IC: Whispers of the Past Chpt 1: The Awakening [m]

[Setsa]

Location: Hospital/ Police Station
Jackie's Diner
Time: Mid-Afternoon

Trixi was looking over the pictures of the crime scene from this morning. Well, more of reclined in her chair with her hiking boots on the corner of her desk while the photos she wasn't holding were scattered all over her desk. She just had it cleaned off from completing all the paperwork when an officer brought the photos to her. Least, after several years, she had given up on her desk ever being cleaned for longer than a few hours at a time. This was definitely gang affiliated; a "message beat down" considering they left as fast as they came. There were a few gangs in town...some just lived here and dealt elsewhere, some preferred to stay and make profit off of the citizens from drugs or other things of that sorts. But there were some...that preferred to do what they want, when they want...and rule their little areas with iron fists that Carter had seemed to be a victim of.

Scribbling a few thoughts and notes of things she had noticed from the photos. Trixi's cell started to ring on the desk; Thor immediately sat up from his spot next to her chair. Nudging the noise-making device with his muzzle until she sat up and took it. "Thanks Thor; Hello this is Trixi...."

"Hey, thanks for getting that kid here so fast. Anyone else and he would've been DOA," he said with a smile. "I'm headed to Jackie's Diner for a quick bite. Wanna join me?"
"Hey Zack, glad to hear he'll survive for now. You have my thanks as well for saving him and least giving his life a second chance. Jackie's Diner huh? Guess I'm due for a lunch break too. Meet you there in 15 then and my treat since you did the work today."

Flipping her cell closed she stood up, giving a good stretch from being still in the chair. Grabbed the leashes off the wall and was soon seen loading up the dogs in the Police SUV before getting in the driver's seat. "Come on boys, we got a lunch to get too. Which means Jackie's oven baked canine meals for you two!" The news was received with the sounds of barking and wagging tails hitting the sides of the vehicle.

"Goin' to Jackie's," Zack said to the girl at the front desk as he left the hospital. He then made his way to his truck, a dark green Chevrolet Colorado four by four. Everyone thought it was funny that he always left it at the hospital and took the bus almost everywhere he went, but his reasons were logical. "Well," he would say, "I support public transportation, and its nice to just sit and chat with people on the bus after a long day at work. Plus, I am not ashamed to admit that I suck at driving, especially when I'm tired." And it was all true. And just well, the people on his bus' route were nice and civil, for the most part. They all lived on the nicer side of town not too far from the hospital. Sure, the town had a few gangs who thought they owned the place, but he lived in the same neighborhood as the mayor and other city officials. And no matter how tough they were, the gang bangers knew to stay well away from where the politicians dwelt.

As he drove to Jackie's Diner, he turned on his police scanner. Technically, it was illegal to have one in this state, but the PD made an exception for Zack, as he used it as a way to catch any medical emergencies while he was driving. It didn't happen often, but since he abhorred using cell phones while driving, if something came up, he could just turn around and rush back to the hospital and be there when the victim arrived. He thought about asking for his own personal siren, but figured he shouldn't press his luck. But if anyone from the PD ever made an offer, he wouldn't refuse it.

When he arrived at the diner, Jennifer, a waitress he'd dated a few times, met him and showed him to a table. "Hey Zack," she said cheerfully. "I heard you were quite the hero on the 214 last night. Is Larry all right? This place wouldn't be the same with out him here everyday."

Zack nodded as he took a seat. "Yeah, He'll be fine. But you probably won't see him for a few weeks at least. He won't be able to eat solid food for about a month or so. So if he asks for any before then, you tell him what I said and that I'll send Nurse Chandlers to take care of him." The girl giggled. Bella Chandlers was the lead LPN of the hospital, a stocky lady in her forties that took crap from no-one and wasn't above making house calls. And to make it even more torturous for Larry, he had a thing for her but was always to scared to make a move. "Oh, when that deputy arrives, I forgot her last name, but Trixi? She's meeting me here." Jennifer nodded and went back to wait at the door.

Not long after, Trixi and the dogs were greeted by Jennifer and led to the table that Zack was seated at. "Thanks Jennifer...glad to see this place is still as busy as ever." When the lady brought out a pad of paper asking what they wanted to drink, Trixi responded quickly "Bowl of water for the dogs and I'll have some iced tea thanks." Once she had Zack's drink jotted down she left to turn it in and get back to greeting others at the front of the diner.

"Well seems like you're still alive enough after that long shift. How is Carter and you for that matter? Don't need to be bringing you in on my next EMT shift cause you fell from exhaustion." Giving a wink to him she relaxed a bit more in her seat as the dogs made their way to Zack with "love me" eyes and nudges to his hands. "Easy boys don't get pushy...."

Zack patted the dogs and laughed. "Well, I got a good five hours last night. Larry and that kid you brought in earlier, I've been to busy to worry about. Though I was a bit exhausted after that operation today, guess I didn't sleep to well after all. Of course that new attending Gillian, forget his first name, is tiresome to work with. He just wanted to give up. Truth be told, I didn't he was going to make it either, but we were lucky and got him sutured up just in time."

When the waitress brought them their drinks, Zack thanked her and took a drink of his soda. Zack wasn't a big drinker of soda, preferring tea or water, but he needed a little boost today. "The kid's gonna be in IC for at least a weak though. Ventricle lacerations are nasty things, so he isn't totally out of the woods yet. He'll have to be kept under until he's healed enough to remove those sutures."

Zack then tapped his fingers on the table for a bit. "I also have a confession for ya," he said with a half smile. "Now I did want to have lunch with you, get to know you a little better, but I also wanted to ask a favor of ya. Remember that stabbing that happened a few weeks ago by the bank? Well I was in the area and rushed to assist and parked in a red zone and got a ticket. There isn't any way you could take care of that, is there?"

She couldn't help but chuckle some shaking her head. "I remember that incident.... I would have been there myself except I was in the ER working on the diabetic man who was rushing home for some insulin and clipped a crossing deer; then hit the tree." Taking a sip of her iced tea she began to nod. "But yea since you were responding to an emergency call you're excused from the parking long as the ambulance could still get in. Which they obviously did... So all you had to do was go to the EMT who responded or the front desk of the ER, get a signature saying you responded to the emergency incident and bring the ticket to the station and be an easy fix. Since I was there and saw you coming out of the ambulance that brought the stab victim I can take care of it soon as I get back to the station not a problem."

When a young college age waiter came over to take their orders, Trixi asked for 2 Oven-baked Canine Meals and a Turkey Club sandwich... opting for some sliced fruit instead of fries since she was going to take a long run today after this shift. "Well Zack I'm glad he'll make it..as I have to agree his survival chances were very slim for me too. But I'd rather be wrong each time than right in those cases any day! I'll be sure to drop in and pay him a friendly visit on the way back home during my run. He may be under but I'm sure a kind voice would still be appreciated for the poor guy." It was then that her cell phone played Slash's guitar solo from November Rain....her text sound... Seeing it was from Su Lin was wasn't marked urgent she stuffed the phone back in her pocket.

"Sorry about that... So you said you wanted to get to know me more huh?" Relaxing back in her chair, Trixi couldn't help but grin. "Well I love to run, long distance too. Maxum and Thor are my best friends as they go nearly everywhere with me as you can see... I may seem rough around the edges; but am very kind and love to help others with whatever.... Movie buff, non-smoker, excellent baker!..." She took a moment to think "and perfect date would be a great meal with good company and not having to leave to the hospital cause the ER is getting so busy they need more hands on deck." Grinning big she gave herself a thumbs up for the brief "about me" info. "You're turn..."

"Well, there's not much to tell, really. I can't cook worth a lick, don't smoke, of course, but like a good Long Island ice tea if it's made right. I'm big salads and eating healthy, but I do have a weak spot for Philly Cheese steak sandwiches." He chuckled a bit at that. On my off days I run about a mile and half in the morning, though I probably don't need it since I walk about ten miles a day at work. I have a truck, as you know, but prefer riding the bus. I'm a sucky driver. Grew up here in town, but went to Harvard Med at seventeen and got my doctorate after only five years instead of nine because I took no side courses and was lucky to land an early internship my sophomore year and became the second youngest person to graduate from there, which I do like to brag about."

When the waiter came with their orders, Zack opting for a large salad with some bacon and ranch dressing, Zack thanked the waiter and took a bite. "Anyway, I got my degree in both surgical and diagnostics and during my off time or when I'm all caught up at work, I dedicate a few hours to working on my masters, but I try go out at least twice a week. Gotta have a social life," he finished with a smirk. "So how long you been on the force?"

