Chapter Six: The Attack

"Let's practice windstrike ladies!" Anacostia shouted. Alessia had her arms crossed while waiting in line with her unit. It seemed others had gotten stronger as well. She smiled and nodded at Libba. They had gotten close since Alessia was helping her fellow sisters on their vocals. They may be the smallest draft in years but they had strength. Her eyes caught Izadora's, who nodded at her with a smile. It was her unit's turn.
"Ska!" They hissed loudly. Seeing the metal wall destroyed.
"Impressive ladies!" Anacostia spoke. Hearing several gasps and whispering.
"That was amazing!" Tally spoke. Alessia was smiling as her arms were crossed again.
"Alright, let's call it a day!" Anacostia shouted. Alessia smiled at Libba who walked up to her. They high fived each other and fist bumped.
"My mom is visiting. She wants to meet you." Libba spoke.
"Oh. Are we there now? Meeting each other's parents?" Alessia teased. Seeing Libba roll her eyes. Hearing a laugh.
"Come on. She's in the mess hall. Lunch time after all." Libba spoke while pushing the door open.
"Abigail is going to kill me." Alessia spoke. Hearing a laugh.
"Does she dictate who you can be friends with?" Libba asked.
"No." Alessia spoke as they walked across the lawn to the mess hall. There was a woman talking to Izadora in the mess hall. They were sitting at a table drinking.
"Hello mother." Libba spoke as she stood by. Alessia had her hands behind her back.
"This is Alessia. The one I told you about." Libba introduced Alessia.
"It is an honor to meet you Mrs. Swythe." Alessia spoke as she shook the woman's hand.
"Pleasure is mine. Please. Join us." She spoke and waved her hand.
"Thank you." She spoke as sat next to the Necro teacher as Libba was across from her. "I cannot stay long unfortunately." Alessia spoke.
"Oh yeah. The Bellweather wedding. Such a drag." Libba spoke.
"I've only seen one hand fasting in my life. I'm curious how it's done." Alessia spoke as she folded her hands in her lap.
"Well we do contracts. Five years. Ten years. With one person. But who really sticks to that?" Libba asked while laughing.
"Libba. Remember, some witches have soulmates. So, one partner for life. One marriage for life." Her mother spoke. Alessia gave the woman a curious look.
"Right. I can't imagine my life with one person." She spoke as she began to eat. "What about you Alessia?" Libba asked.
"My mother was with my witch father for life until he passed in the forever front." She spoke softly.
"So, you are a full witch." Izadora whispered while taking a drink. She nodded her head.
"So, my daughter tells me that you never once struggled with your seeds." Her mother spoke.
"I uh well." Alessia began.
"Don't be modest." Izadora spoke.
"She's really good. Been helping me as well. I would have never gotten this strong if it weren't for her weird teaching." Libba spoke with a smirk.
"It's not weird. Just a different method." Alessia spoke softly.
"Hey weirdo!" Abigail's voice carried. Alessia looked over her shoulder. "Let's go." She spoke.
"Why does Abigail call you that?" Libba's mom asked.
"She likes Necros." Libba spoke.
"Correction. Only two. Unless you count my mom. It was nice meeting you again, Mrs. Swythe!" Alessia spoke. Hearing Libba laugh and wave. She stood up by grabbing Izadora's shoulder on accident. This rewarded her with a smile for some reason.
"You too! Hope to chat again soon." Libba's mom spoke.
"See you around!" Libba shouted.
"Sure." Alessia spoke and left.

"Why are you talking to Swythe?" Abigail.
"She's a friend." Alessia spoke. She was stopped as Abigail got into her face.
"She's an enemy. Stay away from her." Abigail spoke.
"The only enemy is the Spree." Alessia spoke back. Crossing her arms. "You cannot say who I can or cannot be friends with." She brushed past Abigail as she made it back to their suite. Seeing Tally going through the small black book. Alessia pulled out her blues and got to changing into them.
"Guys. He pulled every one of these on me." Tally spoke. Alessia bit her lip to keep her from laughing.
"Can Scylla come?" Raelle asked.
