"K Nine" and "Setsuka"
Location: Azure City, Streets (Alley)
Interactions: None

To say it was a rough couple of days for both K Nine and Setsuka was an understatement. For two days straight, K Nine had dressed up in civilian clothes and simply had gone around questioning anyone who was present at the time of the attack at the park.

But it was all the same each time: people fully dressed and armored came out of unmarked black van, they all opened fire with disregard for any lives, then those that survived retreated. Even worse, one or more mutants were with said unknown group. A muscle-type mutant was dealt with at the northern entrance while another was dealt with by a "spec ops" agent. That mutant, though bug-type, was reported to be a shape shifter.

And despite all that, no group had come forward to claim responsibility for the attack or even the theft at the lab that occurred during the attack to begin with. Even Setsuka's PC abilities couldn't pin down a group. Though MSU didn't have evidence, there was one or two groups that could get both the firepower and mutants to do such a thing...

Even though they were both trained for it, neither liked violence nor taking lives. But both knew that there were people out there, both human and mutant, who made it their jobs to give you no choice in the matter. Both of them often wondered what drove those with such power to cross such lines...

So for the past two days, they went around as discrete as possible. Posing as MSU investigators rather than soldiers slash SWAT in uniform, they did their rounds as usual in civilian attire as stated. Looking for any leads to pin down those responsible for the attack with solid evidence or witness accounts.

Today, it seemed more the usual until they were contacted by one of the MSU commanders. They knew this particular female. True dedicated to MSU and it's cause. While she can be a pain to deal with, she knew her way around taking command. Little did either agent know was that she was the same woman that Milo himself reports to sometimes while on the field.

And she had contacted K Nine and Setsuka because they may have an agent M.I.A.

Now, driving in a black car with MSU plates, both drove to the missing agents last known check-in coordinates. Thanks to Setsuka, she was able to pinpoint the agents last known communication before said agent's sudden disappearance.

But now, both agents were now dressed in their personal gear just like in the park. The commander had said that she wasn't taking any more chances. They even had those special tatical goggle that spec op MSU wore. Nightvision, a HUD and these two they were wearing had a small camera on the right side of the head so their commander can see whatever they see.

Again, leaving nothing to chance.

They were actually able to drive the car into the alleyway before they parked it. Both getting out, they immediately took in their surroundings.

"Agent K Nine, checking in."

"Agent Setsuka, checking in."

"Copy that. Got your visuals. Search the area."

"Ma'am", both agents responded.

After some time, both found two individuals unconscious.

"Sounds about right. I had ordered the agent to question these two and others in the area. From the looks of it, didn't go so well. Non-lethal ammo was used as well. He was there alright. I'll send some agents over there for retrieval. Just handcuff them both and continue your investigation."

"Ma'am."

It would only take a minute before things suddenly changed.

K Nine was checking the damage done near a dumpster before a roach ran out in front of them.

Startled, he jumped back.

"...ew...pest control...", Setsuka said as she saw K Nine jump back.

"...damn...everything I've been through and THAT spooks me...", K Nine said.

But then, more started crawling around as if from any nearby crack and hole and started forming up right in the middle of the alleyway.

"...ok NOW I'm spooked", K Nine then said.

"...ma'am...we may have a situation", Setsuka said as both agents readied their MP5's.

"I see it too...wait...don't tell me it's..."

Then, a nearby manhole was pushed aside slightly as the roaches seemed to have lined up near it. They crawled around the manhole in a perfect circle before they all stopped suddenly.

Then, a voice called from said manhole.

"...hello agents of MSU."

"...ma'am...it's him", K Nine said, now knowing the mutant behind this.

"...Vermin Roach", Setsuka finished.

"So you know who I am. Well that saves introductions", the voice said.

"How can we not? Your a wanted mutant", K Nine responded.

"Ah so you know of my reputation as well."

"...your lucky your down there and not up here. Otherwise, we'd be either trying to arrest you or shoot you", Setsuka said in a low tone.

"Yes. My...profession tends to cause some problems but I don't care by who...which is why I'm here", the voice in the manhole said.

There was a pause before he continued.

"See, I have "eyes" of sorts almost everywhere within this city. I see things happen and hear things that peak my interest. Then I saw what happened here..."

"...aaannnddd here we go", the female voice said over the line.

"...I'd say piss off...but-", K Nine started but was cut off.

"But an agents life is possibly on the line...but you know what? I'll sweeten the deal since I do wish to stay in your good graces..."

Another pause before Roach spoke.

"The individuals that possibly took your agent...they're most likely with Quadcell. They were the ones responsible for the attack at the park and the theft of that lab. And that's your only freebie for now."

And, sadly, that was the bit of info that hooked not just the commander but K Nine and Setuska themselves.

"......I can't believe I'm about to say this. Ma'am. I'm sorry...you can chew me out later...how much?", K Nine said.

"...physically, how much do you both have right now?", Roach asked.

Taking out their wallets, both put together around five hundred dollars, two hundred fifty dollars each, out of twenties.

"...good enough. I'll go easy on you. Now put it by the manhole here. No funny business."

K Nine then walked, rather slowly, up to the manhole where the roaches surrounding it seemed to eagerly wait for their payment. Laying a roll of twenties on the ground, the roaches then moved around the money and seemed to just "carry" it into the manhole.

Some time passed before Vermin Roach called for perhaps the last time.

"You'll find your agent and his new friend at the following address and coordinates if you wish to get technical. Beware. I saw some guards there. Well-armed too."

Roach then said a street name and address number followed by another set of numbers for coordinates for the location. True to his profession, he didn't mess around.

"And ladies and gentlemen...pleasure doing business with you", he said.

"...don't think for a moment this excuses your actions Vermin Roach", K Nine said.

"...oh believe me agents Setsuka and K Nine, I wouldn't expect anything less should that day come", Roach responded, revealing that he KNEW the agents code signs.

K Nine was about to jump into that manhole out of anger of all things before it instantly covered itself up and the roaches crawled into the four little holes on top of the lid.

"...damn it...", K Nine said, shaking his head in frustration.

"Forget it K Nine. We need to go. Now", Setsuka said.

"...ma'am. I screwed up but were going-"

"I don't like it any more than you do agent K Nine. Just bring our agent home alive or...otherwise. I'll get agents here to secure those two thugs and deploy some at the area Mr. Cockroach called out. You'll both close to it though so you'll both arrive there first if you hurry."

"Understood", both said.

Getting back into the black MSU car, they pulled out of the alley and started going to their next stop...

With possible combat waiting for them just like two days ago.

It was clear that movement had accelerated. Milo’s absence had been noted, and guards were jogging down the corridors, looking for him and Maksim. Indeed, both of their escape had been recognized, and the familiar voice of armed soldiers moving about reached Milo’s ears. "Look..," the agent spoke, as he turned to Maks. "If you get the chance to escape, take it." The boys quickly moved behind a mass of debris, large rocks which had once been part of the wall now leaving a patch of dirt beyond the stone. Indeed, Milo had been conditioned since his inception to believe that the boy’s existence was not on par with another’s. He was just a resource, just a lab rat.

