Scarlet said “we are worried but we can’t panic about it. Iris is upset but she might bring the building down if she does more.” Iris nodded.

Dante sighed and said “look. We all have to be careful with our emotions. We will snap if we show a lot. We can take my car. Iris? If you send me the scans of the boss’s blood I can scan from them after the meeting”

Iris nodded and said “pleas find them. They were in no shape to be running around in the city. The skin was only half done” Dante frowned and nodded. “Leave it to us, Iris. We will find the boss” he put an arm around Matias and lead him outside.

Once outside he cursed softly and said “now we can panic. I try not to be worried around the girls. Or they start to panic. We hit the meeting with lady midnight then we will find the boss.”

He lead him to a modern speeder and he opened the door for Matias. “No…you can worry. We need to be right now…”

Matias flinched from Dante's touch, almost immediately pulling away.

"Don't touch me," he hissed, his body tensing up like a cat raising its hackle. He nonetheless followed Dante outside. The stark contrast between the iridescence of the warehouse and the sunlight of the outdoors stung his eyes, only aggravating him even more. He opened one eye to peer over at Dante as he spoke.

"I said what I said back there," he growled, "We're not worrying about anything. Let's just do what we have to do."

He stepped into the speeder and made himself comfortable in his seat before clicking on his seatbelt.

Dante frowned and then went around the speeder and yanked him out of the car. He slammed him against the speeder and got in his face. “Alright. It’s time we had a heart to heart, tough guy. I’m so sick of the talk and high and mighty crap from you. I honestly don’t get why your here. You can’t stand any of us. You think you know how the world works better then anyone. You think we don’t care about what we do. Well listen very closely.”

His eyes glowed red as he hissed to him “bane is a war hero who couldn’t let anyone know he was werewolf because if they found out in the military he would have been shot on sight. A war hero shot like a dog. Scarlet? She was a slave half her life because a dirt bag human sold out her family. She’s the only survivor. Iris…she lost her people when the government burned down her forest home to build the new part of the upper level. And myself…well” he moved his hand and yanked up his shirt. Scars covered his chest and he said “my past is just as bloody as any Blood prince would be. So don’t think we don’t care about each other. We would all die for each other. And if you can’t believe in that…quit”

He let him go then stepped back. “So get in or walk away. Because last night the boss risked themselves saving your sorry butt. I saw the shadows pull you from harms way. You would be dead right now. So, don’t think for a second we don’t care. We all have our ways of cooping with loss…”

He walked around to the other side of the speeder and jumped in. He waited to see if Matias would.

Matias's face almost met the ground when he was pulled out. He whipped around to try and get a hit on Dante, but before he knew it his back screamed in pain as it made hard contact with the speeder's steel body. With a deep snarl, his gaze bravely met Dante's. While his couldn't glow, there was definitely a fire in them that burned any ounce of patience he had left. Yet he listened closely, just as told. His eyes only unlocked from Dante's when he showed off his scarring, but only for that moment. When Dante finished, Matias didn't move from his position. His teeth were clenched behind his lips, and his fists were tightened until his knuckles were bone white. He would have made a perfect statue representing deep, pent up rage if he didn't turn around.

"So," he puffed, "don't think I belong here, ah? Just because I'm soooo meeeeaaan... Well, suck it. I have a damn right to be upset when you make it clear that you care more about your self image than your teammate. As for why I'm here..."

He dug in his pocket, quickly retrieved the folded note, and stuck it out for Dante to see.

"Because, apparently, someone really wants me to be here! I wouldn't have even known about you if this weirdo wasn't leaving these cryptic notes all over my damn house. As much as I care about what's going on– unlike you– maybe I would have been better off leading my own movement."

He stuck the note back in his pocket, then pointed a shaky, evil finger at Dante.

"Know what? Since you apparently can't stand me, go with someone else to that stupid meeting. Or, better yet, go by yourself. Either way, it's better for my mental health."

He stepped a good five feet from the speeder before turning back around. Any closer, and he felt like he would fall risk to a hit-and-run.

"Go on. Decide."

