Someone Stole Sandor's Shoes!

[Zaphyr Stone]

"Awful lot of sirens today." Laika murmured over her coffee.

The brindle shepherd sat with her group at a nice table in the even nicer outdoor patio of a coffee shop. Their group leader had insisted on making a stop here when they landed, and despite the annoyance, it really was a good brew.

"You're drinking hot coffee in the middle of summer, and the sirens are what's bugging you?" Lily raised a brow as she sipped daintily at her iced coffee. She whined audibly, fidgeting in her seat, "Christ, it's too hot to think!"

"Hot drinks are how we cooled off on Macbeth." Laika vaguely waved her hand around as she explained, "Something about the drink making your inner temperature match the outer temperature? I don't know."

"That can't be a thing. Is that really true?" Zane chuckled, the silver patchy-furred border collie looking up from his Consumer Reports magazine.

Laika shrugged. "Haven't a clue. It always seemed to work for us."

Zane only laughed again, turning to a pale snow leopard sitting next to him and observing the conversation. He made a few gestures to her, standard Cornerian sign language. As Laika and Lily were still learning it, he was the most efficient communicator with her.

She smirked in amusement and signed back to him.

Zane grinned a her remarks. "Ghost says it actually can cool you off, but only if you sweat a lot. Looks like someone's either been a victim of a placebo effect or is lying through her teeth."

"You never let me have anything, Ghost, gawd!" Laika laughed, "You're like the mom of the group."

"That's not terrifying." Zane grimaced.

"No it's not!" Lily laughed, "I think she's a great team mom!"

Lily proceeded to cheer "team mom" repeatedly with increasing enthusiasm until Laika finally pointed out irritably that Ghost couldn't even hear her praise.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

The van and sedan drove out of the alleyway. "I need coffee," said Teresa. Sandor looked at Teresa while he settled in.

"Where at?" he asked.

"I know a good place," replied Teresa. She went off, and Iosif followed the van.

"Where are they going now?" Iosif grumbled.

[Naza Sutera]

Amelia made that left onto Beaumount Avenue, then slowed up as she approached the alley "...Did we miss them?" Amelia wondered. But then, the van came out of the alleyway. "There they are."

[Shmibli7]

"Well, that was an interesting development." Kosovo said to himself nonchalantly as he switched his weapon to safety and putting it back in his leg holster. 

"Indeed." Agreed Solomon, putting his glorified stun gun back into his pocket.

Kimber, for the first time during the entire escapade, was completely silent. He had no idea what was going on.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"Okay, keep going," advised Korben, analyzing first the van then the sedan that followed.

"I don't like this, Alejandro," said Teresa, turning right.

"I do," said Sandor. "We have another body to help us look for my shoes." Teresa rolled her eyes at that statement. Iosif also turned in suit.

[Zaphyr Stone]

"Why don't you get a summer cut?" Laika suggested finally, tired of watching Lily slouching in her chair, tongue lolling as she tried to cool off amidst her plumes of fluffy white fur.

"It's not a good look on me." Lily panted, "And my hair grows so fast that it's impossible to maintain."

"You need something to take your mind off the heat." Zane rolled up his magazine and stuffed it in the pocket of his jeans before standing up, "We've got some throwing around money. Why don't we go to the water park?"

"Water park?" Laika raised a brow.

"Sure!" he shrugged, "What better way to cool off?"

"I don't know–"

"It's PERFECT!" Lily was on her feet and all smiles, "I've been DYING to try out this new bathing suit I got an–"

"Wait, when did you get a new bathing suit?" Laika shot her a sharp sideways glare.

"Oh! Ah..." Lily laughed nervously, blush coming through easily against her white muzzle, "Like...a week or two ago?"

"Are you sh!tting me!?" Laika leapt out of her seat, "I KNOW that's not where our fuel money went and why we ended up stranded on Fichina for a week!"

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Teresa and the gang pulled into the parking lot opposite of a quaint coffee shop. She turned off the van and exited, with Sandor and the rest of the group following her. Iosif parked next to their van, and he too exited. The coffee shop's name was The Golden Bean. It's iconic gold-colored coffee bean logo adorned the gold and brown awning, and its hologram was projected from a device attached to one of the lights on the facade.

