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99 came to a dead halt, and slid to the ground to watch. This one matched the description he had been given, and he seemed to not have noticed him yet. That was good. Very good indeed.

However...he had teleported in. That wasn't good, because 99 had no means of telling if he could do that again. Which meant he needed some way to ensure this one didn't make a repeat of his last escape.

With a soft smile, his figure began to blur as he melted into the shadows around him to maneuver closer. One blow would be sufficient to knock him out. Then it would be a simple matter of dragging him away. The dragons would be annoying, but they were small still, and he had dealt with similar creatures...even if it hadn't been recently.

That's all well and good then, since I really don't feel like harming anyone myself.

From the sound of things, he was in a nearby tree, though that wasn't easily verified, given his desire to remain hidden from view.

Interesting pets. I have a friend who would love them...but I digress, I suppose I should be asking...what is it, what value do you possess that could put your life in such jeopordy...? You don't appear to be much, if one looks past the teleportation...

Hmmm......then it isn't at all your fault. I suppose that makes this among the worst situations one could find themselves in...

He sighed. This was gonna make him feel miserable for helping Rake...he could tell that right now. If not for the money...

I honestly have to say I feel pity for your plight, mate. I would love nothing more than to help you.

That said, he seemed to erupt from the ground beside the poor elf, his hands already whirling out to strike a solid pair of blows against his skull. Given the metal claws hidden inside the gloves themselves, such blows would likely render his dazed, if not outright unconcious.

Forgive me...

Because I'm being paid enough that my little brother will be without worry for a few years more.

He didn't like the job, but he was going to do it, especially since the man was starting to annoy him. He reacted with blinding speed, drawing his handgun and taking a trio of shots at the elf as he whirled away, using the trees as cover to return to the shadows and evade the fire spells.

It was unclear as to whether or not the dome of cold affected him, given how he had just vanished from sight once again, but either way, he was still nearby.

Then tell me...would you end my damnation? This is not for his comfort, this is for my debt.

He had apparently escaped, and his voice was echoing from a distance, so he was being more cautious this time around....but he clearly wasn't so keen on giving up.

When I take up an oath, I fulfill it. Please do not make me harm you...you are not meant to die, elf. Any unnecessary pain is avoidable.

If needed, he would simply take potshots at the man from a good range...his handgun was fully loaded, after all. But that blade was making things more difficult. With a sigh, he crept along the tree he had hidden himself in, gaining a favorable position to rain fire upon the man. When he was sure he was not going to miss, he fired a trio of blessed silver rounds, all of them aimed to be nonlethal, but painful.

I never said it was the right thing to do. But I see no other option to keep my word...I only ask that you forgive me for this.

He dropped from the trees and walked calmly forward. He then placed his hand on the elf's shoulder, taking a look at the new wings. That was odd. He hadn't seen those before. With those in mind, he adjusted his aim from the temple to the point between the eyes, throwing a quick blow intended to knock the elf out.

99 swore softly. The elf's words were painful in his thoughts, but he had already resolved himself to this. With a soft sigh, he lifted the limp body, and thanking his vampiric strength the whole way, he began to trudge slowly towards the edge of the forest. During this time, he flipped out a cell phone and punched in the speed-dial. He waited a few moments, then spoke softly when he heard the person on the other end pick up.

Evan. Change of plans...how far out are you? .....Thirty seconds? Damn. That's cutting it kinda close, then. Avoid the beach. I want you to drop the bike off at the southern edge of the forest instead. I have need of it here. And tell Tank thanks once again for the favor. I owe him one.

There was a great many advantages in having friends in the military. Even more so when they were disinclined to follow the typical chain of command in regards to granting a favor to a close friend. It wouldn't be long before the sounds of the chopper came, and it was only a very short time after that he would find the crate containing his most beloved means of transportation, a motorcycle customized to an almost illegal extent. He smiled for the first time since he entered the forest as he pried the crate open, since now getting back to Rake's shrine would be a matter of minutes. Only one matter still brought concern to his mind...the matter of the weapon the elf carried. He had avoided touching it so far, but now he was growing ever more curious. He tentatively reached his hand out after setting the elf's body upon the ground, and wrapped his fingers around the hilt, not entirely sure what to expect of the demonic blade.

Yes, I dare, you worthless piece of scrap metal. Remember who's taking you to your beloved Rake...unless you'ld rather I throw you into the sea and be done with it!

He held on for an instant longer before removing his hand. He had felt that pain before...the slow decay of one's own flesh. With a stoic silence he mounted his bike, and seated the elf behind him, with his arms around his waist to prevent him from falling off.

With a throaty roar, the engine came to life, and within a few moments they were ripping a path across the countryside, heading for the nearest road at near suicidal speeds.