The evening was getting late when Ella's group started their tailing of Dan Black. They had found him escaping his bodyguards in one of the many bustling cities in the area, and had taken their chance immediately.

Hidden out of sight, close to the main road that led into the centre on the city called Xeles, Elle sat with her two dark companions. 

"Red to Pink, I have him in my sight." a staticky voice rang through the night, clearly heard by the group standing next to a small camp fire. 

"Good," Ella, a girl wearing glasses and a computer on her lap responded, "Send your coordinates, and I'll be there in a jiffy."

"Roger," the staticky voice replied, before fizzling out. 

Ella downed the last of her energy drink before closing her laptop and putting it in her black backpack. 

"All right, let's go." she said to the two others beside her, and crushed the can. Without further conversation she put out the fire, and looked at her phone. "He is near the edge of the town, we should be able to see him coming our way in just a few minutes."

She stretched, waving away the smoke, and ran her eyes across the city skyline. Xeles was a beautiful city both at day and night, and seemingly never slept. The neon lights lit up the sky, making stars near invisible, but Ella could only stare wistfully at the riches the city itself displayed. She shook her head as she heard an annoyed cough next to her. She'd learn Damian patience eventually. 

Static once again sounded, a different voice making themselves known. 

"Ella, bad news! Mouse is here!" it was a female this time, and they sounded panicky, even over the low frequency of the walkie talkie. Ella frowned, sighing deeply, and took a second to think before responding.

"It's Pink to you Yellow. Please for the love of god, remember this." She took another second before adding: "If you see the chance, take him out. We know he's working for the enemy now. Can't have him risking this mission, no matter how much history we have with him." The walkie talkie remained silent, and Ella tried again: "Yellow, can I count on you for this?"

It was silent for another second before "Yellow" responded with a grim: "Yes."

Ella rubbed her face, seeking comfort from the two men with her, but not finding any. Of course it had been going too well, not only did they not have to separate the boy from his bodyguards because he'd done that himself, he was also walking straight towards her, naïve and ready for persuasion. Of course things had to go sour. Of course James would be here. She didn't stop to think about why James of all people would be doing 'his' dirty work, but decided to hasten her steps towards the target, she would think about all this later. When they'd have Dan Black in their hideout, safe and sound, and hopefully with his important necklace intact.

---

"Welcome to our humble abode, Dan," Ella said, feeling relieved Dan had so easily come with them. Boys his age shouldn't be so sheltered, she decided, but silently thanked his dumbass parents. Matt, her younger brother, also known as Red was standing next to him, smiling a friendly smile at the hapless boy, probably feeling a bit like an older brother. It was kind of dumb in Ella's opinion, but she understood his sentiment. Dan was a cute boy. So far. She hoped this cuteness also applied to his personality.

The hideout laid in front of them in all it's unimpressing glory. Money had been tight for a while, though the capture of Dan could turn the tides. That is, if their employer was happy with their work. Liz was known to be painfully greedy when it came to giving them their due. Ah, she was Ella's old friend, and what could one do in the face of an old friendship.

The lights were off to preserve energy, and Dan was quick to note that.

"It's dark." he said, "Why did you take me here?"

"Because you wanted to hide from your bodyguards, did you not?" Ella replied casually, as if she was in on his plan all along. Of course it was dark and gloomy, she couldn't afford any fancy extra's. Not by a long shot. 

"We were good friends with your mother, Dan. Do you remember she told you to never trust any stranger that didn't know about the necklace? Well, we know about the necklace, so don't you worry."

Dan seemed startled, as if he forgot his mother told him that. Well, he was very young when she died. He had followed them without much question after all, only seeming to realize that now.

"My... stepmom would be worried if I stay away too long."

Ella faked a frown.

"Well, weren't you planning on running away then? Why else did you abandon your bodyguards?"

Once again he seemed startled. Poor boy talked about things being dark, but wasn't the brightest light himself.

"You're right." he mumbled. 

"Don't worry!" Matt said cheerfully, as he reached to touch Dan on the shoulder. The young boy immediately flinched away however, and everyone was quiet for a second.

Thankfully the silence was broken by a suspiciously cheerful Camille, or 'yellow'. The 21 year old came rushing towards them, apparently happy to be back at the hideout.

"Ahh, you must be Dan! Aren't you just absolutely precious? What are we standing here for? Let's get inside!" and she ushered the group inside. The two men that were with Ella before, Michio and Damian, had left as soon as they had Dan in their sights, too scary looking for a little boy. 

Overwhelmed by the new addition to the group Dan let himself be herded inside. 

"Did you have anything to eat yet? You must be cold, let's warm you up. Are you tired? I'm sure we have a spare room for you." she chatted away, not even waiting to hear Dan's response. Ella was not sure if this was just Camille's maternal instinct awakening, or if it was a nervous tic, but decided not to ask about it. Not now. She remembered the order she had given Cam earlier. 

Ah, the blonde would be fine. She'd ask about it in the morning.

Dan was ushered into a spare room, sparsely decorated, but, against the odds, clean enough. 

"Why don't you stay here for the night. We can figure out what to do in the morning, huh?" Ella said from the doorway, watching with amusement as Camille ran around, talking about the colour of the blankets or some other unimportant stuff.

"I... I guess that's okay... If you know about the necklace..." Dan responded, sitting on the bed. Camille had procured a Gameboy, and for a second Ella's warm and welcoming façade dropped. 

"Ah, yes the necklace. C-Camille? I'm sure he won't be interested in an old game like that-"

"Oh nonsense, Ella! Kids love playing with these, even if the game is old fashioned. I'm sure Dan will be happy to have something to play with while staying over. Right, Danny?"

The Gameboy was pushed into his hands before he could respond.

Suddenly Ella was exhausted. 

"Fine, sure. That's... just... never mind. Why don't you let Camille take care of your food or something and get some sleep. We'll make sure to get everything in order in the morning, hm?"

Fuck Camille and her love for kids. The boy did not deserve her Gameboy and Pokémon game she worked so hard to fill the dex for. 

She reminded herself of the importance of Dan Black, and managed to leave the room without throwing a tantrum.

Tomorrow she'd talk to the boy, get the necklace, and proceed with the plan.

Now, she would sleep.