[hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/MzIHaGw.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/JgL3zQi.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/FaCzAxe.png[/img]     [img]https://i.imgur.com/1Hvat1r.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/hQyGCk7.png[/img][h1][color=f49ac2]Edict[/color][/h1][img]https://i.imgur.com/DP7VoTG.png[/img][h1]Sabrina Vanburen.[/h1][sup]And other MFs.[/sup][/center][right][b]Interactions:[/b] None.[/right][right][b][code]La Bellezza.[/code][/b][/right][hr]


Sabrina wasn’t going to give up.

Even though Sabrina had zero faith in the Sycamore Tree Coven (she could see why her sister and her friends wanted nothing to do with them), she wouldn’t give up that easily. She needed to lower her scope… and work with what she knew rather than hoping the rest of the Coven would be like Britney, Greyson, and Linqian… So, after inviting them, Sabrina sat at the head of the table at the exclusive and upscale La Bellezza restaurant. This exclusive room was draped in rich fabrics with a singular grand table underneath a chandelier - and most importantly, it was away from prying eyes with its unique staff. She hoped that this would work out better than last night…

[color=ffe63b]”Whoa, this is amazing!”[/color] The first one to walk in wasn't a coven member - instead it was the younger brother of one. Henri walked into the private room with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. [color=ffe63b]”Jie, there's a chandelier!”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”I got eyes,”[/color] Linqian retorted, rolling them. She ushered Henri into the look, shooting Sabrina an apologetic look. Then she threw a thumb behind her at Greyson, who'd also come with them… since they'd all come from the same place. [color=CD5C5C]”I know coven business, but [I]someone[/I] got my brother involved in that shit, so he's part of it now too. Sorta. Nice to see you again, Bean.”[/color]

“It’s great to see you again, too, and it’s no issue to me long as he’s apart of the Coven,” Sabrina said with a nod of her head.

Greyson had, at the very least, provided the Han siblings with some half-decent clothing to wear to a semi-formal dinner at a nice place… It was mostly so he didn’t look so out-of-place showing up dressed to the nines, as was his pleasure.
[color=F5388C]”Hey, I asked… Sabrina, always nice to see you Hon; how’s the house now that the Bee Matron is gone?”[/color] he casually asked, leaning down to administer La Bise by kissing her cheeks gently on either side.

Having come separately from Britney, Greyson was a little nervous that his main squeeze would be MIA for some reason, and that their night would turn into a fiasco that they’d have to solve… Or worse.

“It’s been a lil’ bit lonely; I kind of miss the bees; you know they added a little charm to the household, I’m not going to lie,” Sabrina said lightly before she leaned in and steepled her fingers. “Order something. Whatever you like, it’s on me tonight. It’s just my way of saying thank you for seeing me on such short notice. Britney is on her way… She said she didn’t mind if we got started without her.” 

[color=ffe63b]”Whoa, you’re the best, Bean!”[/color] Henri said cheerfully, sitting down beside Sabrina and grabbing the menu immediately. 

[color=CD5C5C]”I’m surprised the charm of the bees outweighs Trisha’s… whole personality,”[/color] Linqian snorted, taking a seat beside her brother. She grimaced, legs crossing in a much more ladylike posture than she was used to - because the somewhat fancy dress she’d ended up with was longer than she was used to and pretty tight. While Henri was engrossed in what he could eat, she was more actually interested in what they were talking about. Food was really second. [color=CD5C5C]”What did you want to talk about? Oh, wait, there’s someone else coming too… Aaron. They're part of our… subgroup, I guess.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“I think I’m one of the nicer parts of this subgroup,”[/color] Aaron said as he walked into the room.  Aaron wore a perfectly tailored black suit, courtesy of Faith at the 317, with a white button up shirt underneath.  The shirt itself had the last few buttons unbuttoned, revealing an expensive looking gold chain underneath.  It wasn’t one hundred percent real, mind you, but to a quick glance it would pass as fancy.  Their watch was a black banded smart watch, and their shoes matched the suit with a black color.  

[color=8A2BE2]“I’m also the most humble.”[/color] 

Linqian rolled her eyes.

[color=8A2BE2]“And most attractive.”[/color] 

Linqian rolled her eyes again.

Sabrina couldn’t help but smile, “... And lively, I can tell.” She chuckled.

“But, I wanted to discuss the meeting, well, my offer to the Coven, that is, I know I got immediately brushed to the side, but I’m not giving up,” Sabrina began, nodding. “Unfortunately, well… I will be honest here and say that I don’t want to deal with the greater Coven.”

Sabrina shrugged, then continued, “I don’t mean to be rude, but that meeting was easily the second most dysfunctional event I ever had the displeasure of attending.” Sabrina was not a liar; she had tact but couldn’t sugarcoat this.

“However, I guess I have a more positive opinion of you three… five now. So, I believe that maybe this can work better if I worked with you all”

[color=CD5C5C]”Rude? You’re being pretty fucking nice, the coven’s an absolute shitshow,”[/color] Linqian laughed bitterly. Especially that last meeting. She really didn’t want to think about or remember it, if she was honest. [color=CD5C5C]”I’m curious about what event was worse- you’ll have to tell us about that later. But yeah. The greater coven fucking sucks. We’ve actually kind of decided to work in smaller groups anyway so… that’d work. Not that I’m the decision maker.”[/color] 

[color=ffe63b]”You make plenty of decisions at home,”[/color] Henri commented, staring intently at the menu.

[color=CD5C5C]”Cause I’m fucking in charge there,”[/color] Linqian muttered back.

[color=8A2BE2]“You’re just saying what a lot of us think,”[/color] Aaron sighed as he rubbed his temple, [color=8A2BE2]“I may have a renewed desire to fix what is broken but this is going to be an uphill battle,”[/color] Aaron paused as he looked at Linqian,  [color=8A2BE2]“this smaller group idea may be what allows us to put behind our differences and actually function.  The other night at the 317 showed me we [i]have[/i] to.  If our coven was attacked like that I don’t think we’d be around to talk about it.”[/color] 

“Unlike the Greenwood leader, I know it’s not [i]my[/i] place to say it,” Sabrina nodded, placing a hand on her chest. “But, I got off track… I know you weren’t there to hear it, but I’m willing to supply you with resources or… my influence in the city.”

She sighed, “I didn’t get a chance to say it, but I can get you all in touch with the local information broker, Issac Kane.”

Greyson’s lips pursed together, having given Aaron a fistbump for the fit-of-the-day. Issac Kane was a well-regarded busybody who, in Greyson’s foggy memory of him, was all about keeping things even. Which, at this point, was great for the Coven. If the man’s modus operandi hadn’t changed drastically over the few years since he last heard the name, he was confident this was a good thing…

But he could never be one-hundred percent sure. All he could do was trust Sabrina because Britney trusted her, and in turn do his own legwork to satisfy his curiosity.
[color=F5388C]”That’s certainly a name to drop… I guess it’s still a reach-down for a Vanburen, but I won’t turn my nose up at the offer. What are the conditions?”[/color] he asked casually, doing his best to signal wait staff for an order.

“Simple, solve this Father Wolf nonsense,” Sabrina immediately answered. “That’s [i]all[/i] I want. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt - not you, Britney, or Linqian… Nobody.”

[color=CD5C5C]”That’s really it?”[/color] Linqian asked, trying not to sound too suspicious. So far, Sabrina hadn’t proven herself to be anything but trustworthy… but Linqian just didn’t trust that someone would do something out of the goodness of their heart. Not that she had any idea who Issac Kane was but if Greyson thought it was a good offer… [color=CD5C5C]”Well, fuck.”[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”That’s really nice of you, Bean! I don’t know who this Issac Kane person is, since I haven’t been in the city for years and years, but if he can help that’s great! I [i]really[/i] want the Father Wolf stuff solved too.”[/color] Henri smiled brightly at Sabrina, before twisting around to also try to get some wait staff’s attention with some overly large waves.

[color=8A2BE2]“That simple,”[/color] Aaron spoke with a smirk, [color=8A2BE2]“I don’t recall that name, but I can check the grapevine to see what others have said,”[/color] Aaron paused as he looked towards the waitstaff, [color=8A2BE2]“the question remains how will we find them to stop them?  Our best connection to the murders is dead, Lynn is suggesting we go to the Pit, and no one is coming up with a solution or trying outside of a select few.  I don’t suppose you have any fancy devices not locked in the Pit that could help?”[/color]

[color=F5388C]”Woah, woah… Don’t go getting greedy, cowpoke. We’ve got another group working on stuff like that; let’s take what we can get at our angles for right now… And I’ll vouch for Kane’s usefulness here. If I didn’t think he had other shit to do, I probably would’ve gotten in touch with him myself at some point. Even my Father and the Unions up North call on his expertise from time to time…”[/color] Greyson offered.

“Nora’s working on something,” Sabrina answered Aaron with a nod, and she was silent before she added, “... I’m curious about who this Kari person is, though. From your meeting, she seemed…”

The doors opened, and Britney Williams opened them… wearing a fancy black dress, loafers, and a smile. [color=f4eb93]”Aaron, Linqian, Greyson, Henri… [i]Bean![/i]”[/color] She walked over to Sabrina and hugged her, before taking a seat. [color=f4eb93]”Sorry I’m late; I had to make sure I looked cute.”[/color] She stuck her tongue out.

[color=CD5C5C]”Brit, you look fucking great,”[/color] Linqian raised a hand in a half wave, before smirking over at Greyson. [color=CD5C5C]”She said my name before yours.”[/color] 

[color=f4eb93]”What did I miss?”[/color] She asked.

“I wanted to ask about this Kari person who got brought up a lot in the meeting and what makes her [i]so[/i] important in all of this,” Sabrina leaned back. “You know, the burning questions on my mind...”

[color=8A2BE2]“I didn’t know her as well,”[/color] Aaron paused as he looked over to Britney and waved,, [color=8A2BE2]“from what I remember she was instrumental to our victory back then.[/color] 

[color=F5388C]”White Lux Adepts are always doing shit… Surveillance and Intelligence is the name of the game, and Kari’s probably one of the best there is. From what I remember, she pretty much pinpointed every single artifact we had to use during the War, and coordinated a fuck-ton of countermeasures during the latter days.”[/color]

Finally, the waiter arrived, and Greyson smiled.
[color=F5388C]”Ah, perfect… I’ll take a separate check if that’s possible- I don’t love eating on other people’s dimes. A bottle of Pinot, and can we get a plate of salad? Like, do you guys do family style stuff here?”[/color] he asked, practically exiting the previous conversation to focus on sustenance.

[color=f4eb93]”Well Bean, what Greyson said,”[/color] Britney said with a shrug, leaning back in her seat. [color=f4eb93]”She was a White-Lux Adept, she found a bunch of artifacts for us… Shit, this is hard to explain in a nutshell.”[/color]

She awkwardly laughed.

“We have all day,” Sabrina shrugged. “Messiah has a babysitter up until midnight.”

[color=f4eb93]”Well, she’s White-Lux, and because of some [i]weird shit[/i] we think that she has something to do with the murders,”[/color] Britney began. [color=f4eb93]” Either she’s helping or the murderer herself! But that’s a whole ‘nother discussion; according to Greyson and Tsukino, she was working for Blake Schmidt. He has her notes which….”[/color]

Britney shrugged, throwing her hands in the air.

