The folder he had found in locker had held all the information he could possibly need, and more. It had the whole building plan, shedule for guard patrols for next week and even authorization key. Ryan figured the caller was one from ‘the inside’ or had paid one of the guards well – very well – to obtain all this. It also had information where he was supposed to take the woman after he had gotten her out of facility.

He had never kidnappepd a person before, and it was not a thing he was looking forward to experience. Another person would weight him down in more ways than once. But the award offered was big enough to make his life much easier for quite a while. At first, Ryan did wonder why she had not chosen some more known mercenery for this, but then answer came to him – when the girl would disappear, everyone would think of turning to them, while he was just a small fish and no one would even remember about him.

Now, he was standing on the other side of the tall fence, looking at the fortress-like facility. His form as already hidden by invisibility sphere and young man put more energy into it, as the energy field broke laws of gravity and raised him over the fence. It took him about two more minutes to securely get in without the camera recording it and then he was already in corridors. He had memorized the whole map of the facility and tonight’s patrol plans, so he succesfully avoided few guards.

As Ryan was about to come to conclusion this was too easy, he found the corridor which led to his victim. He peeked around corner and saw two unexpected guards there and pulled back swiftly. Oh, sh—, the man cursed mentally. So much for no rucus. He stood there still, allowing him self to rest, but not too long as each minute of holding sphere drained him, and then charged. These were well equipped though, and had heat sensor glasses, so the battling didn’t go too smoothly, and the man hissed in pain as he received nasty blow in stomach, but managed to respond with similar blow and soon, one of the guard was uncoscious. The other was stunned soon after. Ryan knew the reinforcement would come soon, though, and so he rushed into the room, hoping the woman was there. Holding the sphere up (so cameras would not capture his face) was getting harder and harder.

Conflict situations in the big city were daily, even hourly, occurance, and anyone wandering the furthest and more criminal districts was ready for them, however there was a group of three who had not been cautious enough (although, it did not always help).
Now, they were backed up in a wall of dimly lit side-street, seven big men looming in front of them.
”This is unclaimed territory,” the man, who seemed to be the most important in the trio spoke. His eyes were in startling color, but the gaze was blank, much like his face.
”Not anymore,” the largest of the gang laughed.
”We’ve claimed it and you’ve tresspassed,” he added.
”Then we apologize. Let us go, and we will be of no bother,” The first man spoke again.
”Nu-uh. Being nice isn’t on my today’s to-do list. Besides, I like that chick of yours,” the biggest grinned.
‘The chick’ gritted her teeth and also hands on her sword handles, her blue eyes narrowing.
”As you wish, then. But if we win, then you leave this territory and consider it ours,” his voice stressed that last word noticeably.
”Ha-ha! You’re brave, blind guy, so I agree. This will be fun thing to remember.”

After few more seconds, the fight had started, and while the odds seemed to be against the smallest group at first, the situation changed rather quickly. Soon, there were only five against three, two bandits already being down.
”Elek! Behind you! the girl suddenly yelled and the man with teal eyes spun around quickly, kicking the thug who had sneaked up on him right in stomach, while his other friend fended off the other .
”What the fu--?!” gang leader cursed, trying to avoid ‘chick’s’ sword slashes and kicks.

Chilly wind blew in her back and she shivered ever so slightly. She was trained to withstand nearly any climatic situation, but still, she couldn't escape this betrayal of body, when something felt so very amiss. With a sigh, young woman crouched in jumping position, hand touching the cold cement roof. Shadows wrapped around her reassuringly, as if saying, whispering that her intuition was lying to her and nothing would go wrong tonight.

Leila frowned and gazed at the scene below. She was told to observe, until it was good time to get involved. Maybe it was the right time, but it felt like she should wait a bit more. It was interesting to see how well the blind guy fought. He really was skillful, both as mindreader and fighter. She resisted the urge to fiddle with her pendant, which held in the small chip whose waves would set off his ability to look in her mind.

The girl hated to admit it, but she was slightly nervous. She was assassin, not a spy, and keeping the role for maybe months, did not seem very appealing to her. But maybe it would take few weeks... In any case, her goal would be worth it. Oh yes. Thin smile spread on her lips. Few moments later, she jumped, black wings springing from her back as she floated about ten stories lower and then stopped. Shadows still swallowed her and no one could see her. She took out her arballet and aimed at one of the thugs that was coming back for second round. They really never learned, did they... A blink later, wind howled around her ears as she swooped down, shooting, shadow tendrils flaring about her. This was what she loved.

Ryan rushed in, but after few steps came to a halt. His gaze quickly swept trough the room, not paying much attention to most of the details, but each of them were recorded in his memory and later on, he would often return to them. As it stopped at the girl, he mentally cursed. He had expected... Well, he was not sure what he had expected - all of this mission seemed too strange -, but certainly not a limp body he would have to carry around. Then again, if she struggled, it would not make it much easier.

Cautiously, he went to the table-bed. When no alarm rang, he sighed in relief. Then, quickly started pull off nodes. Again, he felt relief as this caused no sound that would alarm the guards. This felt far too easy, not counting the guards. After a moment of doubt, man decided to leave the mask in place. Sudden waking and screaming could give them away. Ryan picked up the young girl and put over his shoulders. She was rather light, but the limp posture made it uncomfortable. His invisibility field blinked and he cursed. With one hand, he managed to pull hood over his head, to shadow his face, in case he had to "let go" of it.

