As soon as Shizu began speaking, he gave her his undivided attention, ever keeping that serious air about him. He liked the idea of luring Levi out. From what he remembered about him he knew that it was something he would easily fall for if it was done properly. Levi was not an idiot, the man was always looking out for Cassandra despite being the younger one, but sometimes his determination caused him to falter which would make their job even easier. The man could be careless and stressed easily when things didnâ€™t go his way. They would definitely be able to use that to their advantage. The only thing was, he really wasnâ€™t sure if he agreed with Shizu putting herself out in the open like that. What if something went wrong? He probably would have said something in protest, but then she walked into the kitchen and Ivan had gone outside to speak with Zachariah.<br/><br/>While he was aware that Shizu was more than capable of handling herself, it was best that they contacted Zachariah. If they acted now Shizuâ€™s plan was certain to fail. If Levi and his crew were going to look into Shizuâ€™s Oni abilities he didnâ€™t want her going out there alone. What if Levi discovered how to make the poison Raziel had used during the war? He was sure that Shizu had not told Elias about her being an Oni since she wanted to live a normal life. There was a part of him that worried about Eliasâ€™s reaction if it was revealed to him that Shizu was an Oni. How would he handle it? Would he call her a monster like the organization had done, or would he be accepting? What about Lucianâ€™s reaction? He didnâ€™t know Lucian as well as Elias did but something told him he would either not believe it or wouldnâ€™t be all that accepting.<br/><br/>The only reason he was putting so much thought into this was because he was worried that she would have to tell them she was an Oni. She would have had to tell them eventually, right? Since she was such a sweet person maybe they wouldnâ€™t care that she was an Oni, if they really did care for her. Sometimes he wondered how he had been so accepting of her Oni form. Thinking back to the day he met her in Japan, perhaps he should have been terrified. It certainly had been a lot to take in. But he had managed to look past it, and he had even killed someone for her in order for her to satisfy her hunger for blood. Either he was completely insane or he had been accepting because she had shown him she was a sweet person. Surely the others would think he was crazy, even if Ivan did notâ€¦<br/><br/>But he would worry about that later, capturing Levi was his main concern now, this was something he wanted to take care of as quickly as possible. He paced the room a little while he thought, gaze towards the floor. There was no doubt that this was going to be a tough mission, but it wasnâ€™t anything he and Ivan couldnâ€™t handle. He was not just thinking that because he wanted to be positive either. Since their military days, he and Ivan have always been a solid team; even if they did piss each other off from time to time, so if everything went well this would be no sweat. He could already hear the man screaming in pain while he and Ivan worked their magic to make him talk.<br/><br/>When Elias spoke to him, he turned his attention to the hacker, feeling a little uneasy himself, unsure of what to say. Their conversation over the phone had not gone well, and he could feel everything he wanted to say before beginning to find its way back into his thoughts. Part of him wanted to let it all out. But for some reason he was able to keep himself restrained, probably because he was thinking the same thing. Shizu did seem pretty angry, though he didnâ€™t really know all of the reasons why. He has never been good with women. Even when he was with Cassandra, he struggled to understand what made women tickâ€¦ yet she had been so patient with him, accepting. He did his best to push the thought of her out of his mind for now, but he couldnâ€™t help it since he was dealing with Levi.<br/><br/>â€œI amâ€¦ positive that she will be fine,â€ he looked toward the kitchen while he responded. Maybe that was not the best response in the world but he hoped it was reassuring. Part of him did want to go talk to her, though he had caught on to Eliasâ€™s hint, the hacker was probably more concerned about her than he was, but since he really was not good at comforting people he wasnâ€™t really that confident he would be any help to her. But he didnâ€™t want to leave her aloneâ€¦ they all needed to work together, right?<br/><br/>In his mind he was already trying to think up an excuse to go into the kitchen. Perhaps a casual approach was silly but it was the only thing that gave him the courage to go in there. His attention was turned back to his shoulder. The wound wasnâ€™t as bad as he thought, it felt numb but it wasnâ€™t to the point where it bothered him, but he wondered if he should tend to it. Thanks to the Oni blood in his veins the wound was already starting to heal; the bleeding had stopped already and his shoulder didnâ€™t feel as stiff anymore.  He could probably put some ice on it to help soothe it a little, since it was still a bit sensitive to the touch. Bandaging it would be wise, too, since he didnâ€™t want infection to settle in and was positive that it wasnâ€™t going to heal over night even with the Oni blood speeding up the healing.