The last words to come out of Leroy's mouth resonated, raising more questions than answers. He glanced over, noticing a few people glancing their way. Lowering his voice to almost a whisper, Clarence spoke again, "Do you think I wouldn't love to put half of those people behind bars, but trying only gets you and those you care about hurt! I don't know what you and those are people are trying to do, but it won't end well... It never does." Beaks tearing into flesh, blunt objects assaulting his bones. He knew the consequences of those who were caught even thinking about going against the "leaders" of this city. What would happen to this man, he didn't want to even think about. He had two options, turn this man in and let him face whatever lay in store for him.. or let the man go, and face whatever punishment came with that. He waited for the response, the deciding factor in whether this man could continue with his life. A while ago, there wouldn't have been a decision to make.. but Clarence could relate to what this man was feeling. The only difference between the two, was that this man wasn't afraid to act on his thoughts.

Leroy let out a breath as he tried to steady his nerves. What am I doing. He thought, why was he trying so hard to justify himself to this officer that was likely to shoot him down at any moment and why did he care so much. Leroy eyed the man again, to his surprise, to find the man's expression soften, as if he was rethinking his actions. Leroy decided to go on a limb here and took a step forward toward the man, keeping his arms crossed. "So what's it going to be? You going to stop one of the few people trying to change this hell hole in the sky?" He said in his calm voice, his expression softening some.

"Violence will not end the violence, only make it grow." Clarence began to feel sick, realizing what he was about to do. "I never saw the costume, I was just inquiring about a recent.. breaking and entering." He knew this would come back to bite him, whether it was due to the truth becoming known or another dead body showing up. Clarence stepped away from the large man, allowing for his escape. Clarence looked him up and down, before turning away. He ran his hand through his hair, a pit in his stomach. He knew what was right, that he should arrest this man. But how could what's right, also be wrong? There was no good answer to this, as any choice he made, he would regret it.

Leroy expected the worst at this point. He expected that this officer would slap those cuffs on his wrists, take him to the station, make some big story about how he caught the Dread crow, and then stick Leroy in cell to rot for the rest of his life. Leroy could easily brush aside these thoughts, he'd come to terms with the idea of being locked up a long time ago, but he couldn't get over the thought of every thing he strived for, everything he worked his whole life to accomplish would be for nothing, that was what Leroy found unbearable. Leroy got ready for his fate when the officer did something he never expected, he step to the side. It took Leroy a moment to realize what the man was doing, thinking that it was some kind of trap, before he took a cautious step forward. After another moment Leroy knew that the man was letting him go, a thought that baffled him, but he wasn't about to let the man change his mind. He quickly began to walk past the man and was about to keep going when a nagging feeling began to fester in the back his mind. Leroy stopped and turned around and eyed the man for a moment. I can't believe I'm doing this.. He thought for a moment. "You're a good man. You know that all that's happing in this city is mostly garbage... Would you do anything to change it? If it meant going out side the law." He said in a soft voice

Placing the supplies on the table, Kennedy looked up just in time to see Jonathan open up something remarkable. She had no way to describe it, but she was enthralled with this amazing little window that looked out into another world. Dan and Jeff seemed just as surprised at the feat. Now this man's story was solidified in Kennedy's mind, proven true by this phenomena before her.

Her attention was taken when another person entered the tent, adding to the party. She looked up to see it was Sage, a long-time member of the Knights of Songbird. She gave a friendly smile and parted from her spot at the back of the tent, making her way over. "Afternoon, Sage." She looked back over her shoulder at the small group staring into the portal-like hole. A nervous smile appeared as she turned back to Sage.

"Looks like we've got our next job," she pointed over her shoulder. "I'll fill you in. This guy says he's from another world, a city under water. Says he's been prisoner down there by some cuckoo scientists. He managed to get out and found us, needs our help to go down there and put a stop to the torture that's going on." She laughed lightly, and awaited his response, which she was sure would be similar to the other's.

Clarence thought for a moment, actually considering this question. Would he break the law he swore to uphold to make this city a better place, even without knowing the final result? It was at that moment that he realized, he had already done that. He had let this man go free, allowed him to continue his work without knowing how things would go. He hadn't swore to uphold the law, he had swore to protect the people of Columbia. "Yes.. Yes I would." Clarence towards back towards him, watching the large man, obviously considering something as well. Did this have to do with the group of people from earlier? Maybe they weren't terrorists, but people who are trying to do the right thing for the city. But did they condone this man's actions, or did they just look away when another body was found?

