KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
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I lean over to follow along with Nic’s notes while he speaks. I grin when he says he got phone numbers. ”How did you manage to get their phone numbers?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me there.

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Caden

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Location: Aston Martin – Chicago, IL
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My phone buzzes, and I look down, expecting to see a message from Nero, but it’s from Kiki.

About twenty, why? Is everything okay?

I resume my conversation with Avery about work out plans and starting a new routine. Apparently, he wants to start tomorrow with Nic, who is coming. I reluctantly agree, knowing I need to get back onto a routine despite having Nero.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I laugh while Nic’s voice tickles my ear as he speaks. I can feel my stomach drop from the close contact and laughter in his voice. Thankfully, he is behind me, so he can’t see how red my face is, probably from his contact. I focused on the question he asked me, and I nodded.

”It seems temple numbers dropped off after the fountain and the temple underwent some repairs. Even the number of marriages at the temple has dropped off. I guess the fountain is also a symbol for one of the Hindu gods of love and fertility. I’ve been comparing before and after photos to see what has changed. What did you find?” I ask and finally turn my head to the side to look at Nic. I didn’t realize how close he was to me, so I swallowed, returning to look at my phone.

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Caden

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Location: BBQ Place —> Aston Martin – Chicago, IL
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We eventually make it through our meal and head for home. Along the way, I bring up Kimiko to Avery again. He sighs but listens to me. ”Maybe hang around the house a little more while I interact with her. You might feel more comfortable around her if you do that like you have with Nero, and I’ve known them for even less.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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My vision becomes temporarily impeded and I startle, only to be comforted by the familiar voice of Nic. A smile tugs at my lips, relishing the temporary loss of sight that heightens my other senses. Nic's touch is surprisingly gentle and smells like soap and the faint scent of sanitizer. His voice hides a deep rumble underneath his cheerful tenor. I keep my eyes shut, even as Nic’s hands shield them, mulling over his question.

”Hmm, Uncle Jerry?” I joke, referencing the pizza place we were at earlier.

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Caden

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Location: BBQ Place – Chicago, IL
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You two will eat me out of house and home, I tease, although they wouldn’t definitely eat me out of house and home, at least.
I set my phone down to concentrate on my meal so we could leave and I could return to Nero. I very much want to see what’s in that bag, and I want to know how their day with Kimiko went.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Thankfully there are photos of what the fountain used to look like and what it looks like now. I snap pictures of these with my phone, but while I have them in person I peer closely to see what looks different. After that, I wander back to the fountain. I wasn’t even sure where Nic was in the chaos of tourists, I just felt drawn to look back at the fountain. I took some photos this time from all angles, thinking I might be able to go online and find what might be missing.

I walk around the fountain several times, taking photos or just looking before I find a bench nearby to sit on and I start comparing photos.

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Caden

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Location: Aston Martin – Chicago, IL
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I reread Nero’s message probably eight times before Avery waves his hand in front of me. ”If you don’t start eating, I’m going to round the corner and keep eating yours,” Avery warns me.

I look down to see Avery is halfway through his meal, which is big enough for three. I chuckle and set my phone down. ”Now now, no need to have a fight in the middle of this fine restaurant.”

Avery grins at me before resuming his meal. It always astounded me how much a werewolf could eat. I was glad the eating hearts thing wasn't normal. That was just the wolves who went feral or weren’t raised properly. Still, Avery has a pulled pork sandwich, three racks of ribs, several coleslaws and an entire plate of fries that he is just devouring. Absentmindly, I take a picture and send it to Nero.

And he’ll still eat this much or more for supper.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Nic and I split off into separate directions to get to the bottom of my vision. I wander closer to the temple, acknowledging the workers and the worshippers. I wish Caden were here to help me translate some of what they are saying.

I end up in the temple and I’m wandering about when I see pictures of weddings. I admire some of them and their colours. A keeper of the temple notices and comes over. “Stunning, aren’t they? It’s a shame we haven’t had any weddings in a while.”

