Fantasy Code FERAL

[Bolts]

BB watched as the thugs got out of their car and gathered the two from up in the air. Guess being small does have its advantages every now and then. She said as they still had not spotted her. He noticed them lugging her teammates into a rather large building that seemed to keep growing as she looked up. Once she reached the top, she noticed the Helicopter just making its land in the roof. Well there is no way I'm walking all those stairs. She said as she zipped up into the sky. She was getting tired now. She had gone a while without refueling her little body and it was practically running on fumes now. As she scaled the tower, she noticed the elevators line as it too was raising in altitude. She hurried her little body with as much seed as she could.


Up on the roof, the helicopter was rotating its large blades. Somehow, she managed to get there before the thugs. She ducked down on the ledge of the building to stay out of sight. She watched as Leandra and Laohu were placed inside the helicopter. Oh no... oh god no... ahhh! Why can't it ever be a simple chase mission like before!? She thought to herself as her teammates were loaded up finally. Barry is going to kill me. She quietly huffed as she speedily flew with the rest of her energy into the copter and hid within Leandra's clothing. The thugs were too busy listening to the suited figure to notice the small and very fast bird fly right past their feet. It was dark now. It was dark and comfy and BB had been at this for a while now. She felt the aircraft take flight and the rumbling soothed her into a torpor.


@SilverFlight


Barry walked back with a confused, saddened, angry face just in time to hear what was going on. His hope was that BB somehow managed to find a way there herself. Maybe she followed a grunt outside. He closed his eyes and focused on anything related to BB. Static, static, and then a small ray of light followed by darkness. Barry jumped a little at the ray of light. Just the fact he got that much was shocking to him. His connection was not well developed like the others were. He really did hope she was okay but for now he had to rely on luck and the fact that BB was self reliant. At least for the most part she was. She lasted quite some time without him.


He looked himself over once. He had not gotten into the fray of battle so no new wounds should have sprung up. His hand was still stitched nicely. All he had going on was slightly damp clothing form the sprinklers that had dried a little during the wait. He sat down to wait. On the outside, he seemed patient and cool headed. Internally he was screaming at himself for not watching BB carefully in the chaos.

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon listened over the phone as he heard Amber swear. He knew it wasn't directly aimed at him, that Amber was furious that the mission had taken the turns that it had already. But after the previous night's debacle, and now the abduction of two members of the team, the restless anger that had kept him up during the night had returned with full force.


He listened as Amber spoke on the phone, and hearing that she would be there soon actually made a little spark jump in Simon. He was glad that she would be arriving. With that, he said goodbye and hung up.


Jimbo listened as the others spoke about the strange card until Xiao approached. Hearing her mention him and Simon, Jimbo peaked around the group to see Simon siting on the back of a chair messing with the phone. His expression had returned from the gym earlier. He looked back up at Xiao with a weak smile.


"Thug punched him pretty hard in the ribs. He's probably bruised, but he'll survive. I'm more concerned for Laohu and Leandra right now."


Jimbo returned his attention to the card and Xiao's explanation of it. He didn't know anything about Chinese culture or locations, but this "Harbin", named after a black dragon, did not sound like a very fun place to go.


In the time it took for Amber to arrive with back up, Simon and Jimbo had wandered back up to their room and begun preparing for where ever they were going in silence. Jimbo could feel the wall that Simon had put up to separate the two of them, something he had not done in years. All he could do was sit and watch as his brother darted around the room collecting their things and brooding.


Just before Amber arrived Simon and Jimbo re-emerged downstairs in the lobby to wait. Simon had dressed in a tactical vest with dark black plated patches over his pecks, abdomen, and ribs. The bruised ribs were still bothering him, it would take some time to heal those. But he could muscle through it until they finished the mission.


Both had dressed armed and ready. Simon with his Shock Gauntlets and Jimbo with a new shoulder harness system for his .50 Cal's. Jimbo rotated his shoulders a few times trying to get used to the feeling of them as Amber and backup arrived.


Simon found a place on the wall and leaned as he listened to Amber speaking. Deep in thought about the mission, he missed Ambers concerned glance. Jimbo however, smiled a little bit as she did, only to have the smile fade when he turned to see Simon still brooding.


@crucialstar @SilverFlight

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/57a8c9bdcbbb6_Great-Fox-Wallpaper_15.jpg.985a6a1725f6824291ba2343d60b5abd.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="124179" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/57a8c9bdcbbb6_Great-Fox-Wallpaper_15.jpg.985a6a1725f6824291ba2343d60b5abd.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Kitsune


Kitsune regarded Totus' arrival with his one, uninjured eye as the fox tried to steady himself on his wounded foreleg. "Lay down?" he inquired with a hint of alarm in his voice. "I can't lay down. I have a job to do and I won't fail her again."


Slowly, the bloodied fox turned a circle as he surveyed the courtyard. The rest of the team, in various stages of infirm, had already begun to collect together. The area was open to the sky, true, but together they could be more defensive lest another unwarranted attack manifest.


Kitsune looked up as the morning sun continued its slow plodding assault on the azure sky. The high, white, fluffy clouds that precursored a warm and humid day had already started to appear as they sauntered in from the west on a moist wind. He glanced aside at the breakfast buffet which had become overturned during the melee and shook his head mournfully at the loss of it. He had never even gotten to eat his sausage.


Few others of the team were being tended by the make-shift medical teams. Kitsune hobbled a few steps from Totus as he continued his observations. Raven had re-entered the hotel and he felt a strong urge to seek out and find her, but his body simply hadn't the reserve to do so.


"Perhaps you're right, wise ancestor to the guardians of the Acropolis," he resigned at last and looked back at the owl and attempted a smile though it pained the claw and beak slashes to his face. Kitsune slumped to the turf in a bloodied heap. Blood had soaked his orange-red fur coat; the lacerations were deeper than they looked on the surface but were obscured by matted grass clippings that had been ground into it.


The adrenaline in his system from the fight started to abate and his muscles spasmed at the release. "If it's no trouble," he added with a sigh and closed his eye, "I think I'll just lay here."


@Flutterby

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/Raven_Hyde_crop.jpg.996a6fd3d7801a888cced498915d01a8.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="124188" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/Raven_Hyde_crop.jpg.996a6fd3d7801a888cced498915d01a8.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Raven Hyde


It had been a disaster.


The team had been dealt a serious blow, and now Raven was understanding that two of them had been abducted. She maintained her serious demeanor as she wandered her way through the hotel from splintered group to splintered group. Xiao had been kept safe, but at what cost? She had lost her companion and surely felt the guilt of having been too injured in the first place to not be able to be there for him. Coupled with the loss of Leandra – both for purposes unknown – the group now had anger and frustration coursing through them. Her time on deployment recognized that such emotions could only lead to further disaster.


"Get it together," she stated flatly to those she passed as she meandered through the group. "Hindsight is of no use to us now. Focus on what we know so that we can do what needs to be done."


Finally, the damned sprinkler system was shut down and Raven was oddly nostalgic for the military grade canvas tents that they had used in the Middle East. They had no sprinkler system to douse them, although at the time she was there Raven might have appreciated it more than at present. Casually, she raked her sopping wet hair back from her face and headed back to the courtyard.


She stopped her circuit as she encountered the group that had massed around Xiao. The cat-thing had taken quite the fancy with her. Raven continued to regard the creature with mistrust – perhaps it had been the catalyst to get them to lower their guard? Had this all been scripted for them? Had the information that brought them to China and the club been purposefully leaked to bring them here for the abductions? It bore consideration, but Raven kept her suspicions to herself. There was no need to add speculation to the situation until she had more facts.


