After reasoning with the security guards that covered the closed off parts of the arena, Azule slipped by. Luckily, he ran into the same pair of guards who allowed the rest of the Elites to pass through and see Sky just moments earlier. As he walked down the escalator, he ran his fingers against the cold gray wall, his head pulsating in irritation with the color's resemblance to Gin; marching down the escalator in a hurry, his feet stomped the ground-eyes narrowed as he glanced at the underground pathways lit brightly by the lights on the top corners of the walls. His shoulders tense up as his footsteps echo on the marble grey floor, arriving at the designated signs that gave directions. Two sets of arrows pointed in opposite directions as he reached a fork-like pathway. To his left, he'd be taken to locker rooms A, B, C, and D, the clinic where Sky and the Elites were as well as other rooms designated for the facility and its faculty. Right would take him to rooms E, F, G, and H and other similar rooms. Thinking about where to go, he remembered what the guards told him before coming down. They said that Sky would be in the same vicinity as the locker rooms her team team came from, in this case it must've meant the path to the left since the clinic was there.

"That means Beacon Hills must be the other way…" he whispered to himself as his slanted brows confirmed his target path. He also recalled from the guards that the champions were probably on the other side of the hallway since they remembered seeing a team of silver inklings enter that side earlier in the day before the tournament started. Azule marched forward as resolved gleaned in his eyes, ready for a confrontation.

In the clinic sat the entire Elites team, the primary four were exhausted from a grueling defeat and he rest felt numb to the result. All of them felt crushed and couldn't bring themself to look the other in the eye, preferring to keep their vision cast down. Sky laid on a table, her body moving calmly with each breath she took. She finally overcame her trauma from earlier, but now the feelings of pain in her body were replaced by an emotional wound that could never be fixed. Pearl and Austin had the light in their eyes vanish as they sat like statues. Chlora was on the verge of tears but had to stay strong since she knew the rest of the team were also trying their hardest not to cry.

"Save those tears for the happy moments in your life, Chlora. Don't waste them on a failure like this." Apollo said sharply, a glint in his eye and tightening of his fist-frustration on his face.

Chlora wiped away the falling tears with her wrists, "I'm sorry Apollo, it's just...I can't believe it happened. We lost." Her sentence shot like a dagger through her teammates.

"Such is the gamble we made…" Aaron said in a fatigued tone, his face told the whole story. The Elites treated this game like it was their last with everyone throwing out all their chips onto the table. Everyone, but Aaron. Apollo knew this and could feel the frustration in his captain's tone, refusing to look up. He too, shared that same frustration.

If only I hadn't…-

His thoughts interrupted by Sky forcing herself up on her own power, her eyes widening as the strain hit her body. Her friends tried to help her, but a momentary glare from her was enough for them to understand that even if her body shut down on her, her spirit didn't. She sits upright and breathes heavily through her mouth, feeling the cold air fill her lungs before she exhaled them before inhaling more of the chill. It felt ticklish in a twisted way as she wanted to laugh off the pain in her heart like she could in her body.

"Everyone...enough." Sky said shakenly as she grimaced in pain, her blue eyes sharp as her sky-blue bangs covered part of the right eye. "We gamble on our future because we trusted in the bond we shared as the Elites. We all contributed in some way during this match. We promised to be a team regardless of the result. So... it's time to turn the page on this chapter and move forward."

All of them felt a bit uplifted to hear the ace herself muster something despite everything she went through. Sky battled hell through the last two matches and exhausted her body to the point that it couldn't operate by her will. She sacrificed future for the sake of her team, no doubt she felt this loss the most. That, is what everyone in the room knew. But they knew that there was truth to her words. They did make a gamble they were all willing to accept regardless of the result, it was time to brush off the defeat and focus on their next role: Being the mentor for the successors to their throne. The Queen Bee herself already had a young prince right behind her who she hoped would be the spitting image of her when his day of maturation came. The King of the Academy already had his hopes in the talented first year who made it to the playoffs in the first Rank Wars. Azule and Todd, one of them-the promising first years-would have to seize the opportunity from the new Heir to the throne in Pastelle-the second year who stood in the shadows of the King and Queen of SAHS.

