[hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/QIUSezo.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/ycOCuCr.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/6D400qM.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/O6LA4nR.png[/img][/center] [right][code]The Coffee House[/code][/right][hr] There was a lot to do when it came to starting a new coven, and very little time to do it. At least, Luca wanted to get everything sorted as quickly as possible. For the safety of the 8th Street Members, and his own peace of mind… Of course, after they’d formed there would be loads more to do. Alliances, inviting some of Sycamore, informing the rest of Sycamore, making sure certain friends of his didn’t get too upset… But that was a worry for then. For now, Luca had organised to meet up with Miranda and Jacqueline - along with any 8th Street Members they thought should come along. He’d left that to their discretion. He’d also invited Adora, because they were doing this [i]together[/i]. Hopefully they could find a new lair today… and maybe even form the coven itself. He’d chosen a rundown cafe out of the centre of town to meet - with its outdoor seating and general quietness, it was perfect for him without having to meet in a park [i]again[/i]. The tables were plastic and uncomfortable, but it saved them from the constant rotting. Even with all his layers it was always affecting everything around him. Another thing to think about if he chose to move in with everyone in this coven… but again, not for today. For now, he just waited. It wasn’t a long wait, before Jacqueline, Miranda, and Greta walked up… Jacqueline was wearing green cargo pants and a white t-shirt, while Miranda was wearing a green dress, while Greta was wearing a somewhat ill-fitting grey hoodie and sweatpant combo that rode up and down if she moved her body in a certain way. “Hi, Luca!” Miranda said as she had a seat. “I’m glad you’re doing well.” “Yeah, how are you?” Jacqueline said, sitting next to Miranda, but Greta didn’t sit. “Where is Appie?” Greta asked, sliding her hands into her pockets. [color=6B8E23]”Hey Miranda, Jacqueline, Greta,”[/color] Luca nodded to each in turn with a bright smile. [color=6B8E23]”I’m alright! And Adora’s on her way, she just had… some other stuff to do first. She didn’t specify.”[/color] “Well, we gave her a time,” Greta shrugged as she sat down. “The floor is yours…” Greta glanced at Miranda, who sighed. “So, to get to the chase, while Vashti and Emily were out, we talked to everyone…” Miranda awkwardly said, her voice cracking at the end. “Alright, the good news is that Brianna, Lee, Phoebe, Maya, Amy, Violet, and Pink have agreed to leave Emily and come with us.” Jacqueline cut right to the chase, and as she spoke, she gestured all the way. “Bad news… everyone else said no.” Miranda sighed, “Aaron and Nadine want to keep getting paid… and since we’re no longer going to terrorize the city, I don’t know how we’ll keep the money flowing.” Miranda laughed at the end. “I suggested selling my potions, but…” Greta butted in. “... We all know that’s just going to stroke the fires of this city.” “And that’s too much work to keep two scumbags, so we’re minus a heavy hitter [i]and[/i] our intelligence guy,” Jacqueline sighed. “Honestly, we haven’t tried talking to Carol or Cynthia about this yet… They’re going to be a tough sell.” “I don’t want to leave Cynthia to get killed,” Miranda said. “Well,“ Greta began. “If you let Cynthia eat all the children she wants...” Then she shrugged. “No, Greta!” “Jesus Christ, Greta!” Jacqueline said in shock. “There’s going to be an amber alert every other night!” “... You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.” Luca’s lips pulled into a thin line as he thought about it. It was a good list overall… But it still left them in a precarious position. If Cynthia stayed too that meant Emily still had most of the heavy hitters - Nadine, George, Cynthia… Though Luca was glad George wasn’t coming. He wouldn’t be able to accept that. [color=6B8E23]”For Carol… I can try talking to her. Britney victim to Britney victim, y’know?”[/color] Luca laughed awkwardly. [color=6B8E23]”I might be able to convince her, but it’ll be hard, since she really wants to kill Britney as much as she wants cured…”[/color] “... You might not be able to,” Greta voiced out that reality. As for Cynthia… [color=6B8E23]”I might have a solution that solves the one less heavy hitter problem, and Cynthia. Maybe… Miranda, Jacqueline, you remember the kid who gatecrashed us last time? Clancy? He’s not a kid at all, he’s older than us… and he’s strong. I doubt he’d actually [i]join[/i] but he’d definitely help. Like Cynthia, he needs to eat… people. But he targets [i]bad[/i] people. Maybe Cynthia could tag along with him? Then she gets fresh food, rather than just eating parts of you, Miranda. And you don’t have to deal with that anymore…”[/color] Greta raised an eyebrow as Miranda awkwardly laughed. “Oh…” Miranda looked off to the side. “... [i]That kid,[/i]” “I mean, he did seem serial-killer-y,” Jacqueline laughed, except genuine. “Well, she’ll have a buffet of bastards to chow down on, then we can easily sway her,” Greta said with a roll of her eyes. “That [i]is[/i] what she wants, right? To eat people. She doesn’t care about the ‘Pack’ or whatever. Just to eat as many people as her heart desires.” Greta sinisterly laughed. “... That’s why she was having such a ball when we were fighting the Nazi Cosplayers.” “I don’t know…” Miranda shrugged. “From what I saw about the kid, I got some nasty vibes from him; what’s stopping him from hurting Cynthia? Or [i]any[/i] of us?.” [color=6B8E23]”Because he’ll leave as soon as there’s a risk of him hurting us,”[/color] Luca replied honestly. [color=6B8E23]”I understand being worried about it… but he’s as likely to hurt you as I am. It’s a similar situation. If the Rot takes over, I could kill you all.”[/color] Luca rubbed the back of his neck. [color=6B8E23]”Plus, he’s been staying at my place since Monday, and he’s yet to hurt any of us. I’m not really appealing in that way, but Jasper, Lynn and Lila are staying over too - they’re not literally rotting. He hasn’t made a move on any of them.”[/color] “... Just because he doesn’t hurt you all doesn’t mean he won’t hurt us,” Greta said to Luca, not even turning in his direction. “You said some people in Sycamore want us all dead, yes?” [color=6B8E23]”He won’t, trust me,”[/color] Luca shook his head. He understood the scepticism… And that Greta probably assumed it was just his positivity coming through. But at the end of the day, Luca was actually a realist. An optimistic one, but a realist all the same. [color=6B8E23]”As for Sycamore… yeah. But most want Emily and Vashti, and can separate them from you all. Some… can’t. One mainly.”[/color] Luca looked directly at Greta, even though she didn’t look at him. [color=6B8E23]”Ken. He wants you all dead, and is in denial about me ever being a part of 8th. When everything’s sorted, I want to talk to him about it. He might budge. But if he doesn’t… if [i]anyone[/i] else from Sycamore wants you all dead? They’ll have to get through me first.”[/color] There was steely determination in his dark eyes. Ken was his friend, but if he wasn’t going to hurt so many people Luca deeply cared for. “Well, killing all of us won’t change anything,” Greta shrugged. “Then again, he always seemed like the dumb one.” “That’s sweet, Luca, but…” Miranda sighed. “... We can’t ask you to do all of that for us.” The three went silent. “While we tried our best to keep Emily and Vashti in line, we [i]did[/i] help them terrorize the city for years. We’re just as complacent in that as Emily.” “I would like not to die, though,” Greta snorted, steepling her fingers. Luca smiled at Miranda. [color=6B8E23]”I’d be doing it because I want to. You don’t deserve to die and there’s plenty in Sycamore who did just as bad. I want to protect you all.”[/color] And what did he have to lose, apart from the people he loved? His own life was worthless. Every day was a bonus. It was so easy to sacrifice yourself when your death was so close anyway… [color=6B8E23]”Hopefully it won’t come to that! After we sort everything out, get a lair and move everyone, I plan to talk to the other people who I think will support it. I think they’ll join too… Then, I’ll talk to the problems. Then, the whole coven.”[/color] Before Jacqueline, Miranda, or Greta could respond, Adora walked up… Wearing a red hooded tracksuit with a black facemask and sneakers. She kept her hands in her pockets. [color=fd8a6c]”Sorry I’m late, got caught up in traffic,”[/color] Adora laughed, [color=fd8a6c]”You know how it is.”[/color] “Ah, Appie, we’ve been expecting you,” Greta said, before she pulled a cheap plastic chair out for Adora. ”Here, have a seat, we have much to discuss.” Adora sat down next to Greta and red flashed over her face before she turned away. [color=fd8a6c]”Guess we do,”[/color] Adora shrugged, before she turned to Jacqueline and Miranda. [color=fd8a6c]”You two are… Emily’s sisters?”[/color] “Yes, I’m Miranda, she’s Jacqueline,” Miranda chipperly answered, before she extended a hand. “It's great to meet you!” Adora shook it, forcing the biggest smile she could. [color=fd8a6c]”[i]Adora Phoenix-Prescott,[/i]”[/color] Adora introduced herself. [color=fd8a6c]”I’m glad to meet you.”[/color] There was an awkward pause. [color=fd8a6c]”... Where were we?”[/color] “Oh, nothing,“ Greta gave Adora a catty smile, “Just not getting wiped out by Sycamore. Nothing important.” [color=fd8a6c]”Look, that’s going to be [i]easy,[/i]”[/color] Adora said, and everyone looked at her, [color=fd8a6c]”Sycamore can’t focus on shit unless it's [i]literally[/i] right in front of ‘im. So all you have to do is just keep your heads down and let them forget about ya’ll. [i]Easy.