[color=f4eb93]”... Are important for some reason!”[/color] Britney said, [color=f4eb93]”Personally, I think we should be chasing other leads than that, but - [i]surprise[/i] - we don’t have any!”[/color]

“Ah, I remember that part,” Sabrina nodded her head. “I didn’t get a chance to say… I [i]can[/i] get you all at the notes, if necessary.”

[color=F5388C]”Oh, and I did talk to Lynn yesterday morning?-”[/color] Greyson added, finishing up the order for now.
[color=F5388C]”-And I’ve got her memories… She was kind enough to let me boost the negatives out of her brain, so I’ve seen her futures. The ones she mentioned, about Kari being responsible and shit… But, I’m thinking she’s in hiding.”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”If she is, she probably did it to save her own ass,”[/color] Britney shrugged.

[color=CD5C5C]”That wouldn’t fucking surprise me,”[/color] Linqian frowned, hand scrunching up the fancy cloth napkin in front of her. The thought of Kari fucking off and saving herself immediately made her tense. Jinhai hadn’t had that luxury. [color=CD5C5C]”Didn’t think to fucking warn anyone.”[/color] 

[color=8A2BE2]“What did you see in her memories, Greyson,”[/color] Aaron asked as he leaned back in his chair.  He was also curious about the negatives being taken from the brain but important stuff first.

[color=F5388C]”Lots of bullshit, mostly. Stuff that just doesn’t make sense, which made my job easier. She asked me if I could help her figure out which futures may’ve had more of a chance than others, and… Yeah, that’s what I got. Two options that seem pretty grim, and one where… Well… You guys have had the same Recollections I have: I found that it seems pretty likely Kari’s after that little girl. Raven Jones…”[/color] he finished, his voice hanging in the air at the mention of Raven Jones.

[color=f4eb93]”After her liiiiiike?”[/color] Britney said, tilting her head. [color=f4eb93]”It sounds like there’s nothing that can presently help us, right?”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“Well,”[/color] Aaron paused as he looked towards Greyson, then Britney, then back to Greyson, [color=8A2BE2]“is it possible that this Raven Jones is father wolf?”[/color]

Greyson shrugged his shoulders.
[color=F5388C]”That… That I don’t know. It’s a tough call to make; like I told Lynn, it’s like looking through the shower door glass when you’re observing shit like the future. It’s not really real, so everything’s got a foggy glass in front of it. I did what I could with what I could intuit, but ultimately it’s still fuckin’ future without reality. It’s all…”[/color]
Struggling with his hands, he finally let them both interpret the fleeting nature with fingers turned up toward the sky.
[color=F5388C]”Ugatz…” (Bullshit…)[/color] 

[color=CD5C5C]”This shit’s above my paygrade,”[/color] Linqian groaned, holding her head. She really didn’t like hearing about Lynn, and especially not when it came with thinking about future bullshit. [color=CD5C5C]”The dreams are warning about Raven so… maybe she is Father Wolf? But that seems a bit too fucking obvious.”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Well, do we have anything on her?”[/color] Britney shrugged. [color=f4eb93]”There’s a [i]lot[/i] on Sunshine, but nobody even knew she had a kid!”[/color] Britney laughed.

[color=F5388C]”Well, I’d like to think maybe Kane can help us with that step. At the very least, it’s another lead. Maybe there’s value in letting the shitheads who want to throw themselves into the Pit actually do it?”[/color] he offered the thought.

Sabrina was oddly silent the whole time, looking uncomfortable.

[color=f4eb93]”You know all that’s going to happen is that they’re just going to end up being crash test dummies,”[/color] Britney darkly laughed.

[color=8A2BE2]“We’d be down at least one problem,”[/color] Aaron's eyes were on Linqian, knowing that Lynn said she’d lead the away team,  [color=8A2BE2]“but can we really afford to lose anyone else though?  Can we look at our friends on the mural and tell them that letting them go there was the only thing we could do,”[/color] Aaron asked the table as a whole.  After the fight at the 317, and the night out with Jack, Aaron was becoming less willing to deal in lives.

[color=8A2BE2]“The 317 was attacked the other night, and that showed me that things might be getting really scary really fast. We should tell them.”[/color]. Aaron of course referred to bringing up Scott Reese.

Linqian frowned, before nodding. Yeah. She didn’t want to tell the rest of the coven, but Britney? That was fine. [color=CD5C5C]”I don’t want to tell the whole fucking coven, because they’ll just make shit worse, but… we fought Scott Reese the other night. Fucker’s alive.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“And just as strong. The full strength of the 317 was not enough to stop him.”[/color]  Aaron paused as he looked towards Britney.  [color=8A2BE2]”Is there any chance, with Scott being back, that Stiggy is orchestrating our murders?[/color]

Britney’s jaw dropped.

[color=f4eb93]”... [i]Bullshit,[/i]”[/color] Britney awkwardly laughed. [color=f4eb93]”Adora yeeted him into the ocean during the final battle; when Stiggy was sealed, he probably drowned, and that was that.”[/color]


She laughed some more, [color=f4eb93]”... If he [i]is[/i] alive, why in the [i]world[/i] is so much shit from ten years ago popping up [i]now?[/i]”[/color]

“... Is everyone from the 317 okay?” Sabrina finally spoke up.

[color=8A2BE2]“I’m telling you it was him,”[/color] Aaron’s hand started to shake, [color=8A2BE2]“aged up, but you never forgot a monster like that.  That’s why we brought him up.”[/color] The stress from actually bringing it up forced a quick swap to Aryin and back, which caused his shirt to ride up and look unkempt.  [color=8A2BE2]“We lived, thanks to Greenwood, Linqian, and the PRA, but the 317 was nearly destroyed.  Thank you for asking, everyone is shaken up but that was the first time that most of them saw a fight like that.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Yeah, that fuck you mean [i]if[/i], Brit?”[/color] Linqian turned her head to narrow her eyes at Britney. Wasn’t quite her being actually pissed, but she was certainly annoyed about it. [color=CD5C5C]”He was exactly the fucking same. I didn’t get nearly killed for it to be questioned.”[/color] 

[color=ffe63b]”Oh yeah they both were really badly injured yesterday!”[/color] Henri piped up.

[color=CD5C5C]”Fuck knows why he’s back now. But it makes sense, if we’re all fucking back, right?”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Scott gets his power straight from Stiggy,”[/color] Britney put her hands together, [color=f4eb93]”Stiggy is sealed; therefore there should be [i]zero[/i] conceivable way for him to [i]get[/i] that power unless...”[/color]

She trailed off.

[color=f4eb93]”... [i]The Stygian Snake is already free.[/i]”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“Linqian and I both saw him. I am not smart enough to speculate but if Stiggy is free, or has influence outside that container, wouldn’t that be prime suspect number one for our murders,”[/color] Aaron asked inquisitively.

[color=CD5C5C]”Wouldn’t we know if he was free?”[/color] Linqian frowned. [color=CD5C5C]”He wiped out the most of the fucking city last time, we’d all be dead if it was him… right?”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Not necessarily,”[/color] Britney shrugged, [color=f4eb93]”It could be playing the long game now. Or, just busy destroying other universes.”[/color]

Britney paused.

[color=f4eb93]”... There is that complete solar eclipse next year.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“Scott is on the loose, the Snake may very well not be imprisoned, the only people who stopped him are being killed, and there’s a complete solar eclipse next year?”[/color]. Aaron held up both hands as he took a deep breath.  [color=8A2BE2]“The only person who could check the other universes is also, coincidentally, missing.”[/color]

Britney awkwardly laughed,

[color=f4eb93]”... Shit’s sounding [i]real[/i] scuffed right about now, ain’t it?”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Sure is,”[/color] Linqian said, leaning her chin on one hand and frowning. [color=CD5C5C]”Maybe we're already all fucked and we just don't know it…”[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”Can’t you find someone else who can look at other universes?”[/color] Henri asked obliviously. 

Britney’s eyes shot open as if a bulb went off in her head, and she smiled. [color=f4eb93]”... Henri, you’re a genius!”[/color] Britney started. [color=f4eb93]”Well, no… What about instead of some[i]one[/i], we find some[i]thing?[/i]”[/color] She grinned.

[color=f4eb93]”There are tons of artifacts that can see into other universes… and I bet your sweet ass there’s at least two in St. Portwell.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“What are they?”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”... I literally said there are tons of them, boy,”[/color] Britney laughed. [color=f4eb93]”I’ll be here all day explaining them all.”[/color]

She playfully laughed, rolling her eyes before she continued, [color=f4eb93]”Off the top of my head there’s the Nemean Eye… It lets you see into other dimensions but usually the people who use it end up going missing.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“I thought you said there [i]were[/i] two of them in St. Portwell,”[/color] Aaron whispered as he cursed his listening skills.  [color=8A2BE2]“And I’d rather not end up missing.  But we can look for other artifacts.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”I agree with Aaron, going missing isn’t on my fucking bucket list… what’s the other one in the city?”[/color] Linqian asked, looking over at Henri, who was absolutely beaming at being called a genius.

Greyson liked to think he was capable of chilling out for a night, figuring he'd be able to just enjoy a dinner with some kind and gentle folk. People who could soften him, make him forget about the peril…
But as they discussed what potential artifacts lay in wait throughout the city, the wine and salad arrived. A big bowl of salad that the waiter tossed table side, breaking up the conversation. Long enough that Greyson's long stare at Sabrina could be extended.

She was, is, Britney's dear friend. And she was offering her assistance to the Coven for practically nothing… So, why had she given no emphatic response when it came to the Recollections? Observant, clever, yet she had no questions to ask about the girl called Raven Jones, and certainly no encouragement to seek those answers out. It sat poorly with Columbo Junior, and in his infinite wisdom, he decided he'd push the button again.

[color=F5388C]”See, that's why success in the Pit is necessary… Wayfinders? Potentially more than before? Yoko could be the key here, and we wouldn't know. I mean, I don't think it's a coincidence that all of our Recollections have had to do with Raven Jones and the Pit… And Sunshine, obviously…”[/color] he had the wine bottle, and was pouring each person a glass while he spoke.

His face turned to look at Sabrina fully, a smile curling up at the edge of his mouth.
[color=F5388C]”Has Brit actually talked to you about the whole… Y'know, Coven sharing Recollections? Pretty ominous, y'know, having a whole group of people getting the same nightmare about the same damn little girl.”[/color]

“I’ve heard about it,” Sabrina said as she shifted in her seat, and her hand went to her wine glass. Her eyes went to Britney for a moment before returning to Greyson, “Britney and Trisha mentioned it to me a few times, but I need a bigger picture of it before I can say if it’s something I can help with. Maybe Raven Jones is the key to everything. Maybe not. But, she has to tie into it, somehow, yes?”

[color=8A2BE2]“Would you want the whole picture?  I mean one of us can share the recollections with you.  I know we haven’t been the best company but,”[/color]  Aaron paused as he looked towards Britney, [color=8A2BE2]“you’re one of us now, yeah?”[/color]

“... ‘One of us’, is this what being in a cult is like?” Sabrina laughed. “Well, hit me.”

