Step by step they were running out of breath "Yo Gano" Douglas started a conversation between gasps "With those powers of yours Mayuri told us about, can't you just lift us out of here" Gano shook his head "First of all I just got my strength back....and second of all" he shot a look at each member of the group, saving the most scathing one for Mayuri "My powers that work like you think they do."  Deciding the sewers were neither the time nor place  to have a long animated discussion on the matte, everyone resolved to move on for the time being "You gotta do something! If that thing catches up to us-" Tess panicked, holding onto Broook's hand  for dear life  "Fuck all the other shit man- " Brook started panting "CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHY THE FUCK THERE A RANDOM GATOR DOWN HERE!!" After Mayuri's  revelation, the long reptilian emerged from the watery depths, snaring Mr. J'smith into its jaws, and started to give them chase. 

"For once-" Mayuri shot Gano a dirty look  "-I wish the rumors about you were true." Gano chuckled in response  "So do I" he joked "Gators, gators, gators, why'd it have to be a fuckin' Gator!" Mayuri voice quivered "'Yuri?" Gano looked on in concern "Don't call my name unless you're going to do something Gano! RIGHT NOW!" Mayuri cried out, hoping to answer her plea, Gano  channeled his focus "Fine! Watch this!!" Mayuri yelped in surprise when the lighter in her pocket was lifted off her person. Doing a one-eighty degree skin, getting into a battle stance Gano stood his ground as  the gator approached -jaws open and ready to devour "As expected." Gano couldn't help but  grin "Hey King of the Sewer! It's nothing personal, but from here on out... it's GAME OVER!!" throwing the lighter, Gano waited until it was mid-way down the reptilian's throat before holding his hand forward, shooting a current of green electricity forth. The amount of heat generated by the voltage was enough to  ignite the lighter, the gato could do nothing but let out snarl throwing its head back and forth. Being scarred and scaled, the apex predator was being electrocuted from the inside, Gano closed his eyes, unable to bear causing a living creature pain  "I'm sorry" Gano he apologized, voice tainted with anguish and pain Tess couldn't help but turn around to look , "Gano" she whispered,  placing  her hands over heart. 

"JUST GO DOWWNNNNNNNNN!" Gano  yelled, eyes glowing eerie green, the heat generated from the amount of voltage Gano was frying the creature with was taking its toll on him "Gano!" Tess rushed forward, grabbing and shaking him by the shoulders, Gano body was damp from having broken into a sweat and smoke could be seen leaving his body as well "You're not recovered yet!! Are trying to kill yourself!?"Ignoring her, Gano knew he was almost, the gator's insides were charred black, and its skin started to flake, making one last ditch effort charging towards them,  Gano's eyes glowed brighter and the amount of voltage increased just enough to bring the creature to collapse. Twitching, but no longer moving, Gano put his hands on his knees, and immediately started sucking wind. 

"Gano" rushed over to hold him up, allowing her strength to be his "You okay?"  Breathing starting to slow, Gano gave her a thumbs up, not able to speak just yet "I hate you so much." Tess took a deep breath of her own "C'mon, let's catch up." Finally seeing light at the literal tunnel's end, the others waited for them outside "Hey!" Douglas took in their surrounding's  "I know where this is!" he adjusted his glasses "You should, this is Owl's Forest, right outside the city's limits. I figured we'd pop up here." Brook whistled "That's one hell of a secret route! Didn't think we'd make it this far!" he exclaimed "Well, don't be to impressed" Mayuri replied "There goes the green-haired idiot and your girlfriend now, we still have some ways to go." Douglas groaned 

"My legs feel like noodles! I can't keep going through this man!" he whined, Mayuri rolled her eyes "You want to stay out here sitting duck, then be my guest and go ahead!" she stomped off in the direction of the forest "Yo Tess! Gano! What's up!!" Brook greeted them "Nothing much. Gano took care of that thing chasing us, but he's tuckered himself out..can you?" Brook read her like a book, going around to Gano's other side to help him walk "Gosh, I feel so guilty now-" Douglas scratched the back of his neck "-we were really going to let Mayuri's information drop, make us forget you're one of us." The three of them shared a look, and then a collective nod "That's right!" Tess agreed "If you say something corny like 'One for all and all for one'.." Brook accused "I swear to god..." Gano laughed, lifting his head up "Think that's a pretty dope line myself" he remarked "You would-" Douglas poked him in the forehead "-then again, when I said I wanted an encounter with an extraterrestrial, I never imagined it'd be someone regular as you." 

