Shifters

Emotions

Joana paced back and forth in the dim corridor as she waited with bated breath for Josh to emerge from his meeting with Shaw. It hadn't been long since he entered, however, within that duration, she'd already stopped herself from bursting through four times to ensure his safety. Although the rational part of her mind was unsure of her recent behaviour, she felt certain that being alone with Shaw was detrimental to Josh's immediate future. As she continued to pace, Joana stiffened as she felt the magical fluctuations of a talisman being activated. Alarmed by the sudden release of energy, she bolted towards the door. Just as she neared the entrance, a figure appeared instantly separating Joana from her goal.

"Hank, you'd better have a good reason for stopping me!" she exclaimed, halting abruptly.

"The boss told me you'd be like this," he sighed, "but I didn't want to believe it. What's gotten into you lately? You haven't been acting like your usual self."

"Get out of my way," she said coldly, energy sparking off her fingertips.

"If it's a fight you want, I'd be happy to take you on," he said noticing the sparks, "however, I can't let you enter right now."

"Why must you insist on blocking my path?" she questioned, getting ready for battle.

Hank frowned, shifting his stance as he drew a short blade, strapped to his waist, "you've lost your entire team on an important mission and you've challenged the leader's authority, even resorting to blatantly threatening the entire council. On top of all that, you brought back an unknown to our last stronghold. After your recent behaviour, we've deemed you emotionally incapable of making any decisions at the moment. That's why the boss is personally questioning him. You have my word, no harm will come to the boy unless he's found guilty."

Joana faltered as his words sunk in. Had she really been blinded by her emotions?' No! Regardless of her past failures, such a situation had never arisen. She was certain Josh was in no way a spy. Although the act of bringing an unregistered unknown into The Resistance's last stronghold had indeed broken one of the founding laws, Joana felt positive that her choice was the right one.

"I'll trust your words for now, however, if anything happens to him, it'll be hell to pay," she replied retracting her aura.

"You have my word nothing will happen," he reaffirmed, wiping his brow as he sheathed his blade.

They waited in silence opposite each other until the large door swung open. Out stepped a relatively calm Josh, with Shaw grinning widely, following close behind.

"Are you ok?" Joana asked, scanning him from head to toe for abnormalities.

"Besides feeling a little tired, I feel fine," Josh responded quickly, "Who's the big guy?"

"He's a future colleague of yours, as well as one of our most trusted operatives" Shaw explained, throwing a sideways glance at Joana.

"Future colleague?" Joana frowned.

"Why don't you do the honors," he laughed heartily, slapping Josh on the back.

Josh briefly explained the entire ordeal to Joana who appeared both annoyed yet relieved by his words.

"Always good to have another pair of hands onboard, the name's Hank," the large man, said extending a hand.

"Nice to meet you," Josh said, shaking the outstretched hand, "My name's Josh."

"I, along with the top brass as well as a few key agents, know your name quite well," he replied.

Josh laughed nervously, uncertain of how to respond to his remark.