Doing his best to hide a grimace, Greyson was in between this being a good and bad idea. Ultimately, he wasn't going to stop it, as he was too curious about what she may have to say.
[color=F5388C]”Maybe Brit? You guys are closest after all…”[/color] 

[color=8A2BE2]“No, no it’s not a cult at all.  But now that you mentioned it did we remember to order the koolaid tonight?[/color]. Aaron smiled as he looked towards Greyson.  
[color=8A2BE2]“I don’t think I could do it anyway, I don’t have a strong magical background.  Greyson is right, the ball is in your court Britney.”[/color] 

[color=f4eb93]”Well, if we’re a cult, we’re the most lit cult there is!!”[/color] Britney joked, sticking her tongue out. [color=f4eb93]”But, I got you, Bean.”[/color]

Britney stuck her hand out, and after a pause, Sabrina extended her own shaky hand. Then Sabrina saw everything, shown through a Recollection… And at the very end, her heart was pounding, as her jaw dropped. She averted her gaze as she was silent…

As Greyson watched the process unfold, he closely observed Sabrina’s face. Her reaction as things unfolded before her eyes, culminating in the fear and panic of the frankly disturbing visions. He didn’t blame her for finding that fear was an overwhelming sensation; but he couldn’t just drop his suspicion… Not with such an animated impression left on the table.

He cleared his throat to bring attention back to the topic at hand.
[color=F5388C]”All I was [i]initially[/i] curious about was what you thought Kane would be able to tell us… But you’re one of the few [i]magical[/i] Vanburens, right? Now I’m… Well, I can’t lie to you; I’d be curious about anything… Well, y’know, I’m sure James left plenty behind, right? So, anything we can check out that may be useful. Respectfully…”[/color]


Sabrina shrugged, “One, everything my father had belongs to my older brother and… We’re not on the best terms. And two, there’s nothing in there anyway, except old artifacts and his journal.”

[color=F5388C]”And I don’t suppose you’d let me… Y’know… Poke around in that head? Latent memories are a sonofabitch: They can hide from you for years, maybe…-”[/color]
He was stretching a bit as far as trying to hook her, baiting slightly for a reaction that may prove hostile or otherwise suspicious. But deescalation was a better choice, and he threw his hands up noncommittally before another sip of wine cleared his lips.
[color=F5388C]”Or, hey, even a meeting with Big Brother? Rich folk have the biggest ears, after all…”[/color] he playfully flapped his hands behind his ears like an elephant.

“... I could try with my older brother; he’ll blow me off more likely than not, but I will try,” Sabrina mused out loud, fiddling her thumbs. However, she turned towards Greyson, and stared him dead-on as she said, “But, what do you think you’re going to get from my mind?”

Sabrina let her words hang in the air as she said, “Paranoia is healthy for someone in your situation, but I don't know anything.” She shrugged.

He shrugged similarly, tossing a shoulder up.
[color=F5388C]”Britney doesn’t keep dumb company. You’re quiet, you keep to yourself… You take care of your youngest brother? I mean you’re here helping us get our shit together, entirely out of the good of your heart presumptively.”[/color] 
He looked at Britney with an ounce of shame, but couldn’t help himself.
[color=F5388C]”It’s just… I don’t know, that’s a lot of money. A lot of unaccounted for potential that I… Well, back in the day Trisha used to get too defensive, so I couldn’t ask questions. I thought maybe you’d be willing to follow up on some unchecked threads I left behind.”[/color]

Sabrina listened to Greyson, her expression unreadable at first. She tilted slightly, considering his words before responding, “... I’m not in the habit of digging up the past. Some things are better left buried, especially when they involve [i]him[/i].”

Sabrina leaned back, crossing her arms, “But I get where you’re coming from. You have loose ends and believe that [i]maybe[/i] I can tie some of them up. But the thing is: even if I had answers, I’m not sure they’re the ones [i]you’re[/i] looking for.”


Her gaze narrowed as she said, “So, what exactly do you expect to find? What exactly are you [i]really[/i] after?”

Greyson let the moment hang, trying to figure out what to say that wasn’t [i]’A connection to Raven Jones’[/i].
[color=F5388C]”What’s a clam diver expect to find inside the shells? Meat. A little shit. Sometimes, Sabrina, they find pearls. Does the clam know it’s carrying a pearl? Probably not, it just develops inside, it’s a byproduct of natural processes. The clam doesn’t even think the pearl is special when it sees it… But the diver does.”[/color]
He took another sip of wine, finally scooping some salad onto his plate.

[color=F5388C]”Now, you’re obviously a woman, not a clam. But I hope you can accept that analogy, and go off of your faith in your good friend that I as her associate would never intentionally put you in any kind of poor situation.”[/color]

Sabrina stood straight up, hands on the table. Eyes fierce and sharp, “... Greyson,” Sabrina damn near hissed his name. “Enough with the metaphors, enough with the games.”

She paused, “I’m trying to help you from the goodness of my heart… Just come out and say what you mean. Plainly. Or I’m leaving.”

Then paused, “... And I’m leaving you with the bill.”

Greyson grinned. He [i]loved[/i] the bill.
[color=F5388C]”Why’d you clam up when I brought up Raven Jones, Sabrina? That’s what I’m curious about, and about why we’re getting these visions and what she has to do with the Stygian Snake, or what she has to do with us here and now… I suggested Kane could help us, you didn’t react. You didn’t encourage the line, you didn’t offer to relay the first message: You just stopped, waited for a different subject. I’m not here to hurt you, or judge you or anything… I’m just a curious guy having dinner and noticing things I probably shouldn’t.”[/color]
He let both his hands climb, holding them up as if to display his own innocence.

“... And I can’t just listen?” Sabrina said, tilting her head. “You said it yourself, I’m quiet because I observe and try not to stick my nose where it doesn't belong. Sorry if you found that suspicious.”

His eyes still stared up at her, his grin unfading as he shoveled a bit of salad into his mouth. Chew, chew, chew… Swallow. He waved his hand dismissively.
[color=F5388C]”Well… You know me, right? Total opposite. I love sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong; gets me into constant trouble. So, I’ve gotten good at apologizing.”[/color]

His head nodded at her calmly before he finally shrugged.
[color=F5388C]”I’m sorry. Forgive me as you wish, forget I’m here… I humbly accept and appreciate whatever help you’re willing to give us.”[/color]

Sabrina sighed, “... Let's focus on what’s in front of us, and forget about this? Okay?”

[color=F5388C]”Mmmm, right. Sit, please… Enjoy the salad and the wine. Let the pocketbook rest tonight.”[/color] he chided playfully, his eyes turning to Britney for a moment.

“I can get you all an appointment with Isaac Kane today,” Sabrina began. “He’s probably going to want to meet you all in Mirrorland, however.”

[color=F5388C]”As in tonight? We should keep it small: You and I, Brit?”[/color] he asked.

[color=ffe63b]”Why do you guys get to do all the fun things?”[/color] Henri piped up, after literally stuffing his face with salad and watching the exchange with wide eyes. Linqian reached over and smacked him round the back of the head. 

[color=CD5C5C]”It’s not fucking fun, it's shit to help keep us alive,”[/color] she chided, putting down the wine glass that she'd been continuously drinking from. 
[color=CD5C5C]”Keeping it small makes sense, I have no problem with going along. Got shit to do.”[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”I don't have any shit to do, I still want to go,”[/color] Henri said, folding his arms and leaning back as if he actually had any say in this group.

[color=8A2BE2]“Is it smart to go as just a pair,”[/color] Aaron took a sip of his wine before he put the glass on the table, [color=8A2BE2]“I am really good muscle.  Not saying I expect anything to go south but with everything that’s happened this week I don’t want to put you two at risk.”[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”I’m good muscle too! I’ll just snatch all the sound and carry everyone away from danger, easy!”[/color] Henri interjected, before flexing… which didn't have much effect when he was dressed in a nice shirt that wasn't tight enough to show off any muscles. Linqian knocked back the rest of her wine, before going to pour herself more. She needed it.

[color=f4eb93]”I mean, I don’t see why it would hurt?”[/color] Britney said with a shrug. [color=f4eb93]”Chaos and crazy shit seems to follow us where ever we go, so the more help the better?”[/color] She asked.

“I was planning for all of us to go,” Sabrina quietly added. 

[color=8A2BE2]“Alright then,”[/color] Aaron smirked as he took another bite from the salad.  [color=8A2BE2]“Is there anything those of us who…don’t walk in these circles should know about this place?”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Yeah anything my brother shouldn’t say so he won’t get fucking stabbed?”[/color] Linqian commented, a good way into her second glass of wine.

[color=ffe63b]”[i]Jieeee[/i], I’m not that stupid!”[/color] Henri pouted.

“Isaac Kane is among some of the more reasonable people in St. Portwell’s underground,” Sabrina shrugged. “And Mirrorland isn’t some shady venue, either. So, long as we use discretion, it’ll be okay.”

[color=CD5C5C]”Then we shouldn’t bring Yi-er,”[/color] Linqian joked, smirking over her wine glass. Henri continued to pout, gently shoving his shoulder against his older sister. She just looked at him, and laughed, before looking at everyone else again. She was fairly relaxed even at the prospect of completely changing her plans for the rest of the night, lips pulled into a playful smile as she continued to joke. [color=CD5C5C]”And I’ll need a lot more to drink.”[/color] 

[right][b][code]Mirrorland.[/code][/b][/right][hr]

The jewel of St. Portwell’s west district, Mirrorland, was bustling at this time of night… Though, it wasn’t as active as it would be on the weekend. Britney’s GMC Yukon pulled up in the parking lot to the left of the building, and there was already a line to the place. Several of Britney’s comrades stepped out, and Sabrina quickly took the lead as she gestured for everyone to come along and marched past the line (which caused them to grieve) right to the VIP line… She whispered something in the ears of one of the bouncers, and he nodded his head.

“Alright, all of you come here,”  The large man said, “No firearms are allowed on the premises, you’re going have to get patted down before you come in.”

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh, you can pat me down all you want,”[/color] Linqian winked. Henri groaned, covering his eyes. Those four glasses of wine she'd ended up downing over dinner really had her inhibitions (only existent in his presence) lowering.

[color=f4eb93]”Yeah, you said no firearms, but she’s got the [i]artillllllllllllllllllery![/i]”[/color] Britney laughed.

[color=CD5C5C]”Ohhhh yeah, you're gonna have to check [I]all[/I] over, but ain't any way to disarm this,”[/color] Linqian grinned, leaning towards Britney and putting a hand on her hip. Henri sidled over to Aaron and Greyson, giving them both a pleading look.

[color=8A2BE2]“You’re lucky I’m not the other me right now.  I’d be right over there with them,”[/color] Aaron shoulder checked Henri with a smirk.

[color=ffe63b]”Thank fuck you’re not,”[/color] Henri whispered, looking over at his sister and Britney in despair.

Sabrina just facepalmed through all of this.

 Unlike the others being so jovial about their lack of firearms, it was a much different experience for Greyson.
[color=F5388C][i]Typical.[/i][/color]
Holding his hands up, scowl on his face, he looked at Sabrina with a side-eye before turning them to security.

[color=F5388C]”Be gentle with it.”[/color]
Slowly, surely, he slipped his overcoat and night jacket off to reveal his shoulder holster before pulling it off and passing it to security. Of course, they gave him another pat down and took the knife he had in his back pocket. But amazingly, he wasn't given a hard time over it- They simply passed him through, giving his jacket back and a ticket for his property later.

[color=CD5C5C]”[i]Lucky[/i], you got the proper pat down, ass and all,”[/color] Linqian joked as she got let through after a pretty brief pat down - weren’t exactly many places to hide weapons under an already skintight dress. 

After everyone got patted down, Sabrina led the group through the various lounges in Mirrorland… up until they reached the Cigar Lounge. Before Sabrina opened the doors, everyone was hit with the aroma of the finest cigars...