Out of the blue, an ominous feeling descended upon them all "Hey guys-" Douglas started "It's probably in our best interest to start moving on." Brook finished the thought, Mayuri glared at them several feet away, daring them to not walk "Well isn't this a rag tag bunch" Gano joked, heading over to where Mayuri stood, they began their walk through the forest.  

"Jay! Jay!! Jay!" Derick screamed waking his partner in crime "Would it kill you to keep your voice down?" Jay rubbed his eyes, trying to rouse himself from sleep "I done fucked up." Jay's face scrunched up into a frown "Ya think?" he raised an eyebrow, interest piqued "Not sure I can  count the ways..." Derick folded his arms and closed his eyes, fumbling for the right words "That Gator we left down there to clean up the sewers...I think he's been deep-sixed. I can't get back that connection no more."  it had been an hour since Lieutenant Mill called off the search  per his request  "And?" Derrick sighed "And you were right" he admitted "In my heart of hearts....I'm relieved" Jay leaned back in the chair staring at a gnat buzzing against the kitchen light "I can't kill Mayuri man, she's my childhood friend." Derrick shook his head "I swear to god man..." Jay ignored him continuing on "So what're we gonna do?"Derrick asked, peeling a banana "You ready to listen for once?" Jay asked,  finishing the banana, Derrick threw the empty peel at him, which he caught no problem, "The question was rhetorical anyways" Jay shook his head "Now listen up..."

"Fatigued" Brook could feel his legs cramp "Exhausted" Tess' bent forward, placing her hands on her knees "Running out of breath" Douglas hit the ground knees first, catching himself with his  palms out stretched "A bunch of damn twenty year olds, one short hike through the forest and you're giving up " Mayuri grumbled, looking back at them in disgust "Green was  half-dead a couple of hours ago! What's your excuse?" she pointed at Gano, then back at them "To be honest....I'm kind of cheating." Gano yawned, using the earth's magnetic field to lighten the load of weight-bearing, he was conserving energy "WHAT!?"  Douglas' eyes popped out of his head, crawling over like a spider, he wrapped his arms around Gano's legs "I beg of you! If there's a way you could make walking easier....please..PLEASE..share." Brook looked on in disgust "Boy if you don't-" Walking over, he jerked Douglas up off the ground "STAND UP!!" 

Annoyed to the point of migraine, Mayuri rubbed her temple "This is not a field trip and I AM NOT  BABY SITTING! I've got half a mind left, and half of that mind is starting to figure I've got better odds going it alone than holding the hands of a bunch of damn kids!" Storming off for the second time in the last hour, the rest looked on "I guess we are being pretty immature" Tess sighed, deciding it best to follow her "What'd you just say?" Douglas gawked "I can't believe what I'm hearing, YOU agreeing with HER!" cleaning his ear with finger, he had to double-check "Broken clock." Tess shrugged, not even bothering to turn around "C'mon guys" Brook encouraged "It can't be that far away." Whistling a tune, Gano looked back and forth "I got nothing better to do." Douglas stared in disbelief, Brook and Gano followed in Tess' footsteps deciding to continue along the path, hearing a rustling in the bushes, Douglas figured his mind was made up as well "Hey guys!" he picked up a brisk pace "Wait for me too!" he called out, catching up to them quickly. 

After what felt like another mile, they finally arrived at a clearing in the middle of the forest "All the groaning and moaning can stop-" Mayuri held up hand, motioning for the group to stop in their tracks "-now we're here. " Walking over to a tree on the left opposite side, she reared back her elbow smashing the wood and revealing a hollow  inside; fumbling around, she found what she was looking for, a whirring and whooshing sound could be heard beneath the ground, popping up like a ground hog, an outdoor elevator revealed itself  "Hot damn!" Brook jumped back  "Okay...that's kind of cool." Tess observed, mouth agape "The logic doesn't even add up! What's something like that doing out here!?" Douglas squealed,  Gano seemed to remain the only one unimpressed.

