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[h1][color=palevioletred]Frenzied Waters[/color][/h1][/center]
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[center][h3]Castaway[/h3][/center]
	Raffaella had taken the plunge, confident that she and her erstwhile allies would be given a dignified entrance. Whether it was on the beach, or the deck of a ship, or some nearby outpost, they would most certainly not be cast away into the water like some common criminals.

	[color=palevioletred][i]Ah. The boat must have moved,[/i][/color] she thought, as she hit the water. Cannon fire became more and more muffled, her tiny body offering little resistance as she sank like a rock. The cold was a shock, and by the time she was able to control her movements in the water well, she had already hit bottom. There was precious little to draw energy from down here, except the tide and some curious and hungry crustaceans. Unconcerned at first, she bounded up toward the surface, but as the need to breathe became more dire, she realized that the math wasn't working out in her favor. She was going to drown, unless...

[hider=The Queen Arrives][color=fuchsia][i]Greetings. The humans call me Kıskaç. I am what you call a torpedo thresher. Though I am young and adopted, I am quite proud of my pearlescent color. I was born the very picture of elegance among my siblings.

	This hu... no, this [b]bizarre creature[/b] is my master. The girl is called the lady of the house, but from my careful observations, she seems more a servant than a noble lady—and she is, how do you say...[/i][/color]

	[color=palevioletred][i]blurble...[/i][/color]

	[color=fuchsia][i]...a touch less than elegant. Still, it behooves me to care for her. She makes such succu—ahem. I sense that she has great potential, indeed. If she is not the elegant noble lady of the house, I shall endeavor to make it so.

	That ship over there seems the most elegant of the four. I shall help her reach it. Make a grand entrance, my human.[/i][/color][/hider]
	Raffaella's heroic torpedo thresher dived to her aid, and pushed her the rest of the way to the surface, toward the Virangish flagship. She coughed and struggled as she recovered her senses, and she launched herself out of the water and landed on the deck. It would be a moment before she could speak properly, a moment in which the captain and crew would not know if she was a stowaway, an intruder, or what. A storm of questions was surely headed her way, but as soon as she could speak, she would shout the only thing she could think of to get them to stop firing at the students. [color=palevioletred]"Ren Baykara is in the water! We came from Ersand'Enise!"[/color] she rattled off in quick Virangish. She may not look like one, but she could speak like one of their own countrymen.

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[h1][color=slateblue]The Six-Tailed Fox[/color][/h1][/center]
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[center][h3]The Doridax Family's Plight[/h3][/center]

	Abdel peered into the contents of the boxes, relatively unfazed by the grizzly display. Still, he put up a look of concern to not appear too callous in what he saw as a trying moment for the family's patriarch. The tethered beastmaster rubbed his chin. [color=9e0039]“I'm sorry this is blighted situation has befallen your family, Mister Doridax.”[/color] he looked into the man's eyes with sincerity. [color=9e0039]“I have no doubt we'll be able to track these people. In fact,”[/color] he hovered his hand over the box that held the finger. [color=9e0039]“for what they've done, I think letting them stay ahead of us wouldn't be prudent and a signal for them that you can be bullied at any time.”[/color] he shot an expectant look at the father as the hovering hand approached the finger. 

	[color=9e0039]“You must know about Skuggvars from where you're from, Mr. Doridax. Then you would understand why I'd need this finger.”[/color] only with the authorization for the fatherly Yasoi would he seize the severed part, of course. [color=9e0039]“We should be able to track down the owner. With some luck, it's actually a decoy and thus a lead for us to get a jump on the kidnappers.”[/color]

	Oksana examined the details of the case. Such complicated affairs were not her strong suit; she was a simple girl who spent most of her time in the wilderness. If a huntress wanted to catch an animal, then the first task was to find its location, and the second task was to lure it out. In retrospect, this case was far easier to resolve because they knew where the 'animal' was; they just needed bait for the trap.

	[colour=dcf3ff]"We don't know them, but we have the location, and we have what they want."[/colour] She indicated towards the letter, pointing out the writing [u]warehouse on Owl Street[/u] and the demand for [u]five thousand Magus[/u]. [colour=dcf3ff]"We bait the trap, they come out. We capture them for lord. Job done."[/colour] She spoke positively and authoritatively on the matter as she looked at the others.

