[hr][h3][indent][sub][i][b][color=f6989d]Prologue:[/color][/b] Inevitabilities[/i][/sub][/indent][/h3]
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Midnight was always a quiet time for Cider's safehouse. Contractors, while usually plentiful during the day, often lurked the streets at night with identities shrouded by the veil of nightlife. Those who didn't participate in partying their troubles and cash away often spent their time hunting the horrors that oft appeared in the dark. There was, however, a few stragglers that would spend their time relaxing at the easy.

Besides a cloaked figure drinking alone, the only others were the Ana and Cider. Ana was, like always, in her corner. Without paying attention to her surroundings, she frantically drew with her messy pastels. On the wall beside her were all of her pictures that seemed of value. The more chaotic pictures were cacophonies of pastel and were hidden away. Not a single hint of white would be left on the page. The more lucid drawings were displayed proudly. Childish interpretations of locales and monstrosities were often paired together. This wall often behaved like a bounty board with drawings only removed when a similar horror was slain.

The drawings only consisted of three figures. A crudely drawn, pink figure with arms that stretched from shoulder to floor; a very large figure with what seemed to be black hair, a large coat, and a red line smeared horizontally across their face; and a smaller-but-still-large figure that was a bizarre spilling of greys and browns to create a hardy persona.

Cider was, like usual, crouched beside Ana. Besides when a patron called or something required cleaning, she spent her time calmly talking to Ana. Besides the subtlest of nods or shakes, Ana was unable to form any kind of response. Cider, even though she knew this, would continue to talk to Ana for hours to reassure her in order to make her feel safe. The two seemed to have their own language—one that any observer could only hear half of.

The safe house was quiet and relaxing. The usual rowdy crowd was gone and the place was practically empty. It was calm and serene. Until Magpie came back, at least.

At first, it was a few heavy stomps and weird grunts. It started almost inaudible, but it grew louder until she was right outside the door. Without any pause, the door swung open.
[b]
"Fuck!"[/b] A wounded Magpie screamed.

Her entire body was drenched in stale blood, her jacket crackling as she moved. Her face was, despite the blood and look of pain, was unharmed. Her hands were the same way. In fact, the only part of her that seemed injured were her legs. Her tree-trunk like legs had managed to become even bigger. Covered in shallow wounds, her legs were incredibly swollen. Not a single trace of her original skin color was visible—it was either a vivid red or a deep purple.

Cider, after an initial shock, ran away from Ana to grab whatever first aid she could. Ana didn't even seem to notice. By the time that a constantly cussing Magpie took off her blood-soaked outerwear and sat down on a loose chair, Cider was ready with enough supplies to open a clinic. She placed a large basin beneath Magpie's feet and began to wash the blood off with water and alcohol.

[b]"What happened to you, Mags?"[/b] Cider said, her eyes widened out of concern.

[b]"That fucking thing was,"[/b] Magpie replied with a grunt of pain and annoyance, [b]"fucking annoying!"[/b]

[b]"So that thing is still alive?"[/b] Cider's eyes narrowed, discontent that Mags was hurt for no reason.

[b]"Yea. I got his arms though. Shitty thing just won't die."[/b]

[b]"Got his arms?"[/b]

[b]"Ripped them off. Shithead didn't even notice. Head was bolted on and covered in metal or—urgh—something. Bullets did nothing. Barely moved when I kicked it. Tried to smash its skull through that shit... Did it for a while... Didn't work."[/b]

[b]"Why...? Nevermind. Rest up, Mags. Don't push yourself. I don't want you to end up a statistic."[/b]

[b]"...Remember what you told me when I started? 'Nice people...' "[/b]

[b]" 'Are the first to die in this city.' Yea."[/b]

[b]"Can't die before you."[/b]

[b]"I guess not."[/b]

By the time their conversation was over, Magpie's legs were cleaned and bandaged. She was off to the sole bathroom to try to wash the rest of the blood off of her body. Cider was disheartened. A worried look had shown itself. 

[b]"Whatever this thing is,"[/b] Cider took the attention of everyone in this room, [b]"we have to stop it. Whatever this thing is, it's tough. Magpie couldn't beat it. Please, all of you here, this is a new job. It's urgent. Located in the 9th Industrial Ward at the Tetsu Foundry is our target. We bought out some EDENPOL officers to evacuate and contain the area, but we don't have them forever. We can't let this thing get out. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask Mags, Worm, or me but time is of the essence. Get ready for a sortie." [/b]