"So that's where I was feeling that pulse of electro-magnetic energy coming from, you've got a base built underground" Gano remarked "Yes, yes I do" she answered him without a trace of sarcasm "As for the rest of you, stop gawking and come the hell on before someone see us!" she barked, food and shelter first, ask questions later, they heeded her command, piling in the elevator "Alright, time to head on down."  , steel doors closing shut, they descended below, elevator shaking a bit after coming to a complete stop-they arrived "Welcome-" Mayuri was the first to step off, to underground bunker was designed more in the vein of a hotel lounge: including  pool table, a bar, a washroom, several bathrooms, and several futons for visitors to sleep "Mayuri, what are you doing with a bachelor pad underground? This doesn't like a place of secret operations." Douglas looked up, down, and all around 

 "Cause this is both a place to get away, and a place to get away and lounge."Crossing her legs, Tess started squirming around "Bathrooms in the back girlie, go ahead and wash up if you want to, now that we've actually gotten somewhere I don't mind you brats catching your breath." Mayuri folded her arms, giving them permission to walk around and explore "Thanks.." Tess took off, the sudden kindness catching her off guard  "The wash the room to the left, and there's a bathroom in the room to the right as well, last thing I need is you brats dirtying this place up." she instructed  Gano gave Mayuri a confused look "Can't believe you're being so welcoming to guests...I'm shocked." Forcing a smile , Mayuri leaned forward face to face until their noses were about to touch "And why is that?" she asked, sweating bullets Gano leaned back, lost his balance eand fell  "You know that....nevermind..." Mayuri smirked, placing her hands on her hips "I think I'm going to tend to myself as well...you sweaty boys can dawdle around out here." Taking a sharp turn, Mayuri left the boys to their own devices and headed to the back as well. 

An hour and a half and several quarrels later, everyone met back up to come up with a plan "First things first , without J'smith we might screwed" pouring herself a glass of expensive drink, Mayuri took a sip "Even worse, Douglas you said you couldn't get in contact with Gil' that means-" "He got caught" Brook finished "-or even worse." Douglas was scanning articles online using the laptop Mayuri provided "The news painted our earlier escapades in the light of a terrorist attack, and Mr. J'smith's been reported missing, all things considered, I'm shocked there's not a warrant out for our arrest." Dialing numbers into his phone, much to his chagrin, it went straight to voice-mail again 'C'mon Gil. Please be okay ' he thought to himself. Seconds later a brrrrnnnggg directed Douglas' attention to a notification popping up on his screen  "E-mail, is it something from school?" adjusting his glasses, Douglas opened the attached files, what he saw nearly caused him to fall out his chair 

 "Woah!!" Dogulas yelped drawing everyone's attention "Dougie my man, you chillin' over there?" Brook eyes were glued to a soccer match taking place on the big screen hanging above the bar "Imagine that" Mayuri looked up from filing her nails "Found something have we?" she asked, Gano was the first to  walk over Gano peaking over his protectorate's shoulder  "Oh shit! This is something you guys are gonna want to see!" He beckoned everyone to come over. 

"Hey! Watch it!!" Mayuri shoved Tess out the way, bending down, she was almost cheek to cheek with Douglas causing him to blush "Why you always got be so rude?" Tess threw up her hands in exasperation "What'd I do to you?"  Mayuri  looked her up and down without a reply, before learning her head on Douglas' shoulder, eyes glued to the screen "How mature." Tess remarked 

 Brook entertained the notion of  breaking things up before directing his attention back to the game, 'Best to let them work it out themselves  "Hmph. Whatever." Tess' pouted, relegated to standing behind Douglas to keep up  "I don't get this, why would someone give us this information!?" Douglas wondered aloud. Pulled up for all their eyes to see were the images, identities, and names of several animal traffickers and suspected international traders on the black market "Who are these people?" Exiting out, Mayuri took the reins from Douglas checking out the other attachment,  what they found was a holy grail of information: a dossier containing the names, roles,  meeting places, supply routes, and several  dates of importance providing key context was attached as well. 

  Douglas jaw hit the floor stunned "A leak!! And look at this....the date of the next upcoming meeting is set...for today...that's late tonight!" Eyes darting back and forth Mayuri scanned and compartmentalized the information, it was only conclusion she was able to come to "This is a trap-" Rubbing her face in frustration, she grabbed a fistful of her hair "So what if it's a trap, a forest isn't that much different from a fire, whether your goal is rescue or escape-" Getting up, Gano went over to join Brook in watching the game "-sometimes the only way is through." 

"He's right." Mayuri sighed  "We got names, the layout of the Sagara Compound, the time and date when the shipment's coming in, with this amount of information the only thing keeping this lot from being arrested is plausible deniability, in the end when people have as much money as these people have-" Douglas pieced two and two together "-they lay for a while, and rise up to cause trouble again." Mayuri smiled at him impressed "Right, in all likelihood, Derrick wants  pop out the blue and see if there's a compromising position he can find them in." Douglas got back to pondering with his hand on his chin "So what? He's given up on killing us, now he's asking for help?" Feeling pensive, Mayuri closed her eyes "Think. Think. Think. Oh. So that's what he's getting at." Opening her eyes, she highlighted today's date, the time, and location of the next meeting "Soro Sagara: a very prominent business, and head of the Sagara Estate, he owns big stake in the New Arcadia Zoo, owns a large amount of farmland which happens to double as his giant compound, and according to this list is hosting a meeting to discuss 'business propositions' with several others on this list." A lightbulb went off in Douglas' mind "So what're you saying is-" Mayuri cut him off "That's right, Derrick's probably going to make an appearance there, and he wants us to show up to in hopes of causing a distraction."

