Through Different Eyes

 Most times when there is a group huddle up everything goes simple. Leader says the plan, the people help make the plan. And the plan gets done.

 However, what happens when the plan involves getting a van out of a tree.

 ... yeah I am not joking.

 "Hmmmm, go a little to the left!"

 *thud*

 Up in the canopy of the trees by the rocky side of the beach Toga scaled up and gently jumped onto the next branch. Waving her arms about to stay balanced.

 *smack*

 Jake smacked his palm on his face. "I should have called Takara for this."

 "I heard that!"

 Toga slowly made her way to the next branch, pulling away some of the smaller branches in hopes to see the van they were looking for. "How did it fly this far? Its further than last time."

 "Last time it was a lone thief. Plus, we cleaned out the van so it wasn't that heavy."

 Toga sighed before yelping at her leg slipping, quickly trying to grab the nearest branch but missed!-

 *THUD*

 "Toga?!" Jake walked around after hearing the commotion. "Speak to me girl! How many bones?!"

 Above, Toga had slipped off and could have fallen nearly three stories from above. Luckily she landed on the one thing they were looking for. The roof of their van.

 "I... I'm okay? I'm... actually okay..." Toga fell on her knees and breathed to calm down. "No bones broken dad!"

 "Thats good! Can't let Susten blame me for this!"

 "Youre the one who hasn't fixed the brakes!" Toga rolled her eyes before looking around to see the damage. "I landed on Bessie and she seems fine."

 "Ha! Bessie strikes again!" Jake scrambled up the trunk and into the canopy.

 Toga waited for him to climb up before looking around to see how damaged the van was.

 Apart from some dents and scratches it wasn't that affected by the crash thanks to the tree breaking its fall. Except for one of the back tire which had been popped off.

 Jake swung down one branch and onto the side of the van, using a branch to stay on it to slide open the side of it. "Hey Toga, do you think we can move the whole thing down with ropes?"

 Toga leaned over to the edge of the van roof. "Well, if we reduced its weight it could make it easier to drop it down."

 Jake nodded and got into the van. Stomping onto the floor to make sure it was steady.

 "Then get ready to be on the line, gonna pass out some of the stuff we have stashed in here."

 Hearing the plan, Toga crawled down to get a good position for Jake to pass on some of the items. Finding a good interlock of branches to pile them on.

 "All set."

 Jake, after making sure the van was balanced, got inside and started to open and unlock all the hidden compartments. Taking out various items from pillows, pots, books, a sword, some makeup-

 Toga below was surprised the van actually carried all of this as she received a small canoe-

 "Who put a canoe in the van?" Toga put it on the pile.

 "We got it after saving those guys who nearly drowned in that river. Lost a good donkey though."

 Toga nodded in memory before patting her chest. "May it rest in peace."

 "Here's Melusine's surfboard."

 Putting the surfboard on the pile Toga received a book and opened it to see what was inside after noticing the silver emblem on it.

 "Photo album?" Toga looked up at the van.

 "Yeah..." Jake stepped out of the van. "Had a camera a while back and took some pics."

 Toga nodded slowly and turned the pages. Seeing photos which were longer than 'a while back'. From seeing their first little shack of a house they lived in years ago to the first time they found the abandoned mall. Most were either blurry or at odd angles but they came out well.

 As she got lost in nostalgia Jake brought down the items onto the ground. Taking his time to look at each item before putting them down.

 "Hey Jake?"

 Jake looked up at Toga from below. "Yes kid?"

 "Um... you said that the plan was to get, like, sponsors by doing and cooking at little side hustles until we get big, right?"

 Jake nodded and turned to face the tree.

 "So..." Toga scratched her neck. "How long do you think it will take?"

 Jake pressed his lips together and looked down at the items he brought down. Spotting a small lavender piece of cloth which was folded and placed inside one of his thick notebooks.

 So he knelt down on one knee and opened the book, unfolding the cloth to look at it. Slowly holding the part where two hearts were sown into the fabric.

 Hearing no response from him, Toga climbed down only to find him sitted on a rock nearby.

 Toga rubbed her arm and glanced around in hopes of finding her words. Lucky for her, curiosity was the best source.

 "So," Toga walked over. "Whats up with the cloth? Bought it for mom?"

 "Oh this, I bought it some years ago for you but kinda forgot about it." Jake chuckled sheepishly. "I met some woman who made me run faster than any villain I've beaten."

 "Really?" Toga sat down next to him. "Even more than Genocide? And was she special?"