	Ashon listened to the ideas presented, raising his own finger, though not too close to Abdel. [colour=FF3131]"Yes, yes, there are some great ideas here. A touch of refinement needed, but they will definitely work to bring home your wayward son."[/colour] He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. [colour=FF3131]"There's a good chance that Jaxan wouldn't be there at the meet, and our little springing of their trap could backfire on its own."[/colour] He flicked Oksana's nose playfully. [colour=FF3131]"What we need is what's called a multi-faceted approach in yanii speak, or in less fancy words, a plan with a couple of moves going on at once."[/colour]

	He gestured toward Abdel with an enclosed hand. [colour=FF3131]"One group tracks down Jaxan specifically, rescuing him from the foes."[/colour] He held up another hand. [colour=FF3131]"Another acts as the distraction; we'll need to create a very juicy target to draw away support."[/colour] He opened his hand to reveal a benny. [colour=FF3131]"With attention focused elsewhere, you can grab him safely, then we apprehend those involved."[/colour] He flicked the coin up and caught it.

	[colour=FF3131]"As for the distraction, it's best if you don't attend yourself. So we'll need to borrow some clothes for myself and my friend here."[/colour] He put his arm around Seviin, pulling her close. [colour=FF3131]"We'll dress up enough to resemble yourselves so they think we're the bigger mark."[/colour] He grinned widely at Seviin.[colour=FF3131] "What do you say? Will you be my wife for the evening?"[/colour]

	Seviin was not sure if she should've been here. She knew nobody, aside from Ashon in the most cursory manner, and felt like an outsider. Still, there was a need and she was a healer and protector. If she would not sully the name of Lady Oirase by employing her talents on behalf of the Grey Fleet, then neither could she sit idle while her people suffered outside the gates of Ersand'Enise. The 'pass' she'd been given a couple days ago - the one that she'd been told to wear at all times - was a reminder of the challenges they faced and she burned with resentment over the entire affair. Still, it was not enough to drive her back into the arms of her Tarlonese brethren. She'd made her break and there was no going back.

	Mostly, out of sorts as she was, the young priestess listened in lieu of speaking. There seemed very many speakers and few listeners here. She listened and observed. Abdel was one of those proactive principled secretly-angry sorts. Lunara was a soft, weak noble girl who let others lead her. Oksana knew killing, though Seviin could scarcely understand her. 

	Then, Ashon spoke and Seviin's face lost much of its paleness for a moment. [color=F0FFF0]"I... I shall endeavour to serve... well,"[/color] she stammered, trying to fight back the aggressive blush. [color=F0FFF0]"I should speak little, however. I sound ever so much like a Tarlonese."[/color] When Niallus opened his mouth she took [i]some[/i] solace. [color=F0FFF0][i]Jaxon.[/i][/color] He was perhaps even more hopeless than [i]her[/i]. beyond that, she got little sense of him. He was kind, perhaps, especially to ladies, set on his own ideas. Dorothea was the mocking type, but with a bit of grace and subtlety. Seviin found herself torn. She often harboured similar impulses, though she never entertained them.

	There were, as far as she could discern, four different plans being floated about and nine people to carry them out. [color=F0FFF0][i]Track the finger with the skuggvars, bring the money and ambush the kidnappers, create a decoy target - including myself, and nab Jaxan.[/i][/color] It was a lot to juggle and they had no idea of their enemy's strength. Seviin did not like killing; she abhorred it, in fact, but she [i]knew[/i] it almost like Oksana did, so immersed had she been in the brutal world of Tarlonese expansion. You did your recon. Leaping in without doing any was a recipe for disaster. Dory was right. 

	She was about to separate herself from Ashon and say as much when Johann, another listener, spoke up. [color=goldenrod]"I might be called overcautious,"[/color] he admitted, [color=goldenrod]"but I can't help help but wonder if my lady is right."[/color] He gestured in the Feskan girl's direction. [color=goldenrod]"We know [i]nothing[/i] about our quarry except that they have put forward a ransom note for Baron Doridax's son and seen fit to include a finger that may be his as evidence of their seriousness. I am very much for a multifaceted approach and I see no reason not to employ the... talents of those skuggvars, but surely we must learn [i]something[/i] before just charging in."[/color]

	[color=F0FFF0]"We also should not split into groups of less than three people,"[/color] Seviin suggested, finally finding her voice again, [color=F0FFF0]"except, perhaps, in the case of myself and Ashon somewhat later."[/color]

	Oksana rubbed her nose as the Yasoi flicked the tip of it, earning him a disapproving glare from her. As he and the others spoke, she tilted her head, trying to follow along with the conversation. A part of her wondered if they were just making up words at this point. From what she gathered, they thought her plan was a good one, and that worked for her.

