Demon Wolf Saga : Stories of Willow Vallen

[Willow]

Don't Let That Be Me
Demon Wolf
8.2.15

Intoxicating music filled the room as she danced, her lithe form moving to the heart pounding beat. Cream white skin showing in all the right places, her perfect tummy, and athletic definition around her middle. Willow’s pale small hand reaching up to lightly run over her exposed collarbones and neck where she knew her dance partner was looking. Drifting down her small but perfect covered chest, then down past the skirt to her thighs. Accidentally moving her skirt just enough to let his mind wonder. It all came so easily to her, the movements the way she would flash a smile and move close to him.

Looking up into his eyes she took his hands, pulling them behind her to the small of her back. “Thank you for the dance.” Her hips still moving some as her body was pulled close.

“Willow I don’t ever want to lose you.”

“Everything comes to an end my prince.” Resting her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms around him.

“What can I do to help? I will give anything to have you stay. I know I can’t keep you, but please just one more night. What do you need to let me hold you one more night?” His voice pleading, as if her absence stole all the color from his world.

A wicked smile crossed her lips, one he couldn't see as they swayed to the music. As their bodies almost touched save for the thin silk that kept them apart. “I can't ask it of you.”

“Please tell me, I will do anything.”

The smile was gone as she looked up at him again, pulling away some as she touched his exposed scarred chest and abdomen. “Please don't ask me again, my company is not worth the price.”

“Willow you're worth it.” Running his powerful hand through her silky white hair. “Tell me, I beg you, what can I do. Name anything and it will be yours.”

Holding him tight with a pained look, one showing regret, and hidden pain. “I am weak, far too weak to linger here. If…” she trailed off hiding her face against his chest, her soft skin making him shiver.

Hands went to her shoulders as he pushed her away but held her firmly. “If what? Please tell me. I love you, I will give anything.”

“Even… your soul?”

“Yes. Anything you need to be strong again.” Pulling her close their lips met in a kiss, lustful and needy as he trying to prove his love to her. Her kiss was sweet like honey on his lips, as he took in her scent of lavender.

The kiss broke as she pushed him away, he did not resist her as she took a step back. Licking the taste of salt and berries from her lips. “Your soul..” Putting her hand on his pecs, he shivered again at the cold touch on his hot skin.. “You will stay with me forever.”

“Anything.. it is yours.”

Always pain, even when the soul is willingly given. Nails digging into his flesh, as she fought the searing hot pain building on her back. Grabbing the ball of warmth, pulling it as it clung to the person it lived in.

The groan from him was not one of pleasure but, of fear and pain. Grabbing ahold of Willow’s shoulder trying to push her away, free himself from her grasp. Soon he was struggling under her grasp, unable to get the strength to push the tiny fae away.

His dying screams meant nothing, Willow felt nothing, just sound in an empty world. Stepping back as his body fell to the ground, the soul in her cupped hands like a small glowing star. The blood on her finger tips dripped onto her white silk gown as she held it close like a sleeping kitten.

“You will always be with me.”

Walking away leaving his body on the cold floor as the music played. Willow felt nothing as she danced away with the soul. Feeding it to her wolf as if it was nothing more than a piece of tender meats as she licked his blood off her fingers…

Screaming as she bolted upright grabbing the blankets and struggling as she fell on to the floor. Blood stained the bed and sheets dripping from her hand, where she had been clawing at her own back, clawing at the tattoo there.

Door opened as brownies came in ready to aid her in any way they can. Not knowing what they were walking in to or even her state of mind. Stopping in their tracks as they saw her on her knees blood soaked nightgown and bed.

“GET OUT!” Screaming with a growl in her voice, energy gathering in her hand as she watched them in her room. They scurried away leaving her on her knees as the energy in her hand fizzled and went out.

Standing she put her hand to her stomach as she felt nauseous and dizzy, stumbling into the bathroom. The cold mastery stinging her knees as she gripped the porcelain and threw up bile from her stomach. Not eating recently there was nothing else to expel but dry heaves and bitter acid.

Once it passed she stood still shaking as the cuts she ripped in her back was slowly healing. Letting the grown drop around her ankles as she stumbled into the shower, as she put a hand on the cold tile, as she grabbed the faucet and turned on the showerhead above.

The ice cold water was like needles as it hit the open wounds on her back. Collapsing to the stone tiles she let the water run over her. Water turning red as it hit the cuts, running through the groves and valleys of the old missionary tiles to the drain.

The tears in her back slowly healing as the pain reminded her she was alive. The attack was aimed at her tattoo, though it was not just ink in her skin, it to had its own magic. Painfully the tattoo healed, she healed. Fae blood not allowing her to have scars, the magic of the Tattoo not allowing itself to be broken.

“It isn't me, it isn't me.. Goddess, don’t let that be me.”

 

[Willow]

Whispers in the Mirror
Demon Wolf
8.7.15


Skateboard in hand, Willow walked the buzzing of the tunnel and into the snow. Ahead of her was Nikolai waiting, his hands calmly clasped behind himself. He knew the area better than she did even though this was her hunting ground.

Leading him up the mountain, she stayed quiet for most of the trip only talking once the cliff face was in sight. She had watched him during the walk he seemed confident and hopeful that the mirror would have energy he needed, so he could help Marcus and Darcy.

“How have you been?” She glanced over at him now that the hard part of the climb has passed.

“I’ve been well, thank you. Yourself?”

“Pretty good, I just want to get this done.” Willow drew a breath. “While I still can.”

Nodding slowly in silence, the conversation died as soon as it started. The cliffs came closer and soon they were standing at the foot of a large cliff where two rocks had at one point collided, making a crag just big enough for Willow to shimmy up. Up around twenty feet was the small entrance to a cave that once housed bats, who long ago moved out for one reason or another.

“Stay here; I will bring it out.”

Having no problems she clambered her way up to the cave mouth, vanishing inside. It was not a large cave, but it held a dozen or so different sized lockboxes, some big like footlockers, some small like cash boxes.

Wrinkling her nose, the putrid smell was just faint enough in the air to turn her stomach. She felt an awry aura as she reached for the box, then the sting of death as her hand took the handle. Squishing her eyes closed a flood of whispers entered her mind, to many voices to make out any one voice, or even words.

With that she gave it the good old heave ho and tossed it out of the mouth of the cave to the snow below, thankful that the whispers faded as soon as the box was out of her hands. Grumbling she left the cave for her own leap off into the snow, not getting a good feeling about what she was doing.

“Oh ya, that is sooo cursed.”

Nikolai’s eyes started to glow as he inspected it. “I can see that.” He laid his hands over the box, perhaps feeling the aura.

Placing a hand on her temple and rubbing it lightly, Willow’s head began to feel a tad better, as the whispers faded. “So that is how Mother feels..”

“How do you mean?” Nikolai glanced to her with red eyes.

“Gaia whispers to her all the time, I guess they are whispering to Papa currently.”

“Are you hearing whispers?”

She looked down at the offending box, having no interest in touching it again. “I did..”

Nodding some at her, his he eyes went back to the box as he crouched down to get a closer look. “Did they say anything in particular?”

“There were a lot of whispers. They weren't taking turns.”

“Hm...” Finally he placed his gloved hand on the box, the seemed to freeze on the spot, “Oh.”

