One of the imps shook its head as it moved away from Gaia, but it was unclear if that was because it didn't understand them, or didn't want to talk to them. Their trembling limbs and injured bodies left no doubt. These imps had been mistreated badly.
"I'm getting to the bottom of this," Ethan grumbled. "Someone dumped this cage in a dusty attic, that was not an accident. I don't care if they are pests and nuisances, they didn't deserve this!"

He marched to the door, ready to take whatever agent had been responsible for this and knock some sense into them. He had no issues with killing monsters, but killing to protect humans and sadism were two very different things.

[hr]

Benjamin looked at the three men in hoodies, taking place in front of Steph. He noticed the silver glimmer when one lifted the head, and the pale skin.
"She doesn't belong to anyone," he stated, walking backwards as they came forward, using his hand to guide Steph in the same direction. "Least of all to you." 
He realized he had no weapons with him and he lacked any decent fighting skill. And to be fair, Steph was probably stronger than him. But he couldn't do nothing and let Steph deal with it herself. All they had to do was get back to the bar, back-up was there.
"Can you contact Harriet and tell her we could use a bit of help out here?" he whispered to Steph. "Unless you think you can take them on yourself."

He would defend her for as long as he could. Probably a minute or so. Ethan would definitely yell at him...