Realistic or Modern The Witching Hours [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

Jasleen's surprise was warranted, though it should have been obvious. Still, Asher answered, “This is Pia’s home,” he said as he pulled his car towards the garage. His bike was in there, as was a sleek red vehicle that was Pia’s. She had others drive it for her.

“I didn't know where else to take you. You're adamant about not taking money, and I wasn't sure what hotel you wanted to pay for right now,” he answered.

She'd left him with little direction and her defiance didn't help.

“You can sort yourself out here. I'm sure Pia won't mind giving you enough time to get on your feet and get on your way,” he'd say she wouldn't even notice given the size of her home, but that was a lie.

She always noticed.

“If you want to go elsewhere, just tell me where,” he didn't turn the vehicle off, just in case.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen took a moment to try to compose herself. She wasn't trying to lash out at the only person who had ever offered her a helping hand, but that was the only thing she seemed to be good at. Lashing out. Pushing people away.

Still, she wasn't an idiot. She knew she had nowhere else to go.

"It'll only cause problems for you and your friend." Her voice was quiet, small as she refused to look at him. A insignificant piece of lint on the dash seemed to be very interesting right now. "They're already going to be pissed that you helped me back there, if they found out I'm here..." She let herself trail off. Landon was relentless. He wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

Still, she had no other choice. But she wouldn't put him or his friend in danger without at least relaying the risks first.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher snorted at the idea of them causing problems for Pia. “I think they need to be more concerned about Pia causing problems for them,” he hadn't heard how the meeting ended, but he had a good idea. “Pia travels to enforce the law. She may already be packing for Salem.”

She hadn't sounded pleased with any of it and she was always hands on.

So bringing the problem to her may be the least of their concerns. No matter his doubts, he'd seen her head off into battle, literally an be metaphorically, in the two years he'd known her.

“But I can't speak for her. You should let her know so she can decide if she wants to risk it,” that might make Jasleen feel more comfortable, as well. Pia did own the place, not him. And she could confirm if Pia was taking any action.

 

[awkwardradish]

Finally, she glanced over at him. Once again, she studied him, unable to form an opinion. A big part of her was telling her to piss him off, to push him away. It would be better to do this alone. But another part was tired of doing things alone, and it seemed like if she allied herself with Asher and Pia... things might change.

But getting her hopes up may only get them crushed.

"Alright." She conceded again. She'd been doing an awful lot of that with him. "I'll talk to her. I'll see if I can do something to help." She decided the latter on a whim. What kind of witch would she be if she took handouts from these people and let them fight her biggest enemies alone. "But if she's not going to Salem, I'm gone in the morning. It's better if I don't stay in one place anyway."

From her lap, Oliver meowed his disagreement, and her face softened. "What about Oliver?" She asked Asher quietly.

 

[Lucyfer]

Asher really didn't know Pia’s opinion on cats, but he said, “I don't think she's allergic,” that would be…amusing. A vampire allergic to a cat. “You'll have to ask her, though,” he could reassure, but Jasleen was already going to talk to Pia. May as will bring up the cat.

“But I think you should be good to bring him in,” he added, “we can set him in my room or a spare room, if you don't want to bring him to meet Pia,” he suggested before turning the car off, and opening his door.

They weren't going anywhere else, obviously.

He'd wait for Jasleen to gather herself and what she might want to bring in to meet Pia, before unlocking the house and leading them in. He made his way through the familiar rooms to where he heard papers being rifled and came to what he mentally called the ‘private’ office.

Pia didn't hold meetings here or see people.

So, he knocked. “Pia, it's me and Jasleen.”

“Enter.”

No hesitation.

He stepped in to see her reading over a document that looked like it had been typed on a typewriter, clearly looking for something in it. It was on paperwork that had the emblem of The Jewels Hotel on the upper left of every page, but she set it down to look at them.

“Is everything alright?” Pia asked.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen didn't quite know what to do with herself. Should she carry her things in? Wouldn't that look rude? She didn't want it to look like she expected to stay there. But then again, Asher had brought her here.

She decided to carry her things. With her duffel over her shoulder, Grimoires in one hand, and Oliver in the other, she followed Asher through the nice house, her heart hammering in her chest. That was doing nothing for the exhaustion or light-headedness she alright felt.

When Pia looked up at her, she had the look of a deer in headlights. She didn't seem afraid of Pia, more like intimidated by the entire situation. How was she supposed to explain that when Pia had offered her help, she'd told her to fuck off, and now she was here, begging for help after the very people she was most terrified had found her and almost dragged her back to Salem?