A small frown pulled at Willow’s lips. “Is it a dud?”

Already red eyes went bright as fire, as he squatted there silent, staring at the box. His mouth hung half open showing his fangs for a moment before he blinked a few times.

“Death marks this relic...” Moving to open the box he glanced up at her, “In my past experiences there should be an odor. You may want to cover your nose.”

Taking out a piece of cloth that had lavender oil soaked into it, she covered her nose and mouth. “I could already smell it in the lock box.”

Nikolai’s gaze moved back down as he slowly opened the box with a cringe. There it laid, covered with mold, moss, dead flies, and maggots. The glass that had a border of fuzzy mold also carried a smudge. The magical symbol was small and mostly out of the way, clearly not one she had just forgotten to clean off.

Tilting her head Willow watched him, even through the lavender oil she could smell it. “I hope…” Her words trailed off as she could taste decay as she spoke, making a face as she finished her words, “It helps.”

Putting his gloved hand on the mirror he closed his eyes, taking a moment before speaking again. “Does this mirror bear any significance to you, or is it just any other mirror?”

“Not special, I can make another one when I am better.” Taking a step back as she felt nauseated, her skin going a slight shade of green. Lifting the mirror Nikolai looked at himself in it, still cringing. He flipped it, to look at the once decorative silver and gold backing. Willow saw a glimpse of herself in it but it didn’t seem quite right.

“I can get another silver mirror from an antique store… What are you looking for?” Finally asking the question on her mind.

Flipping it again he glanced into it, then spun it to show the reflective side to Willow. “What do you see?”

Looking at it she tilted her head, her reflection tilting in kind. It was not the Willow she saw when she left the house this morning, no, it was how she was when she was six. Before her parents died, back when her smile was not a mask. “Me, younger… Do you think the time difference from where I was scrying made a difference?”

“No,” He said plainly, turning the mirror around and looking in to it. Squinting, he lifted his hand to touch his jaw, gloved fingers sinking into his beard. Whatever he saw he didn’t like, frowning a little. “It’s a mirror of lies.”

Tilting her head she looked at him and then the back of the mirror. “Oh.. but why lie?” At one time Willow was able to lie, now she had forgotten what it was like.

“Devils operate though lies, deceit. The faster they can get you to betray your own instinct, the easier prey you become.”

“Is that why Fae can’t lie?” Her heart fell with the bitter taste of disappointment, clearly hoping for something more. “So, can you use it?”

“The mirror is powerful…” Cutting himself off with a gasp, a surge of energy went through him from the mirror. “I’m not quite sure... and it seems to still have a connection to the dimension in which you paid a visit to.”

Nikolai’s eyes went back up to her, “Does anyone know you have this?”

“My stepfather…” Putting her hand up a moment feeling her soul slip some, like something important was sliding out of her grip. “Papa. I told him that I wanted to give it to you. I was very vague.”

Another gasp left him as he held the mirror, causing some alarm in her. “Are you alright Nikolai?”

“I see this reeks of dark energy.” Again the mirror pulsed with darkness, and he dropped it in the snow. “Goodness.”

“Oh...” Her eyes on Nikolai still, she asked again, “Are you alright?”

She looked down at the mirror in the snow, soft flakes flecked over its surface, and gradually an image appeared in the glass. On the mirror’s face she could see him, Saint, laying in the leaves and bleeding. Something had attacked him, he looked frozen in fear, his green eyes dull. Willow gasped.

“Saint?!” Instinct kicked in, her protective nature griped her.

“We can save him,” Words whispered to her from the mirror.

Nikoli blinked at Willow in confusion. “I’m sorry?”

It was hard to fight her protective nature, it was one of her strongest attributes. Squinting her eyes shut, she shook her head. “The mirror is lying to me, and whispering.”

“The whispers…?” Pausing he looked at the mirror. “Dreamers… no, it can’t be”

“Let us help you; release us, and we can save him.”

Eyes still squinched closed Willow tried to drown out the voices with her own thoughts. “Can we put it back in the box now?”

Nodding he took a knee in the snow and scooped the silver mirror up in to his hands. The next surge of energy like last caused him to make a gasp. “The energy is growing.”

The feeling of nausea stirred in her causing her to clench her middle, starting to visibly look ill. ”Put it in the bo-”

“Willow!”

The voice of Marcus cried out to her from the mirror, just as Nikoli had been about to close the lid on it. Her instincts could no longer be held back.

“Marcus!” The need to protect now in full gear her, her logical mind was no longer with her as she reached forward and put her hands on the lid, keeping the box from being closed.

“What are you doing, Willow?” Nikoli pressed - he could not hear the voices that called her, that still called to her.

“I am here Willow.”

“Who... you... Who is there with you?” She asked the mirror, her mind still struggling to pull her out of the feral state she was slipping into.

“There are three cities, seek the center city,” Marcus said as if it was a final message, if he was now ready to tell her how to find him.

“There are three cities, seek the center city,” she repeated the words aloud.

“I’m afraid I don’t quite follow...” Nikolai spoke now looking at her with concern.

“That is where Marcus is.”

“Willow! Don’t let them lock me up in here! They haunt me in this box!” Marcus’s voice pleaded.

“Who does?”

“Whoever is in this box, please, Willow…” His voice broke into a cry, much like the cry she had heard him make when she was scrying. “Don’t leave me here.”

Crimson eyes was now looking watching her with curiosity. It was possible even Nikoli was not sure if it was a trick or really a part of Marcus stuck in the mirror. His attention was drawn elsewhere then, and he gazed up to the sky. A moment of logic snuck into Willow’s overwhelming need to protect.

“Marcus, prove it’s you, say something.”

“We danced at the Sheriff's station!”

“Nik, Marcus’ voice is in there, I hear it!”

“They are coming Willow!” He said sharply, as if he hadn’t heard. Her gaze followed his, danger in the air… a vampiric hiss made her hesitate. Nikoli stood with his hands ready, gathering magic to fight, “Stay back Willow!”

“Sorry Marcus… I have to.” The logical part of her brain was once again taking over. The howl she heard was only a guess of forty yards off in the trees, there was no way she was going to be able to fight, now while she was sick. “Nik, take the box and go.”

“Pick me up Willow, they are coming to take me!”

Her small pale hand grabbed on to the mirror as she was standing to leave. The gloves she always wore were fingerless, she needed them exposed to use magic. “Nik we need to go.”

Nikolai pulled off a glove causing dark shadows to pour out of one of his rings, forming into a wolf at his side. Turning he then saw her, holding the tarnished mirror to her chest. “NO!”

“Hey beautiful...” The whisper spoke kindly in her ear.

“We can save him!” She cried; Nikoli’s eyes went wide.

“What is it telling you?”

The mirror knew exactly what to grab on to, her protective instinct was overwhelming. “They are coming to get the mirror, Marcus’ voice is in it, I can hear it!”

A surge of power griped her, gripped at her starving wolf. Feeling bloodlust, boil to the surface as anger, rage, pain, and lust gripped at her soul.

“Its lying to you! Drop it!”

It was not Nikolai’s words that made her release her grasp, it was the sudden hunger for souls, it was the sudden need to kill. Stumbling backwards as the mirror hit the snow once again. “What…” Face going ashen as she tried to regain control. “I… I heard Marcus..” Watching the black shadow wolf that stood at Nikolai’s side as it went forward sniffing the mirror with a growl.

