No Need for a Leader [Xolotl]

He was excited to have a mentor. Granted, he did often like doing things on his own, but this was a messed up world and some guidance would be appreciated. He'd been trained in Talon for years, but that was nothing compared to the place out here. Xolotl was in his hotel room now, waiting for the moment he'd be introduced to the operative that would continue to tutor him in field work. It was a memorable moment, to say the least. Her name was Sasha. He was a bit uneasy about having someone named Sasha be the one to teach him, but hey, he's met some formidable women in his lifetime.

It was a long day at work. King's Row was a lovely city to shoot a movie, but of course, it had taken up most of the day. He'd showers when he returned back to his room, and now found himself dressed in his usual outfit, which today consisted of a white collared shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. He decided to go barefoot while in the room, no need to put shoes on now. He always found them confining, anyway. Pouring himself a cup of coffee in the kitchen, he took a moment to wonder what his new mentor would be like. He hadn't heard much about them, only a few accomplishments or feats. This would be fun, really.

He'd only taken a sip of his drink when a knock sounded on the door. A slight smile came to his lips, amusement gleaming in pale emerald eyes. He set down the cup, striding over towards the door to open it. "Hello there, sweetheart." He mused as he did so. He was surprised, however, when it was a tall man behind the door and not a woman like he had expected. He supposed it was the name. Other than the flash of surprise in his eyes, he refused to let it show, instead reaching over to grasp his hand, pressing his lips against the knuckles. "Enchante."

Sasha pondered the best way to start this off as he waited for him to answer the door, a formal greeting perhaps? Or perhaps something more casual was in order? He shrugged after a moment and sighed, he would just play it by ear. He hadn't been given a vast amount of details, an actor, charismatic, friendly enough, he hoped he would be an easy guy to work with. He had no patience for slackers.

The mild surprise that registered on his face when he opened the door was amusing, and he wondered what it was that had caused it. Sweetheart? He chuckled and rolled his eyes, "Privyet, not quite a sweetheart hehe." It was his turn to widen his eyes when his hand was taken and kissed, laughing with a quirked brow, "well, they were not lying when they told me you were charming." He gave a polite bow, smiling at him, "I suppose my name is what gave the impression I was a woman?" He shrugged and smirked, "I get that a lot. I am Sasha, however, your new mentor." He peeked around his suite and chuckled, "I take it you have had some training, but I will give you a more hands on approach." He looked curious, "if I may, what weapons do you use?" It would be good to get a feel of his style after all.

"Charming indeed." The boy spoke, somewhat proudly as his stature straightened once more. He listened as his new mentor continued to speak, and when he mentioned a more 'hands-on' approach, the actor flashed him a picture-perfect grin. With one fluid, sweeping motion, he stepped back to pull open the door, lifting his hand to gesture towards the inside of the suite. "Why don't you come in, then? I'm sure we have a lot to talk about." He shrugged slightly, leaving the door open for the other while he strode into his hotel room.

He first went to retrieve his coffee, taking a sip of the still warm drink as he glanced up at Sasha. "Feel free to help yourself to anything in the kitchen." He hummed. Though hotel rooms usually lacked one, his suite came equipped with a small counter with chairs, a minifridge, and some other common things that he used to cook. After all, he was going to be staying her for awhile. Setting his cup down on the counter, he then went off into his bedroom. Crouching down, he reached underneath the bed frame, fingers curling around the cool metal handle of a suitcase. He brought it out, and then strut towards the other room. He placed the case on its side atop the counter, sliding into one of the hightop chairs as he did so. It took a moment to enter in a code, but then a soft click sounded, and deft fingers flipped open the locks. The case opened, revealing a gleaming set of what looked like forearm guards, however they ended in curled, vicious claws. "Aren't they gorgeous?" He sighed lovingly, lifting one of them up in his hands. "I use these.. With a bit of a kick, of course."

Sasha didn't hesitate to step in when he was invited, nodding to him, "gladly, Xolotl was the name, correct?" He chuckled and shook his head, "apologies if I pronounce that wrong, may I call you Xo for short?" It was much handier and settled better on Sasha's foreign tongue, "you are an actor then? Quite a name you have made for yourself, I am impressed." He chuckled softly and looked around the room as he wandered, taking in the details, "I am sure it is a great asset, being able to turn face whenever one needs?" He turned a dangerous eye on him, "but I am not so easily swayed, rest assured."