[hr][center][hider=Neck & Wrist - Pusha T][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FHZ03ZYzBk[/youtube][/hider][/center][hr]

They walked through the doors, and the atmosphere changed instantly… the smell of leather mixed with the aroma of the heavy smoke of fine cigars. The low hum of conversation filled the room, underscored by the occasional clink of crystal glasses. At the heart of the room, a small, raised platform housed a seating area that commanded attention. Plush, velvet couches wrapped around the space in a semicircle. They were arranged like a throne, intentionally facing anyone entering the room, making it impossible to ignore the man who sat at its center. 

Isaac Allen Kane, the enigmatic Information Broker, relaxed as if he owned the room and the world. His posture was casual, one arm draped over the back of the couch while the other held a glass of something dark. He cut an imposing figure in the smoky haze, wearing a well-tailored charcoal-colored suit, the ever-present cigar hanging from his lips like an extension of his personality. In front of Isaac was a small, exquisite black table with a full cigar box and an ashtray carved from fine marble.

On either side of him stood his bodyguards, two towering figures dressed in black suits that were a little too snug over their muscular frames. They were silent, statuesque, [i]immovable.[/i] 

When Isaac saw them, he leaned back in his chair and gestured for them to enter the platform with an enticing finger. Sabrina was the first to come over and sit down, and she gently tapped the empty seat beside her. Isaac took a deep puff of his cigar, pausing momentarily to savor it, then blew it all out. He then leaned forward and said,

“... So you’re all looking for something,” Isaac began, placing his cigar on the ashtray. “You wouldn’t have come to me otherwise, but before we get to business…”

He grabbed the cigar box and opened it in a smooth motion. Inside was a selection of the finest cigars anyone could ask for. “These,” Isaac said, “Are special. Imported directly from a little island that knows how to take its time…”

He gently slid it across the table towards the group as a silent offer.

Linqian glanced over at Greyson, before leaning forward and taking one of the cigars. She pulled her own lighter out of her jacket pocket to light it, taking a long drag of it. As she exhaled, she spoke through the cloud of smoke. With the alcohol and getting to indulge in shit she'd been craving since going for dinner, she was maybe a little too relaxed. Her lips pulled up into a playful smile. [color=CD5C5C]”This shit's fucking good - maybe it's all we’re looking for.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“Thank you,”[/color] Aaron said towards Isaac, grabbing one of the cigars and smelled it. Isaac Kane pulled out a fancy silver butane cigar lighter.

“... You’re supposed to smoke it,” Isaac said with an amused grin, extending the lighter and pressing down on the button. It emitted a blue flame…

[color=8A2BE2]“I like to give it a quick smell first,”[/color] Aaron said with a smile as he let it be lit by Isaac.  He pulled in the smoke, let it linger for just a moment to get the full flavor, before he let it out. Aryin leaned his head back, his face betraying the ‘not bad’ feelings. [color=8A2BE2]“Gives me an idea of what to expect.”[/color] 

Greyson was a fan of utility, and felt out of sorts getting handed a cigar without his knife. The end served as a fine snipper, but he found the butts pre-snipped. Pulling his lighter, he gave the tip an even dose of flame and tugged the thick smoke into his mouth.

[color=F5388C][i]Don't talk about your tobacco farm, don't talk about your tobacco farm, don't t-[/i][/color]
[color=F5388C]”These?-”[/color] Greyson grinned widely, holding the cigar between his fingers and gently raising it to direct.
[color=F5388C]”-I love these.”[/color]

He cleared his throat, gaze passing between the toughs.
[color=F5388C]”Do we get to shake your hand? Or if I reach too far, do my arms get ripped off?”[/color] he grinned and giggled to himself, the cherry red tip of the cigar passing between the bodyguards as he pointed. Still, he started to make a motion that slowly reached past the cigars, ever closer toward Kane.

[color=F5388C]”Devola, Greyson… I've seen you a couple times, but we've never been formally introduced.”[/color]

“Oh, don’t worry about them,” Isaac said as he glanced at them, a smile creeping across his face as he firmly took Edict’s hand and shook it. “They’re just here if you act a fool.”
[color=f4eb93]”You set the stage just for us… fancy,”[/color] Britney said with a light tone, and reached for a cigar and unwrapped it. [color=f4eb93]”Never smoked one of these before, but… First time for everything, am I right?”[/color] She smiled at Isaac.

“Be careful with that,” Isaac began. “Don’t inhale it, just suck it like a lil’ straw and keep it in your cheeks.” He extended his lighter.

[color=f4eb93]”... Advice you give a lot?”[/color] Britney asked, leaning forward and sucking in as the lighter’s flame hit the tip. However, she let out a few coughs. 

“Whoa, there, be careful,” Isaac laughed, leaning back.

[color=f4eb93]”I’m fine, lord,”[/color] Britney said, laughing.

Isaac puffed his cigar and looked at every group member, “You all need information on something? You all wouldn’t have come to me otherwise.”

[color=f4eb93]”Of course,”[/color] Britney answered.

“... And you know information ain’t cheap?” Isaac added.

“Money isn’t a concern here,” Sabrina added with a shrug. “I’ll be covering your donation for tonight.”

“In that case, Ms. Vanburen…” Isaac laughed, taking another puff of his cigar, before shrugging. “What can I do for you all?”

[color=CD5C5C]”Give us all the information you have on Father Wolf,”[/color] Linqian said outright, in between enjoying the cigar she'd taken. But she leaned forward, elbow on her knee and head tilting. [color=CD5C5C]”Any fucking idea who he is?”[/color]

Isaac steepled his fingers.

“Unfortunately, I do not,” He answered.

[color=f4eb93]”... Of course, you don’t,”[/color] Britney rolled her eyes.

“Now, now,” Isaac chuckled, “I said I don’t know [i]exactly[/i] who he is... but that doesn’t mean I’m not keeping tabs on him. Father Wolf’s been slipping through the cracks for a while now, but I’ve got eyes everywhere.”

He took a slow puff of his cigar. “... Serial killers are [i]terrible[/i] for business. I’ll let you know when I find something tangible about him, okay?”

Britney nodded, puffing the cigar and then coughing, pressing a fist to her lips. [color=f4eb93]”Well, we have other burning questions on our mind, and we were hoping you could help us out.”[/color]

“Shoot.”

[color=f4eb93]”What can you tell me about the Elite?”[/color]

Isaac began laughing.

“... They’re something, alright,” He chuckled, taking another puff of his cigar, then pausing. “So, it all  started with Blake Schmidt one day stumbling upon the truth: magic is real. Naturally, he wanted in on that action. After hitting up a few factions and coming up empty-handed, he decided to make his own.”

He shrugged, taking a puff of his cigar. “Think of it less of a legitimate magical organization and more of a country club for rich assholes with magic.” He laughed.

[color=f4eb93]”And how’s that working out for them?”[/color] Britney asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not as great as they like,” Isaac shrugged again, looking at his cigar as its embers burned. “They got resources. They got influence. Yet, they don’t got their act together. They’re too busy running around like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off and beefing with each other rather than getting anything done.”

Britney awkwardly laughed, her eyes drifting towards Linqian and the others. [color=f4eb93]”Sounds a lil’ familiar, don’t it?”[/color]

Isaac smirked, “Nobody knows who’s really in charge - they say Blake is, but he gets by on the seat on his damn pants. His authority constantly gets challenged… it’s like one big soap opera with magic.” He laughed again before he continued, 

“The Elite is made up of several wealthy families. The Schmidts are in charge of Paragon United Tech Solutions. The Valos family is in the mix, running hotels, casinos, and clubs all over the West Coast. Then you’ve got the Liu family with their Liu Pharmaceutical empire; let’s not forget the old-money Pimms, whose businesses litter St. Portwell and Seattle, then…”

Sabrina awkwardly looked off to the side as Isaac looked her dead on.

“... You can say it,” Sabrina sighed.

“... Then there’s the Vanburen family.”

Linqian turned to look at Sabrina, raising an eyebrow. [color=CD5C5C]”You aren’t part of the fucking Elite are you, Sabrina?”[/color]

Sabrina sighed, resting her hands into her face.

“No, I am not,” Sabrina began. “My brother and my sisters are. They tried to rope me in, but I… I couldn’t participate in the oppression of this city.”

She sighed again.

“I build, I don’t destroy.”

[color=CD5C5C]”Thank fuck- but which sisters? Trisha?”[/color] Then Linqian looked back over at Isaac. Looking for a threat they knew, or some kind of in, rather than one they didn’t know at all. [color=CD5C5C]”In fact, are [i]any[/i] former Sycamore members in the Elite?”[/color]

“... Yes, she’s with them, but please leave her alone,” Sabrina groaned.

“There are,” Isaac started, “There’s Linda Liu… But I heard they’re going to induct a [i]few[/i] of them into the Elite this week. Jake, Gabriela, and Jaska Valos, and Sage Pimm.”

[color=f4eb93]”[i]Gabe?[/i] That pussy [i]Jake?[/i]”[/color] Britney laughed. [color=f4eb93]”Hey, that dumbass will probably destroy the Elite for us!”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Bet we can get shit from them too, easy,”[/color] Linqian looked at Britney with a smirk, then back over at Sabrina. [color=CD5C5C]”Don’t worry, Bean, I’m not dealing with that fucking giant cult boyfriend she got. Someone like Jake’s much fucking easier to get to. I owe Gabe a burnt fucking face too.”[/color] 

“I’d be careful,” Isaac laughed. “Heard that one of the big names out on the East Coast came all the way here to protect them from Father Wolf.”

[color=f4eb93]”Big name [i]what?[/i]”[/color] Britney tilted her head.

“Paranormal mercenaries… Johnny Valos,” Isaac said, tilting his head. “He calls himself ‘The Revolver,’ but he gets shit done for the right price.”

He paused for a moment.

“He rolled with some of the big names in Miami for a bit.”

[color=ffe63b]”That guy sounds like bad news, Jie!”[/color] Henri suddenly piped up, having otherwise silently observed. He’d been munching on some chips he’d somehow pulled out of his jacket pocket… [color=ffe63b]”Let’s maybe leave him alone.”[/color] 

Linqian rolled her eyes. [color=CD5C5C]”We don’t [i]have[/i] to threaten them. A friendly chat, old coven member to old coven member.”[/color]

“... I know Johnny,” Sabrina turned towards Linqian. “Well, I know all the Valos. Gabe and Johnny are completely out of the picture if you're looking for that. Jake and Jaska…? You might be able to get a conversation out of them, but they’re all… [i]you know.[/i]” As a gesture, Sabrina interlocked her fingers.

[color=CD5C5C]”Believe me, I know,”[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes. [color=CD5C5C]”And Gabe’s a fucking bitch.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“If we can’t avoid confrontation, do you have any information as to what magic he wields?  I say we play it carefully but we should be ready if it comes our way,”[/color] Aaron added with another puff of smoke.

“He’s got two main tricks up his sleeve, he’s got a lot of spells related to guns. He can make bullets bounce off walls, go through barriers, and use magic to reload his guns.” Isaac explained.

“His other trick is using poker cards to teleport and explode… But I’d be more worried about the guns.”

[color=f4eb93]”Look, I don't think we should bark up that tree anyhow,”[/color] Britney said, taking the teeniest puff of her cigar. [color=f4eb93]”I get that you are excited for your rematch with Gabe, but I think shaking down the Elite kids for information is not going to end well.”[/color]

Britney shrugged, [color=f4eb93]”At least, not right now.”[/color]

“They got their asses handed to them the other night by 8th St,” Isaac chuckled. “Right outside Christiansands… Jiao-Long and Jason are pissed.”

