Location: Loom’s Slums, heading to Club Ambrosia
Time: 3 AM

---

What in the hell was she doing here?

Hazel Cairns, a freelance accountant for New Century Medical, asked herself. Most of her life consisted of paperwork, sitting in a pretty little office and number crunching all day. Not wandering around so damn early in morning, looking for a Club. Especially to add a little ‘risk’ to her life. Nervously she curled one of her cropped bangs behind her ear. For a moment it wrapped about, but she knew it wouldn’t stick. It rarely did. Her hand reached to tug down her skin tight, black dress to a more modest position on her thighs. Formal office attire were her normal after all so she even wondered if she was walking in it right. She dreaded when she didn’t have the overlapping trench coat to spare her embarrassment.

Trying to not think about how much skin was exposed, the woman turned her brown eyes down to the clutched and crumbled paper in her hand. The wrinkles broke along the written lines causing them to be hard to read. She bit her lip, hesitation sliced through her confidence. Like a knife through butter.

She thought visiting Club Ambrosia might’ve been a good idea, but now she questioned her sanity. Was this risk really worth the anxiety? It was too late to turn back as she followed the street names carefully. Occasionally her eyes thought she caught sight of something shifting quietly in the shadows, the crevices holding hidden dangers. Like a living thing mocking her. Hazel swallowed her fear and pressed on. She increased her pace slightly, driven by slight discomfort, as her heel stomped into the nearest puddle. Water splashed back across her calf with a fresh chill. The rain continued to pour around her while clouds silently menaced down upon her.

When she reached another pale, illuminating lamp, she looked at her instructions again. Something wasn’t right. Hazel squinted at the poorly lite sign then frowned. Instinctively her figure turned about, and tried to retrace her steps back.

“SOMEONE HELP ME, PLEASE!”

A scream broke through the air. From the alley’s other side, a bloodied and panicked woman bolted into view. Hazel’s head jerked backwards to see the blonde stumble. Her front was covered in red, blood leaking from a wound along her neck. What remained of a blouse and slack were shredded and barely hung on her. Upon spotting Hazel, the woman managed to shout out again.

“Please, please. Help me.”

The last of her energy collected, the blonde rushed forward. Again, she crumbled just a foot from Hazel’s position and panted loudly. Her skin was pale and trembling while she held herself, the air’s chill not helping. Cautiously Hazel bent down to examine the woman. At her touch, the woman flinched then jerked. Hazel frowned, wondering if she had stumbled upon some sexually assaulted victim. Her mind recalled the recent newspaper articles where women had been mysteriously gone missing for a few days then turned up randomly. Shortly after, they fell into a coma without any medical reason causing companies like New Century Medical to spend notable amounts in finding out why.

Unable to leave the woman, Hazel kneed down to eye level, “Hey, hey. What happened?”

“I don’t… don’t know,” the woman sniffled, her arms clenched tightly about her.

Hazel was sure she wasn’t going to get anything else out of her as she pulled off her coat, then gently wrapped it about the woman. Slowly she managed to get the blond to stand on her feet. With her other hand, Hazel pulled out her cellphone. She pressed 911 with her thumb only to hear the blaring rejection of having no signal. Biting her lower lip, she snapped it back shut then pocketed it. She adjusted the blonde against her shoulder before edging toward the exit.

“We’ll get you somewhere safe-”

A deep, guttural growl echoed behind them. Both women stopped in their tracks, paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Cautiously Hazel turned her head over her shoulder to glimpse a large, biped shadow snarling from the shadows. The blonde whimpers then leaned her head into Hazel’s shoulder.

“Please, god please protect me. It found me…”



Location: Holly’s Apartment

Time: 3 AM

---

The man… or whatever he was, grinned at her. His lips curled nearly beyond his face’s limits causing her stomach to curdle. Each little tooth neatly and all too perfectly fits into place. His head tilted to the side at an odd angle as he seemed rather pleased to see her. Long arms hung unnaturally past the knees with even longer fingers narrowed into wicked claws. The pale light from Loom’s active city life slipped in through the window, shedding faint highlights across his black skin.

“My, you smell…delicious,” he…it whispered.

What unnerved Holly most was the fact he got in here undetected, not even using the door. Her eyes shifted to the left recalling where she kept her gun and coat. As if reading her intentions, the man’s grin vanished.

“Now, that’s not very nice.”

Without a second thought, Holly bolted for her gun. Her arm reached for the holster just when four long fingers wrapped around her wrist. She felt it jerked back causing her to inwardly winch from the force. The grin returned as his arm whipped backward, sending her flying across the room. Holly screamed when her back smacked into sofa’s back causing it to flip over.



Location: Loom’s Slums, Alleyway to Club Ambrosia

Time: 4-6 AM

---

Hazel’s milky eyes stared at the far wall. Her head was bent at an angle and leaned against her shoulder, exposed by the lack of her trench coat. All color seemed to have drained from her skin giving it a grey undertone to it. Flies buzzed and crawled along her curves as they tasted her corpse. Blood clotted near the side of her dress, centered on the four jagged wounds across her side. The flesh was pushed aside to reveal pieces of organs had been torn free as more white, wiggling worms were scattered across the surface.

.

Location: Holly’s Apartment

Time: 3 AM

---

Matthew's curiosity was getting the better of him.

Of course, Matthew had a long and colourful history of letting his nature get the better of him, whether it was hunger, pride or sheer pettiness, but this one was probably the highlight of the decade for him.

Namely that he had followed a police officer home without her knowledge, and was now possibly playing hide-and-seek with something else that might have also followed her home.

Matthew had not seen such a being before, which was pretty worrisome on its own. He had been peering in at one of the windows - and seen enough to convince him that she was definitely mostly human for now, if maybe a little too intense - when the hum of life around him had flickered. Sorting out the ripples of emotion and intensity was not easy, and had become especially tricky since he'd come to Loom, but close proximity helped. Whatever this was, it was nearby. He had abandoned his perch to scout around the block and back, stepping a lot more lively given the seemingly deserted street, and when he leaped lightly back up to check on the woman he discovered the thing had in fact slipped inside.

“My, you smell... delicious."

The vampire did not entirely disagree with this statement; she was strong and healthy, and her blood hummed with such power it had been the entire reason he'd followed her all this way. So not the point. though.

“Now, that’s not very nice.”

Yeah, no.

By the time the human screamed, Matthew had tackled the other monster from behind. If 'tackled' was an appropriate descriptor for his ramming two knives into the being while his momentum slammed them both up against the wall. His aim was unerring; Contempt's black blade straight through the back of its neck, the smaller silver knife he'd recently acquired into its back, piercing its heart - assuming this creature had its heart in the same place as the average human.

---

"Argh, le fils de pute. Stupid lock."

The Frenchman grumbled as he mangled his fingers (read: entangled his fingers in) with his key-ring. After a second of fumbling, he found the right key, jammed it into the slot and headed in to comfort and, well, home. The day, and by extension the night, had been exceptionally long for him. Unlike his neighbour who could clock off at a reasonable time, he had to stay behind to make sure his work was done just right. After all, he was the only chief medical examiner in the precinct, and with crime levels at an all-time high, he was neck deep in work processing the number of bodies that came through his morgue every day. It was driving him up the wall with how overworked he'd been in recent days, even with an assistant that he'd been given graciously by whatever higher-ups he had.

As he ambled into his apartment, he closed his door and locked it, testing the knob and jiggling the door to make sure it was properly locked like it always was. Then he tossed his keys precisely into the small bowl perched on the chest of drawers next to the door (where it'd always been) and hung his thick coat on the coat rack next to it. His satchel went onto the couch and the first thing he went for was the thermostat that he turned to his usual, comfortable 24°C. Not too hot, not too cold, especially in eastern France. After which he made his way into his kitchenette and poured himself a cold, stiff finger of whiskey on the rocks. Then, with his drink in hand, he stood by his apartment window and stared out at the city. He could just barely make out the sound of sirens in the distance, a constant companion to him ever since he'd joined the police department, seemingly the city's siren song to the masses, a reminder that Loom was a dangerous city; one you should never attempt to traverse at night.

Today was no different; he'd gotten through two (or three, the hours and bodies blurred) autopsies and post-mortems for two (or three) new cases, along with writing reports for two more that he had to submit by the next day at the latest. And the worst part was that he had to be early tomorrow to finish up, submit the reports, then start on the two (or three, merde he was getting old) new reports before he could even take a break.

At least he'd come home at a respectable time. Sometimes his neighbour Holly would come home even later, her keys rattling in her lock waking him from his slumber occasionally when her job called her away at unearthly hours. They were both law enforcement, so it was expected, but a part of him wished that, maybe, they'd both get a break one day. Holly was his only friend, after all. Someone he could trust enough to not feel like a total d'idiot if he asked her out for dinner and a drink.

After a while of mulling over his own thoughts and his whiskey, he retired to his bathroom for a hot shower, then to his bed, where he fell into a silent, blank sleep.

---

The sounds of a struggle woke Jean-Phillipe from his slumber. His senses kicked into gear before his body did, alerting him of what was happening; a fight, Holly screaming, something heavy falling over, caused by her body impacting it. A new, unfamiliar person attacking her assailant, judging by the near-animalistic (and slightly muffled) growling through his wall. Groggy and still half-awake, the Frenchman jerked himself out of bed and dragged himself over to the door, trying to get the sleep out of his eyes as he unlocked his door and peeked over at his neighbour. No surprise, the door was ajar and wood chips and splinters littered the floor.

That woke him up.

"Merde- Holly?!"

In his fuzzy bedroom slippers, he rushed into her apartment to find her sprawled out on her sofa, which was upturned, and a mysterious younger man struggling on top of...something else entirely. Two thin slivers of shiny metal jutted from the bigger silhouette's back, no doubt weapons of some sort, which made JP look around for the nearest one for him. He caught sight of her coat, holster still attached and pistol still within, and reached for it, a hand pulling the heavy black handgun from its leather receptacle and pointing it at the two struggling men on the floor, both hands now clasped firmly around the grip. With one hand, JP flicked the off-white plastic hallway light switch into the 'on' position and mustered his best police voice.

"Je suis la police! Freeze!"

Only after shouting this did he remember that he, unlike her, did not have training with a firearm. Or even own one. And, as quietly as he could, he swore.

"...merde."

The Game

Location: Todder Manor, Room 13
Time: 3AM

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Buried alive…”

The feeling one might associate with being buried alive is similar to the same helplessness Vaega felt, whilst drifting in the abyss of his own mental labyrinth. He was at a cross roads with himself, and the demon who invaded his essence.

“Do not play with fire, unless you are willing to take the risk of being burned by it.”

A cardinal rule now etched in the fabric of Vaega’s being, a careless, reckless, adolescent who somehow managed to cling on what was left of a very thin thread. He was between worlds, the living, and the dead. When he first was pulled into this realm of limbo, it was terrifying, nearly crushed him, but it had grown into such a familiar place that he felt comfortable inside the rules from which it sprang.