“Thank you lovely. Got what we needed.” Gloating whispers rung out in the rage of her mind.

Kicking snow over the mirror Nikolai shuffled around looking at her and out at the trees. “Wha…”

“I... I heard Marcus...” she repeated with a shaky voice, watching as the shadow wolf ran out into the trees. Nikoli looked around as if he was expecting an army to just appear out of the air. Then he closed his eyes taking a breath, words leaving him without him speaking.

“Simon… The mirror is too strong.”

Wolf demanding action, demanding death, she jumped to her feet and scooped up the mirror and a pile of snow. She dropped the curse flavored snow cone in the box and slammed the lid closed before giving the lock a healthy flip.

“What did you say?” Hearing Nikolai’s thoughts.

A new voice now filling the cold air. “Has the curse affected her?”

Standing, Willow looked around ready to let her rage loose on who ever was spying on them. Who ever dared follow them into her territory. “Who is that?”

Turning he looked at her, concern clear on his face. “I remained silent, did you hear something?”

“Who were you talking to?” She demanded, as off in the distance she could hear his shadow wolf fighting something.

“Oh... no. Willow did you hear my thoughts?”

Panic started to rise in her, trust was not a feeling she took with her when the bloodlust took hold. “Who is Simon?”

Nikoli opened his mouth to speak, but the voice of Simon spoke up instead. “This is not good Nikolai.”

“You’re carrying an energy on you.” Nikolai now spoke grimly.

Hackels going up made Willow’s messy white hair fluff as she backed up. “Is.. is he scrying through you?” Ready to bolt, ready to run, ready to kill.

“Give me your hand.” Nikoli reached to her.

“Willow, kill him,” Marcus’ voice demanded.

Everything around her just stopped, the snow stopped falling, the wind stopped blowing, her heart almost stopped beating. The small piece of herself she had left held on to her humanity, like sand, watching it slip away. The demand to kill Nikolai broke its hold, betraying the protective instinct that it used to hold on to her. She held out her shaking hand, putting it into Nikolai’s. He could likely hear the growl building in her chest.

Looking down at her pale wrist he could see the curse’s ashen mark formed on her perfect skin. “I’m so sorry Willow.”

“It... wants me to kill you.”

“But, you know it's lying,” he warned. Limping back from the battle, the shadow wolf returned to sit at Nikoli’s feet.

“Marcus wouldn’t want to kill you...”

“Exactly… You’ll need to be cleansed. This mark allows dark energy to flow within you… easily.” Frowning as he continued. “You're not a vampire, it will consume you.”

“I am Unseelie Nik.. this.. this is going to make me sicker.”

Nikolai’s eyes drifted down as what she said sunk in, defeat nearly claiming his as he almost fell to his knees.

“Hey, look at me. We can get the curse cleansed, like you said.”

Crimson eyes drifted up to Willow, there red depths filled with sorrow. Nearly looking past her delirious and lost, he simply nodded.

“Brother, now is not the time to despair.”

“Who the fuck is that!” Willow lashed out, now unable to just accept this nameless voice.

“I am he who watches all, I am not your enemy, I am the preservation.”

Nikolai piped up knowing Willow was not going to tolerate titles and postering in her state. “Simon is the High Prince of The Council.”

“Are you a part... is he a part of your clan then?”

“We are not a clan, we are a family,” Simon corrected her promptly.

“I only know what I know about Vampires by asking but a few,” She said coolly and a little defensively. Willow looked then to the wolf, “Is it a real wolf?”

Nikoli shook his head. “Created.” He moved his hand and the wolf turned back into shadows that soon was going back into one of his rings. Willow only gave a small nod.

“...What now?”

“I can not destroy that artifact, it is too powerful. I must take it to our Court and let the Council decide.”

“And... I must go find a priest.”

“A priest may be able to lift that curse, yes… I’m so sorry Willow.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have fallen for that.” She shook her head she tried to absolve him of guilt. Though she knew good and well why it was able to trick her.

“In truth, I thought we were surrounded by Demons.” She could hear Simon’s laughter at Nikolai’s admission, causing Nikolai to frown.

“I will get myself taken care of, alright. I will get this curse lifted… I am sorry the mirror wasn't helpful to you.”

This time Simon piped up, his tone turning grim. “You must cleanse yourself soon Willow, and do it proper. Should you become a threat to my brother… Well I pray we never reach that circumstance.”

Listening to them argue a moment she spoke. “Simon… I respect your will to protect your own.”

“Excellent.” Simon replied with a clear tone of happiness in his voice.

“No one will touch her. Make that understood, lest they find their head absent a body.” Nikolai snapped back in a tone Willow hadn't heard from him before.

A moment of silence passed before Nikolai looked back at her, speaking again in his normal tone. “The mirror is helpful.”

“I hope so…”

“This may be just the perfect amount of energy needed to open the rift and keep it open.” Gathering his thoughts as he looked down at her. “Thank you Willow, this was not easy I am sure. As it was not for myself, and quite honestly… I am rather embarrassed of my actions.” Gaze drifting down to examine the disturbed snow at his feet.

“Don’t be, it's a tool.” Taking a breath she forced a smile. “Not all tools come with instructions, or brightly colored sharp parts. Sometimes people get hurt that does not take away from the fact it is still a tool.”

“I will do anything, and everything, I can do to help you.”

Grabbing her middle again, her bloodlust stirred at his words. ‘Anything…’ crossed her mind and pulled at her. “Just… help Marcus, that is what this is all about.”

Nodding back Nikoli picked up the box, shutting his eyes for a moment, knowing this would all be a wasted sacrifice if it was not put to use.

“I will be alright, my family will lift the curse,” Willow assured him, then her words became stern, “This will affect my illness, I don’t know if I can be much more help.”

“You’ve done more then you could imagine.” Opening his eyes, he looked to her with sadness.

“...Nik, is this mind thing one way?”

“No… Our energies have fused for the moment, I can not say for how long. You have somehow established a mental scry with Simon and myself. I shall attempt to be subtle in my thoughts and may have to limit myself around you until it severs.”

Looking down she gave a sad nod of understanding. “You best be careful..”

“Unlike my younger brother, I should have no issues being silent on your end… Willow is it?”

Not looking up from his perfectly shined shoes covered in snow. “Yes Simon, Willow…”

“Willow, my brother is quite fond of you. Rest assured we will do what we can for you. Thank you for your sacrif…. services.” Simon’s tone almost professional, like he was a boss of a business handing out a paper star, causing Nikolai to frown.

“I find, I sacrificed a lot lately…”

The sound of the box hitting the snow, was not warning for the hug, as he grabbed her in a caring embrace.

“On my…” Simon observed.

Her arms went around him, holding tightly, unable to continue her fight with the bloodlust she was feeling. “They are going to cage me…”

“Don’t let them, if it makes you unhappy.” Logical words spoken from Nikolai as he continued to keep her close.

Looking up at him her next words almost stuck in her throat. “They have to, I will harm others…”

Loosening his hold he looked down at her making eye contact. “What can I do? Anything.”

Again that word echoes in her mind, trying to take away the thing she held on to with all her might. ‘Anything…’ Pushing it aside as her middle hurt though she did not let him go. “I need to get this curse taken care of… I can already feel..” Looks down as her words drift off. “Get Marcus… Please come back alive.”

