Willa looked at Paon and then at Benji. She stood up and stretched. Then she walked over and picked Paon up like he was a baby doll. "I think it is time fer us ta go." The look on the scots face made Willa laugh. "We lasses of Ireland are stronger than ye might think." She looked down the tunnels and asked, "Which is the way out of here?" Willa looked to Benji and she started to walk down the cave.

She got an uncomfortable vibe from the angel. The longer they were there the more she felt like it was a setup. She started not to like the situation the longer it went on.

@Helo@blackpanther@orlan@zhaliora

"Don't go you mad person! We have anti...!" Simon shouts, the platform just going on with Paon and Benji still aboard presumably if they didn't follow the Irish woman who leapt off a platform going at full speed in the opposite direction. "Your friend is as good as dead, she's heading into an anti-personnel minefield, fragmentation and bounding mines bought in bulk from the black market. She will be torn to shreds before we can get back to her. They don't target the platforms or trains because they're designed to trigger on warm weights below the weight of this platform, one ton and a half. She would either be heading to Alaska, the afterlife or a scientist cell, if our new passenger is to be believed and she survives. I think afterlife, that is a hundred mines in a small tunnel that goes to Alaska in almost complete darkness... May whatever religious beliefs she have guide her beyond." Albert states coldly. Simon raises a glass of scotch to Willa, drinking it in one gulp solemnly. "Shame, she was pretty too." Simon thinks after the drink, the platform and only source of light zooming off away from Willa.

"He needs to train Mal. Maybe then that fairy would have the odd day off." Graham states, still amazed at how efficient Mr Right is, not being wrong.

Benji glanced back at the strange new girl who casually mentioned her sister was like a founder to the scientists and had provided them with their first pet. He also chuckled when she mentioned she'd been mistaken for Poseidon. “Mistaken for the Earth-Shaker, you? I find that hard to believe.” He said as she looked nothing like the older bearded man of myth. “If your looking to stop anyone who helps the scientist then I am more than willing lend a hand.” He offered when she mentioned stopping her sister.

Willa seemed to be itching to get going and Benji felt uncomfortable around the Supernatural Underground anyway. He did like that they had scotch to share but waiting around to meet up with a bunch of humans or this new girls crazy sounding sister certainly didn't sound like fun. He paused and sniffed the air. “Well that way smells like more humans,” Benji said gesturing in the direction the platform was already heading. He paused as the scent of something he could really only describe as heavenly was distracting him. He had no idea what the stranger was but he'd never smelled another supernatural like her before, he was curious about what she was but it was a rude question to ask, and, in his experience, most supernaturals preferred to keep that a secret from strangers. “and I'm not sure which way exactly is a good exit.” He said as he followed Willa who carried Paon as if he weighed nothing, which didn't surprise him any. Benji half-shifted, improving his night vision, sense of smell and hearing as well as quickening his reflexes.

“Coming with us or staying, Earth-Shaker?” He called back to the woman with the trident as she smelled trustworthy. “So, Red, you think we're going to be mortally wounded by traps, wander around until we starve or captured by that new chick's sister?” He asked mostly joking. “The only strong scents down here are in the direction of the Undergrounds' train and I'm guessing that would be the best way to get out of these tunnels, they must have a way out that isn't on the train. We might even be able to sneak around them.” He suggested, although none of the options seemed choice to him.

-----------------------------------

Charlie starred wide eyed at Dr. Silas, he couldn't believe his luck meeting two of the greatest minds in the field on the same day. It took him a few seconds to remember to speak. “Very nice to meet you Dr. Silas, sir. I look forward to working here, near you guys.” He said as Mr. Right went to look into the alarm situation. Dr. Silas lead him to another area to wait while the situation was sorted. “Does this happen a lot?” He asked in reference to the alarm and was about to ask what it meant but the sound quickly stopped. “Right seems very efficient, kind of interesting that a supernatural would help us but I guess he must be a bit more civilized than the rest.” Charlie said casually, trying to probe for some kind of information. Did most of the other supernaturals believe this work was important and support it the way Right did or was he rare? Did he gain something from doing this that made it worth it and were others offered similar deals? Maybe some of the subjects were volunteers.

Charlie didn't have much time to think as Rigth quickly returned with a horn. “Unicorn horn?” He asked though he was pretty sure it was. “If you take a unicorn's horn does that just make them a horse?” He asked wondering aloud. He also wondered if unicorns were endangered and if taking their horns was equatable to poachers taking rhino horns. If they just became regular non-magical horses after their horn was removed and maybe got to go live on a farm or something then taking a unicorn's horn might not be so bad.

Willa listened to Benji and agreed. "Okay well I'll follow you. It's hard ta see around my friend Paon here. He's not heavy to me but he is bigger than I am so he is in my way a little." Willa followed him towards the station where the train was supposed to be. "Benji make sure ya don't lose me ok?" Willa was not happy about being in caves. She could find herself easily lost and she really did not like that possibility. She stayed close to Benji and listened to the old men on the platform as they bickered back and forth about who knew. She wasn't paying that much attention. The smell in the air seemed to get more prevalent as they got closer to the outside. "Benji stay close in case we need to disappear if you catch my meaning."Willa was happy to see that they had arrived to the train station. It was dark out and she stayed close to Benji. She didn't want to be stuck there alone.




Zhaliora came by every so often. Maren could never understand her. When Zhal leaned over and kissed her head and then put her head on Maren's shoulders Maren got a serious lesbian vibe and it gave her the creeps.

"Hey! Personal space chickie I don't go that way!"

After she left Maren shook her whole body like she was cleansing herself. "She gave me the Heebeejeebees!" She laughed to her friend.

She had plenty of work to do so she got right back to it. She wondered if tomorrow would be Charlie's first day. She assumed so and that it would be a fairly enlightening day for her too. She hadn't gotten a feel for the guy yet. It was getting late in the day and she knew they would be getting ready for another round up soon. She hated them but pretended to not really care. She figured she would just pick up dinner on the way home tonight as she walked to her car.

@Helo@Blackpanther@Orlan@vocab

@Helo@Orlan
Peter chuckled and shook his head. "No, they still have some magic but the strongest is localized around their horn. Much like a siren and their voice. Their blood and hooves are still perfect for studying" he handed the horn to Charlie. "Consider that the first ingredient to work with." he Then tilted his head, his eyes containing a curiosity of what this one thought. He then collected himself and looked at graham.

"Would Mal be available for training? I believe with a bit more training in certain skills will help your department if you do not mind? If he is available I will be happy to start with him in two weeks time" he did not look expectant, and rather seemed completly open to the answer. However, he did expect either a yes now or for graham to talk to Mal then tell him yes. He was hardly ever told no.

This look was broken when he realized what time it was he shook his head and nodded to the two. "Please give me the answer later graham...and I shall see you soon hopefully Charlie" he nodded again before heading out for the night.

(Posts from here on out will be the next day)

@Vocab


Jane could almost see the wheels start turning in Alaz’s head, they were working on a lie. This girl, however powerful, was not ready to be let into Edge. Without a second's hesitation, Jane stepped forward and launched a well-placed hook that connected with the demon girl’s jaw. She was out in a second, and Jane could feel her body go numb, as she caught her and laid her on the rooftop.
“Consider this mercy,” were Jane’s final words. How she had knocked the girl out was a cowards move. Jane had basically earned some trust by telling her only weakness and sprout out information about Edge. And Jane had then been close enough to deliver a sucker punch, much like Alaz had done to her earlier. However the night was dark and full of scientific terrors, and Jane had to disappear right now.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE NEXT DAY…

An orange sun bathed the office. All the expensive furniture almost lit up by the warm light. Though it was a clear morning sky a storm was raging. Not a literal one, no, a different kind of storm.

