Kenji sat sipping his wine, waiting for Arie to arrive. He glimpsed her in the foyer of the restaurant and started to stand when a shadow fell across the table. He glanced up and froze.
"It is you.. Guess it's my lucky day. Your master will be overjoyed that you've been found." The man standing above him was unprepared for the kick under the table. He gave a shout of pain as he fell to his knees.
Kenji ran for the door, grabbing Arie's arm and pulling her with him. He didn't stop his frantic pace until they were several blocks away, sinking onto a bench in the nearby park as he tried to calm his tremors.
Arie caught her breath and looked at him with worry, "What's wrong?"
"Can't believe he found me…" Kenji tried to quell his panic unsuccessfully, his breathing rapid and short. "Going to have to run.."
"Let's get you back home for now, okay? You can tell me all about it there." She focused for a moment before teleporting them to the base.
He was still shaking, his face pale. He sat down and put his head in his hands. "I thought I was safe.. He's going to find me here.. I have to leave before that happens."
"No one is going to get you." She said softly. "Why don't you tell me who is after you?"
"My 'owner' sent his right hand man to find me.. He'll kill or trap all of you and enjoy doing it. I need to get away before any of you are hurt. I won't let him.. I'll surrender first."
"Owner?" Arie looked confused. "We aren't letting anyone take you or us."
Kenji raised his head slowly and winced. "My family was killed for supporting an unpopular leader in France who believed in equal rights for shifters. I alone survived, only to be treated like an animal and sold to an underground club. I was forced to stay shifted for several years. The patrons amused themselves with bets on us. One night after I'd lost, I was put alone in a cage. I somehow managed to revert and escape, fleeing the country. A few months later, I met Tet and he brought me into the squad."
He sighed. "I've been afraid that I'd be found. I won't risk any of you."
Arie shook her head, "All of us care about you. We're going to protect you."
"You'll die. Or worse, he'll make you guys fight for sport." The Frenchman looked terrified.
"Shh, it's alright. We're going to be okay."
"You don't understand.. He will stop at nothing to get me back. I won't risk any of you. I don't know if I can run though, his right hand has already found me once. I guess I just have to go back and hope someday to be able to escape again." Kenji looked defeated. "If he doesn't kill me in the arena first." He stood and straightened his jacket, then pecked Arie on the cheek. "Tell everyone I'm sorry."
"We'll kill him before he gets you," Arie wrapped her arms around him. "But we are not letting you go back to him."
He shook his head. "I appreciate your resolve, cherie. But you don't know what he does to people who keep him from what he wants. I refuse to make you or Andy be forced to heal or revive our comrades over me. Or worse, one of you gets hurt or dies. I am not that important." He pulled away as Andy entered.
Andy's eyes narrowed, "Am I interrupting something?"
"Don't let him leave," Arie begged.
Andy looked at Arie before using a spell to freeze Kenji. "You guys aren't breaking up, are you?"
Arie shook her head, "No, someone's after him and he's refusing to let us help." She updated Andy on the details.
Andy nodded, gently lifting Kenji and locking him up in case the freezing spell wore off. She then went to Tsukasa's office.
The dragon appeared bored as he signed paperwork. He looked up and brightened. "Please tell me the apocalypse is here. I'm about to lose my mind."
"Someone's after Kenji and they sound dangerous. I've locked him up since he's refusing our help."
"Idiot Frenchman. Doesn't have the brains God gave his feline counterparts. You have details?"
"Apparently this guy used to own Kenji, and is trying to get his play toy back."
"Own? What the fuck?" Tsukasa's eyes blazed.
Andy nodded, "He ran into this guy's right hand man earlier today, so it's only a matter of time before the guy comes looking. Arie is keeping watch over Kenji as well, she didn't want to leave him. So basically, we either wait for someone to find him, or find a way to search for him. I don't know what he looks like so I can't just port to him."
"Can't you get the information from Kenji?" The dragon frowned as he sat back thoughtfully.
"I'll go try asking him. Not sure what he'll give since he's refusing help." She sighed and headed down to the cell she locked Kenji in. She unfroze him, "I'm sorry about locking you up, but we can't let you leave for your own safety. Is there anything you can tell me about the people after you? Names? Locations?"
"Matthew Etienne is my owner. His right hand is Cyrus. You can't keep me here. I won't have anyone fighting and dying on my behalf. Last known location was Paris, but if Cyrus is here.. Matthew won't be far behind. Just let me go." Kenji gave her a pleading look. "This is my problem."