That same young prince was making his way to enemy territory, breathing nasally as steam puffed from his nose, his fists clenched like a boxing glove and dark aura like a murderer. Azule's terrifying presence was enough to alarm even the strongest of people, feeling his pure and raw hatred expand throughout the hallway like a bubonic plague, it felt as though the halls themselves were being painted by the blackness in his heart. He passes by each of the now vacant locker rooms where the previous teams in the tournament were-everyone cleared out and headed home immediately. The grey and white walls move like an ongoing animation beside him as his footsteps echo in rhythm with his movement of the shoulders, he caught sight of the target room-his destination on this journey for vengeance. He could hear it...the sounds of a celebratory team enjoying fruits of their labor, identifying a pair of males and females' voices. It was them.

Like a creature that lurked in the shadow, Azule revealed himself once he found the target he wanted: Gin. Azule stood at the doorway, his chest out and his chin lowered-showing the fiery blue daggers that peered at four different prey at their most vulnerable; As if on instinct, every single Beacon Hills member went into a battle pose ready to defend themselves for a fight before realizing it was just him. He had the aura of a predator with malicious intentions, the surprised feeling alone sent shivers down Alumia's spine. Gin locked eyes with the predator, knowing well why he appeared before them.

"You're her little brother, the same one that eavesdropped on the meeting back at Mahi Mahi...I remember those eyes." Gin said, analyzing Azule. He was impressed by the valor Azule had to march here alone and confront them as a cub to a pack of lions. He felt the overwhelming pressure the kid exerted earlier and knew enough not to provoke him. Azule was loosed cannon waiting to ignite. Gin crossed his arms and lifted his chin as he kept his gaze down at Azule, "Well, the hell're you here for. Either say something or get out. You're ruining my day already with that ugly look of yours."

The tension in the hallway thickened as Azule narrowed his eyes, the veins on his forehead pulsating like the circulation had been cut off, and his fists clenched like he was ready to throw one of the powerful punches he gave Ueru back at the Fall festival. "Surrender your throne at the Spring Invitational." Azule said in an intimidating tone, keeping his glare on the captain of Beacon Hills; the rest of Beacon Hills were stunned by his declaration. He didn't look all that different from how they remembered him, but his tone and expression were nothing like his appearance.

Gin raised an eyebrow-nearly twitching as the message sunk in, "Huh?" he voiced in a disgruntled tone, feeling Azule's threat personally. This kid wasn't just talking about beating him in a competition...there was more to the message. He eyed the kid, his yellow eyes darting all over Azule's body, struggling to read what the brat was thinking. "The hell you mean by that? You think your team is stopping us!? Get real!" he responded with emotion, shocking even his own teammates, who never saw gin show such defense. "You think just because you sister lost that it means you have some obligation to come after us? Puh-lease! Worry about winning your own school competition before you start thinking of the big league, kid." Gin concluded, turning his back on Azule and heading back to his team, shooting a hand at Azule to go away.

Azule tightened his stance and fists, "I said, surrender your throne at the Spring Invitational. If you don't, then I'll return you the hell that my sister suffered today."

Gin stopped in his tracks. This kid was serious. He turned around with a perturbed expression, genuinely upset by Azule's declaration of war. Did this kid not realize who he was talking to? Did the kid really make the decision to place such a heavy declaration? He's insane. Except...this was the younger brother of Sky Royale, someone insane enough to destroy her body for the sake of her mission. As Gin's rationale played in, he shook his head slowly, his eyes meeting Azule's. " . .Sister. Don't disrespect her legacy with your half-assed declaration of war. If I didn't make myself clear the first time, then allow me to rephrase what I said earlier…"-he clears his throat and approaches the unblinking Azule, then he comes within inches of the boy's forehead as he looked down at him; Azule looked up with equal intensity- "Don't pick fights you can't win. You're not even wet behind the ears and you're making a foolish challenge like this. If you're serious about facing us, then you'll need to prove it."

Azule didn't hesitate on his next words, "Then watch me at the next Rank Wars..."

They stare at each other for a solid half-minute before Silvia breaks them up, unsettled by the sight of their victorious captain sinking to the level of an amateur who hadn't even complete a full season. After she made those remarks and sent Azule outside, he understood why he seemed like all talk. Despite sharing the same blood as icons like his mother and sister, he was an unproven rookie who got sidelined halfway through the campaign. No way would he get taken seriously like this…unless he made changes to everything about him. Somehow, he needed to have his awakening.