Taking a deep breath, he went to the doors, then into the corridor. Much to his luck, the nearest guards did not have heat sensors and he could sneak past them. But, further, it did not go so smooth. Not too long after, he had 3 guards on his tail and Ryan set up a partial shield to reflect the attacks. But with that, his pace slowed down. Sweat trickled down his forehead, his breath was heavy. For a moment, he considered dropping the extra weight and just fleeing, to save his life, but he realized - his employer would dispose of him at first chance and... It felt like it would be throwing sleeping sheep in the middle of hungry wolf pack.

Taking an unexpected turn, he managed to gain distance from chasers, and escape the building. Ryan ran to the fence, replaced reflecting field with lifting one and in that moment, something hit him in left shoulder. Both fields blinked and they nearly fell back to the ground, but man regained his composure, and leaped over the top of the fence. He landed rather unsuccessfully, but managed to keep the girl on top of him. Now bruised, limping and with bleeding arm, he fled to where he had hidden his vehicle. The moment he started it up, he heard guards reach the opposite end of alley. Bowing down - bullet whistled over his head - he put all his energy into speeding out on the full street and off into the night, beyond their grasp.

Ryan groaned in pain as he began cleaning his wound. Bullet was still in and he was preparing to take it out. The lamp kept flickering, giving little light in the dark and cold room, it was 2am after all. His eyes switched to the white form on the mattress. They had reached the abandoned building about an hour ago, so, she should soon become conscious. He hadn't tied her, maybe not the right choice, just put her to sleep and covered with blanket. Man grunted again, as the tool went into the wound.

"I don't approve of it."
"I know, Aiolia, I know. I am sorry."
The man looked guilty and rubbed his forehead. A headache was coming up. Too much of effort Leila had asked of him tonight and he had not slept for two days straight.
"But we have to do this."
His voice was heavy as he said this. The girl nibbled on her bottom lip and finally sighed in defeat. She knew every reason for this crazy plan, but her common sense screamed against it. Elek was already under so much pressure and then to put another burden on him... Her heart ached at the thought of it.
"Yeah. Well, let's go back now. You need to finally rest."
Aiolia's voice became softer and worried as she said it and she smiled at the older man. He nodded in reply and they both turned around and started walking deeper into the dank sewers. It did not smell too bad... Or maybe they had gotten used to it now. These tunnels had become their home long ago.
"Tomorrow's going to be a big day," Elek thought. Although unexpectedly, situation had solved better than he had planned. The sudden attack had given Leila a chance to present her self to them and offer her services to the rumored Rebellion. As he had thought, she was protected by device that deflected his telepathic waves, but even without that, he knew her plan was only to spy and destroy them from inside. Yet, they had agreed to talk with her tomorrow about it and then decide. And the answer would be "yes". That's why Aiolia was so angry and worried. She disliked this crazy plan he was about to set into action. But, it had to be done.
Aiolia shivered, as she glanced sideways to Elek. His expression was so firm and cold, there was nothing that could change his mind now.

"Evan!" Booted feet ran after what looked like a large deformed animal. "Stop it!" She continued after it, black hair catching in the wind as she ran. Her pants were form fitting but stretchy and dull. She wore a white tank top and a black leather jacket over it with gloves covering her hands. Deep blue eyes with pale skin around it watched as the creature slammed into a cover for a manhole and dove into the sewers. The cover slammed into the concrete ground below, bent up like a piece of paper.

Growling, the dark haired girl jumped down into the sewers after her, landing crouched on her feet, and stood upright. "Great." The thing she was calling after had disappeared... She dusted herself off and started down the sewer system, following her instincts to find it.



Rippling muscles ached as claws dug into cement walls, leaving no marks, and pulled her body up to the ceiling naturally. It had started through the pipework lining the ceiling when it heard chattering up the tunnel. It paused and changed course, a low growl aching in it's chest as it closed in on what could have been fresh prey. There was a man and a woman walk below and it grinned, sharp, white teeth glinting despite the lack of light against the ceiling.

Instead of pouncing and tearing them apart now, it watched them. A long, bony tail snuck down behind them and poked at the females' back, drawing away into the darkness before it could be seen. With complete silence, it urged forward through the pipe work to keep up with them and as the female was distracted, it let it's tail jab out and knock the male over.

Her body lay on the bed, totally unmarked despite how hard her captor had worked at getting her here. Her body was... cold, but she wasn't dead. It was very likely that she had a lot of drugs in her system and it was keeping her from waking up or being able to function properly. She still had a heartbeat, though it was slow and quiet. Despite all of the jostling about the night before, she didn't show any signs of waking up. Not soon, anyway.

Even the sounds of him removing bullets from his body and any groans of pain, she didn't stir. Her features kept still though, despite the prison-like aura that radiated from her body, she looked to be at peace.

Aiolia walked, watching her step carefully. She knew Elek was most likely seeing trough her eyes right now and it was her responsibility to make sure he did not trip and fall, although, he had become very good at moving and generally living, even when there was none to aid him in seeing the world.

But she did become a little too careless, not hearing a sound somewhere above, and the moment tail touched her, she stiffened, hands going to her swords.
"Aiolia..." Elek began. He sensed another mind, but before he could access it, something hit him and he fell. With groan, he hit his shoulder in the wall, but quickly got back to his feet.
"Don't attack, Aiolia!" he commanded softly and the woman backed up to the wall, next to him, but her swords were drawn out.
"We mean you no harm, please, come out," he called out into the darkness. His powers reached out to the foreign mind. It was twisted and strange, but he sent reassuring waves to it, tries to calm it down and smooth away the malicious intents. They were rooted in the very base of it, though, so it was very hard. He could only attempt to stop them for a short while, or to break the will fully. But to do that, not only he did not want to, but it also asked for immense concentration.

