[IC] Ember Grove - Reboot

[Crusader Lord]

Charlotte Wardwell

Time: Afternoon
Location: Apartment #405, Northern Residential Area (East of the University)
Interaction: Dante @FunnyGuy

(Edit Note 11/24: Got rid of a semicolon that should not have been there and one or two letters from a spelling mistake.)

The four seemed to look at each other for a few silent moments, as if quiet communication was running between them, before turning to look at Charlotte herself. She seemed to only stare back at them silently in turn briefly, though after the silence let out a sigh and turned once again back to Dante. What had been said? It was hard to tell, this was a mindscape after all, though it all seemed to be centered on Charlotte herself. The dark-haired girl looked in the man's eyes as if the panic and anxiety of it all was still there, still with a jacket pulled tight over her pajama-clad spiritual form, though for a glimmer of a moment her now-somber eyes seemed to reflect a thousand stares all at once. It was as if an immeasurably large chorus was looking at Dante in that instant, similar to when the mindscape first took notice of him, though in this case it all originated from Charlotte's spiritual form. It was something potentially rather unnerving to some individuals in the world, though as to how Dante would react...none but him would know. It wasn't Charlotte or the others' placed to decide for him.

"If you want the shortest answer, we are all the same person." the throne-bound woman said dismissively, taking a sip from her glass of blood-red wine before speaking bluntly to Dante as he was a pauper before her, swirling the rest in the glass as she finally looked over to him again, "Untold lives linked in the chain of reincarnation, but in the end we are all the very same soul and simply exist as facets of it."

"Over four thousand years ago, the first of our lives and very bloodline began this process of reincarnation using her own magical research. Ever since we have reincarnated into a new time, extended our lifetime to study and learn of magic and the world around, lived out our lives in full, and passed away to begin again once more after sharing our knowledge in full with the generation to come."

"Vee have learned zee knowledge of untold lifetimes, done both good and evil and more, and zeen untold things zis world haz gone through manyfold over every other generations."

"Yet to each hath always been their own will and force of it thereof, their very life to live and act as they hath seen so fit to do. Only a few of us each of these odd generations stand out to speak most directly to them throughout their lives, and through thus hath our guidance and protection and might stood abreast with them to teach and to temper."

"Of course some generations are more or less helpful than others, like Frenchie here being the latter, but long ago we stopped hearing from the 'first' and she has kept silent ever since. Well, aside from one line today."

"Speaking of 'helpful', joining zee Soviets and getting zee actual Tzar Bomba dropped on your location vehn your 'covert zuper-zecret vitch battalion' eez targeted for rebellion-"

"Hmm? Do not speak of my end and life as if you are so very innocent, you white-flag-waving bitch. I seem to recall you having once having a hand in the very bloody-"

"Enough! Cease thine snide remarks this instant, or else I might gathereth up here that selfsame spear I once forged from the Currid's very bones to silence thine tongues forever in this scape of our very soul. Mine own guides in life were much less uncouth than this!

Thus let us not speak of the past and ourselves longer...as much as I hath loathing and far more for this worm and his master, the young maiden hath need to speak for herself in turn as well."

The warrior's eyes turned onto Charlotte's visage, though she didn't look back as she kept her gaze on Dante. Even so, a few beads of sweat were visible as the younger girl attempted to conjure up something (anything at this point) to say. Yet after another moment, she took a deep breath before finally beginning to speak to Dante herself once more.

"Ok...so what they said is true. about the reincarnation and all of that I mean. They are me, and I am them. We are all the same soul, tied back untold generations to who knows when," Charlotte said, attempting to choose words carefully as she spoke in as much of a calm, constrained, and precise manner as she could muster, "So earlier today I ran into a werewolf that happens to hate witches, when he was asking for direction around the place, aaaaand he decided that killing me was his first best bet once he realized what I was somehow.

So cue me being chased into an alley, trying to trip up a bloodlusted guy willing to transform in an abandoned alley, and these four and others are all shouting at me with ideas trying to help and get something figured out. Wasn't too much help until, umm, 'she' spoke up and offered help. The first witch of our line. For the first time in I don't know how long. I mean it was one line, but that's the first I've even heard of her. Apparently it was her anyways.

So anyways she shared a teeny tiny bit of her power and knowledge with me for a moment, which is draining as all hell usually but way more so in this case, and it was enough it almost made me black out as she basically lent me some Electricity spell that plastered my soon-to-be killer all over the alley...and walls...and buildings...ah...I didn't stay to look at it. Just thinking on it makes me queasy..."

The visage of Charlotte held her stomach briefly and stiffened a little at the end, as if the nausea rose up forcefully, though after a little time of 'holding it in' she seemed to calm back down. Well, calm back down enough to just be what she was like before the apparent nausea.

"So yeah basically I'm a reincarnated witch with past life issues, aaaand the first past life spoke up for the first time in waaaay too long and helped me plaster a werewolf all over an alley with lightning Star-Wars-style in what was 100% just self defense."

This last sentence, however, was muttered out in a nearly-incomprehensible run-on mumbling as Charlotte's visage quickly covered her rapidly reddening face.

[Potter]

Alice

Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Streets of Ember Grove
Interaction: @Pink Khione

The streets of Ember Grove were unnaturally busy and bustling with people. The small child stood out amongst them and hid in her hoodie. She clutched her care bear to her chest. Next, she moved up against a wall. There were too many people for her to be able to handle. It felt like there was an elephant on her chest. She wasn’t sure if the restaurant nearby her specialized in making onions, but her eyes kept tearing. She had to keep rubbing them with her hands and she was tired of it. Alice stared at the ground as she watched a family walk by, laughing about something. There was hope, even happiness in their eyes and she envied it. It made her blood boil and heat to rise in her face. She lowered her hands and clenched them into fists.

Her stomach would not stop rumbling. She reached into her pockets as if money might appear. To her disappointment, none had magically materialized. Would she have to steal? What happened to girls who tried stealing? She bit her lip as she stared at Starbucks. Her mother had loved going there and always let her pick out pastries. Her eyes filled with tears but she was determined not to let anymore fall. She was so hungry. She gripped the backpack over her shoulder and shuffled her feet. Nervousness filled her. This isn't right. What else could she do though? Go back home and get yelled at? Sent to an orphanage or in jail? She didn’t want that. Alice couldn’t help but crave blood. Her parents couldn’t understand the sudden, weird transformation. She wished she could be normal.

