NANA

It was the next day, the day after I had told Ma everything. She was angry at first, but soon came to except that I may be on to something. I was willing to do anything in order to prove that I wasn't a copy, and that I was unique. I wanted to prove I wasn't helpless.

I had just gotten off the train from working and training at the garden, and Aiko said she would pick me up from there. I got onto the back of her motorcycle, fastening the spare helmet she had brought onto my head.

As soon as we got back, I started helping Emiko with dinner without her asking. Sadao's burial was in two days, and I knew that this clan Mother talked about might strike before then once again, when we were vulnerable, or perhaps right after.

Emiko and I finished up, grilled fish and stir-fried vegetables being set on the table. Everyone dug in with their bowl of rice, and I did too, hoping I could finish up early.

Once I finished my dinner, I grabbed my laptop, hooking it up onto the Wifi of a nearby coffee shop, and started to research information on the Takahashi clan. 

When I heard the clatter of dishes, I quickly got up to wash the dishes, taking initiative. I held my tongue, not speaking to any of my relatives as I took the ceramic dishes, rinsing them at the tap that was at the side of the building, meant for a hose.

Returning to my research after putting away the dishes, I found out that there was a cleaning and sanitary company that specialized in forensic cleaning that seemed related to the clan name. Googling the address, wiring it on a thin piece of paper, tucking it into the pocket of my leggings, I flipped up my hood, sneaking away from the parking lot, catching a bus. The warehouse they kept their trucks in supplies in was at the other side of the city, and so I had no time to waste. After all, it was getting dark.

***

ZANE

The group and I were back at the "trash bear reserve", and with the help of my brother and Aaron, we managed to get the heavy metal grate off of one of the openings to the sewer nearby. 

"So, any takers?" Dante asked, peering down the hole.

"Hey, little guy! What are you doing down there!" Garroth exclaimed. "You'll get stuck!" With that, he jumped down, looking down at his ankles, submerged in translucent water.

"Aaah! I should've thought twice about it. It's.. really dark down here." the blonde peered through the tunnel.

"Lucinda, do you think you could cast a lighting spell?" Aphmau asked her.

"Uh, I may be a witch, but that doesn't mean I want to get my hands dirty."

"I'll go." Kim replied. "Ghost?" she called.

"Yes. I suppose we will." Ghost echoed. They slowly climbed down the ladder, doing their best to avoid the most murky parts of the water.

"I found an envelope!" she eventually called, and we all looked down the hole, Kim waving the letter, a smile on her face.

"Great. Let's open it." I told her. We moved back to give her space. "You need a hand Garroth?" 

"Nope! I'm alright! Hang in there, little guy." he had a raccoon in his arm, and we all took another step back.

"I think, you may need a rabies shot Garroth." Laurance told him, not trying to sound hurtful.

"What does it say?" Travis peered at it, trying to read the clouded letters.

"I'll cast a restoration spell." Lucinda offered.

"Go for it." I told her.

Lucinda waved her hands, taking the letter that was not floating in the air. The water slowly evaporated, revealing a clean white envelope, and once it was done, the letter fell, Lucinda catching it.

"It's.. it's for me." she said, astonished.

***

NANA

You can do this Nana. This is rookie work compared to what happened on Starlight. Look at your friends. Look at what they accomplished. Look at how they all played a vital role.

And look at how you didn't.

So now it's your turn. I kept telling myself this, as I snuck into an alley, hoping for a shortcut to the warehouse. It looked as if it was hidden at the foot of the mountain, from the way it appeared on the map. After quickly sending a text to Aiko that I had gone to search for medication I could take for my scar, I put my phone on silent, sliding it into my legging pocket once again. 

The warehouse finally came into full view, and it seemed dim, as if saying that it was vacant. I scanned the area, making sure there were no video cameras. The warehouse looked old and rustic, as if it hadn't been updated with new technology.

