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I’ll kill him…

Angry would be a severe understatement for the word that would describe the look on Cat’s face as Michael spoke his words, the purple in her eyes was clouded over with a sense of hatred. If one were to take a glance into her eyes at the moment, the dark shadows that mingled with the deep purple would bring anyone to their knees. However, at the moment, all she could see were the strange dolls that danced around Michael’s feet, and one touch, simple one pull at the chain that stretched from him toward the ground, he would be able to truly see these phantom dolls morphed from his fear itself. No, angry was not nearly a word enough to describe her state, the curling of her fingers, nor the look in her eyes as she glanced at the rose he held in her direction. ”A beautiful rose for a beautiful and elegant lady.” Ha. Ha. It was as if the hint of death lingered in the air, and it was evident on the smile on Cat’s face as she stepped forth and reached over, her fingers lingering on his hand for a slight second. It was all she needed to begin the downward spiral toward insanity for him, simply a touch, and she would make him bow to her. ”Watch yourself Michael.” The firm hand on her shoulder made her grind her teeth. She knew exactly whose hand that belonged to, and the outburst of power that was ready to seep through her fingertips was forced back, simply so that it wouldn’t seep toward the man who now stood behind her. The rose was flung down, and then grinded under her feet into the rocky ground. She could hear Liam’s words flowing out in a fluid motion. He has always been a great speaker. However, even so, the look in her eyes as she turned to give him a glance promised murder. ”Call me mad, call me a fool, call me what you will, but I have said my piece. I suggest that our primary course of action is to stop flinging around insults and accusations long enough to figure out just what can be done to facilitate such a union.” A faint smirk flashed across her face as Cat shook her head, and a faint mumble of ”Fool” was heard. He was the only one that dared to stop her from placing the man in front of her into a mental asylum, but then again, he was the only one capable. ”Peace, please? Michael does not mean harm…” The faint voice was heard along with the touch on her hand, her eyes turning dangerously to her second-in-command, who she has yet to accept as her second-in-command. ”He’s not capable of harm.” Not to her. Fear held power, one not to be reckoned with, and as the leader of Wonderland, she was not ready to back down from such a confrontation.

”First of all, thank you, Liam, for the wonderful speech. I must commend you, Katerina, for recruiting such a strong spokesperson and member within your gang.” She was furious, but at least she was reasonable. Her gaze held no menace at the second-in-command of Sonic Boom, the tension in her shoulders loosening slightly. ”I have stepped out of my boundaries as a second-in-command. I apologize, Katerina, Ryota, Alexandria, Nemiel, however, as one of the creators of such a gathering between the four Error Gangs within Minimum, I felt as if I should see what I created to rise into fruition, rather than rot before it even does anything.” Her eyes flickered curiously toward the tiger-like figure at his side, but it disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. However, her laughter followed his words, a laughter that was tinged with amusement and bitterness. The sound of her laughter broke the silence that followed, and the faint swoosh of her dress against the ground signaled her turn, shaking her head in a hint of amusement as she turned away from the groups in the center, her steps carrying her back to where she originally stood. ”Sonic Boom. Always the peacekeepers.” Her voice held a tinge of sarcasm, but nonetheless, she was impressed by Edwin’s speech. ”I shall let this be.” It wasn’t like her to back down from a fight, especially not to one that has personally insulted her, but the two speeches from the members of the two different gangs touched on her amusement. ”However, cross me again, Michael. Insult my gang one more time with implications of betrayal.” Her eyes flickered to the man she held with hatred. What once was a friendly relationship now turned to dust. ”And you’ll pay the price. Dearly. Perhaps with your sanity to start.” Her words were heavy, and her eyes did not show hints of humor.

The moment’s peace was shattered, by the voice of one man. It didn’t take even a half a second for Cat to figure out who the voice belonged to. ”Edwin you need to rest. I can handle the rest from here.” Here we go. Her eyes turned toward the speaker, who seemed to have something in mind, one that touched her interest. ”We are going to fight back… but not in the way Core expects us to. We are going to fight fire with fire. In short we need to send in our own spy.” His voice was followed by a dark shadow in her gaze, her arms crossing over her dress as her eyes flickered for a split second toward Liam. "I… I kinda… Like Ryota-kun’s idea… B-But… We-We would well… Maybe… Uh.. have someone… Of higher rank… Be-Because… It could well.. Ensure loyalty… And.. If found out… They… Well would have a higher chance… Of surviving… C-Core is strong… But so are we… L-Liam was right… T-They are scared… Or… Well… Otherwise we would not be at war… And no spies would be needed.” If one could see Cat’s face during Kaleb’s speech, they would find hints of humor mixed with annoyance at his hesitation. Oh, just get on with it… A faint roll of her eyes was sent to him at what he was suggesting. To befriend this Isana, his plan suggested. There are but few within Wonderland that can display this form of deception, for all of Wonderland was exceptionally blunt and rash. ”I… I know that… Well… No one wishes to give… Up a leader… But… I think that… The calmer the better… Because… Well… A calm head thinks better in rushes… And… I’ll just be quiet now.” A faint chuckle escaped her lips. No one was going to give up a leader, she was sure of that. They were the cornerstones of the Error gangs. One loss, and it might have been the key to taking down Minimum. However, she was not about to let her members into the field. She has already lost enough from the attack the day before.