Dante raised an eyebrow and then sighed. “finally you open up. It takes me yelling at you but I’ll take it. If you would just me more open I wouldn’t have to get rough” he cracked his neck and added “I’m a cop, Matias. And once a military interrogator. You won’t open up to anyone and I needed to know why you were truly here…” he pulled out a paper and held it up. It was a bounty hit with a rough drawing of the bosses mask on it.

“Iris found this last night. There’s a bounty on the boss. A big one. We think that’s why the boss left to figure it out. Which is why we need to find them before worse happens. I’m sorry I snapped at you. I had to make sure you weren’t here to kill the boss. Scarlet told me I was crazy but I needed to see your eyes get some kind of fire in them. Your the last one to join the team and I needed to make sure…to keep everyone safe. You’ve been hiding something. But now I know how you really feel then we are good.”

“The note, just shows up in your place? Even last night with it locked down? Now that’s a interesting lead.” He looked up at him and said “well let’s go. We got people to save and masked bosses to find. And in the mean time, mind if I take the note for a few hours? I might be able to get some stuff off of it for you…I have a friend at the lab who can run it thru.”

He looked at him and said “I told you it’s your choice. This team is family to all of us and can be for you too if you let us…oh and remind me scarlet wants to hit me when we get back. She made me promise not to be a asshole to you…but I broke that. So you coming or not?”

Matias rolled his eyes at the word "cop". Even pronouncing it in his head was enough to make him want to hurl, but he hid that bit pretty well. His glare was now focused on the crudely drawn poster. He had to laugh; it almost looked nothing like the boss in his opinion. Then again, he didn't know any other masked figures in his life... Not any that wore hoods anyway.

His eyes darted to the note in his pocket, and his hand slowly but surely followed. He had yet to take it out; he had to shoot one more glare at Dante before locking in his decision.

"So you never trusted me? Good to know. Not sure what else I expected from a self-proclaimed pig, but oh well."

He handed Dante the note in a firm hand.

"I'll go with you then," he grumbled, "I'm tired of arguing, and I didn't want to have come here for nothing."

Once again, he settled himself in the passenger seat, hoping that he could stay there this time.

"And trust me. I'll fucking remind you."

Dante smirked and shut the doors. “If it makes you feel better I don’t trust anyone till I see the action of their character. Bane was taking a blast for a group of kids caught in the middle of a fight…Iris was staying up all night helping victims of a raid…scarlet well…who doesn’t like her when she smiles at you. And I still don’t trust the boss yet. But that’s mostly because I can’t see their eyes…”

He took the note carefully and pulled a small bag from the console and slipped it in. “I’ll send it to the lab and we can go get it after we find the boss…” he drove off and headed to the upper level. He sighed and said “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to come off as an asshole it’s just…I’ve been stabbed in the back too many times in my life…I can’t risk it anymore”

They rode to the upper level and soon the dark colors turned to bright golds and silvers. Dante seemed to get more nervous as they drove into town, his hands tight on the controls. They pulled into the capital building and he parked. He took a breath and said “okay…if anyone asks your the consultant on the case…” he opened the door and waited for Matias.

Matias distracted himself by observing the scenery zooming past him. It was surreal feeling nothing but inertia while he was riding a vehicle. He missed feeling the ground underneath him.

He didn't bother looking back when Dante spoke; he didn't want to. He listened, however, though it was mostly against his will. An "mhm" passed between his lips and nothing else. Take it or leave it.

In truth, he couldn't recall the last time he came to the upper level, if he even came here at all. The sheen of the precious metals coating every inch of this place struck him as pretentious. Rich people and cops were on equal ground for him.

He took a moment to rub his brow when they arrived. This time, he looked towards Dante as he spoke. His expression was still anything but cordial, but it was a start in... something.

"Sure."

He hopped out with a grunt.

Dante seemed to be on edge as they walked up to the building. It was more like a castle then a government building. When they reached the main doors a couple cops were walking. They paused and one moved in front of Dante with a nasty grin on his face.

“We’ll look who it is? Detective Blood Sucker” Dante glared and moved a little to be in front of Matias as a defense. “Sorry boys I can’t play with you today…” the guy grabbed Dante’s shirt and pulled him close.

