Talk Nerdy To Me

 “I figured this was a good place since there are so many smells and sounds, it would be hard to single us out.” he added. “Ah thanks, they sounded good.” Taking a breath, he reviewed what he had seen and heard. “Most of who I talked to seemed benign. Human. That brother of one of the victims, made me nervous. I couldn’t get a good read on him but my gut feels that there is something he not being very forthcoming about. I may be a little suspicious though. I didn’t like the way he was looking at me.” He looked around again, then spoke. “But that neighborhood seems to be the right place. I felt a malignant energy all about the place. Its faint, I wouldn’t have noticed it if I wasn’t looking for it.”

Ronnie nodded in agreement.  “Skinwalker or otherwise, picking us out of a crowd like this definitely wouldn’t be easy.”  She offered him a gently teasing grin.  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’d done all of this covert stuff before.  Either that, or you’re just a natural.”  She was mostly messing with him.  After all, nephilim or not, it was hard to imagine this single dad going out and intentionally getting himself into trouble.

Listening intently, the shifter nodded as Knox spoke.  “So that’s where we focus.  I’ve got some programs running to see what I can dig up on the brother.  He seems like our best bet right now.”  She hesitated, and then continued, “I almost wish we had enough to just pass off our findings to the police… but I suppose even if we had enough evidence, they wouldn’t be able to handle things the same way we can…”

“As long as he is making progress its something. Even if it takes a long time or even if you miss a step here or there, its still something.” he replied “But yea, maybe we can grab a drink or catch a movie. Heck, even just a walk in the park, human walk…” he smiled.

“I guess we all have our ways.” he agreed. His way was a darker time in his life. Unsure of himself and his own identity he became what was expected of him. It didn’t fit. Not for long, not until someone reminded him he had a choice. “I will. And stories. A few.” “I will” he replied moving along the streets. It was still a bit bustly. Keeping with the crowds, he entered the cafe. It was more crowded than he expected. “Ah table for two, in the back if you can” he said to the hostess. Waiting a few moments, he was led back, past the trendy skinny jeans, man buns, slouch beanies and perfectly coordinated outfits. He was just another face here, good. He went ahead and ordered an appetizer when he saw the shifter enter. “Ronnie” he called out hoping to get her attention without causing a scene. He raised his hand and waved briefly. Once she joined him, he smiled. “I went ahead and ordered some seitan spring rolls to start.” he continued.

Ronnie was definitely setting Winston up to make a new friend!  Granted, Texas and New York weren’t exactly close, and Winston would be headed home to Tony’s place in Jefferson eventually, but that’s what the internet was for.  She hoped he wouldn’t mind her meddling.  Winston was a private person, but everyone could use a few good friends.

The promise of stories made Ronnie hum with excitement.  Not only did she like learning about people, but other supernaturals especially intrigued her.  It was so difficult to find good information… unless she spent time slogging through the Hunter forums - something which was usually more scary than it was fun.  Besides, getting first-hand stories from people willing to talk to her was so much better.

“I could always use another friend.” he smiled. He didn’t have a lot of friends, some. They were scattered, all living their lives. He had family, but they were all living their lives as well. He could lean on them but he had to stand on his own. He needed to, Lizzie needed him to. She depended on him and he could not fail him.

Knox blushed. “Well, jeez…thanks Ronnie. What you do is noble too…albeit a bit illegal. I can’t really judge seeing that I just broke into a house. As well as some other things that I will eventually tell you about.” he continued moving to the streets, trying not to seem too conspicuous. He wasn’t sure who was around and if those crazy folks were watching. “There is a place I heard about. Never been there. Vegetarian cafe that is the buzz. Called the Conscious Cabbage. Name made me chuckle.” he smiled. “I’ll blend in with all the trend chasing social media influencers.” “See you there”

“So could Winston,” Ronnie joked, poking fun at her absent friend.  “His main problem, though, is he doesn't spend enough time in his human form to make very many.  Not that dogs can’t have friends… but it’s different, I think.  Still… he’s getting better.  Tony helps him with that.  To be honest, both of them should get out more.  But they don’t listen to me.”

The shifter laughed at Knox’s compliment.  “Believe it or not, it helps keep the demons at bay… a little bit of controlled chaos… so I don’t spiral into worse things.”  She sighed.  “And I’m definitely holding you to that ‘eventually’ thing, just so you know.  I love a good story.”  

