Partners × In × Crime

New Years Eve

- - - SWARDANI CITY // DECEMBER 31ST - - -

Underneath the starlit sky, the rooftop they're standing on offers a stunning view of Swardani City. The night is alive with distant sounds of celebration, laughter and cheers drifting up from the public square where the grand New Year's Gala is in full swing.

Amid the vibrant backdrop, Xavia remains stoic and focused as he retrieves their equipment from his bubble. He first pulls out Dusk's bow and quiver, handing them to her. He then retrieves Sabine's gun, which she takes silently. Next, he produces their ear comms. His attention shifts to another item inside the bubble, its cold steel glinting under the dim lighting. With care, he reaches in and withdraws his dual-headed scythe.

"Hold this for me, will you?" He asks Dusk without taking his eyes off it. With a graceful motion that contradicts its deadly nature, he passes the weapon to her.

Dusk's hands wrap around the cold steel handle and immediately she can feel the weight of it.

"Whoa! This thing is heavy," She exclaims, struggling to keep it steady in her grasp. She shoots Xavia an incredulous look before setting down the weapon with a sigh of relief.

Continuing to unload their gear, Xavia looks over his shoulder, "That one? It's lighter than my regular scythe," He comments offhandedly and returns to his task.

"Lighter? You must be joking," She mutters, casting a wary glance at the scythe.

Sabine watches the exchange between the duo with furrowed brows. She hadn't known that Xavia used such a heavy weapon, but considering his physique, it makes sense. A smirk tugs at her lips as she signs to him, "Compensating for something with such a big weapon?"

Xavia lets out a wry chuckle in response, replying with a casual, "No need."

Dusk catches Sabine's signs out of the corner of her eye but fails to understand their meaning. However, Xavia's chuckle and response pique her curiosity, "Did I miss something?" She asks, arching an eyebrow at them.

"Nothing important," He dismisses with a wave of his hand.

Sabine grins at Xavia, then quickly gestures back, "Sure thing, macho man," Her expression remains impassive as she changes the subject. With swift movements, she communicates their plan for tonight, "Pariston Hill is the VIP speaker tonight, so he'll take the stage at 11pm. His speeches usually last about twenty minutes. That will be our window."

Xavia nods in understanding and repeats the same thing to Dusk, "Sounds doable," He responds gruffly with a nod of understanding.

"Yeah," Dusk agrees, nodding at him, "We've got this."

Sabine's hands move deliberately, each sign clear and concise as she continues her instructions, "You should line up your shot ahead of time and be prepared," Her gaze shifts between Dusk and Xavia as she reiterates the importance of their timing, "We can't miss this window."

"Sabine wants you to line up your shot ahead of time," He tells Dusk, his voice firm but not demanding, "We only have one chance at this. We can't afford to miss."

Dusk nods, understanding the gravity of their situation. Her grip on her bow tightens and she straightens her back, a determined glint in her eyes, "Got it," She replies with conviction, "I won't miss."

Sabine gives Dusk a single, sharp nod. It's the most assurance she can offer without words.

Dusk moves toward the edge of the rooftop, her steps slow and calculated. She takes a deep breath to steady herself before softly uttering a single word, "Enhance."