Completely understanding trying to have a social life she realized that the two of them could really relate to each other. "Well got into the Academy 3 weeks after my high school graduation here in town. Graduated February that next year with full honors and a second 'degree' if you will; in EMT fully certified to even work in the ER. Since then I worked hard..lots of extra hours both at the station and ER and now... I'm the Deputy with full additional training as an Canine Handler and a full EMT here in town."

The rest of the conversation over their lunch went great...seeing they had much to talk about. Trixi had to admit that she was enjoying her lunch; not having to gobble it down and run back to either work place and the company was a plus too. Lunch was interrupted when she looked at the time from the clock on the wall... She had to get going to let the dogs run and back to paperwork of evidence and other documents needing a signature.

Zack looked at his watch as well and agreed it was time to get going. "Well it was great chatting with ya," he said with a smile. "We should do this again sometime." He then took out one of his cards and wrote his cell on the back. "Call me up if ya ever need anything. Maybe we could meet for drink some time?"

Exchanging their cards with cell phones attached, Trixi put his card in her jean pocket of her uniform. "Yea drinks sound great, feel free to give me a call if you ever want a running partner too... I have tonight off from the ER but I am sure will see you soon." Giving off a bright smile and taking the check she went to the front counter and paid for their lunch before loading the dogs into the suv; heading back out for another round of work. Waving to Zack as he left back to the hospital....



A Setsa and Edynol wonderful co-op

[Koti~]

Location: The Johnson's residence, off Kingport Dr.
Time: 4 pm

“I gotta get out of here, before something else tries to take my life” Crow muttered, staring at the metal monsters that hurled down the streets, some with humans inside, oddly dressed and staring at him. Once off the warm smooth street, he slipped behind a large building, docile looking and soft under his touch. Panes of glass decorated the walls, showing strange and odd looking objects that he could guess were furniture of such.

“What a strange world the future is. Caloc, keep an eye on the front, for when the original owners return.” Crow said, pulling out one of the thin daggers from his cloak and began to run his fingers along the edge. The bottom half of the window was indented into the wall, a small groove running between them. He took the thin dagger and worked it across, satisfied with two silent clicks. Once the dagger had been pulled out, he pushed the window open, soon finding his way inside the silent domicile. Once in though, a dog charged him, barking furiously and baring its fangs.

“So, the little dog wishes to play? Let’s silence the doggie, and I do need a .. fresh supply” Crow said, digging into his pouch for another crimson marble. This one was much larger than the previous one, making the dog wary.

“Unsou tat ecrit souza elentou Calicazo enerit!” Crow spoke softly, his voice gravely and rough. Breaking the orb across the ground, the blood inside seemed to vaporize and waft towards the dog, flowing against its nose as it sneezed twice. The dog whined then soon laid down on the ground, giving the man a begging look as the red vapor continued to spread around the house.

Soon another animal joined, a straight black cat with a single white paw, laying down next to the dog. He bent down and held out his hand to each animal, watching as they both licked his hand, the cats rough tongue an odd compliment to the dogs wet one.

“Good good, now, I have a mission for you two. We have humans here who will smell like me, taste like me, and radiate the same aura as me. I will need you two to… Ah.. a child returns. To your posts, and do not leave until I say so. I do need to harvest some new souls.” Crow grinned, pulling a clear glass ball with an odd design on it. Heading into the hallway, he dropped the ball near the front door and hid in a shadowed door way. Taking one of the daggers, he made a slice across the front of his arm, muttering angrily as the pain seared through.

With the spell completely, and his arm glowing oddly, he waited for the door to open. A small boy, no older than 9 entered the door and dropped a bag on the floor. Crow smiled widened, amazed at the young target.

“Oh? What’s this?” The boy said, picking up the orb that was in the hall, his small fingers wrapping around the smooth glass, his left index running over the raised edges of the design. The thing felt warm to the touch, and he affixed his eyes to the image of the marble, to the point where he didn’t even notice the man until he felt something sharp and boiling pass through his body. Looking down, a strange three pronged hand was pointing out of his stomach, a ball of pure blue glowing inside his hand. Looking up, color paling from his body, he looked up at the image of a strange garbed man, his arm colored red and holding the boy on his shoulder.

“That, my boy, is where your soul will be. You belong to me now” Crow whispered into his ear, the ball floating into the orb as the symbol changed to match the boy’s name, Cameron….

A hour later, the boy walked out of house, his dog and cat rushing after him. He began to walk down the side walk as the red eyed crow alighted onto his shoulder as his small hand tightened onto the 5in cutting knife, his eyes staring off into the far distance, mumbling a slightly garbled chant rolling off his tongue.

…Crow sat in the living room as the room swayed and shifted around him, the world turning up and down, monsters bursting froth from the room as he held onto the sphere, a tight smile painted across his lips as he laughed, his voice sounding cracked and pitched in odd places.

[The Imposter]

Location: On the road
Time: Monday, 10:50 AM

Bao pretended she was standing on a battlefield. Arms outstretched, up towards the sky, the enemy coming in hoards, yet still she did not move away, she would not yield. They thought they could knock her down, trample her beneath their feet like a cat caught in a stampede, but it would not be so.

It would not be so….

“Bao!” Duke dug his dirty nails into her shoulder.

She gave a little cry of protest, then shoved his arm away. “What?”

“Pay attention. We’re at the next stop.” Duke had already unbuckled his seatbelt, anticipating the moment when Wes would park the truck again. They’d already made their way to one stop, and it had gone as smooth as usual.

“I was paying attention.” But Bao had been staring up towards the ceiling, just about rolling her eyes back into her head.

Duke pursed his lips, resisting the urge to yell. He still had his hand on her shoulder, and she could feel his fingers twitch. “Come on, hurry up,” he growled at Wes.

Location: Frederick's Fishing Fuel-Up
Time: 10:56 AM

The truck rumbled to a stop and Wes turned the key killing the engine. He tried his best to let the tone of Duke's words not sink in. He took out his cell and wallet and tossed it to Duke telling him to put them in the glove box. Even back in the day Wes never liked going into areas with anything that could lead to trouble for others.

'Alright already...Don't be so edgy. Something doesn't feel right about this place. It seems way to busy for mid day in the fall. Didn't you say the place was normally closed?'

With a very disgruntled sigh Wes peeked through the truck's windows looking for some evidence to just leave. However, none were presented so he opened his door and stepped out casually making his way to the boxes in the bed of his truck. He spoke low as he shuffled through them and found the ones for this delivery.

'Have you two ever been made? You know what I mean? Has anyone figured out that it is you two making the deliveries? Call it old experiential wisdom but something is definitely fishy about this place.'

The pun wasn't purposely brought up and Wesley only half smiled as he said it. Truthfully his mind was already trying to figure out how the three of them were going to get out of any sour situations that might come up. Duke reminded Wesley of a younger version of himself, being quick to speak and even more quick to devulge his emotions to everyone else. Bao on the other hand seemed quite laid back and stuck in her own world. Both of them at least seemed like people Wesley could at least put up with but when push came to shove would they be much help? He wasn't too sure.

"We'll be fine," Duke insisted as he jumped out of the car. "Jobs are done in shifts."

"Besides, we don't come here all that often," Bao added on, though the statement was more vague than it should have been.

But Bao could feel it too, the strange air of this morning, the ominous atmosphere dragging through her lungs. They'd almost been caught before, but this wasn't something Wes needed to know. If anything, they'd just throw Wes forward and run off with his truck. Duke couldn't handle the pressure, but Bao had quite a steady hand when it came to hot wiring.

Duke had already grabbed some of the boxes, made his way to the back with the list to sign on top of the boxes, grumbling and shooting Wes dirty looks with every movement. Bao sidled up to Wes and began unpacking her share of boxes as well. Couldn't hurt to break the ice, maybe make Wes feel a little more welcome.

"Pay Duke no mind. I don't know what's gotten into him today, he's not normally like this."

Wesley hummed as Bao walked up and made some conversation. The intention behind her words were somewhat comforting. Still weary though of everything going on around them Wesley took the lead carrying his share of boxes at point.

'Yeah he sure seems to have his panties bunched up today. Is it because I've been added to help out with these deliveries without any real discussion?'

From his peripherals he noticed a few men closing in on them. He stopped and turned his head to see what they would do. Wesley cursed under his breath as the small posse passed the three and made their way into Frederick's.

