Memento Mori

   Niall wandered around the city, constantly trying to use his un-trained magical abilities to sense for any traces of Ethereal energy throughout all of Chicago. Many times dad Niall accidently taken a wrong turn and suddenly caught a ‘wiff’ of the energy he sought, and he would follow it, and follow it, and follow it, only to come to the realization that he was following his own Ethereal trail, like a puppy chasing his tail. He groaned as he ran his hand through his blonde hair as he plopped down onto a park bench. He leaned back, assuming the lazy laidback and relaxed position with his arms out on either side of the bench’s back, his legs stretched out and his head thrown back. With a soothing hum vibrating through his throat he began to accidently lul himself to sleep. The sound of children running about after school hours, the barks of lively dogs and the mewings of the poor cats who were forced to remain in the trees because of said dogs was more than Niall could ever have asked for, he was fully beginning to feel the whole human experience, getting tired, being exhausted. All the things humans took for granted or even hated, and Niall relished them all. While ‘relishing’ in the relief that fact that pressure was off of his feet, he was alarmed by the sudden massive amount of weight that had plopped into his lap. HE jumped up with a yelp and he looked down. Much to his surprise, a large golden lab had taken it’s comfort lying across his lap and panting as it scanned the area.

     ”Well hello to you to!” He said with his thick accent as he nuzzled his cheek against the top of the dogs head. The dog happily looked over its shoulder, twisting its head to lick the friendly human it had ‘perched’ upon. Niall went into a fit of laughing as the dog playfully mothered him and sat next to him. He began to pet the dog, contemplating on what had possessed it to jump on him, until he saw the chocolate colored eyes and he took the dog by both sides of it’s face, gently and looked at the dog seriously. ”Uh-B-Brandon?” he asked. The lab cocked its head to the side and began panting as it shook itself and laid back down on Niall. Niall let out a sigh of relief and leaned back.

     Nope…just a friendly little puppy huh?” He cooed at the dog, scratching it behind the ear. He honestly had been worried that maybe Brandon had done something a little ‘overboard’ and somehow Aaron turned him into a dog. For all he knew, Aaron COULD have done that and Niall would have not known the difference. It wasn’t until he got out his cell phone and flipped the cover off of it, punching in the keys to send a text to Brandon. What are you up to? Aaron didn’t turn you into a dog did he?

    He had to learn how to do this whole texting thing pretty quick, because ever since he had become a ‘human’ he noticed that he had a very natural and powerful connection to the mythical energy. This energy was also the same energy that had caused Arianna and the Hales so much destruction and grief, and to avoid a possible ‘confrontation’ by simply avoiding them. Besides, first it was Ouro destroying their manor, and then it was Lych attacking Brandon….Niall was simply an invitation for bad things to happen. He honestly was waiting for a meteorite to fall and crush the poor puppy in his lap, thankfully that hadn’t happened. It would take a dimensional rip for something THAT bad to happen. At the moment however, he was more focused on hearing back form Brandon, he had a rather interesting piece of information he needed to share with the slightly younger Hale twin.

Arianna had been chasing after two things within the city, one being a spike in Ethereal energy that kept appearing all over the city, something wild and partially malicious. Another was a source of unknown energy that she had not seen within her life, one that was both benevolent and at the same time that hinted of danger. It was unnatural and perhaps not even of this world in any form or fashion. While she was focusing on that, Brandon was not. He didn't like doing all of the work that his close family seemed to throw themselves into, instead he preferred to enjoy an easy life. With enough money that was pretty easy and the Hale's had nearly an unlimited amount of it. Niall had also been going on hunts of some kind, and that left Brandon alone at home most of the day, bored and perhaps a little annoyed.

He reclined on the love seat in the reception room, which was new like everything else. That battle had mostly destroyed most of the house but within a month it was repaired again. He was dressed in loose fitting sweat pants and a plain white shirt that was somehow riding up on his torso, which revealed a defined stomach. The small golem seemed to be crawling along the wall, scuttling about as if it were as bored as the youngest of the Hale siblings. It crawled to the ceiling above him, and dropped down, making a dull thud against his chest. ”Uuuuugh, everyone had something to do and here I am sitting on my ass.” He grumbled to himself petulantly looking down at the golem with its emerald eyes. It crawled up his chest and onto his shoulder before perching itself there. ”You're bored too, right?”

