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[quote=Kayla]Nice handcuff bruises, Emily.[/quote]

"... And how do you think she fought them?" Babylon said with a cheeky grin.

Okay, this was getting a bit out of hand. The whole Coven thing. Everything that happened so far was weighing down on Madison and right now that felt like a [i]ton[/i]. First the Hound, then it turns out the fucking [i]FBI[/i] (or whoever, everyone was throwing theories around) raided the place. Madison had no clue how the FBI worked, functioned, or anything like that. However, Lyss gave a pretty good account of events - one that Madison would take over Emily or Maya's... but things didn't add up. There was something that the entire Coven was missing.

To be honest, if Madison didn't require companionship she would have already been gone the second they mentioned the FBI. However, speaking of running...

"Girls..." Madison muttered, "I know it's great that you all finally decided to get your shit together, but you all are forgetting something. Something important...."

Her Philadelphia accent started shining more and more with each word. Some of the girls were staring at her like she was [i]retarded[/i] or something and Madison rolled her eyes. [i]These girls sometimes[/i]. 

"Tha' law just raided the place [i]that we are fuckin' standing in,[/i]" Madison just put it bluntly, "We gotta get the fuck outta' here! Let's go! We can talk this shit out somewhere else! Just... [i][b]go![/b][/i]" 

And without another word Madison turned around and left, without a care whether or not they'd stand there like idiots or just leave. Honestly, Madison just wanted to go home. Fuck the Coven and fuck the Club. She was going to get drunk and eat ice cream and try to cope with what happened.

"Ma-Madison!" Claudette said as she chased after the girl, "You are my ride, Mademoiselle!"

"Oh, yeah," Babylon said with a shrug as Emily decided to make a break for the door herself. "That'd be smart."

With a shrug, Babylon disappeared as her work here was done. Of course, today was just the beginning... the Coven was unaware that another, more sinister, threat lurked in the background. Stirring up a conflict that they'll have no choice but to fight...


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[h3]&[/h3]
[h1]BIG TREV?[/h1][/center]

[hr]
[i]Monday, 3:00pm[/i]

Her first "probation" meeting.

Lyss was apprehensive in the morning. She considered pulling the agent's leg by failing to show, but she had too many questions that needed answers to miss this opportunity. So, she grabbed her leather jacket, pulled it over her grey tee, and headed out of the apartment. She pulled up to the meeting spot and parked her speedster. Her eyes scanned the park for any civilians that might eavesdrop, but only a few people were meandering at this time of day. She was a little worried about picking an empty spot, but she knew her girls would come looking for her if she didn't show up at the next meeting. After all, she'd told Maya about the time and place of her meeting. If she didn't text Maya back in an hour or two, Maya would know there was trouble.

Lyss walked through the park until she found the bench she'd mentioned in her texts to Agent Trevor. It sat facing the pond and would provide some privacy for her little interrogation. She took a seat and pulled out her phone. In a show of boredom and carelessness about this meeting, she began to play an app until "BIG" Trev arrived.

However, another one of the agents arrived instead of Trevor. It was Maximilian Cornell, wearing a white polo t-shirt, black cargo pants, some Nike sneakers, and sunglasses. He had his hands in his pocket and a blank expression on his face as he approached. He immediately took a seat next to Alyssa as he said, 

"Ms. Burns," He started, "How have you been?"

Lyss looked up from her phone to see none other than the [i]fucking[/i] big guy walking towards her. At first, her face expressed her animosity at the sight of him. [i]This is going to be a harder egg to crack.[/i] As he sat, she accepted his presence and decided to let this be a chance for one of the [i]real[/i] agents to spill the information.

[color=D3D3D3]"Well, if it isn't the big guy."[/color] She said as she put her phone into her jacket pocket. 

"I know we got off on the wrong foot..." Maximilian said, "I'm just glad it didn't escalate."

Lyss leaned back into the bench and crossed her legs. [color=D3D3D3]"So am I."[/color] She glanced him over and wondered if he had any weapons on him, but she knew that he could take her out without one anyways. [color=D3D3D3]"Is Trevor still butthurt about our first encounter with each other?"[/color]

"Yeah, he wanted me to handle you, said it was too embarrassing," Maximilian with a chuckle, "I personally don't think Trevor's ready for this - or field missions - but Meifeng wants him to grow into a capable agent."

Lyss raised an eyebrow. [color=D3D3D3]"Sounds like Meifeng wasn't happy with what she learned about us."[/color] She resisted the urge to smirk and rested her hands in her lap. [color=D3D3D3]"So, can I cut the bullshit with you and speak freely?"[/color]

Maximilian raised an eyebrow, "Of course."

Lyss nodded. [color=D3D3D3]"Then I'll cut to the chase. Who are you, [i]really[/i]?"[/color] She asked, looking into his eyes.

"[i]Maximilian Alexander Cornell[/i]," He flatly answered, "Born and raised in Minnesota."

[color=D3D3D3]"And who do actually you report to?"[/color] She wasn't here to fuck around.

With a roll of his eyes, Maximilian pulled out his FBI badge and displayed it to Alyssa without a word escaping his lips.

Lyss frowned. [color=D3D3D3]"So you're telling me that the FBI has its own division of witches that operates on its own? I'm not buying it."[/color]

Maximilian chuckled.

"... Witches?" He incredulously asked, "I'm sorry to say it, but it's classified."

Lyss shook her head. [color=D3D3D3]"I'm still not buying it, Maximillian."[/color]

[color=D3D3D3]"There's no way the FBI works like that. Like this. I mean, "probation", really? I know people that have been raided before, and they weren't just set free like this."[/color]

"Unfortunately," Maximilian said, "You should happy we were willing to make this deal after what you did. Meifeng was in a good mood that day." He shrugged.

Lyss laughed. [color=D3D3D3]"You have no authority. As real as that badge looks, I doubt that it would hold up if I called the police right now."[/color] She pointed at the bruise on her upper cheek, left by his leader. [color=D3D3D3]"Why'd you hit me, Max?"[/color] She suddenly asked rather loudly. [color=D3D3D3]"Do I- Do I have to call the police?"[/color] She stood up from the bench and hated that she had to resort to this, but she wanted to see how far this could go before he admitted it. [color=D3D3D3]"Help! [i]Help![/i] Call 911!"[/color] She shouted towards the few park-goers around them.

"... God damn  it, Liao!" Maximilian hissed as Alyssa went with the most overdramatic bullshit in an attempt to get information out of him. He hissed through his teeth as he saw people looking at him like he was a monster and he knew that he had to keep her quiet. He grabbed onto her upper-arm as he got into her face. "... Will you please, [i]please[/i], be quiet because I know the game you're playing and Meifeng's not going to be happy."

