Trisstana Glasser's Story

TRISSTANA GLASSER

outfit xxxxxxx hex; #D4AF37

xxx The price of your greed
xxx Is your son and your daughter
xxx What you gon' do
xxx When there's blood in the water?

Trisstana moved around much and traveled often in her life, never really staying in one place for long. She did stay in a river cave by a small farming village for a couple months before some of their citizens mysteriously started disappearing. Triss had heard among other magical folk about a place called Greythorne, though alot of mixed things. It being a safe haven for any and all people to go, but some were also saying it had been attacked and nothing was left but burnt down buildings and ruins. Triss didn’t exactly know what to believe, nor did she care too much. Most villages, towns, cities, or whatever weren’t ever worth her time, eventually leading to people turning on her, calling her a monster for how she lived and believed. All she cared about now was following her current river and seeing where it would take her.

Triss was relaxing with the flow of the river, letting it pull her down stream and around bends when she felt something touch her tail and her eyes shot open. A net. Without hesitating she used her claws to rip it apart and popped her head up above the surface to see a man on a rock with a fishing pole confused about his net, but then wide eyed seeing Triss, he stuttered something out but quickly took off into the woods after she flashed her fangs and hissed at him. If she hadn’t just fed a couple hours earlier, she probably would've lept out of the water and drug him under, but at the moment she was just aggravated with her tail being caught in his net.

As she got back to swimming, Triss decided to stay closer to the deeper portion of the river to avoid any more obstacles as well as stay out of sight. It wasn’t often she would run into trouble when traveling as she could easily out pace most being on land, and the few that she would meet in the waters wouldn’t mind her just passing through. But right now the area was mostly calm after scaring the fisherman away.

There was a moment when Trisstana came around a bend and the water around her a little colden and when she looked around she noticed the water above her was frozen. Must have entered some frozen lake. Probably a town nearby… She thought to herself. As she was swimming she noticed a dark silhouette from the edge of the water looking through the ice at her, but she just dismissed it. She circled under the lake a few times to get a feel of how big it was and enjoy herself a bit more.

Trisstana swam back to where the river met the lake and exited from that point as it hadn’t frozen over yet. She tossed a bag out of the water first before climbing ashore. Triss mostly traveled light as it was much easier when swimming, usually just one change of clothes and the small essentials, anything else she would buy from towns, or seduce people into giving to her. Triss climbed out of the water and slowly stood up as her legs began to form and the gills on her ribs slowly close and absorb into her skin, along with her claws shrinking back into nails and fangs retracting. She took in a deep breath of fresh air as she ran her hands through her hair and moved it out of her face.

There was quickly a voice that caught Triss’ attention, turning to see a beautiful woman with gorgeous curly hair walking towards her. She turned her attention away from the woman as she started to dress herself. Trisstana didn’t really care about people seeing her exposed, especially pretty women like the one calling out to her, but knew it would be more comfortable, specifically with the cold breeze blowing. “Well, you wanna say something to me or just stand there?” Triss asked as she turned back brushing her hair and fixing the collar on her jacket

Z A D A min ALBAHR

outfitx|x#78b0ad

don't you wonder when the light begins to fade?
and the clock just makes the colors turn to grey
forever younger growing older just the same
all the memories that we make will never change

xx
After Christmas, Zada had begun to feel a little differently towards the town. Sure, Greythorne was her current home, and she’d been happy enough to work towards defending it to keep it running, but the place felt warmer, more permanent to her. Zada now had more than just Rosie that she cared for; the town felt like a place where she belonged, the people like a people she belonged with. Then Markus died, and things seemed to go back to how they were after the first attack.

Zada couldn’t say she knew him well, or that she’d spent a remarkable amount of time with him, but something about his passing was extremely unsettling to her. Maybe even a little sad. She’d always thought that if anyone were strong enough to keep going through all the attacks and chaos, it would be him. But he was gone. Death itself didn’t bother her, it didn’t bother most mermaids, but it was only natural for the living to ache from the loss. People quickly became scared again; his death seemed to serve as a reminder of what they all were, and of what humans thought of them. There were rumors of another attack being imminent, Zada thought the panic was less than helpful, but at least the town was taking potential threats seriously, this time.

Rosie had called a meeting, and Zada has to wonder if it would be as helpful as the last one. Still, Rosie was her sister-in spirit if not by blood-so she would go to be there and support her. As Kay ran up to Rosie, and Rosie read the letter. A thousand thoughts filled Zada’s mind, but chiefest of all was that she didn’t trust it. Not one bit. There may have been some truth to it, but if Zada had learned one thing about humans, it was that they lied. And hunters were the worst of them all.

The rest of the meeting was a blur, and Zada couldn’t have been the only one too engrossed in her own thoughts to successfully process it. Shortly after, though, a man from town (Zada had never learned his name, and had no intentions to) approached her. Typically, residents of Greythorne left Zada alone. She couldn’t say she blamed them for it, either. He quickly explained that he would normally never bother her, but there was something out at the lake he thought she might want to see.

He thought he’d seen another mermaid.

It was so unusual to see them inland that Zada didn’t dare believe it. Still, her feet carried her quickly through the town, breaking into a run before she even realized it. She arrived just before the woman emerged from the water, and suddenly Zada felt like the world around her had come alive in brilliant color. It was dramatic, but it had been decades since she’d laid eyes on someone that looked so like her sisters. There was something different about her, but Zada chalked it up to regional differences, and quickly began to walk towards her, calling out a simple, “Hello?”

Zada wanted to call her “sister,” to run to her and embrace her, but she remembered that this one did not know her, and they may not be so familiar wherever she was from. She had to fight the urge to run: she didn’t want to frighten this woman. She didn’t want to risk ruining a friendship before it even had the chance to form. She was just so… Happy. Happy to not be so alone. It wasn’t as if the friends she’d made weren’t sufficient, but to maybe have someone that could truly understand her, Zada couldn’t have expressed what that would mean to her if she tried.

She hadn’t realized she was staring until the other woman spoke, and then Zada shook her head, “I apologize, it’s just been so long since…” She turned her head to look out among the trees, as if collecting her thoughts, “I’m Zada.” She paused, unsure of what to say or do, “I’m a mermaid,” She said, as if that would explain all of her behavior, “I haven’t seen another like me in… A long time.” She started to smile, but she knew that it would come out looking stiff and unnatural, as if the expression was meant for a different face, so she quickly dropped it in favor of a more neutral expression, “Were you heading into town?”

TRISSTANA GLASSER

outfit xxxxxxx hex; #D4AF37

xxx The price of your greed
xxx Is your son and your daughter
xxx What you gon' do
xxx When there's blood in the water?

Trisstana wasn’t sure what to make of this woman, there was something familiar about her, but wasn’t sure exactly. She grabbed the rest of her stuff as the woman talked, introducing herself as Zada, and a mermaid. Though Triss let out a slight chuckle when this Zada talked about not seeing ‘another like her’ in a long time, along with the quick smile that the mermaid then tried to hide, it was cute. Being mistaken for a mermaid wasn’t a rare occasion, but it still made her laugh whenever it happened. Though she was curious about a mermaid being inland too much.

As Triss got to Zada she slowly circled her, examining her. Triss hadn’t met a mermaid before and was little intrigued about her, though at the moment she looked like a normal human. She could tell there was something magical about her, a bit of an aura that seemed to want to pull Triss in, though if she was being honest she wasn’t sure if that feeling was from her being a mermaid or because of her natural beauty and attractiveness.

“Hmm. Havn’t met a mermaid before, let alone one so…” Trisstana trailed off as she ended up back in front of the mermaid. “Oh sorry, don’t usually spend time talking to beings, need to work on my manners.” She said as she held out her hand. “Name’s Trisstana, Trisstana Glasser. And I’m not a mermaid, I’m a nixie. Sort of like your freshwater cousins.” Triss smiled as she introduced herself. It was nice for once to be greeted a being who wasn’t immediately feared of her or hostile, especially someone that would understand her like a mermaid

“Anyways, I’ll porbably head into whatever town is here; pick up a few things, drag a meal into the water, maybe spend the night. Is there somewhere for me to stay? Possibly with a slighlty large bathtub?” Triss talked as the two headed towards the town, Zada leading. Though she was surprised to hear that this town was actually Greythorne. “Wait, like the Greythorne? I thought this town was being attacked.” She was a little upset hearing it was Greythorne though, meaning less of a chance of her feeding on an actual living being.

Z A D A min ALBAHR

outfitx|x#78b0ad

xxxdon't you wonder when the light begins to fade?
xxxand the clock just makes the colors turn to grey
xxxforever younger growing older just the same
xxxall the memories that we make will never change

xx
Zada stood with her head held high while the woman walked around her, looking her over. Zada wasn’t shy, but she wasn’t exactly used to this sort of behavior. Maybe she’d been living among humans, and those that behaved like humans, for too long. She wasn’t nervous, but she did try to keep an eye on the woman; she didn’t know her, after all. When she said she’d never met a mermaid before, Zada tried her best to hide the disappointment on her face. She wasn’t a mermaid. Trisstana introduced herself, and Zada took her hand, shaking it with a gentle, but firm, grip. “It’s nice to meet you. I don’t believe I’ve ever met a nixie before, though I suppose you never do fully know.”

As Trisstana explained her intentions, Zada nodded. Her first instinct was to offer up her own home (she’d had the biggest bathtub she could fit installed in her home shortly after moving in, and plenty of room for another person), but she decided against suggesting it right off the bat, “There are a few places to stay here in Greythorne, though I don’t know much about the bathtub situation.” Trisstana expressed surprise over being in Greythorne, which Zada understood to mean that the nixie was simply following the water wherever it took her. “Well, we aren’t currently under attack, but yes. We’ve been facing attacks from hunters, of late.” She shrugged, “I’m also afraid to tell you that this is a small town, if someone goes missing, he will be noticed sooner rather than later.” Zada paused for a short moment before a bit of a wicked smile played at her lips, “Though if you insist on eating live prey, there is a particularly irritating young man I wouldn’t mind being rid of.” It would have been easy to say she was kidding. She wasn’t, but it would have been easy to play it off as if she were.