"No. We need to focus on ourselves. The Dean of War College is going to be there." Abigail spoke. Alessia brushed her hair and put it up in a braided bun. "Not distractions." Abigail added.
"She's not. It's fine. I'll stay on base." Raelle spoke.
"Think Gerit will be there?" Tally asked.
"No, Tally." Abigail spoke. Alessia sighed a little. Everyone here was so focused on their relationships. She felt a tad jealous but pushed it aside.
"This is the High Atlantic function of the year." Abigail spoke. Alessia felt small and unseen due to this.
"Have you ever seen High Atlantic Royalty talk to someone with a Cession Drawl? No one will talk to me. Or maybe, you know I can let it rip with High Command on how the peasants at Fort Salem are being primed to become war meat. I bet your mom would love that." Raelle spoke. It felt like a slap to the face. They yelled at each other before Raelle grabbed a wooden box and left. Alessia pulled out a ring she kept hidden and placed it upon her index finger. It was a small silver band with a skull and diamond eyes.
"We should get ready and go." Abigail spoke. Alessia nodded. She was already ready. "Come on." Abigail spoke as Tally and Alessia both followed. She had her hands behind her back. They made their way to the gate. Looking around.
"Does she ever show up on time?" Tally asked.
"Nope." Abigail spoke. Alessia sighed softly. She looked around as well.
"Alright ladies. Izadora and I will be going for security reasons. I do not want you to worry about anything except to mingle. It's a party. Enjoy yourselves." Anacostia spoke. Alessia was avoiding eye contact as Raelle finally showed up. "Off you go." Their drill sergeant spoke as they entered a fancy car. Alessia was sitting next to Abigail as Tally and Raelle across from them.
"Glad you could make it." Abigail spoke to Raelle who nodded.
"Wouldn't miss it." Raelle replied as they were taken to a nearby estate.
"Whoa." Tally spoke as Alessia looked out of the window. The door was opened for them as they got out. Alessia was looking around. It was huge. Bigger than her own house. Thinking about her home made her think about her mother. Who was still not answering her phone calls. She pushed the thoughts back as Abigail took the lead again. Alessia stopped as her eyes caught someone's. It was Scylla.
"Hi!" Scylla waved at them. Watching Raelle and Abigail move forward to talk. Tally and Alessia looked at each other with a worried look.
"Major Holke. Hi." Abigail spoke as Alessia and Tally moved up and stood at attention.
"I see this is your unit?" She asked.
"Yes. Well mostly." Abigail spoke.
"Wait until you see what your aunt has done with the place." Holke spoke as they followed Abigail inside.

"Guys." Abigail spoke. Alessia quickly moved next to her. Smiling at General Bellweather who nodded her head. "Um. Bellweathers, meet my unit. Tally Craven, Raelle Collar, and Alessia Solace." Abigail introduced them. Alessia gave them a bow.
"This is Scylla Ramshorn. She's my guest." Raelle introduced Scylla. They all smiled and greeted her as they did for them. They turned and left to go back outside.
"That's okay, I'll just hang out." Tally spoke.
"You guys can come if you want." Raelle spoke.
"I should go and meet other guys and rah rah unit-unity like Abigail said." Tally sighed. Alessia rubbed her fiery friend's arm. It seemed that Scylla was trying to convince Raelle to leave to go to the beach. Alessia had an uncomfortable feeling now. It was nagging at her and she couldn't place a finger on it. Then music began to play. Alessia looked around and saw people coming into the yard. Everyone was being paired up. A guy was standing next to her before he left as a witch stood next to her. The one she knew so well now. Keeping her eyes to the front as they begin to move into the lines. It was made out of shells. It was beautiful. She could feel her heart racing as she was walking down the lane with the Necro teacher. She then turned. Taking her spot next to Tally who was on her left and Abigail on Tally's left. Izadora was across from her.
"A blessing on the Bellweathers for their matriline to continue with this union." The woman from Beltane spoke.
"As rising moon and setting sun." The couple spoke. Alessia could feel her chest swell a little at the sight. It was lovely and beautiful.