Jane and the one of the two gentlemen, she reported to, both stared at the screen, where a journalist eagerly handed the mic over to her guest; an elderly man. After repeatedly trying to describe his field of science, she had simply introduced him as an expert in the supernatural. As he spoke he looked directly at the camera.

“… We all know the destruction at the theater is beyond words. Witnesses describe the battle as a brutality beyond anything humanity has ever faced. 40 people have been confirmed dead, and paramedics are still pulling bodies out of the rubble. Since our own government have yet to release a statement, we can’t say what caused this, but one thing is clear: This country is dealing with threats our police force are not capable of fighting. Terrors that we need to meet head on and stop. Fight fire with fire.”

“And how do you suggest we do that?” asked the reporter and immediately gave the mic back to the man.

“It’s easy: We use any and all means to track down the mastermind behind all this death and destruction. And we all know who that is, don’t we? Jane Doe. Among all the stories survivors tell, one thing remains consistent: A hooded girl was repeatedly struck by lighting. Then she got up, shot some kind of laser out of her hands, and incinerated 2 buildings and damaged 4 others. Then she completely vanished. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the work of Jane Doe. She is out there, and she holds no regard for human life. This terrorist needs to be put to justice. So I ask you all: What are you willing to do to protect your love ones? What should the country do to ensure safety and-“

The man, Jane was with, turned off the giant TV. Michael was his name, and as far as she knew, he was a founder of Edge.
“We could have used this,” he mumbled. “We could have exposed the Scientists for what they really are. We could have won this war in a week, if only you hadn’t lost your mind.”

A different Jane had got up this morning. All energy seemed to have run out of her. Not so much her power, but her charisma; her personality that inspired strength. What made her the symbol of Supernatural strength and striking back at society.
Jane always knew that their war would eventually cause casualties. But she had never thought it would be by her own hand. She had never believed her power could be used against her. When she destroyed those buildings she had been under the influence of another Supernatural. Someone had possessed her and made her anger fuel her into something she was not. Now she was about to become the most wanted woman on the planet, and if that happened, how long until people found out about her girlfriend? Jane would kill for Lisa.
“What’s the next step?” Jane wished to know. She stood up, but didn’t look Michael in the eyes like she use to.

“Next step is we thank God the Scientists still don’t know how to fight you. Though you displayed an enormous amount of foolishness, you didn’t expose your weakness. No doubt they will hunt you with all the wrong means."

Jane felt a slight bit of annoyance and a bit of her old self came back, as she said: “So… tell me what the next step is!”

“Edge is starting to wonder, if it’s wise to share such information with you."

“Bullshit! I’m the sword of this organization, and you need me! Even if the entire world wants Jane Doe dead, they won’t find me. All they know to look for is a young woman in a dark hoodie. They don’t know my face, they don’t even know my real name. They have nothing.”

For a few moments there was silence. Then Michael spoke. He explained in details the next step, and Jane was quick to sign on to be the one to carry out this task. It seemed risky to her, but on some level she knew she had to earn back some trust with Edge. They were small, but extremely well funded, and they were gonna take over the city. It was merely a question of when.

Benji stayed close to Willa in case they needed to go invisible. It took awhile to reach the train station it had already been pretty late when they'd gone down into the tunnels so he was guessing it was getting close to morning by now. Gradually the tunnel widened until they came across a section with a train and a huge crowd of people. He could pick out a few distinct scents of supernatural species he was familiar with, many he was unfamiliar with, and many who smelled like people though many supernaturals did smell like regular people. The space that wasn't taken up by the train was packed with people who were trying to board the train and some who just seemed confused. He caught another familiar smell and his eyes narrowed. He looked around for the source until he locked eyes with cat that was being carried by one of the other people in the tunnel. The cat hissed at him and Benji growled at the beast feeling his predatory instincts flair up. The woman holding the cat gave him an annoyed glare as they walked by and the smell of the prey animal reminded him how hungry he was as he hadn't eaten since breakfast the day before.

“That looks the way out of here, you wanna check it out?” He said pointing to some stairs that led up above the train and into another tunnel that he guessed lead back to the surface. “We could get something to eat? If you know where Paon lives we could drop him off at his place so he can get some rest.” Benji suggested.

-----------------------------------------

The sound of his alarm woke Charlie early the next morning. He rolled out of bed, showered, and got ready for work. He didn't have any classes today so he had decided to go in early, he need to become acclimated to his new role there and wanted to desensitize himself with the use of the supernaturals and the whole extraction process. As he brushed his teeth he half listened to a news story over the radio about destruction of and around an old abandoned theater. Before he left his apartment he cleaned up the take out boxes and beer bottles from the last few nights that had gathered around his kitchen. He threw his hat on and headed to work, stopping for coffee on the way there.

He headed straight for his office and managed to miss running into anyone who wanted to chat. Charlie was too lost in his thoughts for small talk anyway. He unlocked one of the desk drawers and pulled out the unicorn horn Right had given him the night before and sat in his chair looking at the horn. It was heavier than it looked and the base where it had been removed from the unicorn was smooth and expertly cut. He wondered if the removal had hurt. He knew he had to actually start work but he allowed himself a few minutes to settle in as he reminded himself that he was going to good here, he was going to make sure his research helped people and mad up for whatever cruelty went on here.

Willa nodded, "I'd love to get something to eat. And No I have no idea where he lives. We didn't get a lot of chance to talk before the theatre blew up and he changed into a dragon. I say we go up. He is in human form. People will think it odd me carrying him but less so than if he were in dragon form."

She watched Benji and nodded "After you. Ben? Where have ye been living all this time? I stayed in the next city over for a long time waiting for any word of you. I thought you were dead or deep undercover in hiding. So I did my usual and stayed low and undercover. For a while I changed my name even."




Maren was in early to see how Charlie would be when he got in. She watched as he came in and she saw him pull out the unicorn horn. She read the look on his face as curious and she couldn't tell if it was determination to do well or to try not to cause harm. She walked into his office and smile. "Good morning sir. Would you like coffee or soda this morning?"

As he contemplated she smiled and said, "unicorn horn, I never believed in most of the things we see around here daily." She figured he might be curious about her so she should get the questions off of the table right away. "I get away with my wardrobe a little bit because I am a witch. Not the cackling flying on a broom type just the normal Wiccan type. So I wanted to tell you so you wouldn't be worried or confused if you heard about the witch on the third floor or something." She grinned.

@Helo

@Vocab


A few hours had passed since her meeting with Edge.

As Jane turned the corner, she was forced to take an extra look at the GPS on her cellphone, just to ensure she was at the right place. At nighttime there might be a crowd of people lining up, but at a time like this, there seemed to be little to differentiate Angel’s Embrace from any other place. Luckily a neon sign confirmed that this indeed was the place, and Jane could put away her phone.
Without further hesitation she walked up to the guy outside, a tall man with a toothpick. And it was clear she caught his attention right away with the impatient pace in which she moved.

“I need to get in,” Jane said before the guy could even open his mouth.

“ID, please.”

“She’s here. That’s all the ID you are gonna get, tough guy.”

A moment passed where the bouncer seemed to scan her with his eyes, as if he had x-ray vision. Before Jane discovered her powers, she wouldn’t have messed with a guy his sized. Well, she would have, but she probably wouldn’t have won, even though she was a fighter from birth.
Before she had arrived at the club, she had made sure to wear one of her signature hoodies and applied an extra lair of make-up, making her almost look like a goth chick.

“Listen-“ the guy tried, but was interrupted.

“Nope, you listen. You can tell Lady Tori, that she is here. And she requests an audience.”
“Who’s here?”
For this, Jane stepped right up into his face. “She… as in the.”

It took a few seconds, but the tall man seemed to finally get the message. Most people realized Jane was not a woman to trifle with, once they recognized the seriousness in her cold stare.