“You are a stubborn little one, Mr. Vaega, it is quite delightful to have had the pleasure of being a part of this experience with you. I did not think such a little one could hold up to such pressures from the likes of me, yet here you stand or sit, I guess.” The voice came from the opposite end of the park bench; a charismatic voice at a low tone if explained in words. The pitches of sound were in all the right places, truly emphasizing on the emotion being conveyed, but still a hint of eerie subtlety behind it. Bael’s hood softly resting on the top of his head, fingers laced together while his hands were being covered by his sleeves, they slipped into one another, while his gaze directed attention toward the ground 6 feet in front of him.

Vaega leaned back on the park bench which now displayed flakes of green paint missing from their respective places. The sky was clear, and the sun illuminated the park that lied before both of them. There were no people present, no birds, no trees, no life, just inanimate objects constructed from the unconscious of Vaega’s mind and brought into conscious view within the rules of his new reality. There was a bench, a pond, a sun, and some grass, beyond those things were nothing but a void of black space. He had been in his own head for so long, that the necessity to escape had faded from thought. He no longer tried fighting his invader, no longer tried arguing, no longer tried resisting, or creating mazes to hide in. Nope, instead he came to the conclusion that all he could do was let go and accept what happened. The park, the bench, the pond, these were all little novelties to distract him and keep him in a state of peace as he wore out the days on the outside.

“Now you choose to no longer talk to me? Vaega, you poor thing, when will you realize, the only one who has something to lose in this game is you. You are running out of time, and time is something I have plenty of. Do we sit here until your body rots away in a room where no one visits?”

Vaega honestly had contemplated Bael’s proposition before, he knew Bael was going to make it again soon. If it were not for all the warnings his lineage had instilled in him through the generations of books he had the privilege of reading due to his father, he would have broken long ago. Then again, if it were not for the jewel that hung around his neck, he would not have been able to trap the wicked beast in the very place that the beast wishes to hijack. In Vaega’s perspective he was keeping Bael locked up, whereas Bael tried to convince Vaega that he was locked up. They both were playing the same game, and both deceiving themselves of the true nature behind the game they were playing.

It was in the best interest of civilized society that Vaega keep his creature chained, but it was in the best interest of Vaega to figure out a way to free himself, and defeat the invader inside himself, but to do so, might contradict his ability to chain him up. Oh, the tug of war about what to do, this is what kept him staring at the walls for what seemed like eternity.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Location: Todder Manor, Dr. Todder's Office
Time: 3AM

It is with great grief I am writing in this journal. We have yet been able to improve Mr. Grim-Maestri’s condition. The question is slowly transitioning from, “What can we do to help?” to, “When should we pull the plug?”

We know the fight he is up against, and we cannot allow for his energy to be used as a conduit into our world for that thing’s pleasure. It is still unclear as to what has him, but nearly 6 years ago today; he was placed in that room, and has never stopped staring at the small barred window. Never once has he moved, never once has he blinked, never once has he shown signs of life. What he has shown is the ability to maintain stillness, which if I interpret it correctly; it means he has not lost himself to what is inside him. How long though will this boy last? When will we begin to see the manic behavior of the possessed?

I had known Vaega’s father for quite a long time, and to be the one to look after his child has been an honor, but I dare say, will I need to be the one to decide whether he is worth the risk? I hope not, I hope salvation for this young man comes soon, and I pray for Evelyn’s sake.

Journal Entry into the Chain of Thoughts
By, Dr. Jack Todder of Todder Manor Mental Health Clinics

Location: Holly’s Apartment
Time: 3 AM

---

Holly’s world stopped spinning when she hit the floor. Pain flooded along her spin, likely bruised by the impact, as she inhaled sharply. Air filled her vacant lungs bring strength and recovered her breath almost immediately. The sounds of a struggle seemed to have begun in her apartment when a blur from her window rushed to attack her assailant, bring everything into chaos. Feeling her energy return, she cautiously flipped onto all fours. Sudden vertigo threatened to pull her back to the ground as she stubbornly resisted, gritting her teeth in reaction.

It was a sprain. That much she could tell from the twinge and throbbing causing her to curse under her breath. Great, just great… she thought bitterly while her head snapped up to watch the struggle erupt in her own living room. Her eyes immediately adjusted to the faintly illuminated room seeing slight details through the darkness. Through most of it was questionable, she needed anything that she could get to identify whatever had landed in her home.

When her vision steaded, she tilted her vision back to the door. Her heart nearly stopped in her chest, the ribs spared from the pounding abuse when she spotted Jean-Phillipe raise her gun toward the creatures. All color drained from her skin as her feet found ground. Her legs straightened in what she could only imagine was supernatural speed.



When Matthew entered within three yards of the creature, it was already alerted to his presence. Its attention turned from its prey as it twisted on a heel, its right arm raised to catch the vampire’s hand aiming for its heart. It wasn’t strong enough to hold it there. Instead, it wrenched it off aim and barely missed its shoulder. Where the fingers touched, a bitter-edged into the skin. A thin layer of ice crackled over the vampire’s wrist followed by extreme pain as if it was frostbitten. The other knife had moved too fast into its large body. The other hand wrenched it off course to its chest but felt the pain of silver enter its skin at its right lung and burned with a hiss. Its white eyes flash red toward Matthew.

“You shouldn’t have gotten involved. I don’t like sharing,” It hissed.

The shadows retracted, briefly, showing the real creature’s true form underneath. Disrupted by the change in light. White skin contrasted with the painted fresh blood upon its surface, like soiled snow in a murder scene. There was no visible hair as the emancipated man smiled with a toothy, shark-like grin. Sharp, icy blue eyes shifting from Matthew to JP, the man now holding a gun to them both. It seemed additional food appeared causing delight to strengthen in its features, even that even the Vampire would know what was ticking behind the thing’s gears. However, the Vampire presented competition for his prey and that threat took priority over JP’s. Only Matthew managed to catch the truth of the creature’s nature, being so close.

When JP flipped on the light, he just saw the darkness shimmer then reform. Not catching the change fast enough.

Without much warning, the Wendigo’s grip tightened over the vampire’s highest wrist and raised up higher. Trying to force Matthew to release his weapon. The other jerked the silver blade from its side before pulling it outwards, preventing another hit. It was just barely stronger than the vampire so it couldn’t hold him for too long.

“I think it’s time we say goodbye, but we’ll meet again. I don’t take too kindly to being attacked,” the Wendigo rasped, then used all its force to shove the vampire off his feet and at the male human.

Ignoring the human’s earlier orders to freeze, it moved toward Holly. Already the woman was up and fallen into a defensive position. Her arms were raised just above chest level and up on her toes. Its clawed hand jerked out of her throat. Holly spotted the signs then ducked to the side, feeling the sharp tips catch her skin near the throat. Blood rushed down the shallow wounds to her shirt collar. Ignoring the sting, her left hand whipped over the outstretched arm. Her fingers extended to attempt to jab it into the eye. With inhuman speed, the Wendigo’s far hand jerked to stop it mid-rush.

Holly blinked in shock. Where did that come from? She screamed in her head, gritting from the pain etching into her skin. Frostbite starting to settle into the skin as the creature took advantage, its earlier arm moved back to the side and its other pulled her closer. Impulsively Holly tried to fight its grip, twisting her twist out. It held like iron compared to hers. It refused to let go while she tried to strike at pressure points, none of them having any effect. Her other arm began to push against his chest while it wrapped his arm around her back, trapping her there.

“Food...shouldn’t fight back,” it snarled.

Its jaws widened then bite down on her shoulder. Holly screamed again, feeling her own blood start to flow and struggled more.

Location: Charmaine's Charms and Oddities, Loom Slums.
Time: 4:30 am

Ashlyn Olivia Gauthier better known as Ash was not in a good mood.

Unable to vent her frustration on her true targets, seeing as they were safely tucked away in the comfortable and secure Gauthier mansion, she settled for taking it out on the puddles instead. Admittedly it wasn't the same since puddles of water generally didn't fight back, well not unless a demon was involved, but it was better than nothing. Thankfully her black knee high boots were decent leather and waterproof otherwise her mood would have no doubt soured even further. She zipped her leather jacket up higher and turned the collar up against the rain as she stomped through the streets. Anyone seeing her would probably assume she was lost in her thoughts and not aware of her surroundings, and taking in her small stature, might see her as easy pickings. They couldn't be more wrong and part of her hoped some idiot would be fool enough to try their luck. Though knowing her already bad day it would be someone human and not her usual prey, then she would have to be all careful not to kill them and that would just suck. Thankfully the street she was currently walking on was relatively quiet, everyone no doubt taking shelter from the rain or partying it up in the nightclub a few streets over.

For a moment Ash debated giving up on her errand and going home, re stocking could probably wait till tomorrow and she was tired of the rain. The fact that she was closer to her destination than her home made the decision for her, she would be out of the rain soon enough. She turned the corner and saw her destination in front of her, Charmaines Charms and Oddities was an old somewhat ramshackle building on the corner of the street. Heavy windows with bars on them and a solid wooden door made the place seem unwelcoming but such measures were essential for a shop in this part of the slums. Besides Charmaine didn't need to advertise, his customers knew where to find him and everyone else didn't and that was how he liked it.

The door was locked, unsurprisingly given the lateness of the hour, but Ash knew that he was in. She banged on the door several times and waited.

"Come on Charmaine, open the bloody door! I'm soaked out here." She called through the timbers.

She heard a slight muttering, several bangs, muttered curses, and then finally the sound of the locks being pulled aside. A moment later the door swung open and Ash hurried inside. She stood dripping in the middle of the 'fake' shop, the front area of the shop where Charmaine kept all of the goods that he sold to tourists and those without any knowledge of magic or the supernatural. Bookshelves, shelves and racks were all filled to the brim with everything you would expect to see in a 'magic shop' Basically utterly useless items suitable only as decoration and some not even then. There were candles in a seemingly endless variety, multitudes of various pendants, rings bracelets all of appropriate symbols such as pentagrams, the tree of life and various animals. The bookshelves were all filled with books on the occult and witchcraft and there was also numerous shelves filled with fanciful dragons, and other fantastic beasts. The counter had stacks of tarot cards of varying styles and a colourful collection of wind chimes and dream catchers hung from the ceiling. Ash hated it but she understood the necessity of it. Charmaine was a independent not employed by any group and as such needed to not only earn a living but avoid scrutiny as well.

"When you said you were by I thought you might wait until morning, no?" Charmaine said grimacing when he saw the puddle of water around her.

Charmaine D'poiner was a small man though still taller than her by a couple of inches, and thin with long grey hair and a wispy grey beard. He was dressed in his usual clothes brown trousers, untucked white shirt and waistcoat. Charmaine loved his waistcoats said they fit the look of his shop and the more colourful the better. Tonight's was a bright red and green affair that made Ash wince. Personally she thought they looked ridiculous but then she didn't have to wear them.

"You know I usually come at night Char, besides you keep night hours too despite what the normal townspeople think." Ash responded drily.

Charmaine chuckled. "True, true but still I would rather you had not come with a river of water."

