Skai

Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

H A V E N
H A V E N

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_{^{"Watch the feathers."}}

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C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y _________________________________________________________ Haven Barnes _________________________________________________________ June 3rd, 2007 | 21 | Caucasian/Italian _________________________________________________________ Single | Female | Heterosexual _________________________________________________________ Copper Harbor | Michigan | USA _________________________________________________________ Strigidae | Team 21 - Blackjack C H A R A C T E R S T A T S C H A R A C T E R S T A T S _________________________________________________________ ◼ B U I L D || Mesomorph ◼ H A I R C O L O U R || Golden Brown ◼ E Y E C O L O U R || Hazel ◼ H E I G H T || 5'7" ◼ W E I G H T || 140 lbs ◼ S C A R S || Faded Scars ◼ T A T T O O S || None ◼ P I E R C I N G S || None ◼ O T H E R || N/A

C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T ________________________________________________________________________________________ Haven's earliest memories involve her mother. She remembers sleeping in a car or motels, eating grilled cheese for most meals, and many days in the back of a salon playing with the toys in the lost and found box. She was six when she was taken away by CPS. From then on, Haven remembers the smell of cigarettes and old carpets. The sound of loud TV's and arguments. Every now and then she'd be placed with other kids, but she'd never stay long enough to get to know them. Not until her last placement. Haven's final foster placement was in a home for lost girls. While the rules were strict, Haven quickly found a way around them. She even found a friend, who felt more like a sister to her. They made the most of their little lives at the home. When the two began to mature, Haven was inflicted by Virumosis. Her friend became a young woman, but Haven suddenly became something strange and unknown. Her wings sprouted slowly, growing much like a young bird's would. When they grew to a size that she couldn't hide Haven decided that it was time to leave the home. The other girls bullied her. Even the faculty looked at her with disgust. Her found sister was the only one who wanted her there. Before Haven could find out what the home would do with a hyperhuman orphan, Haven dipped. She took off into the mountains, away from any unwanted attention. She adapted to life as a scavenger through trial and error. Some nights she'd sleep in the trees, and some nights she'd break into vacant vacation homes or cabins for a warm bed. Her wings grew stronger, and soon she decided to use them for their natural purpose. Learning to fly was also a trial and error process. Most of the scars on her arms and legs are from those efforts. When the weather began to dip below comfortable temps, Haven headed south. After a few years of living this way, Haven had an unfortunate run in with the law. She was turned over to H.E.L.P. soon after that, and remained at a temporary home for hyperhuman children until she was given the chance to apply to PRCU. It took some effort, and her entrance test results were below average, but she had an agent advocate for her. Freshman year at PRCU was a rough transition period. On top of adjusting to a social life after years of being on her own, Haven also had to worry about Hyperion's attacks while managing good grades. Somehow she managed to overcome all three. Haven bloomed at PRCU. She found people who accepted her, and a team that stuck together through the roughest parts. Now entering into her final year, Haven is working hard to decide what her next steps will be. D E T A I L E D A P P E A R A N C E & A E S T H E T I C D E T A I L E D A P P E A R A N C E & A E S T H E T I C ________________________________________________________________________________________ Haven has an athletic, yet slim build with broad shoulders to support her wings and strong legs for takeoff. The virumosis made her naturally toned, but she keeps active to maintain the muscles that support her wings and to get stronger every day. Her back muscles are the strongest part of her body. She has medium length hair with a natural wave, which normally has a mind of it's own. She's always pushing it out of her face or sticking it up in a ponytail so she won't have to deal with it. Baby hairs surround her face, which is still in the process of maturing. Since freshman year her face has grown sharper, yet a bit of baby fat still shows in her cheeks when she smiles. Her eyes are sharp and observant, seeming to peer through to a person's core. Her expression is flat, appearing like a RBF to those who don't know her well enough. That changes quickly if she is talking to someone she cares for, transforming into a warm smile. Haven's wings span eleven feet across when stretched to their full length. They sprout between her shoulder blades, with a small patch of feather tissue connecting them of about two inches. This patch is the same tawny color as the top of her wings. If you were to compare her wings to an actual bird, they are most similar to a tawny eagle. Her wings begin a tawny brown, which then turns darker shades of brown as her feathers reach down to the tips. The underside of her wings repeat the same pattern, albeit ending in a lighter shade of brown than the tops. In her freshman year, all of Haven's clothes were hand-me-downs, lost and found pieces, or donations from the Salvation Army. As the years went on, she's collected her own brand new clothes. Her style outside of the classroom involves a lot of neutral clothing with small pops of naturally found colors. All of her tops have hand-sewn slits in them to adapt to her wings. She dresses like she could fly off into the mountains at any point and stay comfortable with layers, jeans or cargo pants, and a flannel or jacket on top of a tank top. For shoes she wears boots or sneakers she's able to run in. M A N N E R I S M S & P E R S O N A L I T Y M A N N E R I S M S & P E R S O N A L I T Y ________________________________________________________________________________________ Once a reserved and rather snappy freshman, Haven has relaxed into her true nature. She's an open book, confident in her feelings and decisions. She's blunt with her words, and might overstep boundaries on occasion, but she is quick to learn from it and adjust. She's generally a go-with-the-flow type of person. She loves freely, and is fiercely protective of the people she cares about. She's not afraid to start a fight. Haven isn't the brightest on the team, but her observant nature makes up for it. She's capable of piecing clues together. She also isn't the one to go to for advice, mostly because she's not sure what to do either. Instead, she is the one to go to when it's time to let loose. To truly just enjoy being alive. When it comes to the other gender, Haven has never committed to a serious relationship. It might come from the fear of rejection, or it might be because she is afraid of being tied down to anything. Still, she's sure that one day someone will be capable of grounding her.

