them alone and paid attention to something else. Gently taking the cover off of Kit, Xiao Hui allowed herself to feel his warmth as if comforted her slightly, but it was nowhere near the warmth of Laohu's silvery, white and black, fur. She felt hallow and emptiness filled her soul as she felt the link between her and Laohu waning. She couldn't mind-link him, which meant. . they had already gotten far and out of reach to catch up to them. If only. . . she hadn't been injured, maybe. . . she would have been the one to be with Laohu and not Leandra. Xiao Hui would rather her be taken than her friend, especially since this was the most that she had seen Manjano expressed from the times they've been working together. Unconsciously petting Kit, as he mewled, Xiao Hui blinked softly, as the small fur-ball lightly jumped onto her shoulders and began rubbing his face against her cheek, trying to show her it'll be okay. "You're kind. . Kit, so you have faith in us too?" At her question, Kit nya-ed once more as he continued his nuzzling.


Allowing herself to be soothed by Kit's comfort and care, Xiao Hui tried to calm down her nerves, only to hear a loud shriek from none other than Luness. Whipping her head towards Manjano, Beth, and Luness, Xiao Hui winced slightly as she saw the weeping phoenix as her form shrunk and wilted from the fact that Leandra is gone. Her companion, her partner, her other half, but most of all, her daughter. . . Feeling Luness and seeing her react to Leandra's disappearance made Xiao Hui's own heart break in two as she heard that Manjano had promised to protect her. Feeling useless in her own body, Xiao Hui glared at the ground, fighting back the tears that welled around her eyes. The tension in the air was suffocating her and she felt the need to get out of the room, to find some fresh air. Everything was too overwhelming in the room she was currently in, she felt. . trapped in her own . . failure. However, once more, Xiao Hui wasn't allowed to wallow in her own pain and suffering as she heard Duirk's wonder and curiosity. Turning to look at him instead of the couple across the room, Xiao Hui squinted slightly, looking at what Duirk was talking about, before Kit stopped his nuzzling and mewled.


Walking over towards Alec and Duirk, Xiao Hui gently bent her knees to reach the card. However, using Duirk as a slight balancing bar, Xiao Hui placed her hand on his back before she reached for the card and stood up slowly, gently tugging on Alec's hand to help her up. Staring at the red card, the image blared in front of her like a warning sign as a bell rang inside her head. A tiger and a dragon? What? They know. . about Laohu . . and. . . ? Is it them . . ? She thought to herself as she continued to stare at it blankly. "How did they know this?" She whispered mostly to herself as the she looked up and saw Zoe approaching with Eos. Taking a good look at them, Xiao Hui inspected them, seeing they weren't injured and were fine. However, feeling Duirk and Zoe's gaze made her want to shrink back slightly as she hated the glances she felt, but feeling her "old" self resurfacing, she stood tall and stood her ground. Hearing Jimbo's question as he approached, Xiao Hui glanced at him, speaking softly, "Are you alright, Jimbo? How is Simon?" She asked worriedly before her attention was brought back to the card from Kit's "nya". Frowning slightly as she furrowed her brows, she inhaled sharply, "We shouldn't have taken this mission . . . or even came to China." Xiao Hui spoke lowly, admitting her dislike for being in her own country. "If. . something happens to either of them . . . I will take blame for it. This is my. . .country. . and I should have been better prepared. . ." She said, looking between each of them, and speaking up loudly, to allow Manjano and Beth to hear, since they were also in the room. Touching the surface of the card, Xiao Hui gritted her teeth as her grip tightened on the card. "It is indeed a symbol and they left it here on purpose. It's a message. . . of a location." Many thoughts whirled around her head as she knew the symbol of a tiger and a dragon . . . her own tiger. . . as for the dragon . . a black dragon . . why? Could it be. . . ? Shaking head she decided to explain the meaning, "In our culture, the tiger and the dragon never got along, the two were always fighting for dominance and power. They were yin and yang. Complete opposites. However. . to choose this symbol to send us a message. . " Xiao Hui mused loudly before stating, "There was only one province in China. . where white Siberian tigers like Laohu are located. . . however, he is the last of his kind. . and at the same time. . there is only one province in China that would be named after. . a black dragon. And that's Hēilóngjiāng province, the city of Harbin, North of China."