Raven listened as Xiao studied the red card that had been left for discovery and shook her head in mild disbelief as Xiao blamed herself for what clearly could not have been her fault. She did have to agree with one thing Xiao had said: they had been unprepared.


@PrettyMuchAnyone

 

[Flutterby]

Beth stopped rather sharply, and turned her green eyes back to Manjano. Her heart dropped at the sound of his voice. She swallowed, and blinked.


"I know," She said simply, and gave a small smile, taking his comment about sounding like Leandra as a compliment.


Her eyes caught movement, as Falarion approached, and she gave Manjano a last smile. "Well, I wouldnt be much of a friend if I didnt at least try." It was a little dismissive, but accepting thanks had never been her strong suit.


Now that Falarion had appeared, Beth looked between the two of them, feeling something of a rift between them. She cleared her throat, and nodded. "Well, in that case, I should go find Totus." She glanced between them as she stood, and then added, "You two should lean on each other in times like these." With that, Beth walked quietly away, exitting into the courtyard.


@Lioness075


Totus watched Kitsune with a mixture of concern and amusement. At last, the fox relented and laid down. Totus gave a soft grunt, and peered at his injury.


After a moment, he spoke. "Your human companion is damaged, that is why she treats you the way she does. My Beth, well, she was damaged in a different way. When we first bonded, she ran away from me and then didnt speak to me for weeks." Totus ruffled his feathers with a churr. "Our humans need us, even when they dont realize it. Your Raven, she will come around, as long as you continue to be there for her. Which means none of this self-deprivation silliness. Caring for yourself is an extension of caring for her, and for the team. You have heart and smarts, we need you to stick around for as long as possible just like she does." The owl waved over one of the medical personnel, and stepped back, so that they could work on the fox if he allowed.


@Kharmin

 

[Lioness075]

Manjano was enjoying this brief, quiet moment with Beth when he overheard Raven's sharp comment about everyone needing to get over themselves in a nutshell. Note to self, Raven would never make a great motivational speaker.


Shifting his attention back to Beth, Manjano then glanced past her to see Falarion make his appearance.


Hearing Beth's response to his thanks, Manjano merely gave her a small nod. He wasn't really sure how else to respond to her response.


When Beth looked between him and Falarion, Manjano instantly began to feel a bit awkward and his hand soon went to the back of his neck, anxiously rubbing it.


As Beth excused herself, Manjano glanced at Falarion and was met with a worried expression.


Hearing Beth mention that they should lean on one another, Manjano shifted his gaze down to his lap and dropped his hand, now feeling a bit upset with himself. Had he really grown apart from his own companion?


Falarion watched Beth go before he looked back at Manjano and limped up to his side.


@Flutterby


Letting out a small whimper, Falarion then buried his head into Manjano's chest while saying quietly, "I miss her, too. We'll get her back, mate. I swear."


Sighing, Manjano wrapped his arm around Falarion's shoulders and then carefully pulled him in for a hug while the maned wolf carefully sat down to lessen any pain he may feel.


Whispering to Falarion now, Manjano then said, "And I'm going to kill whoever kidnapped her. Nobody messes with the Sinciato family and gets away with it."


After a moment or two of silence between the two, Manjano then let go of Falarion before slowly pushing himself back to his feet.


Glancing down at Falarion with a slight smirk, Manjano then gestured out towards the group. They were leaving soon and the last thing either of the pair wanted was to be left behind on accident.


Nodding at Manjano, Falarion carefully stood up and then the two walked out of the kitchen area to stand at the edge of the gathered group near Xiao.


@crucialstar @SilverFlight @AnyoneElseWhoWantsToInteract

 

[SilverFlight]

"You talking to us or yourself?" Alec shot at Raven as she tromped authoritatively past. The team had suffered a blow true, but there were some who needed time to process the emotional slap in the face. Raven seemed more on edge than most. It was clear to Alec that their opinions were very different. He felt the tension between them may just be inescapable.


He strode over to Kitsune and knelt beside him, determined to get everyone mobile before they took off.


"Let's get those wounds patched. Looks like you had a hell of a fight."


It was Duik who noticed Barry's troubled expression.


"Hey bruh. You ok?" A short pause and then, "Where's B-bird?"


@Kharmin @Bolts


They could not wait for BB, but Amber made sure there was an agent staying at the hotel in case she came back.


"Remind me to put trackers in the headsets. Nigel's a clever guy, I'm sure he can figure out how to make them small enough. Let's move out."


@everyone


As they began to leave Alec sidled over to Manjano and Falarion. "Fal's right," Alec said as he cleaned his hands yet again after seeing to Kitsune. Some of the injuries had been bad, but he had done the best he could, stemming the bleeding at least. "We'll get her back."


@Lioness075


As Amber watched them filter out of the door and into the waiting cars she moved over to Simon, catching his brooding face and guessing what it was that was spinning about in his mind. She leaned on the wall next to him.


"It wasn't your fault." She said absently, glancing up at him from the side of her vision. "It'd have been the same thing if I was in charge." She added, hoping the statement was some small comfort. "Come on. We've got our work cut our for us."


