Present

For the first time since joining the Unnatural camp Neal was alone. Truly alone. Though this was not the depressing, somewhat frightening solitude that had dominated the Darklings life since Serrena died. Instead, it actually felt refreshing to be out and away from the concerns of the camp and of Ditto Town.

Neal had been making great time since he left Ditto Town. He was already halfway to his destination in a little over two hours simply by walking. Neal had decided early on that he would not use the shadows to get to Monstropolis, but instead simply walk. He needed the exercise and besides, he looked like any other human except for his black outfit (which would still blend in with most crowds). Being a very natural looking Unnatural had it's perks.

The Darkling took a few steps away from the railroad tracks he had been following as a passenger train sped by. The tall skyscrapers of Monstropils started to make their appearance on the horizon as Neal continued his trek.

Hmm, should be there by this evening.... hopefully. The Darkling thought as he switched which shoulder his travel pack was slung over. Neal started whistling an old tune as another train sped by.

------------------------------

Karl listened to Staugh's tale with a slightly bored look. "Aye, that's how it goes most of time. You spend most of your time trying to find and kill someone and then someone else beats you to it." the Hybrid said as he stood up, stretching his arms. "I thought I could smell dragon on the kid when we met..." he added before taking another puff from his cigaret.

"Well, good luck on killing Mark. Sounds like a lot of hassle to me, but then again I've been tracking one man for over a year." Karl said with a devious chuckle. "I'm afraid there's not much to do at this point, unless you want to go sight seeing or whatnot. The Unnaturals will be moving sometime today, so probably tonight would be your best bet in finding Mark." the Hybrid said as he began pacing back and forth in the alley.

-------------------------

"Perhaps you should test your new inventions before you share them with the rest of us, Sofia." Marcus said as he jumped down through a hole in the floor above the small company. "Interesting invention, if it ever actually works." he added with a cheeky grin before leaning up against one of the barely there walls of the hallway. "I trust there will be something more... appetizing for dinner besides more blood." The Warlock asked with a slight scowl as Mihael left.

"Sounds like a plan" Staugh said before whatever he was going to say interrupted by a loud crash at the end of the alley way and a load screech that sounded a bit like this "BLOODY! I've found you!" Staugh stood up before saying "What in the name of Pete was that!"

Just then a vampire stood up out of the trash, holding a rodent, Steel looked around before seeing Karl and Staugh at the other end and walked over "Who the heck yelled like that?" he asked, he had blood he would be blushing currently.

---

Mark thought to Josh, just continue what your doing. I'll deal with him before turning to Brand "Change of plans, we will meet the group later" He stood up and used mind communication to talk to Terrance.

We have a problem, One, Brand is never going to fit in any of those buses and second an old 'friend' of mine is attempting to hunt me down... Its going to lead to trouble for us, I'm going to have to attempt to nip it in the bud
---

Reagan caught the bread mid air, and began munching on it, "Whatever Buddy, your darn right we need food" he said as his teeth caught on the stale bread "Sofia, I think it need more sonic" he said rolling his eyes.

"I'll go get more food" he said "Zac, Alen! Get out here" he called to his favorite dragons "Come on, the Coven needs more food, we have to get it... Lets go" he said with a grin as the two dragons landed on his shoulders.

---

Josh thought for a moment "Vampires, I can see it now, me or Mark gets extremely cut in the fighting... And they all turn against us, fun, fun" he said; stating a grim fact.

Past

((Just had an idea Ryan- maybe the marks match up with the marks from the attack on the tavern since Eslatar was there. If you wanted a reason to bring Jason back in he could send the pics or notice and track down Kanti or whatever ))

Elisabeth was about to answer Thomas when Alice piped up...again. What was with this shrimpy Unnatural? Turning slightly, the princess looked down at the girl with a raised eyebrow, "Thanks for the advice," she offered, not sounding grateful at all.

"Now, now girls," Kanti offered, a little amused that the princess and jinn were more interested in exchanging remarks than the case.

---

Cyrano swallowed nervously and looked away as Melanie cut to the core of his current predicament. Helping Ms. Scope wouldn't do much...but at least he wouldn't be dead. Like Satin...

Ready for the distraction, Cyrano eagerly looked at their stop, wondering if the siblings' stalker was a professor. "Odd place for reconnaissance," he mused, rubbing his stubbly chin.

Present

Zaref nodded, "Me neither," he answered sheepishly.

Suit yourself, Terrance answered to Mark. He turned his attention to the boarding of the buses, careful that no one was left behind. It took some time, but they were finally all ready half an hour later. Mr. Latch's assistant was beginning to look frazzled, but she tried to maintain her business-like tone with Mr. T. It just amused him.

It was strange though...looking at the back of her curly hair in the seat behind the one she'd taken. Somehow, it was all too familiar.

"What's your name?" she'd asked, pushing back her dark, curly hair with a smile.

Ziya threw her head back and laughed loudly, drawing the attention of the four other students stuffed in the back of the horse-drawn wagon. "I meant the school silly." She paused, a twinkle in her bright blue eyes, "I like you Terrance. I think we're going to be friends."

