According to Xion's handheld; it was about four o' clock and Thrax had been driving for about two hours now. During that time period, they had managed to evade and out run several highway patrol cops by taking some of the back roads and then doubling back around to get on the highway again. The conversations in that vehicle had ranged from tales of Raven and Shade, to chicken wings, to recounts of past Stryker missions. However, most of the time there was complete and total silence.
Thrax himself hadn't said a word since they began this trip except to yell at the other drivers on the road when he hadn't been able to predict their moves and had almost crashed going 90 miles an hour. At the moment, Xion was listening to his Walkman, Diego was asleep and Thrax was silent, uttering the occasional curse now and then.
"Stupid bastard!" He yelled, slamming his fist down on the dashboard. "Where'd you learn how to drive ass hole!"
"Thrax, would you keep it down?" Xion asked softly, removing his earphones. "Both Diego and Draco are trying to sleep back there."
Thrax growled in reply.
"Thrax?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'll try and keep it down." He answered with a sigh.
"You want me to drive?" Xion asked sounding minutely hopeful.
"No, I'm good Xion. Get out of my way road hog! You're driving too damn slow!" Thrax yelled, beeping the horn at a motorcyclist in front of him whom was driving about 80, ten miles slower than Thrax.
In the middle seat, Diego began to stir.
"Huh? Wha?" Diego said drowsily, sitting up.
"I told you you'd wake someone!"
"Shut up Xion." Thrax said sternly, sounding more than a little annoyed this time.
"Thrax, I told you to let me drive man!"
"I said shut up Xion." Thrax said again, his voice rising to an angry tone. "I'm trying to drive here."
Suddenly, Diego put a hand on Thrax's shoulder.
"Thrax, maybe you outta let one of us drive. You sound like you could use a little break."
"I said I'm doing just fin-" Thrax's voice cut off when he had to swerve into the next lane to avoid hitting the car in front of him whose speed had just dropped about 20 miles. "Inconsiderate bastard."
"Thrax." Diego said firmly, squeezing his shoulder a bit. "Why don't you pull over. We can switch around and you can get some sleep, trust me you need it hombre."
Thrax growled again and then sighed as he switched lanes and pulled over to the side of the road, under a group of shadows cast down by some overhanging tree branches. The van that followed behind the Explorer also stopped. Thrax put the parking brake on, opened the door and stepped out of the car. He then walked in front of the vehicle and over to the other side, where Diego was getting out of the sliding door. The pair exchanged glances; Diego's was stern and serious while Thrax's was irritated and visibly tired, as they passed each other.
Thrax got into the vehicle through the side and closed the slider, climbing into Diego's seat. Diego was already sitting in the driver's seat and disengaging the parking brake. Thrax sighed and lay down, not bothering to buckle his seat belt. He heard Diego mutter, "Buenos Noches", meaning good night, before he drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.
San Jose Rest Area, 22 miles south from the San Andreas Research Facility, 4:18 PM
"Okay sir, could you please tell me again who stole your car?" The officer on the scene questioned.
"Aliens! Aliens stole my car officer and I'm not lying! It's true, I saw them!"
"Would you mind describing them to the good doctor here?" The officer asked, motioning to a man with black, scraggly hair and brown eyes standing beside him.
"Well Doctor." He began. "Most of them were green, with red eyes and all different colored hair. They were all very tall, except for one who was about my height, and strong looking. I mean these guys were big, they looked like aliens on steroids!"
"Do you have more of a detailed physical description to give us?" Sanders asked.
"Um, well, yeah. You know how I said that most of them were green?"
"Yes, go on."
"Well there were two, who weren't green, they were red. One of them was being carried by one of the big green aliens while the other ripped the lock off my door and stole my car!"
"Yes, Mr. Geras, I understand that they stole your car. You have said that many times now. However, what you have not said were the details I requested. Can you remember anything else?"
"Yeah, they were all wearing black."
"No, about the red aliens."
"Oh, them. Well I remember the one who was standing, the one who stole my car," Sanders sighed. "It had like six long purple dreadlocks, evil looking yellow eyes and claws on both of its hands."
"Thank you Mr. Geras, your help was greatly appreciated." Sanders said with a smile. "Officer, would you mind bringing Mr. Geras over to those men standing by the black van?"