@SilverFlight @Flutterby @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios @Bolts @Epiphany @Kharmin @andujarprime @Peaceswore @zCrookedz

 

[SilverFlight]

You could hear Amber swear, even though she turned the phone away from her mouth. A short pause and then "I'll be there within the hour."


@zCrookedz


Alec helped Xiao to her feet before going back to treating injuries. He thought Zoe was on the right track. "I'd bet on the fact that they left it here on purpose." He said, glancing at the red card. Xiao picked it up and Alec was amazed at her ability to decipher its meaning. On the inner cover of the card there were two Chinese characters written in an elegant hand: 'Ice City' It would have read for those that could translate it.


Alec made sure that those who needed immediate patching up had it. He finished by doing the dressing on Falarion's wounds himself.


"We gotta get you better at ducking Fal." He said light-heartedly, trying to distract them from the distressing events with a bit of humor.


He looked grim as he pulled off his surgical gloves. "If they've given us a location they want us to go there. It's gotta be a trap."


"Yeah but, if we don't go who knows what'll happen to Leandra and Laohu?"


@crucialstar @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios


In the time it took them to organize themselves to leave Amber appeared flanked by two more agents. Alec was busy pulling the data from the devices they had obtained at the club, to keep his mind occupied while they waited.


"We go after them. Without a doubt. But we did some digging, this isn't the Rogues. Not directly anyway, if they are involved." Amber shot a relieved glance at Simon, half-hoping he wouldn't catch it. After the attack on the club she had been worrying about him.


"I'll give everyone ten more minutes, then I have a plane chartered for where we need to go."


"And where is that?" Alec asked from his place in one of the chairs, his phone resting on one knee as he fiddled with the pair of digital glasses.


"The card said 'Ice City' and thanks to Xiao's expert interpretation we know we're headed to Harbin, specifically to the ice attraction they have there. No doubt we'll be given further instructions once we reach it." She raised her voice to address the team.


"Everyone! This is not going to be an easy one. The enemy's got us by the short and curlies this time. We're going in with limited knowledge and a very loose plan. This is where we need the team element the most. Keep sharp, trust each other, and do what you do. Lord knows you've proven yourselves already."


@Flutterby @andujarprime @Bolts @Kharmin @Epiphany @crucialstar @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios @zCrookedz


Meanwhile, miles away, the thugs who had Leandra and Laohu were busy loading their cargo onto a private helicopter on the roof of one of the corporate buildings in the middle of the financial district of Beijing.


"Make sure you are gentle." The dark-suited figure cautioned them severely. "I will catch up once I have dealt with a little business here. You are to take them straight to the property in Harbin, understood?"


He watched the helicopter take off, knowing he himself would be there long before their party of interest. Things were going as planned.


@Bolts @everyone


((Time skip next post))

 

[Lioness075]

Falarion winced and tightly closed his eyes while Alec helped finish up with the wrapping of his chest so as to better help the inner injuries heal quicker. There wasn't much else to do for injured ribs.


Once Alec was done, Falarion let out a small sigh, only to listen to the explanation of what the card meant and where they were going next. Not that he knew where they were going, but 'Ice City' didn't exactly sound inviting. Or warm. Falarion hated the cold.


Hearing Alec's light joke, Falarion wagged his tail slightly, and halfheartedly smiled at him, but quickly looked away with a frown, as he looked in Manjano's direction. He could feel Manjano's inner turmoil and it made him feel incredibly unsettled.


Flattening his ears against his head, Falarion made his way over to join Manjano and Beth just after Manjano finished saying something to her.


"Um, guys, we're getting ready to leave soon. I..."


Pausing at the sight of how upset Manjano clearly felt right now, Falarion repressed a whimper before taking in a breath and adding, "I just wanted to let you two know since we're leaving in, like, ten minutes or less."


Lowering his head a bit, in an almost dismissive manner, Falarion then worriedly glanced at Manjano, wishing he knew some way to cheer up his companion.


@Flutterby @SilverFlight