[/i]”[/color] Adora finished her speech with a shrug. [color=fd8a6c]”If they were [i]really[/i] serious about it, they would have done it by now.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Adora’s right,”[/color] Luca said with a light laugh. [color=6B8E23]”Sycamore’s a mess. Their focus has already shifted from 8th to the people who currently have Kari's notes. So if we just… exist, they'll ignore us.”[/color] He then gestured to himself and Adora. [color=6B8E23]”We’ll still be going to Sycamore meetings anyway. I’m still going to help find Father Wolf… so hopefully they won't see it as a betrayal or anything.”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”I mean,”[/color] Adora said with a shrug. [color=fd8a6c]”They don’t have to know, [i]right?[/i] We ain’t gon’ screech it from the heavens.”[/color] “We will try and help you as best we can,” Jacqueline nodded. “But, if we’re keeping our heads down, there’s not much I can do.” “I can give you some of my potions,” Greta shrugged. “Though, we really should be saving them.” [color=fd8a6c]”No need,”[/color] Adora said. [color=fd8a6c]”Sycamore can handle Sycamore problems, right Luca?”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Right,”[/color] Luca nodded. [color=6B8E23]”You guys don’t worry about it! Me and Adora can handle it.”[/color] Along with Jasper, Lila and Lynn if they agreed to join when Luca talked to them… because he trusted them. [color=6B8E23]”So we have a plan for Sycamore, a sort of plan for Cynthia and Carol… What's next? Looking for a new lair? Miranda said yesterday you’d already looked at property a bit, right, Jacqueline?”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”At some point, we should decide on what our [i]goal[/i] should be,”[/color] Adora softly added with a nod of her head. [color=fd8a6c]”But, that’s just [i]my[/i] thoughts.”[/color] “I checked out a few spots in the outskirts of town,” Jacqueline nodded her head. “They’re nothing fancy, but should be able to accommodate everyone and their needs… the issue we’ve been having is [i]paying[/i] for it.” She rested her face in her hands. “We could swipe some money from Emily before we go…” Miranda suggested before she sighed. “... But given how she [i]got[/i] that money, it wouldn’t be right.” “You could use the book to sell secrets to Isaac Kane,” Greta said with a shrug. “Oh? [i]That[/i] shady bastard?” Jacqueline said. [color=fd8a6c]”Heh,”[/color] Adora couldn’t help but morbidly laugh. [color=fd8a6c]”That’s the price of doing good, right?”[/color] Everyone looked at her. [color=fd8a6c]”It’s all about doing things [i]the hard way.[/i]”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”What’re you suggesting, Adora?”[/color] Luca looked over at her, tilting his head. [color=6B8E23]”I’ve got a good amount of money just lying around, since I don't really… buy things and my rents dirt cheap- but I don't think it'll be enough. We'll still need a bit more… the hard way. Do you just mean, like, working?”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”What I [i]mean[/i] by [i]‘doing things the hard way’[/i] isn’t a shortcut like a shady deal or robbing some motherfucker,”[/color] Adora leaned back in her chair, and rolled her eyes. [color=fd8a6c]”From what I heard, 8th St has been running buckwild for years now. Stealing artifacts, terrorizing the city, selling shit to [i]sex pests?[/i]”[/color] Adora paused as Jacqueline and Miranda looked uncomfortable. [color=fd8a6c]”That’s just doing things the [i]easy way[/i]. The hard way - [i]the right way[/i] - is bettering yourself, stopping relying on stealing, and terrorizing poor innocent people. That’s what I’m talking about. Changing for good. ”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Adora’s right,”[/color] Luca nodded, looking at Jacqueline and Miranda with a smile. [color=6B8E23]”I know you can all do it- we’ll do it. You’re all good at heart, really. This is the fresh start. We’ll do things right as a coven. Help people, maybe.”[/color] He then rubbed the back of his neck. [color=6B8E23]”That doesn’t really help with the money problem, though. Maybe I can take out some loans… wouldn’t need much with what I already have. Then, if I live long enough for it to matter, you guys can slowly pay some of it back as your share of the house.”[/color] “I mean… I don’t think we can ask you to do all that for us,” Jacqueline said. “Yeah, we can figure something out,” Miranda nodded. But, Adora just rolled her eyes. [color=fd8a6c]”Look, sweetheart, I know we just met like two minutes ago,”[/color] Adora began, crossing her arms. [color=fd8a6c]”But, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. If we keep up like this, we’re going to be sitting here all day - and my ass is getting sore from this chair - sooooo...”[/color] “So…?” Miranda said as she tilted her head, then Jacqueline tilted her head. Adora uncrossed her arms and put her fist to her chin. [color=fd8a6c]”... Just make up your minds already. [i]Shit.[/i]”[/color] She rolled her eyes. [color=6B8E23]”Again, Adora’s right. And I’m [i]really[/i] fine with that. I’m going to be part of the coven too, remember? You’re second in command. And if you really want you can pay it all back eventually.”[/color] Not that Luca expected to live that long. [color=6B8E23]”If you don’t have a better suggestion, just accept it.”[/color] “I just don’t want to run us into debt,” Miranda awkwardly laugh. “And I don’t want to run Luca into debt.” [color=fd8a6c]”And I understand that,”[/color] Adora shrugged. [color=fd8a6c]”But, again, you have to make these sacrifices now that you’re no longer making easy money.”[/color] She finished that statement with a roll of her eyes. [color=fd8a6c]”... And right now the only thing you’re [i]sacrificing[/i] is our time,”[/color] “Fine,” Miranda said, turning to Luca, “Let’s do it. We’ll pay you back, I promise.” “... And stop acting like you’re definitely going to die, dork,” Greta then rolled [i]her[/i] eyes. “My schedule has cleared up, so now I have more time to work on something to help you [i]but[/i] the magnum opus I told you about has to take priority.” [color=fd8a6c]”You know you never told us the fuck it was,”[/color] Adora raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry about it,” [color=6B8E23]”I trust you, Greta, so prioritise what you have to,”[/color] Luca nodded. Greta was right that he had to stop acting like he was definitely going to die - even though he’d accepted it, that didn’t mean he should just sit around and let it happen. [color=6B8E23]”And with you and Adora on the case, I’m sure I’ll be fixed in no time!”[/color] He then turned back to Miranda and Jacqueline. [color=6B8E23]”Alright, so now that we’ve agreed, what were the houses you found?”[/color] Jacqueline cleared her throat, catching everyone's attention. “I found a place that might work. It’s not fancy, but it's cheap.” [color=fd8a6c]”Define [i]cheap.[/i]”[/color] Adora raised an eyebrow. Jacqueline shrugged, “Well, it’s on the edge of town. Kind of... abandoned. But it’s not falling apart - just needs some love.” She twirled a strand of hair around her fingers. “It’s an old Victorian-style house. It's pretty big, too, so we’d have space for all of us. And it’s got a basement that could be perfect for, you know... [i]Coven-stuff[/i].” [color=fd8a6c]”... Please tell me you’re not planning on sacrificing goats to Satan or something,”[/color] Adora rolled her eyes up into her head. “Oh, no, not at all,” Jacqueline said. “Well, I claim the basement so you’ll have to do Coven stuff [i]outside[/i],” Greta pushed her glasses up her nose. “I need the space for my lab.” [color=fd8a6c]”Why is it so cheap? [i]That’s[/i] a red flag.”[/color] Adora nodded her head. “Well... there are rumors. People say it’s haunted, cursed, or whatever,” Jacqueline shrugged again. “That’s probably why it’s been empty for so long. But nothing we can’t handle, right? I mean, we deal with way worse regularly.” [color=6B8E23]”Oh yeah, some of us have ghosts in our heads,”[/color] Luca half laughed. [color=6B8E23]”It’s probably an apparition, right? We can seal it and be done with it… and the rumours help too. It'll keep other people away from us.”[/color] He nodded. They had enough strong abstractions in the group - even if some of the group coming with them was a bit… dysfunctional. [color=6B8E23]”It sounds perfect for what we want, and I bet the owners will want rid of it so we can get it quickly. Then the next problem is… moving everyone over without a confrontation with Emily and Vashti.”[/color] “I mean…” Jacqueline said, “With Brianna at our disposal, we can open a portal overnight or while those two are out and then just dip.” “The issue will be moving my lab,” Greta said, “I’m not going [i]anywhere[/i] without my materials.” She narrowed her eyes. [color=6B8E23]”Right… how hard will that be? Is it just a case of needing more hands for manual labour, or… the materials are dangerous?”[/color] Luca asked. He couldn't exactly help either way… he'd need to stay away from the materials, really. “Well, [i]’my materials’[/i] in this context is [i]all[/i] of the potions I created and everything I use to make them,” Greta began, and as she leaned forward, she steepled her fingers. [color=fd8a6c]”So, they are hazardous in regards to the explosive potions, the acidic potions, the smoke-creating potions, and… the [i]Magnum Opus.[/i]”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”The fuck are you cooking?”