The Make Over [kali]

[Kali]

Kali shook her head. She had no idea where they would ever find a homing pigeon. Or any other creature of the like. But if they could get a hold of one, it would be a major advantage.

"Do we go to stop them, or do we stay here?" Kali asked. The Innocents may have already been taken, but there was still a chance that they were safe. As of now, anyway. Though as much as Kali wanted to help them, she knew it would be useless. Jo just wounded, even if it was minor, they couldn't risk it. And Ryan still healing from his torture in the mansion. Even if he had killed one Hunter, Kali doubted that he could take on two of them at once. She herself was poorly trained, -no, not trained at all for fighting. It was a losing battle if they went.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Jocelyn sat forward in her chair, elbows resting on the table trying to figure out what their next move could be. She bit her bottom lip and chewed on her finger nails, bounced her kneew up and down, all bad habits she did when she was thinking.
Well, before we act we need to know more about what they are doing, and where. We can't just go in blind.
Light bulb.
She sat up straight and starred at Ryan, and slow grin spreading across her face. She tilted her head to the side as if to say, come one, you know you want to do it.
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Ryan was still tapping his fingers on the table top when he saw the light bulb go off in Jo's head. He leaned forward eager to hear the plan, but when he saw her looking at him like that he immediately jumped out of his chair and backed away.
NO! No, no, I won't do it. I've had enough time spent in that sh!th@le to last me a lifetime. He began to pace around the room, color rising in his cheeks.
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Jo looked at Kali, pleading for her to reason with Ryan.
C'mon, you both know we need to do it. Ryan, both of us will be there, in the dark keeping an eye on you. Kali, this is so important.
Jo looked around frantically trying to figure out a way to get through this, with her plan, and Ryan as a spy...or bait.

[Kali]

Kali had to refrain from pulling Ryan closer to her defensively, and just let him pace away. It was hard, though. She had grown protective of him since she had seen his wounds that night. "No, Jo." she said. "I can't make him go back there, and I'd probably chain him to the wall if he tried. Let me go. The Hunters are after me too now." Kali offered. She might not have been as wanted as Ryan was by the Hunters, but she still made a good trade in. They had, after all, taken the time and effort to through a heavy brick through her window. And they had promised to hunt them down. "Let me go." Kali pleaded with Jo again, hoping to sway her. She looked once to Ryan quickly and then back to Jo, waiting for their approval. Or, more so Jo's approval, anyway.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan stopped short as Kali volunteered herself. His jaw dropped and eyes flashed. He didn't want to go back there, but he would rather him go then she.
No Kali. Don't be stupid. We can figure something else out.
He walked closed to Kali, and was about to put his hands on her shoulders, to be supportive. But thoughts of her being mad at him pushed him back. Instead he took the chair next to her and sat down, all serious to find another way.
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Jo shook her head.
They may want you both, but Ryan can really get behind the lines so to speak. Kali, you will just go right to the basement and be locked up. They might want to take Ryan to see the Elders...or at least let him be around other Hunters, a higher chance of hearing plans. No. It must be Ryan.
She stood up from her chair, mind already fixed upon Ryan going, either as a prisoner, or just a troublesome Hunter.
Besides, for all they know, you guys just could be having, well, a little affair. A little fun for Ryan. They may not know its a real relationship, and a real change of heart for Ryan. So he says.
She had to add the last line of doubt, but she couldn't easily trust people, especially if he used to be one.

[Kali]

Kali shook her head. "They could kill him. All his life, he's never truly been like them. And it's not any ordinary Elders that are after him..." her eyes went to Ryan, wondering if they should tell Jo that it was really his parents that were after them. She turned back to Jocelyn. "I'm not letting him go." she told her. "Please?" the woman begged again. "Let me go."

Kali fiddled with her sleeves, anxious. She was scared that Ryan would have to go. And she didn't want that. She crossed her arms, trying to look tougher, at least. Maybe being assertive might solve it, but when she spoke, her voice was far weaker than she had hoped it might sound, compared to the rough sound she had hoped to accomplish. "I won't take no for an answer." she said.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Jo looked between them and sighed. She hated to send a guy Kali liked, maybe even loved into the lions den under a sheep skin. But she felt it was the best way. She sat in her chair in silence, feeling her side more in thinking then really caring about her wound. Finally she figured that they could give Kali a chance. After all, her and Ryan could be there in the shadows, and get her out if things went wrong.
Fine. Fine. You can go. But we need to plan this out. Do you have a plan?
She asked Kali with a raised eyebrow.
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No, I don't like this at all. We have no idea what they will do to her in there.
Ryan blurted out as the two already started to plan the mission. And walked over, rolling his sleeves up to his elbow, placed both hands on the table and leaned forward.
We can figure something else out. Have someone else go instead.
Ryan was furious that Jo would let her do that, he was furious that Kali volunteered to put herself in danger. As if he couldn't do it. Nope. He would try like hell to get her out of this.

