Raelle ran a finger over the mark on her palm as she tried to decide what to pack from her room. She knew they had to run and disappear as Anacostia had suggested but she hadn't anticipated being away from home indefinitely.
"I can remove it, if you like," Scylla offered, noticing what she was doing.
"No, I don't want you to," Raelle said, closing her fingers over her palm to prevent Scylla from doing so.
Scylla grinned seeing her reaction and glad that they were going on the run together. She pulled out her travel bag from Raelle's closet and was ready to go.
"So, my dad gave you, my room?" Raelle said sternly.
"It's still your room," Scylla said not wanting to cause trouble between the two. She had quite enjoyed staying in her room, having the closeness that it offered while Raelle was at Fort Salem.
"It's never going to be the same," Raelle said sadly. She watched Scylla's reaction intently and saw what she was looking for that made her heart sing.
Scylla unconsciously moved her lower lip as she usually does when she's nervous trying to think up something to say to Raelle to make it all right. She desperately didn't want their reunion to be that short-lived over such a trivial matter.
"Because when this is all over, I want this to be our room," Raelle revealed with a wide smile.
Scylla jumped into her arms and kissed her before abruptly pulling away which made Raelle groan in protest. "We have to go."
"Do I have time to at least call my dad?" Raelle asked, not wanting to just disappear without saying goodbye.
"Go, call him," Scylla agreed. "I'll pack your things." She flashed a wide smile when Raelle gave an inquiring look.
.
"Rae," Edwin called out for her as soon as he opened the door. He quickly came home after Quinn informed him that she was about to go away with no specific details. He deduced it had to do with the attack at the base.
"Dad," Raelle replied, handset still in hand as she was about to call him. She hung up and ran into his arms for a hug.
"Is it true? You need to go away?" he asked holding back the other questions he wanted to ask her.
"Don't worry, dad," she assured him. "I have my unit and I have Scylla." She added the latter when she saw her join them.
"You girls take care of each other," he requested opening his arm for Scylla to join them in a hug.
Scylla handed Raelle a bag before hoisting her own onto her back. She gave Edwin a quick thankful nod before stepping out to give Raelle more time with her dad. It also gave her a moment with her bird friends that perched nearby.
"Saying goodbye to your friends?" Raelle asked, watching the birds react to Scylla's movements.
"And asking them to keep an eye on your dad," Scylla revealed mirroring Raelle's concern for his safety.
Raelle took Scylla's hand and showed her appreciation for the latter's concern for her dad. "We probably should go before we miss the bus."
Scylla gave her friends one more nod before they flew off to escort them to their rendezvous point.
"Did you pack my lucky socks?" Raelle asked, trying to suppress a smile.
Scylla took one look at her and knew she was joking. "No, but I can make you a pair."
"Ooh, crafty and beautiful," Raelle said proudly. "I knew there was a reason I fell in love with you."
.
Scylla had vivid flashbacks to when she was on the run with her parents. She momentarily paused boarding that made Raelle run into her.
"Are you ok, Scyl?"
"I'm fine," Scylla assured her trying to compose herself.
"We need to plan," Abigail said, motioning for Raelle to huddle with her and Tally.
Raelle hesitated but Scylla encouraged her to go with her unit leaving her sitting across from Nicte who she felt both awe and anger towards.
"Nice work with the birds," Nicte complimented Scylla.
"He didn't have to die," Scylla said sadly. "If we keep fighting each other, then we're doing the Camarilla's work for them."
"Willa has trained you well," Nicte noted. "Or is it her daughter that has changed your priorities?"
Scylla followed Nicte's gaze to Raelle who felt their eyes on her so she looked up at them.
"Having seen what the Camarilla is capable of is what made me reconsider," Scylla reasoned. "The threat they pose to any witch, Spree or otherwise, is real. They aim to eliminate us by using our in-fighting against us."
Raelle plopped next to Scylla and turned from her to Nicte. "Everything ok?"
Scylla was grateful for the interruption and reached for her hand. "I'm fine."
"Do you know where we're going?" Raelle asked, looking at unfamiliar surroundings.
"I have no idea," Scylla replied, resting her head on Raelle's shoulder. Suddenly she felt tired and fell fast asleep.
"Are you doing this to her?" Raelle asked Nicte who seemed to know what was happening to Scylla.
"Her work to free us must've exhausted her," Nicte explained.
Raelle gave Scylla a soft kiss on the top of her head in appreciation for what she had done.
"Where are you taking us?" Abigail asked when they've been on the road for quite a while.
"To a Spree safe house," Nicte revealed.
"In the middle of the city?" Raelle asked, sensing that they were nearing their destination and looking around her. Her movement woke up Scylla who also looked around to orient herself.
"No better place to hide than in the last place they'd think to look," Nicte said with a grin.
.
Raelle could see that Abigail wasn't pleased where they were but to her the house looked palatial. And being in the city was quite a new adventure for her.
Scylla took Raelle's hand and led the group right behind Nicte who without ringing the bell was greeted by someone at the door.
