Leona sat hunched over her laptop, as she meticulously completed the restoration of Boon's video. Her fingers danced across the keyboard with practiced precision, the tip of her tongue pressed against the roof of her mouth in concentration. With a few more clicks, she slid back in her chair satisfied with her work.
She pulled out her phone to text Boon the good news, as the full video played out in the background. Only half paying attention she missed the hooded figure that slipped into the room on the video. She would have seen their face if only for a brief second, she would have known exactly who tampered with the video.
Leona did look up at the video it was time to see Boon rise from the bed and stumble toward the door. "Unbelievable..." she whispered, her voice barely audible even in the quiet of her room. With a sigh, she saved the file and closed her laptop, stuffing it into her backpack before heading out into the night.
-----
Elsewhere Ahmed and Deb sat alone in a Tim Hortons. "Ahmed, listen to me," Deb pleaded, she reached across the table taking his trembling hand, "Now you know why we can't go to the police about the other night."
"So demons are real?" Ahmed's chocolate brown eyes were wide with fear and frustration, running his fingers through his curly black hair as he grappled with this information. "So Zack, Ethel, John, Olivia, and Kristian are all super-powered creatures of the night. And you are too?"
"No, I hunt them, well I am being trained to hunt them," Deb said quietly, she looked around to make sure no one was listening in. "My family are exorcists and they sent me here to train. There is a secret training ground under St. Jerome's campus."
"Deb, that is kind of badass. Totally insane but badass," Ahmed replied, his face then changed again as if a sudden thought crossed his mind. "And what is Rob?"
"Oh, Rob?" Deb's dark eyes softened, as she pushed her glasses up her nose. "He's just Rob."
Ahmed stared at her for a long moment before letting out a small laugh. Finally, "Yeah that tracks, Rob would be the one to into a supernatural world completely unprepared."
"Right?" Deb laughed, relief flooding her features. "I know this is a lot, but I am here for you. If you have any other questions let me know."
Ahmed let all that he had learned sink in, he wondered what else could be out there lurking in the shadows. Then he looked back at Deb and knew whatever was out there didn't matter, his friends would always be there to protect him. "Can I get another iced coffee?"
"That I can do," Deb said with a smile before heading to the counter.
-----
The light full moon gave the silver VIA rail tracks an unnatural glow. Ethel, her breath visible in the frigid air, tensed as she faced off against the invisible Familiar. The only way she could avoid its devastating blows was by sensing the intent behind its dark aura. As she leapt out of the way of another strike, she wondered how much longer she could keep this up.
"Who are you?" Ethel asked, more to herself than to the creature. There was a hiss in response, sounding almost serpant-like.
Extending her claws, Ethel managed to land a few blows, but they didn't affect the invisible being. She felt its scaley hide and knew her claws never actually penetrated it.
The Familiar grabbed Ethel, wrapping its snake-like body around her and preparing to squeeze the life out of her. Jessica arrived on the scene, wearing infrared goggles. Without missing a beat, she fired several bullets into the creature's back, causing it to release its grasp on Ethel. It turned its attention to the new threat and charged toward Jessica.
"Damn it!" Jessica yelled and dodged the Familiar's attempted strike. But she wasn't ready for its tail, it wrapped around her ankle, sending her flying through the train station window. With Jessica down and out, Pablo revealed himself, stepping out of the shadows.
The Familiar slid over to Pablo, but Pablo remained rooted in place. It paused, staring up at him with an unsettling intensity. Pablo looked down at the creature, as if he was trying to figure out exactly what to do with it. Then, without warning, the creature hissed and fled the area with supernatural speed. Ethel watched the strange scene unfold before making her own escape, wondering why the creature didn't attack Pablo.
-----
Meanwhile, Zack and Rob wandered the streets of Waterloo, trying to figure out exactly what they could do with Boon, now that they knew he was the Familiar.
"I still don't get how Boon passed Ethel's test if he is the Familiar," Rob mused, struggling to piece together the puzzle. "I mean shouldn't have reacted like Ahmed did?"
Zack thought about it, unsure how to explain it. As they walked past The White Rabbit, he suddenly froze in place. A familiar dark aura was seeping from its walls.
"He's in there," Zack whispered, unable to take his eyes off the line out the door. The two friends exchanged glances before making their way around the back of the building.
Zack tried to pull on the door knob but it wouldn't budge, stepping back he used his telekinesis causing the knob to snap off with a muffled crack. He glanced nervously at Rob before they slipped inside the club. The bass from the music caused the whole building to shake, and Zack scanned the dancing couples for any sign of Boon.
"Are you sure he is in here?" Rob asked, as he tried to peer through fog and strobe lights. He noticed a guy checking him out from a nearby table and gave him a friendly wave. The guy moved over and motioned for Rob to join him but Zack grabbed his arm.