Elek stepped towards the creature, still trying to calm it down from inside. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his head hurt as if it was about to split in half. Aiolia gripped the swords tighter, for once, wishing Elek could let her simply deal with bloodshed. He was breaking him self for peace, always.

We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning

Trough the static noise, song words were barely audible sometime. However, it still helped to chase away the eerie silence that seemed to capture him and lock within a shell. Ryan shivered and pulled a blanket tighter around him and watched the small fire he had started. It also helped him stay awake. He had dared to sleep only few hours, but after what he had done, he was so tired, he felt as if he could sleep twenty four hours straight.

We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it
But we tried to fight it

It had been nearly a day, and the girl was still asleep. He had checked if she was still alive multiple times and much to his relief, answer was always yes. Now she was buried under all the blankets he could find, to keep her warm. There was no message from his employer, so he was just waiting and replaying last night over and over his mind... In all honesty, Ryan felt like stranded on some shore without civilization and only his own guilt and pain nagging him.

But we tried to fight it
But we tried to fight it

"Who the heck listens to all those ancient songs still?" he thought to him self and took a sip of half cold tea, which made him shiver again. Somehow, this all had went completely differently as he had planned... But didn't it always.

It could feel him prying into it's mind. Immediately, it gnashed it's teeth and swiped at them with an inhumane claw, dark honey skin visible with long, dark nails threatening to tear at their flesh. Elek was making it worse, the situation becoming more aggressive. It's tail jabbed out at Elek and the girl but never came quite close enough to hurt them. It was a warning, an attack that had not been completed because he was trying to push it's aggression back.

Finally, it had had enough. Elek was getting weaker and it didn't want to play the game any more. As if almost completely shoved out of it's mind, it disregarded Elek and lunged for Aiolia, landing ontop of her and snapping at her face with a crazed expression. The blade kept it from tearing her face off and digging it's teeth int her skull but it was strong and couldn't be kept off for long.

The figure was what looked to be a female woman with bones jutting slightly out of her spine and a long bone-like tail lightly covered in skin stretching out; an extension of her spine with what looked like a jagged blade at the tip. Her hair was long a dark red with some brownish influence. The eyes that stared at Aiolia, imagining the feel of her blood splattering onto her face and flesh sliding down her own throat, were a bright yellow surrounded by black. She was a monster and nearly uncontrollable.

She'd continued on with her drug induced slumber but her fingertips gave a sign that she might be waking. They ached and flinched but settled. Nothing happened for about five minutes and then it happened again. This continued for a few hours, her fingers shaking slightly, until she took in a deeper breath, actually moving for once as her body functioned. She didn't open her eyes, not just yet, but she was getting there.

She couldn't hear him or even sense him, so speaking to her and even touching her did not have any effect. The girl was totally numb and kept this way even until another few hours had passed and her eyes finally opened. Blue. They were a bright almost crystal-like blue. It might have been a nice change as the rest of her was white, some literally and some just a tad bit more colorful.

Her mind... So strong, so painful. Elek could barely keep any thoughts of his own, all his mind was concentrated on keeping the creature at bay. He and Aiolia put their backs together, and he sensed his companion's fears, even though she had hidden them well. Elek could not even see anymore, he relied only on hearing and smell now. All his mind power went into the beast.

Aiolia had seen many beings, but this had to be one of the strongest and most horrible ones. So human, and yet so far from it. The moment it leaped, the girl managed to cross blades in attempt to protect her self. However, this creature was much stronger.

Elek's mind bled full with scenes of Aiolia being devoured. His stomach clenched and seeing that there was no chance of calm outcome, he put last of his strength into powerful blast. Mental energy crashed into monster and pushed her back, off of Aiolia. The girl, feeling a chance, kicked and pushed with all her might and managed to scramble free.

The fight grew louder and attracted attention. Yelling, three or four people came running. They all were wielding weapons, some physical, some magical. Seeing the monster, that was already launching another attack, one leaped forward and covered Elek and Aiolia. Monster's tail and claws hit his torso, but had no effect, only pain resonated trough her arms. The creature had hit something even tougher, leaving just some deep gashes on man's arms and legs.

Few minutes passed before Ryan realized that someone was looking at him. Quickly, he turned and looked at the girl. They sat in silence for a bit and then he smiled crookedly.

"How're you feeling?" Ryan asked. He had decided to seem somewhat friendly. The guy had no personal hate against her anyways. A job's a job. Even as crappy as this one. Suddenly, even fifty thousands didn't seem that much of an reward. They could give him a year of peaceful living, though.

"Tea?" he stood up and walked over to the mattress, offering her a metal cup. Ryan was cautious, though, of any sudden movements, although he doubted that after being so sedated she would be able to do anything much. Maybe she didn't even understand him? Ryan had no idea what was her native language or anything.

The man knelt down in front of her and winced. His arm still hurt very much. There was this nagging feeling that something hadn't been right with the bullet. The bandage was soaked red - Ryan was not able to stop the bleeding completely and he had to admit, he felt like fainting. "They could've at least given us some more fancy place to stay at," he thought bitterly.

She'd been thrown off by a blast of mental power, claws digging into cement walls and tearing gashes into the manmade stone. The creature snapped at the and ran along the wall before lunging at the two only to slam down onto a male who was surprisingly difficult to hurt. She'd cut at his legs and arms, snarling and making strange noises that sounded like bones running down a grinder.