“Listen yoh freak. You only got this job because your brother is a big time in the office…” Dante glared at him and said “no…I’m just better at helping people then you morons. Now get out of my way before I make you”

The other guy swallowed and said “come on partner…we can’t get into it with him…his already in trouble with the dean of detectives because of his history…” the man let Dante go then stepped back. But then he swung and hit Dante across the face. Dante turned his head, but didn’t react.

The cop smirked and said “see? Can’t do anything or he gets in trouble…can’t risk any trouble or he gets locked in the dry cell…” he and the other cop walked down the steps and vanished into the parking lot.

Dante stood there, trying to control his temper. He sighed and wiped his bleeding lip. “If I wasn’t needed…I’d rip them to pieces and quit…sorry you had to witness that…”

The hairs on the back of Matias's neck stood on end when the c-word approached them. Even when Dante stood in front of him, he peered over the man's shoulder, his eyes fixated on the nameless man. What little breath he had in him leaped right out when Dante was grabbed, and his face twisted in anger.

"Back off, asshole!" he hissed, pulling up his fists.

He practically readied up to throw a punch when the c-word did the same. Before he could throw it, however, the pair disengaged and strutted away into the golden void below.

"What gives?" he growled, his head whipping to Dante. "Why'd you let him do that?!"

Dante was looking down and said softly “if I react…they report me and I get thrown in the dry cell…it’s the holding cell they have at headquarters for vampires like me…we dry out as they put it. Means no blood. We starve for three days…it’s not worth it to give them what they want…”

He looked defeated for a moment before saying “come on…we have a meeting to keep…” he opened the door and let Matias in first, then followed him inside. The huge entry way looked like a palace as Dante walked towards the front desk still having the dark look on his face. But as soon as they reached the front desk and a young lady looked up Dante’s face changed into the happy mask he was used to wearing.

“Good morning, Ms. Detective Dante Vale. We have a meeting with Lady Midnight?” The girl smiled and said “yes she’s ready for you. She just got in herself. Up the steps and turn to your left. Her name is on the door you can’t miss it”

Dante tipped his hat to her and thanked her, then headed up the steps. He rubbed his face where he got hit and as they made it to the right floor he turned to Matias.

“Do I have blood or anything on my face? I don’t want to walk in looking like I was in a fight…” they made it to the door and Dante knocked. The door opened and a young man stood there. By his looks he was a fawn, part human part goat. He smiled and stepped back.

“Detective we are ready for you. Come take a sit. Lady Midnight will be out in just a moment” the office was nice but cozy. It looked like a home office. Soft chairs and warm dark colors filled the room.

Matias gulped softly. He really didn't need to hear that.

And they were off. The more Matias walked around, the more frivolousness he saw, and the more disgusted he became. He thought to himself, what ever happened to just having an office and being done with it? Was all this gold really necessary? How many people did they exploit to get all this? Millions, himself included. Disgusting.

This golden desert seemed to have no end. It probably took them a good five minutes to even reach the other end of the flight. What was the point? What the hell was the point?

Dante's voice interrupted Matias's thoughts.

"You're good," he said, squinting just to be sure.

Finally, a normal-looking room. A couple of chairs was just what he needed right now. He happily helped himself to one, crossing his legs as he made himself comfortable.

Dante in the chair next to him and sighed, rubbing his face. The fawn went into the next room and Dante looked at him.

“I know your mad at me right now but…could you not mention that moment to the others? Just mainly Bane and Scarlet. They are protective and I don’t want to start something with them…”

Then the door opened and the most striking woman walked into the room. She had dark raven hair and bright silver eyes. She was wearing grey slacks with a matching vest and black blouse. She walked over to them and smiled such a warm smile it seemed to warm the room.

“Welcome detective vale. I’ve heard so much about you. And this must be your consult?” Dante bowed his head and stood, taking her hand and kissing the top of it.

“Yes my lady. We are thankful you were able to take time out of your busy day to see us” midnight waved her free hand and motioned for them both to sit back down.

“No trouble at all. I’m glad I’m finally able to help with the missing souls. I hate to took the poor girl taken last to get the attention. But now it can be solved. What do you need from me?”