"This knot connects all the ribbons that were passed down from mother to daughter, dedicated to the daughter yet to come." She spoke. Alessia looked down to her feet. Feeling Tally grab her shoulder lightly. "And so the binding is made!" She spoke as there was stomping. Alessia however didn't. She smiled weakly at Tally who was beaming. She started to lightly stomp. Watching the newlywed walk down the lane again. Alessia then looked up across from her. Izadora was watching her with a smile. She couldn't help but smile as her heart began to swell at that smile. She blushed and looked to the side. Fully stomping her feet now.
"Come on. Food." Tally spoke. Alessia nearly snorted at her friend and turned sharply and followed her as everyone began to leave. Watching Raelle, Tally, and Scylla grab a plate and start eating. Alessia was drinking some tea.
"You might want to slow down." Abigail spoke "Our interview with the Dean of War College is coming up." She added. Alessia was still smiling as that smile was in her mind. "We make a good impression here, it'll be a breeze getting into war college."
"Aye-aye captain." Tally spoke. Alessia's eyes were scanning her friends as she was still smiling.
"Abigail. Relax. We have at least an hour." Raelle spoke.
"I'm good." She spoke.
"Suit yourself." Raelle added. Alessia jumped as Tally shoved a fruit in her face to smell it. She did. It smelt sweet and delicious. She took it and set it back on the table only for Tally to pick it up again.
"They have lobster." Scylla spoke. Tally gasped and turned around to grab some.
"Only Tally." Alessia whispered with a chuckle. She took a table as Tally sat next to her.
"Aren't you hungry?" Tally asked. Alessia nodded her head.
"Yeah but I can't shake the feeling that something is up." Alessia spoke.
"What do you mean?" Tally asked.
"Just a gut feeling." She spoke. Finishing her tea. Raelle and Scylla were on the dance floor together. Alessia looked over and saw Anacostia eyeing them. Tally cleared her throat as Alessia looked at her before following her line of sight. Seeing the Necro teacher watching them.
"She's always watching. I wonder why." Tally spoke.
"She's part of the Intelligence team like Anacostia." Alessia replied.

Alessia nearly jumped when Tally gasped.
"Tally what?" She asked as her friend was already gone. "Great." Alessia sighed and placed her head on her hand. She was left alone. She was turning her cup on the table as a voice spoke to her.
"Having fun?" Izadora asked.
"It's alright." She spoke.
"I haven't seen you help out in labs." The Necro spoke. Alessia looked at her and smiled. She reached out to take her hand only for Tally to take it.
"I need you." She spoke in a serious tone.
"Okay…" She spoke as she was dragged away. Tally then grabbed Raelle's hand.
"A unit-unity thing has come up and I need you." Tally spoke. Seeing Raelle kiss Scylla. Alessia looked away. Her stomach was turning. Tally pulled them both away towards Abigail who was already sitting at a table.
"What, Tal?" Raelle asked. Alessia looked forward and sighed a little. She saw Gerit.
"Gerit's here. Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't he tell me?" Tally asked. "Should I say hi?" She asked.
"Yes."
"No!"
Tally left with a smile on her face towards Gerit.
"This is a disaster." Abigail spoke.
"Let her have her happiness." Raelle spoke.
"Gerit is engaged." She spoke.
"What?" Raelle asked.
"In High Atlantic functions, the betrothed men wear sashes." Abigail spoke.

"Oh…" Raelle spoke. Alessia frowned. Tally was going to have her heart broken. Watching Tally grab Gerit's hand and left out of sight. Raelle turned and left back to Scylla. Abigail left her as well. Once again, she was alone. Sighing softly as Anacostia came up to her.
"I want to talk to you about something." She spoke. Alessia nodded her head and followed the woman to the side.
"I believe it cannot wait. Your test scores." Anacostia spoke.
"I thought that was until I got into War College. Assuming that I do get in." Alessia spoke. Anacostia smiled and nodded.
"Well, true but I want to know that we can trust you when it comes to keeping secrets." Anacostia spoke. Alessia nodded her head but raised a brow. Her drill sergeant then leaned in as she did.
"This is sensitive information. Izadora and myself have been watching you. We would like to recruit you, is the word." Anacostia spoke.
"Oh?" Alessia asked.
