[center][h1] A Necromancer, a Butterfly Witch, and a Ringbearer Walk Into a Bar[/h1][/center] [sub][right]Interaction/s: [@Punished GN], [@Skai] [/right] [right][color=slategray][i] Location/s: PRA Raid Ground > Kari Wilson’s Place of Rest [/i][/color][/right][/sub] [hr] [i]One week ago...[/i] Handsome coughed awkwardly when he looked Lyss's way, but he didn't shrug her off. Lyss would have smiled at him if she wasn't cuffed and kneeling in front of him. Although, when she thought about it for a little too long, she realized it wasn't that bad of a position in front of him. It was a good day to wear a v-neck shirt. Unfortunately for her dry throat, his attention was soon pulled elsewhere. She watched him float through the air towards Agent Meife-Liao, whose name she heard from the woman cradling Luca in her arms. [i]What's with these feds?[/i] Her now decaying arms. It seemed like handsome had quite an abstraction. [i]Who is this guy?[/i] What did Agent Mommy mean when she said [i]you-know-what[/i]? Agent Liao had said that the PRA ran St. Portwell, so what else was happening in this city that she should be aware of? She listened to handsome speak, noting that he was a special agent. [i]Just my luck to lust after PRA's top dog.[/i] Especially someone that said "clout" unironically. She let that slide easily, as it seemed the two agents' arguments got through to their leader. When she heard the words "uncuff them" out of Agent Liao's mouth, Lyss silently thanked the Hound under her breath. As obedient as the rest of the PRA, handsome was soon coming towards her. Lyss slowly got to her feet and turned her back towards him so he could get the damned cuffs off of her. [color=slategray]"Thanks for the water, by the way."[/color] Goosebumps rose on her skin when his fingers brushed her wrist, and soon her hands were free. She pulled her arms forward and began to rub her wrists. [color=slategray]"I hope next time we meet isn't under these circumstances."[/color] She said as she turned to look at him, but stopped short when she realized he wasn't next to her. The bottle of water was set on the grass where he stood. When she looked around for him, he was holding back an enraged Linqian. Lyss frowned lightly, but shrugged and picked up the bottle. She stood facing the cat-fight, chugging half of the bottle's contents as she thought about how impressive his speed and strength was. Especially his durability. Linqian's hand had left a nasty mark on Lynn's face. How come he wasn't hurt by touching her? Sloane had approached Agent Liao with her phone out like an offering. It looked like she was willing to work with the feds, even after this disastrous encounter with them. Lyss didn't mind the idea, as long as they stayed out of her business. Jack had left Auri with Agent Mommy, and she was soon being tended to by the PRA's nerdy healer. Lyss moved in their direction. It had been so long since she'd seen Auri, and she was just as worried about her current state as she was curious about how she'd gotten so hurt. Jack and the white haired girl had left before the raid started, and he returned with Auri instead. She'd get some answers after she made sure her old friend was alright. Lyss slowly approached where Auri laid, and watched as they brought her back to consciousness. Fully healed, despite some dried blood where her injuries had been. Auri jerked upright, her head whipping around her. [b]"... Did we win?"[/b] Lyss's brows furrowed, looking just as confused as the agents around her. [color=slategray]"I can't tell."[/color] She said as she moved closer to Auri. [color=slategray]"It looked like Jack had to port you out of a warzone."[/color] Lyss knelt down next to her and handed Auri the rest of her water, unable to resist a small smirk of amusement. [color=slategray]"We have a lot of catching up to do, Auri."[/color] Auri grasped her head as she looked around, “I… you can say that.” She continued to look around before she took in a deep sniff… And then she looked up at the burning church. Yet, she could only smile. She wiped a bead of sweat off her forehead and said, “... I’m so glad that wasn’t my store!” Lyss smiled at her. [color=slategray]”It was smart of you to keep everyone out of there. Greyson is to blame for the fire, though.”[/color] WIth a sigh, she offered Auri a hand as she rose to her feet, which Auri took. [color=slategray]”Let’s get out of here before the feds change their mind.”