He was hoping that maybe Aaron would be home soon, or if he was lucky, maybe even Niall. Maybe they were all just avoiding him? It was probable, but then again he was being a little paranoid. They always came back home, or atleast for a n hour or two. The golem clicked its little fingers together, and then morphed into an orb before rolling away again, leaving him alone. ”And then there was one.” It was these times when he was alone when his mind worked, bringing back things he would rather not remember. So many had died, right in this house and he only watched complacently as it happened, knowing nothing he said would stop  anything. That was when he felt a vibration in his pocket, likely a text from someone.

Brandon opened it, and to his surprise it was Niall. ”Not much, sitting on my ass. And I don't suddenly have the urge to lick anyone’s face or hump their leg, so no.” His smirked a little and moved from his sitting position, resting against the couch arm for a moment ”And what are you upto?” He sent almost immediately after the first text before slipping the phone back into his pocket. Something felt strange, a sort of energy that made his head hurt almost. Finally aggrivated with just sitting around and doing nothing, Brandon stood to his feet, and decided to do some working out, though that was likely to do him no good seeing as how his muscles worked was likely different than humans normally did, though it was therapeutic to just punch the punching bag.

Brandon swept a small strand of blonde hair from his face, and walked through the threshold that lead into the hallway that he would have to walk through to reach the large gym built specifically for him. He also wondered when Niall would answer him back.

Ailill Hale had been studying in the library before being so rudely interrupted by an elf screaming about her lost spiritual familiar of a dog. That sentence just sounded so strange, even for him. Seriously, why did he bring her here to live at the mansion again? Ugh, this was becoming such a pain. Now he was accompanying her around the city for the sake of the dog thing "Oh yeah. I was having a good day. Until I got dragged out here." He concluded under his breath. Were they done yet? He wanted to go back home already. He was really just trying to avoid getting in any more trouble with his family than he was right now. Between the amount of money he had fruitlessly spent on trivial things in recent weeks, missing that one important dinner, not being around when the manor was attacked by some strange entity, or assisting with the repairs all that much; some of his relatives were none too happy with him. Mainly his aunt Arianna really. She seemed upset with something and he did not want to become the source of her vented frustration. Ailill still remembered what happened last time that had happened. Not interested at all.

He was wondering how to hurry this up along when he felt something. A strange energy of some kind passed by quickly. Now, what was it, exactly? He turned in the direction he felt it was going. It felt, familiar somehow. "Uh, where, where have I sensed this before." he asked himself slowly. "It's, huh? I wonder." An inkling of a memory was brewing inside the deeper parts of his mind. He knew he had felt it before. Ailill recognized it. He just couldn't remember what it was he was recognizing. There was a major need to figure this out. He turned and started to follow where he felt the energy spike reasonating from. Leaving the elf and her pet behind was merely an afterthought. This was far more important.

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By now it no longer mattered where she wound up. Nothing was ever going to go right for her. Sarah Milosi had only recently managed to avoid getting locked up for theft. Who knows where that would have led her considering she had no identification at all and most of the people who would recognize her would come to kill her. Going around telling people their deceased loved ones had messages for them in exchange for a few dollars was not cutting it. Most of the time she was just making stuff up anyways. Sarah was able to see so many spirits that it was nigh impossible to differentiate them in order to be honest to people about communicating with those they wished to speak to. Scam artist, yeah.

A voice seemed to be speaking to her as she travelled across the city of Chicago, Illinois. It passed by quickly, but it was definitely not from a person. It was some kind of strange energy that the voice originated from, and she knew how to find it. The energy left a trail for her to track. She followed it for a while, eventually finding it and regretting it the moment she got near it. This thing kept her away and was gone again, but it hurt her. How though? None of these things had ever hurt her before.

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"Ailill, I wish you would stop trying to lie to me. You know I can tell when you are not being honest." Arianna said to her nephew without an ounce of impatience. "Now then, you don't need to make excuses for your curiousity. I know exactly what you're doing."