Zada walked Trisstana into the town, explaining, “We don’t have an overwhelming abundance of shops, here, and I think you might be better off waiting until morning to get most of your supplies. More of the shops will be open that way. We had a town meeting, so some closed up for it and, after what we heard, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to stay closed for the night.” Zada shrugged, “But if you have a desperate need of anything, I’m sure we can find it.” And then, after a moment, “Do you like tea? Or wine? I have both, and my home might be a good escape from the cold… If you're interested.” She shook her head, “I don’t mean to be forward, but it has been so long since I’ve had the company of someone even remotely similar to the family I once knew.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “I don’t know about nixies, but mermaids don’t typically stray far from our migration paths.” There was an unspoken longing for the sea, a silent platitude to the absence of her mother and aunts and sisters. “And, having never met a nixie, I would love to learn more about you.”

TRISSTANA GLASSER

outfit xxxxxxx hex; #D4AF37

xxx The price of your greed
xxx Is your son and your daughter
xxx What you gon' do
xxx When there's blood in the water?

As the two women walked Triss mostly listened and observed her surroundings taking everything in and soaking in the mermaid’s words. Explaining how if Trisstana did make someone from the town disappear that it would be noticed, but that hadn’t been an issue for her in the past. Small towns were typically easier to feed through as the problems and consequences for her actions wouldn’t follow her as she wouldn’t quickly leave and forget about whatever small town it was. But a town like Greythorne would be more complicated, not only could these beings defend themselves more easily, but the word of a Nixie slaughtering citizens here would spread like wildfire.

“Oh? And where is said young man?” Trisstana asked as Zada mentioned one man that was annoying her, noticing the wicked smile come across her face. Though it wasn’t exactly the comment that caught her attention as much as the smile, she could tell there was malice behind it, but the way it looked upon her face was beautiful. Triss was pulled out of her trance when spoken to again, just catching the end of what she was saying about places being closed but might still be able to find things. “I think I should be fine for the night.” She could last until tomorrow, stomach might growl a bit but she would survive

Triss was a little shocked when Zada invited her over for tea or wine, but then apologizing for being forward, but then speaking up about her interest in her and nixies. “Hey, you’re fine little seafish, better to be straightforward with things, weird sometimes humans can dodge around what they really mean and such.” Trisstana thought a little bit on the offer and they stopped on the edge of town before entering. “I think I’ll accept your offer. Though if we are drinking wine, I think it would be better for me to stay the night, easier than trying to find somewhere to stay later at night.” Triss said Zada turned to head to her place. “If that’s cool with you, I promise to tell you whatever you want to know about being a nixie. Oh and you get enough wine in me, about myself.” She said with a smile.

When they finally arrived at her place, Trisstana put her bag down by the door and took off her shoes and jacket. “Oh, and I’m not entirely sure how you mermaids are, but nixie are pretty much lightweights. Just a warning.” She said as she followed Zada into the kitchen and watched her pull some wine glasses out of a cupboard. “So what do you want to know little seafish?”

Z A D A min ALBAHR

TRISSTANA GLASSER

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hex codes
#d4af37 | #78b0ad

outfits
triss | zada

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zzzzzz
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zzzzzz
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When Trisstana said it might be best for her to stay with Zada, Zada nodded. “You may be right,” She said, nonchalantly, [color=#78B0AD]“You’re welcome to stay, I have the room.” It wasn’t a long walk from there to Zada’s house, and after letting Trisstana inside, Zada hung her coat on the hook by the door. She let out a soft chuckle at the comment about nixies being lightweights, “I’ve spent enough time with humans to develop a bit of tolerance.” She placed a pair of wine glasses on the kitchen table before turning to grab a new bottle of wine, talking as she went about opening it and pouring them both a glass, “Do nixies typically travel on their own? Most mermaids spend their entire lives with the pod they were born in.”

Trisstana picked up the glass of wine and took a sip and savored the taste. Her ears perked up as Zada asked her about nixies traveling and commenting on how mermaids usually stay together. “It sort of differs, some stick together in one river, usually not more than three to four. While others, like myself, travel most their lives from body of water to body of water. Rivers usually don’t get too big in areas so we can’t all stay concentrated in one place.” Triss paused to sip some more wine. “You said most mermaids spend their whole lives together, what are you doing inland so much?” She asked, genuinely curious, she thought mermaids were saltwater creatures so seeing one here confused her a bit.

Zada settled down in a chair across from Trisstana, casually sipping at her own glass of wine. What she explained about Nixies made sense, it very likely wasn’t easy to congregate in rivers without being seen. Zada nodded when Trisstana asked a question about her, “Mermaids do typically stay together. I suppose the oceans are big enough to support us. The men tend to live on their own. They’re aggressive and wild, and drive them out.” She shrugged, “Unfortunately, I let a human lure me away, and too much time passed. They wouldn’t have me back.” She shrugged, “I can’t say I blame them, they didn’t know if they could still trust me.” She had an almost sad look on her face, but quickly blinked the emotion away. “The ocean is much too large for a lone mermaid- it’s dangerous. I’ve adjusted to life on land, but it’s not ideal.” Zada fixed Trisstana with an intense look, as if she were trying to figure out the very secrets of her soul, “So, you don’t mind being alone?”

Triss almost felt sad for Zada, being forced away from what you thought was your home because of a mistake you made. Then she commented on the dangers of the ocean for someone on their, rivers weren’t as dangerous as the seas. Her face started to get a bit red when the mermaid was staring at her. “Oh, uh. Not really, been betrayed too many times to try to rely on others. First my father threw me into a river, then, sort of like you, was tricked by another human and captured…” Trisstana trailed off swirling the wine in her glass before just gulping it down and quickly refilling her glass. “So, you mentioned something about a specific man you wouldn’t mind… disappearing?”

Zada nodded slowly, “Men are nothing but trouble.” When Trisstana asked about the man Zada wouldn’t mind disappearing, she sighed. “Alex,” She spit the name out like venom on her tongue, “He’s nothing but trouble, head too big for his own good, loud, obnoxious.” She rolled her eyes, downing her glass of wine and pouring another, “I have never liked him, and will never like him. The entire world would be better without his stain upon it.” She sighed, “Then again, men in general are only good for two things: food, and procreation.”

Trisstana let out a chuckle as Zada made her comments on men in general. She agreed with the statement, even though Triss could care less about procreation. “Zada…” She said as she finished her second glass, already filling a bit tipsy. “Why don’t you deal with him then? Drag him to the lake, pull him under, slash him open with your claws…” She asked, quickly extending her own claws out. “Unless mermaids are too scared?” Triss teased with a smirk across her face. She didn’t doubt that the mermaid could, and probably would, but she didn’t mind teasing her right now, plus the alcohol was making her feel relaxed.

Zada shook her head, taking another drink of her wine, “I would, but for whatever reason, people in this town like him.” She made a sort of sweeping gesture with her hand, “I don’t need any enemies here, as much as I would enjoy dragging that fool to a watery grave.” She shrugged and rested an elbow on the table, “There isn’t enough to gain from it, and too much to lose.” She sighed, “Maybe if I decide to leave the town. Right now this is home.”

“Hey, whatever you say little seafish.” Triss said as she grabbed the bottle of wine and refilled her glass and topped off Zada’s as well, then sitting on the couch next to her. “But it’s nice you have somewhere to call home. Life is great on the river, but sometimes you just want to relax…” She sipped some more wine. “And there's only so much a nixie can do alone you know.”[/color] She said downing her glass again leaning back on the couch rolling up her fishnet sleeves. Even though she was a lightweight, Triss enjoyed drinking.

Zada nodded, “Greythorne is a good home. The people here make for good,” She paused. She wanted to say family, but she didn’t think Trisstana would quite understand that, “Friends. Most of them are good people.”[/color] She sipped on her wine some more, “I can’t speak for everyone, but I think you would be more than welcome to stay for a while.”[/color] Zada looked at Trisstana’s face carefully, watching for her reaction. She didn’t want to overstep, but she did want Trisstana to stay. At least for a time. At least so she could get to know her. Zada didn’t think she would ever get an opportunity like this, and she didn’t want to let it slip away. Mermaid, nixie, whatever they may be. They were both water women, and Zada felt like they could form some sort of kinship. Or, she hoped for it.

Trisstana was staring up at the ceiling as Zada talked. Home. Friends. Some things she hadn’t had or even thought about in awhile. A small smile crept across her face as Zada mentioned her possibly staying. Most towns she would stay, but for a week or two max, and quickly move on, after feeding for a bit. “Maybe…” She just said one word. A lot of things would have to go into her staying here. “Maybe I will. But for now, I know I’ll stay the night for sure. Speaking of which. You said something about a bathtub and a bed? Usually don’t sleep in beds, atleast, haven't for a while.”

Zada nodded, “Yes, of course,” She set her glass aside and stood up, smoothing down her skirt as she stood. “I have a guest room,” She’d recently furnished it in case anyone needed a place to stay quickly. The attacks had her thinking of others more than she had in the past, “And a large bathtub. The tub is in the bathroom attached to my bedroom, but you’re welcome to use it.” Zada motioned for Trisstana to follow her, and showed her the spare bedroom, “I hope it will be comfortable for you. I tried to make it… inviting.” Most of Zada’s decor was very stark and white and clean, but this room did look a little more homey. She’d gotten some advice from Rosie when she decorated it, because she wanted people to feel more at home. She offered a small smile (that she hoped didn’t look too much like a grimace) to Trisstana, and it wasn’t long before both women were getting settled in for the night. Zada had to admit, this felt nice. Though she wondered, in the back of her head, how long it would last.

ROSIE THOMPSON

outfit : herex|xhex: #cc0460

xxxwhen you act like this
xxxwhen you get so into yourself
xxxi lose track of common goals
xxxand letting go so i can be all alone

Rosie was been relieved and delighted when Jaiden had taken her up on her offer. Jaiden was spending much more time around Rosie’s, which was making Travis’ absence a little less difficult. The town knew by now, and people had started regarding her with a degree of suspicion. But it had only lasted a day or two until they’d realised she was deathly serious in her warning that if he was found within town limits, he was to be captured and taken to whoever was leading the patrols at the time. A vampire by the name of Evelyn had stepped up to help with the patrols following Markus’ death. A young vampire by all standards, even younger than Rosie herself, but she’d quickly proved herself. And she’d promised Rosie she would only kill him if really necessary. He’d left town after three days. She’d been reassured of that by the spriggans, who seemed to be of the opinion they were much better off without them and that she could do better anyway. Rosie had thanked them for their information and had left it at that.

Training Jaiden had been a welcome distraction. She was trying to keep it as broad as she can, teaching self defense as well as offensive techniques. She’d been taking it slow with the magic, partially because Jaiden was still unsure, and partially because Rosie herself was unsure of how to best train and advise on it. But she was seeing progress. It was small, but it was there, and that was something.

