It was morning and Elise left her room after taking care of Monica. She got to the table to find everyone else there already. Ignoring Randal's painful grin, she sat down at her seat and waited for Nate's instructions. Nate looked rather serious and didn't have his signature grin on his face which was a bad sign. Tiffany seemed rather serious as well which was even more unsettling.

"We have a sudden emergency." Tiffany said.

Dani looked over and said, "An emergency? Already?"

"Yes unfortunately. Tiffany? Would you kindly explain what you found?" Nate asked.

Tiffany took out her stone and said, "While doing research on the residence Mr. Elric was most recently living in, we found something rather shocking."

Her expression fell as she explained the Chimeras and the suffering they go through.

"And the worst part is, the creatures he was known for making are actually made from humans!" Tiffany blurted out.

The whole room fell so silent a pin could've dropped and Elise would've heard it. This was bad though. If they got too deep into this, they could find out exactly who she really was. That would defeat the entire purpose of going out in this body. But perhaps…maybe it would be a good thing if they found out…No! If they found out, Tucker would find out and her loved ones would be forced to see the same horrors she had witnessed. She couldn't allow it…but maybe there was another way…If only…

"Dude!" Dani screamed, "He's literally using real live humans as guinea pigs and pretending to be nice!"

Elise stood up in her seat and said, "How can we stop him?"

This was her chance. Elise could finally find a way to expose Tucker and protect Al and Nina. This was it! Something was finally going her way.

"Thankfully, there are a few other travelers watching the estate to make sure nothing weird is happening." Nate explained, "We did get a message from one of them about something to be aware of."

Elise's relief quickly morphed into a feeling of dread. What was that crazy loon up to? Did he already do something? If he touched her brother or Nina…

"Mr. Tucker seems to have been a bit stressed out about his assessment as of late." Nate told everyone.

Tiffany nodded and continued, "The three were a bit nervous about what Tucker would do if he got too desperate and wanted us to watch him too."

This was actually not a bad thing. If they were watching him, not only would it be easier to keep him from hurting anyone, but she'd have an easier time getting him caught. If anything, it would give her a leg up against Tucker. He would have no idea his little toy had returned. If there was one thing Elise was sure of, it was that Tucker was not going to win this time. He beaten her, broken her down, and even threatened her for her silence. Tucker won those times, but this time would be different. Elise was going to make sure he couldn't hurt anyone anymore. But that last line made her nervous. What was he going to do? Unlike everyone else, she was perfectly aware of what he could do.

"Hey, Nate." Dani suddenly piped up.

"Dani?" Nate called back sounding a bit hesitant.

"If this guy is so dangerous, perhaps we should shift our focus onto him," Dani suggested, "Mr. Elric isn't in any immediate danger for what we know at the moment. So perhaps, we should focus on the person we know is dangerous."

"Yeah, I have a feeling he had something to do with Mr. Elric's disappearance," Tiffany agreed, "If we stop him, maybe he'll come back."

It was a great idea that would help her plan along. A great idea that Nate was not on board with.

"I know how you all feel, but we need to focus on the task at hand," Nate somberly said, "We have people watching them who'll take care of things if things go south."

Randal agreed with Nate, "Yeah, no need to dirty your hands, Elise."

Elise shook her head and shot back, "I know about our mission, but those three were only sent to watch. If he hurts the two other people living with him, that boy will have nothing to return to."

Tiffany looked at Elise and asked, "How do you know that?"

"I looked at their traveling information." Elise calmly replied.

Before they could continue, the meeting time was over, and everyone left to think about the split opinion. Elise was infuriated with Nate. She couldn't believe he would risk the lives of Al and Nina over a stupid mission. The worst part was it partially her fault. If she hadn't disappeared, this mission wouldn't be here, and they'd be able to save them. Elise knew if this was what Nate had decided, she wouldn't be able to stay. She remembered how Nate was. He seemed nice…as long as the group were doing the mission.

