●●●●●●●●●●●○○○○ ✧˖°ɳσω ℓσα∂เɳɠ . . .
˚* ੈ✩‧₊ヾ( ๑'ᗜ｀๑)ｼ

❥¸.•*¨✧♡ ɠαเყσ σɳεรɦσƭ - ૮૨เɱเɳαℓ αµ♡✧¨*•.¸❥

◦•●◉✿ωσ૨∂ ૮σµɳƭ✿◉●•◦
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✿.｡.:* ☆:**:!ω૨เƭε૨'ร ρσѵ!:**:.☆*.:｡.✿

°˖✧ωαɾɳเɳɠ: ɱเℓ∂ ɓℓσσ∂ αɳ∂ ѵµℓɠαɾ ℓαɳɠµαɠε αɦεα∂✧˖°

✿.｡.:* ☆:**:!εɳʝσყ!:**:.☆*:.｡.✿

As the good and bad co-exist as one, there are also times where being a Criminal is quite fun.

Stealing the shiniest of jewels, doing the stealthiest of heists. It's all about the danger, whether the fun is just tonight.

Its wrong but feels quite right.

Shining your name as a criminal with such sly tricks to do, striking fear and dominance to those who mess with you.

How bad could it possibly be to have a little naughty side? Such fortune could never be enough after all... Though with such fortune, people fall into the spell of greed and selfishness;The possibility of never to return.

Causing them to do such despicable crimes and steal from the wealthiest of places. They either do it for the thrill, the fortune, the true justice or the tasty blend of in-between it all.

Every man for himself I suppose.

Though when greedy criminals collide, it's pretty oblivious for them to get along through teamwork when having the thought of 'Sharing'. Specially when their way of stealing is to differ to what they do.

Thus when Two Criminals Cross Paths, the results will be either a messy disaster or a perfect pair of danger.

And yet again, the probability of in-between.

˚* ੈ✩‧₊

A Monochromatic City of different Tribal Species was engulfed by the grey weather they were having this evening, droplets softly pouring down as the busy streets stained with many common people walking to go do their own private tasks. A Crimson Blue individual stuck out of the gloomy colors actually.

The individual's facial features were kept hidden by their fedora, slightly wet by the rain unlike the people having umbrellas above their heads or coats. But he wore a dark blue crimson suit that had longs sleeves with a white tie and black leather laced shoes. The usual suit affair.

The individual had the name of Kei.

No last or middle name. Just Kei, because only his Closest Relatives and Mafia Members knew his real name. Kei is one of the Leaders of the Most Wanted Crime society here in Tribe City. Though none of the civilians have ever seen the looks of these Mafia Leaders.

Whenever they were brought up to the news by their miraculous heists or originated crimes, it would describe by the same line every time; "Stolen by the 'Unknown RM' Mafia". The set of clues left in the crime scene would be the same as the other heists they had done; "A deep sea Lapiz Lazuli Kunai stabbed deeply to the throat of the victims."

How hilarious, don't you think so too?

Kei chuckled lightly when recalling his Mafia's legacy this City, some of the civilians noticing him and backing away a bit.

But today, he had a little mission to do.

His brother Pai, whom is the 2nd in command mastermind to this Mafia, had told Kei that the Famous Artist named "Christine Quinn Levaine" whom is a member of the Royal Giraffe Tribe and had just moved back to this city; Thus is hosting a party at her Mansion this evening.

Featuring her success and most elegant of paintings.

Specially the most prized painting called, "Saturn's Crown" which is worth at least $ 40,000+ dollars, along with the ruby encrusted frame of this expensive painting. For some artistic individuals it looks very detailed and just looks like an outer space lucid dream of a kind. But for others, it looks like a seven year old had splattered buckets of paint all over a random canvas she saw at her father's Art Studio. Well now it currently doesn't matter, since criticizing someone's artwork is quite hurtful for such an impact.

Anyways, Kei's mission was to steal this painting quietly and solo, since security was doubled ever since the 'Potions' incident that occurred last week that I may tell you possibly on the Part 2 soon.

Though the party sounds fun, doesn't it? Quite sad that he wasn't invited to such a Big Agenda tonight...

But, who's to stop him now?

Kei smirked when he finally arrived to the front of the Mansion, seeing it crowded just like he thought it would be. Though his smirked crumpled in disgust when he saw the number of security guards blocking most of the windows, exit and entrance.

No matter.

Using many of the traits as a Species of the Mong Tribe, he uses his teleportation technique and engulfs himself into the crowd inside the mansion without a hint of suspicion.

Putting on his deep sea Phoenix mask with black feathers, since this party was species mask themed, he adjusts his tie and continued to walk himself through the sea of many people.

He took a glass from one of the services holding the delicacies on their silver platter and scanned the area quietly, making small talk with random strangers to decrease suspicion of the security and having a little fun while looking where this painting would be.

It's pretty dangerous to be having to do some other unnecessary activities while doing a heist operation, but where's the fun in that to take things too seriously?

Looking at the other displayed paintings on the wall while taking small sips from his drink, he notices by the corner of his eye;A flowing emerald ribbon swimming through the entrance crowd of people and dashed to one of the side pillar halls that were left to be seemingly empty.

With curiosity filling his mind, he left his now empty glass aside to a nearby table and followed the ribbon to those halls.

He didn't know exactly why, but that suspicious ribbon caught his attention within a second.

Walking in a casual manner, he goes to the spot where he last saw the ribbon and finds himself in front a set of spiral stairs, leading up to the 2nd floor of the Mansion.

