KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The Gods – Chicago, IL
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I glance away from Kimiko, feeling my eyes continue to be drawn to her. I stare out at the trees again, feeling the need to scream again. ”I’m sorry about earlier… I took my past frustrations out on you, and that wasn’t fair of me,” I say, but I can’t look back at Kimiko.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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”Oh easily,” I said but wave that idea away. ”I’d rather go now. I want to solve this.” I said. I had no patience when it came to completing something supernatural-related.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I smile and kiss Nero gently while I hold them. ”You are most welcome. What would you like to do now? We could watch a movie or go for a walk,” I offer.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The Gods – Chicago, IL
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I cock my head to the side, watching Kimiko hunt around. I look away when she starts stretching so I’m not staring. ”Remember when I said I try to go to the restaurant once a week? Once a week unless Caden needs me for something.” I kick the ground at my feet and glance at Kimiko.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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I narrow my eyes playfully at Nic and shake my head. ”You two are horrible,” I declare and get into the SUV.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I lost time while I was reading, and I didn’t hear Nero until they walked back into the bedroom. I look up, set the book aside, and stand. ”How was your bath, my little imp?”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The Gods – Chicago, IL
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I stand there while they laugh at me and the situation we are in. I feel like it’s deserving as well as therapeutic for Kimiko. I rock my heels back and forth and look out over the edge until she’s done and asks me another question.

”I have, although I use it more for stretching than mindfulness. This works better,” I say, gesturing to the space around us.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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I hug Nic back, both amused and impressed, as he talks about the different oaths taken. I suppose I was talking about the second oath he mentions, which is a law more than an oath. His last statement shocks me, though.

”Nicholas Wu, did you look this man up in the hospital system?” I searched his eyes, wondering where this rebel side of him had been hiding.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I go out to the bedroom and stand there for a moment before I start to tidy up. I replay Nero’s memory in my head over and over again, committing Mundus’ face and voice to memory. I knew Hell was full of people like Mundus, and Nero likely did some of the same things he did just to regain some control in their lives, but Nero was mine now, which meant anyone who had harmed them had harmed me.

I walked over to the bookshelf in my room and scanned the row of books before I pulled one down. Any of the books I needed for more research-based purposes were in my office, but I wasn’t going to leave Nero. I brought my book over to the couch and sat down to try and drown out the murderous thoughts in my head.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The Gods – Chicago, IL
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I watched the rock she was about to throw clatter to the ground next to her. I walk over, reach down to pick it up, and toss it into the air. I then turned and yeeted it over the edge.

”I usually stay here for a while but I've never brought a guest here let alone one against their will. I'm not sure what the protocol is,” I state simply and look back at Kimiko.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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I whip my head around and stare at Nic. ”What!?” I look back at the building, worried I was too loud, and move in closer to Nic. ”Isn't that against some oath you wouldn't have said back in school?”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The Gods – Chicago, IL
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I sigh, feeling better after my little yelling contest into the void. Nearby I hear something crash and clatter. I look behind me to see Kimiko throwing things as far as she can. I imagine she's envisioning throwing me over the edge.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I smile and lean forward to kiss Nero softly. ”I'll come check on you in a little bit,” I said before standing and retiring to the bedroom.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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We say our goodbyes and head back to the car. I cursed in French once we were far enough away and I looked back at the building. ”I should have known he wouldn't have it on him. Still, I wish he did so we could have solved this today.”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Garden of The Gods – Chicago, IL
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She eventually unwraps herself from around me and I get off the bike. I set my helmet down and glance at her. ”I'll take you back after this. I just couldn't go back yet,” I say, and shrug.

I pocket the keys from the bike and walk over to the edge of the road. I take in the sight before I hop the guard rail and walk through the path that shouldn't be there and start climbing over rocks until I get to the edge of the cliff. Trees blanket the ground far below, stretching out for as far as I can see. I was amazed when I first found this place. I didn't think I would get such picturesque sights with no longer being in the west coast of the states, but I was glad I found this.

I shut my eyes and take a deep breath in before I tell as loudly as I can into the emptiness around me. I came here to yell a lot.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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Nero untangles themselves from me and shimmies out of their clothes before getting into the bath water. I'm half tempted to run my fingertips along their skin as they move, but I keep my hands to myself. Instead, I look at the marks on their back, having a newfound hatred for them.

Nero disappears under the water and I feel myself relax as I watch the steam curl around them. I smile at Nero when they ask if I want to join. I shake my head and bend down beside the tub.

”No my little imp, this time is for you. I will be in the bedroom reading if you need me, okay?”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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I genuinely blush when Nic throws in my actual nickname. I have a feeling that statement was more genuine than ruse because of that fact alone.

I look away, letting the men carry the conversation for the time being as I collect myself. It almost fails when Mr Scott calls me Nic's girlfriend. I mean, I am, but it's the first time I've heard someone else say it.

I regain my composure when Mr Scott states he doesn't have the gem on him. Of course he doesn't. I twitch in annoyance but I plaster a smile on my face and rest a hand on Nic's arm.