<br/><br/>But his feet wouldnâ€™t move. He was just frozen there, looking towards the kitchen with the empty beer bottle still in his hand. In an attempt to encourage him a little more, the thought of disposing it crossed his mind, but to no avail. There was he was still standing there wondering what he should do. His thoughts were just kind of wandering around, he knew what he should do, he should go in the kitchen and talk to Shizu, but he seemed to be looking to avoid that. He wasnâ€™t really good at talking to people anyway. Maybe everyone else thought differently since he was always serious about things but there was something about the way Shizu had gotten so upset that caused him to hesitate.<br/><br/>He was torn between giving Shizu her space and going and talking to her. Part of him wanted to tell Elias to go talk to her himself, but he was not any better when it came to this kind of thing. Women especially. Besides, considering how well they seem to have bonded he knew he should be the one to go talk to her, especially since Elias didnâ€™t know she was an Oni.<br/><br/>Running a hand through his hair, he took in a deep breath and looked back over to Elias. Perhaps he could start with an apology to him for blowing up at him over the phone. It was another distraction from him talking to Shizu, but he felt it was needed. The hacker was probably feeling uneasy around him right now. â€œI apologize,â€ he partially murmured, sounding surprisingly calm, â€œI should not have gotten so upset with you over the phone. I only wished you would haveâ€¦ said something sooner.â€ He paused, and then, feeling the need to say it again, he added, â€œYouâ€¦ should have been more careful.â€ Though he was keeping calm the look he gave the hacker was pretty stern. He really did try his best not to be so rough with him, but he was only human and was far from perfect. Sometimes he couldnâ€™t hold back, like when he had blown up over the phone.<br/><br/>â€œWhen Ivan is finished speaking with Zachariah we shall proceed.â€ He said softly. â€œLet us hope this is something that can be dealt with quickly.â€ Other than that, he wasnâ€™t sure what else he should say so he mustered up the courage he needed and went into the kitchen. He stood there for awhile in silence trying to figure out how he should start this conversation. There was a lot he wanted to say to her but he just couldnâ€™t find the right way of going about it. Every part of him wanted to get down to business, but he also wanted to say he was proud of her for coming up with a plan of action. Perhaps it was because he was still getting to know her, but this was something he would not have expected from the Shizu he had met a few months ago. It was a nice change.<br/><br/>What else did she have up her sleeve? She really did seem like a strong woman who was just full of surprises; or was he just thinking that because he was a man? He truly did want to believe in her but he was still worried about her plan, even if he wasnâ€™t going to voice it, though he had to admit it was the best thing they had right now. Perhaps it would work if they smoothed it out. Only time would tell, but he wanted to have confidence that whatever they came up with ensured that Shizu would not be placed in this sort of situation again. Having been unable to keep one promise to her, he considered this a chance to redeem himself in a way. He would still be looking out for her, only this time he would hang back and watch her, like he had during the war with Sanctus Unum, and that was when an idea hit him.<br/><br/>â€œShizu?â€ Though he was sure she was aware of his presence by now he still felt the need to announce himself by calling out to her. Considering how upset she had been, he wasnâ€™t even sure if it was a good idea now that he thought of it. His index finger tapped the beer bottle gently while he thought. Eventually he placed the bottle on the kitchen counter, he didnâ€™t know where Elias kept his recycling or if he recycled at all, and ran a hand through his hair, exhaling softly. Should he start off by saying he didnâ€™t blame her for getting upset? Perhaps he should have thought things out a little more before he actually came in here. Now he was just standing there, knowing it was obvious that he was struggling to find the right words. Eventually, he said, â€œIâ€¦ I do not agree with you putting yourself out there as bait.â€<br/><br/>He paused again, straightening his posture a little. Maybe she had expected him to say that, or maybe she would be upset with him, but he put that aside. He took on a more professional demeanor, putting himself in the same state of mind he had been when he first rescued her from that village, then he continued, â€œFor right now, your plan is the only thing we have. I believe that it will work but weâ€¦ need to be careful when deciding how to go about it. I do not doubt that Levi will look into a way to suppress your Oni abilities.â€ He looked away, for a moment. He couldnâ€™t bring himself to mention the possibility of Levi discovering that poison. Something told him Levi wouldnâ€™t go to that extent, but then again if he was desperate there was a chance he might. God had been looking out for them before, and he had faith He would still look out for them.<br/><br/>But he didnâ€™t want to be close to death again like that again. If it came to it, he might not survive the second time around. The first time had been a miracle. Miracles only happen once in a life time, at least in his experience, and he did not want to press his luck.<br/><br/>â€œIf I can get my hands on a rifle, I willâ€¦ cover you in case something goes wrong.â€ He added, knowing that there would be plenty of places for him to snipe from; it was just a matter of finding a location where he would not attract too much attention if he had to shoot. It did take him awhile to get everything out, but once he did it felt a lot better. He was hoping everyone would be alright with that or if they would come up with something different entirely. If anything, this was a start, showing that he was willing to go along with her plan instead of arguing about it, so he was just throwing out a suggestion to see what happens.