[color=CD5C5C]”I’ll hold back, so long as her punchable face is nowhere near me,”[/color] Linqian held up her hands. At the mention of Christiansands she looked at Britney and Greyson with a smirk. [color=CD5C5C]”Aw, did they have to use daddy’s money to cover it up?”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“I’ll have your back as always.  I’ll keep the others off you so you can do your thing,”[/color] Aaron winked towards Linqian.  Aaron turned his attention towards Issac.  [color=8A2BE2]“While we’re asking questions, any idea who attacked the 317 last night?”[/color] 

“Hmmm…” Isaac rubbed his chin for a moment. “... I’m not sure who [i]exactly.[/i] I know there’s a new faction in St. Portwell. They’ve been going around mugging people of their artifacts… But, word on the street says they work for the Elite.” Isaac chuckled.

“Would be real funny, wouldn’t it?”

[color=8A2BE2]“Were these the same people who robbed Sloane Faris of her artifacts?  This [i]is[/i] starting to feel like one big joke that they will need to answer for.”[/color] 

“Not sure, but give me some time, and I’ll look into it,” Isaac took a puff of his cigar. He laughed, “I’ll find you.”

[color=f4eb93]”Well, what can you tell us about a man named Jason Valos?”[/color] Britney asked. [color=f4eb93]”Is he with the Elite?”[/color]

“A lot, and yes,” Isaac laughed, taking another slow drag of his cigar. “Word on the street-”

[color=f4eb93]”... You say that a lot.”[/color] Britney rolled her eyes.

“-is that Jason Valos wasn’t always known as [i]Jason Valos[/i],” Isaac began. “Rumors suggest he was this mercenary named Goldtooth that used to roll on the East Coast. He pulled off heists and jobs that not even the craziest bastard would touch. Once he got filthy stinkin’ rich, he disappeared without a trace…”

Isaac laughed.

“... A few years later Jason Valos comes out the blue with [i]loads[/i] of money.”

[color=f4eb93]”Maaaaaaaaaaybe I should have been more specific because I don’t want this guy’s life story!”[/color] Britney said, [color=f4eb93]”I want to know about present-day Jason Valos. More about what he’s doing in the Elite.”[/color]

“Noted, my bad,” Isaac laughed.

[color=f4eb93]”No, you’re good,”[/color] Britney laughed.

“[i]’Present-day’[/i] Jason Valos is a different animal,” Isaac explained. “He’s one of the key members of the Elite, in fact, one of the founding members. Jason? He’s all about his money.” 

Isaac laughed as he twirled his cigar playfully, “He’s got his hands in nightclubs, casinos, you name it. Cutthroat. I would be careful when playing with him because if he [i]is[/i] Goldtooth, he has much experience behind him. Possibly some powerful magic, too.”

Britney nodded, glancing at Linqian when she said, [color=f4eb93]”I heard he has a hobby of collecting artifacts, too.”[/color]

“Yeah, he’s a hoarder,” Isaac laughed. “He either buys them off 8th St and everyone else or…”

[color=f4eb93]”... Lemme guess: he takes them.”[/color]

Isaac nodded.

[color=f4eb93]”Well, there are two artifacts that I need that I believe that he or Blake Schmidt has,”[/color] Britney began. 

“Well, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me.”

[color=f4eb93]”The Mirror on the Wall and the Map of the Drunken Sailor.”[/color] Britney succinctly replied. [color=f4eb93]”o you know ”[/color]

Isaac rubbed his chin. “... I know 8th St found the Mirror on the Wall when they attacked some Elite prospects named the Pendletons last month. They sold it to the Elite. Last I heard it’s being kept on Elysium Island.”

[color=f4eb93]”And the Map of the Drunken Sailor?”[/color]

“Jason has that one, but the word on the street is that it’s kept someone in the Emperor,” Isaac replied. 

Britney nodded her head with a smile. 

[color=f4eb93]”Excellent,”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“I feel like a plan is coming together,”[/color] Aaron said with a smile, [color=8A2BE2]“without the need to go to the pit.”[/color] 

Greyson had let them go on and on, taking mental notes as he sucked down the cigar and scotch. Mostly, he enjoyed watching Brit and the others take charge. It was almost a shame to be the person who had to bring up something that people didn’t like. That he had to get straight for his own head. But Aaron gave him a nice, warm little way to slink his question in.


[color=F5388C]”Speaking of the Pit… Something to tickle your brain about, Issac… What do you know about Sunshine and Raven Jones? We’ve been… Having some visions, and they seem to play a key part. I figured if anyone’s heard anything about someone like Sunshine, for whoever she is, it’d be you.”[/color]

“Sunshine…” Isaac rubbed his chin. “Don’t have too much on her, but to be fair most of what she did were in other universes.” His hand drifted from his chin and went to his cigar as he took another puff.

“She’s either still in the Pit, or escaped and is out and living the best life as some farmer in Montana,” Isaac laughed. “As for Raven Jones…?”

Sabrina briefly glanced at Greyson, before her eyes landed on Isaac.
“I don’t got anything on her. Are the two supposed to be related?”

Greyson shrugged, taking a deep breath. It was only fair, he figured.
[color=F5388C]”I certainly get the vibe, yeah. It’s all pretty vivid for me; I’m used to looking at dreams and memories. They’re Recollections, so if you’re not attuned it’s just like a movie. Some people think they can read the bones…”[/color]

“I can do some digging,” 

[color=f4eb93]”Broooooooo,”[/color] Britney laughed. [color=f4eb93]”You’re going to ‘do some digging’ on like twenty different things at this point.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh, I gotta question,”[/color] Linqian said, single braincell kicking into action. [color=CD5C5C]”Do you know where Kari’s notes are… or anything on her? Like, if she’s still fucking alive, for example?”[/color]

“Far as I’m concerned, she’s dead,” Isaac said with a shrug. “But… I know exactly where her notes are. Or where they are going to be.”

[color=f4eb93]”Do tell, Isaac.”[/color] Britney said. [color=f4eb93]”We know Blake Schmidt and his rich crones have them. And we also know that Blake needs them decoded.”[/color]

”They on Elysium Island.”

[color=f4eb93]”Figures,”[/color]  Britney said with a shrug.

“But, they ain’t gonna be coded for long,” Isaac laughed.

Britney raised an eyebrow.

“The House of Cards gave Blake an offer he couldn’t refuse,” Isaac explained. “So, [i]they’re[/i] going to be the ones to decode the notes on Elysium Island [i]tomorrow[/i]. They had a big meeting where they hashed out all the details yesterday.”

Britney grasped both sides of her head.

[color=f4eb93]”... I swear to God! That stupid mafia is the biggest pain in the ass!”[/color] Britney complained. [color=f4eb93]”They’re not even a pain in the ass anymore! They’ve gone [i]past[/i] the ass straight into the rectum! They’re a pain in the rectum!”[/color]

Looking at her grimly, Greyson shook his head.
[color=F5388C]”Then I need to be in Seattle [i]tonight.[/i] I’m not gonna make a move on them without the blessing of my Father, but it’s too far. We need to hand their asses back to them for what they’ve done, Family be damned. My Uncle’s not gonna like it, but they’re all gonna understand when I get done with them.”[/color] he cracked his neck slightly.

[color=CD5C5C]”House of Cards as in Luna's shitty mob? The one she tried to recruit a bunch of us into when we were fucking teens? They're still around?”[/color] Linqian asked, looking between Britney and Greyson with a bit of confusion. 

[color=F5388C]”Yeah, they are… And Luna’s like a fucking cousin to me, and I’m… Gonna have to do something I don’t want to do to her. Or to Val…”[/color] he said with a great deal of regret in his voice.

[color=f4eb93]”...Maybe we don't need to do anything”[/color] Britney mused out loud, looking between Edict and Linqian. [color=f4eb93]”All we all to do is tell Jack and Kenshiro this and they are going to nut themselves.”[/color]

Greyson’s grin practically consumed his face.
[color=F5388C]”You know how much I love you?”[/color] he said with a dreamy voice.

[color=f4eb93]”I know, babe,”[/color] Britney said as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

[color=ffe63b]”[i]Awwwwww[/i], that’s so cute![/color] Henri obnoxiously said from the side. 

[color=CD5C5C]”It gets really fucking old real quickly,”[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes, casting a disgusted sideeye at Greyson. But she did then grin at Britney. [color=CD5C5C]”I like that plan, let the fucking teleporters do that hard work.”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Let’s, pack it up and regroup at Sabrina’s house,”[/color] Britney said with a nod. [color=f4eb93]”We can discuss a plan there… No offense, Mr. Kane, but I don’t want you selling our plans to an enemy!”[/color] Britney said as she put out the cigar on the ash-tray.

Isaac shrugged. 

“... None taken.”

Britney stood up, [color=f4eb93]”Alright, let’s-”[/color]

The door opened and a group of people meandered in…

[color=f4eb93]”... Speak of the devil.”[/color]








[hr]
Sometime later, a large group of people attempted to enter the cigar lounge subtly. The group size and appearance made that problematic, as frustrating as that was. It was the “rich clique,” as they were colloquially called, led by Johnny Valos, wearing a brown overcoat, with a well-fitted brown pinstriped suit and black dress shoes… And his iconic wide-brimmed hat. Behind him was the rest of the clique. Jake was dressed similarly to Johnny, but black instead of brown. Lin and Mika were dressed wearing fancy white dresses and black loafers; the only difference was Lin's arrowhead necklace around her neck… Sage was wearing green sweatpants and a hoodie with white sneakers. Jaska wore jeans, a t-shirt, and a leather jacket with the backs ripped open so his wings could fit through.

Gabe tailed behind Jake and Jaska with her arms crossed… wearing a brown leather jacket, snug blue jeans, combat boots, and a t-shirt. She walked up before she paused the moment she saw the platform and damn near lunged forward and grabbed Jake by the sleeve of his jacket, and pulled him back.

Johnny looked over his shoulder as everyone looked at her. 

Gabe pointed at the platform.

“... Do you recognize them?”

“Gabe, stop fucking pointing!” Johnny whispered through his teeth. 

Jake looked at the platform before his eyes shot open, “... Is that who I think it is?”

“Yes,” Lin nodded her head. “Britney Williams, Greyson Devola, Linqian Han, and Aaron Thorne…”

“Who?” Johnny tilted his head. 

“Members of the old Coven,” Lin answered.

“Those goons?” Johnny laughed. “The fuck is Sabrina rolling with them for?”

Gabe’s hands began glowing as she walked over… 

Before Johnny yanked her by the collar.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Johnny said in a low tone, “The fuck are you doing?!” 

“I’m about to get some answers about the other day,” Gabe said.

Johnny yanked her harder.

“God damn, you’re stupid sometimes,” Johnny rolled his eyes. “If you do that, all they’re going to do is play dumb and change strats.”

Johnny hissed through his teeth before laughing.

“... Do you, [i]on God,[/i] think you can just walk up and get them to start yappin’?” Johnny said, tilting his head. 

“They know [i]something[/i] about Lin and Mika,” Gabe said, “I’m just not sitting here on my ass while they [i]plot[/i] on us.”

“... And what if they decide to flip the script on us and change the whole ass game?” Johnny asked, “Use your goddamn head, or we’re all [i]fucked[/i].”