Dante looked at Matias and then said “everything you have on the case” she stood and moved to her desk at the window as she said “I can give you all I have. I have copies for you” she moved to the desk, seeming to favor her side as she turned back to them. “

Would you boys like some tea? I can ask Donny to” but she bumping into the desk with the side she was favoring and suddenly went white. She flinched and held it, leaning on the desk. Dante moved to get up and said “Lady Midnight? Are you alright?”

She smiled thru the pain and said “of course…I’m…” Dante looked at Matias and said softly “what side did the boss get hurt on last night?”

Matias was in the midst of stretching when Dante's voice once again interrupted the peace. He glanced over at the man, his gaze dull as it always was.

"What'd I get out of telling them?" he sneered. "I've had more than enough earfuls today."

The door behind him swung open, making him look back. Considering he had just seen a goat man, the impact the woman's appearance had on him was minute. That didn't mean he stopped looking; she was the whole point she was here, after all. What truly took him aback, however, was the manner in which Dante greeted this lady. It was as if the detective was in front of royalty.

Pretentious. All of them.

He didn't bother with the formality. In fact, he was mostly silent throughout her ramble save for a small nod when asked if he was a consult. He had to admit that he was a little thirsty, however...

The chance to say yes went away when Lady Midnight suddenly toppled over. He sprung out of his seat with a will to help, but, like always, that stupid vampire...

"Wait, what?"

He pondered.

"Uh... Like..." He prodded his finger around his chest until he could feel his heartbeat, then tapped on that part of his sternum. "... Here? It was under the breast... Why?"

Dante frowned and said “Lady Midnight we’re you injured?” He let Matias move to the lady, trying to figure out was going on.

Lady Midnight was holding her side right under her heart, trying to catch her breath. She said as Matias came over “just a small problem. Had to reason with someone last night that didn’t agree with my thoughts and took it to extremes…”

Dante was watching her closely then said “Matias…where is she injured?”

Matias looked back as he tried to keep Lady Midnight from hitting her head on the desk.

"Easy," he said, his arms pulling against her weight. "Mira, let's sit you down..."

Which he did. It didn't seem to improve Midnight's condition, though. He tried to get a good view of whatever the affliction was, but, yet again...

"Huh? Uh..."

He looked again.

"On her chest, just under the–"

He paused for a moment, at least five seconds. His head raised, and he turned towards Dante with a wide-eyed expression.

"Oh come on. Cut the crap. There's no way."

Dante raised his hands and said “what? It’s the same spot and the boss is missing…” He moved over and knelt in front of her and checked where she was holding. When he moved her hand blood was soaking thru her blouse and vest.

Dante cursed and said “looks like we found the boss…”

Midnight looked at Matias and said “the stitches must have come loose…” Dante looked at Matias and said “call Iris…we can’t walk out with her like this”

Matias didn't loosen his grip on Midnight for even a second, not even after the big reveal; it tightened it, if anything. His eyes met Midnight's, and he could feel his brow scrunching up anew.

"What are you doing all the way up here?! Do you have any idea–?!"

Oh, if this man didn't shut up...

"I don't even think I have her number," he huffed, "Is there even reception up here? Do I have my...?"

His hand dug into his pocket and retrieved his phone. He scrambled through his contacts, looking through his I names. While he didn't find an "Iris", he found an "Imbeciles", which seemed to catch his eye.

"Whatever," he huffed, tapping it in a hurry. If all went well, this should be the landline phone at the warehouse. As the phone rang and rang, Matias looked back at the pair.

"Do you have a kit anywhere?" His question was mostly directed at Midnight, but anyone would do at this point.

Dante held up a hand and said “sorry. I talk when I freak out” the door opened and Donny walked back in. He went white and said “my lady what’s happened? Did my stitches not hold”

He moved to the bookshelf and move a book to show a hidden back shelf and pulled a first aid kit out and moved over.

The phone picked up and Bane answered “Welders Company” it was the cover they had for the warehouse.

Matias cursed under his breath when he heard Bane's voice. He prepared his breath for his next statement.

"Bane? Get Iris on the phone, or tell her to come to the capital. Whichever's faster."

He looked back at the fiasco behind him.

"... It's an emergency."