 Looking at the screen, Douglas took off his glasses, giving his eyes a rest  "Seriously though? I get he can control animals and all, but these aren't the type of people that scream compassion, as a matter of fact some of these names look like they got ties and affiliations you don't want to make enemies of at all." Mayuri sucked her teeth "Knowing that man like I know him, he's got some allies in the dark too, we've got no choice but show up-might be the only chance you guys to absolve yourself of any crime." Standing up, Mayuri cleared her throat "Listen up! In a few hours we're headed out!" Brook was the first to raise his hand "Where the hell're we going?" Motioning for Douglas to display the contents of the laptop on the big screen, he complied 

We'll be sneaking onto Soro Sagara's compound, as of right now it's going to hard for us to move out in the open so we'll be sneaking in through the docks "The docks!?" it was Tess' turn "Not a an action person of any kind, but what do the docks gotta do with crashing this meeting these people 'posed to have-that's the country side." Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Mayuri continued on "In a few hours, they'll be loading up the animals they've smuggled onto a set of trucks, using my powers to perform a swicthero of sorts all we have to do is cram ourselves into a box-the rest of the work should be done for us." Gano raised his hand to be called on "Why the hell are you guys raising yours hands! This isn't school!!" Looking at Douglas, who didn't seem to have an answer, Mayuri had no choice but to play along 

"Gano. Go on." she gave him permission to speak "Can I take a nap?" Losing complete control, Mayuri found the nearest glass, and chucked it at his head, lucky for Gano his reflexes weren't half-bad "Nice duck." Brook completed "I....hate....you..all...." Aggravated beyond belief, Mayuri slammed herself onto one of the futons, and began to scream "You know-" Gano started "That's not a bad idea. Before we go, I don't think there's anything wrong with taking a nice nap!" Plopping down onto the couch, within seconds, dreamland was his new home "Know what? Seems like we got a rough ahead" Folding his arms and laying down his head, Douglas decided now was as good a time as many to borrow a page from Gano's book "Aw man. Can you believe this?!" Looking around the room, Brook pursed his lips "High stakes and what they do? Start nodding off! At a time like this, who can sleep?" Hooking his arm with hers, Tess comforted her boyfriend "Truth be told, in times of stress, it's the only thing a lot of people know how to do." Studying the sleeping forms of his  friends around the room, Brook could see she had a point "True. Lord knows a guy like Douglas and a gal like that one don't know how to unwind wide awake, and there's him...still a mystery." A peaceful expression found its way on Gano's face "Yes" Tess frowned, remembering her dream "He's a mystery indeed, but right now, that mystery's all we got."  

"Arrival at New Arcadia airport, passengers may now depart."  the announcement was heard, sipping a glass of expensive champagne Rick Smith unbuckled his seat, one look was all it took for his luggage to be tended to by his guard, he especially needed them on day like today: dripped in gold from the chain around his neck to the rings on his finger, to his expensive watch, he was a man with a target on his back for more reasons than one. Luggage lifted, one guard walked ahead of him, and the other followed in tow, as they made their way to pick up their things. 

Rick Smith had the appearance of your average man, save for the gold adornments, tried to be modest as he could when it came to his opulence and wealth,  the man known as Slim waiting to greet him? Well let's just say they were two of kind Slim's pockets were fat, and one thing about it-he and his crew weren't afraid to let everyone know: Diamond chains, diamond teeth, Rolex watches, luxury slippers, bracelets, anklets, even their cellphone cases were decorated and draped in expensive stones. Not only that, but Slim-unlike-was rolling deep, Slim's crew numbered in the twenties compared to Rick's two.

Luggage retrieved, Rick was on the defense, coming to face with Slim's crew, people in the crooked looked on, wondering if something was about to go down in the airport between the two groups "Come to my city, and you don't introduce yourself?" Slim, tilted his  sunglasses down, making sure to look Rick in the eye "That's pretty rude." Not wanting any problems, and hoping to broker peace Rick motioned for his guard to stand down, stepping forward, he offered his hand. Looking down at his hand, then back up at him, Slim flashed a toothy grin, the light bouncing of his smile made Rick squint "My man, now that's what I call a greeting" Slim took his hand and shook it  "Ya pretty slick Rick...welcome to my town."