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A B I L I T I E S, L I M I T A T I O N S, & W E A K N E S S E S A B I L I T I E S, L I M I T A T I O N S, & W E A K N E S S E S ________________________________________________________________________________________ H Y P E R H U M A N A B I L I T Y || A V I A N P H Y S I O L O G Y __PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION || Esoteric __SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION || Somatic __POWER SCALE || TBD __THREAT CLASSIFICATION || TBD Haven's physiology was affected through Virumosis to adapt avian qualities. The Virumosis altered her lungs, vision, hearing, muscles, and more importantly granted her feathers and bone on her back. The HZE ions that she internalizes are stored in her muscles and provide the strength that is needed to operate her wings and other avian abilities. To be specific... Haven's HZE ions enhance her lung capacity. Her lungs process O2 more efficiently than a normal human, meaning she is able to withstand low O2 zones and hold her breath for extended periods of time. Haven's muscles also burn through HZE ions to allow her the heightened strength, stamina, and make her body capable of adjusting to different altitudes and atmospheric conditions that come with high altitudes during flight. This can come in handy in colder or hotter conditions on ground. Akin to a bird's vision and hearing, Haven is capable of seeing and hearing over greater distances, seeing sharper images, the ultraviolet spectrum, and has a wider field of perception around her. Haven is capable of flying up to 57 kmh (36mph) given excellent physical and atmospheric conditions. When performing a dive, Haven is capable of doubling her speed. Finally, to adapt to minimal spaces (and hiding from the general population), Haven has trained her wings to be capable of tucking tightly to her backside. This is unaffected by HZE ions and is merely due to her own strength. L I M I T A T I O N S || C L E A R E D F O R T A K E O F F ? Haven's greatest limitation would be considered spatial difficulty. If she decides to take flight, she must ensure there is enough space around her to expand her wings to at least 2/3rds her wingspan. Haven's sense of taste and smell are also diminished similar to any avian. Finally, Haven isn't capable of adjusting to extremely unsafe environments such as the center of a volcano, the arctic's, or space without normal human attire/supplies/equipment. W E A K N E S S E S || F U E L Haven's weaknesses boil down to two simple necessities: Physical durability and the HZE ions in her body. In addition to relying on HZE ions to power her muscles, Haven must provide her body with nourishment and rest to be able to withstand her abilities. She must also keep her body trained to support her wings. In the event an Electron Beam Irradiation is used againster her, the HZE ions that power her strength and muscles falter. She will feel weaker, and will rely solely on the muscles she has trained herself to carry the weight of her wings. Additionally, Haven's enhanced hearing leaves her sensitive to loud noises. For example, she's easily disoriented by the firing of a gun at close range. P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) ________________________________________________________________________________________ Haven is working towards a world that won't shun her for her hyperhuman physiology. She hopes to be there for others who are struggling to fit in, and to help them accept and adapt to their new identity.

S K I L L S & T A L E N T S S K I L L S & T A L E N T S _________________________________________________________ S K I L L S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ S E W I N G || Haven learned to sew on her own in order to adapt her clothes to her wings. She can also apply this medically, having sewn up cuts from rough landings while she was rogue. ◼ L O C K P I C K || Haven learned quickly that it was better to open locked doors than to smash windows. ◼ F I R E S T A R T E R || Haven's capable of starting a fire with naturally found tools. T A L E N T S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ A E R I A L M O V E S || Haven has observed the way different avians coast on updrafts, turn at sharp angles, and even communicate by using their wings. She'll teach you their language if you ask. C H A R A C T E R A R S E N A L C H A R A C T E R A R S E N A L _________________________________________________________ A T T I R E ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ H A I R B A N D || Haven always keeps a hair band on her wrist. She has plenty more in her dorm room. I T E M ( S ) ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ M E D K I T || Haven keeps a simple med kit in her bag at all times. T O O L ( S ) ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ H I K E R ' S K N I F E || Haven's lucky, lightweight folding knife that reaches 7" long when extended. It has a pocket clip, excellent grip, and serrations at it's base capable of sawing small tree limbs. A D D I T I O N A L N O T E S A D D I T I O N A L N O T E S _________________________________________________________ [+] - M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ Haven has a completely rational fear of HZErs. Her wings are a part of her soul, and if the device is used on her it would be like losing a part of herself. No matter how temporary it might be, the loss of her flight terrifies her. She is fiercely protective of her wings. It's rare that she has allowed another person to touch them. - P O S T C A T A L O G P O S T C A T A L O G _________________________________________________________ [+] - P O S T C A T A L O G ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ -

P E R S O N A L P R O M P T S
P E R S O N A L P R O M P T S

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_{E N T E R I N G I N T O Y O U R F I N A L Y E A R, W H A T A D V I C E D O Y O U H A V E T O A N E W S T U D E N T?}

"I'd tell them to open themself up to the experience. It took me a bit, but once I put myself out there I realized this was the best place for me. Hopefully they'll find their way here, too."

_{W H A T W E R E Y O U R A S P I R A T I O N S W H E N Y O U S T A R T E D H E R E? W H A T C H A N G E D, W H A T S T A Y E D T H E S A M E?}

"Well, I really just wanted to figure life out while getting educated. I wanted to be around people who accepted me... and I found them."

Subject shifts uncomfortably.

"What's changed? My grades have definitely improved. I'm not top of the class or anything, but I'm not at the bottom anymore. I'm still figuring out life, though."