The hug tightened again pulling her once again close. “I have no other plans but to come back dear. May I give you a ring?”

“Which one?” Simon inquired.

“Covenant.”

“If that is your will, brother.”

Biting off his glove before he slipped a ring off one of his fingers as he took her hand lightly. “Take this ring in the meantime.” Placing the ring lightly in her palm.

“Can I ask what this ring means to you?” Studying the ring he placed in her hand.

“Should you find yourself in trouble, danger, anything. This ring will find you sanctuary within our keep. It is a tradition kept much longer than my own existence. Our kind holds true to our most humblest of traditions, You will be watched for as long as you posses this ring. Focus on it and you will scry to the location it is bound to, where you will be safe.”

Slipping the ring on her right hand, as it some how magically fit her much smaller fingers. “I need to get help, you should go as well.”

Nodding as he scooped up the discarded box once again. Looking over his shoulder as he was getting ready to leave, a smile crossing his lips. “Be well Willow.”

Smiling back as he formed into a dark cloud, soon fading away in to nearby shadows moving extremely fast. Then he was gone and she was once again alone on the snow of her territory.

 

[Willow]

Out of Time
Demon Wolf
8.10.15

Bloodlust demanding Willow got up before the saturday sun, leaving the Green Wylds, and her mother’s castle. Knowing she was losing the battle that was raging in her soul over the last three weeks, she now needed to hunt. Slowly the Willow everyone knew was dying, in her place would be a monster with no compassion.

Restless, she arrived in the snow covered land, her hunt starting as soon as her feet touched the icy ground. Though Willow wouldn't remember much of it, the consuming bloodlust stealing her memories as fast as they were experienced. Only bits and pieces would remain, the rare moments of clarity when her body would demand rest.

Blinking up as the sun awoke her with hot light on her skin. Exhausted as she tried to remember her first day of hunting. Only bits and pieces surfaced, a lake where she lost her footing and the icy cold water brought her out of the consuming bloodlust. Noon her body demanded food, bring her back to reality as she was leaving a exterminated den of trolls. Everything else was a haze at best, or missing al together, this however was normal.

Sleeping under the stars Willow tried to rest, but the ever mawing restlessness took it from her. Thoughts running through her mind, thoughts of being caged again, alone suffering. Picturing the cold stone cellar where thirteen years of her life was taken away and given to pain, fear, and loneliness.

The idea of love, the thought that anyone loved her, cared about her, was slipping away as she paced in the dark. "No I will not be caged, never again."

Sunday was more lucid, finally able to enjoy the hunt, finally able to take the memories for her own, and not lose them to her wolf. Cutting a bloody swath of death through the troll camps, as the dance of death was more for pleasure then for need. She always enjoyed the hunt, enjoyed removing wicked souless from this world. If it was why she was made, or if it was just what she became when her Keepers broke her so many years ago when she was a child.

Losing herself to the hunt the bloodlust was not something Willow enjoyed. It had been happening more and more frequently since she made that Soul-Weapon, since she had ripped apart her own soul. Once she had tried to speak to them about it, but decided it was not worth mentioning, knowing bloodlust was apart of being who she was. Just like the endless nightmares that haunted her almost every night it was accepted, though not enjoyed. Who could enjoy blacking out, not remembering where you had been, or how you got to where you where.

Exhausted after a long day of hunting, Willow finally went to the cave she had hidden deep in the snowy mountains. A change of clothing, and a blanket to sleep on, was all she needed to get through the night. Even though she was still restless, and if she was not exhausted, bruised, and bleeding, she would pace in the cave all night. Soon the need to sleep overwrote her anxiety, and restlessness, falling asleep on the blanket in her hideaway cave.

Eyes coming in to focus with a feeling of being pulled awake. Though not laying on the blanket of her cave, no she was in some place different. Willow’s eyes went wide as she saw herself, saw her friend. Claws sunk deep in his chest over his sternum, the pungent smell of copper and burned flesh.

Letting go of his bicep where her claws had also caused blood to tricked out in a steady stream. Willow fell backwards by his feet panic gripping her straight into hysteria.

“Net, eto ne ya, oni sobirayutsya ubit' menya , net .. ne Sebastion , net. eto eto ne ya ..” Russian spilling from her lips as hysterical words left her. Grabbing her father’s ring she pulled on it. The blood, Saint’s blood on her hands made it sticky and slick as she pulled it free. “No.. they're going to kill me.. this.. this isn't me..” The burning she felt on her back told her otherwise, this was her, she did this.

Her heart beating out of her chest with panic and fear she shoved the ring onto Saint’s pinky. “They have to find him.. they have to save him.. Goddess.. no..” Taking out her phone she could barely use it with her hands shaking. Typing in her message in Russian and letting the program translate it for her then pressing the send button.

Standing the phone, slick with his blood, slipped from her hand as she stumbled past the tree to the stage, throwing up bile into the bushes. Self preservation was now all she had, the illness had stolen everything from her. She gripped on to the last of her humanity the best she could, a few grains of sand where a beach of love had once been.

Panic sent her into the streets, into the alleyways and down away from the world above. Only one thought was left in her mind, the thought of her family killing her. Her body breaking down as she found a dark corner to curl up in, pulling her knees to her chest and rocking herself.

The past came to her mind and choked air from her chest. They were going to kill her, her Stepmother in the Green Garden had warned her. If she lost herself the would hunt her down and kill her. Now it had happened, her new family would now come for her. Thirteen years of being caged and tortured had made this not a question, It was a fact. There was no love, not in this world, not for the likes of her.

Nausea turning in her stomach but she had not been eating for it to expel anymore more then more bile and dry heaves. Where would she go, where could she go? There was no place safe, she was foolish to think there was. For now her body was frozen, this place with the rats and smell of mold was her home. The panic in her chest and mind there was no room for logical thought.

“They are going to kill me… “

Some part of her wanted to be found, she could have just as easily jumped it to the Argetha and never be seen again. Lowering her head into her arms she rocked her mind repeating how they will kill her. Terrified of those she once loved, terrified knowing she was a monster and they kill monsters.

 

[Willow]

Paris : Day one
Demon Wolf
8.23.15

There was something about the elegance of the city, something alien to her. Watching the big three as they worked to keep the big secret God war a secret. Lies being spun out of the people’s speculation and fears, keeping most of the tourists and locals away.

There is something to be said about watching the big three work, some were easy for Willow to spot, the ones who had been in too long, and forgot how to look normal. In Willow’s head she pictured it being S.H.I.E.L.D, from the many comics she collected, swooping in with their awesome tech to save the day.

Skateboard in hand and hoodie over her albino white hair, she blended in watching them work. There was only so much she could do with so many feet stomping the ground. There was also innocents between her and the prey, Romani and Fae who made the undercity of Paris their home.

With ties to the Romani, she knew she could get down there and get a better idea on where to look for the monsters. The thing Willow really wanted to know was if it was Filth, the one thing she would quickly step aside and let Gaia’s chosen deal with. Watching the big three they seemed to still be in information gathering mode. No one had broken out the grid force field barriers, or the yellow bio hazard suits.