"There is a lot of misinformation going around on base about the Spree attack and what not. Keep your eyes and ears opened. Not that you already do. Report to myself, Izadora, or Alder." Anacostia spoke.
"Okay.." Alessia spoke. She was confused. Then it clicked. "Oh!" She spoke as Anacostia nodded. She was being recruited for the Intelligence team. That's what the test was for. "Of course. You can count on me." Alessia spoke as she stood up straight and nodded her head. Hearing a horn sounded. Alessia looked over her shoulder to see everyone being called by a shell horn. Feeling her shoulder touched. Anacostia nodded her head. Alessia nodded back and went forward. Taking her spot next to Abigail. Tally joined them. Alessia took Tally's hand into her own and squeezed it. This had given her a look from the Necro teacher. Her eyes had a look of protectiveness in them. She looked back to Tally who was smiling.
"We have an announcement." Berryessa spoke. "Our last union to recognize today. He and Hilary Saint went on a trial run last season and decided to make it official with a five year contract based on healthy issue. Congratulations to the new couple!" She shouted as everyone was stomping but Tally. She was watching her fiery friend as she squeezed her hand.

"Tis time. The Dean of War College. Coral Hallmote, meet my daughter Abigail and her unit, Tall Crave, Raelle Collar, and Alessia Solace." Petra had introduced them. Alessia stood up straight with a smile.
"It's an honor to meet you. For all of us." Abigail spoke as Alessia nodded with a bow of her head.
"Are you alright dear?" Hallmote asked while looking at Tally.
"I'm sorry. Excuse me." Tally spoke as she left. She had tears in her eyes. Raelle had left to go after her. Abigail was already speaking to Hallmote about her credentials.
"Even sleepwalking we'd let you in." Hallmote spoke. "We owe your mother at least that much. Now have you tried the lemon cake?" She spoke. Taking her leave. Alessia looked at Abigail and scoffed. She wanted to say things but decided the best of it.
"Everything alright?" Izadora asked as she came up to them. Alessia only stared and sighed.
"I'm going to check on Tally." She spoke and brushed past the Necro who turned to watch before speaking to Anacostia. She went up the stairs and sighed. Hearing a soft sniffle and then a cry. Alessia leaned against the wall by the closet door.
"Tal?" Alessia asked softly. Seeing the door opened as her jacket was grabbed and pulled into the closet.
"You know I just came out. I don't need to go back in." Alessia spoke and heard a soft chuckle from her friend. Alessia got on her knees and held Tally's hand and squeezed it. Watching her friend as she reached up and wiped a tear away.
"Hey. His loss Tal." Alessia whispered. Hearing footsteps as they quickly hid. Alessia was behind a tall mirror as Tally was in the corner. The door opened for a moment before closing.
"I have her. Awaiting instructions on extraction point. I need to know she will be safe once I get her there. Should I wait with her?" Scylla's voice was heard. Alessia opened the door in time to see her friend looking in the mirror with a blue balloon. There was writing on the mirror. Alessia pressed a finger against her lips to keep Tally silent. Seeing her friend was scared. Watching Scylla leave. They waited for a moment before leaving. They basically ran down the stairs. Seeing Anacostia speaking to Berry and Izadora. Alessia ran up and stood by Anacostia.
"Excuse me, Private Solace and Private Craven." Anacostia spoke with an angry voice.
"We're sorry but it's very urgent." Alessia spoke. She could feel Izadora watching her with an intense look.
"And private." Tally spoke. They both move to the side waiting on Anacostia.
"Excuse us." Anacostia spoke as Alessia was trying to calm Tally down.
"What is it?" Anacostia asked. Alessia felt her shoulder touched by the Necro teacher.
"I saw a balloon." Tally whispered. "I think Scylla is Spree." Tally added.
"You saw this?" Anacostia asked, looking at Alessia.
"Fact." Alessia spoke softly. Anacostia was looking on the dance floor. Seeing Scylla dancing with Raelle. Alessia sighed. She apparently did not know her Necro friend as well as she thought she did.
"Enjoy the party." Anacostia spoke. Alessia nodded her head and grabbed Tally's arm and dragged her away. Alessia looked over her shoulder in time to see Izadora speaking in farspeech. She gave the older witch a nod before facing Tally again. Pushing a cup of tea into her hands.
