"Are you full?" Whip asked the big blonde as he polished off another buffet plate. They had decided to eat at the hotel so they could head right up to Ralf's room after, to begin their planning. Well, more like hearing what Ralf and Clark had come up with, since they were spearheading the mission.

"Almost," Adel replied, drinking off more coffee. The distress of the past two days slowly wearing off, he was sure they could all deal with this problem before any innocents were caught in the crossfire. He tried to keep himself calm so… that side kept under control.

It worked. He was absolutely going to turn it loose on anyone in his way, but it would be on his own terms.

"Glad to see you this hungry," she said softly, rubbing his hand a moment. He had gone back to the Sky Noah the night before to ensure the place was secure; he told Henrik everything. Satisfied that everything was safe-they had permission to move the thing here and there if necessary to throw off anyone, just in case-he took his things and went back to the hotel.

After a long shower and a very physical night together, he had felt a lot better in the morning.

"Might as well keep my energy up," he said.

"You'll need it."

"Unfortunately." He sighed, running a hand through his still somewhat shaggy hair. She smiled at this.

"I like your hair like this," she said. She brushed his long bangs back. Those were his trademark, but the rest of his hair had grown slightly as of late.

He looked over at her, knowing that she always did her best keeping him chilled out. "I like it mostly off my neck but I've liked it thicker these days."

She touched his face lightly, feeling he had just shaved. She could tell by the smoothness of his skin.

"This won't turn into the last time," she said, knowing that's why he was apprehensive. That mess at the docks last spring had really affected him, and she knew he blamed himself. "You can trust the guys. They'll come up with something to make sure the civilians stay safe. Then you'll be able to do what you will."

"I know," he said, leaning into her. "You're too good to me."

"Feeling's mutual," the soldier said, nuzzling him as she would. There was no one in the buffet really right now, and she didn't mind a bit of public affection anyway. Especially not now.

Kissing her once, he went back to eating, checking the time. "We'll head up there right after."

"Yeah. Let's get this done so we can get everything on the road." She thought, sitting back down. "Where's Duo Lon, by the way? I know he flew in last night and got in real late."

"Stayed in Leona's room," he said, smiling softly at that.

"Oh, that's good. Hope he has enough rest." She, too, was very happy with what those two had found. Leona, while still quiet and more withdrawn, had definitely come out a little more as of late, and it had been nice.

"You know him. He can stay up longer than we can."

"That is true."

The two finished their substantial meal in relative silence, planning on heading upstairs soon after.

Up in Ralf's room, the pair were checking out a few maps of the city, having eaten their own fill. Holding a large mug of coffee, the dark-haired man picked up one of the blueprints, pointing at it.

"I know a bunch of their vehicles will be kept here. The other place-where I think I'll be sending Adel and Seirah-has no garage attached. And they won't want all of their vehicles spread out. It's only about a block away, too. I know that's where a bunch of them will be holed up."

"So we'll go in first, bust up or otherwise render their vehicles useless. The ones in that building will probably try to get away. We'll take care of everyone on hand there," Clark said, pointing around the map. "There aren't any civilians around there. As far as we know, they haven't taken any hostages yet."

"No, but they're closest to the center, and thus have the easiest chance to. Which is why we bust them up first." Hearing a knock at the door, Ralf raised his head, going to see who it was. Seeing it was the four they were waiting for, they let everyone in; Adel, Whip, Duo Lon and Leona were all there, having met up in the hallway.

"Thanks again, guys," Adel said gratefully. "I'd have just rolled into where the main group was and probably left the others."

"Again, we're used to this. Assholes hole up in several places. We just gotta root them out."

The group going back around the table, Ralf presented the maps and a couple of the rough blueprints; how they got ahold of them- that quickly-was anyone's guess.

Clark stood next to him, pointing at one part. "These three areas are where we've scouted the majority of them. Their higher brass are in this one," he said. "They keep their vehicles around here...and this is likely where they're going to try to set up their...intimidation force, I guess you can say."

"I know all of those areas."

"So, I have a place where our assassin friend can infiltrate...I know that's where they will likely have a sniper, once they get wind of what's happening," he said. "I have a feeling-call it a gut instinct-that's how they're going to try to stay our hand, because that's a very easy way to do that in a populated area, with little setup. We know from experience." He paused, taking a sip of his drink. "That building has the best vantage point. If they have a sniper they want to deploy to force us to stay back, it'll be in this building. There's no other one that gives that clean of a shot to that big of an area."

Duo Lon nodded quietly. Adel, however, scratched his head.

"Wouldn't they want to use explosives?"

"They could, but they take time to set up. You can send a guy with a rifle to a high building in minutes."

"That is true."

