[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/C0WtcVK.png[/img][/center]
[center][color=#dbe3af][u][b]Location[/b][/u][/color]
🌑 Violet’s Home.

[color=#dbe3af][u][b]Interactions[/b][/u][/color]
🌑 [@Shard]
🌙 Aiden.

🌑 [@MsMorningstar]
🌙 Violet. 

🌑 [@NorthernKraken]
🌙 Colin.  [/center]
[hr]

Violet plucked at the pieces of lint on the couch, scraping her nails along the surface to draw up more small, grey fluff. She was on edge, because the shower had been off for at least ten minutes now. Unless the stranger was busy using up her expensive skincare and scar cream, he'd be out any minute.

And that meant she'd have to perform. 

She glanced over at her father, who was hard at work playing the gem matching game on his phone. She didn't want him to be there when she made her attempt. 

[color=thistle]"Hey, dad?[/color]

He glanced up, setting his phone down in his lap. [color=darkkhaki]"Mm?"[/color]

[color=thistle]"Don't wanna send you off before the pizza gets here, but..."[/color] Her eyes said what she couldn't.

[color=darkkhaki]"Ah. Better get home before your mom thinks I ran off, too."[/color] His words were pointed, but gentle, and he couldn't contain a laugh. He supposed the interrogation could wait, it had been almost an hour and the pair of brother's didn't seem to be leaving anytime soon.

Getting up, he stretched, multiple bones cracking. With a prolonged grunt, he strode towards the door and grabbed his coat. Giving Violet and her friend a small wave, he stepped out into the hall and started toward the parking lot.

Releasing a heavy breath, Violet eased further back into the couch. [color=thistle]"What do you think the guy's name is? I'm banking on Keith."[/color]
[hr]

Aiden on a sofa was almost endearing. Where the boy sat, his arms wrapped around his legs and eyes fixed on the television, Aiden rested his chin against a pair of small kneecaps. Balled up as he was, the Angel nearly vanished into an otherwise cozy and lived-in background. [color=#b18f71][b]”He keeps talking about a ‘Samael’,”[/b][/color] Aiden commented, the bored expression on his face a constant, rather than an active choice. 

He was often told to smile more, a counter to the display generally provided, and so he did, when presenting himself to others. However, there was no longer a need to do so, with Leo’s departure. [color=#b18f71][b]”This guy’s name is probably something weird, like ‘Lancelot’,”[/b][/color] Aiden noted. [color=#b18f71][b]”Also uhm.., sorry,”[/b][/color] the Celestial continued, a hand rising to scratch the boy’s neck. [color=#b18f71][b]”I get that all of this is pretty fucked up. It’s.., weird for me, too.”[/b][/color]
[hr]

[color=thistle]"Lancelot...huh."[/color] She mulled it over, testing it. It really didn't fit. Keith was a much better option, in her mind.

As Aiden apologized, Violet's face grew slightly sour. [color=thistle]"It's nothing to be sorry over. This got thrown on you as much as it was thrown on me."[/color] 

[color=thistle]"You were even doing something important...I was just, pouting."[/color] She shrugged, going back to picking at lint.
[hr]

Unable to stifle the quiet chuckle making its way past his lips, Aiden slowly released the embrace around his legs, lowering the slender limbs to a carpeted floor. [color=#b18f71][b]”You were vomiting,”[/b][/color] the boy commented, [color=#b18f71][b]”was that related to your uh.., pouting?”[/b][/color] Aiden finished, a faint grin bridging itself across his face. Violet appeared to have found herself on the tail end of a very disappointing situation. [color=#b18f71][b]”Is it safe to say..,”[/b][/color] Aiden spoke, [color=#b18f71][b]”that your night got better?”[/b][/color] The Angel laughed, seeing some irony in the development.
[hr]

Violet shook with a low laugh. She didn't want to say more about her pouting, so she ignored that question. [color=thistle]"I guess you could say that."[/color] She couldn't believe she was admitting it, really. Aiden was a cool guy, though. Even if they never spoke again after that night, she'd still be quite happy knowing she had met him. 
[hr]

After a momentary panic at seeing his clothes gone, Colin eventually emerged from the shower wearing a jumper with a hood and writing he didn’t understand scrawled across the front, as well as a pair of black baggy pants, both made out of a material that was soft and confusing in equal measures. At some point, he’d lost the tie he usually used to keep his hair out of his face, so it hung in rats tails, seeping through to his shoulders. Round the corner, he spied Violet and Aiden, sitting, talking, likely planning how they were going to lure him out into the waiting trap. 

