They walked back to the inn, regathering their thoughts. The team was silent the whole trip back.
Kael kept to himself, gnawing at his fingernails, muttering beneath his breath.
Lyssa strayed behind the group, tightening her artificial silk arm, flexing her fingers.
Axel held his head down, his shoulders slumped, his lethargic movements lacking energy.
Mo's jaw tightened, her hands curled into fists, knuckles paling.
Loxus slowly pressed his hand against his scars, his eyes wincing as he trembled.
Baron walked ahead, sweat soaking his armor as his hands fidgeted through his hair. He occasionally turned back toward the team before averting his gaze.
Roako's heart raced, his palms sweaty, occasionally glancing at the others to see their reactions. His vision began to blur. His throat let out dry gulps.
The sound of the city dulled out. Voices reached out to Roako, but none of them registered.
His legs walked forward, following behind, not watching his steps.
Baron stepped forward, pushing a pair of doors open, allowing the team to enter.
They passed, eyes turning toward them as Baron spoke out.
"Barkeep. Get us a round of drinks." His shoulders slumped down before he rubbed his eyes. His voice, slow and weary as he sat down at a table. Baron let out a deep sigh before calling them over to sit down.
The team glanced at each other before ploping down in a seat, ordering a drink.
Roako's arms were still shaking, asking for a milkshake. He couldn't believe the mission had gone so poorly, especially after Kyri had placed so much trust in him.
He dropped his head down, lying on the table.
"I'll call Kyri over. The situation has gotten a lot more dire." His hands rubbed against his face before pulling a dial from his bag. He tapped a few buttons before it began to ring. A voice coming out from the other side.
"Hello? Baron? Did ya finish the mission already?" Kyri's voice spoke out in surprise.
"Kyri, come to the inn. Situation's changed, we need all hands on deck," said Baron.
"I'll be there in a second. I trust you." Kyri's voice deepened.
Less than a minute passed before Kyri burst through the door, fur growing along her legs as sparks crackled.
Baron chugged his beer, crushing it before tossing it away. He stood up, ushering the team to follow. He placed down a coin, asking for the backroom once again.
The door crept shut, the air felt heavy.
Roako knew Mo felt anger toward the Guardians, tension was at an all-time high.
"You Guardians… lied to US!" Mo exploded in a heat of anger, pointing a finger at her. "How many more people have to die before you're satisfied?!" Her fist clenched, wrinkles forming over her face.
"Baron, care to explain?" Kyri waved her off before turning to Baron.
Her brow raised as she scanned the room. Her eyes locked onto a large dent that was dug into Baron's shield. She glanced over, looking toward Kael, who dug his fingers into his skin. Finally, she looked over to Roako, face buried in his hands, sweat flowing down his face. Confusion washed over her face. She noticed everyone was still alive.
"The information given was inaccurate. There were originally around ten of them, yet the tunnels hid over forty more." Baron's words were stoic, yet caused Kyri to tilt her head in bewilderment.
"Not only that… but I think the cubs… they attracted them from other dens. I think it was the platinum…it caused the soundwaves to travel even further…" said Kael, his voice broken into slow fragments. Before smacking himself in the head, causing the others to look up.
Roako shook his head, his thoughts filling his mind. It wasn't Kael's fault. It was his, if only he were strong enough to kill them all…
"Look, the information I was given is trustworthy." Kyri's eyes narrowed as she stared at Mo before turning to Baron. "If forty sabertooths truly are roaming within, this is a bigger problem than I expected…" Kyri put a hand to her lip. "We can get a few Guardians to come deal with it, Mira and Jackson should do." She nodded her head.
"This was the mission you assigned us." Mo's fingers began to dig into her skin. "And you're not even going to participate in cleaning it up? Typical of Guardians like you."
Kyri looked at Mo, before shaking her head, waving her off.
Baron took a step forward, preparing to intervene, before looking toward Lyssa. She had her head up, unusual in these situations, her hand weaving as she stared intently at Mo.
Mo stood up, rapidly stomping toward Kyri. Her eyes furrowed before pointing at Kyri. "Don't you dare ignore me. People die because of your decisions."
Mo reached out to grab her, before being stopped. Her body held back by silk. Mo turned back, looking at Lyssa.
Lyssa picked her head up, pulling Mo back. "Mo. Don't." Lyssa's voice cold and calm, staring at Kyri apologetically.
"Lyssa, release me. I need to show this b-" Mo glared at Lyssa. In a second, Lyssa strung silk, turning it into a net before covering Mo's mouth with it.
Lyssa let out a soft sigh, trapping Mo behind her.
Mo attempted to resist, screaming out before only muffles could be heard.
Kyri simply let out a playful laugh. "Mo, Mo, Mo. Ya don't understand the way the Underworld works. Our resources are limited. We need to find or make more. We can't send powerful assets based on a whim." Kyri continued, her playful smile turning into an unforgiving frown. "If ya lover understood that, maybe he'd be alive today."
The room went silent, Baron quickly turned his head to look away. Roako flinched, eyes raising in shock.
Mo went still, muffles no longer existed.
Kael simply covered his mouth, gagging in response.
Loxus looked toward Axel, before they both turned away, eyes tearing up.
Lyssa held onto the silk, keeping it tight. Her face unwavered, she took Kyri's side over theirs.
Roako looked at Kyri, before averting his gaze. She was cruel, unlike before with him. He gulped as his body began to tremble.
Mo wouldn't have a reason to distrust Kyri if we had completed the mission with no mishaps. If only I could've taken out the beast in one shot…
Roako's eyes watered, he trembled under the sound of his heartbeat.
He thought Kyri was a good person, but she was just using him.
The orphanage taught him better than to trust others. He should've known…
Roako's fist clenched as his eyes darted toward Kyri, fury storming within him.
"Kyri… you just let people die?" His voice was shaky, barely able to contain himself. "I thought you were a good person…"
Kyri looked at him, her face unchanging. "Roako, I do whatever is best for the Underworld. A few lives taken does not outweigh the loss of our home." She took a step toward Roako, looking down with a gentle smile.
Her smile is a facade… I know better than to trust her now.
Roako took a step back as Kyri continued.
"Her husband was no longer useful, so it was irrational to send more resources for him. Roako, ya still got time to be useful to us, don't make me regret my decision." Her voice turned cold, the gentle smile remained, steps continuing toward him.
She put a hand on his face, caressing it. "Roako, you're just a fragile boy, once ya understand and become just like Lyssa, the truth will be revealed."
Roako turned his face towards Lyssa, confused by her words.
Kyri simply giggled. "Lyssa's just like ya Roako. A diamond in the rough, made to be molded by me. I'll make ya into a great asset for us."
Baron stepped forward, intervening. "Kyri. The lives of others shouldn't be given up on. I can't continue working under you if I can't trust you." His voice cold and calm, drawing a clear boundary. "Roako is now working under the Strike Force, he's under my protection."
Kyri stepped back, her eyes browed in surprise. "Hah, is that the case? Sigh, I'll leave it be for now Baron. I won't forget this." Her calm voice felt even more sinister.
She turned toward the door, pushing it forward.
"I'll see ya around… Roako." Her voice pausing, as she glanced at Roako.
Roako held his breath, her presence drained him. He looked toward Lyssa, frowning.
"You just listen to whatever she says?" asked Roako.
"She saved my life. I'd give mine to her." Lyssa's voice was the same cold, dull voice as usual. "I know she's just using me, but it's the only way I know how to live."
"Even though you're the one with silk, your strings are the ones being pulled," said Roako.
He shook his head before turning away. "I'm going to go rest… I need some time."
Roako opened the door and left before Lyssa could respond.