_{I F Y O U C O U L D M A K E O N E C H A N G E T O Y O U R T I M E A T P . R . C . U ., W H A T W O U L D I T B E?}

"I definitely could have studied more."

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Commencement: A Pacific Royal Collegiate & University RP

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

A Necromancer, a Butterfly Witch, and a Ringbearer Walk Into a Bar

Interaction/s: @Punished GN, @Skai

Location/s: PRA Raid Ground > Kari Wilson’s Place of Rest

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One week ago...

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. What's with these feds? Her now decaying arms. It seemed like handsome had quite an abstraction. Who is this guy? What did Agent Mommy mean when she said you-know-what? 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. Just my luck to lust after PRA's top dog. 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. "Thanks for the water, by the way." 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.

"I hope next time we meet isn't under these circumstances." 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.

"... Did we win?"

Lyss's brows furrowed, looking just as confused as the agents around her. "I can't tell." She said as she moved closer to Auri. "It looked like Jack had to port you out of a warzone." Lyss knelt down next to her and handed Auri the rest of her water, unable to resist a small smirk of amusement. "We have a lot of catching up to do, Auri."

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. ”It was smart of you to keep everyone out of there. Greyson is to blame for the fire, though.” WIth a sigh, she offered Auri a hand as she rose to her feet, which Auri took.

”Let’s get out of here before the feds change their mind.” She offered the nerdy healer a glance as she cleared her throat. ”Thanks for healing her, though.”

“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.

”Jack’s over there. He’s the one that got you here. I haven’t seen Britney or Stormy yet.” She glanced towards handsome and Agent Liao’s way. ”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.” She frowned. ”They told us a wolf carving was found at the crime scene.”

“… 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. ”The next time I take you to a place outside the All-Verse, you’re wearing protection for your skull, and everything inside,” he said, jokingly.

Auri shook her head.

“… Where are the others?” Auri asked. “Are they okay?”

”They left, and went to seal the Void Heart at the Temple. It wasn’t a wasted effort, after all. Apparently, this happened just after we stepped out,” he said, waving in the church’s direction.

”They’re fortunate I let them walk away,” he whispered, quietly, so only they could hear it.

“… The Temple?” Auri raised an eyebrow as she whispered, “The Charming and Graceful whatevers?”

”The glorified cult that worships apparitions, yes. Honestly, I should’ve torn them limb from limb the moment they shot me. 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.”

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. ”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?”

“This is my first time hearing about them,” Auri turned to Jack for the answer.

”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.”

“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?!?!”

”Your staff is safe in the Void,” he assured her. ”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 surrendered.”

Auri sighed in relief, before she asked a question, “… And do you trust them?” She started, “Will Britney and Stormy be safe?”

”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.” 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.

”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.”

”They won’t be a problem if I have anything to say about it.” Lyss muttered before giving Jack a nod. ”Let me know if they cause any more trouble.” She looked at Auri, a bit cautious with her next words. ”I was hoping to get caught up on what you know about these wolf carvings… before all of this. Do you feel well enough?”

Auri grimaced.

“I do… but I honestly don’t have a wealth of information on the wolf carvings.”

Lyss nodded. ”I guess it’s time to put myself to use, then.”

”It’s time to summon one of our fallen.”

“… I can’t believe ya’ll!” Adora shouted, feigning anger before she cracked a half-grin. “Having a top secret pow-wow without your girl Adora!”

She slapped her knee before turning towards Lyss. “… Why didn’t you tell me you were back in town?”

Then she thought about it.

“Actually, don’t answer that,” 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. ”Hey, Adora. I hope you’ve been well. I don’t have many phone numbers from the past.”

Adora was briefly silent.

“I’m hanging on,” She said. “So, I take it you’re after the same thing we are?”

Lyss nodded with a grim expression. ”I’m here to help. I was just about to ask for some help with a summoning.”

[color=6644ff]”What are we summoning? Or should I ask [i]who?”[/color]

“God damn it,” Adora started, “Don’t tell me you’re going to summon demons like that crazy-ass Britney used to do!”

Lyss shook her head, her eyes darting towards the departing PRA. ”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.” She didn’t look thrilled, but it was obvious that she was confident in her decision.

”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.”

“… I was thinking we summon Ashley, Kari Wilson, or Lionel Hunter,” Auri said, then noted. “He’s likely in a federal morgue, and that is not one tree I want to bark up.” Auri chuckled, raising a finger.

”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.”

Lyss looked between the two girls before nodding. ”We’ll summon all three if we need to.” She pursed her lips for a moment. ”Kari should be first. I think she would be the most willing to speak with us.”

Auri smiled at Lyss as Adora crossed her arms and then shrugged.

“So what? Can you do it right here, or do we have to dig up their body or something?” Adora asked. “… Because that’s just a LITTLE fucked up. Just a little.” She pinched her fingers.

”I can summon anywhere I need, but I’d prefer to do it at her grave and under the cover of darkness.”

The distant sound of sirens caught Lyss’s attention. She pulled her burner out of her back pocket and handed it to Adora. ”Give me your number. I’ll find where she’s buried and let you know when to meet me tonight. In the meantime…” She looked at Auri. ”I think you should get some rest. You deserve it.”

Adora quickly punched in her phone number, and said, “Alright, text me girl!” 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.

”Just a moment,” Jack reached up and literally punched a hole through the boundary between Shimmer and the Void, and reached around for something.

”Where did I put it… There.” 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.”

”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.”

Auri nodded. “Let me know if you need anything… you have my number, but otherwise this is where we part ways, yes?”

Jack nodded. ”For now. Don’t get yourself almost killed again, alright?”

“... 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.