I look over at the keeper, curiosity plain on my face. ”That is a shame. It’s a beautiful location. Was there a new temple that opened up?” I asked, thinking of the logical answer. The gentleman shakes his head, looking forlorn.

“No. There just haven’t been as many people coming together within the community. This temple sees more tourists than any other these days. The fountain seems to still get a lot of attention though, despite the repairs.”

I latch onto this information quickly and turn to face the man. ”Repairs? How recent?” He looks at me perplexed before answering.

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Caden

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Location: Aston Martin – Chicago, IL
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Nero sent me a picture of a bag from a store that is a purveyor of lingerie. I stare at the photo, waiting for it to move and reveal what’s in the bag, but of course, nothing happens.

Tease.

Avery pulls into a BBQ joint and jumps out of the car seconds after parking and shuts off the ignition. I shake my head, amused and get out of the car to follow him inside.

I’ll have to give that a try next time. I’m sure he’ll enjoy it as much as I do. I follow Avery inside and decide to get something as well. Of course, Avery orders a mountain of food for himself, and I just shake my head before I pay.

I’m feeding Avery for a job well done, and then we will be home. I miss you.

Chicago After Hours

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Caden

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Location: Police Station —> Aston Martin – Chicago, IL
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Nero texts me back almost immediately and I decide to just keep my phone out. I look at their message and smirk

Oh, really? Do I get a little preview before I get home? ;) I ask them.

”Are you hungry?” I ask Avery. ”We can stop and pick up whatever you want to hold you over until supper,” I offer.

Avery nods eagerly and I chuckle, telling him to pick the place.

It proved fruitful. It was a pair of Lamia. Avery and I tracked them down to an apartment building in the supernatural district. They're dead and the Detective will put up with my company for another day. He seemed disappointed you weren't there, though.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
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”Mmm, let's split up and see how much ground we can cover. Plus I can then make sure your detective skills are top tier,” I tease, grinning at him.

Once we get close to the temple, I let go of his hand. ”Have fun,” I say before going in my own direction.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Supernatural District – Chicago, IL
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Caden and I clear the rest of the fourth and the fifth floor together. We even go out to the roof and check for anything strange. Thankfully, we don't find any other evidence of Lamia. We do find what room they were in and thoroughly go through everything to ensure there isn't evidence of more Lamia in Chicago.

Caden bags some things up to take to the station, while I write down the address and the apartment number for the supernatural police unit to come and do their investigation. After that, we head to the station to do a debrief.

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Caden

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Location: Police Station – Chicago, IL
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As usual, when Detective Costa sees me enter his office, he looks relieved but apprehensive. He glances around me and when he doesn't see a certain demon, he seems to relax some.

I take a seat and relay the events of the day to him. I hand over the evidence as well.

”There's one more thing. When you go to raid that building, don't displace anyone. They are struggling enough to get what they need within the limits of the treaty. The Lamia took advantage of that situation as they are known to do.” Costa looks like he wants to argue but he doesn't and simply nods.

After an hour stuck in the station debriefing, Avery and I are finally heading home.

Hello, little imp. How was your girls' day? I text Nero on the drive back, letting Avery take the wheel.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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My stomach does a little flip when Nic pulls me in the way he does for a kiss. It truly feels like a promise and I hope it's one I get to keep.

Who knew our second date would be this eventful, but I'm glad for it all the same. I pull back from the kiss, more because of necessity rather than want. I smile at Nic and take his hand, pulling him away from the trees and back to the temple.

”So, when you're asking questions, you can ask about the fountain and where it was built, or what the religious services are like. Try to keep questions vague, and really play the tourist aspect up. People are often willing to answer more questions if you're a curious tourist.”

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Caden

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Location: Supernatural District – Chicago, IL
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I climb the stairs two at a time and make it to see a furry object being tossed into a wall. Plaster cracks and falls down to the floor.