"Yes well I'd rather you delivered but we don't always get what we want do we." She answered sweetly.

Charmaine muttered a curse under his breath in French and Ash sighed, he was probably going to complain about this all night now. Charmaine was brilliant at what he did and a good friend but he did so like to complain. A lot.

"I'm sorry." She sighed. "Now can we get on with it?"

Charmaine turned and led the way through the shop towards a door marked 'private' it was of course locked and not just with conventional methods. Charmaine was a wise man and had some very good protections for his genuine stock. Of course it helped that he was friends with people like Ash, that sort of put off potential robbers. He opened the door and Ash followed him into his real shop. The room was slightly smaller and filled with items of a different sort. The layout was similar with bookshelves, shelves and racks but they were filled with actual magic tomes, genuine magical ingredients and a variety of charms and other enchanted items.

"Aaah much better." Ash sighed. "This makes this whole sodding day worthwhile."

Charmaine busied himself behind the counter pulling out boxes from drawers under the counter whilst Ash walked the aisles. She wistfully touched an item here or there wishing she could afford them but knowing they were out of her league money wise.

"So what has got you in such a foul humour eh?" He had finished laying out the boxes and had placed a couple of glasses and a bottle of spirit next to them. Ash approached the desk and lifted the lid on one of the boxes, gleaming silver bullets greeted her eyes and she smiled again. Charmaine passed her the bottle to pour whilst he began to pack a bag with her order, Ash had been coming here long enough now that he knew her regular order without having to ask. Ash poured some liquid into both glasses and then took a healthy swallow of hers. The whiskey, a good Scottish malt, burned it's way down her throat and she sighed with pleasure.

"You always know how to cheer a girl up Char." She said. "As to what's up just the usual."

"Ah." Charmaine nodded knowingly as he finished loading her goods. "Family of course. Let me guess you were coerced into attending another soiree no?"

"The blasted thing seemed to go on forever and I couldn't even carry my guns." She grimaced. "Mom said you could see the holsters through the dress. That is why I don't wear the damned things."

"Oh to see you in a dress, that would be a sight." He smiled eyes twinkling. "Such horror this standing and drinking, no monsters in sight. However do you cope?"

"Badly."She said. "You know that. Me and social gatherings...well the less said the better."

"Indeed." He agreed with another chuckle. "Still, I can imagine with your figure..."

"Not another word. Char." She warned though she was smiling, Charmaine was fond of teasing her and she didn't mind it much. Only Zee and Char were able to get away with it though.

"I yield." He said with a swift grin before gesturing to the bag he had packed for her. "You order madame."

"Thanks Char, payment as usual?"

"Of course my dear. I trust you." It was true he did but then she had saved his life once and that went a long way towards building trust in his mind.

Ash finished her drink and picked up the bag, it contained her standard hunting supplies, silver bullets, several protection charms and a few other items. She headed back out to the front of the shop and waited while Charmaine relocked the door to his back room.

"Thanks again Char, see you in a few." She headed to the front door but then stopped and turned back. "Oh I almost forgot here."

She passed him a small pouch which he took and looked inside with a grin. "Courtesy of my last hunt. Enjoy, they were not easy to get."

"Ah my dear Ash you always deliver. My thanks to you. Be careful out there."

"Always." She answered before heading back out into the rain.

---

Location: Loom Slums, Alleyway to Club Ambrosia
Time: 5:45 am

The rain had lessened somewhat and Ash was in a much better mood thanks to Charmaine and his whiskey. She was no longer feeling the need to hit things and instead was looking forward to getting home and sinking into a hot bath. She didn't have a contract at the moment and though she regularly patrolled the city for unpleasant nastiness of the supernatural variety even she was entitled to a night off. The soiree or party to those not well versed in wealthy speak, had been long and tedious and now that her anger wasn't fuelling her she was just tired.
She was thinking of her coming bath and about the events in 'The Duke's wager' her latest Mills and Boon Regency novel, Duke Hawthorne sounded gorgeous, and how she could finally get through a few more chapters when something caught her eye.

She was walking through one of the alleys, automatically keeping an eye out even while she was lost in thought, which led towards the nightclub and was a shortcut for her route home. Whilst it was usually unpleasant due to the smell of urine and vomit from those inside the club stopping here to either throw up or take a toilet break, it was worse than usual. It was the flies she noticed first, quite a few of them, clustered around something a little further away. As she drew closer she sighed quietly.

"Ah bloody hell. What a waste." The woman had been killed and dumped here like leftovers, which she supposed wasn't too far from the truth, most demons killed for food after all. This one had left her in quite a mess. At first glance she could see that the body had been struck in the side and neck. The skin was greyish and Ash guessed she had been drained of blood.
"Bastard demons." She muttered angrily.

No matter how many dead bodies she saw she never got used to it, the look, the smell, but above all the general wrongness of it. This woman, whoever she had been, surely hadn't deserved to die like this and left like a pile of refuse. With a sigh Ash bent closer to the body, needing to examine the body further. She needed to be sure what had killed this woman.

Location:Loom’s Slums, Alleyway to Club Ambrosia
Time: 5:30 AM

---

“Identify” The statement came from the other end of the man’s burner phone it was a standard challenge and he was use to it from years of many incredibly professional operational staffers who liked to feel that they were cool. It sort of came with the job Collin supposed as he chewed on the end of a toothpick. The rain was really starting to come down, and the scene in the alleyway wasn’t going to keep. “Niner five one six thirty, Tower requesting advisement.” There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Good evening Sergeant, encrypting and transfering. Priestess is standing by for advisement.” Collin shifted the toothpick in his mouth. Leaning against the wall at the far end of the alley, Collin did his best to stay out of the steady stream of water coming off the roof of the nearby building. The whole place wreaked of life and death backed by the ungodly noise from the club that sat behind the alley.

“Tower, I’m being told that you are requesting mission advisement?” Collin nodded even though the woman on the other end of the phone couldn’t see him. Priestess was Magician’s strong right hand acting on her behalf as mission control for many of the permanent assignments. “Eye, we got a dead girl in an alley behind a pub. Looks like it might be less than mortal means. Got a moment with the corpse, poor lass. Wonderin if our partners here need an advisement before the local polis arrive.” Collin's brogue had slowly deteriorated over the last year but it was still incredibly apparent in his speech. There was clicking from the other end of the line as Priestess tapped away at her keyboard. “By the by, ya plannin to make it back out here anytime soon, lass?” Priestess for all her experience was still in her late twenties and in comparison to some of Tarots members Collin was actually on the older end of the spectrum which was why she accepted the moniker: lass. The clicking stopped “Until Magician is done with whatever has her wrapped up, no.” Nodding at this Collin waited patiently. Again not that she could see the nod.

“You’re in the clear Tower. If it becomes something of note The Bureau will get their notification from local law enforcement. Stay on scene, see if anyone comes poking around. Don’t engage anything though.” Collin scoffed at the comment. “ ‘taint my fault that Gargoyle wanted ah square go ah things.” Priestess could hear the smile in Collin’s words. “Aight I’ll keep my yaks peeled an give ya a ring if anythin turns out”. From her desk in the Citadel Priestess smiled, Collin was Tarot’s newest member but he had more than proved himself within only a year of joining the company. She was rather fond of the Scotsman and it showed in the exchanges over the phone since they rarely saw one another with Collin asigned to Loom.

---

Location:Loom’s Slums, Alleyway to Club Ambrosia
Time: 5:45 AM

“Its me again….Yeah we got a wee lass pokin round the scene. Dunno who she is yet, ahn don’tcha worry I won’t do naught that you wouldn’t do.” Collin clicked off his phone again and pocketed it to go back to taking another drag from a cigarette. He rarely smoked now a days since he knew eventually it would catch up with him but the scene in the alley had put him on edge and the old habit helped to settle him. One day he would kick it. Same day he retired for good.

Ey, Tommy got something is going on. Might have some work for you. No doubt the professor was sound asleep but if this turned into something they might need him.

---

Location:Loom’s suburbs, Thomas Finch’s loft
Time: 5:48 AM

Rolling over the young doctor picked up the phone on his desk knocking the now empty tumbler on the desk to the carpeted floor. The haze from the whiskey was wearing off slowly. Peering at the phone owlishly the professor thumbed the text and looked at the sender. Colling Maclir. No doubt they had some new strange test they wanted him to run on some sample that they refused to tell him what it was.

Keep me posted

Sending the text Thomas rolled back over and tried to reclaim the barely present ghost of sleep he had been enjoying. The rain continued to splatter against his window pane and even with its repeating pattern Thomas could not find the sleep he had just so recently claimed. The rain had calmed him once upon a time as it reminded him of home. Now the rain reminded him of home and it kept him awake. Questions turned over in his mind as always, if only that storm would quiet long enough for him to sleep. They never did.

---

Location:Loom’s suburbs, Lily’s studio apartment
Time: 3 AM

The brush strokes paused long enough for the young woman to look up at the splatter of rain across her window. It was lovely and it helped with the painting which was of a large old church. Perhaps it also needed rain. As she sat thinking about it, it occurred to her that perhaps she needed some outside assistance. Without looking at the clock Lily picked up her phone and thumbed through the contacts on her list. Holly. That should do, the detective seemed to put up with her the best of all her coworkers and seemed to be willing to humor her oddities. As the phone rang Lily stared absently out the window. For her, if the painting wasn’t finished it wasn’t time for bed, and until such a time clearly there was no one else who could be asleep or otherwise busy. It wasn’t so much that she was inconsiderate as much as it was that she was genuinely failed to realize the time of night or day when she was absorbed with a piece of her artwork.

Frowning as the phone rang out Lily resolved to wait to see if she called back. As the voicemail finished its prompt Lily inhaled and started in on what was no doubt about to be an overly lengthy voicemail.

“Hey so I wanted your opinion on something. I’m working on this painting for one of the college’s displays and I’m having some trouble deciding on if I should add rain to it. The night is just sort of going that way and it's an old church so I was thinking maybe you know it might not be a bad idea? I really can’t decide so I was thinking maybe you might have an idea on the matter I could really use a second opinion...so yeah call me back thanks..” Lily trailed off before realizing that she should probably hang up the call. With that she set the phone down and stared at it for a long moment. Part of her really wanted to call again, maybe she had just not heard her phone. After a long moment of debate she finally quashed the idea and pursed her lips.

“Nothing from you huh?”

The comment was directed at a dreg skinned dog lying on the ground next to the doors to the balcony. It raised its right head and looked at her with incredibly intelligent eyes. Its left head remained decidedly on its massive paws eyes closed though one of its ears was up as though listening absently. You didn’t ask. You are aware that it is three in the morning right? Lily looked at the dog, looked at the phone and abruptly turned bright red. “Oh shit!I hope I didn’t wake her up!” The dog gave her a rather long look while its left head looked smug though it was pretending to sleep. I suppose that the detective is probably aware of your idiosyncrasies and will no doubt call you in the morning. Lily didn’t like the sound of that. Getting up she began to pace in front of her art. “...you don’t know maybe she’s up...maybe she has a guy over...maybe..” Lily trailed off while the Moriek put its other head down and did its best to ignore Lily as she paced. No doubt she would be up until someone broke the cycle for her. The demon knew better than to try.