"Before we move on," Ralf continued, looking over at Leona, "Let's get you set up. What do you want to monitor?" Ralf asked Leona, as he sifted through some of the building maps in the meeting room. "There's a few areas. We can take what you don't on our own."

"Ralf?" she asked, scratching her head. They always referred to each other as their typical names, even if Ralf was giving out orders.

"Yes?" he asked.

"I want to go."

He blinked, looking at her. "Leona...you know the commander…"

"You're in charge, remember?" she asked, shifting in her seat and rubbing at her tattooed upper arm, which had healed nicely. "You can send me, if you want. I haven't been on the field in almost a year. I've been training, though."

"I'm not worried about your competence, you know that." He sighed. "It's also not that I don't trust you, but I don't think having three in a group-either group-is a good idea. Too many cooks in the kitchen. Two's tops. And…going alone..."

"I know, there are civilians." She looked over at Duo Lon, who simply nodded at her knowingly. "He's solo, though," she said.

Ralf looked over, scratching his head. "You are excellent at infiltration, but...if he's alone…"

Leona looked at Ralf, folding her arms. Her expression was stubborn...though somewhat gentle. "Duo Lon has gone completely evenly with Adel in one-on-one combat, Ralf," she said. "I've sat there and watched them draw, and I've seen him defeat him, as well. They're even now in their sparring matches."

Adel nodded. "We are."

"And remember, it took the three of us all we had to defeat Adel that one year and we still only barely won that fight. You know it could have gone either way. He even sparred with us later, and won."

Clark rubbed his neck, unsure, while Ralf looked between Leona and Duo Lon. Adel and Whip otherwise stayed silent; this was between them.

"I trust him," Leona said. "If something happens, he can stop it."

Ralf looked over at the quiet assassin, who had simply been leaning by the wall with his arms folded, looking more at the floor than anything. His hair swayed heavily, the large, heavy weight at the bottom almost hypnotizing when he would shift. The soldier knew the assassin was powerful. "Would you be okay with this?" he asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" he said immediately. "Besides, I think it would be a good idea. If I have to hide...behind the scenes more often than not, I should have someone there with me, as well."

Clark and Ralf looked at each other, and then back at the other two. They trusted Leona; it was the other side they didn't trust, nor the state of the seal. "I won't pretend to know what you're talking about with the...hiding behind the scenes stuff, or why you should have someone there with you for it, but…" the blonde trailed off, adjusting his sunglasses.

Ralf folded his arms, considering a couple more minutes.

"We've been training around the city," Leona spat out, looking over at Duo Lon. "We both can memorize buildings with a glance, you know that."

Sighing and looking between the two of them, he smirked. "Alright, then. I think it's probably a good idea to have two stealth experts who can watch each other's backs then, wouldn't you?"

"I think so." Clark took his glasses off, nodding.

The look on Leona's face was almost relief, after having been trapped inside for far too long in terms of going on real, actual missions. She turned, looking at the assassin, a small smile on her face.

He returned it gently, nodding once.

"So," Ralf said, spreading out the map again. "You two will infiltrate this building here when we give you the go ahead. Clark and I will take care of their vehicles first-both to prevent them escaping and to keep them from being able to turn them against us-and deal with the warehouse installment, where we know some others are holed up." He stood, cracking his neck. "Then our two assassins will cover the other building, probably starting before we're finished." He started to move the papers aside. "And when all of that's done, that'll leave you two to move in to finish the job."

Adel cracked his knuckles, glaring at the rough city map. "Not a problem."

"Yeah...we figured you'd want a crack at their leadership. And with the threats to civilians neutralized at that point, you guys will be free to clear out the place."

"When are we hitting them?" he asked.

"This evening," the colonel replied. "Fewer people out and about. Probably will be the safest."

"I'll make sure we have our armored clothing," Whip said.

"Yeah...I tend to forget that."

Duo Lon stood up straight, having been leaning against the wall. "I have some clothing that offers some protection. I prefer to work with less, as you might know."

Leona smiled, looking at his hands. "We won't need glass cutters, at least."

"Neither of us will," he said, fondly remembering the summer party's 'talent exhibition.'

Whip had to grin at that.

"Alright, guys. Go do what you will. Get back here around six. We'll go from there."

Back in Leona's room, Duo Lon was sorting through his luggage-he only usually travelled with one case-sorting out his outfit for the night. Judging by the urgency of the message, he had thought ahead and brought something a little more battle-ready.

It was fairly simple; a sleek, black Kevlar long-sleeve shirt and trousers, to be worn under his usual trousers, boots, and another black shirt. He would have a harness with a couple of pouches to carry a few odds and ends, like a communication device, but nothing more. He did not need much; his bare hands were enough to take care of everything. He would have a climbing kit on hand if absolutely necessary.

"I usually forsake body armor," he said. "It's not that it bothers me...it's just that I...well, we weren't trained in it. We were trained to not be seen."