Looking up from the bottom floor, he sees the ribbon walking up with the clacking sounds of heels from each step of the stairs. As it makes it's way to the top and pursues forward, Kei continues to follow as his mind suddenly felt a mild impact of nausea.

Must be from the 17 glasses of shots he took tonight.

'I feel like I'm gonna be sick...'

Covering his mouth in hopes of holding onto his dinner, he leans his back at the pillar entrance to more corridors and rooms and peeks to see if the're any nearby security around.

'Cost is clear' Kei thought to himself as he caught only the glimpse of the emerald ribbon again. The ribbon flows more and dashes to the left corridor, Kei slowing his pace from both amusement, and knowing that it only leads to a dead end with a blue glass stained teal window.

He still feels a bit dizzy from those spiral stairs, but we have more important things to focus on right now.

Leaning his back at the side wall and taking a small peek to who it was, he adjusts his vision cause it seemed to be too dark to tell who it was.

When his eyes soon adjusts to the darkness, he sees some sort of individual placing a small device to the frame glass wall, picking up something from their pocket and when finished, readjusting their hair more better.

'Another one of these I suppose'

Kei thought to himself as he rolled his eyes from amusement. Must be one of those 'Bomb Escape' kind of thief.

Pretty loud that could cause a scene, and pretty despicable for someone like them to ruin his little Painting Heist.

"Hey buddy, I suppose you got lost from exploring too much. The party's downstairs with all the fun and entertainment." Kei finally spoke out as he puts his gloved palms to his pockets and walks towards the unknown being, a casual grin plastered on his face.

The person didn't look startled at all from hearing his voice, but only letting go of their hair slowly and not turning to look at him.

Kei felt a little annoyed upon hearing no reply.

"...Seems a bit rude to be ignoring me, no?" He said as his cheery tone changed into a growl.

When he was just behind the individual, he placed one of his gloved hands at one side of their shoulders while his other hand crept to one of the hidden Kunai's he had in his pocket, "Do you even know who I am?"

"... Yes, But its a bit more rude to touch someone of your opposite gender." A female voice said with a stern tone.

Upon hearing the voice, he quickly lets go of his Kunai as she slapped away his hand lightly.

"Huh, well apologizes young lady. But, might I ask why you're here all alone?" Kei said, still in a rather mild angry tone.

The woman sighed heavily as the moon slowly came out the clouds dramatically and came face to face with him; By that his eyes widens slightly underneath his mask as his mouth drops agape(This is too cheesy, even for me-).

It was none like the best jewels he'd ever seen.

It was a Strawberry Blond Haired Nya Nya with green leafy eyes and peach complexes skin.

She wore a black fishtail dress that showed to be strapless with grey poof ruffles that covered her shoulders, her collarbone was to be visible. The dress was paired with pure black high heels that was each topped with an emerald, surrounded with a ring of pearls. A black phoenix themed mask with feathers that had curly streaks of glittery white acting as lashes she also wore.

'Looking at her up and down, she's not that bad to look at...'

The mask covered her elegant looks, as the whole outfit was screaming with black gems and shined elegantly to the white emitting glow of the moonlight. Her hair was up into a neatly tight bun because of the emerald ribbon on her hair with glitters lightly rained down on it. A few strands of both her hair and ribbon seemed to be loose that decorated her shoulders, down to her collarbone.

"...Cat got your tongue? You men are too distasteful sometimes that its embarrassing." She huffed with an annoyed tone as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. Seeing a dumbfounded Kei looking at her all stiff and silent.

Kei then shook his head to fade out of his trance to lightly of an excuse, "I would and wouldn't agree sometimes to you M'lady. I just didn't know I was approaching a beautiful princess at these corridors." He said grinning lightly.

"It's pretty dark for yourself to wander too far, would you like some assistance from a charming gentlemen?" Kei teased as he lend an arm out for her.

"Oh darling, Not one man I've seen charming at this party tonight. And I don't see you to be much of a difference either." The mystery Nya Nya scoffed with an annoyed eye roll as she picked up the device she placed on the window.

"You seem to be much more unsophisticated, dull, and empty. Such a tragedy for you." She added.

Just a second ago he looked like a pissed off Mong that could stabbed you right at chest with his Kunai, but now he's acting like a complete Gentle Mong towards the mystery strawberry girl.

But turns out it she wasn't the person Kei thought she was. The device she placed was her phone and she was just fixing her hair with her phone's reflection.

"Ouch, that doesn't sound like my profile at all. A few errors but no matter, Princess." Kei grinned at the serious girl as he inched closer to her.

Seconds later she caught the smell of drinks emitting his being, her face crumpled in disgusted as she backed away slightly, "You reek the smell of alcohol, Mong. Don't tell me you're drunk..."

"Oi Miss! For starters I smell fantastic~! And has anybody told you that you smell like a field of fragrant roses?"

'Ugh, Mood swing effect I suppose...'

The Nya Nya thought as she rolled her eyes from annoyance. She did not want to deal with this troublesome Mong tonight and her job to be ruined with.

She could only scoff at him and continued to walk back at the party, pretending none of this had happened as Kei was left dumbfounded and quite clueless at why she was acting like that.

Though you could tell that by her actions that she wasn't interested in any of the cliche calamities he was doing.

Letting her go and stood there until she was gone, Kei chuckled lightly as his hung it low and shook it amusingly while tipping his hat. She looks like she knows her way back easily.

'The things I do for love... I'm not even supposed to be here right now.'