While she could easily talk to the Romani, she might get better information seeing she was still Romani, though in Willow’s mind she was Unseelie now. The Fae community below if any stayed around would be a touch harder to talk to. Willow knew fae especially ones like herself can be unpredictable. It was on her list of places to check out, though she was sure Lumies likely were already swarming them.

Sitting on a old brick wall Willow at a candy bar watching observing and studying. To many hunters makes scarce pray, and soon they will need trackers and scouts, soon they will ask for her help. It was not her hunting grounds, and the labyrinth below was the prey’s territory. Knowing if they just wait below, force the numbers to thin out in search for them, it will not be easy facing the prey on equal footing.

Willow woke up her phone making notes on what she observed, and her short to do list of places she wanted to go. The Romani camp would be next on her list, seeing helping the family was always important to her. Perhaps the Fae next, knowing that the ones who stay behind are fighting for their home or the few unable to leave this place.

 

[Willow]

Welcome to the Family
Demon Wolf
La Chasse Commence
8.25.15


The meeting with Durriken, the Parisian Roma chief, earlier in the week went well. Gave willow the name of the Templar who had been causing them trouble, and found out this trouble was not new. Savoy, one of the ‘Old order’ Templars who ran the local order, one of the people responsible for the mass eviction last year. The ones who could room together and try to be normal were, the ones unable were in the tunnels below.


One of the good guys named Ludious, a Templar from Eldwick, was down there trying to help them the best he could. For Willow’s part, she was being a runner, going to the different Roma holdouts and delivering messages and bring goods back and forth. After the kidnappings the Chief need them to close ranks and hunker down, that means communication.


On her skateboard Willow was perfect for this job, just another kid in the busy streets of Paris. Today noticing more of the local Templars were out and on patrol she had to change her route. Not that she felt they were looking for her, but if you pass the same set to many times they get the idea you're a runner.


Wind pulling the hoodie down from covering her head, as she sailed down the street. Reaching out her fingerless gloves grabbing a lamp post as she went up on two wheels to make a tight turn on to a side street.


She didn’t even see the raggedy guy as he stepped out in front of her. It was not hard to tell she clipped the poor guy, her backpack was laden with food for her dinner, and some things she was running, neither was light.


Putting a foot down she stopped her movement and flipped her board over. “Eek, sorry.” Her russian accent clear in her words. “Got kinda use to the streets being empty.” Red albino eyes looked him over perhaps trying to see what colors he was flying. She on the same note looked no different than a teenager, t shirt, jeans, hooded jacket sunglasses to try to hide her albino eyes. Her messy white silky hair was doing a far better job than the sunglasses covering a good bit of the right side of her face.


The man looked somewhat dishevelled, his clothing cheap, an air of uneasiness around him. Black hair, and beard styled into ridiculous mutton chops. But the eyes, she could see his light brown eyes had the twinkle of amber honey in their depths. “No, no, it’s my fault.” Raisieng his hands in an apologetic gesture. “But yeah, the streets these days are getting a little too busy for comfort.” In barely more than a carried whisper he added with caution. “I need to see your family.”


Tilting her head she looked at him a long moment. “I didn’t recognize you…” Speaking a moment seeing she was unable to lie, something about him seemed desperate, she could sense his fear. “Come you look hungry.. “



Laughing at her words, like a sigh of relief. “Falling through a window and hiding in town will do that to you, and thanks.”


Slipping her skateboard in the laces of her backpack as she walked. “Those windows can be tricky.. were you appraising something or hiding from someone?” Red albino eyes gives him a look raising one white eyebrow with curiosity.


There was a clear pause before he answered. “The Templar sheriff in Paris, she’s a Strix. Attacked me and made it look like I tried to assault her. All those patrols, they’re for me.” After another pause he added. “This must not reach the media. If people find out it’s her, she might just shift into a new shape and we’d lose track of her. For now she’s dangerous, but stuck into an office.”


Frowning some she stuck her hands in her pockets a moment. “Striges, Revenants, both bringers of disaster and plague.. Have you contacted your handler? let them know what you found?” She could tell he was with a group, a shot in the dark said Lumi or Templar.


Shaking his head. “No, sorta, she sent me a message, but I wasn’t going to go to her, not with Duval looking for me. I was hoping your people might have a safe place for me to hide and meet her.” He paused. “Not necessarily the same place. Wouldn’t want to put any of them in danger.”


Nodding slowly listening to his words. “I will get you out of sight and you can use my cell if you want. Then we will see what the Family says. Things are in bad shape they will be closing ranks, if they say no... I will take you to a hiding place of mine. I know there is a red coat down in the tunnels now.. the guy with blue hair. Hopefully he is not stirring too much trouble. Remember we have been dealing with this threat weeks before the colors showed up.”


He smiled at the mention of the blue-haired Templar. "Ludious. He's cool. Last I heard he was looking for a monster in the tunnels. Orochi stuff." There was a pause for a shiver. "I've got a burner phone, but I could do with an Internet access. Any help they can give is appreciated, and I pay my debts."


Smirking at his words wondering how much he actually meant them. “Be careful what you wish for..we may end up being the only ones here able to protect them.. though I've heard rumor there is at least one bee in this Tribe.” Looking around before pulling him down an alley. “I don’t need to be taking anyone else here.. so try to keep up ok?”


“Must make sure no one’s following us, right? I can’t make us invisible, but I can...” Tracing a quick sigil over his clothes, charging it with anima. “Privacy spell. They can’t hear any noise we make. Might help us slip through. Lead the way.”


With a small hop and a skip she took off even without the skateboard she was fast, and already nearly silent without help of a spell. Staying to the allies and away from the major streets, it was a secondary route away from the patrols that were looking for him. Trying not to leave him behind but she needed to be fast. Kicking off a wall to clear a fence, and then vaulting over some alleyway wooden boxes.


Hearing the man behind her, it was clear even a bee was having some problems following her, so she slowed down from time to time. At one point a black painted fence nearly was his end as he almost got skewered. A quick hand to help him not face plant with death saved him, though she didn’t have the strength to lift him it was all leverage.


Soon they were coming up to a set of apartments that looked like all the other ones. Horses in the back playing, pretty normal with flowers. Willow was pretty sure he was completely lost, as he looked around.

Now she looked to the man. “What is your name.. and take off your hat.”


“Atrus.” Then he paused looking almost embarrassed. “Well, Ian Pertwee, if we’re going by the papers. Either/or.”


Ian had almost forgotten about the beanie hat taking it off, as he remembered it was on his head, and stuff it in one of his jacket’s pockets. “What can you tell me about this Roma guy, before I make an ass of myself?”


“He is the Chief, be respectful don’t argue. It is not in our interest to protect you.. so you will want to offer help not beg for help.” Looking back at the door she had a small smile. “You will need to make sure you can take care of your own problem not bring more problems here. I will get you a laptop and a place to hide if you have no other choice.” Looking at the apartment door and the horse in the back with a smile. “Any other questions?”


Repressing a shiver, he shook his head and steadied himself. “No. Let’s go in.”


Reaching up with a pale hand she knocked on the door. Taking a calming breath as she thought of all the ways this could go. The door opens, as they were beckoned inside, there stood Durriken the Rama chief of the tribe that now lived in Paris.


“Willow, my girl. I was worried about you, you know. It’s dark days out on those streets. You keeping safe? And who’s this?” Speaking in the romani language, as he hugged her.

