Red orbs illuminate the silent streets. Quinn walks out onto the grand entrance of the FD where Rock waits with a large squad of soldiers. She stands under tall wide arching pillars and takes a moment to survey her city.

"How many got loose?" asks the queen.

"Five in total." says Rock as a tiny bug buddy chirps in his ear. "We have eyes on three. The 8SR has secured those areas and cleared a path to you."

"Do we know how they got out?"

"None of the enclosures were damaged so we know it wasn't an accident. The FD guards are currently being interrogated."

"Make sure they're all reassigned and replaced." she orders.

"Of course. Quinn …" he pauses. "… Jeri is also missing."

"… Alright." She sighs, looks straight ahead and sings.

"Far away
This ship has taken me far away
Far away from the memories
Of the people who care if I live or die.

The starlight
I will be chasing a starlight
Until the end of my life
I don't know if it's worth it anymore.

Hold you in my arms
I just wanted to hold
You in my arms."

Slowly but surely her song lures the large fugitive creatures. The first to arrive resembles an odd combination of a chameleon and a scorpion ... Y'know what? This could be more descriptive. Let's go.

Suddenly the queen's view of her shining ruby city is eclipsed, as if she summoned the absence of light itself and reduced it to an obedient child awaiting instructions. Three haunting amalgamations of limbs and teeth surround her, each swaying like an unwound spider's web to the mental metronome of the unkillable siren's captivating vocals. No one is immune. Even as her subjects hide away waiting for the threat to be neutralized, they do so passively with ears like pancakes to her syrupy melody. Their patience is necessary as detaining Quinn's monstrous audience is a delicate feat akin to performing open heart surgery on a hummingbird. The soldiers must be ready to move the moment her song ends.

"I just wanted to hold."

The last note lingers like the warmth of a lovers kiss and as it fades, the guards spring into action! They disperse, circling the creatures with precise choreographed movements and ... actually, they're on top of things. Yeah, it's pretty uneventful. Sorry.

So where's Tegan?

"We haven't seen him anywhere, colonel." says an 8SR soldier.

"Continue searching. He should still be in the area." orders Wraith. She kneels to inspect the bloody street but her attention is suddenly drawn to the light tapping of a finger on the top of her head.

"This can't seriously be why you called me." says Descil. The surrounding soldiers salute the prince then quickly fan out.

"It is." she replies.

"Hmph." he scoffs through a grin before taking a swipe at a pool of blood with his large tail, gathering just enough on the tip to bring to his mouth for a taste. His lips pucker slightly. "It doesn't taste the way Henna described."

"Then this is not his blood?"

"I'll clarify. It doesn't taste like blood."

"What?" She stands.

"Blood has certain distinct qualities in flavor. This has too many of those qualities and more."

"Perha-" she starts.

"No. It isn't simply a mixture of multiple victims. If it were, I'd be able to differentiate them with ease. Also, we are above conversing this way."

"I need to focus. Stay out of my head." She begins to walk away but only takes a few steps before a voice pierces through her thoughts.

Such an assertive tone.
As if you could stop me.

"Stay out of my head, please." she requests sternly.

I'll leave once I find some gratitude in here.

"In that case, do let me know if you are successful."

She resumes walking. Descil flies off in the opposite direction but his voice follows her in the form of a soft chuckle. It's easy enough to ignore. This isn't the first time the prince has overstayed his welcome. Unfortunately she truly can't do anything to stop him, a slightly annoying consequence for requesting his help twice in one day. This ... uh this still doesn't answer the question.

So where's Tegan?

"I don't give a fuck!" yells Terrace as she paces around her room ... Tegan's room. You know. "The colonel's been way too concerned with that fucking idiot since he showed up!"

"It doesn't appear to hinder her ability to lead the 8SR." says Durma. "It's about time she took interest in a guy, actually. I don't see the harm in it."

"That's just it! You don't see the harm but I do! Who even is this Tegan? He just pops up and gets all cozy with the queen, gets into the military on a technicality, literally gets into the princess, tries to take out one of our generals and CAN'T die for some reason!"

"According to the reports from the MD, he did die but was somehow resurrected with a new body. His corpse should still be in the morgue." she says while checking the notes on her clipboard.

"Whatever! It's fucking weird, is what I'm saying. You don't think there's anything weird about any of this?"

"He's certainly an interesting individual and although I do have my suspicions about him, he's been nothing but loyal so far."

"Oh, fantastic. You like him too. Everybody fucking likes him! That's probably just what he wants. Well I'M not falling for it. It can't be a coincidence that all this strange shit started happening after he arrived."

"You're implying that PC Tegan has a hidden agenda."

"He's an i n c u b u s! All those creeps do is try to seduce everything around them! Think about it. He's already charmed his way into the queen's good graces. He can pretty much go where ever he wants, do whatever he wants and no one can stop him because if they kill him, he'll just come back!"