Footsteps splashed in the water through the middle of the tunnel that came out to Elek and Aiolia's side. She tensed up and jumped, her body flying at him until he feet connected into his side and back. The two tumbled and she got back up, gloved fingers curling into a set of fists. She swung at one of the newer people, slamming a fist into his face and sending him into a wall. Another came at her and she caught him in a hold by the neck, jabbing her knee into his stomach and chest repeatedly. The male coughed and she threw him into the water on the ground.

Whoever the creature was, it either just caught a reinforcement or some random fourth party had arrived to take a piece of the fight as well.

When she blinked it was unbelievably slow, as if watching a movie and seeing someone shut their eyes in slow motion and then open them again. The drugs were still ravaging her system but not to the point of controlling her. She'd been sedated to such a heavy level that it was amazing she even woke up. However, to say she was aware would be a lie. Yes, she saw a blur moving around infront of her and there was a dull thudding sound as it, she assumed, tried to speak to her.

It was like trying to listen to someone speak through very dense water and that person was a large, dark blob in a dark room. She inhaled through her nostrils and her lips parted, though she said nothing and no longer stared at him. Her gaze was set to the ceiling and she kept to herself in her almost comatose state. The only part of her that was even "there" were her eyes and this just made her look present. Other than that, she wasn't able to respond or even take in her scenery. It could take weeks or months for her to become more aware and be able to function again.

Elek felt something hit him hard in side and back, but he scrambled up as soon as possible. The man with 'stone' torso, tried to help Aiolia back up, but the girl was already on her feet and lunging for the newcomer. So the man pulled his head back into shoulders, in a way impossible for humans and took out two nunchucks, ready to defend anyone from the monstrous creature.

"No!! Retreat! Retreat!" Elek yelled, finally regaining ability to see, but it was of little help. Although it was five against two, he felt that they were clearly overpowered. Aiolia paused mid step, but couldn't avoid hit from the newcomer. She doubled over, but managed to roll out of the way from another attack. Elek and 'stone' man was rushing back to the rest of group, each grabbing the hurt ones. The man who was still standing was throwing fireballs at the monster and creating fire barriers, giving the rest time to retreat, then a huge wall of flames rose in front of them.

"I won't hold them back for long," he gasped out. Elek nodded and turned to the enemies. His mind again pushed over onto theirs, this time concentrating on the stranger that seemed to side with the monster. Again, he attempted to send calming, non-agressive thoughts, control the urge to attack and kill.

"We mean you no harm, just leave us alone and go on your way," Elek said. There was little chance it would actually work, but while the barriers of flames and mind were in place, they could retreat nearer to the encampment, where both strong walls and reinforcement awaited them.

It didn't take long for Ryan to realize she truly was not aware of anything around her. He sighed heavily and brushed hand trough hair. He worried that if he gave her anything to eat or drink, she could choke. It seemed that back at the facility, she was fed trough vein or something like that.

"What do I do with you?" he asked, not expecting any answer. The man thought over ways to help her come to her senses or feed her and then something occurred to him. He got up quickly and grabbed the bag in which he had put contents of train station locker. After a moment of shuffling trough it, Ryan took out a small plastic bag with syringe. It had blue liquid in it. He read the small note attached to the bag: "After she wakes."

There was no hint of what it would do, but Ryan was sure that his employer needed this girl alive, and he had nothing to lose, so, after a moment of hesitation, the man again knelt down next to her, pulled out her arm and injected the liquid. She was rather pretty, this girl, although it was slightly creepy how white she was. But her eyes, they were of such a vivid blue color... And she was very young, very. Not more than eighteen, nineteen years old. Who would do something like this to one so young? And why?

Sighing again, Ryan sat down at fire and started waiting, for whatever was to come.

The creature snapped at their heels and started to chase at them. The other female had to avoid a set of nunchucks and ran after the creature. Balls of fire flew at them, most of which the monster avoided. The last two, however, were only avoided because the new female had tackled the creature to the ground.

Teeth gnashed and water splashed everywhere. The two were fighting each other though it looked more like wrestling. The creature didn't make any fervent attempts to tear the female apart or really, truly hurt her. As the female struggled to keep the creature down in the water, her tail thrashing about, she felt someone in her mind and trying to speak to her.

Her features twisted and she shut her eyes tight. The bastard was trying to make her calm down. Fucking moron. "Knock it off or you're DEAD!" The words blared in his head and in their ears as she yelled at them and then she slammed her forehead into the creatures head, but it didn't have much of an effect as they rolled through the water again.

With some idiot in her head, she couldn't focus and keep the creature at bay. So that asshole had to stop and listen to her or she was just going to let the thing run wild and feast on their organs. However, the steaming aggression that had pooled out of the creature was beginning to subside. The process was a bit slow but it was happening until the splashing came to a slow stop. The female kicked the creature in the chest and it groaned, dashing up the wall and hiding up in the pipes above.

Panting, the female stood up and sighed. "Damnit." Her clothes were drenched, again, and now a bunch of assholes had been witness to her... friend? ....pet? It was hard to say.

As the medicine pushed into her system, her veins began to rise under ivory skin. They were subtle and seem to lack color until this new drug had been passed around her system. The veins had turned from practically invisible to a harsh shade of blue. It had taken a long time to travel around as her bloodstream was practically clogged with substances that kept her unable to function like a normal person.

Hours passed and she'd been sweating up a storm. The veins had become more prominent on her face and the rest of her body, appearing like a blue webbing that ached and even ebbed under her skin. The sweat coming off of her reaked of processed medications of various kinds. Whatever he had given her was cleansing her system and making her sweat out everything that she'd been give for... however long she'd been in that place.