[/color] She offered the nerdy healer a glance as she cleared her throat. [color=slategray]”Thanks for healing her, though.”[/color] “Don’t mention it!” Trevor said with a toothy grin, before he turned to Adora before he hobbled over to her, knelt down and placed his forearm against Adora’s face. It wasn't long until his healing aura wrapped around her and her head injury was healed. Her eyes shot open, as she looked at Trevor… and he pulled back as she rubbed her head. “Ugh! My head’s killin me!” Adora shouted. Auri looked around, “… Alyssa… Lyss… what happened here? Where is Stormy, Britney and Jack?” Lyss gestured towards where Jack was standing. [color=slategray]”Jack’s over there. He’s the one that got you here. I haven’t seen Britney or Stormy yet.”[/color] She glanced towards handsome and Agent Liao’s way. [color=slategray]”The feds raided us, thinking we murdered one of their own last night. It was, uh… Kali. I didn’t know he joined the PRA.”[/color] She frowned. [color=slategray]”They told us a wolf carving was found at the crime scene.”[/color] “… K-Kali is dead?!” Auri shouted, “I… can’t believe it.” Then Auri turned her head towards Jack and called to him, “Jack!” After Trevor had dealt with his gunshot wound, Jack walked over to their now-awake leader. [color=6644ff]”The next time I take you to a place outside the All-Verse, you’re wearing protection for your skull, and everything inside,”[/color] he said, jokingly. Auri shook her head. “… Where are the others?” Auri asked. “Are they okay?” [color=6644ff]”They left, and went to seal the Void Heart at the Temple. It wasn’t a wasted effort, after all. Apparently, [i]this[/i] happened just after we stepped out,”[/color] he said, waving in the church’s direction. [color=6644ff]”They’re fortunate I let them walk away,”[/color] he whispered, quietly, so only they could hear it. “… The Temple?” Auri raised an eyebrow as she whispered, “The Charming and Graceful whatevers?” [color=6644ff]”The glorified cult that worships apparitions, yes. Honestly, I should’ve torn them limb from limb the moment they [i]shot me.[/i] But Britney and Stormy accompanied them. Britney has the Noble Vow- I kept it all these years- So I’m sure there won’t be any trouble.”[/color] Auri grasped her head, “I would have done so myself if they hadn’t taken me out of commission.” Lyss crossed her arms where she stood, her brows furrowing. [color=slategray]”You really got yourself into trouble with that. How long has this cult been around? Do we need to watch our backs with them, too?”[/color] “This is my first time hearing about them,” Auri turned to Jack for the answer. [color=6644ff]”They were here when we were children. While we were saving the world, the Temple was bickering with, and fighting back against others in the background to take power for themselves. Leon’s family doesn’t typically attack people the way they attacked us, but I wasn’t exaggerating when I said they worship apparitions. One of them being the Void Heart.”[/color] “So that’s why they attacked us? To protect Voidy? But why would they be sealing him if they worship him?” Auri asked a barrage of questions before another one popped into her head as something was missing. “… And where’s my staff?!?!” [color=6644ff]”Your staff is safe in the Void,”[/color] he assured her. [color=6644ff]”Your concussion was more important, so I left it there. As for the sealing, they have a strange way of doing things. And we had him dead to rights by the time they arrived, so he [i]surrendered.”[/i][/color] Auri sighed in relief, before she asked a question, “… And do you trust them?” She started, “Will Britney and Stormy be safe?” [color=6644ff]”I don’t trust them to not make sudden moves when one of their holy ghosts is about to be sealed. But I trust Britney to use the sword to its fullest potential, and I trust Stormy to make them all powerless.”[/color] He would have preferred going there himself, and absolutely would have if they didn’t bring out guns and concussions. “… Do you think the Temple will be a problem in the future?” Auri asked. [color=6644ff]”It’s a possibility. But they expect me at Alizee’s funeral, and they won’t be stupid enough to think they can kill me quietly.”[/color] [color=slategray]”They won’t be a problem if I have anything to say about it.”[/color] Lyss muttered before giving Jack a nod. [color=slategray]”Let me know if they cause any more trouble.”