She’d all but stopped giving her classes assignments and tests. Partially so she’d have less to do herself, but also because she could tell they were scared and stressed enough without her piling work on top of it. More than once, her class had gotten derailed as they talked about what was happening. She let it happen, knowing that talking about what was happening was important.

Seeing how scared her students were had prompted Rosie to do some thinking. People were feeling scared all over town, holding their breaths, waiting for something to happen. People needed hope, needed a sign, needed support. There were families who had lost a loved one or who were trying to help a loved one heal. So Rosie had approached Phoenix with an idea, and he’d organized the whole thing in a week. A brunch in his cafe, donation only. All of the money raised would be going to the families that needed it. She had no idea if they’d even make that much, but it was also something to get people out, to get people interacting again.

She woke up a little earlier than usual, showered and got ready. She’d volunteered her services to Phoenix to help keep things running smoothly for the morning, but she’d also accepted the leadership role she seemed to have been handed, and she knew it was important for people to see her there. She found herself ready a little earlier than needed, and decided to make herself some breakfast, figuring that she was going to the cafe to help, not get brunch herself.

Z A D A min ALBAHR

outfitx|x#78b0ad

xxxdon't do love, don't do friends
xxxi'm only after success
xxxdon't need a relationship
xxxi'll never soften my grip

xx
Since she’d come to town, Zada and Triss had settled into a comfortable routine. That is to say, they mostly left one another alone, aside from occasional conversation, and sitting together in comfortable silence as they both engaged in their own activities. Triss came and went as she pleased, and they both enjoyed one another’s company if, and when, they desired. They’d consumed plenty of wine, and had many conversations along the way. Zada had enjoyed getting to know Trasstana, even if just a little, and her heart was glad to no longer be so alone. Just having someone nearby, whether she be one of Zada’s sisters or not, made her feel more like Greythorne was where she was meant to be. Would she have had the chance to have met Trisstana anywhere else? Or even someone like her? Like either of them? Zada wasn’t sure. She tended to believe that, no, she wouldn’t have.

She’d received an invitation to the brunch, and knew that between Rosie setting things up, and Phoenix hosting and making it happen, of course she would go. It would help the town, it would (hopefully) help boost spirits, and she would get something delicious to eat that she didn’t have to make herself. She’d mentioned it to Trisstana, but wasn’t sure if she was going to be coming along, too. Still, she spent some time getting ready; she spent the same amount of effort on her appearance every day, whether she was going to the post office or to a meeting where she would potentially encounter the entire town. Hair, makeup, touch up her nails if needed. Zada liked to be the picture of perfection, as tedious as that may be.

Once she was all ready, she went in search of Triss. She knocked on the door of her guest room, waiting for permission to enter the room. She didn’t quite smile when Triss opened the door, but her eyes indicated that she maybe would have, if she was more comfortable with it. “I was getting ready to leave for the cafe soon,” She explained, glossing over pleasantries and getting right to the point, “I was wondering if you wanted to come.” She tilted her head slightly to the side, as if in thought, “If you think you may stay for a while, it would be a good opportunity to meet a few people.” She shrugged, “Some of the people in this town are actually okay.”

---

A L E X GARCIA

outfitx|x#3a0a4d

xxxi hear the voices from the closet
xxxasking me haunting questions
xxxare you happy?
xxxdo you want it that bad?

xxx
Guilt started to form in the pit of Alex’s stomach. He tried to keep it from showing on his face, but Phoenix had known him for so long, he could read him like a book. He hadn’t intended to be gone for that long, and he could understand why Phoenix had been worried. There weren’t a lot of good reasons Alex would go out by himself at two in the morning. He took a slow sip of his coffee, and sighed, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.” Sometimes he forgot that the things he did affected others, that people noticed when he came and went and would worry. He’d never been too concerned about worrying Abuela; she understood necromancy and the things that came with it, and was never overly concerned with his comings and goings, so long as she felt like he was (at least mostly) staying safe, and off the drugs. She told him once that her father used to do the same thing to keep the spirits at bay, and that the hope of not having to do the same is why she came to Greythorne in the first place. Alex knew he disappointed her often. He didn’t want to disappoint Phoenix. Didn’t want to hurt him again.

A part of him thought that this was the best time to tell Phoenix, and then he thought about the upcoming brunch, how much work Phoenix had put into it, and how much was still to be done, and he didn’t want to add any additional stress. He was also afraid that Phoenix would be upset; would realize what a hopeless waste of time Alex was. He couldn’t lie to Phoenix, he would see right through it, so he decided to just tell a very condensed version of the truth. “I had the dream again. It bothered me more than usual so I took a walk to try to clear my head and understand it.” All true so far, “Time got away from me, and I had a little accident in the woods,” He held up a hand to stop Phoenix from freaking out before he started, “I’m okay, not badly hurt or anything. I’m fine.” He nodded, more to himself than anything, and looked down into his cup of coffee, “Everything is fine.” He realized a bit too late that he was overselling the fact that he was fine, and he was likely just making Phoenix worry even more, and mentally kicked himself for it. He really wasn’t helping his case.

He was going to tell Phoenix. Later. For sure. At least, that was what he told himself. But as he looked at Phoenix, briefly studying the lines of his face, he knew, somehow, that he wouldn’t. Couldn’t. Maybe he wasn’t cut out for a relationship, he was already keeping secrets. Already worrying Phoenix, was probably going to disappoint him beyond repair. He decided to change the subject. “How are you feeling about the brunch… Thing?” He hoped that would be enough to get Phoenix’s mind off of him, but there was no way of knowing. Personally, Alex wouldn’t have agreed to do it, but that was why Phoenix was the one everyone loved.

---

Z O E PEÑA

outfitx|x#6E9ECF

xxxsomething is familiar
xxxlike a dream I can reach but not quite hold
xxxi can sense you there
xxxlike a friend I've always known

xx
Zoe didn’t know why she’d believed that Alex would actually keep his word and have a real conversation with her. He hadn’t so much as checked in on her since she’d checked into the bed and breakfast in town, and she was starting to lose her patience with him. She’d heard more from Phoenix (who, by all accounts, was wonderful; just not the person she’d crossed a continent to meet), and she didn’t mind that, but it was disappointing. She knew not to expect too much, and could admit that she was disappointing herself by expecting Alex to want to be her brother and have a relationship with her, but something inside her wasn’t willing to give it up and let go. Maybe it was that she was really on her own for the first time in her life, or that she just genuinely liked the town, but every time she decided she would just give up and leave, something in the back of her head would tell her to just give it more time. One more day. So she stayed, “one more day” at a time.

Phoenix had told her, kind of off hand, about the brunch, and Zoe was honestly really excited at the concept. As it was, she just sat around waiting on Alex to stop being a total ass to her, explored the town a little, and used up a generous amount of her data package watching youtube videos on her phone, so she welcomed the idea of something to actually do. She also thought that, maybe, she could get Alex to sit and talk to her, even if only for a few minutes. Of course, she didn’t know for sure that he would be there, but she assumed he would be. He lived right above the cafe, after all, and Phoenix seemed to be leading up the whole thing, or at least making it possible, so she couldn’t think of a reason for Alex not to be there.

There was a little bit of time before the brunch started, and Zoe didn’t quite feel comfortable showing up early. The last time she’d come by when Alex wasn’t expecting her, she’d gotten yelled at, and she wanted to avoid that if she possibly could. But she was dressed and ready, and feeling a little antsy. She didn’t want to just sit around, so she decided to take a little walk; go the long way, enjoy the sunshine. She hated how cold it was in Greythorne, but she had to admit that it was a nice town. It was cute, the people were (generally) friendly, even if they did seem a little suspicious of outsiders right now. Zoe understood it, though. Still, the fresh air was nice, and she loved looking at the scenery. This was nothing like the desert she had grown up in, and she was happy to be experiencing it.

TRISSTANA GLASSER

outfit xxxxxxx hex; #D4AF37

xxx The price of your greed
xxx Is your son and your daughter
xxx What you gon' do
xxx When there's blood in the water?


Trisstana has so far enjoyed her time in Greythorne, starting to settle in a bit, but still didn’t really interact with much of the others in town. Many of the people she would interact, at the shops or food shacks for the most part, were cautious of her and wouldn’t really look her in the eyes. But Triss honestly didn’t mind it, she liked when people were intimated by her, less of the chance they would bother her or annoy her with dumb daily conversation.

Triss assumed the not so warm welcome was because of the type of person she was and the aura she could put off sometimes, but after another night of drinking with Zada she realized it was because of recent events, something to do with a human named Travis, an undercover hunter that was spying on them and responsible for the recent attacks.

That was just one of many evenings spent with Zada. Trisstana would spend much of her time there in her guest room, where she kept her belongings and some new stuff she had to buy since she would be taking a break from traveling a bit. The first day Triss saw Zada’s bathtub she was amazed, no other beings she met had had one this size and she relished in it, especially with the lake being frozen over, much colder and more effort to swim through. A few times she would surprise Zada by already being in her tub early in the morning, but Triss didn’t really care or mind the mermaid seeing her in her true form.

One morning while eating some breakfast Zada had brought up that she had been invited to some sort of events by her friends, something to try to boost people’s morale and make them happier, or something. Triss didn’t really say she would be going, just something about that being nice, before finishing her plate and placing it in the sink after rinsing it off. She walked into the guest room and started getting ready.

Triss took her time getting ready, brushing her hair out and putting on the little amount of make-up she would do. As she was putting her boots she heard Zada knock on the door. “One second.” She shouted as she laced them and walked over to the door and opened it with a smirk to Zada. She talked about how it would be a good idea to go and meet people. “If you say so, what’s the worst that could happen.” She closed the door to the guest room, taking a more focused look at the mermaid. She stepped forward, only a couple inches between them and felt her coat. “I like this…. Fits you well.” Triss ran her hand down the arm and then turned towards the living and front door. “You coming seafish? I have no idea where to go.”

Z A D A min ALBAHR

outfitx|x#78b0ad

xxxdon't do love, don't do friends
xxxi'm only after success
xxxdon't need a relationship
xxxi'll never soften my grip

xx
Zada was pleased when Triss said she would go, though the expression on her face didn’t change. She wanted Trisstana to stay, she liked her company, and having her around was nice. When Triss closed the door and stepped closer to her, Zada raised an eyebrow. Being so close to Triss made Zada feel something that was both familiar and completely alien to her. A soft smile spread across her face when Triss said she liked her coat, “Thank you,” As Triss walked away, Zada shook her head, rolling her eyes at Triss’ impatience, “I’m right behind you.”