"Oh no, that's not it. He's just... erm...." Bao was having a hard tiem coming up with an excuse for Duke's behavior. In all honesty, he was usually like this. "He's going through some hard stuff. It doesn't mean that-"

She stopped. Up ahead, it sounded as if Duke were in the middle of an argument with someone at the back door. His sunken eyes wide, his teeth ground together to suppress his screams.

"Duke?"

But there was no time to react. Duke was flung back, a punch landed firmly on his cheek. The box flew to the side, just inches from falling off the pier. Wesley reacted to the scene in the only way he knew how. In an instant the boxes he was carrying were on the ground and he had quickly moved up to where Duke was. His massive hand reached down and grabbed Duke by the back of the neck pulling him behind him. Wesley's other hand was coming down on the young man that threw the punch.

Wesley called out in a fatherly tone behind him.

'I think they've figured you two out. We need to get out of here...what's the plan?'

Austin's gang, Bao was sure of it. She hadn't seen the black armband until she'd gotten closer. Wes's punch had stunned him massively, but he was still at least somewhat conscious, and there were more already coming, five of them, screaming threats and advancing with their fists and other odd weaponry.

"We gotta go, Duke."

"The box--"

"No, we gotta go! Come on, Wes!"

"The fucking boxes, Bao!"

He moved a hand towards the inside of his jacket, just about ready to pull a gun. Bao yanked his hand away in an instant. Wes hadn't seen what was going behind him but he could see a few more goons coming from out of the shop. Wes turned to face the two grabbing the box that had left Duke's hands. He threw it hard to Duke on the ground and called out to him.

'Listen...get rid of the product, dump my truck and call the cops. Do it now!!!'

Wes turned back to face the group only to be met with a first crushing his cheek. It had been years since Wes found himself in any sort of altercation like this. Nostalgia flooded in with the pain and Wes reacted with his own strike. He already knew the outcome of this, if anything Paulie probably knew it was going to happen and sent him out to square off an old debt. He tried to take as many notes of the thugs as he could before the overtook him.

Bao dragged Duke to the car without a second thought, pushing him away from the driver's seat and speeding away with a turn of the keys and a shifting of gears.

Location: On the road
Time: 11:23 AM

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!" Duke threw his head forward onto the dash with a thud.

"You better stop that fucking bullshit before I-"

"Fuck you, Bao! There goes our fucking run to a bunch of Austin's cocksuckers!"

Bao couldn't tell if her fingers were shaking or if it was just the vibrations of the truck. "Just call the police."

"And let them-"

She reached over, yanked the black cellphone from his pocket, and threw it in his lap. "Call the fucking police!"

Duke's eyes looked just about ready to pop out of his head. Murderous, filled with fury, he dialed 911 and shoved the phone up to Bao's ear so hard it'd leave a bruise for later. She grasped it without question.

"--1, what is your emergency?"

"Hey, hey, um, we- I mean, I heard some shouting over by Frederick's Fishing Fuel-Up. I th-think it's a fight or something--"


Location: Frederick's Fishing Fuel-Up
Time: 11:15 AM

To Wes' amazement he was able to knock out two of the five or so there was before they had him beat down and had him by the arms. His breathing was heavy and he felt like he was about to pass out. Before he was allowed to pass out though one of the thugs yelled in his face.

'You...YOU! We gotta a message for ole Paulie. Tell him to piss off we are taking Kingsport Cove.'

A quick flash of his wrist and Wes saw the glint in the sunlight. The only thing Wes could think of was his kid. Whatever was going to happen Wes had to survive for Ryan's sake. The blade was cold the moment it made contact and then it became warm. Wes slumped in the thugs arms and then fell to the pavement. The last thing Wes heard was all the footsteps of the punks as they left.

[Stryker]

Location: 1132 Garth Rd.
Time of Day: Late Afternoon

Usually after spending a while visiting with his sister, the rest of the day seems much clearer to him. As if a veil had been lifted by his late-sister, a way of keeping his eyes open for dangers that he felt his sister did her best to shoo him from no matter how stubborn he was in finding them.

He had just then started to enjoy the tranquility of walking through the neighborhood before his phone shook him from his absent-mindedness.

‘The show goes on all night, ‘til the morning with dreams of a lon-‘

“Yeah?”

“We caught the bastards that were running that truck down at Freddy’s” the voice answered on the other end of the line.

“What kinda stuff are they selling?” Austin asked, picking up his pace and making his way there, luckily he was only 20 or so minutes away if he walked, less if he put his fitness to the test.

“They threw the shit into the water when they saw us coming, we got no clue.” Came the reply, causing Austin to swear under his breath before taking a deep breath.

“You said you caught them?”

“Two got away but we got the third one, though I think he’ll be out for a while.” He replied with a chuckle and a few cheers came over the line.

“…Meaning?”

“People find a hard time staying awake after getting the hell beat outta them!” answered the man, obviously pleased with himself.

“I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” Austin replied before hanging up and taking off on a dead sprint.


10 Minutes Later

“Boy, you shoulda seen it, Jack. Beat the shit outta them!” boasted the man who gave the call to Austin earlier. “Piss-ant little girl took a shot too when she tri-“ he began again before feeling a fist meet the right side of his jawline and send him stumbling back a few feet.

“Hey, what the fu-… Austin!”

“The hell have I told you all time and time again, huh?” he shouted, clearly agitated and pissed off. “You don’t do more than what’s necessary, and yet you do this… Again!”

“But they had that stuff you wanted gone.” Came the meek reply.

“And I’m sure these wounds were all done before you tied him up?” he growled after taking a quick look at the man he spoke of. “I’ve had it with you four… You’re out.” He declared.

“…What?” they all asked, bewildered. “What’d you say?”

“Take those damned armbands off and get the hell out of here… Now.”

“The hell are you talking about, Austin? He was selling shit in our town! He’s lucky we didn’t kill his ass!” he continued argue.

“Alex… You realize that the only reason you were ever in The Dollars is because your friends snuck you in when they thought I wasn’t paying attention?” Austin revealed while turning to face Alex and his friends in question.

“I knew what they were doing and thought I’d see what’d happen and how long you’d keep your nose clean to blend in, but I knew that sooner or later that you’d screw up and I’d have to handle you and them at once…” he continued, 20 silhouettes appearing behind him. “And I think that is now unless you feel the need to get the hell out of our goddamned town.”

“Arrogant little, bastard… Come on, let’s get outta here…” Alex muttered under his breath before he and his friends ripped off the black armbands.

Once they left, Austin returned his attention the unconscious guy. He walked behind him and untied his hands before motioning to one of his gang members wearing shades to take them off and hand them to him. He then wrapped an armband around the glasses and placed them on the man’s lap. When he awoke, it was a signal that The Dollars would have their eyes on him.

“Jason, take five with you and go east. Will, take five and go west. Nathan, you and I will split the remaining eight and take north and south to make sure those pricks don’t try to lay low.” He instructed.

“What about the guy here?” Nathan asked, “We’re just going to leave him?”

“He’ll wake up on his own in time and he’ll get the message, I’m sure the other two called the cops so we should get going before we hear sirens.”

And with that, the 20+ members of The Dollars dispersed in different directions.

[Mysteria]

Monday, evening.
The World Of Wonders Book Store:

Cherilyn closed the doors of her store. About a hour ago she allowed Julian to go home, seeing how things moved faster than she hoped them to be.

"Kant... It's okay... you can go, I'll do the closing".

"You sure?", asked the blond.

"Yes, yes, I'll handle it, also you requested a day off tomorrow, right?", she asked, still busy with the locks and making sure all the windows were sealed.

"Nah... Gonna pass... The girl I wanted to take out sort of ditched me...".

"Oh!", said Cherilyn, again, not much bothered, and still moving over the files and shutting down the computers, "Ask her out next time then?", she asked while making sure the books were in order.

"Yeah... probably should... Listen, Cherilyn... I....", he seemed to struggle with his words.

The pause actually made the woman turn around, or more to say look at his direction since she was busy holding some books and replacing them over the shelves, "Yes?", she asked once the silence was too great to bear.

"I... well...", he chuckled digging his hands in his hair, "I... oh well, never mind".

She nodded and shrugged, "Okay, cool, see ya tomorrow at 9:30?", she said, humming to herself as she made sure everything was in place.

"Yeah... yeah... sure", he turned around and left the bell ringing as a cold wind blow forth.

Cherilyn sighed. She was no fool. She knew perfectly well what he was about to say. She kinda hoped to get any ideas out of his mind by making his life miserable, but things just didn't seem to work like that, so she figured... or that he actually enjoyed it?!