@zCrookedz


~~~


Harbin was much farther North. Like, on the other side of the country North and as they stepped from the cars that took them to the gates of the attraction Alec and Duik together caught their breaths. This place had been called the 'City of Ice', but Alec had never anticipated it would be an actual city made of ice. There were buildings of all shapes, sizes and styles, each made from thousands of ice blocks and each row of blocks sitting on LED strip lights which drifted through a rainbow of colours. The entire sight was spectacular to behold. The buildings were centered around a life-sized castle. The master work of the city. Everywhere people were still dressed in red, defiant of the cold though retreating occasionally into thick wool hats and mittens. Parkas and accessories had been provided for the team in the cars and Alec secured Duik's padded body coat before choosing one himself. He never did like winter coats, it always made him feel like a marshmallow.


Kit had sat through the trip with little noise. Alec had made up the formula and given it to Xiao to feed him as he needed. He also taught her how to mix it so if she ever needed to make it without Alec she could. He had to admit the little creature was even cuter when he was laid out on his back, the bottle clamped between his soft lips and his eyes closing sleepily as he nursed. Duik insisted Alec take another photo of him.


Amber was checking her phone as she got out of the car, only looking up when she had made sure there was appropriate surveillance in the area. They weren't getting caught out this time.


Once she did take the time to absorb the beautiful sight before her she couldn't help but allow a smile to creep onto her face. This was one of the world attractions she had been dying to see. She had even entertained ideas of taking Simon...and she stopped herself right there.


Her smile faded a little as she reminded herself that that was in the past.


"Don't wander too far, we should be hearing from our 'new friends' soon." Her professional tone returned and she slipped back into being 'Agent Strong' once more.


@zCrookedz @crucialstar @everyone

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

[DawnAntalios]

Thoughts raced through the mind of Zoe as they were traveling to the so called City of Ice. Under normal circumstances she would have enjoyed it more than anything, in fact she longed to see other places she never had the opportunity to. Yet this time it was not this which drove her - it was determination and fortitude, knowing that they needed to get Laohu and Lea back at all cost. Still, there was something strangely amiss for her which she could not explain.


The attackers themselves were no really familiar to her - no wonder, since they were probably part of a chinese organization she knew nothing about. Yet one of the animals, the massive falcon, looked familiar to her, but she knew not why.


" Troubling thoughts? " Eos spoke, sitting next to her.


" I don't know, Eos. I felt something back there. Something I did not think I would. "


" And what was that? "


Zoe paused before she answered.


" Familiarity. I felt something that I have not in a long time. And that troubles me. "


Eos said nothing at first. He too did sense something faint but he knew not what it was either so he discarded it as something unimportant. But now that even his partner knew what he meant it actually made him worry.


" What do you think we will find in this city? "


" Blood. " Zoe spoke " And hopefully our team mates. "


" You mean our friends? " the stag spoke. Zoe looked at him with an aggravated look and frowned.


" Our comrades, yes. "


When they exited their transit she looked around and listened to Agent Strong's orders. She nodded, agreeing with the soldier that sticking together was the best course of action this time. Looking at the led-bathed metropolis she could but wonder what loatheful adventure will they have. She clenched her hands into fists - she would not be disheartened. She will do what must be done.

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/Raven_Hyde_crop.jpg.ce95c9d47acaf8778dc2978253effc5c.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="124557" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/Raven_Hyde_crop.jpg.ce95c9d47acaf8778dc2978253effc5c.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Raven Hyde


Raven sat and stared out of the window as the airplane lifted from the tarmac. It was just another flight, another deployment, like so many before and she sighed. It never got any easier, especially after the massacre in the Middle East. Even now, Raven could remember seeing the caskets lined up behind the C-130 as she, the only survivor, was whisked away to the psych hospital in Germany and then back to Bragg. So many lost, she thought.


Raven looked down at the floor. Here she was, attached to another team and this group hadn't the luxury of training that Raven had from her army experience. Morbidly, she mused to herself and wondered how many of this team would come home in caskets.


A furry foot touched her leg and Raven's attention cut to the slumbering Kitsune in the seat next to her. He had been bandaged ... well, practically all over. His foreleg was wrapped and the lacerations across his body had been thoroughly, and painfully, cleaned and disinfected before they were likewise bound. The fox's head had been wrapped, too, as the medic had worriedly worked on Kitsune's injured eye. There was no telling, with the limited facilities and equipment on hand, if her companion had lost use of it or not. The others tried to sound hopeful, but Raven never put any faith in that level of optimism. She had learned the hard lessons of becoming a realist, perhaps to her own detriment as it tended to keep everyone else at a distance. It was less difficult to mourn those who weren't close to you, she had thought once and the sentiment had stuck with her despite the shrinks' best efforts.


As she regarded Kitsune, the fox's legs spasmed again as he dreamed. Raven recalled the way in which Kitsune had fought during the last encounter. For such a small animal, he had a willful heart and a tenacity which he hadn't before shown. Even injured as he was, Kitsune had maintained his hold on the eagle and seemed that only death would have relinquished his prize.


Raven lifted her hand and moved to stroke Kitsune, but held it several inches above him instead. She knew that she shouldn't get emotionally attached to him. She saw what had happened to those on the team whose partners had been abducted. Was that worth whatever companionship the brave little fox offered?


Since their pairing, Kitsune had done nothing other than his absolute best to please her, and she returned his efforts with what ...? Constant depreciation? Discontent in his actions? Criticism? Her hand continued to hover above the bandaged, red fur as she contemplated him and the situation that had brought them to this point.


Raven didn't really know how she was supposed to deal with Kitsune. Her family situation had been a sham, such was the great role-models her absent mother and alcoholic father had been. The military taught her discipline, sure, but even that was a man's world and Raven was constantly told that she would never amount to anything despite her fervent efforts to prove otherwise.


She glanced around the cabin of the aircraft and her eyes landed on several of the other pairs nearby. In complete concert, they worked, fought, laughed, cried ... was this the reason that she had been assigned here? Was this the lesson that someone was trying to teach her?


Raven looked back down where her hand still waited above Kitsune's slumbering form. The fox had been through a terrible ordeal and on her orders may have lost the use of his eye. She felt no remorse for that; soldiers often lost things in battle and they either sucked it up and pressed on, or they died. Kitsune hadn't given up. Throughout the pain, he had been relentless.


For her. For Raven.


Her hand lowered and lightly brushed along the unbandaged section of Kitsune's fur. She had touched him many times before, but this time... was different. His fur felt softer, and the warmth that emanated from him was almost soothing.


She removed her hand lest she wake him. Kitsune desperately needed his rest and Raven assured herself that he would get as much of it as she could make possible.


"You ... you did well today," she said softly, awkwardly, as she returned to her vigil of the clouds that passed below the still ascending aircraft.


She never saw Kitsune's good eye open briefly as a slight smile worked its way beneath the bandages on his head and face. The fox sighed lightly and slipped back into a deep, contented sleep.

 

[Bolts]

Barry was lost in thought as he rifled through the ideas of where BB could have gone. Desperately trying to keep the worst away from possibility. As Duik walked up asking where she was, Barry figured he had dropped his outward appearance while his mind was on other things. He looked down at Duik with a face that said he was thinking worried thoughts. That soon faded and was replaced with the fake smile he always put on. He shrugged and twirled is finger around to insinuate that she was flying somewhere. He just didn't know where. He perked up when Amber said it was time to go. Letting him know that agents would be here encase she turns up. His mood lightened a little, but not enough to snap him out of it.


@SilverFlight


On the plane, he hadn't felt like this in a long time. The feeling he had abandoned his friend once again. Just like last time, for a mission with a threat he had to look out for. He sat in the back of the plane. He wished not to look out the window least his mind would flood with thoughts of her flying right outside.