[/color] She looked at Auri, a bit cautious with her next words. [color=slategray]”I was hoping to get caught up on what you know about these wolf carvings… before all of this. Do you feel well enough?”[/color] Auri grimaced. “I do… but I honestly don’t have a wealth of information on the wolf carvings.” Lyss nodded. [color=slategray]”I guess it’s time to put myself to use, then.”[/color] [color=slategray]”It’s time to summon one of our fallen.”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]“… I can’t believe ya’ll!”[/color] Adora shouted, feigning anger before she cracked a half-grin. [color=fd8a6c]“Having a top secret pow-wow without your girl Adora!”[/color] She slapped her knee before turning towards Lyss. [color=fd8a6c]“… Why didn’t you tell me you were back in town?”[/color] Then she thought about it. [color=fd8a6c]“Actually, don’t answer that,”[/color] She said as she opened her arms and hugged Lyss. Lyss blinked in shock, before her arms slowly rose to pat Adora on the back. Her voice was surprisingly soft when she spoke. [color=slategray]”Hey, Adora. I hope you’ve been well. I don’t have many phone numbers from the past.”[/color] Adora was briefly silent. [color=fd8a6c]“I’m hanging on,”[/color] She said. [color=fd8a6c]“So, I take it you’re after the same thing we are?”[/color] Lyss nodded with a grim expression. [color=slategray]”I’m here to help. I was just about to ask for some help with a summoning.”[/color] [color=6644ff]”What are we summoning? Or should I ask [i]who?”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]“God damn it,”[/color] Adora started, [color=fd8a6c]“Don’t tell me you’re going to summon demons like that crazy-ass Britney used to do!”[/color] Lyss shook her head, her eyes darting towards the departing PRA. [color=slategray]”I thought it would be best to summon the most recent victim. Which, unfortunately for our PRA friends and fortunately for us, would be Kali. He might know fed information, and could give us an ID on the killer.”[/color] She didn’t look thrilled, but it was obvious that she was confident in her decision. [color=6644ff]”Mm. Where is his body now? A federal agent isn’t likely to be buried in a local cemetery, when he was paranormal in life.”[/color] “… I was thinking we summon Ashley, Kari Wilson, or Lionel Hunter,” Auri said, then noted. “He’s likely in a federal morgue, and [i]that[/i] is not one tree I want to bark up.” Auri chuckled, raising a finger. [color=6644ff]”True. We can’t reach him, and unfortunately, there is no scarcity of victims. I don’t enjoy the idea of waking them from death, but we don’t have many options.”[/color] Lyss looked between the two girls before nodding. [color=slategray]”We’ll summon all three if we need to.”[/color] She pursed her lips for a moment. [color=slategray]”Kari should be first. I think she would be the most willing to speak with us.”[/color] Auri smiled at Lyss as Adora crossed her arms and then shrugged. [color=fd8a6c]“So what? Can you do it right here, or do we have to dig up their body or something?”[/color] Adora asked. [color=fd8a6c]“… Because that’s just a [b][i]LITTLE[/i][/b] fucked up. Just a little.”[/color] She pinched her fingers. [color=slategray]”I can summon anywhere I need, but I’d prefer to do it at her grave and under the cover of darkness.”[/color] The distant sound of sirens caught Lyss’s attention. She pulled her burner out of her back pocket and handed it to Adora. [color=slategray]”Give me your number. I’ll find where she’s buried and let you know when to meet me tonight. In the meantime…”[/color] She looked at Auri. [color=slategray]”I think you should get some rest. You deserve it.”[/color] Adora quickly punched in her phone number, and said, [color=fd8a6c]“Alright, text me girl!”[/color] After returning the phone, Adora took off as if she intended to beat the sirens. Auri nodded her head at Lyss, before she walked over to Jack, and calmly said, “Could you open one of those little portals to the Void?” Auri asked, “I’d appreciate it if I had my staff back, but no rush.” She smiled. [color=6644ff]”Just a moment,”[/color] Jack reached up and literally punched a hole through the boundary between Shimmer and the Void, and reached around for something. [color=6644ff]”Where did I put it… There.”[/color] He pulled his hand free, along with the staff and handed it to Auri as the hole closed. “Thank you!” Auri said, “I presume you’re heading back to the Void? I’ll gladly help you clean up in there if you need any help.” [color=6644ff]”Not now. I need to talk to Anya and Sloane about this… Disaster. I likely won’t be returning to the Void any time soon.”