Ronnie’s face lit up at the mention of a vegetarian cafe - not just because it was vegetarian, but because Knox had remembered that SHE was.  “Sounds fantastic!  I’ll key it into the GPS and meet you there.  Also… I know you’ll be in public, but… please keep an eye out for anything weird…?  Just in case?”  It was probably silly to worry, but the nephilim’s whole encounter today had just… set her on edge.  As she talked, she did a search for the cafe, pulling up the address and sending it to her phone.  With more reluctance than she cared to admit, the shifter finally turned off the audio feed, left her RV, and headed off to meet Knox.

“Be warned, I have been known to put them away. Angelic blood and all.” he opened the window, taking a quick look before moving through it. “Anyway I can help, its no trouble at all. I have to put myself back out there again. Its been tough….but I think its time to try to get back to me again.” He was getting distracted, he had to focus on getting away. Without a fuss and a lot of questions. Get back to the street, blend in with the people on the street then meet up with Ronnie. “Its tough but I manage. Helping them find their place, their families, its enough for me.” “Uh” he grunted moving “Yea, relatively new branch of magecraft. Still a bit unpredictable but awesome when it turns out right.” Huffing as he hustled into the brush and bushes, he checked again, no scrapes, rips or cuts. “Making my way back to the street, seems clear so far.” “Where should I meet you?”

The shifter laughed as Knox joked with her.  “I’ve never actually seen Winston drink… he might be a lightweight… but then again, when you look like he does…”  She shrugged even though her friend couldn’t see her do it.  “Who knows.  But I think you should find out!  Make yourself another friend, maybe?  It sounds like it’d be good for both of you.”

It was hard not to marvel at what Knox did for the animals of New York City.  Ronnie had already decided she was going to divert a decent amount of funds to the group he worked with once all of this was over… a nice-sized anonymous donation.  It was the least she could do, after all, since adopting for herself wasn’t an option.  Hmm… although she wondered how Tony would feel about getting a dog… well, a real dog.  Winston didn’t really count, now did he?  “I think what you do is amazing,” she replied softly.  “Animals need champions, too.  Sometimes more so than people.”

   “Rarely. Sunday is like, the only day that I am able to sleep in. But even then, I’m usually up when my alarm usually goes off, and it’s hell.” she chuckled. “Mm, mostly shop stuff, but sometimes hunt stuff.” Wyn confessed. It had to be pretty serious hunt stuff to keep her up like that, or to hold her attention like that…Hell, it had to be a hunt like this one. “Yeah? Awesome, then we’ll go ahead and meet here and I’ll take over once you get here.” 

   Like Ronnie said, it’d be for the best, seeing as she didn’t really know the city, but Wyn did.

   The young woman nodded a little bit. “That sounds like a plan to me. I’d be curious as to whether or not it stirs anything up…It’d be a miracle, to be honest.” she mused, shifting on her feet. But Ronnie wasn’t kidding. Online archives and libraries had been popping up all over the place as of late, and it was really amazing how many new doors that opened for people like them.

   “Alright, I’ll go ahead and make both.” Wynter promised. Coffee just didn’t do anything for her personally, but she always kept it on hand for guests. 

   “Let me know when you get back, alright? Can’t be too careful around here.” the young woman insisted. Call her paranoid, but getting that text would definitely put her mind at ease. “But yeah, if I need anything or if anything happens, I’ll let you know.” she promised.

   With any luck, there’d be no reason to do so…

Ronnie nodded as Wynter explained.  She forgot sometimes what it was like to be on a schedule like that.  It was something she wasn't sure she’d ever have the focus for, and couldn’t help but admire the other woman’s dedication to her work.  “Sounds like a date,”  the shifter agreed with a bob of her head and a soft laugh.  “Tomorrow at ten.”

Gathering her things, she checked one final time to make sure everything she’d added to her phone was uploading properly.  “By the time I get back to the RV, it should all be ready for me to work on.  I’ll have my system pick out important keywords and start pinging other systems for them.  You’re right, though… it’s probably a long shot… but better to try and fail than not try at all, right?”  Certain she had everything in hand, the shifter moved toward the door.  “Both sounds good, thanks.  And I’ll bring a mix of sweet and savory pastries?  I think I saw a place on my drive in…”

   Nothing wrong with chaotic troubling-making skills! They were quite useful, truth be told, especially in that line of work. Those trouble-making skills were great for all sorts of situations, and were surely a great help in sticky situations. Wyn always found hers to be. 

   Ah…Wynter offered her a slightly sheepish look, but Ronnie didn’t seem to take offense to her words. She hadn’t known, and meant nothing by it, of course. 