Any moment now... Any moment.


He thought to himself as he waited for someone on the radio to say a small, very loud, bird had flown in asking for something random. His despair was cut short with the flight ending. The City was elegant and strange. A city made of ice was like a fable. Yet here he was. He had a hollow feeling as he just knew BB would freak out about it. Her punishment would be not getting to see this city. For now, he had to get his head in the game and get the captured teammates out of there.

 

[zCrookedz]

Simon and Jimbo had traveled to Harbin in relative silence. Simon sat by a window watching as the clouds passed under the plane and mulling over what Amber had said before leaving. Had things really happened the same if she had been here? He seriously doubted that. Amber was commanding, she was calculating, she was smart, she was pretty, she was.....Simon shook his head and blinked a few times before he let his mind settle one again. Jimbo merely looked up from his phone with a half cocked smile and a chuckle.


After the plane touched down and the group headed for this "city of ice", Simon and Jimbo had a little bit longer of silence before the car pulled to a stop and the outside seemed to light up as if a rainbow had been brought down to earth.


The pair exited the car and their eyes were flooded with a sight the two never thought they would ever see. Ice of every color, it indeed looked like someone had captured a rainbow and froze it into blocks and made a city out of it.


As Simon gawked at the scene, Jimbo looked up at him, and then Amber who also was taking in the scene. Jimbo backed up a bit and sidestepped so that Simon was standing next to her. He seemed to almost miss what Amber had said, but a tiny bit registered causing him to think he was talking to Jimbo as he continued to stare at the city.


"Jim, this is amazing. It's absolutely...beautiful."


At the end, Simon caught himself as he slightly turned his head to see Amber was beside him and a Jimbo sized hole where he had just been. As Simon said it, he took in how the lights of the ice and city reflected off of Amber smooth delicate skin, casting her in an array of colors that seemed to sparkle when they hit her eyes. He couldn't help but stare, and he wasn't about to look away.


Jimbo, who was now standing on Simon opposite side, was grinning from ear to ear as he watched Simon out of the corner of his eye, and enjoyed the scenery taking place around him.


@SilverFlight

 

[Lioness075]

As the group traveled to their next destination, Luness remained in the back of the plane and to herself. She didn't speak a word to anyone, as all she could think about was Leandra. She'd seen the blood splatter on the floor and no sign of her companion. Where was Leandra now? How badly injured was she?


When they finally arrived at the Ice City, Luness fluttered out of the big van they'd rode in, landing on a nearby rail leading up to an arched bridge.


Feeling the ice against her talons made her shiver, as she feared how Leandra was faring here. She knew that Leandra hated the cold and her high metabolism made her get cold easily. Was she getting hypothermia? Were they keeping her warm at all?


Glancing back at the team, who seemed mostly mesmerized by the sight before them, Luness huffed in annoyance. Now wasn't the time to admire the sights before them! They had two missing companions to find!


Yet, even as she thought these things and got all riled up, Luness knew better than to speak up right this very moment. The team was going to need a couple minutes to gather themselves and come up with a plan first. Rushing blindly in would do nothing good for the team nor their missing companions.


Sighing, Luness looked down at the railing she was perched on and mindlessly scratched at it with one of her talons, as she waited for the others to gather themselves and formulate their game plan.


@SilverFlight @WhoeverWantsToInteract


Manjano and Falarion had stayed close to one another throughout the travelling, Manjano anxiously petting Falarion while he worried for Leandra's safety. He knew his twin sister could hold her own fairly well, but he was still her twin brother and he was still older than her by six seconds. That certainly gave him every right in the world to want to protect her whether or not she could handle herself.


As the team arrived at their destination, Manjano climbed out of the van with relative ease despite the few bruises he'd earned from their fight at the hotel.


Unlike Manjano though, Falarion struggled out of the van and almost fell out before Manjano quickly caught his companion and helped him out.


Worriedly looking down at Falarion, Manjano then thought, Mate, you might want to stay back from this one. Not just for your own safety, but also for the rest of us.


Wincing at how rude he probably just sounded, Manjano then kneeled beside the whimpering Falarion before whispering, "We need you at your best, mate."


Falarion lowered his head at this and then replied, "If that's what you think is best..."


Limping back to the limousine-styled van, Falarion then carefully climbed back into it with the aid of Manjano.


Turning around to face Manjano, Falarion then buried his muzzle into Manjano's chest while whispering, "Please find her. I don't want to lose any of us. Not again, Manny."


Smiling faintly at the sound of his childhood nickname, Manjano carefully hugged Falarion while thinking, Don't worry, Fal. I'm not leaving until we find her and make sure she's safe.


Letting go of Falarion, Manjano then walked away from the van and soon stood at the edge of the group, warily taking in the sights before him. The Ice City really was a beautiful sight to behold, but his mind was still focused primarily on Leandra and he just couldn't fully enjoy the view without her here.


Seeing Luness on a railing nearby, Manjano frowned slightly. It was clear the phoenix was far from okay and as much as he'd like to try and comfort her, the last time they'd talked was with her shouting at him for his mistake. Now, he felt ever further away from her than ever before.


Shoving his hands into the pockets of some winter coat he'd borrowed for the mission, Manjano glanced up at the towering ice sculptures before him, as the cool air showed his breath.


@SilverFlight @WhoeverWantsToInteract


Inside the van, Falarion limped over to an empty seat and carefully climbed into it with a small grunt before circling a few times and laying down.


Folding his ears against his head, Falarion then whimpered, as he thought about Leandra and Laohu being kidnapped like this. It was so wrong and he still didn't understand why they'd been kidnapped. It just made no sense to him.


@Kharmin

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/57a8c9c98d1b7_Raven_Kitsune_35.jpg.87966b2ad6c07b1e7efe6934499c4a51.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="124644" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2016_05/57a8c9c98d1b7_Raven_Kitsune_35.jpg.87966b2ad6c07b1e7efe6934499c4a51.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Raven/Kitsune


The trip from the airport to the City of Ice was made in relative silence. Raven, with Kitsune seated next to her in the vehicle, kept her thoughts to herself and her earlier emotional lapse was nowhere to be found in her typical posture or impassive facade. For his part, Kitsune didn't let on that he had heard her compliment while on the airplane although it did his heart wonders to have received it even if his companion believed that he hadn't heard it.


When they arrived and poured out of the car, Kitsune struggled with his injured foreleg. In an inelegant moment, the fox placed too much weight on the bandaged leg as he exited and promptly face-planted on the icy pavement over which he slid several feet before, clumsily, his claws were able to find purchase. Sheepishly, he glanced up at Raven with his unbandaged eye.


"Where do you think you're going?" Raven inquired.


"With you, naturally," Kitsune replied as he struggled to sit in a more dignified manner. The swaths of wrappings and bandages did little to offer support in his endeavor.


"Kit, you can barely stand," Raven remarked. "You are of no use to me." The comment stung and Raven immediately regretted it. Her military training didn't allow for anything more than succinct statements. She noticed the fire dulled in Kitsune's good eye.


She took a few steps to get closer to where he had spilled out of the car and crouched down. "Look, I'm sorry," she said and Kitsune looked at her with suspicion. "I only meant that, in your present condition, you wouldn't be overly helpful. You have to admit that you aren't up to muster."


Kitsune looked askance, embarrassed at his situation and the attention that they were gathering from the others with their display. "Don't say that, captain," he pleaded. "I can be useful. I know that I can."


Raven reached out with her hand and gently lifted his face to look at her. "I'm sure that you can," she said as her expression softened ... just a little. "But I cannot function at my fullest if I have to worry about you."


Kitsune's eye widened at the admission. "It's clear that this team needs my expertise and quick decision-making," Raven continued, "and I can't be second guessing myself if I'm focused on keeping you safe." She nodded toward the car that Falarion had re-entered. "If you really want to be useful, keep Falarion company. Help keep him distracted so that he's not worrying about Manjano." Raven lightly stroked Kitsune's face and jaw. "Could you do that for us?" She paused and then added, "For me?"