"Why are we here?" Iosif asked.

"We need coffee," answered Sandor. Iosif sighed, and followed them.

[Zaphyr Stone]

The pair of canines ensued what could only be described as a screaming match, arguing at the top of their lungs.

Zane sighed and sat back down in defeat. This was going to be a little bit, and he knew better than to get in the middle of it again. He looked over at Ghost, envying her inability to hear the ladies' argument.

Ghost sipped at her iced passion tea and diverted her attention away from her teammates. They normally got along for the most part, but they had been spending too much time together and were starting to wear on each other. She watched the traffic whisk past them, eyes widening slightly in recognition of a young feathered creature. It had been a while, but there was no forgetting that crazy kid.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Sandor skipped across the metallic street and onto the sidewalk, where a fenced off outdoor patio of The Golden Bean laid. He leaned on the railing and smirked at the table where four familiar faces were having a disagreement.

"What's going on ladies?" Sandor asked. "A little argument about... money?"

[Zaphyr Stone]

"Oh hey! It's you....you..." Lily trailed off.

"Sandor." Laika deadpanned, "I'm amazed you forgot after everything this little creep put us through the last time we met."

"I didn't forget!" Lily huffed and puffed out her cheeks childishly, "Don't listen to her, Sandor, it's just that time of the month for some people."

Laika growled audibly in response, but this time Ghost was the one to stand up, walk between them and up to Sandor. She gave a gracious nod in greeting.

"What are you up to?" Zane raised a brow at him, "You're making that face I don't like."

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"What, this face?" Sandor asked, gesturing to his face. "This is my only face. No other in the 'verse." He glanced back to see the others slowly approach from behind.

"I have a simple proposition," he began. "Help me find my shoes."

[Zaphyr Stone]

"Shoes?" Lily stared in lingering confusion, waiting to see if there was more to this he had yet to reveal.

"Find your own damn shoes." Laika's brow furrowed in confusion, "Check under your bed like a normal person. Your closet, even. We're busy."

"Not really." Zane shrugged, "We're just trying to beat the heat at this point."

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Sandor's eyes widened at the group's sudden and hostile refusal.

"You dare refuse the great SANDOR KALOCSAI?!" he yelled, grabbing the attention of several passersby. He then took out a roll of cold hard credits and slammed it onto the table where the group sat. A slight breeze pushed against the edges of the bills. "You may refuse the man, but can you afford to refuse his money?"

[Zaphyr Stone]

"Oooo, sweet coinage!" Lily dove for the wad.

"Not so fast!" Laika swiped it and flipped through the bills. Satisfied at the tally, she grinned back at her leader, "This should be more than enough to make up for our missing funds and then some."

"Oh poo." Lily sighed, "You're actually right. Fine, Sandor. Let's go find your shoes. Even though I'd rather go swimming in my new bikini."

"We'll have plenty of time for that." Zane shook his head with an amused roll of the eyes, "Well, where do we look first?"

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"You all come with me," said Sandor. He looked around to see if any unsavory characters were around. Satisfied, he nodded. "Now, I have no clue where they are. But! But, I do believe I know who stole them...." Sandor raised his eyebrow inquisitively and began eyeing his band of mercenaries.

"One of you stole my shoes."

[vonSteakhand]

Pigleon Claimston, who by now had finished his doughnut and was trying his level best to stomach the last few sips of lukewarm coffee, couldn't help but wonder just what in the name of General Pepper the few rowdier coffee drinkers were arguing about. Something about shoes, money and "SANDOR KALOCSAI"?

 

"I knew this would be a hipster joint." He muttered to himself, trying not to stare at anyone.