They didn’t speak much on the walk through town: Zada wasn’t big on small talk, and they were both pretty comfortable walking in silence. Zada did, however, ask Triss a question as they walked, “How are you enjoying Greythorne?” It was an innocent enough question, but really Zada was trying to gauge how long to expect Trisstana to stay. She wasn’t foolish enough to think Triss would stay forever, not without something to keep her in the town. Sometimes Zada wondered why it mattered to her that Triss stayed. She told herself it was because she missed the sea, and Triss was something somewhat familiar, someone she understood, but she wasn’t so sure, herself, that was the entire truth. She liked having someone to keep her company, even if the two of them did mostly keep to themselves, but she wasn’t sure, exactly, what it was about Triss that she so enjoyed. Maybe it was the mutual understanding they had of one another, Trisstana understood Zada’s way of life; she didn’t judge the decisions Zada had made to survive and had even made a few of the same decisions, herself.

As they approached the cafe, Zada heard her name, and she sighed. Alex. She had intended to ignore him, but he approached and kept speaking, “Hey, Zada, nice to see you,” She all but ignored him, only regarding him with a raised eyebrow. Zada wasn’t sure why Alex kept trying even after she’d made it abundantly clear that she didn’t like him, but it didn’t endear her to him. Zada sighed when he turned to Triss with a smile that she supposed he considered charming, extended his hand, and said, “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Alex.”

As Triss shook his hand, she asked if this was the Alex that Zada spoke so unkindly of, and Zada couldn’t help but smile. It wasn't a happy smile, instead, it was the kind of a smile a predator might reserve for their prey, “That would be correct.”

Seemingly unphased by the reminder that Zada hated him, Alex just kept talking, “So, are you a mermaid, too?” He asked Triss, “No offense, I just can’t exactly imagine Zada willingly spending very much time with anyone who can’t breathe underwater.”

Zada rolled her eyes, “She’s a nixie.” She could tell by the blank (and frankly stupid) look on his face that Alex had no idea what a nixie was. The next words out of his mouth only cemented it further.

“A nixie?” He paused briefly, then smiled, “Is that kind of like a pixie?” Zada's only reaction was to look at Triss, and she knew from the look on Triss’ face that she understood why Zada hated him, now.

“As you can see, I wasn't exaggerating about how annoying he is."

TRISSTANA GLASSER

outfit xxxxxxx hex; #D4AF37

xxx The price of your greed
xxx Is your son and your daughter
xxx What you gon' do
xxx When there's blood in the water?

Trisstana walked with her hands in her pants’ pockets, most of it a quiet walk, which she enjoyed. She appreciated Zada wasn’t one to try to fill gaps of silence with some sort of small talk, most people always had something to say, usually something stupid or unneeded. But the time the two was something she actually liked.

Zada did ask one question about Triss and her time in Greythorne. “It’s… an interesting place. Gotta remember the beings here aren’t just humans, other species are interesting to interact with.” She said as she continued walking, still facing forward. She stopped for a second and looked at her companion. “I think… it might be nice to stay here awhile?” She said with a quizzical look on her face, then changing to a smile as the two walked before arriving at the cafe.

Trisstana and Zada walked to the cafe, Triss caught off guard a bit as someone called out to Zada. It was a male looking sort of being and introduced himself and holding his hand out. Triss didn't force a smile on her face as she shook his hand, having a stiff grip as she wasn’t use to shaking hands. "Your name is Alex?" Triss looked over to Zada with an eyebrow raised. "Is this the human you were talking about you hated?" She responded with a smile and assured her it was.

Alex then asked what Triss was, and she was a little skeptical to reveal what she was at first but Zada quickly answered the question. But then he asked if it was a sort of Pixie or something, Trisstana assumed it was a bad joke or something and just gave a side glance to Zada. Triss smirked as Zada commented on this was why, and she assumed there were a few others. She looked over Alex, thinking back to what Zada told her about him. She was brought back down to reality another voice introduced herself, Jaiden, saying she was sad to be friends with Alex. “It’s fine. Had to deal with others like this before.” She said as she smirked.

The two new people said some things to each other, one telling the other to get a table because he had to check on someone. “Maybe we should get a table too little seafish?” Trisstana asked as she held the door from closing and the two headed inside. She kept her eyes on Alex as they entered and interacted with others.

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0000Neden0Isimir 00000000000000000|000000000000000000000| Violet0 Marsden

Fallen Angel | Outfit x|xhex: #a39d9d 0000000000000000000000000000000Revenant | Outfit | xxhex:#2b2a2a

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The following days had been a blur for both of them, as well as everyone else. Things had been leading up to the brunch and fundraiser at the cafe, and everyone had been looking forward to it. Well, mostly everyone. Neden would have passed on it, if it hadn’t been for Phoenix and being at his own cafe, Neden knew they couldn’t say no. But it was Phoenix, and after they had been through, they knew they had to. The morning had been a slow one. An almost painfully slow morning. Neden rolled out of bed, and haphazardly dressed thselves in an outfit of clothing they just threw together, not caring if things entirely matched or not. Tying their hair up in a pony-tail and put a black beanie on, Neden glanced in the broken reflection of the mirror once more and sighed. Maybe all of this was a big mistake coming here, to Greythorn in the first place. They were shaken out of their thoughts when their phone buzzed in their pants’ pocket, bringing them back to earth. It was a short message from Violet.

Meet me at the cafe, it’s important. Come early, we need to talk.

Was all that the message read. Neden quirked an eyebrow in response. They didn’t know what or why Violet needed to talk to them about, they hadn’t really talked to anyone in the past few days. Deciding to be a hermit and just give themselves time, to just...Think. Think of everything that lead up to this, and it was something they hadn’t wanted to think about, yet here they were. Greythorn had become their home in the short amount of time that they had first arrived, and nothing was going to change that. At least that’s what they wanted to think. Neden sent a quick text back to Violet in response as they shoved a few things into their pockets, and quickly left for the cafe with an ever growing pit in their stomach.

Alright, will be there soon. Just leaving now. Cya in a bit.

---

The walk to the cafe had been a long one. It wasn’t that they lived far away from the town, it just seemed to go on for miles. Being in their head tended to do that. Neden didn’t know what Violet wanted to talk about, or if it was even really important, or if Violet was just trying to throw them off track. Seeing the small cafe in the distance, Neden tried to cheer up. They didn’t want anyone to see them so distressed, even if their overall appearance may have portrayed otherwise. Neden watched as a few familiar and unfamiliar faces walked in through the main door of the caffe as they grew closer to the building, but stopped as they were a few yards away from the entrance. Maybe they should just turn back and leave now, go back home and just not go. Act like something important came up, but something in the back of their head told them they had to, and that they really didn’t have much of a choice in this. Stepping into the cafe, and seeing familiar faces, who seemed to be in a better mood caused a small smile to crease their lips, but only for a moment. Neden gave Phoenix a small smile and nod of their head as they passed by him and Zoe who were in a small conversation by the front end of the building, not wanting to disturb them now.

Looking around for anyone else they may have recognized, they saw Rosie who was talking to a few different people, giving her a small nod and smile before passing on to the back part of the cafe. Looking around silently, Neden spotted a familiar figure off in the back corner, in a small booth by herself. Taking a deep breath they slowly strolled over and weaved through the dozens of people that flocked to the event. Neden gave a small smile as they neared the table, “This seat taken?” they said with a small, but obviously fake chuckle. Violet simply looked up at them with what seemed to be like dead eyes. “Sit.” she said simply to the Angel. Neden nodded and slipped into the booth, looking across at Violet with a quizzical look. “Everything okay? You haven’t really texted me in a while, nevermind not much before so...I started to worry-” Neden started, but was cut off as Violet shot them a look, one Neden had never seen from her before. It wasn’t one of anger or anything like that. It seemed like one of sadness. As if she had been crying prior to coming here. “Vio...I mean it. If something happened, you can tell me.” Neden said softly, giving her a small and genuine smile. Violet simply shook her head for a moment as she looked down. The two sat in silence for a moment before Violet looked back up at Neden, breaking the silence after what seemed like an eternity. “While I was away, again...I talked with someone. Someone that knows...Things and...Neden...I know. About...Everything.” she said softly, making sure that they kept their conversation low and between the two of them. Thankfully the music playing was helping to drown out most of what they were saying.

Neden was taken a back by the sudden exclamation by Violet. They weren’t expecting this, whatever it was. A genuine look of confusion overcame them as their brows furrowed. Leaning forward to be closer to Violet as they sat across the table from one another, “Sorry, but what? What are you talking about, Vio? You know what? And who did you talk to, nevermind where you went.” Neden said softly. Genuine concern and worry was now forming in their stomach, the more Violet spoke. “I know, Neden...About everything. Maybe not everything, but I know more about you than I did before. I know what you are, and what you’ve done.” Violet said, as her face began to slowly turn redder as tears began to slowly fall from her eyes. Wiping her tears away, she began to talk again before Neden could speak. “And don’t try bullshitting me, alright? I’ve seen the things that you’ve done...I just want to know why. How long did you think you could keep this charade up, Neden? Which, I know isn’t even your actual name.” tears burned behind her eyes as she looked at Neden, which only caused a small pit to form in her stomach. Having to look away from Neden, as even looking at them now became too much. Neden listened silently as Violet spoke, the words hit them like a brick wall to the chest. Neden felt like they couldn’t breathe, like all the oxygen in their lungs had been ripped out violently. Left gasping for air, as they just sat there motionless. Neden tried to think of what to say, anything. Anything at all, but their mind just went blank. For the first time in years, everything was just blank. Neden had no words to say, nothing to even try to say to her. Everything came out left field, leaving them in so much confusion. But worry soon overcame like waves in the ocean.

Neden struggled for a moment to regain the ability to speak as they felt their heart stop for a moment. Shaking their head for a moment as they looked back up at the girl that sat across from them. Neden wanted to just get up and give Violet a hug, apologize for everything. Explain that it wasn’t true, that it was all a lie. But feeling the emotions radiate off of her was so palpable, and real. Violet wasn’t lying, she was telling the truth. She knew, somehow she knew. She knew it all, and Neden didn’t know what to do. Biting their lip for a moment, Neden finally gathered the words to say as they could feel their own eyes beginning to burn, “Violet, I swear...Whoever told you those things...I’m sorry. I want to say that those were lies but...I can’t. I just don’t know what to say to you, I can’t say it’s all a lie and didn’t happen...Even though I wish it was, and never did happen. But I’m not that person anymore. I’m not.” Neden said with a look of sadness that overcame their entire face, leading up to their eyes as they looked around. “It’s all just really, really fucking complicated and a long story it’s just...I don’t know what to tell you or do...I’m sorry, Vio…” they said as they finally made eye contact with Violet, who simply looked up at them in return.