She began walking toward the store as if in a trance. She bumped into a few people on her way. Mumbling apologies, Alice made her way into the store. She glanced around. She saw a couple sitting together by the window, and an older woman reading and sipping her latte. The store was busy, not overwhelming though. She wished there were more people in it. Alice inhaled the scents of the store. She smelled vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin spice… Her gaze moved over the pastries. She saw the muffins, cake, and the scones. Right next to them were the cake pops decorated like animals. Her mouth watered even more. She needed the fox pop right now. She wouldn’t mind a croissant either. The cheese danish next to it looked yummy, too. She glanced at the chips, fruit cups, and the granola bars. Though she was ten feet away, she could read all the labels clearly. Why had her eyesight become so sharp?

Her eyes glanced at the cold sandwiches and salad. They were easier to steal. Alice cleared her throat and moved inside the store. As she waited, she began to evaluate her moves. She wanted to grab as much as she could. Her mind wandered. If her heart was beating, it’d jump out of her chest. Alice hesitated and allowed a few older college looking students in front of her and moved to the counter. Slowly, and glancing around, Alice began to grab the items one at a time and stick them in her bag.

Adrenaline rushing, she stuck her items in her bag and jumped when a clerk snapped, ”Hey, kid! What are you doing?” Alice inhaled and jumped. She turned to find people staring and watching her. Frozen like a deer in headlights, she remained silent. Her mind began cooking up a reply but went blank. She stared, eyes wide and gripped the orange juice bottle in her hand.

”Just um, looking at your food….” Alice bit her lip and let out a bashful smile. She batted her eyelashes sweetly. ”I.. um, my mom’s outside. She’s going to pay for it.” She glanced outside as if beckoning someone to join her, but nobody came. No one stood up for her, either. The clerk came over as did the manager to stare at her accusingly. The looks on their faces reminded her of her parent's disdainful horrified expressions when she'd tasted the blood. She tensed up and felt her mouth run dry. What did she do?

”Young lady, you need to put that food back.” The woman glared at her and tried to block her path. Alice knew she was caught and needed to escape now. The cops would identify her, then call her parents and she’d be back in that horrible place. She glanced around and then darted for the doorway. She moved quicker than expected and took them off guard. She bolted for the door and kicked a chair into her pathway to help stall them. Once at the door she burst through it and nearly took it off its hinges. People yelled at her to come back and tried stopping her, but the young girl was too fast for them. She raced down the street and down an empty alleyway. The hall was too high to just scale, but the dumpster was nearby enough that she figured she could climb it. Panicking and seeing no other escape, Alice thrust her bag over her shoulders and climbed the dumpster. She began to climb it when the voices came closer. She gasped with fear and tried to make it over the wall. Instead, she twisted her ankle and fell into the dumpster. The lid sealed over her. Plunged into darkness, Alice curled up into a ball and awaited whatever doom would come next. Tears streamed down her face as she held her breath.

[Milkman]

Location: Alexei’s
Time: 5pm
Interacting with: @13orgYlva @Pink KhioneVivian @Crusader LordValya
Mention: @HeloElias

“Me? Young? I roamed the earth for 19 years already. I’m practically an adult” Spoke Finn harshly as he playfully pretended to be deeply insulted by being called young. Of Course she was not mentioning his age, Finn was sure that she was referring to his time being a werewolf. Well, he’s a pureblood afterall. So practically an edgelord furry since day one. “I’m Finn. Lived in New York City pretty much my whole life. Except for the last two days, I’m sort of living in Ember Grove now.”

Finn turned his attention towards the classy wolf lady. It was rather peculiar that 3 werewolves from far away somehow had gathered in the same bar at the same time in this small, unknown American town. For a moment he wondered what brought them here. Both were clearly not from the US and seemed to be here alone. Didn’t they have packs? Or where they send ahead to scout or something? Questions, questions, questions. The only way to get answers was to get to know them.

“I’m not really a drinker, it tends to get my bad side out. So fistfight is going to be my pick!” Yelled Finn with excitement as he raised his fist in the air. He had hardly spoken those words or the female bartender demanded his attention. It looked like she was unable to reach Volvango. That was bad, really bad. For a moment Finn looked at the door. Contemplating if he should take a dash. Just the thought about doing the dishes or worse, cleaning toilets in a shitty ass bar made him want to run. However a familiar scent made the young wolf change his mind.

Finn had seen the man who just entered and started to work before. At Alexander Drake’s art expo to be precise. It was fedora man the hunter. If that hunter worked at this bar, what does that say about the female bartender? It was fun and games up until now but if this bar was some secret hangout of a hunter club, things could get messy real fast. Getting shot at with silver bullets was not an activity that the young wolf enjoyed.

With an inquisitive look he stared at the female bartender, trying to work out she’s a hunter too. The girl didn’t look well trained, nor could Finn see any trace of concealed weapons. It was hard to imagine her as a hunter. Maybe working in a bar was nothing more fedora man’s regular day job or something. Nonetheless, it would be safer to have a job closer to the door.

Finn relaxed a bit and put up a smile. “I’m afraid that I’m rather under qualified to work as a janitor or dishwasher. I can’t remember the last time I did the dishes that I didn’t break a single glass, probably because me not braking anything hasn’t happened before. However I do believe that I make an excellent bouncer. I am exceptionally good at showing people the door”

[FunnyGuy]

Time: Afternoon
Location: Apartment #405 in Charlotte's Noggin
Interactions: Charlotte @Crusader Lord

"Over four thousand?" Dante let out softly before looking between the women. His attention was less on their conversation and more on their appearances. They were true reincarnations. Each life is new, yet with an old soul. Correction… old souls. This discovery filled him with interest. He wished that he could have discovered this without any sort of crime committed.

The dominant past lives soon directed Dante's attention to Charlotte. She was so much different than the others. He quickly guessed that it was the dominant personas that were the most engaged here. There's are at least a few dozen missing. Maybe short lives or they're simply not so showy.

Charlotte spoke up, and when she did, Dante listened with a thoughtful expression on his face. To think this young woman was capable of performing such a powerful spell. As alien as her explanation was, it made more sense after arriving in the mindscape.

"I see… However, a crime committed in ignorance is still a crime. And so, I will hold the most dominant soul accountable." Dante said with a hint of a smile before he vanished from the visages to return to the physical plane.

Dante jolted awake and took a few deep breaths before sitting up. No voice now. Ash sat up as well before Dante made a nod to Charlotte while giving a thumbs up. And with that, Ash went to town, licking the salt from Charlotte's face as Dante smiled with amusement.