”About time!” Avery yells. He sounds annoyed, but I can see the joy in his face. Avery had been itching for a fight and to do something to get that pent up energy out.

”I was otherwise preoccupied. There are two of them. Well, one now.” That seems to trigger a response from the four legged creature.

They turn on me, snarling before running for me. I look up at Avery and he grins, giving chase. He launches himself onto the Lamia before it gets me. I drop down and stab the thing where it's heart should be. Just like before the creature convulses on the floor but they shift to a woman, the one matching Mage's and the others descriptions before bursting into flames.

”Well, that was fun,” Avery said, his eyes glowing.

I smirk and look around. ”Let's clear the rest of the building. If there were two, there could be more.” Avery nods and we get to work.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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I smile as Nic holds me. I let my eyes close and wiggle in closer to Nic. ”I won’t smack you. I’ll just give you an aggressive jab in the stomach,” I say. I take a moment to breathe in Nic’s scent before I pull back and look at him.

”I don’t mind you worrying about me or trying to heal me, but I do a lot of this kind of thing. Sometimes with Caden, sometimes on my own.” I rest my hand on his cheek, my eyes drifting to his lips before looking into his eyes again. ”I promise to let you know if something happens to the point of needing medical attention. Deal?”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Supernatural District – Chicago, IL
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We head inside the building and split up to cover more ground. I move up to the second floor while Caden searches the ground floor. I sniff the air, looking for that blasted perfume.

I climb the stairs to the third and then to the fourth floor. This building only has five floors. If we don’t find this thing, we might have to come back. As soon as I enter the third floor, I can smell the perfume. Why didn’t I grab the silver knife? I uncork the rosemary and salt as I walk down the hallway.

I knock on doors and open the ones that are unlocked, searching as far into each apartment as I dare before reentering the hallway. I’m about to knock on the third last door when the hair on the back of my neck starts to stand on end. My hands twitch, and I turn around in time to see a medium-sized animal launching itself at me. I toss the salt and rosemary at it, and it screeches before diving to the side.

”Caden! A blessed silver knife would be really great right now!” I yell. The creature shakes off the attack and comes back at me. I loosen my stance and go to grab and throw it, but it barrels into me and knocks me to the ground. Lamia are apparently inhumanly strong.

I grunt as I struggle to keep the snapping jaws and claws away from my face. I can feel Caden getting near from our bond, but he’s taking his time. I managed to get a good hit on the Lamia, but not before it left a mark on me. My eyes flash yellow as I toss the creature. I get back up onto my feet and growl at the Lamia.

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Caden

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Location: Supernatural District – Chicago, IL
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I hear Avery call for me, but I’m otherwise preoccupied. I was on the third floor when Avery moved up to the fourth. As soon as he left, I sensed I was being watched. I knocked on some doors, trying to look nonchalant, but I was hunting what was hunting me.

I turn a corner, and a highly attractive woman stands at the end of the hallway. She cocks her head, looking me up and down before she makes a slow sensual walk towards me. I can see how men easily succumb to this woman, but I am otherwise taken and rather old. These simple tricks don’t work on me.

I smirked, pulled the blessed silver knife out of my jacket, and flashed it at her. The Lamia pauses, glaring at the knife before glaring at me.
”Sorry, love, no time to chat,” I say and flip the knife around. That is when Avery calls, and I hear a thud from above. Temporarily distracted, the Lamia jumps me. I go down but quickly throw her off, flip over, and get to my feet. She’s coming at me right away. I flip the knife around and throw it. The knife finds its mark and impales the Lamia. She screeches and falls to the ground, withering before bursting into flames.