The sheets and the mattress were becoming soaked, as were her clothes, skin and even her hair. She would need a shower when the process was over and considering how hot she was becoming and how much liquids she seemed to be losing, sponging her down and helping her drink whatever would help the process be more comfortable and possibly go on faster.

Elek winced at the voice so loud in his head. It surely did no good for his head splitting headache. However, both he and the 'stone' man picked up the hint and Elek motioned for the group to quickly retreat. 'Stone' man picked up two injured men, pretty much like they weighted nothing and rushed towards the hidden entrance. Aiolia was supported by Elek, whom let go of the strange woman's mind nearly fully, keeping only slight thread connected to it, which most likely passed unnoticed, and Inferno, as he was nicknamed, left the last, to keep up the wall as long as possible.

In the safety of their hideout, the group did not stay for long, though. They had to protect the location of it for any price, and if these two were sent by government or other 'Upper' forces, they had to be eliminated. So, group of fifteen headed out, quickly but well armed. Aiolia, despite her struggling and protests, was forced to stay, but Elek was in the lead, as always. However, they came back right in time to see the monster flee the scene. Few prepared to attack, but Elek shook head, telling them to stay still.

"Is it gone for good?" someone asked, gripping gun tighter. "Should we chase and destroy it, sir?" another man questioned. Elek's blurry vision concentrated on the stranger. "What the fuck was it anyways?" someone murmured and Elek thought that he sure as Hell would love to know answer to that. "For what purpose you have come here? Was it... your companion?" he finally asked to the drenched woman.

It seemed that this girl would continue to give Ryan relentless trouble and headache. After he had changed his bandage (which did not stay clean for long), the man noticed that she was sweating loads. At first, he didn't pay much attention to it, just wiped her forehead and took off most blankets, but with time, it got more serious.

Soon it got to the point where Ryan understood that if she stays in her drenched clothes, he would not be able to keep her warm enough. Although he had younger siblings, this guy did not have that much experience of taking care of others. And thought of changing the girl's clothes made him feel awkward, to say the least. Wandering trough nearby apartments, Ryan gathered few more mattresses, firewood and blankets, then dragged it all back to their 'residence'. That took out more strength out of him than he liked to admit.

When he had prepared everything for her new 'bed', Ryan started to carefully undress and dry her. She seemed very frail, as if a tighter grip could bruise her or break her bones, especially now when her veins had come out so. The man was thankful she had underwear under the hospital style wear. When all that was more or less done, he dressed her in his spare clothes and put on the clean mattress. Rest of the time, he spent carefully wiping her sweat, keeping the fire going and water warm, as well as murmuring complaints and curses.

The creature had coiled itself in the pipes above with the shadows keeping her from view. The group started to approach them and the mystery female moved to the middle of the tunnel with clenched fists at her sides. They started talking like a pack of morons and she reached her hands up, wringing water from soaked and pitch black hair. What could have been their leader started to question her.

She threw her damp hair over her shoulder and roughly placed her hands on her hips. Her eyes gave a gentle roll but didn't do a full circle and she answered him with a dully but aggravated tone, "Yeah. Something like that." The creature let out an airy growl-hiss and snapped it's jaws from above. A low growl broiled out of it after that but it didn't sound like it was moving. It sounded like it was agreeing with her.

Under the hospital styled dress was a strapless bra and a simple pair of underwear. Both were white and water resistant, or completely water proof as beads of sweat rolled down her body, over the material and onto the mattress. The undergarments didn't seem to have sewing markings or seams of any kind, like the fabric had just been attached to her. However, when he lifted her or turned her over to sponge her back, a barcode number and the words CODE ALICE were marked on the back of her bra. The lettering was small and would have gone unnoticed if she weren't completely white or if the ink matched her coloring. But it didn't.

What CODE ALICE was or it's intended purpose was, was unknown. The information was considered classified and generally only found i nthe database of the place he just robbed- what could have easily been described ad her "home".

"We ought to kill it, sir, she cannot keep it in check," someone said.
"Yeah! "Totally!" part of the group cheered at the idea. Elek sensed their fears, yet, they thirsted for blood and the thought of defeating some big and powerful gave them adrenaline rush. However, only three out of fifteen had seen just what power this demon like creature and its 'master' possessed. It was no joke, and even with such a large group, they would most likely suffer causalities. Not to mention at this moment they did not seem hostile.

"No!" he stated firmly and everyone quieted down immediately. Elek was respected and feared, although he had never threatened anybody. No one really understood him, or his reason. Many still doubted him. All that washed over and into him and his jaw clenched.

"No one is allowed to attack these two, unless self defense. They might be useful to us."
Quiet murmur spread, again he said something quizzical. The men and women did not see how this pair could be helpful to them. Thankfully, no one talked back to Elek.

"What are your intentions and your destination within the sewers?" Elek asked, his voice growing raspy. The man's mouth was dry and he felt under strong pressure, from both sides. Weariness from sleepless nights and fights also began to catch up with him.

Her arched brow raised as she watched them squabble amongst themselves. Pathetic. They obviously had no respect for him if they were going to squabble like that- or they were just stupidly needy for some sort of battle. She could give them a massacre, but a battle? No. She was holding back before.

Their leader asked her more questions and instead of chastising his lowly followers, she responded, "Nothing. I came down here to get her and then leave. Now," She crossed her arms, "Unless you decide to attack us or make us an offer for our services, we're going to leave." This woman wasn't the type to play games or waste time and it was obvious. The creature against the ceiling was growing restless as if waiting for his answer as well.