---

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. ”I’m at the entrance to the graveyard,” 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. ”You think Auri will make it?” She asked once Adora was close by.

Adora shrugged.

“Beats me,” Adora started, “I can not get a read on that goofy ass girl for li-”

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. ”Alright, then. Let’s get to it.”

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. ”Ready?”

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. ”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.” Lyss took a deep breath and knelt to the ground, pressing her hand into the dirt before her. ”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.” Lyss glanced towards the girls, as if she expected them to protest what she was about to do. ”It’s the only option we have if we want to know who murdered her or how it was done.”

“Lyss…” Adora trailed off, “Disturbing her rest is one thing, but…”

She looked off to the side before looking down and shaking her head.

“... Animating her body is too much. Just too much.” Adora shuddered.

“Summon her spirit,” Auri said. “That is the most respectful way to go about this.”

”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.”

“I need to offer an apology, first and foremost,” Auri raised a finger.

“... I mean, I don't think we should be hanging around a graveyard anyway…” Adora started, “Let's get this over with.”

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.

”Kari Wilson, will you answer my call?” Lyss murmured. ”We seek answers, and forgiveness. We wish to find justice for your death.”

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, “Does Adora Phoenix-Prescott ring a bell? What about Clementine and Vanessa Washington? We helped save your ass.”

Kari shook her head.

“... I don’t know you people.”

Lyss slowly stood, watching Kari carefully with a small frown.

”Do you remember anything from your time with the living, Kari?” 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, “... You sure this is the right Kari? You didn’t pull one from a different dimension or something?”

Lyss furrowed her brows for a moment, before shaking her head. ”I don’t think that’s possible.” She looked at Kari for a moment, before something in her demeanor changed and she abruptly asked her a question. ”Do you remember your death?”

“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.

“... There’s something off here,” Adora turned her head towards Lyss. “Ain’t sure what.”

”This Kari… the body buried here isn’t our Kari.” Lyss murmured before looking towards her two friends. ”Whoever is behind this can hop realities.” She turned her head back towards the spirit quickly. ”Were the footsteps soft or heavy, Kari?” She asked, hoping to get some kind of information from the summoning.

“Heavy,” Kari answered.

Adora took a step back, raising an eyebrow as she asked, “Then which fuckin Kari is it, then? Why the fuck is it some other Kari? Where is our Kari?” She pointed a hand at Kari’s spirit.

Lyss frowned, but continued. ”Did you happen to catch a glimpse of them in your computer’s reflection?”

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 nowhere… 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. ”I am sorry your life ended so soon. I hope you continue to find peace in the afterlife.”

“Thank you,” Kari nodded, before she disappeared.

Adora facepalmed.

“Okay… how in the world did we get a different Kari? Where in the nine hells is our Kari?]” Adora began. “None of this is making any sense.”

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. ”Okay.” 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. ”Ashley Stone… Lionel Hunter… Will you answer my call?”

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-”

“Fuck off,” Ashley said the literal second 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. “Oh my good lord…” Adora trailed off. “What the fuck did you do to that poor girl?!”

Auri’s mouth was still agape with shock.

Even Lyss’s solemn expression cracked, an awkward grin appearing before she cleared her throat. ”Adora, don’t hit the tombstone.”

Adora hopped up.

“Oh, sorry!”

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. ”I’ll summon Ashley alone next time, Auri. Sorry.” She cleared her throat. ”Lionel Hunter? Will you speak with us?”

Adora crossed her arms as she said, “... Hopefully this one won’t tell us to fuck off,”

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?”

”You grew up too quickly, Lionel.” Lyss murmured. ”We’re here to ask about your murder. The killer is targeting our coven.”

“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. ”Tell us what you learned and you will have your retribution. I’m sure you were doing all you could.”

“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.

”Is it three words that all start with the letter V?”

“... I can’t recall,” Lionel said.
“That club wasn’t downtown, Lyss,” Auri noted.

Lyss shrugged. ”Is there anything else that may be important, Lionel? Their description, their abstraction?” Even with this information, Lyss still felt like they were grasping at straws. ”I’m sorry to keep you for long, but you’re the best lead we have at the moment.”

Lionel laughed.

“I unfortunately don’t have any information myself,” He began, “However, Father Wolf… whoever he is, has to have some form of teleportation. Because how else could he appear and disappear at will?“

”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.”

“Hmmm… that would make sense, but...” Lionel hung his head, before he asked the golden question. “... Why would our Kari be different?”

Lyss sighed softly, looking towards Auri and Adora like they might have the answer - and they both shrugged. ”We may need more time before we can answer that question.”

Lyss suddenly cringed, her hand moving towards her head. ”We’re running out of time, as it is.” She murmured.

”May I summon you again, Lionel? Perhaps we can work together, even if our souls are separated by death.”

“Gladly,” Lionel said, as he faded away. “Death does get pretty boring…”

Adora crossed her arms, “... That was a good question, y’know?”

Lyss frowned, slowly regaining her composure. ”I’d like to believe her abstraction gave her an advantage… otherwise… she might be working with Father Wolf.” She shrugged. ”He could have planted this Kari,” Lyss gestured to the grave before her, ”so that we wouldn’t suspect her.”

“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.”

“But, you gotta realize that people changed a lot in the last ten years,” Adora shook her head. “Maybe we should look into Kari, just in case.”
“Later,” Auri said, “We really should lay low all things considered....”

“I mean, I don’t think I’m getting tear gas out of that hoodie…” Adora shook her head. “I still can’t believe I got tear-gassed over some shit I had nothing to do with!” She chuckled.

”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.”

”I need some rest, and then I’ll summon Ashley again. Maybe she’ll talk to me alone.”