The plan would be to take Charlotte to his coven. She would no longer be restrained, but it would not be an option. Communication would not be so smooth, but Dante was sure it was better out here than in the presence of the council of past lives within her. Dante used a mild amount of telekinesis to loosen the blanket wrapped around the young witch as he did not want to seem inappropriate in removing them. She could be nude under there for all he knew. These times were definitely weird enough for that to be the case.

[princess]

Time:Evening
Location:Operation Humanity HQ
Interactions:@FunnyGuy@Potter

Sadly, Sean and Niko had been infected with a bad case of testosterone poisoning.

At least, that's what Angel had decided. She was dimly aware of them both acting suspicious of each other but she couldn't care less so she tuned a lot of it out. She had gotten stuck on Sean saying she'd like the details in the car. Angel wasn't sure she'd like anything right now besides finding Remy, but he had stated they were going to look for someone. They didn't even know where Remy was, so it probably was about something else. Angel wasn't sure she could focus on whatever task it was.

Nikolaus caught her eyes to nod at her as he asked Sean about the team getting murdered. Angel shrugged at him. They didn't really tell her much of anything at this place. "I'll go get you something to eat."She said finally. Angel took some time to go fetch some food from the cafeteria, also taking a detour to try to peek in Trotter's room but the door was locked. She groaned and made her way back into Nikolaus's room and handed him a sandwich then tossed Sean one as well. Angel ended up eating hers in the hallway.

Angel remained quiet for a while until the sun had set, at which she had glanced at Sean, "Lead the way?"

[FunnyGuy]

Time: Evening
Location: Operation Humanity HQ
Interaction with: Angel @princess and Nikolaus @Potter

---

When Angel stepped out to grab some food, Sean turned his head to watch her leave. One could have assumed he was just checking her out, but he was also confirming her exit. Once Sean was sure Angel was out of earshot, he turned back to Nikolaus with a smirk as the two men's eyes met.

"I guess I can see the allure, but…" Sean stopped himself and chuckled a bit. He had almost forgotten he was trying not to share too much info with the potential mole. "Anyway… it was Agent Fox's Team that got wiped out by Alexander. I figured you would have gotten word with Agent Blonsky being just down the hall. He got lucky. Alexander compelled him to kill himself. But too bad he didn't know the guy was too stupid to off himself right." He shrugged, not too worried about how Nikolaus reacted to the news.

Sean accepted the nature of the job. Most hunters hoped to go down while taking two monstrous assholes with them. Unfortunately, there were times where the monster played their role as intended and reminded hunters just how fragile they were.

When Angel returned, he caught his sandwich with finesse and tossed it over to Nikolaus.

"Catch. I don't eat cat food." Sean wrinkled his nose at the tossed tuna sandwich. When his eyes met Nikolaus' again he winked at the man as he walked away with Angel, leading her out of the room. "We'll come check on you after we're done." Almost teasing.

As the two exited the room, he led the way to the garage and then to a truck. He kept quiet on the way as he wanted to save the conversation for the road. Plus if the talk went south Angel couldn't decide to not go anymore. Once in the truck, Sean started the diesel engine and sighed

"Sorry for the wait, but I couldn't tell either of the Trotters the plan." Sean said as he fiddled with his phone for a few seconds before placing it down into one of the cupholders. "We're gonna go find Remy. That's the mission." Sean said this as a familiar whisper could be heard through the speakers of the truck. A hint of a smile was visible on Sean's face as the music played and he drove towards Ember Grove.

[Crusader Lord]

Charlotte Wardwell

Time: Afternoon
Location: Apartment #405, Northern Residential Area (East of the University)
Interaction: Dante @FunnyGuy

---

A thumbs-up in this situation was good, right? Probably. Really the adorable dog was licking the salt off of her face, and this guy had at least let her go from the binding of her own comfortable blanket. It had been a sensation kind of like a swaddled baby, in hindsight, and were it not for speaking in the mindscape she might have gone to sleep for the rest of today! Maybe. Not as if she hadn't been planning to get some real good rest, but at the same time she had just been made a prisoner to be brought to trial for the crime of self-defense. Blargh. Even so, the tongue of a cute doggy was enough to wake her up with a smile for a brief moment before the reality hit back again. Not as good as being able to get a cup of coco for the road, but still it was a nicer waking up than her mother had occasionally afforded by telekinetically yanking her sheets off of her bed to make her get up.

'That idiot has no idea! The most dominant soul? Really? We are all one soul! And even if he meant 'her', somehow, do any of you think anyone can stir 'her' up to talk without it taking every damned voice in this mindscape piping in? That's what it took when the girl almost died anyways, and all we got was a pretty short sentence!'

'That fookin' little cowardleh shitehead-...ahem. Our guest hath left, though the girl is freed from her physical bondage for a time at least. Tis' a shame mine blade could never be driven into that look of arrogance, and yet to preserve her life and for her sake shall I restrain my blade for merely a brief time longer.'

'Ah...zee man zeems to have more sense zan some at leazt. Flee vile he still can, oui? Still, zee dominant soul? He vas, as zee kids say zese days, trolling uz. Bezides, if zees was defined as zee most dominant of zee past lives here, I woould-'

'No, no no no no no. Please do not start things over again. The poor girl has enough to deal with, let us not start that matter again. Please.'

'Indeed! Let us save our fury for that damnable whore of Babylon-'

'And here we go again...'

...At least they were preoccupied for a brief moment.

As Charlotte would shed the blanket and stand back up, albeit a tiny bit wobbly at first after the rush of events and the sudden wake-up, Dante would see she was dressed for probably some measure of comfort. She was donning a very comfortable (Note: See her profile pic) black-and-white-striped sweater that came down farther than usual, and admittedly a pair of black short shorts over the silken black leggings she had on. All in all covered and modest enough to walk at least, which was perhaps a stroke of great luck considering the girl's 'other' more common sleep habits hadn't kicked in for a simple nap on the couch. That would have just been awkward!

However, Charlotte seemed to do little but dust a bit more salt off of herself and look back on the floor. Salt. So much salt. Not as salty as her past lives could be sometimes, especially as certain one, but it was going to be a pain to get out of the carpet. Well, unless she was executed for this or something. Hell, that'd be almost the worst thing to happen to her today! Almost. Being in an alley covered in werewolf gore splatter fit for an NC-17 movie was the absolute worst thing, and she doubted anything would be able to outpace that to even remotely take the "#1 Worst Event Of Today" spot. Unless they splattered her maybe to repay the death? Oh hell no. That was not going to happen! She didn't even have the student loan debt yet! She had a life to live, so full and promising!