The woman seemed reasonable, although, clearly annoyed. Not that they had showed them selves from the best side. The group that accompanied him was mostly the guards that had never seen the base, due to the fact they were not that trustworthy just yet. Of course, he always kept few, like Inferno and Alfred among them, to make sure things were in check.

At her answer he nodded. "Fine. One and half thousand a month for you, free food and place to live. But this is not contract you can cut just any time you decide." Considering the situation in 'Upper' world, that was a hefty wage, to say the least. Elek knew it would cut in his budget, and rather deeply so, but he would find a way to compensate it, especially with this woman's and he monster's aid. No one said anything this time, but he felt they all were shocked. No one knew how much money he had, or even who he was, but the offer seemed far too generous to someone who had just recently threatened his life.

"Deal?" Elek's vision pulled both of them closer, as if with magnifying tool. He kept a close check of their expressions and body movements, ready to defend against an attack.

She listened to his proposal and the amount of money he'd offered. Considering the whelps at his side, she knew he couldn't be paying them... anything, really. He most likely provided food, water, shelter and the necessary items to defend themselves. She'd be considered a queen among them or a total drain to their resources.

"Deal." The woman accepted and started toward them. The creature slithered along the pipeline above her, growling lowly as she scurried along. It didn't come down into their sights and seemed pretty intent on staying hidden until given a real reason to come out.

The woman stopped infront of Elek and put out her hand to shake, deep blue eyes staring him down despite his blindness. She radiated a tense energy that ebbed and flowed under her skin, in her muscles but not so much in her mind. She was not a telepath but something about her screamed "power" and not in the creative or psychic sense.

Although they had been so brave before, nearly everyone stepped back when the pair came closer. They were obviously afraid and uneasy and Elek resisted urge to sigh. This had been such a long day, and what the man had read in some of his follower's minds would surely keep him thinking for some hours later on. However, they were not his main priority at this very moment.

"Great," he said and took her hand in a firm, but not painful grip. The moment their skin touched, he saw, just for a half a second, so as if his eyes were healthy. It felt as if the energy she possessed had hit him in nerves, or their power fields had clashed. However, nothing of that was shown to the outside."My name is Elek." He smiled a small, but kind smile.

The man released her hand then and turned to the group. "Everyone, except Inferno, return to your posts." Some nodded, some saluted, but everyone did as they were told and within matter of few minutes, the sewer was empty, besides the four. "Let's get going. Inferno, we will be staying at nearest outpost tonight. Go ahead and inform them." he said and the tall, lanky man nodded and ran off. Elek began walking at a slow pace, because, out of courtesy, he did not poke in the woman's mind, and was left truly blind for the moment.

"Eve." She took her hand back from him once she found the shake sufficient and pointed at the ceiling with her thumb, "Evan. But it's best if everyone just leaves her alone." Eve rest a hand on her hip and watched them take their positions, following their leader through the sewers and to a little outpost.

It had just hit morning, though it was still rather early, and they had reached the little outpost. It didn't look like much but there were enough people there to stare and gawk like children at a newcomer. Good thing Evan kept out of sight or a fight would have already started.

Elek greeted the people, friendly, but with a firm expression and everyone understood it was better not to ask any unnecessary questions. Aiolia was leaning against the wall, watching them, brow slightly furrowed. Inferno had told them of the deal, and she was trying to put all the full stops where they belonged, but it was not easy. But if it was his decision, then she trusted it and would be ready to die for it. Noticing her, Elek smiled and motioned her to come over.

"This is Aiolia, second in command. She will later accompany you to the base," Elek said. Aiolia offered her hand for a shake, a little stiffly, but Elek knew it was nothing truly personal against Eve. This girl was simply awkward with strangers. Not to mention, this woman's 'pet' had nearly killed her not too long ago. But Elek trusted her, and she would try to do the same.
"Nice to meet you. You've got a strong punch," she commented, with something alike smile. Then Aiolia turned to Elek.
"But what about Leila?"
"I will go alone, or take someone from outpost," he explained.
Aiolia looked like she wanted to disagree, but swallowed it and nodded.
"As you wish. I have had the spare room prepared for you. Coffee and food will be waiting. If you would excuse me now," she bowed her head slightly and after Elek nodded, she went inside. The way they spoke to each other, how worry was in Aiolia's eyes, gave away that they were friends, not only comrades, even if they mostly tried to appear professional.

The man turned to Eve. "Would you prefer to rest or have a talk now? I think you probably have some questions."
In all honestly, all he wanted to do was sleep. But in few hours, he would have to speak with Leila, he could not really trust it to anyone else. So, sleep was not exactly an option. In fact, Elek had no idea when he will have a chance to sleep for more than few hours. His tiredness was becoming 'incurable'.
"And what about Evan? Should we find a bed for her as well?"
Elek was not entirely sure yet how to treat this monster and how to go about introducing her to others.

Punch. Punch. Block. Kick. Round kick, backflip, block, punch.
Leila paused and wiped forehead. There was slight dull pain, stabbing in the base of her head and piercing her temples. They were remainders of previous encounter with Elek. He indeed was as strong as he was rumored, truly one of the best. But the distortion chip had worked well.

Although the meeting had not gone according to her plan, Leila was rather pleased with the outcome, not counting the nagging worry that churned in the pit of her stomach. She was trying to work it out of her system now in her personal training room, while she thought the plan over and over. The girl knew she had to be sure of every detail and worry or doubt had no place in her. Long ago, she had been taught that the hard way. Gritting teeth, Leila launched a fierce attack on the dummies.