Smiling back walking up to the old man she gave him a hug, like he was her grandfather, wrapping her arms around him and sticking under his wing when the hug was done. “Yes I am safe, I am making sure the others are calm and talking to each other, I do not want anyone falling through the cracks.” Replying in the same language as she looked up from his wing.


Looking to the raggedy man she brought with her. “This is Ian, he is here to speak with you. tell you of his troubles, perhaps he has help to offer the family. I won’t speak for him he has a tongue.” laughing some at the joke only Durriken could understand.


“Well then. Mr. Ian.” His english is rough, slow, rusty. “Tell me and my girl the problem, yes?”

Ian gave a simple but polite bow. “I am honoured to meet you, sir.” Taking a breath before speaking. “I was sent here by the Templars to investigate the disappearances. I was supposed to meet with the Sheriff today and… well, we met. That’s when she attacked me and tried to eat my Bee.” He looked unsure for a moment before trying to clarify. “The source of my power. Like Inerique. I was told her kind of creature is called a Strix.” Stopping again staring at them hoping his words weren't lost. “I could switch to French if you prefer? I’m a bit rusty, though.”


There’s a pause where the Patriarch processes all of this, and then slips back into his native language. “Willow, my girl. You trust him?”

Speaking in the native language as she sized Ian up. “I trust he is desperate, immortals tend to not handle the idea of morality well. A Striges and a rumors of a Revenant here are both ill omens for our family. With his own people being misguided by a Striges. I trust him enough to vouch for him and use my own places to hide him if he needs it.”


“Tell me, Ian. Will you help us?” He fumbles over his words and reverts to his native tongue, looking to Willow to translate. “Not us as a pawn, not us as a tool. But us as a people. My family. My friends. Will he be willing to stand up for us against men like Savoy?”

Looking between them as her red eyes went to Ian. “Will you be willing to help our family, not just as a pawn, or as a tool, but truly help us and allow us space in your heart? Will you help us as you would a friend, as you would a sister or brother? Will you stand up against men like Savoy?” For now she held back the growl she felt in her chest, she was feeling protective of the Romani her family by blood.


Ian waited patiently as the two conversed Willow watching him closely as she spoke seeing if any words got a strong reaction. Hands uncrosses behind his back as he softened his stance as he replied. “It was my intention to do so when I accepted to come here to Paris, and it still is now. I do not know Savoy personally, but I know the Old Blood, and I know I do not stand for the way they operate here. I fight to save the whole world, not just stuffy old men sitting in pretentious offices.” He sighed and opened his arms. “Right now, I can’t offer much more than a promise and my willingness. But I swear I will do all in my power.”


The Patriarch offers you a calloused hand. “One of us, then.”

Ian smiles and shakes the hand firmly. “It will be my honour.”


“Take him to one of our safe spots where he can get some food, change his clothes. Take care of himself. Get a new phone. It’s 2015, after all. A man needs a phone, and a connection.”

Giving Durriken one more hug she reached out a hand to Ian. “Brother, come let me take you to a place where you will be safe. Make sure you are feed and have a clean clothing.” Giving him a hopeful smile.


Ian thanked Durriken again, offering another bow, then followed Willow back into the streets of Paris.


After their last goodbyes and waves, she brought him down the steps and on to the streets. Once again she brought him back into the maze again but she did not run as fast this time. Bringing him to a apartment complex, with luxurious balconies on every floor. Third floor with clear escape routes on the balcony to the roof.


“This is one of my holdouts.. I will be back with a laptop and a phone.” Taking off her backpack she emptied out food making things. “Mac or PC?”


Ian fished out the cheap phone he had bought earlier in the day. “I have a phone. Technically even a smart one, though I think it has Android… 2 dot something? If you can find anything better I’ll be grateful, otherwise this one will do, and PC please.” Looking around as he stretched. “Thanks again for vouching for me, by the way. You took a big gamble on a relative stranger.”


Taking out a slow cooker she put food things in it and turned it on. “Lamb curry when I get back..” She glanced at him making exceptionally quick work of cutting the meat into cubes. “Yes.. I am…. and if you are not half of what you appear to be.. you have more to worry about.” Lastly she put the rice in a rice cooker. “Do you want anything else? weapons?”


Ian looked at her, scratching a spot on the back of his head. “Honest? If I wanted to wash my hands of this, I could port away to Agartha, join the Lumies, get protection, live a comfortable rest of life. But for some reason I’m pretty dumb and always end up siding with the underdog. Even against my own team, apparently.”


He flicked his hand and a dagger appeared in it, disappearing just as quickly. “I’m good on the weapons department. More than that, do you know a good spot where I could set up a meeting with my handler? I think she’d really, really like to know I’m not dead in a ditch. Also do you want me to make something for dessert while you’re out?”


When his dagger appeared she was quick to react ice claws covering the back of one her hands and the meat cutting knife in the other. Then when he spoke just showing her he was not unarmed she shrugged it off just as fast. The ice turning into steam, as she went back throwing the last ingredients in. “I am from Eldwick, and hold no colors. The only reason there is an underdog is because people do not see the value.”

Washing her hands and the utensils she went and grabbed her backpack again. “I can arrange a place.. Or a drop. The undercity is crawling with people right now.. so if your contact afraid of heights?”


Tilting her head some as her hair falls back in front of her eye. “Sure you can.. I have plenty of things here. Eggs are fresh.”


“Meet, not drop. I think these warrants a face to face. And afraid of heights?” He grimaced and sighed. “It’s Cass so she probably is but she will face it bravely and stoically or some other adjective she can write in all caps on Twitter afterwards.”


He pats his hands on his trousers and smiles. “Anyway, let me get comfortable and I’ll have a tart ready by the time you come back. Apparently I’m getting a backlog on those...”


She snickers some. “Aww I should have made hasenpfeffer for her. Assuming its the templar Cass I think it is.” Going to the balcony she waved. “Only answer the door if they say ‘The horses are loose’ It means something. Don’t catch the flat on fire while I am gone.. I am will be back with tech and cords for a meet with your Handler.”

Taking off nearly silently she leaped on to a ledge and disappeared to the roof tops.

 

[Willow]

Bodies of Glitter
Demon Wolf
9.3.15


Something about the back streets of Paris that seemed like it is where they wanted to hide thing. People, ugly houses, ugly warehouses, the mourgue, anything not pretty was on the back allies. This made things difficult when looking for something tucked out of the way in 18th district.


Willow’s original plan was to arrive early, sadly this did not come to pass. With so many of the buildings looking the same old, and out of the main view, she likely passed the place a few times before she held up her phone to translate the placard.


Slipping her skateboard in the back pack straps she reached for the door and opened it. Looking around she easily spotted Nikoli who had been waiting for her. Walking to him in a casual manner, though she knew this was one place she would never fit in.


“Hi Willow. Nice to see you again. I’m sorry it had to be under….the unpleasant circumstances of work. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble to find?”


Smiling her normal bright smile. “Course it was, and google wasn't helpful.. kept telling people I asked.. where to find zombies..” Pausing she looked around some at the people taking the in taste of the sadness this place held. Then she glanced down at her phone. “I’m not late.. you haven’t waited to long?”