---

Naomi frowned, thinking of what the vampires might do to the pack. She couldn't argue with Abijah, but if even Azriel thought something was wrong with the idea...

"I suppose the important thing is to get them back before-" she cut her own sentence off, having almost said something about Lark's pregnancy.

---

Nodding, Curse concentrated on finishing the packing Caerwyn had already begun. She couldn't blame him for not understanding. He had never been close with the Hooks. When they left, Curse took a last look at Fargone Manor, the closest she'd had to a home after the escape from Mr. Button.

Squeezing Caerwyn's hand slightly, Curse nodded towards the path ahead of them and smiled. ((We could just bring them to town where they can join the bus going through if you want Ryan))

Aspros

((Gotta go watch LOST post for the island later!))

Past

"You're welcome," Alice said casually. "You know, I can help with that. I'm a jinn. I can grant wishes as long as they're reasonable. I can make you incredibly beautiful even without makeup."

Thomas couldn't help looking amused, yet apprehensive, not sure how Elisabeth would take that comment.

Jason received the photos and called Kanti back. "I cross-referenced the photos you sent me with some from an earlier crime scene we had at a local tavern," he said when she picked up. "They look identical. I'm sending them to you now."

-----

"Oooh, I have a change of clothes in the back. I can do a ditzy blonde cheerleader act and get people to tell me all their secrets," Melanie said excitedly, grinning and tossing her hair over her shoulder.

"What do you think, Cy? Think I could pull it off?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him and poked her bottom lip out in a rather convincing seductive pout.

Ian coughed uncomfortably. "I don't think that'll be necessary, Mel," he said, giving his sister a warning look. He frowned thoughtfully as he looked back at the campus, thinking it looked familiar somehow.

Present

Selena took Zaref's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

-----

Indigo gave Naomi a quick warning look before finishing his soup and standing.

"Whatever we're going to do," he said, frowning, "we'd better do it quickly. Like, now. It's getting to the point where I don't care what Mr. T said about working with your pack. I'm going in there and getting my brother and Lark out. No matter what it takes." He squared his jaw and looked generally intimidating.

-----

Caerwyn led the way into town, having caught a conversation before about the transports. He wanted to say something to make Curse feel better but couldn't think of anything. Finally he just settled on,

Thank you for coming with me. He looked up at her with a slight smile. I know leaving was hard for you.

-----

"Don't make a mess Raphael will have to clean up later," Sofia said to Reagen, studying Marcus with narrowed eyes.

"I'd like to see you make anything sonic with magic," she said huffily, annoyed that there had to be another magic-user in the coven. She hated the competition and was just glad Marcus seemed indifferent to Raphael, though she didn't exactly know how he was when everyone else seemed to gravitate toward their leader with some form of adoration.

A slight scratching and whining sounded from the other room and Sofia glanced over. "Sounds like puppy is hungry," she said with disinterest. "Marcus, why don't you feed her this time?" She knew it was really her turn, but going near the pathetic creature was just too . . . depressing. It very much dampened her aura of creativity.

P.S."Brooklyn!"

Present

Karl stopped pacing back and forth and looked down the alleyway at the crashing sound and yell. "Great, another one...." the Hybrid muttered under his breath as Steel approached. "He did." Karl said in his normal tone of voice in answer to the vamps questions.

"Steel, meet Staugh. Staugh, Steel. Now that the introductions are out of the way, what are you doing back here, Steel?" the Hybrid asked as he chewed on his cigaret. The vampire had a bad habit of turning up just when things were starting to get interesting.

--------------------------

"I could if I knew what the blazes sonic was, besides a measurement of speed." Marcus replied with a slight smile at Sofia's obvious annoyance. The Warlock was well aware of the danger of getting a female ticked off at you... especially a fellow magic user. Still, there was a kind of fun danger with pushing Sofia's buttons. The same feeling as playing with magic and potions, I suppose. Marcus thought when a familiar scratching sound interrupted his thought.

"Very well...." the Warlock said as he went to the store room where the coven kept the food for their "pet". ".... though if I remember correctly, it's technically your turn to feed her." Marcus said glancing over his shoulder at Sofia as he opened the door to the werewolf's room and entered.

(((I'll post for the island when Marshy has posted her segment. )))

(I was going to write a road-trip storyline for Portia, Night, etc., but I'm just going to skip them ahead to shortly after Terence made his announcement.)

"Christopher, I don't think I want to go on the bus that goes through the town. I have a bad feeling about that bus. I think something is going to happen."

"I want to be there if there is something happening," Christopher said, an unsettling look crossing his face.

Portia flickered into view besides Night and Christopher.

"I'm all for something happening. Any mundanes want to try something, I'll be happy to crack some heads."

Night glared at the teleporter. She had gotten to know the woman a little better over the course of their trip to the Unnaturals' hideout and felt more comfortable dealing with her.

"Why do you like fighting so much? What's your dysfunction?"