With his gun prepared for an enemy encounter, Milo attempted to maintain a calm and steadfast disposition. If nothing else, for Maksim. The boy was likely panicking, unable to grasp the situation or why he was even there. "This is Quadcell. They will stop at nothing to catch us. If they can’t, they will kill us. Keep your head up."
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Something about how the boy told Maks to run, to escape if he was given the chance... it didn't sit well with the young boy.
Maks frowned heavily. He was told to keep his head up, but he wanted to make it clear to Milo, he wasn't okay with being told to run and leave Milo behind.

"I won't leave you here."

Maks would make it clear by his facial expression that he wasn't going to let anyone change his mind.
In the back of his head, Maksim wasn’t bothered by the fact that if he couldn’t get away, Quadcell would kill him. He would fight and fight, help this other boy as much as he could, but if it came down to it, he had nothing to lose. If he was going to go out, he’d go out fighting.

”I'll help, as much as I can.” he said, knowing in the back of his head that if it came to it, Maks would let his powers take over. If it meant helping his ‘friend' get out as well.
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The notion was endearing, seeing how this boy was willing to put Milo on the same level as himself. It was an oddity to be sure, one the artificial mutant was unused to, indeed. Meeting those brimming, blue eyes with his own obsidian orbs, Replicant paused for a moment, following a soft breath escaping his lips. "Then, if you will equal me to your own worth.., my name is Milo." He finished, turning to look across the corridor from their hiding spot.

It was getting chilly, for sure, making his way across cold, unforgiving stone, dressed in nothing but underwear. Equally so, the cuts on his body were taking their toll. Milo needed medical attention, and they could not linger. "Guards are gathering in that direction. It must be the exit."
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Maks smiled faintly as Milo told him his name. Would this be considered friendship? Or was the situation just a good reason for Milo to help Maks? Was this trust?
"I'm Maksim.., but you can call me Maks." the younger boy said, looking up at Milo momentarily.

As the older boy explained what he saw, Maks also peeked out to see what he meant. He looked in the direction Milo mentioned before pulling looking back at the other boy. If the guards were gathering near the exit, how would they get past them all? This thought turned itself into words after another moment.
"How can we get past them? What if there's too many?"
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Maksim, quite a stunning name. It would take a fool to deny the fact, and as Milo met the smaller boy’s gaze with his own, a sense of determination washed over him. He could not let a young mutant, a child like this, die at the hands of Quadcell. Death, as he knew, was the preferable outcome, in regards to capture. "Okay, Maks," Milo began, placing both hands on his pistol. Making their route out of the underground dungeon without violence was preferable, but highly unlikely. "Come, we just need to keep quiet." The agent finished, making his way down the now empty, stone corridor.

The passing of minutes would eventually land them, as predicted, close to the exit. There was a large set of stairs leading toward the surface, with countless boxes and shelves drawing this a storehouse. Few had the patience, or the will, to carry these heavy materials further into the dungeon, before their designated use.

Hiding behind a large gathering of boxes and shelves, the boys were allowed a moment’s rest. "Seven guards," Milo whispered, "Maksim, look..," the boy turned his attention toward the wolf touched child. "This is your one chance at making an exit. I will distract the guards, and you can run up those stairs." Milo commented, "or, you can make sneak closer to the guards, and attack them from behind, after I begin shooting." Though combat wasn’t preferred, the boys were lacking in options. "It’s up to you. I just want you to get out of here, alive."
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Maksim shook his head immediately after Milo gave him options.
”I’m not leaving without you,” the young boy said, indicating he wasn’t just going to run up the stairs, leaving Milo down there with the guards. ”I.., I’ll try to get the guards.” he finished, feeling quite unsure of himself. Maks had never intentionally hurt someone, it wasn’t in the young boy's heart to do it. But he also partially understood the situation they were in, and what needed to be done so that he and Milo could get away.

Maks didn’t wait for much longer before he turned away from Milo and slowly started making his way closer to the guards. He watched each one closely, paying attention to any patterns they might’ve shown while patrolling or looking around.
Two years of living on the streets of Azure City had taught the boy much. Needing to steal to survive meant Maks had to learn to blend in when it was necessary. Should he need to run, the young boy always had an escape plan. But in this prison, he needed to rely on quick wits and the ability to improvise.

Once he got into position, he’d wait for Milo's signal. The young Lycanthrope's eyes blazed a vibrant blue as he waited, his powers on the very edge of control.
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Bracing himself, Milo rested his arms against the surface of a box, his aim maintaining a straight line toward those who would harm the boys. He could not deny pain which was still piercing his body, those wounds stinging and unforgiving. Replicant managed a deep breath, sounds and motion greeting his senses in a most focused manner. The marksman counted, one, two, three and four, before his finger pulled back on the trigger and the loud echo of a gunshot spread its way throughout the damp, dungeon air.

Blood splattered against the wall as Milo’s shot connected with a guard, the hole in his neck leaking a sanguine liquid so precious. This immediately sparked attention, every single guard shifting their focus toward the line of fire. Milo released another bullet from the darkness where he hid, tearing through the flesh, bone and muscle of another guard. Five now remaining. However, the muzzle flash had given away his position, and the slew of bullets striking at his cover pinned him down behind boxes and shelves. It was Maksim’s turn, a chance now offered.
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It would be a lie to say Milo's first gunshot didn't alarm Maksim. The young boy flinched as the second shot went off, then a hail of bullets followed and Maks knew it was his turn to help. The young boy closed his eyes, imagining his targets, imagining what he wanted to accomplish. It would be another lie to say the boy was afraid to let his powers go, but he had to, to help Milo.

It would be a few short moments after the hail of bullets before Maks ran out from his hiding spot. He was a lot closer to the guards, giving him the advantage of surprise, and not having to run through their hail of bullets.
If Milo had been given a chance to peek at the boy, he would immediately notice the long claws on the young Lycanthrope's hands. His eyes seemed to radiate a fantastic blue, even more than they had done before. One other noticeable thing was that some locks of Mak's hair had turned a pure white.
The young boy moved fast, his reflexes and senses enhanced as he went for the closest guard. Sharp claws found their mark on the hamstrings of one guard, the man immediately collapsing. Maks caught that man's head, leaving a deep claw mark up the side of it.
He moved to the next guard, who had just started to turn his attention and his weapon to Maks. The young boy moved quickly, bounding from side to side as he closed the gap between his next target. He launched forward quickly, severing the front of the next man's neck in an instant.
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It was as Milo had expected. This boy, Maksim, was not a mere child. Not ordinary, in the slightest, but rather, a mutant. Had this not been the case, the agent could very well have sent this young teenager to his death, an outcome he would never be able to shake. Taking the moment of chaos for what it was worth, Milo shot up from cover and unleashed another three bullets, eventually emptying the magazine. In a fluid motion, a replica manifested itself in his hand, before the agent slid the bullets into his gun, effectively reloading, and fired two more projectiles.

