TAMED

Lotus

The two stood still, Ares took a protective step in front of Vince and kept his stance flexible. At any moment he could either attack or defend.

Levi raised a brow, clicking the button again and receiving no response from the Hound.

"Of course...the battery is dead." He complained as he slipped the remote back into his pocket. "Ares, as your handler, you are to obey my orders. I'm not here to take him away from you, but its not safe here."

The Hound glared, he had no intention of cooperating it seemed. Yet, it did seem as though his expression faltered, he was so programmed to do as he was told...that going against his training was nearly painful.

"Come on kid, don't make this hard. Here, I'll let you do it." He said as he tossed a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, Ares caught them without a hitch.

"Come on, Ares...we should go." Vince whispered from behind him, having lowered the gun once again. He wasn't in good shape, he was fighting down his condition as best he could but he honestly just wanted to lie down.

The boy suddenly spun on his heel and grabbed Vince by the arm and took off into a sprint. The waiter gladly accepted the guidance as he was hauled off down the street, faster than what seemed possible.

Levi sighed in irritation.

"I command thee." He stated loud enough for the two to hear. Vince blinked in confusion when Ares slowly came to a halt, keeping his hand on his wrist. His body was rigid, his shoulders stiff.

"I didn't want to ever have to use this...but you haven't given me much of a choice now have you." The Italian explained as he walked his way up to them. A serious aura emanating from his form as he came forward.

Vince looked back and cursed. "Tch, shit. Let's go Ares what are you doing? Let go of me!" The blonde argued as he yanked his arm about, finally freeing it from the Hounds grip.

Ares turned and shook his head, obviously struggling internally. He stepped back as he clamped his eyes shut and tried to escape the feeling that was washing over him.

"Shh...easy...don't fight it." Levi comforted as he neared, his suit jacket blowing slightly in the breeze that had picked up. Thick black storm clouds were forming overhead, and there was a chill in the air.

Vince looked back and forth between the two, unsure of what to make of it or what to do.

"Ares! This is our only chance! I dont...." He paused as he looked down at the ground in heartache."...I don't want you getting locked up..." The man finished as he hung his head in sorrow.

Levi finally stopped only a few feet away, lighting up a new cigarette.

"Sorry kid, but he can hardly hear you anymore. "

"What? What do you mean he can't hear me?" Vince questioned as he looked on at his friend, trembling ever so slightly as a result of the events of current. Ares covered his ears, as if trying to keep every possible sound out.

"Wait...what are you doing to him? Are you hurting him?" Vince asked defensively, standing in front of Ares in order to protect him in whatever way he could.

"I command thee." Levi spoke again, locking eyes with the Egyptian. Ares growled ferociously as he tried to drown out the agent's toxic words. Vince was surprised, however, that despite his discomfort...Ares never raised a finger to the guy. "Like the lotus, emerge from the dark." The agent said plainly yet authoritatively, keeping his eyes on his young charge.

The blonde watched in confusion at what was unfolding. He watched as the Hound calmed down, keeping his eyes focused on Levi and Levi only. He now stood relaxed and ready to listen for orders, expressionless and still.