"What do we do?" Tally asked.
"Nothing. We did what we were supposed to do. Now let them handle it." Alessia spoke.

She finished drinking a second cup of tea when she looked up and gasped. Tally looked up. There were hundreds of blue balloons floating towards them. Seeing the Bellweathers call for a lockdown before screeching in union. Calling upon wind to push the balloons back.
"Secure the area! Get the guests inside!" Petra ordered. Alessia could feel the panic from the others as she was helping get the guests inside.
"Where's Abigail?" Petra was asking through the storm.
"Where's Scylla?" Raelle asked through the storm.
"Where's Abigail?" Petra asked, grabbing Alessia's shoulder.
"She went upstairs!" Alessia shouted. Watching General Bellweather leave to go inside. The wind made it nearly impossible to hear anything. Glass and everything decoration was being flown everywhere. Cutting anything that got in its way. Alessia ducked in time as a table was thrown at her. She looked around and helped a man get onto his feet.
"Get inside!" She shouted as she pushed him forward. Looking around as it now died down. Hearing witches crying from either wounds
"Abigail!" Tally shouted. Alessia whipped around and saw Abigail. She was bloodied and jacket torn. Alessia ran to her and grabbed her shoulder.
"Charvel. She's dead." Abigail spoke lightly.
"Scylla is gone too." Raelle spoke. Holding the skull corsage in her hand. Tally and Alessia looked at each other and frowned. She gently pulled Abigail back inside.
"Her throat. It was cut open. Her vocal cords are gone." Abigail spoke. Seeing the tears fall from her friend's face. Alessia knew this was her gut feeling. She frowned. There was nothing she could have done to prevent this.
"Come on ladies." Anacostia spoke. Grabbing Abigail's arm to help her up and lead her away.
"Where are we going?" Tally asked.
"Back to base. It's safer." Alessia replied. They were herded back into the car. Alessia found herself sitting next to Izadora. Tally across from her. Abigail was next to Anacostia as well as Raelle was. She was looking out the window. Not wanting to say anything but she knew it. The Camarilla was back. She needed to warn her mother. There was no way since her calls were ignored.
"Once we get back to base, Abigail, they will question you. You three go back to your suite." Anacostia ordered them. Alessia nodded her head. It felt unreal. The attack that had happened. That Scylla is Spree. Her mind was racing as she was trying to calm it down. She sighed a little while rubbing her face.
"You alright?" Izadora asked. Alessia nodded her head lightly. She felt the Necro rubbing her back in the center. It felt comforting and she wanted to lean into the touch but decided against it.

"Tell us exactly what happened." Alder spoke as Alessia and Tally were sitting in chairs across from Alder at her desk. The door was closed. The only people inside were Tally, Alder, the Biddies, Anacostia, and Izadora.
"We uh." Tally spoke. Wiping her cheek to get rid of some tears.
"It seems you are a bit emotional right now. Alessia. What happened?" Alder asked as Tally nodded.
"It started when General Bellweather was introducing us to the Dean of War College. Tally left to go upstairs. Raelle followed her but I do not know where she went after. I got salty towards Abigail and left to find Tally." Alessia begins.
"Why were you upset?" Izadora asked.
"I was upset because the Dean told Abigail that all she could do was sleepwalk and they would let her into War College. Not even acknowledging her unit." Alessia replied.
"Continue." Alder spoke.
"So, I left to find Tally. She was hiding in the closet. I was pulled inside by her so I could comfort her. That's how we found out. She didn't see us when she looked inside the closet. She was speaking to the mirror that had a blue balloon. There was fog on the mirror. It said Penelope road. That is where she was supposed to go. I assume it is Raelle she was supposed to take." Alessia spoke.
"I see. Thank you. You are both dismissed and say nothing to either Abigail or Raelle." Alder spoke. They both nodded and took their leave from the office.
"Thank you." Tally spoke as she touched Alessia's arm. She nodded at her fiery friend. They took their leave back to their suite. Alessia sat on her bed on the top bunk. Raelle was there pacing.
