"Zero you are still a criminal, and it is my job to hunt down criminals."

"Hm. Well, then we have quite the dilemma on our hands," Zero carelessly replied running a finger along the edge of his blade.

"...Actually, no. You're the one with a dilemma. Did you not just ask me to avenge your fallen husband? Clearly, if you're asking a man like myself, you can't do it legally. While I, on the other hand, can, and as luck would have it, I happened to show up on your turf, where confronting me about it could be easily justified. So, how about this. Neither of us has to fight. You let us go and finish our job. Then I come back and do your job. Afterwards, you can pay me by agreeing that we never saw each other. We can go back to being elusive criminal and G.U.N. authority, and bonus points, you'll have the edge of having a lead on me."

Zero flicked his tail. "The alternative is that we throw down right here and now. I won't go easy on you, though. I do hope your insurance would cover that. But that's up to you."

"Go then but she stays," Hoowler agrees, "Call it insurance that you'll actually come back. Besides I think we both know that in the end you'll do the job either way."
Sarah looks at Zero worriedly, she did not like Hoowler's tone one bit.

"Can't. I need her to speak with Marcel and likely others on my behalf. I am a war criminal, after all. Not to mention If you drag her off to prison, you'll have to release her again, which would only draw attention to you. You can hold onto the Ruby, though. If you're so confident I'll take the job regardless, it shouldn't be an issue."

Hoowlers looks at Zero intensely, "I happen to know you have a Phantom Ruby too and you are or at least were a master illusionist. How do I know you'll keep your word after all these Phantom Rubies were mass produced at one point."

Zero flicked his ear idly. "Yes. Mass produced, and many were destroyed. The only people that would know where others are just happen to be those I do not want to talk to. This is the best deal you're going to get."

"Fine but I also want Night," Hoowlers responds, "He's useful so I want Night brought back here alive."

"You're asking too many favors of me."

"Very well ignore Night for now. Now get going," Hoowlers growls.

"Very well. Nox, we're going now." He huffed, taking out his Ruby and tossing it over to Mrs. Hoowlers.