Fakir entered the speakeasy after receiving the message from Mytho. This one came across as worrisome. Another missing person, but the circumstances were… special. Naturally Fakir wasn't fond of the vague details, but secrecy was their advantage. The details would come. Inside the speakeasy were plenty of strangers. He noticed a different bartender. This one was pretty scrawny with dark hair, wire glasses and a bad attitude on his face. 'He's probably a favorite.' He thought sarcastically. He made his way over to the bar when he heard a voice from over his shoulder.

"Hi stranger." Tutu had that friendly smile.

"Cute. Do you have something to tell me?" He said calmly. He could see in her eyes she wasn't fond of his no nonsense attitude.

"Mytho is in his office right now. Give him a few minutes before he's ready to see you."

"Fair enough." Before anything else could be said, a thought crossed his mind. "Tutu, where's Rue? I need to ask her something."

She tilted her head, "I can ask her for you, if you want."

He shook his head. No way would he let her know about this. "I'd rather speak with her directly."

"Right, you still don't trust me…" She sounded disappointed. Fakir didn't know if that was her honesty or if she was just playing with him. He kept quiet. She extended her hand to him so her fingers were gently touching his chin. "You should look up more. It lets others see your eyes."

He backed away from her touch. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She studied his face for what felt too long for Fakir's liking. "Exactly what I said. I'll be around when you need me." She headed off. Fakir frowned. What was she getting at now? Then he remembered the last time she did something like this. He huffed, then looked up at the skywalk. Sure enough, there was Rue. She was talking with what looked like a rather timid girl with glasses. Fakir made his way up the skywalk, not paying any mind to the girl as she excused herself. Rue didn't seem amused by Fakir's approach, "If you're about to complain about Tutu again-"

"I'm not." He said flatly, "I need to ask you about something."

Rue didn't hide her interest. "Go on?"

"I was hoping you could identify something for me."

Rue arched a brow, "You could just as easily ask Tutu-"

"This is something personal. If secrecy is to our advantage, she probably shouldn't know about it."

Rue nodded. She had to admit she was impressed Fakir was following the rules so quickly. "Alright. What is it?"

He reached into his collar to reveal the charm around his neck momentarily before tucking it back in. "The Raven and his minion seemed to hate it when I offered it as payment for my debt. I want to know why."

Rue pursed her lips. "I'll see what I can dig up. A pendant that simple shouldn't be too hard to find it's maker."

"Thanks." He said.

Fakir sat in Mytho's office, inhaling another puff on his cigarette. "So this is a rescue mission?"

"Ideally." Mytho said, his fingers interlocked. "Unfortunately, you'll have to deal with the Phantom Knights."

Fakir gasped, accidentally coughing on his cigarette smoke. "Seriously? That gang of rough riders?"

"I know." Mytho frowned, "The only thing predictable about that gang is its unpredictability. You never know who they're at war with."

Fakir puffed on his cigarette, "Are they at war with you?"

Mytho grimaced, "Not exactly. They're playing nice for now. If they find out you're working for us though when you start snooping around, they might not anymore. Not unless you have leverage."

"That's an awful lot of trouble for one woman." Fakir mumbled.

"Steve said he had some info on some deals the Raven was trying to make with the Spinners. If we can get this girl out, he will tell us more."

Fakir didn't like this. Why would the Raven be making deals with the different gangs? From the way things looked, the Raven seemed to be taking sides in a gang war that was none of his business. He didn't know much about the Spinners. Only that they had the reputation to not be messed with.

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. This kind of case was a classic example of why he thought a woman always complicated things. A girl who was in a relationship with a gang member, which he had to assume was a Phantom Knight, actually worked for the Spinners. Unfortunately, her cover got blown. The Spinners were quick to leave her for dead after that. But a former Spinner, this Steve C. A. Vallps, decided to ask for Mytho's help to see if she's still alive and perhaps rescue her. It was obvious to ask Mytho because it would be a third party not involved in this gang war. Plus with the info he had, he didn't have to worry about paying a price he couldn't afford.

Fakir tapped the edge of his spent cigarette on the ashtray. "I guess I better get moving then."

Mytho leaned forward, "Before you head out, I think you should consider coordinating with Tutu. She may have some useful intel. We have to handle this delicately."

'I'd rather not.' He thought. He crushed out his cigarette. Without a word, he walked out the office. He ducked out the speakeasy, doing his best to not be noticed. Unfortunately for him, Rue did notice. Judging by how much of a hurry he was in, she had a feeling he was about to run headlong into the fray without any assistance. She looked hurriedly around for her vixen.