"What did they ask?" She asked Tally.
"What happened at the wedding." Tally spoke.
"Alessia?" Raelle asked, looking at her.
"About the wedding." Alessia replied. She lied to Raelle and it hurt. She had her orders. Looking at Tally who frowned. Raelle cared about Scylla more right now.
"She was right there. I can't remember the exact moment. You think she got swept up in the storm?" Raelle asked. "Is that possible?" Raelle asked.
"I don't know." Tally replied.
"We need someone out there looking for her, Tally!" Raelle shouted.
"I'm sure the army has an investigation going." Alessia spoke.
"Well Anacostia is in charge of finding out what happened." Raelle spoke.
"I don't know Raelle!" Tally shouted. Alessia sighed a little.
"We have to wait. We have to calm down." Tally added. Alessia nodded her head in agreement at this.
"Abigail!" Alessia spoke as the door opened.
"Don't you wanna talk?" Tally asked.
"I just spent two hours talking." Abigail spoke as she turned to leave.
"Let her go." Alessia spoke as Tally nodded. Raelle however left. There was a knock.
"Alessia. Come with me." Anacostia spoke. Alessia nodded and followed her.
"Where are we going?" Alessia asked. Seeing she was led out of the building.
"We are working on a case and we believe, to test you more. Join the case. We are heading to the Necro building." Anacostia spoke. Alessia nodded her head in silence as she followed. Watching Anacostia use the sigil as the door opened for then. She followed down the stairs and into the large room.

"Brought her like you asked." Anacostia spoke.
"Ah good. Hair up, coat on." Izadora spoke as her arm was half way raised as she was looking at a body. Anacostia took her leave. Alessia put her jacket into the locker and sighed. Putting her hair up as she grabbed a lab coat. Putting it on. It was a little loose on her.
"What's the case?" Alessia asked lightly. Walking through the aisles. Putting on elastic gloves. Seeing different bodies in the room.
"Cases." Izadora spoke. Alessia stopped on the other side of the body. Her eyes locked onto the brown ones before looking back. Izadora had removed the sheet. Revealing the face of the victim. "The attacks on these happened the same time as the attack on the wedding." Izadora explained. She moved the sheet back more. Alessia gasped and jumped back. Seeing the throat cut exactly like from her memory.
"You recognize this don't you?" Izadora asked. Alessia nodded her head.
"Could it be?" Alessia asked.
"I thought as well." Izadora spoke. "Is that the last one?" The Necro asked.
"Yes. From Illinois. Number seventeen." A woman replied.
"Leave her here." Izadora spoke.
"Came to check on your part of the investigation." Petra's voice came. Her eyes stopped on Alessia. "Why is there a cadet here?" She asked.
"She is part of my team. I personally asked for her. I could use her brain." Izadora spoke. "Seventeen victims from six different states." She added. "They were all killed at the same time as Charvel." The Necro added.
"In other words. Not civilians." Petra spoke.
"I can't say anything definitive yet, but yes it is odd." Izadora spoke. Alessia frowned at this. These were indeed witches. Half witches.
"Spree doesn't kill witches." Petra spoke.
"Except as collateral damage during rare attacks. I have to get in here to check the rest of the vocal apparatus." Izadora spoke. "Hold this." She spoke. Alessia nodded and grabbed the tool. Seeing the throat empty in the center. "See? That's where they cut the voice box out." Izadora spoke. "Clean."
"Izadora. This is not a typical vocal cord." The other woman spoke. Alessia's eyes caught Izadora's as she turned to look. Alessia grabbed the tool and went to another body. Sure enough, the cord was cut out as well.
"This one as well." Alessia spoke. Izadora stood next to her to look.
"Cut open the ear. Rest of you start with the ear and look for marks." Izadora spoke. Alessia took the scalpel and sliced a curve around the ear. Looking into it.
"Five mallea." Alessia spoke. She was then looking around the body and found it. Right on the back base of the neck.
"A mark." The woman spoke.
"They are of the blood." Alessia spoke. "Mark here as well. It's very dark." Alessia spoke. Izadora frowned as she looked at it.