(not the future, not the future, not the future, not the-)

 His jaw tensed, and aching muscles he hadn’t noticed relaxing stiffened right back up. For a moment, he’d let his guard down. [i]Stupid[/i]. 

 Bare feet on the carpet, he made his way toward the two. He was interrupting something. Probably plotting how they were going to contact Samael. Except Violet said she’d help. He had to count on that, that was the whole point of this. 

He spoke up, [color=#88e312]“You said you could help me find Samael.”[/color] 
[hr]

Violet would've made a joke, told the guy he was looking good in the hoodie with [I]Virginity Rocks[/I] embroidered across the front, but apparently there wasn't any time. This guy really was in a rush. 

It was all business from here on out. 

[color=thistle]"Yeah...alright. Come sit down and I'll get to it."[/color] She looked to the sky, sending a quick prayer to whoever was watching over her. Didn't the mages have someone they usually prayed to? Would that even help in her case?
[hr]

Ready to offer the man a response, Aiden found himself promptly halted by a knock on the door. The food had arrived. He reluctantly pulled himself away from the couch which had granted comfort. Indeed, time had passed since Aiden last enjoyed a pause of relaxation. However, considering the circumstances, such would not last. Excluding the traveler, Aiden was still bound to a mission which required attention, sooner, rather than later. 

With a small hand pulling the front door open, Aiden was met by an elderly man. “Mr. Connors?” There was surprise trickling from the question, and an onlooker would have been able to deduce that whoever stood beyond the threshold, knew the boy. 

[color=#b18f71][b]”Hello, Mr. Russo,”[/b][/color] Aiden offered, [color=#b18f71][b]”visiting a friend,”[/b][/color] he thumbed over his shoulder at a newly showered time-hobo, and Violet. 

“Well, enjoy your night, Mr. Connors, and best wishes to Mr. Pennyworth,” the delivery man continued, referring to Charles, Aiden’s butler. 

[color=#b18f71][b]”I will most certainly forward your regards, Mr. Russo,”[/b][/color] the Angel finished, accepting a large pizza which was offered, along with a small bag of clinking, and clanging aluminum bottles. A quick farewell would then promptly end the scene, and Aiden closed the door, turning his attention to the others, with a small, awkward smile on his face. [color=#b18f71][b]”We.., know each other.”[/b][/color]

The pizza soon found itself on the coffee table, and Aiden shifted his focus to four succulent energy drinks in his bag, producing a bright pink bottle. [color=#b18f71][b]”Eat first, Samael later.”[/b][/color]
[hr]

The food, whatever it was, smelled [/i]good[/i], overpowering the steamy floral scent that had briefly followed Colin from the shower. His stomach made itself known again - a gnawing ache that seemed to travel all the way to his fingertips. 

 Colin watched as the man at the door and Aiden talked, and then the man handed over the food, confused. He thought they were getting food out of the glowing device? Or was that just another communication device? Was the man at the door an assassin - someone they’d called in as backup? Maybe… maybe he should ask? 

 Still watching the pair closely, Colin took a seat as far away from them as he could get, half an eye on the door, back not touching the sofa cushion. He scratched at the scar on his arm - half nervous habit, half attempt to relieve the itch. It tended to do that from time to time, the flesh turning bright red and sensitive. Slowly, deliberately, he forced his hands back to his sides before asking[color=#88e312], “Who was that man at the door?”[/color]  
[hr]
 
Violet watched as he scratched, and scratched, tearing away at the skin beneath his hoodie with a vengeance. It made her own scars itch, and she writhed uncomfortably, digging her fingers into the cushions to prevent herself from dealing with her own ache. They [I]burned[/I], just like they did when she was still wrapped in bandages. 

What kind of scar was he hiding? 

His hands fled, but Violet was still staring. It wasn't until his voice broke through to her that she wrenched her eyes away.