"Right away Dr. Sanders." The officer replied, leading Mr. Geras over to the van Sanders had pointed out.
Poor fool, Sanders thought to himself. It was no doubt that the general population would never understand what makes the world tick. Sure there were the laws of physics, gravity, motion and all that jazz, but they will never know what really makes the world run. Sanders smiled. It was people like him, people who already knew too much and were always learning more, who really made the world go 'round.
"Dr. Sanders." An officer said, running up to him. "Sir, the civilian is ready to be brought back and neutralized."
"Carry on soldier. I want his entire memory of this event erased from his mind in the next 24 hours."
"Yes sir!" The soldier said, giving Sanders a salute.
"Oh, by the way."
"Yes sir?"
"Get that man a better vehicle. Ford Explorers just suck."
"What kind of car sir?"
"I don't know, some sort of sports car. I'll leave that decision up to you."
"Yes sir." The soldier replied, running off to the black van.
Sanders began to walk back to his hummer when a second soldier, another young private, ran up to him holding a cell phone.
"Dr. Sanders sir. I have an urgent call for you."
"Well can't it wait?"
"Sir, it's General Weston."
"General Weston! Well why didn't you say so! Give me that phone."
The private handed Sanders the cell and Sanders waved him away before putting it up to his ear.
"Yes, General Weston sir?"
"Sanders! Have you found them yet?"
"No, sir, not yet but we're hot on their trail. It appears that they switched vehicles at the San Jose Rest Area."
"San Jose! They could be hundred of miles away by now!"
"I know sir. My men are already working on locating them as we speak. We'll have them found within the next 24 hours."
"For your sake Sanders, I hope so. I do not want to have to bring the President into this, he doesn't even know about Project Black for God's sake!"
"I understand sir."
"Good, I'm on a plane back to DC just in case you fail and don't you dare fail."
"I won't General Sanders sir. I won't fail."
"You had better not or it's both our sorry asses." The General finished hanging up.
"Stupid self-absorbed bastard." Sanders griped, intentionally dropping the cell phone on the ground and crushing it beneath his foot.
Dr. Sanders then walked over to where he had parked his hummer.
"Sir!" Someone shouted running towards him.
"Yes?" Sanders replied, turning around.
"I'm Lieutenant Roily. I was just recently assigned to this mission, after the death of Lieutenant Owens. Owens was a good man sir."
"I know he was." Sanders said, getting into his hummer.
"Where are you going sir?"
"Back to base Lieutenant. I have some unfinished business to take care of. You're in charge of the mission for now. Keep me posted if you find anything."
"Yes sir! You can count on me!"
"Good, now getting going." Sanders said, putting the hummer into gear and driving out of the parking space.
Through his side mirror, Dr. Sanders watched the young lieutenant run back to the black van. The soldier quickly faded away as Sanders left the rest area and got out onto the highway.
"Fools." He muttered. "They have no idea what they're doing."
Sanders shook his head and grinned; whether the General thought it or not, this was one of the biggest achievements in human history and he was the one who had done it. As far as he was concerned, Project Black was more of a success than he could have ever hoped for. Allowing his specimens to escape into the outside world wasn't a mistake, it was a blessing. He only hoped that they decided to inflict some damage so he could be the one to figure out a way to kill them. Once he did, he would be at the top of the ladder again, instead of hanging from the bottom rung.
Somewhere roughly 200 miles North of Los Angeles 4:53 PM
Diego had been at the wheel for almost an hour now. A traffic jam had forced him to drastically drop his speed from 90 to about 35. Both Thrax and Draco were still asleep; neither of them had stirred when Diego had to slow down. Xion and Diego had been conversing on their current situation since Thrax fell asleep.
"So Xion, you ever been to Los Angeles before?"
"No. I have not Diego, at least from this perspective. I've been in a few LA inhabitants before but that's about it."
"That's about the same for me to Zee."
"I'm just glad that Thrax finally got out from behind the wheel. He was getting very cranky."
"I don't think that cranky was really the word for it. I think he had a bad case of road rage myself."
"I guess your right Diego."
"That and he is really worried about Draco. Her condition hasn't changed at all and she's been sleeping for about a day now; and hell, I can't blame him. I'm worried too."
"We all are Diego but keep in mind, Draco's a very strong virus. If anyone can survive this, she can."