He sighed, "I know what you want, but I'm telling you; would the truth [i]really[/i] make any difference?"

Lyss glared at him as he grabbed her arm. She tugged against his grip and stuck her face back into his. She had to stand on her tiptoes to get this close. [color=D3D3D3]"Then tell me why you're really in Tampa, who this black hooded woman is, and why you chose to pick on my friends. Because I know that the government wouldn't give one single shit about what we were up to."[/color] She hissed back. Her tone was low now so that the others wouldn't hear.

"I told you why we're in Tampa," Maximilian shook his head, "As for the black hooded woman, that's a solid no. But, I think the raid was a huge overreaction on Meifeng's part. She was put in charge of the city and seeing that fight get out on Snapchat really well..."

He sighed.

"... You don't know Meifeng like I do, she's prideful. Too prideful. She lets this stuff get under her skin and she makes rash decisions."

Lyss scoffed. Her free hand curled into a fist, and she lowered herself back to stand flat on the ground. It was worrisome that the Coven's battle had made its way online somehow. She thought back to what she'd said yesterday. [i]What other groups are aware of us now?"[/i] Still, there wasn't anything she could do about it now.  [color=D3D3D3]"Meifeng acted like a thug. Why couldn't she have just approached us herself and asked for help? If there is any threat out there to the innocent, we would have gladly chosen to work alongside you."[/color]

[color=D3D3D3]"I won't let your group threaten mine. I know how this works."[/color]

"That's a good point, actually," Maximilian trailed off, "Meifeng wanted to send a message not just to you, but everyone that Greenwood isn't going to happen anywhere else. I don't quite agree with it, that was why I was [i]trying[/i] to talk things down."

He sighed. 

"Either way, long as you all stay out of trouble and honor our deal, then there won't be any problems, okay?"

Lyss stared at him for a moment as she mulled over his words. She could have accepted this answer, but this still made her group a target. She didn't like the idea that Meifeng's influence was hanging over them like a thumb ready to push a button. She couldn't just sit back and endure these "probation" meetings until Meifeng decided to put them into a dangerous situation for her benefit. She took a deep breath, looking like she was about to answer him in a composed manner. Instead of that, she started shouting again and thrashed against his grip on her arm.

[color=D3D3D3]"Let me go, Max! I told you not to see me ever again. Please, [i]please[/i], will someone call the cops!?"[/color] She turned to face him, her free hand rising into the air before she brought it flat across his cheek. [i]Paybacks a bitch, ain't it?[/i] [color=D3D3D3]"Let me go!"[/color] She then began to pound her fists against his chest. It felt good to give him a beating. Even though acting this way was extremely embarrassing for both of them.

A vein almost popped in Maximilian's head as he finally got mad. He yanked Alyssa by her arm to get her to be quiet and pretty much ignored her strikes. He brought her nice and close as he nearly yelled in her face, "Oh. My. God. I am [i]trying[/i] to help you will you please stop making this harder for yourself? If Meifeng was in there and you all pulled that bullshit she would have started using live rounds. And my God, the DENS gives us ful-"

He paused for a second as he realized he made the [i]worst[/i] possible decision.

Lyss immediately stopped thrashing about. Her arm fell to her side, and what once was an expression of false fear melted into a wide smile. [color=D3D3D3]"That wasn't so hard, was it Max?"[/color] She turned her head to look at the concerned neighbors and waved her free arm. [color=D3D3D3]"Nevermind! We worked it out!"[/color] She looked back at Max and grinned.

"... Shut up," Maximilian said as he rested his face into his hands.

Lyss straightened out her jacket and cleared her throat before taking a seat on the bench once more. As if nothing had happened. She pulled out her phone and with a quick google search, realized that there was no information on D-E-N-S. So, she began to type a message to Maya. [b]"Not FBI! Org called D-E-N-S."[/b]

"... You're not going to find anything on them," Maximilian said with a shake of his head as he realized something. Maybe he was going about this the... wrong way. 

Lyss tucked her phone back into her pocket and looked back up at him. She leaned back again and nodded. [color=D3D3D3]"What does the acronym stand for? The full name."[/color]

"Department of Extra-Normal Security," Maximilian said, "One hundred percent [i]clandestine.[/i]"

Lyss pursed her lips, nodding her head. [color=D3D3D3]"So, an underground department. Care to tell me who the head honcho is?"[/color]

"And this effects...?" Maximilian raised an eyebrow.

Lyss shrugged. [color=D3D3D3]"I want to know who Meifeng reports to. My friends are now on the list. Of course, I'm concerned with who is handling our case."[/color] She tapped the seat next to her and smiled at him. [color=D3D3D3]"Might as well make yourself comfortable again, Max."[/color]

"Director Alcott... but if you asked her and you weren't in the know, she would act like you're talking crazy," Maximilian shook his head. 

[color=D3D3D3]"Of course they would."[/color] She chewed on her lip for a second and looked out over the pond before sighing. [color=D3D3D3]"Well. All that's left is to decide how our future meetings will go."[/color] She looked back at him.

"This is how they're going to go, little lady," Maximilian said as he took control of the situation and jabbed a finger into Lyss's chest. "We're going to meet, you're going to talk about how you're feeling or whatever or whatever activities the Coven are up to, then I'm going to move on with my day because I have important business to attend to."

Lyss smirked. [color=D3D3D3]"Like what, Max? What exactly does DENS have you doing every day? What does your little group get up to when they're not terrorizing witch sororities?"[/color]

"I think that's obvious," Maximilian said as he leaned back and placed his hand on his lap. "Our mission is to neutralize Annabelle Heart at all costs."

[color=D3D3D3]"So, the black-robed woman has a name."[/color] She raised an eyebrow. [color=D3D3D3]"What has she done to get the kill order?"[/color]

"She's gone on a rampage from South Carolina all the way here..." Maximilian said, "Director Alcott assembled our particular team to eliminate her because nothing short of another Extra-Normal can get even [i]close[/i] to her."

Lyss thought for a moment before speaking again. [color=D3D3D3]"Does this have anything to do with a string of murders where the corpses are nothing but skeletons?"[/color]

"It does," Maximilian said, "But, I would heavily suggest you keep all of this away from your little Coven... you [i]really[/i] don't want to get involved in that. It's already complicated enough. I don't mind if you tell your group about the DENS, because as far as the world is concerned... we don't exist. All you'd do is draw attention to yourself."

[color=D3D3D3]"You're exactly right about that, Maximillian. That's the last thing we want."[/color]

"... and Meifeng may seem rough, she's actually got the best intentions for everyone. We all do. We just want you all to be out of our hair."