"So I take it you're the one he sent to show me around?" Rick asked, head on the swivel Slim started looking up, down, and all around "Is it a bird? Is it a plan? Is...hell yeah ya' mutha'!! It's me! Who else you see, rolling up all fly, rolling out the purple carpet for you and yours." Taking a minute to decode and decipher what was being said, Rick caught on "Alight then, so I'm guessing that's a yes?" Deciding to parse his language, being more accommodating his guest, Slim slung his arms around Rick "Yeah Rick, I'm here to take you to the docks and show you around man." Patting him in the chest to let him know things were alright, Rick snapped his fingers, signaling his guard to relax "That's right Slick, tell the boys to relax...for now, you're among friends." 

The made their  way  outside where Armored luxury cars-outfitted with spinning rims and bulletproof glass- awaited them, " Check out these thangs Rick" Giving Rick a soft nudge "Sitting so high, you could damn near touch the sky. Would you believe it cost me a fortune!" Slim bragged, gaudy for his tastes, but not wanting to offend Rick wasn't sure how to respond "I can tell you've made quite the investment here...safety first." This sent Slim into a fit of laughter "Aw man!" he slapped Rick on the back "You funny as hell man. Rick-" he poked him right in the chest "-you a cool cat." Pulling a couple of his crew members to the side, Slim whispered in their ear "You got me?" he made sure his instructions were heard loud and clear "Okay." 

  "Alright everyone! We bout to roll!! Remember the motto 'Watch your six and make sure you've loaded your nine! From here on out its a one way trip!! I don't wanna hear any complaints past the point of no return!"  Slim i announced, once he was sure his word was received without objection "Good! Remember, protect the main car!"  having said all that needed to be said Rick, Slim, his guard, and the most trusted  members of Slim's crew squeezed into a vehicle  "Good to go?" Slim checked with the driver before they rolled up the partition, tilting his  cap, Rick noticed Slim's posture and countenance relax.

"Thank God.." reaching into the inside of his white suit jacket, Slim pulled out a blunt, holding it up, he offered his peer a hit "Rick you smoke?" On a regular occasion,  Rick would refuse, but an unsettling feeling developed, and he could feel his stomach form into knots, he had to unwind  "Sure...why not?" Sparking up the blunt, Slim took a couple of hits, before passing it over to Rick "Trust me, Rick  that's some good stuff" Taking a couple of hits himself Rick passed it his guard "You might be right...I can already feel it taking off the edge." Wiggling his eyebrows, Slim leaned over to tell one of his guys to put some music on,   within seconds,  system loud music blared through the speakers, Rick was got off guard, having to cover his ears  'Never mind, not that I think about it, this might be a bit much.' he winced, not ready to handle the volume. Noticing his discomfort, Slim leaned over whispering something else into one of his crew members ear, pointing at him "Aye Rick!" Slime yelled over the music, the volume lowered several decibels "This good?" he mouthed, surprised at the courtesy, Rick felt a twinge of guilt "It's perfect. Thanks." giving his crew member responsible, the rest of the road towards the docks was a lot more comfortable.

Yawning and stretching out her arms Mayuri's internal clock knew it was time, her legs spasmed and orgasmed from the sensation of waking up. Wiping the matter out her eyes, she noticed that other than Douglas, she was the last to wake up "Pathetic"  she chastised himself, Brook, Gano, and Tess were at the bar making small talk, taken another look at Douglas crashed on the couch she noticed he'd begun to  drool "Ew. Definitely gotta put a stop to that..."  her mind was made up, she picked up a pillow, flinging it at him hard as she could to remedy the situation 

 "Dad? Mom?......Ow!!" Rubbing his noggin', Douglas shot Mayuri a glare "Why'd you do that!?" he chewed her out "Check the time Dougie" she replied, turning on his phone, her actions made enough sense that he was no longer incensed "You guys ready?" She walked up to the bar, assessing Gano, Tess, and Brook's state of mind "Ready as we're gonna be" Brook answered "End of the day, we're not soldiers y'know?" Gano, busy trying to dig dirt of his nails didn't even look up "I think I've filled my quota for danger today, so I feel pretty good." he answered, Tess looked to be the most nervous of the bunch, biting her lip, Mayuri could tell she was only pretending to look at her nails. "Well, alright then, it's about time for us to head back to the surface, any second thoughts before we leave?" Despite the impending danger and doom that threatened to envelop them should they feel, pride swelled in Mayuri at the other occupants of the room sticking to the decision they made, "Fine then, I guess it's about time, Operation: Animal Rescue is 'bout to begin!" 