Even so, the girl let out a deep sigh as she looked back up at Dante.

"...Is it still too late to make that cup of coco to-go?"

One thing at a time. She just had to take this day one thing at a time.

---

Valya Karaznov

Time: 5pm
Location: Alexei’s
Interaction/Mentions: Vivian @Pink Khione, Finn @Milkman Ylva @13org

---

A smirked teased its way onto the woman's lips as she listened to and looked over at Ylva. A drink and a fistfight, eh? She mulled over the oncoming stream of memories and a slew of traveling adventures that had long passed, and yet all the same it gave a sense of familiarity. A faint sense, but one that the Valya took a liking to outright. Nordic-stock individuals generally knew how to have a good time, that she'd been able to figure out time and time again to her own pleasure. Fight, drink, 'other' things, all in good quantity and balance to enjoy life and pass on another day of living and breathing merrily. Especially when it came to special events.

But that was just one infinitesimal page of untold volumes of humans and their ways. She could write entire volumes of books from the time of her youth and still not be done with the first thousand years after another two thousand! Haha!

Even so, at the mention of 'Asulf' her left eyebrow ever so slightly raised up before settling back down.

"A pleasure, Ylva, though I must say this isn't the first time my choice of words has stirred a reaction. Haha.

I am Valya Karaznov. As for where I'm from, I believe people call it 'Russia' these days. Back in my day it was something far different in many ways, but in other even now is ever still the same. Funny how 'home' changes but also doesn't...

Ah, still, the surname 'Asulf' is one I haven't heard in a long time. Of course I won't prod anything you aren't willing to chat about, your business is your own after all, though I would at the very least dare to at least ask what other kinds of drinks you prefer. After all, a good drink can make for good conversation indeed."

The darker-haired woman let out an amused but low chuckle from her lips, letting one elbow rest on the table and leaning her head against her hand afterwards. Her eyes seemed to dance over Ylva, as if passively and unassumingly analyzing her for a moment, before casually turning her gaze toward Finn and a certain bartender's situation as a teasing glint shone off of her eyes.

"As for you, young man, if you insist on showing people the door here in the future you might want to ensure the door can handle it first."

[Helo]

Time: Evening
Location: Alexei’s
Interaction with: Vivian@Pink Khione Finn@Milkman

“Oh? I mean what’s the worst that could happen? Someone breaks down the door and we have fights in the parking lot?” Eli asked, teasing Vivian back while avoiding a direct answer to her question. It wasn’t as if he’d ever spent time in a bar sober, on or off the clock, seemed too much like a waste of an opportunity.

While Vivian discussed payment options for the broken door with the kid who had broken it, another door related problem occurred to him. If they had no front door to lock at the end of the night then they couldn’t just lock up and leave the bar unattended after close. He headed to the breakroom and used the phone in the back to call a few different numbers until he was able to find someone who would come out tonight to install a new one. Once satisfied that this would be fixed sometime tonight he returned up front to let Vivian know.

“Great news, someone’s coming by to fix the door thing. Of course since it’s a last minute rush job they’re charging extra but we won’t be cleaning up a ransacked bar tomorrow morning so that’s a big plus.” He said finding Vivian with a group who included the door-breaker. The culprit was someone he quickly recognized as the werewolf with the insane child from the art exhibit last night.

“So you're the guy that broke the door.” Eli said nodding before looking at Vivian. “This guys ok, I saw him last night, he was at the terrorist attack helping people get out safely. You can go easy on him Viv, he’s a good dude.” Eli added, inclined to give a vampire fighting werewolf a break for maybe just having a bad night, especially when considering that without the werewolf and his pack things might have gone much worse at the art exhibit.

[13org]

Time: 5pm
Location: Alexei's
Interaction with: Vivian @Pink Khione, Finn @Milkman, Valya @Crusader Lord
Mentions:

---

Ylva immediately understood what kind of werewolf Finn was once he introduced himself. He was young, yes, but the most important part was that he was a city wolf. Those kind grew further away from their instincts, their true selves and what they were. It explained why he didn't noticed her earlier.

"Oh, a city boy then? That explains it." Ylva said with a teasing smile to Finn.

Just as she finishes speaking to Finn, one of Vivian's co-workers arrived to help her, although not without complaining about the state of the place while immediately grabbing a broom to help. After a small talk with her co-worker, Vivian turned to Finn once again, with the unfortunate news that the contact he gave her wasn't returning her calls and giving him a choice of either waiting until he called back or working to pay for the damages.

"I would tell you good luck with that but with the punch you pulled, I doubt you'll have any problem as a bouncer." she said to Finn with a chuckle.

Turning back to the black haired woman as she introduced herself, Ylva couldn't help but notice her reaction when she mentioned her full name. A confirmation to her suspicions that Valya, as she was called, was older than what she initially thought. A reminder that Ylva couldn't be too careless around her.

"Well met, Valya. Russia, huh? So I was indeed right, you seem to be as far away from home as I am!" she said, laughing.

"You also seem to be quite knowledgeable to know about the Asulf. It seems you have really traveled quite a lot." she said, raising an eyebrow with a curious expression.

"Regarding drinks... Other than a few exceptions like Mead, which is not only a tradition but tasty in it's own right, I do like stronger drinks in general. If you're as accustomed to drinking as my people are, you'll soon find out that lighter drinks just won't do the job anymore." Ylva said, with a chuckle.

"But I have a sneaking suspicion you know exactly what I'm talking about." Ylva finished, letting out a hearty laughter as she said that.

The moment Ylva overheard Viv's co-worker mentioning that Finn was at the terrorist attack from the last night, helping people to leave, Ylva couldn't help but raise her eyebrows, looking at the young werewolf with a surprised expression.

"Ho~ That is surprising! So you're not only a troublemaker, but a hero as well!" she said with a chuckle as she looked at Finn.

[FunnyGuy]

Time: Afternoon
Location: Apartment #405
Interactions: Charlotte @Crusader Lord

She really wants that coco… I guess it won't hurt. Dante shook his head and pointed Charlotte to her own kitchen.

Once she got moving, Dante took a step towards the couch and stared at the carpet. Ash whimpered and tapped one of her front paws to the salt covered carpet. Dante averted his gaze and then sighed and knelt down. He placed his hand down onto the carpet.