"He has a promising life here, Terrace. Why would he risk throwing it away for treason? The queen is not one to be messed with. Even if he can't be killed, he can be detained and punished if need be."

"I know he's up to something. And his girlfriend knew it too. That's gotta be why she did this." Terrace gestures at a body lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the room next to a weapons rack. That's right, it's Ren's.

"Now this is what I find hard to believe." says Durma. "Ms. Ren just killed herself without warning?"

"Like I said, we were talki- well, I was talking. She was mostly crying about fuckwad. Next thing I know, she stabs herself in the neck.

"And nothing you said to her had anything at all to do with that?"

"Just because she had shit taste in men, doesn't mean I wanted her dead."

"Something must've set her off."

"Guilt."

"Guilt of?"

Terrace stops pacing. "The attack on the city. It happened right after she killed herself."

"You think that she was somehow involved?"

"I think that Tegan is involved and she knew. My guess is, the guilt was too much for her so she panicked. She took her own life to avoid punishment from the queen. That's what I think."

"Terrace, dear girl ..." Durma heads for the exit. "... make the proper arrangements for Ms. Ren's body. I'll try to locate PC Tegan."

"To arrest his ass?"

"To tell him about Ms. Ren."

So where's Tegan?

Still searching.
Aren't we determined.

The same can be said about the prince's persistence in keeping Wraith's thoughts company. She's too focused on her destination to dedicate a direct mental response to him.

Off to the Lady Sangre, I see.
That won't matter if he's dead.

She knows that shouldn't be an issue though.

Ah, yes. He doesn't die.
He'd make an entertaining playmate.
Send him to me once you're done with him.

His comments become more difficult to disregard. She gives her travel beast a firm pat on the neck to quicken its pace.

It's a pity you two were interrupted.
You were just starting to enjoy yourself.

Descil's right. Under that patented colonel poise, her body tingles at the thought of being alone with Tegan again. His voice was so soothing. His touch was just right. Everything felt so natural ... up until that kiss. She compares it to the only other time she's ever been kissed. The memory overstays its welcome much like the certain someone who helped to make it. She won't give him the satisfaction of dwelling on it. Instead she thinks of Tegan's hands on her body, his finger inside her. He's far more tender than she expected, especially considering that Henna's description of his talents suggested a hefty amount of violence. The more she thinks about it, the more insulted she becomes.

He must think you're weaker than him.

No. It's nothing as chauvinistic as that. Tegan isn't like that. At least not consciously. He could simply be used to fragile women. But then why would he treat Henna differently?

He must think you're weaker than her.

Clearly a show of force is in order. The possibility of subliminal disrespect will not be tolerated. She'll do what needs to be done to eliminate these intrusive thoughts for both their sakes. This interest in each other has proven to be too much of a distraction already. Warriors with such great potential shouldn't waste energy on intimacy. At least that's what she tells herself while she tries not to envision his goofy, pretty face. She can't get over his eyes, bold amber irises that confidently refused to accompany his wandering digits as if to say 'I can do this blindfolded.'

Wraith continues to silently wrestle with her thoughts and Descil's until she arrives at Sangre's home. Well, it's more of a shop than a home ... but Sangre does live there so nevermind. She dismounts her ride and enters the tiny building through its propped open door. The place is filled with shelves and cupboards displaying an assortment of strange creatures and plant-like organisms, most of which are contained in jars of murky liquid.

"I seem to be quite popular with the queen's kin lately." says Sangre as she emerges from behind a tall shelf. Her voice is as warm as her expression. "How might I assist you, colonel?"

"It's imperative that I locate PC Tegan." Wraith draws a small blade and positions it near her own left eye. "I am prepared to pay your fee."

"Oh?" Sangre giggles. "That won't be necessary." She raises her hand to reveal she's now somehow holding Wraith's knife. "I've been keeping track of him and his emotional companion. They've become a rather intriguing case." she says before returning the colonel's pointy property.

"Then I only require Tegan's location, if it's not too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all." she replies with a smile before phasing down through the floor. "Come along." she calls from below.

"How?" Wraith asks laconicly.

"Oh'hoho, silly me. The stairs are behind the shelf to your left."

"Thank you." Descending the stairs leads Wraith to a slightly larger circular room where Sangre waits standing next to ... "Tegan?"

"Uh- hey."

They approach each other, both looking equally relieved. Teegs starts to motion for a hug but decides against it and salutes instead.

"At ease." She gives him a quick look up and down. He's a bit scuffed up but seems fine otherwise. "I see you found your way to safety."

"Yeah, heh." Was she worried about me? "That thing kinda fucked off after it ate Ren."

"That's upsetting. Jeri should not eat garbage."

"You for real right now?"

"Hopefully she does not become ill."

Tegan gives her an unamused look.