She opened her mouth to speak, then decidedly closed it. After taking a beat to compose herself, the emotionless mask slid back into face. "The Salem witches are here. In town. At least three of them. I don't know if there are anymore."

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia’s expression hardened at the information given. “Names and details. I'll have them rooted out,” she didn't so much as request the information as demand it, setting the paper on her desk as she reached for her phone.

She sent a quick text to Snack:

More Salem witches in town if you have nothing better to do. They aren't under my protection.​

Happy hunting, in any other words, if he wanted to grab information. She'd send others, as well.

“You're not going to look into it?” It was Asher's way of prying though she was a bit too distracted to notice.

“No,” she said, “I'm leaving for Salem tomorrow tonight. You're free to stay until I return, I know we…,” she sighed, “we have much to discuss if you want answers but I can't delay.”

When she looked back up, she seemed to realize that Pia held luggage and she frowned at that. “Are you trying to lease your space, Asher?”

He shook his head, “No, we just…didn't have anywhere else to go immediately.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett was quick to send a text back, almost like he'd been waiting.

Sounds like a party. Did the little witch tell you that? Should I come over?
​

He sent that text, then quickly followed it up with another.

In a purely professional manner, that is. We need a game plan.
​

Jasleen shifted awkwardly on her feet when Pia mentioned the luggage. Fuck, this was awkward. "Um... I don't know all of their names." She admitted, deciding to forego the latter question, since Asher had already answered. "They're younger than me. Newer recruits, I guess. But... Nicholas Pierce was here. He's Landon's right hand man." She glanced to Asher, then back to Pia. "He's pretty recognizable, because he has a scar over his eye... I doubt he'll leave town unless he's in a body bag or he has me in iron cuffs." Her voice was small as she made the admission, and she glanced to Asher again.

She should have let him kill the bastard.

Better yet, she should have finished the job when she gave him that scar over his eye.

"I'm hoping he leaves to report back to Landon. They expected me not to be able to use any magic, and... well, they also didn't expect me to be with a werewolf."

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia listened even as she read the text, responding:

Why don't you bring me a head of a scarred witch named Nicholas Pierce and information and then you can come over? ​

She didn't bother to mention how she got it herself. He'd guessed right, after all. After sending it, she sent the name and information to Trystan and Felix, the wolf contact she had, with the simple ‘open season’ message, secure that they'd pass it on.

She really detested people hunting in her city.

“And I suppose they won't expect you here. Or you're hoping they'll be too concerned to try and break in?” Pia asked, looking up with all the messages sent. “I'm not going to be here to protect you. You want to leave tomorrow night when I do.”

It didn't matter where. She wasn't terribly concerned, although Trystan would be house sitting, just in case. She wasn't generally sentimental, but there were things she didn't want to lose, things impossible to replace, in today's world.

“Pia–”

“I'm not saying it to be cruel. I don't know you, Jasleen,” a fact, “as terrible as your situation is, I'm not leaving you in my house while you're being hunted if I'm not here. Even if you're staying, Asher. It's not an ideal situation. Getting out of LaCroix will be better.”

 

[awkwardradish]

Emmett grinned to himself. At least he'd be getting some action tonight, even if it wasn't with a vampire. He'd rather get some information from this Nicholas Pierce man, anyway.

Yes, boss lady.
​

He'd pinned the nickname as a joke, but now he was beginning to think that it might suit her. After all, she did tend to take charge of things.

He liked that in a woman.

'Fuck, stop thinking about her like that.'

~***~

Jasleen shook her head quickly. She didn't want Asher to stick up for her, or try to convince Pia on her behalf. After all, Jasleen would have reacted the same way. A strange witch accused of necromancy? Also one who basically told you to take your money and shove it an hour ago?

She didn't expect Pia to like her. Or care what happened to her. She still wasn't sure why Asher did.

"Actually," Jasleen spoke carefully, still considering her words. Was she really about to do this? "I came here because I wanted to know if you were going to Salem. And now that I know you are... I want to come." Before giving Pia time to respond, she immediately began pleading her case. "I know I said I wanted fuck-all to do with this, and I still don't, but it's sort of my fight too, and I think it'd be shitty to let somebody else handle it. I know I'm bound, but I can still be an asset. I know the inner workers of that coven better than anybody. I know Landon better than he knows himself, and I can anticipate every move he makes." She once again shifted on her feet. "I won't get in the way. I swear."