Volant… The granules of salt started to rise up from the carpet as well as any crumbs that hadn't been vacuumed up. Dante then unenthusiastically pulled out his sack of salt. Movere In seconds, the granules entered the sack. Dante shot a sarcastic grin towards Ash before standing up to await Charlotte with a more stoic expression. He'd be ready to leave when she was.

[princess]

Time:Evening
Location:Operation Humanity HQ
Interactions:@FunnyGuy

Angel stared at Sean once in the truck, as if she thought she had hallucinated his words. "Wait... What? Really?"She leaned back in the seat thoughtfully. Not only was it weird that seemingly straight-edge Sean was down for something like this, but Remy's location was also so up in the air. It wasn't like Angel had been thinking this through for all this time and she totally hadn't planned to recklessly go out looking for her later tonight. Totally not at all.

Familiar music became more audible in the background of her thoughts until it distracted her enough to glance at the radio. She smirked to herself. It really was a trash song. She couldn't believe the lengths she'd go to drown out her own thoughts at times. Still, she was charmed he remembered, and seemed to be trying to get on her good side.

She addressed him again finally, "I'm guessing we don't have much to go off of, but we sure as hell owe her a shot."
Before he could reply, she added, "I've narrowed down it's nowhere good. It takes Trotter probably a minute to pull up our locations on the map. If he didn't tell us immediately, it's because he doesn't want us to know."

[Helo]

Time: Evening
Location: Boardwalk
Interaction with:

Noah had finished with his missing pet posters, his journey through the town ending along the boardwalk. Human Noah had liked this place, but now, with the clarity and heightening of his senses that vampirism brought he could not remember why. It reeked of fried foods, things covered in grease and oil, sizzling and popping as the vendors cooked them up for the swarming masses of humanity that flocked here. It was loud, bustling with the ever grating sounds of people chewing, laughing, and shouting. Too many people walked around with smiles, blissful in their lack of understanding that they were nothing but prey. They passed him without ever knowing how quickly he could snatch their lives away, and he let them keep walking. There were simply too many here for it to be a suitable hunting ground.

What the boardwalk did have to offer was a very small shop with a bright neon sign that simply read ‘Psychic Readings.’ Against the window a list of services promised things like tarot and palm readings, spiritual consulting, and astrological charting. Noah didn’t know whether the shop's owner and self proclaimed psychic was truly a witch or another common charlatan but it didn’t really matter either way. Eventually connections would be drawn, he just had to keep murdering witches, anyone connected to witchcraft, and make the killings look salacious enough to attract the right attention. His work needed attention and he needed it distinguished from the sloppy work of witch hunters. No one would ever make the mistake of thinking his handiwork was done by anything as mundane as witch hunters. The thought of bloodshed put a sly grin on his face as he entered the shop, bells on the door jingling as it opened and shut behind him.

Inside were a collection of crystals, decorative items, tarot decks, candles, and shelves lined with books on the occult. A black cat sat curled up next to the cash register and a board listing various services with their prices. To the right of the shop was a beaded curtain and from there a woman emerged, dressed exactly like some new aged hippie. The rest of the shop was dimly lit, with no other customers currently inside, and the few burning sticks of incense smelled of Frankincense. If she was a fake, she certainly had the ambiance down. This was his perfect oppertunity, another chance to make a bold statement, something that flyers around town just couldn’t do.

“Can I help you?” The woman’s cheery voice asked.

“I was hoping for a palm reading.”

“You seek answers to an important question.” Her response made Noah think she was a fraud, just a vague statement that could be applied to any situation.

“Indeed I do.” He said as he followed her to the room behind the beaded curtain anyway. A real witch or a fake one it didn’t really matter, he would get another meal and leave a message behind either way.

The so called psychic studied his hand, making various vague statements that meant nothing to Noah and he was barely listening. He grinned slightly as she described him as unyielding, mentioning things about conflict and loss.

“Anything else?” Noah asked, feigning interest but more than a bit disappointed to find that this was just an act, rather than a true witch. Then for a brief second he saw it in her eyes, that glimpse of true fear and Noah smiled widely, she knew what he was.

“No, that’s all. You can go now.” She said, the act now gone, her tone now curt and afraid. As the witch moved to pull her hand away from his Noah grabbed her hand. The witches hand made a satisfying snap as he twisted it, bones popping as they broke. His other hand stifled a scream, ensuring no interruptions or opportunity for her to use spells against him.

“Tell me what did you see? A glimpse at your own future? Local psychic fails to predict her own brutal murder in time?” Noah taunted, showing no signs of anything but his sadistic and predatory nature even as the witch had the nerve to try and bite him. He pulled the witch closer, his teeth sinking in and fresh blood quieting his hunger to a dull murmur. He dropped the witch to the floor, mostly exsanguinated but still just clinging to life. Not enough strength left to be a threat to him but enough that he could have time for a question.

“I’m looking for one witch, one named Shay. It is far too late for you but I’m just going to keep looking, keep killing, until I find her. If you tell me where she is I can leave the rest of your kind alone, or I keep doing this, every night.” Noah said as he crouched down next to the dying witch who struggled to simply shake her head. “That is bad news for you, your death could’ve been an easy one.” A slight chuckle left him before he continued.

Noah left the back room in a similar but far more rushed state than he had left the Witches Brew in. The small table which held a crystal ball now held a pair of gouged out eyes and a smile with fangs drawn in blood underneath them. Beneath that he placed three tarot cards, smudged with blood from his fingers, their faces featuring The High Priestess, Wheel of Fortune, and The Devil. He placed the now dead witch in the chair facing the door, and the card for Death inside her mouth.

The cat turned and hissed at him as he walked back through the beaded curtain and Noah hissed back, his fangs on full display, and much more impressive than the cats.

“You’re a little late, failed familiar.” He said as he licked blood from his fingers. “I hope you don’t plan on snacking on my project.” He added, taunting the animal. The cat watched him as he left but he was unconcerned with the creature.

[FunnyGuy]

Time: Evening
Location: Operation Humanity to the Ember Grove Dump
Interaction with: Angel @princess

---

Sean kept his eyes on the road as Angel reacted to the proposed plan. He knew she would be more than game to take on the task of finding someone she had grown up with. After reading the files, Sean was sure the two understood each other the best out of their ragtag group. The thought of Nikolaus possibly being a mole crossed his mind.

"Trotter at least has a rough idea, but I'm not 100 percent sure on his motive for keeping it under wraps. Most likely to keep the info of loss from reaching the wrong ears. If the wrong clan or coven got their hands on Remy…" Sean kept it at that. It was the most probable conclusion other than Remy removing her tracker and doing something ridiculous with it.