   Wynter could say the same, though. It was so rare that she encountered folks that she could confide in, so rare to find someone that related to her like this. The two of them were definitely fast friends, and Wyn was glad for it, honestly. She was so very smart, funny…Ronnie had a good head on her shoulders, and Wyn could see them remaining friends well after all of this concluded. Any time she found herself in New Orleans, Wyn’d be more than happy to have her around.

   “Ten sounds fantastic, honestly. Couldn’t remember the last time I slept in.” Wyn confessed. “But yeah, go ahead and meet me here. No point in driving separate. Waste of gas, and traffic in the city can be a nightmare.” the young woman explained. Her own car was rarely used, since she could get to everything either on foot, or via public transportation. 

   “So we’ll go ahead and meet then, head to the location, see what we can find…Are you a coffee drinker, or a tea drinker? I’ll make whichever in the morning for us to take with us.”

The shifter chuckled at Wynter’s words?  “No sleeping in?  Because of running the shop?  Or is it more to do with Hunter-related stuff?”  She nodded as the other woman said that meeting here would be best.  “Here I can do.  No problem.  Probably for the best, too, really… since I don’t know the city all that well.  I’m likely to just get myself lost.”

Ronnie double-checked the info on her phone - making sure everything had transferred properly.  “When I get back to my RV I’m going to throw all of this out into the net and see what sticks.  Who knows… maybe I can dig up other references to the land somewhere…  So many libraries and archives have started going digital, there’s always a chance, right?”

He smiled at her response. A friend. He had a feeling, that after this little adventure, they would be friends for a long while after. “I have a feeling I owe Winston a drink for bringing us together. Probably not in the way he expected.” Knox chuckled. “But yea, I maintain a low profile so I am not on hunters’ radar. But it feels good to help, even its just a bit.” “Oh I know. We try to minimize it when cleaning the kennels at work. Part of my job, making sure they are happy and tended to.” he said with a hint of joy in his voice. He loved his job, it was something he would never be tired of. “I think I saw one in the dining room, near some nice landscaping.” he said “Hopefully, I won’t mess it up too much.” Moving a bit towards the back, he jimmied a window open without leaving too many marks. “A drone? Gotta be careful with those. Some people shoot them down. Concealment spell might work, a technomage might help.”

“He might take you up on that,” Ronnie replied with a soft laugh.  “Winston’s getting better about using his human form.  For a long time he preferred to be a bull mastiff… but a friend of mine is slowly pulling him out of his shell…  He’s learning… and I think asking him out for a drink might be a great way to encourage that.  Just one more way you can help, y’know?”

Ronnie grinned as Knox talked about his job over their comm link, the happiness obvious in his voice.  “It sounds wonderful… getting to spend so much time with so many different animals.  If I were in your place, I’m not sure how I’d keep from adopting them all.”

   Wynter grinned back at Ronnie. “Are you kidding? I’m always in need of unusual ingredients.” she confessed. While Wyn didn’t often practice that which needed potions, tinctures and the like, there were certainly occasions that required them. It would be helpful to have someone who was great at hunting those sorts of ingredients. “That’s awesome, thank you. If I think of anything, or if anything comes up, I’ll let you know.” 

   Ah…a tender spot. Wyn offered a sympathetic smile, knowing the pain of a lost parent well. Maybe there was just some link between those who knew that pain, that loss, or maybe it was just her connection to death, who could say, but she got it. “He was clearly brilliant. Much like his daughter.” she offered softly,her smile still warm and gentle.

   But a smile finally returned to the other woman’s lips. “Always be safe.” she agreed. It was sometimes hard to know who to trust, but Ronnie? She was one of the good ones, Wyn had no doubt about it.

   Wyn nodded. “We should definitely check out the field. Knowing my source, he can have the stuff to us tomorrow morning.” she explained.  Moravian was nothing if not resourceful. Fae often were, after all. “What time do you want to meet up?” she asked.

Ronnie beamed at the witch, pleased to offer her services.  She always felt better when she could use the chaotic ‘trouble-making’ skills that came naturally to her kind to do some good.  Because if she couldn’t get what Wynter needed by ‘normal’ means, she wasn’t above getting them illegally - not as long as innocent people didn’t suffer for it.

Wynter’s compliment surprised Ronnie... enough so that she found herself saying, “It was... a mad genius, unfortunately.”  The shifter liked to pretend that at one time her father had been a good man... and maybe he had.  But somewhere along the way he’d lost himself.  In the end, his death had been a blessing - not only for her, but for all the people he might’ve eventually killed.

