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En Passant [Cas/NPC][Armor Hunt]
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Post by Ravenna on May 10, 2018 4:41:34 GMT
While the day was full of fun and festivities, the night had been rather dreadful. Fortunately, Cassius was able to fall asleep much easier the second time around. He seemed to make a connection with Dagger as Cas and Cloak were asleep. Dagger took the scalpel out of the wall, doing Cassius a favor by not letting him rile up Cas any more than he already had. Cas would cuddle with the twins as she slept while Cassius cuddles with Betamon.
The next morning, Cassius would awaken to the sunlight piercing in through the window. Cassius rolls out of bed and shuffles over to the infini-store. He changes into a different formal attire, this time with a dark red shirt and grey pants. He tries not to think too much about the night before. Things would be different now. Cassius tells himself he won't let his feelings for Cas get in the way of this task. Or so he thinks.
After a while, Cassius would knock on the door to Cas' room. He didn't want to go in on the off chance she is getting dressed. That's just what he needed, for Cas to be more upset with him. Finally he opens the door slightly to call out to her.
"Hey Cas, are you awake?"
The thief would do his best not to let Cassandra get to him. It would take a lot of focus to put up a bold front. Did he still want to seek vengeance on Cas for what she did to him? Cassius was becoming a mystery. Even Betamon could tell that he is not like his usual self.
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Post by Cross on May 10, 2018 4:51:28 GMT
"I'm awake." Cas grumbled out sleepily as she pushed the door open the rest of the way forcing Cassius to step aside as she meanders over to her own bag in her sleep mussed state to dig through it for her toiletries as she makes for the bathroom. She's half-way across the room when she finally realizes they are not alone. Her eyes zeroing in on the Betamon asleep on the bed as she lets out a soft "Oh," of surprise.
The twins are a bit slower to wake. Cloak stumbling out sleepily while Dagger slips out behind him heading for the door intent on ordering them breakfast. Ever the one to think with his stomach the Zubamon cracks the door enough to call for a servant and put in orders of food knowing it's likely sooner or later not eating will catch up to Cas. Specially given that while she could go longer without food her calorie need had sky-rocketed with the change.
Like their Tamer the twins failed to notice the Betamon at first, with Cloak being the fastest to catch on as he stiffined at the sight of the other Digimon unsure what to make of them.
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Post by Ravenna on May 10, 2018 5:16:03 GMT
Cas would answer the door, as Cassius steps aside. He looks down at the sleepy head, attempting to maintain a neutral face.
"Good morning."
As creepy as the thief was before, an almost complete lack of emotions just made him more unsettling. Cas notices the Betamon laying on the bed.
"Oh, that is my partner Betamon. I believe you met him before."
The Rookie had been in his Champion form before when Cas was captured by the Yokai. The Betamon slowly opens one eye, looking at Cas but not saying anything. Zubamon would order some food for breakfast.
"Good call. I don't think the partying will resume for a couple of hours."
When the food arrives, Cassius calmly takes a plate and sets it down on the table. He goes back to the bed and picks up Betamon, carrying him back and sitting down with Betamon on his lap. The Rookie mostly kept to himself, though he did seem puzzled by Cassius' nonchalant nature.
"This food is good. I wonder how expensive it must have been to throw such a large gathering."
Cassius didn't want to mention what happened the night before. If Cas brought it up, he would likely apologize for his actions. The remains of the glass centerpiece were still laying on the floor next to the wall. A silent reminder of Cassius' rage. As they are eating, another servant would come by to announce that the ballroom would be opening to guests by the end of the hour. They would have plenty of time to get ready before making another appearance. After the servant leaves, Cassius turns to Cas.
"When you are ready, we need to go over a plan. The vault is probably filled with the gifts by now."
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Post by Cross on May 10, 2018 5:43:24 GMT
"Actually no we haven't met. Though that does explain how part of the roof came down." Cassandra murmured eyeing the Betamon for a moment before she turns and enters the bathroom. Deciding to take care of her morning routine while Dagger grabs food for her and Cloak the two twins settling on the opposite side of the room on one of the lounge chairs from the mess of glass Cassius had made last night.