Lin stepped in, placing a hand on Gabe’s arm. "Johnny’s right. If we make a scene now, we lose any leverage we might have later. They expect someone to make a move, but they don’t know [i]when[/i]. Let’s keep it that way."

“Play the long game. Let them feel safe,” Johnny said as he straightened his hat. “Let [i]them[/i] fuck up.”

The glow around Gabe’s hands faded as she sighed, “Fine, but if they try something, it’s on and [i]popping[/i].”

“I’m going to see if I can, um, [i]’hear’[/i] anything,” Lin said with a shrug as she slinked closer to the platform. Johnny nodded as Jake followed her.

Aaron stood up as he exhaled out more smoke.  He stretched out as he took in the club.  He had never really been in a fancy spot like this before, and despite everything he was actually enjoying the night out.  His two brain cells were starting to get tired, however, so he had started to check out of the conversation.  As such he began to take in the rest of the club from the raised platform.  He looked at the decorations, the lights, the dancers, Gabe, the bar space, the ambiance, back to Gabe, lingering on Gabe, fixated on Gabe.  Aaron swapped forms in that moment as they leaned over the railings and smirked.  

It was only a matter of time before Linqian noticed, or these fucks did something to get Linqian’s attention, and Aryin was going to savor watching the chaos unfold when it did happen.  They took another hit of the cigar and blew the song out in the direction of Gabe and mouthed a [color=00BFFF]”tick-tock”[/color] towards them as their smile spread even further.

While Linqian was trying her best to stay with the conversation, she was also starting to zone out as it got to shit she just did not give a fuck about. Then Aaron turned away, and naturally Linqian started getting twitchy. Then he swapped, and Linqian was hit with the irresistible urge to punch her. 

[color=CD5C5C]”The fuck’s so interesting, bitch- is that who I fucking think it is?!”[/color] Linqian's fist froze midway to punching Aryin's shoulder. Sage, Lin, Jake, Jaska… [i]Gabe[/i]. The last time she'd seen Gabe they'd gotten into a fight so bad even Jinhai almost couldn't calm Linqian down… and she'd said some shit that Linqian couldn't remember now but she knew had been fucked. But she [I]did[/I] remember what she'd said.

[color=CD5C5C]”Oy, asshole,”[/color] Linqian shot up, not quite shouting but speaking loud enough for the rich clique to hear. She pointed right at Gabe, finger starting to glow. [color=CD5C5C]”I told you do I ever fucking saw your ugly face again I'd burn it off.”[/color]

Johnny looked at Gabe, then Linqian. Then back at Gabe.

“... Bitch, go fuck your brother!” Gabe shouted, sneering as she looked at Linqian. “We ain’t even come here for your ass, so shut the fuck up!”

“Heeeeeeeeeeey!” Johnny shouted as he put a hand in front of Gabe, stepping in front of her with a wide, unnerving smile. “It’s great to meet you! I’m [i]Johnny Valos…[/i]”

Jake, Lin, Sage, and Jaska were pretty much pulling Gabe away while Mika reached into her purse… only to pause and shake her head. 

“Like my sister said! We didn’t come here for a fight! Just came here for a good time!” Johnny looked over his shoulder, and everyone was barely holding her back. “So, stay away from us; we’ll stay away from you.” He shot her the finger guns.

“Fuck that-”

“Shut up, dumbass!” Johnny whispered, “You’re gonna blow it!”

[color=00BFFF]”Oh fuck all the way off Gabe,”[/color] Aryin said in an almost hushed tone.  Their bemused expression had fallen from their face.  A dull glow began to emanate from Aryin’s muscles.  [color=00BFFF]”Is your healer any good? Like does your healer have a lot of practice?  Are they good in a pinch,”[/color] Aryin paused as they gripped the railing tighter, [color=00BFFF]”because I’m going rip your jaw from your face and I want you to apologize after I’m done.”[/color]

Britney immediately ran as fast as - then tripped and fell flat on her face, then climbed back up - she physically could. Where? She put herself between the rich clique and Linqian and the others. She threw her hands up, awkwardly looking to the left and right. [color=f4eb93]”[i][b]HEY![/b][/i] Chill the fuck out!”[/color] Britney shouted. [color=f4eb93]”Ignore these assholes! We got bigger fish to fry!”[/color] She turned towards Linqian and Aryin.

[color=f4eb93]”... [i]Please, don’t let them control you![/i]”[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”Oh shit,”[/color] Henri whispered, physically flinching at the brother comment. 

Linqian was not going to chill the fuck out. Her hands and arms started to glow, physically melting through the railing so she could direct the most direct fucking route down. The moment Gabe mentioned Jinhai, it was over. [color=CD5C5C]”My brother is fucking [I]dead[/i], you fucking bitch. Just because even your fucking family doesn't give a fuck about you- keep him out of your fucking mouth.”[/color]

She moved to try and get around Britney, managing to keep the metal burning heat to just her arms and away from her friend. [color=CD5C5C]”Move the fuck away, Brit, I'm not fucking ignoring this shit. Not when she's fucking shit talking my [I][b]dead brother[/b][/I].”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Look, Linqian! She’s a just miserable nobody!”[/color] Britney got in Linqian’s way again and blocked her view of game. [color=f4eb93]”She [i]wants[/i] you to get mad and beat the beat the shit out her! She wants to feel like she [i]controls[/i] you.”[/color]

“... Oh lord!” Johnny said, facepalming. He stuck his hand out, and in the blink of an eye, a Thompson submachine gun appeared in his hand. He aimed it at Linqian. “... And you’re going to join that ninja on the other side if you take so much as [i]one[/i] more step, ya’ dumb [i]bitch[/i].” 

He grinned ear to ear as he said, “I’ll riddle you, your giant ass friend, and [i]everyone[/i] behind you with holes. [i]Try me, [b]bitch.[/b][/i]” He laughed.

“Oh my word!” Mika shouted as she took cover, then turned towards the rest of the group. “Get her the hell out of here! Can’t we go anywhere without something crazy happening!?”

They were physically pulling Gabe out.

“Hey! Hey! [i]Hey![/i]” Isaac shouted as he ran over without a hint of fear. “... Not in here!” He pointed at the door.

“Tell the bitch to back the fuck off, and I’ll walk away,” Johnny replied to Isaac.

Britney froze, staring at the gun.

Linqian didn't move, but she also didn't back down. There wasn't a hint of fear in her gaze, because in that moment of intense angry, and the everpresent grief, she truly did not give a fuck if she died. She just stared down Johnny, before only her eyes moved over to Gabe. [color=CD5C5C]”You need you’re fucking big brother to defend you now? Looks like you've turned into a fucking coward- we'd take it outside if she wasn't such a fucking pussy.”[/color]

As Linqian spoke, a bunch of the lights in the back suddenly went out, before eventually flickering back to life.

[color=00BFFF]”Run away Gabe.  It’s all you’re ever good at,”[/color] Aryin said as they put the cigar back in their mouth as they eyed up the gun.  Guns beat magic, her magic beats guns, but she did not know if her spell beats magic guns.

“Use… Your eyes dumbass!” Gabe said as the group damn near yanked her out the room. “... How about you losers come outside then!”

“Please,” Johnny rolled his eyes, “Play these childish games with ya’ homegirl Emily G. Reed. Not us.”

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh I’ll fucking come outside, if your asshole brother won’t shoot me the moment I fucking move!”[/color] Linqian shouted after Gabe, before looking back at Johnny. [color=CD5C5C]”The fuck you keep bringing up that bitch? I’m just paying back a fucking debt!”[/color]

Her temperature continued to rise, spreading up her hands and arms and threatening to burn off the dress she was wearing. 

“Because she’s a retard who calls herself a witch, [i]you’re[/i] a retard who calls herself a witch,” Johnny laughed. “You’re all basically the same person!”

[color=00BFFF]”Do not compare us to that transphobic cunt,”[/color] Aryin said as she pointed a finger towards Johnny, [color=00BFFF]”I never thought I’d be happy that she won a fight but I’m kinda glad they kicked your sorry asses.”[/color] Aryin kept the finger pointed towards Johnny as they considered swapping forms.  They channeled their magic into their hand.

[color=CD5C5C]”Fuck off you fucking mafia imitating psycho,”[/color] Linqian suddenly dropped to the ground, slamming a hand into it. Their arm turned into a vine, which spread across towards Johnny… except the vines immediately set on fire.

[color=f4eb93]”Wait, Linqian-”[/color] Britney tried to say.

“Well, it’s your funeral!” Johnny shouted before he pulled the trigger and the Thompson sprayed everything in front of him. Even though he was shooting an actual weapon, it didn’t so much as [i]recoil[/i] in Johnny’s hand. Britney screamed as a bullet hit her in the stomach, and another hit her in the shoulder and she fell backwards and hit the ground.

Another bullet hit Isaac in the neck… but he didn’t so much as flinch. Only looked annoyed.

There had been a bit of a familiar itch that drove its way vaguely across the Emotional Fields of the Sycamore members present. Feeling it was like a slimy hug from a person you didn’t want one from. The hunting, prodding pink roots of the Lotus driving headlong through the crowd at their most subtle, each one searching for a break or an entry into the mind of a less-than-defended individual. 

They didn’t make a distinction, latching into the first open mind they found. Sage. Two power words: Rush, and Push. The undefended person would feel themself surge forward almost outside of their own power, rushing toward Johnny’s position to shove him hard, hoping to stop the gunfire.
Behind them, Greyson was sprinting too, a fork in his hand as he made way for an unsuspecting nearby target.

Linqian had curled inwards, protecting her head as multiple bullets hit her. Her shoulder, her side, her legs brought up to protect her stomach. Another hit the right side of her chest. It hurt like hell and she doubled over in agony as her temperature shot up to as hot as she could get, her dress completely burning away. The blood spilling from the wounds started to congeal and the bullets were shoved out as her survival instinct kicked in, self heal spell developed enough to [i]start working[/i]. But the pain that came with it was worse than getting shot in the first place, so excruciating she curled up into a ball on the floor, suppressing a scream in her burning hot, bare legs. Bullets shoved out of her skin and clattered to the ground as wounds were agonizingly burned closed.

Her vine arm was still reached out, on fire, still trying to grasp Johnny. 

[color=ffe63b]”Jie- Britney!”[/color] Henri shouted, appearing in a burst of light absorbed speed. He went to Britney first, kneeling beside her panickedly. [color=ffe63b]”I’ve- I’ve got you!”[/color] A bright light emanated from his hands as he started to heal her… thank fuck he trained loads after what happened yesterday!

Aryin moved at a supernatural speed once the vine shot out, knowing that her friends were in actual danger.  She was too slow to stop the first of the bullets but soon enough Britney and Linqian would find a wall stood in between them and the bullets.  Flattened bullets clanged to the ground after they collided with her back, each hit drawing a momentary gasp of pain.

“What the fuck?!” Johnny shouted as Sage tackled him to the ground, the rich clique had all but entirely yanked Gabe out the room. The bullets stopped.

“... It’s Greyson!” Lin shouted, arms around Gabe’s arm. “He’s controlling them.”

Aryin chuckled at the revelation by Lin.  [color=00BFFF]“Our coven's little devil strikes again.”[/color] 


A poker card flew out of Johnny’s sleeve off to the side, and in an instant he and the poker card switched places. Instead of spraying the Coven with more bullets, he turned towards Sage as they got up and nailed them with the bullstock of his Tommygun. Sage hit the ground followed by a sickening crack of their nose.