Leona smiled at that, getting her own suit together. Much like him, she opted for light Kevlar, though she had a slimline armored vest she would put on over it. She preferred to go about in her fatigues and tank top, but given they were going to be on infiltration versus people who may be heavily armed, they opted to use these. To be sure, light armor wouldn't protect against the heaviest rounds-a high caliber shot would penetrate them just as easily-but it was enough to shrug off small arms and blade slashes. Penetrating strikes with a sharp point could be an issue, however-they didn't plan on getting caught by too many of those.

"I usually don't like wearing much more than you," she said. "But I wear what's required. It's not so warm out, either." She checked her knife, which had a handle that held a few extra emergency bits, which she sheathed across her back. "I usually don't need the knife, but...sometimes precision cutting is needed." She also holstered a sidearm; a Beretta 92F with a couple of spare clips. She did not usually prefer firearms, but she always carried one on hand in case she had to take down a running target, and neither her speed nor her own chi-fueled projectiles could reach in time.

He smiled at the precision cutting line, holding up a finger. "It's nice to bring your own."

That made Leona actually chuckle as she continued getting her things together. "Thank you," she said after a few more moments.

"For what?"

"Agreeing to...take me?" she sighed. "This is my first mission in forever. I thought I'd be locked inside again."

"I trust you. Why wouldn't I? I would like a good person at my side."

"I hope I'm not sloppy."

"I...somehow do not think that will be a problem, if our trips through the city at night are any indication."

The soldier smiled softly again at that. She loved their little sparring sessions. "When you said you wanted someone to watch your back…" she started. "What exactly did you mean? Was it...like the times…"

Duo Lon looked at her seriously. "I can't stay in the veil forever," he said. "If I need to come out of it, it is a good idea in this case that I have someone covering me."

She nodded.

"You know what happens if I stay too long," he said plainly.

"I do. If you're covering me, then I'll cover you. And if you...ever get lost there again, I'll get you back."

"I know you will. As I will with you."

"Thank you," she said, an almost relieved sound to her voice. Part of her was worried. It was almost like she had a premonition; but she shook it off. She knew this was what it wanted...to wear away at her before their mission even started.

Finishing getting their things together, Duo Lon put everything by the door so he could collect it on the way out, before going to pour himself a large cup of coffee.

"I might join you on that," she said, grabbing a cup as he filled it. Before drinking it, she looked up, touching his face; the two leaned in to kiss for a few moments suddenly.

She was grateful to be getting back on the field again, no matter the danger. She knew the seal was weak, but her will was strong...and if that failed, her partner was strong, too.

Adel sat on the edge of the bed, lacing up his massive, black boot. As usual, it was reinforced with steel and very heavy; fire resistant as well, if it came down to it. Importantly, they protected his lower legs from odd blades or weapon strikes. It wasn't like he needed them to cave someone's head in, but they had their uses.

He was already wearing his long-sleeved shirt that he slid over his usual tank top, and as before, Whip insisted he wear a light, slim-line armored vest underneath like the rest of them did. This would be topped with his Kevlar longcoat, which he started wearing into heavy battles. Its high collar would protect his neck well. Whip herself wore an extra collar for the same reason, made of reinforced leather.

"Thank you for starting to armor up more often," Whip said as she got her own gear together. Her old knife would be at her leg, whose handle held its useful items including a small saw-blade, lockpicks, and garrote. Her newer one would be across her back, which she wanted to use in battle first, as its grip fit her hand perfectly, and it was a bit longer and made of a highly durable material, as well. Voodoo was coiled at her hip...though she had a feeling she would be relying on her knife and gun more, due to the smaller areas they would likely be in. A pouch of tools-including a few odds and ends to help with electronic locks, some wire cutters, and a small set of binoculars-was worn on her tactical jacket within easy reach. Her usual brown overshirt was eschewed for this more protective one. Underneath this was her halter and a long-sleeved shirt over that, as well.

"Of course," he said. "You know, the last time I did...we did have fewer injuries."

"It does help, doesn't it?" she said, a smirk at the corner of her mouth. As always, she would try to keep his morale up; she knew how much he was bothered by this. She knew he was afraid civilians would be involved again, and had no idea what they were even planning. To be frank, Ralf and Clark weren't even completely sure; they just knew they were up to something, where to find them, and how to neutralize them.

She went back over to make sure her Desert Eagle was clean and in full working order; filling a couple of spare clips with ammo, she slid them into pouches on her inner jacket where she'd hold them. She finally made sure all the communication devices were in place on her things, as to make sure she could keep contact.

Adel scratched his head sheepishly. "I feel underprepared compared to you, hon," he said. He pulled his fingerless gloves on, which went up over his forearms, and these were also reinforced somewhat.

