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CHAPTER ONE
The Princenapping
The Phoenix Squad is assigned to a particularly dangerous and vital mission. They are to kidnap Prince Alastair, the heir to the throne. Success means the Uprising gains its most valuable piece in securing Delra's future. Failure is not an option.It was time for their most ambitious mission yet - to capture the Prince of Delra. By the time the train arrived at the station, the Phoenix Squad had already divided themselves into three groups: Team Alpha to charge in with attacks and intimidation, Team Beta to lie in wait and ultimately capture their prisoner, and Team Omega to wait at the station and help the kidnappers get away. Everyone had their weapons, although only Teams Alpha and Beta would be using theirs.
The train's doors slid open to reveal a pristine, silent station - a jarring contrast with the flurry of Fivanians the night prior. A fair number of Onetians were in sight, distinguishable from the non-natives by their dapper greyscale clothes and elegant demeanor. Teams Alpha and Beta, still wearing their regular clothes from underground, would look like street urchins in those immaculate halls. Practicality trumped looks in their case.
Team Omega, however, were dressed appropriately to enter the beautiful province of Oneta. Since it would be suspicious
and boring for a group of shabby teenagers to loiter here for hours, Atlanta had provided them with proper formal outfits - tailored suits and traditional Onetian skirts (for all genders) - allowing them to explore the District of Stars unchallenged.
"We part ways here," Commander Atlanta spoke in a hushed tone.
"Remember, Team Omega, you're free to explore until I page you for the one-hour warning.""Team Alpha, Team Beta - let's move out," she said with a brisk wave of her hand. The lush forested area on the opposite side of the train tracks was an excellent place to disappear (and coincidentally connected to Alastair's forest), so she led the squad into the brush.
"Remember. Team Alpha, you'll be leading the attack - be as intimidating as possible. Force him towards where Team Beta is waiting." She turned to the other side.
"Team Beta, your job is to find the best place for the ambush. Use your powers to help Team Alpha out. Once they drive Alastair to you, jump him and slap the handcuffs on."Each member of Team Beta had a pair of power-cancelling handcuffs that would, hopefully, cancel out whatever power Alastair had. The Intelligence Department genuinely didn't know what he had.
"The rest is up to you... but first, we have to reach the waterfall where Alastair is," She said.
"We can't use GPS or we'll be easily traced back to the crime, so we'll have to do our best."Atlanta brought out the sketchy map one more time to refresh their memories. They'd studied it on the train, but, markers like
'mossy rock shaped like upside-down pear' would be difficult to find...
"I'll let you lead the way. Think of it as an exercise in navigation." The commander would follow behind with the map and correct them if things appeared too off-track. She would try not to interfere otherwise - she trusted the Phoenix Squad's independence.
Role list
Phoenix Squad members choose their own role.
Team Alpha: Quinn, Jen, Theo, Arys, Calypso, Leo, Cujo, Demetria, Naevys
Team Beta: Gavotte, Onyx, Keelan, Robin, Rose, Thalia, Brenn, Roselle
Team Omega: Ardai, Caleb, Albin, Scorch, Cassiopeia, Fletcher, Freyja, Aisling
Equipment
Team Alpha: Weapons, communicator, normal clothes
Team Beta: Weapons, communicator, power-cancelling handcuffs, normal clothes
Team Omega: Weapons, communicator, some money, Onetian clothes
Gavotte Tenuto
Water manipulation
Tags: Team Alpha & Beta
Gavotte understood his limits - directly charging into the fight would overwhelm him. He'd chosen Team Beta so he could help effectively. Staying behind and waiting, using his water powers to support his team, it seemed like an excellent idea.
As for navigating... Gavotte thought for a second, tuning out the others. It was his own power that gave him inspiration. Gav used his power to tug at the ground, searching for signs of underground water.
"Alastair's by a waterfall," he murmured, looking up at the rest of Team Alpha and Beta. "So I'm looking for water. Do you think that would help?"
Ardai Fairchild
Shadow puppets
Tags: Team Omega
The urge to start twirling was almost irresistible. It was pretty obvious, but Ardai
loved skirts with a passion. His 'Oneta outfit' was all-white, featuring a cute little skirt that flared out over his dress pants. The only accents of color were the dramatic gold earrings Quinn had made him.
"Guess we're free now!" He exclaimed, a huge grin on his face. "I don't really care where we go - as long as there's food."