[Naza Sutera]

Amelia happened upon the coffee shop behind the van and the black sedan and came to a screeching halt in a parallel parking space. She switched off the engine, hopped out with her purse in tow, and began walk-jogging up to the entrance of the cafe, when she stopped and turned around to look at the parking clock she'd scurried past. "Aw shit." After examining it to see what the payment method was, she dug through her purse for some change, but then she pulled out her wallet and began leafing through an assortment of credit cards. Pulling out one, she stared at it for a moment. "...No, no, this one's almost maxed out." She continued leafing through her plastics until she found a suitable credit card and swiped it through the meter's card reader. The meter beeped, approving the card, and started the timer for fifteen minutes. She then proceeded into the cafe.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

Korben left Amelia's car and followed her into the cafe. However, his attention was suddenly caught by a familiar face: Ghost and her crew. He approached her, abandoning Amelia. He stopped next to Sandor, looking down on him briefly. Sandor looked up and nodded. Korben nodded back, and made eye contact with Ghost. He waved.

"Ooh... Korben. I didn't know you and Ghost left Kew on a high note..." said Sandor. Korben smacked him on the side of the head as a method of scolding.

[Zaphyr Stone]

Lily exchanged glances between her team and Sandor, somewhat confused by this twist. "Is....is he talking about us?" She whispered.

The others shrugged as they waited to see what would happen next. Instead, they watched Ghost wave back to Korben with a small smile of her own, memories of the beaver coming back.

"Oh hey! It's you....maaaaaan?" Lily grinned hopefully.

"Unbelievable." Laika was unable to stop a laugh from escaping past her otherwise irritable sigh.

As exhausting as she was at times, it was hard to stay mad at Lily.

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"The name's Korben," said Korben, gesturing to himself. He then looked back to Ghost. How have you been? he asked to her in sign language. Sandor mockingly made nonsensical gestures with his hands.

 

Bohdan had, by now, finally calmed down, and left the bathroom. Salamon was playing with his rattle in the baby carrier, and Elizabeth was putting away the letter blocks. She looked up and spotted Bohdan.

"Hey Theo," she began, "are you good?" Bohdan only nodded 'yes', as he stared at Salamon. Then, a knocking came from the door. Bohdan walked to it and opened the door. He immediately gained a disgusted demeanor.

"Pawel," started Bohdan, "what are you doing here?"

"Woah, hello to you too, cousin!" replied Pawel with a certain pep in his step and his iconic Cornerian accent. He looked around Bohdan's condo. "Nice pad you've got here. How much was it?"

"Enough," said Bohdan. Pawel allowed himself inside. Bohdan rolled his eyes as he closed the door.

"Well, hello there..." said Pawel as he saw Elizabeth. He approached her as she stood up. "What is your name?"

"Elizabeth," she answered. "And you're wasting your time with me, hotshot."

"Oh, and why's that?" asked Pawel. To answer him, Elizabeth simply showed him her ring finger, still adorned with her gold wedding ring. "Got it," said Pawel, defeated.

"Pawel, you did not answer my question," reiterated Bohdan. "What are you doing here?"

"Okay, okay," said Pawel, turning to his taller cousin. "I need some raggedy clothes." Bohdan looked puzzled.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because, there's this smoking chick I saw going into the soup kitchen at the corner of Jarvis and 11th," explained Pawel. Bohdan looked unamused.

"Does your depravity know no bounds?" asked Bohdan.

"Depravity?" questioned Pawel in disbelief that Bohdan labeled his romantic forays as depraved. "I'm an opportunistic hunter. I scope out my environment for any prey worth going after, and this gal is one succulent quarry!" Elizabeth did her best to contain her laughter, but alas, was unable to control herself. She started snickering. "Woah, what's up Lizzie?"

"I can't believe you're related to this guy, Theo!" she said.

"Neither can I," said Bohdan.

"Oh, I'm hurt," said Pawel. He then glanced down onto the coffee table, and saw a pair of old, worn shoes. "Hey, Bohdan, can I use these?"

"What? No!"

"Come on, cousin! Just for a few days!"

"I am holding them for a friend."

"Blood over bond." Bohdan ground his teeth, and allowed Pawel Sandor's shoes with a simple nod. Pawel's spirits were raised as he gleefully took the shoes. "Hey, do you have anything else that looks and/or smells like shit?"