"I didn't want to believe it, but they're witches." Izadora frowned again.
"More than that. They are Bellweathers." Petra spoke and showed Izadora her mark. They were identical. Alessia gasped. Her friend was in danger. Watching Petra take her leave. Alessia was washing her hands as she took the jacket off. She was in deep thought as she grabbed her jacket.
"What's on your mind?" Izadora asked. Alessia shook her head. Feeling both hands from the Necro on her forehead and back of her head. She was linking with her. She could feel her. Alessia pulled back away from her.
"I have training." Alessia spoke as she quickly left. Blushing at the thought of linking with Izadora. She was going to say that the Camarilla was back. That they had never really left.

"Where were you?" Abigail asked.
"Cleaning labs." Alessia spoke. Seeing Anacostia watching her and nodded. Alessia followed the group into the forest. Seeing what looked like a half treehouse. There was a woman standing there waiting for them. She was a short plump witch she had yet to meet. It seemed like they were going to be learning about the air drops.
"The world is falling apart, women. We all know it and feel it. We've seen it in some way or another." She spoke. Alessia frowned and looked down to the ground as she continued talking. Her mind went back to the room. All those bodies. They didn't even know they were witches. Hearing a laugh as she looked back up. She saw the woman climbing the rope. Watching her put something on her neck. Then she jumped. It was fast and then slow. Watching her float before landing on her feet. Alessia began stomping as did her sisters. She was handed a small tin case. She opened it and took out a small star looking piece of drug.
"Now there will be no more kissing any hairy ass anymore!" She shouted as they all laughed at this. She heard the story many times before about a witch having to kiss ass for flight. Or so the church said.
"First thing you want to do is apply it on your neck but not until I tell you to!" She shouted. Some of her sisters were about to apply it. "Raelle. Why don't you go first? You have some experience." She spoke. Raelle nodded and began to climb the ladder. Alessia watched her sister apply the ration and jumped off. It looked as if she was high or something. Her eyes were an ice blue color that was glowing. Watching Raelle do a slow motion backflip in the air. She frowned. She could see it in her eyes. Raelle was thinking about Scylla. Then it ran out. Hearing a thud. Alessia ran up to her and helped her up.
"You okay?" She asked. Raelle nodded her head. She climbed a ladder and stopped at the top. Alessia took a deep breath and placed the ration on her neck. She was doing a drop as well. They were going as several pairs. Then it hit her. Alessia gasped. Feeling a warm and cooling sensation at the same time. Her eyes dilated at this. Feeling as if she was floating. Alessia jumped off the platform. Feeling the flight. She smiled. Falling down to the ground slowly. Landing on her feet perfectly.
"Good job Solace." Their instructor spoke as she took her leave.

"Abigail, you can be mad all you want." Tally spoke. Alessia grabbed the lab coat as she decided to take it back. Abigail then left with a woman as Tally said she wanted to find Glory. Alessia sighed. She hated being alone but sometimes they needed time away from each other so they would not tear each other apart. Alessia found herself hugging the jacket and blushed. She made her way down towards the Necro building. Using the sigil to open the door and make her way down the stairs. She entered the large room.
"Izadora, I forgot to." She stopped talking as Raelle was making her way towards her. There were tears in her eyes.
"Raelle?" Alessia asked. Watching her friend fall to her knees. Alessia fell as well. The lab coat was forgotten about under her arm. Grabbing her shoulders. "Raelle." Alessia spoke. Her eyes met hers.
"She's dead." Raelle weakly spoke. "Is it possible to get swept up into the storm? Don't lie. Please." Raelle asked while looking at her.
"Yes. It's possible." Alessia spoke with a frown. "What?" Alessia asked. Then it clicked. She was talking about Scylla. Alessia looked up as her eyes met Izadora's. She had a finger against her lips. Alessia frowned at this. Grabbing Raelle's arm to help her up.
"Labs?" Izadora asked.
"I uh. Yeah. In a bit." Alessia spoke. She led Raelle away back up the stairs. Her sister needed her. Holding Raelle closely "Come. Back to the suite." She spoke. Knowing full well she was being watched. They made it outside crossing the lawn as she held the door open for Raelle. Watching her sister sit down in a chair by the window. She was on her knees in front of Raelle. Holding her hands tightly. Hearing the door open.