"Oh, the little kitten's testing her claws," Portia laughed and made a dismissive gesture at Night. "My mental issues are my own business. And if you want to ride the safe, boring bus, that's fine with us. We're not gonna force you to come with us."

Night's face settled into a look of frustrated determination," Of course I'm coming with you. You're not getting rid of me by making fun of me."

Portia just snickered and blinked out of sight, reappearing by the buses.

-----

Adrienne walked up to Malachi as he waited near the buses and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Which one are you getting on?"

"The joy ride one. A trip through Ditto Town on an indestructible bus from which I can make faces at the mundanes sounds like a fun ride to me," Malachi said with a grin. "What about you?"

"The one going straight to the camp. The less time I spend in an enclosed area with other people the better," Adrienne said with a bitter laugh.

"When are you going to tell them?" Malachi said quietly, looking around to make sure no one was overhearing the conversation.

"What? That I'm a walking time bomb just waiting to kill them all? I'm thinking telling them that would be a bit of a fatal mistake. At the best I get cast out. I don't think I can handle it out there anymore," Adrienne said. She turned her back on Malachi and headed for the bus destined for the straight to the camp route.

Malachi sighed huffily and ran after Adrienne.

"Wait! I thought the stuff I told you about was helping. You said you were having an easier time of controlling the power."

"It did. For a little while. And thanks for everything, Malachi. I know seeing me again and me being all damsel-y on you probably isn't anything you wanted to happen. It's just that the spells that were cast on me are pulling me toward becoming an Elemental, but my humanity is pulling back just as hard. I need a full Elemental to fix things."

"Hey, I'm always happy to be your hero," Malachi said with a smirk. "But finding a full Elemental? I don't think that's going to happen."

"Why not?" Adrienne asked, fixing a piercing look on Malachi. "You were there that night and weren't in the middle of transformative spellcasting. What happened to the Elementals? They're almost impossible to kill, what could a pack of mundanes have done to them?"

"It wasn't just mundanes there that night," Malachi said and for the first time in the conversation, the mage's usual glib tone changed. "They had something ... wrong with them. Something old and powerful and definitely not human. It wasn't a vampire. I don't know what it was. But I could feel it when entered the academy. I felt it enter the Elementals' chamber. And I felt power flying back and forth. They were fighting whatever this thing was. It kept going for probably ten minutes. I was helping the apprentices get out into the escape tunnels. I never went back. I never saw what happened to the Elementals, but I do know that in three years I've never even heard a rumor of them. Whatever that thing was, I think it killed them."

Adrienne had grown progressively paler as Malachi told his story.

"What if it's coming after me? If you're right, then I'm the only Elemental left. If mundanes trying to kill me turns me into a weapon of mass destruction, what's something like that trying to kill me going to do?"

"Whatever that thing was, if it wanted you, wouldn't it have killed you that night? I mean, you were right there, not that far away. Besides, if it comes after you, it'll have to fight through a lot of people with some wicked cool powers."

"Yeah. I guess so. See you at the new camp?" Adrienne said with a sudden smile.

Malachi stared at Adrienne, for a few short seconds halfway tempted to ignore his good sense and try to restart something with her. But thoughts of Satin intruded.

"Oh, you'll see me again. Nothing's going to happen to us," Malachi said and headed off for the other bus.

"Tempting fate, as usual," Adrienne said, rolling her eyes.

"He's cuuuuuute," Amy said, smirking at Adrienne. "I can feel you like him."

Adrienne laughed and mock-glared at Amy.

"Quit poking around in my head. We're friends now. Just friends. We kind of dated before the attack on the academy, but we'd broken up long before the massacre. And he's chasing after that human."

"Satin? She seems really nice. I like her."

"Nice? Oh, yes she is that."

"And now I'm getting jealousy. Definitely jealousy."

"Get on the bus already!"

Reagan sighed and replied to Sofia as he left the room “Don’t let that spoon get out of control, sonic things can be very destructive when they go haywire” then walked down the steps towards the lower level, towards the outside door. He walked out the door then hid his two dragons underneath his coat then headed off towards a local market to ‘acquire’ some food for the coven.

---

((OCC: Marks going to jump ahead a bit in time to right after the busses leave))

Mark waved after the busses as they left the forest, as soon as they had left his sight he turned to Brand who inquired “where to?” Mark mounted Brand as he responded “Werewolf camp, to see what Josh and the others have acquired about Savages manor then off to ditto town, sorry Brand. Your going have to lay low once we head into town”

Brand replied “Darn-it bro, I’m getting tired of hiding… Its not in my blood stream” Mark sighed and said “It won’t be long bud, just wait” he said with grim smile and patted the disgruntled dragons back “Now come on lets get going”

---

Josh nodded and said grimly “If you ever did that, indigo, I’d be right behind you and you can be sure Mark would to, he’s as determined as any to free our, and your siblings” he said as he stood up across from the towering werewolf.

---

Steel glanced at the two before hiding the rodent his his pocket, "I was looking for something, but um, I found hi- it" he said with a a clearly fake smile. Staugh looked back at Karl, "You know this guy?" he asked.