Wraith rolls her eyes. "My condolences."

"It's all good. Apparently she's like me and can't die- err, can't stay dead."

"How is that possible?"

"That's what I came here to find out. The stunning Lady Sangre thinks our souls might've merged during the seeing ritual."

"Not think. I know you merged." asserts Sangre. "What I don't know is how."

"The union of souls does not enable the dead to come back to life." says Wraith.

"True." says Sangre. "However, there are some rare instances where death has been avoided entirely. I could go into detail but I'm sure you're busy. To keep things simple, this is the result of Tegan using my regeneration remedy after he merged with Ren."

"Something happened to Ren after the ritual and she died first." Tegan pauses and looks off. "She won't say. Anyway, since our souls now share the same vessel-"

"She was able to regenerate a new body from yours and wound up here in the city." Wraith takes a moment to absorb the information while Tegan and Sangre nod in agreement. "The remedy is a part of both of you now. As long as one of you is alive, the other will be resurrected." This explains the irregularities in the blood Descil tasted. "Meaning she somehow died when you and I were ambushed by Jeri."

"Right." says Tegan. "Tried to ask her about it after we got here but she ran off again. Oh, and I brought Jensin to see if we can, y'know ... fix him." He gestures in the direction of a chair near the staircase where Jensin's body sits slouched over, drooling.

"We have to find your girlfriend." says Wraith. "Your link to her may very well make you one of our most valuable assets."

"If you want, I could off myself real quick and go right to her." That came out way too casually. Am I ok?

"No. Then I wouldn't know where either of you were again. Also, you appear to be incapable of preventing her from running away."

Sangre interjects. "She's not far from here, sitting on a bridge overlooking the Grand Fall."

"Excellent." says Wraith. "The nearest bridge is a short walk away. Thank you for your assistance."

"Always a pleasure, colonel." she turns to Tegan. "We'll finish up our discussion the next time you visit."

"Should I make an appointment?" asks Tegan.

"No need. You won't be back for a while."

Sangre claps once in front of Tegan's face and with a blink of his eyes he's outside the shop. Just as he situates himself, he sees Wraith exit the normal way.

"Yo did she just fuckin teleport me out here?"

She doesn't say anything as she mounts her beast and waits for Tegan to do the same.

"Is ... something wrong?" he asks as he sits next to her. Her eyes carry a weight that her face does not.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with." she replies before they set off toward the nearest bridge. Her words have an unexpected softness to them. "How are you faring?"

"Honestly ... I'm not sure." he laughs. "I mean, it's good to know that Ren and I are technically immortal." Especially since she's either suicidal or extremely clumsy now.

"She must mean a lot to you."

"My promises mean a lot to me."

"But she does not?"

"That's not- she does. It's ... our relationship isn't that simple."

"I see."

"Whadoyou care anyway?" he says with a lighthearted smirk. "I thought the details of my personal life were none of your concern."

"They aren't."

"You seem pretty concerned all of a sudden."

"Disregard my inquiries." Her cheeks turn the slightest shade of pink. This does not go unnoticed by Tegan who does his best to hold in what he feels to be a much deserved smile.

So where's Ren?

They arrive at the nearest bridge crossing a portion the Grand Fall. The structure almost looks like a highway. It's as wide as several city blocks and extends to another similar bridge much farther ahead of them. Normally these areas are crowded with civilians but the city remains on alert. It should be easy to spot Ren, yet she's nowhere to be found. Instead, a sharply dressed individual appears just ahead of them.

"You know that guy?" asks Tegan.

"I do not share my brother's ability to remember faces." says Wraith.

"So ..."

"No. I do not know that guy."

Wraith brings their ride to a stop as the odd gentleman wearing a dark green suit and black tinted shades walks toward them. An unpleasant grin grows behind his two tusk-like bottom teeth. His horns are considerably aged and rows of metal chains grow from his scalp resembling braided hair.

"Dangerous goings on as of late. Eventful." says the stranger. His voice sounds as if his tongue is coated in ash and offers the hint of a snicker.

"Find shelter, civilian." Wraith orders. "It's not yet safe to roam the city."

"Not safe?" he says looking around at the empty bridge.

"Hey, man. Have you seen anyone else out here? A girl?" asks Tegan.

"Can't say I have, friend. Regretful." he says, lowering his head to feign sadness while maintaining his crooked grin. He stays in that position.

"Um ... guy?" Tegan snaps his fingers at their stationary acquaintance but gets no response. What's his deal?

"Civilian!" calls Wraith. "For your safety, either find shelter or I will detain you."

With his head still facing the floor, he replies. "I'm simply passing through to see some friends. This was the fastest route. Permit me to pass. You have my word I'll be ... careful."

Wraith and Teegs look down at the weirdo from atop their mount. Neither are sure of what to make of the guy.