There was a heavy iron gate with glass shards on top of it near the frontside, and the only way I could sneak in was through the mountains, where there was no barrier. I made wide circle, evading two cameras I had spotted on the gate, making sure I wasn't in their view. I found a small dirt path, forcing myself to climb the mountain, pulling my body upwards. Normally I wouldn't have known how to do this, but I learned how to balance my upper, lower, and core strength from Grandfather's strict guidance and teaching. Taking a few exhausted breaths, I reached a ledge, barely being able to grab it with my hand. I fumbled, my legs dangling, pebbles falling down. I was about thirty feet in the air at this point.

Focusing my energy to my fingertips, I grew my claws, hoping I could get a better grip on the ledge from then on. Forcing myself upwards, I finally stood on solid ground, squeezing my small body through the crevices, finally finding an opening that would lead me into the warehouse property.

I slid down, balancing myself by ending it in a run. I retied the laces of my sneakers, then found myself at a rusty iron lock. Still having my claws, I pick-pocketed the lock with them, seeing cats do that in fantasy movies. I figured I could try it, and I somehow succeeded, undoing the lock and chains that bound the door closed.

I slowly opened the heavy door, causing it making a creaking sound. I stopped, peering in before I proceeded. It looked like no one was there where I was, so I pushed through the doors, making as little noise as possible. I looked to my right, where there were a few paper screens that seemed lit up, covered partially by crates. Someone was most likely here, using the screens as privacy.

I looked up, seeing a few metal pipes and scaffolding I could use to see from a bird's eye view. Finding a ladder at the side, I turned to look at all the reinforced pipes, knowing the only way I could see them was if I held onto the pipes.

Retracting my claws, I dried my hands before gripping onto the nearest one. I used momentum to get to the next one, and at this point I was fifty feet in the air, with only a few crates with packaging foam and plastic bubble wrap to break my fall. I had to be careful where I moved to next. I knew that I wouldn't be able to last, so I also had to hurry, considering I probably head the weakest arm strength out of all my friends, maybe even matching up with Kim. 

After about a minute of struggling, my arms felt numb, and I wanted to let go. However, I was close, and at this point, I could hear murmurs.

There were two people there. One of them was a Meif'wa for sure, and the other seemed to be a wizard, playing with some sort of orb. I couldn't hear them clearly, so I moved a little closer, deciding on doing something extremely risky, using the last of my arm strength to pull my legs up, hooking onto the pipes from there, so I could hear and see them better.

They were huddled in front of a beefy computer, information processing on the screen. Out of the corner I spotted a USB plugged in, as if the wizard was an accomplice of the Meif'wa and he was getting the information.

From that moment on, I knew I had to get the USB.

Slowly inching closer and closer, I heard the Meif'wa's words more clear, as the wizard listened intently.

"Target anyone at that parking lot with black hair and amber eyes, with Meif'wa ears and a tail of course. Only suspend them in ice, capturing them and bringing them here, where we can cough out information and perhaps kill them."

I head heard enough, knowing that these people were the people I was looking for. Looking up, I saw a loose chunk of metal, wedged in between an air vent and a pipe. Pulling it out, I tossed it as far away as I could, making a noise from the other side of the warehouse.

The Meif'wa bolted up, ears twitching in the direction of where the metal landed. "Someone's here." he told the wizard. "Stay here and guard the computer, while I go kill them." he hissed, leaving through the screens.

I glared at them. I was hoping I could take out two birds with one stone, but it looks like I would have to do it the hard way.

As soon as he left, I repositioned myself so that my legs were dangling, and that I was gripping the pipe with my hands. Taking a deep breath, I let go, falling down, where the wizard saw me, his eyes widening.

He was about to call for help, when I kicked him on my descent, sending him tumbling, knocking over a few crates. I immediately knew I was in danger, so I grabbed the USB and made a run for it. I tore the screen nearest to me, making an escape, shoving the USB into my pocket. 