Location: Holly’s Apartment

Time: 3 AM

---

It was faster than him; Matthew bared his teeth in a snarl as it wrenched his left hand off course, its unyielding grip accompanied by freezing cold so intense that it burned. His silver knife in his right hand still struck flesh, though, and even as the being hissed at him, the shadows faded back briefly to reveal blood-streaked white skin and ice-blue eyes and a strangely human face, alight with a delighted, vicious hunger.

So silver does hurt you. Good. His own self-control was impeccable; his teeth were still human, his knives were still gripped tightly, even Contempt in his frost-burned grasp.

They strained against each other for a moment. Someone behind - that human man who had shouted for them to freeze, as if any being like them would heed him - flicked the lights on, and with a parting threat, the other monster shoved him backwards, darting away.

Matthew staggered - keep your arms out, don't stab yourself in the face - found his footing, and as the shadowy attacker seized the woman in its grasp, the tangy scent of blood springing sharp into the air, he was right behind it again, slamming each blade into its flanks, one under each of its arms.

-what do you mean 'food shouldn't fight back', you pathetic- -clearly never been gored by a bull before-

"Hi you've called Evelyn Grimlock with Grimlock & Holdings, please state your name, time you've called, and a brief description of your need. I promise to get back with you as soon as I am able, if this needs immediate attention, please call the office at ###-###-####. Thank you and have a great day."

Beep

"Evelyn, this is Jack, it is about Vaega, this is going to sound strange, but your son, he moved! Get over here right away, bye."

Click



"Bael, have you ever wondered how I've stayed here for so long?" Vaega spoke softly as he gazed at the pond across from him. The paint chipped bench still occupying his seat, "Have you ever thought that I've reconciled with the fact that we are deadlocked? That we are to remain here for as long as we do not see eye to eye?"

Bael turned his eyes toward Vaega who sat at the other end, "He speaks! So you haven't lost your sanity quite yet? Ya' know, they always do, you've been a bit stubborn, but they always crack." A deep grin slid across the demon's face as his eyes widened at Vaega with promise. However, his curiosity did want to know what it was that kept Vaega together, maybe if Vaega was feeling vulnerable, this was the moment to seize in gathering information for his next psychological bout with him.

"But, before you crack, I will admit, I have thought about what has kept you going in this state, do you dare share?" Bael was on the edge of his seat, maybe Vaega was about to spill beans by completely volunteering knowledge that Bael might be able to use.

"It is this." Vaega held out his hand and in it materialized a necklace which wrapped around a stone, the stone emanated a glorious sandy white light and began to lift off from his hand. He then waved his hand over at Bael, instantaneously the necklace dematerialized from Vaega's hand, and materialized around the neck of Bael.

"It is the stone of my people, a keep of all the knowledge my people possess and has been added to over many generations. In it contains the power of my ancestors, knowledge of my ancestors, and the key to our solution. Until now, I thought of it has merely a trinket of good fortune, a beacon from which the foundation I hold together pulls its essence from. However, I now believe we can come to compromise, I have a proposal if you will, one I think we can both agree on." This was the first time Vaega came at Bael with his own proposal. In over 6 years, Bael has intimidated Vaega, chased him, and negotiated with him inside his own head, but today, Vaega knew if he had waited for another proposal, it would be back to the original antics. The moment of brief peace, gave Vaega the clarity to come to terms with a plan that was more of a hail mary than a surgical offensive strike.

"I am listening...little one." Bael hissed the last words out as if intrigued but annoyed, he scooped the stone in the palm of his hand to gain a better visual presentation. As he did so, the stone transformed into sand and slipped through the spaces of his fingers. A demon ward, trapped inside the head of a child, who is now trying to call the shots, he did not like it. But, 6 years, although time is quite an illusion in the demon realm, it was too long for Bael not to take this opportunity to move forward. He could not return to rule his realm if he remained in here, and it would not be possible to bring his armies to the world of the living, unless he found a way to take over Vaega or transfer to a more willing subject. If Vaega kept him here until death, who knew how much would change out there, and Bael did not want to continue sharing space with Vaega for any longer than he needed too. Why could he have not fallen into a much more easily persuaded subject?

"If memory serves me correctly, the stone has 8 other pieces, all of which belong to a select few within my family's organization. I believe that if I can unite the stones, I can gain access to the knowledge of my ancestors, and we can find a way to separate ourselves but provide you a means to remain within the realm of the living. You may then do what you set out to do in the first place." Vaega was not sure if the stones could do anything of what he suggested, but it was the start of a possible bluff to get things moving.

"Hmm, and what are your demands of me while you seek this solution to our lock?"

Vaega for the first time in long time turned his head in the direction of Bael, "I want complete conscious control over my body, and my mind, you give me that, and I will solve this for us. Otherwise, we will remain here and although I may die one day, before you. There will be a lot of change out there when that day comes. It is up to you, as I have again reconciled with my fate, but offer an alternative."

Bael locked eyes with Vaega, it had been quite a long time since a bit of fire burned in those once cold dead eyes of the child before him. Bael wasn't so much as stuck on the idea of "needing" to destroy Vaega, but he "needed" a body to remain in the realm of the living. How he obtained this goal was of no concern, and since all of his other methods of reform did not work, it seemed this would have to do.

"I will allow for such a play to happen, but my teeth do not retract from your thoughts, I merely turn down the grip and soften my position. Do not think for one moment that I will not be watching, speaking, and if I must, fight for control. This deal is for you, but place yourself in a position of vulnerability, and know I will seize it. Keep this in the back of your mind, let it fester, let it remind you while you move forward."

Vaega kept his attention on Bael, he dare not separate the locked gaze, and nodded.

Bael nodded back, and like smoke, began breaking apart and drifting upward into the air. Vaega turned back to the pond, he leaned back in his seat with arms extended on the back of the bench. His eyes slowly closing, allowing his mind to clear the way of an emerging moment, preparing himself for the rocket launcher to send him flying into oblivion and back into a moment in time where he resided in the physical world. His eyes opened, a barred window fixed in front of him, a few blinks and a shuffle in his seated position on the concrete floor. Vaega turned his head to the left, and then to the right. Cold walls on either side, an undisturbed bed, and I.V.s in his arm. Vaega was home, but his body felt weak, his mind strained in a fog, and for the first time in long time, he collapsed on the floor to rest.



Evelyn burst through the doors, her high heels stabbing the floor with power in each step. Her body moved with intention and there was no one who would stand in her way. Her shoulder length dark hair, icy blue eyes, fair skin, and athletic build, had her setting a tone only a true artist in diplomacy could handle. Speeding by personnel with no regard to their existence, it was not that her personality was callous, but the reason for her being here, was an emergency. Her son, Vaega, for the first time, showed signs of life...it was now time to see whether or not it was her son who returned, or the thing that possessed him.

Evelyn came across a sign reading, "Dr. Todder's Office, Lead Clinical Psychologist." She reached her arm down and wrapped her hand around the brass ball handle. Turning it clockwise the door pushed open to a desk occupied by a receptionist, "Good morning Ms. Grimlock, may I help you?" Evelyn approached the desk, "I need to speak with -"

"Evelyn, come in!" Jack Todder's voice interrupted Evelyn from the room just beyond the receptionist's desk. He had been waiting for her arrival, both excited and nervous for the unfolding of events with Vaega.

Evelyn slipped past the desk and through the door into the room of Dr. Jack Todder, "Where is my boy?"

With its back to Matthew, it missed the vampire catching himself and coming back for another round. Holly’s struggling slowly started to cease as she lost more blood. The sense of her weakness drove its instincts into ripping the flesh and devouring it, further distracting it. Its jaws tightened, then began to pull away. Before it could tear her throat out, its mind caught the vampire’s approach. Its torso jerked to the side to avoid the first blade. A single arm snapped out to catch the silver blade’s hand, its momentum brought to a stop just centimeters from slicing into its flesh.

However, Contempt had found its mark.

A new, indescribable pain rippled across the area just below its shoulder blade. Its jaws released Holly, allowing her to step back and crumple to the floor. Its eyes turned to face Matthew as it gave a shriek in protest. The other arm whipped out to claw at Matthew’s face, hoping to force the vampire back.

But Matthew was already turning with it, trying to stay behind it. He tore his right hand free of the monster’s grasp, and made to drive the silver blade into it again, aiming just under its armpit.

As for Contempt, buried to the hilt in its back - the black blade did not glow, nor pulse with a tangible sense of power, nothing so crude; its owner knew if its greatest gift was ineffective, or when it had worked.

It didn’t take long to notice its movements had slowed to disturbingly close to human levels. It took, in fact, a mere second, as it tried to twist away from its assailant - and what should have been a shadowy blur of movement became ineffective thrashing. The silver knife glanced off, and then Matthew threw his arm around the being, stabbing it in the chest. The monster shrieked, an inhuman, sibilant sound that nonetheless conveyed agony.

They stumbled backwards together, its claws scoring bloody scratches on the vampire’s cheek as it tried to strike at him; he awkwardly managed to pin its left arm with his own as he reached around and drove Contempt into its guts.

Matthew bared a set of sharp white teeth - finally, finally - tore into its neck, and drank.

"Welcome Evelyn, please have a seat." Dr. Todder extended his arm out with his palm facing up pointing toward the leather seat across his desk. An immaculate desk surrounded by a room full of books on shelves, no computer, and no other means of distractions. He was quite a scholar in his own right and had procured over 20+ years in the mental health field. His expertise was quite wide, dealing with all forms of neuroses and severe psychological disorders. However, what was he known for the most in the Maestri organization, other than an affiliate of the non-for-profit, he was a researcher in the field of demonic possession. When Maestri came across individuals who are under such possession, the task would be to sedate and transport the specimen to Todder Manor for research. The basement of Todder Manor or what is called Room 13, housed all forms of humans who were housing demonic essence. His expertise and facility was equipped to mitigate any further damage to Vaega, but Vaega was the first case where the subject possessed had no behavioral disturbances. It was one of the most boring, yet fascinating observations of Todder's career, and now he was here to see it through.

Evelyn proceeded to scoot the chair away from the desk and take a seat in front of Jack, "Can I see Vaega?"

Jack nodded and closed his eyes gently at the same time, "Of course, I wish to only brief you quickly and then we will head to where he is resting. Vaega displayed signs of movement at 5:30AM this morning, then he collapsed, which I presume was from exhaustion due to whatever mental state he has been locked in for the last 6 years. We extracted him from the room, bathed him, and brought him to the room we set up just for him when awoke. I have him on the top floor of the manor with three of my finest who are working on determining memory, motor function, and gathering whatever information they can to assure the boy is who he says he is. We are still uncertain if it is Vaega or the thing pretending to be Vaega, there are two of my most trusted Maestri operatives keeping watch on the actions of your son while we continue running tests. Please keep your distance, and when you speak with him, try to pull as many personal recollections as you can, so we may determine his current conscious state."

