Snowfall

Show Me Your Moves

"You know the plan?" Sparrow asked, the car slowing to a stop. Ace shrugged.

"It's not much of a plan, more like objectives. All you told me is that I must retrieve a bomb and leave no witnesses. Also, there is a sniper hidden some good ways away, out of pistol range," Ace listed. Sparrow smiled.

"I'm not at liberty to tell you more yet. You have to earn that trust," she replied. Ace shrugged.

"I don't see how getting some items and killing people earns trust, but I'll do it nonetheless," he said as he stepped out of the car. "I'll be a couple minutes." Sparrow watched with little surprise.

"Should we make sure he is alright?" Angel asked with concern. Sparrow shook her head.

"If half his reports are true, I'd almost say he'd be the one making sure we are alright. Let's just wait and see what happens."

**

The building Ace was to enter was a two story, run down hotel. Its walls were in tatters or had paint peeled so much they were giant limbs. Why was it always rundown buildings? Could no one pick a place that was in decent condition? Ace shook his head. Suddenly, a red line dashed across the sky, Ace just narrowly tilted his head out of the way.

"There's the sniper. I'll deal with you later," he stated coolly. He slipped inside, avoiding a second shot. He would have to watch for windows or holes in the wall. Inside there was no lighting, and were it not for the slight green light from the goggles of the men hiding in the dark... Ace would have still seen them.

In a moment, the doorway of the hotel flashed light and the echo of gunfire rang around the area. In just another minute, a red streak flew from the hotel's second floor, following a path similar to the red streaks that almost hit Ace. After that, Ace himself came striding out of the hotel, casually carrying a silver suitcase. As he entered the car he handed Sparrow the suitcase.

"You knew they wouldn't expect me to see in the dark," he stated. Sparrow nodded.

"I noticed in mission SA-3 you traversed the old sewer network without any visual aid. I had a feeling your eyes were enhanced," she explained. "How did you know when the sniper was going to fire at you? You also knew just where to shoot." Ace nonchalantly leaned back in the car.

"I have my talents, as do you, Sparrow. You point, and I shoot. Let's keep it simple. What's the real mission, now that your test run and fake bomb are over with?" Ace replied. Sparrow blinked in surprise before grinning.

"I like you. You don't stop, do you?" She asked. Ace's gaze was unwavering.

"You have no idea."

**

"This one is no joke, correct?" Ace asked calmly as he scanned the relatively well-kept storage complex.

"Correct. A Hunter was seen prowling the streets around here. I want you to track it down and put it to sleep. We aren't the only ones on its trail, however. You're going to be up against more than simple guards and soldiers. You'll be facing special and elite forces. It's a big step up, and it's fast," Sparrow warned. Ace didn't even blink.

"Keep the car running. I'll keep you posted," Ace said before slipping out of the car.

"He's confidant," Angel remarked. Sparrow anxiously messed with her suit jacket.

"I hope he's not in over his head. He's in the big leagues now."

**

Ace decided to not bother being stealthy. He wanted to look for signs of the Hunter more than conceal his whereabouts. Hunters were dangerous and a threat to even him. They were one of the few true challenges. Incredibly strong, razor-sharp claws and teeth, unmatched sense of smell, excellent hearing, killer instincts, and to boot a tough hide with fast regeneration. Hunters were once people, but through experimentation that broke their minds they became monsters. Ace had dealt with Hunters more than anyone else, but he wasn't about to tell Sparrow that. He had his reasons.