Lyss nodded, then turned to hold out her hand to him. [color=D3D3D3]"So we've agreed, then. Your group won't harm mine any further, and we will offer as much help as possible with your Annabelle situation."[/color]

"Just let us know if you see her," Maximilian said, "Again, Meifeng could have gotten that across better, but... yeah. She [i]is[/i] a nice person once you, uh, get to know her."

He scratched the back of his head as he shrugged.

"Slaps people less."

Lyss raised an eyebrow but decided to let it slide. She'd believe it when she saw it.

[color=D3D3D3]"Tell me..."[/color] She said, resting her hand back in her lap when he didn't take it. [color=D3D3D3]"What happened to Annabelle to send her on this path? Is she cursed? Possessed?"[/color] 

"We honestly don't know," Maximilian shrugged, "We think it has something to do with a cult in South Carolina, but Meifeng isn't out to figure out why she went on this rampage only stopping it before more people get hurt."

[color=D3D3D3]"What does your group know about her? What can she do, to leave bodies like that?"[/color] Better yet. [color=D3D3D3]"Why should we fear her?"[/color]

"We know she used to be a college student going out on summer break to Myrtle Beach with some friends... but her ability has something to do with eating flesh," Maximilian said, "And she can, worst of all, make other people into monsters if they get too close to her. She's extremely strong, fast... tough, and Director Alcott is getting desperate to stop her..."

Lyss tilted her head. Genuinely interested in this conversation about Maximillian's foe. In her curiosity, she blurted out a rather implicating fact about herself, if Max was smart enough to figure it out, without meaning to. [color=D3D3D3]"If she's possessed, could someone force the apparition out of her?"[/color]

"It's a possibility, yes," Maximilian answered. "But, Director Alcott wants her dead. Not cured..."

Lyss furrowed her brows. [color=D3D3D3]"If there's a chance to cure her, and to trap the apparition that could be possessing her, why kill her instead?"[/color]

Maximilian sighed.

"Director Alcott is an Adept, a powerful one," He started, "Cyan Lux if you don't know what that is; she can see things. And Alcott's specialty is seeing [i]chance...[/i]"

He sighed again.

".. [i]and Director Alcott says that there's a ninety percent chance Annabelle Heart will end the world.[/i]"

Lyss blinked. Completely taken aback by the percentage. She pressed further after taking a moment to think it over. [color=D3D3D3]"Can she see what the other 10% chance would need to succeed?"[/color]

"Unfortunately, no," Maximilian shook his head.

[color=D3D3D3]"It sounds like you need a lot more help to take her down. Not just yourself or your Task Force."[/color] She clarified.

"We do, but help is hard to come by," Maximilian sighed, "The DENS is mostly normal people and they can't get close to her without succumbing to her ability. We're pretty much the only Extra-Normals in the whole organization."

He shrugged.

"But, Director Alcott says that I have the highest chance out of everyone in the whole organization to stop her, which was why she set it up so [i]I'd[/i] get so powerful..."

Lyss couldn't believe it, but she was feeling sympathy for this guy. She even almost reached a handout and set it on his shoulder. [i]The more you know, huh?[/i]

Instead, she nodded so that he would know that she'd been listening. [color=D3D3D3]"That sounds like a tough job."[/color]

"I know," Maximilian sighed, "I didn't ask for it, but knowing I'm making a difference makes it worth it."

Lyss turned her head to look out over the pond. [color=D3D3D3]"I'm sure that does feel nice."[/color] Up until now, Lyss had never felt that way. Or wanted to feel that way. [color=D3D3D3]"I feel the same way, almost. I joined this group to make myself a better person. To help others."[/color] [i]Ugh, stop it, Lyss.[/i] She sighed too, and let herself relax. [color=D3D3D3]"Well, I guess we can continue this conversation tomorrow. I'd like to hear more about this Annabelle, but I think we better go before those people come back with an officer."[/color]

"Just one thing," Maximilian said as he got up. "Please keep this away from the Coven... if Meifeng finds out; Trevor's going to get the brunt of it and he's a good kid. Just misguided at times."

Lyss chuckled. She was already holding onto one secret for Trevor. Why not another? [color=D3D3D3]"Sure thing, Max."[/color] She stood up herself and gave him a nod. [color=D3D3D3]"I'll let you know where we're meeting tomorrow. Until then, good luck."[/color]

"I'm glad we've come to terms," Maximilian said as he saluted Lyss. "Have a good day."


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[hr]
[/center]

It was raining again.

She could take the heat but it was always raining. She was just wandering around the streets of Tampa looking for the next place to sleep. She walked a cart around in the rain as she was shivering since the rain-soaked every bit of her clothing. People made sure to give her plenty of space and she just shook her head. Bastards. She found a building on the street with an awning. She sighed as she pushed her cart underneath it and sat down. She stuck out her sign that said:

[b][code]HOMELESS, HUNGRY, ANYTHING HELPS.[/code][/b]
 
"Spare any change?" The woman said to passers-by but they ignored her. She sighed as she hissed underneath her breath, "Heartless bastards."

They kept ignoring her until she put her face into her knees and just shook her head. Why does she keep going on? She should just take it all.

"... Oh my goodness," She heard a feminine voice above her and she lifted her head and saw two people before her - [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/28/55/e3/2855e3a64555ca0e1f2c897e405ddbde.jpg]one man in a suit with slick back hair[/url] holding an umbrella looking down on her that had to be like six feet tall even and [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/75/84/84/75848468a98d011c75f09686abc05a7d.jpg]a five-foot-tall even woman with short hair also wearing a suit[/url] carrying a wooden basket. "You must be suffering, here take this."

The stranger shoved the basket into the homeless woman's lap and she looked at it... it was various toiletry items, food, and other good stuff. "I..." The homeless woman muttered out as she went through the basket, "... Thank you! Thank you so much!"

However, as she went through the basket she found a pamphlet that said [b][code]The Church of the Forgiven.[/code][/b]. The Homeless woman knew about them... they were this big yuppie Christian Church movement slash charity. She saw a lot of them in various parts of Florida and many of them offer the homeless food and other items... though many of her compatriots were jumping to join them as they offered a place to stay.

"... You're in the Forgiven?" The Homeless woman said.

"Yes," The female-Forgiven said with a smile, "We're having a party later in case you want to come. We're going to be introducing new people, it'll be fun. We'll have food, drinks, games, and all sorts of fun." She offered a hand.

"You'll take me?" The homeless woman asked. 

"We'll take anyone willing to listen," The man answered with a hand in his pocket. "Willing to find happiness and [i]redeem[/i] themselves."

"... Who are you?"

