so we're gonna set the world on { f i r e ~ } // c/h/c

gunnar
van dalen

The sun set, and the hour approached. The moment of reckoning was near.

He stood, facing the five who made up the core of his elite, the five who he had trained to be nothing less than the very best that wandered the streets of Two.

Together, they were six limbs of the same body, six individual units of the same whole, and they would not fail. Not here, not now, not ever.

This would be their greatest test yet, but if they succeeded - no, when they succeeded - then the rewards would be well worth the effort.

He'd taken Toni's advice, made the job volunteers only as requested, and yet, not a single one had abstained - not even her. It didn't surprise him, not really, and the faintest spark of pride and happiness had sparked within when, without fail, all five had stepped up to the task.

Not that he'd ever let them see it.

A single tap of his cane sounded on the wooden floor, and the briefing was officially under way.

"You all know what tonight's job entails, so there is no reason to repeat it," he began, voice strong and projected across the room. "Our employers tonight might possess some of the most influential names in the district, and yet the job is no more difficult than any we have completed in the past."

He started pacing, slowly, yet confidently as well. Now, more than ever, an air of complete confidence was critical to maintain. "Tonight, we are the distraction." He paused for a moment, letting it sink in. "While our employers take on the critical portion of this job, we are to take the heat off their backs, distract as many Keepers as we can manage, and ensure that they are able to accomplish their end of the deal without fail."

He paused in step but not in words. "This will be no small feat, but remember that there was a reason that it was us that these so-called big shots came to us and not anyone else. We were chosen because we are the best at what we do." Pause. "And if for tonight, that means acting as the distraction, then that is no reason to slack on the job."

He fought down the hint of a smile that threatened to ruin his otherwise set-in-stone mask. "And don't forget the most important part of it all. Once the job is done and the reward is payed out, then we'll get to work on our own terms."

Satisfied with his speech, he wasted no time in moving to the next phase of the planning stage.

"Tonight, we will be splitting into groups and working together to cover the most ground possible," he announced. "Our employers will also supposedly be assisting us on this, but that is no reason to let them outdo us."

He shifted the cane from right hand to left, and without hesitation pointed it at the girl on the far left. "Mae." he spoke, gaze unwavering. "You'll stay here, acting as communications and reconnaissance." He paused, then allowed the tiniest of smirks to cross his lips. "Get your med-bay set up as well, in case one of our allies needs to be patched up."

The cane lowered, and then just as fast raised back up, pointing at the boy second from the right. "Xenos, Toni." The smirk had disappeared from his face, and while the cane pointed at the boy, his stare was locked on the girl in the center. "You two will be in charge of the western part of town. Find a bar, and work your magic." Then, as an afterthought, "Take from that what you will."

The cane shifted to the boy on the far right. "Waylan, you'll be covering the east. Find a warehouse or training center or something, and light it up." The cane lowered, yet his gaze did not. "Once you're done with that, circle back here and meet up with Mae. You'll then act as our reserves, so be prepared for anything."

Finally, the cane rose again and landed on the boy second from the left. Max, you're with me," he said. The hint of the smirk returned to his face as he spoke his next words. "We get the fun part, you and I. Our job is to ensure that their job goes by smoothly and without a hitch."

The cane lowered, and his gaze swept over each and every one of them in turn before he spoke again. "If things go south, don't hesitate to get your asses out of there," he exclaimed. "Your lives aren't worth losing for any job, even one as critical as this one."

It was an uncharacteristic sign of empathy from him, but in a situation such as this, he figured he could let it slide this one time.

"Stay strong, stay sharp, and remember everything that I have taught you, and this will be over before the sun comes up in the morning." He paused one last time, letting his gaze slide to Toni a second time before finishing.

"Now let's go show those bastards what we're made of."

^{made by puppy <333}