[color=thistle]"Huh? The delivery guy?"[/color] Her voice was weaker than she wanted it to be. She cleared her throat, blinking away the prickling sensation. 

[color=thistle]"In this time, we pay people to bring us food."[/color] Not something she did often, especially on her usual, strict diet. 

Leaning forward, she opened the pizza box, before laying eyes on the most elegant pizza she had ever seen. It looked heavenly, and without a second thought she reached for a slice. 

Only to hear a heavy whimpering beside her. 

Turning slowly, she found herself face to face with [url=https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/images32/GermanShepherdAdultDogLayInGrassOutside.jpg]Apollo[/url]. He darted forward, opening his mouth and licking Violet's face. A yip, and he retreated to his former position. 

Violet sat with wide eyes. She had almost forgotten him with everything that was going on. Seemed like he had forgotten her, too, until good food was involved. [color=thistle]"Heya, buddy!"[/color] Violet cooed, reaching out to pet him. 

Apollo backed up, barking at her before leaning forward and licking her hand.

Violet sighed, he was always like this. Couldn't choose what he wanted. Reluctantly, Violet put her hand down and watched as he pranced closer, eyes focused on the pizza.
[hr]

A bright smile intruded on Aiden’s features the moment he heard paws rapidly padding against the carpeted floor. A dog. He would often claim that his favorite people were animals, and Aiden made sure to offer monthly donations to shelters. It was a passion of his, one could say, and the boy’s love for critters such as this reached no limit. [color=#b18f71][b]”Well, hello there.”[/b][/color] Aiden spoke, lowering himself to his knees as a small hand extended to gently feel a blanket of fur against his digits.

[color=#b18f71][i]”What a beautiful creature!”[/i][/color] Lumen exclaimed, echoing Aiden’s response, with delight. The Spirit circled his Angelic partner, and managed a better view of the new arrival. [color=#b18f71][i]”There was a ‘no animals sign’ downstairs, Aiden.”[/i][/color] Lumen continued, a faint frown revealing itself on the Spirit’s visage. [color=#b18f71][i]”I hope he doesn’t bark.”[/i][/color]

Moving a dainty hand towards the canine’s ears, Aiden spared no expense in offering the creature comfort. [color=#b18f71][b]”If I had known, I would have ordered your own pizza, buddy..,”[/b][/color] the boy spoke. With a genuinely upset expression making itself known, it was clear that Aiden was being serious. He had been more than willing to buy the dog a meal. He then, however, turned his attention back to Violet. [color=#b18f71][b]”This is risky, Violet,”[/b][/color] the Angel commented, his soft voice now quiet, and somewhat melancholy.
[hr]
 Colin watched Violet take a slice of the dough-circle using just her hand, finger food then. He followed suit, picking up a piece, biting into it,and… immediately wincing. Holy fuck that was piping hot! Were they trying to- no, Violet had taken a slice for herself after all. 

 He chewed, swallowed. Watched as a large dog bound into the room, begging for food. Colin couldn’t help the slight smile that crept in watching Aiden apologise to it like it was a human. 

 They seemed… trustworthy. But Colin had thought that about people before. He remembered the mission with the doppelgangers, more specifically, Lucy. She hadn’t been his first kiss, but she’d been his first [i]real[/i] one, then she betrayed them all. And he hadn’t noticed because she was [i]nice[/i] to him.

Kiri. He thought he could trust her, too. Had even gone to her for help back home, and how had that ended? Red melting the snow, and a ring of bruises around Colin’s neck.   

 One act of kindness didn’t mean he could trust these people. 

 He took another bite of the slice, it’d cooled slightly, and watched the dog for a moment. He hadn’t seen one quite like it before, so, curiosity getting the better of him, he asked [color=#88e312]“What kind of dog is that?” [/color]
[hr]

Apollo had been seemingly wary about Aiden's presence, his flewies retracting to reveal a row of cream-colored teeth, canines glistening. Violet had been prepared to reprimand him, when the angel turned his attention to her and Apollo pressed his head against Aiden's hand, whining for his attention. 

God, that dog would be the death of her. 