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia kept all reaction off her face at the comment from Emmett and didn't respond. He'd let her know when he had information. She liked the title though. Not the first time she'd heard it, but it was better than others, like Princess, which she was bound to hear in Salem.

Jasleen was volunteering and Asher looked quite concerned about it. Pia steepled her hands and set her elbows on the desk as she leaned forward.

“This is not your fight. This precedes you by centuries. You're an innocent caught up in it. I was going to Salem whether or not you were involved.”

She wasn't having a guilty heart join her.

A vengeful one was another story.

“However, this won't end for you until they're dealt with. If you want to join to see it finished so you can feel safe, I'll accept that. I won't accept guilt.”

Asher frowned, “This is dangerous,” he was mostly talking to Jasleen, but trying to convince Pia to deny her in the same breath.

“So is existing while they want her. At least this way she'll have others looking over her,” Pia stated, “you can join those ranks if you like. You need to travel more, anyways.”

He opened his mouth to protest that, then shut it in contemplation. These people were doing terrible things. He wanted to end it. “Alright,” he agreed.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen didn't exactly love being patronized, but she kept her jaw clamped shut. She was normally a stupidly brave person, she'd mouth off to anybody sans their ability to kill her. No, Pia's ability to crush her was not what was keeping her mouth shut in this moment. It was the fact that she wanted Pia to allow her to come.

"It's also dangerous to sit around and wait for them to drag me back again." Jasleen quipped to Asher. It was the first time a little of her fire had come out directed at him. She turned her attention back to Pia, determined. "I'm not going because I feel guilty. And while Frederick may not be my fight, everything to do with that Coven is my battle. They tried to frame me. And on top of that, whatever Landon is planning, he clearly intends on dragging me through the mud with him." She straightened her shoulders. "I don't need anybody to look after me." She shot a pointed look at Asher. "Like I said, I know Landon better than he knows himself. I know how to handle him, I've done it before. I may not have complete access to my magic, but I still managed to put that scar on Nick's eye, and he ran like the fucking coward he is when he learned this bind wasn't going to hold all of my magic."

 

[Lucyfer]

“Ran, because of that, and I imagine, because a wolf was there,” Pia said mildly, “regardless, I will accept those reasons. As for Asher, he is his own man. He has already agreed to come. If you don't put him to use, I will.” It wasn't the original intent but she could use pawns effectively.

Not that she wanted to think of him like that but her mind was already moving into war mode. Anyone and everyone was a tool.

Asher nodded. “I want to see this end. Regardless. They're causing trouble here.” He said. He lived here. And he didn't want to deal with the spread into his home. Though he also wanted nothing bad to happen to Jasleen and he could admit that. She deserved a quiet life now after all she must have endured.

“Then I'll book two additional rooms,” she confirmed.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. She was glad that things were finally coming to an end. She didn’t want to live like this anymore, constantly watching her surroundings. On the other hand, she wasn’t sure she would ever be ready to see Landon’s face again. And now Asher was coming with them, and she felt like that was her fault.

She desperately wanted to shove her hands into her jacket pockets, but they were full. This was an awkward already.

“You should know that Landon won’t be easy to target.” She finally decided to give her more information. “Not because he’s powerful or anything, but because he’s a little fucking weasel. He’s good at running and he’s good at hiding. He won’t show himself unless you give him good reason to, which is why I think you should use me as bait.” The words left her mouth before she’d even really considered them, but there was no taking them back now.

 

[Lucyfer]

Pia desperately wanted to remind Jasleen how old she was. She’d dealt with many clever men. Many cowards. Many bold heroes. However, she held her tongue. It was evident this was already a lot for the woman, and she didn’t need to be talked down to further when she was attempting to help.

Besides, her insight would be useful. Even this was useful.

And Asher did not look pleased with the thought, anyways. He’d grown attached to the witch quickly. Likely, a lot of guilt on his part, too. He’d inadvertently dragged her into this by bringing her to the very wrong place.

“I will keep it in consideration, but it will not be the first route I go,” no one could hide forever. Pia could gather his address, where the coven met, even where Landon preferred to get his groceries from, to find ways to get at him long before she attempted a bait method. There were numerous options to go through before that one was considered. “You should go get some rest, though. It will be tomorrow night before you know it. Asher can show you to the bathrooms and kitchen, as well.”

Despite no longer eating human food, she still kept the fridge stocked. Partially for Asher, partially just to look normal. “I need to make another phone call.” Edwin was going to tear his hair out over two additional rooms. As if he didn’t have them available.

