Rasteva attempted to placate Sara, but to little effect. [color=9e0b0f]"Calm yourself Sara. There's no point in getting upset now."[/color] The Raven hopped onto the desk the laptop was situated on, staring up at the distressed woman. [color=9e0b0f]"Listen to me. We cannot afford to be ovewhelmed right now. Especially when so much is at stake."[/color] Once they were sure that Sara had calmed down enough to listen, the Daemon resumed speaking. [color=9e0b0f]"It is not so complicated all things considered. Your kind have always used such tactics to sway public opinion. The only difference this time around is that you're not using them against each other, and instead against my kind."[/color] The Daemon kept their tone even, but a bit of irritation laced it. [color=9e0b0f]"One step forward and two steps back as you often say."[/color] 

Rasteva hopped back towards the laptop, eyeing the screen critically.[color=9e0b0f] "These people fear what they do not understand. Though a part of me cannot blame them in some regard."[/color] Rasteva turned back to face Sara, and affixed her with an even stare. [color=9e0b0f]"Tell me. Are you even fully aware of what I am? Of what we are? What we are capable of? These Purgers and others have educated themselves on the matter."[/color] The Daemon paused, the image of a smirking face flashing in their mind briefly. They shook their head to clear away any negative thoughts they may have and continued. [color=9e0b0f]"But where some seek to abuse this knowledge, others like these Purgers wish to have it wiped from existence. Their concerns hold validity, but their methods of expressing them are more than questionable."[/color]

Rasteva watched silently for a moment as Sara resumed pacing, she seemed to be wracking her brain for ideas but could not offer many. The Daemon met her sole suggestion with a tentative reply of their own. [color=9e0b0f]"While what you suggest holds merit, I do not think it to be a good idea. We alone are not the most capable, and they specifically target pairs that can do little to defend themselves."[/color] The Raven stared up at the cieling, deep in thought. [color=9e0b0f]"Also I think such a thing would be illegal. The local authorities would not like the idea of another group of self proclaimed heros running about."[/color] Rasteva let out a thoughtful sound and looked back at Sara. [color=9e0b0f]"Perhaps we can educate other people on the inherent dangers and how they can deal with them? The Purgers don't have Daemons of their own but others do. That knowledge should be reassuring in some manner. I am sure that there are many Daemons parting from their Humans in a misguided effort to keep them safe."[/color] Rasteva turned back towards the Laptop, looking at the frozen image on the screen. [color=9e0b0f]"It is more dangerous to go alone after all...."[/color]

[hr]

Across town a woman sat alone at a large desk, eyes scanning a tablet screen critically. [color=0076a3]"Another attack. It seems that not everyone is prepared to step into the future along with the rest of us."[/color] Lorette sighed loudly and leaned back in the plush chair she was seated in. [color=0076a3]"But I'd be lying if I said I was even a little bit surprised."[/color] A voice emanated from her side, and the woman's brows drew even further into a frown. [color=a0410d]"No, it is not surprising at all."[/color] A plume of smoke erupted from the sword at her hip and floated lazily over her head. [color=a0410d]"When has your species not been prone to acts of stupidity? I cannot recall a single year on this miserable rock where there hasn't been a war going on somewhere. Not for the last three thousand years at least."[/color] Lorette's eyes tracked the smoke cloud with mild disinterest. [color=0076a3]"I am well aware of my species' many failings Tasosael. I have suffered for them personally for a long time."[/color] The woman's tone was clipped and left no room for argument. [color=0076a3]"That, however, is not my reason for concern. This little group of misfits may not pose much of a threat now, but they will prove to be a thorn in my side if they're allowed to get out of hand."[/color]  

Lorette spun her chair, a remote appearing suddenly in her hand to turn on a large flatscreen covering the nearest wall. The local news was covering the latest attack at the University and the reporter was asking for comments from various students and faculty. [color=0076a3]"Look at this. Most of them don't want to see Daemons gone from the world, but some do. And every day this organization gains traction. Fear has always been and will always be a good enough motivation for Humanity. We've certainly allowed some atrocious things to happen as a result of it."[/color] The woman muted the tv, fingers threading through her hair as she stared down at her desk. [color=0076a3]"We can't allow these people to gain any more traction. Every voice added to their cause is another setback to our plans."
[/color]
Tasosael floated down to eye level with Lorette, their voice taking on an amused tone. [color=a0410d]"Is that truly all Lècuyer? Surely your motives aren't so clear cut."[/color] The cloud floated out of range with a chuckle as the woman swatted at it with a hand. [color=a0410d]"Come now. It's them. That girl they're with attends that University. And an attack with her in the same room? You came very close to losing your prize."[/color] Lorette said nothing and steepled her fingers together, glaring up at the cloud of smoke. [color=a0410d]"I must say, I'm growing jealous Lècuyer. I wonder if you even need me at all."[/color] Lorette waved a hand flippantly at the Daemon. [color=0076a3]"You have your place in my designs as I do in yours Tasosael. Our partnership is still mutually beneficial and will continue to remain so."[/color] The woman affixes the cloud of smoke with an even stare. [color=0076a3]"But only so long as both parties remain on their best behavior."[/color] Tasosael let out a low growling sound and retreated into the woman's sword. [color=a0410d]"As you say Lècuyer, though I wonder how long we both can promise such a thing."[/color]

Lorette remained silent for a moment before reaching forward to press a button on her intercom. A secretary answered promptly. "[b]Yes Madame Lècuyer?"[/b] [color=0076a3]"Send Allister to my office immediately. I have a task for him."[/color]