Somehow the guy seemed much shorter when he gave a pad down to the Jane Doe. He didn’t seem thrilled either when discovering a grenade in her pocket, which he hesitantly confiscated. He then took out the stamp.
Jane hadn’t cared when he removed the explosives from her, in fact she hadn’t even blinked, though he clearly did. But now she was the one hesitating for a bit before reaching out her hand and receiving the stamp.

In reality neither Jane, or the organization she work for, knew for sure that Tori was who they suspected her to be. But an organization like Edge had noticed the long string of deaths that were connected to the strip club, Angel’s Embrace. And that was only a few of the strange events that surrounded the place.
Once inside, Jane found a table to sit by, until she would get an invite from the office. “Move along, little bird,” she mumbled to the girl approaching her. A waitress no doubt.
The establishment had class, not something Jane would ever be invited to. Had Jane not had a love one, she would defiantly have explored the place. Allow herself to enjoy it even. Instead she only checked out the wonderful, tight piece of ass that passed by. It was all about the little things, especially since this day was about to get a whole lot more crazy. In fact the future of the city would most likely be determined by just two individuals: Tory and of course Jane Doe. What a strange, strange thought.

Benji took a second to try and recall where all he'd been in the past few years. “After the raid I stayed on the other side of town for a few days but I never heard from anyone, so I got as far from there as I could. I figured it was safer to keep moving, town to town, city to city. I guess I've been all over, after a month or so in the same place I get on a bus or plane and go somewhere new.” He explained as they headed up the stairs. The crowd around them kept them anonymous and it seemed that there security was focused on keeping people out rather than in.

“Let me help carry him.” He said referring to Paon, not because he thought she need help but so they looked less suspicious. “If we both carry him, an arm over each of our shoulders, it looks like two people carrying their drunk friend home rather than a gorgeous woman carrying a guy around like he's a sack of potatoes. It'd draw less attention and no one will be wondering just how strong you are.” Benji suggested, there had already been a scientist round up the night before and he was worried they might be out looking for suspicious people to grab. The top of the stairs lead to a smaller tunnel and an exit through a cave and several guards near the entrance. If he had to guess the entrance was probably magically protected to keep people out but he doubted it would be keeping people in.

------------------------------------------

Charlie snapped out of his almost trance like state and stood up when Maren walked into his office. He'd been so self absorbed when he walked in he hadn't even said hello, he wasn't used to having an assistant but he still felt bad about being rude. “Hi, sorry about earlier, I guess I just don't notice the little people anymore now that I'm up here.” He said joking, then realizing he didn't really know Maren very well hoped she didn't take that the wrong way. “Joking, by the way, and I'm good on coffee for now, but thank you.” She had mentioned the unicorn horn and he noticed he was still fiddling with it.

“You know I didn't believe in this stuff either, I mean I though the samples labeled fairy dust or griffin blood were some kind of code to keep their ingredients secret. Kind of wish that was the case you know, I don't know do you ever feel like this is all kind of frakked up?” He said somewhat awkwardly. Then he wondered if he should express his doubts out loud but he didn't think Maren was out to get him in trouble with his bosses or anything. “It's probably just me. Using lab rats for the first time really freaked me out so unicorns and creatures that look human will probably take some adjusting to.” He said as he put the horn back into his desk.

“If anyone gives you trouble about how you dress just send them to my office and I'll handle it. I can promise you that your religious beliefs will never be a problem for me. I don't want a lawsuit or anything.” He said smiling. “Do really witches ride brooms?” He mused as an afterthought. “Not that I'm implying you would know I was just wondering aloud.”

Willa's heart leapt when she heard the word gorgeous used to describe her by Benji. "You stayed on the run for so long." She thought how to say the next part of what she wanted to say. "I stayed in the vicinity for a few more years. Then after I had given up hope of your survival I came out here for a new beginning. I've been here in the area for a while. I've been using two names. So out here you should probably call me Winnie Sparks." She figured that he would like that since he was the one to give her the nickname of Sparkie all those years ago.

Willa glanced over at Benji and smiled to herself. She was going to make sure she did not to lose him again. "On the run is no way to live. Especially if you are on your own. At least if it had been both of us we could have made it an adventure." She said. The closer they got to other people the more cautious they were about their topic of discussion.

Willa made sure to complain about Paon being awefully heavy and scolding Benji for letting him get filthy drunk. Paon snored and then burped at just the right time. The guards chuckled as Willa pretended to be angry.




Maren listened to Charlie and was pleased to hear that he had his doubts about what they were doing there. She decided that he had a good heart but she wasn't sure how far he would go to keep his job. She nodded, "Yes I think it is too. It's still hard to imagine the creatures are real let alone that we torture and kill them like we do other animals."

"I guess I'm lucky, I don't have to see what they are doing in there."

She laughed at the question about flying brooms and witches. "I wouldn't know. I'm not that kind of witch."

"Ah well back to work I guess." She turned and then turned back around. "I ordered some donuts to be delivered. I'll bring them in so you can pick out what you want when they get here." Maren smiled and left his office pulling the door almost closed behind her.

@Helo

Lounging on a chair, an idle smiling playing around her lips, Talit looked over the guard that was watching her. Mmmh. Nice arms, very respectable muscle. Wonder how many reps he does with those. And if he cradled me the way he's cradling that gun... She licked her lips as she caught his eye, tasting the flush that spread across his face as he quickly looked away. Those clothes aren't doing him any favours, but his legs look sturdy enough. A little opposing support and he could probably hold me up for a good while. Her gaze slid over to the side. There's a nice open spot on that wall that would work nicely. She does seem fond of the spartan look, doesn't she. Or, clear off the desk, that will give him a good angle to really go to town on my-

A buzzing sensation ran up her ear, and she smiled as she touched one finger to her earring. "Yes Katy, what is it?"

"Sorry to disturb you Mistress, but there's someone here to see you."

So soon? My my, can't a girl have some time to herself every once and a while? "Lovely. Who is it?"

"She... refused to say. Apparently she only said that she was here, and she wanted to see you."

Talith frowned. Well that's just rude.

"Also, Mistress... she was armed with a grenade."

That got her attention, and for a moment a dark expression crossed Talith's face. Either the girl was incredibly ignorant, incredibly paranoid, incredibly stupid, or had a death wish. "I assume it was confiscated?"

"Yes Mistress. She surrendered it without a fight."

So, stupid, paranoid or ignorant then. Whatever the case, the girl needed to learn some manners, whoever she was. Sighing, Talith rubbed her forehead. Children. "Where is she now?"

"At a table on the bar floor, Mistress. Beth tried to offer her something to drink, but she got refused." A sly note entered the tattooed girl's voice. "Though, she was pretty sure she was able to give her something else."

Talith blinked, and a smile began to cross her lips. Interesting. Perhaps she'd get some play time after all. "Thank you, Katy. Leave her be, and have Beth and Sheila make sure Room 13 is ready. I'll take care of our... guest."

"Yes Mistress."

Looking like a contented cat, Talith returned her gaze to the guard, who was eyeing her quizzically. If things went the way she hoped, then it might be a very enjoyable day after all. "Just a business call," she said innocently, "Nothing to worry your handsome head about."

Outside the office, voices could be heard approaching, and the door opened to reveal her target, accompanied by a small throng of people. Instantly the guard leaped to attention. "Uh, Ma'am, there's someone here to-"

"Harriet! Darling." Smoothly rising from her chair, Talith started towards the leader of the Supernatural Underground, her hips swaying just the right amount as her scent subtly drifted across the room. "You never write, you never call. It's almost like you don't care." Coming to a stop, she clasped the black woman's hands between her own, pouting. "Did our time together mean nothing to you? A fling, a phase? I'm hurt."

For a moment, Harriet blanched, then recovered. "Lady Tori. What a... surprise. I didn't think you would be here."

Smiling, reveling in the other woman's clear discomfort, Talith shrugged. "Oh, I was just passing through, and it's been so long since I last had the pleasure of your company."