Leroy couldn't help but to form a slight smile as the officer admitted that he'd be willing to bend the rules to get the real justice that the city really needed, he found his mind drifting back to the day he was recruited into the knights. He was running from the local law enforcement for ruffing up one of the Ravens, as was the normal routine in his youth, when he was lucky enough to barge right into one of the meetings for the knights. After being quickly tackled to the ground by a few of the members he was able to explain his predicament and was giving the offer that would change his life forever. Now here he was about to give that same offer to a different man, one who was ready to shoot him dead a few moments ago. With a deep inhale Leroy placed a hand on the officer's shoulder and moved in. "If you really are serious about this you should follow me. We have a way to change this city and you'd be able to help." He said in a almost whisper.

Jonathan watched as the two men watched in amazement of what he considered normal. It was funny how somthing so average like ones home city is a marvel to others and the oppisite way around. Though at the moment he wasn't showing it part of Jonathan just wanted to run all over Columbia exploring it's many streets and buildings but as of now he had bigger fish to deal with. "So how long have you two been members of the knights of songbird?" Jonathan asked as he closed the tear.

Clarence felt the sand under his shoes, the abandoned beach not so abandoned as a group of people met in the middle. He had agreed, agreed to go with this murderer to meet his group. If this was a trap, Clarence doubted he could make it out in one piece. He had been shocked, to say the least, when the offer was made. He had made his way through the city, following this complete stranger. But if this man was going to continue, someone needed to make sure he didn't take things too far.. Or was that how Clarence was justifying his own actions, of leaving his old life behind. Either he would be dead in a few moments, or he was going to be involved in things he would have never dreamed of. Pretty soon, someone would notice he was gone... it wouldn't be good. The man, the Dreaded Crow, approached the group with Clarence following behind him, his eyes narrowed curiously.

Still a bit dazed at the work of pure magic that had taken place in front of his very eyes, Dan eased back a bit. Well, okay...He supposed that perhaps there was something to add to his list of pure craziness. Though, he was pretty sure this was off the charts. Any thought of pain immediately flew away from his body, instantly replaced with the utmost curiosity, his honey colored eyes shimmering brightly in an almost boyish fashion. He snapped away from it however upon the arrival of Sage, giving a nod to him and a friendly smile. Though, his mind lingered.

"Woah.." He muttered, his voice breathless. The city itself looked...beautiful, definitely neater and bigger than Columbia. Yet, it was...underwater? That was another strange thing, almost ridiculous, but he didn't dare say that in front of Johnathan. Besides, why waste breath on such a stupid comment. Something Dan had to always watch himself on, and scold himself for.

He was surprised at the young mans next question however, probably one to pass the time, or evaluate their skills in the field. An easy answer, to a simple question. Yet, Dan still had a hard time just simply trusting this man. It was definitely quite the curious subject, and Dan would love the opportunity to walk the halls of that city, bask in the futuristic quality it possessed. With a glance around the hidden beach, he crossed his arms, wincing as he remembered the injury on his back, embracing the pain once more.

"I've been with the Knights ever since I was a tiny boy. My sis- my friend told me about this family, and I joined. I've been with them ever since I guess, going through the highs and lows with them, and enjoying the companionship to the fullest." His eyes took on a new hue, darker, his voice was suddenly filled with pride. Though, the dark in his eyes remained. This beach always got to him, and it was beginning to show through. He almost slipped, so close to falling over an edge he wouldn't be able to climb back over. He gave a small and lighthearted smirk, casting his gaze over Sage, Jeff, and Kennedy.

Feeling a little uneasy, almost chilled, Dan turned his head slowly, focusing behind him. He was surprised, to say the least, when Leroy came forth. Though that wasn't what surprised him. What had, was the sight of the officer from earlier approach from behind of him. The first thought that rang in his head was, 'He must have been tortured..forced into giving away our location'
Though, their body language suggested otherwise. Both were surprisingly relaxed, besides the officer, who looked to be a bit cautious. On guard. Leroy led him here, but it seemed like the two had a layer of trust about them. Strange, but not the strangest thing he'd seen today. He didn't say anything to Leroy or the officer, instead he fully turned around to face them, tilting his head back to the others. "Guy's..." He paused, motioning for them to look over to the pair. "We have visitors." He said curtly, stepping toward towards Leroy and the copper.
"Though...I'm kinda curious as to how we have a guest." He tilted his head, not making any move for his weapon, or prepping his vigors. He would be calm unless the situation called for otherwise. Besides, he had placed himself in front of the others for a reason.
"So, dare I ask, to what do we owe this surprise?" He trained his eyes on Leroy now, his voice calm and even, like the water lapping at the shore just behind the tent.