"It just hit me" Brook started soon as they stepped off the elevator "Riddle me this, how're we going to get back in the city?" Mayuri raised her eyebrow "Oh, just now wondering how we're going to fix that wrinkle? Fear not, Gano's got it covered." Gano looked up, Gano looked down, Gano looked all around "Me?" he pointed at himself "What do I have to with this?" he questioned, Mayuri's response was to give him a blank stare "Okay, okay, just tell me where it is." he threw up his hands in defeat "C'mon this way, cowboy" started walking west, the others trailing behind, "Is that quicksand?" Douglas took a step back "Yeah, I think it is. Mayuri what are we doing here?" Gano closed his eyes, expanding the range of his magnetic field in hopes of finding what they were searching for "I take it, it's hidden here?" he gave Mayuri and inquisitive look "Don't know what're you're waiting for" Mayuri folded her arms smirking "I've bet it all green." 

Gritting his teeth Gano's temple vein throbbed  forming, and his body tensed, placing both hands forward, a tug of war began "Hold on." Douglas could see the shape and form of something pulling up from underneath "Is that-" Brook started, a black sleek vehicle, the likes of which they'd never seen before emerged from depths, in a display  strenuous effort, Gano's eyes started to glow and their cell phones started to flicker, "AH!" letting out a yell into the air, the car rose above the pit, suspended mid-air "You did it" Mayuri's eyes widened in realization "I may have, her hand grabbed her elbow "I can see...that was a bit difficult for you." Gano was incredulous, freeing up one his hands, he pretended to clean out his ears "In all honesty, out of all the things you've people put me up today, might be the easiest yet." he grinned "That's..good to hear." Mayuri smiled "Not to break this, but will that thing even work? It was submerged in quicksand  "Of course!" Douglas held up a finger as if to make a point, then thought better of it "Something tells me this ain't no ordinary vehicle." Brook pointed at the modern engineering floating in the air "Didn't expect you to be the smart one." Mayuri mused "But if you think I'm going to take time to explain how this baby's going to run-you're outta of your mind!" 

Seeing the car give a slight tilt to the side, Mayuri knew it was time to move things along "Gano can you move it horizontal, so we can make it past these trees?" Gano sighed in relief "Thought you'd never ask!" he perked up, moving his hands in a thumb down position the car flipped on its side while levitating "Great! Now brink it back to the clearing!!" Mayuri instructed, doubling back, Gano set the car on the grass nice and steady. 

"My turn, time to check things out.." Popping the hood open and giving a quick inspection, concern etched itself on her voice "Don't worry" Gano walked over, placing his hand on the engine, his hands were covered in green electricity, moments later the roar of the car engine could be heard "Gano! You're going too far!!" Tess yanked him away from the vehicle "She's right." Mayuri gave him a disapproving look "Far as we know, you're not immortal or anything, I doubt you've fully recovered form that snake's poison." Gano waved off their concerns "I'm fine." Deciding, the only way to lead was by example, Mayuri sat down indian-style on the grass "Here I was thinking you were bright." Gano chuckled, his actions mirroring her own "Typical, someway, somehow, I always lose when it comes to an argument." Sharing a confused look Brook and Douglas did the same, Tess' gaze softened, and she shared a nod of approval with Mayuri over what she did "Thanks" she mouthed, closing her eyes to mediate for a minute or two, she gestured for Tess to join them, too proud to say what she wanted to say.

"Slicky Rick! We finally here!!" Slim announced, finally arriving, as it turned out they didn't come to the docks for the docks "In one of these warehouses is where the animals are located?" Rick  posed the question "What you think fool? Duh." Slim answered, smiling to let him know he was teasing and not trying to belittle him at all "This the one. Let's go. Aye Z, make sure to tell everyone to haul ass, in an hour or so we gotta get to moving!" he instructed a tall muscular member of his crew "I gotchu Slim." Z answered , adjusting his fitted cap to the front.

