Loose Ends

Gathered in the operations room, the group's concern for Constantine was palpable. Shift, Marcus, Kento, Jane, and Darryl exchanged worried glances as they discussed Constantine's condition. Although Shift reassured them that Constantine would recover on his own, Jane couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"We've seen Constantine bounce back from worse," Marcus said, his tone firm yet comforting. "He'll come around in due time."

Kento nodded in agreement, adding, "We just need to give him time, Covenants are tricky... especially when you don't plan for them."

Darryl chimed in, his usually sarcastic demeanor softened by concern. "I don't like that sword man, we should have sealed it when you brought it in," he told Kento. "I've never heard of a Covenant without consent before. That being said, Janey, I'm sure he'll pull through just fine, the kid's tough." he turned and told Jane.

Despite their attempts to reassure her, Jane couldn't help feeling uneasy; a bad feeling just lingered in her gut. She knew she wouldn't rest easy until she saw Constantine awake and well once more. Everyone in the Outcasts were here family, but, although she didn't want to admit it, Constantine was the first person she could maybe call a friend in her life.

"You guys are right," she said with a sigh. "I will kick his ass for going around touching artifacts without thinking though - and you better not stop me!" she exclaimed.

"Stop you?" Kento asked, amused. "This time I might actually join in," he said with a jest. However, this wasn't entirely a joke to him; he was becoming very suspicious of Constantine lately. The two of them need to have a talk when he wakes up.

"We need to make sure everything is in order before we leave," Marcus interjected, chanting the subject. "We can't afford any loose ends before we cross the Veil.

Shift nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I'll need to check with my contacts and ensure that our affairs here are in order. I can take care of communications here but someone has to go to Nyx." she said.

Kento leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We can't leave anything to chance. We need to be prepared for whatever awaits us on the other side."

Darryl, ever pragmatic, added, "We'll need to move quickly. Time is of the essence."

Marcus turned to Kento and said, "I need you to cross to Nyx and inform the Assembly about everything that has transpired here."

Kento sighed, his expression grave. "They won't be pleased about Murasame…or Constantine," he remarked bitterly.

Darryl chimed in, his voice tinged with disdain. "The Assembly is nothing but a bunch of old, pompous douchebags," he muttered under his breath.

Marcus nodded in agreement, acknowledging the validity of both their statemens. "Regardless of their reaction, they need to be informed. We can't afford to keep them in the dark after everything that has happened."

With a heavy sigh, Kento nodded, bracing himself for the task ahead. "I'll make the necessary arrangements and inform them promptly," he said, steeling himself for the daunting task. He also had other business to attend to in Nyx, by he didn't feel the need to share that.

Marcus turned to Darryl, who was still recovering from their recent ordeal. "Darryl, I know you're not in top form yet but I need you to do some scouting for our enemies," he instructed, his voice firm but gentle. "Check on Vicky as well, but I don't want you engaging in any fights."

Darryl nodded, his expression eager despite his injuries; he hated being cooped up. "Got it, Marcus. I'll handle it," he replied with his usual grin.

Marcus then turned to Shift, who was already studying her tablet intently. "Shift, I need you to look through your contacts for any traces of the cult that abducted Constantine or the man in white," he said.

Shift nodded, her fingers flying across the screen as she accessed he extensive network of contacts. "I'll get right on it, bods," she assured him, her eyes focused on the task at hand.

As she said that, Shift's monitor rang with an urgent alert, drawing everyone's attention. She quickly scanned the information before announcing, "I guess I jinxed it guys; we have a situation." she said. "There have been several murders that the police have now determined to be the work of a serial killer. The victims are being drained of blood entirely. They found one just now." she said.

Marcus's expression darkened as he absorbed the news. "It's likely the work of Nightkin," he declared grimly, his voice weary. "Most likely vampires."

The group exchanged worried glances, knowing the gravity of the situation. Among all Nightkin, vampires were the most difficult to deal with. They had incredible durability and regeneration, they were extremely fast and strong, and, worst of all, their blood magic could hurt Outcasts; they were manipulating their own blood, not conjuring it with mana, and this was a loophole that they - as well as mages who knew about them - used to fight them. Other abilities of vampires, like hypnosis or turning, didn't affect them but this wasn't much of an advantage in direct confrontation.

Marcus glanced at Jane, noticing her nervous demeanor, but he could also see the determination flickering in her eyes.

"Jane, I need you to come with me to investigate this case," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "You're the only other available combatant, and I believe you need to get back into the field to regain your spirit. Besides, with vampires, your strength will be a major asset." he said, smiling at her in a way only a father could.

Jane hesitated for a moment, the memory of their previous fight still fresh in her mind, but she knew her father was right. With a deep breath, she steeled her resolve and nodded. "Okay, dad, let's do this," she replied, her voice a little shaky but determined. "But you have to promise me that you're not going to baby me. I'm going as an Outcast, not your daughter." she said.

Marcus nodded with a smirk, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I promise, Jane. I won't treat you as a kid; but you will never not be my daughter. I won't let anything happen to you," he told her sternly, his tone unwavering.

"Fair enough, sir," Jane said with a smirk.

Marcus chuckled.

"Okay everyone, let's head out to our missions. Time to wrap things up." he said.