Wasting no time, the two groups had a seat nearby at the office round table. "Our last mission was to take care of a Lost One back when he was human. "He said he was killed by a man named Alexander Alwitz. "He was stabbed 12 times with what appears to all be diffrent but identical knives still in his back once he became a Lost One," Nia says, recounting the details of their exorcism of The Bladed Hound. Brandi's ears perked up at her story. “Interesting, we were working on a mission  taking care of this Lost One that mentioned the same name.” Jaida handed over and pulled out a file which, on the inside, revealed an image of a gigantic purple snake with eight large knives stabbed into its back, which seemed to be restrained in the basement of the building.“The shade of purple is lovely, isn't it?” Jaida says with a delicate smile. “Oh, uhh yeah, I suppose it's definitely vibrant,” Andre says, playing along to be nice.”Not just lovely, it's perfect. "I'll absolutely have to use this in my next piece,” Cody interjects, now out of his seat and leaning partially on the table to get a better look at the picture. “Oh my, you're an artist. "You must share some of your pieces with me at some point,” Jaida said cheerily, despite her facial expression saying otherwise. She pulled out her phone, which was covered in a cobweb-designed case. “Oooh, I'll share my number too because Cody forgets to check his messages,” says Dzzy, who is now also leaning over, phone in hand. The three instantly make a group chat between them. “Oooh, we need a name for this chat,” *Dzzy says, pondering as she does so; Anabella and Cody also begin to contemplate a name. Gabriel shouts, “Will your people with cognitive disabilities knock it off!? This isn't a friend meetup. "We are here to discuss a mission!” The three sit quietly after the exchange before Jaida looks over to Gabriel and tells him, “You're not invited to the group chat, by the way.” Gabriel responds angrily, “I didn't want to anyway!” Andre lets out a fake cough before speaking up. “Moving back to the topic, what information are you looking for exactly?” Gabriel sighs before speaking up, clearly still upset by what he viewed as a stupid conversation. “This Lost One has already been exorcised, but we'd love to know the location of this Alexander guy.” Cody scratches his face, feeling a bit awkward about the request for information. “Uhh, sorry, we don't get that kind of information, guys.” Andre responds.“Oh goddammit,” Gabriel says, frustrated. “Well, since you guys don't have anything, I guess I'll have to rely on other methods, since most of are targets were criminals who have ties to the underbelly of the city.  "I have a connection that might be able to help”, Brandi says, looking downcast about the idea. Anabella looks at Brandi, concerned. “Brandi, I don't advise visiting that place could be dangerous to your health.”eft. “Don't worry about if anyone gives me  any trouble, and I'll cave their kneecaps in.” Anabella tilts her head to the l “Uhh, I was referring to your mental health rather than physical.” Gabriel looks at Brandi, a bit dumbfounded by her lack of understanding. “For the smart one, you sure are a dumbass.” “So you have some type of connection to help?” Andre asks. “I suppose since we are teammates, I don't mind sharing. "I'll be visiting an old gang of mine. "If anyone knows about current affairs in the underworld, it's bound to be them.” Nia stands up. “I suppose I can do the same; I have some connections with the police precinct; they might have some relevant info as well.” Cody and Dzzy look at each other before looking over to Nia. “Hey, Nia, are you sure that's a good idea? "I mean ....I know you hate being there,” Cody says with concern in his voice. Dzzy nods her head. “Yeah, that just seems like a bad idea.” Andre looks at Nia, concerned, although he doesn't quite understand the full picture. “I haven't had a chance to talk about it, so let's say my relationship with those in the department has soured over the years,” Nia says, giving him a vague idea. “I gotcha. You don't have to go into details right away. "Let me know when you're ready. "I haven't told you much about myself either, so all's fair.” “So, when do we get moving? "The quicker we find this out, the better,” Gabriel says, getting up and tossing his bag over his shoulder. “Yeah, agreed,” Andre says, getting up as well. Nia stands up, getting some things together. “I'm guessing the team heading out is Andre, Brandi, Gabriel, and me.” Brandi nods.“That sounds good to me.” Leon stands up. “You kids, be safe and be sure to keep in touch as it goes.” Felicia smiles,” This'll be your first joint operation; it'll be a good opportunity to get to know each other.” “Good luck, you guys. "I hope it goes well,” Dzzy says, cheering the four on. “Be careful and take your time…having to confront the past isn't easy, but I'm sure you've got it.”  Nia and Brandi nod in appreciation for the kind advice. “I was scared you were going to ask us to pick up snacks again,” Andre says, chuckling a bit.

 Cody rolls his eyes and pouts. “I don't like what you are implying.” After everyone has a quick laugh, the four-man group hits the road, Andre and Gabriel taking the back seat whilst Nia takes the driver's seat, and Brandi rides the passenger seat. While Brandi gives Nia directions to where she can reach her former gang's hideout, Gabriel turns to Andre and asks, “So what made you quit playing ball?” Andre looks back at him, taking a second to think before answering, “The best way to describe it, I suppose, I'd say my passion for it died around the time my brother passed.” Gabriel nods in response. “I see im sorry for your loss,Is spirit hunting a way to replace that missing fire?” Andre closes his eyes and thinks before responding, “.....I'm not sure, really. "I've just been coasting through life the last few years rather than looking for a passion again… so like you said, I hope I get that missing fire back.” “I hope you do too”, Gabriel gave Andre a small smile. Brandi looks back at the two and smiles. “Sorry to interrupt, guy. Talk to you two, but we are at our first stop; stick close to me; I don't wanna cause a scene.” Nia parks the car right outside what appears to be an abandoned warehouse. As the four get out, Brandi crosses her fingers, sending them back into the normal world before, and says, “Welcome to the Nest.” 

Chapter End