	Peeling an apple with her sword, she noticed Seviin looking over at her a couple of times. [i]Perhaps she's hungry,[/i] Oksana thought. She cut the fruit in half and offered a portion to the girl with a big smile on her face. [colour=dcf3ff]"It's sweet,"[/colour] she said, then proceeded to cut the remaining half into quarters, taking a bite of one of them herself. Secretly, she slipped another piece under her cloak, feeding some kind of animal tucked in there.

	The discussion seemed to shift towards dividing people into groups for further talks. In hindsight, she should have considered a task involving hunting and tracking animals, or something related to the wilderness where her skill set would be more relevant. But beggars can't be choosers, and she was certainly begging when it came to income right now.

	Lunara on seeing the Yasoi's severed finger, started to feel quinsy. She instinctively put her left hand over her mouth and she also started to feel unsteady, as she had never seen a severed limb before. On noticing that Niallus was next to her she grabbed his are with her right hand to steady herself. [colour=#05DDFB]"Sorry Niallus, I suddenly felt ill on seeing the finger, never seen that before."[/colour] Lunara's Goma cat Miray on seeing that Lunara wasn't feeling well started to rub her face on her leg and stand on her hind legs to get her attention. Lunara on noticing this crouched down and petted her. [colour=#05DDFB]"It's ok Miray, I'm fine."[/colour]

	Lunara after pulling herself around, stood and attentively listened to the conversations. To make sure she heard every idea, and information. She wanted to make sure she knew exactly what had happened and what was going to happen.

	Feeling something grip on his sleeve, From his first glance, he originally thought it was Mahal. But seeing the Goma Cat by her side turns out it was the other one, Lunara. Hearing her apologise for gripping him to help keep her steady. [color=3d5a88]"No, no it's alright."[/color] listening  to the ideas that was mentioned by the his fellow biros. When Jamboi mentioned about the diversion. Niallus agreed. [color=3d5a88]"A Diversion would be good."[/color] cupping his chin, pondering on what more input could be added to help.

	[color=3d5a88]"If we have a small group looking for Jaxon while the the others cause a distraction. I can take part im looking Like Jamboi said, Most of their priorities will be on this meeting, more likely be one high goons and a few lackys at best."[/color] Thinking  more about it, his gaze turned to Daxon. [color=3d5a88]"Would you be able to provide a description of your son? Or Hair colour, length, height that sort of thing. Or even how he talks. It can help the group who are searching for him have an easier time."[/color]

	[color=86608E]"A finger, huh? Now that's a classic."[/color] Dory looked with a wide smirk on her expression. Her look turned to the girl that fell ill from just a finger.  [color=86608E]"There were corpses and mangled bodies all around Ersand'Enise when some students attacked for their little 'revolution'. A little finger can't be too much to look at, right?"[/color]

	The girl just leaned around.  [color=86608E]"These plans could work if the kidnappers don't account for it, I guess. But than again we don't even know how strong they are given a fight could break out."[/color]

	But among the many who spoke, there was one who listened, and listened intently: the one who simply introduced herself with the yasoi word for "fox." Her skeletal smile was at times impossibly friendly and, only when appropriate, menacing.

	[color=orangered]"It is hard for the young to understand the love of a parent, but, as someone who was kidnapped and rescued once, I know your feelings well."[/color] She narrowed her eyes at the flippant attitudes of some of her allies. Then, her gloved hands reached for the ransom money, as she produced a bag of rice from her own cloak and mixed the two together. Anticipating the strange looks from her wealthy patrons and classmates, she explained. [color=orangered]"When carrying large sums of money through a seedy place like Mudville, one should take care that her purse does not jingle with the telltale sound of gold."[/color] Ensuring a top layer of rice, and tying the mundane-looking sack tightly, she jostled it a few times, satisfied with her handiwork.