 "Yeah, two of them actually- NOT as much as your mother. Don't hit me." Jake felt her gaze. "But, she makes think of something I don't really want to do right now."

 Toga gestured for the cloth and Jake gave it to her. "And whats that?"

 "I... don't want to be on the front lines right now." Jake leaned back and decided to look upward at the van in thought.

 Toga looked back at him, raising a brow at why he mentioned that out of blue. Its not like he was forced to fight someone, but after looking over his face those words she was searching for finally showed up.

 "Come on," Toga nudged his arm before standing up. "If you can take care of this rust and bolts, I'm sure you can handle another one."

 Jake opened his eyes to look over at her before letting out a chuckle. "True, and that's why you're never gonna drive my van. You can steal my books."

 "Ah? And after I literally drove you to the hospital that day? I literally have a license for that creature."

 "Dont think so much about it. Its your name-"

 "Not the name-thing" Toga groaned. "I hate this name. Why from all names would you-No! Dont even say that cheesy line"

 Jake covered his eyes with his arm as he looked away while clenching his chest. "Because you stole my heart~."

 Toga rolled her eyes and pouted, turning to look away from him. "...Nice save."

 "Ha, just like your mother." Jake smirked. "By the way there's a large spider on your back."

 "What?! Get it off!" Toga clawed at her jacket apun in circles, falling onto the ground and roll around to get it off.

 Leaving Jake crackling at the sight before letting out a sigh. Watching Toga scramble around as he leaned back to enjoy the show.

 "Not bad kid," Jake smiled as Toga smacked into the side of the tree. "Not bad at all."

 As the two continued their job, in the shadows of the trees, was the last member of the trio.

 Susten watched the two as she had gotten off from work early and came over to help. Leaving them to talk until her watch beeped at the time she had set the alarm on.

 So with a sigh, she walked over to the two. Dusting off her skirt and carrying the book she had carried with her.

 "Hey Sus,"

 Susten looked over at Jake who was up in the tree. "Hey Jake, have you seen Toga?"

 *crack-striiichh*

 Hanging off tangled in the thick wires of the van, Toga gave a nervous smile and a small wave as her foot was next to her face. "Hey mom, uh.... early day from work?"

 Susten gave her a flat stare. "Come on, you know what time it is."

 Toga sighed and wiggled around before climbing back up the branch to safely get down. Shaking off some of the leaves in her hair.

 "I'm giving you four hours before I come back to give you a quiz." Susten watched her walk past.

 "Yes mom"

 Susten turned at hearing Toga's sarcastic tone but just waved it off not wanting to deal with it. She already has one teenager to deal with, so why bother think deeply of the other.

 Speaking of the other teenager..

 "And did you call the pickup truck?" Susten folded her arms.

 Jake glanced away. "Maybe...."

 "Jake, you know we don't have time for taking so long." Susten groaned and held her hips. "You said that we have to start small and hopefully get large sponsors to invest in us. Do you know how long that is going to take with our criminal record?"

 Jake shrugged. "Depends on how powerful your passion is. How do you think you got those letters?"

 Susten paused with her brows furrowed before restraining herself from just-Urggghh! "Jake this isn't some mission in the army where you can just grab a gun and walk onto the field."

 "Say that to the army and they'd be insulted to the core."

 Susten stepped over and stood infront of him before starting to pace around muttering her own thoughts. Finally slowing down to look back at him.

 "And do you think I want this army to be on the list of those who died in battle?" Susten asked as her gaze lowered onto the ground. "Not everyone gets the same weapon."

 Jake looked up at her and leaned forward. Resting his elbows on his knees. "True, sometimes they come up with those massive canons, those towering spears,"

 Susten looked over at him to find him standing next to her.

 "This is only card I've got and honestly if we mess this up we'd be homeless." Jake shrugged. "Surprised we actually made it this far."

 Susten rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "Toga should be attending her tutoring sessions, not helping us pull a van out of a tree."

 "True," Jake nodded before stepping infront of her and giving a salute.

 Susten blinked and shook her head. "What on earth are you doing?"

 "I have reported in the new mission Ma'am! All arms are ready for the next step Ma'am." Jake puffed his chest with a serious yet goofy face with his chin out. "So what is the next step Ma'am?"

 Susten sighed while her lips were slowly tugging up. "Why do I keep allowing this?.."

 Jake remained in that pose as with every second Susten's arms loosened until they fell down her sides.