"I see." Turning, Harriet nodded to the others. "It's alright, we'll discuss it later. I'll... attend to our guest." She gave the dusky woman a side-long glance.

Talith chuckled as she sashayed to the desk, perching on one corner as the other woman closed the door. The truth was was that, while Harriet Silas did have a standing offer to her bed, she had never taken advantage of it. Always too occupied with her own little crusade to indulge herself. And if the circles under eyes and the exhaustion that pervaded her body were any indication, indulging was something that she desperately needed. "Exciting events, dear?"

Sighing as she sat down, Harriet rubbed her eyes. "You might say that." She glanced up at Talith. "You might also say that it's rare for you to leave your club, Lady Tori." Her voice dropped in emphasis of the "Lady". "And I know that it isn't for the "pleasure of my company"."

Again, Talith shrugged. "True, I do have ulterior motives for seeing you. In fact, I suspect that why I'm here is one and the same as what has your knickers in such a twizzle." She smiled as she spied the confused frown on Harriet's face. "You know, a rather interesting story reached my ears from one of my pets. Something about a theatre collapse in New York last night? You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"

For a moment, Harriet was silent, scrutinizing her guest. Unfortunately, she couldn't discern anything from the dark-haired woman's innocent expression. "Yes. An Edge hideout got raided. We managed to save some people, but lost a few along the way. Also had a run-in with an angel."

"How tragic. They are getting rather bold, aren't they." She filed away the note about the angel for later. They didn't often show up, and most of the time with new people they weren't exactly fond of her kind.

Harriet nodded. "We think they're ramping up production on something, but we don't know what." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the other woman. "Why are you asking about this? Last I knew your family didn't take much interest in things outside their world."

It was a dig and they both knew it, but Talith was in a good mood. "Oh, Harriet, my darling girl. It's not a question of whether or not I'm interested, it's whether or not I need to do anything about it." She slipped off the desk, stretching her arms over her head. "Well, as much as I'd love to continue chatting and catch up, I'm afraid that I have an appointment that I really would like to keep."

Sighing, Harriet rubbed her eyes. "A new client, I suppose?"

Talith grinned as she began sidling to the door. "Perhaps. The night is still young."

"It's day, Lady Tori."

"Here, yes." She paused by the light switch, and turned back. "Oh, and Harriet dear?" The Heart of the Underground looked up, and found that for once the woman's face bore a sympathetic expression. "Do take care of yourself, my love. I'd hate to have to dig you out of an unmarked grave. Again." She flipped the light switch, departing with a sing-song voice. "Mistress's orders."

---

Back at Angel's Embrace, Talith emerged from a darkened corner behind the bar, nodding to Jared. As versatile as her office was, there was nothing quite like the view from behind the bar; she had made sure there was sight lines of everything and everyone. Breathing deeply, she sighed, letting her power creep over the room. It was slow, prime time started closer to early evening, but there was still that general ambiance of sensuality that made her horns tingle with anticipation. The faintest hints of pleasure coming up from below were just enough to set her appetite.

She waggled her fingers to Katy, who immediately made her way over. "So, which one is she?"

The head waitress gestured to one of the tables. "Hoodie, jeans, dark make-up. She's been watching Jessica for the last fifteen minutes."

Talith smiled at that. "Well, at least she has good taste. Everything is ready?"

Katy bowed just slightly. "Yes Mistress."

"Good girl. make sure that Beth gets my approval once she's on her break." Her grin became sensuous as she fastened her gaze on her target. "Personally. Sheila's still off-limits."

As Katy smiled gratefully and hurried away, Talith stepped back, reweaving the shadows into her "Bar Tori" look: a modest corset that gave her bust a slight lift, an open leather-like jacket that masked a lot while enticing one to look at what was visible, a short skirt that hugged her hips, and calf-length heeled boots. She licked her lips in anticipation as she stepped out from behind the bar. If everything went the way she hoped, then this poor girl would never forget it.

@Unknown100

Benji shrugged. “It was lonely but it beat being an experiment or dead.” He said not wanting her to feel sorry for him or anything. “Sparks huh? I wonder what inspired that name.” He said smiling and feeling somewhat honored that she had used one of his nicknames in her alias. “I've mostly stuck to changing my last name otherwise it gets too confusing for me. It wasn't all bad, I had a few adventures. I was running, full wolf, in Washington and got spotted by some campers. I guess they got a blurry photo of me, thought I was Big Foot and I ended up in a tabloid. I might still have copy of one at my motel you know if you want an autograph.” He said as they left the tunnel through the cave and ended up back in the forest. “Of course I'd prefer to have all my adventures with you.” He added then laughed at Paon's snoring. The guy was a bit heavier than he looked, Benji didn't have the strength Willa did but he could manage Paon alright.

“So did you want a normal breakfast cause I could always catch us a deer or some rabbits.” He offered looking around the forest. They were near the edge of the forest, not too far from the city. “We could always drop Paon off at my motel, leave him a note to call us when he's slept it off.” Benji offered. “Maybe find some trouble to get into in the city if your not up for a werewolf style breakfast.” He added in case she didn't want to eat whatever wild animal he could catch.

--------------------------------------------------------

Charlie felt a lot better that Maren seemed to share his concerns about the treatment of the supernaturals. At least he wasn't alone in his doubts. It was good to see she had a sense of humor about the witch or Wicca thing. It would be difficult for him to work with someone who was easily offended or lacked a sense of humor, not to mention how dull that would make the work day. “It's good to hear I'm not the only one a bit freaked out by it all.” He said, though the word torture made him feel uncomfortable. He didn't want to think about it that way, it made it sound evil mad scientists stuff. He cheered up when she mentioned donuts though. “You're awesome, I love donuts.” He said cheering up as she left. The fact that the office paid for food and coffee was great, although his parents had money Charlie hated having to ask them for it. He preferred to pay for his own expenses and paying for school took most of his paycheck.

His office door was closed for maybe five minutes before their was a sharp knock twice and a tall, gaunt man in his early fifties entered the room. “Good Morning Mr. Novak, as Mr. Right is currently busy you will be training with me today. I am Dr. West.” He said with a toothy smile that didn't reach his eyes and low authoritative voice. Charlie immediately stood up from his chair and felt like he was a teenager being summoned to the principals office. Dr. West was a good six inches taller than Charlie and had the posture of a military man. From what Charlie had heard West had been employed as a scientist by the military for several years before working in these labs. Dr. West had short dark hair peppered with gray and was slicked back. His eyes were cold and the color of gunmetal, his skin was pale and his features were sharp and angular. Dr. West made Charlie feel uneasy.

“Dr. West it's a pleasure to met you. I've heard great things.” Charlie said offering a handshake to the man. In truth what Charlie had heard from the others who had worked with Dr. West was that he was like a mad scientist from bad movie. “You can call me Charlie.” He added smiling.

“Follow me, Mr. Novak.” He said ignoring Charlie's outstretched hand, turning quickly and heading towards the area where they kept subjects. Charlie quickly followed a step behind him. “I have connects who would be very interested in your work on body armor. Another raid or two and we should have plenty of hides for you and new creatures to test your process out on. I believe incorporating an element of Phoenix would make the armor fireproof.”

“Yeah that sounds...good.” Charlie answered as he remembered all the different ingredients, parts of living creatures, that it would require.

“You sound unsure, having second thoughts Mr. Novak?” Dr. West asked.

“You've never wondered about it all? Some of them look like people, I just don't want to end up committing any ethics violations.” Charlie responded carefully, avoiding the unnerving looks Dr. West gave him. To this question however, Dr. West simply laughed.