"Stay focused," Zack reminded him, as his eyes finally fell on Leona. She was sitting at the bar, looking at the dancing couples with a longing in her eyes. He felt a pang of sympathy for her, but also knew she could be why Boon was in the club.
Rob followed Zack's gaze, "We should stay close to her," Rob suggested, making his way to the bar. "Two Bud Lights, please" he motioned to the bartender.
The bartender raised an eyebrow "I don't suppose you have some ID on you?" the bartender asked, Rob's face went beet red knowing he was caught. "I'll get you two some Cokes instead," Rob nodded, thankful he wasn't kicking them out.
The bartender returned with the drinks and Rob started to fish his wallet out of his pocket. The bartender raised his hand, " No need, that guy over there paid for them." He pointed down the bar to a strikingly good-looking man. The man looked right past Rob and smiled at Zack.
"Someone's popular tonight," Rob muttered, taking a swig of his coke. Clearly jealous that Zack was getting the attention, "Oh shit, where did Leona go?"
"What?" Zack gasped, now realizing Leona had left the bar area while they were distracted. "We need to find her, she might be meeting up with Boon." The pair weaved their way through the crowd, trying to find her. But Zack's attention was torn away when the overwhelming dark aura began to surround him, Boon was there, but he wasn't human anymore.
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"Rob, he's in familiar mode!" Zack hissed, trying to keep his voice low. "We need to get everyone out of here now!"
"Got it," Rob replied, as he pushed his way toward the fire alarm.
Zack knew that if Boon was here as the Familiar then someone in the crowd was a target, all he could think about was buying them time so everyone could escape.
Zack's eyes darted around the club as he tried to keep track of the Familiar's movements. He knew he couldn't fight it here, not with all these witnesses around. The screaming sound of the fire alarm filled his ears and stopped the dancers on the floor. Everything froze for a moment as it sunk in, and then the panic began.
"Rob, get Leona!" Zack shouted, hoping he could hear him over the noise. "I'll take care of Boon"
Rob nodded grimly, pushing his way through the fleeing crowd as he tried to reach Leona. Was also struggling to get to Boon, who slithered deeper into the crowd. Suddenly, chaos erupted as dancers were picked up and thrown across the room by an invisible force. Boon had started his attack and it was clear he was making a B-line for Leona.
"Leona!" Rob cried out in horror, he was almost able to reach her, but she was pulled away by Boon. Rob and Zack watched in horror as the Familiar dragged Leona to the back of the club, clearly aiming to escape with her out the back.
As it reached the swinging doors, Ethel stepped through them in full vessel mode, her claws extended and gleaming in the strobe lights. With swift, brutal precision, she slashed the Familiar's throat, causing it to howl in pain and fury. It dropped Leona to the floor, she scurried away as fast as she could.
With a snarl, the Familiar clawed its way up the wall, tore the grate off the vent, and slipped inside. Zack wasted no time in giving chase, now that the club was empty he used his telekinesis to tear the ventilation from the ceiling but Boon was gone.
"Damn, it got away!" Zack lamented.
"Don't worry about it Zack, Leona is safe and that is what matters," Rob said, putting his arm around his friend. "Besides I think Ethel went after him," The pair noticed that she was nowhere to be seen either.
"Wait, if Boon was targeting Leona then she must know something," Zack said, they moved to the parking lot as the fire trucks arrived on the scene.
Wandering through the rows of cars they came to a sudden halt when they discovered Leona's car, which had been viciously vandalized. Tires were slashed, windows shattered, and deep gouges marred the once pristine paint job.
"What do you think it was looking for?" Zack asked, as he took in the carnage.
"Beats me. But judging by the looks of things, if it was in that car, then he found it." Rob said, "Maybe Leona can tell us more."
As they made their way back to the front of the club, they arrived just in time to watch the paramedics load Leona up into the ambulance. The club's flashing neon sign highlighted the emergency response vehicles, and Zack exchanged a worried glance with Rob, who was standing nearby.
"Come on," Zack said, determination etching his features. "We need to find Boon before Ethel does."
They turned to leave but were greeted by Lindsey's stern gaze. She had her arm crossed over her officer uniform and looked almost annoyed that she had found the pair at the scene.
"Zack, Rob," she said, with a tone that let them know she wasn't happy, "Funny seeing you two at yet another crime scene, and a bar no less."
Rob, ever quick-witted, feigned nonchalance. "Well, Lindsey, Zack here has a problem. But we talked and he is going to AA first thing in the morning"
Lindsey laughed, dismissing the notion. "Please, Zack is not a drunk, His record is clear and there is no alcohol on his breath right now."
She fixed Rob with a piercing stare. "Seriously, Rob, what's going on? It feels like you have been lying to me nonstop for months now."
Cornered, Rob concocted another lie on the spot. "Lindsey, we were here with Leona. She came out as bisexual recently, and we wanted to support her."