 "Just... inform your commander on the next mission," Susten rubbed her palm and looked back at him with a soft gaze of concern. "Okay?"

 Jake dropped his salute, relaxed his chest and shoulders. Reaching his hand out towards her with a smile.... and placed it on her shoulder.

 "You ain't built to be a commander home boy." Jake smiled with a nod.

 "Ah?!" Susten threw her arms in air, but stayed there.. "You think I'm that easy?"

 "Youre already smiling." Jake chuckled.

 Susten clicked her tongue and held her hips, trying to hold in that smile.

 "I'll keep you posted."

 Hearing Jake's words Susten finally let that smile settle on her lips. Shaking her head at how this always happens.

 Susten chuckled softly. "You know the other two aren't as easy as me."

 "Well, sometimes you let them handle it themselves." Jake shrugged. "But I'm sure they will be the hardest to talk to. I mean have you seen those two?"

 "A millitary dog and a grumpy cat in the human flesh?"

 "Exactly."

 Jake then patted her shoulder before nodding up at the van above. "So. Want to give the criminal one hour?"

 "Well...." Susten looked down in thought before looking up at the van. "If she helps bring that scrap metal home by dinner."

 "There it goes. Now come on, you can help arrange the stuff below since you're in a skirt."

 Susten nodded and put her book down on the rock Jake was sitting on before rolling up her sleeves. Adjusting her watch to countdown an hour instead of two.

 The couple getting back to work as if no one was coming to pull their van out of the tree, its them. Besides, they didn't want to start explaining on how a van got stuck up in a tree to an innocent worker.

 Speaking of innocent workers.

 On the otherside of Silvaren was a tall apartment building, the style being more minimal than grand to blend with the quiet neighborhood. One of those apartments being the home for one tired Viner.

 *thud*

 "Im coming!"

 *dun thud*

 "I am coming, relax."

 *thu-*

 "I said I'm coming!"

 Opening the door to his apartment was Takara, swinging the door open to expect someone.

 "Dont worry I'll get the... rent... by tomorrow?" Takara raised a brow at his visitor.

 Only to find that his guest was shorter and... hairy?

 At his door was a large fluffy dog with a black bow tie around its neck, it currently jumping to ring his doorbell. Though that wasn't the case.

 *thud*

 Takara gestured for it to stop since he had already come out, but the dog insisted on getting the doorbell ring first.

 Takara groaned, "Mel..."

 After seeing the dog fail a few more times Takara gestured for it to stop as he knelt down.

 "No no, its alright."

 The dog stopped and sat down, showing off the bow tie as it had a note on it.

 "What?..." Takara tilted his head. "Did Mel send you this note?"

 *borf*

 The dog stood up and started wagging its tail, shaking its head.

 Takara raised his hand and gestured for the note, only getting it after the dog was comfortable for him to do so.

 Opening it Takara read the message on it.

 "I need you to come discuss privately in Silva- Woaho! Meet?!" Takara scoffed as he stood up. "She sends a dog to pick me up and escort me to meet with her? I'm not going to meet up with her in Silvaren."

 The dog whined as Takara gave it a flat stare.

 "Don't use that face on me." Takara sighed.

 *borf borf*

 The dog stood up and jumped a few steps down the hall before looking back him over its shoulder.

 The simple answer is a no. However, sending a large dog which is wearing a bow tie made this more intriguing.

 Takara looked back into his apartment. "Well, it is her dog from the collar bow tie it has... and it is the first time..."

 The dog turned to face him fully, whining once more as it stepped over to nuzzle aganist his leg.

 "She better have something important for me to meet up all the way there." Takara muttered. "Alright big guy, I'm coming."

 The dog barked in excitement and wagged its tail, pacing around as it waited for Takara.

 Once his home was locked, the two left his apartment building. Letting the dog lead the way as the town's buildings shifted into broken and overgrown. The dog looking back a few times or nuzzling aganist him as they walked along.

 After a while Takara reached the overgrown airport. Wondering why she was so deep in Silvaren.

 The two got inside as the holes in the ceiling and other floors above let light into the place. The very light helping Takara spot a figure standing on the fourth floor of the building.

 "Hey, butler?" Takara whispered to the dog which surprisingly got used to the nickname as it stopped to look at him.

 Takara knelt down and patted its head. "I'll use another path to meet her. Don't worry, I'll be there."

 The dog leaned into the touch before watching Takara stretch and use the debris to scale off in another direction. Disappearing into the shadows.