Vivian stood in the dark corner of a hotel room, looking down at her finger nails, polished black at the tips. Her exotic taste for beauty was not often appreciated so she kept to herself most often. A cool breeze floated in from an open window, the tattered white silk curtains fluttering pitifully. She caught the fabric between two slender fingers, and rubbed the material; wondering why the feeling was so vague. Her glittering white skin shone like polished ivory, as she moved away from the darkness into the center of the room. A fold of her pants straightened as her long muscled legs strode to the door. Brown hair flowed down around her exposed right shoulder, and her mouth opened slightly revealing fangs. Her golden eyes, flicked around the abandoned hall, as Vivian held the door open. She knew the other members of the coven were somewhere about, doing there business, conducting daily things. She wondered where their leader, Rahpael, was and if Mihael was with him as he most of the times was. He is Raphael's right-hand man....oh what any of us would do to have that position. She sighed, bored, hating the waiting part of living. But I'm I living? she chuckled, feeling thirsty.

Slightly strange yes, but no one could call her boring. She was forever trying to do something new, black finger nails was only they beginning. She wanted people to notice her more, but they seemed to walk past just knowing she was part of the "family". they don't even look twice....if only Raphael would look. she thought again. But being slightly quiet, she understood that they barely even heard her. I wonder if half of them know my name she glided down the hall, and entered a room. She tried to stay sweet and distant, in hopes it would attract someone. A veil of loveliness hid an inner loneliness. The others wondered why she was odd....but they couldn't look inside. Masking a troubled expression she turned to the interior of the room. Sophia was there, saying something about feeding the dog, to Marcus, who she seemed to forever disdain. "Hello" Vivian said simply looking around the room to see if Mihael was there, to her disappointment he wasn't. Though he wasn't that talkative it was better to converse with another vampire than a sorceress.

(((OOC: Hi Everyone! *waves*)))

Past

“Thanks,” Kanti replied after Jason explained. “Could you send me the address of the tavern too? I’d like to look at it if it isn’t crawling with our people at the moment.”

Elisabeth raised her chin slightly, “I’m in no need of your assistance Unnatural,” she replied, almost feeling the need to go wash her face in the adjoining bathroom just to prove once and for all to the jinn that she was quite pretty enough- even without makeup. Of course if she did that she’d lose all dignity, so instead she sniffed and turned on the female detective as soon as she was off the phone.

“Any clues Detective, or are we still at the obvious conclusion that vampires were fighting in the room?”

Taken aback by the princess’ snide tone, Kanti looked between Thomas and Alice before addressing the princess. “I’m being sent pictures that match up with the marks on the walls- marks from another attack. If we can take a look at the other crime scene or talk to any witnesses, we might have a lead on who this vampire is.”

--

“Yeah...probably not,” Cyrano agreed, trying to imagine what the people inside would think of that particular disguise. He looked at the building and sighed. “Well we aren’t going to find out anything staying in here. How about this? The car broke down, so we went in to see if we could find a janitor or someone to let us use a phone? Sounds marginally plausible...” he offered, thinking of similar scenarios in tv shows that hadn’t worked out well for the plotters.

Present

“I appreciate the sentiment,” Abijah offered, appearing from the woods unannounced. He sat down on one of the turned over logs and accepted the food that Naomi had immediately brought over. Members of his own pack had become suddenly silent in the presence of their alpha, who looked between Josh and Indigo between bites of the stew.

“I agree that we need to use immediate action. We can’t leave her in there any longer. There’s no time to waste.”

Timothy who had been listening from a safe distance, perked slightly at the words, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

”We can’t leave her in there any longer. There’s no time to waste,” Terrance said urgently to his brother, whispering in the darkened corridor of the boys’ dormitory. They’d been standing there arguing for five minutes already and Timothy was beginning to feel the dangerous sway of Terrance’s words.

Both of them knew she wasn’t- otherwise why bend the rules and let them come back with her to her room, jump on her bed, and curl next to her atop the covers. Timothy watched her sleep almost the entire night, wondering if Terrance’s kitten heart was pounding like his own...but no. Terrance was purring, so his little brother finally closed his eyes, wondering what really did happen when they took you away...

--

“This is ridiculous,” Ruth muttered, pushing people aside as she tried to get closer to the sidewalk. What had meant to be a fairly unexpected appearance by the Unnaturals had turned into a parade-like atmosphere...if parades had angry citizens and protestors normally that was. Of course, none of the sign-toting mothers on the side of Ditto Town’s main road could be as frustrated as Ruth at the moment.

Here she was, the leader of the SFPU, renowned and feared activist, and instead of leading a charge on the naïve Unnaturals, she was waiting to watch just like a normal citizen. All because of a phone call. If she didn’t have deep conviction in what she was trying to accomplish she’d be waiting to fire on those sick creatures...but he had said no. And when he said no, only when he said so, she listened. Something was happening that was bigger than this sickening display of liberty and she hoped for everyone’s sake that it was worth standing here and grinding her teeth over.