After some time passed by, Azule made his way back to the entrance of the arena-returning from his declaration of war. He feels the phone in his pocket buzz, seeing it was a message from Pastelle about meeting up after he checked. He deduced that the plan must be nearly set in action. The plan for assassination, that is. Azule meets back up with Pastelle and the others after searching for them outside amongst the traffic of people who were still outside. Pastelle pats him on the shoulder, saying that she's treating everyone somewhere in hopes to cheer them up, but it was clear from her tone that she had the opposite intentions. They took the train to a nearby bowling lane, figuring that the loud music and strikes of the pins would help drown them out. On the train ride, Azule was unresponsive as he observed the snowy scenery-ignoring Kosami next him who was trying to explain the book she was reading, Cobalt across from him, and Tangie diagonal from him. Fuchsia and Pastelle were in the next seats over, both concerned about the sudden change in Azule's behavior since he didn't look like his usual self.

"We should leave him be until we get to our destination. It's been a rough day for him, after all…" Pastelle spoke mildly as she eased into her seat to relax. "Come to think of it...it's been a pretty long day for you, too."

Fuchsia shook her head in disagreement, "I learned a lot today. The tears I allowed to fall earlier...I'll never allow that again. I'll be strong like Shi-...Princess Magenta. I'll carry part of her burden like a little sister should. I'll be her support like i should've from the beginning."

Pastelle felt a grin about to emerge, "Hm. Seems like Shiva's message went through..." Pastelle whispered to herself with a gentle grin expanding as she kept her gaze of Fuchsia. Everyone there was bummed out after the tide of events that took place today, from Sky getting beaten brutally by Jin, to Shiva and Octo Valley's defeat, to Sky's hyperventilating and the wailing cry of defeat. Many of them wanted to forget about today, but they all knew the day was still young, and there was a target that needed to be silenced. Permanently.

After arriving near the lanes and taking a brisk walk through the less snowy side of town, Pastelle led them inside. Immediately upon entering, most of them had to cover their eyes or shut them briefly. It was dark, yet the colorful lights danced around the room at a rapid pace. The place was packed with kids and young adults, from huge parties to just couples sharing lanes together. Everyone seemed friendly here. Pastelle sits down at a circular booth with enough room for everyone to fit in. Once everyone settled in, she got right down to business, her facial expression transitioning from her usual happy expression to a cold and serious one.

"All right. I've got some information to share with you guys." her tone lowered in a frightening tone, her eyebrows slanted to a sharp degree. "I had a meeting earlier with my comrades I had to attend to with my fellow comrades, Azule was there for a bit but was escorted back once the important details needed to be shared." All eyes are on her as her friends give her their full attention. "He's here."

None of them were surprised. They expected him to come into town based on what Kosami informed them. Kosami also figured since he was obsessed with Sky he'd definitely surface. "It doesn't just stop there."-she lifts up her index finger- "Apparently he'll be staying overnight in a hotel. He wants to 'Enjoy' the life of the town before he heads into the capital city of Inkopolis tomorrow. He's requested that all the agents be in attendance and serve as his personal guards...so that includes Sky."

Azule's teeth shown as vengeance filled his eyes, "That bastard…" he muttered in an ugly tone.

"Although I didn't see much of him since we got forced to leave, I can assure you this: He can't stay alive. It was only for a moment, but I sensed a very sinister presence from him. He...I feel like he's going to destroy this country. I don't know why, but my intuition tells me that."

Cobalt crossed his arms and raised his chin, "That's a hefty feeling. But, I won't question your instincts. If Kosami wants him dead, and you're sensing that kind of presence, and then there's his track record...I believe we should go through with the plan."

"But aren't all the agents going to be in attendance…? Wouldn't this go awry if we're caught by any of them?" Tangie asked, slightly concerned once she realized the importance of the meeting.

"Killing a politician is a serious matter. Assassinating the future Prime Minister will definitely get us executed on the spot…" Kosami commented, feeling some regret for dragging them into this mess.

"Either way, he's a terrible person who needs to never breathe again, right? And a bunch of us here have business to settle with him, so it's fine." Fuchsia added, trying to find justification in the treason they were about to commit.