What came next, Neden wasn’t expecting and their heart sank at the words that came next from Violet. “I don’t want to hear that you’re sorry. I just want to know why. Why you lied for so long...You have to tell them. Everyone, Neden. Not just me. They all deserve to know.” Neden felt their heart skip more than just one beat. “Wh...What? Violet, I can’t. I can’t tell them. You’ll know what they’ll do. No one will-” “You tell them, or I will, Neden. That’s your choice. They know and find out by you, where you can explain everything. Or I’ll tell them. What one would you prefer?” Violet asked as she crossed her arms over her chest as she looked at the angel that sat across from her. Neden swallowed hard for a moment, looking down and away as thoughts rushed through their mind. Coming here was a mistake, and they knew it. They should have left, but Violet would have told them all anyway. And no one would have been able to trust Neden again. They would have been viewed and seen as a traitor, that simply left before they could have been caught.

Neden exhaled sharply, looking up at Violet as they gave her a small glance, “Fine...I’ll tell them.” Neden slowly removed themselves from the booth. Looking about, they saw that everyone was still scattered across the building, and there was no way that they were going to make it a public display. Neden took out their phone, and after a few moments, multiple texts had been sent to those that needed to know, telling them they needed to talk in the backroom and that it couldn’t wait. Neden simply gave Violet one more look, one of sorrow and regret, before they turned and excused themselves to one of the backrooms, where they would await the others to arrive. A massive pit formed in Neden’s stomach as they stepped into the extra room in the back. It was small, but big enough for more than a dozen or so people to stand in. Neden felt a sudden urge and ran into the bathroom, and emptied whatever the contents in their stomach was. Everything felt like such a nightmare, that everything was out of touch and reality. Like this was some sort of dream or nightmare that had come to life. None of this was supposed to happen, and now they were forced to face one of their fears. Looking in the small mirror for a moment, Neden simply shook their head and exited the bathroom and returning to the backroom once more.

T R I S S GLASSER

A L E X GARCIA

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outfit | outfit
#d4af37 | #3a0a4d

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Alex had never considered himself to be a particularly annoying person, but plenty of people seemed to think he was. Zada’s companion was… Interesting. Yeah, that was one way to put it. Alex didn’t know her, but if she was anything like Zada- personality wise- he wasn’t sure Greythorne could handle that.

He was almost visibly relieved when Jaiden arrived, as if she’d saved him from the conversation he’d initiated. He shrugged, “I’m not gonna stand outside and talk to you like I’m your secret boyfriend you’re ashamed to be seen with.” He rolled his eyes when she called him a buffoon, letting out an over-exaggerated fake laugh. Time to officially remove himself from this conversation. Apparently every woman in town thought he was an annoying idiot. Upon opening the door, he saw a few things. For starters, it was really busy. That was good. Zoe was already there, which he didn’t really care about, and the last thing he noticed was that Kay was starting to walk in Phoenix’s direction.

He didn’t know for sure what the outcome of that would be, but the last time Kay and Phoenix had talked, it didn’t end well. He turned to Jaiden, “Think you can find us a place to sit? I want to check up on Phoenix real quick. He’s been acting weird this morning. Probably just nerves, but… You know. I’ll just be a minute, I promise.” He ignored Zoe when she tried to wave at him, and started heading for the counter, but the situation seemed to resolve itself quickly enough, with Kay giving Phoenix a hug, so he decided to go find Jaiden, instead.

Triss quickly found a table and was about to slide in after setting her coat down, when she saw spotted Alex walking off, and deciding she would act now. “Hey, I’ll be back. But don’t wait for me if stuff, or whatever is supposed to happen here or whatever gets started.” She said grabbedas she walked away and weaved through the crowd, bumping into a few people who gave her a confused stare from not recognizing her, grabbing a quick drink as she walked.

It didn't take Trisstana long to get to Alex, stopping infront of him, causing the two to bump into each other and the drink she was carrying to spill on her. Alex quickly started to apologize to her before she could say anything. “Oh! It’s fine, my fault it happened. Oh, its you. Alex right?” She questioned as she set down her cup. “Well since we both caused this, mind helping me clean up?” Triss asked, grabbing Alex’s hand and giving him a light smile.

Alex must not have been paying attention to where he was going, because he ran right into someone. “Shit, I am so sorry,” He spoke up quickly, but she was brushing the whole thing off before he could really say anything else. It clicked, then, that this was Zada’s friend. A little bit of fear churned in his stomach at that thought. He was dead.

Then she grabbed his hand, and a small smile spread across his lips, “Oh.” He wasn’t quite sure if what he was feeling was relief or… Something else. He found his eyes looking over her, just to assess the situation. When he realized he was staring, he forced himself to bring his gaze back to her face. “Yeah, you’re… Wet.” Shit, no, that was stupid. “I mean, yeah.” He paused and licked his lips, “I would love to help you.”

Trisstana let out a small giggle and had to keep herself from smirking when he made the comment about her being wet, and smiled when he offered to help her. It had been awhile since she dragged another mythical person, so wasn’t exactly sure what type of effect she would have, but was glad it looked like it was working. “Really? Thank you, should probably get away from the others, don’t want to be in their way right?” She asked, seeing him nod. Triss held onto his hand as she led him away.

Zada talked about how annoying he was, and from Triss’ first interaction with him, she could see why and wouldn’t feel bad about this. Though, he was a moderately handsome young man. As they left the main room and ended up down a hallway she started to get a little excited and antsy, it’s been awhile since she lured a prey away from it’s pack, but she still flourished in the rush it would give her. Trisstana had to concentrate on her claws not protruding out as she got more excited, not wanting to scare him off just yet.

It made sense to go get out of the way, find somewhere else to go. Alex wasn’t sure where they were heading, but in that moment he would have followed her just about anywhere. It wasn’t the first time he’d felt that way about a woman, though a more rational thought may have reminded him of a few reasons he absolutely should change his mind. That rationality never came. All he could think about was the woman leading him, how her hands were soft, and she smelled like lavender and the coffee on her shirt, and how nicely she filled out said shirt.

A thought struck him, then, and it seemed like something he should follow up on. “Hey, uh…” His voice trailed off as he stared blankly in front of him. As she pulled her shirt over her head, that suddenly became the only thing his brain could process. Alex couldn’t seem to decide where to look, but his didn’t seem to want to settle on her’s, or even in the perimeter of her face.

As the two of them got outside, Triss leaked around that no one was really around and turned down the alleyway, going around some boxes stacked that would block the view. When she stopped and looked back at Alex, he started to say something and she could feel him starting to break focus. “I need you to hold this if we’re gonna clean it handsome.” She said quickly as she pulled her shirt over her head and flipped her hair out of her face. Left just wearing her simple lacey black bra.

Triss smiled as she saw his eyes looking over her body, handing over the stained shirt. The cold weather didn’t bother her as the rush from the hunt and her own pheromones were keeping her warm. When Alex looked down at the shirt she smirked and licked her lips as her claws started to extend out and fangs revealed themselves around her smirk. It has been awhile since she did this on land and usually acting out in the waters, but it wouldn’t be too difficult.

Z A D A min ALBAHR

outfitx|x#78b0ad

xxxdon't do love, don't do friends
xxxi'm only after success
xxxdon't need a relationship
xxxi'll never soften my grip

xx
Zada’s face softened when Jaiden approached; she’d always liked Jaiden, and didn’t mind seeing her. “He always bothers me,” Zada said, completely seriously, “I don’t know why he bothers trying to talk to me in the first place.” She couldn’t say she wasn’t relieved when he went inside, and when Triss suggested that they get a table too, Zada nodded. It was busy, which was great for the victims of the recent attacks, but not so great for finding a table. “That might be a difficult task,” She mused out loud as she looked around the room.

“Phoenix,” Zada said while they walked into the building, “Just opened the cafe not long ago.” She smiled a little, “He’s a good person.” She waved at Rosie as they walked past, reminding herself that she’d have to say hello properly when she looked less busy.

In a stroke of luck, they found an empty spot, but before they sat down Triss said she had something to do, and then she vanished in among the crowd. Sitting alone was exactly what Zada wanted. She sighed as she sat down at the table, drumming her nails along the top in a staccato beat. She wasn’t entirely sure why she found this so upsetting, other than that she had wanted to spend a little time with Trisstana; talk to her, enjoy her company. Maybe that was silly, but she had said she thought she would like to stay a while, and Zada had thought that that meant Triss enjoyed spending him with her. Of course, that was probably just wishful thinking.

After a few moments, she decided to go say hello to Phoenix. She didn’t want to keep him, but she did want to say hello, maybe commend him for doing such a great job at putting the event together. With all the stress and fear the town had been experiencing this was exactly the sort of thing they all needed, and Rosie and Phoenix had made it come together perfectly. She approached with a neutral, but soft, expression on her face. It was well-practiced, and she thought it looked pleasant enough. Maybe not friendly, but it worked for her. She never got around to saying hello.

“-out the back, I think, with a woman with yellow hair,” Zada didn’t stick around to hear how that ended.

This could be bad. If someone went missing, at this point, the people in town would notice. Tensions were already high after Travis was revealed as a spy, and there weren’t very many people in town that suspicion could be pointed at. Zada liked Trisstana, she wanted her to stick around, and she didn’t want the people in town to hate her. It was hard to gain trust in these towns, especially after they’d been attacked. Maybe, if nobody had gotten hurt yet, they could just brush the whole thing off as some sort of misunderstanding. Hopefully.

When Zada reached the alley, she took a brief second to assess the scene laid out in front of her. Under other circumstances, she might have found this amusing. But not now. She hurried forward, "Okay, that's enough." She shot Trisstana a glance that could have been interpreted as anger, but hopefully she would understand that Zada really just wanted her to stop for her own sake. Really, she couldn't blame Triss for going after Alex. It was just the wrong time, wrong place, and the wrong person to choose for this.