Lindsey's gaze softened, and she didn't fully accept this new explanation, but she also knew she didn't want to press them further. "Alright, next time just tell me the truth from the beginning."
As she walked away, Zack felt a mixture of relief and guilt bubbling inside him. They couldn't keep lying to Lindsey forever, but how would she react if she knew the truth?
"Let's get out of here," Rob said, he had the same worried look on his face that Zack did, "Maybe Boon went back to his place? I mean if he has what he wants, he could go back home right?"
"Well we don't have anything else to go on," Zack said and the pair headed out to hopefully find Boon.
-----
The car's engine hummed softly as Rob guided them through the dark, empty streets towards Boon's house. Zack couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him, his mind replaying the chaotic scene at the club over and over again. He wasn't sure if they were doing more harm than good trying to save Boon.
"Alright, we're here," Rob announced as they pulled up beside Boon's house. It was a modest building with a small porch, but it was offset by Boon's brand-new porch in the driveway. "Looks like he's home,"
"Right, but we need to be ready for anything in there," Zack reminded him as he got out of the car. They knocked on the door but there was no response, Zack focused his telekinesis on the front door, feeling the lock click open under his mental pressure.
The faint sound of snoring led them to Boon's bedroom, where they found him sprawled across the bed, tangled in the sheets.
"Do we wake him up?" Zack asked, unsure what they should do next and feeling like a stalker standing over his sleeping teammate.
"Oh yeah sure, I am sure that will play out just great," Rob responded sarcastically, "Hey Boon we just broke into your house and kidnap you, please don't turn into an invisible killing machine and take us out," Rob looked at Zack flatly.
Zack took a deep breath, knowing Rob was right. "Sorry, buddy," Zack whispered before delivering a swift punch to Boon's face, knocking him unconscious.
"Are you serious?" Rob asked, raising an eyebrow. "You could have just used your telekinesis to gently lift him up and bring him with us."
"Better safe than sorry," Zack replied, grimacing. "We can't risk the Familiar making an appearance right now." Zack hoisted Boon over his shoulder and the boys retreated into the night.
-----
Meanwhile, near the White Rabbit, Jessica climbed into her car and gave Pablo a rundown of the events that had transpired within the club. "Seven people were injured, and the authorities think it's drug-related," she explained, her voice tense. "Eyewitnesses claimed they saw a demonic monster on the dance floor."
Pablo listened intently, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"Why didn't you do anything when the Familiar circled you earlier?" Jessica asked, thinking back on the night's events.
"Intuition," Pablo replied cryptically. "I know what a Familiar is, and it plays by certain rules that don't bend easily."
"Should we put a hold on tracking down Ethel until take care of the Familiar?" Jessica asked, she was concerned about the damage this seemingly unstoppable creature could do.
"Sometimes, the best way to eliminate a threat is to get someone else to do it for you," Pablo mused, a sly grin flashing across his face. "Why not wait to see who wins this fight, and then take out the victor." Pablo knew patience would ensure his victory in the end.
---
As the night came to an end, Ahmed stepped out into the chilly night air, holding the door open for Jack, his tabby cat. But Jack hesitated, claws locked on the door frame, and refused to move any farther. Ahmed frowned, concern etched on his face. "What's got you spooked, buddy?"
He scanned the yard, looking for anything out of the ordinary. As his gaze swept across the darkness, Ahmed caught a fleeting glimpse of a shadow against the wall - its shape elongated by the glow of the streetlights.
"Hey there," a familiar voice called softly from the shadows. The guy from Ms. McLeod's office emerged, clutching a bouquet. Ahmed tensed, his heart racing.
"Is there a non-rapist reason for you being in my backyard in the middle of the night?" Ahmed asked, making sure to keep some space between them.
The stalker inched closer and replied, "I live nearby actually, I've seen you around. I thought I would come over and properly introduce myself."
"At three A.M," Ahmed retorted, crossing his arms defensively.
"I lost track of time, it took me a while to build up the courage to talk to you again," the stalker said boldly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You're not like anyone I have ever met before."
"Still, you should have waited until morning, this is kind of creepy," Ahmed replied, trying to hide the fact he felt a little flattered by the attention.
"Right, though technically it is morning" the stalker teased, inching closer.
"True, but technically you are trespassing," Ahmed warned playfully, a hint of defiance in his eyes.
The stalker smirked, seemingly unfazed by the threat. He then reached out, offering the bouquet of white lilies to Ahmed. "I brought these for you," he said. "I picked them myself."
Ahmed hesitated before accepting the gift, the flowers' petals were as white as the surrounding snow. "Thank you," he said, tucking the flowers under his arm. "But next time ask me out a more reasonable hour, got it?"
"Deal," the mysterious young man replied, a sly grin playing on his lips. And with that, he made his exit, leaving Ahmed alone in the backyard again.