Rapid movement echoed within the darkness of the dungeon complex. More enemies were coming. "Maksim, this way," Milo raised his hand, motioning for the wolf to follow him up the stairs. They could handle a few guards, but several would be a hassle. Maksim was but a child and Milo was wounded, not to mention left bare with equipment. This was not a battle they would prolong.
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Underneath the form his mutant powers had given, Maksim could hear Milo calling. He could also hear the movement coming from within the complex, but the ability to comprehend what Milo was saying, and to make his own decisions wasn't something he could do while enraged.
Although, given the enhanced abilities through his powers, and due to lack of guidance and discipline while growing up, Maks also didn't have the ability to maintain his powers and couldn't break away whenever he wanted.
The last of the guards had been dispatched, Maksim made sure of it, despite many of them laying on the ground already unresponsive.

Suddenly, Milo would see the young boy slow down immensely, the white in his hair diminishing and replaced by black locks again, the claws receding and the boys hands returning to normal. Covered in the blood of the guards, Maksim dropped to his hands and knees, breathing heavily and doing everything he could not to fall completely.

"Milo..," came a desperate but quiet call from the young boy, "I can't."
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"Stay with me, Maksim," Milo responded, leaving the stairs and lowered himself to a knee in front of the boy, before placing a hand on the smaller teenager’s cheek. Those dark, obsidian orbs barely visible in the darkness gazed into Maksim’s blue, celestial sapphires as he spoke. "We’re almost out, you can do it." Cut off from the attempt at comfort, Milo heard a gunshot travel past him and dug into the stone wall. Clenching his teeth, the agent spun around, and swiped his hand across the floor where he armed himself with an assault rifle left by a guard, now cold, and dead.

Slender fingers wrapped their way around the magazine of the assault rifle, a soft, blue hue washing over it once Milo managed to imprint with the item. "Maksim, you can do it, move with me." The agent spoke, bracing the weapon against his shoulder and released a consistent line of bullets into the corridor, hitting an unmarked target before moving on to the next. He was in no way attempting to manage accuracy, but rather, suppressive fire, as one magazine was replaced by the other.

Slowly helping Maksim toward the stairs amidst the shooting, Milo felt a bullet grazing his arm, before prompting him to drop the rifle, with a wince. Through a reflexive manner, the boy raised the pistol he had previously acquired, aiming with his wounded arm before firing several bullets into the darkness, returning fire.

Aiding Maksim while moving up the stairs was not a simple task, one arm attempting to stabilize his partner while the other fired back at those who would kill them. After an excruciating exchange, the boys found themselves at the top of the stairs, where they could step out and find themselves in an old, abandoned warehouse.
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"I'll try..." the young boy said quietly, taking hold of Milo and following with him as best he could. He kept his head low as a spray of bullets came their way, hitting everything around them.
Maksim flinched as Milo dropped the rifle. Was he hit? What happened if he fell? Maks had little confidence in himself due to his current situation. He had to rely on Milo. If the other boy hadn't helped, Maks knew he would probably be dead already.
Ascending the stairs proved difficult, and the young Lycanthrope knew it was because of him. Milo had to use one arm to keep him steady while using the other to shoot back. Maksim kept one arm tightly around Milo, using the other to brace his hand against stairs and help push off of them, helping himself move better.

He could feel exhaustion throughout his entire body, but he had never felt as weak as he was now. It had been a few days since that ration bar Milo had given him, no doubt the lack of nourishment was playing a role in the young boys fatigue.
Finally, they had made it to the top of the stairs into an old, abandoned warehouse. Nearly empty shelves, piles of wooden boxes, some metal barrels, broken windows, Maks wondered what it had been used for.
Their moment of rest of was broken quickly, as Maks could hear shouting not far from the bottom of the stairs. If it came to it, the younger boy knew he had to let his powers take over again, if at all, but he wasn't sure what would happen after, or even how long he could last.
"I'm sorry.., I tried to help." the young boy winced as his head pounded, eyes blinking slowly as he looked up at the older mutant. Maks knew, if he had been able to maintain his strength, they couldn've been far from here by now. But here he and Milo were, tailed by those who wanted to kill them, and with little options.
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"You did," Milo offered, the newfound light offering a better view of his pale features, a soft, tender smile managing to reach his ally. Taking Maksim’s hand, Milo continued to gently lead the wolf touched boy through the warehouse, guards cutting at their heels as if zealots hunting heathens. Reloading his pistol, Milo turned his attention to the guards now filling the warehouse through the underground passage. He heard several shots echoing through the building, before he returned the favor, making sure to keep his head low and moving behind as much cover as they could possibly find.

Though Maks was under the impression that he was a hindrance, had it not been for the young mutant, they would both have found an untimely end. For Milo, it would have been a horribly slow, and agonizing death, indeed.

"This is our chance," Milo stated, turning his attention to a shattered window, impressively large, to allow the sun’s light to bathe a once profitable production. Helping Maksim along, Milo pushed the window, its rusted hinges creaking as it gave way. It was a short distance down to the ground, one the boys could manage as they slid out of the warehouse and to the dirt beneath. "Look, the town’s right there," Milo pointed forward, as he helped his friend through the rustic vegetation. Police sirens could be heard clearly, the gunshots having earned their attention.
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Much of what Milo said and did started to blend together as the young boy's exhaustion grew. The young boy stayed with Milo as best he could as the two made their way through the warehouse, avoiding flying bullets and hiding behind cover when they could.

After what seemed like an eternity, but was really only a couple minutes, Milo was helping Maks through an old, rusty window and into thick, overgrown vegetation outside of the warehouse.
The wolf boy constantly felt his hold on Milo weakening, but reminded himself that he had to stick with the older boy, otherwise he could falter and both of them would die.
Panic surged through Maks as he heard the polic sirens. "We can't let them get us. They're gonna catch us..." the younger boy mumbled, sounding almost desperate. Though Maks wasn't even sure who he was talking about anymore. The guards from the dungeon or the police sirens that seemed to grow louder, the closer they got.
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Milo did not require the power of mind reading to imagine Maksim’s fear of the police. He was a street dweller. It only made sense, that his run-ins with the police were of a less pleasant nature. "Maksim, just stay with me, I’ll do the talking. They won’t touch you." Moving through the vegetation, Milo pushed himself, and inadvertently Maksim, as far as the two could possibly go, on their way across the factory district. Eventually, the sirens grew louder, and Milo noted how their pursuers were thinning out.

Falling to his knees, with Maksim still held tightly, Milo dropped his gun as several police cars were starting to crowd the area. There was no place to run, not anymore. “Hold it!” Came a voice, as officers started leaving their cars, guns raised and aimed at the boys.

"Agent M - Eleven Zero, of the MSU," Milo began, lifting a tired head as he spoke to the police, "we need to contact the MSU urgently." Without any identification to give, one could forgive the agent for this transgression, considering the state of him. "Maksim is under my jurisdiction," he finished, motioning towards the boy beside him. "He’ll be coming with me."