 Meanwhile, on the fourth floor, a patient Melusine was leaned aganist the wall as she was looking around.

 *borf*

 Hearing her dog Melusine stood up. "Tuxedo, where is Mr Yakuro?"

 The dog barked again as Melusine tilted her head.

 "Don't tell me you lost him. His apartment is only one hour away from here." Melusine shook her head and turned to face the open side of the building. Only to see a face right next to hers- "Ah!"

 Melusine stumbled back and balled her fists on instinct, but let out a breath after seeing it was Takara who was hanging upside down from a metal pole above.

 "Mr Yakuro, I called you here to meet. Not to play around." Melusine grumbled.

 Takara shrugged before getting down with a flip, his stick being used to lean once he stood.

 "Wha-"

 "Before you start," Takara pointed at the dog. "Why does your dog wear a bow tie?"

 Melusine looked over at it. "Its name is Tuxedo."

 "Right??..." Takara brushed that aside. "And why did you call me out here? You could've just called."

 "Relax," Melusine leaned back aganist the wall. "I just wanted to talk."

 "Talk?"

 "About the plan Jake told us to think on." Melusine looked at his stick. "But first I want to comment on the walking stick."

 "Huh?" Takara looked at his stick and sae that there was nothing wrong with it.

 "Pretending to be disabled? What next, you being from a powerful family?" Melusine snorted.

 Takara gave a flat glare. "If thats all you wanted to talk about then save it."

 Takara turned-

 "Hold on."

 Takara looked over at her with raised brows.

 "Do you think Jake's plan can actually work?" Melusine dropped the main topic.

 "And why do you want my opinion?" Takara faced her.

 "Because the plan is unthinkable." Melusine stood up. "Our broken down shop getting people to sponsor us? Our criminal record says everything."

 Takara watched her walk over to the open space to look out into the horizon.

 "You know this won't work? Right?"

 "I do."

 Melusine raised a brow at the blunt honesty. "Then why are you still staying? You already have side jobs to keep you financially stable, so what do you get from staying?"

 "Its my main source of money. I can't waste such a chance."

 Melusine squinted her eyes. "This is my only stable job Mr Yakuro, so I can't waste time on something which will not pay me back in return."

 "Then why haven't you left?" Takara looked up at her. "We became broke four months ago. Yet you're still here."

 Melusine folded her arms and scoffed. "It's not that simple."

 "My rent is still high. And simple jobs like beautician and a babysitter for clients aren't going to cut it."

 Melusine looked down at him, locking eyes.

 "This my only stable job. So if I lose this job-" Takara sighed. "I lose my apartment."

 Melusine blinked and glanced around before watching Takara walk past her and look out at the scenery.

 "If you want to leave, then go ahead." Takara stated. "Besides, even though it means more work for me. I'll be getting a higher pay check. Your loss,"

 Takara stepped forward to leave but felt something hold onto his stick, scratch that, make that someone.

 Melusine held Takara's stick then slowly let go after getting his attention.

 "How sure are you, that this will not work out?"

 Takara glanced out into the open, letting out a small chuckle. "As people say, you can never tell if a flower smells good until it blooms."

 Melusine squinted her eyes and looked down to see if he saw a flower but saw nothing but moss and leaves. "What do you mean by-"

 *wssshhh*

 Takara had left, leaving her there with Tuxedo who whined at its new friend going without saying goodbye. Leaving Melusine with a random phrase in her head.

 "Wait till it blooms huh," Melusine turned to leave. Snapping her fingers for Tuxedo to follow her. "I'll keep that in mind."

 Melusine left the scene with her hands in her jean skirt's pockets. Letting out a sigh as she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. Knowing full well of what message was sent to her.

 But, just incase, she pulled out her phone and flicked it open. Glancing at the words.

 It was a simple text from Jake.

 'Pull up'

 And indeed they did.

 .

 . .

 . . .

 *Borf*

 Melusine arrived at Lagooner's Bay later than expected as Tuxedo jogged ahead of her along the sand by the beach. The only landmark on the sand being some rocks and the legendary van. Bessie.

 Posted on it was Toga who was sitted on the roof of the van. Jake had his arms folded, leaning aganist its side while Susten chose to be inside. Takara sitting across from the van on a large stone.

 All eyes glanced at her and watched her make her way over. Tuxedo running over with joy as it made its way to greet its latest friend. Greeting said friend with a great big hug and sloppy kisses.