“Excuse me.”

Ruth glared at the shrimpy looking teenage girl who was pushing past her. “Watch it!”

Glaring back, Bryony hurried past, not eager to stop and argue with any of these people. She wasn’t here to see the Unnaturals- she was here to see her father. It had only been a day, two days since the police had come to tell her Coriander was dead. It had only been two hours since social services had come to pick her up from her neighbor’s house. She wasn’t sure what had possessed her to kick the man’s shin and make an escape- she usually wasn’t that brave. But the same thought had been circling in her brain day and night, she had to find her father.

So that’s why she rushed now, red ponytail flying behind her as she dodged through the crowd and towards the seedy street of town where a few pub owners might have information about where-

A hand grabbed her arm and pulled her roughly under a store pavilion.

Struggling, she happened to look up and see staring down at her, her father’s face.

Basil frowned at his daughter, “Bryony- what are you doing here?”

Caught by surprise, the girl temporarily lost her voice. “What am I doing here?” she finally said, breathing heavily, “Coriander is dead- killed.”

“I know,” Basil answered, gritting his jaw.

“The Social Services guy came to get me- wait you knew? Why didn’t you come for me? You just left me?” Bryonywrenched her arm out of his grip. “I thought- I thought even if you didn’t want me, you’d come for me, you’d at least take me somewhere safe...maybe to some relative I wouldn’t get along with and then disappear like usual.”

Basil stood staring back at her without expression, noting the rare tears that were beginning to form in her eyes, eyes like her mother’s. “Let’s go talk,” he finally said and took her arm again, not giving the option to refuse.

Bryony walked on with her father, feeling a flush of embarrassment as a strange girl with a scar looked at her tear-stained face.

Curse watched the girl and man pass before she looked back at Caerwyn. I wanted to come. You’re my family. she offered mentally and then reached to pull the hood of her cloak up as they approached more groups of people. There’s so many people gathered, I wonder how they all knew?

--

Zaref had boarded the bus with Selena and was sitting in the aisle seat with his hood up. Apparently Latch had thought of defending the bus against enemies, but hadn’t considered that the sun might pose a problem. Even so, the vampire couldn’t help but be a bit hopeful. Once they were inside the reservation, there’d be little chance that Tallulah would be able to get at him ever again.

--

“...And of course, most importantly, no getting off the bus,” Maev concluded. She’d been giving the list of rules for a couple minutes, all nerves by the time she was done. It wasn’t every day that she rode a bus with a crew of Unnaturals, many of whom did not seem very disposed to following rules in the first place. Of course Latch’s men weren’t much help, the four men, armed and wearing black flexi-armor were sitting silent in the front.

“This should be fun,” Pepper dead-panned, wondering what exactly the word ‘fun’ was supposed to mean in the first place. She looked over at Terrance, who sat across the aisle from her, hoping that when they got to the reservation, he would explain to her what he knew about her dreams. It’d been obvious to the zombie for some time now that he must know something...

Mr. T dodged Pepper’s searching look and turned his attention to the passing scenery. It wouldn’t be that long before they passed into town limits. He couldn’t really imagine that many Unnaturals would want to join them on such short notice, but with persecution growing in the town, perhaps some were ready to jump onboard...literally.

”How long have we been working here Terrance? You know that only information relevant to the department is revealed,” Ziya said with a sigh. She’d only become more beautiful as they’d grown up together. Her eyes were still big, still uncannily blue, still expressive of every thought flying through her head. It was no wonder that she’d been placed in a more administrative position within TP- she wouldn’t be able to do Terrance’s work. Being an agent required some grasp of subtlety.

She shook her head, curls bouncing as the tears ran freely down her cheeks. “I just can’t.”

Present

It had taken the Darkling a bit longer than expected to reach Monstropolis, but after a few extra hours of walking, Neal was finally at his destination.... sort of. There was still the problem of finding the shop he was looking for. The City had grown and expanded somewhat from the last time Neal had visited and the small curiosity shop the Darkling was looking for had moved.

After an extra hour of searching through the city and inquiring at a few food and newspaper stands, Neal finally found the place he was looking for. It was a small, old, un-opposing two story building nestled between two much more recent stores on the West side of the city. Young's Book and Curiosity Shop The sign above the door read in a fancy font. Piles of books could easily be seen inside the shop through the large bay windows and oval glass in the front door. "Well, at least Bernie has moved up in choice of locations..." Neal quietly said to himself as he read the sign on the door giving the shops hours.

The shop had closed an hour ago, but most of the lights were still on inside. Taking a chance, Neal tried the door... which opened. Quietly stepping in, the Darkling was greeted with the scent of old books and the faint aroma of tobacco. Some things never change. The Darkling thought with a smile as he set his travel bag down on the open area of a desk and began browsing through the shop.

A few minutes later, a young man of about 19 or 20 entered the room in obvious distress at the tall, dark clothed man's presence. "What are you doing here? We're closed! Can't you read the sign?!?" The young man said in a slightly whiney voice that perfectly fit his appearance: lean, with curly light colored hair and horned rimmed glasses which he kept pushing back into place.