Z O E PEÑA

outfitx|x#6E9ECF

xxxsomething is familiar
xxxlike a dream I can reach but not quite hold
xxxi can sense you there
xxxlike a friend I've always known

xx
Zoe had enjoyed a quick walk through Greythorne, but was standing in front of Phoenix’s cafe before she knew it. She was kind of excited to see Phoenix at work, and hopefully catch Alex in a better mood. She wondered, briefly, what she would do if he didn’t come, but quickly told herself that even if she didn’t talk to him, it would be fine. She did want to get a chance to talk to Alex, though. Greythorne was a nice town, but it was freezing, and she didn’t want to stay forever.

The sight of people happily chatting and enjoying food was a welcome sight to Zoe; the town had seemed to be overwhelmed and dejected since she’d arrived, and now she was feeling like she was getting a glimpse into what the people were really like, what the town was really like. She thought that if the town was always like this, it would be just about the most wonderful place to live. Almost as if on cue, a pretty woman came to ask Zoe if she needed any help. Zoe wasn’t sure what to say, did she need help?

“Thank you, I uh,” She looked around, trying to see if she could spot out Phoenix. He looked busy, so she turned back to the woman with a smile, “How does this work, I-” Then Alex was walking through the doors. She knew he saw her, there was no way he didn’t, but when she waved at him, he completely ignored her. Zoe frowned, “You know Alex Garcia, right? Is he always such a jerk?”

It wasn’t much longer, though, before Phoenix walked over. Zoe grinned, Phoenix had been nothing but kind to her from the moment she stood crying on his doorstep. “Thank you. This is amazing!” She caught a glimpse of Alex as they headed to the counter, and something about it seemed weird, but she told herself it wasn’t really any of her business. Besides, she was probably just overthinking it. It wasn’t long before someone came to talk to Phoenix. Zoe didn’t know her, but she was asking about Alex. When it became apparent that no one knew where he was Zoe sighed, “Well,” She paused, suddenly realizing that she was- once again- about to be a bystander to some sort of drama.

“I’m pretty sure I just saw him heading out the back, I think, with a woman with yellow hair,” The look on Phoenix’s face told Zoe that she probably should have spoken up a minute ago, “I am so sorry, I guess I thought you knew, or…” She didn’t finish the thought, panic was setting in on her face, tears welling up in her eyes. This was too much for her.

Maybe she should forget about getting to know Alex and just go home. He really wasn't turning out to be the kind of person she thought he might be.

PHOENIX WOODS

outfit : herex|xhex: #c4a7be

xxxhey, i promise you will be fine
xxxgot the universe on your side
xxxwhen you're out in space
xxxdon't be afraid, no.

Phoenix had only been talking to Zoe for a few minutes, just long enough to get her a cup of tea, when something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. A woman, with shocking yellow hair. The fact he hadn't seen her around before and that he got a definite aura of danger from her would have been enough to put him on his guard. But mostly, he didn't like the way she was looking at Alex. And he really didn't like the way Alex was looking at her. He forced himself to turn his attention back to Zoe, told himself he was feeling paranoid after the bad night's sleep. But the feeling was there, niggling in the back of his mind. He couldn't give in to it. He had to trust Alex.

He was almost relieved to see Zada approaching. It was a familiar face and a distraction, and he could introduce her to Zoe. Zoe might find it easier to settle in if she knew someone. And then someone asked about Alex, and nobody knew where he was. Panic settled into the base of Phoenix's stomach. It was irrational, he told himself. And then Zoe said that he'd gone out the back with the yellow haired woman. Evidently, the shock and anxiety was written all over his face, because she started apologising right away. "It's fine. I- I should- I'll be right back, okay?" He said, knowing the smile was forced and that it had to look it. Zada was a few paces ahead of him, but her presence didn't matter at all as Phoenix stepped into the alleyway and took in the scene in front of him.

Alex and the woman. The woman was topless, in nothing but her bra. Anger surged through Phoenix as he stormed over to Phoenix.

"You fucking asshole!" He yelled. Tears of anger, of hurt, were already streaming down his face. He didn't mean to slap Alex- or at least, he didn't think he did- but the stinging in his hand and the red mark on Alex's face was enough for him to realise what had happened. Someone was tugging his arm now, trying to pull him away. "Go fuck yourself," he managed to get out before the tears choked his voice.

---

---

Jaiden Price

Witch | outfit : herex|xhex: #800000

xxxYou move, and I don't really know what to say
xxxToo soon, am I supposed to feel this way?
xxxReach out but I don't wanna get in your way
xxxToo little, too late, I know that's what you're gonna say

Jaiden simply stood there, awkwardly as the three of the others exchanged words back and worth, mainly all pointed at Alex. She rolled her eyes at his comment of him being her boyfriend that she's ashamed to be seen with. "In your dreams, Alex." she rattled off quickly, before catching up to him as he started to make his way to the cafe. Jaiden shot both Zada and the other woman a small look, mainly one of saying sorry as the two of them stepped into the establishment. Looking up at Alex when he asked if she could find them a place to sit, "Okay, sure. But only if you tell me why you wanted to talk to me, Alex?" she questioned, but she could tell he wasn't paying any attention to her as he seemingly wandered off after ignoring another girl that waved at him from across the room as she stood next to Pheonix. Thinking nothing of it, she simply shook her head and went to go find a spot to sit as she waited for Alex.

Finally finding a spot that was off and to the side, she sat down at the small table and waited, taking out her phone in the meantime. Occasionally looking up and around at others as the place seemed to buzz to life. It had been months since she was last year, the grand opening of this place was...Something she preferred to not think about. In fact, she almost didn't consider even coming here as even thinking of it had hurt a bit. But she was here for Phoenix, as well as not wanting to be bothered by Alex and his threats. Jaiden peered over to the back part of the place, and saw Violet and Neden talking. She couldn't tell what they were saying due to the music and how far they were, but it seemed to be something she shouldn't get involved with, and chose to stay where she was.

Jaiden waited for a few for minutes for Alex to come back, but after what seemed like too much, she slowly got to her feet and looked around. Hoping to find him herself, but she couldn't see him in the crowd at all. Turning to the entrance, she still saw Phoenix talking to the girl from before. Sighing, she slowly weaved her way through the crowd and over to Phoenix. "Hey, Nix. Do you have any idea where Alex went? I got him and me a seat, since he wanted to talk to me about something, but he never came back. I haven't seen him, and I didn't know if you saw him or anything." she asked, giving the girl that stood next to him a small smile. Jaiden hadn't seen this woman around town before, and unlike the usual unease she got around strangers, she didn't feel anything negative coming from her, easing up a little. She was taken off guard when the girl said she had seen him going outside the back door with some other female with yellow hair. A pit formed in her stomach as she could tell that even Phoenix didn't know what was going on, watching as he apologized and quickly left. Leaving Jaiden with the unknown woman, who after Jaiden turned to apologize, she noticed the girl started to tear up. Giving a small sigh, Jaiden didn't know what to do. She was going to track down Alex herself, but now being left with someone who looked like she was going to cry any moment didn't sit well with her.

Sure, Jaiden had no prior engagement to this woman, nor did she have any reason to stay around and comfort her. But something in her told Jaiden to stay, she clearly needed someone to talk to and possibly distract her from fully breaking down into tears. A feeling Jaiden knew all too well. She was a lot like this unknown female, scared, uncertain and was most likely in a town that she didn't exactly know anyone. Nevermind getting wrapped up in some drama she had no right to be forced into. Finally giving the girl once more a proper look over, Jaiden extended one of her hands as she introduced herself, "Hey uh, I don't think I introduced myself properly yet. My name's Jaiden, I'm good friends with Phoenix and I guess you could say Alex. Who is currently the one missing. He tends to do this bullshit from time to time, disappearing for no reason, I'm sure he'll be fine." she said with a soft chuckle. Looking back up, she gave a small smile as she spoke up again, "Anyway, you look like you could use someone to talk to, as well as a drink. I'm not exactly the best company but, if you want someone to just sit down with and just, I dunno. Talk, I don't have any prior engagements right now anyway, so I'm all ears is what I'm trying to say, I guess." she said with a smile.

---

---

Violet Marsden

Revenant | outfit : herex|xhex: #2b2a2a

xxxI'm so fuckin' sorry, I'm so fuckin' sorry
xxxI've been playing somebody and it's helping nobody
xxxAnd her lipstick arithmetic didn't stick
xxxAnd now I'm sick, throwing fits

Violet gave Neden one more look as the Angel stood up and excused themselves, leaving for one of the backrooms. She sighed softly, rubbing her face with her hands as she felt everything finally hit her at once. It was so much all at once, her brain slowly processing everything. Silently, she laid her head back on the backpart of the booth as she tried to recompose herself after the whole conversation with Neden had taken a rather large toll on her. Something had caught her attention while she had been talking to Neden a few minutes earlier, it looked like Alex and some unknown woman slowly made their way to the back exit and left. Normally, she would have left it alone and wouldn't give it a second thought. But something just didn't sit right with her about the whole thing.

Ever since coming back from, whatever that place was, things seemed off to her. Yes, certain things were all too obvious and stood out easier than others, but then there were certain things that just didn't add up. Mainly pertaining to Alex, she tried not to notice, but over time it became too evident that something wasn't right. The first time things seemed off, were the night at the first meeting after the first attack. Where she chased after Alex. Something in the back of her head was telling her to go check up on him, make sure that he was okay. She didn't know what it was, or why, but it only popped up more after that. During the second attack, the night when he was in the graveyard, something didn't sit right with her at all. She wanted to go and see what was going on, it was like something from some unseen force always gave her a sense like something was wrong with Alex. Something she hadn't thought back on about until now.

With a small sigh, Violet slowly got to her feet, and as she did so she saw Phoenix and Zada quickly rush past and out the same way she saw Alex and that woman leave earlier. That was all she needed, and she was quickly out the door behind them herself. Violet didn't know what to expect, but the scene that was before her caught her off guard to say the least. All she saw was the same woman that she saw before, half-dressed, with Alex holding her shirt. It wasn't a good look, not at all. Especially for Alex. All she knew was that she heard a loud slap and then Phoenix was cussing out Alex as tears began to stream down his face. Violet had to bite her tongue to stop herself from laughing, but the more she looked on. The more she knew something wasn't right. The energy she was getting off of Alex wasn't right. None of this was. Alex wasn't this typed of person. Sure, he was a massive pervert, anyone knew that. But this wasn't the normal Alex.