"She's got a soft spot for Digimon you know. Even ones with as ugly a mug as my brother." The Zubamon murmured as Cloak whirled on him casting a sharp glance at his twin that was as much questioning as it was irritated. "What? We both know I'm the pretty one." Dagger added with a grin even as Cloak had the forethought to grab his plate before shoving his twin off the seat with a huff only handing him his food back after the weapon Digimon apologized.
"Geeze someone is touchy in the morning without his tea." Dagger grumbled as he climbed back into his seat.
"Well maybe if you were a little less of a loudmouth in the morning." Cloak muttered pausing though as Cas returned her long hair brushed out and pulled back into a ponytail and contacts and makeup safely in place. She'd dress more formerly after she ate leaving the white silk nightgown to cling to her legs as she walked coming to settle down between the two digimon as she snagged her own plate looking for all the world a normal human rather then the abomination she'd revealed herself to be last night.
"Speaking of tea pour me a cup please. I think I'll need it." She murmurs as Cloak does just that handing the steaming mug to his Tamer as she tilts a listening ear towards Cassius.
"I take it you have some sort of plan to get the treasure and get us both out of here?" She asked as she sipped her tea.
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Post by Ravenna on May 10, 2018 6:33:47 GMT
Betamon recalls Cassandra from that fateful day. Ever since then, Cassius hasn't been the same. Betamon had to deal with Cassius more than anyone, along for the ride as he's been on an emotional rollercoaster. Though Betamon didn't hold it against Cas too much. It wasn't her fault Cassius became obsessed with her.
Cloak and Dagger would get their food while Cas freshens up in the bathroom. Dagger mentions Cas has a soft spot for Digimon, before poking fun at his brother. The two would get into a bit of a squabble. Betamon cheers up seeing the duo, happy to be around fellow Digimon. Even Cassius is amused as they bicker over the food.
"I guess you two are not morning 'mons."
Cas would return, having covered her more disturbing features. Though Cassius had told himself he wasn't going to let his feelings for Cas get to him, she did look great in that nightgown. Settle down, focus on the treasure. Cloak hands her a cup of tea. Cassius wasn't much into tea, but given the setting, it's not like he could bust out a two liter bottle of soda. Cassius takes a sip of tea, but it scalds his tongue. He takes a couple of short breaths, somewhat embarrassed.
"Too hot for my taste."
When Cassius mentions talking about the plan, Cas asks if he has a way to take the treasure and make their getaway.
"Getting in will be the easy part. Getting out will be more difficult. The gift I had delivered to the vault contains one hundred infini-store units. I get into the vault, load up the units, then just have to get the hell out of dodge with the case. I will need a distraction. Even with all the festivities, there will still be guards posted outside. That's where you come in, Cas. We will need to cause some kind of accident that would capture people's attention and lure the guards away."
It was a bold plan, but escaping with the loot would be the real challenge. Great risk, great reward. Cassius is so close. This would be the biggest heist he's been involved with.
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Post by Cross on May 10, 2018 7:20:45 GMT
"I think it'd wiser to steal a bottle of high grade alcohol and a rag and set a fire in one of the wings of the castle furthest from the vault. The Castle is made of stone so if we pick the right hallway with lots of carpets there will be enough to burn without risking actually injuring or hurting someone." Cas explains for while she was all for survival the idea of robbing their hosts still did not sit well with her. She might have, if she wished it, made an excellent thief, but that ship had long since passed. She was only here for her Digivice.
The fire would likewise keep the guests out of Cassius's way meaning less likelihood of casualties and if she was able to get her digivice back there was a chance Cas could stop him. There was however, a lot of 'what-ifs' to her plan. "However, before we begin I want insurance that you won't leave me behind and that you will return my digivice to me when this is over." The Doctor explained eyeing the Thief with a hard and wariness gaze as she ate her breakfast surprisingly cleaning her plate nearly as fast as the two Digimon at her side.
"Currently I have no guarantee you won't turn on me beyond the fact I'm valuable to the Yokai." She adds knowing Cassius has already mentioned disdaining the group making what leverage she has in this tentative at best.
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Post by Ravenna on May 10, 2018 8:00:04 GMT
Cas comes up with a great idea for a distraction. If they start a fire elsewhere in the castle, it would make a scene and draw attention away from the vault. Cassius raises his eyebrows, speaking in a more excited tone.