~***~

Trystan had taken Pia’s message, and groaned in irritation as any hope of finishing his Tekken matches were dashed. Still, he wasn’t going to let this warlock consume his entire night. So, rather than forward the message on and deal with others, he went to his map of the city that was splayed out in his ‘war room’. It was incredibly detailed, and something he was constantly updating.

Anywhere there was construction, it was noted.

Anywhere there were new ‘convenience trails’, it was noted.

No one knew LaCroix like Trystan.

And LaCroix knew him.

He slit his wrist over the map, but the blood didn’t soak into it, or even mess it. It hovered atop it, “Nicholas Pierce,” he spoke the name, “Not a resident.” The blood moved, and soon highlighted the location of the man on the map. Trystan hummed, noting the nearest monument he’d marked and shutting his eyes.

He sunk into the floor, and appeared outside, beneath a statue of Joan of Arc. He immediately took off at a sprint in the direction the blood had marked.

 

[awkwardradish]

Jasleen couldn’t stand to be dismissed the way she was. She was a stubborn one, and she hated being underestimated. She clenched her jaw, and for a moment, it seemed like she might argue again. Then she decided that Pia wasn’t exactly the boss of her.

She didn’t need Pia’s permission to bait Landon out on her own.

So she just nodded, but the defiance was evident in her eyes. They were full of fire and determination, but also a mixture of fear.

She turned to Asher, trying to mask all the different feelings that were coursing through her. If she could get this damned mark off her arm…

“I’m not hungry. I don’t need the kitchen or anything.” She insisted, awaiting him to lead the way to whatever room she would definitely not be getting any sleep in tonight… or today.

~***~

Emmett was glad that Pia had told him about the witch. He was restless and antsy. Itching to do something with his hands. The witch would be a good outlet for that. He thought about killing him from a distance- a bullet through the head would do- but then he imagined he might ask him some questions.

He started his truck. This was the part he liked most. The finding people. It took him a while, and another call to Terrance so he could run the credit cards, but he was finally able to locate them.

Nicholas had indeed tucked tail. They were at one of the local motels. It wasn’t nice, but it was clearly an easy spot to take a victim and nobody notice, which was probably what he had been aiming for.

“Fucking bitch.” He hissed, slamming his fist into the wall. “How the fuck is she breaking out of the bind already?”

“Nick, man, calm down. We’ll figure it out. We still have the iron cuffs, and she can’t stay around the werewolf forever.”

“I want her in our trunk on her way back to Salem by nightfall.” He sneered. “Understood?”

The other one nodded his head frantically.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘The human is going to do something stupid.’

Jasleen may not have said it, but the look of defiance in her eyes said it all to Pia. She'd politely pretend not to notice. When it occurred, Jasleen would likely be in for a wake up call…and Pia wouldn't be there to help.

Hopefully, Asher would be, but if she chose not to utilize him, well, Jasleen could damn herself.

Pia went back to her papers as Jasleen addressed Asher with a comment that she wasn't hungry.

Asher nodded. “I can still show you if you like. It'll be several hours before we leave,” but he would lead out of the room to show Jasleen to her room first, if only so she could empty her arms. “It may not be as easy to find us afterwards,” Asher planned to sleep soon, after all.

Unlike Pia, he still needed to sleep.

And Jasleen may grow hungry within that time, or want to clean up in a shower. She did have to survive the daylight hours, after all. “You don't have to use the knowledge.”

She seemed to still want to resist every bit of aid offered.

At least she wasn't fighting a room, and he did bring her to one he knew was empty, a guest room painted in hues of green and gold.

~***~

Trystan approached the hotel lobby, looking every bit the deviant as he stepped to the counter. His favored attire of ‘hoodie of the day’ helped with that, as did his colored hair, “Hey man,” the woman behind the counter looked up with a scowl, “for a pizza delivery for Nicholas Pierce. Didn't tell me what room?”

She rolled her eyes, but looked at the computer. Monotonously, she chimed, “122,” and looked back down at the comic she was reading, clearly trying to enjoy doing as little of her job as possible on the night shift.

“Cool, thanks,” Trystan gave up a mock salute before retreating and walking around the outside, checking over the door numbers at he did so until he came to the room.

He knocked, “Food order for Nick?” Odds were always good people ordered food, but even if they didn't, that would usually get the door opened.

If not, Trystan really wasn't opposed to using other methods.