After a few minutes, he headed down also and continued to search for this painting to get this all over with tonight.

As Kei walked through the sea of people once more after leaving the 2nd floor, he felt something in him having a slightly burning feeling right at the clump of his chest, his right gloved hand grasping it tightly as his breath sharpened heavily. A bang of nausea hit him as his mind ached upon thinking properly.

'What was in those drinks-?!'

Having such a strange and painful feeling, he suddenly jumps as he felt a hand grab one of his shoulders sternly.

"Excuse me sir, but you look unfamiliar to the... party invitations. If you don't wanna get into anymore trouble... you're gonna have to come with me, quietly." A unknown male voice said behind him sternly as Kei felt a gun pointed right behind his back.

Kei mentally facepalmed himself as he quietly cursed.

Seems like the security caught up to what's happening, and they don't seem to have the thought of mercy at him.

"My good man, isn't it a bit too much to point a gun at some stranger so sudde-"

"That's Detective Frank to you. I've... been watching your actions here in this 'party', and now I know who you really are; Sir."

Detective Frank suddenly tugged the gun at him more to silence Kei, quietly motioning him to the exit or a more quiet place to 'talk' at him.

Kei bit his lip and hesitantly followed his orders, fighting the urge of the clumping pain in his chest.

Because of the pain he couldn't think properly, not enabling him to walk properly and use his teleportation technique nor cloning combat against this sticky situation going on.

Soon they walked through more quieter places and arrived to one of the empty corridors of the Mansion, two men following Detective Frank soon after a minute of walking.

One was a Bars Tribe Member and the other was a Bug Tribe Member.

Reaching the same corner at the 2nd floor where he met the lovely feline, Detective Frank fiercely made Kei turn as the two locked eyes, both sending dagger glares at each other.

The Bars suddenly sling Kei against the wall as the Bug took out some sort of katana-fencing blend weapon, causing him to cough out a mild piece of blood and wipe it out of his mouth like nothing happened.

Yet he stayed graveling on the floor after the bug marked him with a deep cut to the arm using their weapon without hesitancy and left it remained to the middle of Kei's neck; decreasing his movement or any sort of ideas he had to escape.

"Gai. Never thought I'd see the day..." The Detective spoke out in a rather disgusted tone.

Gai chuckled darkly as he tried to regain his sight and slowly stands up from his fall, not bothered by the blade still pointing and pressed onto his neck, "Frank. Took you long enough to get some information about me, you're slower than a snail as always."

Gai dusted his sleeves as he forces off the grasp of one of Detective Frank's men, growling as they growl back as he kicked off the blade out of the Bug's grasp. Though his feet slowly felt weak and numb cause of the impact on the wall had doubled his unknown headache and current arm injury.

"Keep talking all you want, because you won't get anything left to say once you're behind steel bars tonight."

"You always have such funny dreams, Detective. But dream all you want."

The two have some rather... enticing history against each other.

It took Frank years to track down or even get a single clue about Gai's Unknown RM Mafia as the Police's most trusted and crucial detective in the entire Tribe City.

But Gai would always have a quick getaway from many of his chases from Frank's Department of Tribal Justice. Gai would even taunt him about it, specially their last chase when Gai took the Tribal Museum's largest treasures that costs over more that what he'd expect; The Materion Sphere.

Whom was to be owned by the wondrous peacock himself, Sir Charming Gold from the rare advanced Peacock Tribe.

Though the operation Gai rightly named, "The Great Materion Heist" which also gives quite the chills and adrenaline whenever the name was sa-

"Enough."

A sudden voice spoke out in the darkness to silence both the Mong and the Pululu, all turning their heads at the voice revealing the host of the party herself; Christine Quinn Levain.

"All I want is the safety of my life's work. Involve the innocent people if you want, just stay out of my riches you filthy animal." She crossed her arms as she faced Gai head to toe, that look never leaving her face.

"Christy, heck, not only do you sound like a slut, you dress like one too. You never deserved this fortune and manipulation to being such a fraud to your 'ART'." Gai hissed the last word and so the others that followed below:

"I want my brother's painting back."

"No one will believe such lies you speak of, Criminal. Which side are you really on?"

"A bit of good, a bit of bad, a clash of both. It's a gamble I always look forward to. But your way of stealing my brother's hard work disgust me."

"You little piece of sh-!?"

"Now, now Madam, I'll take care of this anomaly. A disgrace to his kind after all." Detective Frank assured the mid-aged Giraffe as one of his arms snaked her waist and held her closer.

Gai hissed in utter disgust when he recalled the detective as a rather... 'wild card' that had framed many innocent people as nasty criminals, "You were never a detective to begin with, Frank."

Upon hearing those words, the orange Pululu's grin faded as he glared back at the chocolate brown haired Mong, "I could say the same thing to you, Gai."

Taking out an injection from Detective Frank's pocket that was occupied with some sort of toxic green vial liquid, he stared straight dead back at Gai's dark hazel eyes and forcefully injected the serum right to his right arm, blood threatened to prickle down his mouth agape as his eyes widened like saucers from the excruciating pain.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Christine. Those barbaric drinks you had as an idea and allowance was very helpful for this operation." The Bug Tribe Member assured plainly as Gai finally collapsed to the floor, unable to resist the dose of nausea he felt as the other cuffed both Gai's hands behind his back.

But little did they know, they were being watched from a far shady distance from the turning dark corridor side.

As Gai was dragged unconsciously to one of the locked creepy rooms and cuffed to one of the stable pillars of the window, the cloaked figure followed with a safe and quiet distance and hid in the walls, their cloak blending in with the dark.