Despite the oddness of their initial meeting. Ronnie was finding very quickly that she liked Wynter.  The woman had an easy-going nature and a wry smile - both of which served to put the shifter at ease.  Perhaps once this whole affair was over, she could find reasons to be in New Orleans more often.

He could not be too cautious. Not now. He was in this now. He could not waver now. He had to hope for the best but prepare for a fight if he had to.

Even if she didn’t go to them, it was good enough to know about them just in case he couldn’t be of help. Even if he was there just to support her while she asked questions. He was a warrior nephilim after all. “Anytime.” he smiled. “You are my friend after all.” “I’ll do my best” he smiled. “I think I saw some lemon soap at the sink and some spray should be around here.” Rummaging under the sink he managed to snag some air freshener. “Score.” Washing his hands, and wiping his face down, he dried them quickly. Shaking the can, taking a deep breath, he sprayed a cloud of the spray then stepped through it. “Fresh as a lemon that was created in a lab.” “So, where should I go next, back way or front?”

Friends... Ronnie liked that word.  She always had.  Knox couldn’t see the beaming smile that settled on her features, but maybe he could hear in her voice how happy the statement made her.  “And you’re my friend, too.  I’m really glad Winston got me involved in this... I wasn’t really sure at first, y’know?  Normally I’m not out in the thick of things when it comes to hunts.  But... I’m glad.”  And she was getting emotional... which meant she was repeating herself.  

The shifter was more than a little grateful when Knox refocused on ‘de-scenting’ himself.  Or would it be ‘over-scenting?’  “Lemon ought to do the trick.  Citrus and dog noses definitely don’t mix.”  She chuckled when ‘score!’ came over the mic.  “Lab lemons!  Yum, yum,” she replied, giggling softly.

She was trying to lighten the mood. It was nice. His experiences told him to never overlook something, especially in a fight. That meant the difference between staying alive or being dead. “Thanks, hopefully its just a dog.” he mused walking, keeping up his pace as not to look suspicious. “Will do.” he replied already making a list. Most of these places were pretty neutral ,save for a few places. He could probably find something out, even if it was just a chance to get the warning out. More eyes looking out, it couldn’t hurt. “Thank you. I can show you some places if you’d like. Hunter free and warded.” He followed her instructions, carefully approaching the house. Entering the code into the lockbox, he took the key out then unlocked the door. Good, just like he thought. Staged. Nice actually. Seemed to be empty. Even better. He just couldn’t shake that feeling that the dog he saw, coupled with the blunt agitation of the gentleman from earlier was something more than what it seemed. He didn’t have precognition, but his instincts were pretty sharp. He didn’t want trouble but if he had to, he would do his best to defend himself. Most creatures were wary of nephilim and sometimes it was to his advantage. His angelic instincts sometimes got the best of him. He really didn’t want to hurt anyone.

“I will do my best” he smiled. “I won’t be here long. Just long enough to mask my scent. Just a bit.” Moving about, he looked to the kitchen. “Kitchen. Hand soap, disinfectant, air freshener. I will become a fresh scented, walking blob of skin walker losing detective.”

Hopefully just a skinwalker.  A safe one.  One of Winston’s friends, maybe?  Just keeping a lookout in the area?  Doing the job others feared to?  Yes, she would hope for that.

Knox's offer to show her around some of the local way-stations intrigued her.  Ronnie had heard of them, but she usually kept her communications with way-stations to a minimum, and even then, usually only via email or telephone.  She couldn’t deny being intrigued... it was only her past experiences with fellow shifters that had dampened her desire to find others like herself.  Still... with Knox there to show her around... it might be kind of cool...  “I’d like that,” she finally agreed, warming to the idea as a small smile formed.  “Thank you for offering.”

The scientist gulped loudly as the shifter took a tight hold of him. A large part of him wanted to run but the small, rational side realized resistance was futile. These women, whoever they were, knew how to survive. He needed their help for sure.  

With nervous sigh, the man straightened himself and nodded. “O-okay,” he spoke lowly. “I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” he said questioned, followed by a mirthless laugh. “Yeahhh, you kinda don’t but, hey, at least you realized; the first step is admitting,” Melissa replied with a shrug. The anxious man groaned, not appreciating Melissa’s attitude.

Rubbing her cheek, Melissa thought about what Ronnie asked. “I say we should stay in facility but I am not sure if that would be a disadvantage or not. I just don’t like the idea of being in an area where there isn’t enough room to get around.”