Too quickly she ran out of breath and a sudden painful coughing fit made her double over. Gasping in air, she suddenly felt a metallic taste in her mouth and her hand colored red. Leila's eyes widened as she realized that she was coughing up blood and, staggering back, she slumped down on the floor. It was second time in two weeks...

"My lady, may I again be so bold and suggest dropping the chemicals?" a soft voice spoke in her ear, but Leila shut her eyes tight, clenching the clean hand.
"No!" she practically shouted. "I can't. They will devour me the moment I become weaker."
"But my lady, you are becoming weaker this way..."
"I know... It just means I have to achieve my goal quickly," the girl replied, wiping her hand and trying to ignore the shaking of her own voice. Leila was not afraid of death, but the thought of not finishing her mission, it scared her. It was all she had left, all she was living for.

Yet even for it, she was unable to end the chemical treatment. If she was addicted to it, or the power it gave, Leila did not know. The hollow, heavy feeling spread trough her, reaching each corner of her soul and she let her thoughts wander down the darkest of paths. The girl wrapped arms around her knees and hid her face, loneliness and darkness slowly creating unbreakable cocoon around her.

The creature kept to itself, keeping eerily silent in the scenery of the ceiling, sewer pipes and other locations that few would bother looking. Eve, on the other hand, didn't do anything to dull her presence. She was strong and held herself at a higher standard than everyone else around her, and even the world. She had an ego, you could say she was cocky, but none of it was undeserved. She had power that was...odd, and perfect for close combat or combat in general. They would need her if they wanted to win whatever it was they were fighting for.

Another female approached her and she glanced over the offered hand. Eve did not make any motion for the hand and also said nothing when complimented. Whatever ego she might have had, she didn't flaunt it with words in every opportunity she was given. There were some thins others didn't need to know.

When the chattering was over, she walked alongside Elek, "We need to have a chat." She walked with him to the privacy of his tent, shutting it up behind herself and turning to face him. "I know you don't have that kind of cash." She wasn't going to waste time in conversation. "Cut the pay to one third your offer. Provide me with a tent, food, water, other essential supplies and keep everyone out of my tent." She pointed at him with determination, "And that last part isn't a request." It was for his own good and the good of his little party because Evan would be staying in the tent, for the most part, and Eve simply did not like her privacy being breached.

Eve, she was intriguing, to say the very least. Elek sometimes relied on his powers too much - although there were times when he had no choice but to do it -, but he was still rather good at understanding people. This girl, she was a loner, the kind who reaches her goal no matter what. But, why had Eve joined them, then? The money or someone had hired her for more? Maybe she had some personal reason, for or against Rebellion? These questions nagged him and Elek sighed mentally.

The man sat down and crossed legs, taking sip from big coffee mug. As Eve spoke, he nodded few times. Elek quirked an eyebrow at her money comment. She really was direct, like knife at throat. He offered her to sit down and eat something, before began to speak.
"Fine. You will receive five hundred dollars every 9th of the month." Elek saw she was not the type to spend lot of time in speaking, and maybe it was good that way. He wasn't exactly the chattery type most of the time either.
"I will make the arrangements for your tent. After you go to base, you will have your own place with two rooms and lock, unless you prefer tent. We have rules, that generally forbid entering living spaces of others without invite. There are people here with... certain conditions."

Elek paused and then gave her a questioning look. "Do you even know what group you've got your self involved in?"
"But we can talk about it later today." He got up, barely avoiding an ungraceful trip and fall, in the small and rather messy space, and went out. About ten minutes later, Elek came back and told Eve that everything was arranged and her things were placed on the edge of outpost, to give her and Evan privacy.

He had also sent a message for Amante, so that the man knew Elek had a small request of him. He was not sure when it would reach him, though, but even later was better than never.

"I'll take the rooms." Hard walls were better than a floppy little tent and they gave a lot more privacy. He came back after a few minutes and gave her the news, which was great. "You can tell me about your group now or you can send me a memo." She was joking, harshly. "I know you're a little group of daisy sniffing hippies who just want everyone to," she put her hands up to use quotation marks, ""get along" and "become true equals"." She dropped the joking persona and returned to her more strict stance, "It's not going to fucking happen. Not peacefully and not without a lot of death, bloodshed and loss." She wanted to go on and explain how they were nothing more than a bunch of children rebelling against their parents, which was true in many ways, but she wasn't going to stop them. "This is your fight and I'm willing to fight for money. So just keep the bills coming and I'll do what needs to be done."

His expression grew cold and firm as Eve spoke. She was right, in some aspects, and in some, she was absolutely wrong. Her words did not hit a very sore spot, because they were something he thought over daily, something Elek was preparing him self and others for. This was no child's game.

"You think I don't know that? You think I, or anyone else here, are so naive to think we will ask them nicely and they will yield? No, no one is," he said, his voice firm, but laced with bitterness.

"But you know what? This ought to happen. Now, or hundred years later. And the more time we give them, the more strong they will become in their positions. I and everyone else here is ready to die, because someone will come in our place. This is not something that can be stopped." This situation could not last for very long, it never did in the history. It was only matter of time.

"And I am not trying to sound inspirational, because you sure don't give a damn about it, but you won't put down our cause, despite how silly or hopeless it seems to you. I will put up with your attitude and pay for it otherwise, but not that." Ever since his teenage days, when he had experienced the difference between two ranks, it was his drive, his goal, to be see the event chain that would change world, launched. Part of Elek knew that an equal world, truly equal, would never come to be, but nearly anything was better than this.

