3.4

Before the storm

The news came as a surprise. The summoned found out that one of their own, Jim Cross, had been abducted. Perhaps it wouldn't have gone down like that if two of the more capable members weren't too occupied with a hot bath.

The timing for this kidnapping was not coincident. A surprise envoy was heading for Saragarhi, their arrival unplanned, even Johann was only notified by their arrival just now. They were supposed to find the final summoned brought to the seaside town of Llandudno.

Unlike what happened at Saragarhi, Johann's sister didn't arrive in time to greet the summoned there. And so, they scattered and while most had rendezvoused, one remained. Trapped in a world that was wholly alien, this summoned had been staying on the run. Fortunately, his or her path happened to run near Saragarhi.

And so, for the envoy to arrive here was supposed total coincident.

But for Six to strike the day of their arrival. The envoy must have been trailed, that or there was a traitor among their ranks.

Six sighed, everything was falling apart. For that rain to be cleared so suddenly, not many can do that. It meant that the envoy was here in Saragarhi. And losing the cover of darkness, he made a gamble and breached. Time was of the essence and they would take every victory possible. And once again, Six pulled of the impossible. He managed to spirited away one of the summoned.

But for the envoy to arrive here without any warning and the news of their arrival to reach Johann. Which meant his sister in arm, Four, had failed her mission. Six was trained to expect the worst, but in his heart, there was still a lingering hope that she was alright.

Now, he mustn't be distracted as another gamble must be made. The summoned must now be evacuated. But Johann wouldn't leave on of them behind.

So either Six could evacuate as well with the prisoner in tow, or he could expect Johann to believe so. If that was the case, the prince would no doubt mount a quick rescue where more valuable targets could be acquire. But if Johann believed Six to hunker down, he could simply wait a bit more and mount an attack with the envoy.

After a great deal of consideration, Six had decided on a course of action, they would stay, or more like Mi-Young would.

The operative, meanwhile, would try and sabotage the evacuation as much as possible. Considering a particular member of the arriving group, the lone Six wasn't expected to cause much trouble. But he would try to raise a presence, enough for the envoy to be busy. Then Six would have to loop back and take care of the rescue party.

There were still too many unknowns for his liking.

Nevertheless, Six made his choice and the man won't back down no matter what.