“They may look like people but they certainly are not. They're not even animals. They are monsters just as vicious and abhorrent as those in the movies.” Dr. West said as he lead Charlie to room where through the thick glass wall they could see a fully transformed werewolf in chains and an armored man near the door with a high powered cattle prod. Charlie could guess how they encouraged the werewolf to transform. “Take this creature, a werewolf, while it appears human this is what it truly is. A creature of rage and violence, worse than a rabid animal, it would tare us both to shreds without a hint of remorse if it could. These things aren't like animals, they kill for enjoyment and if the human race is to survive we must keep them under control.” Dr. West spoke every word with cold detachment as they continue to walk and look at the monsters raging in their cages. “The only good that can come from monsters is to use them as we do here. To create things to better the lives of humanity. The stories of myth and legend come from bits of truth. Sirens and Mermaids luring sailors to their deaths, Dragons destroying whole villages and roasting men alive, fairies stealing children, witches curses, demons destroying lives. This is what we are dealing with here, Mr. Novak, evil and we use what they can offer for good while protecting humanity from their vicious ways.” Dr. West continued to explain until he stopped at a containment room near end of the long hallway. He gave Charlie a shove towards the glass just as a harpy threw itself at the glass.

Charlie quickly jumped back in fear and fell on his ass as he did. “What the hell?” He asked as he scrambled back to his feet.

“You see Mr. Novak? Your first instinct is to fear them. It is ingrained in us all as a survival instinct that these creatures are dangerous. Do you understand now Mr. Novak, what we work with, what they really are?” Dr. West asked him.

“Yeah, I guess I do.” He said as starred the monster in the cage before him. Dr. West made a good point, all over the world there were stories of these creatures killing or tormenting humans. If that didn't come from a place of truth then why would these stories persist worldwide. Maybe this is what all supernaturals grew into; killers.

“Good. You can't think of them as people. That's the kind of wooly headed liberal thinking that leads to getting eaten. You don't want to end up eaten do you Mr. Novak?” Dr. West asked with an unsettling grin. Riling up the subjects just before the tour had been a fantastic idea, and Dr. West was sure that he had quelled many of Charlie's doubts.

“Well I did put on my resume that I was open to new experiences.” Charlie snarked with a slight grin as he was starting to feel more comfortable around his colleague. Sure Dr. West still gave him the creeps but if they were going to work together Charlie felt he needed to relax some.

“Excellent then I would like you assist me in extracting the hide from the werewolf we saw earlier.” Dr. West said as they headed back up the hallway. Charlie only nodded, he knew to be successful at his job he needed to have a mindset more like Dr. West, he needed to numb himself to these experiences.

It was several hours before Charlie made it back to his office, he'd gotten to know Dr. West a little better and Charlie felt like he'd done a pretty good job today. During the procedure he had thrown up twice but Dr. West told him he'd get used to it eventually and then the rest of the day they worked on perfecting his body armor more. West had assured him that it would go a long way towards helping protect soldiers and that he could pitch it to the military for him. Charlie felt a lot better knowing how his work could help save lives. He stopped by Maren's desk to see if there were still donuts left.

“Hey how's your day going?” He asked. "I feel like I've been here twice as long as I actually have. Got a lot done though."

Willa smiled. "I think that is a lovely idea. Where is the motel?" Turned out they weren't too far from the motel. Once inside Willa dropped Paon onto one of the beds so she could turn down the other one for him. She put his shoes on the floor next to his bed and his glasses and wallet etc. on the table next to his bed. Once she finished that she turned to find Benji watching her.

She smiled, "I'm going to clean up a little." She went into the bathroom and brushed her red hair til it shone and then she brushed her teeth. She nervously came out and nearly ran into him. Startled she blushed and spontaneously asked him. "Did you mean it before? Do you really think I'm beautiful or was that because we haven't seen each other in so long?" Her eyes widened as she realized what she asked."Oh my god I can not believe that just came out. You don't have to answer that. I..I I guess I am so nervous and worried that it's just a dream and I'll wake up and I'll find myself alone in my apartment and you will still be gone."

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Maren did not like Dr. West. he enjoyed torturing and murdering the supernaturals. Maren heard him refer to them as monsters and she had to bite her tongue and smile when she knew what he was taking Charlie to do. She ate donuts and hoped she would get fat as punishment for not stopping the torture that she knew was going on. She knew she had to bide her time and make sure that she was minding her manners and keep everyone thinking her young and naive. She had to stay silent and behave til the time was right to take them down.

Maren looked up at Charlie and passed him the box with a smile. There were a few left. "Have at them. I've already had a couple and I don't need more or I won't fit in my clothes. It's been a little quiet with you down in the lab. What were you collecting today? Pixie dust from Tinkerbell perhaps?" She chuckled halfheartedly.

One of the handlers of the supernaturals came out and patted Charlie on the back and said, "Nice job on skinning the werewolf Charlie."

Maren covered her mouth and turned her head away while trying to swallow the bile back down. She knew that they skinned animals while they were alive because of the bloodflow gave them a better speciman. Maren counted to five and popped a mint into her mouth. Tears in her eyes for the poor soul who died so horribly today. Charlie seemed oblivious to her momentary nausea. She turned and started working on a letter she needed to type.

Benji lead the way back to the cheap he'd been staying. One of those motels where all the little rooms where lined up outside rather than collected together in a large building. His possessions were scarce and everything he owned could be carried in a simple duffle bag he'd gotten at an army surplus store. The few things he had were mostly replaceable with the exception of the few pictures he had left of his family, which he always kept on his person. The duffle bag was always kept mostly packed in case he needed to make a quick get away but he could easily live without it if necessary. The room itself was kept neat, Benji didn't like having clutter and he rarely spent a lot of time in the room anyway. He helped Willa get Paon onto the bed and while she was in the bathroom he wrote out a note with his phone number for when they guy finally woke up. He was fairly impressed with the dragon's ability to sleep through anything, Benji was a light sleeper and his enhanced hearing made even the slightest noise loud enough to wake him.

Benji was taken off guard by her question, he hadn't intended anything by it and it took him a second to remember when he'd said it. That didn't mean that it wasn't true, Willa was clearly beautiful. He'd thought so from the moment they met but they had become such good friends he didn't want to ruin that or make things awkward. “Of course I think your beautiful and I've got prefect vision so you can trust me on this. Your completely stunning, and I don't say it because I expect anything or to make things awkward. I say it because it's true and you deserve to hear it.” He said before stepping closer and giving her hug.

“If we ever get separated again I swear I won't bail, I'll look everywhere until I find you. I promise. I should have tried harder to track you down before. I wasn't even sure you wanted to see me again and I was too full of myself to apologize. I'm sorry. You're a much better person than I am and your the best friend I've ever had. I couldn't handle losing you twice.” He added before letting go of Willa. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, he wasn't used to expressing himself this much or talking about emotions. He rarely told people how he felt, preferring to show those things through his actions. He felt like Willa needed to hear it, he didn't want her to think he'd abandon her and he didn't feel his actions back then truly conveyed how much she meant to him.

“Ok, I'm done being sappy. I know a nice diner not too far from here that only uses organic and free range products.” He suggested, awkwardly trying to change the subject and slipping by her into the bathroom to brush his own teeth; he didn't want to have dog breath or anything.

---------------------------------

“Thanks, you're a life saver I haven't eaten all day.” He managed to say before devouring a donut. He made sure he didn't talk with his mouth full of food, he had a bad habit of doing that sometimes. “Tinkerbell, ha, that's funny. Dr. West says that whole Disney fairy stuff is bull, I guess fairies like to steal babies and all kinds of crazy stuff. Dr. West said that the sanitation of the old stories, you know about monsters and things, has been completely detrimental to humanity. See cause now people think these creatures are these harmless Disney versions and most people have no idea the dangers they really pose. Man you should hear him talk about vampire movies, then he really gets going.” Charlie said with a chuckle as he grabbed another donut.

He was mid swallow of the last half of a donut when one of the handlers slapped him on the back. "Nice job on skinning the werewolf Charlie." Charlie started coughing but managed to both cover his mouth and keep all the half chewed donut inside his mouth. He swallowed the food, cleared his throat, and quickly regained his composer.