	[color=orangered]"I can vouch for the talents of Abdel and his skuggvars. But regardless of what other plans we decide to set into motion, to give us the best chance of returning the boy unharmed, someone must take the money to the location and negotiate if necessary. Surely no one objects to letting me perform this role?"[/color] She looked around at each of them reassuringly. [color=orangered]"If I were accompanied, even by a distance, by the pair of you, disguised as the parents, this might go smoothly,"[/color] she said as she regarded Ashon's contribution.

	Seviin blinked at Oksana's offer. She swallowed and accepted the slice of apple. [color=F0FFF0]"I thank you for your generosity, suunei."[/color] If there was more to notice, she did not comment upon it. Then, the Rettanese girl spoke and she nodded. [color=F0FFF0]"I agree that we should try, but it is best if we go as [i]agents[/i] of their Lord and Ladyships, however. I am not a skilled enough illusionist to pass myself off as Jaxan's Lady mother."[/color] She twisted to regard Ashon briefly. [color=F0FFF0]"And I may be mistaken, but I don't believe he is either."[/color] She winked. Xiuyang gave Ashon an exasperated side-eye, as if to suggest that this was his problem to solve.

	Ashon smirked widely, and shook his head at the pair of them. [colour=FF3131]“We [b]don’t[/b] have to look like her. We simply have to look like we could [b]be[/b] her,"[/colour] as he placed emphasis on the points [colour=FF3131]“After all, this beautiful and regal lady has never stepped foot in the slums known as Mudsville.”[/colour]

	He clasped his hands together, [colour=FF3131]“Now, we have a plan idea, let’s go and gather some information so we can put it into practice.”[/colour]

	The masked Rettanese pinched his sleeve as if expecting him to run off. [color=orangered]"True, they could be idiots who wouldn't know one well-dressed yasoi from another. But we shouldn't just assume that. I don't think they could have kidnapped Jaxan without a plan. This was probably a targeted abduction, which means they might know who they're dealing with. And yet they did what they did. Which is why Seviin is right. Smaller groups are a bad idea."[/color]

	Seviin narrowed her eyes for a moment. Then, she shrugged.  [color=F0FFF0]"I suppose we should try to look distinguished, then."[/color] The mysterious Rettanese spoke in a way that was quite familiar with Ashon and this only added a layer to the mystery.  [color=F0FFF0]"All three of us together, then. Ideally, as Belleville is not geographically large, we should each try to keep within sensing range of at least one other group."[/color] 

	Having separated themselves from the wealthy family for this brief discussion, Seviin pivoted on her heel and made to return. [color=F0FFF0]"Perhaps we might borrow some clothing?"[/color]

	[color=orangered]"Then, as the kids say, I shall 'case the joint' while you two prepare,"[/color] she replied to Seviin. [color=orangered]"You know, you may not need to worry so much about getting your physical appearance exactly right. Dress well, maintain good posture, walk with dignity, age yourselves up with some makeup-wrinkles if you can. Throw on a cloak and cover as much as possible; any sensible person would do that in this situation. I can change the color of your hair, at least, if need be. And if we're found out, so be it. Our enemies shouldn't be shocked to be confronted with body doubles at the end of the day."[/color]

	Johann, meanwhile, simply played an easygoing part. [color=goldenrod]"I admit to being in quite over my head,"[/color] he remarked. [color=goldenrod]"Like my Feskan neighbour here -"[/color] He gestured at Dory [color=goldenrod]"I am merely looking to set things right immediately outside our city's gates and help some people in need."[/color] He paused and furrowed his brow. [color=goldenrod]"Perhaps, given the... regrettable recent history between our people and the yasoi, I should focus on the human side of matters and, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of matters, I might act as muscle if needed."[/color] He seemed less than enthusiastic about the last part of his proposal but, perhaps , accepting of its necessity. [color=goldenrod]"Now, I [i]do[/i] think time is somewhat of the essence. We should get moving if we are to recover Master Jaxan in a reasonable state."[/color]

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	With that, the Fox took her leave and, expecting to go alone, was surprised to find Dory following her outside. [color=orangered]"Is this really a task for a lady of noble bearing such as yourself? The types we are dealing with may decide that a woman of your beauty would fetch a high price. Not to be crass, but I'd prefer to be thought of as rude rather than incompetent. Can you handle yourself if things go south?"[/color] She didn't look at Dory while she spoke; her head was always on a swivel. [color=orangered]"Their delivery point is a warehouse. Relatively isolated and, if bystanders happened to hear loud noises, it would likely be overlooked. Not that many in that part of Mudville would likely investigate a potential danger in any case."[/color]

	A surprised look appeared on Dory’s expression, only to be followed by a chuckle. [color=86608E]”I feel blessed that you worry about me that much, but please be more worried about your own safety than my own.”[/color] She decided to take the words of the other as a compliment. [color=86608E]”If things go south, as they say. I will make sure it will be them that will have things go south, you can count on that.”[/color] A warm smile was the look she accompanied those words by.