Auri awkwardly laughed, “Maybe I should have noted we fell out. Hard.”

“Never liked Ashley… great to see that, ten years later, beyond the grave…” Adora trailed off, “... She’s still a damn child.”

”So I’ll make sure you aren’t with me either, Adora.” Lyss teased with a smirk. ”I’ll meet up with you afterwards, then. I should be able to summon her tomorrow morning.”

Adora yawned,

“You gonna be at the Halloween festival next week?” Adora asked.

Lyss raised an eyebrow as she began to walk with them out of the graveyard. ”I haven’t heard of it, yet. Are you going?”

“Well, I ain’t doing anything better with my evening… So yeah,” Adora answered. “Let’s match, sister. I’m going as a carhop!” She chuckled, putting her hands behind her head.

”I haven’t worn a costume in years.” Lyss said, chuckling. She thought for a few moments before looking towards Adora. ”What decade carhop? Can I wear black?”

Adora laughed as she waved her hand, “Don’t know the decade. All I know is that I got this cute little cyan dress. Use your discretion, sis!”

Lyss smiled. ”Alright. Text me what time it starts and where I need to be. I’ll come for the company and the drinks.”

The three girls stepped out of the graveyard, and Lyss turned to them as they reached her bike. ”Be safe, alright? We’ll meet up again tomorrow.”

They both nodded.

“Don’t be a stranger,” 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. ”Of course not. We’ve been strangers for far too long as it is.” She pulled on her helmet then, and soon was pulling off.

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

Interaction/s: PRA Agents

Location/s: Now Coven's Ex-Lair

---

Oh, FUCK, Edict, really?

It was all Lyss could think before she felt the heat of the ceiling fill the room. She tucked herself onto the floor, protecting her neck from any bits that might splinter off from the explosion. The room instantly erupted into chaos. She knew she had to get out of there quickly, but as she sat up again and looked with bleary eyes into the mix of tear gas and growing smoke she only saw the muscled agent on his way out with unconscious coven members in tow. Even though she was disappointed it wasn't her on his shoulder, she had to admit it was nice to watch him leave. That uniform fits so well-

“Evelynn, Lyss, help Jasper out."

Lyss snapped her attention towards Bianca, and she realized the woman was wearing a gas mask. She fucking knew. Her eyes narrowed at the woman before she begrudgingly stood to her feet. Jasper was already making his way out with Lynn. So, Lyss was left to save herself. She kept the black mask pressed to her mouth and used her free hand to feel her way out using the wall.

As she stepped out of the building into the light, she could see the whole operation coming to an end. Everyone was in the grass to the side, cuffed and ready for processing. For a quick moment, Lyss considered running. Then she laid eyes on Jasper and Lynn, both seizing from taser darts. No way in hell I'm letting them put me down like that. Lyss sighed in defeat before raising both arms into the air. She took a few deeps of precious, fresh air as she moved towards the grass. She didn't make it far before one of the PRA agents approached her. She gave them a glare before letting them twist her arms behind her back to cuff her.

The agent began to move her towards the grass. Her eyes searched for each coven member to make sure they were okay, before landing on Luca's prone from and the agents surrounding him. He was with Luca, and the nerdy looking agent next to him was about to put his hands on him. Lyss winced when his hands came away rotten and bleeding.

"Not a good idea to touch that one," she murmured to the agent holding her. The agent simply scoffed and put her on her knees in the grass near the decaying coven member. Near a certain agent Lyss couldn't keep her eyes off of. She looked up at the muscled agent through her lashes. He was busy dealing with the nerdy one's injury, but she couldn't resist the urge to watch him work.

Eventually, the sound of taser darts hitting new targets tore her eyes away. She looked at the other PRA agents, and how they acted around the woman with the taser glock. The woman who seemed to be the leader of this operation was speaking to the group. Lyss adjusted her knees in the grass. Might as well get comfy if they're going to be berated. Who knows how long the PRA planned to keep them detained.

She listened to the woman with a blank expression. She's making sense, unfortunately. Lyss frowned. Laying hands on an agent? When? Her brows furrowed as she tried to piece it together, until Mahendra's name was mentioned... and then added to the death list. Lyss sighed, her shoulders drooping as she looked at the grass beneath her. It was pretty shit that another one of them had been killed, but it was worse that it had been at the Dairy Queen. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Lyss clenched her hands into fists behind her. Why did it have to be at Dairy Queen?

She thought back to last night. The group of Coven members left shortly after she arrived. She didn't see Mahendra at the Dairy Queen when she left, either. Yet that makes me the last person at the Dairy Queen out of this bunch... and if they looked at the security footage... that makes me the first fucking suspect.

Lyss pressed her lips together and tried to keep her breathing even. If she showed any sign of suspicion now, she was fucked.

Luca was grieving nearby, and thankfully someone was talking to the head agent. Anya... well, she was doing her best to explain the Father Wolf situation. Linqian, as angry as she was, even made a point that would turn suspicion away. Hell, even Lila was making sense. Even though her location data comment made Lyss tense again. Thank the Hound for a burner phone. She was untraceable unless she'd made a call or sent a message at the Dairy Queen, which she hadn't.

Lyss would have jumped in to defend the Coven with the others, but she was suddenly aware of how raw her throat felt. She raised her head to look at the muscled agent again, and quietly cleared her throat. "Could I get some water, handsome?" She said up to him, her voice sounding huskier than she thought it would. Hopefully it worked in her favor. She knew her lipstick was still intact, and her mascara hadn't run, but she still wondered how red her eyes looked from the tear gas. Was she a hot mess, or just a mess? Either way, she needed to cool her throat before she got into it with handsome's boss.