After a roundtable of discussing the pros and cons of what they were about to do, they moved forward with the plan. Pastelle gave them the rundown of the entire scenario. First, he was going to be staying at the Molewell Grand Hotel & Casino, one of the largest hotel franchises in Inkopolis. More than likely, he'll be on the top floor in one of the suites-probably the biggest suite since there were some branches that had suites completed with a huge balcony for the customer to relax outside and take in the view. Given his ego, he'd select that one with the complimentary service of being the next in line to lead. He was heading to the capital for his inauguration, so security would be suffocating. This was where the plan would come in. They needed to figure out how to infiltrate, carry out the assassination, and then a getaway driver. There was also the case of hacking, since there'd be plenty of security cameras-no way could they pull any of this off with the number of sentries that'd be in the area. Somehow, they'd need to address that as well.

"I can do the hacking, but I'll need someone to take one of my flash drives and get it into the main operating room. Since they'll be loaded with bodies and cameras, we'll need a balance on how to accomplish this. If someone can slip by security and head to the main operating room, i can shut down the lights and allow enough time to get the designated assassin inside the building, but, afterwards they'll probably be alert." Fuchsia said, offering her input. She'd be joined by Kosami, a fellow wizard in the arts of technology.

"I can handle the security cameras, but I would also need to have my flash drive hooked up to the correct place to access. I estimate I could allow for about half a minute of invisibility before they catch on."

Cobalt raised his hand, "Leave it to me and Tangie. We're skilled enough to handle ourselves in battle and stealthy enough to carry out-"

"Wait." Pastelle interrupted. "I can handle one of those since I'll be behind the lines. They won't suspect me. If anything, I can manipulate them into doing it inadvertently. Is it possible you can upload a virus that'll shut down the systems momentarily, Fuchsia?"

Fuchsia nodded, "Of course I can, but we don't want them to catch on." looking over at Kosami, a budding ally to her.

"No worries, I wouldn't shut off the cameras until your part is completed." Kosami responded with a nod.

"Ah, I get it. That way, when the cameras get shut off they'll suspect it's just an effect from the virus while they work to try and solve that." Tangie analyzed.

Fuchsia and Kosami nod together, "Correct."

Pastelle placed her elbows on the table and rested her chin on the back of her hands, "Then there's still the assassination. I was able to get my hands on one the most dangerous..."-she reveals a tube with a purplish-blue substance- "it'll take effect the moment it touches their skin. Then it'll enter the bloodstream and shut the body down completely."

"I'll do it." Azule offered, his eyes glowing with hunger to kill; no one wanted to object, they knew this was a personal grudge for Azule to get back at the man who attacked and tormented him and his sister.

"You'll need to get to his room and make it swift, any longer than ten seconds and I can't assure you that you'll be able to walk away alive...you understand that all of them will be there, right?" Pastelle lowered her eyes, hinting at Azule that if he failed, she had no choice but to kill him. And not only her, but so would his father, Callie and Marie, his sister, and even…

"I understand. Get me the opportunity, and I'll seize it. I'm never going to fail again. Not until I've made peace and handled what I thought was long gone." He said with resolve in his eyes.

Pastelle nodded and gave a smile, "Then I'm trusting you to end his life before he hurts another…" handing him the poison.

The plan would be carried out tonight, but until then, preparations needed to be made. Pastelle used one of her many credit cards to rent a car, but it was under of her aliases that not even the government was aware of-an old tactic all agents had to use to protect their identity since their lives came before their cause, at least for the younger agents like Sky and Pastelle it was that way. From there, Pastelle then used that same card to purchase from and underground surplus store, one that specializes in the stealth attire. Inside the spacious black van, Pastelle tossed everyone their outfits-snickering at Cobalt's reaction as he frowned out his attire: a black ninja outfit.

"You do know I'm a ronin, yes?" Cobalt raised a brow, skeptical about Pastelle's selection.

"What's the difference?" She snarled, laughing afterwards. She meant no ill will form it, but she wanted to lighten the mood in the car. She sensed that everyone felt intense pressure on their shoulders, understanding that they were still young and weren't necessarily still adjusted to killing. A cruel world was awaiting them if they continued to keep this friendship. But with everyone's laughter from Pastelle's gesture, she felt reassured to know that regardless of what'll happen. At heart, they were still going to enjoy whatever it was they did, if it was together-at least.