“Johnny!” Jake shouted.

“Jake! Behind you!” Lin shouted, and Jake whipped around to see Greyson coming at him with a… fork? He grabbed the hand coming at him with both hands and was tackled to the ground.

“... Why the fuck are you coming at me?!” Jake shouted. “We’re trying to leave!”

“Slyvia! Make a portal!” Johnny commanded as he backstepped towards his people, holding the Tommygun with both hands. Mika quickly got from behind the counter and ran towards Johnny. 

“Aye, aye, boss!” Sylvia let go of Gabe’s waist as she pulled out the guitar, and then swiped her hands on the guitar string and played a sick note. Behind her a shimmering portal made out of various music notes appeared out of thin air. However, Sylvia grinned as she looked at Edict.

“Don’t blink, papi!” Sylvia said as she threw her guitar at Edict.

Of course it’d be a battle of unconventional melee weapons. He’d long ago numbed himself, taking the impact of the guitar causing his body to twist itself slightly as the force pushed him around. But the legs didn’t stop moving, and he screamed like an animal as he surged forward to throw his body on top of Jake. The fork raised, and came down wildly. 

The guitar flew back into Sylvia’s hands. 

Lin screamed. Jake screamed.

The fork went right into Jake’s throat as he coughed up blood.

“Jake!” Lin screamed.

“Oh, fuck this!” Gabe fought herself free, then pointed an open hand at Edict and shot a laser beam directly at him. 

With the chaos Aryin swapped forms and channeled his magic into his hands.  He raised up both fists, one aiming towards Johnny, and one aimed towards Gabe, and with a jab like motion Aaron began to launch Ki Blasts towards the two targets. It flew towards Gabe and hit her in the back and knocked her over. The one that flew towards Johnny? Went directly for his chest.

Mika stuck her hand out in front of him. The ki blast hit her in the hand, and did [i]nothing[/i]. No impact, no flash, nothing. 

However, [i]Aaron[/i] would receive the effects of the ki-blast in [i]his[/i] hand as if it hit [i]him[/i].

With Britney at least stabilised, Henri used the last bit of light he’d absorbed to enhance his speed and put himself between Greyson and the laser beam. He held up his hands, absorbing the majority of the beam into his body. Some of it was sprayed back and hit his shoulders, burning them.

[color=ffe63b]”I’m so sorry about all this!”[/color] Henri shouted, spinning around and shoving Greyson off Jake - because he was going to kill him! He then immediately channeled some of the light he’d absorbed into healing the wound in Jake’s neck.

Aaron cursed at the Ki Blast exploded in his hand, damaging it beyond use.  He swapped forms and looked at the ruined hand before looking at Mika.  [color=00BFFF]“Neat trick.”[/color] 

“... Can you all just [i]stop?![/i]” Sabrina shouted, taking cover on the other side of the platform as her voice cracked. “This is [b][i]stupid![/i][/b] You all have more important things to do!”

[color=ffe63b]”I agree with her!”[/color] Henri shouted as he continued to heal Jake. He removed his hands when the wound on his neck was healed enough to not kill him. 

“The police are definitely on the way!” Sabrina added.

[color=00BFFF]“If he puts the gun away I’ll consider stopping.”[/color] 

“You motherfuckers lit the fuse and you want [i]us[/i] to back off?!” Johnny incredulously said, tilting his head as he stepped back. Mika was by his side. “[i]Suck my dick![/i]”

[color=ffe63b]”No, my [i][b]idiot[/b][/i] sister started it, and she’s on the floor dying, so you’ve done enough, surely?!”[/color] Henri shouted.

[color=CD5C5C]”I’m not dying,”[/color] Linqian groaned in between the slow and excruciating pain of healing herself from multiple bullet wounds by superheating them.

“Tell your people to back off, then!” Johnny shouted at Henri. “Bullets ain’t cheap!!”

Greyson only needed to hear police for his instincts to go from attack to flee. Blurry eyes looked for his group. Still covered in blood, gripping the fork with a death hold, he started to try and corral them.
[color=F5388C]”Come on! Let’s fucking go!”[/color]

Johnny looked over his shoulder and grinned as a poker card flew from his sleeve at Edict… Mid-air, it was coated in electricity, enough to give him one hell of a shock to whoever it touched. “... If going to the fucking hospital is what you mean by ‘let’s fucking go‘, then have at it!” Johnny said, keeping his gun aimed at Aryin.

Getting hit with the heavy stun of electricity, those in radius would be able to feel Greyson’s magic scream across them. For him specifically, with all his numbing spells gone, he felt every bruise and pain he could possibly feel. The shock dumped him to his knees.

“That’s what you get, dickhead!” Sylvia laughed.

“Shut up and just get in the portal!” Lin said, before she turned towards Sage’s unconscious body. She raised a hand and then they were telekinetically soared through the air into the portal. Jake stepped into the portal, aiming a glowing finger at whoever. Sylvia did the same, holding her guitar with both hands.

“Thanks for healing my bro… bro,” Sylvia said to Henri, winking at him. “Til’ next time, papi!” She said before hopping through. Gabe hopped through.

Johnny kept backpedaling as Mika just bolted for the portal and hopped in. Johnny grinned right before he got in.

“Let this be a lesson,” Johnny laughed. “Don’t fuck with the don’!”

He shouted before he hopped backwards and the portal closed.

Sabrina sighed, poking her head out.

“... Is it [i]finally[/i] over?”

[color=ffe63b]”Yup!”[/color] Henri said, running over to Greyson. He started healing him from the electrocution and grimacing. He looked around. [color=ffe63b]”Anyone else need healing?!”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”I got myself,”[/color] Linqian groaned, finally uncurling from her fetal position on the floor. Her temperature cooled down as all of the bullet wounds were completely healed. She was slightly busy from the pain… and naked. Again.

Aryin swapped forms as he unbuttoned his shirt, handing the shirt and jacket out to Linqian.  His muscular chest, and body, neatly glistened in the club lighting.  He held up his damaged hand and sighed

[color=CD5C5C]”Thanks bro,”[/color] Linqian grunted, taking them and pulling them on.

[color=f4eb93]”Could use a little bit of healing here!”[/color] Britney shouted from the floor. [color=f4eb93]”Still losing some of that red stuff…”[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”Got it! You should be good-”[/color] Henri patted Greyson on the shoulder after healing him faster than normal thanks to the laser beam he’d sucked in. He then ran over towards Britney, and also started healing her. The wounds healed, and Britney helped herself to her feet.

She smiled at Henri.

[color=f4eb93]”... You’re so sweet,”[/color] Britney smiled. [color=f4eb93]”I’m sorry you got wrapped up in all this.”[/color]

Meanwhile, Sabrina quickly ran over to Linqian and put her hands on her shoulders, “... I got you!” Then Linqian was surrounded with a very basically black hoodie and sweatpants combo (with some sneakers). 

[color=ffe63b]”Why’re you apologising?! There’s only one person at fault!”[/color] Henri said to Britney, turning around and pointing at Linqian. He was shockingly angry, suddenly. [color=ffe63b]”Why the fuck did you do that?! Are you fucking stupid?!”[/color] 

[color=a22929][i]”我要淹死你 (I’m going to drown you).”[/i][/color] Linqian glared at her brother.

[color=ffe63b]”Don’t pull that shit again!”[/color] Henri narrowed his eyes.

Still gritting his teeth tightly as he stood.
[color=F5388C]”I’m gonna [b]KILL[/b] that fake Gangster Fuck!”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“Enough,”[/color] Aaron said as he looked over the group, [color=8A2BE2]“time and a place, yeah?  There’s a time and a place to discuss what just happened.  It’s not here.  Isaac, I’m sorry that we bright chaos upon you and your night.  I doubt there’s anything I can do to smooth things over but on the off chance there is, please let me know.  But we should leave.”[/color]

Isaac laughed, holding that cigar in his hand.

“... They were right, you know,” He started, “Where ever you all go; chaos sure has a way of following.” He laughed.

[color=8A2BE2]“I’d say you get used to it,”[/color] he paused as he looked at his hand, [color=8A2BE2]“but you don’t.”[/color]

“I [i]would[/i] blacklist you all from my services…” Isaac said, taking a very long and slow puff of his cigar. He stared off into the distance, before his eyes landed on Sabrina. “... Money is money, game is game.”

He shrugged. “We’re just going to be meeting in [i]your[/i] spaces next time we do business.”

Looking down at himself, Greyson found his entire upper body covered in blood.
[color=F5388C]”Oh, Jesus Fuck! We need to fucking [i]go![/i]”[/color] he exclaimed in a panic.

[color=f4eb93]”Yeah, um!”[/color] Britney looked around. [color=f4eb93]”Let’s get the [i][b]FUCK[/b][/i] outta here!”[/color] Britney said as she bolted for the door.

[color=ffe63b]”Agreed! Anyone need a hand, I can carry people!”[/color] Henri said.

As if by coincidence, Linqian had stood up and was starting to sidle towards the exit. Subtly. Or at least, with attempted subtlety. Less so subtle was her attempt to sidle around everyone as if trying to bolt away from them.

As Sabrina ran towards the door, she paused for a moment, and looked back at Isaac.

Isaac grinned.

“... I’ll send you the bill.”


[right][b][code]Sabrina’s House.[/code][/b][/right][hr]

“... Well that escalated quickly.”

Sabrina said with a shrug. The group was back at Sabrina’s house, and she sat on the sofa with a red wine in a clear whiskey glass.

[color=f4eb93]”It… happens,”[/color] Britney laughed.

“It happens a lot with you all,” Sabrina answered, “Never a dull moment.”

[color=f4eb93]”I mean it comes with magic!”[/color] Britney laughed, before she faced the rest of the group. She sat down, placing her hands in her lap. She was freshly showered, and switched to a black romper with a shower cap on. She took in a deep breath, and said,

[color=f4eb93]”... I have a plan,”[/color] Britney started. [color=f4eb93]”I was cooking something up before all hell broke loose.”[/color]

Then Britney turned towards Sabrina.
[color=f4eb93]”First thing’s first; we are [i]not[/i] going to tell anyone from the Coven that the Vanburens are in the Elite,”[/color] Britney started off, [color=f4eb93]”Only because we have some [i]real[/i] trigger happy headcases in there like Amara. I don’t want anyone coming after Sabrina.”[/color]

“Thank you,” Sabrina began. “I mean, Lila seemed nice.”

[color=8A2BE2]“What’s up with Lila, anyway?  I remember the crows but she seems a bit…different than I remember,”[/color] Aaron responded as he looked towards Britney, [color=8A2BE2]“I agree though.  Like Sabrina, you have been nothing but amazing.  I do not want you to have any added danger for helping us.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Agreed,”[/color] Linqian nodded, sitting a bit off from the group… which was easy with the massive sofa. Having had to sit through Henri absolutely getting on her ass for the time others got changed, she was [i]tired[/i]. [color=CD5C5C]”Wouldn’t do shit for us, anyway, the other Vanburen we know is stuck in Leon’s hot mom’s creepy cult- and Sabrina doesn’t deserve shit just cause of her family.”[/color]

“Thank you, it means a lot to me,” Sabrina said.