"Yes, we can set a fire! With all the commotion, I can sneak off to the vault. That way, they won't question why I wasn't there. There will be too many guests panicking to keep track of everyone's whereabouts."
Still, Cas needed to be sure that she could trust the thief. How did she know that she was getting her Digivice back? What if Cassius flees with the loot and leaves Cas and the twins high and dry? Cassius' tone shifts. He thinks real hard, trying to think of a way he can convince the doctor. She wouldn't take his word for it, and who would?
"I don't expect you to trust me, but I don't have anything to offer you to guarantee that I will hold up my end of the bargain. Once I retrieve the loot and we escape, I will give you your Digivice back, and we can go from there. You don't have much of a choice, really."
Betamon twitches on Cassius' lap, finally breaking his silence.
"Cassius, why don't you give her your Digivice?" "What? That won't work. What if something goes wrong? I need you there with me, and you may need to Digivolve." "Well, what about your Oni mask?" "Hmm, that might work. Without it, the Yokai wouldn't even let me in the base. I would be a laughingstock if I lost my mask."
Cassius gets up and grabs his red and white Oni mask and sets it down on the table.
"That is my offer. I'll get you out of here and give you back your Digivice, if you help me and return the mask to me. And if not, maybe I'll just throw your Digivice off the balcony."
It was unwise to make such a threat. It could compromise the whole scheme. Though his offer seemed to be sufficient.
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Post by Cross on May 10, 2018 10:08:23 GMT
Cas's jaw tightens in anger at his casual threat, but she rises to take the mask in her hands turning it over in her fingers as she examines it for a long quiet moment. She'd seen the Yokai wearing them, but each mask was unique. Though she'd never seen Cassius actually wearing his over his face the mask was pale with red stripes across it's cheeks not unlike the blue stripe across hers hidden by her makeup. It had long red tusks and red paint around the eyes, the forehead marked with a red triangle like symbol. Tracing her thumb with surprising gentleness over the markings the woman nods before tucking it under her arm.
"It will....suffice." She murmurs putting it away in her bag as she picked up the backpack. "I'll get changed and we'll go about preparing for tonights festivities. We'll socialize and see if we can nick a bottle of highgrade alcohol. I have a lighter with me you can take and use and a rag is easy enough to come by. I'll make an excuse come the ball for you to slip off to set the fire and make your way towards the vault. Then I'll meet up with you there." Cas explains laying out their plan as she picks up her bag and returns to the room she'd previously shared with Cloak and Dagger. It wouldn't be long before she joined them once again.
The dress she wore this time was a ball gown with long draping skirts the fabric a golden cream like warm sunlight on cotton or daylight through the trees. The sweatheart neckline showed off the barest swell of the woman's breasts, the bodice and long bell sleeves embroidered with pale white thread and pearls depicting climbing morning glories with soft snowy lace framing the woman's delicate wrists at the end of the sleeves and worn about her slim neck as a choker. It's spidery fingers decorated with pearls like water drops on an arachnids web encircling Cassandra's throat. The The draping earrings of last night were replaced with petite pearls though the same white platinum crown was worn on her head complimenting the pale thread of her dress. Leaving the Doctor looking more the traditional Princess and hiding the majority of her scars though she took caution to wear dainty white gloves lest a guest question why her fingers and everything else from there up to her elbow on her left arm was bandaged.
"How do I look?" She asks softly tilting her head to send her long mane of blonde hair left down in lazy waves and curled into ringlet spilling over her shoulder.
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Post by Ravenna on May 10, 2018 13:09:24 GMT
Cas had accepted Cassius' deal. The Oni mask was an intricate piece of work. Just about any Yokai thug would recognize this particular mask as the one Cassius wore on his shoulder. Cas goes over the plan, then goes and gets dressed. Cassius sits in silence for a moment, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. He goes through his equipment belt to check that everything is in order.
The guests would start flocking to the ballroom soon. Cas returns, wearing an elaborate golden dress and pearls. While Cassius had seen the dress before, needless to say Cas could pull it off like no other. Cassius stands there, unable to take his eyes off of Cas. When she asks how she looks, Cassius could hardly muster a response.