Nightfall came in no time and the mission went underway, Pastelle breaks away to go on duty. Azule parks the black van about a mile away from the hotel, careful not to be too close so nobody would be in danger of getting caught. Azule, Cobalt, and Tangie would be infiltrating the hotel while Fuchsia and Kosami would operate from nearby and then make an escape to the van afterwards. Fuchsia and Kosami's boots crush the snow under it on their march to a sanctuary to hideout, they spoke no words with preference to save their casual chat for after the mission was completed-both nervous about the odds of committing and accomplishing a national crime. As for Azule, Cobalt, and Tangie, they stood across the street-peeking through a dark alleyway with Tangie looking through binoculars at the surroundings.

"Yeah...there's a ton of cars parked in the vicinity. More than likely there are guards everywhere." Tangie said while looking at a pair of guards having a conversation outside by the entrance to the building; She puts her finger up to her ear and presses a button on the wireless earbud. "Fuchsia, Kosami...are you guys in position?"

Fuchsia and Kosami were sitting a cafe dressed in casual trench coats-suitable for the wintry weather, their bobble hats made them seem less suspicious as they ordered some latte. Fuchsia's earbud received Tangie's question and she gave her response. They were on standby until Pastelle got on the line, who'd decide when to move out. The initial plan for infiltration was up in the air as to how the trip would get in. It was up to their them on how to get inside, while Pastelle set up her own plan to help at the right moment.

"There's three of us. Azule and I are dressed as ninjas equipped with weapons…" Cobalt showed his sheathed blade; Tangie was the only one out of the three who didn't have any obvious attire and was dressed like a normal girl, but the problem was how the two boys would enter.

"I can go through the front and do some snooping around the area and learn about the status of everything going on. Maybe I can find some places where you guys can infiltrate from?" Tangie suggested, taking her eyes off the binoculars to look back at them.

"That'd be appreciated but...the target is on the top floor in the very last room. Somehow I'll have to get up there." Azule said with his ninja mask covering his mouth. His hair was in a single ninja bun with a long pin to hold it together, and with his face covered by his mouth, he seemed to look a lot more feminine.

"I can check the perimeter?" Tangie shrugged.

"No good. They'll have security everywhere around the building…" Cobalt responded

"It doesn't help that they also have the agents there too." Azule added.

Tangie remembered something Pastelle said from earlier before she left, "Didn't Pastelle also say your eldest siblings might be there too?"

Azule narrowed his eyes, "It doesn't matter...as long as we don't run into them, we'll be fine."

Cobalt was silent-thinking about what happened earlier when he was glaring at Azule's father, "Captain, if we encounter them-your family...must we battle them?"

Azule shook his head quickly, "No. Escape if necessary. At the end of the day, we're only here to kill one target. Don't get caught up in anything unnecessary."

"Understood." the four of them responded, understanding their captain's wishes.

After a minute passed by with the moon shining brightly above the metropolitan skyline, the foot traffic began to thicken as many people came out for their nightlife. Pastelle came on the line and gave them further intel and told them that the mission was good to go. Tangie nodded and made her move, leaving the alleyway and blending in with the crowd as she crossed the street at the crosswalk along with a long crowd of people-some going into the hotel. She made sure her earbuds intercepted the conversation of the guards, walking a little close by to where they were-her head down and her hands in her jacket pocket and her breath spread in the chilly dusk air. She was in. Now it was up to Cobalt and Azule, who were on two very different objectives. Cobalt gives Azule a fist bump, their serious resolve connecting on contact.

"I'll be awaiting the good news, Captain." he said to Azule, taking his secluded route to avoid being spotted in public; Azule nodded, taking a deep breath to calm himself down.

In the hotel on the 8th floor of the 12 available floors, the agents had been gathered before dispersing to do their watch duties. Cap'n Cuttlefish gave everyone-including Lime and Verde-the rundown of why and how long they'd be keeping guard of the surrounding area, knowing that the PM's life was always in danger especially when there was a transition period like the one occurring presently. He gave them their assignments told them it was simple: Guard the floors but don't think of it as a chore, try to enjoy the night and dine at the various restaurants on the first 2 floors, or go for a swim, or try the many other indoor wonders available. He knew they could handle themselves as well as there already being a suffocating amount of security that other patrons were feeling uncomfortable.

