Yunxu would have been lying if he'd said he didn't feel any vindictive satisfaction at the bullet piercing Yuri's shoulder. The fact that he could barely see it and his whole body was shaking, however, took some of the enjoyment out of it.

The Snakes didn't pay Yuri's objection any attention. The gun came up again. Another click of the trigger, but no accompanying gunshot, leaving Yunxu to idly wonder what the rest of the bullets had been used on while the Snake deftly ejected and reloaded. With a surge of effort, Yunxu pushed himself a few centimetres up the wall and said, "Wait."

Older training overrode new instincts. Yunxu had given an order; everyone stood still.

Yunxu looked at Yuri. His gaze was as impassive as someone who'd just been slashed across the chest was capable of. He didn't say anything, however, and after a moment it became clear he was waiting for Yuri to explain.