Tutu was in deep discussion with that Malen girl she spoke with earlier. Calmly, she tapped Tutu's shoulder. "Can I borrow you for a minute?"

Tutu blinked a few times but nodded. "I'll be right back." She said to Malen.

Malen smiled, "No worries. I'll be right here."

Rue pulled Ahiru aside. She paused, "Did Lohengin speak to you about his current case?"

Ahiru had a disappointed look on her face. "No. And I'm not surprised since he doesn't trust me."

Rue pinched the bridge of her nose. She looked back at her info broker. "I have a really bad feeling he's about to do something reckless. He's going into Phantom Knight territory. And I don't know if he has a plan."

Ahiru's frown turned to a look of concern. She had a terrible idea cross her mind, but what other choice did she have? "Rue, let me go after him."

Rue looked shocked, "Tutu, that's not part of your job. Not to mention it's dangerous for you-"

"I have a few tricks that might help. Besides, he's my partner. I have to help him."

Rue sighed, "I guess we don't have a choice. Please be careful, Tutu."

Fakir stood in the mist-covered street. He wasn't sure if the Phantom Knights' territory was foggy because they settled there or if they settled there because it was foggy. Either way, it was a perfect place to hide or cause an ambush. Fakir grit his teeth when that thought crossed his mind. You would think having territory so close to the harbor, their gang would have a more 'sea-worthy' name. But then who was he to judge, since he was technically part of gang nicknamed 'The Red Swans'...

Fakir didn't want to admit it right away, but he didn't quite know what he was looking for. The worst part about it was if he snooped around for too long, what would stop the Phantom Knights from catching him? Then this whole mission would be a failure, and most likely put the network on hostile turf with the Phantom Knights.

He wondered if there could be a way he could shorten the search. He looked around for anyone outside at this hour, though it was unlikely. This close to the harbor, there was bound to be a speakeasy for sailors. As if the universe saw his plight, Fakir heard the sound of someone grumbling to themselves. Doing his best to follow the sound cautiously, Fakir came upon a rather portly man sitting on a bench. From the smell he was giving off, he had to be drunk. And from the sound of things, he seemed annoyed that the alcohol was gone.

Fakir checked his pocket, then slowly approached the man. "Hey," he said firmly to the drunk man, "are you familiar with this area?"

The man snorted, "I am… what's it to ya?"

Fakir pulled out a flask from his pocket. He looked at it, then dangled it in front of the man, like a carrot to a horse. "You can have whatever's left of this if you can tell me the spots where the Phantom Knights hang out."

The man shook his head, "You asking for a death wish or something? This whole area is their territory."

Fakir pulled away the flask and shook it. "Hmm, could be a few good sips left. If you can't tell me anything-"

The man coughed before speaking hurriedly, "Now wait one minute, boy! The Phantom Knights frequent that warehouse close to the docks. But you really shouldn't be getting mixed up in their business. They're a ruthless bunch."

"Unfortunately I have no choice." Fakir said, tossing the flask to the man. "Got any other warnings?"

The man inhaled the last of the whiskey in Fakir's flask before tossing it back to him. "If you're going to them, you better be armed with a gun and a good plan. You never know what they'll try."

"Thanks." Fakir said curtly before heading off towards the docks. Fakir wasn't sure what his plan was when he got to the warehouse. Ideally he could try to get close and eavesdrop on the gang members for any information. He'd be lucky if the girl was being held there. Using the fog to his advantage, Fakir crept up to the nearest opening.

"Boss, I'm bored." One said, "When's Adrian supposed to get back after dealing with that girl of his?"

"He'll come back when he's ready." Another said. 'So she's probably not here.' Fakir thought. He shifted on his feet to get a better look without being spotted, only for his feet to knock into some rather noisy trash. His jaw tightened as a silence fell over the gang members. There were footsteps getting louder with every step. Unsure what to do Fakir remained in place, hand hovering over his concealed revolver. He only panicked when he heard the subtle click of a hammer being cocked. He swore under his breath and immediately dove for cover. A shot rang out, followed shortly by two more. He waited before raising his gun to take a shot at his attacker. He fired twice before the Phantom Knights retaliated. He ducked back down as he grit his teeth. How would he get out of this one? As he was trying to figure out his next move, he heard someone.

"Stop!"

