Eli ignored the spirit robot, glaring at the spirit cat of Helen's. "Damn thing." He muttered under his breath, ignoring Shreckt's snicker. He turned back to the bar and got another shot glass, sliding over more money to pay for the shot glass and any other damage he may have caused to the bartender. The man took it with a sense of resigned familiarity, as if this wasn't the first time Eli had gotten in a fight in his bar, and he doubted it would be the last. He gestured to Shreckt, giving her free reign to pursue her conversation with the Kusagi. Sensing her opportunity the spirit took two steps towards the Red Hawks before she stopped as Eli and all the rest turned to see two twins walk in, give money to the bartender, and hide behind the bar. Eli could easily see them, and there was an actual, genuine smile on his face, even if it was a concerned one. [i]Trouble. Stay where you are for now Shreckt.[/i] He ordered mentally. The spirit muttered something in Kusagi under her breath, which turned into a loud groan as Eli's prediction turned out right. If those thugs weren't the trouble he expected, he didn't know what to expect. Still, he refrained from making any aggressive movements. Taunting a Serpentine into a fight was one thing. Taunting what could be innocent men was another matter entirely. Even if he was a rude man, Eli still had scruples. These men could simply be workers wanting to refresh themselves in the bar. 

Looking at them, Eli somehow doubted it. But still, there was a chance they could be unrelated to the children. That notion was quickly shot down as one of them asked Helen about the whereabouts of the children. Eli's smile became much grimmer and if one of the children were to catch his eye, he'd wink at them. As he listened to Helen's answer he raised an eyebrow. Why would she not just say no in the first place? He saw a spirit materialize next to the children and speak softly to them. "Ah, you were always clever Hellcat." He said softly, primarily to himself. [i]Shreckt, get ready for violence. [color=9e0b0f]I'm always ready.[/color][/i]. Eli chuckled at her reply, before pulling out his steam rifle and setting on the bar counter. At first it looked like he was merely checking his gear and maintaining it. Then the ominous sound of a bullet sliding into the chamber came from it, and Eli pointedly looked at the bartender and gestured with his head towards the thugs. The question was clear. [i]Can I shoot these ones?[/i]