“What the hell happened to you?” An officer returned, raising a brow at the boys, noting Milo’s wounds.

"There is a Quadcell prison under that factory, we were held captive." The agent finished, before police officers yielded to obligation, and contacted the MSU, as per protocol.
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The need to run was strong, the fear that presented itself while he and Milo sat in front of the cluster of police officers and cop cars was hard to deny. Everything he had learned from two years of living on the streets in Azure City told him to run, to not trust any of these people around him. But the ordeal that he had just endured with Milo forced the young wolf boy to look at something he hadn't considered before; having someone he knew he could trust.

So Maksim sat there on his knees, slouched a little as he kept a tight hold on Milo so as not to fall. He rested his head against the older mutant, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths so as to calm himself.
He had to trust Milo; trust he was right, that things would be better now that they had escaped a living nightmare.
"Thank you.., Milo."
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MSU took care of their own, as the saying went. Once they arrived, Milo was tasked to answer several questions, and with their help, he was able to properly identify himself to the police who let him, and Maksim, go. Informing his superiors of the situation, giving them his full report, Milo was allowed to maintain a constant presence at Maksim’s side, with reason of efficiency. If they were seperated, the boy would understandably make the situation more difficult.

Once they were able to enter an MSU vehicle, Milo held onto Maks as he leaned back on the seat, letting the smaller boy indulge in the long awaited moment of rest. They were taken to the MSU headquarters, haste being a first priority due to the wounds one of their agents had suffered. They were both taken to the infirmary, where Maksim was offered nourishment, and Milo was treated for his injuries. “Since when was it your job to bring stray mutants into the MSU?” Came a question, along with a slight chuckle, the doctor working on Milo’s wounds while Maksim was allowed presence, if he so desired.

"According to protocol, he is my responsibility. He also saved my life, for what it’s worth." The agent returned, as the doctor bandaged now stitched cuts across his body.

“And what will the Commander say about this?” Came a response from the medical worker.

"She congratulated me on locating a Quadcell prison. She didn’t seem to care for the prisoner I brought with me." Milo offered, lowering his gaze, for a moment where he sat, on the hospital bed.

“Yeah, sure sounds like her.” The doctor finished, “you are going to need some rest. I am putting you on temporary leave, while you heal. Yes, even you get that privilege.” She stated, the doctor who had overlooked Milo’s health since his creation. “Make sure the kid doesn’t do anything stupid or it will be on your head, agent. Considering his lack of paperwork.., well..,” she sighed, crossing her arms. “It will be easier to just look the other way, we have enough to deal with, especially with Quadcell involved.”

"What will happen to Maksim?" Milo slipped off the bed, careful, not to reopen his wounds.

“Up to you, as long as he doesn’t make any noise.” The doctor finished, taking off her gloves. “Welcome back, agent,” came her farewell, before leaving.
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After Milo had answered what needed answers, and was allowed into the MSU vehicle, Maks dozed off almost instantly. The rest wasn't long though as they soon arrived at the MSU. The young boy stuck to Milo everywhere he went, protesting even if they were on the opposite sides of the room from one another.

The dirt, grime and blood he had picked up during his ordeal with Milo was cleaned, and the boy was given clothes to replace the ones he wore. A simple white t-shirt, blue jeans, socks and slippers. After everything had been cleaned, he was given nourishment in the form of a light meal, bread and broth to start out with, along with plenty of water and even vitamins to give his weakened body a boost. The nurse gave him a granola bar as a special treat before leaving him to be with Milo.
Also given to the boy were instructions for his parent or gaurdian to follow, in order to treat the concussion he had sustained while in his prison. Aspirin, rest, and careful attention when doing any sort of physical activity were highly advised.

While the older mutant was getting patched up, Maks sat close to Milo and the doctor in a small padded chair. However it didn't take long for the young boy to doze off, eyes closed and head rested against the wall behind the chair and half a granola bar held in one hand in his lap.
Things seemed better for the moment, as the young boy quietly slept and dreamt of blue skies and fun times with Milo.

A mantle of red covered the sky as the sun was setting, another day was ending, another boring, eventless day for Patrizia Binari. The mutant girl looked over the golden necklace she stole from a store at the beginning of the week and sighed, carelessly throwing it behind her.

“I am tired of that!” the girl complained, it was shiny and the diamonds sparkled, but there was not much to do with that boring out thing. The problem, she assumed, was that it was too old! People in the 15th century did not have anything to do, but she was a modern girl with modern needs.

The TV had been on for a while, as usual just showing mundane things, but then… Her eyes widened and she rose from the couch, paying close attention to the programming. It was an interview with Serene Light, CEO of Rocktech Industries. The host went on and on about the latest inventions of the company and even showed some pictures. They looked so sleek and stylish, plus according to them, they were the latest tech around.

“Ohhhh! I want it!” she said, a grin starting to develop on her face. “I want all of it. This will be so fun! No more dusty museums and stores for me!”

---

It was now deep into the night, guards surrounded one of the Rocktech Industry warehouses, a day as uneventful of others… for now.

From the balcony of a nearby building, pale blue eyes watched each man intensely, a plan quickly brewing inside Patrizia, no, Marionette’s head. Suddenly her eyes shone, “Now, now, be careful my dears! We don’t want the boring men to figure us out.” she whispered.

Bellow, one of the guards tilted his head. “I heard something moving,” he told to his partner. “Stay alert, I will go see what it is.”

Not too worried, but still cautious, the other guard rose up his weapon and paid close attention as the first one moved into the alleyway to see if there was anybody in there... Just to find himself pointing his weapon to a bunch of mannequins. The laugh from the other guard was heard behind him. “Guess you are a bit paranoid, eh?”

“Crap, must be from one of the clothing stores nearby. They should dump their trash somewhere else. Stupid things.” he resisted the desire to kick down the whole crowd of plastic figures, that would make too much noise and cause worries to even more guards.

“Let’s get back to our positions.” the other guard said, and the one inspecting the mannequin nodded… though as his partner left, he would hear the sound of movement again, cold plastic hands moving over his mouth before he could yell.

Even before returning to his position, the other guard noticed the absence of his partner. Instinct told him to go back into the alleyway to call him, but strict Rocktech training told him to stay alert and move close to one of the alert buttons of the warehouse. The closer he got to the outer walls of the warehouse, the weirder the absence of his colleague became.

A plastic bag flew into his face, causing him to stop and take it off. “Stupid thing,” he grunted, weirdly enough there were no strong winds, but these things flew with the smallest of breezes, he thought. A couple more bags brushed against him, this time not even stopping him, he was upon the alarm system’s button, ready to press it. His finger touched the big red plastic circle and did nothing, soon the man found himself punching the thing but even with all his strength the button would not bulge and the alert would not be sent out.

Sweat dripping from his face, the man reached for his pocket to try to grab his keys, they were missing, in fact, everything was missing, his wallet, his cellphone… another plastic bag hit his face, an enraged hand flying upward to remove it. “Dammit! Now is not the time!” the man said in an enraged tone.