He was making his way to the dump first. It was her last reported location after all. When they arrived, Sean couldn't help but sigh at the sight of several people hanging out at the dump.

"They don't look homeless to me. Stay in the car until I give you the signal. I don't want them to recognize you." Sean said coldly as he placed the truck in park and exited the vehicle, keys in hand. He smiled as he approached the shady group. It was time to use a trusted analytical tactic to determine if these were sheep or wolves. He looked at one of the men in the eyes. He was a lanky guy sporting a black tank top and jeans. He kept his smile intact. This was all a step in the process. Sean was not a psychological expert in any degree, but this was a foolproof method. Colonel Trotter even presented it the day he saw it in action. It only worked during situations with limited visibility. The dump was perfect! "Thought you had me fooled bloodsucker! Time to die bitch!" Sean shouted as he reached for the small of his back.

"What the hell?! Don't shoot! Don't shoot! Please!" The man jumped startled before he and everyone in his group fled for their lives from what they assumed was some crazy meth addict that had a gun. Sean nodded, a tinge disappointed. Turning to Angel, he gave her a thumbs up.

"Coast is clear for now! Learned that one from GTA. The civilians always run… Anyway, we might be able to find her skateboard or the tracks. At least while these overhead lights stay on."

Unbeknownst to Sean, he and Angel were being watched and listened to by a greater threat than a few meth-addicted squatters.

[Pink Khione]

---

Time: Evening
Location: Alexei's
Interaction with: Eli @Helo

Pfft.

The sound of laughter stopped midway through Vivian’s throat in response to the newest customer’s joke, the classy woman who was seated by Ylva. Her jab at Finn’s expense was entertaining, but Vivian remained somewhat aware of her position as a server and tried to not make her amusement obvious to the potential customer. Regardless, she had a point—door issue aside, Vivian wasn’t sure whether or not Finn fell a bit short of the age requirement for the job. She found the image of him in bright yellow rubber gloves and a toilet plunger more amusing anyway.

Elias’ quick thinking—despite taking several shots earlier—helped to resolve the issue faster than Vivian would have. He already found someone to fix the door with the foresight to see that leaving the building door-less would be a problem through the night.

“Aren’t you reliable? Thanks for dealing with it Eli,” Vivian grinned and gave her colleague a friendly punch in the shoulder. She was surprised to hear that Finn was at the art exhibit as well, though she was still wrestling with the belief that it had happened at all. It didn’t seem like something that would happen in a small town, but it was more of an unbelievable coincidence that three people from the same traumatic event had gathered in some hole-in-the-wall pub. In addition to the lucky billiards job she got that morning, the chain of coincidences felt uncanny.

“If you’re vouching for him then it should be fine. Say, how old did you have to be to work as a bouncer again?”

[Helo]

Time: Evening
Location: Alexei’s
Interaction with: Vivian@Pink Khione, Finn@Milkman, Ylva@13org, Valya@Crusader Lord

Eli liked the thought of a werewolf bouncer, especially with the uptick in vampire violence going around. Not to mention the fact that Alexander Drake had just strolled on in earlier today. Having a werewolf on staff, especially one that was willing to tear apart bloodthirsty vampires, certainly wasn’t his worst idea. As far as whether it was entirely legal to employee Finn, he had no idea but a quick google search on his phone said over eighteen was the age requirement for security and that seemed good enough for him. It wasn’t as if the bar’s owner took a very hands on approach, all the mysterious owner really only seemed to care about was maintaining the bar’s status as a neutral ground. Whatever Alexei’s patrons may be, humans, wolves, even vampires, so as long as they played nice inside, the place was a safe haven. The local authorities steered clear of the bar, due to what Eli guessed was a combination of greasing the right palms and the sheer indifference, or incompetence, of the human authorities around town.

“Well Google says eighteen but just to be safe we can pay him under the table. Besides, didn’t you just say someone here ought to be sober?” Eli replied. He had a feeling that if Finn actually wanted a job here he’d fit in fine, Alexei’s just had a way of attracting lost souls. That was probably one of the reasons they kept ending up short staffed, people who worked here either eventually found their way or they just vanished.

“Don’t start any fights, and don’t expect to just be standing around by the door, everyone here does grunt work. If you're interested, swing by tomorrow and we can start you on a trail run.” He added, addressing Finn.

“Welcome to Alexei’s, I’m Eli, the kitchen closes at ten, and if you break anything we’ll make you work here.” He said, grinning as he introduced himself to the rest of Finn’s group. The other two women didn’t look familiar and based on their accents weren’t from around here either. He vaguely wondered if there was some sort of werewolf convention in town, that did seem more on par with Ember Grove than suddenly becoming an international tourist hot spot.

[Crusader Lord]

Charlotte Wardwell

Time: Afternoon
Location: Apartment #405, Northern Residential Area (East of the University)
Interaction: Dante @FunnyGuy

---

A brief glimmer of joy seemed to cross the younger girl's eyes, and after giving a hasty nod up and down to Dante the witch jotted over to her tiny kitchen. She grabbed a couple packets of hot coco, the milk, a couple of to-go thermos, and got to work throwing together a last-second travel drink or two for the road. She seemed to work fast at it whilst using telekinesis rather adeptly to hasten the process, heating milk, stirring in coco powder, adding the sugar, grabbing straws, and slapping it all together with the kind of care and simultaneously breakneck haste only a stressed-out college student during finals week might exhibit. Or rather, someone who was briefly excited for one small nicety she'd have at least despite the fact she was being arrested by the local coven/magical police. Regardless, it gave her a little hope that the day would end on a better note...maybe...probably...mmmmm, she'd keep an open mind about it all at least.

Jotting back over to Dante, her tiny kitchen left behind with a light coco dust lingering on part of the counter, Charlotte extended a warm hand with a thermos of creamy, smooth, and ultimately rather fresh hot coco in it. Whether he took it or not, however, she had her own thermos of it in her other hand and the smallest of smiles on her face at the very least.

"Here! I figured since it's this time of year, you might need something to stay warm as well!"

'Zat eez a kind offer to zee one zat jumped into zees mindscape, but you know you are still being arrested yes? Zis sort of thing might be zee littlest bit suspicion, non? Not to mention ill-fitting.'

'For once we agree on something.'

Oh. Crap!