Violet passed by Phoenix and Zada, making her way towards Alex. Without a word, another loud slap was heard as Violet slapped him hard across the face with the back of her hand as she looked up at him. "Snap the fuck out of it, you dumbass!" she exclaimed. Looking at the expression on Alex's face, she could tell that something still wasn't adding up, it was like he was under some trance. Looking back at Phoenix she gave him a small shake of her head, "I can't believe I'm saying this but...I don't think he did this willingly. I mean, just look at him! The dumbass doesn't even look like himself." Violet turned and looked at the other two, giving Zada a small shake of her head, telling her to not do anything, same thing for Phoenix. "I can't explain it but, Alex didn't do anything, even if it looks like he did. Alex may be an absolute piece of shit, but he wouldn't do anything like this to anyone, nevermind he wouldn't hurt you like this, Phoenix." Violet said softly as she gave him a sad look. Finally turning to the woman with the yellow hair, "You, the one with the freaking claws...Or whatever the hell those are-" Violet started, as she pointed at Triss, taking in note of the protrusions from the woman's finger tips that were visible. "I get it, no one likes Alex. He is an immense piece of shit, but really? That's a bit low...And that's coming from me." Violet said with a small huff, slowly standing in front of Alex as she pushed him back towards the building, "Anything to say for yourself, Goldie Locks?"

---

---

Z O E PEÑA

outfitx|x#6E9ECF

xxxsomething is familiar
xxxlike a dream I can reach but not quite hold
xxxi can sense you there
xxxlike a friend I've always known

xx
Two things quickly happened: Phoenix rushed away, which Zoe completely understood, and the woman who had asked about Alex in the first place was introducing herself. Zoe shook her hand and returned Jaiden’s smile with one of her own. Soft, and maybe a little forced, but it was there. “I’m Zoe,” She sighed, “I’m actually in town visiting,” She paused, not currently sure she wanted to be associated with Alex at the moment, “Family.” She felt a little guilty about the omission, but told herself that it really wasn’t that big of a deal. Alex didn’t seem to give a shit about her, anyway. Something inside told her that he didn’t have a reason to care, and something else argued that she shouldn’t care about him either, then. She decided to change the subject quickly, maybe say something nice about Jaiden. “I, uh, I really like your jacket. It’s nice.” It very clearly wasn’t really Zoe’s style, and she was mostly just saying it to be nice, but she did think it looked good on Jaiden.

As they sat down, Zoe gave Jaiden an awkward smile, “Thank you, I’ve been alone a lot since I got to town.” She paused as she realized how pathetic that sounded, and quickly moved on, “Is it always so exciting here?” By exciting, she did mean filled with drama. She knew small communities came with their drama (she lived in one, herself), but it seemed that things got weird when you got assorted magical beings together. Maybe living with nothing but other witches wasn’t such a bad thing. “I’m from a coven in Arizona, and this is… Very different than what I’m used to.”

Zoe did feel a little better, having something to distract her from the stupid drama her half-brother seemed to be proficient in causing, but she still felt almost on the verge of tears. Somehow, though she knew it didn’t make sense, she felt almost responsible. Alex and Phoenix had seemed so happy and comfortable with one another when she’d arrived, but ever since then fights and drama and weirdness erupted every time she saw them. Logically, she knew that these things would almost certainly happen with or without her presence, but that didn’t stop her from feeling like a bad omen.

As they talked, Zoe kind of studied Jaiden. She didn’t want to be weird, and she tried to be subtle, but Zoe liked to watch people’s faces while they talked. She felt like it helped her get to know them, and sometimes she felt like it gave her some insight into what kind of a person they were. Zoe thought Jaiden was incredibly kind, or else she wouldn’t have offered to sit and talk to someone she didn’t know. If Zoe stayed in town very long, maybe they could be friends.

Sipping the tea Phoenix made helped to calm Zoe’s mind a little. This was still a stressful situation, but not being right in the middle of it was nice.

---

A L E X GARCIA

outfitx|x#3a0a4d

xxxi'm guessing that i've grown horns
xxxi guess i'm human no more
xxxi can tell i've rotted in your brain

xxx
Zada’s voice distracted Alex a little. He hadn’t expected her, and for a moment he almost realized that something was wrong, and then Phoenix slapped him. For a moment, he didn’t quite realize what had happened; he brought a hand up to his face, a mixture of pain and confusion on his face. He figured it out pretty quickly, though, when he heard Phoenix’s words. It was hard to piece together what was happening, though. He felt half asleep, like this was just some bizzare dream he hadn’t quite woken up from. He was piecing it all together, though, head clearing as people were yelling. It was about when he realized that the woman standing in front of him was shirtless and that the memories he had in his head hadn’t been some sort of middle school fever dream when Violet found it necessary to hit him, too.

At first, he wanted to be annoyed, but then he realized that she was defending him. Wait, Phoenix was crying. He realized what this must look like, how incriminating it seemed to be, but that didn’t stop him from being upset about it. Besides, what was he supposed to say, ‘this isn’t what it looks like, Phoenix! She grabbed my hand and suddenly the fact that she had boobs and was paying attention to me overrode all my common sense’? Yeah, that was a great defense. Might have worked in middle school. He realized he was still holding her shirt, but between not wanting to make things worse with Phoenix, and the strange sense of fear he was beginning to feel, he didn’t want to try to give it back. In fact, he didn’t even want to look in her direction.

In truth, Alex wasn’t sure what had happened. Well, he knew what had happened- he remembered it- he wasn’t sure why it happened. Normally, he wouldn’t even think of doing something like this. Not now, when he had Phoenix. A few months ago, maybe, but even then probably not out in the open. “Phoenix,” He wanted to talk to Phoenix, try to make it better somehow, “please, I would never, I-” He stopped himself there, realizing that anything he could say would probably just come off as empty words.

He’d been so distressed about Phoenix, that Alex hadn’t even really noticed the claws. Suddenly, a sort of fear started to gnaw at his stomach. He thought he understood what was happening, then, and he felt like he was going to be sick. Violet’s words really didn’t make him feel better, either. He knew he hadn’t been the nicest to her in the past, and that she didn’t like him much, but he really didn’t feel like calling him a piece of shit was necessary. He found himself almost wringing the shirt in his hands, as if that would help. It wasn’t comforting, in fact he wanted to be rid of it, but aside from Violet beginning pushing him back inside he almost felt glued in place. No wonder people kept trying to kill him, he was an easy target.

He heard Zada say everything was just a misunderstanding, with that came an unspoken promise that nothing like this would happen again. If that would make all of this end, at this point, Alex was willing to accept it.

TRISSTANA GLASSER

outfit xxxxxxx hex; #D4AF37

xxx The price of your greed
xxx Is your son and your daughter
xxx What you gon' do
xxx When there's blood in the water?

Trisstana was about to get started on the man when a voice from behind told her to stop. She turned aggressively with her fangs fully out and claws extended, thrown off seeing it was Zada. “What?” She was confused why Zada would be telling her to stop. Before she could say anything else someone else came out, approaching them with anger and she was getting ready to retaliate but the man just slapped her prey instead and started cursing him out. Now Triss was very much confused about what was all going on.

Another woman, shorter than everyone else, also came out and slapped Alex, trying to shake him from Triss’ trance. Triss just rolled her eyes ad the situation going on around her. The women then began to talk about this wasn’t him and quickly turned and got infront of her, demanding to know what was going on, trying to insult her using the term Goldie Locks. This Trisstana didn’t like, she just snarled at the smaller woman, not exactly all the hostility that was forming around her and was starting to get aggressive and ready to defend herself.

Triss felt a hand on her arm and turned her focus from the woman in front of her to whoever was touching her, a little surprised to see it was Zada. Trisstana wasn’t sure what it was, but feeling Zada’s soft hand on her arm calmed her down, followed by the words that flowed from her mouth. She slowly retracted her fangs and claws before turning back to the smaller woman. She started to talk and try to explain to herself, but Zada spoke up first.

Triss nodded as Zada explained it was a misunderstanding and looked at her. “Yeah… I guess I misunderstood what she meant. Sorry?” She said towards Alex with a light smile before she and her mermaid partner headed inside. Trisstana was asked if she wanted her shirt, but refused it as she walked in.

Z A D A min ALBAHR

outfitx|x#78b0ad

xxxdon't do love, don't do friends
xxxi'm only after success
xxxdon't need a relationship
xxxi'll never soften my grip

xx
This was not an ideal situation. Zada found herself standing by Triss, awkwardly watching as Phoenix, and then Violet, slapped Alex across the face. A part of her relished in the sight; Alex was nothing if not annoying, and the fact that he likely didn’t deserve it didn’t matter in the least. Still, something told her that attention would be brought to Triss before much longer. In most situations, Zada liked being right, but this wasn’t one of them.

Trisstana was growing agitated, and Violet was only making it worse. Zada didn’t want to see a fight break out, that wasn’t what anyone here needed. She rested a hand on Triss’ arm, hoping to calm her a little, or at least get her attention. If Triss was going to stay in Greythorne, Zada didn’t want there to be too many barriers. Triss could get used to the way life here worked, and the people could get used to Triss. Zada knew that to be true, because she’d gotten used to the way the land-dwellers lived, and they’d gotten used to her. “You need to calm down before you make things worse.”

Her voice wasn’t harsh, just matter-of-fact. Humans (and basically everyone on dry land) were slaves to their emotions, and they wouldn’t easily accept that Triss didn’t mean anything by her actions. Zada knew that it wasn’t personal, but she was sure Alex would take it personally, irrational as he was. She decided not to leave this to Triss, not because she didn’t think Triss could handle herself, but because she was much more used to dealing with them.

“How embarrassing,” Zada looked at Alex, and then to Phoenix. She wasn’t sure she really cared about all of this, if not for Trisstana’s well being, and how distressed Phoenix seemed to be. Normally she would chalk it up to the repercussions of loving a man, but since she knew that wasn’t fully true, she continued, “After speaking with Alex earlier I complained about how terrible he was. I’m so used to all of you I forgot about the strong instinct to kill strange men that bother your friends.” She offered a smile, but as usual it didn’t look quite natural. “We’ll be sure to remember that, going forward.

After Triss offered up an apology, they headed back inside. At first, Zada wanted to just go home, but then she checked her phone and saw a message. From Neden. This was strange, but Zada supposed it was important. Neden had said it couldn’t wait, typically they told Zada they would speak with her later, and then never got around to it. “Apparently I’m needed.” She sighed, “I don’t know what for, though.” She decided to head towards the back room; if it was a waste of time then so be it, but if it was important she didn’t want to be left in the dark.

PHOENIX WOODS

outfit : herex|xhex: #c4a7be

xxxhey, i promise you will be fine
xxxgot the universe on your side
xxxwhen you're out in space
xxxdon't be afraid, no.