"Arianna. I mean Aunt Arianna. I honestly have no clue what you're talking about. I was just trying to tell you that I wouldn't be home for dinner because-" He stopped before she cut him off. Even over the phone he could tell she was getting a bit cross. "Okay fine. Ugh." he groaned and continued, this time with some honesty. "I sensed a strange, yet familiar energy source and am trying to locate it."

"I already know about it. I've known about it for awhile now. If you find the source be very careful. It might amount to being something dangerous. I hope you understand the risks." Arianna told her nephew in a serious manner before finishing off what she had to say in a kind voice. "Take care now honey, love you."

"Yes, love you too." Ailill hung up the phone and thought about what she had said. She had sounded really grave and worried. Could this be the thing that had wrecked the family manor? Aunt Arianna was not the type to care unless it was something relatively serious.

 
        You’re not licking faces or humping legs? What’s wrong are you sick? I’m kidding. Although I feel as though the dog NOT humping my leg should have told me it wasn’t you. Okay I’m stopping now XD  Anyway, I’m at the park. Was thinking about getting coffee or food or something? This- random question mark back there o.0- This whole being hungry thing sucks. Wanted to know if you weren’t busy or anything like that, maybe I’d be able to meet you at the park? Niall texted his reply, still stroking the dog’s head as he pocketed his phone, hoping for a response. Meanwhile he saw something that he’d never quite seen before. This thing was huge. Like, holy freaking dog just ate my car big. Niall froze up and was caught staring at the dog. He was latched onto the dog on his lap, not because he was scared for him, but aren’t dogs like territorial and all that stuff? So this dog being here might be a problem. He was holding on so that if the much bigger BA looking dog thingy attacked he might be able to help the lab escape. Not likely…but he could at least try.
 
      When Niall thought the day was already pretty odd, yet another thing happens. A pretty woman with blonde hair and a gauntlet on her hand, along side a strange doggy-wolf thing. Niall really wanted a better look at this, this was too cool. Then again…he didn’t want to risk the dog being hostile and taking off his head or anything like that. So for now he played the simple waiting game, petting the dog he had currently in his lap, and hoping to all hell that his ethereal energy didn’t attract the strange dog thing
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      Meanwhile, not exactly far away, the source of a dark power, a dark energy was brewing. For the time being he appeared fully human in flesh, clothing and all. The five foot eight male walked down the sidewalk, not a care in the world. So many people, so many lives waiting for new purpose. This city would be the foundation of his grand empire, the beginning of a new revolution. None would ever need to fear Death, none would ever need to worry any longer of famine or pestilence. Murder would be a distant memory, and there would be but one absolute rule, under the banner of the cloaked skull. The Banner of The Lych.
      His black hair gelled back and styled in a tedious manner as he walked through the doors of a little coffee shop. He walked, not stopping when he saw something that he’d though he’d never see again. A little smile curled onto his fleshy lips, something he was not accustom to once the daylight fades. It had not occurred to him that since the possession of this body, he must have looked only about as old as his host, around thirty to thirty-five years of age. While he looked like he had when he was at that age, he rejoiced in the security of his new, ill-gotten gains. The person he had just seen would not recognize him, nor would they be able to sense him, because the last time they met The Lych had died…supposedly for the last time. He ordered his own drink, the same drink he always had while he was living…living and not simply existing. Pomegranate sugar-cane. It’s funny…the last time he sipped this tea…he was with the familiar face across the room. It brought back good memories…bad memories…and just flat out junk-memories with no sentimental or logical value. He took the warm liquid and as it rolled down his throat he followed it with a satisfied exhale and placing the cup on the table before him. Were he not in such a rush, he may have taken the time to make himself known to the old ‘friend’ if you willed. However time was of the essence and the Lych did not have any time to spare for idle chatter, let alone for nostalgia’s sake. He was a busy man, he needed to prepare his disciples, he needed to select a pawn for his game, and he needed to be ready to assume his position on the Bone Throne before nightfall in five hours.
      It was hard to believe that it was all coming down to this. Tonight Chicago will be enthralled; all the living creatures of the city would see and know the futility of the flesh, and would willingly forsake themselves for their master of bone. However this place, the windy city had not been selected by chance. No, he was going to be in the neighborhood, the same one he grew up in actually, and so he had figured what better place to take as your own than the play you once called home? A baker called him up and he collected his box, opening it and placing a few oddities. He looked over at the familiar soul and smiled.
      ”I need another cup of tea. Same as before.” He said softly. A woman quickly fetched it for him and handed him the mug. He nodded at her, not even acknowledging what the pointless human had done for him. He took the box and began on his way. As he walked past the familiar face he smiled, and the Pomegranate sugar-cane tea was placed on the table in front of the woman as he walked from behind her to the door. As he past her, for only a split second he was able to smile, completely content as he whispered.
     