“Thanks, I guess, but if you consider throwing up in a trash can for fifteen minutes and almost fainting while Dr. West laughs at me doing a great job, you might need to tweak your hiring process.” He joked. He lost his appetite at the mention of what he'd seen this morning but tried to keep his reaction hidden. Charlie really wanted to fit in and he felt he was making progress with becoming comfortable in his new job. Dr. West had given the werewolf a paralytic to keep the creature still but it was still a grotesque thing to witness.

“Nothing to worry about Kid, I threw up my first time too. A lot of us did, it's almost a right of passage. I'm sure West took to it all right away though, he lives for this creepy shit.” The guy said slapping Charlie's shoulder in friendly way.

“Everyone here's so nice, I was worried that being younger than most of the other scientists they wouldn't take me seriously but they've all been friendly. Well, I mean Dr. West can be kind of weird and creepy but I think deep down in his robotic heart he likes working with me. I even saw him smile a couple times. And he said he'd let Dr. McConnel know how well I'm doing.” He said proudly as he set the donut box back where Maren had it. He noticed she looked different, upset maybe.

“You okay? I'm being annoying right? Here you are trying to get work done and I'm going on and on about my boring day. If I'm ever being a bother feel free to tell me to go away, I won't be offended. I don't always take hints so well, sorry for being pest.” He said and flashed a friendly smiling. “You're doing great work too by the way. I'm glad they paired me with a cool assistant.” He added before heading back to his office.

Willa's smile shone and her cheeks blushed softly. She was so glad that Benji liked her appearance. She kind of wondered for a second and then brushed it off. She wasn't going to worry about looking too hard at feelings right now. She was just so glad to have him back with her again. When he came out they went into the city to the diner he had mentioned.

Willa was happy and it showed. The sunlight bounced off of her hair and she kept her eyes open for trouble with an enormous smile. To anyone looking at them they just look like any normal happy couple. Which incidentally is what Willa wanted them to look like. They were talking about old times and catching up when a lone gunman came in and demanded money he seemed nervous til his partner walked in. His partner walked in and the guy seemed to be more sure of himself. Willa looked up to see him open fire on the diner. She never got a chance to scream or say anything.

Maren was in the bathroom and she stopped before opening the door as she heard loud voices and she opened the door and froze the room. She walked out into the diner and she moved the red head into a ducked down position so the bullet would miss her entirely. Next she knocked other various bullets away or repositioned the victims. There was only one that she couldn't save and she said a prayer over that man. Maren took the guns and emptied the bullets out and put them back in the gunman's hands. Once she was certain she was finished she went back into the bathroom and unfroze the room.

Willa couldn't figure how she ended up laying down in the seat. She sat up carefully in time to see the gunman getting ready for a second pass as he wondered why he hadn't hit but only one person. While he was busy and the entire diner was in flux she used her powers to dismantle the machine gun and to jam the others. Maren walked out of the bathroom and jumped, she pretended to be just another person. She did however see Willa and Benji and she thought she recognized Willa from about five years ago. It was easy to remember people who never aged a day. Maren pushed her way into the booth on Willa's side. Moment's later the police showed up to find that the diner guests had subdued the perps. Maren whispered to Willa. "I'm Maren and I know who you are. Please call me on my cell after 5 tonight." Maren got up and walked out the door to get back to work. Willa slipped the phone number into her pocket she and Benji looked at each other and gave the police the information they needed using false names of course.




Maren had gone out to pick up late lunches for some of the execs and scientists. The fiasco had just been so nerve wracking. When she had gotten back she told her friend, who sat near her, all about it and she ended up eating most of the donuts before Charlie got back from the lab. She had been quiet when he had gotten back to the office and even had to calm her stomach at one point.

Maren felt kind of bad that she hadn't been more like normal. It was almost five and she felt like she needed to talk to Charlie and let him know that she wasn't mad at him or anything. Maren told him what happened on her afternoon run for late lunches minus the powers parts. "So, I wasn't upset with you I'm just still a little shaky and I..." Maren sat down in the chair across from him. "I just didn't want you to think that it was you or anything."

@Helo

(Collab between Thundercrash and me)

Once in awhile Jane peeked on a girl or two, but mostly she just sat there, legs crossed, shoulders lowered and eyes on the phone. A news reporter showed some fresh clips from the battle that very quickly had been coined “Theater Incidence”. Though speculation about the other parties had started to rise, one name was repeated over and over again: Jane Doe.
If the bouncer hadn’t realized who she was, hopefully his boss would realize it. Jane was pretty much on every channel and had sat there and rolled her eyes of a few inaccurate facial composites, before returning them to the phone where she was streaming it on. Though the face was way off, the hoodie fit pretty well on the drawings, and just now Jane wore one on purpose.
Just as one of the news stations were getting interesting, and making speculations about Edge’s involvement, something moved in the corner of Jane’s eye. She immediately slid the phone back in her pocket.
It was yet another girl. This one moved with a confidence none of the others had, as if she was a hunter closing in on her prey. However Jane, with her arms crossed and looking at the ceiling, pretty much displayed as much fascination as a dead fish would.

Her heels clicking on the hardwood floor, “Tori” wove her way around the tables and stopped just behind the hooded girl, bending over slightly to lean on a chair, giving her a prime view of her cleavage. ”Excuse me, is this seat taken?”

“Unless you boss is hiding in that rack of yours, I’m not interested,” Jane mumbled.

“Tori” sat down anyways, sighing as she stretched her legs out beneath the table. ”Uugh, that feels good. Been on my feet all day.” She eyed the other girl up and down, the corner of her mouth turned up in a slight smile. ”And just what are you interested in?”

Jane blinked a few times. With a tightened fist she answered: What? You’ve worked all morning? What a demanding job you got here, huh?.” Though there was something strange, almost hypnotic about the other girl, Jane looked to the stairs, not realizing what she sought was right next to her. “Look… your boss and I have a date, she just doesn’t know it yet, alright?”

Chuckling, “Tori” stretched out in her chair. ”All morning, all night, all yesterday afternoon, and a good chunk of last morning. You’d be delighted at how much exercise you can get around here.” Again, she looked the girl up and down, her smile widening mischievously. ”And what makes you think that Mistress Tori doesn’t already know?”

This time Jane’s answer was immediate. “Because she would have jumped down here first second she got, as she would’ve realized who I am and what I represent. In fact...”
With a fluid movement Jane got up. She felt a slight ease, when talking to this girl, but impatience was winning this one. “... I’m gonna help your indecisive boss make up her mind. Nice talking to you, miss Cleavage.”

“If you think that will work, you’re sorely mistaken.” “Tori’s” eyes glittered with amusement as they followed the girl. ”Mistress Tori is busy with a potential client at the moment. She’ll see you when she’s ready.” Hmm. Ignorant, I’m thinking. This will be very fun.. “She doesn’t feel any obligation to meet other people’s expectations.”

Suddenly Jane got stiff. In fact for a moment she was like a statue. She took a long, hard look at the other. Judging her. Sizing her. Measuring her in every sense of the word. Then Jane sat down, this time very calmly.
“You want to trick someone, you need to keep it vague. You need to act the part. If you display too much control, the other person starts to suspect you, Tori. Now… you’ve played your little game. I advise you not to play another.“ Jane reached inside her own pocket and threw something on the table. First it looked like a coin, but a closer look revealed it for what it was. A cufflink whose metal was hard to determine. On it were the initials EDGE.

The action garnered no reaction. In fact, it didn’t seem like “Tori” had even noticed the cufflink. Instead, her eyes remained fixed on the other girl, a coy smile playing about her lips. ”And what, pray tell, is my game?”