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

Interaction/s: @AtomicEmperor

Location/s: Coven's Lair

---

One late night DQ run, nine hours of blissfully uninterrupted sleep, and breakfast sandwich later, Lyss shut her engine off as she watched the Sycamore Coven leave the park. "I have got to be better with my timing." She said with an exasperated huff. "Where are they going, anyways? On a little walk?"

Better late than never, then.

Moments later, Lyss was off her bike and strolling after Auri and the others. From her point of view, she could see some faces from last evening and new faces she hadn't seen in years. Some of them she didn't even recognize. She checked herself in the mirror of her burner phone as she walked down the tree-lined lane. She only noticed the gothic church ahead as she came to the same gate the others had just passed through moments ago. "Huh." She murmured with a soft smirk. "Oddly fitting."

Lyss pocketed her burner as she continued. The group was heading inside without a glance behind them. They're pretty cocky, considering they started a gang war with the wolf bikers last night. Lyss shook her head before casually looking over the empty parking lot and the small forest that surrounded the abandoned church. Something about this place seemed off-putting, and yet Lyss's steps didn't falter. She casually made her way up to the doors and gripped the handle.

"What the fuck am I doing here." She muttered before taking a deep breath. It had been a long while since Lyss stepped inside of a church. Even longer since she'd been in a room with so many former allies. She tried to think of any reason they'd have to shun her, but she figured they wouldn't be mad that she had left without saying goodbye. She couldn't remember any issues she had with any individual, so it wouldn't be hard to greet them any differently than she would a stranger.

The disappointment and frustration she had felt when she left St. Portwell began to bubble up in her stomach again as she opened the door and quietly made her way inside. She remained in the back of the room like a ghost, choosing to observe before she put herself in the middle of it. She turned towards the left corner of the room and leaned against the wall. She was catching bits and pieces of conversation, and was surprised to hear that there weren't any angry words. It just seemed like a lot of shit being thrown Auri's way. Where is all this coming from? They're the ones being difficult. She frowned. And where did Auri go?

A familiar girl with a head of white hair slipped out of the church with Void Heart in tow. Lyss's brows furrowed momentarily. When did he stick his claws into another girl?. Before she could think too much about it, the man who gave a speech followed them out of the door. She realized he was Jack before he even mentioned his name, only because of the way his left sleeve hung from him. Where are those three going?

"Who the Hell is teleporting around here!?"

Leo, right? No... close, but not it. Lyss raised an eyebrow as she looked over at the sudden intrusion. "I'd say it was Jack, considering he just told all of us he's willing to uber us anyplace we need." She said in his direction before noticing Edict behind him. "Hey, Edict."

Her little quip was lost on Leon, unfortunately.

A sudden crash from the other side of the church had her looking behind the two at what had come through the window. "Tear gas! Everyone cover your faces!" She shouted into the chaos before taking her own advice. She snatched a black face covering from her messenger bag, having just enough time to cover her mouth before the gas had filled the entire room. It stung her eyes, and she could already feel it filtering through the fabric at her mouth. She tried her best to keep herself from shutting her eyes as the doors to the church burst open once more. She needed to know who was behind this raid.

The man that entered first caught her attention immediately. He was who she kept her eyes on as he moved into the room. Her peripherals caught several other masked individuals following with assault rifles, but they didn't mean shit to her. The entire moment felt like an extreme case of déjà vu, and he was at the center of it. Like they'd met before, although she didn't know anything about him except for the uniform he wore. Fucking PRA... I'm fucked... Fuck, he looks good in a uniform.

People started getting tazed, which was enough to convince Lyss to go ahead and get on her knees. She still kept her eyes on tall, dark, and handsome, part of her wishing he was the one putting her on her knees.

Get it together, Lyss. How are you gonna get yourself out of this? _{How am I gonna get in his pants.} Damn it all.

A cough interrupted her thoughts as the gas seemed to be burning through her mask now. She turned her head away from the PRA Agents and slowly held up her free hand in a form of surrender. Just play along... There's no trace of you after St. Portwell. You're a ghost, returned to the land of the living. Her eyes burned hot enough to warrant tears, and she shut them before any more gas could make its way into them.

If anyone's cuffing me today, it better be the hot one. She thought bitterly as another coughing fit took over her. Fucking coven bullshit.

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

Interactions: Linqian (@Fernstone) and Greyson (@AtomicEmperor).

Flowers and Canvases > Biker Gangs v. The Coven/s Brawl

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"Sure did, party’s over and all.”

Lyss returned Linqian's unexpected smile with a brief smile of her own. Linqian's response had her caught between disappointment and relief. It would have been great to see the coven back together in one room again, but she couldn't imagine how discordant a meeting would have gone between the group after so many years.

”Auri’s still in there, but the rest of the group went to a stripclub chasing a lead. I was about to join them… You coming along, or you gonna go get Auri to fill you in on all the boring shit you missed?”

Lyss chuckled softly. A Sycamore Tree Coven meeting was probably far off from "boring", but she figured she would get the details from Auri later. It seemed like the Coven was already jumping into action instead of bickering over the past. Lyss could work with that.

"Well God damn, if it ain't Lyss Burns!"

Turning her attention towards Greyson, Lyss smirked in approval. The conman still had his charm.

"I was just about to split; I need to check on some things that I haven't had the chance to yet. Auri ain't leave yet, so like Linqian said, if you wanna get in there and bother her I'm sure she'd be real happy to see, y'know, a face that isn't insane or whatever."

Her eyebrows rose in response to his laugh, yet the edges of her eyes crinkled with amusement. Perhaps the reunion would have been worth the effort to be on time. How much had the other members changed over the years? Would they all greet her with the same enthusiasm?