If anyone disagreed with the mission he chose, he would threaten to kick that member out. Tiffany got threatened multiple times because of her desire to protect even if it meant abandoning the mission. This was the last straw for her. Elise was done with Nate manipulating everyone into following his stupid missions. Elise also remembered that this was Dani's first time seeing this side of him.

Elise ran to Dani's door and knocked.

"Hey, Elise." Dani said sounding pretty solemn.

"We need to talk." Were the only words Elise needed to say for Dani to let her in and shut the door.

"You're upset aren't you." Dani said.

Elise sighed and said, "I am, but not at you."

Dani looked at her nervously before asking, "What are you going to do?"

"First, we need to tell Tiffany the truth," Elise began, "She wants to help, but is too afraid to."

Elise looked Dani straight in the eye and told her the most outrageous part of her plan.

"Then, me, you, Tiffany, and Monica need to get the hell out of here."

Dani looked down and said, "I was afraid you'd say that…"

Elise made a gentler look at Dani and said, "This is your first time seeing this side of Nate, isn't it?"

Dani nodded and said, "Yeah, that was way colder than the Nate I knew."

Elise went on to tell Dani about the threats he made against her and Tiffany.

"All he cares about is completing the missions. He doesn't even care about what we want!" Dani whispered.

"We should go get Tiffany." Elise told her quietly.

The duo quickly made their way to Tiffany's room and quietly knocked on the door. Tiffany answered the door in tears.

"Tiffany, we really need to talk." Elise said.

"Are you okay to talk?" Dani asked.

"I'm okay, come on in." Tiffany sniffled.

Elise took a deep breath and said, "This isn't gonna be easy to hear, but you need to know."

Elise then explained the truth about her identity and reasons for joining Nate's group. Tiffany's reaction surprised Elise and Dani though…

After a few sniffles and wiping her tears, she said, "I thought so."

Dani's mouth dropped open before she finally said, "How?"

"I didn't tell Nate because I was sure he would just drop the case all together if that truth came out, but I found pictures of your real self." Tiffany explained, "You two looked way too similar for it to be mere coincidence."

"Well, that was easier than I thought it would be." Dani shrugged.

"Tiffany, I know this is a lot to ask, but I believe we need to leave this group," Elise said, "I know you don't have anywhere else to go, but we can find a new place to go."

"Nate using you to complete missions and using your situation as an orphan to keep you around," Dani agreed, "It's wrong and I'd rather wander than let him control me."

Tiffany pondered the question for a moment. On one hand, she could finally protect others without anything holding her back. On the other hand, she couldn't bear to live scrounging for food like she used to. But maybe they were right. Tiffany valued the life she lived, but she valued freedom even more. Tiffany realized that in order to truly be free, she would have to let him go.

"To be honest, one reason I stuck around was because I actually fell for Nate." Tiffany told them with a sad look.

"Whoa, really?" Dani gasped.

"I wanted him to see me as an equal," Tiffany continued, "But you guys helped me see that he would never see me as an equal."

"I know how it feels to be used…" Elise bitterly grumbled.

Tiffany finally smiled and said, "So, I'll go with you guys, okay?"

"Wait, you mean it?" Dani gasped.

Tiffany giggled a little and said, "Yep! Those two kids at the estate need help, and I'm not gonna leave them with a murderer."

Elise smiled and said, "Thanks, both of you. You have no idea how much this means to me."

The trio decided to escape by "going for a walk" and leaving for Central by themselves. If Nate wasn't going to help, then they would do it on their own. Elise considered going as her true self, but ultimately decided against it. She couldn't afford to be reckless at such a crucial part of the plan. One thing Elise didn't plan for was having people to help her. Not that she minded. The help made her feel better about this. Before leaving the Ice Cream Bowl for good, Elise whispered in the chilly night air while holding Monica tightly in her arms…

"Hang in there, Al."

A/N

Due to excessive slacking, I've decided to make up for it with a bigger chapter than usual. Looks like Nate wasn't as nice as he seemed, huh. Now Tiffany knows and the three are on their own. Keep reading to find out what happens next.

Toodles.