Claws of Operation Eclipse (C.O.E)

Xander was adjusting the final touches on his outfit when Ariana barged into the changing room. He furrowed his brows, giving her a once-over before narrowing his gaze. She, on the other hand, was momentarily stunned by the sight of him.

Dressed in an all-black tuxedo, his neatly gelled hair, and a pair of sharp spectacles, Xander exuded an air of sophistication that seemed completely out of character. "You clean up nice," she commented, unable to hide her surprise.

His intense gaze met hers. "And you don't have manners. Stop staring," he snapped.

Ariana blinked, taken aback by his outburst, before her irritation flared. "How dare you! I wasn't staring, you arrogant—ugh!" She clenched her fists, glaring at him.

For a fleeting moment, amusement flickered in his eyes, but he quickly masked it, rolling them instead.

Hugo stood by the holographic map, observing their interaction with thinly veiled amusement. "You two are heading to Los Angeles together," he stated firmly.

Xander pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a slow exhale. "She can't go. She's untrained, inexperienced, and a nuisance."

Ariana's thoughts raced. What is his problem? Why does he hate me so much?

She stomped closer to him, her eyes blazing. "Listen here, Agent—"

Wince chimed in with a smirk, "Agent Darknight."

She continued without missing a beat. "Agent Darknight. Don't you dare call me a nuisance. And for the record, I don't want to go with you either."

Hugo chuckled quietly, while Chloe lazily licked her paw, disinterested in their drama. Ariana turned to Hugo, pleading. "Mr. Hugo, I'm not trained for this. I'll just screw everything up."

Xander's quiet chuckle drew her attention. She turned sharply. "What?"

"Nothing," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm just glad you know you'll be a burden."

Her jaw clenched. Who does he think he is? I'll show him. She squared her shoulders and turned to Hugo with a determined expression. "I'll do it. Let's go."

Wince purred loudly, "Go, Agent Darkheart!"

The name caught her attention. Darkheart. I like it, she thought, smirking to herself.

At the warehouse, Zarro paced leisurely among the armed men, his tail swishing lazily. He glanced at Derrick and smirked. "Oh my, you've outdone yourself."

A tall man with brown hair stepped forward, his imposing presence dominating the room. "Where is Mr. Marcello? Why should I take orders from a cat?" he sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

Zarro paused, his red eyes narrowing. "Care to repeat that?" he asked calmly, licking his paw.

The man scoffed, looking down at Zarro. "A talking cat dressed in a bodysuit. How adorable."

In a blur of motion, Zarro sprang forward, his iron claws slashing across the man's throat. Blood sprayed as the man collapsed to the ground in seconds. The room fell silent, the men frozen in shock.

Zarro licked his claws clean and smirked. "Now, any more questions?" His tone was dangerously calm.

The men hurriedly shook their heads, avoiding his gaze. Satisfied, Zarro nodded. "Good. Now get in the cars."

The men scrambled to obey, filing into the waiting black SUVs. Zarro hopped into the lead vehicle beside Derrick. As the convoy sped off, his eyes glinted with a sinister edge. Soon, they'll all pay.

On the jet to Los Angeles, Ariana clutched her seat tightly, muttering reassurances to herself. "It's going to be okay. It's going to be alright."

Xander, seated nearby, sighed in irritation. "Would you shut up?"

Chloe shot him a warning glare before hopping onto Ariana's lap. "Ariana, look at me," she said softly. "You're going to be fine. Close your eyes and think of a happy memory."

Ariana obeyed, her breathing slowly evening out. Wince meowed soothingly, curling around her arm.

"Oh, for the love of—" Xander muttered, rubbing his temples as Darwin rolled his eyes beside him.

The jet landed smoothly, and they were quickly ushered into a waiting black SUV. As the car sped through the streets of Los Angeles, Ariana stared out the window, awestruck. "Los Angeles is so much nicer than New York."

Wince smiled at her enthusiasm, while Xander remained indifferent, gazing out the opposite window.

At Yakima's base, Yuka checked his smartwatch. "It's 0900 hours," he said, glancing at Yuna, who was meticulously double-checking the equipment.

"Linda, set the building coordinates," Yuna commanded.

Linda sighed dramatically. "Stop being so bossy," she muttered, earning an amused glance from Yuka.

Yuna's sharp glare silenced him as he raised his hands in mock surrender. "We're ready, ma'am," a man reported.

Father, don't worry. I'll make you proud, Yuna thought, determination hardening her features.

"Coordinates set," Linda announced.

Yuka grinned. "Linda, why don't you become my Furion?" he teased.

"Don't start," Linda snapped, glaring at him.

Yuna ignored their banter, her mind focused. The Yakima Clan will leave its mark. We won't fail.

She turned to the armed men "Kazukis spare no one" she demanded and they all cheered in japanese "Yakima e".

Back at the Genesis lab, Xander reviewed the convoy plans as Darwin, Wince, and Chloe geared up. Ariana watched, feeling increasingly out of place.

"Agent Darknight, the convoy is ready in one hour," Darwin reported. Wince added, "Coordinates locked."

"Agent Shadow ready," Darwin said. "Agent Velvet Stalker set," Wince followed.

"Agent Slytail, locked and loaded," Chloe chimed in, blowing a kiss to Darwin.

Ariana shifted awkwardly. "What about me?" she asked, gesturing at her casual attire.

Xander sighed. "You'll go with Wince and Agent Ryu to your aunt's house. We'll meet you there later."

She frowned but followed a tall blonde woman as instructed, Wince happily bouncing along beside her.

In the car, Ariana tried starting a conversation with Ryu, but the agent remained stoic. Wince, however, kept her entertained, munching cookies and chattering.

"Why do you think they call me Velvet Stalker?" he said proudly. "I don't fight—I think."

Ariana smiled faintly but grew quiet as her thoughts turned to her family. Aunt, please be safe.

As the car sped toward Beverly Drive, the GPS locked onto its destination. Ariana's resolve hardened. No matter what, I'll protect them.