Z and another one of Slim's crew hopped out the car first, walking over and opening the for him, Rick, and his guard "Now that right there is what you call luxury service!" Slim stepped out, adjusting his suit "C'mon on Rick, let's go see if this man gon' let us in." Walking over to Warehouse that was labeled outside as 'C', Slim bang on the door "Yo Vince!!" he shouted "Let us in fool! We outside!!"  The warehouse door lifted open, revealing  A tall, burly man with slicked back black hair  "Told you 'bout that shouting, haven't I Slim? You're late." Arms crossed, the man's face twisted into a scowl "And you're rude!" Slim stomped the ground, refusing to be intimidated "I'm here now? Ain't I?" Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Vince cleared his throat "Alright, come on in." Walking into the warehouse, Vince led them straight to the back where an assortment of cages, boxes, and containers were being held, a loud roar from one of the container's startled Slim and his men, but to Rick, it was a familiar "Phidro! He's in there!?" 

"A beautiful Bengal that one is, wasn't hostile towards people once we brought him in a week ago "Vince observed "I take it you raised him from a cub?" he inquired, taking note of the forlorn expression on Rick's face "Yeah..I did.." he closed his eyes "Hate you had to give up, probably made a pretty penny, but an animal companion like that you can get along with? Hard to replace." Another roar was heard, and scratching and clawing could be heard from the inside "Dexter!" Vince called, a man rushed from the other side of the warehouse, pulling out a syringe "Hit em' with another dose-" Vince made the motion for Dexter to give Phidro a shot "-before he arrives at the compound we can't have him acting up!" Sticking in the syringe through a small hole in the back of the box, it shook around in a violent manner, before the scratching and clawing soon came to a stop. "Titrated the right dose this time" Dexter pulled out the empty syringe "Should be out like a light." Walking back, over to the area he was working, Vince walked up to Rick 

"You sure you good to handle this?" he asked, making their eyes made contact "In business, one money's exchanged and deals are made, it's too late to turn back." Rick answered , Slim clapped his hands "There you go Rick! There you go my boy Rick!! Good to meet another big fish he sees the big picture as well!!" Looking back and forth, Slim could tell his interruption was not well received "My bad guys..." for the first time that day, his voice quieted "Maybe I should step out.." Vince shook his head "Actually, I do need you to go head and get your guys; we're going to need lots of muscle in here to finish organizing and moving things around in time." Slim perked up "Now we talking!" Making a sharp heel-turn, Slim high-stepped his way out "In the end...the convictions that lie in man's heart are known only to him." Vince said, without turning back to Rick, not even waiting for a response walked over to consult with Dexter, leaving Rick alone with his two guards and his thoughts  'I wonder....Phidro....why does it matter me now all of a sudden..not doing the right thing?'

"The intricacy of this design is truly fascinating" Lyles-a member of the investigative team-was studying the remnants of Gil's shot down drones at the police station "This equipment is military-grade, I'm not even sure  a regular citizen could pull this off without some sort of outside help...." Holding the piece of metal to the light, he was hoping to get a better look "Would you believe the kid that made that drove the car he was in straight of the bridge." Lost in his work, Lieutenant Miller's voice startled him, causing him to jump up "Lieutenant Miller!! I didn't hear you walk in sir. What's going on?" only being able to grunt in response, Lieutenant Miller walked over to the area where Lyles' working to check things out "Takes an amazing level of focus, to get something like this done. Doesn't it?" Running his fingers over one of the pieces of metal "Yeah...it really does...wait a minute!?" Lyles' eyes widened, catching on to what was just said "What was that about someone driving off a bridge?" Lieutenant Miller snickered "Oh, you're hearing me now?" he teased "Yeah, call came in earlier and went a time out there to dive into the river and see if they could track the driver and the vehicle down" Lyles curiosity was piqued "And?" Miller grinned like a shark "Vanished without a trace." Pinching the bridge of his nose Lyles, wracked his brain, but found he could make neither heads nor tails of what Lieutenant Miller just told him. 

"That..doesn't make any sense.." Miller leaned over, making sure his mouth was right next to Lyles' ear "Exactly...and there's more to come." he whispered, pulling away, he stared at him several seconds, before walking off, staring at his superior leaving, the hair stood up on Lyles' neck 'The hell was that about?' looking back at the piece of metal in his hand, sneaking a look out the window, Lyles noticed the sun disappearing behind the horizon "I wonder....is something about to go down?" Chalking it up to coincidence, Lyles got back to work, but the words the Lieutenant Miller whispered played itself in his mind on loop.