Melissa wanted to think on it but she realized they did not have that kind of luxury. “You know-what; let’s just get the hell outta this office and see where to go after. We are indefinitly at an disadvantage here. ”

“Then let’s stay.  You’re probably right, anyway.  Once we step outside the whole dynamic changes.”  She pushed the scientist a little, trying to act SO MUCH tougher than she actually felt.  “Alright you, get between us and stay there unless we say otherwise.  If you see anyone else, I don’t care who it is, don’t trust them.  From this point on, no one may be what they seem.”  

Ronnie looked over to Melissa.  “You ready?  I’m thinking maybe our friend here can lead us to a place that’s only got one way in and one way out.”  Her gaze turned to the scientist.  “We going to start moving, and you’re going to start talking.  Let’s go.”  With WAY more bravado than she actually had, the shifter moved forward, out of the lab and into the hallway beyond.

Behind her, she heard the scientist murmur, “W-we’ve got a series of cleanrooms... b-but we can’t just go barging in.  There’s a process, and n-none of us...”

   Protection against silver. “I’m sure we can find something. If anything, we can work on that evasion charm. Those are far easier than most might think.” she mused. One just had to have the right ingredients, the right tools.

   Wynter leaned in a bit, examining the glasses Ronnie wore. “That’s rather ingenious.” the necromancer mused, nodding. Little things like that, often meant the difference between life and death for people like Ronnie and herself. It was such a careful dance, their day to day life…having to follow it step for step, lest some hunter wise up to what they were.

   Another nod, a soft smile on the young woman’s lips. “Exactly right, and honestly, I appreciate it. One can never have too many friends, nor too many resources in this line of work.” she offered.

   “Yeah…yeah, same. But complicated is a pretty good, all-encompassing term.” Wyn mused. The young woman stretched out a bit, rubbing at her eyes. They weren’t going to get anything done tonight…she could already feel it. She was getting tired, and working whilst tired was never a good idea.

   “Might want to call it for this evening…”  

“Whatever you can offer would be wonderful.  And I’ve got a knack for tracking things down... so if you need any unusual ingredients or anything... just say the word.  It might take a little time, but I’ve got a lot of connections, and a lot of people who owe me favors.  So, whatever you need, tell me and I’ll see what I can do.”

Ronnie grinned at Wynter’s compliment.  “I wish I could take credit... they, umm... I think they were something my dad designed...”  Her words trailed off a little at the end, but she cleared her throat and continued.  “It’s a solution that you paint onto the lenses - like clear nail polish.  I’ve got it on glasses and sunglasses and even my motorcycle helmet... just in case.”

“He did seem opinionated. Rubbed me the wrong way, fortunately, I am used to it. It did distract me from getting a clean read on his energy. As for the dog, I think everything is important until it isn’t.” he replied. “Something I learned in the fight clubs”

“Something is up with it. I just can’t see it yet. Magic maybe, the underground network. Maybe the way-stations know something. I can send along a message. Something discreet.” he replied. “Just for a bit.” he responded. He saw the house she mentioned. It was for sale. Perfect, it was probably furnished. Soaps and nicely decorated furniture. “I can duck in, rummage a bit. If its set up for showings then there are cleaning supplies. I can use them and mask my scent.” he said moving towards the house. “If I am right, then I can duck out and make my way back to you.”

“Don’t you mean ‘unfortunately’?” the shifter quipped with a soft laugh.  “That’s not the type of thing anyone deserves to be ‘used to’” For a brief moment she ruminated on his words - everything is important until it isn’t.  That sort of logic was hard to disagree with.  “Guess I can’t argue with that… so the dog stays important for now.”

The shifter found herself nodding, then remembered (again) that Knox couldn’t see her and stopped.  “It can’t hurt.  I’ve gotten good info from places like that on occasion.  I’ll leave it to you, since your more familiar with the ones in this area.”

Ronnie found herself a little worried for the nephilim.  Yeah… he was half-angel, and that was pretty damn impressive and intimidating all on its own, but still… “Okay, head towards the house.”  She clacked at her keys, pulling up the decryptor she needed.  “The lockbox code should be… 423809.”  Heart beating a little faster in her chest, she thought back on the dog and the way it’s eyes had glinted.  Not a normal dog.  Possibly one of Winston’s friends… just keeping an eye on things?  But surely… even if it wasn’t, Knox would be no match for any skinwalker.  He was a nephilim, after all…