It was a huge relief when Shizu agreed to go tell Elias about her true nature. He was worried about the outcome, but he knew that it wasnâ€™t right to keep the hacker in the dark despite his wanting to avoid telling him either way. They were all in this together and they shouldnâ€™t keep anyone in the dark about anything. That was the main reason he had told Shizu to tell Elias, and he was sure that he would find out later on anyway. Silently, he stood leaned against the wall near the kitchen, watching everything carefully. He was more than ready to step in and say something should Elias reject her. He was a little worried when Elias looked at her with disbelief, but when he watched him interact with Shizu more it almost felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. As he had said, she was Shizu before anything else.<br/><br/>As he watched Elias move over to his computer he couldnâ€™t help but grin a little and he let out the breath he had been holding. He had faith that the hacker would be able to find something to help them keep on their toes. Hopefully this would be the last time she would be telling anyone about her true nature.<br/><br/>As much as he hated to even think about it, he knew it would be for the best if the only people who knew about her true nature were those who already did. Not only was he worried someone like Raziel might come and take her, or someone might try to hunt her down and get rid of the â€˜monsterâ€™, but because he knew she would rather not have to worry about it. That was why she had not told Elias all this time, right? Perhaps this was also another reason he was so interested in interrogating Levi. There was something about this whole thing that did not sit well with him. He had voiced he didnâ€™t like the vibes he had felt before, and the more he thought about it the more he wondered how Levi had managed to find out about Shizuâ€™s true nature to begin with. The only conclusion he had was that he was working for someone.<br/><br/>Once they captured him they would find out for sure, but he knew everyone was on the same page in that regard. He wondered how long it would take for Levi to talk. Between he and Ivan asking the questions he was sure it wouldnâ€™t be long before they got the information they wanted. When it came down to it they really made a good team, especially when it came to interrogations. Sometimes they joke around and say that was how they became friends in the first place. They both have sadistic sides; Azrai just does not show his as much unless heâ€™s in that murderous state. He wanted to have the first round with him, though, probably because he knew the guy personally. It hurt him to do so, but there was a chance he could use Cassandra as leverage to encourage Levi to talk. This was the best thing he could think of at the moment.<br/><br/>When he heard Ivan come back in, Elias had beaten him questioning what Zachariah had said. He listened carefully to everything, giving a reluctant nod when he mentioned that he would be looking after Shizu. There was a mildly irritated look on his face but he didnâ€™t object. All he said was, "Very wellâ€¦â€ He knew better than to question their leader, for he always knew how to go about any given situation, and he understood why he had made the decision. They didnâ€™t want him being reckless; it always came down to them not wanting him to do anything reckless. It was just frustrating and he felt that no matter what he did he was never able to keep Shizu safe. Or rather, he was frustrated because he felt like no matter what he did he was unable to keep his promises to her. Or maybe it was a combination of both.<br/><br/>That sounded more accurate the more he thought of it.<br/><br/>â€œIf we are keeping it simple, then we... probably should not hold this operation somewhere that would make it seemâ€¦ obvious.â€ He said, then finished off what remained of his beer. He had forgotten he even had the bottle in his hands, that was how focused on this mission. Now the question was where that would be exactly. â€œI am thinking that we shouldâ€¦ allow Shizu to act like she is going home to clean up.â€ There was a brief pause as he hoped he had not offended her by saying this. â€œOnce everyone is in position we shall strike when they come for her.â€ He gave a nod, hoping that they would approve of his plan. If anything, if they didnâ€™t approve, it would give them something more to expand on. It was far too late to come up with other options, now that they have established that this was how they were going about things.<br/><br/>He looked over to Elias, â€œI do not expect it to come down to this, but I do not want to take any chances. I want you to see what we could use as a cure in case Levi decides to use any of the poisons you have found.â€ It was more of a just in case thing, to be honest. This wasnâ€™t exactly your every day poison, but poison used to kill an Oni, so there was no telling if they would even be able to find the cures. But as always he had faith the hacker would find anything they needed and was positive they would be able to work with anything he presented them. The mention of the black market caused him to feel a bit uneasy. Someone he once knew was really into that freaky shit. Every time he turned around, the guy had dug up something weird or illegal.