<br/><br/>He looked away from her again, starting to feel his emotions slip through that professional mask he wore. â€œI do not want to see you end up in a situation like this again.â€<br/><br/>------------------------------<br/><br/>A lot has happened over the past five months. Since the battle with Sanctus Unum the organization has been recovering nicely, though still has a long way to go before being restored to its former glory. Some new people have been recruited and trained. They have all proved to be loyal but only time would tell if they truly would put their life on the line for this organization.<br/><br/>Zachariah was just about to call in a few people for a meeting about some new recruits when his phone went off. When he saw it was Ivan, he stopped what he was doing and felt a small sense of dread. It was the kind of feeling that made him glad he was the only person in the room at that time. He hesitated before answering, â€œHello?â€ Everything around him seemed to freeze while he stood there, ready to listen to whatever news Ivan was bringing him, preparing himself just in case the worse did come. â€œIs everything alright?â€ He said after barely a second had passed, choosing to voice his concern, praying he didnâ€™t have to send someone to come out there. It was bad enough that they were in this situation, but he didnâ€™t really blame anyone. Things happened.<br/><br/>He had not been pleased when he first heard the word that Shizu had been kidnapped. Not only had he wanted her to live happily, because of how important she was to Azrai, she did save his life after all, but he had not been in the mood to deal with this kind of situation. Not with everything else that needed to be done around the organization. He still needed Azrai and Ivan around here since even now they were cleaning up Sancus Unumâ€™s mess. Maverick has been busy, the man was known for going MIA to deal with his life at the most inconvenient times. But, knowing that was most likely the case, he didnâ€™t want to bother him. Even if sending him would have been a lot more convenient since he lived closer it wasnâ€™t right to keep tearing him away from whatever he was trying to get straightened out.<br/><br/>Not only that, but Azrai was still recovering and still felt uneasy about allowing him to leave Israel. His wounds have healed up nicely but there was still that Oni blood. Azrai was still showing signs of increased aggression despite meditating as he was told. The meditation sessions never went well due to the manâ€™s inability to sit still for long periods of time. Since he had not been permitted to do much activity in his line of work, it had been even more difficult to keep him calm. Everyone thought that he was going to lose his mind. Part of him was still a little worried about the Oni blood, concerned there would be some other change that might begin to show. Ivan had said everything was alright for the most part, as he kept him updated with things like he was told, so the monitoring had only lasted a month or so.<br/><br/>Zachariah trusted Ivan since he knew Azrai better than anyone but unfortunately that didnâ€™t do anything to help ease his worry, though. In fact Zachariah has worried about Azrai a lot since his close encounter with death. That was something he didnâ€™t want to see again, and he was sure everyone else felt the same way. He knew that if Azrai was lost, the organization would not be the same. That was one thought he just could not shake from his mind and part of him hated admitting how much that war had impacted him.<br/><br/>He could not afford another repeat and was worried that he might be faced with one.<br/><br/>------------------------------<br/><br/>Oh how true it was that Levi was not a fan of strangers being dragged into his little tasks as they were. The scowl on his face when David brought Tyler up was enough to say as much. It was hard enough for him to trust the people he did work with. However, perhaps it was because of how desperate he was to get at Azrai, all he had to say about it was, â€œI hope I can trust this Tyler fellow. I donâ€™t care how much he knows about Japanese mythology, if he fucks up, itâ€™s on you.â€ He jabbed David in the chest with his index finger just to make sure he got the point. The look he gave him was probably more terrifying than his voice, something he usually did whenever he was trying to get something through someoneâ€™s thick skull. Thankfully he knew he could rely on David and didnâ€™t need to tell him twice.<br/><br/>He just wished he would have said something before making the calls.<br/><br/>For a few seconds, he paced the room a bit before turning to look at Hank and David. Over the years their group has indeed become a force to be reckoned with so he was not too worried about manpower. But dealing with an Oni, this time things were going to be different. He was a man who liked to have everything brought to him on a silver plate. He didnâ€™t have to do much work for that either, but this time it was different. This time he knew he had to calm down and be patient. Maybe this Tyler fellow could work some magic. If he didnâ€™t, he did know someone who was good at dealing with pests. The people he knew werenâ€™t really keen on the preternatural side of this strange world (neither was Levi) but they were trustworthy as all hell just like everyone he works with.<br/><br/>â€œSo weâ€™re just going to sit around and wait?