I heard footsteps behind me, knowing I'd never make it out the door. Looking up, I saw a few windows that were shattered from glass. Processing this information, I leaped onto some of the bigger crates and boxes, as if they were a staircase. The Meif'wa was coming back, and if I hadn't tucked my tail underneath my hoodie, which was uncomfortable, and flattened my ears, he would've seen that I was of his own kind. Jumping off the highest crate I could get to, I reached for the larger pipe, climbing upwards, my arms still sore from before, locking my ankles in place, forcing myself up. As I reached one of the ceiling pipes above me, I reached for it, a projectile spell grazing my shoulder, leaving a sting. 

If he's not careful, he could destroy the pipes. An idea hit me, where one of these sets of pipes could be either the water system or perhaps a gas system that may contain toxic gases. I was close to the window, and I started creating momentum in order to swing my body through it. The wizard saw I was stuck, preparing a flame spell. As he fired, I let go, and I must've lucked out, because he hit the gas pipes as I rotated by body through the window. I wasn't completely unscathed though, as a sharp piece of glass still by the window grazed my side.

There was an explosion in the warehouse as I fell from the window. I heard a yell, and knew the wizard had died, the pipes falling onto him. I started running, but the gash in my side made it nearly impossible to keep a steady pace. I figured that the Meif'wa was also hurt, quickening my pace to escape the scene. That large computer must've also been running the cameras, because to my luck, they were down.

***

KATELYN

With trembling hands, Lucinda pulled the flap, opening the letter.

"Lucinda,

you are the most talented witch I have seen and have ever known."

"Hey." Ghost pouted.

I giggled under my breath, and Lucinda continued to read.

"I always remark at how you make potions, especially your cat ones. Your knowledge and quick thinking is part of how we all survived.

You all played a part on that island, and though I wish I could've helped more, you cared for me. 

I want all of you to play a part in this next task. Literally.

The children's hospital is putting on a play for the kids there, and while I wanted to help, I knew I couldn't. I casted you in the play, some with actual roles, while others are behind the scenes.

I hope you succeed, as well as make the play a success. Lights, camera..

..Action!

Kawaii~Chan"

"Let's head to the hospital in the afternoon." I told everyone. We need more information on this play an-"

"There's a brochure included in the letter." Lucinda cut me off, pulling out the document. It had showtimes and the location. 

"Alright. Let's all grab some pizza at that really good place near the address written, then we'll talk to them about the roles we have to play." Aphmau chimed in.

"Sounds good." Dante nodded.

We all walked back to our neighbourhood, when I caught Zane mumbling to himself again. He was in such a panic last night, talking about how Kawaii~Chan's hair was black. I never knew of this, and always thought that she always had pink hair.

"Hey, Zane." I tapped his shoulder. "How did you know Kawaii~Chan's hair was black?" We slowed our pace, trailing at the back of the group so no one could hear our conversation.

"Huh? I thought you said if I found out anything that I keep it to myself." he replied, confused.

"Oh, right." I took a step back. "Sometimes I neglect my own words."

***

NANA

I exited the drug store, holding a small plastic bag with antibiotics, disinfectent wipes, and a few rolls of bandages. I had bandaged myself in the bathroom. While it wasn't as deep as the gash I had received on my chest from before, it still hurt, and it was bleeding pretty bad. I had also patched up the burn on my shoulder, using a cooling salve anymore bandages to help it not get irritated.

I sent a text to Aiko saying I was coming back, and got a quick reply. I fumbled with my pocket, pulling out the USB. I stared at it, wondering what I had stolen, and what I would learn from it.

It turns out that I would learn about their next move, but only the vague details. I forgot to properly eject it because I was in such a hurry, which might have corrupted the file on it a bit. I hissed in disappointment, but figured it was a start.

My only problem was, who were they targeting, and since that wizard died, what is their next move?

***

For some reason I've been in the mood to write WAY more, so here ya go.