"Welcome," the young man greeted and looked at the group. "Are these the new recruits?"
"Into the lion's den," Abigail said softly to her unit.
Scylla saw some familiar faces as they headed into the kitchen.
"Are all Spree houses the same?" Raelle whispered in her ear.
Scylla laughed softly. Now that Raelle mentioned it, she realized it was typical for a Spree house to have a lot of rooms and a big kitchen to gather and discuss or plan their next moves.
"They are from Fort Salem," Nicte announced, causing the Spree members to spring into attack mode.
Abigail and her unit responded in kind by getting into their fighting mode as well except Raelle was also shielded by Scylla from the nearest Spree agent.
"They are our guests," Nicte declared sternly.
"We are working with the army now?" the young man who welcomed them asked incredulously.
"We are facing a new threat, the Camarilla, and need all the help we can get. Our fight is no longer with the Army."
"I will never forgive the army for killing my parents," a young woman argued and tried to charge at Raelle and Scylla but Nicte prevented her from getting near them.
"I said, they are our guests," Nicte reiterated. She linked with the woman to impart why. "Now spread the word."
The Spree members slowly stood down and Abigail's unit relaxed a little.
"That was close," Tally said in relief. She turned to Nicte and gave her a quick nod of thanks.
"Jin, why don't you show our guests to their rooms," Nicte requested of the young man they met at the door.
.
Scylla walked around their assigned room checking the windows closely.
"Making sure there's a way out?" Raelle asked, watching her.
"I told you, if I decide to run," Scylla reminded her.
"You'd take me with you," Raelle finished for her, plopping on the bed. "In case you've forgotten, we are on the run."
Scylla sighed and sat beside her. "Old habits."
"There's one habit I'd like you to keep forever," Raelle hinted and leaned in for a kiss. They started tentatively before Scylla pulled her on top of her continuing their reunion in earnest.
"Rae," Tally walked in on them and quickly turned away.
"Tal," Raelle objected to the intrusion. "We're not on base anymore and the door was closed for a reason."
"Abs wants us to talk some more," Tally explained still trying not to look at the pair as they straightened up.
"Haven't we talked enough on the way here?" Raelle grumbled in protest.
"Is Abigail worried because she's surrounded by the Spree?" Scylla asked, giving Raelle a quick playful smile.
"Or maybe this place isn't big enough," Raelle joked, mirroring Scylla's mischievous look.
"Raelle," Tally chastised her trying not to join their banter.
"What's taking you two so long?" Abigail asked entering the room. "We need to start planning how to train."
"We're supposed to stay low," Raelle reminded her. "I think the neighbors would notice if we start training in the backyard."
"Quinn knows of a place where we could go," Abigail revealed. "Let's go check it out."
"Go; the sooner you do, the sooner you'll be back," Scylla encouraged Raelle.
Raelle gave her a disappointed look and was about to suggest that she come with them.
"We're not on vacation," Abigail tried to preempt Raelle's obvious next move. "Necro can train with her friends."
"High Atlantic is right," Scylla agreed with Abigail to everyone's surprise. "I have things to do with my friends." She gave Raelle a quick peck on the cheek and left the unit in the room.
.
Raelle was exhausted when they got back because Abigail was relentless. If it weren't for Quinn, they would still be out in the middle of nowhere training.
"Get some rest," Abigail suggested as Raelle headed to her room. She pushed her unit to the limit but knew it was necessary. She wouldn't have done it any other way.
"You two should get some, too," Quinn recommended. "I'll bring you some dinner in a bit."
Raelle was hoping to see Scylla's smiling face when she entered but only found an empty room. She looked out the window and found her outside.
"Where are you going?" Abigail asked, crossing Raelle in the hallway.
"Outside to see my girlfriend," Raelle said happily, ignoring Abigail's disapproving look.
Scylla had her back turned so didn't see Raelle come from behind her. She was caught by surprise but easily flipped Raelle down to the ground.
"Scyl, it's just me," Raelle said, wondering why she was on edge. She turned to Nicte who called her by name and looked concerned.
Scylla brought a lighter to her chin and burned off Nicte's face off of her and saw the shock in Raelle's face. She extended her arm to help Raelle back on her feet as Nicte walked away from them.
"Why?" Raelle managed to ask somewhat recovering from the shock.
"Nicte was showing me how to shapeshift something or someone else," Scylla explained.
"Can it at least be someone else not you?" Raelle requested not wanting to get mixed up again.
"You'll always know it's me," Scylla assured her. "Besides, I'm the only one who can do this." She traced the scar on Raelle's left palm.
"No one else can?" Raelle wondered, enjoying the electric sensation as Scylla moved her finger over the scar.
"Unless you want someone else to bind with you," Scylla revealed.
"You two have to see this," Tally called out through the open door.
.
Scylla turned to the screen that has clearly caught everyone's attention. The news about the prison break and pictures of the four fugitives was on.