"You look... enchanting, Cas. Just when I thought you couldn't top yourself."
It was a stark contrast to her real form that Cassius saw. Who else had the grace to look so believable as a princess? Blocking his feelings was going to be more difficult than Cassius could have imagined. The thief manages to turn away, attempting to hide his blushing face. Betamon sits on the chair, embarrassed for his partner.
"Well, why don't you take a picture, Cassius? Or tell Cas how you really feel." "How I really feel?"
"Ya. I've been watching you obsess over her ever since you met her. If you feel so strongly about her, why don't you talk to her as a person, without getting so worked up? Don't be her admirer, or her enemy. Just be her friend." "What would you know about such things?"
Betamon had some good points. Cassius had told Cas last night how he felt, but he focused on all the negative emotions he let himself fall victim to. While he had judged the leaders of the Yokai for viewing Cas as an object, he had made her into one in his own mind. The thief didn't want to give in to his feelings, but what red-blooded man couldn't? Cassius approaches Cas and offers her his hand. He motions over to some chairs, inviting her to sit down.
"Cassandra, I have been cruel to you. Spending time with you has been wonderful. I hope that after this, I get the chance to see you again. You bring out the best and the worst in me. I'm going to keep trying to sort out my feelings for you. In fact, I want you to come with me after this heist. We can live together in luxury."
Try as he might, a leopard can't change its spots. His greed was apparent as ever. It came off as though Cas' good looks had won his affection. However Cas would interpret this, it was a step forward for Cassius' mental health. He was able to momentarily give up his pride, and his lust for redemption. Though was this just another act? Not even a day ago he had made up his mind to some day break Cas. Betamon was happy to see Cassius working through this, instead of stalking Cas from afar.
"Alright, I feel better about things. You have been a real head case, lately. Now then, onto the plan?"
Betamon hops onto Cassius' lap, and the thief ruffles his Mohawk.
"You've been by my side through all of this. I don't know why I deserve your support." "Just get your head screwed on straight again. You're not that bad of guy when you're thinking clearly."
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Post by Cross on May 11, 2018 2:25:35 GMT
Cas blinked in honest surprise at such an unusually sincere reply from the Thief. She didn't quite blush, but she certainly looked rather taken aback blinking large blue eyes at him as though stunned that he had something to say to her that wasn't tinged in vitrol and venom. "Thank you..." Cassandra murmured turning to head for the bathroom once more to apply the rest of her makeup, Cloak tagging along to aid her. Leaving Cassius's little quiet pow-wow with Betamon unobserved other then a unusually silent Dagger who watched the pair from his seat with an arched brow.
"He's right you know. Cas will give as good as she gets, but she's usually polite. You've just threatened her one too many times in your anger for her to be quick to trust you. Though the added leverage will certainly make her relax a little." Dagger explained and true to his word when Cas returned the Kotemon close on her heels she did seem...different. Still rather wary yes, but the tension that had been there before had melted away somewhat and she moved with more an easy natural grace rather then the stiff militant stance she'd held before.
"All right. Is your partner joining us? If so I'll need to come up with some excuse for why we have an extra digimon." She explained tugging lightly on her gloves to ensure they are secure even as she glances at the Thief as she dips to pass her bag to Dagger lest it get left behind in all the confusion of their escape.
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Post by Ravenna on May 11, 2018 7:38:06 GMT
Part of Cassius thought that Cas would scold him for being soft. She seemed to believe he was being sincere. After thanking Cassius, Cas would return to the bathroom with Cloak to finish applying her makeup. Dagger lets Cassius know that he has threatened her too many times, and it would be a while to gain her trust. When Cas returns, she seems a little different, as the tension between to two had decreased. She asks if Betamon would be tagging along.
"No, Betamon can stay in my Digivice, ready to strike if needed."
Betamon didn't mind staying in the device that much. Even though it was nice to be around Digimon in a more friendly environment, he didn't really get along well with others. Betamon takes a big yawn, and stretches his legs a bit before being downloaded into Cassius' Digivice.
"Alright, show time."