"I know, but I can't help but worry. I mean, what if her condition starts to deteriorate and she…" Diego's voice dropped off and a period of silence hung in the vehicle for a few moments.
"She's not going to die." Xion stated, breaking the silence. "She can't and she won't. We all need her."
"That we do Xion but what if. What if she does die, what would happen to us then? We would be a team with out a commander, a group with out an advisor, a band of brothers with out a sister."
"Diego, I think it's important that for now, we don't think about what would happen to us. We should put those thoughts on the side lines and think about what would happen to Thrax if Draco died."
"I know, that though has been on my mind since Draco first took that bullet."
"And, what do you think?"
"First, I think Thrax would go on a rampant killing spree, destroying everything and everyone in sight. He wouldn't care what happens to him, only about what has happed and what it might take to make it right. However, he will soon find that while destroying lives may bring him moments of happiness, they alone will not be enough to take away his pain. So then, he will seek revenge out on Sirus, thinking that things may be better after he murders Draco's killer. He will kill Sirus painfully slow, exacting out his revenge with his malicious self in control. Once Sirus is dead, the pain may be ever greater, leaving him longing for Draco and alone in the world. He will most likely slip into a period of great depression, blaming himself for her death and then, the pain and emptiness will finally get to him and he will die, ending his suffering forever."
Diego looked over at Xion who was currently wiping his eyes with a tissue to control the tears welling up in them.
"Diego." He sniffed. "I hope that doesn't happen, however, everything you said would most likely be an accurate prediction."
"I know Xion, I know but keep thinking positive. Draco will live." Diego said firmly, putting his hand on Xion's upper leg and rubbing it reassuringly before taking it away.
In a Dark Place, 5:00 PM
"SIRUS!!!!" Thrax yelled into the blackness. "Sirus you cowardly, chicken-legged bastard! Where are you!"
There was a laugh and then Sirus appeared out of nowhere, holding Draco's limp body.
"What the hell did you do to her!"
Sirus only continued to laugh. He reached into his trench coat and pulled out a gun. He lifted up Draco's head, showing Thrax her face. Draco's eyes were wide open, her eyes staring into his. Her mouth opened but no sound came out. Sirus pointed the gun at Draco's heart. Thrax tried to run toward her but he was frozen, his legs refused to move. He reached out to her as Sirus pulled the trigger. Draco's eyes closed and Sirus dropped her body onto the ground.
"YOU MOTHER FUCKER! YOU KILLED HER!" Thrax screamed, his expression horrified and angered at the same time. He began to run towards Sirus but then stopped dead in his tracks.
In front of Thrax, Sirus stood with a wide grin on his face. He raised his smoking gun and blew the smoke away. Thrax looked down at his chest. There was bullet wound through his heart. He stared at Sirus with wide eyes.
"This time, I saved one for you." He said smiling.
It was at that moment that Thrax's world began to spin and finally go black.
192 miles North of Los Angeles 5:08 PM
Thrax woke up screaming. His screams caused Diego to slam on the brakes and for both him and Xion to turn around.
"Thrax!" Diego yelled.
Thrax, who was breathing heavily didn't reply. He put his hand over his chest, right where his heart should be. He felt that nothing was wrong. There was no gunshot wound.
"Thrax! You okay man?" Diego asked.
"Drive Diego." Thrax replied between breaths.
Diego started the Explorer up again and resumed driving.
"You alright?" Diego repeated.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just had a bad dream, that's all."
"Care to share?" Xion asked.
Thrax didn't reply. Instead, he turned around to check on Draco who was asleep in the back seat.
"No Xion. In fact, come to think of it, I don't even remember it now."
"Suit yourself."
"Xion, how much longer until we get to Los Angeles?"
"We're about 190 miles north. We should be there in a little less than three hours if Diego doesn't speed."
"Fine. I'm goin' back to sleep, wake me when we get there."
"Sure thing Thrax."
San Andreas Research Facility, De-Atomization Test Room 5: 17 PM
"What the hell is going on around here!" Sirus shouted for the fiftieth time and as usual, no one could come up with an answer.
"Perhaps I could be of some service." A man wearing a white lab coat said, walking in through the hole in the wall where the 3-inch thick pane of glass used to be. Behind him were a group of armed soldiers. They fanned out behind the man as he walked closer to Sirus.