      ”Miss Theils.” and without another word he was gone. Off to have a thrall deliver his little box to yet another old friend of his.
 
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      Arianna had just returned momentarily, she had forgotten a few things that might have been able to help her in the tracking the man that destroyed her home and put her family through hardship. She briskly searched the house for the item, seeming to have misplaced it. There was a knock on the door, which prompted her servant to answer the door promptly.  When the door was closed a servant brough her a small white box that had her name on it. There was a strange magical pressence about it, but it was so faint that she could not place it. The Servant opened the box for her, Arianna's mout dropped a little as she grasped the concept at what she was looking at.  The box was filled with lovely little scones and a large nightshade adroning the center.

Brandon slammed a powerful fist against the punching bag, feeling it recoil against the powerful strike. The floor had been repaired from last time, and the bag back on a new chain, one likely to be stronger than the last one. If he would have a day alone, why not do some working out? Brandon unleashed a flurry of fists against the leather punching bag, each strike catching it in the right place. Still, Brandon understood why he mother didn't want him along, didn't want another person that would get in her way, especially the failure of the Hale family; someone who had laid with a Caster. He knew that the families were not one the friendliest terms, but in the end he did not listen, and now it would never leave him. Misha was a mistake that he could not hope to ever forget.

With a savage motion, Brandon slammed a kick into the bag, though it remained on the chain, as if his mother had made sure to make it stronger this time. He felt his phone vibrating wildly, and perhaps with a sigh of exasperation, Brandon took it out and looked at the number, one that he did not recognize. He did not know what to expect, but he answered the call anyway, hoping something anyway. ”Brandon we need to talk, now.” It was his ex, Misha Caster and the mother of his only child. Brandon felt his throat constrict and as if something was squeezing his heart, as if it would explode. His mouth grew dry and he didn't know what to do except cough lightly before trying to answer.

"What do you want?” He managed after a few seconds of quiet, remembering all too well what had happened all those years ago. He would have crushed his phone in his hand, had he not been expecting someone to text him back, someone that he was waiting for."This better not be you expecting some kind of child support. You're a Caster, ask Nolan for your damn money.” He said rather harshly, spitting almost as his lips curled into an angry sneer. She however only snickered on the other end,.

”I do not want your money. Its almost time to take care of our son..and I want to warn you of something. Leave Chicago as soon a possible, please.” With that she hung up. His phone vibrated once, showing a text from a certain Irish bastard that he loved so much. In fact it perhaps improved his mood lightly. If that bitch Misha wanted him to leave, he would do the exactly opposite, he would stay.

”Haha, you would like me to hump your leg. ;)Sure, I would love to fill myself with caffeine and fattening food. Give me a few minutes and i'll be there ;3Brandon texted in return before depositing his phone and heading on out.

”Chicago, still a Hale city if I have ever seen one.”The red haired female sighed drinking her coffee deeply, holding the cup with two well kept hands. Something about he was unnatural in a way, but those around her saw nothing different, except perhaps her strangely red eyes that could bore into your soul. The others would be busy doing their own thing, and she was investigating a large gathering of Nether, one that could be either attributed to him or a young Titan. She had been working a lot lately though, trying to figure out something, as if the answer was so close.