He chuckled at that offer, not wasting time to go into the kitchenette to fetch his on cup of coffee, "how kind, Spaseeba" He turned back to him when he pulled out the case, eyes sparking with interest, "Hmm?" He grinned wide when he saw what he was working with, giving an appreciative whistle, "impressive, did you design these yourself?" He leaned in for a closer look, darting an eye to glance over at him, "a kick, you say?" He grinned and pulled back, "you will have to show me this, kick, you speak of. I am most curious to see what my apprentice is capable of." He gave a smooth laugh, "I am much more traditional, I am afraid, but I assure I am a capable shot." He looked thoughtful, "we will make a deadly team, I can tell."

"Design them I did." He hummed softly, letting his fingertips run lovingly over the cool, smooth metal. He truly was enamored by his own work. It'd taken a lot of effort to create exactly what he had wanted, and a lot of freaking money too, but in the end he was incredibly pleased with the results. At the male's next words, a grin spread across his face. "I'll be sure to show you, then, there's nothing better than seeing these in action." He spoke, with a faint tone of pride still lingering in his voice. It was apparent, at this point, that he was a very prideful person. He listened intently as Sasha continued to speak, hanging on to his mentor's every word. Sure, he wouldn't trust the unknown man straight away, but he was here to teach him and Xolotl was willing to learn.

"A capable shot, huh? I've always wanted a gunman to have my back." He winked at him, before barking out a laugh. "Can't exactly watch it myself when I'm clawing someone to bits." Xo then gave him a shrug, gently placing the half of his weapon into its velvet lined case. "Shall we go do something then? I can't imagine you came all the way here to just have a chat and leave." He mused, still studying the open case before him. "Why not have more fun than just a cup of coffee?"

Sasha was even more impressed when he admitted that he had indeed designed them, so he was smart too? He was pleased by this, "Hmm you must be rather intelligent then, da?" He chuckled softly and looked especially pleased at the prospect of getting to see the lad in action, a violent eagerness lighting in his eyes, "Oh you must, it would be a sin not to see you work." He shrugged and got a rather devilish grin, "and what sort of mentor would I be not to assess my pupil's place?" If they were to work together, it would be wise to know how Xolotl fought, to get a better idea of the best way to move and operate around him in a fight.

"Yes well, I will gladly have your back." A wink in return before he chuckled softly, "we work effectively in teams, I can cover you from a distance, or right at your side given the nature of my weapon." He narrowed his eyes, "Widow is not the only sniper Talon has at its disposal." He eyes were bright with malice at Xo's suggestion, a wide grin breaking his face, "I thought you would never ask. I happen to know the perfect location." He pulled out a holo-map of the area with a location marked, "drug traffickers, not our problem, but they are muscling in on our turf." His eyes were bright, "what do you say we send them a message?" Surely putting down a gang of thugs would do no harm, their ilk died every day, "no one will miss a few worms." He chuckled and nodded, "I only need to get my gun from the car outside. You ready for your first test?" Test, it was more of a chance for him to see how he handled himself, he was more than a little eager.

"Ha, intelligent, maybe.. More like a passion that a lot of research went into." He hummed, studying the gleaming metal before him. As soon as he'd agreed to train with Talon, they told him he'd need a weapon. They'd offered guns, blades, countless things.. But none had really felt right. Xo needed something that would fit him, that would feel like an extension of his own being rather than just a weapon to be utilized. He would not be a tool, and neither would his weapon. So came the claws. They were perfect. He could move the way he wanted to without being hindered, he could throw punches and end up slashing through flesh and into bone. They were dangerous, not because of the claws, but because of the electricity that came with them. After awhile, he came to even look forward to the shocks that came with using them.