Cassius puts his burglary tools in the infini-store. It wouldn't make sense for him to walk around with a belt full of gadgets. After packing everything up, and putting the broken glass behind the armoire, Cassius would head to the door, opening it and offering his arm to Cas. He would walk down the hall, returning to the ballroom. The mood was even more festive than before, though some of the guests appeared to be suffering the effects of a hangover from partying too hard the night before.
"Lets see, we need to find a bottle."
Cassius presses his hand against his pocket, checking to make sure that he has Cas' lighter. They are recognized by some of the other guests, who wave over. Cassius waves back, appearing friendly.
"We sure made quite an impression yesterday."
Cassius looks over to the table, and sees a few bottles sitting out. Bingo. Now they would just have to casually take one, then the thief could sneak off somewhere and set the fire. Probably the barracks, as it was far away from the vault, and some of the wooden weapons would take a while to burn. They would just need to be careful.
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Post by Cross on May 11, 2018 7:55:20 GMT
Snagging one of the bottles for once is easier done then said as Cas smiles prettily from where she dances attentions on the various guests from hanging off of Cassius's arm. Once more the beautiful darling princess. No one after all would be suspecting her though more then a few eyes are on her. Silently she she motions to Cloak cutting her eyes across to a servant carrying a rather heavy laden platter.
"My Prince I think I'll see about getting some refreshment." She murmurs with a pretty little smile though standing so close to her the mischief in the woman's eyes was as clear as day to the Thief as she releases his arm to glide towards the table. Cloak turning to follow her alongside Dagger, but the Kotemon never quite makes it as his tail lashes out catching the servant by the foot and sending him tumbling with a mighty crash. Turning to the downed pawnchessmon the little swordsman is quick to help him up and apologize claiming the fault to be his, but such accidents do happen and for a moment all eyes are on the pair. No one sees Cas by the drinks slip the highest grade bottle of alcohol she can find under her skirts. Not that any guards were likely to royalty to see what they were hiding under their clothes after all.
"You really do have to be careful my good knight. Perhaps you're still woozy from last night. Here let us get some air." Cas murmured effecting an air of concern as she takes her drink and at Cloak's somber nod of agreement motions for the twins and Cassius to follow her out one of the doors leading into the gardens. It wouldn't be till they'd entered a hedge maze and turned a corner finding themselves alone that Cas would reach under her skirts to pull out the bottle offering it to Cassius with a sly smirk and a solemn warning.
"Don't hurt anyone. The guards are just doing their jobs. I don't know how, but if you hurt anyone I'll find a way to make you pay." She warned softly she handed the bottle over.
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Post by Ravenna on May 11, 2018 8:25:39 GMT
Cas lets go of Cassius' arm and walks over to the bottles. Cloak goes to follow, intentionally tripping up a servant. This draws some attention while Cas swipes the bottle, hiding it underneath her skirt. She excuses herself and her posse, and they head to the gardens. Cassius blushes as Cas raises her skirt and reveals the bottle she took. Cas hands it to the rogue and instructs him not to harm the guards.
"Oh, okay. Sure thing. I will be sneaky. See you soon."
Cassius takes the bottle and hides it underneath his shirt, holding the bottle in place by resting his hand on his side. The thief casually but swiftly starts walking towards the barracks. As he is getting closer, he hears a patrol passing through. Cassius ducks behind a corner, waiting until they walk by. Cassius approaches the door to the barracks, getting out some of his tools to pick the lock. It didn't take long for the thief to bypass it. He opens the door and steps inside.
"Alright, not really my style, but lets light it up."
Cassius pops the cork out of the bottle using the corkscrew on his multi tool. He stuffs a red cloth in the bottle, and sets it on fire, tossing the bottle against a barrel of polearms. The alcohol ignites, and soon the fire takes off. Before Cassius can flee, two guards block the exit.
"What's going on here?!"
Cassius slowly looks over his shoulder. He turns around, giving them a nervous smile.
"Oh? I was just admiring the castle. Quite the structural integrity."
"Get him!"