"I'm Dean," The Male answered.

"And I'm Savannah," The Female answered, "We've been out here in Tampa for years, miserable, homeless, just like you... until we found a home with the Forgiven."

"This sounds too good to be true," The Homeless woman said.

"It's good and true," Savannah said with a wide smile. "But, we're going to leave you with that pamphlet, it'll tell you where our compound is and you can come by [i]any[/i] time. And if you want we can get you a place to stay and get you cleaned up."

Savannah got up and waved goodbye to the homeless woman, "Goodbye for now... I know we're going to meet again." 

The Homeless woman stared at the two as they walked off and couldn't help but gaze down at the pamphlet.

[hr]

"I am Reporter Molly Schuller and we are live with Luther Saul for an exclusive interview."

[url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/2a/f4/bd/2af4bd043a34eb985e30c20822aab441.jpg]A woman with olive skin, long hair and a slim build said[/url] as she sat in the chair in the rather [url=https://motionarray.imgix.net/preview-127834-2K3a268ez8-high_0004.jpg?w=660&q=60&fit=max&auto=format]fancy newsroom[/url] with [url=https://66.media.tumblr.com/fe5e33a941039bf5dd589c8112652e18/9e3a48a627fe0750-43/s1280x1920/d788a88b7d968beace49001618aba6974c2b1ecb.jpg]Luther Saul[/url], in the seat across from her.

"Please, Ms. Schuller," Saul said with a warming smile without baring teeth as he raised a hand, "Just call me [i]Saul.[/i]"

"Alright, Saul," Molly Schuller started, "You're the leader of the newest religious movement that has swept the nation seemingly overnight. And it was all started about you, how does it feel?"

"It feels great that I am helping so many people find happiness, their own God, and community, and I will do everything I can to spread that to all corners of the Earth," Saul answered rather casually.

"How do you feel about your critics?" Schuller asked. "Many people are accusing the Forgiven of being a cult."

Saul merely shook his head, "I understand their concerns and I assure you that our intentions are only the best."

"... Is that [i]why[/i] you keep your practices and community a secret?" Molly Schuller asked.

"I do that because we have many people who are attempting to escape something - an abusive family, a drug life, and-"

"So you're saying that you're sheltering drug addicts?" Ms. Schuller asked.

"No, oh no," Saul answered. "We're giving them a new life away from substance abuse."

"And what about your critics who accuse you of being a scam artist?" Schuller pressed on, "Many members of the Forgiven report that you [i]charge[/i] your members for being in the Forgiven."

"Okay, for starters, we do not [i]"charge"[/i] for nothing, we just politely request that we pool our wealth so we can help people - the homeless and downtrodden specifically," Saul nearly hissed at this reporter as he tried to collect himself with a deep breath and then exhale.

"And what about the rumors of sexual abuse and chi-"

"This interview is over," Saul said as he got up and walked off the set without another word. One could hear the doors being swung open and slamming shut behind him.

[hr]

Red wine was poured into a short and stubby whiskey drinking glass. It was not what the glass was intended for but Saul didn't care.

Saul was leaning against his desk as he poured it with a flat look on his face. After it was filled to the brim he brought it to his face and downed it. That could have gone much, much better, he sighed as he faced away from the window of his office. It was raining outside, dark, and cloudy and a bolt of lightning didn't even phase Saul. Good grief. He lit a cigarette in the office without a care in the world that it was one of the most well-furnished places there. He threw his head back as he let out a puff of smoke.

The door suddenly locked itself, which was weird because he was about a good twenty feet away from the door. Then he dropped the cigarette went he realized what it was.

Black smoke filled the room as a swirling light appeared on the opposite side of the room to Saul. A person walked into the room wearing a white robe with ornate golden highlights and symbols. The hood was up so it covered their face and they had their hands together so the sleeves covered their hands as they approached. They were no taller than five feet tall and they approached Saul.

"M-Messiah!" Saul said.

"... On your knees," The Messiah said as Saul was launched to his hands and knees by an outside force. The figure in the white hood walked around Saul, "That display today... it was quite frankly [i]embarrassing[/i]." 

The Messiah grabbed Saul by the neck and seemingly floated over to the wall at high speeds only to slam Saul against it. "You've embarrassed yourself, the Forgiven, and quite frankly [i]me[/i] in front of the whole world. Tell me, Saul, what is your mission?"

"T-To spread enlightenment across the world, Messiah!" Saul stammered out as the Messiah held him against the wall.

"Then tell me [i]why-[/i]" The Messiah threw him across the room into the opposite wall and Saul was seeing stars as he was bleeding. "-you are doing the opposite, making our movement look like a petty cult?" the Messiah said as he walked over to Saul.

"Messiah, please!" Saul put both of his hands up to protect himself. "It's [i]that girl![/i] Where ever I go, she shows up! Nothing we used against her [i]works![/i] She's unstoppable!"

The Messiah stopped in their tracks and asked, "... Are you making [i]excuses?[/i]" 

Saul seemingly found himself lifted into the air and the Messiah walked up. Saul had to say, "No, Messiah,"

"Because the matter of Annebelle is the [i]other[/i] thing I've wanted to discuss with you," The Messiah said as Saul fell to the ground and gasped for air. "The fact that you've fled hundreds of miles away from [i]one[/i] girl is... disgraceful."

"I had no other option!" Saul tried to plead.

"I gave you all the options," The Messiah as he got close to Saul, and walked a circle around Saul as they made their speech, "All the tools, everything you need. And yet you fail to use them. When I look around... I see evil, degeneracy, heresy... all over this state. The Dollhouse perverts the flesh, there are a Coven of [i]Witches[/i] that practice witchcraft, monsters are roaming the streets at night, and [i]that[/i] abomination has chased you here..."

The Messiah came to a stop as Saul looked on in horror.

"... I want you to kill all of them," The Messiah said, "If you leave this city before doing so; I'm going to kill you."

"How am I supposed to accomplish all of that?!" Saul asked and the Messiah shook their head.

"I didn't choose you for this position because you were foolish, Saul," The Messiah walked off as a circle of swirling light appeared and they walked into it. Before they disappeared; they stopped and looked back. 

"Whatever you need," The Messiah started, "[i]The Mother-Star provides.[/i]"

Then they were gone and Saul was standing straight up and he stared slack-jawed in horror. How... how was he supposed to take all of them down? The Forgiven couldn't accomplish that without attracting the attention of something worse. 

However, a lightbulb quickly went off in his head.

[hr]

It was a busy day for Paragon Labcorps.