[/color] Adora asked, tilting her head. “Don’t worry about it,” Greta said, “The Magnum Opus [i]is[/i] the most dangerous, but long as we are careful while-” Greta was cut off by an explosion in the distance, a mushroom cloud of green smoke, and a flash of light. Everyone turned their head towards it and could see two people getting launched into the upper stratosphere. Greta just sighed. “... the Magnum Opus no longer needs to be transported,” Greta shrugged. “Maybe as those two plummet to their deaths, they will learn to follow instructions in the next life.” She nonchalantly rolled her eyes. [color=fd8a6c]”We don’t have to move everything in one sitting, you know,”[/color] Adora shrugged. [color=fd8a6c]”Just move shit piece by piece to the new lair, I can help.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”... you’re talking about Maya and Phoebe, aren’t you?”[/color] Luca said quietly, still looking at the mushroom cloud. They’d… probably be fine, knowing them. [color=6B8E23]”Adora’s right, we can do it bit by bit - can it go through Brianna’s portal? It wouldn’t take long, then, if everyone helps… except me, I shouldn’t touch any of it- I can maybe get more help too? I wanted to… talk to Jasper, Lynn and Lila about this sometime. I think they’ll come with me, and both Jasper and Lila would bring some extra muscle.”[/color] “It went through Brianna’s portal just fine every other time,” Greta noted with a shrug. [color=fd8a6c]”I can also see if Stormy can help,”[/color] Adora shrugged. [color=fd8a6c]”He seems cool and can help if things go south.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”If Stormy comes along I can help too,”[/color] Luca flexed his arms - though even with his baggy clothes it was obvious there was no muscle there. [color=6B8E23]”Assuming you three are alright with that? I- we- trust those four, but I wouldn’t be sharing it with or inviting along anyone else.”[/color] “... Long as none of them swipes any of my potions,” Greta snorted. “Look, beggars can’t be choosers,” Jacqueline shrugged. “If they’re willing to give us another chance to make things right, then I don’t see why not.” [color=6B8E23]”They definitely won’t swipe them, Greta,”[/color] Luca laughed. [color=6B8E23]”If you’re sure, I can talk to those three tonight! Adora can handle Stormy…”[/color] He smiled. That was another weight off his shoulders if he could actually talk to them about it. He didn’t like keeping secrets, especially not from his closest friends. [color=6B8E23]”So, moving’s sorted… sort of. Honestly, this is all working out faster than I expected, so long as we can get that house easily. Next… we need a name.”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”The Baddies,”[/color] Adora suggested. “Labrat Coven,” Greta suggested. “... What’s the name of this place?” Miranda asked, looking up at the sign. “The Coffee House Coven,” [color=6B8E23]”I should’ve picked a better location,”[/color] Luca laughed. [color=6B8E23]”The Coffee Labrat Baddies? No, that’s awful… uhh… What about something like the Lotus Flower Coven, or just Lotus Coven? It’s a flower that represents new beginnings in a way.”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”... Subtitle: [i]The Baddies.[/i]”[/color] Adora added. “I like Lotus Flower Coven,” Miranda smiled at Luca. “Is everyone in agreement?” “Aye,” Jacqueline said. [color=fd8a6c]”Sure,”[/color] Adora shrugged, “That means we have to form our pact on a lotus flower then,” Greta noted. [color=6B8E23]”... I’m sure it’s easy to buy some. We even know a flower shop owner,”[/color] Luca looked over at Adora with a smile. [color=6B8E23]”Will the pact still be valid if we destroy the flower in the process?”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”I feel like that’s a bad omen, bruh,”[/color] Adora flatly said. “Eh, I doubt it’ll make much difference,” Greta said. [color=6B8E23]”It’s not like I can control it!”[/color] Luca held up his hands. [color=6B8E23]”But… this is good. I like it. Lotus Flower Coven, a new beginning. It’s exciting.”[/color] He looked at them all with a bright smile, then specifically at Jacqueline. [color=6B8E23]”... So, do you think we can get that house sorted today?”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”Usually buying houses takes time,”[/color] Adora said with a shrug. [color=fd8a6c]”Like [i]months[/i].”[/color] “If the house has been on the market for so long, I think all we have to do is wave some money in their face and get rid of it,” Greta shrugged. [color=fd8a6c]”That ain’t how it works,”[/color] Adora said. “I mean, if we get a mortgage, then yeah,” Jacqueline said, “But, I think if we can give them the cash up front, then they can just sign it over. If not, maybe we can just slide them some extra dough so they’ll let us move in early.” [color=6B8E23]”That’d be ideal, we don't have months. I can probably get together that cash today, tomorrow… Quickly, at least. The longer we wait the more likely Emily and Vashti will catch on,”[/color] Luca said. [color=6B8E23]”Not sure where we'll get extra from if that's needed, though! Guess I can just take out a bigger loan…”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”I don’t be spending money like that, so I can help out,”[/color] Adora said with a shrug. [color=fd8a6c]”But, my job doesn’t pay like that.”[/color] “Worst comes to worst,” Greta pushed her glasses up her nose. Then, in a completely monotone voice, she said, “We can all just sell ourselves to pay for it.” Jacqueline, Miranda, and Adora looked at Greta in horror. Who just shrugged. “... It’s an option.” [color=fd8a6c]”Nobody is selling ass,”[/color] Adora shook her head. [color=6B8E23]”... Sell myself as a hitman, maybe,”[/color] Luca laughed awkwardly. [color=6B8E23]”It won’t come to that. I’m sure we can scrape together enough for the house, especially with my savings… and a bit of a loan. Don’t want to start of the fresh start like that…”[/color] He smiled. [color=6B8E23]”But everyone helping sounds like a plan- not in that way. Aside from money is there… Anything else we need to talk about?”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”Like, what are we going to be doing as a Coven?”[/color] Adora asked. “Well… I think we should help St. Portwell,” Miranda said, “It’s the best we can do after everything we did under Emily’s rule.” “What 8th St should have been,” Greta said. [color=6B8E23]”I agree,”[/color] Luca nodded, smiling. [color=6B8E23]”The city's… a mess, magically. We should help with that. Make alliances, make amends where we can. And also [i]learn[/i] and grow together. That’s what I first joined 8th Street for. Companionship, learning and helping others.”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]”I’m sure we can pull it off,”[/color] Adora said with a shrug. [color=fd8a6c]”We just have to play our cards right, keep our heads down, just look at [i]everything[/i] Sycamore is doing, and then do the opposite!”[/color] Adora laughed at her joke. “But, I wanted to talk with you about something later, Appie. You too, dork,” Greta began. “It’s… important..” [color=fd8a6c]”Oooooh boy,”[/color] Adora rolled her eyes. [color=fd8a6c]”Just send my anxiety through the fuckin’ roof, will ya?”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Yeah, is it not something we can talk about now? Or like… in a short while?”[/color] Luca rubbed the back of his neck, also feeling just a little bit nervous about that. Especially if it was important. Greta sighed, looking off to the side as she began playing with her fingers. There was an awkward silence as she just sighed. “I don’t know how to say this…” Greta trailed off. Adora narrowed her eyes. “... [i]But, Lisa is alive.[/i]” Luca’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell open slightly. Lisa… alive? That didn’t make any sense. He didn’t want to tell Greta that he didn’t believe her, but he just couldn’t entirely believe it. [color=6B8E23]”How? And how do you know…”[/color] “The Hound revived them,” Greta began, pushing her glasses up her nose. “They, being Lisa, Ella and Saskia… He told them to defeat Morningstar for him - in which they were successful.” Greta then looked at Luca, “And how do I know? They contacted [i]me.[/i] We had a cute little video call where they told me [i]everything[/i]. The second they opened their mouths, I knew it was them.” Luca frowned. Saskia and Ella too? He wanted to believe it, he really did. But it was hard to… why would they come back? Why now? Was that even possible? But why would Greta lie about it? He was confused. [color=6B8E23]”I… do you have more proof, Greta? It's just hard to believe, even if it's coming from you…”[/color] “Would I lie to you about this?” Greta asked, “What would I gain from that?” [color=6B8E23]”Nothing, I know you wouldn't,”[/color] Luca shook his head. [color=6B8E23]”But it's just really hard to believe, you know? I'll need some time to process it…”[/color] Adora was completely silent… though she was scraping her nails on this shitty table as she bore teeth. Then she damn near-hissed, [color=fd8a6c]”... You sure a lil’ bit of Emily ain’t rub off on you, Gretchen?”[/color] Adora began, [color=fd8a6c]”Because this ain’t [i]cute[/i]. This ain’t [i]funny[/i].”[/color] Luca didn't say anything at first, looking over at Adora with concern. He wanted to comfort her somehow, but knew he couldn't. [color=6B8E23]”Adora…”[/color] He then looked at Greta, speaking quietly as he tried to think of some solution. A way to prove it to them both so that Adora didn't spiral more, and there wasn't a rift between her and Greta. [color=6B8E23]”Can we… call them too?”[/color] Greta sighed. “You can’t.” [color=6B8E23]”Why not?”[/color] Luca asked. “... Because they’re in The Pit.” “I mean,” Miranda awkwardly tapped her fingers together as she looked at Adora - who didn’t look too good. She smiled to defuse things, “Maybe we can ask the book.” “... [i]Maybe[/i] we should call it a day,” Jacqueline glanced at Adora. [color=6B8E23]”That’s probably for the best,”[/color] Luca agreed, smiling at Miranda and Jacqueline, though his expression was still mostly concerned. [color=6B8E23]”Why don't you contact the person who's selling that house? I'll get as much money together as I can… then we can reconvene to look at it and hopefully buy it?”