Considering Aiden for a moment, Violet shrugged. [color=thistle]"The landlord's a softy,"[/color] At least, he was, most of the time. [color=thistle]"Besides, I can't just throw Apollo out. He's too [I]cute[/I], aren't you, Apollo?"[/color] She made a kissy face at the dog, who ignored her in favor of pressing his wet nose against Aiden's hand, nostrils flaring as he smelled him.

[color=thistle]"He's a german shepherd,"[/color] She remarked, turning to face 'Keith'. [color=thistle]"I'm in the process of getting him registered as an emotional support animal, so he'll be fine as soon as the papers come in."[/color] 

Even though he was an emotional wreck, Apollo made her feel better...most of the time. 

Taking a bite out of the pizza, Violet sucked in a breath to cool it down on her tongue. It was really good, if she could get past it burning her tastebuds. [color=thistle]"Thanks for the food, Aiden."[/color] She was looking forward to keeping the leftovers, if there were any.

Apollo had figured out that he was out of luck when it came to begging from Violet, and this Aiden kid didn't have any food in hand. Cautiously approaching his third option, he rested his head in Colin's lap, staring solely at the pizza that was going toward his mouth.
[hr]

[color=#b18f71][i]”Are you going to be a rich kid and buy the apartment complex, to remove the animal rule?”[/i][/color] Lumen chuckled, the Spirit’s lips close to Aiden’s ear as he continued to whisper, a teasing tune circling the words. [color=#b18f71][i]”I know you want to..,”[/i][/color] the Spirit finished, before Aiden cleared his throat, in turn. 

[color=#b18f71][b]”I’ve been meaning to get a dog from a shelter, but I’m never home,”[/b][/color] the boy sighed, and rose to a standing position. Donations were good, and they would remain. Though, having an animal in their lives was something Aiden and Lumen had discussed often. Every single time, however, it ended with the same results. The Angel was rarely ever at home. He was either working, or hunting monsters, both of which kept him far away from the alleged dog he wanted to help. 

Stepping towards the living room window, Aiden took another sip of his drink, a reflection staring back at him. The same sick kid who lived in the mirror, always peering at the now healthy young man who maintained the same image. [color=#b18f71][b]”And, you’re welcome,”[/b][/color] Aiden offered, revealing a small smile, as he did. 

Though pleasantries were currently abundant, an overlaying sense of tension remained. ‘Keith’ did not trust them, and Aiden was unsure if he could leave Violet alone with the stranger. He would have to, eventually. [color=#b18f71][b]”If you want help in finding Samael,”[/b][/color] the Angel began, turning towards the traveler, as he proceeded to lean back, feeling a hard wall against his scrawny shape, [color=#b18f71][b]”we need to know what we’re looking for, right?”[/b][/color] With eyes narrowed at the man, Aiden paused for a moment, lamenting the thought, and then continued. They would get nowhere if information was stunted. [color=#b18f71][b]”You need to start understanding that we don’t work for your enemy, and we don’t know what you’re looking for.”[/b][/color]

Taking another sip of his drink, Aiden exhaled a long sigh. This was the first time he had ever interacted with anyone else in this regard. He was supposed to have a secret identity but that was essentially tossed aside, considering the odd circumstances. [color=#b18f71][b]”I should be out there, right now,”[/b][/color] he confessed. [color=#b18f71][b]”Though, if this ‘Samael’ is as dangerous as you think he is, I guess it can’t be helped.”[/b][/color] Indeed it could not. Aiden hunted monsters, and disregarding recent insanity, this could very well fall into his ballpark. [color=#b18f71][b]”If your response to what I’m about to say is the same as before,”[/b][/color] Aiden motioned towards the front door, [color=#b18f71][b]”I’m leaving.”[/b][/color] Moving his slender fingers back to the chilled aluminum can in his hands, the boy approached ‘Keith’. [color=#b18f71][b]”I am currently on a mission to stop a group of vampires from summoning a demon, do you understand? I don’t have time for your paranoia, so either work with us, or I’m out.”[/b][/color]
[hr]

A warm weight on Colin’s knee - Apollo the ‘German Shepherd’ had plopped his head there and was looking up at him with big doey eyes. His first instinct was to flinch away, Apollo’s teeth were big, his body clearly muscular, even if he hadn’t shown aggression thus far, he was capable of it. It felt… nice though. The only dogs Colin was familiar with were the hunting dogs from back home - wiry animals that could get you a rabbit for tea in the time it took you to blink. Effective? Very. Likely to put their head in your lap and beg for food? Less so. 

