Shota didn't know exactly what the shimmering light that rippled over him did, but he trusted Snowy enough to know it would be helpful in some way. He nodded down at the fox-like creature's encouragement, drawing his knife and launching himself through the door, relying on the hailstorm to provide him with cover. Snowy would keep Lillie safe and stop their captive from escaping, of that he was certain. He needed to clear their escape route.

He noted the way the bullets failed to hit as he closed in on one group of gunmen, sparing a moment to be grateful for the protection. Then he was on them, kicking the weapon from one's hands and grabbing his arm, dislocating it with a pop as he threw the man into his companion. Both slammed to the ground a moment later, with Shota's full weight bearing them down, the knife slashing open the second's arm, forcing him to drop the weapon.

Kicking both guns away, Shota rolled to his feet and darted into the trees, using them as further cover as he closed on the second pair of shooters.

They knew their colleagues had been taken out and responded with a flurry of fire that ripped through the branches around him. He couldn't tell if Snowy's protection was still working or not but didn't hesitate as he hauled himself onto a branch and dropped down behind the pair. Stabbing the knife into one's shoulder, the man dropped his firearm with a shout but wrenched the blade away as he stumbled forward.

Now unarmed, Shota turned to the last one as the barrel of the gun came swinging towards him. His ears rang with the report, the bullet clipping his arm as he tackled the man to the ground, knocking the weapon away and slamming his fist into the attacker's face. Glaring furiously, he reared back and struck the man again, barely restraining himself from continuing the assault as the sudden silence hit him.

Breathing heavily, Shota took a moment to collect himself, listening to the groans of the gunmen as he slowly pushed to his feet.