The guards raise their spears, engaging the thief. Cassius raises his hands in the air, backing up slowly. He flicks his arm to the side, catching a scalpel he had up his sleeve. Cassius throws the scalpel at one of the guards, puncturing them in the neck. The other guard strikes with his spear, but Cassius dodges and knocks the guard down with a big kick. They had seen his face, so he couldn't let them live. He reaches for his Digivice, instructing Betamon to come out. His partner Digivolves to Seadramon, and slays the guards, absorbing their data. With any luck, there was still enough left of them to be reincarnated in the Village of Beginnings. Seadramon returns to the Digivice, and Cassius takes off towards the vault, as the fire continues to spread. Smoke rises out, and soon catches the eye of a servant.
"What Cas doesn't know won't hurt her."
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Post by Cross on May 11, 2018 8:41:51 GMT
Cassius doesn't see Cas follow, taking a more leisurely roundabout pace that would bring her up to the barracks from an opposite path. In a prime condition to spot the fire and be spotted nowhere near it by the servants in time to point it out. If the timing had been right she'd arrive there just in time to spy the smoke, but the timing hadn't been right. Cassius had been too late or Cas too early as the woman in question turns the corner to the guards screams and sees the man dart from the Barracks like the Thief he is into the night. The servants spy the smoke the same time she does even as they cry out for her to run as they themselves turn to get help. Cas does not run though. She is dressed as a princess, but she is a Doctor and the need to save is ingrained into her bones. Covering her mouth and nose with her sleeve with the help of Cloak and Dagger she shoves open the door her eyes stinging from the smoke, but there's no one left to save. Just burning wood and the fracturing data of digimon too far gone to rescue even for her as the last bit of light from their forms fade.
Leaving the woman to step back. The heat should be unbearable, but it is not and even through her contacts her eyes glow a bloody angry red as she turns her small form shaking with fury. She'd had one request. Just one and he'd ignored it.
At least, she thinks, she knows where he'll be and biting her lip hard enough to bleed as she works to reign in her anger she strides forward like a woman on a mission. Her digimon flanking her they eyes as sharp with anger as their own. It would be easy to turn away. To ignore what she'd seen. To go along with the plan, but when she finally reaches the vault unopposed all she can see is those dying digimon, their data on this mans hands and her helpless to avenge them.
It would be easy to turn away, to ignore it all, but instead Cas smiles and prays in the low light of the vault Cassius doesn't see the deadly edge to her expression. Beside her Dagger shifts eyes bright and teeth bared, Cloak coming up alongside his twin. About them everywhere is gold. So much gold as to form mountains, but upon a pillar in the middle of the room is surely the crown jewel. A gleaming black egg dormant and unresponsive...or so it appears. The trio though do not see it. Do not see the cracks of golden light slowly forming across it's surface. They do not see it's stirrings for they only have eyes for the shadowed figure of the man before them.
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Post by Ravenna on May 11, 2018 9:26:21 GMT
Cassius didn't know it, but he had been followed. Cas had learned of his misdeeds, directly going against her wishes. In his mind, Cassius had no choice in the matter. the thief finds the royal vault unattended, as panic breaks out in the castle. Cassius opens the door, taking in the sight of so much treasure. Gold, diamonds, jewels, there was even more here than he thought.
The thief quickly locates his "gift", opening the crate and activating the infini-stores inside. He starts loading them up with treasure as quickly as he can, before placing the units back in the crate. As he is helping himself to the treasure, Cas and the twins enter the vault. Cassius stops and turns to face the trio.
Based on their expressions, they didn't seem to be happy to see Cassius. Cloak in particular would probably scowl the most at the thief. His greed had lead to what is basically murder, taking the lives of two innocent Digimon all in his quest for wealth. Even if Cassius wanted to change, he was still a crook.
The fire had bought them some time. Would they load up the treasure and take off? Or did Cassius go too far? Cas had made several compromises to get her Digivice back, but there's no compromising your morals when it comes to taking a life. For better or worse, the heist was reaching its crescendo.
"Cas! Look at all of this. Isn't it wonderful?"
Cassius was overjoyed to have finally made it to the vault. He rushes over to Cas and gazes down at her eyes. Overcome with emotions, he grabs Cas by the waist and pulls her in, planting his lips on hers in a passionate kiss. Her Golden dress matches with the gold in the room. It was such a beautiful moment for Cassius. He had finally kissed Cassandra after she emasculated him, and he went through her book. He had everything he could want in this very room.
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