Kitsune sat a bit taller as he regarded his companion and her request. He was still skeptical of her intentions; this was unlike the Raven he had thus far come to know. What had changed? And, did he like it? The bonding between them was still too raw for him to know for certain.


Defeated, but with an ounce of pride still remaining, Kitsune nodded. "Ok, captain," he answered. "Whatever you say. If this is what you want...."


Raven cut him off as a stern stare in her eyes returned. "It's not what I want, Kit," she admonished him, "but it's what I need. And it's what Falarion needs, for now, at least. Being part of a team means watching out for everyone, not just you and me. I need you to do this, Kit. The team needs you to do this."


"Very well," he said with a bit more confidence. "I will do this, but note my deep reluctance." The fox took a few, unsteady steps back toward the car. " 'A united army of sheep can defeat a divided army of wolves' ", Kitsune said aloud. Then, to Manjano's companion already in the car, "Sorry, no offense Falarion. It just seemed that the words of the philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo were suddenly appropriate to the situation."


@Lioness075 @EveryoneElseAround

 

[SilverFlight]

The room where Leandra and Laohu were brought was warm, and simply furnished with two beds and an oriental rug. The windows were circular in shape and barred with intricate, angular Asian designs, completely preventing the escape of anything larger than a rat. The man who had lead their transport here made sure they were set on the beds carefully before having a cart of simple foods brought in along with a tea tray with a pot of hot water, sugar and several tea bags of varying flavours.


"I must go see to the meeting, we need to keep this calm when the others come here. I don't want any episodes."


With that he left two guards outside the door and locked it firmly.


"They should wake soon, do not tell them anything, but wait for my return."


@crucialstar @Lioness075 @Bolts


Duik had stayed fairly close to Barry for most of the trip, trying to provide a little reassurance. It was one of the few moments in his life that he did not know what to say, so he sat with Barry and said nothing.


@Bolts


"Can you sense her?" Alec approached Luness, holding onto the hope that Landra would be close enough that the phoenix could reestablish the mental link.


He leaned on the ice rail of the bridge, the thick sleeves of his winter coat protecting him from the brunt of the cold.


"I wish we could enjoy this properly." He mused, trying to lighten the mood. "Heh, finally travelling and its when our friends are in danger. Talk about murphy's law." Then he became a bit more serious. "If they wanted them dead, they had the opportunity back at the hotel, instead they brought them here. They want something from us, and as long as they do Leandra will be safe."


@Lioness075


He noticed Zoe not far off and suddenly an idea appeared in his mind.


"Maybe some of us should keep out of sight, just in case this is a trap. Zoe, you should come with me, we're the best long range shooters in the group. We can follow at a distance. What do you think?" Then he turned to Beth and her barn owl. "Can we borrow Totus? He could be really useful seeing in the dark."


@DawnAntalios @Flutterby


It took Amber much too long to realize, but what alerted her was the feeling that someone was looking at her. She turned around slowly and met Simon's gaze. Suddenly everything else around her seemed to fade. The noise from children playing nearby seemed distant and almost unreal. The memory of the past five years withdrew itself from her mind and all she felt was what she had in the time leading up to Singapore. Before anything had torn a piece from her world.


He was here now, right beside her, and they were in the Ice City of Harbin. The scene was like something straight our of her wishful imaginings. She could feel butterflies in her stomach.


"I've uh, I've always wanted to come here." She admitted with a modest smile. She didn't have the courage to add 'with you'.


The truth was she was afraid. Afraid that any mention of what they may have had before would remind him of why there was nothing now, she was afraid it would drive him away again. She believed that deep down, he still blamed her for what happened. The sadness she felt at that thought began to show through her smile, ever so slightly.


A little ways away Calista sidled up to Jimbo as they both watched the pair. "Far cry from boot camp in Nevada huh? I believe her first direct words were: 'Get stuffed Sinclair'?" The civet chuckled to herself. "Bet you a dollar she'll mess it up before he does."


@zCrookedz

 

[Lioness075]

Falarion overheard Kitsune's quote, as the fox rejoined him in the van.


Perking up at the idea alone of having someone to keep him company, Falarion grinned at Kitsune while his tail began slapping the seat he was on.


"Hey, Kitsune! I'm relieved to know I won't be here alone."


Thinking over Kitsune's quote he'd declared, Falarion blinked and then replied, "Um, I'm not really sure if that applies to our group anyways. We've got some serious fighters on our team. Though, I do believe they aren't perfect when it comes to fighting as a team. I guess that's something they all need to work on."


Looking over the fox's injuries, Falarion blinked when he saw that one of Kitsune's eyes was wrapped up. Was he half blind like Falarion and Manjano now?


Tilting his head to the side, Falarion then asked, "Hey, is your eye going to be okay? I mean, I've had several years to get used to one of my eyes being bad. It really does take some getting used to."


@Kharmin


Luness glanced sideways at Alec when he approached her and shifted her gaze back to the railing she was on, as she said in a soft, pained tone, "No. I-I can't."


Despite her innate ability to create heat and feel warmth at all times, Luness felt a bit cold now, as she shivered slightly. Where was Leandra?


Listening to Alec, Luness couldn't even bring herself to nod politely at Alec, as all that was on her mind was Leandra.


Hearing his encouragement, Luness finally nodded, as she could agree with him about that much. It'd be pointless for them to kill Leandra now, but it didn't stop Luness from worrying for her companion. She could still see the blood on the floor in her mind whenever she closed her eyes. Leandra had still been injured somehow.


@SilverFlight

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra could hear someone speaking in the distance, but her mind felt foggy and her eyelids were way too heavy for her to even try to open them.


Everything seemed to fade away moments later, as Leandra passed out once more.


About ten or so minutes later, Leandra awoke once more, her eyelids feeling far less heavier this time.


Letting out a small groan and blinking a couple times while her blurry vision regained its focus, Leandra then slowly rolled onto her side to see Laohu on a bed across from her with an oriental rug. Before she even noticed the windows, the wafting smell of foods and the such hit her, resulting in her stomach noisily growling.


Slowly pushing herself up into a sitting position, Leandra let out another groan, as she moved one of her hands to her head. Feeling the throbbing headache, Leandra then suddenly remembered busting up her nose. Crap.


Carefully, Leandra poked her nose only to gasp in pain as a result. Maybe not the best idea.


Sighing, Leandra knew she'd have to force her nose back into place for it to better heal, though it wasn't going to be a pleasant task.


Glancing wearily at the sleeping Laohu nearby, Leandra hoped she didn't wake him up with her cry of pain, as she closed her eyes tightly and then swiftly snapped her nose back into place.


The moment she did this, Leandra's eyes widened, as she let out a small cry of pain, before quickly covering her mouth. Okay, so this sucks.


Focusing on her breathing for a minute or two, Leandra then got up from her bed and made her way to the food cart, which had quite the assorted goods on it.


Frowning at it, Leandra carefully picked up some little treat she saw and sniffed at it, as she had no idea if it was poisoned or something. Was this supposed to be some kinda trick?


@crucialstar @SilverFlight @DawnAntalios

 

[zCrookedz]

It took Simon a moment to realise that he was starting to get a bit light headed as he continued to gaze at the lights dancing across Ambers face. She had taken his breath away, quite literally, and Simon had even stopped breathing when his eyes met hers. Trying to play it off the best he could he took in a slow breath as he listened to her reminisce about having wanted to come here. The smile on her face made the chill of the surrounding city disappear until he noticed it starting to fade a bit. He didn't have to imagine what it was that was making the smile disappear.


He felt the weight of the last few years beginning to creep its way back into his mind. Shortly behind that, he could feel the weight of the mission beginning to reemerge as well. Jimbo could feel it as well, and at the sound of Calista's wager, he was beginning to think it was a winning bet. But then he felt something else bloom amongst the gloom in Simons mind. It was small, and needed the right motivation to grow, but it familiar to Jimbo. He hadn't felt it since before Singapore. He looked over to Calista with a half smile and nudged her with his arm at her joke.


"Heh, to be fair, Simon was a bit more hot-headed back then. But I'll take that bet, I've got faith in my brother."