That was when a powerful source of dark energy walked past her, something about is painfully familiar. For a moment she nearly dropped her hot coffee, but thought against it. He spoke to her, his voice haunting, and at the same time he knew who it was, and it was not who she was looking for. ”So its seems that you aren't as weak as I had heard once.” She mused taking a sip of her coffee with a slight smirk, as if perhaps something had been answered. The brew was going cold, though it only took a small amount of fire to rectify that as what looked like a young patron had taken an interest in the strange redhead.

Arianna stared blankly at what she held in her hand, perhaps half expecting this. So The Lych had truly mastered death itself, or he was something that she had not anticipated. Brandon walked by her in what looked like a hurry, perhaps to see Niall wherever he was. ”Dammit.” She said throwing them to the ground as the scone scattered along the ground, ruined. The nightshade fell beautifully on one of them, though she was not there to see it, work had to be done.

Brandon had changed into simple faded blue jeans, and a simple white wife beater, which showed his impressive physique pretty well. Soon enough he was on his way to the park where he was hoping to find Niall, and perhaps to make good on that coffee.[/color]

Brazenly leaving behind the elf and her dog that he was supposed to be looking after. Not like it was something he wanted to be entrusted to do, or felt like he should be held responsible for. All he did was bring her to the manor for research purposes. How does that entitle being responsible for her well-being? It just made no sense to him. Ailill Hale didn't get it. Was his aunt just punishing him for something? Seriously, it made no sense at all.

He was having to return home. More information on the energy spike from earlier was required. He was in need of it and this was the best place to go. It was still a few blocks away, and he hated having to walk over there. He was in no mood for the pleasantries that the random passersby he hurried past on his way back. He even knocked a woman to the ground when he bumped right into her while hurrying. That woman was not too happy about it. Said woman was Sarah and she got right back up and went after him about it. "Hey, hey. Where do you think you're going? She said angrily as she chased after him, but Ailill kept on walking like nothing happened.

Sarah just could not believe how rude this young man. She came to a stop in utter disbelief. The desire to confront him about it was outweighing her thoughts of that strange energy from before. She believed she had found the source of it earlier, but it got away from her before she could figure out if it was the source of just connected to it somehow. As she was trying to relocate it she gets knocked to the ground. There was just no time for this. So she went after him, again. Making it time not well spent. "Hey. Stop it right there." she shouted at him. She started to reach at his arm to grab him to make him stop when he did just that and turned around looking very disgruntled. Sarah was taken aback for a moment by his appearance, but quickly recovered and was about to tell him off for knocking her over when he spoke first.

"What are you doing? Do you mind? I'm in a hurry in case you can't already tell. I am hurrying along after all." he said to her both angrily and completely sardonically. Not even worry and frustration over the strange energy and what may come from it could keep him from talking like that. It was pretty much his natural tone and speech pattern.

Sarah rolled her eyes at his response. "Yeah, whatever." Whatever? Really? "You should try watching where you're going. In case you haven't noticed I got pushed to the ground by your impatience. You should be glad that I don't just knock you to the ground so you can know what it feels like."

Ailill just couldn't believe this either. "Oh like you're actually going to-" he stopped suddenly. That energy again. He was sensing a trace of it, and it was nearby. It was fading quickly. He would have to locate it soon, but how did it get this close to him without him noticing. Ailill was excellent at sensing energy sources like this. There's no way it should have snuck up on him. Wait. What? It was coming from her. That trace had latched itself to the energy she was emitting. It sensed that it was detected and was gone. He had to regain his composure after that as she was looking at him like he was stupid. He was not stupid, he could not allow someone to think that way. "Okay yeah, yeah I'm sorry." He did not mean that. It was such a lie. Nonetheless things had to be dealt with immediately. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have places to be." He then departed, leaving Sarah to only glare at him from afar.

He was on his way back and saw somebody he knew. It was Brandon, his cousin. He wasn't that far away either. About twenty feet or so. Should he address him though? Perhaps he should. Brandon might have some information. "Brandon." He called out and started to approach him. "Hey Brandon." he said again. Ailill still needed to go back to the manor. There were things to do and retrieve, but he wanted to know of a way to figure out what per say.

