"I knew it," Kai hissed, venom dripping from his words as he wiped his tears. "None of us believed that garbage for a single second."
From the shadows behind Hide, light footsteps echoed.
Kai instantly stiffened, reaching for his waist, but Hide placed a reassuring hand on his arm.
"Relax," Hide said gently. "She's with me."
Kiko stepped into the narrow alley, pulling her hood down slightly. The slime covering her face receded into a small bead that slid back into Hide's pocket, revealing her messy grey hair and dirt-streaked features.
"This is Kiko," Hide said. "She was one of Julian's operatives. But she is the one who tried to get me out of Walter's cage. She is with us, at least for now."
Kai looked at the young girl. He saw the exhaustion in her posture and the lingering terror in her eyes. Slowly, Kai bowed his head toward her with deep, sincere respect. "Thank you."
Kiko flushed faintly, looking down at her boots, surprised by the gratitude.