<br/><br/>If this really was some black market stuff they were dealing with, their chances of success might have dropped a few percentage points. The only personal experience Azrai had with it was an old, antique gun he use to have, given to him by the same person he once worked with, but lost during a tough mission a few years ago. But he knew that the black market was indeed a shady place.<br/><br/>Running a hand through his hair he looked over to Ivan briefly as if he was expecting him to give his input. To be honest Ivan was probably more of a leader figure than he was, even if he was the one doing a lot of the talking. The Russian just seemed to have that authority about him. But that militaristic demeanor was exactly what he liked about him. Ivan sure as hell didnâ€™t fuck around; he just got right to the point, leaving no room for protest. Sometimes it could be a little intimidating. Over the years he has gotten use to it but there were still some moments when he wondered about Ivan. In some ways, they probably worried about each other a little too much. Then again they did keep each other out of trouble, most of the time, so that wasnâ€™t a bad thing.<br/><br/>â€œNowâ€¦â€ he continued, â€œThe only question I have is when are we going to get this over with?â€ The determination to get this done and over with was definitely there. If they wanted him focused on Levi then he would just go after Levi. He was still ensuing that Shizu would have her freedom, and take care of any other problems that would arise. This was just like any other mission they have been on, right? That was what he was telling himself but honestly he really wasnâ€™t sure. For one, this was definitely going to be tough. This was the first time he was actually truly trying to protect someone. He considered what happened in Japan to be just businessâ€¦ but now it was becoming something more and he really couldnâ€™t describe it. It certainly was an odd feeling.<br/><br/>Never had he expected to be dealing with the same person twice and he knew that Shizu must feel the same way. It had to be true. Otherwise she would not have avoided his eye contact as she had. Maybe once this was said and done he would just go back to Israel and stay there. If she wanted to contact him fine, if not then he would just forget about her. He knew it would be harder to do that the second time around, but he would manage. He always managed when it came to letting people go. Despite not having too many close friends, he has had to let go of people he did care about. Cassandra might not have been one of them, evident by how he was still thinking about her now, but he knew everything would be fine in the end.<br/><br/>Perhaps his friendship with Shizu was just not meant to be. They were to just have a professional relationship and that was that, which made him wonder if she was going to need to be protected for the rest of her life. Well, if that was the case maybe he should not be involvedâ€¦ Ah, but that made it sound like he was either beating himself up or something like that. Then again he had already established before that it was better for Shizu to live a life without violence. Canada was her home now, and he wanted to do whatever he could to make sure that it stays like that. He was just hoping that nobody else came after her once this was all said and done. Maybe then, after they got through this, he and Shizu would be able to discuss things like friendship.<br/><br/>Of course he probably wouldnâ€™t just jump in and say they could be friends. He was attached to her and the natural side wanted that to happen, but he wasnâ€™t going to get his hopes up. In the end he knew that she would probably end up being dragged into this way of life. If they were to be friends, it was bound to happen and he didnâ€™t want that at all.<br/><br/>He straightened his posture a little more and moved out further into the living room. â€œI know we will have to act quickly once everything begins.â€ He paused for a moment and glanced around the three and then looked to Shizu. He looked like he was going to say something, but what he did want to say wasnâ€™t coming out at all. Running a hand through his hair, he looked to Ivan as if telling him it was his turn to speak. The Russian was a lot better at this than he was anyway so he figured he might as well let him do the talking.<br/><br/>------------------------------<br/><br/>Levi could feel his excitement continuing to grow.<br/><br/>Looking at the dart in his hand he put on that same grin from earlier and chuckled softly. This was the first time in years he was this excited for a mission, it was actually quite liberating. He felt a confidence that he had not experienced since he had captured that English woman and had his way with her. With all the tools they had, he doubted that there would be any failure. However that did not mean he was going to be careless and march in with the mentality that he was invincible. Even with this sedative in their possession he knew this was going to be a difficult task for everyone. This was probably going to be one of their most difficult jobs yet, but if theyâ€¦ no, there was no â€˜ifâ€™, when they pulled this off he was positive that this would be very rewarding in the end.