Whatever it was, she felt she didn't want to bring anyone into her life now. Still feeling a bit edgy over her last relationship. She sighed as she went for the entrance, pressing the code of the alarm and locking the door as she stepped outside.

***

It was fairly dark by now, but she decided to walk anyway. Something about being closed in the small store for too long made her feel rather uneasy and she sure enjoyed her thoughts as she walked alone in the open, moving her gaze over the windows of the locked stores and the impressive homes on the road for Lina's place.

It was a cold night so she found herself tucking her hands within the pockets of her jacket, digging her nose within the scarf that covered her neck and chin.

It wasn't long now before she reached the place. She took a deep breath and rang the bell's door.

***

Monday, 7:00 PM
Lina's house, 25 Merlin Blvd.:

Lina ran from the kitchen where she had been preparing dinner to the front door upon hearing it ringing. She flung the door open to find Cheri standing there, shivering like it were already the dead of winter.

With a chuckle she made a sweeping motion with her hand, while chortling at her friend lightly "Come on Cherri, get in here before you freeze to death!" It was an exaggeration but the two friends had a good laugh over it.

"That sure will be wonderful", Cherilyn smiled, while shivering some more.

Rosaline remarked "Smell that lasagna baking, next we make the garlic bread" as she began to help Cherilyn remove her coat. A wave of nausea hit her as a vision of Cherilyn walking in on her ex boyfriend and another woman formed in front of her eyes. Luckily for Lina, Cherilyn’s back was to her and she didn't see the brunette momentarily falter.

Quickly pulling her hand away and hanging the coat for Cherri she said "I'll turn the TV on in the kitchen for you if you want while I make up the bread, or I'm sure Mattie and the brats can keep you occupied while I work." Lina grinned at the word brats, her beloved cat and dog were often like children who liked to fight and rather amusing to watch.

Lina smiled, but her mind quickly returned to the image she just saw. Could it have been..nah...it couldn't have been. She knew that Cherri had left her last boyfriend but Cheri had never mentioned anything like that happening and she couldn't just ask her without drawing attention to her crazy frame of mind lately. Hopefully Dr. Acerton would find something in her blood tests to account for it.

Just then, both Lady and Joe decided to vie for Cherilyn’s attention by rubbing her ankles, leaving out small purrs and yips of "look at me, I'm down here" in their respective animal languages, a meow and bark.

"They seem to be found of me", Cherilyn laughed as she raised her voice for Lina to hear, "Maybe because I'm such a bitch", She chuckled, "Told you Kant planned something?... He almost confessed... Gah, I really should fire him you know...", she twisted her lips before she inhale the aroma, "God it smells wonderful, I wish my stuff would come out half as good as you... So... How was your day after you left my store?"

Lina watched her pets loving up on Cherri. Despite the woman's tough exterior, she knew that inside, Cheri was a good and kind woman and there was no hiding that from Lina's two "children" that were still battling for the brunette's affection.

"So tell me, what exactly is Kant up to?" Lina chewed at the bottom of her lip hoping that the usually observant Cherilyn didn't notice the tinge in her voice, as she didn't want to worry her friend with the earlier episode at the hospital, and instead tracked off to the time she had spent in the woods shooting film.

"I managed to get some good shots for the article today, but I tell you Cheri, something strange is going on in this woods." Lina rubbed her eyes to emphasize the words that followed "I swear, I am seeing things. After dinner though, I have a photo I want you to see."

Lina slipped the bread she had just finished spreading with her homemade garlic butter into the oven to bake. To her friend then she smiled "Would you like some wine while we wait, maybe a sweater to wear over your dress or would you like me to turn up the heat?"

"Sounds great", Cherilyn stretched her limbs as she got up, the pets withdrawing from her body, "I really can't wait to taste some food", she said petting her stomach as she chuckled, "Wine is sure to be a lovely addition as well"

Moving into the kitchen, Cherilyn quickly set the plates and fixed the silverware on the table that had already been decorated with a lovely tablecloth and some candles. She opened the oven and inhaled the aroma before she looked back at Lina with a brilliant smile, "Winning dish!".

***

About an hour later both Cherilyn and Lina appeared to be in a rather mischievous mood, the wine taking effect over Cherilyn's mind as she found herself drifting into the happy mood it brought along, "Good wine...", she added, "So... I gotta admit I'm curious... I thought about what you said ever since you left... What's going on Lina?"

The gaiety of the moment was broken upon Lina hearing Cherilyn's question. Her tone quickly turned somber "Cherri, something's wrong. Very wrong. You know I've been shooting some film out at Kings Valley woods. The animals have been upset but today..."

Lina's voice trailed off. How could she tell Cherilyn what had happened, about how the very air looked to be wavy, how the crow flew out of the shimmering light right at her and worse, the weird vision she had seen in the hospital.

She settled for telling Cherri only about the crow "Today, it was unusually quiet and as I was snapping photo's the ..bird....flew at me. I managed to capture a picture of it. Come with me."

Lina led the way out of the dining room and into the hallway that led into the main living area. She stepped over Joe and sidestepped Lady as she moved through the hall with Cherilyn close behind. They passed the bathroom and spare bedroom, the den and Lina's main bedroom to the very end of the corridor where Lina opened the door and flipped on a light.

"This is my dark room" Rosaline said as she opened the second door that led from the light lock entrance into the actual dark room itself. Since all of her film had already been processed earlier in the day, it was safe for her to open the door and look for the photo of the crow with red eyes.

"And this, is a photo of the crow that flew at me. Cherri, do you see it's red eyes? They were glowing at me."

Lina handed the photo to the young bookstore owner, her hand brushing the other woman's as she took the picture. An image flashed in front of Lina, one of Cherilyn but yet it was not Cherri. Lina attempted to pull her hand away but she was frozen, feeling as though the blood were being drained from her very body.

Lina's brown eyes grew wide, her voice a whisper "Cheri?" was all that Lina said for it was not Cherilyn that she saw. It was of another Cheriyn, dressed in clothing that was unfamiliar to her. This other person was bent over a table looking at maps, her facial expression grave as it turned from the table appearing to stare straight past Rosaline's eyes and into her soul.

Lina opened her mouth to say something, felt her knees buckling and then a wave of darkness washed over her as she fell with a thud to the floor.

"Lina?!", Cherilyn cried, "Oh dear lord!"

Cherilyn bent near her friend, trying to shack her, trying to try and awake and see what was wrong with her, "Lina! Talk to me! Lina?!"

What had just happened here?!

She raised the woman's over her, trying to pet her head and wave at her, before pulling her up and carrying her over the sofa.

"Oh, god! oh god!"

She raised her mobile dialing for the person she knew might help.

***

Back at the hospital, Zack in a video conference with Doctor Hillbrough from the county medical center as they were doing a differential. "Well, you said he had suffered a hairline fracture in his right clavicle. Right?"

The other doctor nodded. "Yes, but how would that cause him to pass out and run a fever? If it was a compound fracture, I could believe that if it got infected, but it wasn't a serious break, didn't even need to operate."

"Well, it says in his record here he was treated for Calcinosis last month. If they didn't get all of the calcium deposits, the fracture could have caused the marrow to carry it into the bloodstream. And working at a dairy manufacturer, it's safe to assume he drinks a lot of milk, which could potentially add to that. So maybe he could have septicemia as well as hypercalcemia."

Doctor Hillbrough pondered that for a moment. "I never thought of that. I'll start him on furosemide and corticosteroids with drotrecogin on stand-by. Thanks Ace. We still on for bowling this weekend?"

Zack smiled and nodded. "Unless something comes up, yes. I think I'm gonna beat you this time. You only won by two pins last week and I've been..." Zack was cut off when his cell phone rang. It was Cheri from the book store. "What? Okay. Try to get her to a bed or couch, something soft, or put some pillows under her. I'll be right there." He hung up the phone and turned to the other doctor. "Sorry Hank, I gotta jet. See ya Saturday." He then told the nurse at the main desk where he was going and rushed out to his truck, driving a little above the speed limit to Lina's house.

***

When Zack arrived, he grabbed his medical bag, ran up to the door and knocked hard and rapidly. "Hey! It's Zack! I'm coming in, okay," he hollered as he opened the door and walked through finding the two girls, one lying over the couch the other bending over her friend, tears in her eyes as her face was completely wet and red.

The pets around the house sure notice that something was wrong with their mistress as they moved around the two.

"I don't know what happened. One minute she talked, the next she just...", Cherilyn sobbed.