Everyone decided to go in pairs: Agent 2 went with Agent 3 to the dining areas, Agent 1 with Lime to the indoor swimming pool, Verde was dragged along by his father-Agent 4-to go and scope out some 'honeys' for him, and Sky and Pastelle would stay together and do actual rounds, neither were in the mood to be there to begin with. As they walk through the 4th floor, they avoid conversation. Sky and Pastelle had a strained relationship. In school, they were bitter rivals who couldn't stand to be in the other's presence. But on the job as agents, there was a sense of camaraderie between them since they were the only agents in the same age range. They shared a bond that way, but they tried their best to avoid a friendship, finding it awkward to look at the other in a friendly sense. Although for Pastelle, she had a deep admiration for Sky, whom she did view as her senior of sorts. They pass by some children running down the hall, Pastelle tells them to quiet down, but they don't listen. Sky kneels to one of them and with a terrifying smile on her face, she asks them to obey and keep less noise-which works.

"I-impressive...I didn't think that'd work so smoothly." Pastelle commented with amazement at how easily the kids submitted.

Sky shrugged her shoulders, "Back in the orphanage, I had to discipline Azule at times. He'd get rowdy and on edge at times, but when he shut himself off I desperately wanted him to come ba-"

"Hm? You can continue…"

"No, it's fine. That's in the past after all."

Sky forgot about how Azule must be feeling about today. Not only did he see her lose, but he saw her break down. She knew that to Azule, she must've seemed invincible in all aspects. Her feeling was that she might've scarred him unnecessarily by having that anxiety attack. She shook her head and sighed. When she turns her head to look at her comrade, she saw her smiling at her for no apparent reason.

"W-what…? Is there something on my face that's funny?"

Pastelle shook her head, "I was just thinking that you seem a lot prettier when you're reserved. How come you're not like this all the time? I think it suits you better. That way I'd be the better suited queen." she said, looking to tease her senior; Sky just smirks.

"You're a ruthless one, Pastelle. Still coming after my crown even after a loss like today?"

"Heh, I won't be satisfied until I beat you myself."

Sky stopped in her tracks, remembering her promise that the Elites made coming into the match. Never again could she play in a competition. News that no one outside the Elites knew-not even their principal. It'd be a difficult day when her and the others would have to announce their retirement. She remembered that after every major tournament, the school held a pep rally to excite the student body for the next upcoming Rank Wars or for the next tournament.

"Who knows, maybe you'll get that title sooner than you think." laughing as she said so, breaking the ice.

On the first floor, Tangie checks out the main lobby. It was much bigger on the inside than the outside led it to be. The main lobby was large enough to be a fancy ballroom, and with the luxurious furniture and decor it showed the refinement in the hotel's prestige status. Tangie was amazed, never seeing anything so expensive in her life and getting tempted by the many restaurants available on the first floor. The alluring smell of the bread, the enticing lights and soothing music draw Tangie nearer and nearer…until she spots Callie and another lady with her-one who had a terrifyingly similar appearance to her captain. It was as if she was seeing the female counterpart of Azule, except her hair was lime green and done in a singly long braid with some bangs protruding from her hat. Tangie froze a moment, unsure of what move to make next. The temptation of checking out the food enticed her, but if she went that route she might get spotted by Callie and Azule's mother. Once she notified the others, they swarmed at her to abort the route and stick to the original plan. Tangie sheds a single tear, heartbroken she won't be able to try the delicious food.

Meanwhile for Cobalt, he was still outside the building-studying a trio of guards dressed in their tuxedos. He had been observing the surroundings and plotting his point of entry, finding the door that leads to the kitchen to be the most optimal choice. Everywhere else was heavier than there, and not to mention he could also slip through the kitchen. He grips his sword for a moment but loosens once he remembered to avoid killing anybody other than the target.

"These people have families to go back home to. Don't rob them of their life for the sake of the Prime Minister. We're taking him down, and only him." Azule's words echoed in his mind during their brief conversation in the van.

Cobalt focused his vision on one of the guards and then intensified his stare, allowing his dark aura to emanate. The strongest guard of group that was there noticed the dangerous presence and warned the others, telling them to stay on guard. He grabs a gun hidden in a barrel nearby and aimed at the bushes where cobalt hid over the wall. But before the guard can fire, Cobalt already took everyone else down, karate chopping him in the back of the head to make him unconscious. Afterwards he dragged the unconscious men and threw them over the wall into the bushes, entering through the door where they were guarding. As he entered, there was only one route for him to take and which was to cut through the kitchen. He swiftly escapes the kitchen before anyone notices his presence, making it to the crowded lobby and taking off his mask to not attract any more attention than he already would've with his outfit. After giving his location, he decides to meet up with Tangie on the 3rd floor and go from there after receiving some helpful info from Pastelle, who was still paired up with Sky. While Cobalt raced to meet up on the 3rd floor, Azule had finally made entry into the building-taking light steps as he crept through one of the basement doors located on the other side of the building. He had to dig through the dirty pile of snow blocking the entrance, but he finally made it inside.