A flustered look of shock appeared on Charlotte's face, and as her face turned beet red she attempted to withdraw her arm hastily. She nearly dropped of the offered hot chocolate, even, lightly fumbling it in one hand before using telekinesis to catch it and keep it from spilling. At the very least, though, she seemed to catch herself a bit as she steadied herself once more.

'Let the girl- *sigh*. Not again.'

The nineteen-year-old seemed to grimace for a second, before gingerly transferring the offered thermos to her other arm for a moment as she rapped on her own skull with her knuckles in irritation. Her eyes seemed to stare up, as if attempting to look back at the voices prodding her mind once more. Seemed the distraction caused by Dante's leaving hadn't been long enough in her opinion. Usually she was more mindful of this, but...well, today was one of those days where things were more on-edge. She'd been caught up in her excitement for hot coco that she hadn't thought to question the advice initially. Wasn't like they were totally wrong, really, but to hell if she was going to make things worse by giving the cold shoulder!

"Stupid...ugh," the young witch said, mumbling to herself before letting out a long sigh before grabbing up and extending the not-spilled thermos out to Dante once more, the light pink of embarrassment crossing her own face briefly and her eyes looking more to the side as she struggled to look him in the face again, "It's...it's been a long day already. Sorry. But, um, I promise I didn't do anything to the hot coco. You can check the shelves if you want proof."

---

Valya Karaznov

Time: 5pm
Location: Alexei’s
Interaction/Mentions: Vivian @Pink Khione, Finn @Milkman Ylva @13org

---

"Oh? A little hero are we? Haha, well then perhaps this gig might suit you, hmm?" the older woman teasingly mused aloud to Finn, before letting out a quiet sigh and turning her eyes and body back around to Ylva.

A hint of familiarity seemed to pass over Valya's face at the nordic woman's mention of mead and 'stronger drinks', however, and a wry smile seemed to crawl back onto the Siberian werewolf's face from each corner. She pulled her head off of her hand and let her hands and arms rest again on the counter before speaking once more.

"Indeed, it seems we are both far from home for our own reasons I'd wager. But I can understand why the lighter drinks just stop doing the job anymore,"

Valya chuckled.

"I've had my fair share of drinks, but if you really want a kick to remember down the line then I'd recommend the moonshine out in the Appalachian region and similar rural areas. For many it would kill their ability to see, veritable 'rocket fuel' and poison that stuff is as compared to others, but for those with a need for 'heavier' product like ourselves it isn't a problem at all."

The raw and almighty burn of homemade high-proof moonshine made out of someone's bathtub or a still hidden in the backwoods. A true classic, akin to 'the classic' manner she first had it so very long ago, but only something she'd dabbled in a couple of times for her own enjoyment. Still, the memories of those nights and that one adorable effeminate-looking younger man working at the local diner were not ones she'd not want to forget. Even so, she could tell that simply by the other woman's seeming curiosity and reaction at her mention of familiarity with the Asulf that some form of a chord had been struck. What kind of chord, she had no idea. Either way it was better to play it safe in that particular matter.

"As for my familiarity with your line, Ylva, I must confess haven't visited in literal ages to be quite honest. I've traveled for many years indeed, moving from place to place and curiosity to curiosity and so forth. To see the world, to experience the world and everything within it, is a personal passion of mine if I may be so frank. Like...a leaf upon the wind..." the wine-haired vixen said, allowing her words to trail as she shifted her attention to Eli now in turn, giving a low chuckle at the man's humor before continuing, "Ah, the kitchen closes at ten? Would you happen to have anything that pairs well with a few very stiff drinks? I'm rather parched, but frankly I can't say no to a potential hot meal either."

Her smile perk up a bit more as she spoke, before glancing at Ylva and giving a small but friendly wink. Nothing flirty or such in this case, it would be all too easy in Valya's opinion, but simply a light prod to see if she might snatch herself a temporary drinking buddy and conversation partner for the next bit. The quiet of earlier had been nice, but frankly she wanted to loosen up a bit more and simply enjoy herself in a new place. Besides, those of Nordic stock (humans or otherwise) were generally good to have some hard drinks with.

"Would you want something as well, Ylva? My treat, drinks and food alike, as hopefully ample payment for your time here and some good conversation of course. No pressure, however, if you have business or such to attend to otherwise."

[princess]

Time:Evening
Location:Road from Operation Humanity HQ
Interactions:@FunnyGuy

"Probably because he knows I'd go there looking for her and let's just say I've been invested in."Angel told Sean when he brought up Trotter's motive. They seemed to be on the same wavelength with thinking Remy was most likely in the wrong hands. Sure, the kid was a goof and went off sometimes, but she never cut contact and disappeared like this.

Invested in.

Her own words repeated in her head and made her feel sick to her stomach. That's all she was to him. An investment. Considering he seemed to make his own son feel like one, she couldn't really hope to be regarded as anything more.

She pushed her own self-pity out of her mind, knowing Remy was the focus. It became quite obvious eventually to Angel that they were heading to the dump and she wasn't surprised to see a bunch of low-lives hanging out there. Ember Grove liked to pride itself in being quaint and all, but it sure had the population of a shithole.

Angel immediately rolled her eyes upon being told to stay in the car. "Seriously?"She gave him a face. She had half a mind to tell him to fuck off and get out, but he had earned some respect today so she actually heeded his instruction, keeping a hand ready to open the door if he needed back up. She watched the scene play out as he cleared the way and had to comment when he mentioned GTA, "Glad to know OH is equipping us with tactics from video games." She had found it impressive but she didn't comment so.

She hopped out of the car and glanced around. "I don't feel like she's here, but let's look quickly anyway." There was the off-chance Remy had fallen asleep on some dirty pillow or something, so she began to move around the area, her eyes diligently searching as she looked under larger objects and moved piles of garbage. The smell quickly became a nuisance but she didn't complain.

[Milkman]

Location: Alexei’s
Time: 5pm
Interacting with: @13orgYlva @Pink KhioneVivian @Crusader LordValya @HeloElias
Mention: @TaeSorrel

“Yup, born and raised in the big apple. Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker. Nothing I can change about that. Just let me know when I’m going mad on the New York slang, ok? ” Joked Finn as he was sort of relieved that the girl didn’t use the D word for describing a city wolf. The young wolf still remembered the day that he was forced to come by his father to come to some diplomatic negotiations with some pack that lived in the Morgan Hill State Forest. One of the other wolves called him a dog for being a city wolf and things went ugly really fast.