Zack bent over Lina and checked her pulse. As before, it seemed fine, just a little rapid. "Her name's Rosaline, right? I just met her at the hospital today for the first time. She had a similar episode, though she didn't go completely unconscious." Zack took a light scope from his bag and opened her eyelids. This time, they just stared blankly, but at least the pupils retracted, which was a good sign there wasn't brain damage.

Zack then cursed himself. "Damn it," he said in a harsh whisper. "I should have ran more tests. She seemed perfectly fine when she left, but I should have kept her there anyway." He then checked her ears while feeling her head for a temperature. Everything seemed perfectly fine. "Hey," he said in a soft tone as he gently patted Lina's face as he did before. "Rosaline. Can you hear me? Come on girl, wake up for me." Zack suddenly started sweating as a small wave of fatigue hit him like earlier that day, but he was barely aware of it.

Her friends sobs and then the subsequent sound of a mans voice, coupled with a bright light in her eyes then gentle touch upon her face jolted Lina fully awake.

Although she had been aware of Cherilyn struggling to get her from the hallway to the couch, she'd been unable to force her eyes open, feeling as though she were caught in between an unconscious and awake state.

"Cherri? What's wrong?" Lina blinked then saw the doctor standing beside her as she felt his warm hand take hers in his own.

"Dr. Acerton? What are you doing here?" Her question to Cherri had now been overridden by the fact that she found herself face to face with the doctor for the second time that day.

He was sitting on the edge of the couch trying to examine her and she struggled to move in order to give him more room to sit.

Zack put a gentle hand on Lina's should when she tried to move. "Try to relax Rosaline, you fainted again. Cheri called me," he said with a nod and a smile to Cheri. "We really gotta stop meeting like this, otherwise I might have to move in with you." He gave her a small smile as he squeezed her hand lightly, his brow glistening from the sweat as he grabbed a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe it off.

He then turned to Cheri. "Cheri, mind getting us some water please? Today has been an exhausting day for all of us I think."

Cheri just nodded and dashed for the kitchen and then Zack took out his cell phone and dialed the hospital. "Yes Pam? Can you have Grubby call me on my cell as soon as the blood work results come in for Rosaline Bennett please? That's Bennett with two Ns and two Ts. Yes. Thank you." He then hung up.

Lina stared after Cheri as she hurried off to get the water then looked up at the doctor. She was certain that whatever color had drained from her face had returned ten fold when he had commented about moving in with her.

She watched as the handsome doctor dialed his phone, smiling softly to herself. The smile quickly faded then as she realized that he had mentioned in front of Cheri that it was the second time that day she had passed out. Lina winced to herself and hoped that Cheri had not caught that small detail.

Cherilyn was back, watching her friend as she drank the water and once the glass was emptied she went back to the kitchen to bring another, the worry still carved upon her face, but the fact that the Dr. was around seemed to ease her a bit.



***
Monday, late evening
Cherilyn's Home:


After some persuading Cherilyn left the two, but with a heavy heart. She couldn't help but thinking about everything that happened today. Worried or not, once her thoughts settled down, she noticed something in Zack's words.

Cherilyn had a great memory, sharp and calculated. She did notice that her friend was not in the best spirit when she first arrived her place and now she did notice that the Dr. said it was the second time she fainted...

Digging her arms within her jacket's pocket yet again, she continued to think and think, but deciding it was best to leave everything aside until Lina felt better.

With that she was back at her place, ending the day in her bed and falling asleep while the T.V's on, on the commercial channel.

-A Kris, Edynol, and Mysti Threesome-

[Wattz]

Location: Paul’s place?
Time: Monday, 6:00 PM

“So let me get this straight….” The tall man was standing, pacing every once in a while, but always keeping his hands pressed together, fingers to the lips. His blotchy arms appeared even more defined in the shadows cast by the flickering lamplight, his hair puffed like a graying mane, his wrinkles sinking inward.

Bao and Duke stood opposite him, knowing better than to take the couch. If it had been morning, they could have just about seen the outline of a stain—

“The stuff’s been dumped.” His voice always reminded Bao of dead leaves on pavement.

“Yes.” Duke was always the one to speak to Paul. Bao would never let herself lose eye contact, but when she spoke, well….

“You’re sure? It’s all gone?”

“The fuck you think I am?”

“I think you’re a shady fuck who ruined the whole operation.“

“Excuse me? They ambushed us. I think it’s your fault for not paying close enough attention—“

“I swear to god Duke, if they trace them back to us.”

Of course, the ‘us’ was not the three standing in the rundown apartment, oh no, of course not. There were always more, always others at stake.

“And fuck, you lost Wes too—“

“That was his choice.”

“Of course it was.”

“But the shit’s dumped and that’s all that matters.” She could hear his voice quiver, saw how he buried his shaking hands by crossing them.

Silence. Pacing. A lit cigarette. “You know I’ve got my guys searching your place now.”

“I know.”

Paul laughed, tapped the side of his head. “God, this is just so… so fucking stupid. Just… just get the fuck out. I gotta think.”



Location: Abandoned Warehouse
Time: Monday, 8:12 PM

On their way back, Bao felt as if someone had been watching them. Duke kept looking over his shoulder at every scrap of paper that blew across the pavement and ducking at the bright lights of the passing cars. And now he was hunching his shoulders over, breathing heavily. His wide eyes twitched from the fallen stone slab to the tossed blankets to the gutted pillows with cotton spilled everywhere.

“I don’t want to stay here,” he said.

“We don’t have to.”

“I don’t want to sleep.”

Bao grabbed his shoulders and turned him away. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”

“We shouldn’t have done it.”

“It’ll be fine, Duke.”

“He’s going to find out.”

“Hush. Let’s just keep walking.”

[Clyde]

Co-op: Keeper + Clyde

Location: School [Hell]

Time: Noon

Character: Stephen

Keeping the books balanced in her arms, she carefully walked through the library isle’s making sure to not hit anyone with the stack. She somehow made her way to the front of the area, where the service tables were located, and dropped the books onto the counter with a loud thud

“Dear, please be gentler with those books” The librarian screeched at her, brandishing a ruler at her as the grey bob bounced up and down. Jessica nodded as her face flushed, taking the top book and setting it aside. Making quick work, she sorted through the books, setting them in alphabetical order and then by library decimal sorting system. During this time, she heard something from the back of the library. Noticing the time, she looked around to see the place mostly empty, except for a one person sitting in the far back, where the lights had yet to be replaced.

Adjusting her glasses up on the bridge of her nose, she headed over towards the person, trying to look as inviting as possible.

“Hello there, my name is Jessica Whitmore, are you okay?” Jessica say, bending down to look at the crying person.

The library had an odd smell, it was the perfect mixture of books and someone's bad body odor. Many students had been piled into here before the lunch time, probably for their English classes. All though an uncomfortable smell it didn't deter him from feeling the way he did. It didn't dissipate the feelings of vulnerability and sadness, the crippling loneliness. As he held his knees together in fetal position a person's voice stirred him. Carefully moving his gaze towards this person with puffy eyes from crying so much, she introduced herself and asked if he was okay.

His mind had a brain attack. He never knew in times like this or even in situations like this how to respond. Everything sounded better in his mind far more than what they sounded like coming from his own mouth. He made note of her brown hair and thick rimmed glasses. She was rather pretty as well. He scrunched his face up and try to think what his favorite character would do.

"Hello," he replied weakly.

That sounded lame. He sounded lame. That was lame. He frowned.

"Hi," he tried again this time a little stronger.

Who was he kidding? All the time he came up with faker and faker responses. Kidding himself, kidding the world. He only sighed and tried to wipe away his tears. But he ultimately felt defeat.

"I..am having a bad day," he said honestely.

What day wasn't hard? What day had he ever had an easy and normal day? Never truly. He always hid in this dark part of the library to cry away sorrows. He felt pathetic. Like the kid with the victim mentality he tried not to. But he didn't know how to fix the issues with him. He didn't know how to fix what was wrong with him. He tried to smile at her, but it came out crooked and awkward. He fidgeted a bit.

"Meet a new person," he whispered so that way she couldn't hear, "Achievement unlocked."

Jessica giggled, sitting down next to the boy, looking at his puffy eyes and his quiet talking. Sitting there for a few seconds, she looked out and around the library, seeing that from here, you would not be seen very well, though you could see out quite well.