â€ Hank inquired, folding his arms over his chest. â€œIf you want the girl today, we need to start planning right this second." It was obvious he was still taking everything in but he knew better than to stay quiet for too long. He was the type of person who didnâ€™t hesitate to let his impatience be known, and decided to be a little outspoken. It was one of the things that got on Leviâ€™s nerves but was willing to put up with since the man was good at his job. Even if he was one of those people who like to put a bullet in someoneâ€™s head for the fun of it he was very useful. Especially when it came to forming a plan, another reason he was kept around. The man was shockingly intelligent despite looking like some dumb goon that only knew how to look intimidating.<br/><br/>â€œOf course not, and we will.â€ Levi said with a glower. He spoke as if the man had asked an incredibly unintelligent question. Though, technically, to him, the question had been pretty close to border-line; he hates when people are obvious.<br/><br/>â€œThen letâ€™s get to it. I went out of my way for this, because the other jobs Iâ€™m assigned to are making me fall asleep. Iâ€™d rather not be let down.â€<br/><br/>â€œIf Iâ€™d let you down, I donâ€™t think you would agree to work with me again. Mind your tone when you speak to me, or Iâ€™ll personally cut out your tongue.â€<br/><br/>â€œIâ€™d like to see you try.â€<br/><br/>That was all Levi needed. He sized up to Hank, who was about his height though a bit larger in terms of weight, fists clenched, with a look on his face that could stop a storm dead in its tracks. The air between them was extremely tense.  The speed at which Levi had thrown his punch gave Hank little time to react even though the look on his face had suggested he was expecting it. Thatâ€™s what he gets for underestimating Levi. Hank staggered back a few small steps holding the side of his face.  His body language was a little more submissive, but the look on his face screamed defiance, which Levi was still determined to break. When Hank removed his hand, his bottom lip was bloody.<br/><br/>â€œIf I have to do that again, you wonâ€™t be conscious.â€ Levi said calmly, flexing his hand a little. He was regretting not punching him harder but at least that had been enough to let him know he was not in the mood. â€œThatâ€™s your only warning.â€ Admittedly that had felt immensely refreshing, considering he has had such a bad day so far. The thought of punching Hank again crossed his mind. However, as tempting as it was, he turned it down. He was a man of his word and would only strike again if he tried to step out of line. The somewhat surprised look on his face was satisfying enough; it wouldnâ€™t be long before that attitude was knocked out of him completely. Until then he was going to have to suck it up and put up with his shit. As to how long he would last, he really couldnâ€™t say for sure.<br/><br/>Hank was skating on thin ice right now and he was in a bad mood. He would be lucky if their alliance didnâ€™t fall apart.<br/><br/>He took a moment to get his train of thought back on track before speaking again. â€œIâ€™m not too worried about manpower, but having a few extra hands, in case someone decides to wuss out, would be nice. I plan to set a trap out for the girl. When she takes the bait, weâ€™ll lure in Azrai and his friend and then kill them off.â€ Of course he left out that he only wanted Azrai, yet again. Whoever his partner was would prove to be an annoyance if he was not taken care of so he had thrown that out there with that thought in mind. He wasnâ€™t sure what he was going to do about him, since he had been expecting Azrai to work alone. The man was a lone wolf. Seeing him with company had taken him off guard, but of course he was not going to admit that openly either.<br/><br/>â€œHow do you know sheâ€™ll take the bait?â€ Hank asked in a softer tone, evidently a little more calm than before. The look on his face said he was still seething, however.<br/><br/>â€œI donâ€™t.â€<br/><br/>â€œSo why assume?â€<br/><br/>â€œUnless you have a better plan, I suggest you stop questioning me. Or better yet, throw in some suggestions of your own.â€<br/><br/>â€œAlright then. Say we set a trap for her, and she catches on, ever think about that? We need to not be so obvious, and setting a trap is the typical thing to do.â€<br/><br/>â€œSo we should walk right up to her and grab her then? That had worked wonderfully.â€<br/><br/>â€œExactly. She knows the two of you, but not Tyler or I, correct?â€<br/><br/>â€œYou want to grab her?â€ Levi folded his arms over his chest and snorted. Hank might be on to something but he wasnâ€™t sure if he liked where this was going. â€œWouldnâ€™t that be obvious, as well? She was chased down and grabbed when she was first captured.â€<br/><br/>â€œThen we take her from afar; perhaps a tranquilizer? She will need to be sedated before we can make our move.â€ Hank paused as if waiting for Leviâ€™s approval. The two exchanged glances and then Levi seemed to relax a little more.<br/><br/>Levi was more than aware that the Oni woman would need to be sedated. He didnâ€™t care how it was done, as long as she was in his hands. He was willing to do just about anything to get to her at this point. But what were they going to do? Swoop in and grab her while she was down? It made perfect sense but there were pieces of this plan that were not fitting as well as he would have liked. They needed something solid. Right now, he felt that all he was getting was mush that had no shape to it what so ever. It was displeasing. He thought the people he worked with were better than this but he supposed they were still getting over the fact that they were dealing with an Oni.<br/><br/>He sighed heavily and looked to David, â€œAlright, your turn. What do you have in mind?â€