[center][h1][color=#7B8996]✾[/color] [color=#8D808E]S[/color][color=#977C8A]t[/color][color=#A07886]e[/color][color=#AA7483]e[/color][color=#B3707F]l[/color] [color=#C66777]R[/color][color=#CF6373]o[/color][color=#D95F70]s[/color][color=#E25B6C]e[/color] [color=#F55364]✾[/color][/h1][/center] With a strained chuckle, Rose rolled her eyes at Fluke's comments. At least he was in good spirits, and maybe this was his idea of lightening the mood - even if it might not be everyone else's. [color=ff4f61]"Don't ya worry, we're heading round the other way,"[/color] she reassured him. She hoped Listener was going along with that plan, anyway. [color=ff4f61]"We're just close by enough that we can reach each other quickly if we have to..."[/color] At Fluke's next words, and the trace of tension in Cedar's response, Rose's grin vanished. It sounded like they did indeed have to. Without hesitation, she rushed towards the alleyway. [color=ff4f61]"Scratch that, Fluke, change of plan,"[/color] she announced. [color=ff4f61]"It's ok Cedar, backup's on its way!"[/color] Ignoring the smell, she hurried down the alleyway as fast as the narrow space would allow. It wasn't long until the grey-cloaked figure came into view, his new halberd pointed at a moving shadow. Right away, Rose drew Thorn. [color=ff4f61]"Heads up!"[/color] Remembering Archer's warning about bright lights, she narrowed her eyes and pressed the trigger. An energy bullet illuminated the space like lightning as it shot past the Nox, denting the wall instead. [color=ff4f61]"Oops..."[/color] She gave a hidden grimace. If nothing else, hopefully she'd distracted the Nox.