Once again, any opinions, criticisms, or ideas are welcome.

The Gathering Storm

"Heinrich, Celer! If you two start laughing one more time, I will personally shove that magazine down your throat and out your butt!" bellowed Officer Tempest. "This could finally be the time we catch Woodsworth and I would much rather loose you two than mess up this opportunity." The Officer's face was blister red as he vented his rage on the two rookies. The day was stressful enough without the trouble from the new recruits.

"Y-y-y-yes s-s-sir," stuttered Heinrich as he quickly stuffed the magazine back into his bag. The two rookies quickly sped off to find a job that would keep the away from the Officer's wrath. Officer Tempest shook his head and turned his gaze back to the trees. The Misty Forest stared back at him. It was all that stood between him and his Holy Grail: Shaden Woodsworth.

Officer Julian "Storm" Tempest was one of the best officers the police force had ever seen. He had arrested more criminals and put away more lowlifes than most of the recruits had seen. He was smart, strong, determined, and, some would say, unstoppable. He became so 'unstoppable' that he was given the nickname Storm. It was said that once The Storm was unleashed, one could only take the beating and pray they survive. Tempest would pursue his prey constantly until they were too tired and weak to run, and then he would catch them. And he always caught them.

Unfortunately, he was also known as The Storm for his temper. He is what you would call a loose cannon. Tempest would do anything to catch his man, legal or not. The chief of the department had already suspended him twice for misconduct and even threatened to remove him from the force. It was just a threat however and Julian Tempest knew it. He was too good at what he did. The force could not do without him. It was for that reason that he pushed his luck time and time again. Striking criminals in custody, using excess force, and even shooting captured perpetrators, not to kill, were normal for Tempest when his temper rose. It would be only a matter of time before The Storm got completely out of control.

The last reason for his nickname was his appearance. Julian Tempest was a terrifying man to meet. He stood six feet tall and could take down any man that faced him. He was shaved bold and no one dared to make fun of it. His brown eyes seemed to be somehow stuck in a permanent glare. He had a flat nose, broken in many place from years of work, and a strong chin, which was covered with a black goatee. In the place of freckles, his face was marked with scars from many work related incidents, all of which he could remember and would happily tell to anyone interested. Tempest's body was the example of fitness. He could lift more, run farther, and move quicker than any man on the force. He dressed in the standard dark blue uniforms of the Tangon Police Force. It was adored by many metals which he had received over the years. He carried his precious colt pistol at his side along with a radio, nightstick, handcuffs, and a large wooden stick which had a notch for ever man he put anyway (A weird habit but once again no one questioned it). It was covered on all sides. Add all this to the fact that he could crush a man with his fists and you get the picture.

Officer Tempest crossed his arms and tapped his foot in impatience. He had requested to lead the mission in capturing Woodsworth. He had a history with the bandit and was looking for some payback. While the chief had been hesitant at first, he finally granted Tempest's wish and put him in charge of nine men. The plans were made, the precautions were taken, and the party was about to begin. Unlatching his radio, Tempest spoke into it with a hushed tone.

"What is taking so long Crooger? Your team has been in there for over an hour. Aren't you in place yet?" Tempest suppressed yelling in fear that it might carried too loud over the radio.

"Sorry Sir. One of the men reported seeing a child run past him. We needed to make sure there were so civilians in the proximity of Woodworth before we called in."

Even though Crooger spoke without stuttering, Tempest could hear the nervousness in his voice. It was annoying. Gritting his teeth, Tempest spoke with the sternest, quietest voice he could muster. "I pray that problem had been solved and this child is no longer around."

"Yes Sir. We have not been able to make visual contact with the child again. It was probably just some animal. This forest can play tricks on your eyes if you are not careful. But anyways, we are ready to strike whenever you give the orders."

Tempest grinned slightly and looked at the rest of the squad. "Crooger, Miles, and Hamond are in place. Shepard, take Heinrich and keep him out of trouble. You two will have the left flank. Blank, Richards. You two will take the right flank. Daniels, you are with me. Celer, stay here. If anything seems out of order, report back to the station at once. Once your team is in place, radio to me, I will then give the orders to move it. Woodsworth is a tricky one. He is fast and cunning. That is why we needed so many people. Remember, we are aiming to capture not kill." He let his orders sink in for a moment before telling his men to move out. Then he turned back to his radio. "Crooger, it should only be a few minutes. Keep your eyes on Woodsworth. If he does anything, tell me immediately." Tempest then turned and walked into the forest with only one thing on his mind. The Storm is coming, Shaden. And this time, there is nowhere for you to go.