“Information. You might feel you have somewhat of a disadvantage. Someone with a grenade shows up and you don’t understand why. You want to level the playing field. Well, this is me leveling it.” Finally Jane removed her hood and allowed the girl to take a closer look. After a few seconds for Tori to reflect on it, Jane continued: “I’m Jane Doe. I’m the one who casts a shadow in utter darkness, so to speak. I’m the one who made damn sure the Theater incidence was a fight and not an execution, when the Scientists showed up. I’m the spearhead of an organization most people aren’t sure even exists. And I… well, Edge asks for the same thing you desire: Information. But not here. Not down in the dirt. Somewhere else. Your office, maybe? You do that and I doubt you’ll regret it.”

For a moment, “Tori” was silent, her finger rubbing her chin as she leaned her elbow on the table. Impatient little thing, isn’t she. “Tell me, what do you think this place is?

“Your personal playground, build on a pile of bones. I suspect there are more bodies under this foundation than a graveyard, figuratively speaking of course. And I believe that you, mistress, have a way to gain information. Whatever, this place is, and whatever you are, is your business and of course Edge is not gonna interfere. Now, I believe you have a few answers of your own?”
Though Jane was starting to like Tori, in an annoying kind of way, she really had begun to doubt this meeting would show any results. Jane understood why Edge only now contacted Tori, as the owner of Angel’s Embrace seemed more like a mad dog than a reliable business partner.
Did I make a mistake coming here? she thought for a second.

Again, “Tori” fell silent, studying her, tasting her. There was a strong streak of determination there, pervading her soul throughout, mixed with impatience. Pride, certainly there was a lot of that. A familiar tiredness as well; whatever it was that she had been doing, she had been doing it for a long time. Much like someone else I know. Letting her eyes roam across the girl’s body, the corner of her mouth lifted slightly as she saw her fidget just a little bit beneath the obvious inspection. All tempered with just a hint of uncertainty and arousal.

“Well then.” She rose to her feet, allowing her toxin to envelop her like a warm cloud as she sidled past. Not bothering to look behind her, “Tori” raised one hand and beckoned with her finger. ”You want to talk? Let’s talk.”

As if Jane had been there for ages, she got up and followed. Finally the fruit of her work seemed to come to fruition. Maybe that was why Jane already felt better. Much better than she had done earlier, when only the news of the terrorist Jane Doe existed.
At last they seemed to approach what had to be the office, where the future of the city could very well be determined.

As they walked, Talith gestured around her. ”Despite what you may have been told, Angel’s Embrace is more than just some tittie bar for people to get their rocks off. A more apt description would be that it’s a whole other world; a place where people can come and set aside the concerns of the outside. Here, they are safe, and can simply be themselves.”

She smiled as she paused on the second floor. As much as she wanted to take this girl downstairs, she could taste that suspicious streak growing. She would definitely be a tough nut to crack, but as often as not the tough ones tasted the sweetest when ready. On the center stage, a dusky-skinned girl was practicing her routine, dressed in a simple t-shirt and sweatpants. ”Everyone who comes through that door does so because they want something, and they think I can give it to them. I like to make sure that they find it. Sometimes, that means they stay.”

The girl on the stage paused in her routine, spying the pair, and blew them a kiss, sandy hair scattered about her face. Unknown to Jane, a shadow crept up the pole on the stage and caressed the girl’s back, making her close her eyes and hum to herself in contentment.

Smiling fondly, Talith leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest. ”Like her?”

”If that gets me in, then sure,” Jane answered without much emotion. She then proceeded to walk past Talith and into the office.
Privacy at last, she told herself as she dropped down into a chair, already a little happier. She remember the first time she got the scent of Lisa’s perfume. Such sweet memories. What Jane did not know, was that this slight warm feeling, was being placed into her, and just slightly getting her to lower her guard.

Talith’s eyes shifted to watch her go, practically latching onto the girl’s jean-covered butt as she followed her.Mm mmh. “Her name’s Angel. Lovely girl, and once she gets her rhythm going you wouldn’t believe the things she can do on that pole.” She chuckled to herself. ”Unfortunately, her sense of irony is… not great.”

The quick double-take that she felt emanate from the girl made her smile widen slightly. ”People choose to stay here because they feel safe, accepted. I don’t care who they are outside these walls, and if they choose to leave, that’s their choice. Sometimes they stay only for a little while, sometimes for a long time, and sometimes they choose to come back. One thing always stays the same: I have never had a person leave here who wasn’t better than when they came in.”

Sashaying around behind her desk, she slipped into her chair and crossed her legs, leaning forward to brace her elbows on the wooden surface and rest her chin on her hands. ”Everyone comes here because they want something, be it business or pleasure. Some people believe that the two shouldn’t mix, I think it’s just a matter of how you mix them. So in the end, the question is three-fold.” One by one, she raised three fingers, watching the girl intently. ”What you want, what I might want in return, and if you’re willing to give it to me.”

“A fair question,” Jane nodded, now with a friendlier tone, before leaning forward to better address the subject. “What I want, from you is to lend your eyes and ears. You see there is a place. Edge know by now this place, this… sanctuary… to be real. A place unlike any other – no disrespect to your establishment, of course. It’s said to be beneath - to be underground, and it’s said to harbor thousands of Supernaturals. By now, you have probably heard about those beings right? Well, this great place is of great interest to Edge , and they... well... WE wish to reach out and help this place any way we can. Yet the location of it is unknown to us.” Jane followed up with a hand gesture. “That’s where you come in. Surely someone like you can reach out and find this safe haven. Whether or not you have taken a side in the conflict, we urge you to find this place. And… I think you will find that Edge can be very generous.”

Benji lept from his seat immediately and instinctively put himself in between the man with a machine gun and Willa. He moved to tackle the man as he got ready open fire again. Though Benji was quick he was not faster than a speeding bullet but miraculously the gun only clicked. He tackled the man, whose gun had fallen apart and held the man, hands behind his back, and belly down of the floor. He was thankful the mans gun hadn't worked or he'd have been in some serious pain. Some of the other patrons had managed to subdue the other man and one of the chef handed him duct tape to tie the man up while they waited for police.

Once the man was secured he checked on Willa, who he was guessing was the reason why the guns had mysteriously malfunction. One thing that did stick out to him was the lack of injury to all but one, this close with a gun like that should have been a lot more deadly. He was guessing someone else in the diner was also a supernatural just as he noticed a conspicuously dressed woman talking to Willa before slipping out the diner in the commotion just as the police showed up. “You okay?”He asked louder than normal as his ears were still ringing from the gunfire.

Benji was not pleased to have to deal with making a statement to the police, in fact it took up a good chunk of the day. Eventually they were permitted to leave, and Benji kept an arm around Willa as they walked. “It'd be nice, for once, to go a few hours without getting into trouble.” He said trying to lighten the mood some. “So, if you don't mind me asking, who was your friend back there?” He asked referring to the woman she'd been talking to in the booth.

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Charlie was completely absorbed in his work, looking over findings from the day's lab work and making sense of the data collected. He was also trying not to remember what a skinned werewolf looked like because he was hoping to be able to eat again later in the day. He didn't hear Maren enter his office and jumped up when she spoke knocking over his empty coffee cup. Drinking caffeine all day had him jumpy, and as it felt awkward and lazy to actually ask someone else to get coffee for him he'd gotten himself several cups throughout the day. “Hey Maren, have a seat.” He said waiting until she was seated before he sat back down.

“Wow your day sounds intense. I'm sorry that happened, you could have said something sooner and taken the rest of the day off. Man I'd be so freaked out if that happened to me. That's crazy that you can even focus on work at all.” He said, legitimately impressed, as he'd never witnessed a violent crime or been near a gun before, both of which freaked him out. “You look pretty shaken you want dip out early? Or if you want we could get a drink or something. Which I offer in a platonic, non HR violation, sort of way and feel totally free to say no and I promise not to be awkward about it. Well no more awkward than usual. Also I do have the power to write something like that off as a business expense.”