[/color] “Yes, sounds like a plan,” Adora didn’t say a word; she simply just pushed herself to her feet… she stared at Greta for a few moments, before turning on her heel and walking away. Greta sighed, shaking her head, “... I don’t think she took well to that.” [color=6B8E23]”Of course she didn’t.”[/color] Luca watched Adora go, feeling conflicted. Should he go after her? Would she even want him to go after her? [color=6B8E23]”Why did you tell her? From what I know of the Pit it’s… a deadly place. Will Lisa, if she’s really alive, come back from it?”[/color] “I’m not sure,” Greta shook her head. “I thought she should know… I have been holding onto it for quite some time now.” [color=6B8E23]”I understand…”[/color] Luca trailed off. It was a difficult one. Tell her, and hurt her like this… but don’t tell her, and possibly hurt her more. [color=6B8E23]”I don’t think you made the wrong decision, assuming it’s true, just… give her time. You know how bad it was for her more than any of us.”[/color] Luca clasped his hands together in front of him. [color=6B8E23]”How did the three of them seem when you talked to them?”[/color] “The same as ten years ago,” Greta shrugged. “[i]Literally[/i] the same. I actually think the Hound took some extra braincells from them.” [color=6B8E23]”Being brought back to life can’t be simple, I wouldn’t be surprised if they came back with less,”[/color] Luca shrugged, laughing awkwardly. Greta sighed, resting her face in her hands. “... I ruined things with her, didn’t I?” Greta sighed again, “God, I’m such a fuckup!” [color=6B8E23]”Hey, that's not true, Greta,”[/color] Luca said immediately. His hand started to move forward towards her then he stopped, dropping it into his lap. That would just hurt more… [color=6B8E23]”There was no right answer. If you'd waited until Lisa came back… if she came back… Adora would be upset too. I'll try talk to her tomorrow if she's feeling up to it. But they're not ruined. She just needs time.”[/color] Greta sighed, “Fine, but… fine.” She shook her head. “Can I just share a lil’ secret of mine? Something between us.” “I mean, we’re here!” Jacqueline snorted. “I know you two dorks can keep a secret.” [color=6B8E23]”Hey, you know how well I can keep secrets,”[/color] Luca said with a reassuring smile. Greta sighed. She held her breath for a moment. “... I always had a crush on Adora.” [color=6B8E23]”Oh.”[/color] Luca’s eyes widened slightly. [color=6B8E23]”Always? Like… for ten years? I couldn’t tell. You’ve kept this to yourself the whole time?”[/color] “Yes, it’s not something I’d blurt out,” Greta shook her head. “Not that I had a lot of chances to act on it because she left the Old Coven.” Luca smiled, getting over his shock… mostly because he hadn’t been able to tell. Then again, what did he know? He had no experience with stuff like this. It wasn’t like he could ever be with anyone… his own crush wasn’t going to go anywhere. [color=6B8E23]”No wonder you feel so bad about it- but it’ll be fine, Greta, really. You were just doing what you thought was best. And I think… Maybe you still have a chance? And if things don’t work out, we’ll be here for you. You’re looking at Mr Eternally Single over here!”[/color] “I guess - maybe,” Greta said, rubbing her temples. “At least I don’t think I can make it any worse, right?” She smiled half-heartedly at Luca before slowly pushing herself to her feet. “I’m going for a walk or something to clear my head. If Adora comes back, tell her I’m sorry.” [color=6B8E23]”Sure, I will,”[/color] Luca raised a hand, smiling as comfortingly as he could at Greta before she left. Then he turned to Miranda and Jacqueline. [color=6B8E23]”Guess it’s just us left, huh? Was there anything you wanted to… speak about with just the three of us?”[/color] Jacqueline shrugged. “Nothing here,” “Let’s just keep our heads down and play the part,” Miranda said. “Emily is too busy dealing with the aftermath of Saturday.” [hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/IYihMs5.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/CpBxi4T.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/QIUSezo.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/ycOCuCr.png[/img][/center] [right][code]Sunset Cafe, Wednesday Late Afternoon [/code][/right] [hr] Late in the afternoon, as the sun was making its way towards the horizon and the temperatures dropping, Luca was once again waiting to meet someone. He’d chosen a nice location - a cafe with a larger outdoor seating area, barely populated at this time of year. It was a nice place with a good selection of food, with Luca having arrived early enough to already have a sandwich in front of him he was slowly getting through. The table he sat at was out of the way enough to have a conversation about magic without worrying about eavesdropping, while being obvious enough that he could be found. It was also central enough to be easily accessible by bus… He’d done everything he could to make this easy and comfortable. It was just unfortunate it had to be outside. The cold weather wasn’t good for him, and he doubted it would be good for Layla either. But the alternative of him getting too close to Blinds was worse. So he’d bundled up, plenty of layers offering extra protection against his rotting touch anyway - black, ragged clothing and slowly decaying gloves that his fingertips peaked through. Luca had reached out to Layla, getting her number from Auri the day of the meeting, mostly to check up on her. She’d left so quickly on Monday… and he just wasn’t comfortable with it. While once he would’ve said he trusted Leon without questioning, with how he’d been speaking then he found that trust faltering. He had to make sure that Layla was fine - that the adjoining had been consensual, and that… she wasn’t being dragged too far into something she shouldn’t be. Alizeè too, though he was less concerned when it came to the Apparition. The two of them… he should be able to relax if they were happy together. Hopefully. But he had to see it himself. It was in his nature, constant concern and care for others - especially those in similar positions to him. The ride out from the Temple grounds into the city was rich with inner turmoil. A lot of mental back-and-forth. [color=916BB4][i]“And you just let them take the Riils? Do you know how much danger you were in?!”[/i][/color] Layla was riding on her little motorcycle along the freeway, Alizée safely tucked away deep within the recesses of Layla's body. [color=7ABBFF][i]“Yes, [b]mom[/b], I know. I wasn't suppose to tell anyone, you can't say a word of it to Luca.”[/i][/color] [color=916BB4][i]“Someone besides me should know.” [/i][/color]Came Alizée's bitter response. [color=7ABBFF][i]“You saw the memory. If I tell anyone, they'll kill me. I [i]literally[/i] cannot afford to speak a word of it to anyone. Even you knowing might be too much.”[/i][/color] [color=916BB4][i]“They'll never know.”[/i][/color] [color=7ABBFF][i]“They're monsters. They knew about intimate details like I was getting the Riil siblings sealed. If they knew that, what else could they know?”[/i][/color] At that, Alizée was quiet for a moment. Before she spoke up again in her mind. [color=916BB4][i]“So, what are your thoughts on the Temple? And no, I'm not putting this under the rug; we aren't finished talking about Dollhouse.”[/i][/color] Layla rolled her eyes, coming to a stop at a red light.[color=7ABBFF][i]“Right, right. Uhm, well they seem to care. Especially about you. But they do seem a bit… suffocating?”[/i][/color] [color=916BB4][i]“From what I have pieced together, in my previous life I was quite content with them. However… they have Void… and they haven't let us see him yet, nor have they freed him. The pleasantries might be a distraction… What if they never give him up?”[/i][/color] Layla felt a twist in her stomach, seeing the cafe rolling up. [color=7ABBFF][i]“We can talk more about this later. Remember Luca stuck their neck out for us; let's enjoy our time together.”[/i][/color] [color=916BB4][i]“I remember Luca trying to exert his voidling's strength over me…”[/i][/color] Alizée grumbled. [color=7ABBFF][i]“To be fair, you caused [i]quite[/i] the scene. With everyone on edge due to Father Wolf, it was… a reasonable response. You should really be more concerned with how Sloane tried to curse you.”[/i][/color] A pause. [color=916BB4][i]“...Right, right.”[/i][/color] Layla slid into some street parking in front of the cafe, giving Luca a wave. She slipped off her helmet and turned off the engine, pocketing the keys in her backpack. Dressed in a leather jacket and wool leggings under her black dress, Layla was well-dressed to spend some time outside. She slid into the seat one down from Luca, giving respect to his aura. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Hi Luca, hope I didn't make you wait…”[/b][/color] Pulling her bag in front of her, Layla withdrew a long black cloak. She then handed it to the air beside her, where wisps began to coalesce, bringing into form Alizée. Alizée was quick to wrap the cloak around her as she sank into her seat, positioned a little closer to Luca. Apparently someone had talked to her about blending in more. Now she would hopefully come off as an eccentric cosplayer. Even the chains she had forced to lie on their belly. Alizée eyed Luca carefully, before giving him a nod. [color=916BB4][b]“I'm… grateful for what you did the other day. Your name is Luca, right?”[/b][/color] [color=6B8E23]”Hey, hey, no, I didn't wait long at all!”