She shook her head and spoke with a quieter tone, not wanting to arrange an argument, "You're an idealist. Ideals never hold up in reality." So she wasn't just being stubborn and offensive, she was actually thinking about the events going on between them.

Eve started for the door and stopped, turning to face him, "Stay out of our heads," She pointed at her forehead with two fingers, and then pointed them at him, "and you'll win your little war." With nothing else to say, she left his tent and decided to walk off the frustration and the energy that was boiling under the skin. It was visible, but only briefly; little bubbles pushing up under her forearms and wiggling along her flesh before condensing into a harder tissue and finally sinking back, her arms appearing normal.

Clocks said that it was nearing midday and outpost was empty, except for few people. Aiolia was one of them, although she really wished to be elsewhere. But orders were orders. The girl approached the slightly distant tent, but did not go too close to it.
"Hey, you two, it's time to get moving," she said loudly, arms crossed across her chest. When Eve appeared, Aiolia told her to get her 'crawler', too, and without waiting, she went ahead. She was not going to bother with politeness, when Eve clearly didn't. Comrades they were now, but it didn't mean they had to be friends.

After about 10 minute walk, they came to bunch of shabby looking electrocycles simply put against the wall. "Get on," Aiolia commanded. Even if Eve tried to start it, nothing happened, besides blinking of the screen, asking to enter "the code", whatever that was. "They have automatically set courses in them to all the bases and outposts. You can travel only if you know the destination's code, tho'," she explained. She had to tell the codes to Eve later, that's the only reason Aiolia bothered with explanation.

"Won't the crawler get on, too?" When the apparent answer was no, Aiolia shrugged and rolled eyes slightly. "Well, then, try to hold on tight." She entered the code, that consisted of 6 numbers, and next moment, Eve's electrocycle whooshed off into the sewers. Aiolia quickly followed after.

Despite the huge (and dangerous) speed the machine was moving at, it took good fifty minutes for them to arrive at the base. Until the very last moment, nothing showed that they were heading to somewhere inhabited. In fact, sewers only got darker and dirtier. However, when the electrocycle came to halt rather unexpectedly, nearly throwing the driver off, there were suddenly men, marching and guarding, what appeared to be a wall.

"Hey Aiolia! A newcomer with you, eh?" someone asked and the girl nodded abruptly. "Elek's coming later," she said and then added: "oh, and if some stranger comes, call me first before attacking." Guard raised eyebrows in surprised expression, but then shrugged.
Aiolia moves past him and opened a panel in the wall, where she entered a code and part of the wall moved aside, revealing a busy scene. It reminded of a medieval market or castle yard, tents, fires, even some people dueling.

Many acknowledged Aiolia, greeted her and she curtly nodded back to most of them, as she led Eve further in. After the field, came something akin to a city, with narrow streets and many buildings of various sizes, built from same material everything was here - gray, strange stone. The girl stopped at a small house and turned to Eve. "This one is yours. Here are the keys." She handed them over, then turned around and left.

Leila stood still within the shadows. Her breathing was slow, but eyes ever watchful of the scene. It was easy to look over from her position on second story. The same small back alley she had helped Elek and his gang out. Her mouth nearly twitched as she remembered how angry he had looked when the man realized she had killed those guys. Such a pansy. It was kill or be killed world. If she left them alive, they would give them trouble later.

"There comes the blind puppy," she thought, noticing him turning around the corner. Leila waited till he has come close enough, then slid down the wall and materialized. As she predicted, Elek turned to her immediately. Even if he could not read her mind, he sensed her keenly. "Such a power, yet he wastes it on hopeless dreams." However, who was she to condemn him? Her own goals were her only fuel.

They talked swiftly for a short while, Elek gave her the rules she was to follow, such as not killing when not necessary (he explained it attracts unwanted attention), not talking with anyone outside Rebellion about it or inviting in, before some higher up has observed and approved of the person. Leila nodded simply to each rule. This was boring.

"Got your things?" Elek asked and again, the girl nodded in answer. "She really doesn't like to speak, as rumored," he thought. In a way, it made things harder, as he could read her tone if she spoke. But he would cope, as he always did. "Then let's go," he turned around, partially feeling uneasy. He had hoped Amante would appear, Elek wanted to have a word with him anyways, and with two escorts, it was less chance Leila would assault him. But, it was as it was and he would cope with it.

Eve was sitting on a cot, eating an apple, when Aiolia came to the outside of the tent. Some growling sounded and Eve motioned at the creature to stop. She stood up and tossed the remains of the apple at the feet of the woman... thing. Evan grumbled at it and swat it away before easing out of the tent after Eve and scuttling along in the shadows.

They came to the bikes and Eve touched it, but nothing happened. Aiolia explained and she gave a subtle nod. Too bad she wasn't a hacker or else she could've controlled the bike. Either way, it wasn't something to complain about. She got onto the bike and shook her head "She'll run." Her feet moved into place and her hands gripped the handles.

The bike shot off, her hair blowing in the wind behind herself. Evan began to sprint after them, a low growl echoing down the concrete and metal tunnels of the sewer system. The creature was not able to keep up full speed with the bikes but she was not easily shaken. Eve had no concern for this and focused on the movement of the bike until it stopped, but she didn't jostle from her seat.

Without a single drop of water on her person, though the bike was drenched, she moved off of it and glanced over her shoulder at the tunnel. Nothing. She'd catch up. Eve moved after Aiolia and watched, listened; observing everything. Eventually, she made her way to the little house and took the keys from the other female, going inside without a word...

It would about another hour or two before growling and scraping could be heard from the tunnel system that led to the base.