"You look sick." Abigail spoke.
"Scylla is dead." Raelle spoke weakly. Her eyes were puffy from crying.
"What. How do you know?" Tally asked.
"Her Necro teacher. Got swept up in the storm." Raelle weakly spoke.
"Let's get some rest." Alessia spoke as they all nodded. "May the Goddess watch and protect us." Alessia spoke.
"As the rising moon and setting sun. It is done." They spoke together except for Raelle. Alessia kissed her head and rubbed her shoulder. The feeling coming from her was awful. She hated it.

"Maybe you should go to the infirmary?" Tally asked. Alessia knew what she was talking about. Abigail woke them up from screaming. She was having nightmares now. Alessia was wondering if she was suffering from PSTD. It would explain everything.
"For what?" Abigail asked.
"Leg cramps." Tally replied.
"Are you making fun of me?" Abigail asked.
"What. No one is making fun of you." Tally replied.
"Abigail!" Alessia spoke as she held onto Abigail's shoulder.
"I've never felt less powerful than I am right now. I've never been this way." Abigail spoke. It hit Alessia hard as she frowned. Watching her sister go through this pain.
"Greif's stubborn Abigail. And wild. You're going to be okay." Raelle spoke. Alessia wondered where she got that from.
"I forgot my medal." Raelle spoke.
"I have something to return." Alessia spoke as she followed Raelle.
"Why are you following me?" Raelle asked as Alessia shook her head. She didn't realize something was pulled out of her pocket and put back in.
"I'm returning this." She spoke and squeezed Raelle's arm. "We are here for you. Remember that." Alessia spoke. Raelle nodded. She turned and left the suite. Heading back down to the Necro building and sighed. She knew this route all too well. It was like it was memorized from the back of her hand.
"Izadora. I forgot to return this." She spoke as she knocked on the door.
"I was wondering where my favorite coat went." The Necro smiled as she took it from Alessia. "You alright?" She asked. Alessia hadn't realized that she was in thought and looked up. Nodding her head.
"I can get started." She spoke, putting on a different coat and stood by the teacher. Izadora nodded. Reaching for Alessia's hand.
"Alessia!" Abigail's voice made her jump and look behind her. "Check your ration!"
"Why?" Alessia asked.
"Just do it!" She shouted. Alessia reached into her pocket and pulled out the small tin. Opening it. It was empty. She looked at Izadora.
"Goddess protect!" She spoke. She quickly turned on her heels and sprinted after Abigail.
"What's going on?" Izadora asked as she shouted after them. Alessia ignored this and was running as fast as she could after Abigail. Tally joined them as well. Seeing a jeep ready to go. Alessia grabbed a pole and pulled herself onto the jeep. A woman with an eyepatch was driving them. She was Abigail's bodyguard. It was speeding down the road now. The sight of the ocean hit them with the smell of salt.

"Raelle!" Alessia screamed. Seeing Raelle's body laying on the sand as the ocean water hit her. She felt her lungs burn but she did not care. She fell to her knees as she touched Raelle's head. Pulling the hair from her face.
"Raelle, wake up!" Abigail shouted.
"Raelle!" Tally shouted. She was crying now. Alessia felt her eyes sting. She took her finger and stuck it into Raelle's mouth. Making her gag as she coughed up the water from her lungs.
"It's okay." Abigail spoke. Pulling Raelle into her arms. Alessia was holding her hands and squeezing them.
"Scylla…she's not here." Raelle spoke softly. It seemed like she was dazed and confused now. "We have to go back to base." Alessia spoke.
"Stop! Stop!" She screamed. Raelle stood up and pushed them all away. "She's alive!" Raelle shouted. "She's not dead!" Watching her sister break down crying again. Alessia pulled her close and hugged her tightly. Rubbing her back. She could feel the sobs. She then led Raelle back to the jeep. She was rubbing her sister's back. Hearing her cough again. She sighed softly. Grabbing the blanket the woman handed her as she wrapped it around Raelle. Trying to warm her up as they made their way back to the base.