"So, you are having a bad day huh? I can say I've had my fair share of those, can I tell you. So, why have you been having a bad day?" Jessica said to him, leaning against the wall while looking at him. He seemed like a quiet boy, evident from his lack of talking other than those three... was it three? .. quick lines. She smiled warmly at him. She liked him, even with his quiet odd ways.

Stephen stared at the gray floor, it had many stains in it. Many students brought in drinks and food even when they weren't suppose to. For some reason to them breaking the rules was an act of fun. He felt bad for the carpet. He smiled a little as she giggled and sat next to him. She smelled nice, he actually enjoyed the way she smelled. Like something sweet, like candy of some sort.

"I'm...not...really good at talking," Stephen said, "My...math teacher doesn't like me very much. He thinks...I'm stupid. I..don't really...like..talking in front of the other students. It makes me nervous so I can't answer questions in class cause everyone is watching me."

He put a finger on the carpet and swirled his finger around as if he were playing with sand.

"My...name...is Stephen Hughes," he said, "I'm..not..dumb. I just...sorry. I hate this right now. I hate just being me. Cause...cause...this isn't cool. You're probably thinking what a cry baby. Or wow he's such a loser cause he thinks negatively. I don't try to...it...just...everything happens even when I try to think positive. Negative things happen even when I think positive."

"I don't think that. I think you are a pretty neat guy, you just need a bit of confidence. Besides, I don't like most of the... 'strong' men, all brawn, no brain. And I can assure you. everyone gets stage fright now and then." Jessica said, crossing her legs Indian style, staring at the stains. She hated when people broke the rules of the library, and even took the risk of breaking the books.

Taking a risk, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into her chest and holding him there for a bit. Once done, she let go and stood in front of him, holding her hand out for his.

"Well, lets make this day better. Just keep a stiff upper lip and let no one get under your skin. And personally, I don't like math much either. So come on, if you are going to spend your time in here, you might as well do it in the light, and not in the corner. As well, you are not a loser, you are who you are, and that person is awesome." Jessica said, tugging at his hand to pull him to his feet.

He could feel his face go hot from the contact. He hadn't been held in such a way for a long time. His mother rarely home now adays never embraced him and he had forgotten what it felt like to be against another person. Granted this was a girl around his age, it was a little different from the embrace of family. Or maybe he was thinking about it to much, he wasn't sure any longer.

It had ended as quickly as it happened and yet the very feeling lingered on his skin and on his body. He had never felt more embarassed before then now. He hadn't really thought about girls or relationships. Admiration and crushes were things other people did, not things he had or did. Yet, he found himself hovering her over word and her every scent. Was this instant puppy love or was this more surprise. He wasn't truly sure at the moment.

She offered to make his day better, was it a lie or was it the truth. Was she another with an ulterior motive. A liar, cheat. At some point was she to backstab him too. It was a thought that held existence in the back of his mind. Silently whispering in his thoughts making him paranoid and distrusting of others. He always gave the benefit of the doubt, to always end up meeting people who burnt his bridges.

Was he to trusting? Was it this feeling inside of him that was allowing more weakness and vulnerability to come out. So many questions and such a fraction to think.

"O..okay," he said rather nervously, uneasing about her intentions.

She smiled and pulled him to his feet, helping steady him before he fell over, giggling happily.

"Well, seeing as we still have some of the day left, you need to be hurrying on back to class, but promise me that we will meet at the end of the day here in the library, okay? I'll help make your afternoon better, and I'll turn that frown upside down. So hurry onto class Stephen, and I will meet you here after school, okay?" Jessica told him, giving him another hug just as the lunch bell rang out overheard, signalling the end of lunch and the beginning of class.

He stared at her for a second. He was being invited for something after school. Instead of walking straight home, he'd be like the reast of the kids hanging with friends.

"O..okay," he said, "I'll see you after class."

Today he met a pretty girl whom promised to turn things around. Still slightly frightened of her motives he left the library in higher spirits. But those spirits began to sink as negative thoughts spread into his mind like a wicked poison. She could be lying to him. This could be a bet to hang out with that weird kid. This could be the Kim incident all over again, where kids dared her to hang with him.

She showed him off to her friends and they paid her in a big fat twenty. This girl, the library girl, Jessica could be just another person ready to play with him again. Ready to harm him again.

[Edynol]

Edynol/Mysti Co

Monday
Late Evening
Lina's House

When Cheri left to go back home, Zack found himself thinking about being there alone...with Lina. Even in her weakened state, her hair in disarray, she was really pretty and the thought about kissing her mingled in his mind. Oh come off it, you mud-headed fool! What's wrong with you, he thought to himself. He then gently put an arm under one of hers to help her sit up. He then gently brushed a hand across her cheek as he moved a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She really did have amazing eyes. "Alright look at me for a moment. Do you think you can walk if I help ya? I usually don't carry a girl around til the third date, so you already me two dinners and a movie, unless ya wanna make it three dinners, two movies and a sleep over. Though I guess we can knock that last one off since I ain't leaving you til I get your blood work results." He let out a small laugh as he looked into her eyes, a small smile on his lips.


Lina sat up, still a bit dazed and confused after hugging her friend goodbye and promising to call her right away in the morning. As Zachary Acerton's hand touched her she winced, almost afraid of what she may see. Oddly enough, she saw nothing but his warm smile and concerned eyes searching hers. Then that smile spread slowly across his face as his hazel green eyes lit up with mischievousness.

Rosaline blinked for a moment, then pulled away slightly "I assure you I can walk by myself," she said, rising to her feet but still feeling slightly off kilter, her balance being affected by what felt like her having been drained of energy despite the fact that she had recently eaten.

Lina brushed it off as she tried to take a step forward "I..I guess I had more wine than I tho.." her voice trailed off as she steadied herself by grabbing the table beside the couch.

Zack grabbed Lina's arm gently when she faltered. "Easy now girl, don't try to overexert yourself. I'll help ya til you get your bearings back. I have no doubt you're a strong, very self-sufficient woman, but everyone has off an off day here and there." He spoke matter-of-factually, no hint of pity in his tone. "Now come on, I'll help you to your room."

When they finally reached her room, Zack held on to her til she took a seat. "Okay, how are you feeling? If you're feeling any discomfort, tell me, no matter how small. Any dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing? Any light-headedness, trouble focusing or fatigue? Don't just tell me your fine, I'm serious." His look and tone were both serious, yet still friendly.


It was something in the good doctors tone that caught Lina’s attention. He wasn’t being overly cautious, he wasn’t trying to tell her what to do, and he appeared to be genuinely concerned. Oh for pete’s sake Lina, she thought to herself. He’s a doctor, of course he’s concerned. He’s seen you around town at least fifty times and never has he shown interest in you. He’s just doing his job. she told herself as she allowed him to help her to her room where she sat at the edge of her bed.

“I’m fine” she lied softly, realizing that she still felt weak, or more importantly suddenly very tired. She swept it from her mind. “Really I’m fine but if you wish to wait to tuck me in and be sure I’m okay, would you at least turn around and let me change into my night clothes?”

Lina blushed. That was stupid she told herself. He was a doctor, he’d seen women naked before. But he’d never seen her naked before. The doctor smiled but did as she asked, turning his back to her. Once she was certain that it was safe to do so, she began removing her clothing.

With Zachery Acerton’s back to her, she unbuttoned her blouse and left it fall from her shoulders as she reached for the dark teal nightgown that lay folded on the bed. She then slipped her boots off, her long hair falling down over her breasts as she tugged at them. Allowing them to fall onto the floor with a soft thud she pulled her pants down, and stood just long enough to lay them over the back of a nearby chair.

Sitting back down she undid the front clasp of her bra then slipped if from her shoulders leaving her breasts exposed for just a quick moment before the silk nightie was slid down over her head and she pulled it down and slid back on the bed making sure it was tucked in around her.

“You can turn around now.” Lina said quietly before adding on “I hope you don’t mind letting yourself out and making sure to lock the front door behind you?”

While she undressed, Zack saw her reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall in front of him. Sure, he had seen plenty of naked women before, both in and out of the office, but he still felt a little awkward seeing her body nude. Zack was never one to gawk, but something about Lina made him feel like a nervous schoolboy again peeking into the girls locker room.

He knew it was improper, but he couldn't make himself look away. Her smooth skin, her beautiful breasts that were perfectly proportioned to her chest, and thighs and butt that were the perfect size for many things. When she said he could turn around, he did so quickly and when she mentioned him leaving, he snapped out of his day dream and shook his head.