[/color] Auri nodded. “Let me know if you need anything… you have my number, but otherwise this is where we part ways, yes?” Jack nodded. [color=6644ff]”For now. Don’t get yourself almost killed again, alright?”[/color] “... No promises.” Auri deviously grinned. Jack turned around and walked into the trees, and then teleported away. That was when Auri marched over to her car before Emergency Services arrived.[hr] Lyss stood leaning against her sportster at the entrance to St. Portwell’s smallest cemetery hours later. With her head tilted down, the only sound that could be heard was the click of a lighter as she held a zippo to a cigarette. She took a deep pull and then leaned her head back to exhale as she surveyed the graveyard before her. She really wasn’t a smoker, but this event called for a vice. It seemed that this particular vice was becoming a regular habit for her lately. Drinking was out of the question when she needed to keep her wits about her at all times. The cigarette was almost through by the time she heard an approaching vehicle. Lyss turned her head towards it, her free hand dropping to rest on her seat in perfect reaching distance for her aluminum slugger. She hadn’t seen any of the Sycamore’s cars yet, and she wasn’t about to take any chances with a stranger. Lyss continued to watch the car as it rolled to a stop. She took another drag of her cigarette and slowly exhaled as she waited to see who would step out. A red Nissan Altima quickly sped in and came to a stop… the lights were off as Adora Prescott came in. Wearing a grey hoodie and sweatpants. She wore a medical facemask as she looked to the left and the right… and then pulled out her phone to call Lyss. Lyss recognized her immediately, even with the mask. She threw the cig to the ground and pressed her foot into it before reaching for her buzzing phone. [color=slategray]”I’m at the entrance to the graveyard,”[/color] she said as soon as the phone was up to her ear. When Adora eventually looked her way, Lyss waved from where she stood. She stayed resting on her bike as she watched Adora make her way towards her. [color=slategray]”You think Auri will make it?”[/color] She asked once Adora was close by. Adora shrugged. [color=fd8a6c]“Beats me,”[/color] Adora started, [color=fd8a6c]“I can [i]not[/i] get a read on that goofy ass girl for li-”[/color] That was when Auri floated beside Lyss, two butterfly wings hanging off her back, holding the staff in her hands. She had a warming smile on her face as she wore black leggings, and a tan trench coat and some black dress shoes. The corner of Lyss’s lips twitched as if she was going to smile, but she quickly regained composure to save Adora from any embarrassment. [color=slategray]”Alright, then. Let’s get to it.”[/color] WIthout another word, Lyss led the girls into the graveyard with confidence. The look on her face was solemn, as if she knew the ethical crime she was about to commit. She could only hope Kari would forgive her for bringing her back. Lyss stopped directly in front of Kari Wilson’s grave, positioned about five feet from the headstone. She looked over the marker once, before looking towards Adora and Auri. [color=slategray]”Ready?”[/color] Adora crossed her arms. “I’m ready if you are.” “Is this going to be like the Sixth Sense?” Auri chuckled. Lyss didn’t understand the reference, so she decided to explain it instead. [color=slategray]”Communicating with the dead can be done with and without a body. If I only summon her spirit, she will appear as a stereotypical ghost. If she has chosen to repress her murder in the afterlife, she will have a hard time recalling details that may be important to us.”[/color] Lyss took a deep breath and knelt to the ground, pressing her hand into the dirt before her. [color=slategray]”If I reanimate her body, and summon her spirit into it, it will seem like she is alive once more. She will not need to breathe, nor will she physically feel anything, but she will remember what it felt like to live again.”[/color] Lyss glanced towards the girls, as if she expected them to protest what she was about to do. [color=slategray]”It’s the only option we have if we want to know who murdered her or how it was done.”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]“Lyss…”[/color] Adora trailed off, [color=fd8a6c]“Disturbing her rest is one thing, but…”[/color] She looked off to the side before looking down and shaking her head. [color=fd8a6c]“... Animating her body is too much. Just too much.”