[color=f4eb93]”You know we look out for each other!”[/color] Britney laughed. [color=f4eb93]”Not everyone in this Coven does, but [i]we[/i] do.”[/color]

Then Britney sighed, [color=f4eb93]”Now, I’m not as concerned about Kari’s Notes as the [i]‘Cult of Kari’[/i] is, but we need to get to the Map of the Drunken Sailor and the Mirror on the Wall.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“The fuck are those?”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Two tracking artifacts, Lynn told me about them,”[/color] Britney said. [color=f4eb93]”Lynn wants to use them to find her boo, but I think we can use them to find Father Wolf and make some [i]actual[/i] headway. The only problem is that Jason has one, and Blake has the other.”[/color]

Britney rolled her eyes. [color=f4eb93]”So, I had the idea… Now, I [i][b]know[/b][/i] for a fact that Jack and Kenshiro are going to basically break their necks to get Kari’s Notes back the second I tell them about the whole situation with the House of Cards. Probably going to end up taking a group there. So, I was thinking that I subtly push the group into going to the island.”[/color]

To accentuate her point, Britney slowly thrusted her palm out. [color=f4eb93]”Because - going off our track record - it will go completely tits up and cause a huge fuss. And that’s where you all come in. You all will use the distraction on Elysium Island to snatch the Map of the Drunken Sailor from the Emperor. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to get the Mirror on the Wall from Elysium Island, but I’d rather we come out with [i]one[/i] thing than coming out emptyhanded.”[/color]
Britney smiled at the group.

[color=f4eb93]”Then, we use them to find Father Wolf, kill his - or her - ass, hand it over to the Cult of Kari so they can find their girl, then go our separate ways”[/color] Britney nodded. [color=f4eb93]”I know it’s shady, but desperate times calls for desperate measures, and I’m just [i]tired[/i] of leaving every meeting empty handed and with more questions than answers.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“And if the snake is somehow involved we gain two powerful artifacts that can once again help us find ways to defeat it,”[/color] Aaron paused as he looked towards Britney, [color=8A2BE2]“I may disagree with them but I’d want to be where the greater risk is.  I’m a protector, first and foremost, and if the island is a bigger threat I’d want to go with the rest there.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”I’ll do whatever and go wherever,”[/color] Linqian shrugged. [color=CD5C5C]”I trust your plan, Brit, don't give a fuck if it's shady. I want to find and kill that fucker more than anything… so I'll go rob a rich fuck rather than going to the island.”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”Oh, that reminds me…”[/color] Britney placed her hand on Greyson’s, and then looked him in the eye as she said, [color=f4eb93]”... I’m going to go with the group to Elysium Island, though.”[/color]

Greyson had simply been listening until it started to sound more and more like he was going to be moving units alongside the Han dynasty. He didn't mind either, his only concern being that he wasn't going to be able to protect Britney.
For a long moment, he held her hand and gripped it tightly, his eyes turning up to look at her. She'd probably seen the patriarchal look of disapproval a thousand times from his toxic ass, but something different happened this time.

There was no argument. There was no fuss or fight. He bent down slightly, brought her hand up to his lips, and kissed it gently.
 [color=F5388C]”I believe in you… We'll be safe with one another again after.”[/color]
His head turned slightly to look at Linqian and Henri.
[color=F5388C]”You two will keep me alive, won't you?”[/color] he grinned.

[color=CD5C5C]”I’ll consider it… what do I get out of it?”[/color] Linqian replied playfully, lips curving up into a smirk as her eyes narrowed almost contentedly. [color=CD5C5C]”I’m normally an aggressor, not a defender, so it ain't free.”[/color]

[color=ffe63b]”Jie wouldn't actually let you die- and I definitely won't, don't worry! Even if you get shot a million times and are lying on the ground bleeding out, or if you're electrocuted and passed out, I'll heal you!”[/color] Henri said rather dramatically, holding a hand against his chest. [color=ffe63b]”Oh, actually- can I get a gun?!”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”… And I trust you’ll handle our white-haired mafioso friend?”[/color] Britney smiled. [color=f4eb93]”I know she jumped up and down about how she wants to be one of us… but I want to see her keep that same energy when her pockets get threatened.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“For that reason I’d want you guys to get one more person.  Someone level headed, and able to assist if shit hits the fan,”[/color] Aaron added while looking at Linqian before swapping, [color=00BFFF]”I know you think you can handle business you bitch but you’re so fucking dumb,”[/color] Aryin paused as they swapped back, [color=8A2BE2]“I just don’t want you guys to get blindsided by something that ends up being too much.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”You’re fucking dumber,”[/color] Linqian retorted, rolling her eyes.

Sabrina waved her hands, then pointed both of her thumbs at herself.

“… I can get you all into the Emperor,” Sabrina shrugged, grasping her cup. “Maybe Elysium Island but I would rather step foot on that island.”

Greyson thought for a good moment about Luna. A good, long moment. He remembered being [i]children[/i]. Not teens, not adolescents… Memories of being tiny, chasing one another along the pier while the adults held court inside the abandoned buildings along the harbor’s edge. Memories that would’ve been ancient history for anyone else was an easily accessible picture show to the master of Pink Lux. And each little bit of it was filled with a childish love of freedom. A different time.

[color=F5388C]”Right… Handle her. Sure.”[/color] he nodded slowly, thumb rubbing across Britney’s hand a moment longer.
[color=F5388C]”I guess I’ll make that phone call…”[/color] his throat cleared, and he stood up before pointing at Henri.
[color=F5388C]”And as for a fucking gun, don’t hold your breath. If you want a gun, we’re spending the next sixteen hours inside my head going over firing drills, ‘cuz I’m not letting you shoot me in the back… Fuckin’ cowboy… And don’t think I don’t remember you healed that prick at the club either. We’re gonna talk about that-”[/color]

Greyson’s face immediately turned to Linqian, sternly but not aggressively staring.
[color=F5388C]”-respectfully. Later. So that I can explain why I think that could’ve been a poor judgement call… Without any sort of malice or anger. Obviously.”[/color] 
Then he spun and started down the hall toward the same room he’d used the night of the Halloween festival.

[color=f4eb93]”I’m not saying you kill her or something!”[/color] Britney waved her hands in front of her as she forced a smile. [color=f4eb93]”I’m just saying make sure that she doesn’t, like, run off to her bosses.”[/color]


[color=CD5C5C]”I don't know why he thinks I'm gonna rip his fucking head off over every little thing,”[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes at Greyson's back as if he wasn't still in earshot. 

[color=ffe63b]”To be fair, Jie, you did try to last night,”[/color] Henri commented. He was still perfectly chill, not seeming bothered at all by the finger pointing or promised lecture later. After all, he'd been basically raised by Linqian and Jinhai, he was used to stern talking tos with varying degrees of anger in them. 
[color=ffe63b]”We can talk about that and the gun anytime later!”[/color] Henri called after Greyson.

Greyson’s thumping footsteps brought him back into the living room, torso peering around the corner of the wall.
[color=F5388C]”And y’all should decide who's gonna represent us at the Coven meetings from now on. It ain’t gonna be all of us so pick one: I’ll leave my vote with Brit unless y’all don’t conclude before I get back.”[/color]
Then he was gone again.

[color=CD5C5C]”It’s pretty obvious who, ain't it,”[/color] Linqian raised an eyebrow at Greyson's back, before looking between Britney and Aaron. [color=CD5C5C]”Should be you, Brit… Honestly I think it should be both of you. One person doesn't feel safe, and you guys got the balance. You're smart, Aaron is well liked. Nobody will fucking listen to me, and everyone sees Greyson as a sleezebag.”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”... I mean, some of them don’t see me as any better,”[/color] Britney laughed. [color=f4eb93]”But, I get what you’re saying… We can be the dynamic duo, me and you.”[/color] She smiled at Aaron.

[color=f4eb93]”Maybe we can start by nudging Auri to start a meeting.”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“The dynamic duo.  I’ll keep you safe, don't worry.  We should call her tonight. This feels like an urgent need, do you think we can get everyone together again in the next couple days?”[/color] 

[color=f4eb93]”... They’re gonna decipher the notes [i]tomorrow[/i],”[/color] Britney looked at Aaron, laughing. [color=f4eb93]”We gotta get the lead out, especially if those notes are as important as some of them act like!”[/color] She laughed, before she pulled out her phone and sent out a few texts to Auri.

A few moments later, her phone buzzed, and Britney looked down at her phone.

[color=f4eb93]”Auri’s at her flower shop with Be and Todd,”[/color] Britney rolled her eyes. [color=f4eb93]”Want to ride with me over there?”[/color]

[color=8A2BE2]“I’m ready to go when you are,”[/color] Aaron paused as they swapped forms, [color=00BFFF]”I got your back.”[/color]

Britney got up and pulled her keys out of her purse, before smiling at Greyson and Linqian. [color=f4eb93]”We’ll be right back, don’t have too much fun without us!”[/color] She jingled her keys at the group as she walked out with Aryin in tow.

[right][b][code]Flowers and Canvases.[/code][/b][/right][hr][center][hider=Don’t Look Behind - Black Lagoon Ost][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvgxhZje50g[/youtube][/hider][/center][hr]

It was late at night, so Auri’s Flower Shop was closed, but she typically used it as a social spot. Britney wasn’t excited to see Be again, but this is what it takes to get to the bottom of this Father Wolf nonsense. Britney’s GMC Yukon parked out front, and the door was somewhat ajar, though, as she approached, there was something wrong. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she swallowed it, as she slowly pushed the door open.

What she saw confirmed all of her feelings.

Britney’s jaw dropped.

It was worse than she imagined.

Blood was everywhere.

Be, Todd, and [i]Auri[/i] stabbed to death on the floor, with a wolf statue carved from Sycamore neatly placed next to them.

[color=f4eb93]”... [i]You gotta be fucking [b]kidding[/b] me.[/i]”[/color]

 [color=00BFFF]”Jesus, fucking [b][i]CHRIST,[/i][/b]”[/color] Aryin shouted as she followed Britney in.  Aryin’s first thought was being in groups was not as safe as she thought.   [color=00BFFF]” Britney, what do we do?”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”I dont-I don’t know!”[/color] Britney grabbed both sides of her head and paced back and forth.

[color=00BFFF]”No, no, no, please no, Auri, Bo, Todd, please no please not you,””[/color] Aryin responded as she pressed her back into a wall and slid down it.

[color=f4eb93]”Keep it. Together,”[/color] Britney sighed, as she pulled out her phone. [color=f4eb93]”I’m going to call the police.”[/color]

[color=00BFFF]”Okay,”[/color] Aryin paused as they took a really, long, deep breath in before she took a really, long, exhale out.  Aryin looked at Britney and nodded her head.  She needed to be composed, she needed to be together, and she needed to be ready for questions that she did not have answers for when the police arrived.  [color=00BFFF]”We were so close.  Thank you for getting everyone back together, Auri.”[/color] 

[color=f4eb93]”… You know what it means right?”[/color] Britney asked.

[color=00BFFF]”That there may be more of us murdered by father wolf than those who are still alive?”[/color]

[color=f4eb93]”He’s raising the stakes, he’s no longer just going after people by themselves.,”[/color]

[color=00BFFF]”Do we need to all live together?  Like this…this takes our strategy for staying alive and fucking throws it in the mother fucking trash,”[/color] Aryin’s voice raised before she sighed.

[color=f4eb93]”… But maybe this might work out for us,”[/color] Britney began, [color=f4eb93]”Maybe he’s finally getting sloppy.”[/color]

[color=00BFFF]”We need those artifacts.  If he’s getting sloppy…. We’re going to kill them”[/color]