After the police finished with their questions, Willa let Benji lead her out of the diner. She had avoided saying anything of importance to the police other than the same thing the other patrons had said. She was shaken up and she pulled him into the nearest alley and put her arms around his waist and pulled herself to him.

"She stopped it. Benji she saved me life. I saw it, it was aimed right at me head. I'ld 'ave died if it weren't for her. That's why she put me lyin' down in the seat."

Tears were running down her face from the stress of the situation. "She slipt' me 'er number an she wants me to call her at 5." Willa looked down trying to remember her. "She look'd a bit familiar but I've n'idea why. She knew me though. Knows what I am an what I can do."

The serenity of the day broken, Willa looked at the time and wondered what the woman wanted and what her recognition meant for their future.




Maren just smiled. "No, I think it was best that I come back and distract myself from what happened. Charlie, it's nearly five o'clock now. I have some things I need to do tonight but another time I'll take you up on that offer. Don't stay here too late." She smiled and grabbed her jacket on the way out. Her phone started ringing a few minutes after five. She had just gotten into her sporty little car. She picked up her phone.

"Hello, how are you doing?" Maren asked. Willa hesitated for a moment.

"How do ya know me? How did ya keep everone safe t'day? Better yet why'd you save us all?"

Maren knew she didn't recognize her and why should she it was five years ago and it was all very fast. Maren sighed. "Where can we meet?"

Willa looked at Benji and shrugged her shoulders, "At the park on first an grand in twenty minutes." "ok" Maren hung up the phone and thought the man looked a little familiar too but less so. She wondered if he was a shifter.

Willa and Benji sat at one of the picnic tables in the middle of the park. It gave them an advantage and Maren expected that. She wasn't worried in the slightest. Maren walked over to them and sat across from Willa and smiled. "Five years ago, my hair was shorter and my hands were tied behind my back by some money hungry jerks looking to turn me in. You stumbled across us behind the library. I remember that you were invisible and you kicked the crap out of them and when they tried to shoot at us their guns fell to pieces like they did today. If your red hair hadn't made me positive then seeing the guns fall apart like that was proof it was you."

Willa thought for a moment and yes she did recognize her. "I'm Willa and this is Benji. I don't know if we exchanged names last time or not." Maren shook her head.

"No the cops were already nearly upon us. I'm Maren and I may be able to help you if you were to ever get into trouble. I'm a secretary for the company that the scientists do research at." Willa could feel the tension building in Benji. She grabbed his hand and held onto it.

"I'm waiting for the right time to ...well it would be big. I don't want to say too much but the tyranny will be ended at some point. I'm hoping it would be sooner rather than later. Just take my number and remember you have a friend if you get into trouble." Maren left and Willa and Benji looked at each other. Willa remembered how grateful she was before.

Right now Willa was more worried about her red hair giving her away. "Benji? I think I should dye me hair. If I turn it brown then it might help to disguise me a little."

@Helo

Benji held Willa close and softly stroked her hair as she cried. He was used to looking for scientists and their black vans but human threats that had nothing to with supernaturals wasn't anything he had thought to expect. It was jarring and only reaffirmed his disdain for humanity; they were cruel to his kind and equally cruel to each other. He wanted to able to protect her from things like this, not because she couldn't handle herself in a fight, she was, in fact, stronger than he, but because people like her, people who were categorically kind should be shielded from violence, they were better than it. He gently massaged her lower back, hoping that he was in some way comforting.

“It'll be okay, we'll look out for each other. We'll be more alert. I'll do better, Sparkie.” He offered, knowing that if he had been more alert he might have sensed the danger. Instead he was distracted by being near Willa again. He reluctantly let her go when as she spoke to the woman from the diner over the phone.

Benji sat close to Willa at picnic table in the park. He was hyper alert, eyeing everyone who wandered too close and ready for fight at a moments notice. He'd been in state of hyper vigilance since the diner, he wouldn't be caught of guard again and he wouldn't let harm near Willa. Every sudden movement and new sound demanded his immediate attention. The park did not feel safe, people were everywhere and if there was danger there was no where to go. He jumped up into a fighters stance as Maren approached. His arms were down but he was ready to act if she was not what she seemed to be. He cautiously sat back down when she sat down and kept careful watch of her hands for sudden movement. He made no effort to hide his suspicions of her but gave a smile at her story about Willa.

“That sounds like you.” He said with admiration, it made him proud of his people to hear any story of supernaturals fighting to help one another. His had to stifle a snarl when Maren mentioned working at the labs with scientists. Willa grabbed his hand in an attempt to calm him, and it helped some and he quietly watched Maren leave. “I don't trust her, she works for them knows what they do there and lets it happen. It could be a trap too.” He said scanning the area again for any sign that scientists could have followed her to them. Willa mentioned dying her hair to better stay hidden. “I think you should color your hair if that's what you want to do, but don't do it out of fear of the scientists. Don't change for them, don't let them take anything from you and if they come after us it will be the last thing they do.” He said quietly, but with malice near the end. The hand Willa held remained unchanged but the claws in his free hand extended deep into the wood of the picnic table. He had to close his eyes for a few seconds as he could feel them turn bright yellow as rage stirred the wolf within. He he focused on Willa to help calm him, her presence and scent centered him and he repressed the rage and the wolf. His claws retracted, the glow left his eyes, but he remained vigilant of his surroundings. He couldn't let himself calm completely, if he wasn't alert he could miss some sign of danger.

------------------------------------------

Charlie nodded and wished Maren a good evening as she left. He didn't follow her advice though, he kept working well past dinner time. Eventually though his stomach was growling loud enough to be distracting and he began to pack up his stuff for the night.

“Working late Mr. Novak?” Asked a familiar voice. Dr. West's tone sounded pleased with Charlie's work ethic.

“Yeah, I guess I just lost track of time. Did you need my help with something?” Charlie asked.

“No I am on my way out. Some of us are going over to the bar across the street. Mr. Murphy assures me that they have 'bomb pizza and nachos.'” Dr. West said rolling his eyes referring to a member of the security team who was a year or two younger than Charlie. He paused for a second, bit his tongue a little just to make sure he hadn't fallen asleep at his desk and that this was some weird dream. Nope, he really had just heard Dr. West say bomb pizza and nachos while inviting him to a bar. “Don't look so shocked Charlie, despite the rumors I am not a robot, I go to bars.” Dr. West said slightly annoyed.

“Right, sounds great, I'm starving.” Charlie replied as he quickly grabbed his stuff and followed Dr. West to meet up with the others who had been working late. Charlie had a surprisingly good time, he ate pizza, drank cheap beer and played a few games of pool with Murphy.

“Hey did West tell you what's going down tomorrow?” Murphy asked excitedly as he lined up a shot.

“Nope.” Charlie replied, grinning then as Murphy's shot failed and the ball stopped short of the pocket.

“Dude we are burning a Phoenix.” Murphy said with child-like excitement just as Charlie went to make a shot.

“What?” He asked as the shock caused him to hit the ball to hard and sent the white ball into the pocket.

“Yeah, West had one shipped in from a lab in New Mexico just for you. Oh shit I think it was supposed to be a surprise. Well when he tells you act surprised. Man it's crazy I saw one burn up a few months ago, it's like an intense fire show.” Murphy grabbed the white ball and lined up his next shot and made it with ease.

“You, uh, burn them alive?” Charlie asked.

“Oh dude its cool. You know about Phoenix's right? They like rise back up from the ashes a bit later. It's the only way to get ashes and you usually get a good amount of tears before hand. Anyway afterwords West usually has a barbecue at his house.” Murphy explained as he called the right corner pocket and sank the eight ball. “Added bonus, West's wife is choice.” Murphy added with a whistle just as Dr. West approached to tell Charlie of tomorrow's plans and Charlie pretended to act surprised and excited.