[/color] Luca smiled brightly as they both appeared, glad that Layla had managed to sit outwith his aura. With Alizee between them too it was less of a risk… it couldn't hurt Apparitions, anyway, just his touch. [color=6B8E23]”Yup, I'm Luca. It's nice to properly meet you, Alizée. I'm sorry about how I reacted at first at the meeting… I just had to make sure no one would get hurt. I’m not sure how much Layla has filled you in, but nonconsensual Adjoining is a… sore spot.”[/color] [color=916BB4][i]“Is non-consensual Adjoining a thing?”[/i][/color] [color=7ABBFF][i]“With Luca… Yes.”[/i][/color] There was a flicker in Alizée's eyes as she watched, smelling the Void wafting off of Luca. The Void that wasn't wanted. Same as it was at the house on the hill, but… now in a different context. More human. Luca then looked over at Layla, eyes softening. Sure, they'd never been close, but Luca wasn't the kind to care about that. He just cared about people. Every coven member, bar a few. He'd spent the last ten years isolating himself from near everyone, anyone. Maybe now he felt he should use the time he had left to help people… [color=6B8E23]”We didn't leave things on a great note then, so I wanted to catch up… make sure you're okay. I take it you're both adjoined now? Are you… happy with it? Both of you.”[/color] Layla saw Luca looking at her. [i]Really[/i] looking. The last person to do that was Mr. Devola. It wasn't something she had entirely gotten over. But, Luca had a different feel than Mr. Devola. Softer. Alizée glanced at Layla, a crinkle in her eyes. [color=916BB4][i]”Are you? Remember, no take-backsies.”[/i][/color] Layla gave Alizée a light smack, giggling. Before she settled a bit, and nodded earnestly at Luca. [b][color=7ABBFF]”I couldn't be happier. The chains get some getting used to, sure-” [/color][/b]She lifted up her arm, revealing a bright cuff and a few links. [color=7ABBFF][b]“-But Alizée is actually a lot like her old self, I just don't think she realizes it. Still has her old temper. But without… you know, the Void Hearts's uh, overshadowing… She's got quite the mothering side. Made me breakfast this morning.”[/b][/color] Alizée's eyes slitted, levelling a flat stare at Luca. [color=916BB4][b]“She doesn't cook for herself. It's no wonder she's just skin and bone.”[/b][/color] A pause, before Alizée glanced at Layla, then back to Luca. [color=916BB4][b]“She's naive, but a sweet little thing. I was happy to get rid of her other voidlings.”[/b][/color] She sniffed, eyes narrowing into slits. [color=916BB4][b]“Bunch of losers.”[/b][/color] Luca relaxed slightly as he looked between the two of them, smiling genuinely. They weren't faking it. In his experience, people didn't tend to when it came to adjoining anyway. If the Apparition wanted to leave, they could. If they didn't… the host had no choice, but most tried to get rid of them. Like Layla had with her last ghosts. Like he'd been trying to do for his own. [color=6B8E23]”I’m really glad. I think what you two have now is how it should be between Apparition and who they're adjoined to. You have to look after each other, right? Make sure you're both satisfied and happy… It's a balance. I think you'll both be fine. I'm really glad. Hopefully you'll start putting on some weight then, Layla? It's nice to have someone to cook for you.”[/color] His smile, already soft, grew softer as he thought about his own, improved meals thanks to Jasper. Layla nodded at that, smiling softly. [b][color=7ABBFF]”It really is. I mean, I don't mean to be lazy. It's just… hard, ya know?”[/color][/b] Then, his expression turned a bit more solemn. [color=6B8E23]”I’m really sorry you had to suffer for so long without any help. I know we weren't close ten years ago… but I should have reached out. For both of you. I was too busy dealing with my own problems. Maybe I could've helped Alizée before… though there's no use dwelling on that. But I probably could have helped you, Layla. I'm really sorry I didn't.”[/color] Of course he'd only been fifteen at the time, with an Apparition that meant he couldn't live a normal life. But she'd only been ten… and he could have helped. He understood what it was like to deal with something constantly draining you. [color=6B8E23]”At least your tormentors are gone, now.”[/color] Layla shrugged, waving him off. [color=gray][b]”It's my own fault. I didn't ask for help. A mistake I hope not to repeat.”[/b][/color] Alizée scoffed softly. [b][color=916BB4]”Funny.”[/color][/b] Layla shot Alizée a mixed look, before glancing back to Luca. [b][color=7ABBFF]”But enough about me, Luca. What's going on with you? I don't think we've had the chance to properly catch up. I only get to see you at those hectic meetings.”[/color][/b] Luca watched them both carefully, but didn’t say anything about the exchange, just smiling again. [color=6B8E23]”Not much, honestly! The same as I was ten years ago - still dealing with the Rot, and taking each day as it comes. Recently things have been quite good. Jasper, Lila and Lynn are all living with me right now, so my life’s a lot busier. Which is nice.”[/color] He laughed slightly as he thought about the hectic meetings… [color=6B8E23]”The meetings really aren’t a great time for talking to people, are they? The first one wasn’t so bad for the first half… But I actually don’t mind it, all the attacks aside. It’s nice to be around everyone again. I think I’m in a unique position there. I can only be around other Paranormal. My aura can cause someone like you to feel pain, but it won’t actually hurt you. It can kill Blinds.”[/color] He shrugged. He hadn’t meant to go into so much detail - while he was checking up on Layla, he wasn’t here to unburden his own problems on her. And he spoke about it lightly, anyway, as if it was something he’d completely accepted. Since it was. [color=6B8E23]”The coven isn’t particularly functional, but they’re all people I care about and like to be around. Even though it might not have seemed that way when I hurt Leon last time…”[/color] [color=7ABBFF][b]“Water under the bridge.”[/b][/color] Layla said quickly, waving her hands frantically. As far as she was concerned, Luca was absolved of attacking Leon. Luca had only been trying to look out for her, after all. She gave a soft smile. [color=7ABBFF][b]“It sounds nice that you've found people you connect enough with that you'd all be okay moving in together. I'm sure that's fun.”[/b][/color] A pause, before a flash of guilt crossed her face. [color=7ABBFF][b]“I should have reached out sooner, Luca. You and I are so similar. Dealing with… well, bad ghosts.”[/b][/color] She smiled at Alizée, [color=7ABBFF][b]“I consider myself fortune, Alizée just… beat them all up and helped them get sealed. But it… it makes me feel bad.” [/b][/color] Her eyes glanced back to Luca.[color=7ABBFF][b]“I… I can only imagine what it's like to live with the Rot, Luca. I'm… really, really sorry.”[/b][/color] [color=6B8E23]”It’s alright, I’m pretty used to it by now! Means I don’t have to worry about recycling things,”[/color] Luca played it off with a joke and a reassuring smile. He was very aware of how shit his situation was, but had accepted it a long time ago. Another pause, before Layla's face grew dark. [color=7ABBFF][b]“It's not all roses and chocolates, though. I uh, learned something pretty disturbing today. About Leon's group?”[/b][/color] Her voice squeaked right at the end, betraying tension. Layla glanced at Alizée, who only nodded, before she gazed earnestly back at Luca. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Can I… tell you? You promise not to tell anyone?”[/b][/color] Luca’s smile faded, replaced with a light frown. There was still care in his dark eyes, but also concern. [color=6B8E23]”Of course you can tell me. I… can’t promise I won’t talk to Leon, depending on how bad it is, but I’ll make sure it won’t affect you. That I can promise, and I won’t tell anyone else.”[/color] He knew about the Temple, vaguely. They were open about being a cult, but he hadn’t realised Leon was part of it- a big part of it- until recently. Even then, he’d assumed they were mostly harmless… a false assumption, it seemed. He smiled reassuringly at Layla. [color=6B8E23]”You can tell me anything.”[/color] Layla made an anxious face as Luca mentioned Leon. [color=7ABBFF][b]“I… I don't want to hurt Leon's feelings. He's well meaning. You'll mention that if you do talk to him, right?”[/b][/color] [color=6B8E23]”I will,”[/color] Luca said reassuringly. A steadying breath, before Layla's eyes dropped to her hands, wringing themselves anxiously on the table. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Anyone who misbehaves… No, Adjoined particularly, who misbehave… who aren't the favoured ones… They get drugged. Sedated. It's a… viable, logical and often-used solution for them. It only makes sense when you understand… they don't see Adjoined as [i]people[/i]...”[/b][/color] Layla kept her eyes down, unable to make eye contact with Luca. Luca couldn’t keep up his normal smile after what Layla said. They drugged Adjoined who didn’t behave? They didn’t even see them as people? It was a kind of hierarchy he knew existed among some Adepts. Blinds were inferior, as were those not born into magic… but this was beyond it. It went beyond discrimination to active harm. And Leon had dragged Layla into a place that did this. [color=6B8E23]”Do you know what this sedation does?”[/color] Luca asked quietly, hands hidden under the table as the gloves he was wearing started to rot away. He tried his best to keep his emotions under control. [color=6B8E23]”They haven’t sedated you, have they, Layla?”