It was usual for Mondays. What was also usual was everyone getting over their various hangovers. It was typical as the secretary that was more or less the guard for Blake Schmidt quietly played Minecraft while there was a lull in things to do. Some people walked up and she immediately X'd out of it and the first thing that came up was some Microsoft powerpoints. She raised her head and saw... Luther Saul? And a man and a woman but she wasn't that concerned with them. Luther Saul was in front of her.

"Why hello there," Saul said, "We have an appointment with Blake Schmidt."

"Oh yes," the Secretary said as she got up and gestured for them to come along, "Right this way."

The three were lead into Blake Schmidt's office which was a [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fc/56/c7/fc56c76e35b76ec75d1b1889c6e4cd3c.jpg]very fancy and ornate looking room with a grand view of all of Tampa.[/url] Well, only the beach. The rest of Tampa can burn. And sitting behind that desk was [url=https://66.media.tumblr.com/f26d5a95123e511bcce8d23852fd23fb/ed6cf8343b95f3f5-e9/s1280x1920/ee7791b244cd71e1acbf0c92d344a2436755e488.jpg]THE Blake Schmidt[/url]. Wearing a suit and he widely smiled at Saul,

"Saul, my old friend, how are you doing?"

"... This is the first time we met, Schmidt," Saul asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well since Paragon has funneled a [i]lot[/i] of money into your organization..." Blake said as he took a sip of his wine. He shrugged, "So, it's like we're friends already!" 

"That's an odd way to go about it..." Saul said as he took a seat on the chair and Savannah and Dean were standing at each of his sides.

"So, Saul," Blake placed down the wine glass and leaned forward and supported himself with his arms. "What do I owe the occasion to?"

"Have you seen that little video... put on Snapchat or whatever it's called?" Saul asked.

"Well, I always have my little birdies keep an eye out for that kind of thing..." Blake said with a wide smile forming on his face. "... The[i] real[/i] question is..."

Blake got off from his seat and walked around his desk and placed a hand on it while leaning against it. "... What's it to you?" He said dramatically.

"Well, I think we can form a deal here," Saul said as he stood up and looked up at the far taller millionaire. "You want to know about the supernatural and I am willing to point you in the right direction."

"And what's the price?" Blake said with a chuckle. "Everyone has a price."

"The world of the supernatural is a dangerous one, Schmidt," Saul said, "And there's this particular group of "witches" or whatever they call themselves, operating out of Tampa."

He put his hand up and Dean put his cellphone in Saul's hand and he displayed its contents to Saul. it showed the video of Madison and Molly fighting.

"Dean Farrow here recorded this while out on the town," Saul said. "And I'll tell you that if you want to know anything about the supernatural; they'll help you."

Blake smiled.

"I don't just want to know about the supernatural, my dear friend..." Blake ominously said as he started laughing. "I want these abilities for myself! I want to build my very own organization of illustrious people enhanced by supernatural abilities! I'll call them the Elite!"

"... Then this is perfect," Saul stated, "Supernatural beings can give out powers to each other. So..."

"You want me to seek out this Coven?" Blake said, "What for...? I know you're not telling me this for nothing."

"It's not," Saul said as he sat down and crossed one leg over the other. "... I want you to dismantle the Coven. Any way possible. They're dangerous and they need to be removed for the greater good."

Blake grinned. 

"... Anything ol' chum!"

[hr]

The night fell and Kimberly, the Ghost Hunter, and Rowan were walking through the woods.

Kimberly had a flashlight in hand and Rowan had turned on the night vision on his camera to provide them some lighting in their trek through the scorching woods. Though, on Kimberly's side, it was just for show because the sigil of a cockroach underneath her foot was glowing. Not that anyone could see it, but one could notice how there was a bunch of flying insects around scouting the area for Kimberly. The ability that she received from a deceased girl allowed her to see the vague aura through her insects. Which pretty much meant she had full awareness of the environment...

... In her other hand, she had a microphone.

"... So, tonight we are tracking the elusive maneater," Kimberly said into the microphone, looking back at the camera. "We tracked it to these woods!" She was careful not to detail which woods they were in because other people were tracking her as well.

The insects picked up something and Kimberly paused in her tracks. There was the vague aura of somebody hunched over a dead woman who was homeless... and the figure on top of her was devouring the subject. She hissed a swearword because she didn't expect to run into something [i]this[/i] soon. They'll have to come back and record some scenes to make it look like they were building up to the monster.

Kimberly swiped a flat hand across her throat as she reached into her satchel and pulled out a [url=https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/2/52379.jpg]Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0[/url]. Rowan cut the feed, and the two moved their way over towards the figure as lightly as possible. If they played their cards right, they could get the drop on it. While she had powers she wasn't [i]stupid[/i], far from it, she knew that a little extra heat won't hurt. Kimberly cut the lights as she approached the thing. 

With more of the insects surrounded it rather than the environment, she was able to get good at it when she flashed her flashlight on it. The thing had chalk-white skin that was almost literally skin and bones, with long bleeding claws but Kimberly couldn't see its face as it had buried itself into the torso of a... little girl. No older than thirteen years old with long black hair. Kimberly couldn't help but freeze out of pity for the girl. She has seen some shit so the gore didn't bother her but this? This was getting to be too much. She was ripped to shreds before she was killing.

Which made her mission to stop Annabelle all the more important. There was no saving this girl, however. The monster that was eating her on the other hand...

"Stop!" Kimberly said as she aimed her pistol at it with both hands and dropped her weight. Her finger was on the trigger. 

The creature hissed at Kimberly as it quickly lunged at her. She had no choice but to squeeze the trigger and a bullet came out and hit the chalk-white thing directly in the shoulder. The creature let out an inhuman sequel and quickly Kimberly pulled the trigger again and there was that deafening ring as it was hit directly in the chest. And it still had enough strength to hop off... except it was bleeding profusely and Kimberly followed the trail of blood through the woods. 

She cursed herself for not putting her insect swarm on it so she could track it. However, she sent the insect swarm forward after it to scout the area ahead to make sure that she's not walking into a horde of those things. She had the pistol hanging low as she ran as she asked, "Are you recording?"

"Yeah," Rowan said as he ran behind Kimberly.

"Shit, I didn't say to record, Rowan! Um..." Kimberly trailed off. "So I'm chasing after the illusive maneater as we speak!"

The insect swarm tracked the creature to an [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e9/83/f8/e983f85ce36173f8af192d251f6dba64.jpg]abandoned house[/url] as it jumped through the window and disappeared. The first thing that Kimberly did as the two approached the house sent the insect swarm around the house to scout. There was nobody nearby, only the cold night sky and the shrubbery. The next thing Kimberly did was send the swarm inside to find the monster however she found herself the outline of a tall, gaunt, figure wearing a robe...