 Tentative, he reached up and scratched Apollo behind the ears. Then, remembering how the hunting dogs would sometimes chase stuff just for fun. he broke a chunk of crust off the ‘pizza’ and threw it across the room for Apollo to run after. 

 At the mention of Samael, Colin looked toward Aiden. There was determination in his eyes, or at least, purpose. Angel or not, he knew Aiden was a warrior of some kind, but this proved it more than any disappearing sword ever could. He didn’t trust him, didn’t want to, anyway. But the truth, whether he wanted to look it in the eye or not, was that Colin didn’t stand a fucking chance on his own against Samael, and he wasn’t about to let the world get destroyed because he was too much of a fucking [i]coward[/i] to recognise the only help he was gonna get.

  Again, his right hand started to creep towards his left, but he caught it in time, [color=#88e312]“You said that this is the future. I don’t... “[/color] grit teeth, fingers clenched to fists,[color=#88e312] “I can’t believe that. Wherever it [i]is[/i] though,”[/color] probably best to leave out that he thought it was Samael’s lair, [color=#88e312]“it’s in danger. You’re going after vampires?”[/color]  He directed this at Aiden, [color=#88e312]“The Red Hoods, the organisation I was- [i]am[/i] with took down vampires in their [i]sleep[/i],”[/color] or at least that’s what they told everyone. In reality, vampires didn’t pay enough,[color=#88e312] “Samael is bigger than all that shit. We… we got him to run. We tracked him and his armies of undead for months, and eventually we cornered him. We had all of us, our whole order, even the Commander herself, and when it came down to it, he cut through us like butter.” [/color] 

 The battle was still fresh. Red and grey and brown. A ripple of Eliza’s fire, a glimmer of Brighid’s healing magic, Kiri…. If he poked too hard at it, he knew he’d only make it bleed, so he didn’t.

[color=#88e312]“And now he’s here.”[/color] he realised he’d been staring a hole in Violet’s beige carpet, he forced his gaze back up,[color=#88e312] “Samael is a threat to this whole fucking reality, he already sent his fucking vampire lackey after me - and far as I know there’s not anyone else out there trying to stop him.”[/color]  The admission was a betrayal, burned like it too,[color=#88e312] “So yeah. I’m fucking [i]paranoid.[/i] If you help’s up to you I guess. I can leave now if you want,”[/color]  he glanced at Violet as he said that, [color=#88e312]“Just don’t expect me to be a fucking open book with a pair of strangers I met half an hour ago, kind as you are, a bloody flapjack’s not something I’d stake the fate of the whole fucking world on, would you?”[/color] 

With that, he stood, ready to leave if that’s what they wanted. He could do this on his own. If he had to. [i]Fuck[/i]. 
[hr]

Violet groaned, burying her head in her hands. Confrontation was ass, complete and utter garbage. She hated it, even though her therapist said it was a necessary evil. It would hurt her at times, heal her overall. She didn't believe any of that bullshit. She hated that office, with its beige walls and the abstract paintings in a myriad of colors. 

Hated her therapist, and his wire-rim glasses, his thinning hair. His understanding tone, his ability to pull the past into focus. It was all so overwhelming. She had cancelled her next appointment. Her mother didn't know yet.

She hated [I]this[/I]. The fact that she had invited this crazy man and an Angel into her home. The fact that they both had problems, more pressing than her own. 

How could she make a decision when she couldn't even challenge her mother? Couldn't even face her brother, in the same way he hadn't been able to face her? 

[I]Breathe[/I]. She hadn't been breathing.