"I heard that he killed 38 different species at the Materion Heist that day... Even Sir Charming Gold had been the main target. A Kunai stabbed right at the heart, both cuts and bruises all over his bare feathers, or to be what's left of them at least."

The Bars Member muttered as they all left the room and walked through the halls, him earning a uttered eye roll from the Orange Pululu Detective and a scoff from the long brown locks Giraf. Also a mild shiver crept the Bug's back.

Waiting patiently for the coast to be clear, the figure huffed quietly to themselves and gazed upon the unconscious Mong, feeling a bit disappointed since he was to be titled the most wanted Mafia Leader, yet without his crew he was defenseless against that utterly detective and his nasty habits.

After their current eye roll, he neared to the Mong and sat down next to him while rummaging certain things of value hidden under their cloak.

"Classic Venomous Spider Vials, not a problem." They thought inside their head when they saw the vial color Detective Frank injected in him earlier and obvious radioactive symbol on the small glass container.

Finally spotting what they were looking for, ears perked up as they took out the item that seemed to me a small cylinder-like vial with ocean blue shades and gazed upon the unknown written language labeled to the side.

It bubbled lightly with the smell of bluebell fragrances and herbal leafy bits of different kinds of potion-related plants.

Knowing that they finally found what they were looking for, they popped out its secured cap and whiffed the smell to Gai's nose, his eyes suddenly squinting to the aroma as it was poured down lightly to his mouth, not a single effect of choke nor drown from the questionable dark hazel eyed brunet.

Seconds later his crunched up expression finally came to a halt and turned into a more calmer one, his sharp breathing finally slowing down and tight grip on the polyester buttoned top to loosen into a calmer one soon after.

Gazing upon the figure with blurry vision, Gai could only stare back at the masked figure, confused on why this sudden stranger is helping him but still too weak to be thinking right now.

A thick layer of silence filled the room, as the figure stood up quietly and continued to rummage through their cloak. Soon later he saw them taking out adhesive bandages and antibiotics.

"M-might I ask what are your intentions with me?" Gai finally spoke out minutes later, seeing them suddenly treating his injury on his right arm; Adding pressure to decrease bleeding with a clean cloth then taking out the antibiotics.

The figure did not speak nor even flinch, but only taking out another thick fabric of cloth then handing it to him.

"...This may sting so bite on this." A female voice said.

Hearing those words mildly shook the injured Mong, surprised to realize it was a woman under the cloak. Not taking another second, Gai followed her orders and took the cloth; completely having his eyes sealed shut and waiting for the impact he was about to take.

The unknown figure smiled lightly for his coordination, and then poured a grateful amount of alcohol to the spot, slightly muffled but small grunting coming out of Gai as he bit the cloth on his mouth hard. After pouring, the female quickly washed it and wrapped the white cloth bandages around the blood quickly.

His arm bone was slightly visible to the eye under the muscle tissue and blood but that didn't disturb the two at all.

Seems that the cloaked female has also experienced to these types of treatments nor bloody sights to have. Not even the small pool of blood to the other side of Gai affected her.

Gai gazed upon the pool of blood, to his now treated injury, and then finally to the cloaked figure. The pain still stinging him but will fade moments later and Mong technique traits returning.

"...Might I ask why you're helping me?" Gai said, a little disturbed that his voice currently is raspy and sore.

The figure paused for a second from hesitations but continued on, "For now you can call me R. And well... I was ordered to treat you and you seemed rather nice interacting with my partner a while ago." The figure finally said more openly.

"Plus, that moment you two had was quite the laugh to have." She added, flipping off their hood revealing a pair of different colored pupils.

Ruby Red and Blue-Moon Sapphire.

"Another Nya Nya? P-Partner...?" Gai thought to himself even more confused, thinking if the whole Nya Nya tribe was invited here all this time.

The Nya Nya wore a white puffy buttoned up blouse underneath her cloak, off shoulders, with streaks of black and a sapphire planted right at her blouse collar chest. She also wore a dark crimson blue high knee skirt and brown, long average heeled boots. A black zipper on each side and black high knee tight socks with a ribbon in the shade of ruby wrapped around her left boot. Both her hands were to be covered with lovely white gloves and a elegant monocle placed at her ruby eye.

Her hair was shoulder length to the shade of silver, grey skinned complexes topped with a pair of Nya Nya ears.

"Affirmative. You supposedly were our target to successfully steal the painting itself. But by hearing the whole story of your reason to steal it, we both had come to a conclusion to help you with your operation, Kei." A familiar voice said in the shadows, walking out to be revealing the first Nya Nya he met in this party.

The strawberry blond feline with green leafy eyes and light peachy completed skin from before.

"Y-you two are partners...? Though I ask what side you lovely felines are on." Gai asked with a shaking finger pointing at the two, raising a brow as he stood up better.

"Well..." She started, walking up to him while picking up Gai's fedora and dusting off the clutter it collected.

Face to face with the Mong, she handed the fedora to him with a blank tone, "We all seem to be on the same yet questionable side. A bit of good, a bit of bad, a clash of both."

"Words to repeat, I do agree that it's quite the gamble to hang our lives upon." She added.

The cloaked Nya Nya exclaimed playfully behind the strawberry blond, "Yes, I'd like to name the side 'Scandalous' if I do say so myself!" Winking as her tongue stuck out to give off that playful attitude she had.

She was quite the energetic British yet fearless one. While the other was more sophisticated, serious, and very intimidating to mess with.