[/color] Adora shuddered. “Summon her spirit,” Auri said. “That is the most respectful way to go about this.” [color=slategray]”I will only be able to hold her here for ten minutes, if she allows it. So we have to make this time count. If you have anything you want to say to her, it has to be done quickly.”[/color] “I need to offer an apology, first and foremost,” Auri raised a finger. [color=fd8a6c]“... I mean, I don't think we should be hanging around a graveyard anyway…”[/color] Adora started, [color=fd8a6c]“Let's get this over with.”[/color] Lyss only nodded before she bowed her head. Instead of using the ground to summon Kari’s body from its grave, Lyss instead used it to spread her emotional-field into the area beneath her. Lyss was easily able to find Kari’s soul signature this close to her body. Her lips began to move, and if they listened closely, they would hear her praying to The Hound under her breath. She was asking for permission, and at the end, she asked for forgiveness. Once the prayer finished, Lyss opened her eyes toward the dark sky and began to call for Kari. [color=slategray]”Kari Wilson, will you answer my call?”[/color] Lyss murmured. [color=slategray]”We seek answers, and forgiveness. We wish to find justice for your death.”[/color] There was a silence… The sky went dark… … Then her spirit appeared. She was standing above her grave with her hands behind her back, staring at them. Auri smiled as she took a step forward, being the first to speak, “Kari!” Auri started, “It’s been a while… friend. I have to apologize to you, first and foremost, for not picking up on the signs sooner. That… was my fault, friend.” Auri sighed. “I know we are short on time, but do you have it in you to forgive me?” A tear ran down Auri’s face. Kari tilted her head as her face contorted into one of confusion, “... Who are you?” Kari’s spirit asked. Auri’s face turned equally confused. “... It’s your friend, Auri? We were in the Coven together? We fought the Stygian Snake. Your best friend, Elsa, was also in it…?” Auri tried to remind Kari. “I’ve… never seen you before, nor do I know what you’re talking about.” Adora spoke, jamming her thumb in her chest, [color=fd8a6c]“Does Adora Phoenix-Prescott ring a bell? What about Clementine and Vanessa Washington? We helped save your ass.”[/color] Kari shook her head. “... I don’t know you people.” Lyss slowly stood, watching Kari carefully with a small frown. [color=slategray]”Do you remember anything from your time with the living, Kari?”[/color] She asked cautiously. “Plenty,” Kari said. “But, I don’t know who you all are…” Adora and Auri looked at each other as Adora asked Lyss, [color=fd8a6c]“... You [i]sure[/i] this is the right Kari? You didn’t pull one from a different dimension or something?”[/color] Lyss furrowed her brows for a moment, before shaking her head. [color=slategray]”I don’t think that’s possible.”[/color] She looked at Kari for a moment, before something in her demeanor changed and she abruptly asked her a question. [color=slategray]”Do you remember your death?”[/color] “Sort of…” Kari tilted her head. “I was… at my computer at my house. Someone came in… and they slashed my throat.” “Do you remember the details of who did it, Kari?” Auri asked. Kari shook her head. “... No, unfortunately,” Kari answered. [color=fd8a6c]“... There’s something off here,”[/color] Adora turned her head towards Lyss. [color=fd8a6c]“Ain’t sure what.”[/color] [color=slategray]”This Kari… the body buried here isn’t our Kari.”[/color] Lyss murmured before looking towards her two friends. [color=slategray]”Whoever is behind this can hop realities.”[/color] She turned her head back towards the spirit quickly. [color=slategray]”Were the footsteps soft or heavy, Kari?”[/color] She asked, hoping to get [i]some[/i] kind of information from the summoning. “Heavy,” Kari answered. Adora took a step back, raising an eyebrow as she asked, [color=fd8a6c]“Then which fuckin Kari is it, then? Why the fuck is it some [i]other[/i] Kari? Where is [i]our[/i] Kari?”[/color] She pointed a hand at Kari’s spirit. Lyss frowned, but continued. [color=slategray]”Did you happen to catch a glimpse of them in your computer’s reflection?”