The basement was like an underground private casino decked out in billiards tables and dart boards hanging on the green and red walls as some examples. The polished wooden floor with diamond designs engraved, clean and stylish in the finest taste. But Azule couldn't admire it for long once he noticed a camera visible a step further from his direction, dashing behind a table on instinct. He peeked his head out momentarily to get a grasp of the situation presented. Lucky for him, the camera was far away that he couldn't have gotten caught in the view, but the exit to the basement was an elevator located by the northeast corner of the room-Azule was at the far southwestern part of the room. Somehow, he'd have to get there and swiftly. Although the room was empty, it felt eerie that he'd be the only one in there. Dead silence was the only sound available thanks to Azule managing to keep his breathing near inaudible. He felt his chest to make sure nothing abnormal was going on. His heart was beating calmly, no sweat on his face, and he had a mission to complete. Azule felt as if he was in his natural state. Without any hesitation, he squats in the direction of the elevator, preferring to take the cover of the pool tables until he could reach the elevator. There were a dozen rows of them along with other tables for gambling, not to mention a bar over by the elevator as well.

I'll need to keep going to the adjacent tables in this row and then assess if there might be another camera nearby. No way would there only be one camera in a place like this.

He swallows a lump, and then makes his move-squatting slowly behind the shadows of the table. As he arrives at the end of the of table, he hears the elevator; someone was coming. Azule froze as he awaited the sound of the elevator. Dozens upon dozens entered the room after the sound of the elevator made a ding, Azule moved swiftly-unsure if he'll have a chance to get any further at this rate. He makes it as far as the last the last table in his row but is forced to stop once a pair of men with drinks in their hands block the path to the elevator. As he peeks over the table with one eye, he notices that there were indeed more cameras. Right across the elevator wedged nicely between the elevator and the bar was a camera, and to the left of that camera sat another. The sound of music and the bartender mixing drinks indicated that this show was getting underway, but Azule had no clue where he could make an escape with a scenario like this...that was, until he looked at a door next to him. Across from him in the corner of the room was a door that led upstairs-an alternate route. Azule just had to open the door and make an escape, but if he attempted to, then surely, he'd be caught?

If only that door could open enough for me to slip through…

His knees were beginning to ache from his constant kneeling in the same spot, putting all his weight on his legs, prepared to make a dash the moment he could. But then, a familiar face entered the room through the elevator. Agent 4 and Verde came out the elevator. Agent 4 had his arm around his son, laughing while bringing him closer to the bar to have a seat and get a drink. As if it couldn't get any worse for Azule, his father and older brother had to show up. As the melody grew livelier in the classic piece being played, Azule decided to risk it-sneaking through to the door. He creaks it open and slips in, closing it gently to raise no attention. He was lucky. With the mixture of the loud music and the distraction of the festivities, it was easier than he thought. He smirks, beginning to feel some confidence as he made his way up the stairs. Back in the private room, Agent 4 stirs his glass as he belches with satisfaction. His son elbows him.

"You heard that too, right? Someone was just in here." Verde whispered.

Agent 4 laughed, "Yeah, probably just a couple looking for a quick spot is all. Don't pay any mind to them and focus on getting a girl. I want some grandkids!"

"Father…"

"Oi, I hear the stories from Lime all the time. You can't even make one pull, eh? Need your old man to step in a grab a pair of dolls for ya?" He said in a slur, swaying a bit-slamming his fist on the table. The alcohol he took was strong and wasn't meant for an entire glass of consumption, but Agent 4 loved to drink.

On the 9th floor, Sky and Pastelle sat at a pair of fancy seats in the main hall of the floor. They were taking a break from all the walking they were doing after having visited as low as the 5th floor and then climbing back up and stopping on the 9th floor, ultimately looking to get to the 11th floor before returning lower again. Pastelle was using the surveillance walk to memorize all the floors and their layout so she could aid the others, but she had to be careful not to seem suspicious around Sky, since Sky was very perceptive regardless of the situation.

