Kiga looked a little interested now. Talking animal spirits were not uncommon in his land, but he was unfamiliar with it here. He also had little understanding of western superstition so the significance of some of this was lost on him.
Thirteen laughed, raising his paw again to cover his mouth as he did so.
You must forgive me, It's been so long since I've spoken with mortals. I wished only to relish the pleasantries I miss from my life here in Wistvale.
The cat sighed, shaking his head.
"I know all too much Captain of the Guard. Nuala and her master will use them for the witch's spell. It is likely already underway. Once midnight comes, the Witching Hour if you will, then her master will cross the planes of existence and enter our domain."
Thirteen looked up at her.
"Bad news for everyone. I have an old score to settle with Nuala, she ate my little sister and turned me into...this."
He got up and ran to the door.
"They've taken them to the pumpkin patch, not far from the forest. The fog will make it difficult to see for mortals, but follow me and we'll find our way fine."
Thirteen had no quarrels with Margrett's proposition and promptly climbed her arm and made himself comfortable on her shoulder. He said nothing, purring softly.
Chaz had backed into a corner, breathing heavily, eyes wide in fright. He slipped up the wall as Margrett started talking, getting ahold of himself. He felt guilty; the boy had been right in front of him! But it was magic....you couldn't trust magic. He didn't like magic very much, in truth. Was not his strength. He almost slipped around the wall and out the tavern when he saw a woman crying. She was sobbing about her missing child, comforted by her husband, head in her hands. Then she looked up and met his gaze. There was a glimmer of recognition. He realized, with a sinking sensation, that these must have been Watson's parents. He swallowed, looked down. Danger. Why was there so much danger and excitement in this town? He wanted to leave. It didn't concern him. The others had it well in hand. Didn't they?
Then he thought of Nikole. What he would do if anything happened to her. How he would feel. He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, and then looked up to the couple and nodded. Wordlessly he walked, more strongly than he really felt, to Margrett and stood behind her.
A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible.
Kiga only raised his hand for a moment before it folded back under his other arm. He had nothing to offer at this time and without information, could hardly act. Instead, he waited.
Venom fell silent after Rue conforted him. Hope seemed lost to find those children, but he was not going to give up trying. With nothing useful outside to track, Venom needed to inform his captain. Entering the tavern he was about to say something to Marg when he sees her talking to a cat. Shocked, Venom just stood there listening to everything Thirteen had to say. He nodded to Marg as she prepared to be led by this cat, but wondered if he should wake Kerag up to come along. Maybe it was just better for him to stay there. A drunken orc would probably just slow them down, he decided and left him be.
Thirteen grinned, watching the militia form underneath the Captain's leadership.
If only Wistvale knew such brave souls a century ago. Come, I shall whisper my directions to your Captain. Keep close and remember...
Thirteen paused, looking through the windows into the thick fog which awaited them.
The Nightmare realms is temporarily merging with your material world, so assume nothing. Anything can happen in the fog, and I guarantee strange creatures prowl the night.
As if on cue, another howl pierced through the silence from a distance away, and the blood moon seemed bigger somehow.
(I was waiting for Cel, sorry. Cel, just follow when you get on.) Margrett took Rue's hand and gave it a short but firm shake, tipping her hat slightly.
Call me Margrett. Good to have you, ma'am. She looked to the others and nodded, heading for the door.
Venom followed Marg and the cat that she was carrying. He wondered how old it was and why he was turned into a cat. There was much more to the story that they did not yet know but were now involved with the missing children. He could only hope this cat had supernatural powers to help them with the witch and her master who would probably be too powerful for regular melee fighters.
Everyone follow close and don't get lost in the thick fog.
Celephai shrugged, following after the group. Surely nothing out there could be stranger than herself... and besides, nothing was going to keep her away from her future worshipers.
She had a hunch about the creature behind all this, but, as usual, she would jump to no conclusions.
Chaz left the helmet behind as he went. It was mostly decorative, anyways. As they left he kept close behind Margrett and Venom, looking back and wondering why Kerag hadn't woken up during all this....
A good scientist is a person with original ideas. A good engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible.