Cleo stood in her armory; fastening bits of black armor onto her body. She knew this mission in particular was going to be a challenge, and she wanted to take no chances. Cleo secured the last piece of her armor on, and looked into the mirror across the room observing herself in the armor. Though she rarely wore it, the armor wasnâ€™t as much of a restraint as she anticipated it. It moved with her, but still offered the upmost protection. This was demon standard armor, one created by her agency. This particular set was custom to her branch as well, since her branch dealt with higher level demons. The armor was both extremely rare and terribly strong.<br/><br/>Her eyes wandered up, meeting themselves in the mirror. She hadnâ€™t realized she was crying until she looked. There was something about this mission that struck a chord with her, and something about the blue demon John that hit familiarity. Even his voice, the cold, dark, haunting words that rang through the receiver, the reverberations of everything he said playing over and over again had a similarity. She knew him, but from where, was the question. Right now she couldnâ€™t recall, but all she knew is that she intended to be the one that ended him. She shook her head, not wanting to turn weak and curious in a time where she needed strength.<br/><br/>She walked over to the small rounded table where she had laid out her weapons earlier, and began to place them where her armor allowed. She secured her katanas on her back, fastening her prized possessions for a rough journey. She took the two loaded pistols, and placed them in the slots on her hips. With a flip of her thumbs she secured both of them there, and looked to the last piece of weaponry that sat there. Though small in size it always seemed to help her out in tight spots, a ring pistol. One fashioned by her very own weapon specialist at headquarters, and was given to her as a gift for her graduation from training from Vitore. She smiled slightly remembering the memory all too well. She slid the ring pistol on her index finger, and felt slightly better about this mission upon doing so.<br/><br/>â€œYouâ€™re gonna have every demon cowering at your feet,â€ A voice called out behind her.<br/>She turned around to see Cal, standing there with his scythe in hand.<br/>â€œWhat are you doing Cal?â€ Cleo said back to him keeping a distance, â€œYou know you canâ€™t come with usâ€¦your arm, remember?â€<br/>Cal shrugged â€œThat wasnâ€™t my intention at all.â€<br/>Cleo hesitated a bit watching his movements, Cal was known for odd behavior but this was completely different of him.<br/>â€œThen what is it?â€<br/><br/>He smirked and lunged at Cleo, his scythe coming at a full swing from his left side. Cleo reacted and quickly pulled out both her katanas before the scythe even came close. With a swift movement she stopped the scythe just inches from her body.<br/>â€œCal!â€ She spat at him, â€œWhat the hell are you thinking?!â€<br/><br/>She shook against the force he put into his scythe, but was determined to not break down. He released his scythe away from her and swiftly tried to bring it down on her. Again Cleo deflected, not wanting to harm him quite yet; this was still Cal after all. The scythe stopped just above her head, but the interweaving of her swords on the staff portion made the force he bode upon her easier to withstand. She looked to him again, but saw only Calâ€™s happy expression, like he was enjoying this.<br/><br/>Cal smiled, â€œYou still got it in you.â€ He let off the pressure he put on his weapon and set it back at his side.<br/>Cleo still upset kept her blades out, â€œWhat the fuck was that about Cal?!â€<br/>â€œI worry about you Cleoâ€¦â€ He sighed, â€œThatâ€™s all.â€<br/>â€œSo that gives you reason to come in here and try to fight me?â€ She retorted, â€œEspecially in your condition?â€<br/><br/>He shook his head dropping his scythe to the ground, â€œI am still an elite fighter all the same, one of the best remember?â€ He sighed, â€œI came to fight you because I was worried you were not strong enough for this task. Back there in the control room, you just seemed so mad.â€ He walked a bit closer and gently placed his hands on Cleoâ€™s, who was still firmly holding her swords, â€œI worry about that temper of yours sometimes. When I am not focused I make mistakes, such as my arm, I was scared your anger would do the same to you; this time in worse context then a broken arm. This mission is a bit more serious, and requires a clear head. I just care about you is allâ€¦â€<br/><br/>She pulled her hands away from him, and returned her katanas to her back. â€œIâ€™m fine in fact I am perfect for this mission. Unlike you, anger fuels my focus, just keep that in mind. And I certainly donâ€™t need your sympathy.â€ She went away from him, not allowing for him to come back with more to say. She left him there in her armory as she departed to begin her journey.<br/><br/>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Approaching the helicopter she saw the rest of her team was waiting for her, impatient as ever.<br/>â€œWhat took ya?â€ An overly muscular man called out to her as he helped her onto the helicopter with the rest of her crew.<br/>â€œJust ran into a slight problem, but it is better now. Where is everyone else?â€ Cleo asked taking a seat.<br/>â€œAlready made off for the place,â€ he replied, â€œweâ€™ll regroup when we get there.â€<br/>Cleo nodded as the helicopter began its accent into the inky black sky and sped off to their destination. Cleoâ€™s thoughts weighing heavier with each passing moment...