“Oh...no, I haven't been waiting long.” He assured her with an awkward smile. “And no zombies yet. Thank Gaia.” He slipped his watch hand into his pocket, looking around the lobby. He gave the man at the front desk a nod, letting him know this was the expert he was bringing in. “Find out anything else interesting since our last meet?”


Smiling at the desk person, though she the tiny girl in a hoodie looked to be more of a professional skater then someone who should be examining bodies. Though I guess TV shows may have changed that status quo on things like that.


“Walk and talk?” Asked though seeing there were secret worlder bodies in the cooler she assumed there in one of the gray zones where the secret of secret world was not as black and white. Letting him take the lead she followed. “Not much.. Whispers of a necromancer.. but it's just been whispers. I heard ‘someone in red’ is planning to use mage fire to ‘purge’ the undercity. I don’t know where the.. others are held up, but you need to get the word out that the undercity is a death trap. I am not sure if that ‘someone’ is going to wait for even their own to be cleared out. I guess they assume the only people here worth keeping are bees…”


Nick frowned deeply. “Yeah. I have been keeping people aware…..just passed on some voting to set up signs at all known undercity entrances warning of gas leaks, dangerous chemicals. All the Fae are already out of there, but it sounds like there might still be some ghouls and….well, other. Hard to say for certain who all calls that place home.” Nick told her as they walked into a new room, opening up a large metal closet full of sanitized lab wear. “Mind throwing a coat over the top of your normal clothes? It’s procedure for the most part….keeps the other guys in here comfortable. They’ve been trained to think everything and everyone can tamper with the evidence unwittingly…...honestly I think they are overreacting a little bit, but I can see where they are coming from.”


Nodding she took off her backpack and put it in a locker with her jacket. Looking for the smallest lab coat she put it on and rolled up the sleeves to fit her tiny frame better. “I know, and I do not want to contaminate the bo… evidence.” Taking a moment to run her hand through her hair and put it back away from her red eyes with a ribbon, to make sure if one white hair decided to leave her it would be stuck. “It's alright.. I know humans have to rely on what they can see, touch, and taste. So somthing out of place, will make them look in the wrong place if it came in on me.”


Nick gave a smile and a nod. “Exactly. Now then, just have to get some hand washing done…” He looked in the window, to the grey metal room where some of the bodies were already laid out. “And then we go in.” He said with a sigh.


Following she stood on the step for short people and washed her hands. Dropping the glamor on them he could see her claws. Lethal sharp as she carefully washed them, before putting the glamor back on. “I will be careful, and try to use every other way before doing so. I know you're trying to preserve them as long as you can before the grip of change takes them from you.”


He quickly washed his metal hands in the sink, once, then twice, before pulling rubber gloves over them. “We got permission for you to not have to use gloves, since I know sometimes Fae magic requires touch. I trust you enough to know you will be careful.” He added, then went to the door to punch in the password.


Stepping off the step she went to the special lint free towel and dried them. “Is this your normal job? or medical field.. I know you made your own prosthetics. And were able to amputate in the field.. but if it's that or death anyone with an ax and sewing needle can do it.” Not belittling his abilities but clearly trying to get his mind elsewhere.


“No….I do...well, two jobs I suppose. My main job, I guess you can say what I like to be doing, is work as an inventor at my company Dreamcacther Laboratories. Started it up with an old friend of my Uncles, developing tech for use against the Filth. Kind of like AEGIS. Then my other job is doing stuff for the Council. Field work. Paperwork. Consulting….pretty much whatever they need. Don’t have much choice in the matter, because that’s how you get funding. Need to get on people's good side, and play the political game, and do favors.” He gave a tired sigh, but she could tell it got him away from the idea of death.


“But at least that means I get the chance to help people in person too, which is something I really do enjoy.” The door beeped, and he opened up what sounded like an airlock, holding it open for Willow to also get in.


Following him she listened to him smirking as he cheered up some. “I may have to ask you to.. umm meditate or clear the room if I want to sense any emotional echos.” Pointing out quietly before looking to see who else was in the room besides them and the bodies.


“Sure thing.” Nick said, going to the other scientists and asking them in whispers to please leave the room. Before long, the room was cleared out, so it was just the two of them. “Would you like me to wait outside as well?” He asked.


“Do you know how to Meditate?” Asking looking over the bodies first, seeing if the Human victim was also included or just the four fae.


“I do.” Nick replied, moving slightly out of the way as he began his meditation.


The 5 bodies were lined up, with the first victim labelled as such, the other 4 victims were lined up together as Fae 2-4, and the last body was marked Undefined, because they couldn’t tell if it was human fae or other. Looking over the first body she would see that it seemed to be covered in stab wounds, 7 or 8 of them, with large burns around the wounds travelling downward, as if some sort of acid had been leaking out of them. It was a young fae woman who looked in her twenties by human standards, with brown hair and slightly pointed ears. Her glamour rested on her skin like a plastic bag, her claws and sharp teeth poking out of the skin. There was a surgical cut used for removing the physical part of the glamour during the autopsy.


It had been bothering her since she first got his message, fae bodies. Such a thing had never happened as far as she knew. Gaia would take them body and soul, nothing would normally be left behind past the blood that touched the earth.


Willow braced for the emotions, knowing fae felt emotions far more potently than humans. Reaching out to find the echo of emotions from this first victim, seeing it was possible it would have faded pending on how long it was kept after death.


As her hand touched the body, she could feel the emotions. First, she felt….anxiety. Confusion. The feeling of chasing after something just out of reach. Then, horror. An intense fear, that of death. Pain mixed in soon after. She could guess where that came from, seeing the stab wounds on her body. Then she felt something unexpected, a helpless, draining feeling. She could feel it in her magic, her connection with Gaia. Something had pulled it out of her. Corrupting and twisting it after she was disabled by her pain.


Pulling her hand back she frowned, turning to look over the other fae bodies. Seeing if they had the same stab and burn marks on them. Leaving the unknown for later seeing she can identify the species when she was down the with ones that were known.


The other bodies were aligned in order of damage. Body 2 had two cuts as opposed to stab marks. One along the back of the heel, and another on the throat….but it’s entire body was covered in the blackish chemical burns that poured out of the wounds of the first one. The next one, number 3 had no cuts, but instead looked like it had been bit into by some birds, with it’s whole body burned as well. The next one, number 4 was in even worse shape, with no features besides its general body shape to tell you it was a person, it was so eaten and burned.


Looking at them she grimaced, the extent of damage on the last one made her wince. Walking around the tables a moment taking in the scene trying to take in all the visual evidence. Going to the third body she would again reach out to see if she could get an echo. It was a very similar experiences. A feeling of chasing something taken, confusion, fear, pain….and then a horrible, draining feeling, emotions and magic being taken in and eaten by something. Helplessness as the disease ate through their body.


Pulling her hand away she took a moment to breath, trying to get a grip on her own emotions before stirring Nik. Then once she felt she was in control she walked back to Nik she put a hand on his shoulder hoping to bring him back from his meditation. Then she went and grabbed some gloves, seeing she was for now done with the main part that required contact.


Nick looked up at her with worried eyes. “Are you ok Willow? Did you….do you think you found anything?”


“Yes.. but I want to take a closer look.” She paused looking around the neck of the second set seeing if either of them had signs of a necklace being pulled harshly off them. “Once I know for sure I will fill you in.. do not want to start a twenty questions round without more answers.”