“Why I disagree! I would say now is the perfect time~” a voice said behind him, the guard turned around to face a girl, clearly not a normal girl, she did not seem have flesh, instead, she seemed to be some sort of robot or doll, he could not tell what, but he knew she creepy. To her side, flying in the air, were his keys, hoisted up by the plastic keychain given by Rocktech. Behind her, the mannequins they had inspected.

“M...Mutant bitch… !?” before his rage could turn into a yell more plastic flew against him, this time, stuffing his mouth, the man started to cough, but now all the trash from nearby alleyways was alive, moving towards him like a horde, plastic tying itself to plastic until countless ‘ropes’ of plastic bags had him immobilized.

“Curious no? You and your friend ended up caught by what you called ‘stupid things’! Makes you think, no? About who is really the stupid one.” she had a blank stare and a satisfied smirk, clapping to her mannequins to hoist the man up and hide him with the other captured guard. Then she extended her hand and took the key to the warehouse, the fun of the night had just started.

"K Nine" and "Setsuka"
Location: Azure City (Abandoned Warehouse), MSU HQ
Interactions: @Bea and @Shard

It was during the fight at that Warehouse turned Quadcell prison that both Agents K Nine and Setsuka arrived on the scene. They had also shown up at the same time local authorities showed up to reports of gunfire. The commander even pointed out the missing agent and, according to Vermin Roach, his "new friend" talking to one of the officers.

But they still had work to do. The Commander said that they'd be taken care of. So now, it was up to them to raid this place.

Odd thing was, the gunfire had stopped.

When them and other officers went downstairs, they did find a lot of things. For one, dead bodies from both soldiers guarding the place it seemed and prisoners who didn't make it but only a few it seemed. Still, evidence suggested that, indeed, Quadcell had their hands all over this place.

And it seemed the place was quickly evacuated. There was a hidden door discovered that led into the sewer systems of Azure City. It would seem members of Quadcell that survived had decided to cut their losses. But again, papers and documentations left behind painted a clear but grisly picture as to what was going on here.

With the area secure, both K Nine and Setsuka were called back to MSU headquarters for debriefing.

And just has he expected, K Nine got chewed out.

While they were happy that they found out where that prison was, they didn't like the fact that he had to dirty his hands to get that info. Even more so with the infamous Vermin Roach. A "Class A mutant" threat to MSU and other agencies of the law. Some even said that it wasn't even necessary since the gunfire heard and agent Replicant's escape made that move pointless and reckless.

"...well sorry for "caring" bosses. And stop acting like I "enjoyed" that experience because I tell you now. I-DID-NOT-LIKE-DEALING-WITH-THAT-SCUM", was the smart and tempered reply he had given them.

Needless to say, there was an arkward silence after that remark.

Now, both he and Setsuka were at the medical ward area of MSU HQ. They were actually walking towards the room that the one they were trying to rescue, agent Replicant, and the mutant called Maksim were staying at. The reason being was simple.

It was sort of a "punishment" that the commanders felt K Nine deserved for his smart remark.

"...you don't have to do this too Setsuka", K Nine said.

"Hey. Not going to leave you on a sinking ship. I paid Roaches services too you know", Setsuka responded.

"Only because I forced you into it. I made that call, not you."

"...Danny...were partners. That's what we do."

On that, both continued on with their new assignment.

Simply put, they were going to "shadow" both Agent Replicant aka Milo and the mutant Maksim until told otherwise. They'll watch from a distance but nothing more.

To Danny though, it felt like babysitting...

* * * * * * * * * *

The members of quadcell that had evacuated their warehouse prison were working their way through the dirty water and pathways of the Azure City sewer system. Out of all of them, the female in the white lab coat was the one that stood out a little amonst the group. A somewhat annoyed look on her face since she had missed the one opportunity to study such a rare mutant from MSU. While she did manage to grab some blood samples, she was forced to abandon all her other projects because she didn't think MSU would find the place as quick as they did or rather a mutant breaking his restraints and releasing said mutant.

But as she and her group moved, a roach seemed to be following them...watching them as if it had a will of it's own...

...keep moving...mind your own business..., Roach thought to himself as he observed the group.

Truth be told, he was just making sure they didn't do anything foolish down here since this was the only place Roach felt at home in. If Quadcell started building a lab down here...well...that would be bad for his business. Then again, his business wasn't exactly safe either.

But even he knew how dangerous Quadcell was. He had a roach at the park and watched everything go down. But even more curious was the critical bit of information he had heard...the "other" reason that attack happened.

Indeed, this was business...but one mistake, business would close...permanently.

The next time Milo opened his eyes, the dim light of his hospital room gave him somewhat of scare. Though a pleasant rest was offered, images of a previous operating room came rushing into the agent’s mind. When it was noted that freedom was afforded him, and his limbs were not bound, Milo managed a soft sigh of relief, before turning to see a sleeping boy next to the agent’s bed.

Maksim, yes, of course he would be there. Rubbing the artificial mutant’s face, Milo lowered his bare feet to the floor, and reached for the clothes he had been given. Loose fabric, to prevent discomfort following his treatment, Milo slipped into a pair of socks, cargo pants and a tank top, along with an unzipped hoodie. It was what one could expect to see the boy in, simpler regalia. Fixing his attention on Maksim, Milo paused for a moment, unable to hide the smile making its way to his features. Who would have thought that a stray, homeless boy was going to be the difference between life and death? Truly, a humbling experience.

Lowering himself to a chair next to Maksim, Milo took the moment to lean back and close his eyes once more. He could not deny the comfort of a well earned rest.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
One shouldn't be surprised at how long Maksim had slept for already. Nothing the young wolf boy had experienced in the two years of living on the streets of Azure City could have prepared him for what he and Milo had faced; not mentally, nor physically.
He hadn't woken once since sitting down in his chair, not even to finish the half-eaten granola bar; which had fallen from his hand and now laid on the floor at his feet. The boy would definitely not be happy about his dropped granola bar once he woke.

Despite his new surroundings and the care he had been shown, it would take awhile for the boy to grow out of tendancies and habits he had formed from living on the streets. So when Milo sat down next to him, Maksim stirred, unable to sleep without knowing what had moved so close to him.
The young boy opened his eyes slowlyand looked to his side to see Milo. For a second Maks thought he was dreaming, why was he sitting in a chair, why was the strange boy from before next to him. Then suddenly, everything he had been through in the past twenty-four hours came flooding back to the forefront of his mind.
He sat up in his chair quickly, taking in a deep breath and looking around the room and then to the older mutant next to him. It took a few long moments, but then the young boy remembered he was somewhere safe.
Milo had saved him. He didn't leave the boy when Maks had collapsed next to the stairs. He had promised to protect him, to get him out alive, and had kept that promise. Milo had shown him what trust was; what trust is.