	She elected to lead the duo of Ashon and Seviin as the "obvious bodyguard" while Dory and Lunara followed at a discreet distance, effectively to tail anyone who was tailing them. Usually, she would have her own hired help for this, but there was only time to prepare enough tricks to be confident—not certain. Both her eyes and her mind wandered as she considered the next steps, but "being followed" was almost a distinct sense to Xiuyang. She knew the feeling of being stalked uncomfortably well, especially after her recent experiences: the subtle change in brain chemistry and the ever-so-slight increase in pace that could be felt nearby whenever she and her escorts would turn a sudden corner. With each corner, she eliminated suspects, and eventually, she was down to four. She was no Tethered, but if she kept them just barely in range, and with enough trials and errors—

	She saw herself, ten seconds ahead, and saw Ashon lean in to whisper something she couldn't hear. That was enough for her. She started drawing, and not a moment too soon for the Devourer, for the enemy was upon them. Seviin was on the ground, and Xiuyang deleted an arcane lance with perhaps a bit more force than was necessary. She saw herself try and fail to recover the box, caught in a struggle of kinetic magic that she couldn't win, and instead opted to just use binding to cause the earth to swallow it up as it landed with a distinctly un-money-like "clunk."

	As the attackers lunged forward, Ashon smoothly stepped back, his tailored suit rippling with his movements. With a flick of his wrist, he launched a small purse of coins at the nearest assailant, the bag bursting open upon impact, showering the thief with a cascade of copper.

	He spun around gracefully, the large money bag held firmly in his hand like a seasoned duellist wielding a rapier. Ka-ching! The sound of the clunk of coins made as the bag connected with the head of another thug, sending him stumbling backward. The sound of clinking coins filled the air as the bag swung through the melee, each strike precise as he bludgeoned their foe.

	Ashon straightened his jacket with a flourish, as he surveyed the surrounding chaos with a critical eye. [colour=FF3131]"Manners maketh a Moila,"[/colour] he declared loudly, the condescending smirk played on his lips as his voice carried above the commotion. With a swift movement, he used the bag to uppercut one of the thugs before bringing it down on the back of his head. [colour=FF3131]"Stay down, [i]Tem’broa[/i],"[/colour] he chided, his tone dripping with disdain. He kicked the thug as he rolled into a puddle, using him as a makeshift bridge to keep his feet dry as he approached his dear wife.

	Turning to Seviin with an elegant bow, Ashon extended his hand to hers, his eyes sparkled as he drew her close. [colour=FF3131]"Please, don't cry, my [i]Eluulan[/i],"[/colour] he murmured, pressing a delicate kiss to her fingertips.

	Ashon threw money at them—actually, he threw it everywhere, and in no time at all, the box was buried not just in dirt, but beneath the feet of a scurrying crowd, eagerly scooping up whatever they could. There was no time to be impressed with their accidental teamwork, however. It was time for the finisher. [color=orangered]"Eshiran condemn you, defilers!"[/color] she shouted, her words thick with disdain and a not-so-subtle implication that the fancy-looking box the thieves had just tried to steal contained the ashes or remains of the deceased. [color=orangered]"Shall I kill them, milady?"[/color] she asked Seviin as Ashon helped her to her feet. Of course, she already knew her answer would be "no," and this was the point: to paint a halo on her allies, and devil horns on the four criminals, before they could try to do the reverse. The general public held little love for the wealthy, after all.

	Seviin had drawn a bonecrush away before it could cause anything more than discomfort and dropped a wall in front of the second brigand coming at her, but it did not prove necessary. Bags of money flew out, the masked woman who she did not know dropped the chest into a hole, and she could sense Dory and Lunara catching up from behind, hopefully under the cover of wanting to dive for the cash. Indeed, Ashon was having too much fun throwing his money around, quite literally, and the pause following the masked woman's question was about to tip over into awkward.