<br/><br/>â€œIâ€™m not taking my chances,â€ he said in a clear tone. â€œI think we should take the talismans, as a precaution.â€ It wasnâ€™t that he didnâ€™t have faith in Hank or David, though Hank was skating on thin ice right now, he just was not about to take any risks. There was a lot on the line and he wanted to make sure that he succeeded since they only had one shot. This wasnâ€™t a situation like they often had, where they would practice a few plans of action from time to time, this was something out of the blue. Maybe he should have thought it out better but he had really hoped Dean would have been competent enough to keep the woman sedated. The thought of Deanâ€™s men coming after him stuck in the back of his mind as well. He wanted to be prepared just in case they decided to crash their party again.<br/><br/>If that happened then shit would really hit the fan and he didnâ€™t want that. All the more reason to get in, grab the Oni woman, and then provoke Azrai into chasing after him, it seemed like a good plan. Maybe he was just nervous about it is all. This was the first time any of them, meaning Hank, David, and himself, were dealing with this stuff. Tyler might be needed on the field, though he doubted he would be of much use since he looked like he would shit himself if someone aimed a gun at him. Levi was really starting to wish that the other people he had called in would have actually fucking showed up. It was too late to deal with it now, they already have everything they needed, but he was still a little upset. If they did get back to him later, there was going to be hell to pay.<br/><br/>Looking at the small group again, Levi said, â€œAlright, hereâ€™s how itâ€™s going to be.â€ He continued to have that air of authority about him. Hints of the grin were still somewhat noticeable on his expression while he spoke. â€œDavid, you sedate the Oni woman. Then you and I will take out her guards while Hank grabs her.â€ He paused and looked specifically at David. â€œYou remember the one who had tackled me to the ground? Youâ€™ll be going after him. Iâ€™ll take out his buddy. I do want you to keep in mind, however, that I want him alive. Anyone else who gets in the way, kill them, but I want the more reckless of the bunch alive. Once everything is said and done, Tyler will be looking after her to make sure that, in the off chance it might happen, she doesnâ€™t wake up.â€ He took in a deep breath and folded his arms.<br/><br/>It didnâ€™t surprise him when Hank spoke up, â€œBefore we start, how exactly are we going to lure them out?â€<br/><br/>â€œThatâ€™s the glory of it. We arenâ€™t. We are going to wait for the woman to be alone, as they are probably going to let her go at some point, and then we strike.â€<br/><br/>â€œIâ€™m not so sure about thatâ€¦ Where do you expect them to be? They could be anywhere.â€<br/><br/>â€œOne of Deanâ€™s men had told me where she works. Weâ€™re going to camp out there.â€ He proceeded to give a brief description of the layout of the area. They were not going to be in the immediate area; he didnâ€™t want everyone to be so close together. After all, they needed to be spread out more so they could keep an eye out for the girl and any potential threats or obstacles looking to get in the way. Levi was also aware that they needed to be close, so they could communicate.<br/><br/>Hank ran a hand over his face, still looking unsure. Levi had half a mind to relieve him of any concerns he may have, but the man decided to voice them. â€œSo, do we just keep an eye out for her? How do we even know if sheâ€™ll be there? I think we need to sit down and think a bit longer before we make out move, Levi.â€<br/><br/>As much as Levi hated to admit it he knew Hank was right about that. What they had was solid, it was just getting there that was causing problems. He wasnâ€™t sure where they should look for her or how everything was going to play out. At almost made him feel like he was at a bit of a loss but of course pride would never admit that openly. He was a spoiled man who was use to having things go smoothly. Now that he was faced with a challenge, he was losing his cool. Everything would be so much easier if things just went how they were supposed to. If Dean had not fucked up, if David had not run away, he would have the girl and be tormenting both her and Azrai right now. But nothing ever went how he wanted, he couldnâ€™t always get what he wanted, and he really hated that fact sometimes.<br/><br/>Levi moved to look out the window again. Part of him wondered where Azrai and the woman were now, if they were planning on trying to hide from him. A smirk formed on his expression as he thought about Azrai cowering somewhere. He had never known the man to be cowardly though, and he was worried about what he might be up to.<br/><br/>â€œI know.â€ Leviâ€™s tone was oddly calm.<br/><br/>â€œWeâ€™ll get her today, though.â€ There was a complete three-sixty in Hankâ€™s demeanor as well. In the end, even though the two may bicker, they did work well together. It gave Levi a little more confidence in this than he already had.<br/><br/>â€œSo, David, do you have anything else you would like to add?â€ As badly as Levi wanted to act now, he had to know if everyone was on the same page.