Gary's initial reaction was twofold when he found out about Marie. The first one was worrying, wondering if she was okay.
To his mind, for Marie to have turned was only plausible if she was forced into it. Someone must have bit her trying to take control of her.
However, the fact that she was now part of the Pack let Gary wonder what the other person's intentions were by turning Marie.
Because based on his system if Marie was to die now, she would disappear from the list, notifying him immediately.
Which was when the second emotion took over, anger. Anger due to the fact that for whatever reason someone had deliberately risked his friend's life.
It was why he had decided to pick up the phone and call the person most likely to have turned her in. However, Kai revealed not to be the one to have turned her and he knew Midwak was still in Notsburg, leaving only one possible suspect.
"Alright, at least the good news is that Marie was successfully turn-"
Before he could finish, the call had already disconnected from the other end. After learning what had happened Kai had already hung up, sharing Gary's anger, and unlike their leader, he was close enough to demand some answers in person.
'I can't say I'm not a little worried for Olivia seeing as Kai treats Marie like his little sister. Well, whatever happens, only has herself to blame. If it was Amy in this situation I don't know what I would do. Still… perhaps I should give her a heads up that Kai might be on his way. '
Calming down, Gary just felt like what was done was done. She was already turned and there was nothing they could do about that but help her.
Looking at his system Gary could see the number of Pawn Points as his disposable and felt maybe it was safe to upgrade Marie. If it was like the others she would get a Class upgrade as well.
--
Similar to Gary, the call with Olivia and Kai had ended abruptly. She was unable to say anything or get a word in, instead Kai kept howling down at her.
"How could you be so stupid?"
"I was just starting to trust you.."
"Do you know who she is?"
Marie standing nearby could hear everything as well and was just shaking her head. Both her and Olivia had never seen him act this way.
Kai was the cool calm and collected one, even in a tense situation or near death he didn't act like this yet he did now. Marie couldn't lie either, that the fact he was acting this way, made her a little happy.
"That went about as well as expected." Olivia noted as she rubbed her ears. They were hurting from all the shouting.
"It sounds like he's on his way here. You heard it as well, I didn't even have a chance to explain myself, and I doubt he will have cooled down by the time he arrives. Since this was all YOUR idea, you got a pretty big job ahead of you, missy."
There was an awkward smile from Marie but a promise was a promise she wouldn't let Olivia get in trouble for this.
--
Moments later a large limousine was seen driving on Burnham Food Street. Usually late at night or early morning you could drive on the footpath but during the day where there was so much footfall the road would be closed, so the site of the car as well as the particular car had caught a lot of attention.
It stopped just outside the restaurant with its giant octopus sign and the door was opened aggressively.
Kai was the first to exit the vehicle, he wasn't in his gang uniform nor wearing his mask revealing the scar he still had across his jaw thanks to Midwak.
Following behind him was a large figure as well, strangely in his pyjamas, a fluffy grey top and bottoms, but nonetheless there was a serious look on his face.
'This is a bit embarrassing.' Austin thought as he could feel the eyes on him looking at his clothes. 'I was just getting ready for sleep, but how could I ignore a call from Kai when sounded so angry.'
Kai didn't really explain much he didn't have time to, but since he was seeing Olivia and a fight could very well kick off he wanted to call someone and Austin was the only who has answered, otherwise he would have brought Innu as well.
Regardless, the two of them walked inside the venue, and reached the two large bounces inside.
"What is with today and these kids trying to get in. Since when did this venue become so popular with the young ones?" The bouncer complained.
"Austin." Kai said and he already knew what he needed to do.
Stepping forward in front of the bouncers the two large men couldn't help but let out a laugh. Unlike Kai who looked his age Austin looked more like an adult and no matter how big he was, his current outfit let to a burst of laughter.
"I'm sorry but there is no sleeping allowed inside." One of them joked.
Grabbing onto both of their shoulders, a simple push hurled the bouncers past the two of them banging their heads into the door, while one of the heads went right through the door.
'Hmm I need to control my strength a bit more.' Austin thought.
The music was playing quite loud in the venue that no one was aware of what was happening inside. So when the two entered they didn't get too much attention as they walked through the crowds to head upstairs.
However Austin was gaining a lot of attention.
"Oh I like your style."
"Why did I never think of that? I think this could set a new trend. We should inplemt a pajama night!"
"Hey, this might sound strange but can I rub your clothes?"
People were blocking Austin left right and centre and Kai was already by the stairs where there were even more guards.
"Hey you, you're not allowed up here!"
These were all technically members of the Howlers, so Kai didn't want to hurt them. As they went to grab him with his quick movement he was able to move away, take a step forward and use his foot to trip one of them up.
The other guard was still running down the staircase and with the strength of a single leg Kai used his power to junp up and over the person before quickly rushing up the stairs.
"Olivia, come out here!" Kai shouted, knowing that she definitely would hear him from the second floor.
Just like that, a bunch of guards came out from their rooms hearing the shout, and at the end of the hallway Olivia could be seen as well.
"Everyone get back in your rooms and stay in your rooms, this is a very important guest!" Olivia stated.
The guards listened and entered their doors after they did, Kai's eyes were glowing blue.
"What is this, you want to fight me, without even hearing me out. That isn't like you?" Olivia smiled.
"Hear you out?" Kai questioned as he walked forward, his arm transforming. "There is nothing to hear about the fact that you went behind not just my back but Gary's as well and turned her. You didn't even consult me.
"Do you think you can do something like that, to someone I care about!" Kai rushed forward but as he did, Marie quickly went and stood in the way of the two of them spreading her arms out.
"You can't hurt her, Kai!" Marie shouted. "If you do, I'll never forgive you."
"Mai, move." Kai instructed.
"No! Stop being so stubborn and just listen."
"She's right, you know." Olivia added. "Why don't you listen to what Marie wants for once, rather than doing everything for her. You are not in control of her life, she is in charge of her own. So listen to her."
Although Olivia's words seemed to only anger Kai more at first, hearing what she said while looking at Marie and the desperation in her eyes was causing him to calm down and Marie saw it as her chance to explain things.
"I was the one that approached Olivia, I was the one that asked her to turn me. Just take a look at your current behaviour. This is why I knew I couldn't go to you or Gary.
"I know you guys care about me, so you would have simply said there was no need. That you two would protect me but I want to be with you guys… side by soe and not somewhere in the back! Even if you say I don't have to do this, I can help in my own way. I want to help in my own way.
"Back then, when we fought Midwak, if it wasn't for Innu, if it wasn't for Izzy I would have died. I know that.
"So I couldn't just stay by your side as I am now. I had to change. So you can't blame Olivia, all of this was my own choice!"
Kai's arm started to revert back to normal, his eyes no longer glowing as he thought about Marie.
'I thought I was doing a good job of protecting her but she's right, I've never considered how she felt. I just didn't want to lose another person that I cared about so much. I didn't want you involved in all of this to begin with and now you're more involved than you need to be.
'I can't believe that you were so scared of me, that you felt like you couldn't even ask me.'
Just then as Kai was about to speak, Marie's phone received a message from Gary.
"Brace yourself."
****
*****
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