Evelyn shifted her body as she began to feel uncomfortable, it wasn't the seat itself, more the situation she was in. To see her son awake, but not yet able to embrace him because of doubts to whether it was him or not was going to be quite a difficult task. Every bit of her being wanted nothing more than to reunite with her child, especially as it was beginning to seem there would be no end to his suffering. She grit her teeth at the thought of her child being imprisoned and that "thing" slowly entangling its roots in his mind. She took a moment to collect herself, deep breath, and her eyes cast back up to meet Jack's. She nodded, "Understood, let's go see my son, shall we?"

Jack nodded and slid his chair back on the clear office mat, his feet planted into the ground and the arm rests gave support to his arms while picking himself up. He was dressed in casual slacks, button down, and blue tie. There were some pens in his left chest pocket, and smooth crisp glasses rested on the bridge of his nose. He pulled his index finger up to place the pad on the center of his frames and pushed to close the gap of his glasses and face. "We shall."

He walked over to the door and opened it, gesturing for Evelyn to leave so that she may follow him to the top floor.

“Raise your right arm, good, now your left, good.” The doctor wrote down some quick notes on a pad of paper he held out before him. There were three of them, each putting Vaega through various tests. He wasn’t surprised, but a bit annoyed at the process. Even if it were for good reason, he knew they had their doubts of who was really occupying his body, and there wasn’t going to be much of any proof otherwise until he spoke with his mother. He needed to exchange with her the idea and proposition he offered Bael, she would be able to help him make the next best appropriate move in reaching his goal. It was a toss, but Vaega needed his mother to tell him where all the council members were, and how to reach them. He assumed they’d all be close by, considering the Maestri organization remained quite tight, but 6 years is a long time, and time means change.

The door to the room opened with high heels pounding the floor, it was her…
Evelyn caught her boy lying in bed with several healthcare professionals surrounding him, her boy had light in his eyes, she grasped for words but had none for this moment as both Vaega and her locked their gaze. Both flipped through memories, words of affirmation, and point to start conversation.
“Everyone, leave.” It took Evelyn no time at all to confirm in her heart, that who laid before her was in fact her baby boy. She knew he needed to say something, but couldn’t say anything he wanted to while these strangers were in the room.
“Evelyn, what did we discu-“
It was this time Evelyn cut off Jack, “Forget it, I want them to leave, if you feel better about staying, then you may, but the five of them.” Jack sighed for a moment and looked at all five to nod them off. They began packing up their notes, the operatives and the doctors, all began leaving one by one until further notice. The door shut behind them and Evelyn approached the bed, “My dear boy, you made it back home.” Evelyn reached his side holding out her hand to cup his, Vaega gripped hers in return and tears descended into salty trails down his cheek.
"It’s good to be home, mother.”
She nodded and placed herself on the edge of the bed with her legs over the side. Dr. Todder slowly followed behind her and picked up a seat in the room, placing it at the foot of Vaega’s bed, then sat down with his left leg crossed over his right knee.
“What happened Vaega?” Dr. Todder asked.
“A lot, where should I begin?” Vaega asked as his mind tried finding a place to start the story of where his poor decisions began.
“From the beginning love,” Evelyn smiled gently and took her other hand and covered the top of the one she already cupped from beneath.

“Do you know what this means!” Dr. Todder exclaimed as he wrapped his thoughts around the explanation Vaega had given the both of them.
Evelyn responded quickly, “It means we figure this out together.” She was not about to lose her son a second time, and she understood that the ways in which she was going to help him, would conflict with a lot of the status quo asserted not only on her side of the family, but the Maestri’s most of all. A small cup of coffee was brought to Evelyn’s lips as she pursed them around the edge to sip some of the black liquid gold from which her morning haze lifted instantaneously.

“So what now?” Dr. Todder questioned.

Evelyn placed the coffee down on the hardwood desk and pulled out her cellphone, sliding her hand to the right unlocked the phone to open up with her son’s image in the background. She placed her thumb on the home button until she was prompted by the computer for a command, “Call Caelum Deziven.”

Location: Holly’s Apartment--> JP's Apartment
Time: 3 AM

---

"Mon dieu..."

The young man and the...other thing grappled with an intensity he'd never seen before. But the safety of his neighbor concerned him more than the things he was or was not seeing. As soon as he saw the scuffle move out of the way, he ran to Holly's side, his keen eye quickly glossing over the injuries she had and how best to treat them. The deep bite wound to the shoulder had him the most worried, so he did the most logical thing he could do: he pulled off his shirt, displaying his rather pasty white and totally unfit chest, balled it up between his hands and jammed it against her shoulder to stop the bleeding. As the fighting between the two...whatevers continued, JP continued with the logical things he could do: he dropped his pajama pants and used the long legs as a makeshift tourniquet, tying them very tightly around the balled up shirt against her shoulder. Now dressed only in a pair of plain grey boxer shorts, he hooked his arms underneath her and pulled her bodily out of harm's way, down the hallway of her apartment and out, before he dragged her sorry butt into his where it was safe.

Once there, he laid her out in his living room and promptly left for his bedroom, returning in a fresh set of clothes (a rather plain looking t-shirt and pants) to assess the damage. Other than the bite wound, he'd heard her yelp before crashing into something, presumably her upended sofa, and that's what he assumed was the cause of a rather big bruise on the back of her neck. JP shook his head and gently ran his hands very, very gently against the back of her neck, pushing in a little with his fingertips to assess her spine, which thankfully had no damage. His hands then patted her body in a summary fashion, checking down her shoulders, arms, torso, hips, and legs for more damage, of which there was none. He breathed a slight sigh of relief, but the shirt soaked with blood tied to her shoulder concerned him even more. With no first aid kit in his home, all JP could do was apply pressure with one hand while fumbling for his cell phone with the other.

Holly felt the feeling slip from her skin when she hit the floor, her legs crumbled underneath her and left her like a limp ragdoll. She began to grow cold and numb to the loss of blood. It began to slowly leak out of the torn muscles from her trapezoid while she shivered, instinctively feeling the life evade from her body. The wendigo released her from its grip when Matthew began to fight it. The only thing keeping her upright vanished causing her to slump across the floor.

Adrenaline still raced through her veins but fell victim to the shock pouring into its place. She barely acknowledged JP’s arms wrap around her and carry her toward his apartment. Already most the color of her skin began to drain from her.

She tried to speak, her figure jerked when JP touched her and hand snapped out to grip his wrist. The grip was pitifully weak while she sputtered.

“W-what happened?” She coughed.
“Shh, it’s okay mon ami. Do not move, whatever that was that attacked you in your apartment is gone. I think. Stay still, do not move, you’re bleeding. Merde, where is that ambulance…”

JP dialed the emergency number and waited on the line, his other hand pressed firmly against her shoulder. He could only stare at her paling physique in mute panic as he tried his very best not to let her die in his apartment. If Holly could read his face, she’d only tell he was panicked by him biting his lower lip.

“911, what’s your emergency?” came a feminine voice over the phone. Sounds of shuffling individuals were heard in the background while she waited for JP’s answer.

Holly, grudgingly, forced herself to relax. Her mind trying to piece together the events in the apartment through the haze. Slowly her arm fell back to her side while she rotated her eyes around, noticing she wasn’t in her own apartment.

“JP, where are we? This isn’t my apartment...is it?” She asked weakly, trying to find something to focus on.

“No, it’s mine. You were attacked in yours, I had to drag you away. That...what was that thing?!”

JP was interrupted by the 911 operator and he spoke rapidly in French, then stopped himself as he remembered that the operators in the city all spoke English first.

“I- I have an officer down here, nasty bite wound from a wild animal lose in the apartments, she’s bleeding badly, I need an ambulance here right now.”

“Ambulance and animal control are on their way. Can you quickly describe the animal, sir? Any notable coloring?”

“I...uh...it was really pale, hairless? I didn’t see much of it because a young man from outside rushed in and fought it off. They’re still fighting, from what I can hear. Please hurry, my friend is bleeding out.”

JP kept the pressure on Holly’s bleeding shoulder, getting more panicked as the call took longer than he’d expected.

There was silence on the phone. It stayed there for an uncomfortable length of time, the woman seeming to debate on her answer and finally broke it.

“Sir, help is on the way but I have to keep you on the line. Do you or your friend know any of the individuals involved? Can you describe the other one involved?”

“Unsure, a young man, maybe early twenties? Short, black hair, lanky frame. And no, we don’t know any of the individuals involved. Please tell your driver to hurry.”

“The ambulance is on its way and is hurrying, I assure you,” the woman said, though her tone indicated she withheld something in her wording, “Is your friend responding at all? Is she conscious?”

“Yes, but barely. She’s going to lose consciousness at any moment.”

“I’ve informed the ambulance. Have you applied pressure to the wound?”

“I still am.”

“Any other symptoms associated with the wound?”

“She’s in the initial stages of shock; barely conscious, very pale, very weak. Confusion.”

Holly’s eyes shifted from one side to the other. Her pulse weakening as her vision blurred around the edges, her awareness trying to grasp what was happening.

“JP… I think I lost… too much… blood,” her head slumped back onto the sofa as she became unresponsive.

“Wait wait wait, Holly! Mon dieu...”

JP dropped his phone and attended to his friend, the panic growing to a maximum in his system. He pushed both hands to the wound on her shoulder and desperately tried to shake her awake, feeling his emotions overriding the cold exterior he’d worked so hard to build up.

“No no no Holly, wake up! Stay with me!”

As he squeezed his eyes shut, he silently prayed to whatever gods that existed to stop his friend from dying, hands clenched firmly on Holly’s shoulder.

“Please don’t- please don’t die, Holly-...”

In his panic and worry, JP never did notice the influx of energy that filled his body, making a tingly, pins-and-needles sensation travel through his entire body. From his hands, this energy poured forth and into Holly’s body. Within seconds, her wounds would knit themselves together. The bleeding would stop and the bite wounds would disappear into small, inconspicuous scars.

Holly felt warmth in the darkness. It started at her neck then spread, using her veins to guide it along her body. Stronger and further it traveled until even the tips of her digits glowed with the warmth, the blood hummed in her core where heat began to burn. Her skin pulled together then melted into scars leaving little evidence of what had happened. The woman’s heartbeat with the renewed desire to live while causing her pulse to echo it to the touch. Holly’s breath rose then fell in a normal pattern, signs she slumbered into a peaceful sleep.

All that remained was her blood-soaked shirt collar that revealed the dire state she had nearly fallen into. A feminine voice continued to speak, “Sir? Sir, please answer. The ambulance is almost there. I’m tracing the call to find you…”

Unknown to operator, JP had passed out afterwards. His figure slumped over Holly's sleeping one in a half upright posture.

Location: Holly’s Apartment

Time: 3.07am

---

Matthew's current victim tasted disgusting, which was the final proof that it was not human, or at least not human anymore. If he had wanted any further proof, which he did not.