[/color] Kari shook her head. “I did not… I just resigned to my fate…” She took in a deep breath. “Um, Lyss…” Auri took a step towards her. “This is going [i]nowhere[/i]… let’s summon Ashley or Lionel.” Lyss glanced Auri’s way with a look of disappointment in her eyes. She nodded once before taking a step towards Kari. [color=slategray]”I am sorry your life ended so soon. I hope you continue to find peace in the afterlife.”[/color] “Thank you,” Kari nodded, before she disappeared. Adora facepalmed. [color=fd8a6c]“Okay… how in the [i]world[/i] did we get a [i]different[/i] Kari? Where in the nine hells is [i]our[/i] Kari?]”[/color] Adora began. [color=fd8a6c]“None of this is making [i]any[/i] sense.”[/color] Auri rubbed her chin before she shrugged, “Summon Ashley or Lionel’s spirits… maybe we’re onto something here…” Lyss sighed, pushing her hair back from her face. [color=slategray]”Okay.”[/color] Without a body to connect to, Lyss simply held out her hands before her. Same as before, she closed her eyes and recited the prayer as her emotional field spread out around her. Her ring began to glow a black aura, enhancing her emotional field so that she could summon without the need for the traces of soul. [color=slategray]”Ashley Stone… Lionel Hunter… Will you answer my call?”[/color] Fading into existence was the spirit of Ashley Stone… who stood there wearing the same exact clothes she wore the day she died: a blue hoodie, some black leggings, and some Adidas slides. She still had her hair long, combed down one side, as she looked up at the group. Auri awkwardly coughed as she stepped forward and said, “... Hello ol-” “[i]Fuck off,[/i]” Ashley said the literal [i]second[/i] she laid eyes upon Auri. Then Ashley disappeared. Despite her previous confusion, Adora couldn’t help but break out laughing. She ran off to the nearest tombstone and was cracking up as she leaned against it and pounded her fist against it. [color=fd8a6c]“Oh my good lord…”[/color] Adora trailed off. [color=fd8a6c]“What the fuck did you do to that poor girl?!”[/color] Auri’s mouth was still agape with shock. Even Lyss’s solemn expression cracked, an awkward grin appearing before she cleared her throat. [color=slategray]”Adora, don’t hit the tombstone.”[/color] Adora hopped up. [color=fd8a6c]“Oh, sorry!”[/color] Auri massaged her temples with her free hand and then sighed, “... So I guess that leaves, Lionel,” Lyss sent an appreciative nod Adora’s way before returning to the task at hand. Her ring began to glow once more. [color=slategray]”I’ll summon Ashley alone next time, Auri. Sorry.”[/color] She cleared her throat. [color=slategray]”Lionel Hunter? Will you speak with us?”[/color] Adora crossed her arms as she said, [color=fd8a6c]“... Hopefully this one won’t tell us to fuck off,”[/color] That was when Lionel Hunter’s spirit appeared… wearing a black trench coat, jeans, combat boots, and a black hat. Probably his detective attire. Auri coughed as she took a step forward, “Lionel… I am sorry I didn’t pick up on the signs sooner and do more to save you,” Auri apologized. “There is no need to be sorry,” Lionel started, “I should have done more to save myself.” He looked at the gathering before him before he asked, “What can I help you all with?” [color=slategray]”You grew up too quickly, Lionel.”[/color] Lyss murmured. [color=slategray]”We’re here to ask about your murder. The killer is targeting our coven.”[/color] “I know,” Lionel said, “I was investigating him… or her… However, I think he figured out I was on his trail and axed me.” He sighed, as he looked off to the side. “Maybe I could have saved the others if I wasn’t so cocky…” Lyss frowned. [color=slategray]”Tell us what you learned and you will have your retribution. I’m sure you were doing all you could.”[/color] “I’ve… learned not a whole lot, I admit,” Lionel said and both Auri and Adora hung their heads. “The killer, he’s a crafty one. He disappears as quickly as he appears. But, before my death at his hand… I tracked him somewhere downtown. To one of the clubs. I just can’t remember where…” Lionel rubbed his chin. [color=slategray]”Is it three words that all start with the letter V?”[/color] “... I can’t recall,” Lionel said. “That club wasn’t downtown, Lyss,” Auri noted. Lyss shrugged. [color=slategray]”Is there anything else that may be important, Lionel? Their description, their abstraction?”[/color] Even with this information, Lyss still felt like they were grasping at straws. [color=slategray]”I’m sorry to keep you for long, but you’re the best lead we have at the moment.”