Sucking in air, she feigned a yawn. [color=thistle]"Do what you need to do."[/color] She paused, glancing between the two before focusing on the stranger. [color=thistle]"You shouldn't do it all alone, though, you'll die. I...just...ya know."[/color]

[I][color=thistle]'Can't help you, because I'm a fucking wuss.'[/color][/I]
[hr]

It was not unexpected that Violet wished to avoid conflict. She was a normal girl caught in an insane situation. Three years prior, before Lumen bonded with Aiden, the boy would have echoed her sentiment. Indeed, he was ill, barely able to leave the home, but the principle remained. Sick or healthy, the weight of an entire world was a daunting prospect for anyone, more so a civilian, who expected her night to be like any other. [color=#b18f71][b]”That’s fair, you don’t trust two strangers you just met,”[/b][/color] Aiden commented, his eyes lingering on the time-traveling warrior. [color=#b18f71][b]”I am going to be making assumptions, but when we met you, the wounds, the dirt, the fatigue.., you were in a battle, weren’t you?”[/b][/color] There was a short bout of silence between the three of them, but Aiden eventually continued, speaking based on observation. [color=#b18f71][b]”You were fighting, and then.., you ended up here. You said someone else went through a portal before you did. A..,”[/b][/color] the Angel narrowed his eyes, [color=#b18f71][b]”friend..,”[/b][/color] he finished, uttering the word much like Colin had, previously. 

[color=#b18f71][b]”We’re putting aside the childishness, now,”[/b][/color] Aiden stated. There was no anger or frustration in his voice, however. [color=#b18f71][b]”It’s as difficult for us to believe in your story, as it is for you to believe in us.., ‘Keith’,”[/b][/color] the Angel spoke, and motioned towards Violet as she had made herself heard. [color=#b18f71][b]”Though, I believe that.., you believe.., what you’re saying.”[/b][/color] 

Aiden reached for a pen on the coffee table, and proceed to scribble down a string of numbers on the notepad which had been left unused in front of Violet’s father, Leopold. [color=#b18f71][b]”I am sorry that you got involved in any of this, Violet. You’re an ordinary person, with a normal life. I guess.., I’m leaving my number, in case you need it. Honestly, it’s been nice to just.., be myself around someone, for once. Ironically, it’s when I’m pretending to be someone else,”[/b][/color] a quiet chuckle escaped the boy’s lips. 

He had often considered the notion. Was this truly someone else? Was he Aiden Connors, a billionaire shareholder of Infinity Enterprises, or was he Aiden the Angel? Lumen had told him that they were, in fact, Seraphs, angelic knights. Yes, perhaps that was Aiden’s true identity, and the businessman a mere mask. 

[color=#b18f71][b]”You think the safe route is to not trust us,”[/b][/color] the Angel turned his attention back to the stranger whose name was yet to be revealed. [color=#b18f71][b]”Isn’t it the other way around? Samael threatens the world, you say. If he’s here, you should be gathering an army, not running around on your own, thinking that you can make a dent in someone as powerful as you claim.”[/b][/color] Holding out his arms, motioning at their surroundings, the Angel continued to speak. [color=#b18f71][b]”I’ve been doing this for three years, you might have been doing it for twice that long, with your.., ‘Red Hoods’, but without them, you seem lost.”[/b][/color] 

Lowering his arms, Aiden let them rest at his sides. [color=#b18f71][b]”You and I know that the moment you walk out that door, you’re alone. You won’t be able to tell left from right, you won’t understand a single thing you see, and every second you want to spend on finding Samael will be spent in confusion, and fear.”[/b][/color] He proceeded to take a small breath. Colin had been stubborn, but at the very least, the Angel hoped that he was willing to take at least this as fact. 

[color=#b18f71][b]”No matter how little time you think you have left, you need a plan. Step one, locate your friends.”[/b][/color] Aiden held up a finger, followed by a second.

[color=#b18f71][b]”Step two, gather them,”[/b][/color] he raised a third, [color=#b18f71][b]”and step three, pick up where you left off. Running into the unknown, armed with nothing but your anger, and frustration, will serve only one purpose. It will make Samael’s job easier.”[/b][/color]
[hr]
Colin clenched and unclenched his fists. 

 Everything Aiden said made sense. Of course it fucking did. He couldn’t take Samael on his own, not really, and there wasn’t a chance in hell of him walking out that door and having even the slightest clue what to do to find Samael. And without the Hoods? Even shielded by the most capable members of the order, Colin was lacking. On his own? 

 [i]Always were a coward lad[/i]-

He was nothing. 