It was Tutu. He scowled as he made out her silhouette calling out to the warehouse in the middle of the street. Knowing full well what those gangsters would do to her, Fakir rushed through the streets to tackle her behind the nearest crate. "What the hell are you doing?" He hissed.

"Saving your life!" She snapped, "Why did you barge into Phantom Knight territory without any help?"

He glared at her. His answer was cut off by gunfire. "Damn it!" He growled before taking another two shots. He crouched back down. "How do you plan on stopping them?"

She put her hand over his to push the revolver down. "Don't fight anymore. Just let me handle this." She got up and boldly disappeared into the fog. "Stop shooting! I need to speak to Lance!" She called. Fakir didn't hear the expected shot. There were a few steps before another voice. "Who's asking?" It was the first voice from earlier.

"A Red Swan with word from the leader." She answered. Fakir crept closer to get a better look. He could make out the figures of Tutu and the gang member standing by each other.

"What's his Majesty want?" The Phantom Knight asked sarcastically.

"Lance won't owe a favor anymore, if you do two things for me." She said.

Fakir didn't know what to think. How did Tutu know about the Phantom Knights? Was Lance their leader? And was him owing this 'favor' to Mytho what kept the Phantom Knights from going to war with the network?

Fakir could see the gang member walk closer to her. "Am I supposed to believe that?" He barked before throwing his arm across her face. She cried out from the pain as she fell to the ground. Fakir's stomach twisted when he realized she wasn't just slapped, she was hit with the back of the gang member's gun. He could hear her cry out again as the gang member kicked her shortly after. He was about to rush in and take another shot at the Phantom Knight, when another voice was heard.

"Damien! Where's your pride, boy?" It was the second voice from before, "Hitting a woman who has done nothing but brought a possible fair deal to us!" A new figure in the mist appeared. He knelt down and offered his hand to Tutu. She took it as she was helped up. "I'm sorry. Tell me more about this offer."

Fakir assumed the second voice was this 'Lance' Tutu had asked for. "Stop shooting at my partner and I. Then I need you to answer the questions my partner has, honestly."

Lance didn't respond immediately. "Hmm, that seems too good to be true."

"You haven't heard the questions yet." There was a slight tease in her voice. Lance laughed, "Fair enough! So where is your partner?"

Tutu turned her head in Fakir's direction. "Lohengrin." She called. Fakir huffed, slowly and reluctantly holstered his revolver, then walked up to the group. The one standing beside Tutu arched a brow, then gave a curt nod. He turned to the other gang member. "Damien, atone for your wrongs and treat Ms. Tutu's injuries." Damien grumbled and holstered his pistol. He walked up to Tutu and led her away.

Fakir stared down this Lance character. Lance returned that stare. "I'm surprised. I never expected Tutu to have a partner, much less someone like you."

"It's a reluctant partnership." Fakir mumbled.

Lance smirked, "Of course it is." He cleared his throat, "Alright, what questions did you have?"

"I'm looking for a girl."

"Aren't we all?" Lance chuckled.

"I'm talking about the girl one of your underlings had a relationship with."

Lance frowned and turned his gaze to the street. "If you mean that Spinner girl, I'm afraid you're too late. Adrian already shot her."

"What?"

Lance shook his head, "The unfortunate truth. I saw her body with him about an hour ago. He's probably finishing up burying her now."

Fakir was quiet. He wasn't sure if he believed it right away, "You do realize if you're lying, the deal's off. You'll still owe Mytho-"

"Unlike my underlings, Lohengrin, I still have some honor. I swear to you, she's dead."

Fakir frowned. Well that put an end to this case, didn't it? He took out a cigarette and lit it. Noticing his silence, Lance went on. "I take it that was your only question then."

"For the most part. Did you order her to be killed?"

Lance scoffed, "I didn't. I thought she could have been used as a bargaining chip, but Adrian… took matters into his own hands." His hands went to his pockets, "A woman can really change a man."

Fakir took a slow drag, "Seen that all the time." He mumbled.

"Well if you don't have any more questions, you can come with me and wait for your partner to get all patched up."

Fakir followed Lance into the warehouse where Damien was finishing up taking care of Tutu. Fakir got a good look at the bruise on her cheek. To say he was disturbed was an understatement. From the Phantom Knight that was unhinged enough to hit a woman who didn't pose a threat, to Tutu being crazy enough to step into the middle of a gun fight. Even finding out the leader of the Phantom Knights was more reasonable than his whole gang, or the end results of this mission. Everything about it made Fakir's skin crawl. Yes there was always a messy case that didn't have a happy ending, but this one…

His eyes lingered on Tutu's bruised cheek.