 "Hey, big guy I just took a shower." Takara chuckled after pushing Tuxedo off of him.

 *snap*

 Tuxedo heard Melusine snap and sat down at attention. Chest up and stoic expression... until Takara patted its head.

 "Good boy," Takara rubbed its head as it wagged its tail in reply.

 Once Melusine made it to the group Jake let out a breath he was keeping inside before looking over at everyone's faces.

 They all got the message so they all knew what he was planning on saying. Making it both easy and difficult for the man to actually start talking. However, Jake's words got caught on his throat.

 "Im sure we all came to make the final decision." Susten spoke through the window. "The decision of searching for sponsors to help boost our shops morale and be able to renovate it before the deadline. We also did some research and found a job request we can start doing tomorrow morning.

 However, Before you give your answers on whether you agree to this. Jake has something important to say."

 Receiving the spotlight Jake pulled out two small envelops.

 "Listen up." Jake started. "Among the answers. Us three are already in it do or die. So that leaves the two of you to make your mind on it."

 Takara and Melusine glanced at each other before looking back at him.

 "You've helped us with our shop for nearly a year ever since we started our little business. And to be true, nobody else would stick with us back then." Jake laughed to lighten the mood. "But, you guys don't have any cash coming in your pockets in the next few months. Not to mention some of the debt you may have."

 Takara glanced down.

 "So," Jake held out the two envelopes to the two of them. "It ain't much. But you were supposed to get paid this weekend. So we got what we could to pay you guys up, don't want you guys to be in the same boat as us."

 Melusine blinked as she stared at the envelope. Seeing by the thickness that the money inside was indeed worth something. So her hand slowly raised a finger in the process to get it. But...

 *thud-*

 "I can make spices!"

 Everyone looked over at Takara who had got off the rock and spoke a little louder than he expected.

 "Ehhh, I uh... " Takara drew small circles in the sand with his big toe. "I can make spices. Plus, I have some connections.."

 Jake slowly lowered his hands as Melusine looked down at the sand spotting a small flower. A blooming flower.

 "I... may not be updated with the latest trends." Melusine rubbed her knuckles. "But I know some farms.. incase we need food or other supplies."

 The trio on the van blinked at seeing the two who just joined them say... they want to remain broke??....

 Jake burst out a laugh, laughing so much that he held his knees. "You want to stay broke?"

 Takara got his stick.

 Jake raised his hands in surrender. "Okay okay, but still... you sure you want to do this?"

 Takara and Melusine started glanced at each other before looking at the three.

 "Well... I..." Melusine glanced around.

 Toga above let out a breath and a smile seeing the two lose their words. "Thanks you two,"

 Melusine blinked as if she was a deer infront of headlights, the words she was trying to find getting even more lost.

 "Thanks to you too," Takara softly smiled back.

 Everyone paused, the trio by the van letting out a sigh of relief with smiles on their faces. Though Jake's fell flat because-

 "Youre welcome." Jake smile then dropped. "And never do that again. Geez its hard to picture you smiling."

 Takara's brow twitched.

 "Areiai citinic me?! Tsatit!" Takara marched forward holding his stick high. "In'vacanic Iai till'Nestveec!"

 "He's gone primal! Open the door!" Jake scrambled to the door.

 Luckily before Takara could woop Jake Susten giggled at the antics.

 Susten chuckled. "I know it won't be easy, so we'll try to make it as smooth as possible."

 "As long as there's food." Melusine raised her hand.

 "Foodie." Jake mumbled as he was held by the back of his collar. "What did you even say? All I heard was Vinese?"

 "Learn the language. And you call yourself a Race Expert." Takara looked down at him with a raised unimpressed brow. Letting go of his collar. "Savelis."

 Melusine walked over to the van. Rolling her eyes at the two before looking up at Toga. "So exactly what job are we going to be starting tomorrow?"

 "Oh, right." Toga searched her shorts pockets to pull out a folded newspaper. Unfolding it to show her. "We are gonna hunt some fish the size of a truck and sell the meat."

 ". . . . . ."

 Toga looked down at them. Seeing their puzzled and confused faces. "Don't blame me. Blame the newspaper."

 As the group chatted and planned on their next move. An ambulance raced by, not really stopping them as it was a simple ambulance in the distance.

 However, that distraction made Toga accidentally drop one page from the newspaper. And the heading on it?

 [Three Predatory Attacks by Lagooner's Bay: Unknown Fish sighting leads to two injured and one fatal casualty]