"If anyone in the group has a problem, it's all our problem. We're family, it's what we do." Andy said gently.
"And we can choose to fight for you if we want to, you can't tell us not to," Arie added.
"No one should fight. My problems should not matter." Kenji sat down, his head in his hands. "He will torture you and enjoy it. And in the end, he'll still get me. This way you all stay alive."
"You should know I'd rather go down fighting than let my friends give themselves up," Andy sighed.
"Let me know if you need anything, I'll stay here with him," Arie looked at her twin who nodded.
"You can't keep me here." Kenji gave Andy a brittle smile. "I know how to port." His lips began to mutter the spell.
Before he could finish, Andy said the spell to refreeze him, stopping him from moving his lips.
She took a deep breath, "We're not letting you go that easily. Just let us help you." She headed out of the room and went to find Ryusei to look up information on Kenji's owner.
Ryusei growled to himself as he downloaded the data. "Found him. On paper he's as clean as the stovetop. If you dig further, you find all sorts of shady shit. Tax evasion, mob ties. Rumors he helped bankroll several countries' coups. Suspicions of murders and accidents that could never be tied back to him. Has a private island in the South Pacific rumored to be a haven of illegal fights and prostitution. He's a real peach."
"Got a picture?"
Ryusei shook his head. "He hates photographs. A paparazzi cameraman disappeared last year after he told his editor he had pictures."
"What about this Cyrus guy? Any info on him?"
"Former mob leg breaker from what I've found." He tapped a key and brought up a picture. "A face not even his mother can love."
"Alright, I guess I'll start with him to find Matthew.."
"Is it true he bought Kenji? Like some kind of auction item?"
"Yeah," Andy's eyes blazed.
Ryusei snarled. "I'd love to have a piece of him.."
"Well, I'm going to go take out this Cyrus guy. If I end up needing help, you'll be one of the first to know."
He nodded as Tet stalked into the room. "I swear I am going to put Kenji through a wall."
"Why?"
"He keeps insisting he isn't worth saving. Your sister is in tears because he told her he was just an animal, that he wasn't human. Did you know he's like our bird twins? He lied to us."
Andy growled, "After I'm done saving his ass, you're going to need to keep me from beating him up for making Arie cry."
"Stand in line. He's resigned from the squad, told Boss it had been a mistake leaving France." Tet paced the room angrily.
Andy rolled her eyes. "Keep an eye on things here. I'm going to go find Cyrus and figure out where this Matthew asshole is."
"Call if you need us. Though I may be distracted by practicing on the idiot."
Andy nodded, focused on the image of Cyrus in her mind, and teleported.
He was slouching in a chair outside a coffee shop. He straightened as she materialized, his eyes roaming her body hungrily. "Are you my dessert?"
Andy resisted the urge to punch him, instead giving him a soft smile, "I could be, if you can give me some information."
His eyes narrowed. "I have an employer who takes a dim view of traitors. I like my life."
"Your employer won't be an issue for you if you just could give me a location of where he is," she said quietly.
"You looking for a job?" Cyrus' lips curled into a smile. "If you are, I test out all the new girls."
"As fun as that sounds, I've actually heard about the shifter fighting. Was interested to see what it's all about."
"Why don't you come see a fight? We've got one tonight on my boss' private island."
"That would be great. Where can I find it?"
"I can get you in.. for a small fee." His eyes locked onto her chest.
"Sounds good," she smiled softly, still trying to prevent herself from just smacking him.
He reached for her, his eyes lustful.
She was unsure how else she'd get the information unless she went along with what he wanted. She then quickly pathed Ryusei, "Do you have a location on that private island?"
"Got it."
"Oh thank god." She moved toward Cyrus, trailing a small line of kisses down his neck before biting into him and quickly draining him.
After pulling away, she took a deep breath then teleported back to the base. "You seriously just saved me," she said to Ryusei.
"That bad?" The dragon gave her a smile.
"I'll do a lot of things for information, but I'd rather not do what he had in mind." She gave a shake of her head before focusing, "There's a fight tonight. I'm going as a spectator, trying to find the boss."
"Alone? Are you insane? When his man doesn't show up, he'll be on alert. If he finds you.."
"He'll be even more on alert if I bring a ton of people. He'll be suspicious of any new faces, it's best not to have too many."