"Yeah, for one thing you can tell us what-"
"-the hell in going on around here." Osmosis Jones interrupted. "Yeah, yeah Sirus, we've heard it before, for the past four freakin' hours!"
"Don't you dare mock me Jones!" Sirus snapped.
"Don't you dare mock me Jones!" He repeated in a baby voice.
"Stop it!"
"Stop it!
"Stop copying me Jones!"
"Stop copying me Jones!"
"Gentlemen, please." Sanders interjected. "I would be more than happy to answer all of your questions."
"Great. I can finally get some answers around here."
"Correct. First of all, you wanted to know what was going on around here, am I correct?"
"Yes, you are."
"You are now part of a little project of mine called Project Black. The purpose of Project Black was to find new ways to cure disease by making the viruses who caused them life size."
The members of Stryker Team Beta began to tense up at this last remark made by Sanders.
"Don't look so nervous, we're not going to kill you." Sanders said with a chuckle, looking at Beta. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Doctor Sanders, head of this project."
Sanders then politely held out his hand. Sirus looked at it suspiciously for a moment and then took it.
"My name is Sirus, Commander in Chief of VIN, the Virus Intelligence Network, the microscopic equivalent to your CIA." Sirus replied, shaking Sanders' hand.
"Pleased to meet you Sirus. And who might you be?" Sirus asked, turning to Osmosis Jones.
"Osmosis Jones, Frank PD. Behind me is my partner Drix and my boss The Chief of the FPD." Osmosis replied, stuffing his hands in his coat pockets.
"Might I ask doctor, what are the soldiers for?" Sirus asked, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.
"Just a precautionary measure, I assure you. After the hostility of the other viruses, we weren't sure how you would act."
"Understood."
"Well, I must say it's very nice to meet you all."
"Likewise. None of us have ever been this up close and personal with a human before."
Sanders replied with a smile.
"No wonder they're so easy to kill." Sirus muttered under his breath.
"Now gentlemen, if you would mind following me. I'd like to get you out of this room and into more comfortable surroundings." Dr. Sanders said, turning around and beginning to walk out of the testing area.
Sirus, Stryker Team Beta, Ozzie, Drix and The Chief reluctantly followed. The group of armed soldiers filed out behind them as they exited the room. Dr. Sanders led the group to the elevator. As they boarded Sirus directed the computer to let them off at Sub-Level C. The computer acknowledged Dr. Sanders' request and within seconds, they had arrived at their destination.
As they exited the elevator, Sanders led the group into a room near the end of the hallway. Inside the room were several couches, which lined the walls and a tactical hologram projector built into a table in the center of the room. Sanders motioned his guests to sit on the couches. When they did, he ordered the armed soldiers to leave. They all gave Sanders a salute and left the room, shutting the door behind them.
"I'm sure you are all wondering why I have led you all here, to this room."
There were nods of agreement from every living creature in the room.
"That's what I thought. Now I understand that you all are most likely tired and hungry but those needs will have to wait. We have a greater problem to deal with at the moment."
"Wait just one second doc." Osmosis said, raising his hand and standing up. "We're not your special agents here and you can't just walk in and expect to command us just like that."
"Actually." Sanders corrected. "I can. In this world Mr. Jones, your rank and authority disappears while mine reigns supreme and as far as Uncle Sam is concerned, at the moment you just soldiers to be commanded. Your involvement is not an option; it is an obligation."
"You had damn well better believe that our involvement here is optional Sanders." Sirus hissed, shooting up from the couch he was sitting on. "Our involvement in this entire ordeal was an accident and therefore, what we do here is up to us, not you."
"While your personal involvement here is accidental Sirus, you are obligated to be involved here. After the show your friends put on earlier, you're lucky you're not dead, however, my superiors would love to see that happen. I do not."
"First off Doctor, those ten viruses who escaped and killed your men are not our friends. In fact, they are our mortal enemies and wanted criminals."
"Then if you feel that way, your participation and services would be appreciated and there should be no argument."
"What exactly do you want us to do?"
"I was going to tell you but you two started this rather pointless conversation. However, if you must know, it involves the capture and destruction of your enemies. I am only following the orders given to me by my superiors and my orders were to capture and/or destroy them by any means necessary." Dr. Sanders explained.
"Since you put it that way, my team and I would be glad to help bring them down."
