Director Meyers grinned, reviewing the reports from Geshp's sting operation. The devil had done it, pulling off the operation far more successfully than she could have imagined.
Fifty prominent criminals within the Lycan realm, all well connected with various organized criminal Lycan families. S.P.E.A.R in essence had crippled the criminal underworld in the Lycan realm for the next decade, a fact Geshp now wished to gloat about.
"Okay so what are you looking for Geshp?" Hailey asked.
"What makes you think I would want something my dear Director," Geshp smirked. "All I've done is perform my duties in an exemplary manner. You're thanks is all I look for."
"Oh please," Hailey chuckled. "I've known you since I started Geshp. There's always a catch. So, what are you fishing for?"
"Well," Geshp mused. "It is my understanding that one of your associates is considering retirement. If that position were to....become available, I wouldn't mind being considered. That is if you are considering offering me an award for my services."
Hailey laughed softly, shaking her head. She had a feeling about Geshp's motives. One of the department heads was indeed considering retirement. If Geshp were to take that position, he would become the fourth highest ranking member within S.P.E.A.R. For an ambitious devil, the idea of greater power within the organization was a temptation he could not ignore.
"We'll see Geshp," Hailey said. "After all, S.P.E.A.R does encourage a fair and diverse promotional process. There are several excellent candidates."
"True, but none are quite as proficient at their jobs as I am."
That fact was hard to argue for the vampire director. Over the years, Geshp had proven himself to be an exceptional agent. Few within S.P.E.A.R were as connected to the underbelly of the supernatural world as Geshp. Still, the devil couldn't be completely trusted. Geshp looked out for himself, as devils often did. To give a devil that type of power could prove problematic.
As Hailey looked to respond an explosion of wood, glass, and metal filled her office. Instinctively, Hailey ducked down, withdrawing her firearm. Both she and Geshp now gawked at the large angry figure looming in the destroyed doorway.
"Fukushu?"
The menacing nine tailed kitsune glowered at the pair, his tails swishing behind him as he slowly approached. Hailey was mystified by the angry kitsune general. What was he doing here? It was now Geshp who scowled at the kitsune, the devil's inky black eyes staring daggers at Fukushu.
"You better have a good reason for barging in here kitsune," Geshp growled. "We're in the middle of...."
Hailey gasped in horror. One moment Geshp was confronting Fukushu. The next second, the devil's head was cleaved from his shoulders. Fukushu's sword strike was so fast even the vampire couldn't see it. All she could see was the devils head smack against the wall before both body and head disintegrated into thick black smoke.
"Y..you..you killed him," Hailey gasped in horror.
"No," Fukushu growled. "My blade can not kill a devil, merely send them back to the pit from which he spawned. He will return shortly. After we have spoken."
Hailey snarled, training her weapon on Fukushu as agents now rushed to her defense. Fukushu though was unimpressed, his brow furrowed as the grip on his katana tightened.
"Don't be a fool vampire," he growled. "Your pet devil may be alright but I can't promise the safety of anyone else."
"If you think I'm just going to sit here while you smash my office and send Geshp to the shadows you got another thing coming!"
Fukushu's mouth twisted into a sneer, the kitsune's nine tails sweeping outwards, striking the close to twenty agents aiming their weapons. Hailey watched as these agents were tossed like toys, slamming into walls and cubicles. As Hailey looked to fire her weapon, Fukushu swung, cutting the barrel of her weapon off.
Hailey was shocked, the menacing kitsune now standing only a few feet in front of her. Fukushu simply smashed his fists down, the blow causing the legs of the desk to crumple like cardboard. Hailey could hear a low growl emanate from the nearly seven foot fox man as he spoke.
"Where is the Superior Church?"
"What?" Hailey asked in confusion.
"The church," Fukushu repeated more forcefully. "Where are they?!"
"Freeze!"
Fukushu glanced backwards, his brow furrowing as he noticed Tom and Alexa. The pair had heard the commotion and quickly run to Hailey's defense. Now the young wizard pointed a firearm at Fukushu while his magic now conjured forth a series of metallic chains. Tom's partner Alexa had assumed her Nekomata form. The cat woman poised to pounce and attack the enraged kitsune.
Huffing in annoyance, Fukushu's tails swept outwards, ensnaring the young agents and effectively pinning them to the wall inspite of their struggles.
"Both of you stay quiet and listen," Fukushu exclaimed angrily. "This concerns your cousin Mason."
"Mason?" Tom asked in alarm as he strained against the iron like grip of Fukushu's tail. "What happened to Mason?"
"He was targeted by the Superior Church," Fukushu growled. "Abolith rescued him, however, I take this assault against the boy....personally."
Fukushu now turned back to Hailey, the kitsune's eyes narrowed as a sinister expression formed on his vulpine face.
"I asked again vampire," he growled. "Where is the Superior Church?"
"We don't know," Hailey exclaimed. "We're trying to figure that out!"
Fukushu grumbled, his lips forming into a sneer as he leaned towards Hailey.
"Then tell me everything that you do know," he said, his voice filled with venom.
"Why should I help you?" Hailey spat. "You smashed my office, beheaded Geshp, attacked my agents, I should throw you in prison!"
"Bars will not stop me vampire," Fukushu growled, his voice low and menacing. "And any who stand in the way of my vengeance will join these fanatics in oblivion."
Hailey shifted nervously under the kitsunes gaze. She had heard rumors of the kitsunes temper, but never seen it. Fukushu's power and anger were frightening, the kitsune swatting away highly trained agents like gnats. Realizing that prolonging this confrontation could put her agents in further jeopardy, Hailey relented.
"Here," she said, printing out a copy of possible locations. "This is what we have so far."
Fukushu snatched the papers from Hailey, glowering at the information. Releasing Alexa and Tom, Fukushu turned to leave before turning back to Hailey once more.
"Keep your people away Director," Fukushu stated. "Any that attempt to stop me will receive no mercy."
"That's not how it works Fukushu," Hailey countered. "Those in charge of the church will face justice."
"They will face justice, at the end of my blade."
As Fukushu now left, Hailey gazed at her destroyed office and injured agents. S.P.E.A.R would need to work quickly to find the Superior Church. With Fukushu on the warpath, none with any connection to it would be safe.