Illuminated paths (WIP title)

Chapter 3

 Diablo stood on the third floor of a dilapidated building. Air currents made the old house's beams creak around them.

Mink blinked at him "this is the place, sir, heat signatures are detected inside."

Diablo nodded, this wasn't his first stakeout but no mistake could be made with Quizzical. It had been a fluke that the Imperial guard got their paws on him the first time. Watching the nearby warehouse he began predicting different scenarios. There are approximately 8 windows, only 6 of which are large enough to escape through. But crew members had already been stationed in those areas. There was a cellar below their house with a tunnel. Troops were entering through the other end. Chimney? Check. Garage? Back doors? All accounted for. Diablo was more than ready. He had his doubts of course. Quiz seemed to pose no threat. But Dakota has explained he did, that his abilities could make their entire organization crumble. Leaving them back on the streets. She had reminded him of what happened to their parents and what would happen to them.

Diablo shook his head, this wasn't time for contemplation or letting his thoughts wander. He had a job to do and he wasn't about to let Dakota down.

Movement came from the house. Two hooded figures exited from atop the roof.

"That's the target, sir"

Diablo swished his tail "prepare your holo wings, don't let yourselves be recognized until my signal. Taking off the group silently moved above a layer of smog, just dark enough to make them hidden from anyone who wasn't looking for them.

Mink looked at him for further instructions.

"Prepare to dart her, if she is incapacitated she won't be able to teleport away."

"And the other one?"

"He will be alert by the time we dart his friend, taser should be more efficient, make sure you circle him"

And with that, the plan was in motion. Below him, diablo could see it all play out. The girl was shot down almost immediately. Quizzical ran after her, as predicted. Only to be circled by Diablo's forces and brought to the ground chained and ready for transport. Diablo had to wonder how someone who had so easily eluded all of his enemies could be so predictable. Perhaps his plan was even more solid than he had believed it to be.

Flying down the stood before quizzical struggling with the chains in vain.

"You're not getting out of there, cooperation is your only option"

Quizzical glared at him, venom almost dripping from his eyes. It made even Diablo stiffen.

"And who the hell are you?"

"A messenger Dakota wants an audience with you"

"Why would I give an audience to some half-wit child who ordered the death of an innocent girl!"

"Calm yourself Quizzical, you in no position to make demands. And your friend is perfectly safe, Dakota is just as interested in her"

Quiz narrowed his eyes "You lay a single claw on her and-"

Diablo cut him off "what happened to the taser?"

"Shard was supposed to have it, sir"

"Shard come up here, where is the taser?"

A young white and black speckled girl stepped forward

Diablo narrowed his eyes "well? What happened to the taser?"

"I.. um, I misplaced it, sir..."

"You what?"

"I apologize, sir, I... I promise I will find it oh please forgive me"

Diablo rubbed his temples

"Are you incapable of basic responsibilities? What are you doing on a mission like this if you can't even keep track of a taser? Whatever go find it, then come straight back to base, Kota's going to want a word with you"

The young girl quickly scampered off to find the lost item, her tail between her legs.

Turning back to Quizzical who had spent the entire time shouting insults at him, was being held down by several men. Trying to keep his tentacles down as well. "Put some chloroform on a cloth and gag him. I don't have time for this"

Turning around he went to go inspect the girl. A monochrome white with grey and light brown accents she definitely looked unusual. A lithe build but she didn't look like she would be much of a threat. "Put this one in the cockpit, I want her handcuffed to me, I have my tracker on but I am not taking any chances.

"And the other one sir?"

Diablo smiled "put that one in solitary confinement. I have a feeling he will need some time to digest the events"