He was glad, though, that he'd managed to get Sasha as his mentor. This man seemed to understand him, and not only that, but he was interesting in himself. He was incredibly curious to see what he used for a gun, and of course, the thrill of fighting with him. When the male mentioned the 'perfect location', Xolotl instantly perked up. "Oh, do you now?" He leaned closer when the holo-map lit up the area, eyes flickering towards the marker. Ah, he knew that place. There was talk of the drugs, but he never really took any of it seriously. until now, that is. Pale green eyes sparked, and a bright grin spread across his face. "Fuck yeah I'm ready." He exclaimed, turning back towards the metal case. "Head outside, I'll meet you there in a minute." He mused, hefting up one of the gauntlets in his hands once more. It didn't take long to slip one on. The inside was lined with a layer of leather and cloth, so the metal wouldn't chafe his skin. It started at his mid fore arm, a series of metal plates that allowed the flexibility of his wrist. Wires were hidden beneath the gleaming surface, all leading towards his knuckles, where they stretched into wicked claws. He smiled slightly, flexing his fingers. The claws moved with him, clicking softly. His heart thudded in his chest. First mission, first test. This'll be fun.

Sasha nodded his agreement, "I like to see passion, especially in one's work." He could tell by the care put into his claws that he had plenty to space, "if I may be honest, I was dreading having an apprentice when they first told me..." He laughed and looked him over with a thoughtful expression, "but I think you will be a good fit, I am looking forward to working with you, you seem just as eager, it is nice." He sipped at his coffee thoughtfully, studying him as he finished it off, "Mmm yes, they are no more than vermin, they will not be missed." He said this in a cold voice as he turned to wash out his own cup and put it away, he was a gracious guest after all, "excellent, I will be waiting." He chuckled, slipping out through the door.

At the car he busied himself while he waited, pulling out his own weapon and checking it over to make sure all the mechanism's worked as they should, he would be ready as soon as Xo made his way down.

He figured he rather liked his new mentor. He'd been excited to have one of course, but he was worried that they might be stricter than he'd expected. Sasha was perfect. Not the hot chick he was looking forward to, but still not bad. It didn't take long for him to slip on his other glove guard thing whatever the hell im calling it. Afterwards, he slipped on a black coat, sleeves long enough to hide at least most of the vicious claws that curled past his knuckles. The slightest smirk curled up his lips, and he left his suite, grabbing the key from a side table on the way out.

He still wore the same smirk when he met Sasha outside, pale emerald eyes flickering over to the male's weapon held in his hands. "Ready to go then?" Like a feline would do before slipping into a crouch, Xolotl flexed his claws, satisfied when he heard the metal pieces click softly against each other. His green gaze narrowed, almost seemed to glow in the dark as a grin slowly spread across his face, white against darker skin. "Because I'm really getting into the mood for clawing some people apart." He mused softly. He could almost feel the electricity surging through his body already. Sure, it was a safety hazard for his weapons to be that unstable and dangerous. But that shock plus adrenaline coursing through his veins? It was the best drug he could ever imagine having.

Sasha had more or less built his own weapon, or he'd designed it, meant to switch from an automatic weapon to a long range sniper, he'd had input from Widow when it came to actually putting the design into play, the weapon was incredibly streamlined and sleek, but seemed based on an old fashioned tommy gun, he'd always enjoyed that classic flair after all. For the moment, as he waited for his companion, he quickly and smoothly switched it to it's long range form, turning his head when he saw him arrive with a grin, "always ready."

He chuckled and pulled open the passenger door of the vehicle, holding it open for him before slipping around to the other side once he was in, climbing into the driver's seat, "Good. Because that is what you will be doing." He chuckled as he began the drive to their destination, "I will be watching, but you will be going in alone, da?" He kept his eyes on the road as he spoke, "I want to see what you can do with those solo, it will give me an idea of your current skills." He pointed up, "I will be watching from a high vantage point, picking off stragglers." It was his favorite sport, really, he glanced at him with a smirk, "you understand, da?"