Greyson was off in a flash, in the passenger seat next to what she assumed was his private chauffeur. He really must have hit the conman's jackpot over the years.

Lyss caught Linqian's eye-roll in her peripherals and held back a smirk. "I'll see you there." She said with a nod. Linqian was off just as quickly as Greyson.

Which left Lyss back at square one. She looked across the street at Auri's flower shop and figured she could at least catch her for a quick hello. Linqian made it sound like Auri was headed to the stripclub too, but it didn't seem like the right place to make a first appearance after so many years. Now that she thought about it, it would be a lot easier to say hello now with the rest of the returning coven members gone. No chaotic personalities to compete with, no awkward tensions between them, and no one to start an argument over something trivial.

It was perfect.

Lyss glanced up and down the street once before making her way across. While she may not have been close with Auri, just as close as she was with any of the others, Auri had been the only one to reach out to her over the years. This time there was a chance that she could make a personal connection to Auri and, well, anyone willing. This tiny spark of hope ushered Lyss to the front door, where she looked inside and immediately regretted her decision.

"Oh, what the-" Lyss sputtered out as she felt her cheeks flush. She quickly turned away from the shop, heading directly to her sportster. "On the counter, Auri?" She huffed a laugh and shook her head. Her chance of chatting privately was not going to happen.

Lyss made quick work with the kickstand and straddled her ride, starting it up with practiced speed. She shook the unwanted image out of her head as she typed in the directions to Veni Vedi-whatever, before she tugged on her helmet. She was gone before anyone had the chance to see her outside, before she had to have an incredibly awkward talk with Auri instead of a greeting.

---

About thirty minutes later, Lyss sat with her sportster idling humming beneath her about a block or two down from Veni Vedi Veni, safely tucked in behind a large truck with a perfect view of the scene ahead. The visor to her helmet was open, and her lips pressed together in a frown. It seemed like she had missed another infamous Sycamore Tree party. This time she was definitely relieved about it. The shitshow she almost rode into was finally settling down, but she couldn't believe just how much had happened in such a short amount of time. The Hound had greeted more than one soul in the fight, even claiming a pale skinned woman she easily recognized as Alizee. It wasn't hard to distinguish her former Coven amidst the masked vigilantes, whom Lyss had no idea who they were, and the biker gang. It was obvious that they were the Wolfpack, considering a few of their members continued to shout the name as loudly as they could.

What really caught her attention was the SWAT van that peeled in to join the melee. Her eyes had narrowed at the agents disguised as St. Portwell police. The moment they displayed their abstractions, Lyss immediately recognized them as the PRA. What the hell had happened to St. Portwell, for it to get like this? It was worse than she expected. Especially when the infamous wolfpack leader - Judas, right? - gave a rather underwhelming entrance with his Curs. The Curs, of course, stole his spotlight. Making him appear rather boring next to them. This isn't the guy Auri thinks is behind the wolf carvings, right? There must have been some type of miscommunication.

To put the cherry on top of the cake, there was even a supernatural kid involved. Lyss didn't even question it, considering he was currently in the jaws of a Cur. Whatever he was, he would either survive it or he wouldn't be an issue to think about for long.

While Lyss considered watching this scuffle come to an end, it seemed like the perfect time to dip out. The Sycamore Tree Coven had made their exit pretty quickly, and she had no business getting caught in PRA affairs. She pulled her phone from her pocket, making sure to keep the current PRA v. Judas battle in the corner of her vision, and sent Auri a quick text.

"I ran into Linqian outside the shop and followed her to the stripclub. Long story short, don't come. Shit hit the fan and they all scattered. Wolfpack and PRA involved. Let me know what the next move is."

Lyss almost mentioned Alizee's death... It wasn't right to say over text. None of this was right, anyways. Lyss wasn't sure what she expected to happen, but it certainly wasn't this. With a huff, Lyss popped her visor back in place and peeled off before the PRA, or Judas's Curs, had a chance to notice her. She sped off, not really sure where to go next, until she felt her stomach rumble. Oh, right. She hadn't eaten since lunch.

Lyss checked the closest food joint open as she sat at a red light. The ticking of the light only added to her irritation. Not even one full day in St. Portwell, and the Coven was already disappointing her. Yet it was becoming more apparent that she was needed here. The checks and balances of St. Portwell were off, and it seemed like an agent of the Hound was needed to fix that. Lyss could only hope that some of the Coven had enough sense to work through their differences and get their shit together. Lyss knew she couldn't do it alone.

The light turned green, and Lyss revved her engine up before taking off. her stomach was practically growling the moment she removed her helmet. She was parked outside the local Dairy Queen, and the smell of ice cream and grease only made her hunger worse. She hopped off the bike and threw her bag over her shoulder before heading to the entrance.

The door chimed as she opened it, and Lyss made quick work to scan the patrons inside. Her eyes stopped on the group of Sycamore Tree's huddled together. The sight only added to her disappointment of the day. How the fuck had Sloane broken her nose and Luca snapped his wrist? Did Lyss miss the memo? Was everyone supposed to fight on their first day back?

Lyss turned her head away and marched up to the counter, deciding to ensure she wouldn't starve if she got caught up in the Coven's BS before she ordered. She made it quick, asking for a chicken tender basket and a small chocolate shake, paying with cash before taking her receipt and stepping aside to wait. She crossed her arms as she leant against the counter. From this point, she could just barely hear the words the Coven members were saying to each other. It would be alright if they didn't notice her. A younger part of her thought that she was better off without their problems anyways.