”As much as I’d hate to agree with anything you say lad, your suggestion of someone on the inside may prove to be our winning hand in this. Because eventually we’re going to have to take the fight to them in one way or another and better we do so on our terms rather than theirs.” Traitor. Her mouth voiced this word toward Nem, who she gave a scowl to. Cat was not one to think rationally when it comes to anything that involves Ryota, and for that, she was not about to agree to his plan. Not even for a second, especially if it meant placing her members into dangerous situations once again. ”Whatever you’re suggesting, Ryo.” His nickname was so familiar, yet her eyes did not show hints of familiarity, ”Leave Wonderland out of it.” Her voice was final, decisive. Perhaps the others would not understand her decision, but she understood it perfectly. Ryota was working with Mitsuki. That she is absolutely certain of. On what? She does not know, but she was not going to send any of her members into this chaotic mix of betrayal and lies.

Then came that abominable voice, the one that made her clench her fist with simply its sound. ”I am not famous. Nor am I any important. Yes, I do admit, my intelligence can be a bit higher than some people.” With that, she nearly reached down and threw her shoes at the obnoxious speaker. Her mind immediately blocked out his words, unable to contain herself with one more word from him. Although a certain line caught her ears. ”Liam… Would you like to do this with me? You are physically strong and is a very good soldier. You are famous, correct. But your nickname is the Savage Nymph for a reason, correct?” Could he notice the faint movement in her hands? The small but firms steps she took, each closer to the speaker. ”Enough!” Her voice boomed. That was enough. The bottom line. ”Michael Parkinson. If you wish to die, I will not stop you.” In fact, she welcomes it. ”But hear this and hear it well. Liam will not be accompanying you on your suicide mission.” His phantom chain was inches from her feet, and she kicked at it, simply moving it out of her way so that she would not be tempted to grab it. ”You want to know what I think? I think you’re a fool.” Her eyes flickered around the room. They were all fools, believing even for a second what the leader of Sonic Boom says. But I know the truth. ”And you will not be dragging any of my members into this. Especially not Liam.” The glance sent toward Liam did not leave any room for questioning. He was not going, unless it was over her dead body. I am not losing him. Her gaze darkened at the thought, and she clenched her teeth, her anger spilling from her words, all tinged with venom. ”Place your trust in Ryo, and you’ll find it awfully misplaced.” The sound of laughter escaped her lips, but it was not of amusement, instead it was of bitterness and… Pain? ”Go ahead, do what you all must.” Her words were directed to Nem and Alex, both of whom she had not seen in a while. However, they still remained so familiar, and dear to her. And I wish you all no harm. But she was not talented at expressing such notions, her protectiveness disguised behind what others claim as blind rage. ”But I will not be betrayed again.” Her last words were clearly directed at the leader of Sonic Boom, and with that, she turned from the ground, her steps carrying her away from the Truce Zone. She could hear shouts, insults, and mad laughter coming from her own gang, but she took no notice of it.

My Wonderland. My rules.

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"Edwin you need to rest. I can handle the rest from here." Edwin did sit down at the beckoning of Ryota, but it didn’t matter much as it was obvious that whatever Ryota would say, it would only create more havoc. Especially with the Wonderland leader… Edwin glanced at Katerina before focusing once more on the back of Ryota’s head. At least, the idea of the spy was pretty receptive, especially amongst Nemiel and Ryota- much less so with the second-in-command for Wonderland- but it seemed as if it were to be set in stone. Edwin looked at the members present, his eyes lingering on Alexandria and Katerina as they kept silent, not sure what their plans were at all. Will this ‘spy’ idea get past the four gangs? The gang meetings had been held a mere ten times, and each time had ended either in utter havoc and outrage, or with tensions increased between the four separate groups of Hiatuses. This trend has to stop, somehow. A sigh escaped his lips as Edwin flipped open his phone and then closed it again, the light snaps of the old cell phone mixing into the air with the light chattering that only grew stronger and stronger from the stands where the other members of the four gangs stood.