"We're in too." Osmosis Jones said in agreement.
"Wonderful." Sanders said, clapping his hands together. "This will make things run much smoother."
"So Doctor." Sirus said, sitting back down and crossing his arms. "What's the situation?"
"So far, the situation does not appear to be looking good. Those viruses stopped at a rest area roughly 20 miles or so south of here and stole an SUV and a van. My men are at the rest area now, finishing their investigation. As for their current position, we don't have the slightest idea where the are going but we do know that they are heading south."
"Do all of you human possess such poor intelligence gathering skills?" Sirus asked with a laugh and a smile.
Dr. Sanders ignored Sirus' comment and went on.
"What I have just told you is all of the information we have been able to accumulate on the situation in this rather short period of time. In sharing this information it is expected of you to be openly willing to share any that you might have with me."
"Would you like to begin Jones, or shall I?"
"You start Sirus."
"Very well. To begin, I will state that we are not just dealing with ordinary viruses. What we are dealing with is a team of highly skilled and trained operatives who have a malicious thirst for chaos and destruction. The name of the team is Stryker Team Alpha. Previously, Alpha was VIN's top Stryker team until they decided to go AWOL or what they refer to as going freelance. Their commander is my older sister, Draco. She is powerful, cunning, ruthless and decisive. Her presence on the battlefield is a force to be reckoned with. Draco does not a have a problem with killing anyone who stands in her way or is a threat to her or Alpha."
"I understand all of that but what I am having trouble comprehending is the identity of that other virus, the one who appears to be the current leader of the group."
"I'm getting to him but perhaps, Officer Jones can explain about him better than I can."
"The name of the virus you're talkin' about Sanders is Thrax. I've dealt with him three times now, each on separate occasions. His personality is almost a perfect match to Draco's. As you have seen, a few deaths don't bother him either. Now if you're going to take these guys on, there are a few things you need to know. First off, Draco and Thrax are deeply in love with each other and will do anything for one another. They work as a highly efficient team and destroy anything in their paths. They both thoroughly enjoy the pain and suffering of others. Together, they are unpredictable and almost unstoppable. Apart they are equally so."
"Understood Osmosis. I guess my next question would be, how do you kill them?"
"Kill them!" Osmosis Jones yelled, shooting up from his chair like a rocket. "You can't kill them!"
"Mr. Jones, they cannot be indestructible. That is completely impossible."
"You don't believe me?" Osmosis asked jerking his head and pointing to himself. "Look you can kill these two but they don't die! They keep freakin' comin' back man!"
"Maybe at the cellular level they do Jones, but not here. Not at this level. Whether you realize it or not, they are no longer microscopic and because of that, the general rules of growth, development and in your case regeneration, has changed."
Sirus laughed.
"What do you find so funny Sirus?"
"Your last statement. You said it as if it was a fact, but at the moment, it's only a theory. You have no evidence to support the claims you have just made and certainly have no right to state them as fact. I thought you scientists were supposed to know things like this?"
Dr. Sanders grumbled in reply.
"You know I'm correct and even if you don't like it, you will be forced to agree with me. The key to overcoming the problems caused by this situation is to expect the unexpected and that anything can and most likely will happen."
"Yes Sirus. You are correct and therefore much more intelligent than I gave you credit for." Sanders replied with a reluctant sigh.
"Now that you have all of the required information doctor, where do we go from here?"
"We wait Sirus. We just sit here and wait until I receive word on further developments from the field."
11 miles outside the City of Angels 7:00 PM
"Thrax." Xion said, lightly shaking Thrax's shoulder.
"What do you want Xion?" Thrax asked, drowsily opening one eyelid.
"We're almost there. We're 11 miles north of Los Angeles."
"Wonderful." Thrax said with a yawn, stretching his arms and legs as best he could in the cramped space. "What time is it?"
"Seven."
"How'd we get here so fast?"
"Diego sped and traveled along the shoulder of the highway."
"Oh."
"So did you sleep well?" Diego asked, not bothering to turn around.
"Yes, actually I did and ironically, I'm in a rather good mood at the moment but as you know, it could easily change if I don't get out of this tin can soon."
"Hold your caballos man, we'll be there in like five minutes."
"Fine Diego. Five minutes but after that I could start to loose my temper."
"You and me both man!" Diego said with a laugh. "So Thrax, once we get into LA, where exactly do you want to go?"