"The lights were on and the door was unlocked, so I came in. Does Bernar.."

"Whether or not the door was unlocked and the lights on is a matter of complete indefferance!" The boy rudely interrupted. "We're closed. C-L-O-S-E-D. Now please leave or I'll call the cops."

"Fine, fine..." Neal said with raised hands before grabbing his bag from its resting place. "One thing though: Does Bernard Young still own this shop?"

"OUT!" the young man practically screamed at the Darkling, pointing to the door.

"What's all this racked about, Max? Running away an honest costumer or are being robbed again?" A voice with a slight British accent inquired from the top of the staircase in the right-hand corner of the room.

"Just a vagabond that's stumbled into our shop after hours. I was just telling him to leave." The young man, Max, replied with a cocky tone to the old man who was now descending the stairs and walking towards the boy and Unnatural.

After reaching the place where the two younger men were, the old man looked at Neal's face carefully as though he was trying to remember who the man was. "Neal? Is that you?"

"Yes it is. It's good to see you still alive, Bernie." The Darkling replied as he pushed his fedora brim up with his thumb.

"Ha-ha! So it is you! So glad to see you again, old boy!" Mr. Young said with a smile before giving the Darkling a quick hug. "Max, go and do something useful like... fixing us two drinks. Two beers?" Mr. Young asked his guest, who nodded, before shooing the slightly stunned Max out of the main room and back to the kitchen.

"Ah, many apologies about Max. He's my sisters son's son and thinks his "Old Man" needs looking after..." Bernard explained with a chuckle as he invited Neal into the back of the shop where a small makeshift kitchen and table were. "We have a great many things to catch-up on...." Mr. Young added as he and Neal sat down at the table.

-----------------------------

"Unfortunately, yes." Karl replied to Staugh with a grim look. "If your still interested in visiting the Unnatural camp, now would be a ..." The Hybrid stopped mid sentence as a familiar smell caught his attention. Gwen's Little Killer is in town. There was no mistaking the scent. The boy was in Ditto Town, which meant... "You're in luck, Staugh. The Unnaturals have already left camp." The Hybrid informed the Shade as he began walking towards the street.

"If your interested in tagging along, I suppose you can. But I'm not looking out for you.... either of you." Karl called back to Steel and his pet as he continued walking.

------------------------

"Ello, Vivian." Marcus said to the female vamp with a boyish smile. Vampires were always trouble, but the cute ones were... well, cute. The Warlock still kept his distance, but a bit of long distance flirting never hurt. "I don't suppose you would want to feed our local werewolf today, would you?" Marcus playfully asked, knowing full well the answer to be "No".

"Mmm... Them leaving this early changes things. Makes easier for us actually, cause Mark wouldn't risk an ant's life if he knew he could prevent it from dying. Even if it meant risking his own life. Now he will come to me, we don't even have to do anything" Staugh said with a smirk.

"Wait, who? What? Where? When and why?" Steel said, completely confused. He was still a bit out of wack from meeting his son again. That and not drinking a blood in a long while.

"Don't worry about it" Staugh said with a sigh "You'll pick it up as we go along"

---

Mark and Brand crept to the edge of the forest where Mark dismounted and said "Wait here for my call" he said and walked towards the down, leaving Brand in the woods.

A few minutes later he was walk into the town when he bumped into a young boy "Sorry about- Reagan?!" Reagen responded with "Shh" and pulled him into a corner. "Your supposed to be dead" Mark said in a hushed voice "So are you" Reagen replied just as silently "So, how did you end up here?" Mark asked his cousin.

"I'm following this coven around, currently me and Zac are finding food for them" Mark laughed and said "You were always quite the suckup" Reagan rolled his eyes while playfully punching Mark in the shoulder "Sure, whatever you say... So why are you here?"

Mark let out a sigh of expiration when his cousin asked him that question "Among other things... Staugh is trying to kill me again" Reagan swore "Him again? Doesn't he ever quit?"

---

"I agree" Josh said in a somewhat hushed tone "Who knows what's happened to them..." he spoke in a mumble now.

Naomi squeezed Josh’s shoulder in passing, noting his solemn gaze. Circling to each to refill empty bowls, she noticed Timothy was looking off as well. Something was bothering him.

Of course Terrance had to go and leave- he couldn’t imagine not causing chaos somewhere, Timothy thought to himself, unaware of the conversation going on around him. Then he nearly burns the academy down, breaks Ziya’s heart and runs off, not bothering to tell me anything but- ‘Take care of her for me’.

“Timothy can take care of that for us,” Abijah said, finishing off his food before he glanced over at his spacey pack member. “Timothy!”

“Huh, what?” Timothy said, sitting up straight. He would have rolled over onto his belly at the look Abijah gave him, but it didn’t seem as endearing to their pack leader when they were all in human form.

“I said, you can be of use to us- I’m amazed you didn’t think of it yourself, what with your unique capabilities,” Abijah said with a look that all but stated how little he thought of Timothy’s intelligence.