Sitting back in the chair, Maksim had completely forgotten about the granola bar for the time being. "Are.., are you feeling better?"
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Opening his eyes to the boy’s voice, Milo extended a slender hand, carefully patting Maksim on the shoulder. It was the way friends acted, was it not? The agent was unsure. He was still quite new, to this. "Affirmative, I feel a bit better." Milo admitted, nodding his head before reaching for an all too forgotten granola bar on the floor, which he then handed to his new acquired friend. "Thank you, Maksim. Had it not been for you, I would only have agony to look forward to." Milo continued, rising to his feet with a soft groan. His body still hurt, and while feeling better, he was in no way in good health. "Maksim, I..," Milo started, scratching the back of his head, "I have been laid off until I am able to initiate combat, once more. Would you like to spend some time, with me, in town?"
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A hand on his shoulder is something Maks would have run from, had it been a stranger. It had been too long since the young boy had someone close to him, two years in fact. Ever since having to run from home and travelling halfway across the world, not knowing where he was going or where it would end, the boy had forsaken letting anyone get close to him.
He had to keep reminding himself though, that Milo was; well what was this? Friendship? Was this what it was like having someone close that you could count on? That you could trust?

Taking the granola bar in hand, Maks blew at it in an attempt to rid its sticky surface of dust and dirt. He didn't really mind though, as was evident when the boy took another bite of it, the sweet granola and small chocolate chips greeting his taste buds like two kids greeted each other before a day at the park.

"You saved me too. We saved each other." the boy pointed out in between bites of his granola bar.
He looked to his friend after Milo mentioned going into town. The boy wasn't quite sure how it would feel being in town, but not having to hide in the shadows in fear. That thought didn't linger for long before he lifted up his legs to look at the bunny slippers he was given. He had also noted that Milo was only wearing socks.
"Sure. D'you want a slipper? That way we both have one." the young boy asked, not really understanding how easy it could be for them to just acquire shoes.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Squinting at those slippers, and then back at Maksim, Milo scratched the back of his head. The agent did not fully compute. Share slippers? Or rather, share one slipper? This was quite an odd development, to be sure. However, Milo could do little but laugh at the question, a lighthearted tone, indeed. Maksim was unique, in every aspect. That scared alley dweller, now sitting on a comfortable armchair with his feet on a table, enjoying a granola bar, it was endearing. "Maksim, I.., uh..," Milo thumbed over his shoulder, "I have been outfitted with adequate footwear." Motioning toward the doorway, Milo pointed out a pair of converse shoes, two pairs, in fact. Maksim had been afforded the same luxury. "Uhm, considering how you have been assigned the role of my charge, it is my duty to keep you safe. We should head to the armory, before, uhm..," the artificial creation scratched his chin for a moment, considering the notion, "before we indulge in lighthearted activities." Milo finished, nodding his head. Social interactions, it was something he surely needed to work on.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Maks took his feet off the table and leaned forward to see the shoes Milo had mentioned. Taking another bite of his granola bar, the young boy stood from his chair and hurried over towards the door.
He picked up one of the smaller shoes, dark blue in color, and looked at the laces with a little bit of confusion written on his face. His old, torn up shoes had been slip ons, so needless to say Maksim would need some help tying his shoes. The boy sat down on the floor, holding the granola bar with his teeth as he slipped one of the shoes on. Surprisingly it was on the right foot after the first try.
He slipped the other one on before messing with the laces, slightly reluctant to ask for help from Milo. Although, it would be easy to notice the young boy was struggling with attempting to tie his shoes. If the mess of laces wasn't enough, frustration was written all over his face.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Do you require assistance, Maksim?" Milo tilted his head, looking toward the boy who was struggling all too obviously with the footwear, its nasty laces doing quite a number on him. Carefully, as to not reopen his wounds, Milo lowered himself to his knees, his slender fingers making their way towards Maksim’s own, where he began to gently, and fluidly, work on this laces. "It is a process which will eventually become muscle, memory, see?" The agent displayed, showing the process as it unfolded. "Mission accomplished," Milo managed a soft smile as he met his newly acquired friend in a locked gaze.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Maksim sighed in defeat as Milo came in and helped him tie his shoelaces. Asking for help was going to be one of the young boys biggest problem now that he wasn't living on the streets anymore. One would call it stubborn pride, as for the last two years Maksim was forced to do everything on his own.
Taking the granola bar from his mouth, Maks smiled. "Thank you." he said quietly, meeting Milo's gaze with his own.
After his shoelaces were tied, Maks stood up, munching on the granola bar and running the other hand through his rather messy looking hair as he watched Milo start to tie his shoes.
"Why do you hav'ta go to the armory first? What's that?" he asked, subconsiously messing with his hair as he watched the older boy.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"As an MSU agent I am obligated to wear a firearm for self defense. In a physical altercation, I must be able to neutralize the threat, through non-lethal means." A translation would read that Milo needed a gun, because there are criminals. Much like a civilian with a permit, Milo had access to such a device, but unlike a permit, his position in the MSU demanded that he was always able to defend himself, and others. "The armory is where they keep the weapons." The agent finished, putting on his own shoes before standing up. The movement was somewhat difficult, and Milo hoped that he would not need to repeat this motion repeatedly. Now that adrenaline had left his frame, he could feel the pain all too clearly.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Maksim understood Milo's notion completely, even though it took the younger boy a bit longer to decipher what he had said. All too often Maks had run into thugs and other street criminals that he really shouldn't have gone near. There were times where the younger boy thought he would've died by their hand, but for the most part he was able to rely on his mutation to help him escape and lose them in a chase.
"I guess that makes sense." the young boy mumbled, shrugging as he finished the last of his granola bar and threw the wrapper in a small garbage bin close to the door.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Holding his hand out, Milo would offer the smaller boy help, back to his feet. Maksim did not need it. Not at all. It was a gesture, and little more. As they walked through a large, sterile and metallic corridor of the MSU building, thoughts of this ordeal came to haunt the boy’s mind. Milo was allowed to maintain his relation to Maksim, as if a friend. Why? Yes, because protocol claimed that if a charge was brought in, they were the agent’s responsibility until such time that they handed the charge over to the proper authorities. Maksim had no paperwork, no family and no official note of existence. It made sense, letting him stay with Milo, but the boy could not wrap his head around the circumstances. A stray, unwanted child, who was allowed to simply ‘hang’ with an agent? Most would consider this odd, and Milo was still trying to figure out just why he hadn’t been told to hand Maks over to the police. "It’s over there," the agent explained, pointed further down the hall, into a sealed room with ‘Danger’ written on the door.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

---

"Why?" she asked, tilting her head.

Sheffield jerked to attention when he saw the Asian girl that dropped in out of nowhere. Sitting on a guy would be fair grounds for that question of hers. But when he saw the wings, the red eyes, and the teeth, he quickly looked back to his notebook. It was a matching picture!

He looked back up to make sure. Then he checked the picture again. Back up, back down, back up, back down...

Aeira Ketsueki, right in front of him. Now that's a stroke of luck.

”Uh..." Sheffield stood up and pocketed his notebook. The man below him still slept. "Hello. Just... caught a bad guy here."

Aeira looked even more confused. She noticed the man looking at his notebook. A picture probably. But why?