Then, Michael Parkinson spoke. Immediately, the hall quieted as all the members within knew what was going to happen- and that whatever Michael said would only set off the time bomb known as Katerina Ainsley. "Instead of spying, why don't we do an assassinate mission?” Edwin closed his eyes, pursing his lips as he started to shake his head. The screen on his phone flashed as Edwin heard a rumbling laugh encircle his mind, his Error taking glee in the idea. Yes! Yes, join this ‘assassin plan’, Edwin Adler Ashford! Kill yourself, leave me be and die at the hands of Mitsuki and Core! Join so I may be rid of you; join so that I may see you die sooner than later! A shudder escaped Edwin as he watched the dim profile of his electric blue tiger leap around in the air, invisible to all but Edwin. It’s leer wide and it’s teeth sharp, as it suddenly came to a stop in front of Edwin’s face. Die. Suddenly, the tiger vanished, leaving Edwin nothing but ashen-faced and slightly shaken. This mission cannot be put forth. If He is acting like this…then we are no match for Core at all- Quickly, Edwin jerked his head up, but was distracted as Rachel Donzen rolled across the table and towards Michael, the large smile that so characterized her every action etched across her face. “I’m a good baby sitter! Great with retarded children! Retards love me!” Edwin raised an eyebrow at Rachel, though he knew the Air Gear second-in-command well enough to know she didn’t mean any ill intent. Anyways, I must protest against the idea of sending assassins to Cor-

The time bomb had been set off. “Enough! Michael Parkinson. If you wish to die, I will not stop you.” Edwin winced at the harsh tone of Katerina’s voice, his already ashen look paling by a few degrees as he made sure to not catch the look in her eyes for fear that her Error would affect him. “But hear this and hear it well. Liam will not be accompanying you on your suicide mission. You want to know what I think? I think you’re a fool.” Edwin winced at the last few words; the Candy Crushers took pride in their intelligence and rarely let such a quip go past. It didn’t matter much anyways- the meeting had to continue. After a few more scathing words, Katerina left, her black hair swishing in the air as she left the truce zone. Mad laughter filled the air as her subordinates clamored after her dramatic exit, the other gang members booing and hissing from their respective seats. “Decorum! Edwin’s eyes flashed a deadly blue as he looked over the four gang areas, a grim frown set on his face, forcing the members into silence before the leaders could speak again. Why does she have to do this nearly everytime? Casting a slightly annoyed look at the doorway, Edwin shook his head as the last strands of Katerina’s hair disappeared from the darkened corridor that the Wonderlands used as their entrance to the Truce Hall. At least her gang will not take it as a cue to leave the Truce Hall anymore... A quick glance at the Wonderlanders showed that none had budged, though their triumphant and mad grins were still in place as they leered at the remainder of the Hiatuses who stood in the center of the room.

“I will, however, offer myself to take on the position Michael was so reluctant to take earlier.” The jeering smiles did not abet when the leader of the Candy Crushers spoke, offering herself as the suicidal assassin in the mission that Michael proposed. No. Edwin cast a glance at Ryota before looking back at the other Hiatuses that sat around the table. This mission won’t succeed- it will only end in failure! Nemiel spoke up right after Alexandria, "Sadly it’s not that simple. We are needed to head up our gangs, and cannot abandon that as much as we’d prefer too if it’ll do some better good elsewhere. But that is not a solution we can perform, or I’d have volunteered myself.” Edwin sighed, allowing silence to sink in first before opening his mouth to speak, though this time he kept himself seated in the hard-back chair that he had sat in for the past ten times the gang meetings had been held, with the word ‘Guardian’ firmly printed into the back of the seat. “Will this… “mission” actually succeed?” Edwin asked, casting a tired glance over those who were assembled at the table, ignoring the dark muttering that came from the stands above. “It is not unlike we have not tried this before. We have sent members in the attempt to take Isana, Mitsuki, Yuuki’s head, amongst others.” He raised a hand to push back his bangs before letting it slip down and once again fall back onto the armrest of his chair. “And what do we have, now? What have these ‘missions’ done for us besides increase the number of bodies that continues to pile up within our respective gangs? I am sorry, Michael and Alexandria,” Edwin turned his head to look at the two, his face emotionless as he looked at the Candy Crush leader and her fiancé, “I do not wish to see any Hiatus that currently is within this stadium to further sacrifice themselves for a lost cause- a cause we all know will not work. It would be better if we do what Ryota said earlier.” Edwin sighed, crossing his legs under the table as he rested his head against a hand, tired from both the meeting and from his Error. “Send infiltrators into Core, ones that are trustworthy and capable of shielding themselves from harm and suspicion. We, the rest, shall continuously make sure to create problems to distract Core from the probability of having moles in their ranks.” He lifted his head off of his hand, his eyes roving the others slowly once more. “That is the only thing I can think of to ensure that no other Hiatus dies at an age too early for death. We shall retrieve these spies within the time span of two weeks; I am sure that is enough time to figure out the general movement and plans for Core.” Standing up, Edwin sighed and started to pace around, moving away from the area of the Sonic Boom gang and slowly pacing into that of the Wonderlanders. “We are strong; but we are few and shattered, arguing with one another over the most trivial of things. I cannot see a tattered force as ours fighting against the highly unified team under Mitsuki.”

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'I'm a victim of my instinct-- unraveling and reeling, think I'm wise. (Our freedom can be deadly.) I watch the walls around me, falling down (so far away from safe and sound)...'