The first instinct that maybe there was more going on than first appeared was when Violet appeared... and also slapped Alex. It didn't seem like an angry slap though, almost as if she was trying to slap Alex out of something. And then it sank in. The dazed look on Alex's face hadn't just been caused by the presence of a shirtless woman. And Violet apparently knew it too. He wouldn't do anything like this to you. Of course he wouldn't. But Phoenix had jumped to conclusions and probably had just made everything worse.

Zada's explanation didn't do a whole lot to make him feel better. Apparently, the stranger's plan had just been to kill Alex after Zada had made an offhand comment. The thought, the feeling made Phoenix feel vaguely nauseous, and yet there was still a part of him that was glad that that was all that was going on. The stranger gave a half-assed apology, and Phoenix had to resist the temptation to shoot her a glare. When it was just the three of them left, Phoenix leaned against the wall, running his hands down his face. "Alex, I'm so sorry, I didn't realise- I didn't think- I just-"

Just what? Let years of shitty relationships ruin the one good relationship he'd had in years? Let his own damn insecurities take priority over trusting his boyfriend, his best friend, the person he should have been able to trust over anything else? Perhaps if he'd taken a minute to just read the situation, he would have noticed what was really going on. But no, he'd let his anger get the better of him, and he'd probably ruined everything.

He had no idea how he was supposed to go in and face a cafe full of customers. Forcing on a smile seemed like his idea of hell right about now, and he just couldn't face it. But when his phone buzzed in his pocket, he still dug it out to check that nothing was going horribly wrong. Instead, it was just a text from Neden, asking him to meet them in the back room. "Neden wants to talk to us about something," he said, wiping the last few tears from his face and straightening up. He headed in to the room to see Neden already standing there. They looked uncomfortable, and Phoenix got the impression this probably wasn't good news. He had to resist the temptation to just turn back around and go home, sleep it off and hope this had all been a bad dream. Instead he managed a weak smile at them. Rosie was there too, looking somewhere between impatient and concerned.

---

---

A L E X GARCIA

outfitx|x#3a0a4d

xxxi hear the voices from the closet
xxxasking me haunting questions
xxxare you happy?
xxxdo you want it that bad?

xxx
The apology was weak, but Alex accepted it with a slight nod. He didn’t need genuine remorse, he just needed her not to do it again. Just wanted to be safe. As she walked past, he held her shirt out to her, “Here,” But she just waved it off and went inside. What the hell was he going to do with this shirt? He didn’t want it.

Then Phoenix started to apologize. Everything in Alex wanted to tell him that he should be sorry. That there were plenty of things he should have done before assuming the worst. That he was upset and hurt by this lack of trust. That he could have died, and that he felt betrayed, violated, and scared. Instead, he smiled at Phoenix. “It’s fine, I understand. You had no way of knowing what was happening.” Alex hadn’t been able to lie to Phoenix since they were kids; they knew each other too well, Phoenix saw right through him most of the time. But they didn’t have time to really talk about that, Phoenix needed to get inside, and Alex just wanted to get out of the alley. It was starting to feel like a death sentence. He turned to Violet. She’d defended him, and called him an asshole. He didn’t say anything, but maybe he didn’t have to. He was thankful enough, even though he didn’t appreciate her hitting him.

There was a text from Neden, and Alex just didn’t feel like dealing with it. “Fill me in later?” He called after Phoenix. He knew he would. Knew Phoenix would understand that Alex didn’t want to be there. He still needed to talk to Jaiden. Still wanted to talk to her. It would be something else to think about.

He threw the shirt away on his way to find her.

He spotted Jaiden sitting with Zoe, of all people. Interesting. He walked over to the table and smiled, “Hey, Zoe. Thanks for keeping Jai company for me.”

Zoe looked stunned, “Oh, um,” Alex saw the look on her face when she looked at him. She didn’t have to say it, he understood what she was thinking. What did you do?

He turned to Jaiden, “Mind if we talk outside? I could use a smoke.” He looked back at Zoe, “Later.” He waited a moment to make sure Jaiden was coming, and then started walking to the door, pulling out his pack of cigarettes before he even reached the door, “What do you think of Zoe? I find her a little annoying, personally, but maybe that just comes with the territory.”

Once they were out the door, Alex walked a little ways away. “Thanks for coming to talk to me, Jaiden.” He held a cigarette up to her, “Can I get a light?” He laughed a little at Jaiden’s snark, but she did it. He figured he needed to actually talk to her before she decided to pummel him. “I wanted to say sorry.”

He sighed, “After, you know, I was so focused on myself that I didn’t even think about anyone else.” He shrugged, “I don’t even think I ever thanked you for saving my life. And don’t act like you didn’t, because you did.” He looked down at the ground, kicked a pebble to the street, and added, “I didn’t wanna face you, I guess.” He looked at Jaiden and shook his head, “I didn’t realize how much… I felt so guilty, about everything, I was so sure you would hate me.”

Alex looked up at the sky, blinked several times, his voice was faltering a little. It was still so fresh, it hadn’t been that long. He still had nightmares about it, “You know, when Phoenix,” He stopped to swallow the lump forming in his throat, “If things went differently, I don’t know what I would’ve done. So, I’m sorry, Jaiden.”

He paused, but only for a moment, before he moved on to asking about Jaiden. “How are you holding up after Markus? I know that, you know, after the first attack I felt like it wasn’t fair. There were plenty of people that deserved to live on more than me. So, if you ever feel like you need to talk about that sort of thing, I get it.”

He didn’t really expect Jaiden to want to talk to him, not at that moment. After a moment where neither of them said anything, Alex cleared his throat, “Hey, Jai? You think I can crash at your place tonight? I can sleep on the couch, it’s no big deal.” He shrugged, “Just, you know, think it might be nice.” It wasn’t so much that he didn’t want to be around Phoenix, he just felt like he needed some space to air out the pain he was feeling. He didn’t want it to turn to anger, he didn’t want to lash out again. Everything would be fine, he just needed to think.

ROSIE THOMPSON

outfit : herex|xhex: #cc0460

xxxdon't make me laugh, i'll choke
xxxjust let me cry a little bit longer
xxxi ain't gonna smile if i don't want to
xxxhey man we all can't be like you

Rosie began to launch into her explanation of how everything worked, when the girl interrupted her again to ask about Alex and if he'd always been that much of an asshole. "I taught him in high school. And... yeah, pretty much. Although I think he has grown up a little in the past few months." He'd held down a decent relationship for a few weeks, which was something. Almost as if summoned, Phoenix himself appeared and began chatting to the girl, who he addressed as Zoe. The name didn't mean anything to Rosie, but she and Phoenix seemed friendly enough.

There seemed to be a bit of a disturbance, as Phoenix seemed to leave all of a hurry, followed by Zada. Rosie figured that one of them would text her if they needed her, and that someone probably needed to hold down the fort in front of house for a while. Things were starting to quieten down a little, but new people still seemed to be arriving in search of their usual coffees. Even if Phoenix himself was absent, it seemed that he'd made sure the whole thing could run smoothly even if he wasn't there. Now things were calmer, Rosie felt comfortable enough stepping into the back hall to check her phone. There was a text from Neden there, asking her to meet them in the back room. She stepped in to discover that there was already a few others there. She seemed to be the last to arrive, as after a few more minutes of waiting, Neden began to speak.

Their revelation was honestly shocking to Rosie. She hadn't known what to expect, but knew that she never could have anticipated that. Phoenix almost ran out of the room without saying anything. He looked like he'd been crying earlier, and now he was white as a sheet, almost grey. Rosie made a mental note to check on him almost by reflex, a defensive mechanism kicking in so she wouldn't have to try and process this herself.

First Travis. Then Neden. How many hunters and former hunters did they have in this town? How much of a threat did they pose? Rosie sighed. She believed that it was a long, long time ago in Neden's history. They were as passionate about protecting the town as she was, as Markus had been. But right then, Rosie couldn't just carry on as normal. "Thanks for telling us, Neden. We... I believe you. That you've changed," she managed to say, before turning around to leave.

Z A D A min ALBAHR

outfitx|x#78b0ad

xxxdon't do love, don't do friends
xxxi'm only after success
xxxdon't need a relationship
xxxi'll never soften my grip

xx
Triss followed Zada to the back, while Zada didn’t mind, she didn’t know if any of the others would object. Still, she wasn’t about to tell Triss what to do. Ordering people around outside of manners of life or death had always felt horribly barbaric to her. They arrived fairly early to Neden’s little meaning, and Zada offered a small, tentative smile as greeting. It was, perhaps, the kindest gesture she could convincingly, and Neden looked quite nervous. Hopefully she could do something to reassure them. The people that were gathering in this room had all been through so much, it seemed impossible that anything Neden could say would surprise them much.

Then Neden started to speak. At first, the words whirled around Zada’s head, not making much sense. Did Neden think the town would be upset because they were an angel? Zada didn’t think anyone here would care a tremendous amount about that. Then the real confession came. Neden had worked with them.

They had worked with the branded and then here they were, running patrols, claiming to be protecting them. Zada’s head spun, this wasn’t right. It couldn’t be. Neden claimed it had been years ago, a Zada’s entire life had passed since Neden left their ranks. Yet, somehow, that didn’t matter to her.

People who hunted supernatural beings, no matter how justified they may think they are, were some of the worst in Zada’s eyes. They hunted down innocent people, slaughtered them in their sleep, burned their homes. They created orphans and widows, tore entire towns apart. They came to celebrations and slaughtered people in the streets. To say she was angry was an understatement. A fire burned in her eyes, an unforgiving rage that no one in this room had been subject to before. She made sure to lock eyes with Neden, so they could see the anger there.

And without a word, she turned and left the room.

Zada didn’t believe that people could change. Not humans, angels, or mermaids. Not in any way that mattered.

She was going home. Triss followed, she seemed confused, and Zada wasn’t sure she had the capacity to explain. She couldn’t believe that she’d been so foolish. She trusted the people here, she’d let it feel like home. She never should have trusted anyone. She was mostly silent on the walk home, but upon walking into the house, she turned to Triss. She kept her face neutral, but there was a sadness to her eyes, “Maybe I was wrong about the people in this town being good. I suppose that you cannot know anyone as well as you would like. I’m sorry.”

She left Triss with that, and headed to her bedroom. A part of her wondered if she could trust Trisstana, and another part of her wondering if she could bear not trusting the nixie.