Strictly speaking, the blood tasted like.... well, like blood: the sharp salt-and-iron tang, the gravy-like consistency of it that was thin yet sticky, the way the scent hung heavy in the air. But there was an intangible foulness to it that he did not quite have the vocabulary for, akin to the way many people recognised a wrong merely by the gnawing sense of wrongness. It was the wrongness of devouring a fellow demon, of seeing a tiger feast upon another tiger. Having had a great many years of experience with the taste of blood, he further knew that this creature fed upon humans too, and had indeed done so very recently; it was in the hints of sweetness upon its breath as it gasped its last, in the particular, equally intangible richness of what he was swallowing. Blood was blood no matter what being it came from, and blood was life.

The vampire held his prey tight in their grotesque embrace and drank deeply, spitefully, and resolutely ignoring the heavenly fragrance that sang at him from the crimson stains on the floor.

A subjective eternity - or a couple minutes - later, Matthew let the corpse slide off his knives; the wet sound of his blades coming free and the hard thud of the body hitting the ground making a single ugly snatch of noise. He found the wounded woman and her friend next door, both passed out on the living room floor; he had overheard the man talking - his handphone was on the floor, screen lit up with the still-ongoing call - and his panicked exclamations over his friend. More importantly, he'd also sensed a flaring-up of power, and now that he was paying attention properly he could feel it, he could smell it, power humming in the veins of both humans helpless before him, though the woman still had the more striking presence by far. Perhaps it had been what had attracted the dead monster to her, just as it had Matthew.

He shrugged off the thoughts and acted.

He cleaned his knives; carefully, without making skin contact with the silver blade. Slide Contempt back into its sheath, tuck it away within his coat. Silver knife on the counter, within reach, judt in case, and because when 'help' arrived they would expect to find a knife, on account of the wounds on the corpse.

Wash hands. And mouth. Can't do anything about the stains on his shirt. Dark green turtleneck; it wasn't all that obvious, at least. He knew his own injuries were superficial and already healing. Tug his coat sleeve over his wrist, cover the frostbite that would be hard to explain.

Check on the unconscious people again. Their pulses feel - and sound - steady, and she didn't look at all like she was bleeding out despite the quantity of drying blood. So much blood soaked that makeshift bandage, he was sure even the humans could smell it, thick and heavy with salt and life. He didn't dare undo the bandage anyway.

Check the corpse for identification, for any clue of what or who it was, anything else of note.

He didn't pick up the phone call. Let them come; mundane police would be at a loss to explain the whole scene. People in the know would help cover it all up, and Matthew was confident of his ability to either not seem to be a threat, or failing that, make his escape. People in the know would definitely get involved, and he wanted to meet them. He had had enough of wandering aimless about Loom.

Pulling out his own phone, he went over to the nearest window and looked out, trying to get a glimpse of a street sign. "Hello, William." He didn't usually call the boy by his actual name, and he wondered if dear little Willikins had picked up on it. "I'm going to need you to come out here and back me up however, because...."

Location: Loom’s General Hospital (A204)
Time: 3-7 AM

---

Cross and Garner were the first officers on the scene. They cautiously stepped through the hallway, scaling the stairs and holding their hands close to their guns. They were expecting a potential threat to leap out at them at any moment. In their wake was a small, mousy looking man with his bag in hand. He timidly glanced around to ease his nerves before following at the police officers’ signal. Gradually they arrived at JP’s apartment number.

They checked the door then enter the room. Once cleared, they gestured for the paramedic to enter. The man pushed toward the two unconscious individuals. He checked for the pulse, vitals and confirmed everything that Matthew already knew. Both checked out to be fine, but the amount of blood on the woman was alarming.

Shortly the two individuals were loaded into a gurney each, then moved into an ambulance. Both apartments were tapped off and would be investigated by the authorities later. At this moment, a voicemail rang throughout Holly’s apartment. Cross immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily from the department. He sighed then carefully picked up his own cell and dialed her number. When he heard the line being answered, he quickly explained what they suspected a burglary had gone wrong. He ended with the fact Holly was being transferred to Loom General Hospital for observations. This also meant an immediate investigation into what exactly happened.



“Well, hello sugar,” commented a feminine voice.

JP would feel a small hand press against his forehead. As his vision cleared, he would see a blonde woman with curls down to her shoulder and a hourglass frame. She had brought a tray for him since it was drawing near breakfast time. It was a light, but simple set up of buttered croissant, coffee, orange juice, and a whole sliced apple. Gently she set the tray across JP’s lap then moved toward the window. She continued her conversation as she opened it, careful to do it slowly so his eyes could adjust to the light.

“How are you this morning?”



Robert Norton was new at the Bureau and this was his first assignment. This fact made his heart twitch like a jack rabbit trapped within his ribs, leaving a slight discomfort in his chest. He ignored it as he stepped up to the front desk. A woman, distracted by her work at the computer, paused then casted him a sideways glance. She briefly looked around to see if anyone else would address him. Seeing no one but herself, she bit her tongue during her inward debat over handling the situation. Finally she returned to ignoring him and began to type once more.

Robert frowned. Now he was forced to be more assertive than his personality was used. He began to cough for her attention. She wasn’t fazed in the least. This blunt rudeness only increased his annoyance. Not willing to waste anymore time, Robert smacked the counter hard enough to get her attention and risk earning her temper.

“What?” She snapped at him, rolling herself from the desk.

Robert fought not to retort about her behavior as he put on his politest smile. Ignoring the outburst, he continued, “Yes I’m here to talk with a Holly Knight and a Jean-Philippe Vannier over an incident a few hours ago.”

The woman’s eyebrow raised in question. Robert’s teeth gritted a bit at her next reply, figuratively biting his tongue.

“I need your name and identification first.”

Robert pulled out his fake FBI identification then gave his name, “Officer Norton.”

She gave him a suspicious look then glanced at his badge number, quickly typing it into the computer. After a few moments his name, picture and additional information pulled up to confirm his identification with the local police department. She seemed to take her time absorbing the information before she turned to him.

“Alright, go right in. Ms. Knight is in A203 and Mr. Vannier is in A204.”

“Thank you,” Robert said but the woman had already went back to her work, ignoring him again.

Sighing under his breath, he made his way toward the hospital rooms before he abruptly paused in his tracks. Someone had caught his attention while sitting in the waiting room.


Location: Loom’s Slums, heading to Club Ambrosia
Time: 3 AM

---

“I agree. However, when you think about it… do you ever ask permission before you eat your dinner?” suddenly said a male voice over Ashlyn’s shoulder.

Behind Ashlyn stood a tall, willowy dark skinned man dressed with an Louisiana style to his appearance. His fingers narrowed into a few dark claws as he casually picked off a trace of lint from the suit jacket, casually draped over his shoulders. White pupiless eyes turned toward the huntress before giving a toothy grin. He appeared to be an African descent individual in his early twenties. When Ashlyn finally noticed him, he made a slight bow while tipping his fedora in politeness.

“Pardon for the slight impoliteness, but I see you found a body. I was hoping the night would’ve been boring during my patrol,” Jack Doucet commented then flipped his hat back onto his shaven head, “Sadly, seems some nasty demon is stirring up trouble.”

Casually his feet stepped toward the corpse, still attracting flies. His lips curled into disgust before he turned back to her, “You wouldn’t have happened to see the guilty party, would you… dear? I hate paperwork back at the Bureau.”

He didn’t hint if he heard her outburst or not earlier, but his last reply seemed to hint that he did.

"The fucker found another one tonight..." Caelum said under his breath. He had been hunting a minor Wendigo for a few days now, and analyzing it's behavior, interactions, and movements. Tonight, was the night he'd "tag and bag" the little mystery delight, after all a Wendigo was big pay in his organization, officially it is called the Maestri Foundation, known for its non-for-profit characteristics. Unofficially, it is an organization of members who each herald powers of a lineage long lost to the books of history and time. Caelum is a member of the Maestri Foundation and quite a significant one, but not one the public would recognize. He is considered the eyes, ears, and hands of the organization with his official title as "Ambassador", unofficially it is "Champion". Caelum has dark skin, dreads, and an eye patch covering his left eye which he lost during an operation. He naturally stands at 6'3", weighing about 193lbs of primarily lean muscle, displaying more of an athletic build which can be attributed to his line of work. The eye patch he is equipped with is named the EI-5 and is in fact fused with the optic nerve after losing his biological eye.

Caelum perched himself on top of the roof of an adjacent building. He was squatted below his average height as to keep himself hidden by the back drop of the night sky. His enhanced eye (eye patch) flipped between night vision with its green overtone and infrared. The Wendigo gave off a low heat signature but its movements could still be seen as it moved throughout the building. Especially in comparison to the other more vivid heat signatures which outlined what could be assumed as humans. Caelum's eye followed closely, zooming in slightly as his fixation on its position was becoming easier and easier, this meant it was slowing down, approaching its next chosen prey. Caleum's plan was to let the "thing" feed, and as it left, to ambush it from above. Anything with mass after a good feeding meant it was bound to move a little slower as it digested new energy.

Caelum watched as it slithered throughout the maze of rooms and came up behind a much smaller figure, presumably a female based on the size and frame of what heat she was giving off. The Wendigo began its attack, and an entire battle ensued from a neighbor helping to a vampire killing Caelum's mark. It was quite a disappointment, but it was definitely the right decision to stay back and wait. If nothing more, it was a good show to be a spectator of. After the dust settled, the neighbor pulled the female to another spot and what came next was a huge reading of energy or light flowing from his body into her's. The range continued to increase before shutting down completely and his body fell over the females. Caelum's attention quickly shifted to the window where a figure stood without any reading whatsoever. It was as he thought, a vampire most likely, it provided no heat, stood like a human, yet moved like something other than. Caelum's eye shifted back into night vision and zoomed in to get a closer look of the vampire. Since this vampire took his prize, it seemed only fitting to transfer the hunt of the Wendigo onto the vampire instead.

"Hunter becomes the hunted..." Caleum said under his breath, now laying in a prone position. He quickly snapped pictures of his new target, and quietly slipped away into the night. Caelum would take refuge in one of the many Maestri strongholds throughout the city and its limits. It would be about 4 a.m. by the time his eyes shut and a gentle dream swept over his awareness.



Ring ring ring

The sound of his cellphone chirped loudly and drew him right out of his slumber. His hand quickly snatched up his phone, pressed it tight to his ear and answered.

"Yes, ma'dam?" he said respectfully full well knowing the only person who had the privilege of calling him at these hours was Mrs. Evelyn Maestri herself.

"Caelum, I apologize for calling at such an inconvenient hour but you know I would not do so if it were not a matter of emergency, it is my son...he is awake, and needs our help if we are to cure him, I need you to meet me at my office at Todder Manor ASAP." Her tone of voice was firm but vulnerable, and the vulnerability was what threw Caelum a little off from what he was used to when speaking with Evelyn, but it was not unexpected under the circumstances.

Everyone in the Maestri Foundation knew of Vaega's "illness", and it was this particular knowledge that weakened the organization further after his father's death.

"I'll be right over, my dear." Caelum hung up the phone, and began getting dressed for his meeting with the Boss.