"No no no," he said in a flat tone. "I'm not leaving you here alone until I'm sure I get you results back and I'm sure you are alright. You are not a good liar, I know you're not feeling fine. People don't just faint for no reason, so you can forget trying to convince me otherwise. Now is there anything you need? Some more water, a sleeping aid?"

Lina's first reaction was to become indignant at his suggestion of spending the night and immediately she swung her legs back to the side of the bed as she arose with purpose. Reaching out she took his arm to guide her from her room but as she did so a sudden strange feeling washed over her as a vision of Zachery watching her the very first time she visited her friend in the hospital after the accident that almost had taken her friends life. He hadn't just noticed her but his eyes had followed her every movement as she made her way down the corridor until she was out of sight.

Lina was certain now that she was going insane as another wave of darkness hit her, she clutching at the doctors shirt to keep herself from falling.

Zack caught her, again, when she fainted and picked her up in his arms to carry her over to the bed. He then went back to the living room to grab his medical bag. When she came to again, he was right there, his eyes only inches from hers. "Okay, you are not leaving this bed tonight," he said, the friendliness gone from his voice as his tone became gravely serious. "I am going to give you something to help you sleep. No more arguing, no more insisting you're fine. I didn't come here on my own time to help you just have you faint again with no one around to help you. So it's either this or I call the EMTs and they strap ya to stretcher." He then took a needle from his bag and gave her a shot to make her sleep.

Tuesday morning
7:30 am
Lina's house

The next morning, Zack woke up to his cell ringing. It was Grubby. "Well, her blood work show she has low blood sodium, but other than everything seems fine," the other doctor said. "She might have a slight case of Hyponatremia, which if she has been drinking and overexerting herself as you said, could lead to frequent losses of consciousness."

Zack thought for a bit before answering. "Alright Grubby, thanks." He then hung up the phone and decided to try and cook breakfast, which didn't turn out too well as smoke from the burnt eggs and bacon filled the kitchen.

Lina woke to the smell of something burning. The night before seemed fuzzy to her as she dashed out the hallway not bothering to grab her robe, oblivious to the fact that Doctor Acerton was burning something in the kitchen but rather fearful for her pets lives thinking that her home was on fire.

Finding no flames and following the smoke she stopped dead in her tracks, quickly crossing her arms over her scantily clad physique and letting her long hair fall forward. "Dr. Acerton, what are you.." Her voice trailed off as the previous nights events slowly returned. "Wait a minute, what time is it anyhow?"

Zack gave a start as he turned around at Lina's voice. "It is 7:30 in the morning, and I am attempting to make breakfast for you." He looked back at the burnt food then back at Lina, his cheeks blushing a bit. "But...it seems I've made a disaster of things. Your results came in, you have low blood sodium, perhaps a slight case of hyponatremia. You need a lot more salt in your diet."

After dumping the food down the disposal, he washed his hand and turned back to the girl. "So this is what we're going to do. I am going to take you out to breakfast for a nice healthy helping of eggs, bacon, and some buttered biscuits." He then raised an eyebrow. "And no arguing. I'm buying. Next time I hear of you fainting, you're going to the hospital and being checked in. Besides, you already owe me six dates now, we can count this one as the first," he said with a smile.

Lina was so happy to learn that there was a medical reason for her condition and she wasn't crazy as she had feared that she literally threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek "Oh yes, of course.."

Quickly realizing what she had done she stepped away, her cheeks flushed "I'm sorry..." she stammered "I...the results..." With each word her cheeks deepened in color "I mean, I was so excited that there's a simple explanation for all of this, I.."

She stopped then before making a further fool of herself, offering him a smile "Yes, breakfast would be fine, Doctor." Then her tone took a more serious tone "And, thank you."

Zack blushed a little when she kissed him, a grin forming on his lips as she accepted his invitation. "Pleasure is all mine, Lina. I'll waiting for ya when you're ready." When she got ready and came back, he smiled at seeing her and held the door open for her. He did the same when they got to his truck, then headed for Jackie's Diner.

[Setsa]

Location: The Hospital
Time: Early morning

Wesley awoke with a start a small pain in his wrist and the layout gave him enough information that he was in the hospital. His mind cussed and shouted vulgarities at his own stupidity. He should have never went back to Paulie. Hell the guy probably set the whole thing up just to get back at him. Before his mind could process anymore it went straight to thoughts of Ryan.

'Ryan....'

The name rolled off his lips with a fear. He had no idea who had him or where he was. He reached for the red button and began to press it madly. He hollared as loud as he could for a nurse. Eventually one came running in and Wesley began blurting everything out. Truth of it was he had been in this type of situation before, many years ago. He explained who he was and said that he had a special needs child and needed to know where he was and if someone was looking after him. When he finished she said she would do what she could with the information she wrote down but would be calling the police because he came in with no identification and a stab wound.

When she left, Wesley was alone with his thoughts. A unspeakable shame waved over him feeling as though he abandoned his son. He had no idea how long he sat there in such a state but eventually someone opened the door to his room and walked in.

Trixi had been wokened up from her slumber in the very early morning by the familiar ring of her cell phone going off. The light from the mobile device illuminating the room until she finally flipped it open; laying on her left side still not fully awake and only running off of pure installed, done this one too many times, response. "Deputy Trixi here who's calling?"

"Sorry to wake you up at this hour Trixi but we got a paticular situation here. I have the hospital on the other line reporting a man with no identification, in bad condition, and saying he has a special needs kid that he's concerned about." She sighed as she sat up fully in bed wearing nothing but a black sports bra and matching thong "alright patch me through and I'll make sure Ryan is alright and talk to Wesley in the hospital." Rubbing the back of her neck as she spoke, the woman reminded herself not to run so hard and eat little after while working on things in her office at home. Always gave her such a headache in the morning.... "Wait...how do you know the special kid's name..or the unidentified victim in the hospital?!" The male voice demanded from the other end of the conversation.. "because you idiot...there is only one kid who is special needs that has just a dad in the town! Now fricken patch me through to the hospital or you hide will be more than tanned red by ME!!" Tossing the red sheet off and back from her lap she stood up; phone put on speaker, talking to the hospital while getting dressed in one of her deputy uniforms.

Not long afterwards Trixi and her dogs were in the elevator of the hospital having agreed to see Ryan first since she found out that he was emitted into the hospital after another seizure at school. Since the nurse informed her that Ryan would be here least over night. The woman agreed to leave Thor behind to keep Ryan calm, as it's a familiar dog from the many "doggy day" times in his special needs class at school and help set the nurses at ease a bit more. Being shown where the boy was, Thor immediatley lightly nudged his hand before jumping up to stay at the foot of the bed while his mistress stood beside the bed. Giving Ryan a soft smile, and speaking in a very soft, reassuring voice... "Ryan..are you focused on me? I'm going to leave your buddy Thor here with you and Nurse Harriet so you can have a special sleepover with him while your daddy helps me with a very special assignment ok? I promise soon as I see him I'll call here in your room so you can tell your daddy all about your big day 'k?" Trixi absolutely loved kids and special needs never phased her... which is probably why she volunteered some free time everyother week to spend the day visiting the special needs classes as dogs were a great way to sooth any soul and bring out an imaginative side out.

Walking to the other floor, she couldn't help but think of having kids herself, but got to get a guy first.... Her busy schedule never seemed to allow much time for dating but in due time...she was plenty young enough so not rush just yet. The thought followed her until she heard the 'bing' of the elevator announcing she had arrived at the floor she needed Maxum following at her side seeming very content with himself. Meeting up with the on duty nurse in the ICU who held a fit about a dog in there, she shrugged and left Maxum at the door to the room to stand guard and get any stray pets for being woken up so early. Opening the door she saw Wesley looking like he got the shit beaten out of him and then some more. Offering a kind smile she pulled a seat over to his bedside and placed one of her soft hands gently on top of his. "Hey Wesley...it's Trixi...I got the call you were in here. Don't worry, Ryan is safe and well here too.. apparently he had a seizure and was emitted into his own room from school. Right now he is being tended to by Nurse Harriet and his furry buddy Thor. So I want you to take a breath and relax...you're son will be alright for today and we'll go at it day by day until you're out of here..... Now can you remember anything on how this happened to you? Don't worry, I'm in no rush."


Wesley just smiled feeling the effects of the drugs taking over him. He sure needed his rest and it was best to leave the major deeds off.

"Stupid fight... Wrong place... wrong time... Apparently I overstepped into a place I shouldn't have been into to begin with... Then I got punched and kicked for it...".

The drugs were working completely now, "Forgive me, I don't remember much more... Just make sure Ryan is good, okay?"