Ju-V

Frederick (or Fritz, don't stab me bro) "Vorpal" Jackson

@Hound55

I love the nickname

Ju-V

@Lawful Newtral

No worries! I've been busy with family and work as well this week so it will be a while before I get back into things.

I hope everyone has a great New Years :)

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

Interactions: Linqian (@Fernstone) and Greyson (@AtomicEmperor).

Burns Home > Flowers and Canvases

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Lyss stood leaning against her motorcycle with her arms crossed, her face grim as she surveyed the abandoned Burns home. After ten empty years, the house was decrepit and beginning to crumble. The dark green paint had faded grey. The shutters were decayed or missing entirely, along with rotten bits of wooden trimming along the roofing. The frame of the house still held, each wall holding firm with the assistance of the overgrown vines crawling up their sides. One side of the porch had collapsed, it's banister too rotten to support it's roof.

When Lyss left St. Portwell, she never thought that she'd see this home again. On the ride here she'd sworn not to step foot on the property. She was normally true to her words, and yet... here she was. Soiling the good memories she had of her once beautiful home. Well, whatever good memories were left of it. She figured, if she still had all of her humanity, that she would have shed at least a tear or two over it. Instead she felt an ache in her chest. Enough of an ache to make whatever percentage of her soul that remained seem far too much.

How much longer do I have left, before I look at this place and feel nothing? Would it be better, that way?

Best not to dwell on that for too long.

Lyss gave the Burns relic one last lookover before she straddled her bike. She got it started, pulled on her helmet, and began to make her way into the city. The ache in her chest slowly faded the further she was from her home.

The familiar drive into the city opened a floodgate to her memories. Memories she cherished, and memories she wished were forgotten. Places where the Stygian Snake had left scars stood out to her. Even after ten years, the businesses and homes that were built over the wreckage looked brand new and out of place. Portwell was both familiar and alien to her now. The thought made her rev her engine and ride faster. She focused on the streets until she couldn't tell the difference between old and new.

Lyss was hesitant to answer Auri's call a few days ago. The life that Lyss built for herself wasn't all roses and sunshine. Her work was a means to an end. Odd jobs here and there with great rewards. Her partners were sketchy at times, and yet she found some type of fucked up family dynamic with them. They had her back when she needed it most. They knew what had to be done without snide remarks and bickering. Something the Sycamore Coven could learn from.

Yet Lyss couldn't decline the call. It was nice to know that someone from the Coven cared to reach out. Even if it was to deliver grave news. No matter how much Lyss resented the way the Coven disbanded, she knew that they deserved her help. They deserved vengeance. To hear that so many members were missing or had been murdered, including Stone, was enough to convince her to break her oath and return home.

The wolves carved from sycamore trees were messages meant for the Coven directly. Whoever this Father Wolf was, whether it was one man, an apparition, or a coven acting under one name, meant to destroy their Coven. It was already apparent that distance was no issue for them. Lyss would have been roped into this eventually, or she would have been unfortunate enough to find a wolf idol in her apartment and become a martyr herself.

So why not rejoin the Coven? It took one major threat for them to work together, so perhaps this one was doing the same? Maybe they had all grown and matured over the last ten years, and it would be better this time.

With a wolf's knife to their neck, they might be even worse than before. Despite how cynical she felt about it, Lyss smirked to herself. It's going to be just like old times, then.

Lyss slowed as she neared the flower shop's location and it seemed she was right. She knew she was late to the meeting, but she didn't think that it would end within an hour. Her old friends had matured physically, just like she had, and yet she could recognize each of them easily. Lyss pulled her bike into a spot a few down from the entrance to the shop and watched as two groups left the building.

The first group to leave had Drake, Sloane, Luca, Simone, and Kali. Drake looked... well enough for someone who had lost his wife. He looked older than his age, which was a lot to say since she was one year above him. Maybe marriage did that to a person. Sloane was sleek and stylish, and yet she carried herself the same way as she did before. Luca, Simone, and Kali just looked a little taller, and better dressed.

The next group was... unexpected and yet expected. Two extremely tall figures, with others in tow. Sully was a man now, and Lyss couldn't wrap her head around how grown he looked. How much bigger he was. He was a football player back then, right? He must have continued the gig. The other tall figure, well... Lyss hadn't expected to see her here at all. To think that Auri would have called her despite her issues with other returning members was a bit of a shock. Lyss felt no ill will towards Britney, although she'd been disappointed in the decisions she made. To see her with Sully, though, that wasn't a shock at all. Sully stood up for Britney back then. Of course he'd be doing it now.

Lyss watched the two groups head off in separate directions before she removed her helmet. If they were leaving, it was probably best to save their reunions at the next meeting. She came here to meet with Auri after all.

Lyss cut the engine, and was in the middle of getting off her bike when she noticed two figures standing by the shop doors having a cig. It took her a second before she recognized them as Greyson and Linqian. Linqian had not grown much, yet from Lyss's position she could see how her face had matured. She could also see that Linqian's attitude hadn't changed either. Greyson, on the other hand, was sporting a goatee and looked like he had grown into some money. Not surprising, for someone who had unknowingly taught Lyss some tricks she later used in her new profession.

Lyss threw her messenger bag over her shoulder and took a moment to adjust her hair and jacket. Whatever reservations she had, they didn't matter now. It was time to get to work. Hopefully Auri had some answers already, or at least a lead.

Hopefully I won't regret coming here at all. She thought with a deep breath.

She began to walk up to the shop, one hand on her bag's strap, and the other tucked into her jacket pocket. As she neared the entrance to the shop, she gave Greyson and Linqian a brief smile as a greeting. "Did I miss the party?"