Walking over to him, she smoothed back his freshly washed, shaggy hair and kissed him softly on the forehead and mouth. "When we're not fighting side by side, I'll take care of the technical stuff. You watch my back and smash who, or what, needs smashing."

"Yes," he said, smirking at her again. Once again, her morale-boosting came into play. He knew he'd be getting...angry at these people tonight. Which meant that other, less savory side of him would come out.

Which meant he would have to focus.

Turning and making sure any other gear she needed was on hand, she nodded to him. She slid on her own gloves, also made of protective material.

"Now, we wait until Ralf calls."

"Gimme the knife."

"Which knife?"

"You know which knife, dummy," Ralf grinned at his friend.

Clark just chuckled, tossing Ralf his big, jagged combat knife. He had this thing for years-well, more like decades. About two decades, to be fair. It had been blooded hundreds of times, even though the big man preferred to fight with his own hands. Its grip was worn, having been refurbished more than once, but it fit his large hand perfectly. It was made of a strong, stainless steel and was a few inches longer than a regulation knife might be...but that was partially why he loved the thing.

"Still have it," he said, affixing his own blade to his leg. Clark's was a little newer-perhaps five years old, though still a very nice, high quality piece. Like Ralf, he preferred fighting with his own hands.

"Of course. It'll be with me when I'm gone." He removed his sidearm to check the loads; Ralf's preferred sidearm was a Colt Python. A revolver rather than a semi-auto pistol, he would only pull this out if absolutely necessary, as well, but he was well versed in any types of firearms. He liked the heavy weight and power of the thing. Sliding extra ammo into his ammo pouch, he holstered it. They would not be taking anything heavier with them. Sometimes, for urban operations, they would take a burst-fire shotgun for punching through difficult things, but this mission was more on the quiet side than the loud.

Clark's own preferred sidearm was a Beretta 92FS; lighter than the Python, he also rarely utilized it, but preferred its higher fire rate and better ability to lay down cover fire. It was helpful that the two often packed different firearms.

Both of them donning heavier bulletproof vests than the slimline ones the others wore, they also wore the heavy Kevlar under their fatigue trousers. Donning jackets over these, the two then started to assemble the extras they'd end up bringing. Clark, being the communications expert, had his pack loaded with necessary computers and wiring to break into the system, while Ralf had extra tools on hand in which to sabotage the vehicles with. He was quite good at both repairing and sabotaging them, depending on the situation.

"Don't forget, we're trying to be a little quiet, here," Clark grinned, making sure his silencer was with him.

"Yeah, of course. This ain't coming out unless I need it." The Colt had quite the bark to it, and unlike Clark's semi-automatic, lighter-caliber handgun, it couldn't be silenced.

"I actually do trust you on that one."

"Gee, I'm glad." The two also made sure they had a couple of small field-kits with them; if there was one thing they learned, it was not to forget some sort of minor first-aid items.

Adjusting his hat, Clark looked over to his friend. "We can sit tight until the others get here," he said.

"We'll go by foot, through the alleyways. I know Leona's pair will just take to the buildings," he said.

"Adel knows the city like the back of his hand, I know those two can get to their spot rather quickly."

"Definitely."

"Ready, then?" Clark stood, holding his hand out to his old friend.

"When am I not?" the brown-haired man grinned, clapping his hand before tying on his trademark bandanna. "Blondie's a good kid. He doesn't deserve more of this bullshit on him. After that warehouse...I didn't wanna know what another incident would have done."

"Tell me about it."

"Plus, I know he'd be there for us if we needed it. And I see the way he's helped Whippy with stuff that I know we were never able to relate to. From her past and all. You know."

"Yeah," Clark nodded. He got a little smile on his face, though. "Almost sounds like you're getting soft."

"Hey! Shut up. I'm just complimenting the kid. Especially the way he kicked your ass that day." Ralf's indignant look wasn't too serious.

"I've seen you put into the wall a few times after that," he said, adjusting his hat.

"Before we call the others, want to complete our ritual?" Ralf asked, moving to the suite's counter where they kept their various bottles of alcohol.

"When don't I?"

The two poured themselves a single shot each of alcohol as they jokingly bickered; it was tradition they would take in one shot before they'd hit on the road.

Just for luck.

A/N: I guess we call this the 'Gear Prep Porn' chapter? Seems like that's what it was.

Leona, at least, is finally getting onto the field in a timeline that did not allow it, being the XI timeline! We'll see how that goes.

If it wasn't aware from chapter 1, they're in Köln, Germany at the moment. (I of course take a few KOF liberties with some specific buildings, since that world, while it uses plenty of RL landmarks, will pop a stadium, landmark, or other building up here and there not in the real world.) The Sky Noah is docked in the outskirts, in the more desolate, natural areas, occasionally flying to other areas to get maintained, etc.