“Well- I can…shapeshift?”

“Yes…” Abijah said with painful patience, “Which means in your normally useless bird-state, you could fly over Savage’s estate unnoticed.”

“He doesn’t have the nerve,” Azriel spoke up finally, wondering where Haleh was. Only her common sense could rescue Timothy now. Azriel wasn’t extremely fond of Timothy, but he knew that meekness would get him killed in Savage’s world.

“I’m not a coward,” Timothy said softly, looking up through messy red hair at Azriel. His almond-shaped eyes flashed dangerously for a moment and then returned to normal, like a swift storm blowing over.

“You’re a coward Timothy.”

“I will- I-” Timothy watched as Terrance transformed into kitten form and leapt down the stairs, dashing towards the doors before TP authorities realized he was there. After his little ‘protest’ (protest meaning he set paperwork on fire and left it burning in the offices of the board of directors), they’d been keeping a keen eye out for him. Timothy could only wait for them to come and question him. Ziya’s mother might protect her…but no one was going to believe that Timothy had nothing to do with his brother’s escape. He wished Terrance realized that it took more courage to stay here…

--

“So it begins,” Maev said softly as they passed the sign for the town and began driving down the main road. There were already more people around to stop and stare at the bus than Maev had expected. She wondered if Latch had tipped off people just to draw a crowd. However they knew; it made her nervous.

“Is that one already?” Pepper asked as the van slowed in unison with her question.

A teenage girl jumped on as soon as the doors swung open, looking behind her like she was afraid some of the scowling citizens might stage an attempt to flood onboard with her. Turning her gaze on the denizens of the vehicle, she locked eyes with Pepper, shaking her scarlet bangs out of her eyes.

“Don’t stare at me like that, freak.”

“You’ll have to fill out this registration paperw-”

“Yeah whatever,” the girl answered, cutting Maev off and pulling the clipboard out of her hands. She passed the rows and slouched in the back seat before beginning on the paperwork with a furious look.

“Somehow I expected ta be thanked for pullin’ them out ta safety,” Maev grumbled.

Terrance simply replied with a feral grin and waited as the bus pulled away from the curb and continued towards the center of town.

Past

Jason went ahead and sent her the address of the tavern along with the pictures.

Alice made a face at Elisabeth. "I don't know why people are so prejudice against all Unnaturals. It's not like all of us did anything to you. I grant people's wishes, for goodness's sake. Shouldn't people want me around?" She crossed her arms and pouted.

Thomas looked sympathetically at Alice before glancing at his sister. Then he turned to Kanti.

"Will you be able to arrest a vampire?" he asked, wondering how the legal system worked in response to vampires.

------

Ian nodded. "Sounds good to me," he said, getting out of the car and starting up the walk to the university.

"Hmph. I still think my idea would've been more entertaining," Melanie said, shaking her head as she got out of the car and followed her brother.

Ian paused as he came to the door, something feeling not quite right. He got the prickling sensation that something bad was waiting for them at the other side of the door.

Melanie hesitated by her brother, sensing something was wrong. "What is it?" she asked softly, following his gaze inside.

"It's nothing," Ian said, shaking his head. "Let's just . . . get this over with as quickly as possible. Empty buildings give me the creeps." He laid his hand on the door handle, somehow knowing that it was unlocked. He pulled open the door and held it open for Melanie and Cyrano, trying to ignore the feeling that the building wasn't entirely empty. It seemed like someone (or something) was waiting for them inside . . .

Present

"You'd better not be," Indigo growled at Timothy. "If you mess this up, I'll rip you to shreds and I don't care what your pack does to me afterward. Understand?" He stepped up to the shapeshifter menacingly, his massive height and build rather intimidating.

------

Caerwyn observed everyone outside, pulling his cloak hood up over his head as well. Someone probably tipped them off, he said, not very concerned about it. He looked over at the new girl, staring at her and wondering why she seemed so angry.

A pricking sensation in his mind startled him and he shut his eyes briefly as the sound of Gwen's harsh laughter echoed in his mind. If he could've looked any paler, he would've for the sound was unexpected and ominous.

He opened his eyes and turned his eyes away from the girl, suddenly feeling uneasy. He reached out and curled his fingers around Curse's wrist, tensing slightly as though waiting for someone to attack them. The laugh came again and then the soft sound of singing.

Hush little darling, don't say a word
Mother's going to buy you a mockingbird . . ."

The words trailed off into a malicious chuckle. Caerwyn sat stiffly, his eyes straight forward, doing his best not to tremble as his grip tightened on Curse's wrist.

Mother's not finished with you yet, darling, the voice whispered, and Caerwyn could hear the devious smile in the words.

-------

Selena reached over and took Zaref's hand. "How do you fare, my sweet?" she asked gently, leaning forward slightly to peer around the edge of his hood.

