KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I turn around and walk out of the storeroom, heading for the front of the house. This information I already know. ”Map of the city and the surrounding area if you have it. She needs one to do a locator spell,” I explain to him. I set the phone down momentarily to pull on my jacket. I pick the phone back up and grab my car keys.

Cassi joins me a couple of moments later, and the pair of us walk outside. I turn towards the garage, open up the side door and unlock the black SUV. It's a little more inconspicuous than my Aston.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I laughed while Nero had a moment. I reach the storeroom and lean against the doorframe while Cassi packs up. ”For you to bring yourself, whatever you need to break into a morgue, for Cassi…” I raise my eyebrows at her in a silent question.

Cassi pauses and looks around. She double-checks the items in her bag. ”A map.” I glance at the map next to her, but Cassi just smiles. I shrug. ”A map, apparently. Looks like she has everything else she needs.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I look towards the door, almost afraid Cassi is going to walk back in and inform me she’s heard this entire conversation. If there weren’t something more important on the table, I would fly to Nero’s house at this moment. Driving would have taken far too long. I shift away from the table, clearing my throat once more.

”Ich werde sie wissen lassen. Ich bin mir sicher, dass mir einige Artikel fehlen.” I grab my jacket and step out into the hallway to find Cassi. Nero’s comment makes me pause for a moment. I chuckle, and fling my jacket over my shoulder.

”Ich könnte einen weiblichen Körper für dich unterbringen, aber es ist mir viel lieber, ein guter Junge zu sein.” Of course, I can hear the shuffle to hold the phone while being busy with something else. I assume it is one of the cats Nero has.

Translations

I will let her know. I am sure I am missing some items.
I could accommodate a female body for you, but I much prefer being a good boy.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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A smile instantly graces my lips when I hear Nero answer. I clear my throat at the realization and try to speak normally. ”Cassi schnappt sich Vorräte, dann machen wir uns auf den Weg. Sind Sie bereit?” I lean against the table, looking out the window as the sun slowly sets.

I’m not sure why it feels effortless to speak with Nero. I get along with most people, having an act for fitting in any place, but to speak with Nero is like speaking with any old friend or lover. It’s common and relaxing. Odd since demons are inherently untrustworthy, but I don’t seem to be concerned by that notion.

Translations

Cassi is grabbing supplies, then we will be on our way. Are you ready?

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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After Caden left, I flipped to a new page in my notebook and started writing down what Nero said and what his reactions were. Whatever they were, Crowley wanted to keep them on a tight leash. Crowley liked to collect unique things, but he also liked to keep what he feared close to him. That’s why he tried to claim me and why he tried to please Nero. There was something there that I needed to know more about.

It isn’t until after supper that Caden comes back. He’s changed into a black on black number, for what purpose I don’t really know. We have permission to view Nic’s mother's body, but I just shake my head and stand.

”I need some supplies,” I tell him.

”Check the storeroom for anything you might need. If I don’t have anything, we can stop by your shop and gather the rest of what you need.”
I nod and stand, bringing my notes and bag with me. ”Where did you go?” I ask him,

”No where,” he says with a shrug. ’I’ll call Nero while you do that.” I watch him for a moment until he takes out his phone to call the demon. I leave to go check and see what Caden might still have.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I looked at Cass while Nero wrote down a way for us to contact them. She merely smiled at me, but she really did look like a cat who had found a mouse to play with. I frowned at her before focusing back on Nero.

I stood straight when he finished and smiled. ”Of course, we’ll call before heading over tonight. Do make sure to keep your hands in your pockets as you leave,” I said with a wink before watching him go.

Cassi opened her mouth to speak, and I waved my hand to silence her. I didn’t want to talk until Nero had left. I walked out of the library, watching them retreat down the hallway. Once they were out of the house, I turned and looked back at Cass.

”What the hell happened while I was gone?”

Cassi shrugged and stood, grabbing some of the treats I brought in. ”She let me ask more questions, and I guess I hit a nerve. They were very interested in the swords, so I decided to show them more. They kept going on about Crowley not viewing them as a threat — that seemed especially important since they noted it specifically twice — and then I decided to mess with him a little. I cut my finger, and he seemed to lose it even more. Whoever or whatever he is, he isn't just a demon, and I have half a mind to find out.”

”Neugierde brachte die Katze um.” Cass frowned at me and I didn’t elaborate. I grabbed a biscuit off the tray and tossed it up once. ”You keep researching. I’ve got other things to do.” I left without any further explanation.

Translations

Curiosity killed the cat.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I pull my eyes away from Cassi, who keeps the 17th-century dagger to herself for the time being.

”The body hasn’t been released to the family yet; however, it will be tomorrow, so whatever we are doing, it must be tonight.” I look at Nero. ”You’re welcome to wait with us or return to your residence until this evening.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I resume my seat while Caden speaks to Nero. I don’t often practice blood magic, but I have a need for it on occasion. I am half tempted to use it to unblock Nero and see what on earth they are hiding, but something tells me I would live to regret that decision. Still, the way they reacted to me cutting my finger and speaking on demon behaviour was intriguing, to say the least.

The last few questions proved informative, and I felt further along in uncovering who this demon really was. They were high ranking, higher than they wanted to indulge in, and Crowley was tied to them somehow. Nero could become a very powerful friend or bargaining chip should one require it.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
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”No? Are you sure about that?” I reach into the cabinet and pull out a dagger. I run a finger up the blade, effectively cutting myself. I rub my fingers together, spreading the blood, and continue to watch Nero. Something’s happening to them and I wonder if being in Caden’s house is releasing something Nero has been blocking.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Cassi, mon amour, why are you giving away all my secrets?” I walk back into the library, setting down a tray of snacks and treats to see one of my weapons cabinets open and a blade in Cassi’s hand. I lean my arms on the back of a chair watching the two of them curiously. I’ve clearly missed a few things while I was on the phone with Detective Costa and the coroner.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I watched Nero for a long while, thinking about his words about Crowley gravitating towards talent. That was the second time Nero said that Crowley wasn't worried about Nero taking his throne, which meant Nero was capable of taking the King of Hell's throne if they wanted it. Interesting.

"Demons aren't my family. Demons destroy families. You know, the more you try to avoid going towards the swords, the more obvious you make it that you want to see them." I stand up and go over to the weapons. I hover over the metal, outlining it, but never touching it. Then I reach down and push open the cabinet doors. Three shelves are revealed, full of daggers, knives, and smaller swords. I look over at Nero and watch them closely.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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I swat the hand away that pats my head. I wasn't a child and yet clearly they thought they were older than me and could condensed me. "You can't create creatures? So you're not high ranking and yet Crowley trusts you to retrieve his creatures?" I frowned at this, it didn't make sense to me.

I watched them wander again, noting the question they didn't answer. I wouldn't let that one go easily. She asked me another question and I leaned back in my chair, watching them. I supposed I could answer one for the few I had asked them. At least they were answering my questions. Well, most of my questions.

"Yes, he knew. It's why he wanted me to join, much like Caden's family wanting my bloodline." I watched Nero continue to wander.