[Gale POV]

  Ivan and I were on our way to the Shift when I spotted smoke and fire in the distance. We radioed the other pair of scouts to report what we had seen. They told us they were a ways away and to meet up there. So Ivan and I started approaching the area, and I tried to reduce the wind in my ears with aerokinesis so I could hear what was happening. As we got closer, I caught the ughter of a madman. Unfortunately, I recognized it as Brick.

  "I'm going on ahead."(Gale)

  "Are you sure that is a good idea?"(Ivan)

  My tone suggested this was not up for debate, but Ivan still tried to voice his concerns.

  "No, but would it matter if a friend is in danger?"(Gale)

  "I suppose not but be careful all the same."(Ivan)

  I then used my ability to reduce the wind resistance and ran ahead. When I got to the site, I saw a rge stone and sword heading toward the people we'd been searching for. I immediately used aerokinesis to stop the projectiles. I looked over at Brick and directed all my killing intent at him. I then looked towards Kim, only for the red fox to stand between us. They were covered in injuries but still intended to protect Kim. It put my mind at ease that Kim had someone like this to help her.

  "I'm a friend. My name is Gale."(Gale)

  The fox put down its guard and turned towards Brick, likely to stop him from hurting Kim. Brick looked frightened by my sudden appearance.

  "You can rest. Leave the rest to me."(Gale)

  After telling the fox that, it wrapped itself around Kim for an extra yer of protection. I turned to Brick, and my rage reignited.

  "So Brick, do you mind telling me what you are doing out of your cage, or better yet, who let you out."(Gale)

  "Why did you have to show up now?! It was just getting good!"(Brick)

  Brick shouted in irritation, but his idea of a good time only made me madder.

  "I see Lily's lessons didn't get through to you. Well, I guess it's my turn to discipline the rowdy dog."(Gale)

  "I am no dog, you pansy!"(Brick)

  Brick immediately started firing needles at me from a distance. I forced them off course with aerokinesis.

  "Child's py. When will you get serious, or are you too scared to fight me up close?"(Gale)

  "Do you think I'm an idiot?! Why would I give up my mobility advantage?"(Brick)

  "Yes, and it's not an advantage if you can't do anything with it."(Gale)

  Brick was not amused by this and fired at Kim, hoping to distract me so he could stab me from behind. But I effortlessly stopped the needles and used air pressure on Brick to force him to the ground.

  "Now, do you want to tell me who set you free?"(Gale)

  I leaned over to him and stomped my foot on his hand.

  "I don't know who it was! All I know is they told me I could track and hurt the freak through the link!"(Brick)

  I frowned disapprovingly as he insulted my friend by calling them a freak. I twisted my heel, causing him to shout in pain.

  "Then what can you tell me, because if there isn't anything you can tell me, then I have no use for you."(Gale)

  "Please, I'm sorry! Just don't kill me!"(Brick)

  I narrowed my eyes at his poor attempt at an apology, but before I could decide what to do to him, I heard a snarl from the red fox. I turned to see it emitting fire as it approached, its eyes locked on the pathetic state Brick was in. It was healed from its injuries and looked ready to fight if necessary.

  "Well, It looks like you have someone else to convince to spare you, and it's not looking that good."(Gale)

  "You can't expect a wild animal to understand human nguage!"(Brick)

  The fox immediately growled when it was called an animal, which proved it could understand people's intentions.

  "Brick, that wasn't very nice, but I think this has been decided. I can't keep this up forever. If you would."(Gale)

  The moment I said those words, Brick was set abze.

  "STOOP, PLEASE I'LL DO ANYTHING!"(Brick)

  He kept shouting until he died, and there was nothing but ash to show he was ever here. After it was done, the fox went back to Kim. Ivan had finally caught up.

  "Hey, Ivan."(Gale)

  I waved to Ivan before falling to my knees, which startled him. Ivan ran to my side before telling me off.

  "I told you to be careful! What would become of the base if something happened to you?"(Ivan)

  "Sorry, I lost my temper for a second there and pushed past my limits."(Gale)

  "You better be. Do you think your friend would be happy if you died trying to save them?! Because I wouldn't!"(Ivan)

  I did my best to stay awake for his rant because I did deserve it, and it's been a while since someone other than Lily chewed me out.

  "I'm sorry, but could you save it for ter. I can barely keep my eyes open."(Gale)

  "Fine, but do not think this will be forgotten."(Ivan)

  I leaned against a wall, closed my eyes, and passed out.

  [Kim POV]

  I awoke to the sounds of a car approaching. Remembering where I was, my eyes shot open. I look around to see Jill next to me in fox form, and I start to rex a little. I heard an unfamiliar voice call out to me in a dramatic tone.

  "It looks like the princess is finally awake."(Ivan)

  I turn to find a tall bald man in a green uniform standing next to an unconscious Gale.

  "I am no princess! Now what did you do to Gale!"(Kim)

  "Sorry, but Gale is fine. He just passed out after dispatching some vilin."(Ivan)

  "And you are?"(Kim)

  "Where are my manners? My name is Ivan."(Ivan)

  As I look closer at Ivan. I have a feeling I've seen him somewhere before.

  "Have we met somewhere before?"(Kim)

  "No, but I have seen that fox before."(Ivan)

  Oh, so that is how I know him. I've seen him through the connection when I was dreaming.

  "Her name is Jill. Not to get too off track, how did you guys find us?"(Kim)

  "Gale said the Doctor had a general location from a test subject."(Ivan)

  I knew who that test subject was. And she must've found it hard dealing with him.

  "I see it must have been hard on Lily. I should apologize to her when we get back."(Kim)

  As we're talking. The car doors finally open, and two people hop out. They started to walk over but stopped as soon as their eyes spotted Jill.

  "Um, sir. Is that thing safe?"(scout 1)

  "She is fine and coming with us."(Kim)

  I growled at them for calling Jill a thing.

  "I understand, but please forgive him for misspeaking. Miss..."(Ivan)

  "Kim, just Kim. And I will forgive them this time."(Kim)

  "Then Kim, let us wait for Gale and Jill to wake before continuing."(Ivan)

  "Fine. Did anyone bring a spare set of clothes?"(Kim)

  "I think Gale made sure to have some ready just in case you needed them"(Ivan)

  "That's good because Jill will need them after she wakes."(Kim)

  After leaving a dumbfounded Ivan, I walked over to Jill and rested my head on her back. It was so comfortable that I felt myself falling asleep.