"For now your only information about me is M, and well..." The Strawberry Nya Nya said standing out while lending a hand to Gai and exclaimed the following:

"Time is money and money is rather hasty, so explanations and introductions are rather inevitable during these times. All we ask is your cooperation to steal your brother's painting back. We'll settle this later, right Mr. Jiratei?"

Gai looked back and thought to himself, if he should trust this sudden occurrence nor mysterious Nya Nyas.

One were to be helpful with his current state and even treated the venom he was forcefully syringed with by Frank, while the other seemingly has a bright and intelligent mind that could pull off the most dangerous of heists.

A feisty and strong attitude too.

But even if Gai didn't accept the offer, he would struggle to leave the Mansion and walk through the public crowd nor security. Specially since Detective Frank will come back with the whole SWAT Team to see if more Unknown RM Mafia Members were to be here too. Both with the allowance of the Party Host herself.

So... The answer was simple as that.

"...Alright, I trust you two."

˚* ੈ✩‧₊

"Hey! Get back here!" A random security guard exclaimed as three individuals, one with a black briefly colored suitcase, dodged or slipped their way through the surprised standing guards up ahead.

M jumped above a guard as she did a quick nerve pressure point to one of the tall guard's neck, the other feline following that pressure point with a roundhouse kick and using him as a stepping stone, leading to the 2nd floor which had less security.

"Heheheh, isn't it fun to play tag with clueless idiots?!" R laughed, the sentence to be echoed through the halls right when strawberry girl lost sight of her partner. "Let's part ways; See you at the Base, Partner!" She added.

Just when M was gonna tell that they should stick together, Gai suddenly grabbed one of her hands and quickly ran through the sea of people up ahead, knowing how to blend-in or have a quick pathway through the small gaps since he saw more guards catching up to what's currently happening.

The angry crowd of guards tried to follow, but was slowed down with many complaining individuals from their rude pushing or speeding up with such sudden excuses.

"Catch us if you can, fools!" Gai cheered with a teasing grin, ignoring the civilian's confused bickering as the feline was still a bit jumpy from his approach.

"Be quiet or we're gonna make a scene!" M growled while dodging a guard that was supposedly gonna pounce herband put him in a temporary sleeping nerve point.

Gai continued to laugh at his antics as he low effortlessly did offense against the other running guards, "Isn't running around while punching security guards already arousing everybody's attention, M'lady?"

"Not if you do it quietly you idiot!?" She hissed as he grabbed him by the collar and continued to drag him away from any more fights, more and more guards chasing them around the whole Mansion.

"Oh so you care about me now~?!"

"You have the suitcase you dumb b*stard-!?"

Meanwhile R was having a bit of trouble from being so irresponsible to do the 2nd floor alone.

"Stop that thieving alley cat you fools! You can't even see her from a mile away?!"

The one of the head guard shrieked as a distant bang of bullets can be heard from behind her. Just from that our silver skinned Nya Nya laughed at how terrible their aim was!

'Did Miss Christine really spend all her riches for fancy decoration and hired lowly trained guards? They can barely shoot average revolver range!'

But her laughter didn't last that long enough. Can you guess? Well, she made a wrong turn and now she's currently cornered at the end of the left wing corridor.

"Heheh, Y-you guys want a time out I assume...? Or is it just me-"

She was definitely outnumbered by now. They've been doing this cat and mouse chase for 30 minutes now, or more!

She quietly cursed in her head as one guard quickly slammed her down and tried to cuff her down, "S-sir, we got one of the masked culprits!" One yelled through their virtual communicator as they struggled to keep her down.

She hissed as more guards tried to hold her down, "no no no nO NO NOOOO!!!!"

Without a second thought to spare, she quickly squeezed one of her hands into her inner pockets and quickly rummaged for that button. Ears lit up just when she got a hold of it, the same device Kei saw her partner was holding at the balcony earlier. She squints her eyes closed shut, and pressed the home button. Embracing the impact she knew everybody was gonna experience.

"You ain't going nowhere Little Mis-" Hahah, Nope

Just when security was done convincing themselves that they had captured her, the lights switched off.

(Cliche aura all over it I assume... But it also brings out shivers to others, y'know?)

In the middle of the endless bliss of darkness, every guest or newcomer stopped to their steps as murmurs of confused uttering an slight panic filled the entire Mansion area. Before Miss Christine could wonder clueless at the main balcony stage to utter a word of assurance to everyone of their safety, loud piercing of flicker noises to every nook and cranny of the entire mansion started to make noise with flickering tiny bulbs of light slowly popping up and soon covered the entire place. There, the lights switched back on right before our piled down R escaped the cuffs on her wrists and fleas by jumping down to the 2nd floor and blending in-between the terrified crowd of civilians.

There revealed chunked pieces of dynamite, everywhere. Indeed, very explosive.

"Everybody, GET DOWN!!!"

Citizens froze as they stared in terror, or quickly had their reactions to their instincts. Loud bangs of furnished items were scattered as the building started to collapse. If the citizens weren't scared before, they were as hell as terrified now. Panic immediately filled the room as loud chattering of screams and speedy footsteps headed to every exit there is, every tribe member terrified towards saving themselves.

"Dammit, she set of the explosives too early!" A feminine voice said amongst the panicking crowd of voices.

M's head shot up to the crowd as she saw that same emerald eyes girl she sees everyday at work to. She was gonna head after her, but two guards had the bold decision to chase her in the middle of a collapsing building. Okay, maybe these low trained guards isn't that bad at their job-

Meanwhile, Kei and his little lady friend had no choice but to temporary blend in through the sea of crowd, uncontrollable pushing like crashing waves that could easily tear you from land itself.