	Seviin was not supposed to have spoken, but she couldn't just... She cleared her throat and focused on sounding like a Consoi. [color=F0FFF0]"No."[/color] she pleaded beatifically, [color=F0FFF0]"Please just secure -"[/color] It couldn't be a 'family member'. She remembered very well from her schooling that consoi did not cremate their dead, so she adjusted on the fly. [color=F0FFF0]"Mister Zahrawi's ashes. He was very dear to us."[/color] 

	It was more words than she'd have liked. She hadn't rolled her 'r' quite well enough. She'd made sure to use a name from a population who were buried with money. Hopefully nobody would notice the first in the scramble and all would notice the second. Most were still diving for pocket change, at least. It was a little bit pathetic how caught up in worldly things they were, to be honest. Seviin needed only her faith. 

	The robbers had switched targets, of course, going after Ashon, and Lunara and Dory were reaching the thick of things presently. It occurred to her that these were likely not the Colas. They'd have known there was a ransom and they'd have recognized that the bags of bennies and owls were not it. [color=F0FFF0]"Please let him rest!"[/color] Seviin wailed, and a couple of people drew back from the area of the semi-buried chest. Might someone else add to the ruse? Her accent had slipped there and she knew she was treading too far on a narrow branch. They merely needed to extract themselves from a situation that was nothing more than unneeded peril and a waste of their collective time.

	[color=slateblue][i]Fuck I'm so stupid that should not have worked holy shit,[/i][/color] Xiuyang managed to hurl at herself quickly. She was on a tight schedule, after all. [color=orangered]"S-Say no more, milady,"[/color] she stammered back quietly, the statement of double meaning delivered with a look of panic and apology in equal measure.

	Managing to somehow not break character [i]too[/i] much, she turned her attention back to the crowd in front of them. [color=orangered]"Oi, oi. Make way already,"[/color] she said as she kinetically scattered the coins away from the small mound in the center of the street, then stuck her staff in the dirt as if she were staking a claim. [color=orangered]"You there. Take this money and leave, and I'll only have to bury one person today. Understood? [i]Capito? Habla Torragonese?"[/i][/color] She gestured somewhat flippantly, as if they posed no threat to her whatsoever.

	Dory was close enough to intervene if need be. She had enough on her for any scenario she might be in, her rifle, [i]her[/i] sword and a certain book. The Feskan did not expect for things to get this lively so soon, but the closer she got to the conflict the bigger the grin on her face became.

	She stumbled upon her oh so favorite yasoi boy and one of the troublemakers. As soon as she got a good inspection on the situation, a small disturbance within reality would appear over the girl’s torso and soon the butt of a rifle would poke out of it. With one quick pull the rifle revealed its beauty. The rifle was black instead of the normal wood brown that most magusjaegers were used to. The etchings were deep crimson and almost seemed to glow with a flicker pattern similar to fire.

	She could so easily switch targets to take revenge on that smug asshole blaming the death of her beloved on her. . . But she won’t, not this time. Her breathing was steady, her eyes sharpened and within what felt like a second after she pulled the rifle, her arm straightened and took the shot. Hitting the robber’s neck, although missing the spine. [color=86608E]”Oh, dear. . . I was aiming for the shoulder.”[/color] She looked shocked at the shot she took, and it seemed she wasn’t as good of a shot as she thought she was. The robber was alive, but for how long would they be able to hold onto life?

	[colour=FF3131]"Man servant,"[/colour] Ashon called out as he addressed Xiuyang with a regal air, [colour=FF3131]"Once you have dealt with these ruffians, please ensure the ashes are secure. If you make my dearest raise her voice again, I'll dock your pay."[/colour] He clicked his fingers imperiously, the sound cracked in the air. [colour=FF3131]"You may leave the coin; I will find a new levy to enact."[/colour]

	[color=slateblue][i]Having a little too much fun committing to the bit, there. "Man-servant..."[/i][/color] Xiuyang thought irritably. Well, she certainly [i]was[/i] in the process of "dealing with" the ruffians, but seeing as one of her allies had deemed it fit to nearly behead one of them with a bullet, she began drawing to enhance her threat... and prepare for an unnecessarily drawn-out battle that was likely about to happen.