[Kali]

Kali thanked Jo and reached a hand up, half pulling, half yanking Ryan back down into his seat. She looked at him. "Like who? I'm not letting you go, I just got you back. Jo's not going, she's healing. And so are you. It's gotta be me." Kali told him, her voice softening ever so slightly.

She looked back at Jocelyn. A plan? Kali began to think. "I'll have to get inside, somehow." she began. "Then I'll have to find information. Maybe I could sneak in, or let them take me. But perhaps, once inside (whichever way I get in), I can talk to the other Innocents and see what they know." It was unfinished, but a beginning none the less. One step further, many steps to go. She looked to Ryan. "Maybe you could sketch me a map of some sort. Then I might be able to find the room where the Elders are, and listen in." she suggested.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan let him plop down in his seat, still agitated. He crossed his arms over his chest and made sure both of them knew he was not happy about this plan at all He listened to Kali talk, and the beginnings of her plan and hated it. But listened none the less. He gave the idea of her 'letting' herself get captured, and that could work. If she behaved, so to speak, they wouldn't punish her too much. But getting to the Elders would take a lot more planning, and it wouldn't be easy.
You just wont be able to listen in...they always have two guards standing in the hallway. You would have to do, or say something of great interest of them. Like mentioning something about the Elders of the Innocents. They would open their ears. But that is too dangerous. THAT might get you killed. We have to think of something that will do the job, but just. Nothing over the line.
Ryan drummed his fingers on the table top trying his best to think of something.
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Jocelyn sat and looked between Kali and Ryan, wheels turning in her head. her eyes would brighten here and there of ideas, but dull when they were shot down. But when an Innocent Elder was brought up her ears perked.
I could be the bait. Somehow. I'm considered an Elder. Although I'm very new at the 'job'. We can figure out some sort on info that would attract them, but not jeopardize my position too much.
She stood up from her chair and began pacing the room. Fingers were at her mouth, stroking her lips as she thought of every angel they could take.

[Kali]

"How many are we?" Kali asked, her mind beginning to sink into the idea. "Just the three of us, or is Matthew still around?" she hadn't seen him in a long time. But then she turned the idea down. They're numbers were still too few, with or without Matthew, for an ambush. "Maybe we could get a cat to play a decoy for you, Jo." Kali suggested instead. "This way, you're not really in any danger at all. I could tell them that you're spying a certain area on the Mansion grounds, or around the boat docks. When they spot the cat, they'll think it's you."

Kali too got up, beginning to pace around the room. Hands folded behind her back, she looked like a little soldier. Almost. "Ryan, you could be waiting in the shadows with that shotgun or a hand gun. When you they spot the cat, you can shoot them." she wondered.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Jo nodded her head slowly.
That might work. Cat has to be white though. If its in the dark wont matter about the eyes. We could say Kali wants to make peace with them, so they will leave Ryan alone. They, by now, know you two are an item. But we do need more people. Unless we can think of a really good plan. And maybe a back up if we can.
She tried to picture their attack in her head...what they could or would do. And what would happen, the results, everything.
If they see me, or the cat, they will run out. We have to know how many they will send.
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If they only send a few out, thinking that it is only you Jo, if they hear the gunshots from me, they will send more out. We either have to think of something else, or somehow really be prepared for them. Both of you will have to be handy with a gun.
He did not look at Jo when he said this, though he had said both. His eyes bore straight at Kali, with love and concern, and of course, seriousness.

We find a white cat. Thats number one, shouldn't be too hard. Kali, you get yourself capture. When Kali is inside we should pick a time...like 30 minutes after you go in, you have to tell them about out fake lil Jo spying...then we release the cat. You know? We have to time it. The cat might just run off and our plan if blown.
He leaned back in his chair, still hating the idea of Kali going in, but surprised by how well it is going.

[Kali]

Kali nodded, not making eye contact with Ryan. She had done so a few times, but not many. Her anger was rapidly slipping away as her mind dived further and further into their plan making, until it was almost gone. She didn't want to lose it. She was stubborn. She still wanted to talk with him later, even if it was hours from now.

"That sounds good." she said, thinking. "But what if they find the gun on me? Won't that kind of go against the whole peace-making theme? I'm sure they'll search me once I'm captured. Maybe something smaller, less obvious..." her voice trailed as she pondered what such an object might be, or where they could find one. Though she came up with no ideas.