It was be very hard to tell with the burns and bites, the least harmed one, number 2, seemed to have some sort of claw or scratch mark on her jaw. Very small though, and not very apparent. “Have you identified the substance that burned them?” Moving to look at the first victim again.


“Unidentified poison or disease. The kind of which revenants are known to cook up within their bodies….always full of surprises. Has some similarities to tar, comes out boiling.” He added with a grimace.


Looking at the bite marks seeing if she can get an idea of the secondary attackers size. “You're not going to like what I found so far. Can you get me a blood sample from the unidentified.. I will tell you if it's human, fae, or walking popsicle” The bite marks are more like peck marks, some sort of bird. And there are many, many of them. Probably a few birds.


“Yeah….yeah I can do that.” Nick said, opening a cooler and taking a sample, handing it to her.


Walking over to him she took the vile and went to a counter taking a small silver mirror out. “Something severed their connection to Gaia.. no nature lock necessary.. It was, jarring and painful. It ate their magic.. “ Puting a single drop of blood on the mirror working to not make eye contact. “I will do a small scrying spell once we are away from them.. I do not want my magic to be cross contamination either.” Handing him back the vial.

Waiting for him she walked over to the bodies leaving the blood and mirror aside, seeing she knew there was heparin in it it would just wait for her. “I am ready ask your questions.” Walking over to the first body. “One from me first.. was that second group together when they were found?”


"Yes. We found all 4 in a dumpster in an alleyway near Rue Darwin." Nick told her, his hand on chin as he recollected his memory.


“In a dumpster.. “ Tilting her head. “Did you find the place they were actually attacked? It would have this acid stuff there to... That last one was nearly bathed in it.”


"We have been searching but no luck yet." He said with a deep frown. "The first one was relatively out in the open, in an alley."


Nodding some looking thoughtful. “It is a magic eater, it is ripping their connection to Gaia out like it would a heart. Those who have the pendants are easier prey. It is a fae hunter.. and perhaps a bee hunter as well. Lose your connection to gaia you're not coming back ither.”

She looked back at the wounds on the first fae. “I think it has a clawed hand.. these are one sided stab wounds not teeth marks making the main attacker slightly bigger than a human.. assuming its not malformed. Also stronger, it out ran them, chased them. Some kind of bird was involved, though I think I am using the term loosely, something with a beak, a lot of somethings with a beak.”

Pausing she shook her head as the revenant part did not line up with what she knew from her books. Looking up at him with her red slightly glowing eyes. “Not a revenant, well not the kind I have seen before. This one eats magic.. and spews.. what ever this is, it feels like diseases, a corruption.. perhaps.. hard to explain. I mean in no small quantities.”


Nick listened, nodding to what she said. "So it's been feeding off of them..." He brushed his stubble. "And it could be eating bees too...that's not good. Will have to add that to my reports. Might help us get more support." He sighed. "If not a revenant...than what?" He asked, furrowing his brow.


Looking down at the fae. “I only know of a few magic eaters.. none that live underground. The one I studied is an artifact.. I don’t know. I know that is how they died. “ Looking off at the waiting mirror. If it is human, or was a bee I will know more. It could be a second monster past whatever else is going on that was stirred by the activity.”


Thinking back to the time checking out the abandoned fae home in the tunnels. Willow remembered the echo, this creature was not the same one, the death of the fae there was nothing like this. “I can’t say that fae that died in the nest was attacked by this.. I am thinking maybe just by the beaky things.. she was not burned, and they handled her, carried her in. So if it was covered in this corruption, it would not have been that way.” Looking back at him. “What is drawing all the monsters here?”


"I heard there is something or someone that's been summoning them to the city below. The artifacts....it could possibly be the same man who wants to burn it to the ground, creating his own excuse. That's just speculation though."


“Could be the necromancer I herd roomers about? I will look in my black book and see if this matches something summoned.” Nodding some moving to the mirror. “Any question.. I can tell you facts but you may have a perspective I don’t any more.”


"You have a black book?" Nick asked curiously. "Like some sort of manual for the dark arts or something?" He asked with curiosity.


Looking at the bodies again more of a distraction now then really examining them. “Rasputin was a necromancer, he made a set of twelve books. Myth is apart of his soul was put into each book so he would never die. That is the rumor, in world war 2, the Germans were fascinated by the dark arts and well anything magic. They duplicated five of the twelve books, the duplicates are call the black books. I have the one that pertains to soul magic mostly. I know were two others are.. so I can peek, but it may not be a clear page to spell summoning, though page to spell is the easiest way.”


"Right...I will let you know everything I find out Willow. Thank you."


Willow’s brow wrinkled. “Nik, You know Fae don’t normally leave bodies.. This monster must have literally ripped their connection to Gaia out, leaving their bodies unseen by her.” Pausing she glanced at him hoping he understood what this all meant to the Fae. “When you are done burn the bodies, I do not want them to become the first Fae cadavers.”


"Right. Can do." Nick said with a sad frown. "We will do that as soon as we are sure what number 5 is. You have my word." Willow could see the flash of disappointment, but he likely didn't understand what she was saving him from.


“I will answer what I can shortly. I know your science side wants to try to get an understanding, but the military side wants to find out how we work.. and how to kill us easier.” Going to the mirror she moved to leave the room with it. “ You can come and see what it says about number five.”


“Ok….about how long do you think it will take?” Nick asked.


“Ten tops, less if there is any magic left in the blood.” Waiting for him she smiled.


Nick followed her, leaving the room.


Once clear of the medical room she found a place to sit and took off the gloves. Grabbing a red grease pencil from her things she drew runes around the drop of blood on the glass surface. “I would like you to keep an eye out for any symbols you know. They will surface like potatoes in a boiling stew. I do not know much about them, and you have worked with them before.”


Placing her hand over the mirror she casted the spell causing the runes and blood to vanish into the now liquid glass surface.


A lilac would float to the surface, but then the petals would separate from it. Then another lilac, and another. The plucked petals would come together as another flower. Nick rubbed his chin as he watched, a bit of confusion on his face.


Once the spell gave its information the mirror returned with the blood drop no more then cracked old paint looking spot. “It is a Fae… was more than House Lilac in this nest? You will have to look up that flower.” Smiling at him some as she went to clean off her mirror.


“Yeah….yeah. We will have to ask around the local population. See if anyone knows of other sorts of refugees.” Nick said, scratching his head. “Thanks Willow.”


Puting her lab coat in the correct bin she smiled some. “We should go out for dinner some time.. You, me, and Nvida.“ Putting her mirror in her back pack. “I hope I have helped.. Call me if you need anything.”


“I will Willow….can’t thank you enough. Going to ask them to run some more tests on the body before we do the paperwork to get them buried.” He nodded to her. “Dinner sounds nice. I will talk to Nvida and get that arranged.” He said with a small smile, removing his gloves and tossing them into a bin as well.


Going over she gave him a hug. “You have saved them.. remember that. They will find a new home, either with a greater house or with the sailors.”


“Thanks.” Nick grinned. “Or maybe with both.” He added in thoughtfully as they made their way for the exit.


Taking her skateboard out she dropped it. “Nik, your doing good work.. don’t forget that.” Giving him a finger wiggle wave as she kicked off and rolled away.