"Get out!" said Bohdan annoyed. Pawel complied.

"Alright, I'm gone." Pawel walked out of the condo, closing the door behind him.

[Tiger Carson]

Elsewhere, three members of a small, yet dangerous mercenary team were sitting at a booth style table in a bar called the Pepper's Inn at Corneria City.  They were having a serious conversation, yet trying to keep things at a light hearted mood.
"So, you all have any luck on finding something for us to work with?" The group's leader, a male Wyvern, asked the male Gryphon sitting at the other side of the table that they were at, he had a strong southern style drawl to his voice as he spoke.
"Nope, nothing, sorry." The Gryphon said with a sigh. "Looks like work's been slow lately, not much of a call for mercs.  I'm just glad we saved what we did after that Kew excursion..."
"Yeah, good money though, but it can only hold us so long." Their third member, a female chinese water deer and their mechanic, stated. "Was interesting as a mission goes, working with the Chmielnicki Security group.  Though that Tykerial...  He's a lose cannon."
"Yeah, don't wanna meet him again too soon." The leader said, "Still, we're gonna have to be accepting one of those escort missions or security details at this rate."
"I know, we'll have to put much more effort into finding something if our current efforts don't work out soon." The Gryphon added.
"Well, let's just enjoy things for now, while we have a quiet moment." The Chinese Water Deer interjected, and changed the subject. "I hear this bar has some excellent buffalo wings."
"Heh, if Steed was here, he'd be wondering what the appeal of those things is aloud." The Gryphon said.
"Zack, you know he can't handle the taste of meat." The leader replied. "Not that his system can't process it, it just tastes bad to him."
"I know Wyvern, I'm just ribbing him while he's gone." Zack said in response and turned to the fanged deer. "Something I know doesn't bother you, Fern, you pretty face."
"Oh I do enjoy the taste of buffalo wings." Fern replied, "But, do remember some things, Zack, for your own good."
"Oh, don't worry, I only have eyes for that wonderful dragoness, Jeena." Zack said in turn. "Doesn't mean I can't give a compliment when I see a pretty lady."
"Good." Wyvern said, "But I can't believe you have eyes for an enemy still." Wyvern face palmed a bit. "You're almost as bad as Panther..." At that moment, one of the bar's waitresses came by.
"You three ready to order now?" She asked, having waited for them to finish going around the bar looking for news on mercenary jobs.
"We certainly are, miss." Wyvern said. "Fern, you go first." And the three gave their orders soon enough, not having any idea of what was to come that day.

[Zaphyr Stone]

"Korben! Got it." Lily clicked her tongue.

I am well, thank you. Ghost responded, Your associate has just hired us for an unusual assignment.

"Sandor." Laika started again, "What exactly are we doing?"

[Arminius H O Fiddywinks]

"WE... we...." began Sandor, "we are going to find my shoes. Simple." Korben translated that for Ghost via hand gestures.

"It's actually not as simple as you may think," added Teresa, going up next to Sandor. "We have no idea where his shoes are."

[SF Redd]

The brothers sat in wait. Neither particularly enjoyed coffee, so they each had a bottle of water and a protein-filled panini.

"I can't believe we took a job like this." Sholt sighed to Korr.

"Ha, lighten up, bro!" Korr chuckled. "This is easy money. Once we're done with this, we'll get back to our usual stuff. Plus, you can't say this isn't more interesting than another damned escort mission."

"I get that, it's just... something feels off about this. I feel like we're not being told the whole story. And who the hell is this guy that was chasing us? Why did Sandor just let him tag along?" Sholt wondered. He had so many unanswered questions in his mind.

"Eh, I just think you're being to paranoid. I just can't wait to actually get moving again to find these shoes. I do wonder what's so important about them, though. They probably just hold sentimental value, or something like that.

[Zaphyr Stone]

"Well I get that. That's why we're looking for them, right?" Lily chimed in, "But do we have a couple places we could look? It doesn't seem like you guys have actually, you know....looked."

"My sentiments exactly." Laika nodded, "What's our gameplan? Strategy? Set of loose instructions?"