"What are we going to do?" Raelle asked Abigail.
"Wait, there's more," Tally said, knowing the next part was in their favor. The report continued with many sightings of them in DC and surrounding areas that have the cops spread thin.
"How's that possible?" Abigail asked Nicte. Having seen her abilities, she wondered how many of the Spree were involved in the wild goose chase.
"All you need is a reported sighting to keep them busy," Nicte said with a smile. "However, your unit probably will need to pair up with someone who can change your appearance in case you need it."
"That's not a bad idea," Quinn agreed. "That way you can move around the city."
"It's settled then," Nicte said. "Jin, you're with Red; Ash you're with Abigail and Scylla you're with Raelle."
"It's not settled," Abigail objected. "How do we know we can trust the Spree?" Her question was more towards Tally whom she hoped could provide insight.
"Because I gave your mother my word to keep you safe," Nicte reminded her. "And they have agreed to bind with you." She watched as Jin and Ash did just that.
"What does that mean?" Raelle asked.
"It means, they can't harm you," Quinn explained.
Scylla worried Quinn was going to explain further so she interrupted. "Perhaps we should go first?" She pulled out her lighter and waited for Raelle to let her do her work.
"How do I look?" Raelle asked, looking at Abigail and Tally for their opinion on her transformation.
"You look different," Abigail said indifferently. She watched as Tally went next before letting Ash change her appearance.
"Does this mean we can go out?" Tally asked excitedly. "Just to see what this city is like."
.
Raelle stood uncomfortably beside Scylla while they waited to be seated.
"What's the matter?" Scylla asked, trying to find what was bothering her.
"Next time, can you give me something less itchy?" Raelle requested, scratching the side of her face.
"You are growing a bit of a stubble," Scylla confirmed, running her fingers down Raelle's cheek.
"Did I have to be a guy?" Raelle complained, wondering why Scylla chose it. "Do you want to be with a guy?"
"I want to be with you," Scylla assured her. "I chose this for you to be subtle first since I don't know this city."
Raelle tried to suppress a smile while Scylla struggled to justify her choice.
"Guess what?" Tally asked excitedly. "It's open mic night and I'm signing you up."
"Wait, no," Raelle objected, trying to stop Tally from doing so. She looked nervously at Scylla who seemed to have recovered and now encouraged her to show off her talent with a smile.
"Abigail isn't here," Tally said encouragingly as they were led to their table. "We won't tell her, would we guys?" She got nods from Scylla and Jin to her delight.
Raelle picked up a guitar on stage and took a deep breath before strumming the first chord. She had to remind herself to sing with a deeper tone but when she began, it didn't matter because it was just her and Scylla.
Scylla sat mesmerized until Raelle finished her song.
"Rae's great, right?" Tally asked, drawing Scylla back to reality.
Raelle returned to the table just as their pizza arrived. She was glad because between training and singing, she was hungry.
"This reminds me of the time you first introduced Scylla to us," Tally reminisced.
"I know Tal," Raelle confirmed. "I was there."
"I told her I liked you," Tally revealed. "But if you ever hurt Raelle again …"
"Tal, stop," Raelle interrupted her.
.
Scylla retreated into her thoughts the rest of the night and merely smiled in response when Raelle asked her anything.
Raelle couldn't wait until they were alone so she could draw Scylla back out from her shell. She wrapped an arm around her to keep her warm from the crisp night air as they walked home.
Scylla opened the door and went in without saying a word.
"Good night," Tally said as she passed them along the hallway to get to her room.
Jin stopped Tally to transform her back which she obviously had forgotten about before heading to his own room.
"I'm sorry," Tally mouthed to Raelle, embers still outlining her face as she finished transforming back.
Raelle nodded knowing that Tally meant well.
Scylla was still deep in thought when she heard Raelle speak up behind her.
"Scyl, can I have my face back?" Raelle requested in a joking tone.
"Of course," Scylla complied, drawing out her lighter. She was admiring her work as the embers faded from Raelle's hair.
"Scyl, about what Tally said," Raelle began.
"I'm so sorry for hurting you; I never meant to; but I can't promise that I never will; I don't want to," Scylla started pouring out her thoughts.
Raelle moved to kiss Scylla to shut her up. "I'm not asking you to make that promise." She studied Scylla's face as it reflected her internal struggle. "But I will ask that we not be apart for too long, ever."
Scylla felt her heart swell and tears stream down her cheeks. This time she initiated the kiss.
"Just to be clear, that's a promise, right?" Raelle clarified, drawing away briefly from their kiss.
Scylla smiled sweetly and nodded her affirmation before pushing Raelle back on to the bed.
"Are all Spree beds this comfortable?" Raelle teased.
Scylla chuckled next to Raelle. "I don't recall you complaining when we were on base." She lifted her head to look into Raelle's eyes.
"Maybe because you kept me distracted," Raelle teased, looking hungrily up into Scylla's eyes. "I'm ready for your inspection."
Scylla's eyes darkened and accepted the invitation.