He had to get a look at Sasha's weapon up close at some point, but for now he was content with the glimpse he'd gotten of the sleek gun. It seemed to fit the Russian well, he thought. How courteous of him to open his door. Flashing him a wink, he grasped the edge of the door opening, swinging himself into the vehicle with one graceful, fluid motion. No wonder why the guy was an actor, it looked like he was modeling for everything he did. As they began to drive towards the destination he'd been shown on the map, his new mentor began to speak, though of course, didn't look at him as he did so. As the male spoke, a grin slowly spread across the apprentice's face. He cracked his knuckles, the sound accompanied by the clicking of metal claws.

"Oh. I understand." He hummed, a vicious gleam entering his eyes. He was fire and lightning, and god, he was psyched to kick down the door of wherever they were hiding and pick them off as if he were a cat hunting mice in a burrow. Which, of course, wasn't far off from what was about to happen. They began to slow as they became closer to their destination. It wouldn't have been surprising if Xo was vibrating in his seat, he could already feel the tendrils of excitement coiled in his gut. His fingertips rested on the handle to the door, muscles tensed a ready. "Just give the word."

Sasha admired Xo's enthusiasm for the kill immensely, he could see the young man practically buzzing with anticipation as they slowed to a stop around the corner of the hole in the ground warehouse that these creeps were hiding in, "Hmm I appreciate your enthusiasm." His own grin mirrored his as he pulled up a blueprint of the facility, "you will be entering here, while I scale the outside and enter through this window." If he came in unnoticed, they wouldn't be expecting a sniper, he gave a soft chuckle, "they will not know what hit them." With that, he slipped out of the vehicle and slung the strap of his gun over his shoulder, signalling them to move.

The walk to the warehouse was short, and he snorted when he noticed the place left unguarded, "tch. Idiots. Predictable." Goons like this never posted lookouts, oh well, it made the attack much easier for them. He waved him to follow as he slipped around to their entry point, "I will be above. When you see me slip into the window, you may rush them." He gave a wide grin before he began scaling the side of the building, with all the grace and skill of a cat, slipping in through the top most window to station himself near the edge of a ceiling beam, watching for the show to start with bated breath.

Pale green eyes looked over the layout, darting to memorize entry points and back rooms. Those were all he needed. For future missions, he'd be sure to do the memorization beforehand. The hand that was already on the door curled around the handle, pushing it open in order to step out of the vehicle. He closed the door, before quickly following after Sasha. Footsteps were silent, as always, as his fingers twitched, itching to get some action. He loved the thrill, actually, he greatly appreciated it. Living creatures were peculiar, and complicated. Their life and everything they were was in their body, in their nerves, in their skull. To feel not only life but spirit drain from where his claws punctured flesh... It was exhilarating.

At this point, Xolotl wasn't saying a word, but hanging on to every one of Sasha's. When he gave his last command before slipping away, the actor merely nodded, and stalked off through the shadows. He didn't take his eyes off of Sasha, he didn't need to, as there wasn't anybody guarding the damned place. As soon as his mentor ducked into a window, Xo darted forward. No locks. They were a bit cocky, weren't they? Just because they went up the ranks a little in the underground didn't make them kings of the world. Now they had the nerve to try and head in on their ground. With a resounding BANG, Xo kicked the door in, catching the attention of three dumbasses playing cards (Xo assumed they were meant to be guards, and that there were more in the back). Guns were on the table, and one reached for one immediately, with a shout of alarm. He never got to even release the safety, Xo was already on him.

"Hello sweetheart," The male seemed to purr, the tips of his claws digging into the goon's throat, beads of blood dripping down. When the other two moved, he pushed them in further, causing them to hesitate. "Talon sends their regards." His voice was sugary and smooth. Finally, he shoved his claws into the males flesh, feeling blood well up and pour from the wounds. The man was scrabbling, trying to get a desperate shot in as he gurgled in alarm. This was it, the moment he'd been waiting for all night. Xo braced himself as he clicked the triggers on the insides of his palms. The gauntlets warmed with energy, and the dark warehouse flashed with violet streaks of electricity as he shocked the man in front of him. Xo felt the remnants, buzzing feelings that curled down his own body. He almost shivered. This was why he joined Talon. The man fell to the floor and Xolotl drew back, smooth metal dripping with scarlet as he rose a clawed hand to give the remaining two a sort of a wave, metal pieces clacking against each other as his fingers moved. "So. Who's next?"