[/color] He was concerned. Incredibly concerned. They - the coven - had let this young, impressionable woman be dragged into a cult. He understood how it had happened. She’d been in pain for so long and they offered her an out. Ten years ago he would have accepted the same… Anything to get help. But he was older now. Maybe there was only five years between them, but it was enough for him to feel responsible. Layla swallowed, nodding as she recounted. [color=7ABBFF][b]”I know a little. They have different formulas. I've heard mention of Formula Four and Formula Two, so I imagine there's four variations… Someone was hit with one of the formulas and they ended up in the hospital for a… A month.”[/b][/color] Layla thought for a moment, before she shook her head. [color=7ABBFF][b]“They uh, haven't used the drugs on me. I was put to sleep magical-wise once, which I think is in its own category…”[/b][/color] [color=6B8E23]”I’m glad they haven't don’t that… though that sounds just as bad. I’m sorry, Layla. That’s not alright at all. Us Adjoined have our unique problems, but we are [i]people[/i]. We’re equal to all others in the magical world. That’s… You shouldn’t be there. It’s not safe. Do you… do you want me to help you leave?”[/color] [b][color=7ABBFF]“It's…” [/color][/b]Tears began to bead in Layla's eyes, and she softly shook her head.[color=7ABBFF][b]“They have Void, Luca. They promised they'd give him back to me if I did what they said. I can't leave. I've probably already said too much. I don't… I can't have them angry at me. What if they never give back Void…?”[/b][/color] Of course they had Void. Luca didn’t entirely understand Layla’s obsession with Void… now, he did, somewhat. If she was tormented by these other Apparitions, then Void got rid of them for a while of course she’d be attached. He was her saviour. It didn’t matter that he was also not a nice Apparition. [color=6B8E23]”Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. I won’t put that at risk for you.”[/color] As much as he wanted to say Layla should give up on Void for her own good, he couldn’t. He knew it would fall on deaf ears and he wanted her to trust him. Needed her to so he could help her. Hopefully, with time, she’d heal with Alizée and move on. [color=6B8E23]”I understand… I’m sorry, Layla, that they’re blackmailing you like that. I understand that you can’t leave… but will you at least let me help you as much as I can? Even if it’s just meeting up like this more often… And then if you do ever want out, I’ll make sure it happens. I promise.”[/color] Layla hastily rubbed the tears from her eyes, nodding her head fervently. [b][color=7ABBFF]”O-of course, Luca. I uh… appreciate it. I appreciate you going out of your way here. And I would like to meet up more often, yes.”[/color][/b] Alizée's head tilted. [i][color=916BB4]“He’s a kind one.”[/color][/i] [color=7ABBFF][i]“He is.”[/i][/color] Layla stared for a moment, before she blinked, flustered. [color=7ABBFF][b]”I should probably order something, shouldn't I…”[/b][/color] Luca laughed, smiling again. Of course he was still worried. As soon as they were finished here, he was going to organise to meet up with Leon. But right now… he’d push it to the back of his mind. [color=6B8E23]”Probably. Order anything you want, on me- this place makes great soup. It’s perfect for a day like this.”[/color] [hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/QIUSezo.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/ycOCuCr.png[/img][/center] [center] [img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjEwNi5kOTFmOGIuVkdobElGUnlhVzguMA/thuast.demo.webp[/img][/center] [right][code]Luca’s Apartment, Evening [/code][/right] [hr] Luca didn’t get back to the apartment until later on in the evening - the sun already dipping below the horizon, and long past dinner time. He’d texted the three in advance to let them know, and also asked to talk to them all when he got back with an ETA. He’d been pretty accurate. But he still paused outside the apartment door, taking a deep breath. This could… ruin his friendships. He hoped not, and he hoped his judgement of all three was correct, but there was still some worry there. Maybe they’d see it as a betrayal, especially after what 8th Street had done to Lila. But he’d rather that than lie to them, or just leave. So he unlocked the door, which had been shoddily repaired from yesterday, and walked into his home. An immediate warmth… just from the sounds of people being in there. Around. [color=6B8E23]”I’m home! Uh, did everyone get my text?”[/color] Luca asked as he stepped properly inside and into the main room. A loud crash erupted from the guest room. The sound of Lila swearing, falling, scrambling across the floor before a loud thud was heard as the door jolted. Eventually the doorknob slowly turned as Lila slid out. She wore a cropped white shirt and bicycle shorts. She wanted to feel comfy and she was. Lynn was on the couch and had a blindfold over her face as she tried to rest through the withdrawals. She had the TV on and had a sad romcom playing for background noise. Jasper was in the kitchen making a second dinner for Lila.. [color=DA70D6]“You’re home! Yessss, i got your text. I wanted to send you a text to ask you to grab food but Jasper said noooo,,”[/color] Lila tapped her claws on the wood of the door as her eyes slowly shifted from Luca to Jasper cooking. She licked her lips. [color=F08080]“Hi Luca,”[/color] Lynn said as she waved across the room from the couch. She did not move much more than that. Jasper flipped more burgers and the sizzling filled the air. He was making smash burgers, and a lot of them. [color=98FB98]“Welcome back my saviour,”[/color] Jasper said as he winked at Luca. Luca smiled, feeling himself relax. Sure, it wasn't perfect - Lynn was struggling, Lila was eating the entire apartment worth of food but… it was warm and filled with life in a way his apartment hadn't been for ages. [color=6B8E23]”I feel like I'm coming back home from a hard day's work to my husband and kids- haha.”[/color] He played it off with an awkward laugh, moving further inside and taking a seat on a wobbly chair. He pulled off his hat, gloves and jacket and just dumped them beside him for now. The good smelled great… as he settled in his stomach grumbled. He turned his head towards Jasper. [color=6B8E23]”Is there enough for more than just Lila?”[/color] [color=98FB98]“I’m making enough so of course you’ll get one,”[/color] Jasper said with a smile. [color=6B8E23]”You’re the best, thanks,”[/color] Luca grinned, before turning to the girls. [color=6B8E23]”I, uh, wanted to talk to you all about something. I already mentioned it vaguely to Jasper but… now I can share it with all of you. In full detail. Just, please promise to hear me out? It might seem like a betrayal but I promise it isnt.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“Oh no. A betrayal? You’re,”[/color] Lila paused as she tapped her fingers on the wood of the door again, [color=DA70D6]“i'll be honest I have zero idea what a betrayal from you looks like.”[/color] [color=F08080]“Oh is it this day already? Okay then,”[/color] Lynn sighed as she leaned up and took off the blindfold as she squinted towards Luca. Luca couldn't help but laugh lightly at their reactions. Of course, Lynn had probably already seen this in the futures… why didn't he think of that? It made it feel a little easier. [color=6B8E23]”Well… I'm forming a new coven. I already told Jasper about this bit. I don't want to abandon Sycamore, but I don't think it's… really a coven at all. It's just people trying to save themselves, which is fine. But some of us, I think, need more than that.”[/color] He looked at Jasper, gaze lingering, before looking at Lila, then Lynn. [color=6B8E23]”That’s why I'm forming something new. I still plan to attend Sycamore meetings and help find Father Wolf, because I rejoined to help others in the first place.”[/color] He took a deep breath, looking down as he continued. [color=6B8E23]”That’s not why I feel like it's a betrayal. I'm forming it with 8th Street Members- technically former, soon. Emily's sisters, Greta, and about half of 8th Street. They don't want to go along with what Emily and Vashti are doing anymore, and want to make amends for it. None of them are bad people. And I really care about them all. They were there for me- and Olivia- for years.”[/color] Luca forced himself to look up, especially at Lila. [color=6B8E23]”I know Emily and Vashti have hurt you, and that the rest of the coven followed them. So if you're upset at me… I understand. But I was hoping all of you would give them a chance, and maybe come with me to the new coven.”[/color] Lila’s eyes shot over to Luca at the revelation and the blue iris shrunk as her vision focused on him. Her breathing quickened as she began to tap the door rhythmically. [color=F08080]“The 8th Street part is a little difficult to wrap my mind around,”[/color] Lynn added as she stretched. [color=DA70D6]“It’s been almost a month since Emily said what she said,”[/color] Lila added as her head tilted backwards, eyes still locked on Luca, [color=DA70D6]“I don’t know what to think right now. On one hand, I trust that you wouldn’t want to be around transphobic people and if you’re forming a coven with them they’re obviously not,”[/color] Lila paused at she tapped the door twice, a faint blue glow emanated from where the claw hit, [color=DA70D6]“on the other it’s taken them nearly a month. Hell, all of this”[/color] Lila paused as she pointed to her body, [color=DA70D6]“is because of 8th street. If Emily had kept her fucking mouth shut I wouldn’t be emo big bird,”[/color] Lila sighed as she shook her head. [color=DA70D6]“I will join this new coven because you’re right. But they will have to make some fucking amends somehow,”[/color] Lila added as her eyes once again drifted away from Luca and back to the cooking food. [color=F08080]“If Lila is in I’m in,”[/color] Lynn responded as she fell back down to the couch. Luca nodded. He understood how Lila felt, and everything she said was valid. It made sense. They didn't know these people like he did. Nor did they know how 8th Street itself ran. [color=6B8E23]”They’re not transphobic. That's only Emily… but they also know they need to make amends, don't worry. Both me and Adora talked to them about it. Not just to you, but 8th Street bullied a lot of people. While 8th Street is a coven where you have to follow what Emily says, or risk getting killed by Vashti or eaten, it doesn't remove responsibility from them.”