Her feet carried her into the kitchen, where she hopped up onto the counter to sit. Her feet hung over the edge, not long enough to touch the ground, kicking slightly to and fro. "What do we do if something goes wrong?" she asked, thinking about the back up plan now. "Like if one of you gets caught?" Start with the worse possibilities and work your way back.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

What if you carried a knife? That way you can say just for safety, or just in case...or act dumb. Its not as bad as a gun, but it can still offer some protection. You could kill someone if you had to right?
Jo looked at Kali. She had killed before. And she hated it. Had nightmares about it. But it was necessary she had told herself. If she hadn't killed him, he would have killed someone else. At least thats what she thought about, to make it easier for her. And she would do it again to save innocent people. She hated to say it, but you do get used to it.
We will have to do some reconnaissance. Find out their routines. When they leave, when they come back type of stuff. We can do that next week. For now we need to get the supplies. Find a cat, get more weapons.
She hesitated trying to think if there was anything she was missing. She took a pen and piece of paper and wrote her number down giving it to Ryan.
In case anything....happens.
She stood up and smoothed out her shirt.
Anything I missed?
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Ryan nodded and listened, occasionally looking over at Kali and noticing that she owuld not meet his eyes. He scowled and looked down at his feet. He may have gone too far too fast, but he felt she was taking this too far...over reacting.
I think thats fine for now. We will get what we need them move to the next step.
He stood and took Jocelyn's hand into his, shaking it. Then it was final. He was no longer a Hunter. The finality seemed to take his off guard, push the air out of his lungs. He sat back down and starred at his hands, not saying a word.

[Kali]

Kali nodded and said good bye to Jo, getting up to open the door for her. "See you later." she said, before closing the door quietly and going back to sit next to Ryan.

At first she was quiet, her hands on the table, one palm within the other. But when she spoke, her voice was soft. She had been planning to be harsh and angry, but it didn't seem right, now. So she was quiet, her voice low. Sad. "Why did you unbuckle it, Ryan?" she asked him softly.

Her eyes didn't meet with his at first. She wondered what would be better. To look at him or not. But finally, she did, glancing up at him and connecting with his gaze. Her expression wasn't angry anymore, as she had planned it to be, but just as blue and disappointed as her voice.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan sighed and stood up, way from her glaze. He wandered over to the fireplace, starring into the flames, he leaned in and placed both his palms on the mantle. He wasn't sure what to say. Sorry, I was...excited? Sorry, I couldn't help myself? He chewed his bottom lip.
I guess, I thought it was taking a step forward. I'm sorry.
He starred into the fire, not wanting to look at Kali right now. He began to wonder if they were ever going to take a step forward. Or if they were stationary, stuck, in this place. He wasn't used to it. And of course it wasn't going to be...just another notch on his belt. He wanted to be intimate with her because he loved her. But, if she didn't want to, then he wouldn't. But now he felt that even a kiss might be crossing the line. He began to feel uncomfortable even being in the same room with her.

He pushed his body away from the mantle and turned to sit down in the rocking chair, still facing the fire. He slowly began to rock back and forth. His hyena wanted to, needed to get out. To run through the forest. But he knew if he just left...that she would be even more hurt, or furious. It would be rude. So he stayed in the chair, rocking, in silence.

[Kali]

Kali watched him go as he walked to the hearth. After he seated himself, she followed, sitting down cross-legged on the couch. "But you know I'm not like those other girls. You didn't have my permission..." she went on, but stopped when he apologized. By the sound in his voice, she knew that he really was sorry. Her gaze dropped down to her feet. She didn't want to tell him it was okay, because it wasn't. But she still wanted to comfort him... somehow. "Ryan, we just decided that we were officially in a real relationship today. I know that I don't move as quickly through a relationship as other girls do, but isn't two steps forward in one day a bit much?" she asked, then shook her head. "But I don't know. I've never had a boyfriend before I met you. And I've never felt for someone the way I feel for you. I've never fallen in love before." she glanced up at him when she said this, found the butterflies twittering in her stomach at the sight of his handsome face, and looked down at her feet again. But the nervous feeling didn't go away. She went on, "But what I do know, is that we're both going make mistakes. I know I am. And I probably have already." She took a breath, pausing for a moment. Not breathing. Before she continued. "I meant what I said, when Jo was here." she told him, and then explained, "You have a good heart. And you are the best man I've ever met. But you're more than that. I notice things, Ryan. Like the way you slow yourself down for me. The way you treat me so kindly. The way you respect me. You're polite and honest and true." Kali told him. "You have been nothing but a gentleman to me, and I'm lucky to have you. I can't hold you down for one mistake. What seemed like something cruel and selfish to me was only an act of love to you. I know that you care about me, and I can't punish you for that." She got up from the couch and took his hand, silently asking if it was alright to make up. She didn't like being mad at him, and she didn't like making him feel like this. Kali tugged softly, pulling him from the rocking chair. She knew him. Knew he wanted to go. Through the trees or bounding through the grass, he needed to go. And she would come with him.