Simon sighed as he closed his eyes and moved a bit closer to Amber by side stepping. Inside he felt the gloom's of the world beginning to slip away. It was like Amber radiated a heat source, and the closer Simon got the more of the cold inside she melted away. Stuffing his hands in his pockets of the jacket he had snagged from the trip over, he watched a the children in the icy city ran around shrieking and having a good time. He smiled and took a deep breath.


"This place is amazing. I can see why you would want to come here. You always had the best taste's in destinations."


Simon let the words hang for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts the best he could and not sound like an utter moron.


"Nevada, New Zeland, Egypt, hell even Singapore; We've done a lot of traveling together. To a lot of really neat places. Heh, do you remember, when they assigned us to Greenland, and I was so excited about the name that I thought it was gonna be the most comfortable place in the world. Everything warm and green from the sun. I packed NO winter gear. A duffle bag full of shorts and flip-flops."


Simon was smiling wide at the memory of how he had looked, shivering as they stepped out of the plane in northern Greenland. It had been a learning experience at reading the dossiers, one that Simon learned very quickly.


@SilverFlight

 

[Bolts]

The ride was long and bumpy. That was nothing for a little humming bird sleeping though. She has had rougher travels. She lay in the warm coat pocket that held her nice and snug inside. Big enough not to be seen, warm enough to keep her asleep for the time being. That was probably for the best. Who knew what would happen should they have found the little bird sleeping and defenseless. The cold weather outside made her dig deeper into the pocket but soon was met with a warming sensation of the interior room. Her heart beat picked us as she started dreaming of the house fire while Barry was away. It was such a terrible experience that only lead to more problems. Of course it had to have been started by an animal that returned to a regular wild life thought process. She always did fear if the same would happen to her while Barry was away. Never being able to talk to him again.


Her dreams were flooded with food as Leandra walked closer to the goods. It made her stomach rumble. Instead of a house fire, it changed to a candy land where she could eat as much of the stuff as she wanted. Her realization that food was just outside the pocket, the chance to gain some energy back, made her wake up. She crawled out without thinking and fell to the floor. OOF! she let out as she hit the ground. Gravity... A birds only weakness... She said dazed and slurred.





@Lioness075 @crucialstar @DawnAntalios @SilverFlight

 

[DawnAntalios]

Zoe listened to Alec as he spoke up, drinking in every word he had considered as the plan. She hummed, trying to take their chances - they were on an unfamiliar ground, this place was not something she knew... even if she decided to go heroic-rambo mode it would have probably resulted in a bad end for her. Besides... this was not to time for heroism, they needed to band together. Taking a deep breath she nodded.


" Your plan is a good one. " she said. Indeed, they were the best sharpshooters in the team, they could back the others up from a safe distance and could ambush enemies from afar. " I don't suppose you have a nightvision with you? " she grunted, looking at the vibrant city " Normally it would not be something that is required... but the colors in this city are rather excessive. We need something which shelters us from these vivid lights if we are to aim at being precise during the mission. "


" What about me, Master Alec? " Eos asked " I doubt I could be as useful to you unless you need some sort of steed to ride into battle on. Where shall I strike? "


@SilverFlight


The guards outside the door stirred as they noticed someone approaching them. They were poised to strike if it was an intruder - but they realized that it was only the confident looking lady who was the one abducting their unwilling guests. The woman walked up to them and after a little bit of mingling she convinced them to grant her entrance.


She looked at her guests with a wide smile, spreading her arms.


" Welcome, esteemed guests. " she spoke, noticing the little bird in the room " And welcome to you, uninvited one. "


For a moment she toyed with the idea of lashing out against the small bird but she decided against it. There was no reason to be rude with her guests, now would it? No, she would make sure that they enjoyed themselves while they were here... well, at least in her eyes. She looked at the girl with a sweet smile.


" I do hope you find your accommodation to your liking. I believe we have chosen you the most exquisite room possible, it should provide you comfort and happiness! "


She spoke with a hidden menace in her voice. Though she managed to mask most of her emotions her excitement remained evident - whether she wanted that as a warning sign or it was accidental slip of her attention it was not obvious. But it was clear that she was driven by a hidden intent known only by herself.


@Lioness075 @crucialstar @Bolts @SilverFlight

 

[deer]

Flipping inside the cover of the card, Xiao Hui read the two Chinese characters translating it to: Ice City. So, she was definitely on the mark and right about her deductions, especially since it had been awhile since she ever visited the place. Seeing that Falarion's wounds were dressed well from Alec, she watched as Falarion headed back over towards Manjano before Beth took her leave. Hearing Alec's deduction of a trap for leaving a location there, Xiao Hui mused on, looking down at the card in her hand. Something was off. But, why Ice City? The Black Dragon River? White Tigers near the borders of Russia? Was it a message for her personally? Looking on with a blank expression, Xiao Hui hoped it wasn't what she thought it was, but seeing the struggle of what occured here, what was the purpose for the kidnappers in taking Laohu and Lea? Xiao Hui looked over to Duirk, nodding in his direction at saying they should go despite what was to happen. At hearing Jimbo's update on Simon, Xiao Hui nodded, "Seems Simon and I will be sharing a bruised ribs." She stated, trying her best to lighten her mood, only for her expression to turn into one of mild surprise when Jimbo admitted he was worried for Laohu and Leandra. Xiao Hui knew Jimbo was a bit cautious around Laohu, but perhaps. . . he was getting used to her big cat . . this made her feel warm inside. It was another reason she needed Laohu to get his striped tail back her. Hearing Laohu being accepted by Jimbo and Simon . . made her even more encouraged to fight off those mongrels who took her partner away from her. She couldn't hear anything from the distance, but hoped he was faring well, along with Leandra. Soon, hearing a voice among the crowd, a strong and stern voice flatly told them to get a grip. Xiao Hui shallowly chuckled at that as she shook her head. If only her Father could see her now, he'd definitely have a field day with her, especially with Raven, seeing how much she sound's much like a no bullshit of a leader. If Xiao Hui was herself. . . if that was even herself. . . she'd react the same as how Raven had, but regardless, Xiao Hui cared more for her animal friend than business.


Looking over, she watched as Manjano strided towards them, with Falarion falling besides him in synchronization. She saw Manjano's eyes, nothing but determination clouded in them as she felt herself regaining strength. If Falarion, Kitsune, Simon, and Manjano can recover their strength from a fail, then so can she. She won't be the one falling behind them and causing herself to become a burden to others. Her eyes scanned for Rin and Haku, the two pair had been nothing but helpful to her, not only them but Barry as well. Hearing Alec's sharp words towards Raven, Xiao Hui whipped her head as she felt tension between the two. Did she miss something? Nevertheless, Xiao Hui looked on as Kitsune was being treated only to hear Duirk's question ring in her ears. BB? She's missing too? Whipping her head towards Barry, Xiao Hui watched as he etched a fake smile on his face, a facade she knew all too well, as another stabbing pain ached through her heart. "BB. . . ." She whispered softly to herself as she clenched her fist. "We'll find them." Xiao Hui continued saying softly, to mostly herself, as reassurance.


Soon, Agent Strong made her appearance, gathering around the troops as she disclosed the mission to them. Her theories were confirmed, it wasn't the Rogues, so it was another organization's doing. But, who? Who knew of Laohu? Why Leandra and BB? Was it because Laohu was with Lea the night of the undercover mission? Was it because their disguise was perfect? No, it couldn't be. Who done it? It couldn't be them . . . their way was known to her. . . but the way this was set up, it was another person's. Why? Taking a sharp intake of breathe, Xiao Hui closed her eyes, nonchalantly petting Kit as she remembered to get his kitten formula. Loose plan, unpreparedness. It seems missions would never go smoothly, especially with this team, plans didn't exist. Before they regrouped, Alec had already taught her the necessary means of taking care and Kit, and honestly, she was glad he did. It was the best thing for her to do, to get her mind off of her wanderings and musings. Her attention was fully on Kit as she allowed Kit to snuggle up against her when they made their way onto the cars. She observed as Alec did his best to cheer on Manjano, telling him Fal's right and they'd find Leandra. Kind. . and caring. . as always. Soon enough, her attention was caught on Kit was more as she placed the little kitten on the seat as he drank his bottle of forumula. Xiao Hui smiled slightly, seeing how adorable he looked to the point even Duirk and Alec had pointed it out. Kit was definitely a life savior, but it didn't change the fact that she knew Kit also reminded her of her own big cat: Laohu. Taking her attention off of Kit for a moment, Xiao Hui looked around the bus, glancing at her teammate's expression, seeing and feeling the tension, the sullenness, and anger in the air only made her curse under her breathe. The high pain medicine would last her until nightfall which was good since she felt high in "spirits" and ready to tackle whatever came her way.