I rush forward once the flames die down and pick up the knife. ”I’ll take that.” I make my way up to the fourth floor to help Avery.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Hindu Temple – Cary, IL
Skills:

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Nic is still fussing over me, and I smile softly. I look at him, really look at him, and I can see genuine concern in every part of his body. He’s leaning towards me; his shoulders are tight, and his eyes are searching. I tuck my water bottle away and close the gap between us. The trees conceal us for now, and I place my hands on his arms.

His concern is endearing, and although I don’t want him to worry about me, I can see that I won’t be able to convince him otherwise. It is a part of his nature to care for others, and I’m lucky enough to have been pulled into that circle of care.

It makes me nervous, and I still want to push Nic away. I'm worried for his own safety, but I don’t think Nic is going to let me go that easily. I find myself not wanting him to let me go. I want to try to make this work. I want to care about someone else again. I want the butterflies in my stomach and the burning, electric feeling across my skin when he touches or looks at me a certain way. I want to fall asleep with the sensation of his lips on mine or hands on me still lingering even hours after we’ve seen each other.

I want Nic, which terrifies me because what if he doesn’t want me after he really knows what I can do and how I got my power? Everything comes with a price, and although I was trained to take over as matron and knew what I needed to do, it didn’t make the idea less barbaric. It didn’t make me turning my back on my family less devastating when I lost them all because of it. Still, I want to try with Nic.

I squeeze Nic’s arms, smiling at him. ”I’m okay. The hour drive home will be a good break for me.” I huff a laugh when he asks if he needs to carry towels on him. ”I don’t make climbing into fountains a habit.”

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Caden

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Location: Supernatural District – Chicago, IL
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My phone starts to buzz consistently, letting me know I have a phone call. I apologize to the woman I am talking to before I pick up my phone. ”What is it?” Avery gives me the location of a building to meet him, and I hang up the phone. I cross-reference the building with the woman, and she nods.

It’s a building that used to be abandoned, but the community managed to make it livable. It was usually reserved for families and those who needed it more. If this person lived there, it was likely because she was living with someone else or removed that person.

I give my informant the rest of the money I promised her before dropping her back off. I speed away to meet back up with Avery. I park across the street from the building and get out.

It looks to be in decent shape, but that didn’t mean the conditions on the inside were manageable. After assessing the outside of the building, I pull my phone out again. I smile, shaking my head at the silly selfie Nero took before I watched the video Kiki sent me. I rewatched this a couple more times before responding.

The strangest demon you ever did see.

And it was true. Nero was a paradox. Their having such a bubbly, teenage-like personality did not make sense with the dark demon persona the world had come to know. I found it endearing and charming. I found it irresistible.

I take a picture of myself with Avery frowning at the building in the background. I point over my shoulder at Avery with a shrug before I snap the photo and send it to Nero with the caption: ‘Can’t get this one to relax.’

”Je ne suis pas mannequin,” he declares. I laugh and put my phone away.

”Maybe you should be. You have the whole brooding thing going for you.” Avery looks at me, frowning more. ”Keep that up and you’re going to get lines,” I tease.

I walk back to the boot of my car and open up the secret compartment. Still frowning, Avery follows me and looks inside. ”Do you have any idea what we are dealing with?” he asks.

”I got it narrowed down to a Siren, Rugaru, or Lamia. From the description and behaviours, I’m thinking Siren or Lamia. Both are women or creatures that can appear as the intended victim’s ideal woman and lure them to their death. Lamia, however, can turn into animal-like creatures and tear into the flesh of its victims, remove their hearts, and drain their blood.”

I pull out a blessed silver knife along with two concoctions of rosemary and salt. I hand one to Avery and pocket the other with the silver knife.

Translations

I am not a model.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Supernatural District – Chicago, IL
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I look over the items Caden pulls from his trunk and surmise this is how you kill a Lamia. ”And if it’s a Siren?”

Caden looks back at the building and shrugs. ”Brute strength, and don’t let it stick its tongue down your throat.” He closes the trunk, smiling at me, and I shake my head.

”So simple,” I mutter to myself.