Thrax thought for a few moments. He was trying to recall any information from the brains of his victims that he might find useful in this situation. After much deliberation, one location seemed to pop up and stick in his mind.
"There's a large group of abandoned warehouses on the Santa Monica Bay a few miles off from the suburb section called Torrance. Go there."
"Alright. Any special reason you chose that location?"
"Well Diego, baby, one of my LA victims was the head of a crime syndicate based in that area. Apparently, my vic had written in his will that if he died, his younger brother would take over. I simply want to pay him a visit and see how he's getting along without his older brother." Thrax replied smoothly with a devious grin spreading across his face as he finished.
"Not bad Thrax. Not bad at all. You'd make a damn good Stryker commander if you wanted to be."
"Nah, I leave that job up to Draco. She seems to do it better than I can Diego."
"Suit yourself but as Draco offered before, the position is always open."
"Yeah I know, I'll keep it in mind."
"Okay man. Oh and by the way, we're entering LA right now. It'll take me a few to get to the Santa Monica Bay so sit tight."
"I've been doing that for the past five hours." Thrax said, letting out an irritated growl.
"Chill Thrax. Getting angry isn't going to do any good since I can't go 90 freakin' miles an hour in a crowded city where traffic is five times that of the highway!" Diego yelled, beginning to loose his cool.
In reply to Diego's unexpected outburst, Thrax began to laugh and smile as he did so.
"What's so funny?" Diego asked, looking confused.
"You sound just like Draco when she yells at Raven and Shade."
"Oh."
Thrax's expression then turned from one of happiness to one of menace. He leaned forward, grabbed Diego's shirt collar and forced him to turn around. Xion reached over and took the wheel so the vehicle wouldn't crash into any obstacles on the road, or off it. Thrax then pulled Diego's face close to his so Diego could feel the heat of Thrax's breath upon him.
"If you ever tell me to chill out again Diego I swear I will slit your throat and laugh as you bleed to death. Then I will slice your head off and use it as a hood ornament for this stupid tin can on wheels! Is that understood Diego? Am I making my self absolutely clear to you?" Thrax said coldly, sending a chill up Diego's spine.
"Crystal."
"Perfect." Thrax said, letting go of Diego's shirt collar and pushing him forward a bit. "Now get back to driving. I don't want to hear another sound out of either of you until we arrive. Got it?"
Both Xion and Diego nodded a "yes" from the front seats with the understanding that speaking would be a very bad idea so neither of them uttered a single word until they arrived at the warehouses on the Santa Monica Bay.
"We're here." Diego said cautiously, stopping the Ford Explorer in front of one of the larger warehouses.
"Get out."
Diego and Xion both opened their doors and got out of the vehicle in compliance with Thrax's orders. Thrax himself got out of the sliding door, carrying the still sleeping Draco in his arms cradling her and stroking her face gingerly. The other members of Styker had already gotten out of the van and were now standing around the front of it. Zen was leaning on the back of the Explorer while Raven and Shade sat on the van's hood. Rip, Spike and Demo were standing off to the side of the van, awaiting orders.
"Alpha." Thrax said. All of Stryker fell silent, eyes transfixed on Thrax. "I would like to welcome you to the Santa Monica Bay. As you all know we are no longer part of the microscopic world and therefore, we cannot kill as we did in the past but we now have a new and more effective way to kill."
At the mention of this, the entire Stryker team's expression turned sinister.
"Yes boys, we can now kill more humans on a much larger scale and once we get going, no one will be able to stop us. That time is not too far off but at this moment, we are vulnerable."
All of Stryker Team Alpha knew what that statement meant. Draco was still out of commission and their weapons were all with out ammo.
"Now, do you boys see that group of cars parked to the side of that warehouse? Inside that warehouse is the headquarters of a very powerful LA crime syndicate. Also inside, are the things we need, such as shelter, food and ammunition." Thrax said with a smile. "In order to obtain these things, all we have to do is walk in and takeover. I will be the one going in. None of you are to enter the building until you stop hearing screams."
"Acknowledged." Diego said, giving a salute.
"Rip, Spike, you two take care of Draco for me. I will be back shortly."
Thrax walked over to Rip and Spike, handing Draco over to them after giving her a kiss. Then without a word, he walked towards the warehouse.