He exhaled, a harsh puff of air, “[color=#88e312]There was a battle. With Samael.” [/color]He said, tone clipped more out of deliberation than anything else, “[color=#88e312]We had him cornered. He opened a portal to escape. My-” [/color]he should stop calling her his friend, she wasn’t, not anymore, [color=#88e312]“Another hood jumped through after him. I followed her. No one else did that I know, they were pretty hurt-”[/color] Brighid’s red fur stained brown with mud, Eliza’s full weight, slamming into him- “[color=#88e312]and I’m pretty fucking sure the other hood that jumped through’s a traitor.”[/color] 

 If Colin wasn’t a coward, he’d look Aiden in the eye, beg him to help. Do anything to save the world, because that’s what it needed. He was a coward though, so instead he stared at the floor, doing his best to pretend like the last dregs of adrenaline weren’t slipping away already, [color=#88e312]“You’re right that I need a better plan than chasing after wherever Samael’s gone on my own. But it’s the best one I’ve got right now. There’s not…”[/color] his chest corkscrewed and he gave up trying not to scratch his arm, let his nails sink crescent moons into the scar, “[color=#88e312]There’s not a fucking soul out there that’ll help me so. I need to be fast if I even stand a chance.”[/color] 
[hr]

What could Violet say to that? If she sent him off all alone, the guilt would eat her alive. If she offered to help him, she'd be committing herself to something she knew nothing about. He could turn around and kill her at any moment. 

She thought back to the day of the accident, how she had been arguing with Vince over nothing in particular. How they had been driving a road they could travel in their sleep, and had suddenly slammed into [I]something[/I]. She could've lost it all in that moment, but she hadn't. 

If she believed in fate, or destiny, she would've been convinced it was because she was meant for something great. Perhaps this very moment was the start of her destined adventure.

But...she didn't. All she knew was that she was lucky enough to live, but unlucky enough to come out of it covered in scars. With powers she didn't understand, that she couldn't control.

If she just let this guy leave, she could return to normalcy. This would just be a faint memory ten years from now. If the world didn't get blown to pieces by the Samael guy, of course. With every passing moment, she was diving deeper into this conspiracy.

[color=thistle]"Uh...well, there are people out there, who would...help."[/color] People like Aiden, she supposed. [color=thistle]"And I--"[/color] She was going to regret this, wasn't she? [color=thistle]"--will help you find them. I will [i]help[/i] you, if you just calm down long enough to let yourself be helped."[/color]
[hr]

[color=#b18f71][b]”These are two souls willing to help you.”[/b][/color] ‘Keith’ was by no means alone. The Angel would be standing at the warrior’s side in a time of need, that much was certain. Additionally, if what this man said was true, Aiden’s blade would rise against Samael, irrelevant of external factors.

A threat to Tenebris? There was no question. Samael was an enemy, no matter one’s stance on the time-traveler, or his ‘Red Hoods’. The world had changed, however, and it was no longer what Colin remembered. In fact, Aiden was skeptical towards the situation because of these differences. Samael would have to change his approach drastically, if he aimed to conquer a modern world. He now faced an entirely new opposition. A stronger opposition. 

[color=#b18f71][b]”A few things you should consider,”[/b][/color] Aiden spoke, and approached his jacket. [color=#b18f71][b]”This is a new battlefield, not only for you, but for Samael as well.”[/b][/color] The Angel drank from his beverage, and started to slip into his outer garments. [color=#b18f71][b]”He’s facing new enemies, and you’re gaining new allies.”[/b][/color] 

The boy’s slender fingers gently tapped against a polished door handle, but he had not yet departed. [color=#b18f71][b]”You had him cornered once, didn’t you? Remember that he escaped, not you. You’re the hunter, not the beast. Stand straight, recuperate.., ”[/b][/color] Aiden motioned to the pizza, [color=#b18f71][b]”eat and rest. Your prey won’t take over the world in a day.”[/b][/color] 

Twisting the handle, Aiden stopped, recalling an important detail. [color=#b18f71][b]”I’ll get you new weapons, and leave them here, with Violet. She can also contact me.”[/b][/color] Finally stepping outside, Aiden offered the two a small wave. [color=#b18f71][b]”Welcome to your new battlefield.., ‘Keith’.”[/b][/color]
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