[/color] Lionel laughed. “I unfortunately don’t have any information myself,” He began, “However, Father Wolf… whoever he is, [i]has[/i] to have some form of teleportation. Because how else could he appear and disappear at will?“ [color=slategray]”What would you think if I told you they can hop between realities? We summoned Kari before you, and… she wasn’t from this reality. We’re not sure if our Kari has passed, really.”[/color] “Hmmm… that would make sense, but...” Lionel hung his head, before he asked the golden question. “... Why would [i]our[/i] Kari be different?” Lyss sighed softly, looking towards Auri and Adora like they might have the answer - and they both shrugged. [color=slategray]”We may need more time before we can answer that question.”[/color] Lyss suddenly cringed, her hand moving towards her head. [color=slategray]”We’re running out of time, as it is.”[/color] She murmured. [color=slategray]”May I summon you again, Lionel? Perhaps we can work together, even if our souls are separated by death.”[/color] “Gladly,” Lionel said, as he faded away. “Death does get pretty boring…” Adora crossed her arms, [color=fd8a6c]“... That [i]was[/i] a good question, y’know?”[/color] Lyss frowned, slowly regaining her composure. [color=slategray]”I’d like to believe her abstraction gave her an advantage… otherwise… she might be working with Father Wolf.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=slategray]”He could have planted this Kari,”[/color] Lyss gestured to the grave before her, [color=slategray]”so that we wouldn’t suspect her.”[/color] “Kari was my friend, and I talked to her to this day…” Auri trailed off, “I don’t think she would be working with Father Wolf.” [color=fd8a6c]“But, you gotta realize that people changed a lot in the last ten years,”[/color] Adora shook her head. [color=fd8a6c]“Maybe we [i]should[/i] look into Kari, just in case.”[/color] “Later,” Auri said, “We really should lay low all things considered....” [color=fd8a6c]“I mean, I don’t think I’m getting tear gas out of that hoodie…”[/color] Adora shook her head. [color=fd8a6c]“I still can’t believe I got tear-gassed over some shit I had nothing to do with!”[/color] She chuckled. [color=slategray]”If we follow Lionel’s investigations, we might see something he missed. We’ll have to be careful about it. Father Wolf can’t know that we’re digging deeper, or else he’ll target one of us next. Neither can the PRA know. I don’t want to be on their radar either.”[/color] [color=slategray]”I need some rest, and then I’ll summon Ashley again. Maybe she’ll talk to me alone.”[/color] Auri awkwardly laughed, “Maybe I should have noted we fell out. Hard.” [color=fd8a6c]“Never liked Ashley… great to see that, ten years later, beyond the grave…”[/color] Adora trailed off, [color=fd8a6c]“... She’s [i]still[/i] a damn child.”[/color] [color=slategray]”So I’ll make sure you aren’t with me either, Adora.”[/color] Lyss teased with a smirk. [color=slategray]”I’ll meet up with you afterwards, then. I should be able to summon her tomorrow morning.”[/color] Adora yawned, [color=fd8a6c]“You gonna be at the Halloween festival next week?”[/color] Adora asked. Lyss raised an eyebrow as she began to walk with them out of the graveyard. [color=slategray]”I haven’t heard of it, yet. Are you going?”[/color] [color=fd8a6c]“Well, I ain’t doing anything better with my evening… So yeah,”[/color] Adora answered. [color=fd8a6c]“Let’s match, sister. I’m going as a carhop!”[/color] She chuckled, putting her hands behind her head. [color=slategray]”I haven’t worn a costume in years.”[/color] Lyss said, chuckling. She thought for a few moments before looking towards Adora. [color=slategray]”What decade carhop? Can I wear black?”[/color] Adora laughed as she waved her hand, [color=fd8a6c]“Don’t know the decade. All I know is that I got this cute little cyan dress. Use your discretion, sis!”[/color] Lyss smiled. [color=slategray]”Alright. Text me what time it starts and where I need to be. I’ll come for the company and the drinks.”[/color] The three girls stepped out of the graveyard, and Lyss turned to them as they reached her bike. [color=slategray]”Be safe, alright? We’ll meet up again tomorrow.”[/color] They both nodded. [color=fd8a6c]“Don’t be a stranger,”[/color] Adora put her hand on her hip and smiled. Lyss straddled her sportster, kicking it to life. She gave Adora a smile as she reached for her helmet. [color=slategray]”Of course not. We’ve been strangers for far too long as it is.”[/color] She pulled on her helmet then, and soon was pulling off.