Claws of Operation Eclipse (C.O.E)

Finally, they managed to reach Florida in one piece. Ariana, though calmer, was still visibly shaken. Her tear-streaked face and distant expression revealed the turmoil brewing within her. As Xander carried her off the ship, she clung tightly to his black button-up shirt, her silence unnerving.

Why am I even doing this? Xander thought, glancing at the fragile figure in his arms.

"How is she doing?" came a familiar voice.

"Sir," Gru greeted breathlessly, clearly surprised to see Hugo standing beside one of the sleek black SUVs lined up at the dock.

"Let's get moving. I'll explain everything once we're settled," Xander said curtly, slipping into one of the cars and carefully placing Ariana next to him. Darwin leaped onto the front seat, his tail high in a display of feline confidence as the vehicle sped off.

Ariana remained lost in thought, her mind trapped in an endless loop of the horrifying events from the ship. The memory of what could have happened chilled her to the bone.

If he had been just a second later…

"Agent Darknight, we've arrived," the driver announced.

Darwin hopped down gracefully, his movements almost regal as he strutted off toward the mansion. Xander moved to lift Ariana again, but this time, she resisted. "I can walk," she murmured, her voice soft but firm.

He rolled his eyes but picked her up anyway, ignoring her protest as he carried her inside.

By the time they reached the mansion, the sun had dipped below the horizon. After a quiet dinner, Hugo informed them of the sleeping arrangements. To Xander's dismay, Hugo insisted he share a room with Ariana.

"No. Absolutely not," Xander argued, but Hugo's mischievous grin and unyielding stance left him no choice.

Upstairs, Ariana had already slipped into the room Hugo had mentioned during dinner, leaving Xander to fume in the hallway.

"Ugh!" Xander groaned as Hugo shoved him inside and locked the door behind him. The click of the lock was almost mocking.

Surveying the room, Xander scowled. There was no couch or spare blanket, leaving him with one infuriating option. With a sigh of resignation, he lay on the bed, keeping his back firmly turned to Ariana.

Ariana, still wide awake, felt the bed dip slightly. She glanced over to see Xander settling in, his stiff posture making it clear he wasn't thrilled about the arrangement.

Morning came quickly. Over breakfast, Hugo announced they would be leaving for the runway at 1100 hrs to return to New York. Ariana listened in silence, her mind consumed by grief.

"I've lost both my mom and aunt in just three days…" she whispered, her fork idly pushing the pancakes on her plate.

Darwin, Wince, and Chloe were engrossed in their meal, their tails flicking in unison. Once breakfast ended, Ariana approached Hugo, determination in her eyes.

"Can you please tell me why I'm being hunted and…who is Heartfill?" she asked.

Hugo exchanged a look with Xander, a silent conversation passing between them.

"Talk now," she demanded, her voice firm despite the vulnerability behind it.

"Child, I promise I'll explain everything once we're in New York," Hugo said, his tone gentle but resolute. Xander nodded in agreement, but Ariana wasn't satisfied.

The question lingered in her mind: Who is Heartfill, and why does it feel like he's the key to everything?

Once the plane was airborne, Hugo turned to Xander, his expression serious. "So, tell me—why did you have the chip transported by air?"

"Sir," Xander began, "before we left Magnus base, I noticed someone who seemed out of place. His accent was foreign, and he bowed as an apology. None of our security personnel would ever do that."

"Asians," Darwin interjected, licking his paw with an air of superiority.

"Exactly. Something felt off, so I made the call," Xander finished, taking a sip of water.

Hugo chuckled, his pride evident. "You've proven yourself once again."

"What about me?" Gru chimed in, feigning a pout.

Hugo's expression turned serious. "What about the girl?" he asked, gesturing toward Ariana, who was unusually quiet.

Xander glanced at her. She was seated beside him, clutching his arm lightly as though seeking comfort.

"Well, two of the Kazukis found her," Xander said, his voice laced with an unfamiliar anger. "Their orders were to retrieve her, but they decided to…try something before handing her over."

"Why?" Ariana's voice was barely a whisper, her gaze vacant.

"Sir," Xander said, turning to Hugo, "I think it's time we tell her the truth."

His words seemed to snap Ariana out of her daze. "What truth?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.

Hugo sighed heavily. "Child, I promise you'll get your answers when we reach W.O.D."

The conversation ended there, leaving Ariana to stew in her thoughts. Across the cabin, Gru attempted to lighten the mood.

"Who wants to hear a joke?"

A chorus of deadly glares was his only response.

"What did your ex use to call you again, Xander?" Hugo asked, a mischievous grin forming.

"Laurie used to call him 'Xanny Danny!'" Gru burst out, laughing uncontrollably.

"Ouch!" Gru winced, rubbing the back of his head after a well-aimed smack from Xander.

As the teasing continued, Ariana rested her head on Xander's shoulder, seeking a quiet refuge. The others noticed immediately.

"OOOOOH!" they chorused, their teasing intensifying.

Xander rolled his eyes, choosing to ignore them. Ariana, however, had only one thought consuming her mind:

The truth.