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Unfortunately, Veronica was all too right about their surroundings. Despair was all around, and even those Witches with special tracking powers would not have needed them to detect this. Hell, even a non-witch would feel it in their bones. Such as the state of things, in this part of town at least. In the dim light provided by the street lamps, people could be seen wandering towards their poisons of choice - or away from them, desperately so. 

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The group had been walking for a little while now, after having left Sophia's residence. They had managed to stay together so far, despite some of them seemingly still unsure about this whole covent thing. Sophia could only hope to reassure them with time. 

She was one of those who chose to wear the guise of her Witch form for their 'outing'. As this self, she seemed a lot more focused, serious and strong than as her regular cheerful, warm and motherly self. 

[color=6ecff6]"This part of town used to be so nice..."[/color] Sophia could't help but to think out loud. They were in a part of time that used to mostly house markets as well as one large park. It used to be lively, with lots of people shopping during the day, and lots of customers staying in Inns or walking around later at night. Now, due to influx of people and lacks of good jobs, it was mostly a slum. Storages became houses for the numerous poor families, the market was now empty, mostly, and the park was residence to many without a roof over their head, including orphans. They were close to the edge of the City, explaining the large yet unused land for the park and vast market areas now empty.

Or not entirely - it didn't take long for them to notice a few Hydes walking around. One of them was closely stalking what looked and sounded like a drunk man aimlessly walking around. The Hyde, this one a shadowy tall and thin figure with piercing red eyes and no mouth, was so close behind the man it looked like it was part of it's body. Clearly, it was feeding off of him...until the man fell down, exhausted and asleep. Surprisingly, it then turned around and began walking away. 

It was not the only one of it's kind, and they all seemed to do the same thing. Feeding off of nearby targets, but unusually walking away instead of sticking to one target until it's demise or until they were strong enough to go back to their point of origin. Many a Hyde could be seen walking away in various directions; some in the park, some towards the docks, others towards a house district, some more towards a large area where it was mostly storage buildings for companies and, lastly, another group heading towards the center of London. 

[color=6ecff6]"Strange."[/color] Sophia remarked. She and Veronica knew they were going to be numerous tonight, but did not expect such a peculiar behaviour. 

Veronica noted the Hydes diverging like predators that had caught the scent of new prey. [color=aquamarine]"Well that's unusual,"[/color] she commented, although her face and tone suggested nothing truly surprised her any more. Despite her ever-cool demeanour, she spun to face the others.

[color=aquamarine]"It seems they're drawn to something,"[/color] she concluded. Theories ran through her mind, not that she could fully launch into them. Time, after all, was of the essence. [color=aquamarine]"We have to make sure they don't reach whatever - or whoever - they're looking for. I know we planned to work together, but if we split into smaller teams, we'll be able to stop them all at once."[/color]

Sophia did not waste time agreeing with her covent sister. She did not like the idea of splitting up, but it really did seem there was no choice. Besides, most Witches here were not entirely new. 

[color=6ecff6]"I believe Veronica is right. Furthermore, it seems we have five locations to head towards to...and unless I am mistaken, we are the exact correct number for it. 

Lilith and Jacqueline could investigate the Park,
Clarissa and Marilyn could investigate the docks,
Lucilla and Mary-Anne, would you head to the housing district? 
Veronica and Amarantha, take the warehouses. 

Finally, it would leave Lady Ferdinand and myself to head towards the center of town."[/color] she said, without missing a beat. 

[color=6ecff6]"We should not waste any time. I fear for what those Hydes might be looking for, or who they might hurt."[/color]