As they got off the car, Xiao Hui's head lifted up, being greeted by the Northern Ice City, where the Ice Architect livened the place by the numerous colors of LED light. When was the last time she came here? It never ceased to amaze her the great details and amount of work the City made to keep the place going. But, thankfully, her warm coat was warm yet loose enough to keep her from shivering and catching a cold. Kit, on the other hand, hid inside her warm coat as she looked around at the scenery. Xiao Hui willed herself to not stray too far from the group especially after she tried to mind-link Laohu and felt some sort of sound and static. Hearing at least something meant he was definitely here in Harbin. At the same time, Xiao Hui was on red alert, making sure she didn't recognize any faces or. . . disguises as she eyed her surrounding, not wanting some people to notice she had arrived back in China and was in Harbin, the city were transported goods were most frequented. Xiao Hui allowed herself some wiggle room to take in her surrounding as she took the step in the grounds and touched some of the landscape. She watched in awe and splendor. But, she was brought back down to reality once more when she watched as Luness perched herself on the railing. Xiao Hui was going to go and talk to her, but it seemed Alec beat her to it. She watched Luness' expression stay blank as she looked on, seeing she was half-paying attention and half not. However, Alec had a good point, Leandra is well and alive, she should feel it in her bones. But, at Alec mentioning something from them, she bit her lip slightly. Something swayed in the pit of her stomach as she felt her nerves skyrocketing. Her face drained of color slightly as something dawned on her.


Taking her attention away from Alec and Luness, she walked over to Barry, tapping on his shoulder. Lifting her hand, Xiao Hui started signing towards Barry, "Are you alright? I'm sure. . . wherever she is, she's okay. Although . . she's prone to wandering off, believe in her and I'm sure. . we will find her with Leandra and Laohu. And, I bet you, Laohu wouldn't let her get in harm's way." She finished, giving him a small encouraging smile before sighing to herself. If she was honest, she was trying to reassure herself more than Barry, but knowing BB. . . maybe she saw something and followed. Looking around, Xiao Hui looked to see Falarion heading back to the car as Kitsune was in there too, resting up from their injuries. Soon, Xiao Hui looked over, hearing Alec's course of action to bring him, Zoe, and Totus somewhere at a distance to be better prepared if anything were to happen. Hearing Zoe agree with it, Xiao Hui gave her a small smile before looking towards Alec, eyeing him worriedly, as her attention fell on Totus, nodding at him. Soon, Xiao Hui prepared herself, making sure she had her own set of weapons if she needed it, still keeping the small pouched needles and small throwing knife. Hopefully, Kit wouldn't be too scared about the meeting that's about to come.


@Bolts @Kharmin @SilverFlight @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios @zCrookedz @Flutterby

 

[deer]

Blood. Blood. And more blood, plagued his mind as he remembered the time, date, and where he was in this vivid unconscious part of his mind. Strolling through the area, Laohu didn't bother being careful as he was there , yet not really there, like a 'ghost' or 'spirit', an outsider, yet he was part of this . . massacre. He gritted his teeth as he stared blanking ahead, closing his eyes at the remembrance of what he'd done. . of what he caused. But, before he can go further in depth with his memory. . . a sudden cry jolted him, though he couldn't find himself waking up any time soon. Instead, he drifted further inside his memories, remembering the day. . when his kind all but was lost. . gone in a blink of an eye. Feeling frustration and pain inside his soul, Laohu willed himself to wake up from this memory, from this nightmare.


Soon enough, Laohu's eyes fluttered open as his eyes adjusted to the room he was placed in. He had to admit, the bed he was laying on was comfy, but he felt as if he slept for eternity. As his vision regain it's sight, Laohu eyed the circular window and the asian designed railings to now allow anyone to come or leave through. Huffing slightly, Laohu shook his head, looks like the window isn't an option this time, she's smart. Gazing around, Laohu's ability to smell returned to him as he looked towards to where the scents where coming from. Smelling Leandra's scent as well, Laohu looked to see that she was inspecting the food. Chuckling slightly at the girl, Laohu spoke up, "Good morning. " he tried, staying as relaxed as he could, keeping calm, although they were in the hands of the enemy. He tried to make it as normal as possible, to not further let Leandra feel fearful, but deep down, Laohu was angry at himself. He was angry and disappointed he couldn't save Leandra and seeing her there with him. He furrowed his brows, knowing that Leandra hadn't looked behind to see the worry creasing in his eyes. Laohu had failed to protect Xiao Hui's friend. . . his friend. . . and Luness' only "daughter". He attempted to mind-link Hui, knowing how worried she was from the rapid heartbeat he felt. Please, don't lose your temper, Hui. He though to himself before getting up carefully from his spot. He winced slightly, still feeling a tad sore, but nevertheless, it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. Sniffing the food, he hadn't smelled any poison, "Doesn't look poisoned and I'm sure if they did want us poisoned or killed, they should have done so by now. Eat, Lea, and regain your strength." Laohu said softly to her before chuffing and nuzzling against her legs as a sign of comfort for her. Finishing his nuzzling, Laohu looked around the area before eyeing Lea, "I'm sorry." He said sincerely as he sat down on his hind leg, his head lowered slightly, "I couldn't protect you. . " Laohu whispered the last part, baring his teeth at himself, only to hear footsteps coming from the door. However, his attention was caught when he saw something roll out of Lea's pocket and a small hummingbird had appeared. "BB?" Laohu asked in wonder and curiosity, "How did you get here? Did you follow us? Do you know where we are?"


But, before BB could answer, Laohu stood back up on all fours. Laohu growled lowly, hearing the footsteps coming closer as the door knob turned, revealing the Lady that had taken both of them captive. Hearing her greetings and seeing such a smile on her face made Laohu want to pounce on her, clawing her "pretty, little" face. On guard, Laohu spoke lowly, standing besides Lea once more, carefully keeping BB under him as he protected her as well, "What do you want and what's your plan on keeping us here?" He said swiftly before standing in a protective stance, his whole frame looked larger than before as his coat puffed out. Why BB was here, he didn't know, but that didn't sound good consider Barry and Xiao Hui must be going out of their minds worried that not only two companions have been gone, but three.


@Lioness075 @DawnAntalios @Bolts

 

[Bolts]

Barry stood there in wait. It seemed that a few of them were starting to give directions to better support everyone. He wondered what he would be given for a task. It was rather difficult for his skill set to be put to use here it would seem. He would be fine with grunt work though. As long as it made anything go smoothly he would do anything. It was strange for Duik to keep following him. The mission last night was done. He could return to Alec and be the bonded pair they were. Maybe he just wasn't that great with people outside of a play. He huffed and scratched Duik behind the ear to insinuate that everything was fine. That nothing was wrong and he was sure BB was back at the hotel or close by there. It was near impossible to catch that girl anyway when she gets going. He knew something like this would happen on a mission, he even made her promise to keep a level head but he knew in his heart that would fade from her memory fast.


He felt a slight tap on his shoulder. A surprise since he was still rather new to the group. It was not Simon, Alec, nor Strong that was tapping on his shoulder so it couldn't be mission details at this time. He turned his head to find Xiao next to him. His eyes gave away his surprise. A possible thank you that isn't needed perhaps? He thought to himself. She started signing at him which took him off guard. All this time he could have signed during the hotel? Just another reason he should have spent more time getting to know people when he had the chance. He composed himself after his initial reaction had faded. I'm fine, really. Just a little annoyed she didn't keep her promise is all. In all honesty, I hope she is back at the hotel. Being captured isn't the best thought in the world. To think someone got a hold of her during the fire seems a bit far-fetched. He signed back. A weak smile rose due to trying to convince himself that everything was all right.