Vaega was now gaining functionality in all of his extremities, it was a rather quick process, but he figured it was due in part because he had two energies full of vitality, rather than only his. He could definitely sense more power streaming through his veins than before the coma, and he could feel it consistently rising as "real" time moved forward. The door opened up behind Vaega as he gazed out of a large arched window of Dr. Todder's office. Standing, he contemplated the objectives in his head for gaining sovereignty from Bael, his new co-pilot.

Caelum entered with grace as Evelyn and Dr. Todder both turned their head toward him to confirm his presence. He did not say a word as he walked further into the room, he was unsure of the atmosphere in the room and in order to not interrupt it the lips remained sealed.

Evelyn spoke softly, "Welcome Caelum, we appreciate your quick response as always. We have a bit of a situation, but I am going to let my son explain the details."

Caelum nodded and turned his head toward the boy of the hour who remained staring out into the rising sun, "It has been a long time Cael, I am going to be honest, I didn't know if I'd ever be standing in this reality ever again, and it's nice to feel the warmth of a sun so long forgotten. I hope you have been well and a success as always, what I am going to ask of you is not only confidential but if you choose to accept, and we fail, it will mean your entire story with the Maestri Foundation will be expelled." Vaega turned around and looked at Caelum in the eyes, "I have been gifted the opportunity to free myself of the state I was in, but to do so was to make a deal with the Devil, I now share a body with this Devil and to free myself, I must gather the Maestri Gate Keys." Vaega dipped his finger behind the neck of his shirt to pull out a necklace which contained a jewel. Vaega delicately took it off and walked over to Caelum, he reached for Caelum's hand and placed it on his palm. Vaega then continued, "This is a Gate Key, and I will need to track down the others who are in the Inner Circle of the Maestri, each has a Gate Key of their own, and they are all not willing to just give them up for my sake."

Caelum processed rather quickly what Vaega was suggesting, "So, you are asking me to hunt them down, and acquire the keys for you?"

Vaega gracefully took back his Gate Key and slid the necklace around his neck, nodded, and began walking back to the window, "Not you, us."

Evelyn chimed in, "We understand the order we are asking of you, and we do not expect you to agree to the work, but we do need an answer now as time is of the essence."

It was a lot no doubt to absorb and confirm in such a short amount of time, but Caelum was not loyal to just the organization, he was loyal to Vaega's father. A man in his own right who gave Caelum every opportunity to become who he is today. Better or for worse, it was a place he always knew his worth and it provided him a "family" in which he never had before. The power of belonging somewhere gripped hold more than ever in this room, and under the circumstances Vaega underwent, even if due to poor choices, it was the intent behind those poor decisions that resonated with Caelum most, "I accept, where do we start?"

Dr. Todder pulled a photo off the desk, "Mr. Desmond Issal, a procurer of artifacts for the organization, who deals directly with some of Grimlock's arms business. Recently, due to his decision to deny his obligation to Vaega's health, Grimlock business has ended and Desmond has been attempting to open up other lines of business. We need you to gather information of who he may be contacting, and then we will set up a meeting to provide him the certain items he is looking for."

Caelum had a few ideas of where to start in his head once Dr. Todder finished briefing, "Understood, I'll find out what I can."

Vaega turned around once more as he did before, "Caelum...thank you."

Caelum nodded in respect and exited the room.

Location: Loom’s Slums, heading to Club Ambrosia
Time: 6 AM
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ash had been so focused on the dead body that she had to fight not to show her surprise at hearing a voice behind her, sloppy of her very sloppy. She turned with a glare to the man who stood nearby, she wasn't really angry with him to be honest but he was a convenient thing for her to glare at. She was just angry in general, angry and frustrated. She hated feeling helpless and that was how she felt right now, there was nothing she could do to help the dead woman, even finding her killer wouldn't bring her back to life. With a small sigh she shook her head in response to his question.

"Trust me if I'd seen who did this I wouldn't be still standing here." She said drily. "She was dead when I got here, it's been a couple of hours at least I think."

She crouched down beside the woman and began examining her more closely, not touching yet though she might have to before her investigation was done. She was taking in everything she saw but looking specifically for the signs that would tell her what it was that had killed her, bite marks or complete loss of blood for example. Thankfully the body was still fresh enough that their wasn't the bad smell that some crime scenes had.

She glanced up at Jack and nodded towards the body. "You going to help or just stand there?"

Location: Lily’s Apartment
Time: 3 AM

---

Still pacing the interior of her apartment Lily suddenly stopped as the radio traffic on her police scanner picked up in a sudden flurry. An 11-99 code went out and Lily hopped from her spot by the window with a rush of weathers her wings carried her across the room to the scanner which she cranked the volume high enough to hear the radio chatter. It was mostly dispatch, a patrol unit and an EMR unit. The original call for service location had been part of the transmission she had missed however her blood suddenly ran cold as the units on scene reported their arrival to Holly’s apartment complex.

In another swift motion Lily snatched her bag from the table and began fumbling in it. One of Moriek’s heads looked up at her languidly What are you- Lily suddenly produced the Labyrinth and pointed the metal cube at Moriek. The hounds heads suddenly all perked up as it was sucked into the cube in a flash of light. “Sorry. No time. You can’t fly.” With that Lily dropped to the floor and wiggled under the bed before pulling her gun from its holster under the bed and hastily jammed it into a holster on the small of her back. With that she hopped from her bed to her jacket which hung from a hook by the door. For a long moment she considered actually using the door but with another pump of her wings she moved from the door to her balcony. Throwing it open she leapt to the railing before launching herself out in the night.

The last of the transmission from the chatter fixed in her mind: two injured...code three transfer to Loom General.


Waiting impatiently on the roof top in the rain. Lily tapped her foot with irritation until the shadows around her lengthened suddenly closing in around her as though they were inky tendrils come to drag her to some stygian abyss. Bernael rose slowly from the inky pool to stand before her. The mass of shadow and smoke said nothing as it stared at her with eyes she couldn’t see.

“You found her?”

The shadow thing nodded at Lily.

“Take me there”

The demon reached out and grabbed her wrist. Lily always hated this, as the creature pulled her into the shadows. There was a rush of air and her skin prickled as she was whisked from the rooftop in a flurry of smoke.


Location: Loom’s General Hospital (A203)
Time: 5 AM

---

With a slight gasp Lily exited the shadows in the corner of Holly’s room. Quickly dropped her stance she checked to see that no one had noticed before producing the Labyrinth and sealing away Bernael. Making sure her wings were away and her jacket covered her gun Lily krept over to Holly to check on her. After a cursory look to make she she was in fact breathing Lily scanned the room before spotting what she was after.

Moving across the room she picked up the chair pushed against the far wall of the room and maneuvered it back over to the bedside. Setting it down she slid into it. Producing the Labyrinth again Lily opened it and in another flare of light Moriek was standing once again both of its heads staring at her. One of them looked pissed and the other looked judgemental.

“Don’t give me that look, you can’t fly. Now hurry up and change.”

As the Dog changed Lily finally looked down at her phone and realized she had several missed messages. A quick check of her voicemail while Moriek shifted revealed that the officers had called her after they found Holly. Hanging up Lily turned in time to see Moriek finish changing.

With a shiver Moriek drew its two heads together and with another ripple of its body its coat changed. A few more adjustments later instead of a two headed demon guard dog seated next to Lily it was a black lab with a service dog jacket on. Satisfied that Moriek wasn’t going to scare Holly to death when she saw him Lily seated herself fully prepared to sit watch until Holly was awake. It was a noble attempt but within a few minutes Lily’s head had lolled forward and she was softly snoring with her chin resting on her chest. Moriek opened one of its eyes and looked up at his charge. The tamer was such a funny creature. He could only wonder why he had been given to her to protect her. Pushing away such questions the Styx dog also closed its eyes but unlike Lily he had slept most of the night and now he lay still listening and letting his sense of smell feed him all the information he needed about their surroundings.

JP woke to the sound of a lady's voice and her warm hand placed against his forehead. Still woozy from passing out just a few hours before, he attempted to sit up but was calmly forced back down by the tray being placed on his lap.

"I... Mon dieu... What happened?"

The woman’s eyes softened at his question as she double checked everything was in place. Finally, she removed her hands and placed them in front of her. She stepped back toward the window as she replied to him.

“You were brought in last night, with a young woman,” she then added, as if reading his mind, “She’s stable and in the room next door. What little bits I could gather, you both were victims of a house invasion.”

She paused at the curtains, “Would you like me to open this?”

JP looked at the curtains, winced a little from what light barely streamed in, and shook his head slowly.

“Non... My eyes hurt.”

Then his memory jogged. Holly. Her attacker. The injuries she’d sustained.

“A-and the woman? How is she?”

The woman withdrew her hands from the curtain, and turned back to him, “Resting currently, and recovering nicely. She hasn’t woken up yet.”

JP leaned back into his pillow, sighing with relief.

“Thank god… I’m glad Holly is okay. Do you know if the Loom police have said anything about the case yet?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t have that information,” the woman said regretfully, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Yes… Holly’s injuries, are they serious?”

“She didn’t come in with any injuries,” the woman answered with confusion in her tone, her eyes narrowed on JP for several moments. She appeared to question his memory over the event.

“Wait- she didn’t? But I was-”

Confusion clouded his eyes as he struggled to recall the events of the previous night. His gaze fell to the bed as he replayed everything in his mind. The commotion from Holly’s apartment. Finding her covered in blood, an animal hovering over her with its jaws in her shoulder. A younger man battling the beast as he pulled her from the apartment and into his. Then...a blank space

“I… I can’t recall what happened, but I know she was injured. There- there was an animal, a wild animal inside her apartment that attacked her.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Her figure approached to once more lean toward him. Her hand touched his head then looked toward the monitor attached to his arm, leaning back in a debating manner.

“You didn’t hit your head, did you?”

JP shook his head.

“No, I didn’t. I was… I was applying pressure to the injury she’d sustained on her shoulder… Everything after that is a blank… Did I pass out…?”

“According to the reports the EMR had, you were both out cold. There was blood on her clothes, but the police have yet to identify it or comfirm where it came from,” the woman retreated back, through wary and hovered a bit at his bedside.

“She isn’t injured. We fully checked all over for wounds and there was nothing. If she was attacked, the animal or whatever didn’t manage to touch her. Perhaps it was the creature’s blood? Did she manage to wound it?”

He thought back to the night before and shook his head.

“No, definitely not. She was ambushed by it, didn’t have time to react before the thing pounced on her. Maybe I was just...imagining things?... But how?”

“God works in odd ways,” the nurse admitted, the only explanation she found would suit the situation, “I’ve seen and heard of stranger things. You both are very lucky you weren’t hurt. Despite that thought, you both are under observation for the time being.”

She walked over and nudged the tray with her hand.

“You need to eat, you need it to help you heal. Is there anything else you need?”

“Oh, ah- r-right, pardon. I, uh, would like just a jug of water please. And, can I please know my friend’s room number? I think I am unharmed so I would like to visit her at my earliest convenience.”