Ryusei scowled as Tsukasa's voice came over the radio. "Andy, you're needed in the brig."
Andy headed down there, unsure what to expect.
The dragon met her outside the door leading to the cells. "Kenji hung himself. Arie says she left for a few minutes and when she got back.."
Andy looked thoughtful, "Let's not revive him just yet. It'll be better if we take care of the problem first."
"What if it takes too long?" Tsukasa frowned.
Andy sighed, "Alright, I'll do it then keep him sedated." She entered the room slowly.
Arie was standing there crying and Andy put a comforting hand on her shoulder before looking over at Kenji. She gently moved the man, carrying him to the infirmary. Focusing her energy, gold light surrounded him. She waited until he started breathing, checked him over, then injected him with a sedative to keep him under.
Tet entered with a scowl. "Why can't we just nuke the island? I don't like this idea."
"Because, we might be able to save some of the shifters there."
He sighed heavily, eyes on Kenji. "He must have been terrified of going back.."
Andy nodded, "I can't imagine being held as a fighting slave would be very enjoyable.
"At least it explains his medical records now. I never fully bought his explanation for all his scars."
Andy sighed sadly as she looked at the Frenchman. "Alright. I'm going to get ready to go. Keep eyes on him at all times. Sedate him again if he starts to wake so he can't port. It shouldn't take me that long, but if I'm not back in twelve hours, then send the team in."
"Be damn careful, darlin. This guy scares me." Tet kissed her forehead.
She nodded before heading out of the room. She went to change, grabbing her pistol and stashing it in a small purse before teleporting to the island.
Fifteen guns aimed at her as she materialized.
An accented voice spoke from behind the men. "Looks like we have another contender for the fight tonight. Please help her rest."
One man fired a dart gun at her.
She felt herself growing weaker by the second before she finally collapsed to the ground.
Matthew Etienne smirked as he stood over her sedated body. "This will be fun."
Andy woke slowly, looking around and trying to figure out where she was.
"Sorry about the restraints. But I couldn't afford to lose you." Matthew was sipping champagne across from where Andy was shackled to a gurney.
"Why do you want me?"
"You'll be a great draw at the fights. Plus I'm sure you have friends that will try to rescue you. I always need new stock." He gave her a smirk. "Cyrus had been watching him for a while before letting him know I wanted him back. You and he looked pretty chummy." Matthew took another drink. "Are you two together?"
"Not me. My twin."
"Is she an animal too? Or will she just grace my bed after I have my revenge?"
Andy growled in response. She then focused on pathing to Tet, "How much of my twelve hours do I have left?"
"Thank god.. An hour, darlin. One hour before we hit with teeth and claws. By the way, Kenji ambushed Akasa. He's probably already there somewhere."
Andy mentally cursed, "He's expecting you guys to come rescue me. Don't you dare walk into his trap."
"I'm not leaving you there!"
"Just give me more time. I'll figure a way out of this.."
"I'll give you two hours. Then I'm coming in like one of the four horsemen."
"Don't be an idiot, Tet."
"You can yell after I rescue you. Let me know when."
Matthew stood as the door opened and a man entered. He quickly whispered in Matthew's ear. A slow contented smile spread over Etienne's face. He whispered something back, then the man withdrew. The villain approached the bed, pulling a syringe. He injected Andy, then began to unbuckle the restraints. "Our revenge is ready. What do you say we watch in person?"
Andy nodded slowly.
"Good. Come along." He helped her stand, leading her out to a dais set up in a large auditorium.
She looked around quietly, trying to take in all the details of what was around her.
One side was covered in rich people making bets. Across from where they were seated, a long hallway led to a large dirt floored arena. There was a huge wolf man chained to the far wall. He howled in rage as several guards led a battered Kenji into view.
"You're an idiot, Kenji." She pathed to him.
He briefly raised his head, an apology in his eyes. He took a deep breath as he was chained to a stake a few feet away from the wolfman. He stared defiantly at Matthew who laughed.
"So what happens next?" Andy asked quietly.
"My champion is going to rip him apart. Then we'll have our regularly scheduled fight. After that," He caressed her shoulders. "We'll get to know each other better. If you're good, you'll stay with me. If not, I'm sure there's a spot in our 'guest' cabins." His eyes were lustful.
She nodded silently, looking back out at the arena.
He gave a nod to the guards. Two went and unshackled the wolfman, then ran out of the way.