-------

Sofia sniffed. "I would do it myself, but the wretched thing hates me," she said. "It tried to bite me last time it was my turn." She pouted and looked at Vivian disdainfully, always seeing the beautiful vampire as competition for Raphael's affections. Though he didn't seem to see anyone in a romantic light, though he still flirted with them. At least, she saw it as flirting. If only he didn't appear so young.

A soft chuckle caused her to whirl around and she blushed as she saw Raphael leaning in the doorway. Mihael stood behind him, not looking pleased at all. It was well known among the coven that Mihael was extremely protective over their leader, not wanting anyone get to close. He was always afraid of an assassination attempt, despite the fact that Raphael assured him that everyone loved him too much to try anything like that.

"Arguing about who's turn it is to feed our sister again?" Raphael asked, stepping into the room. "My dear brother and sisters, we are not toddlers. Nor are we not compassionate toward our fellow Unnaturals." He stepped forward and smiled at Vivian, running his finger along her jawline.

"Don't worry, sweet," he said with a charismatic smile. "You need not feed her today. It is indeed Sofia's turn." He turned toward the sorceress with a pointed look. "Isn't that right, sister?" he asked.

"Yes, Raphael," Sofia said, a little sullenly as she turned her gaze to the ground.

"Then I suggest you go do that now," Raphael said.

Sniffing indignantly, Sofia grabbed the bucket by the door and swept inside with her nose raised haughtily in the air, slamming the door behind her. Raphael chuckled softly and then turned to Marcus.

"We seem to be missing a member of our family," he said pensively. "Where is Reagen, Marcus?"

P.S."Brooklyn!"

Vivian found the acknowledgement of her presence refreshing. She didn't smile at Marcus, who shot her his boyish grin and asked if she would like to feed their werewolf, but instead stayed impassive. The corner of her mouth twitched and an answer was on the tip of her tongue when a soft chuckle floated through the room. She turned abruptly and saw their revered leader, Raphael, there in the door. Her knees felt the need to bow, but she didn't knowing it would be awkward. Though he did command respect his authority was around him, in the very way he acted. Mihael was there too, behind him, at his traditional post. She cracked a little smile in his direction, but kept her golden eyes mainly fixed on Raphael's pale face. He said a few words then ran a hand on her cheek, calling her sweet, telling her there was no need for her to feed their sister. Her smile was wiped away by his touch, and she stood stalk still. Her black nail polish glinted in the light and she placed both hands, clasped, behind her back. Silence, like a thief, stole her voice. She waited, head tilted down for words to return. Then Raphael moved on, the little brush of her face meant nothing to him, but to her it did. Everyone wished to get close to their leader.

She looked up at her leaders back, a happiness reflecting in her eyes, her fangs showing in her smile. Maybe she wasn't so unnoticed after all......

After an hour of catching-up and Neal explaining where he had been for so long, Mr. Young finished his beer and then leaned forward in his chair. "Serrena was a fine young lass.... what a pity she died in such a way." After a short pause, the old man continued. "I'm glad to know you have been doing well, though and that you seem to have finally found a home where you belong after all these years."

"Thanks, for both your condolence and your congratulations." Neal said before taking the last swing from his beer bottle and tossing it into the garbage-can near Max, who had not left his spot by the kitchen door since he delivered the two beers over an hour ago.

"Now I must ask you, lad, why are you here? If you've found a place where you are accepted and belong, what are you doing in a place like this?" Mr. Young asked, looking at his young friend as though he could see through him.

After a minute or so of slightly uncomfortable silence, Neal answered his friends question. "I need to know how to kill a Hybrid."

"What kind of Hybrid?"

"Half werewolf and half vampire. It's Karl, Bernie. He's the one I need to kill. He's been stalking around Ditto Town killing everyone and anyone he meets just waiting for me to do something about him." The Darkling said in a suddenly serious and determined tone. "I knew if anyone would know how to kill him, you would." He added with a weak smile.

Bernard did not answer imidiatley, instead stroking his short beard and looking down at the table top. After what seemed an eternity to Neal, his friend suddenly stood up, took his cane and motioned for Neal to follow him. "I think I might just have what your looking for...." Mr. Young said as he led Neal to the very back of the store... to his own personal collection of books on Unnaturals.

--------------------------------------------------

"It probably senses that you hate it back..." Marcus muttered as Sophia tried to explain why she wouldn't feed the werewolf. The whole excuse became rather mute a few seconds later when their esteemed leader entered the room. After telling Sophia to feed the werewolf and toying with Vivians affections, Raphael finally addressed the Warlock.

"Out collecting food for those of us who can't quite stomach a steady diet of blood." Marcus replied to the coven leader as he quickly stepped out of Sophia's way. "Would you like me to go retrieve him or just let him return whenever he returns?" The Warlock asked in a ever so apathetic tone.

Unlike the rest of the coven, Marcus merely viewed Raphael as an equal.... and sometimes as slightly lower than himself. The Warlock had no deep sense of loyalty to the vampire nor did he feel there was any real need to. He had never been particularly loyal to any of the long line of kings or politicians that he had served under, so why should he start know with a vampire that was stuck at looking 15?