This one didn't sit right with him. The urge to roll his chain between his fingers crossed his mind, but not here. It didn't feel safe. Once Damien was finished, Lance gave his thanks to Tutu and escorted the two out the warehouse. Fakir was silent the whole time, trying to process his thoughts. On occasion, Tutu would steal a glance at him fiddling with the chain around his neck. However, he would stop the moment he caught her watching. When they were far enough away from the docks, Fakir finally put his thoughts out loud. "What the hell happened here?"

Tutu huffed, "What happened was you went headlong into danger by yourself and didn't even bother to ask for my help!" He took a sideways glance at her to see her cheeks puffed up. If her bruise wasn't so poignant, Fakir would have found her reaction cute. He put his eyes forward, "I'm sorry." He mumbled. She sighed, "I know you don't trust me, but that doesn't give you the right to do something stupid like tonight."

"How was I supposed to know you knew the leader of the Phantom Knights?" He snapped, now glaring at her. She returned that glare, "You only had to ask! That's why I'm your partner."

He didn't respond. Tutu's face softened, "You don't have to do these cases by yourself. Besides me, you have the whole network. We work together."

His gaze focused on her cheek again. "Is that worth getting injured over?"

She let out a small gasp before covering her burse with her hand, "I would rather that than you getting shot and killed." She said firmly. That was unnerving to hear. Was Tutu being naive again, or was he really that out of practice with working with others? He took a good long look at her face. He was at war with himself. His pride was definitely sore from having a woman take a hit for him, let alone that it might have been avoided if he had chosen to work with her beforehand. He didn't understand why, but he hated the idea of Tutu in particular getting hurt. However, another part of him hated the idea of even remotely getting too close to someone. He always worked alone for a reason. That was what worked, that was what he was used to. However, seeing her in front of him now with that nasty bruise, the desire to work alone was drowned out. He sighed deeply, "Alright… you win." He said. "When I need you, I'll come find you."

Tutu gave a small relieved smile, "Thank you."

Mytho was in the middle of lockup for the speakeasy when his wife came up to him. "Mytho," she said exasperatedly, "I'm not fond of how Lohengrin handled this case."

"Are you saying that because of his tactics or because you're upset about what happened to Tutu?" Mytho said bluntly.

"She wouldn't have been injured if he had worked with her beforehand!"

Mytho watched his wife as she vented her frustration. He knew Rue was rather protective of the contacts she would find for the network; however, he couldn't help but notice an overprotective nature towards Tutu in particular. "I know, unfortunately we can't control what our contacts do. Lohengrin doesn't have to take Tutu's advice and Tutu can choose to get involved like she did tonight."

That didn't ease Rue's nerves at all. As much as she wanted to press Mytho on her concerns, a lot of them were based on what Tutu had experienced in the past. It wasn't Rue's story to share, but there was one concern she could bring up. Rue glanced around to make sure no one was in earshot. "Mytho, I chose Ahiru to work with Fakir because I thought he still had that protective nature." Her voice was barely above a whisper. Mytho hung his head. She was using their real names… This was something that really concerned her. He spoke in a voice that matched her own. "Fakir is not that same boy we knew growing up. After that day with Sigfreid, I think more than just his chest was scared."

Rue saw the pain on her husband's face. She shivered, remembering the horrible events of that day. She slowly slipped her arms around him. "I'm sorry, Mytho. I didn't mean to bring that back up."

He leaned into his wife's embrace. "I know you didn't. I can't help it. I guess I'm still not past what happened."

Rue placed her hand on his cheek. "Like you were trying to tell me: we can't change the past."

He placed his hand over Rue's and closed his eyes, relishing in his wife's affection. "I just hope we can make a difference in all this."

"Me too, Mytho."

A/N: If you can guess where the name 'Steve C. A. Vallps' came from I will find a way to send you a preview of the next chapter. (Or something else within reason).

I've lost track of people to thank, so if I forgot you please yell at me so I can give you a proper thanks!

Thank you to maskedvigilanteprincess864 (which is an epic name by the way) for following this story!

Thank you to James Birdsong for reviewing, as it is always appreciated!

Thank you to Aaron The Wise '91 and michelous89 for following and favoring me!

With any luck, I will see you all soon with the next chapter 'The Death of Mr. Cat'! (I might change that title, but it works for now)