"I believe we all got the summons from the council". She looked at Jerome "well except you. What happened to your coven?" Of course, she had noticed his misery in school but cared less, now that he was here. She was naturally interested.
"My coven?" Jerome asked puzzled. He didn't know what was going on.
"Hmm. It seems you have no memories of your coven or you are a solitary witch with no knowledge about covens". She faced the others. "Before I continue, introductions are necessary. My name is Sarah, I'm a Vampire". She paused for a bit. "Reaper".
Jerome could feel the change in atmosphere when the last word was uttered. However, he was more interested in what she said before that. A vampire? A witch coven? To be fair, he was stunned by this information but it wasn't incomprehensible to think of in the first place. After all, for as long as he could remember he was entangled with death.
Vampires? Not too far fetched. He thought of what the others could be. They clearly weren't humans. This was interesting. As for him. He was aware of the fact that he definitely was not a witch. He didn't know what he was but he was sure it was not a witch nonetheless he was ready to keep up that facade as he discovers more about himself. He knew there was nothing more frightening as the unknown. As such, since it was assumed that he was a witch then he was a witch.
Next, the person with the murky robe spoke up. "My name is Erebus, A fallen angel of decay and death. A nephilm that represents everything that is unclean and filthy".
The popular girl giggled. She was extremely beautiful. She had charming red hair and red eyes. Her lips were small and succulent and her laughter sounded like a melodious chime. Pleasing to the ears. "My name is Mae, I'm a lust demon. If you want to have a nice time you know where to find me" She said winking coquettishly.
The last person spoke up. "My name is Andrew, I'm a rogue wolf".
"You were banished from your pack?" The vampire goth asked curious. An excommunicated wolf was a rare sighting.
"I don't think that's relevant to our discussion. To inquire about the reason of my exile."
Sensing the faint hostility, Sarah ignored him and faced Jerome. "What's your name and why aren't you with your coven?"
Jerome muttered silently to himself before he spoke up. "My name is Jerome and I don't know about any coven. I've been solitary since as long as I could remember. I'm specialized in the art of necromancy but for a long while I had been battling with control but I've recently gotten clarity". There was a look of realization on their faces buh they weren't all that surprised. Infact, it was just that. There were many misfits here. The only slightly normal one was Mae. It was rare seeing a reaper, a solitary witch - without their coven, a rogue wolf and a profane nephilim all in one place.
They said likes attracts each other. It was no mystery they were all together. Some even had a faint suspicion that there was something wrong with Mae.
"The council had sent out a summon. They are looking for a person. Xam Rolth. He mustn't be harmed in any way possible or there would be serious consequences. All that matters is his location. The reward for such information is immense thus I request of us all to work together". Taking a short pause, she continued. "You needn't me tell you how many others would be in on it. So we need trust and complete understanding".
"Where do we start from?" Andrew asked. "All we have is a random name."
"First we need to know how he looks like". Erebus spoke up. "You got a picture?" He asked Sarah.
She nodded slightly, pulling out a crumpled and slightly blurred photo. It surely had seen better days. "This is the only thing we have to work with. I had to go extra miles to get it. It's 50 years old".
The others nodded. Although it would make their search a lot difficult at least they had something to work with. They had a lead. The benefits from the council is not something to belittle in the first place. Just the authority bestowed upon them would make their own existence much more pleasurable. They passed the photo round, each taking it and srutinizing it carefully. It was faded and unclear but they were able to get something from it. They generally knew what he looked like. The other specifics would be determined later. After the picture had gone round, they each contributed their observations and a preliminary image was formed.
From their analysis. He had short black hair with some gray strands. His eyes were pitch black. His face was slightly sunken and he was lean. They visualized a vague perception of him but this was fifty years ago. Who knew the amount of changes he might have gone through over the years. It wasn't great but it was a start.
As they discussed their findings. Jerome noticed that they had missed something and decided to say something. He considered for a bit then he spoke out. "Uhm I think I noticed something". They all glanced at him. He shifted awkwardly where he sat. Seeing their unwavering gazes. He sighed then continued. "Look at that spot over there. I think it says something. I can't see it clearly". Sarah took the picture and checked again. Previously she was too occupied on his appearance and had missed it. She then passed it as she didn't recognize it. Surprisingly when it went round. It was Andrew that spoke up.
"Solemn Haven". It was carved roughly on a piece of wood. "I know of this place. I can check it out but I won't be going alone".
Erebus shook his head. "I need to check the library and archives. There should be something about him if he's the least bit important".
"I've got contacts outside the council. They might know something". Mae smiled as she spoke. She would have been the first to jump at that offer but she really disliked werewolves. It was a personal distaste. She didn't want any contact more than necessary moreso even with him. Also, she didn't lie too. She definitely had some connections outside the council - And with the overbearing nature of the council over the last few centuries, it could be understood that either they were strong enough to not be disturbed by the council or they were some special existence. Either way, it wasn't something easily accomplished. Thus, the way they viewed her changed a bit. One could even hear Andrew mutter under his breath.
"Dirty slut"
Obviously, everyone here - except Jerome was an otherworldly being so they heard him loud and clear. Mae didn't take offense instead she chuckled charmingly and winked at him.
"That makes just two left. As for me. I need to chase the lead from where I got this picture. So I need to focus on the trail before it gets cold". She said looking at Jerome. That's left with you.
Jerome shrugged. He didn't have any excuse or a reason at all to ditch. Instead he was quite curious on finding this person. Who was he? From this meeting he could understand that the council was like a huge authority that controls otherworldly beings or at least most of it. So what was special about this man that they were looking for him?
"We meet here again in a fortnight" Sarah said as her figure blurred and she disappeared. Jerome understood that she didn't disappear but she left way too fast for him to see. Erebus nodded at them, then a pair of dark grayish dusty angel like feathers sprouted from his shoulder blades. With a flap, he took to the skies. Mae waved at him, muttering something about hanging out later before she walked off.
Andrew stared at her as she walked away. Seeing her figure disappear. He turned to Jerome. Let's meet at downtown pub tomorrow at 8. It's a bit far so we need to leave early. He said as he walked off. His shoulder slumped, looking tattered as usual.
Jerome didn't really understand what a rogue wolf was exactly. But from what he could understand, was he kicked out of his family? He shook his head as he sat down back. Staring at the little flame flickering. He sat there in a daze for a long while before he heard a bird cry. He looked up and saw a crow flying overhead. It's caws reverberating within deadwood.
"This is…" ever since he woke from the daze earlier at his trailer. He could feel a connection between him and two other beings. The first was the… he looked at a hidden spot a little distance away. There was his owl perched on a branch staring at him. It's gaze unwavering. The second… he looked up at the crow. He smiled. Things were getting more fascinating.