The 'tear' was taken away as this Sage person then began to start what seemed to be idle conversation, asking how long they had been with the Knights. After hearing Dans spiel about his time in the group, Jeff then went all smiles and pride, "Well I was a wee bit more recent, came in at the age of 13 when my adoptive father took me in, taught me everything he knew about the knights and what their cause is. Spent most of my days trying to annoy ol' Kennedy here, and Im pretty sure it worked for the most part" said Jeff, giving a playful smile toward Kennedy before looking back at Sage.

Next thing he knew, the flap opened and in came Leroy... and guest... "Well if it isnt the copper from before! what brings ya here this time? Didnt get enough Bronco for your liking?" said Jeff teasingly, though his eyes could show the tense caution he had for the cop who pulled a gun on his friend not even two hours ago. He was curious to see why the two of them were travelling together... odd to say the least but perhaps there was a reason behind the confusing spectacle.

After their heart to heart Leroy told Clarence about the knights of Songbird, though he didn't give any information on the members beside himself, and gave him the offer to come join them in a meeting, which the officer accepted. Leroy lead his would be comrade from Shantytown and up to Battleship bay, though he did make them take a slight detour so he could reload on ammunition, saults and to pick up his Chain Broom shotgun. As they arrived to the beach Leroy gave Clarence the simple word "Smile." As a word of advice before grew his own sly smile and headed over to his fellow knights. "Oh if it isn't my favorite band of misfits." He said with his hands placed nonchalantly in his pockets as he entered the tent. He quickly became aware of the presence of an unknown man among the group, but Leroy decided to defuse the situation he had started before it blew up. He laughed and patted Clarence on the shoulder. "This here my friends is the man that caught the Dreaded crow. I don't know about you lot but a good man with that much skill is more then welcome in my books." He said in his smooth voice before looking over to Kennedy. "What you think?"

The discussion was interrupted when in walked Leroy, as expected. Except he had a surprise in tow, the cop from earlier that they had all assaulted and roughed up. Kennedy's face fell blank as the man entered the tent with them. The light, casual conversation had ceased, and everyone had turned their attention to the intruder standing at the door. Kennedy raised an eyebrow in curiosity as she looked over the cop. He didn't look hostile... an air of nervousness surrounded him. He hadn't come in guns blazing, he had simply strolled in with a fellow member. A member he had tried to detain not a few hours earlier.

Placing her hands on her hips, she eyed Leroy. Each of the boys offered a comment towards the man, but Kennedy had not said a word. Instead, she stood analyzing until the room had gone silent. Leroy chimed in, surprisingly calm and smooth despite the situation which he and the others all knew was anything but. She tilted her head to the side before replying in a calm voice, "Well, I think we need a little explanation as to how this opportunity has presented itself." She nodded to Clarence, making clear eye contact. "What's keepin' you from arresting my friends and I? How do we know this isn't some kind of set up?" Kennedy was cautious. She wasn't about to make a quick decision and risk putting her family in a bad situation.

The Knights of Songbird were welcoming to all, but there were certain precautions that must be taken. To Kennedy, the situation was a tad peculiar. Sure, the man could be a great addition to the team. But were his intentions in favor of the others? She wasn't going to turn him down immediately, she merely required a good reason and a sense of trust before allowing him to remain even through the gathering. Kennedy let out a small breath and looked at both Leroy and Clarence. "Look, give me enough reason to let him stay. Give me something to go on here."

Sage listened intently as Ms. McIntire calmly filled him in on the situation that they had found themselves in. He finally looked to the man who had apparently came searching for them and realized what exactly it was that he held in his hand. As he moved closer to the orb and stared down into the vast underwater city, he could barely contain himself.

Staring down at the vast Eden-like world that the man had come from seemed like a veritable wonderland compared to the war-zone that Colombia had become. As whales and various different wildlife passed by his view, nothing seemed to compare to the massive construction that held the city together. Remembering back to his first days in Chicago, before he became of citizen of Colombia, he had thought that Colombia was the end all be all of technological prowess.