“You have?” Her eyes were drawn to the man sleeping on the ground. “What did he do?” she asked, hoping the answer would tell her more about the two people in front of her.

She was slightly on edge. If she was right about the picture, then this man was looking for her for some reason. Either to arrest her, question her, or... whatever other weird fantasies he had.

“He stole some dough," Sheffield said, nudging the duffel bag with one foot. "Special 'dough' apparently, though I'm not sure why my handler wouldn't say it was cash or something."

He scratched the back of his head, but jabbed an accusatory finger at the girl. This mission should be over quick if he handled this right. "But that aside, I think you're the one I'm looking for, and someone I was curious about these past weeks. Aeira Ketsueki, The Scarlet Devil, right?"

Aeira stepped back, instinctively reaching towards the back of her head. She wasn’t as scared of that outcome. She found that many people who did kill others didn’t bother to waste their time on thieves.

“Most people who say that end up trying to kill me,” she said drily. “But yes, you have the right person. What do you need?”

Sheffield figured that he didn't have much of a reputation, much less any on the streets. But that at least meant Aeira Ketsueki was neutral to him.

”My name is Sheffield Dusk. I'm on a request by Azure City's 'volunteer department', a group of the government that handles short-term tasks handled by capable people, including me."

Sheffield took out his notebook and flipped to another page. "'Mutant identified as Aeira Ketsueki... troublemaker... likely not a...’ here, it says you're suspected of being a distraction for the unknown terrorist forces slipping into Azure Park. The MSU, if not the police or some investigators, are going to catch you for interrogation once things get cleared up on their end.

"However, right now they only want an alibi that you didn't do anything wrong. I want to talk to you to help you avoid that, but not here. Is the Rain's Knell Café alright for our talk?"

The young man stared meaningfully, hopefully, into Aeira's own.

She had been looking towards the sky, listening, contemplating, then looked back at Sheffield and nodded. “Sure, I’ll go with you. I wouldn’t have done something so boring anyway. But how do we plan on getting there?”

Sheffield walked over to his motorcycle and patted the back part of the seat. "I'll give you a ride. Just give me a moment to drag this thief off. There should be a post nearby..."

Aeira saw the motorcycle and gasped, walking up to look at it. "I've never ridden one before! It's so pretty," she said in awe.

Sheffield then let out an “Oh!” He remembered the rule about motorcycle helmets. He turned to her, asking, "You don't happen to have something to cover your face?"

The girl looked down at her arms, her sweater's sleeves covering her hands. She raised them towards Sheffield. "I can use these?"

Sheffield's lips quirked just a little into a grin.

"If you mean wrapping it around your head... it'll hopefully do. Just get on the motorcycle and behind me. I'll get us to the café in no time at all!"



Sheffield drove the motorcycle at fairly unsafe speeds. No, they weren't just unsafe; the rider edged on breaking the city speed limits again.

The two whipped past the poor vehicles stuck in a traffic jam. Crime was still recent and forced roads to be blocked off. In turn, roads became congested that Sheffield used shortcuts, small streets and alleyways, all while maintaining a fair amount of speed.

Still, he chanced a glance back at the girl riding behind him.

Aeira had a smile on her face, and was holding on to Sheffield as tight as she could without it distracting him. It was really loud. And really cold. But also fun! She was impressed at how well he could drive the motorcycle, but slightly confused. She wanted to ask about it but decided to wait until he stopped driving before saying anything.

When Sheffield stopped in front of the café, she got off the bike and glared at him, hoping to look as angry as possible. “I could’ve died.”

The young man shot back at her his best raised eyebrow, "Then why were you smiling so much?"

“Because it was so cool!” Aeira’s face of anger quickly turned to one of excitement, a large grin forming on her face. “But weren’t you a little too fast?”

Sheffield shrugged. "I wasn't keen on sitting through traffic for both our sakes. That, and I’m more used to speedy chases. I know about speed limits enough to be grazing them.”

"But enough about that. Wait here for a moment." The young man led his bike over into a wide alleyway beside the café, where a few bikes were parked and locked against posts. He took up a tarp and a cord; soon the motorcycle was covered and secured.

"Now here we are." Sheffield opened the door, looking back at Aeira.

The café would rate above average when it comes to the outside, in that there were clear windows, tables with umbrellas outside, flowerbeds, railings, and other things you would expect of a relaxing place. Being situated beside a quiet street, far from the busy ones, it seemed to just fit in.

Just; it had gothic accents to it, being mostly a scene of dark colors and antique-looking furnishings. For one, the tiles below were of smooth black brick as opposed to the rough granite of the street they were on, and a gargoyle-shaped stone door-knocker hung on the front door.

It was most definitely a café though.

“This place is kinda weird.” Aeira looked at the door knocker. “It’s too... dark.”

"Blame my boss. He went with this idea, or so the staff told me. Something about "going gothic" for a while."

The café inside had the same overall dark theme. It was spacious however, with tables and sofas spread apart for ample elbow and leg room. But it was quiet. Five patrons sat nearby together, enjoying coffee in a hushed conversation. Only a waiter or two were standing by the kitchen.

The young man waved to the young receptionist manning the desk to their side. The woman who had a frown earlier then smiled and simply waved back.

Aeira took a casual glance around before looking to Sheffield and smiling. “Where are we going to sit?”

"Here," Sheffield gestured to a table and slid into his own chair. "The café's in a grim state at the moment. My boss got injured in the attack, and he's being taken care of at a hospital."

He shook his head but came up with a slight grin. "He'll be fine though, being a mutant. Now, do you want anything before I get to interviewing?"

Sheffield took out a different device: an old-fashioned-looking audio recorder. He set it on with a click!

“No, I’m fine.” Aeira took a seat at the table, looking slightly uncomfortable. She sighed. It wasn’t the greatest timing for her to be questioned right now. She felt it was silly that she was being questioned either way, but there was no point in complaining. ‘Might as well get it over with,’ she thought.

“What’s the first question?”

An eyebrow of Sheffield’s raised. "Did you kill anyone?"[/color]

Aeira raised an eyebrow, almost laughing at the question. “No.”

“Did you knock out or help anyone?"

"No, I left right away."

"Do you happen to know who the attackers are?"

"I know just as much as anyone else."

"Will you admit that you caused plenty of headaches by jumping on top off those poor people for no reason in particular?" Sheffield's eyebrows stayed raised.

Aeira yawned. "Yeah, probably."

Then the young man turned off the recorder with an audible--

“Are you really nineteen?" he suddenly asked.

Her mind was absent before this, but the question got her attention.

"Uh... why do you ask?"

Sheffield paused to consider this. Age is a pretty common sore point...

"No, it's just that you don't act older than me, much less look it. Just a thought," he said nonchalantly.

"Oh. Yes, I am." Aeira looked down at the table, drawing imaginary circles with her finger. "What's next?"

"Lunch. Or maybe a treat. We're finished, by the way.” He gestured to the menu on the table. "You can order whatever you want as my thanks to you."

"...Except for the super expensive courses or crazy-looking ones! I know how much those strawberry peas were worth..."