"State your name and you may pass." says Wraith.

He lifts his head, announces himself as "Elmn." and resumes walking past them while whispering "Dangerous. Very dangerous goings on."

Wraith watches Elmn leave with a calm squint. She reaches into a small satchel tied to her side of the beast and pulls out a handful of cubed meat. A tiny swarm of buggy pals land on her arm, clicking and chattering excitedly.

"Please follow that civilian." she requests. The critters each take one cube, chew it into mush and cover themselves in it before buzzing away.

"Just curious." says Tegan. "Those things are like everywhere. Can't they find Ren?"

"They could if they wanted to." she replies as they set off again.

"Ok so why don't they?"

"They do not want to."

"Wuh- make em want to!"

"You misunderstand. They are not our slaves nor are they pets. They allow us to live here because they feed on the waste we produce. They serve their queen and we serve ours. Therefore, they help when they feel like it."

"Great." Tegan says, closing his eyes with a slight grimace.

"I sympathise with them. I too would rather not look for her."

"Gosh. Ok, you don't like her. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're jealous." he says playfully.

The beast stops moving.

"Quiet."

"Why? Did I strike a nerve?" he opens his eyes. Oh fuck no ...

Thick blue fog fills the bridge ahead of them.

Clack! Skrrt! Clack! Skrrt! Clack!

The sound of Jeri on the hunt echoes around them accompanied by a faint whimpering.

"REN!" yells Tegan. "IF YOU'RE IN THERE, DON'T MOVE! I'M COMING!"

"No! Stay here!" shouts Wraith. "We cannot risk both of you dying!"

Clack! Clack! Clack! Clack! Clack!

"TEGAN!"

Ren's scream breaks through the mist!

Before Wraith can react, Tegan's gone. He dashes into the blue cloud, lighting it up as he calls out to Ren.

Skrrrrt! THOOOM! Jeri leaps after him!

"C'MON THEN, YOU FUCKIN STUPID THING!"

FWAAAM! Jeri lands right on him, pinning him down with her massive winged claws!

"RUN, LAMB CHOP!" he forces a yell, the predator's weight crushing him, blinded by blue and waving his arms to keep its attention! "I'M NOT FAILING AGAIN!"

CHAAAM! The creature lifts its claws and clamps its mouth shut on Tegan's location! Nothing. He's managed to roll to the side. FWAAM! SKRRT! FWAAM! Ren's frantic screaming still fills the air as Tegan does his best to blindly dodge the now enraged Jeri.

"REN! GO-" SCHULP! A claw tears through his left thigh and he's pulled back to the ground! "DAAaaAgh!"

FWAAM! FWAAM! FWAAM! FWAAM! FWAAM!
The monster slams its face into him repeatedly!
FWAAM! FWAAM! FWAA- It stops.

Why?

"GET UP!" orders Wraith! She stands over him, struggling to hold Jeri's mouth closed while wrestling to keep her still. Tegan scrambles to get free but is instantly dragged around by his impaled leg. He's smushed and grated against the rough surface of the bridge. His clothes and flesh shred, smearing together as bloody streaks underneath him.

"DRRRRGH! FUCK ALL OF THIS!" He's done.

"AGGH!" He punches the claw! 

"AGGGH!" He continues!

"AGGGHH!" It shatters and his body erupts with pain!

"AGGGGHH!" He pulls it out of his leg!

His hands slick with blood, he grips the broken talon as best he can and throws himself into Wraith! She loses her footing and her hold on Jeri's mouth, stumbling just clear of the fangs as they emerge and close down on Tegan! SKKIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE! Jeri screeches with the sloppy sounds of a vicious feast- or is it? Wraith can hardly see but she can hear the feind flail about while the wet chunky noises persist. Then, suddenly- FLOWMP! Skkkrrrr ...

... silence.

"Tegan!" yells Wraith. The murky haze is still heavy.

"WHERE IS HE?" shouts Ren as she stumbles around! She clops up to Wraith who immediately grabs her by the arm.

c'click. skrrt. click. skrrrrt. click'k.

"... i'm here."

On the ground, Tegan drags himself toward them using his makeshift weapon. His mangled torso prompts a genuine look of dread on the colonel's face. Ren is too shocked to make a sound. He looks like someone took a machete to an over ripened watermelon ... but he's alive.

"Oh, Tegan ... please tell me you didn't ..." Wraith looks past him as the blue starts to dissipate and unfortunately for Jeri, he did. The creature lies dead behind him, its face even more torn up than Tegan's body.

"... sorry ... i had to." he says.

Wraith looks away, more visibly upset than she's ever been. "No. I am sorry."

"... for?"

"I have to arrest you."

Not too far off, atop a building overlooking the carnage, that weird civilian stands. His crooked grin widens as he gazes upward in the general direction of the Queen's District.

"Heh heh ... delightful."