The nurse nodded then moved to the side table, picking up a pitcher then pouring it into a glass. She then passed it over to him.

“Your friend is in room A203, right next door. Try not push yourself too far because while you’re feeling well, you’re still under observations. Now I have other patients that need my attention, if you need anything then press the buzzer right next to hers or your bed depending on where you’re at.”

JP nodded back and took a sip from the glass of water, leaning back into his pillow as he watched the nurse leave. He sighed and set the glass down on the nightstand next to his bed and stared up at the ceiling, deep in thought.

How come Holly wasn’t injured? He remembered, clear as day, that she was bleeding all over his apartment floor and he had his shirt bundled against her shoulder to stop the flow of blood.

“Hmmh… Est-ce que je deviens vieux...?”

Location: Loom General Hospital

Time: 7am

---

Joint post between Fallenreaper and I.

---

Matthew stood up from where he'd been slouched in one of the waiting room seats, rolling to his feet with loose-limbed grace. He had watched Officer Norton enter, dither, and get what he was asking for. He had heard every word of the exchange between Norton and the woman.

He could hear - well, he could feel it more than actually hear - the officer's heart practically quiver with his nervousness, despite the calm facade he was maintaining. Norton was far more jumpy than he should be for an FBI agent here on legitimate business, and the FBI seemed unlikely to be involved in a mere 'burglary gone wrong'. Either this man was trouble, or he was here about the supernatural side of things.

The vampire stepped up to him. "Why are you here about Holly?"

------

Robert tilted his head slightly. Slowly, his index finger rose to push his glasses’ further up on his nose bridge before he addressed Matthew. Already he identified the man as being beyond human causing him to follow his Bureau training. His words held an air of caution.

“Are you related or a family friend of hers? Ms. Knight’s attack is one of several under investigation currently,” He politely explained, but gave no additional information. Subtly he was sizing the man up as a potential threat.

------

"Not exactly a close friend," Matthew replied easily, "but concerned, nonetheless." The nervous little man was definitely here because he was in the know, judging by how his nerves were ratcheting up another couple notches. His own relaxed poise had not changed, and Wee Willy had brought him fresh clothes, so he was as neat as he pleased, but reassuring anyone out loud that he was no threat was unlikely to help. "There have been other attacks? Dear God." No lie at all, in any of his words, no lie to the alarm and displeasure in his voice. He hoped the monster he had killed was the only one.

-----

Robert subtly nodded. It was obvious he was having a hard time believing the man’s claim, especially when Matthew was out here in the waiting room and his connection was still vague in his answer. Carefully Robert adjusted his shirt collar in a nervous gesture then cleared his throat.

“Yes. This is why I have to speak with Ms. Knight. I need to know if her case relates to the other incidents,” Robert explained then added, “if it does, we can possibly learn about the culprit and put an end to his rampage.”

----

Matthew smirked. "Wrong answer," he whispered, an amused edge to his tone. A quick glance about showed that no one else had noticed their conversation yet, but still. "Why don't we go somewhere we won't be overheard, and you try telling me who you really are, or we can call the police directly and find out that you aren't actually on the case. Let's try, say, the cafeteria, if you're afraid of anything untoward happening." He paused. "Think of it as interviewing a different witness first."

---

“More like a suspect,” Robert muttered coldly.

His expression seemed unchanged or influenced by the fact the creature before him knew he was lying. His hand gripped his baggage while he gestured with his other for Matthew to lead. A hint of wariness was still slightly in his muscles.

“After you. I will say this, I’m pretty sure Ms. Knight’s file would’ve mentioned her having associations with an individual like yourself.”

---

"It's too early in the day for you to flirt with me like that," Matthew returned fire amusedly, already turning away.

7am in the morning meant that the cafeteria was doing a brisk trade - mostly in the way of coffee. Matthew slumped into a seat at a table surrounded by empty tables, propping his head up on one arm; he wasn't actually all that tired yet, but it never hurt to play-act a little, and it had occurred to him that he'd been up and about since dusk the previous day, and might be a little bit tired. "Would you like a coffee? No? Then introductions, to start. You can call me Stanford."

---

Robert shook his head at the offer when given the chance finally, “No, thank you.”

His figure casually slid into the seat across from the demon before gradually relaxing. His hands were positioned in front of him on the table top and left idle for the moment.

“Mr. Norton,” Robert repeated the exact name given at the desk. There was no hesitation or caution in his tone while he leaned back, waiting for the demon to lead the conversation.

---

"Mr Norton," Matthew repeated, mimicking him with a hint of mockery, "why don't you start by telling me what position it is you hold, that I should be speaking to you at all."

---

“If you insist on being childish, we can end our business right now. I have more important things to worry about then being mocked,” Robert said, knowing he didn’t give the proper title of Special Agent at the beginning.

He didn’t consider this conversation important and it wasn't helped by the demon’s childish behavior. In fact, the mockery had begun to rub away at his patience causing him to adjust slightly. His eyes glanced to the ticking clock positioned over the exit. The seconds counted down gradually for a few moments before Robert returned his attention back to the demon. There was a hint of frustration, but he held his temper in check.

“To be truthful, you’re not the one I want to talk with. It’s Ms. Knight,” Robert made a point to remind Matthew his true reason for being here, “Most of the time when someone like you is involved, you're usually the cause of it in some manner.”

His words were meant to cut at the root of what Matthew was. A hand had already dipped out of sight and rested on his handgun, filled with silver and a combustible material able to mimic sunlight. The bullet type was standard issue for all Bureau agents because it could damage a wide range of demonic species. An important factor when it came to a race whose evolutionary path was nothing but pure chaos. With demons, no matter how friendly, it was best to be safe rather than sorry every time.

“Now, you can either hinder or help my investigation. Either way, I’m getting my answers. The choice of how is up to you,” to prove his point, Robert rose from his seat then made to leave.

------

Matthew straightened up, folding his arms and leaning back in his seat to look up at the other man. "I killed the monster that would have killed Ms. Knight," he said coldly, all trace of levity gone. "But no, I'm not the person you want to talk to, am I?"

---

“Cooperation gets you farther than beating around the bush,” Robert stated bluntly, being honest. There was a hint of tiredness in his voice as he released his hand from resting on his gun.

Reluctantly, he lowered himself back into his seat, “Since you’ve killed it, what was it?”

---

Matthew discarded a couple of responses he could have made about honesty and cooperation. "I don't know." He paused for a moment, finding the words. "It was humanoid in form. It cloaked itself in shadows, but when injured by silver it revealed itself to look like a white-skinned man with sharp pointed teeth. I think it was there for her flesh and blood. It was unusually strong and fast, and its touch was literally ice-cold. It could speak, with grammar and mockery, but it could not think further than its prey."

---

"Sounds like a young Wendigo," Robert commenting revealing the Bureau had suspected the species for a bit now. Slowly his figure leaned forward, his hands cupped over underneath his chin as his thoughts rushed around in his mind.

"Was there anyone else that saw this creature? Logic would indicate her neighbor did, but I'm not jaded enough to be a pessimist yet."

Robert waited to hear Matthew confirm or deny his suspicions first.

---

"He saw it," Matthew confirmed. "She saw it. No one else, so far as I know. But I did not know about the other attacks. I know nothing about wendigos beyond what I have told you about the one I killed just short hours ago. So I do not know who else, if there was anyone else."

---

"Great...," Robert sighed then leaned back in his chair causing it to squeak, "So why did you stick around? You knew the Bureau would be coming and investigating this incident. It's not exactly a secret among your type."

His tone held genuine curiosity in it as he studied the demon before him. His arms had fallen into a crossed position over his chest and seemed they were comfortable there.

"Especially since being there at all immediately put you at risk of being a suspect and possibly detained on sight."

---

"Being there at all meant I could not stand by and let the creature slaughter her." Never mind that Matthew might have done such a thing himself, once upon a time. "I chose to stay because I'd like to know if she's fine."

He took a deep breath. "But more importantly, I wanted to meet whoever came to investigate. 'My type', as you say, aren't one big happy family trading gossip. 'My type' usually stick to themselves, and this city is a big, dangerous place where everyone keeps things to themselves. I need information. I need connections. 'Your type'," he let amusement turn up the corner of his mouth for a moment, "is at least slightly more likely to look kindly upon me than some would-be bounty hunter."

----

“A demon with a heart,” Robert stated calmly.

His figure settled backward, relaxing finally and glanced at the clock a second time. Weighing his options in his head, Robert finally came to one that was suited to the situation.

“Well, I will admit your decision is unusual. Usually, your type is chosen through different channels rather than simply looking for it,” Robert continued as he tried to phrase his words more delicately, “You will go through an intense interview and they will have extreme expectations of you. Mostly to see if you’re- to put it bluntly, see if you’re a worthy asset. Failure to meet any of it could result in you vanishing completely.”

After a pause, he then added, “Knowing this, are you sure you still want to do this?”

-----

Matthew blinked. ".... I'm not sure I'm specifically looking for employment. And I'm certainly not sure about this do-or-die Sorting Hat. But let's say I'm cautiously interested."

-----

“The Bureau has to be careful who they are associated with. We aren’t exactly well-liked among a few groups, including your kind,” Robert stated politely, unfazed by the demon’s reaction.

He checked the clock again then went on, “The interview serves as a way to both establish what type of individual you are, how reliable your information is, and any possible trouble in your past. Some individuals have tried to use the Bureau as a shield against hunting Angels, a fact that is unacceptable or tolerated.”

Robert leaned over the table but kept a firm distance between the two. A respectable one, "I question a lot about this series of events like how you and Ms. Knight know each other. You sidestepped my question on that."

-----

Matthew rolled his eyes. "Because I don't know her, obviously. Rampant paranoia being what it is in our side of the world, and a man seemingly stalking a woman being what it is in any decent part of the world, I wasn't going to say that when I still want to get close enough to find out how she's doing. Sometimes coincidences do happen. Now, given how you keep looking at the time, perhaps we can save the preliminary interview for later. You do have other witnesses to interview and a creepy, exsanguinated corpse to arrange disposal for, after all."

-----

“Truthfully, stalking is the mildest of odd behaviors I've seen. And you're not the first to happen to be near her location,” Robert said, subtly hinting that this wasn't the first time a demon had been caught stalking the woman. Thankfully the first time she was blissfully unaware of its presence and there had been connecting evidencing she was the cause. At least until now.

He casually lifted upright from his seat, staring at Matthew for a moment, “Yes, unfortunately, I have limited time to investigate her and her neighbor. This was a long time actually coming so it’s the perfect opportunity. How or where can I get a hold of you, Mr….?”

-----

"Stanford," Matthew filled in, patting his pockets for a pen. He found one, but nothing to write on except a napkin; he carefully wrote down his current handphone number on it. "Not that I'll be going far, honestly," he said with a smirk. "I'm going to be lurking right outside waiting to bug you about them."

-----

"As long as you don't try to eat me, I'll accept that," Robert commented. He took the napkin before saying his goodbyes then walked out of the cafeteria, heading toward JP's and Holly's rooms.