ALICE'S POV

It was hectic. Most of the slayers were here and all of them had something to say. The recent attacks on slayers had everyone alarmed and panicked. Anima had decided to take us out one by one. Some slayers wanted to strike back right away. They wanted to avenge those that already fell at the hands of the enemy. They wanted blood and an all-out war. Then, there a few who were completely petrified and kept ranting about how we were all going to die. And let's not forget the few individuals who looked absolutely lost. All their voices overlapped each other and created an overwhelming buzzing sound in my ears. The atmosphere was becoming stifling. River needs to get his lackeys to calm down before I have one of my spontaneous violent outburst.

"Quiet!" River demanded, as if he heard my mental warning. Silence quickly followed and I felt myself become calmer.

"I know that these recent attacks are unnerving." He began, his voice boomed from wall to wall even though he wasn't yelling. As he stood proud and tall, strength and authority alluded from him. "But we can't panic. That won't help anything. We need to stay calm and think about this strategically. We aren't cowards. We aren't just run and hide like little bitches. We are going to do what we do best. We're going to fight and we're going to destroy Anima." Pure and utter hatred blazed in River's eyes when he spat the industry's name as if it was poison. "But we need to be smart about it. If we just attack them without a real plan or strategy, we will wind up dead."

I stood near the back, away from the majority of the crowd. I saw most of them nodding in agreement or in understanding as River address them. The tension that consumed them at the beginning started to melt away as they seek guidance from their commander.

"Now, it'll be business as usual until the plan is ready to be executed. Remember I don't care how skilled you think you are, do not engage with zombies without backup. You're assigned to a group for a reason." His eyes quickly met mine and I knew the last two sentence was addressed towards me more than anyone else. "If you happen to cross paths with hazmats and it's clear that they have the advantage, don't stay to fight a losing battle. Understood?"

After a chorus of affirmative answers, the crowd dispersed. Slayers who were on patrol tonight were gearing up. Others went to go train to get rid of whatever worrisome thoughts that still remained. There were a few who decided they needed a drink and headed toward a club that wasn't too far from here.

When everyone had gone off to do their thing, River's eyes caught mine and it was clear that he needed to talk to me. Like usual, Chance was by his side. I felt my gut twist with uneasiness when I saw that they had matching grim expressions on their faces.

"Don't you two look chipper." I said when I stood in front of them. No matter how serious circumstances were, I couldn't control my sarcastic side. "Please, do share what's got you in such a good mood."

"Let's go somewhere more private." River replied as he gestured towards the direction away from the others.

We headed further into the building we were in, entering a study that River and few others were allowed in. Chance leaned against the wall behind River. River sank down on a armchair, he's shoulders slumped down as if it was carrying the weight of the world. He looked at me with tired eyes. Seeing him like this pulled my heartstrings.

River was only a few years older than me but he experienced and seen things most people don't. So has Chance, me, and every one of the slayers. We were forced to grow up faster than we were supposed to. We couldn't stay oblivious to the evils that lurked just around the corner. All of us as seen our friends and family fall victims to the zombies. And as the war continues, it's inevitable that more of us will perish too. That is just the cold, hard truth.

"How bad is it?" I asked.

River ran his hand through his hair, something he did when he's stressed or dejected. "We lost Jack and Robby. The zombies got them. The hazmats took out Vi and Luce. Attacked them in their own homes."

I felt a sense of grief. All of them were still teenagers. Though I wasn't particularly close to them, they each have fought by my side on more than one occasion. "What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to not make yourself a bigger target than you already are. No more going solo." Resolution rang clear in his voice.

I nodded, "No more going solo." I repeated. This is one of the few times when I'm compliant. I was never fond of following orders and often times react recklessly. But going into a battle without any backup would just be idiotic. "They were attacked in their own homes?" I recalled. My voice remained steady but fear began to rise in me. It absolutely terrifies me just thinking about what would happen to my grandparents if the hazmats decide to stop by our house. What if I'm not there to protect them? What if I can't protect them? They were all I have left. I can't lose them too. I won't be able to survive it.

"Yeah, another reason why you're a bigger target. You live the furthest away from us and only live with your elderly grandparents. You may be one of the toughest fighter I know but your situation makes you vulnerable."

"So, what do we do? What's the plan?" I need to know if there was a way to make sure that Anima never lays a hand on the last family I have.

"We need some reinforcements. Our numbers are dwindling. The less of us there is, the more defenseless we become."

For the first time since we entered the room, Chance spoke out. "We need to ally with the other slayer team in town. The ones that go to your school." I immediately think of violet eyes.

River nodded. "It should be easy enough to convince them to work with us. They hate Anima and zombies almost as much as we do. They're also in danger since Anima is taking out slayers." He stared into my eyes with an emotion that I couldn't identify. "Ace, I have a little mission for you."

I didn't say anything. I raised an eyebrow, indicating him to continue.

"I know that you aren't enthusiastic about dealing with people. But I need you to talk to their leader and convince him to met with me. His name is Cole Holland and you need to bring him here."

A/N: First, I know it's a bit late but Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed chapter 3. It won't be long until Ali and Cole officially meet. Don't forget to leave a review. Hope you have a Happy New Years!