Pastelle leaned back into her seat and sighed with exhaustion, "Man. These rounds sure are a handful...how're you holding up?"

Sky shrugged her shoulders. She was relaxing in her seat with her eyes closed as though clearing her mind of any external thoughts, trying to prepare her mind for the battle ahead. After a few seconds passed, Pastelle tried to pass the silence by-asking her more questions. This irritated Sky, since she didn't view Pastelle as much of a friend to begin with. "Would you ple-"

Sky didn't finish her sentence, or more she couldn't. For inches from her face, stood Pastelle who gazed at her. "Are you sure, you're ok? I don't need you collapsing on me now."

"I don't plan on collapsing...and no need to get so friendly, we aren't that close."

Pastelle grinned as she crossed her arms, giving Sky her back her personal space. "Dunno, I've been mentoring your brother after all. I thought we'd at least become friends through him."

"You hate my guts, and I hate yours."

Pastelle's shoulders shook along to her laughter, "While that is true. I do respect you. You're an admirable person, I learned that much from being around your brother."

Sky narrowed her eyes, "What are you getting at?"

"I always saw you as mellow and easygoing. However, you show some maternal instincts whenever he's involved in anything. You're more proactive."

Sky's shoulders dropped, "I mean, I have no other choice."

"Hm? what do you mean by that? He's got Agents-Er…your parents, right?"

"Mom and Dad...they aren't like that. I couldn't recall what my mother's face looked like until only recently thanks to my memories returning when I encountered her presence when I became an Agent. Getting over that wall of my past was the first step, and she's part to blame for it. You already know the story of our past, don't you?"

"Loosely, I'm aware of the abuse you guys suffered. I know of the opportunity you took to leave, and of the struggles Azule endured in your absence. I also know about what he did to that place…"

Sky's faced dropped as the guilt from her decision strangled her feelings yet again. "It's because of that...I have to protect him at all costs. I can't allow him to break again."

"So those instincts stem from your guilt. You feel guilty for abandoning Azule the same way your mother abandoned you. So now you've taken that maternal role for him in her absence."

Sky reluctantly nodded, "Whenever I think about it, I always get this knot in my stomach. Our lives weren't this way until the war happened. We had a loving family. But our parents...they took the elder ones and left us all one to fend for ourselves. Azule tried so hard to protect me like any little brother would for his sister. And in the end, I deserted him and left him broken. I know I can't take back the pain that we-no, that he suffered. But I'll do everything in my power to give him love to cover the years he lost receiving pain and despair. I'll be the mother he never had." the resolve in her eyes shining with light as she met Pastelle's eyes.

"Glad I could help in the way I did, then." Pastelle smirked as she crossed arms and leaned back against the wall across from Sky.

"W-wait...why did you ask that?"

Pastelle laughed, "Two reasons: first one is to show you that you have one fatal weakness that will easily lead to your doom-Azule. The second one is that this is my way of trying to become friends. I want to know more about you if I'm putting my life on the line for the likes of you and your brother."

Sky understood the first reason but was clueless to a part of the second, "Your life...?"

Pastelle smirked at her oblivious comrade, "Heh, it's only a point of emphasis. Don't read too deep into-"

An incoming message for Sky on her phone buzzed in her breast pocket, she reached in and grabbed it-seeing orders from an anonymous number to proceed to the 12th floor immediately and await further orders. As Sky read the message, she felt bullets of sweat drop down her face, aware of who it was she was protecting for the mission. Her hands tensed up as she felt the throes of pain returning in her gut. It was that man. He wanted to see her personally, which only meant one thing. Pastelle knew from Sky's reaction that the sender must be Saint Henry. She bit her lip, realizing the process had to get sped up to prevent any additional harm caused by that man. Sky tells Pastelle she has to leave upon orders, the light in her eyes begging to Pastelle to help find any way to stall.

"Maybe you should take the stairs and take your time...your body is still recovering, right?"

Sky realized what Pastelle was hinting at, telling her to buy as much time as possible. She had a plan, but no idea was that plan consisted of. Sky nodded, placing her trust in her new friend. After Sky was out of her range, Pastelle immediately notified the others of the update. They'd need to operate quicker and with urgency. Sky was in danger.