"No..." Kimberly muttered

[hr][hider=Massive Attack - Angel][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66A_3uwuZ_I[/youtube][/hider][hr]

The door was kicked down as an [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5d/22/e6/5d22e6a728f5094b14be45a3237b74a7.jpg]an enormous figure wearing a deer skull and a black robe[/url] stepped out. The thing was easily like seven feet tall and smelled [i]horrid[/i]. The person was at least thirty feet away and Kimberly found herself gagging at the odor she was giving off. Like a dead body...

"Rowan," Kimberly gagged again as she slid her pistol into her satchel. "Stay close. I think we just found the Maneater herself...." She said into the camera.

The swarm of insects floated down towards the ground as a gesture of surrendering. She took a few steps forward as the figure said,

"... Who are you? Why have you come here?"

"Annabelle," Kimberly said as there was a growing nervousness in her throat as she stepped up. "I've come to help you."

"I don't want your help!" Annabelle roared. 

"You do," Kimberly said, "You're not in control of your actions, it's the curse. We need to cure you of it."

"The [i]Hunger...[/i]" Annabelle said as she pulled her hand from underneath the robe and stared at it. It wasn't a hand at this point, it was like a claw. Her fingertips were shaped into lengthy sharp claws and her skin was pale as paper, "... I need this. I need this to kill Saul!" 

The woman loudly yelled as she slashed at the wall and nearly took down the fragile building. 

"I understand what Saul did to you-"

"No, you don't! Nobody understands!" The woman began clawing at her mask as she growled out the words. "You don't understand what he did to me, what he did to my sister, my friends! I-I can't stop!"

"You have to, Anna!" Kimberly shouted, "You're killing innocent people! You may hate Saul, but you shouldn't drag [i]them[/i] into this! I know there's a good person in there deep down, so I'm begging you, [i]begging you[/i], stop. For them. There are dangerous people after you and I don't think I can stop them!"

Annabelle yelled as she fell to her hands and knees.

"I want to stop..." Annabelle said as she rested her face into her claws. "I... I have to kill Saul. This rage. I'm... hungry. I have to kill..."

"Annabelle, fight it," Kimberly said. "I know you can do it. We can bring Saul to justice, I just need you to stop."

"No... I must kill Saul! I hunger for his flesh!" Annabelle said as she placed a claw on the ground and pushed herself to her feet. Red eyes flashed from underneath her deer skull mask as she said. "... I'm hungry."

Annabelle lunged at Kimberly, covering the ground at high speeds.

"Shit!" Kimberly shouted as she pulled out her pistol and as she summoned the swarm of insects to attack Annabelle. Their hellish buzzing could be heard for miles as they formed a thick cloud in front of her around Annabelle. "Rowan!"

"On it!" Rowan grabbed onto Kimberly and the two were surrounded with a glowing blue aura as Annabelle was attacked by the insects. They compressed themselves from a cloud as they covered her from head to toe in bugs and attacked her. The bees and hornets stung her, the fire ants ripped and tore at her legs, and everything else just tore at her vital areas. Meanwhile, Kimberly was aiming her weapon at her.

"I'm sorry, Annabelle!" Kimberly shouted. "You've given me no other choice!"

"I... I knew you didn't care about me!" Annabelle shouted as she slashed at the insects.

"Don't make me do this!" Kimberly said as a tear went down her eye. "We can [i]still[/i] work this out, Annabelle! We can stop! You can stop!"

"I already told you..." Annabelle shouted, "[i]I can't![/i]"

She lunged through the swarm of insects as she landed on all fours before launching herself at Kimberly. Who immediately let loose several bullets and they all hit Annabelle... she just didn't stop as she tackled Kimberly to the ground. Rowan went down with her as the camera, and pistol, went sliding across the floor. Kimberly felt Annabelle's claws pressing into her shoulders as she screamed.

"Kim!" Rowan shouted as she grabbed the pistol and let a few rounds off into Annabelle... and one went clean through her skull and splattered her brains all over the grass. It left a hole in her mask which showed the brutality... This gave Kimberly ample time to get from under Annabelle before it was instantly replaced. She was panting as she crawled her way to Rowan's feet and he threw his pistol to her. 

"We gotta get out of here," Kimberly said to Rowan as she reached into her satchel and pulled out a photograph of their hotel room.

"Please..." Annabelle said as she stood straight up. She was violently twitching almost as if she was trying to hold herself back. She holds her hands together below her waist as she shouted, "Just... [i][b]go![/b][/i]"

Kimberly didn't waste any time in teleporting herself and Rowan out of there.

[hr]

Annabelle walked back into the abandoned building, seething because of all of her wounds and the betrayal. Her skull mask now had a hole in it that she needed to fix. At all costs. Annabelle sighed.

"... She's right you know," A voice appeared from behind Annabelle and she merely turned around her shoulder to see [url=https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/f2848d7e-4610-4cde-92d7-2fa349912410/d7g79dt-15cc3dc7-cb22-493f-a9cf-f4889f8d0e1e.jpg/v1/fill/w_1111,h_719,q_70,strp/b_d_f_s_a_a___2_by_arctic__revolution_d7g79dt-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD04MjkiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC9mMjg0OGQ3ZS00NjEwLTRjZGUtOTJkNy0yZmEzNDk5MTI0MTBcL2Q3Zzc5ZHQtMTVjYzNkYzctY2IyMi00OTNmLWE5Y2YtZjQ4ODlmOGQwZTFlLmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD0xMjgwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.hxLthqLV1LRu0ZzbIQCII1PNEi18lX5QzkEbm-g8vPE]a familiar sight[/url]. "You need to stop hurting people."

"I'm trying to, Sophia," Annabelle softly mumbled. "I'm trying to do the right thing..."

"Then... just stop," The girl the softest smile said. "You want to do the right thing? Then stop hurting people and accept help."

"I have to stop Saul!" Annabelle shouted as she turned around, "He hurt us! I can't let him keep hurting people! What if I stop now, and he does the same thing to other people!?"

Sophia walked over to Annabelle, and put a hand on her shoulder, "Okay, maybe we can take this one step at a  time? You... haven't been taking care of yourself." Sophia mentioned as she wrestled Annabelle's hand from underneath the robe and examined. 

"Maybe you should take some time [i]tooooo[/i]..." Sophia trailed off as she looked at Annabelle's claw. ".. Take a shower, do your hair, cut your nails? Maybe get out of this ugly robe? Where the [i]hell[/i] did you get this in the first place?"

Sophia smiled at her.