"We're going absolutely nowhere! This is a utter way to die!"

"Move you imbeciles! Move!"

"Push it! I'm not loosing all this clut so keep it shut!"

Kei rolled his eyes at all the civilians bickering, their stupid chatter is gonna take them nowhere when they keep valuing their formal attire and jewels. Meanwhile he slowly felt like he was regaining his strength back. Without a second to spare, a slightly terrified grin to see the structure loosing balance plastered upon his whole expression, his calm demur loosing it quickly.

"Hey Doll, w-wanna get out of here..?!"

"Oh sure! Splendid! What a wonderful idea! What choice do we have if we were to be crushed by thE RUMBLING PILLARS-?!"

"G-got it M'lady-! Better hurry,"

With no time to waste, he quickly grabbed the feline to the tip of his palms and did a remote getaway using hid teleportation technique with his Tribal trait abilities.

A short distance away from the collapsing mansion and onto a stable tall building near the street, he used up all the strength he could uphold as a explosion of mist to surround the individuals, all clearing up to official the identities of the two.

The air were only to be acquainted by sharp heavy breathing from the two, exhaustion emitting themselves. But of course, not that much oxygen were in the building a while ago because of the crumbling concrete of the walls and distinct panicking of the other dwellers; so not that much air made it into the inner institute by now. It was still raining but more lightly as they can hear the sirens of firetrucks and police cars hurry to the now broken down mansion.

"... Uhm..." Kei shakily breathe out, not knowing what to say next. He just thought this was a quick solo heist, he didn't think a scenario like this was possible to happen. Heck, he didn't even know that he were to work with a pair of strangers doing the same darn heist at the moment.

She barely responded back actually, but rather with just more heavy breathing rather than a word to be spoken of. Kei fidgeted a bit from her plain response, he then took off his coat and hovered it above her to at least get her off the shivering rain. The air was a little thin too above the building he decided to teleport to anyways, plus the rain.

"... What you could do is at least give me a sign that you're okay."

After that... Lets just say, things got a little and awkward right now.

"...Wanna get out of here?" M plainly said as she sneezed a bit from the low temperature they were having.

Kei's eyes widen as his head went timid. "'Wanna get out of here?' like, really? I mean, I guess my brothers wouldn't mind if I take a little detour before going here. It wasn't passed midnight yet anyways." Adjusting his gloved palms to his pockets after looking at his 21st century watch, he said, "Sure... Where to now?".

Upon hearing his response, M's lips curved into a tiny smile as she wrapped his coat more secured around herself, "You sure are acting more gentle than before, did you hit your head a while ago? Or is the certain amount of experience I have overflew your expectations?" she teased.

A bit overwhelmed from her response, he could only choke on the nonexistent air and respond back with a dry tone, "Wha- I could say the same thing to you with your high standards over here, Mistress." He tried teasing back but was cut of with a few muffled laughs from the two and more annoying police sirens.

"Ironic isn't it? Now with the matter at hand, Lets just go over there. I'm fine wherever we head to, as long as we get out of this unbearable weather we're having." She said as she hesitantly yanked his hand that held the suitcase and dragged him away from the scene.

She was still a bit hesitant about this since he actually still have quite the warmth rather than hers. Her shivered fingertips against his warm gloved palms.

Is it just his Mong Heritage or just because of his questionable pair of gloves? Doesn't matter.

Just below the street and beside a gloomy alleyway, revealed a locked doorstep with a couple short steps and a quilted but sustainable roof-side. It wasn't much, but it can cover them for a while, bearable since the spot was much more into distance from the collapsed structure awhile ago.

Just before Kei could speak a word, M quickly let go of his hand and sneezed into a fit of shivers, sitting down onto one of its corners and adjusting the coat around her more comfortably.

"That's what you get for wearing something thin. Did she get a cold?" He thought to himself plainly.

Kei then sat next to her and started to rummage through his pockets before settling down the suitcase in-between them, "What to do now..."

"...Hey, have a lighter under that dress of yours;M'lady?" Kei spoke as a small but wide, white cylinder occupied his bare lips. Though it still reeked a mild smell of addiction. We don't talk of the object's name here, Readers(Cause I fear of getting my books demonetized- Lmao-).

She didn't speak, nor did she flinch. But she did give him what he asked for.

"...Can I uhm, Have one as well?" She asked, since by now both of them were just mutually tired at the moment.

"Sure."

Minutes later, silence filled their whole beings as the soft rain accompanied their peace. But this time it wasn't awkward at all, it was nice;For a change that is. Drizzles of smoke occupied some areas with slightly overflowed puddles from the weather, but it wasn't that much of a worry by now. The two only huffed and expanded light smoke at some moments. It was comfortable for a change; Their presence to each other wasn't so bothersome anymore. For a shady alleyway, it sure was peaceful.

...Too peaceful.

M looked at her side and glanced at her 'acquaintance' beside her. It was rather odd but, he looked pretty puzzled at the moment; "Let me guess, you're gonna interrogate me now;Aren't you?" She asked as she held her mildly lit 'FAG' with two fingertips.

Kei said as he threw away his now emptied stick and lit up another from his pocket, "Pretty much. I actually had some fun for a change rather than my usual past heists. But, I still know nothing about you." then placing the newly lit on his mouth.