Bringing himself back to reality Sage realized that he had left Ms. McIntire waiting, to which he promptly replied,

"Alright, when do we depart?"

Leroy smoothed back his dark hair and let out a slight breath of distresses. Though they were all putting on a calm face, much like he was, Leroy could tell the unease that was flowing through his fellow knights. "Kennedy how long have we known each other? You know me and you know I wouldn't risk anything that would get you lot hurt." Leroy said with a reassuring smile as he stepped back so he stood next to Clarence. "This man here had ample opportunity to stab me in the back, hell he could of gun me dead of few hours ago." He patted Clarence on the back "Besides I like the look of the guy." He said with a slight smirk.

He glared at the man who had used the vigor on him, the one that didn't know when to keep quiet. The woman appeared to be a leader, as the group appeared to be centered around her. He would have never though to look here, on this beach, before now. While this was a very isolated spot, there were at least twenty more spots that would have been more hidden... or not, since he knew about them. They didn't trust him, that was obvious.. but then again, he had just tried to arrest them all. He shifted uncomfortably as Leroy patted his back. In his whole life, this was the most uncomfortable he had ever been. He stood rigidly , straight faced, before speaking to the group. "Uh.. Hello. I'm Clarence." He turned to Leroy and whispered, "I would never have stabbed you. Most likely just have had you locked up for life." He smiled slightly, as if that made what he said any more trustworthy.

Jonathan sat watching the others talk for a while before trying to strike up a conversation with any of the men he had been talking to "what's it like living up here?" He asked. He always wondered what it would be like living above the clouds on balloons that hold you up. The city looked amazing and he would do anything to live there for the rest of his mortal life. He hated the accursed rapture and most of its less than same inhabitants.

Kennedy looked at Leroy. He was right, they had known each other long enough that she should be able to trust him on this. She nodded and looked at the cop as he introduced himself. "Kennedy," she stuck her hand out to him in greeting before looking back to Leroy. "Okay, if you vouch for this man then I trust your judgement." Kennedy looked to Jonathan as he spoke, giving a slight laugh at his question. "It's the prettiest hell you'll ever be in." Sure, Columbia was beautiful at times. But that was all a cover for what was really going on in the floating city. Kennedy's gaze shifted back to Clarence, "Welcome aboard. Looks like you get your initiation quickly," she now addressed the whole group, "We've got a job to take care of guys. We should have everything we need already, but get any last minute supplies you need now. We need to leave as soon as possible, no time to waste here." If the situation was as bad as this Jonathan fellow was making it out to be, then every moment that was spent standing around was another moment of torture and hell for an innocent victim.

Dan watched carefully, and silently as Kennedy extended her hand, and trust to both Clarence and Leroy. Immediately afterwords a smile dawned on his face, of which color had started to return, a light pink flushing his cheeks in the hot sun. He gave a nod to Clarence, "If our little miss is happy to accept you, then so am I." He gave a handshake to the police officer, and a brief nod. "I'm sorry that I was gonna knock you upside the head with my sky-hook.." His smile became playful almost instantly.

He stepped back, turning back to Johnathon. "Well, I'm ready." He paused, a question begging to be released from his lips. "Before I go through these...tears. Are there any side-affects?" His bright eyes burned with curiosity, he would still go no matter the risk, but he had to know what to expect. Otherwise, he was ready for this journey.

For once Jeff was silent throughout the whole speaking with the cop. Jeff was never really one to just quickly accept a person into the organization that he grew up in. Each one of the people he called friends too time to deserve to be called Knights just as he did. It was nothing against Leroys judgement, but just more of his own reservations about Clarence. However he put on his signature smile to hide his feelings and stood up, "Call me Jeff, we cant wait to see what you got to offer" he said with a hearty slap on the guys shoulder.

Jeff chuckled at Kennedy's description of Columbia, it was the best he had heard to say the least. "And they say heaven is underground. Go figure." he replied happily. He then remembered that he had grabbed a few more med kits before heading out and rummaged through his bag to grab them, handing them out to each person. "I didnt expect our charge to pick up two more, so we will be short on medkits, sorry about that fellas, but Ill be sure to spare my own lest any of you two run into any trouble." he said as he walked to hand Kennedy her medkit. As he did he leaned toward her so he could speak silently into her ear "The second that cop turns on us, dont expect me to hold back" he said to her so that only she could hear.