Snippet #1963454

Marquel didn't particularly need Kato's help relocating London, but it was a welcome gesture. Ultimately he had managed to maneuver her body into that position alone so he could excavate her alone. He left London under Kato's care, almost reluctantly. He personally felt that he could have taken that tasking himself, he had been the one who had been with her before she hit her head so it could be more comforting if he had been there when she awoke. Additionally he had not caught the approach of the assailant, so in a way her condition was a result of his actions. He didn't bare any guilt thought, there was nothing he had done wrong to endanger her life. Yet Sam had invited him to ride shotgun and her reasoning was better. Artemis's request was brought to mind. The safety of the group had always been a effort from all of them, particularly Samantha. With Artemis gone however, the share of the burden on the members of their family increased. There was only so much Sam could shoulder, Marquel felt the rest fall to him. While he wasn't the oldest among them he felt that in a way he was the most capable. In a way his ruthlessness would give him the edge to protect compared to London or Kato. He never quite labelled it as 'ruthlessness' though.

He moved quickly to take the passenger seat once everything was secure. The flare of the warning seal was obvious to them all and he wasted no time. Keeping his eyes fixed on the direction the light had sourced from. They were on the run once again, half of Marquel itched to remain and end the mindless violence the hunters aimed to achieve. However, common sense prevailed. They had always run and none of the others shared his desire to fight. As long as the others had to option to move on and survive he would go with them. In a way killing the hunters would only ignite more hate and bring more pursuers. He responded to Sam's worried request as the station wagon returned towards the sealed road.
"A decent distance." He replied diplomatically, no inference of fear or emotion in his voice. "By the time they reach the building we all should be long gone."
He hoped to reassure Sam with that statement. Unless Artemis had remained in their hideout the man should be well prepared for the arrival of the humans. Of course his intention was to lead them away from Marquel and the others so perhaps he would show himself. The cold boy couldn't help but hope the older man wouldn't do so, for all their sakes. Five bullets in the weapon left behind and a series of doubtful magics at his command, Marquel felt that Artemis was under-prepared. Hale couldn't trust the abilities of magic that had more often then not failed the wizards of the world.

Luke's timid voice appeared from the back seat, providing seemingly accurate information. Yet Marquel disagreed with the boy's deduction. He didn't know what senses the newcomer was utilising but there was no evidence to his words. Over the roar of the car's engine Marquel himself couldn't discern the exact distance of the gunshots. Although he doubted that they would attempt to cordon off the area, it would mean they had known the group's position before hand. If that was the case Marquel would've noticed and more of Artemis's seals would have gone off. Marquel turned and sent a cold glance towards the boy, hoping to silence him. They didn't need conflicting messages, it would be better to rely on his own senses then the obscure information produced by a unreliable source. He didn't completely discard Luke's comments but neither allowed them to sway the Reverend's decision. Taking his eyes from the rough world passing outside Marquel checked the twelve rounds left in his handgun. That was enough, any further ammunition was in his bag but two shots didn't properly warrant a reload. After the reassurance of the weapon Marquel looked back, checking Kato's and Luke's condition. Already they were nearly on the sealed road and the pursuers were far enough behind. Yet the young man caught the look in Luke's eyes, the boy hadn't yet accustomed himself to hiding and suppressing his feelings as the others had done. It was only a matter of time, running and fighting for your survival would harden anyone. Those that gave in to their emotions in a time of stress were more often the ones who couldn't achieve what was needed. Yet Marquel wasn't ready to give up hope on Luke's fear yet, the boy was in the same boat as them.
”Luke, we're gone. The won't be able to catch us once where on the road.” He hoped his reassurance got through, there was still no stir of emotion in the Reverend's voice. He couldn't help but wonder how the hunters in each area found them again and again, it was almost suspiciously like they could detect any form of magic.