She huffed quietly as she removed the wall(suitcase) between them and placing it behind them, she then straightforwardly leaned her head against his shoulder which startled him a bit, "My ears are wide open, Officer... And not a word about this also, I'm too tired to argue with your walnut sized head right now."

It was rather unusual for this to occur against two criminals. Heck, this was far from what I'd imagine to what would happen next.

"I mean, Far from the ordinary; But I have nothing to argue about this either."

"Just shut up and proceed with your questions."

"Alright, alright, alright. Roger that."

Kei was timid and hesitant with his questions, but M was able to understand and answer clearly in the end. Some were simple like of what her name was or of at least what her type was, but she denied to tell him any of those.

Because she knows why. And so do you.

Next is of when he asked why she was eager to steal the painting. She said she liked its texture and patterns, but her boss mutually just wanted the frame encrusted with valuable gems. Another is of what her Agency was, and she replied that it wa-

"M-Metronome Shadows-!?" Kei asked, shocked to discover this high profile she worked with. He repeated what she said like it wasn't confirmed, but it already was.

M replied, "...You're not just oblivious but also deaf aren't you? I just said yes before your question yet you ask that?" Very ticked to his stupidity.

"Apologies M'lady. I just didn't know they were recruiting women now. Really is, shocking." Kei breathe out, almost choking from his own saliva because of his lit 'FAG'.

...You could hear a distant recycled glass bottle shatter upon those words as M stared at him, more annoyed than before; "Am I to take that as a compliment or an insult to us Women's Independence...?"

From that Kei's alerted fear rose up, him distancing a bit from her as he shook his gloved hands up in the nonexistent tension from her glare, "Wha- no! I didn't m-mean it like that at all-!"

"Just s-surprised! I think you're more t-than that actually-!" He added. Mostly because he's terrified and wouldn't wanna meet his grandparents in the next world. She kept that glance at him for a while

She could only roll her eyes at him moments later and mush his face into his hat, "Read books more often, Gai. Trust me, it keeps your mind fresh."

Kei could only chuckle as he put his hat on more properly, "Noted. If only someone were to assist him though... 'Mr. Gai' over here can't handle such peer pressure after all." He also teased.

M scoffed as she threw away her now empty 'FAG' and crossed her arms above her chest, "Please, a grown man like him can handle many things. He's capable of doing things on his own."

"I see. But then again, you just said he's capable. Even for that heart of yours, perhaps?"

"... Cringey words Mr. Gai. I said 'Many Things', not everything. So for now he needs to improve his hearing as well."

"Ugh, fine then M'lady."

M slightly frowned for the thought of an emotion she isn't compatible with. It just felt like an anomaly for her. She wasn't used to receiving attention or care for that matter. Even when she used to be a small kitten during her first moments, she was an abandoned orphan and was adopted by shady figures that worked for her now current society. Well, more like kidnapped but she didn't think widely of that when she was just a mere child.

This feeling of what others call 'LOVE' is just not natural for her. She always chose her mind over her heart ever since day 1. So for now, her intentions with this Mong which calls himself, 'Kei' isn't a bother in her mind.

Meanwhile, Kei felt the opposite of what M was thinking.

Ever since their first meeting, he became a lot more timid but playful at times. To be honest, this had been the longest in years ever since he smiled at something or someone genuinely. The only people he would even give a glance of a smile was his anonymous brothers I won't name at the moment.

He wasn't that cold before though, he used to be just a regular kid in your friendly neighborhood. But ever since he grew up and ran away from his parents with his baby brothers, things changed. Life was at the edge for both Kei and M, yet look at them now.

One of the most known yet anonymous criminals in Tribe City.

We could've talked about A Leafy Science Bug Representative in the Famous Materion Laboratory with His Alchemist Impala Acquaintance with recent Herbal Experiments, A World Class Card Caster Penguin Magician with his finest of Mystic Discoveries, A Shakespearean Giraffe Member 49th in Line to the Throne with the most finest of riches, or a Autumn Colored Bars in his Advanced Training Gym Tournament but no.

Our story have been led to two Different Tribe Species that share many similarities and differences. One was a Flint and one was Steel; Both had met and had matched up a flame like no other. Their different elements conjuring up a connection that could only happen within any spark they have.

"...Y'know Kei, I wonder how someone like you could trust a different species like me. Not even a second thought halted you, perhaps?"

M said to break their once peaceful silence. M was starting to get curious of why he even trust someone mysterious like her, and it was quite oblivious for him to do so. But then again, why did they choose each other?

"All this fame of taunting the city as being the most wanted Mafia Leader is quite fun but sickening. I know lots of information about you, Jiratei. It's better to know every connection in this city when it comes to crime and competition towards my goal. Criminal to Criminal, really." M added to her terms plainly.

You could hear a mild stutter in Kei's tone as he choked in his own gulped up words, "To be honest, I had no choice. Besides, I would've been behind metal bars and stuck to a chain wall by now if I didn't accept your help." He said as he clasped his gloved palms together a few times as his right leg fidgeted from his seat abnormally.

"And if I were to decline, I can already see a terrifying aura of anger from your whole being already!"His last sentence to be ended with a nervous chuckle.

... Once again, you could hear more shattered glass bottles in a distanced dumpster.

Kei's fear level rose up even more, " U-uhm, but yea-! Even when I did have any alternate options, I'd still get the feeling to trust you anyways!" He added into his midway ended explanation.

M scoffed angrily as she gave him comprehensible death glares, "Oh? And why is that...?"

You could practically see sharp floating daggers in her eyes that tightened his pace alot more, "W-well uh, I just had that feeling. Like I-I knew it?"