"I love you, Sophia," Annabelle said as tears ran down her face from underneath the mask. "I'll do everything in my power to protect you, protect you from [i]him.[/i]"

"I love you too," Sophia said with a smile. "I just want you to come home so we can get some ice cream and maybe play some games like we used to." 

Annabelle stared at Sophia for a second.

"Things will never be the same," She said as she snatched her claw away. "... And you know that." Annabelle began walking away and left Sophia standing there staring at him.

"Yeah, I know," Sophia kept that wide smile on her face. "Take your time."

[hr][img]https://i.imgur.com/oMz5qAj.png[/img]
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[hr]
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[hr][/center]

The next day Emily went back to work and business as usual as one of Blake Schmidt's many, many, secretaries. She had her hair in a bun and she was, for once, wearing glasses as she stood in front of the computer endlessly typing away. It was Friday, and she was going to finish strong before she went home and wondered what kind of fuckery the Coven was going to send her way next. To be honest, she's been watching her back as of late with the whole FBI thing. She had no clue if they were [i]actual[/i] FBI, but at the same time, they haven't hauled her or anyone else to jail.

Good.

She was too pretty for jail.

As per usual, the rest of the Coven were doing whatever during the week. Presumably, those dumbasses had to be working at a Burger King or doing something to contribute to society. Something to justify them making so many trees work so hard at keeping them alive. Though, she shook her head as she focused on her work.

"... You should go see what Schmidt is doing," Babylon said as she floated in front of Emily as she came to a stop.

"Babylon how many times have I told you?" Emily said, "Someone's going to see you."

"Long as they're not Extra-Normal or anything," Babylon smiled, "We're fine!"

"Good grief," Emily said, however, Babylon disappeared when somebody walked up and she turned her nose upwards at the sight. [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b8/05/d1/b805d1c4f18463bf32a17c290f592d99.jpg]It was a short, red-haired woman wearing a suit and glasses and had a face covered in freckles[/url]. 

Jenna Lyons.

"Ms. Reed," Jenna said with a coy smile on her face and a clipboard. Usually, this bitch piles the work she doesn't want to do on Emily because she's low on the food chain. And every time that Emily saw her she wanted to punch her in her little whore face. She always walks around the office all smug all because she's been fucking Blake Schmidt. And everyone who seems to drop their panties for him always gets the best of the best. It seems like [i]everyone[/i] has been sucking and fucking for a promotion, raise, fewer duties... and it was pissing Emily off.

"Maybe you should just give in," Babylon said and Emily didn't even respond she just focused on Jenna.

"Anything I can help you with, Ms. Jenna?"  Emily asked as she used all of her strength to restrain herself.

"If you hate her so much, just turn let me turn her into a monster or something," Babylon shrugged. "Or better yet, turn her into your love slave. Nothing's more empowering than seeing your most hated enemy's face between your legs."

And Emily ignored her as usual as Jenna gave her the orders for today.

"Mr. Schmidt would like to see you," Jenna said as she gestured for Emily to come along and she raised an eyebrow. Schmidt never gave her the time of day and unlike the rest of these [i]sluts[/i] she wasn't crowding around him to get in his pants. Emily, without another word, pushed herself to her feet and followed after Jenna in the busy halls of the Paragon Labcorps. Why the hell did he call it "Paragon"? All she saw here was corporate greed and capitalism gone wild.

But it paid twenty-five (and fifty cents) an hour so Emily couldn't complain.

Eventually, they were in the elevator and Emily simply stood there as Babylon floated over to Jenna.

"My, my, she's quite attractive, red hair, freckles, a nice bosom... her nose looks strange, however," Babylon said, "But, you are far, far above her and if Blake is willing to do [i]anything[/i] to make sure his toy is happy... think of what he'll do for you? If you just swallow your pride and get the power you desire."

Emily narrowed her eyes at Babylon. [i]Not happening.[/i]

Eventually, the doors opened and that awkward feeling also dissipated. Emily followed Jenna as Babylon floated behind them unbeknownst to the lead secretary and lead them to Blake Schmidt's office. This was the first time she's seen the CEO's office... it was fancy.

"... And it could be yours," Babylon said.

However, Blake was standing staring out the window with his arms behind his back like a window without a word... like a total weirdo.

"Emily G. Reed," Blake started as he ominously (and overdramatically) turned his head to look over his shoulder at her. "Do you know why you're here?"

"No, not at all, sir," Emily meekly answered.

"Jenna, show her," Blake said with a snap of his fingers and Jenna Lyons displayed her cellphone... which showed the video of Emily burning her clothes off and the various fights against the Greenwood Coven and even the fight in the Dairy Queen parking lot. And Emily bit her fingertips as she looked up at Blake with wide-eyed.

"... What do you want, Blake?" Emily asked.

"Oh! You aren't in trouble or anything, I was thinking that you and this little group of yours could help me with a little problem of mine," Blake said and Emily raised an eyebrow. 

She put a hand on her tiny hip as she tilted her head, "... And what problem is that?" She asked.

"Well, I've been looking to delve into the world of the Extra-Normal," Blake said as he turned around and began closing the distance between the two, and Emily instinctively took a step back. "And I'm willing to pay top dollar for whoever can get me one of these magical abilities."

"Oh, I can give him one!" Babylon said as she readied a yellow sigil and Emily shook her head.

"Shaking your head at nothing, I see!" Blake said, before he put his fingers together as if he was going to snap them, "Perhaps [i]this[/i] can sway you." Blake snapped his fingers and somebody came in.

Emily immediately identified the [url=https://i.imgur.com/NR44nd9.jpg]tall, Japanese-American, woman that walked in as Makoto Koda.[/url] Sporting her trademark smirk as she carried in a briefcase and placed it on the table. Blake opened the briefcase and revealed that it was full of money and Emily's jaw dropped.

"... It's all yours." Blake said, "Think of it as your bonus for all the hard work."

Emily, true to her name G. Reed, went through it... and realized it was hundreds on top and a bunch of ones on the bottom.

That motherfucker.

"I would like a meeting with your friends," Blake Schmidt said, "If you get your little Coven in a meeting with me and get me initiated with the supernatural I'll shower you with money, Ms. Reed."

Emily smiled widely... this will be enough to help pay's Jacqueline medical bills and if Blake honors his end... then maybe she'll have enough until Jacqueline's curse is cured. She looked up.

"... Where do you need them and when?" Emily asked.

"Oh, well, Jenna here will arrange that," Blake said as he waved his hand, "Just contact her and we'll... sort something out." He smiled.

"Now run along, you have the rest of the day off."

Emily had to contain her excitement as she took the briefcase and nearly ran out of the office... where Blake narrowed his eyes at Makoto, "Follow her." Makoto smiled as she took off after Emily.