"Figured you boys would be out here!" Lieutenant Miller greeted Derrick and Jay "Out in the wild, not giving a damn who sees you" he  snapped his finger  "I like your style!" Leaning against the car, Derrick and Jay both gave Lieutenant Miller a pound "Happy to see you too Lieutenant, just dropping by to see if we're still good to go for tonight." Derrick rubbed his hands together in anticipation "I'm sorry sir, that's just an excuse-he really wanted to see you." Jay apologized bowing  his head "Boys-" Bringing the two young men into a bear hug of an embrace, Lieutenant Miller closed his eyes "-no matter how things work out..it's been a pleasure working with you.  You saved the lives of those dogs stuck in that fighting ring, and if we pull of what we're about to undertake now...words can't express my gratitude." Patting the two in the chest,  he turned the boys loose, allowing them to  get back in the car  "Try not to die before your time old man. We're counting on you!" Derrick teased, making sure to rev the engine loud as possible before taking off " Hey Derrick, always remember this: that power of yours is what you make of it, whether it'll be a blessing or curse..it's all up to you." Nodding along, Derrick made sure to hang onto every word "Hopefully, after tonight, pull enough strings...you can be chief 'round here." Miller raised an eyebrow "Really?" he look unconvinced "Hell nah. They ain't letting you be Chief." Rolling up the window, he gave the engine one more could rev, before taking off  Covering his mouth from the smoke, some of it still got into his throat causing him to cough. 

"Damn it! That kid's always pissing me off!!" Staring out the rearview mirror, Derrick cracked a smile watching Lieutenant Miller hunched over, and raising one finger in particular, flipping off "Thanks Lieutenant..for everything." 

"Alright Gano, the coast is clear, go ahead and bring it on over to the road!" Motioning him to come forth, Gano maneuvered the car through the trees, being careful not to leave a scratch, finally flipping the car right side up, ready to place it on the road, he added in a somersault for good measure "Too much?" he questioned, Mayuri's eyes bored through him "Not at all" she shook her head "I suppose at this point, all I can do is say thanks." Tess and Douglas joined them, on the side of the road " So this is it huh? Out of the fryer-" Douglas started to say "Yeah. I think we've heard that one before" Tess interrupted "But really giving it some thought...maybe there's no such thing as safe." Walking over, Gano placed his hand on her head "What're you do-" Gano put his finger to her lips, urging her to be quiet "Right here, right now, is there any danger?" Save for the wind, they were the only ones on the road "No?" her voice was shaking as she answered "Who are you surrounded by?" Turning her head, she took notice of Mayuri, Brook, Gano, and Douglas right beside her "My friends" a warmth filled and entered her heart "I'm surrounded by..the people I care about and love." Gano smiled, pleased with her answer "A wise man once told me 'There's no better moment than the present'." 

Blushing, Tess looked away "I knew you were going to ruin it somehow." Gano wrinkled his nose "Really, thought that was the perfect way to finish it off.." walking over, he began to lean on the car "Glad we got 'share our feelings time' out the way-' Mayuri pulling a key out of the satchel slung across her  shoulder, she opened the car door "Seriously kiddies, this isn't a field trip, we've got to go." Understanding the depth of the situation, Gano, Tess, Brook, and Douglas all shared a look, before piling into the car. 

Douglas rode shotgun, leaving Tess in the middle with Gano and Brook in the back "Tell me girlie-" Mayuri looked back with a wink "First time being sandwiched in-between she teased "No!" Mayuri suck out her tongue, blowing up her cheeks the size of a chipmunks "Relax Princess, just having a little fun." Sticking the  key in the ignition, Mayuri' floored the pedal, taking off.

"WOO!" rolling down the window, Mayuri couldn't stop herself from shouting into the night air "Have you lost it!?" Douglas pulled her by the arm "I thought we were supposed to lay low!" Rolling the tinted window back up, Mayuri adjust her seat "We could lay low, or you could walk, lots of things could happen."  Douglas stared out the window "Good to know that's an option" he muttered under his breath giving the prospect consideration "Anyways, once we arrive at the docks, how's this whole sneaking in thing gonna work?" Mayuri couldn't hide the devilish grin, creeping its way onto her face "Just let me handle that. Need I remind  you what my power is?" she bragged "That's right" Douglas tapped his head "Still, security's gonna be tight, aren't you worried?" Adjusting the car mirror, showing Gano napping in the back, it finally clicked "Right, if worst comes to worst, we got Mr. Electromagnetism to pinch hit." Exhaling, not realizing he was holding his breath, Douglas started to relax "We just might make it through this." Mayuri took it upon herself to slap his glasses of his face "What'd I say?" he stared at her "Make it through alive." Kicking things up a notch, Mayuri leaned her foot more against the gas making up for lost time "Not if you keep driving like that!!" Douglas fastened his seatbelt "At this rate I might call the cops myself!!" 

"

.

"