"Get to the point Mr. Kei. And I'm not in the mood for waiting."

And look how the tables have turned tonight. At the beginning we would see A Mong Tribe Member sending death threats to the other, but now this is practically the other way around at the moment.

As a reply, he shrugged his shoulders to both ends and did a quick explanation, "Look, I just knew it from the beginning. You may call it a spark;A click if you may. Some things are just too complicated to comprehend, but bare with me; It's all about the heart, really." He could only hold back a genuine smile from her.

"... I'd give that a 7 out of 10 rating; Said poorly but it was understandable" M said calmly, not that satisfied with its tone but still bare a common witness of truth.

"What about you? Why'd you choose me for this mission?" Now it was his turn to do some investigating. "You said it was by coincidence, but I don't really hear some truth in that." He added.

"Huh, I guess you aren't that oblivious after all." M started with a huff, a yet to be confused Kei by her side.

Taking the last 'FAG' and lighting it up with the common lighter, she said, "First of all yes, I did tell you that I was able to get some information about you and I merely seek anything on the surface. But when I dug deeper, I saw a fraction of a possibility. You have something in you more valuable than you think, Gai. The possibilities of your past was endless. That is until you ran away with your brothers, but also inherited many aspects of your bloodline."Then placing the lit stick on her mouth.

"I saw something worth the Materion Society's time, and that is all."

Hearing that made Kei baffled and questioned of what she had meant by that, but more leaning his attention on the last stick she took which made him pout, "Whatever you say then, Buttercup."

"Meaning, you'll accept our contact of partnership?" She said with a curious tone.

Chuckling, Kei then took off his fedora and placed it on her head, "Of course. Both our societies can work together if you wish. If I were to put a comment on that, I'd say that idea sounds pretty fine to me." a grin plastered on his lips.

A smile slowly crept up M's face showing her gratitude towards the idea as they locked eyes to each other. M held up her right hand as Kei locked in left one then both shook their hands formally, "Apologizes for no proper contract papers at the moment, you know how reality is nowadays; Gai."

"Point taken, M'lady."Kei replied as he could only roll his eyes at the formal gesture she called upon.

"Azure Moon and Metronome Shadows. The Official."

Days later after the successful Painting Heist, unknown by the public eye, a Partnership contract was officially made as both Kei and the anonymous Metronome Lord held the official contract and actually had a liking for each other involving their likes to the crime thrill and excitement. It went more smoothly than what M had thought but it doesn't matter anyways.

Even though some Mafia Members and Elite Agents still had disagreed with the term of being partners with a different species of their own, it was not bothered with in the end and they had accepted these surprising terms to agree to.

Kei shook hands to the Metronome Lord that was accompanied by all 3 of his brothers, and the Metronome Lord's most trusted of Agent Allies;The MR BloodCrystals. Or mostly referred to as Miyoshi Hanami and Rema Shintoki.

All agreements were written and printed in official partnership documents as both societies were completely clashed with each other.

˚* ੈ✩‧₊

In our present day two months after that time, teamwork between the hasty members were a bit of a problem but incidents after that went very smoothly. The all actually share a lot of similarities to their liking also.

'A bit of good, a bit of bad, a clash of both. It's a gamble to always look forward to.'

A mere but simple sentence the whole organization live upon to. Not a fraction or a reminder, but a fact that many agree upon.

Continuing with the story, both civilizations emerged a new base deep below the depths of the abandoned Tree City, and a few sets of members were either having their free time, had already accomplished their missions, or has other usual activities to do inside the well hidden organization. But particularly a chocolate haired Monkey with brownie colored pupils rests in the main lounge, lounging about with the most random of moments;Laying on the main couch, face staring up to the ceiling as he tries to balance a number 2 encrusted pencil on his nose. And he was doing a pretty good job at that.

"Uhhh... brother?"

A familiar voice spoke out near one of the door that leads to the hallways. Kei only spared a glance of attention as he continued to focus on the pencil more fluently, "Yea?" was the only reply he said.

"It's rude to ask but... Why is THE PAINTING MISSING ALL RUBY GEMS IN THE FRAME?!" Pai yelled to the top of his lungs, angry as he stood in front of Kei and showed a non-distanced close up of the whole painting. Every gap and corner of the frame was only preoccupied with holes and midair.

Because of that, Kei jumped out of the couch as other nearby Nya Nyas and Mongs flinched at the screech and scene. The other two brothers followed behind Pa with Mai holding his coffee mug snickering, and Jai wheezing his head off. Other of Pai's research lab assistants trailed behind them also, all dumbfounded but also angry at Kei's mistakes.

They were supposed to examine the gems and see it's worth but furious that the rubies were gone.

"Uhhh..." Gai hummed then thoughts wondered back. He tried to put the slurry pieces back together to regain that memory.

There, his mind clicked later on. He remembered Miyo placing the suitcase behind them days ago.

"That sly little kitten..." Gai could only groan but kept laughing on the lounge couch, a Pai yelling at him as the two other brothers kept laughing along with other society members, while others could only face palm at this stupidity.

Gai knew he could just ask her, but for once he wanted to let that slide. He couldn't stay mad at her. And even if he could he would meet his death bed within seconds when he tends to fight against that feisty feline.

●●●●●○○○○○○○○○○ ✧˖°ɳσω εɳ∂เɳɠ . . .
(ृ ु⁎ᴗᵨᴗ⁎)ु ✿♬ﾟ˖°𝚣zZ

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