"... Best news I heard all day!" Emily said to herself as she ran outside with the briefcase and quickly ran to the parking lot where she threw on her helmet and hopped on her moped. As she started it, she sent out a text message to the Coven's Snapchat group.


[quote][b][code]Alright sloots I have important business so let's meet up at the amusement part right now like ASAP

it involves big $$$ from Mr Schmidt like i said get to the place ASAP like right fucking now sloots[/code][/b][/quote]

With that, Emily zipped off on her moped towards the Coven's new meeting spot.

[i]Fantasy Land.[/i]

[center][hr][img]https://i.imgur.com/7STnRDF.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/JbOW25x.png[/img]
[hr][hider=Jidenna - Vaporiza][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AGxzHPq0eA[/youtube][/hider][hr][/center]


Claudette wasn't one to pry.

When Madison came back from the encounter with the Hound she seemed distant. Stranger even. She didn't talk, avoided even looking at Claudette, and just went to work and came home. Every attempt to connect with her and talk with her about what [i]exactly[/i] happened with that thing ended up with nothing. And all Claudette has been doing was experimenting with her abilities in her spare time and doing odd-jobs around Tampa to make some living. It was nice that Madison was willing to let her live with her, but the money that she has saved is slowly depleting. And she's not sure if she would be able to go back to her hole job. 

Claudette sighed as she sat on the couch, watching TV bored out of her mind. Most of the other girls had a job or school to attend, which was why they always met on the weekends. Though, after what happened with the "FBI", things were beginning to change. For starters, they seemed to be getting serious. Or trying to. They needed to prepare for these things much, better. As Babylon said, they attracted strange.

Her phone beeped and saw that it was from the Coven's Snapchat group... which they only were supposed to use in emergencies.

[quote][b][code]Alright sloots I have important business so let's meet up at the amusement part right now like ASAP

it involves big $$$ from Mr Schmidt like i said get to the place ASAP like right fucking now[/code][/b][/quote]

"Oh, dear..." Claudette didn't like the sound of this. Emily G. Reed wasn't exactly the most... sensible person. Especially with Babylon at her side. It was unfortunate but that was how things were going to go. A few messages were confirming that they were going to this impromptu meeting - but some said they were late because they wanted to meet some prospective members of the Coven - and Claudette sighed. Madison was out at the moment and that meant that Claudette had to take the bus.

Again, Claudette sighed as she grabbed her keys and walked out the door. 

Just another day in the Coven.

[hr]

Eventually, Claudette got off the bus and walked a little while to their brand new meeting spot. The Coven had many, many, arguments about where they should meet but eventually, somebody suggested that they meet at this place known as [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b3/ff/c3/b3ffc36704b36f0d69a085d27313eb07.jpg]Fantasy Land[/url]. 
A theme park that was abandoned some time ago somewhat east of Tampa towards Seffner and other places. As Claudette walked through the gates she felt an odd feeling. Like there was something wrong here.

Maybe that was the thing... people say that Fantasy Land park was haunted. Cursed even. People go in and never come out, it was a bunch of silly rumors and other ghost stories. And Claudette would have regarded it as such before she realized that ghosts and monsters were real. Very real.

Today was a great day, it was bright and sunny. A perfect day for a meeting. Florida had some of the most schizophrenic weather that Claudette had ever seen. One day it'd be storming and another day it'd be beautiful. Claudette made sure to dress appropriately for the day, however. She was wearing black sweat shorts and a blue T-shirt and some blue New Balance sneakers. She had a backpack on for the door so she kinda looked like a hiker. Her afro was puffy as always...

... She heard a rustling in the bushes and she immediately cast a shroud of darkness over the area. Call it paranoia, but Claudette knew better than to shrug it off. She couldn't hear anything but she made a hole in the darkness to pierce through it and see what it was.

... And what came running out was [url=https://nas.er.usgs.gov/XIMAGESERVERX/2019/20190613131315.JPG]an alligator[/url]. Any normal person would probably scream and run away, however, Claudette dispersed the darkness as she bent down.

"Chompy!" Claudette said as she pat the alligator on the head like a dog, "I missed you, [i]Monsieur![/i]"

The first oddity about the Coven was that they had a pet alligator (or "familiar" whatever that meant). It was the most [i]Florida[/i] thing that she ever heard in her life. She had no clue what exactly the thing was, she heard some of the members calling it an Abscised or something. Claudette didn't care. Normally the Alligator is the guardian of the Coven's lair while they weren't around... but it was bad at its job. 

Very bad.

However, Chompy was here and Claudette affectionately rubbed the sides of its face. "Let's go." She said as she got up and began walking through the amusement park until they made it to their planned meeting shop... one of the abandoned restaurants the place had in the shape of a ship. There were many, many, different seats and tables and Claudette pulled a chair out with her foot and sat down on it. 

Casually waiting for the "woman of the hour" to show up.


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[hr][hider=Domcamatic (Joker Remix) - Gorillaz][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPmW58Bv7kg[/youtube][/hider][hr][/center]


Why did everything have to be such a bother?

Taylor turned her nose upwards as she walked down the streets of Tampa... the sun was shining bright as ever but every time Taylor looked up at the sun she always got reminded of bad things. Very bad things. She shook her head as she was looking at her cellphone. She was reading some text messages, and her phone was being barraged with Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook notifications from people she didn't even know. Honestly, she couldn't be bothered to answer them all and didn't even read it. How much do these people spend on their phones? Though one hand was on her cellphone, the other was with a cigarette in between her fingertips. It was almost like she was in a rush to ruin [i]this[/i] body. 

Though, she bumped into somebody in front of her and dropped both the cigarette and her cellphone. She let out a quiet yelp as she tried to save the cigarette but it was crushed by the person's foot. She picked up her phone and tried to dust it off.

"... Um, miss," Taylor heard the gentleman's voice looking down at her as she realized that she forgot something. "You just bump into me and not even apologize?"

[i]Oh shit, right.[/i] Taylor thought to herself as she looked up at the older gentleman, she was about to mouth an apology before he stormed off.

"Bitch." He said as he walked off and Taylor shrugged.

[i]Can't please everyone.[/i] Taylor thought to herself as she walked off and continued to her destination... which was a Dairy Queen. So, this was where the Coven was set to meet her. Apparently, they had a few incidents and didn't want to tell people where they were off the bat. They wanted to meet them first... but a fucking Dairy Queen? Was this the [i]best[/i] they could do? Taylor shook her head as she walked in and ordered a strawberry milkshake and took a sip of it as she walked to a table.

They said to meet them at this exact table... and that there would be other [i]prospective[/i] members of the Coven there, too.

[i]What a joy.[/i]