@SilverFlight @crucialstar


BB shook off her initial daze just in time for some random lady to come in. Laohu stood above her in a protective way as Leandra stood there. Just the tone of this woman was getting on her nerves. Accommodations? seriously? I FLEW SO MANY MILES JUST TO CATCH UP! No one even offered me a ride. The nerve. Here I am, just getting out of a pocket and you're calling me an uninvited guest? She fluttered up to the dishes and grabbed a pinch of sugar with her small feet. Dipping her straw like beak into the water, she took some out, put it on the tray, mixed her own sugar in it and drank it up. AHHH now there's the good stuff. Glad you went with sugar and not that splenda stuff. See, now that is true accommodations right there. She turned away from the woman who stood there with a prideful look to herself. I will forgive you this one time.... So says the queen.


@Lioness075 @crucialstar @DawnAntalios

 

[deer]

Seeing Barry's surprise, Xiao Hui tilted her head slightly before Kit popped his head out of her warm coat and mewled at him. Looking at the little animal, Xiao Hui cooed a little, seeing if he was hungry, but from the looks of it, he was only curious of what was outside of the warm, fuzzy, coat. Even more so, Xiao Hui had to admit, she didn't spend enough time to get to know Barry as much as she had with BB, so seeing his different expressions made her smile slightly. Perhaps, this was a good moment to not only get to know Barry, but also, console him as well, since it seemed Luness was doing her best, Manjano seemed determined, and the others found solutions to try to get some sort of organization and plan going for what was to come. She just hoped it wasn't what she thought, but deep down, she knew. . . it may be. Nevertheless, her attention went back to Barry as he regained his composure and started signing back. Nodding in response, Xiao Hui sighed slightly, before signing, "Despite BB's ability to disappear and wander off on her own, I don't think many people or animals would be able to catch such a fast hummingbird as her. Hopefully she is back at the hotel, for her own safety. Ah, sorry for not mentioning that I knew sign language. I must have troubled you a lot. But, thank you for being my back-up and watching out for me." She finished signing as she gave him one the warmest smile she had expressed since she found out Laohu had been taken. Laohu wouldn't have wanted her to feel ashamed or feel down in the dumps. Instead, he'd want her to use every ounce of fiber being to find him and to keep her nerves.




Laohu blinked as he looked over at the hummingbird, realizing what a talker and an energetic one she is. He had to admit, the hummingbird had guts to speak out against the woman like that. Smirking slightly, Laohu shook his head, chuckling at the bird's antics. BB was definitely one to lighten the mood, however, he just hoped the woman would find it amusing as he did. Regardless, he kept an eye and ear out for any sign of sudden movements from her or from the door that connected to the outside world. Laohu processed the room quickly, seeing if there was any escape route or any plans he can get together to get Lea and BB out of there without being harmed. But, he couldn't believe BB actually followed them and were on their trails. Did they know? Or did they just not care about the hummingbird that was following them? at the mention of sugar, he wondered if that's how BB energized herself. Laohu could see why Xiao Hui had taken a liking to the hummingbird, but she was definitely a handful, if one wasn't looking or paying attention to her. "BB, they probably were too slow to even comprehend or react that a hummingbird, as fast as yourself, was even following along." He grinned widely at BB before remembering there was a slight hole in the window, but nevertheless, kept his attention in front of him, not wanting to make it obvious he thought of the window. "It seems you weren't expecting another guest, were you?" Laohu spoke to the mysterious woman once more that so happened to know him. Just remembering how the woman said his name made his blood run cold, not liking her at all. On another note, perhaps. . . BB could squeeze through the window to find the others. .


@Bolts @Lioness075 @DawnAntalios


[Just a short reaction post 'cause BB was too adorable to resist]

 

[SilverFlight]

Alec 'hmm'ed and tried to sound confident. "These guys may have got the one up on us when we weren't expecting it, but they don't know who their dealing with. We'll get our friends back, and they'll be sorry."


He took his bag out of the car, a sniper rifel packed carefully within it before nodding to Zoe.


"Eos, you stay with the group. It wouldn't make sense to hide you, you'd stick out anywhere. Protect the others, and keep a sharp eye out for anything that could be a trap. We all still have the com devices, which work as short range. Keep us updated."


"I'll stay here." Duik said. Standing adamantly next to Barry. "I'll be much more useful with them than with you...no thumbs right?" Alec didn't like it, especially what had happened in the past 24 hours, but he couldn't argue with the logic.


"Just be careful."


Alec lead the way for the pair, weaving through the crowds of people. The goal was to find a high vantage point and see if they could spot any shady characters flanking the rest of the team. Also, if the team was captured, they'd have a few agents loose to make a rescue or call for backup.


The castle looked like the best place to start. Alec forged a path slowly to it, making his way up the lit steps. Below them an ice slide vanished into a tunnel under the steps. Duik would have loved to try that, he thought with a smile, but it soon faded as he made his way to a rope barrier blocking one of the turrets from public use and casually slipped under it.


The tower was abandoned because it had yet to be finished and the sculptors had all gone home with the sunset, so they had free reign of an excellent vantage point. Alec knelt close to the ice rail and waited for Zoe to come up as well.


@Lioness075 @DawnAntalios


Simon's voice snapped her out of her brooding thoughts, his jovial tone chasing back shadowed memories like a candle in a dark room. She gave him a glowing look as he complimented her. Then Simon brought up Greenland. Amber was still for a moment, then broke the silence with a snort followed by a bright, ringing laugh. She did remember, and it had been hilarious. It was even funnier now. She had tried to berate him for it at the time, but couldn't get through the comedy of it all to sound in the least bit angry.


She laughed and laughed and ended up leaning against him slightly for support, her breath rising in clouds in the frigid night air.


"Nigel wouldn't let you go without checking your bag for at least three missions after that." Amber remembered happily once she had gotten her laughter under control. When she looked back up at him her eyes sparkled with mirth. "As usual though, you solved the issue with ingenuity and raw determination, just a few more things that make you great Simon."


Two things surprised her then; the fact that she had given such an honest thought so freely, and the fact that she had called Simon by his first name. Both made her feel like things...just might be getting better.


Her hand slipped idly about the locket at her neck and she held it for a moment with tender affection.


@zCrookedz


"Agent Strong, Agent Sinclair." The voice made Amber snap around, and the tall, black-clad figure that had appeared before them gave off an ominous air. He had made himself fully visible to the whole team, and his tone when he spoke was cool and collected.


"I've come to speak to you about the conditions for the release of your teammates."


@everyone

 

[Bolts]

His rather fake smile started to make its way into a real one. yeah, Some times even I have trouble keeping track of her. As for the sign language, its nothing. Just funny to think about is all. The back up and stuff was just Raven's call. I just felt speedy enough to get up there.... I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough for.. well.. Laohu. We will get him back just as fast as they took him. He glanced down at Duik who was talking with Alec. Seemed he still wasn't leaving his side even when there were others to comfort. He gazed up just in time to see a displeased Alec before turning away. It was surely because of last nights events that caused such a reaction. Barry didn't blame him though. He would be mad at someone if that happened to BB. Actually, he was mad at himself. He let Duik go and do risky things without him. He was suppose to play the part as a bonded pair and more importantly he was a team with everyone here. He could write a letter, he could sign, he could even let BB do the talking. It just didn't settle right with him if he couldn't at least say I'm sorry. If he could say just that and no other words then it wouldn't solve anything. It would just let others know he would try harder next time.


He shifted closer to Duik while still face to face with Xaio. The guy had been next to him this whole time and he was just sulking when everyone else was dealing with it at least somewhat better. He didn't know how he would repay Duik but he could start with getting a better attitude at the moment. That's when a new voice popped up. He turned to see a strange figure draped in Black. He studied the figure as much as he could in case he could see something of a weapon or if he were to make a move. Barry wen't from a smile to displeasure in mere seconds.


@crucialstar @SilverFlight