The Deputy agreed to his request before leaving his room to double check on Ryan, and signing as his and Wesley's person of contact just incase anything happened and there was a decision to be made with the doctors. Trixi had then drove out to the station for what was left of her actual shift for the day. On the way she got a call stating both Ryan and Wesley had slipt into coma, Ryan was induced coma so his seizures would calm down and the news of his dad wouldn't make things worse. Wesley did it all on his own though she couldn't blame him, those wounds were bad and now he's in a "happy Morphin, no pain" state of relaxation.

[An Imposter and Setsa co-post with Kris at the end too ]

[Storm]

Location: Mok's Fine Jewelry
Time: Monday Afternoon
Kant reached over for the woman's store holding a box full of magazines and papers. He was wearing a jeans and a loose baggy T-shirt that flattered the lovely building of his upper torso, to the point that his muscles were visible under his clothing.

At the sight of the lovely Su Lin Kant smiled softly, "Cherilyn sent me to drop this by", he said, stretching from the effort of carrying such a heavy box, "I hope this will work for you, I think she pretty much got whatever that was in the stores. She only found two books, but said she could order more if you liked her to. Please notice that some of them are not written in English, but it shouldn't be much of a problem since they are mostly pictures of products, so ordering them will require the codes numbers".

A soft smile formed upon her lips as she gazed momentarily upon Kant. Thoughts race through her mind on how Gail is going to dog her big time over this; she will accuse her of intentionally sending her to the store so Su could have time alone with Kant. A slight giggle escapes as her thoughts drift on if she were only so clever to have planned this but there he was just the same, she was alone with him … thoughts drifts on if there was truly such thing as fate as it did seem to favor her for the moment. Her mind snaps back to the cute guy before her as he stretches. She moves over close to Kant ensuring to brush gently against him as she picks up one of the books which was written in another language. She opens the cover leaning back giving the impression she was focusing upon the words, more to lean into Kant again, while moving her hand back running her fingers through her jet black hair so as to release the delicate scent of her perfume and hair sprits into the air.

Her tone unusually soft “Pictures work well; I do understand the language this is written in as well. Tell Cherilyn I so appreciate this, I have Gail heading over there now, I am sure she could pay for these.” Thoughts again drift if there were a God, he would see to it there was a billing problem that would keep her there longer. “You look hot … “ tries to refrain from a smile thinking so very hawt “after carrying all this. Can I offer you a drink … tea or perhaps juice?” while slowly turning toward Kant, her face slightly flushed.

Kant gave a goofy smile, her small remark did not passed by him unnoticed, hell, he words and body language did the trick for her... and him...

His heart was still somewhat at disarray over the night before at Cheri's store, but for some reason he decided to go along with the offer, "Sure", he answered with a winning smile, while he couldn't help himself from glaring at her in a new way that he did before. Hell she was FINE... from head to toe she was just the type of girl to make a mind lose his mind, "Cup of juice sounds wonderful", he added.

A soft smile graces her lips taking a moment to rest her soft chocolate brown eyes upon his taking a step forward making her way around him while taking additional effort to make sure her hand brushes against his as she makes her way toward a small mini refrigerator. Now her front hidden from his view, she softly bites her lower lip. If it were within her power, she would stop time and spend eternity in this feeling. This man in her shop always seemed so sweet, especially with having to deal with all that the QBOTU put him through.

Hoping that he was looking at her, she crouches down lady like opening the fridge, she after all did not want to make it THAT obvious. She removes a chilled apple juice “Hope apple is fine” as she rises turning back toward Kant. She had been formulating for sometime how she was going to inquire this and was finally ready as she approached him offering the apple juice, eyes looking into his to gauge his reaction, she has been lied to by many men and could read lies too easily, the mouth can lie, the eyes – not so much. Offering a soft smile “It must be hard on your girl friend working for someone as attractive as Cherilyn…”. Her gaze now focused on him praying he says that he does not have a girl friend, and if he does say that, his eyes do not show lies.

"She's.... well... I need the money", was the best answer Kant could summon before drinking without blabbering so much unneeded stuff, "Say, I didn't see you around the store much, which is a great shame", he said with a smile.

As the word She’s emanated from his mouth, she felt like a small knee was thrust into her stomach. What did she think anyway? This man is so cute and so sweet, it was painfully obvious that he would have a girl … or guy. She had always sworn that she would never be the other woman, like that little whore her only boy friend left her for so many years ago. One thing she admired him for, his honesty. Offering a soft smile, offers “I have one advantage over you, I don’t work there. I am sure Cheri is nice once you get to know her, but I look at visits with her like getting unmedicated dental work done.” She moves her hand over resting hers upon the top of Kant’s “I’m sorry, that was awful of me to say, just curious … you ever thought of opening up your own little place?”. Her eyes squint momentarily, eyes momentarily glass over.

"No... Well yes... Obviously... in the end I guess I want my own place... But right now, mostly out of stupidly I'm low on cash.... so...", he chuckled, "And there's no way in seven hells Cheri gonna get sweet and nice, she's a bitch and that's it", he raised his arms to check the time on his watch while lending the glass with the juice on one of the stands, "I gotta jet... But I tell you what, if you are available later... say 20:00 or so? I'd love to meet ya someplace, you know... payback for the juice?", he winked and gave her a soft poke with his shoulder.

Standing slightly dizzy, her eyes clear back up missing a bit of what Kant had said. The one thing that did come through was 20:00. She bites her bottom lip slightly leaning into the shoulder bump. She felt like slamming her head into the wall, why did she tell Gail that she would do a full inventory tonight. Her tone somewhat shaky, still a little dizzy from when her eyes glassed over “Tonight is simply awful, I am going to be tied up with the draw back of working for yourself.” Her tone turning softer “Now if you really wanted to pay me back for the juice, you can buy me breakfast, perhaps at Jackie’s tomorrow morning?”.

Yes, after all, she did give him some juice, it was only polite for him to offer some repayment, he was cute, oh so cute … and taken … but she could be his friend … and IF his girl should … her racing mind interrupted by the door buzzer as Gail arrived back.

“PB said she sent….” Gail giggles “… never mind, I see HE is STILL here…” winking to Su Lin

"Sounds good, I'll come pick you up tomorrow", he nodded and with that Kant was on his way back to the store.

As Kant leaves the store, Gail softly giggles under her breath. “So, what were you and Yummy…” turning toward Su, she suddenly stops in her tracks, face pales “… it happened again?”

Su, still in her own little dream world where Kant left his girl on his own and was interested in her tilts her head toward Gail “Yea, must going to have a bad storm, this was … different … nothing like I have felt before…” her face grows firm as she folds her arms across her chest “… and NO, it had NOTHING to do with YUMM… ummm … Kant … you are the WORST … see, you have ME saying it too!”

Gail keeps focus upon Su, her words drifting past while a look of concern washes over Gail. What she is looking at is definitely beyond anything she has read or learned at her coven, a feint smile forms “Well, you do have a long night ahead of you” making her way to the door “I see you in the morning Su”. She is going to need to consult with an elder on what she saw.

Su, arms still folded, a soft smile forming on her lips as Gail departs the store whispering more to herself “Yes, you do have me saying it … but he is so cute and nice.” Turning to find her scanner to get this inventory knocked out. She dearly hopes Kant does call her tomorrow. No, she won’t be the other girl … but if Kant were to ever leave his girlfriend … a soft sigh escapes whispering ‘that would be so nice…’ as she becomes wrapped up in the tedious task of inventorying her store.

Location: 5377 Cline Court
Time: Tuesday 6:00 AM

As the alarm buzzed, she reached over and slapped the top of the annoying device persisting on stealing moments of sleep away from her. Mornings after inventory she would always have domestic disputes with her alarm clock, she grumbles “Alright already, I’m up” sitting up protesting having to leave the warmth of her blankets. She slips her phone off the charger and looks at her call log hoping that Kant had called. She sits in her bed looking at the call log absent the call she realistically knew would not be there, after all, it was 6 AM. She spun around and rested her feet on the plush carpet on the floor and staggered her way to the bathroom. Clicking the light on she entered, standing before the sink she turned on the water and looked in the mirror immediately stepping back … the woman staring back through the mirror was not her … the woman in the mirror’s eyes were crystal clear. The start caused her to let out a gasp before refocusing and splashing some water in her face. She looked back in the mirror at her reflection, soft chocolate brown eyes starred back at her. A giggle escapes ‘Inventories are really taking it out of me I guess’ runs through her mind as she starts readying for this new day before her.