"Really?" Her eyes lit up. She grabbed the menu, quickly flipping to the dessert section. "The... angel food cake, please?"

A waiter came over to them with a notepad and pencil. "We've recently gotten a supply of assorted fruits. At the moment, we're offering a choice of strawberries that taste like different fruits, tomato juice with a more salty flavor, and well, here."

He showed them the flyer attached to a little stand on the table, the kind you would flip through to see what the café has to offer.

"There's a small list, but the main food is still just as it is. Ah, and Sheffield, your sundae."

The young man blinked as the other waiter slid the bowl of sugary-fruity goodness in front of him. He pointed at it, saying, "But what..."

"Our treat," the waiter said. "You helped with the Park incident."

Sheffield scratched the back of his head in embarassment, lips curling up into a frown.

Aeira stayed silent and hoped the waiter didn't speak to her. Even if she did order actual food, she wouldn't have eaten it. Her interest was piqued when she heard Sheffield helped with the park incident.

"He did?" she asked.

"Was a vigilante, he said. We saw him take out a couple of goons and tussle with a darn strong punching mutant! That's the Red Striker for you—!"

"I don't really fight as much anymore," Sheffield cut in. "I only quit the Raiders of the Lost and still work around as a fighter, but that doesn't mean I like hearing that old name again."

Raiders of the Lost. The name rang a bell for Aeira, however faint it was. "Why'd you quit?"

As the waiter left them to their chat, the young man answered, "Shady organizations. Change in policies. And... killing." He lowered his head. "It's like they went over the edge a year ago. I'm not sure which incident made them that way, but they suddenly acted more like... ugh, the kind of people who forces their justice on others?"

The young man took a bite out of his sundae. His grimace made it look like the dessert tasted terrible, not that it was. Talking about those people rarely settled well with Sheffield. “Not that I'm one to talk, though,” he added.

"They sound boring." Aeira brought her knees up to her chest. "But does it matter? It's not like they're hunting you down or anything."

“They aren't," he agreed, wincing internally. "But with all the time I've been with them, with the things I've gotten from them... Well, it's a wonder why they easily let me go."

"You'll find them working as a private security firm now, but I'm confident they're a good match for a few pro hero groups. With a force like that, those people they sided with..."

Sheffield cut off. He bit his lower lip softly, staring at his sundae. Then he looked at Aeira.

"I suppose no one's worrying about you right now? The Raiders are just one of a couple of people interested in mutants like you, even if those wings are just for show. Are you really alright on your own in this city?"

Aeira thought back to what happened earlier. Was she really fine on her own? If more people like that existed there’d be a problem, but...

“I’ll be fine,” she said in a low tone, not truly believing it.

There was a brief period of silence. “Maybe,” she added. “How come you aren’t a vigilante anymore?”

"I killed someone."

The waiter from earlier was coming to them with Aeira's cake. Sheffield kept quiet as the waiter came and left again.

"What'd they do?"

"Aren't you going to eat your cake?"

"Okay."

She looked down. She didn't look sad or regretful, but mostly disappointed. In her mind, she was confused. For the longest time, she basically only had herself to think about. It didn't take long talking to Sheffield to see that he didn't really like killing or people who do so, but what did he think of them?

"I have a question," She didn't try to make eye contact with Sheffield. "You don't have to answer it, but it would help."

"Fire away."

"Do you think killing someone makes you evil?"

Sheffield raised an eyebrow, but he answered immediately, "No. I like to think that we do what we want, and killing... is something I personally don't WANT to do again, or the only choice I get. But I won't stop others from doing it when pushed. People just... have to do it sometimes. And I believe in choices.

“Rather, what I think you should be asking is whether killing is even okay."

"I think... it depends,” she answered after a moment. “For everyone. I think everyone would try to justify it in their own way, and it’s just an objective thing. It’s not really a yes or no question. There are so many situations where I would say sure, and so many where I would say no. But what about you?"

Sheffield opened his mouth, then closed it. He had something of a reply. He had thought on whether he should kill before taking up the name of the Red Striker, and more after he really killed someone. But would it be enough for two strangers debating this much?

He chuckled. It was sudden, nonsensical, and creepy of him, but these two strangers were talking this deeply in a café after a lighthearted interrogation, in the middle of a city of rampant crime and weird going-ons like right now.

"Sorry," he said, suppressing his smile. "I didn't mean for this chat to get this personal, in a sense."

He looked down on his melting sundae. "I don't have an answer. I'd rather give it more thought, so could you wait until then?"

"Okay!" Aeira said, suddenly much more upbeat. She smiled and started to eat her cake again. "There's no rush. Everyone has all the time in the world that they need."

Sheffield felt this girl... woman... was something of the dishonest sort. But she was cheery.

He ate his sundae as he looked up at the overhead TV in a corner of the room, running a news program. Black trucks rushed through the streets in the camera showing the footage, chasing civilian cars. Crime was just dying down at this hour.

But what was that quote about battles...? "Battle ahead, battle behind, but for now... peace."

"Do you have a phone number I could call?” he asked. “If you want, you could call me up for a talk or some help some tome."

"Yeah! It's..."

As the two exchanged numbers, Aeira finished her cake. She tried her hardest to watch the TV, but it proved to be too dull. She'd seen the same situation a countless amount of times, sometimes even firsthand. The black trucks reminded her of a lot of things, the MSU for one. If she remembered what Sheffield said correctly, they would investigate her. She imagined it wouldn't be as simple then as it was now.

Deciding to forget about it for now, Aeira looked at her phone again. Nothing. She looked at the TV again. The same thing. She looked down at her plate. Nothing! There was no way Aeira would stay here for any longer.

“Alright.” Aeira stood up from her seat and stretched. "I'll head out now,” she said, waving goodbye as she walked backwards towards the door, still unsure of what to do.

Sheffield waved back. His sundae melted. And his phone rang.

After her apple, Nari had an uneventful drive back home. She unpacked easily and reflected on what had happened. She couldn't shake the enjoyment she had from taking down the goons. She also couldn't risk her livelihood either. She had to come to a decision soon. She left the dreary concrete jungle into her much more colorful shop. Plants of all sorts sat neatly around, always vibrant and in season. She slipped behind the counter and into the back, going up the stairs to her apartment. Inside was something not surprising for a botanokinetic mutant. Her furniture was plants, her food was homegrown, her walls and ceiling were decorated with flowering ivy. It was perfect to her. She sat on a couch, tapping at it calmly with her fingertips. "Maybe the incident was isolated and I shouldn't get too worked up about it."

She turned on the television, checking each news channel. Her expression went from nothing to a deep frown. Every channel was covering it and pulling out the usual arguments against or for mutants. Some even called for vigilantes to come back. That didn't help Nari's mind. She got more riled up. Deciding to let it sit until the next day when it wasn't fresh in her mind, Nari turned off her tv, grabbed a small meal, then left to wander the streets. Before going, she changed her appearance completely, avoiding both her normal look and that of her vigilante identity.