The wait was shortened with the approach of two otherworldly individuals deciding to approach him, male and female of gender. Alem remained neutral in stance; he did not tense, he did not relax, it was simply standing and awaiting for the inevitable address. The woman drew forward and looked him in the eye, placing her own hand on Aseela’s head. His companion tensed at the touch, uncertain of how to react to someone it did not know and was not comfortable with. She had a negligible height advantage on him, as did her companion, but her height was not the feature that drew eyes on her. His eyes traced her figure, noting its fullness and care, both of which were only bestowed to those with a strong position to live in. Her friend too did not appear to be struggling to survive, but as it was the woman that drew close first, it was the woman he was examining most. At first there was very little he felt bothered to say to her, but the situation was only going to become more and more problematic if he did not. These two were outsiders to this world and more than likely affiliated with the Empire that staked claim here unjustly. There was no reason to be in this part of Agrabah, you were only here to avoid trouble, cause it, or to discover something. Alem was beginning to piece things together quickly. Asahina was not a common phenomenon and suddenly two strangers were within the slums, neither of which likely to sympathize with the situation here. There would be no trust.

[b]“This is my home, and these are my people. That question is better directed to you. You dress fine and clearly enjoy a meal at least twice a day judging by the fullness of your form. What is someone like you doing here in my home?”[/b] Alem addressed all of Agrabah as his home, not just a ‘slum’ as this woman referred it. Salima had quietly returned carrying a folded robe and cloak, hood completed. It was a little large, but it would fit Asahina well, that he was certain. Alem quietly nodded in thanks to Salima, and taking the hint she had went back inside. Alem returned focus to both strangers, lightly patting Aseela on the neck and waiting. He knew what they must have been after here, and he did not trust that woman’s smile. Those eyes were devoid of compassion and humility. This woman thought highly of herself, and if you thought highly of yourself you had no business wandering around here. Asahina must have been the only reason they would even step foot in this place.

Alem would let this woman play her game, for now.

~-~

[b]“That’s all you have to say?”[/b] Rika said, disbelief in how casual he was treating this entire situation. His rest didn’t even matter compared to the people that he was meant to lead, and it angered her knowing how lightly he was taking her input on everything. With a heavy increase in sound approaching the two, Ace had ran to hide behind a large pot while Rika herself remained staying put. She was in no mood to be trifled with, evident by the tense glare she was casting forward as if daring someone to say something. The soldiers passed by, but she felt eyes on her. No doubt tempted by her physique and attractiveness, the glare in her eyes told them not to bother, and to continue doing whatever the hell they intended to do. Once Ace had stopped being cowardly and reappeared, he seemed to think that they were necessarily after them. They had no description of Rika, so there was no way in hell they were after her, but assuming Ace was as shit an operative as he was a leader then maybe it was for the best he hid. 

Worthless.

Scowling and ignoring his concern for the others, she followed him to the bar and looked it over. Customers, few, were scattered around it. The barkeeper had taken notice of the two, mostly Ace, and nodded towards a far-off door. This place was a cover for the rebels apparently. She removed her jacket and rolled her shoulders, folding it up and setting it down on a seat next to Ace. The apple she had left was secured in her mouth during this, and taking a hold of it just as Ace mentioned a drink Rika bit down hard. [b]“Shut the hell up, Ace.”[/b] She managed to say, chewing and keeping to herself while she waited for the others. 

~-~

That man introduced himself as Gavin, but still appeared very weak. Managing to speak even now was definitely a show of strength, and so Lin hoped that Shizuka could lead quickly. Taking an apple in her hand she had chewed and swallowed audibly, unable to remember her last meal. Shizuka mentioned the girl in the pod, but Lin couldn’t comment on what she saw, having not been present. Should someone need help she’d be more than willing to be there for them, but Gavin here was much more injured and needed to be looked at. The girl in the pod would need to wait for now, Shizuka would know that too. Content with finishing her apple and trying to restore some energy, they arrived to the tavern just as she had finished it. Ace and Rika were here first, but while ace appeared normal, Rika didn’t appear enthused. Lin approached her, but Rika shook her head and nodded towards the doorway. Not now, Lin understood clearly enough. Whatever happened in the last several minutes had bugged her, and Ace wasn’t doing his best to help. 

Frowning, Lin would leave Rika another apple next to a core and follow after the others down the passage. A stranger was here, but only seemed to really take notice of Shizuka and Ace, rather than Gavin or Lin herself. Someone was injured, but Ace didn’t seem to put much emphasis on the need to help Gavin, and sadly Shizuka didn’t do so either. Didn’t they care? 

[b]“We need medical supplies. Gavin is in pain and he’s barely hanging on, can you help us?”[/b] Lin piped up for the first time since Shizuka had spoken before. Though she wanted to keep her emotions in check, the concerns of a possible new friend outweighed this reuniting of old friends. Ace and Shizuka were people Lin loved dearly, but once again her doubts about how much they cared to listen to her, or look to the needs of others, were shining through. Didn’t Gavin’s pain mean anything to them?