The shifter charged toward Kenji, who gritted his teeth. The man slashed at the Frenchman, howling as his claws connected.
Blood began flowing from several slashes in Kenji's abdomen. The shifter struggled to remain silent so as not to give Matthew any more pleasure. Another slash, this time diagonal on his chest made him finally let out a cry.
Andy winced, trying to stay calm.
A few more slashes and the Frenchman was sagging against the chains. Blood covered him, pooling beneath the stake as he struggled to breathe.
Matthew stood with a smile. "Place your bets! How long before this animal bleeds out?" He nodded to the guards who quickly restrained the wolfman again.
Kenji's eyes were unfocused, his body trembling as it began to shut down. "I'm sorry.. You have to escape.. Forget about me.." He pathed to Andy sadly.
"We just wanted to keep you safe.. I wish you'd let us."
"Too late now.." He slumped unconscious against the stake, held up only by the chains.
Matthew smiled coldly and turned to her. "On second thought, let's skip the fight and go back to my room." He took her hand and began to lead her back.
She followed slowly, trying to come up with a plan. She could just kill him now, but how would she get to Kenji without being attacked by guards?
Matthew was speaking rapidly to the guards. "Fight's canceled. Send everyone to their rooms. Reschedule it for tomorrow night. I'll be occupied and wish to be undisturbed."
She could kill him once they get to his room, then sneak out to Kenji... She continued to try to think.
The guards dispersed as Matthew opened the door to his room. He led her in, closing the door. Then he began to pull her clothes off, his eyes bright. He paused, pulling out another syringe. "I prefer a little more fight honestly.."
"Sorry," Andy said quietly, unsure what she should be doing. She was disgusted by the man and just wanted to kill him, but she wasn't sure if he was armed with anything. She decided to lunge at him, trying to get a bite.
"That's more like it!" He laughed, dropping the syringe and dodging.
A sudden explosion rocked the building.
Matthew scowled, heading toward the door as more explosions were heard.
Andy moved quickly to bite into his arm when he was turned away.
He yelled, turning back to her as he raised his other hand.
She refused to let go, starting to suck the blood from him.
He tried to fight, but was rapidly weakening. Finally, his eyes glazed over and he fell limp.
Andy quickly fixed her clothes before heading out of the room. She ran toward where she had last seen Kenji.
He was still in the arena. Blood still sluggishly pulsed into the pool beneath his feet, his breaths almost invisible. He was unresponsive, his heartbeat slow and erratic.
Andy quickly grabbed onto him and teleported him to the infirmary. She pathed to Tet, "Got Kenji. In the infirmary now," before setting up for a transfusion. She started muttering healing spells while working on stitching up the large slashes.
A few moments later, Tet was by her side. He gasped as he saw Kenji. "Is he even alive?"
"Barely," she answered between spells.
"I hope you got the asshole."
"I did," she nodded.
"Well, his little island is now ours. The team is mopping up the guards and freeing all the slaves as we speak." The tiger sighed. "He better make it."
She continued to work as quickly as possible, finally finishing closing up all the wounds. She added another transfusion bag and checked to make sure his vitals were steady. She then sat down, keeping a close eye on him.
An hour later, Tsukasa staggered in, Ryon and Hiroki behind him.
"You guys okay?" Andy looked up concerned.
"Boss challenged a wolf on steroids. We just tussled with a few guards who didn't want to look for new jobs." Ryon gave her a grin, then winced as he sat down.
Andy spent the next half hour bandaging them and reciting more healing spells.
Kiba slowly entered, his face stormy. "I wish I had killed that bastard."
Andy looked up, "I wish I could kill him again."
"I'm truly sorry for getting you involved." Kenji's voice was weak, his eyes barely open. "I should have dealt with him alone."
"You know we'd have followed you anyway," Andy said. "We're friends, and we're here to help each other."
"I lied to all of you. You shouldn't call me friend." He blinked back tears as he stared up at the ceiling.
"We don't care about that. We care about you."
"How can you not care? I put everyone in danger, especially you!" He winced, one hand going to his abdomen as his voice raised.
"So what? We handled it and all came out alright."
The Frenchman sighed, closing his eyes in defeat.
Arie entered and went over to him, "I'm glad you're safe."
He reopened his eyes, gazing at her. "I'm sorry."
She shook her head, "It's alright. As long as you're okay now."
He gave her a weak smile, then closed his eyes wearily.
She sat down next to him and gently took his hand.