Hostage

In the scorching desert, Viole and Tony forged ahead towards the designated meeting point where the revolutionaries awaited them for the exchange, the burdened figure slung over Tony's shoulder.

"Egypt, 2000 years BC," Viole murmured, his senses attuned to the temporal fabric. "I sense remnants of that time period. This is the place."

As they entered the desolate expanse, Tony couldn't help but voice his bewilderment, "A desert? Why would they choose such a location?"

"They're five hundred miles away. Let's proceed," Viole responded, determination etched across his face.

With a swift slap to the hostage's rear, Tony issued a warning, "Prepare yourself, human. Things are about to accelerate."

"Huh? What does that mean?" The muffled voice of the captive, concealed beneath a black bag, betrayed his confusion.

Viole and Tony sprinted with incredible speed, their movements bordering on the frenzied. Moments later, they reached the designated exchange spot. Catlin, flanked by her soldiers, stood with Wally kneeling at her feet, his face hidden behind a bag. Viole's gaze fixed upon Catlin, his eyes radiating an eerie intensity.

"You still possess those haunting eyes, that lifeless countenance that sends shivers down my spine," Catlin remarked, attempting to break the tension. "And... oh, hi Tony. How's your partnership going? Seems fruitful. Now, can we see the face of our little friend here? In return, we'll reveal Wally's face."

"Release him, Tony," Viole commanded.

Tony gently deposited the hostage onto the sandy ground and removed the bag from his face.

"Hello, Boss," Damian greeted Catlin.

"Good morning, Mr. Viole and Mr. Tony," Wally chimed in.

"Stand up," Viole directed Damian.

The two hostages diverged along separate paths until Wally reached Viole and Tony's location.

"It's been a while, you bastard!" Wally sneered, an evil grin spreading across his face.

Wally lunged at Viole, wielding a hand sword fashioned from remnants of time, but Tony swiftly intervened, delivering a forceful kick that sent Wally sprawling.

"Well, well, well, so that's your little trick, 'Caty'—changing faces!" Tony taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Catlin's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing with determination. She and Viole locked gazes, an unspoken battle of wills between them.

"Oi, Viole, are you falling in love? You've been fixated on her since we arrived. If there's something between you two, I'd call it forbidden love," Tony teased, a sly smile playing upon his lips.

"Touching you is more difficult than I anticipated, especially with your loyal dog shielding you. Damn it! You even destroyed the face-changing device. No matter now. What truly matters is your demise," Sandra interjected.

"Interesting! You're not dead yet. I can have even more fun," Tony remarked, his smile widening.

Without warning, Tony materialized behind Sandra, attempting to strike her heart. But with the swiftness borne of skill, Sandra deftly evaded his attack using her own hand sword.

"His attacks are formidable. This damn metal hand is quite the nuisance," Sandra muttered, struggling to elude Tony's relentless assault.

"Oh, not bad," Tony complimented, relishing the exhilaration of the fight.

Tony persisted in his assault, while Sandra desperately attempted to dodge his blows, though not always successfully. Finally, Tony

seized her by the neck, suspending her in the air.

"At least you're more intriguing than your husband," Tony sneered.

"Ba... bastard!" Sandra managed to choke out, blood seeping from her mouth.

Just as Tony prepared to deliver the killing blow, one of Catlin's soldiers intervened, staying his hand.

"Stop."

The soldier swiftly seized Sandra, dragging her back to Catlin's side. Tony stood there, momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn of events.

"Ho! You halted my hand. That's more than I expected from a mere human. Well, I suppose I'll have to take all of you down," Tony declared, bracing himself for the impending confrontation.

"Cease, Tony. Refrain from attacking them. Catlin, I have known for quite some time now, and I know you're not foolish enough to engage in such a confrontation without a hidden trick up your sleeve," Viole interjected, his tone filled with intrigue.

A sly smirk crept across Catlin's face as she reluctantly admitted, "Since you insist, I suppose I have no choice. Sam! Send us the main course."

Her words hung in the air, pregnant with suspense, as everyone braced themselves for what was to come.