[/color] Luca smiled at them both. [color=6B8E23]”We’re forming this new coven to help the city, and each other. It'll be slow but it's a step in the right direction… a new beginning for them all. For us too! You'll get on with them all, if you can look past some oddities and that they were in 8th Street for a while. I'm sure that the first thing Miranda and Jacqueline- Emily’s sisters- will do is apologise to you, Lila.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“Good,”[/color] Lila said as she fully pulled herself out from the room as she began to stalk closer to the food. [color=F08080]“What are we going to do, as a coven, once we figure out Father Wolf,”[/color] Lynn paused as she held up a finger, [color=F08080]“like are we going to just be a social group kinda coven, or a magical protect the realm focused one? We had a lot of the former back in Chicago and they get a bit dull after a while”[/color] Lynn laughed at the memory as she finished talking. [color=6B8E23]”The latter, but smaller - protect the city more. And help people like us,”[/color] he gestured to himself and Lila. [color=6B8E23]”People in difficult magical situations. It's why a lot of us joined 8th in the first place, as well as for the company. As much as there were some shit people in it, it was like a chosen, magical family in a lot of ways. And did those Covens in Chicago live together?”[/color] Luca grinned as he said that. [color=6B8E23]”Right now they're all living at '8th Street' Manor, but Jacqueline's found a place we can afford [sub]just about[/sub] to move the new coven to. If there's space, which there should be, I'll go too - but only if you all want to come with me for that too. Otherwise we can stay here, it'll just be a fair commute to visit.”[/color] [color=F08080]“If Lila moves in,”[/color] Lynn coughed, and then had a coughing fit for a few seconds, [color=F08080]“I’ll move in.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“As long as Jasper is cooking there,”[/color] Lila paused as she moved body closer to the ground as she continued to stalk closer to Jasper. [color=6B8E23]”Jasper already agreed to move, I'm sure he'll keep cooking for us,”[/color] Luca looked over at him with a grin. [color=6B8E23]”Right, Jasper? There's a few other decent cooks in 8th too… if you can get past her general lack of clothing, Maya makes amazing Korean food.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“Good,”[/color] Lila said as she readied herself to pounce. The sheer hunger compelled her to do so. She couldn’t take it anymore she needed to eat and she needed to eat now. The temple food had kept her full for so long but this, this was barely enough. Jasper smashed buns to burgers and burgers to buns and turned around with ten rather large burgers split between two plates. Lila grabbed three and walked towards a chair and sat down cross legged next to it. [color=98FB98]“Our food budget better be insane,”[/color] Jasper said as he walked towards Luca, holding out the burgers. [color=F08080]“Please save me one. Sobriety sucks and I might vomit if I move right now but I want one,”[/color] Lynn said from across the room. [color=6B8E23]”The food budget is my pocket,”[/color] Luca laughed, reaching out to take a burger. He bit into it, relishing in the flavour. It was really good. As he ate it the bun started to turn grey, and any veg wilted, but he didn't care as he practically scoffed it down. [color=6B8E23]”Right now it'll mostly be funded by me, cause all the money they have is from… theft and stuff. They won't be bringing anything with them from 8th. All the shit is staying behind- including Emily, Vashti and George.”[/color] He reached out for another burger, still hungry - while not to Lila's level, half his food rotted before it even reached his stomach, so he had to eat way more. [color=6B8E23]”This is great after a long day… coven making is hard work. Especially naming it, Adora wanted to call it the baddies! Imagine!”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“The Baddies is kinda rough not going to lie,”[/color] Lila chuckled as she ate another burger in just two bites. [color=F08080]“That will need to be decided before I join, actually. I can’t join a group called the baddies,”[/color] Lynn chuckled as she held out a hand towards Jasper, who moved over and gave her a burger. [color=6B8E23]”Hey, you think I'd accept a name like that? We've decided on the Lotus Flower coven, because it's a new beginning,”[/color] Luca said with a laugh. He also took his third burger, eating this one a bit slower - even though with each bite that made the taste worse. [color=6B8E23]”Adora got overruled, so don't worry about it. As coven second in command I never would've allowed it.”[/color] He chuckled, looking at all three of them with a soft smile. [color=6B8E23]”I’m really glad you're all willing to give them a chance and come with me. It'll be… almost all of the people I care about in one group.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“I fuck with the Lotus flower coven name not going to lie,”[/color] Lila chuckled as she visibly calmed as she ate another sandwich. [color=98FB98]“Indeed, you said you’re second in command. Who is in charge again,”[/color] Jasper asked as he took another bite. [color=6B8E23]”Jacqueline and Miranda. I know they're Emily’s sisters but they're honestly nothing like her… everyone coming with them trusts them more than they do Emily. People will follow them, and they balance each other out. And I balance them, I think! But I don't think it'll be a dictatorship like the old coven, or 8th… it'll be a good balance between having leaders and the complete chaos of sycamore,”[/color] Luca said as he finished off his third burger, leaning back with a hand on his stomach. It was so good… fuck, he'd die happy eating so much of Jasper's cooking in the upcoming months. [color=DA70D6]“They were sweet, nice even. They tried to stop Emily, and called her out in the moment,”[/color] Lila paused as she looked towards Luca, [color=DA70D6]“I would like to meet with them soon.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”I’ll see what I can do! I'm sure they'll want to meet all of you too… They are sweet, and don't agree with anything Emily said. They've just finally decided to not put up with it too.”[/color] Luca smiled, looking back at Lila. He was glad, because he was most worried about Lila agreeing. Lila pulled out her stylus as she finished her burger and pulled her phone from her pocket. The sound of a message being typed filled the air. [color=6B8E23]”Oh also… Can we not tell Ken for just now? I don't think he'll take it well.”[/color] Lila moved the stylus to the bottom right of the phone screen and held it there for several seconds. [color=DA70D6]“Of course.”[/color] Luca looked at Lila, tilting his head. [color=6B8E23]”You weren't about to text Ken, where you?”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“Perhaps.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Lila, please delete the text,”[/color] Luca said, look almost pleading. [color=6B8E23]”[I]Please[/I].”[/color] Lila held up her phone. The text line only read ‘Heyyyyy ;) ;)’ now as Lila had already deleted the rest of the message. [color=DA70D6]”You caught me in time.”[/color] Luca let out a soft sigh of relief. [color=6B8E23]”I’m glad… I know it seems bad, but Ken [i]really[/i] hates 8th Street. He’s in denial that I was ever part of it. I’m going to tell him eventually, but I’ll have to do it carefully… and I think people like Adora would rather I didn’t tell him at all.”[/color] [color=F08080]“You owe it to him to be truthful at some point. Being honest with friends is hard but it is important,”[/color] Lynn added with another cough added in. [color=DA70D6]”I’m sure he’d understand eventually, but you need to find the time and the place to make him fully aware of your past.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”I know, and I don’t plan to hide it from him for long. He’s done too much for me… I couldn’t do that to him. I just want Lotus Flower coven to have moved in first, so everything’s stable,”[/color] Luca said to them both, with an awkward smile. [color=6B8E23]”As soon as that’s done I’ll sit down and properly talk to him about it. But it’ll have to come from me.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”If you need a few friendly faces to help break the news you can count us in,”[/color] Lila smiled as she fell backwards on the floor and stretched her back against it. [color=6B8E23]”I really appreciate it, we’ll see when I get to it,”[/color] Luca said with a light laugh. He leaned back in the chair he was in carefully, relaxing more. [color=6B8E23]”Y’know, I did so much today, I’m exhausted. I met Layla after figuring out shit for the new coven… her and Alizee actually adjoined. They seem happy, though.”[/color] Lila’s eyes widened at the revelation, she stopped stretching and shifted her eyes towards Luca. [color=DA70D6]”Well that’s…as expected. What did you guys talk about?”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”About the past… I apologised for not reaching out earlier and funnily she apologised for the same thing, since we’re similar,”[/color] Luca smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes for once. [color=6B8E23]”In terms of being stuck with shitty ghosts. She also told me some things about the Temple… you know, Leon’s group? A very shady cult would be a better description.