Finn turned his attention towards the classy wolf lady as she commented on him being a little hero. “Hey, not cool sis! I’m at least an average sized hero. At least to American standards. But you have a good point. I should definitely open the door next time before I throw someone through it.” Teased Finn light heartedly. “Not so sure abou the hero part though. I just happened to be there when things went crazy. I just fought for my survival. I guess I’m pretty good at that”

Finn relaxed a bit when fedoraman called him a good dude.The man definitely knew that he was a werewolf yet it did not look like he had any interest in hunting him. That sure was a relief. Much to the young wolf’s surprise he even offered him a job after his little joke about being good at showing people the door. Pretty strange for a human to offer a werewolf a job. Maybe the man was concerned about the vampire attack in town. It certainly was an extremely bold assault. Doing stuff in such a way in New York would get vampires in all sorts of trouble.

For a moment he thought about the offer. He never had considered taking a job but his situation had changed so much in the past few days. It would probably be a good thing to take it just to get some form of income so that he does not have to freeload on Sorrel too much. The no fights part would be a challenge though. ” Uuh, sure. I can do that. I do need the guap, uh money i mean. I’m 19 by the way so the age part should be fine. Can’t really show my ID at the moment but I’ll get a new one as soon as I have money. I’ll definitely hop by tomorrow. I’m Finn, Finn Cooper.”

[13org]

Time: 5pm
Location: Alexei's
Interaction with: Vivian @Pink Khione, Finn @Milkman, Valya @Crusader Lord, Elias @Helo
Mentions:

---

Ylva chuckled as she heard Finn mentioning he was born and raised in the city. Despite being a bit inexperienced in some aspects, Finn seemed to be a pretty chill guy. He accepted working as a bouncer pretty quickly, even thanking and considering making it a definitive job. His reaction to both Valya and Ylva's own teasing was also good, which only confirmed her thoughts about him being a nice guy and made her think a little bit of what the big guy said or did to earn that punch.

"Well, if you're going to work here from now on, we might see each other a few times in the future." she said to Finn with a hearty laugh before looking at Viv and her co-worker.

"It's a pretty charming place. My kind of place. Don't worry about me breaking things though. I'll try to keep myself from breaking anything other than other people's faces if they bother me too much." she said with a hearty laugh.

"Besides, it would be kinda bad if I got myself banned from the only place in the city that has the types of drink I like, wouldn't it?" she finished, laughing.

Turning to Valya, Ylva paid close attention with a clearly interested expression as the russian werewolf mentioned moonshine from the Appalachian region. The words 'poison' and 'rocket fuel' made Ylva raise an eyebrow, looking at Valya with a clearly interested smirk.

"So, let's get to what's important. How can I get my hands on some of that moonshine." Ylva said, leaning forward and looking at Valya with a mischievous smirk.

When Valya mentioned she had visited the Asulf clan a long time ago and began talking a bit about her lifestyle and why she didn't go there more often, Ylva simply nodded, her expression growing more serious and a bit distant as Valya mentioned her clan. Her silence and refusal to speak more about the Asulf might be a small hint that 'something' might have happened but judging how Ylva reacted, it might not be the best idea to insist on that matter.

Thankfully, Valya herself didn't insist too much on talking about the Asulf and quickly moved topics, offering Ylva something to drink or eat as a treat.

"Hm... I do have a small something planned for tonight so I'll have to refuse your offer for food but I'll gladly accept another drink." Ylva said with a mischievous smirk as she turned to the counter, calling Viv with a hand motion.

"Hey Viv, thanks for the drink and the bottle of Akevitt." Ylva said, tapping the bottle as she took the money out of her pocket and handed it to her in order to pay for what she had asked for.

"I still have some time until the night falls so I might as well accompany my new drinking buddy for a few rounds." she said with a chuckle.

"I'm having whatever you're having. Anyone else?" she said, looking to Finn, Viv and her co-worker.

"As you guys said yourselves, at least one of you needs to stay sober... That means the rest might as well accompany us, right?" Ylva said, laughing.

[Potter]

Time: Late Afternoon > Evening
Location: Ember Grove Mall > Boardwalk
Interactions:
Mentions: @Helo Noah

The mall escapade had been successful; mostly. Shay had bought new clothing, mostly hoodies and jackets and loose clothing she could run and fight in. She had also bought nice clothing in case she needed it. Shay had her haircut to the middle of her back and dyed a dark brown. She’d also put in highlights as well. Shay had also taken to buying perfume. Although the vampires could still smell, it would help distort it. She had taken care to also buy pepper spray, an alarm, and a couple of knives she planned to use for self-defense. She had left the mall with Aunt Annies’ pretzel bag and lemonade. She had her hood up and hair in a braid to help conceal her face. Shay had also replaced the battery in her phone with another to help stop Charles’ phone from being tracked.

Once out of the mall and into town, Shay began noticing missing posters. At a stoplight she had read it and felt fury rise inside of her. The bastard had Missing posters of her now? She gritted her teeth. She couldn’t stay here. No, she had to leave. Where would she go, and how would that benefit humanity? Lost in reverie, Shay missed the green light to a chorus of honks. Growling, Shay turned and drove forward. She turned down an empty street and parked the car. She buried her head in her hands as emotions rushed through her: frustration, helplessness, confusion, and of course, a desire to withstand her opponents. She sighed heavily.

Shay began to assess her options: turn herself in and lose her freedom or life, possibly become a vampire. Not a good option; she loved her magic. Her other option was to go to Operation Humanity, but what would they do to her there? Angel’s apprehension of her being in that parking lot told Shay enough. Next, leave Ember but go where? If she stayed, how did she know that the Holy Saviors wouldn’t recognize her either? There was the witch Maeve and her coven, but wouldn’t she be punished for using Dark Magic? Did it matter if it was self defense? Shay angrily punched the steering wheel. There was nowhere to run. Hiding would only work for so long. She stared at her phone and contemplated texting Angel. What would that do - another array of questions. Sighing, Shay knew she had to clear her mind. Going to the docks and staying by the ocean had usually helped. Shay had noticed it upon her arrival in Ember Grove. She turned and began driving there, eyes narrowed with frustration.

Once at the boardwalk, Shay parked the car. She left it and rubbed her temples as she went towards the beach. The crashing of the waves began to ease her. Shay began to feel her frustration dimming, though she didn’t let her guard down. Shay kept her hood up, while being armed with the knives in her jeggings and pepper spray. She kept her head down and hood up to help conceal herself still. Shay stopped close to the boardwalk, blissfully unaware of Noah’s presence.