 
      Niall decided it was best to go to the more crowded area of the park. Maybe the horribly strong ethereal energy he was emitting would soak into some of the normal people and hide him a little better. It seemed to work in the past, so why not right? He made his way from under the dog and began walking towards the large fount in the middle of the beautiful park. He found himself shocked hearing a beautiful woman, the one that had the hand-arm thingy and-pointed ears!? Awwe-Hell naw! This lady wasn’t getting away. Niall, saw her fall form the dog-thingy and he instinctively ran up to help her. He ended up on a knee by her side and looked down at her, blinking his blue-green eyes like an idiot. Poor innocent little Niall flashed a perfect Smile and giggled a little.

      ”Are you alright?” Niall asked. Genuine concern came from within him, he didn’t like to see anyone hurt, especially not a girl who was apparently going through a tough enough time. He offered her a hand up, hoping she would understand his intentions to help and not being a creep. Then again he’s always been looked at as the cute harmless little brother moreso than anything else when it came to girls. Not that they were wrong by any stretch, Niall was far too childish and generally upbeat to be considered anything less than an overgrown kid.
 
     ”Hope you’re dress is cleanable at this rate hehe. Sorry if I spooked ya, I just wanted to hurry up and see if you were alright! So uh..what'[color]s the rush?”[font] Niall asked with a goofy grin.[/font][/color]

       He suddenly saw the wolf and it registered in his brain, and he froze up, hair on end as he audibly gulped. This could be bad… there was a buzzing in his gray jeans. ”excuse me a sec.”He said shakily as he smiled at Miri and backed away from the dog.  He pulled out his cell phone and backed away from the dog to open the text. It was from Brandon, basically just to give him a minute and he’d be there. Niall smiled and texted back real quickly. Gr8…save me…big dog and I think Santa left an elf With that he flipped his phone back down and he looked to the elf.

      ”I’m Niall, nice to meet you-?” he said, then he realiz4d that he never got her name, and so now he was left with asking. His accent gave it a strange drawl, but he doubted she would notice…unless she was from Ireland…then that was probably obvious as all get out.
 
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      The Lych waked through the streets, completely undetected by the foolish lambs he would claim as his slaughter. Though of course none would ever be able to truly comprehend his methodical insanity, The Lych assumed now that his ‘invitation’ had already been sent to Arianna, and as such he was discovered. The poor woman was not even able to begin and comprehend his grotesque genius. He was almost ready, he just needed one more thing to be done before he could begin rising Hell upon the city which would soon be his own. He turned down the alleyway, and buried himself deep within the veins of Chicago. Each person who made skin contact, by night fall would be a thrall, a creature who’s only thought was serving Lych. He did not touch many people however, that was something he did not believe he needed to do at the moment. Instead, he focused on something far more important.

      He had finally reached his designated point, when his two disciples stepped before him, each one hooded or covered in some way against the sun. The Collector of Souls, and The Black Rose of Death, two instruments of the Lych’s dark will. They were believed to be lost after the Hales’ had stopped them in California, however it was now clear that it wasn’t as easy as it had appeared. The Trio was back even before the blood from their previous bodies had run cold. The Lych hmmmed to himself as he rubbed his thumb against his chin.

      ”Arianna is on the prowl?” Lych asked with an amused tone. The Collector nodded to his master, while the Black Rose just chuckled.Lych looked to Black Rose and nodded to her a wolfish grin on his face. ”Collector…you know what to do…find those two and keep them busy…wait until you can keep them both busy.” Lych commanded.

      ”Yes master.” he said, lowering his head as he backed up to turn and walk away. The Lych looked to his remaining disciple who shot him a curiosu glare.
 
     ”Come now dear rose…I believe with Arianna out and about we shall give your ‘old friend’ a visit…” And with that, the Lych and the Black Rose were off…sadistic smiles all around.
  

Aaron scanned the vacant lot, his green eyes running over every small detail, as if drinking in his surroundings. He could feel it already, the malevolent energy that was approaching his location, though one was familiar, so familiar that it sickened him. ”Looks like your in trouble Hale.” A honeyed voice seemed to break the silence, and he knew who it was. ”I could help you, you know that right?” The voice said once again as what appeared to be a male figure appeared from the shadows, his skin tinted with blue and pulsing with markings. It was obvious that he wasn't human and Aaron knew exactly what he was, though why he was here the Hale could not guess. He was dressed in simple clothing, perhaps something that be;lied his supernatural nature. This was another thing that made his stomach turn on its end.