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”The Temple? Absolutely a cult. I think they’re trying to recruit me,”[/color] Lila paused as she stood up and walked to the kitchen, [color=DA70D6]”I know what I’ve seen there and I know I need to stay away.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”They’re trying to recruit you?! You definitely need to stay away,”[/color] Luca said abruptly, sounding panicked. He took a deep breath. [color=6B8E23]”I promised Layla I wouldn’t tell anyone but… they don’t treat people like us well.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”The guy, who is very excited about the possibility of me laying eggs, seemed to treat me well. He bought me so much food,”[/color] Lila said matter of fact, as she grabbed a bag of chips. [color=F08080]“[i][b]WHAT[/b][/i],”[/color] Lynn shouted as she ripped off her blindfold. Jasper spit out the water he was drinking. [color=6B8E23]”LILA, WHAT?!”[/color] Luca’s mind went wild with the possibilities. The Temple didn’t view Adjoined as people. They drugged them. Were they planning to drug Layla and make her… lay eggs for some twisted cult experiment?! Were they trying to fatten her up like… a hen?! [color=6B8E23]”You can’t see him again. Lila, he’s using you for… something. I’m not sure what, but the Temple is bad news.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”I’m pretty sure he just wants to fuck me because I’m bird like. Like he’s into monsters. At first I thought it was a him thing but looking back,”[/color] Lila tried to clarify. [color=F08080]“[i][b]NO[/b][/i],”[/color] Lynn shouted again as she jumped off the couch and began to move towards Lila. Jasper dropped the glass he was holding but caught it before it hit the ground. [color=6B8E23]”Stay away from him!”[/color] Luca jumped up, tripping over his chair and falling onto his knees. [color=DA70D6]”Okay I can see now that there’s a problem here….,”[/color] Lila did not see what the exact problem was and she squinted trying to figure it out. [color=DA70D6]”I won’t see him again. As long as I don’t fall into a silly mood again it shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t have too many of them…... What did Layla tell you?”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”She told me…”[/color] Luca grimaced, expression twisting. He’d promised he wouldn’t tell anyone… but he couldn’t keep it from Lila when she was being strangely courted by a Temple man, possibly to become part of a magical egg farm. [color=6B8E23]”This doesn’t leave this room. They’re a cult- a [i]scary[/i] one. They don’t treat Adjoined like people, and they drug them. I don’t know how but it left someone in hospital for a month… I’m going to talk to Leon about it tomorrow.”[/color] Lila’s head jolted to the side and looked at Luca, the blue irises shrunk instantly as every last feather seemed to puff at the words Luca spoke. [color=DA70D6]”Come again?”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”They drug people like us. Hurt them.”[/color] Luca repeated. [color=6B8E23]”Adepts oppress Abberations.”[/color] Lila’s head remained fixated on Luca. [color=DA70D6]”I…I didn’t know. I…how can they..,”[/color] Lila took a deep breath, [color=DA70D6]”I can never go back.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”I’m sorry, Lila,”[/color] Luca said softly. [color=6B8E23]”I didn’t know until today either. I think it’s some sort of insider secret… Layla took vows at the Temple. She’s part of it now and refuses to leave because of the Void. I don’t want anyone else to get trapped like that.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”We can’t,”[/color] Lila’s eyes began to dart across the room as her wings began to spread. How could she not realise that? The place was a cult ten years ago, it is still a cult now. Norm was just trying to get her to let her guard down, to invite her in, and then… would she be forced to be something she wouldn’t like? Would she be subservient to them? Lila’s breathing increased as she placed her hand on the counter. Her eyes finally stopped drifting, before they slid to the door. This couldn’t stand. Lila wondered if she was strong enough to stop it? She leaned towards the door as if she was about to head towards it. [color=6B8E23]”Wait, wait, Lila-”[/color] Luca pushed himself to his feet, putting himself between Lila and the door. He wasn’t sure what she was planning to do, but he assumed it was something to do with the Temple. She wasn’t.. Thinking of going there, was she? [color=6B8E23]”What are you doing?”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”We can’t leave her trapped, what about Trisha? Is she trapped there too,”[/color] Lila took a step forward but felt a pair of hands wrap around her waist. Lynn had slid in behind Lila, and dug her feet into the ground. [color=DA70D6]”I’ll call bird freak off and get him to meet me in the middle of nowhere and start breaking bones until I get an answer,”[/color] Lila paused as the already tiny iris’s grew even smaller. [color=98FB98]“I have Wagyu steak in the fridge. If you stay I’ll cook you a meal with it,”[/color] Jasper added as he channelled the phantombane aura to his brush. Lila’s eyes immediately went wide as her head shot towards Jasper with a smile. [color=DA70D6]”Oooooo that’s a much better idea,”[/color] Lila’s wings pulled back in as her arms were brought in close as a look of excitement fell across her face. [color=6B8E23]”Yeah, that sounds great! Loads of food here,”[/color] Luca said cheerfully, keeping himself between Lila and the door. If she changed her mind she’d have to get past him… and extra bird powers or not, the Rot would hurt. He just didn’t want it to come to that even if it was to protect her. [color=6B8E23]”Layla begged me not to do anything right now. But as soon as she wants! Sure.”[/color] Then he paused, frowning. [color=6B8E23]”Trisha’s involved with the Temple too?”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”She’s dating Leon’s brother Casey. He’s the one who shot me,”[/color] Lila responded as she licked her lips at the thought of food. Sure, she still wanted to storm out those doors and wage a brutal war against her new found oppressors. She’d turn them into crows over this injustice. But Wagyu sounded too good. [color=F08080]“You’re eating a lot, Lila,”[/color] Lynn added as she released her grip, [color=F08080]“what’s your secret? I wish I could eat like that and not gain weight.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Have an Apparition attached to you, stealing half your food,”[/color] Luca said with a half laugh, rolling up his sleeve to show his skinny arm. Of course, his situation was… different where the food also rotted before it even reached his stomach. But he knew the Rot took some of it as fuel. Luca also took in everything Lila was saying with a slightly furrowed brow. Leon had a brother… who Trisha was dating… and shot Lila. The shooting Lila made sense if she was fighting with his girlfriend, as much as it angered him. [color=6B8E23]”And I’ll ask Leon about Trisha tomorrow, Lila. Make sure she’s safe.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”Good,”[/color] Lila’s expression softened more as a wide smile crossed her face. [color=DA70D6]” even though we fought, even though it was what caused this whole mess I can’t help but respect Trisha. She is a lot more impressive than I remember and I do want her safe. If she’s not, or if I hear that Layla is hurt,”[/color] Lila paused as her irises went tiny once again as she spread her wings wide once more, [color=#FFE4E1]“[/color][color=#FEE2E0]I[/color][color=#FDE0E0]’[/color][color=#FDDEE0]l[/color][color=#FCDDE0]l[/color] [color=#FBD9E0]s[/color][color=#FBD7DF]i[/color][color=#FAD6DF]p[/color] [color=#F9D2DF]t[/color][color=#F8D0DF]h[/color][color=#F8CFDF]e[/color] [color=#F7CBDE]m[/color][color=#F6CADE]a[/color][color=#F6C8DE]r[/color][color=#F5C6DE]r[/color][color=#F5C4DE]o[/color][color=#F4C3DD]w[/color] [color=#F3BFDD]f[/color][color=#F2BDDD]r[/color][color=#F2BCDD]o[/color][color=#F1BADD]m[/color] [color=#F0B6DC]t[/color][color=#F0B5DC]h[/color][color=#EFB3DC]e[/color][color=#EEB1DC]i[/color][color=#EEB0DC]r[/color] [color=#EDACDB]b[/color][color=#ECAADB]o[/color][color=#ECA9DB]n[/color][color=#EBA7DB]e[/color][color=#EBA5DB]s[/color] [color=#EAA2DA]a[/color][color=#E9A0DA]n[/color][color=#E89EDA]d[/color] [color=#E79BDA]t[/color][color=#E799D9]u[/color][color=#E697D9]r[/color][color=#E696D9]n[/color] [color=#E592D9]t[/color][color=#E490D9]h[/color][color=#E38FD8]e[/color][color=#E38DD8]m[/color] [color=#E289D8]i[/color][color=#E188D8]n[/color][color=#E186D8]t[/color][color=#E084D7]o[/color] [color=#DF81D7]m[/color][color=#DE7FD7]y[/color] [color=#DD7CD7]c[/color][color=#DD7AD6]r[/color][color=#DC78D6]o[/color][color=#DC76D6]w[/color][color=#DB75D6]s[/color][color=#DB73D6].[/color][color=#DA71D6]”[/color]. [color=6B8E23]”Alright, of course, we won’t stop you! I’ll come along and help then- but only if that’s the case,”[/color] Luca said, holding his hands out in front of him. [color=6B8E23]”I’m sure she’s there by choice, though. Trisha that is. She never struck me as the kind to fall into a cult!”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”Good,”[/color] Lila says as her voice went back to her own. [color=DA70D6]”Keep me in the loop,”[/color] Lila said as she moved towards the chair in the living room and sat down next to it once again. [color=6B8E23]”Don’t worry, I will,”[/color] Luca let out a soft sigh in relief. [color=6B8E23]”But for now let’s eat loads and loads!”[/color]