”Oh, yes please! As soon as possible,” I say.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Driving —> Garden of The Gods – IL
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Kimiko clings tightly to me as I drive around corners and weave around cars when they show up. My fingers twitch on the handlebars, wanting to comfort Kimiko, but I withhold myself. Maybe she’ll forgive me when she sees where I’m taking her. Perhaps I’ll be able to apologize for being an ass.

The drive was mostly quiet, which was why I usually picked this road to travel on. The views were the more obvious reason. We drove past flat landscapes, past walls of trees, towns, and rolling hills. I start to slow up to turn off the main road. We head up a hill and down a road that curves with the landscape. Eventually, the space opens up again, and I pull over to the side of the road. Before us is a vast, open landscape with hoodoos and unique rock outcroppings. I shut the bike off, and the sound of birds and insects fills the space around us. I take my helmet and gloves off, taking in the space around us.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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In return, I wrapped my arms around Nero and picked them up off the ground. I let them dangle there for half a minute before scooping them into my arms properly. ”You are most welcome,” I said, and carried them back into our room and the bathroom.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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I nod eagerly. ”Cost isn’t an issue. This piece is going to be in the family for a long time. It has to be perfect,” I declare.

Mr Scott smiles at us, looking back at the pictures and nods. “I think I might be able to help you. I came across a yellow sapphire a little while ago. It is a rather large piece, and I haven’t found the right piece for it yet, but I think your project might be perfect.”

I gasp, covering my face with my hands, and look at Nic excitedly. ”Oh, this is wonderful!”

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Driving – Chicago, IL
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Once Kimiko’s arms wrap around my waist, I start the bike and back it up with my feet before accelerating forward slowly. I know she wants to go home, but I can’t. My energy is jittery, and I usually go for a long ride after breakfast.

Instead of turning right to return the way we came, I turned left. She’s already pissed at me, what’s a little more hatred and anger going to do?

I wait until we leave the town limits before I push the bike faster. The wind roars around us, the sound dampened by our helmets, but the speed is thrilling. I push the bike as fast as I dare with a passenger, easily taking curves in the road.

I first learned how to ride when I was twelve, starting with this old, rusted motorcycle I found and nursed back to life. I totaled the thing and broke my arm, but the next day, when my arm fully healed, I was hunting for another bike to ride. I’m fairly certain it was the first time I had fallen in love.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I add bubbles to the bath before lighting a few candles for Nero. It’s the middle of the day, so light streams in through the bathroom windows, but the mood of relaxation is still present. I open the cabinets under the sink and search for the dehydrated lavender to add to the bath.

I shut the water off once the tub was full and laid out a towel for Nero before returning to their bedroom. I knock gently on the door before I poke my head in.

”It’s ready, my little imp.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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”I love emeralds, but I also have my eye on yellow sapphire. It reminds me of the sun and would add a lovely touch to the fountain. The problem is I haven’t found anything large enough,” I say, frowning. ”Show him the pictures of the fountain,” I say, tugging on Nic’s arm.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Restaurant – Chicago, IL
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I follow behind Kimiko, pulling my jacket and the keys out of my bag. I toss my cell phone and wallet inside before zipping it back up.

We remain silent while getting ready to ride back to Caden's. I slip between anger and defeat as I try to focus on the task at hand. I know why I'm angry, but I don't want to acknowledge it. Instead, I zip up my jacket and put on my helmet and wait for Kimiko to get on the bike. I don't bother giving her hand signals, my subtle revenge for the day.

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I nod and lean forward to kiss Nero's forehead. ”I'll come back when it's ready,” I said, getting off the bed and leaving the room.

I close the door behind me and take a moment in the hallway. I take a deep breath in and let it out. My eyes prick and I wipe the silent tears that started to fall away from my face before I walk into our bedroom to draw Nero a bath.

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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I giggle like a stereotypical girl in love when Nic mentions other ceremonies. We follow Mr Scott and I keep the act going.

”The fountain thing is traditional but we're hoping to modernize it a bit. It's just so plain,” I explain, scrunching my nose up like the idea of plainness is a personal affront to me.

Chicago After Hours -- Paused (indefinitely)

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Avery Zain

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Location: Restaurant – Chicago, IL
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I don't finish all of my food, which is a major sign something is wrong. I sighed when Kimiko said she would find a different way home.

”If I let you do that, Caden would have my head,” I told her. As much as we might not want each other's company right now, there's no way around it.

I pull out my wallet and toss down a hundred dollar bill to pay for the thirty dollar meal.

”Let's just go.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden’s Home – Chicago, IL
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I smile at Nero and the cats who come claim the space now between Nero and I.

”I'm a dragon. The smell of sulphur doesn't bother me,” I remind Nero. ”But if you want to shower, I understand. I can also run you a bath if you'd prefer a longer soak.”

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: – Chicago, IL
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When I hear the person announce themselves as Mr Scott, I rejoin Nic. I hang off of his arm, smiling at Mr Scott.

”Thank you for seeing us on such short notice. We've been searching forever for someone to restore my Wei’s family piece, right baby?” I look up at Nic with big doe eyes, hoping he doesn't start laughing with how thickly I'm laying this on.

Mr Scott looks amused as he looks between the two. “Of course, always glad to help admirers of my work. Right this way,” he says and leads me and Nic to the back.