”What is a member of the Winter court doing here?” Aaron demanded venomously. For a moment The Lych was unimportant, a minor problem, a minor cosmic blip. This one was an intimidate threat if he decided to be. Despite his serene appearance, this one could kill with a touch, or at least kill a weak human like him. ”I have more important things to deal with than your court matters right now.” He said regaining his composure, though the adolescent looking being only chuckled.

”Yes I know your families situation very well. You act like I have another motive.” He was playing innocent and that would not work.

”You Caster's always have an ulterior motive, and as an Unseelie that only makes you worst.”

”If we must be like that, all I would want in return for helping you is....The Codex, you know the one. The male leaned against one of the rusting vehicles, a preternatural frost forming over the glass as it only cracked worst. For now they were stuck in what could be described as a stalemate, Hale family leader eye to eye with the otherworldly being.

Brandon pressed his foot against the gas pedal, as it caused the vehicle to pick up speed, though not too much, seeing as how you couldn't go speeding around Chicago without being pulled over. He would have kept moving, had not a familiar face caught his eye and the voice that came with it. The blonde slammed down on the brakes, and there was a loud screeching. He put the vehicle in reverse and stared at his cousin, a Hale that didn't have much to do with the main branch, and perhaps he was the smartest of the whole family, well perhaps except for his mom but then again that was his bias talking again. ”Ailill? Erm......what a pleasant surprise.” He said slightly awkward, feeling his phone vibrate, as it was likely Niall calling for him via text.

'Well....i'm kinda in a hurry right now, so unless you plan on hitching a ride, I have to go.” He was of course offering his cousin a ride, but that was of course if he accepted. Either way he would move on his way to the park.

Ailill Hale was getting closer to figuring out these energy spikes. Especially when it came to tracking them down. He had already properly identified the signal they gave off and knew how to distinguish it from all others. That encounter in the park with that one woman made it so he could notice it without flaw now. No matter where the source went, or where its energy spread, he could find it.

He was on his way back to the family manor. There were things located back at the place that he needed. Things that would allow him to deal with the source of the energy spikes. Why he had an arsenal stored in his room. This might require tapping into a portion of it. A couple of things that would be really useful were in there. For some reason he did not already have them on him. It was quite unusual for such a thing to occur. He was also going back for more information. It was just taking awhile and he was growing impatient.

Spotting his cousin Brandon at the park on his way home was a strange coincidence. If even that. He quickly walked up to him to find out what he knew. His cousin told him he was in a hurry. A hurry? To where exactly? Was it related to what he was doing? He had to know. Knowledge was his greatest strength, but the desire to obtain further amounts was his weakness. Well if you're going where I think you're going then I'll come with you, but first I need to grab something from my room. I don't know if you've noticed these recent developments after all."

He looked a little puzzled at his cousin, perhaps wondering why he should help the Hale out, granted that he was family. Sure his mom would drill it within his head to put family first, but then again part of him wanted to see Niall, though which part he was unsure. Still, he could spare a few more minutes to help family out, while Niall waited for a few more minutes, though he was likely to be a little mad at the Hale; Brandon had his ways with the Irish boy. ”Erm sure, jump on in and I can take you back to the mansion quickly.” he did not hide the minor annoyance but then again Brandon also made sure not to sound like a total asshole. He leaned against the half lowered window, waiting for Ailill to take his seat in the vehicle before riding back to the large mansion.

Brandon would have to make sure that Niall was informed that he would be taking longer than initially thought, but he knew he would have to make up for it. He would wait while his cousin rushed into the mansion, and finally write up that text. Sorry. I might be a few minutes longer. Xp My cousin stopped me on my way there and I have to deal with him for a few minutes, but i'll be there soon, K. :)He added the last and closed his phone waiting and waiting. Brandon tapped his finger lightly against the half lowered window, waiting with his eyes glued to the large wooden door. Soon enough the Hale emerged with his stuff, and took his seat once again in the truck. With that settled, Brandon put the truck back in drive and he was off.