Cracks in the Wall

### **Summary**

The Gang arrive in Valmala, a city famed for its coast line and port. They decide to unwind and take some time off. Patrick finds himself drawn a beautiful young girl, but like most things in Patrick's life, they never work out how he imagines they will and leads to a tragic accident

### **Plot**

**Valmala**

The gang are sitting out on the beach. Aurora is sitting on the sand while Riley is sitting under a large umbrella. Aurora tells Riley she's handling the heat better now, but Riley disagrees, saying she's barely hanging in there and that she's only out on the beach is because she didn't want to be left out. She sits up and looks at Aurora, asking if she's sunbathing or what. Aurora asks what she means. Riley comments that Aurora is so covered up and that she's ignoring the real purpose of being at the beach. Aurora asks what that is to which Riley replies that its a chance for a girl to show off and comments that Aurora is a stunning young lady. Aurora tells Riley she isn't like her and admits she is jealous of Riley's confidence. Riley speaks but she stops her self and tells Aurora that she is beautiful and asks her to remember it. Riley then looks to Patrick and Abraham who are cooking up a barbeque, something that is driving Riley almost mad due to the smell of meat.  Aurora admits she's never been a big meat eater. Abraham tells her she probably should have mentioned that, but that he'll buy them both lunch later. Riley then brings up the issue of financing, since the Gold Empire has probably got the bill from their journey. Abraham can't help but laugh but he admits they will need some money. Patrick gets an idea to try their luck at the casino's in the city. Riley perks up at the idea but Aurora isn't sure. Riley tells her not to worry. She's a killer poker player. Patrick admits she would be considering she can hear heart beats and Patrick and Abraham could maybe cheat at crabs. Aurora again is hesitant at the idea of cheating but Riley asks her what would be more important? Aurora relents as the boys start eating

**Train Station**

Fabian steps off the train, immediately taking a moment to suppress his power. He looks around then spots a man standing by the staircase. Fabian approaches him and asks if he's sure he saw Abraham and the others. The man swears he did. Fabian smiles and thanks the man before handing him some money then asks him to put his ear to the ground and he walks off. He muses to himself asking where they would go.

**Anchor Casino**

The gang enter the casino. Riley is amazed by it and Abraham adds that food and drink is free, as long as you're gambling. Riley looks around and heads for the poker tables. Patrick and Abraham head for the Crab's tables with Aurora following them. Aurora asks how much they actually have. Abraham shows her a small wad of cash and hands it to the cashier. He scoops up the dice but Patrick takes it from him. A voice asks him if she can blow on it. Patrick looks to see a pretty young girl next to him. Patrick offers up the dice as she blows on it. Patrick then forms a small piece of Silver into one of the grooves on each of the dice and throws them out, hitting a winning score. The girl smiles as Patrick tells Abraham to find his own table to double up the chances. Abraham admits its a good idea as he and Aurora leave but he whispers to Patrick not to win too much. Patrick then asks the girls name to which she replies its Anita. Patricks tells his name as he throws again getting another score as the pair of them start talking

After a while Patrick has built up a considerable stack. Anita helps with some of the chips, bringing them to the cashier. Patrick then asks Anita what a Kemiya like her is doing in the city. Anita tells him its a great and free city and she loves the nightlife. Patrick can't help but admit it does seem vibrant but admits he and the others are only staying the night. Anita pouts but suggests they make it a memorable night. Patrick couldn't agree more as they head to the bar. Abraham arrives at the desk with own stack of chips but manages to ask Patrick how much he made. Patrick tells him he made $42,000 Abraham says he made $48,000. Aurora rolls her eyes asking if they have to compete at everything. Patrick tells them he's going to the bar with Anita as they walk off. Aurora tells Abraham she has a bad feeling about the girl. Abraham admits it himself, but she's a Kemiya and she'll either be looking for a fight or a good time. Aurora scoffs at the idea but Abraham reminds her its how they are as he picks up his cash.

Patrick and Anita take a seat at the bar. Anita asks why he is there in the city. Patrick tells her he's on a quest. Anita is intrigued but Patrick doesn't say anything more as its secret. Anita pouts but Patrick admits he could maybe tell her, someday. Patrick then asks if she's a Kemiya, why hasn't she challenged them. Anita scoffs, saying the old ways are dead and its more sporting then life and death. Patrick agrees admitting she is far too attractive to kill. Anita laughs saying Patrick is confident but Patrick tells her he is powerful and has every reason to be. Anita admits she is impressed as the two of them continue to drink. Not long after Patrick and Anita almost crash through her apartment door, their lips on each other, taking their clothes off. Patrick lifts Anita up and steps forwards, falling unto the bed.

Fabian is walking the town, constantly looking at his phone for information from his contacts. He is just across the street from the casino when he looks up, sensing something. He realizes its Patrick and rushes into the casino, knowing the others must be in there as well. He walks slowly further in, past the slot machines. He comes to the poker tables and sees Riley. He is about to approach but he looks up then around looking for Abraham. He takes a breath to try and sense where he is but he can only sense Patrick upstairs. He decides to head to the elevators

Abraham takes his second chip stack to the cashier, getting a decent sized stack of cash in return. Aurora admits it good to have money now. Abraham decides to take some cash and offers to buy Aurora a drink. Aurora agrees but then asks about Riley. Abraham tells her not to worry about Riley, as he looks to see her sitting there with a small mountain of chips at her table. Abraham orders two drinks then looks up, sighing, speaking of his envy of Patrick. Aurora asks why to which Abraham replies that he is having fun with a girl upstairs. Aurora scoffs that he's like all Kemiyas, treating women like disposable pleasures rather than meaningful pursuits. Abraham counters by telling her attachments can be used against someone. Aurora asks about her and Riley but Abraham admits they are both attachments but that they have been used against him, reminding her about what happened to Riley. Aurora reminds Abraham that was not about him but the other wolves and that if they are such a burden that maybe he should go it alone. She turns to leave but Abraham grabs her wrist and tells her what he said is true, but that he still wants them around. As he can't take the throne back alone and admits that sometimes the risk is worth it. Aurora's expression softens and sits down again

Fabian steps off the elevator and into the hallway. He walks down the hallway and comes to a door. He notices the lock requires a key card. He takes the door handle and reforms it. He quietly steps inside and closes the door, hearing voices. He quietly forms his sword and peeks around the corner seeing Patrick sitting on the couch talking to someone in the bathroom, seeing the light on. Fabian slowly approaches, his sword raised but he stops seeing Anita there. Anita freezes as well before Patrick stands and turns around seeing Fabian ready to kill him. Patrick is shirtless and Anita is only wearing lingerie. Fabian then looks into the bedroom, seeing the bed unmade. Fabian looks at Patrick asking him if he had sex with his girlfriend. Patrick is stunned but Anita tells Fabian they are no longer together. Fabian is also stunned, asking why she would say that. Anita tells Fabian he was fired for his failures and she has no interest in dating a loser. Fabian then asks why she is even hunting Abraham considering Michael didn't bless his own mission. Anita replies that Abraham could become a threat is allowed to gain strength. Patrick picks up his shirt and chimes in that he should leave and let them sort things out but Fabian swings at him. Patrick manages to block him off. Fabian pushes Patrick out to the balcony, pressing him against the railings. Patrick can't help but laugh at Fabian, telling him Anita wanted a real man, but Fabian tells Patrick he'd be dead if it wasn't for him as Anita would have killed him. Patrick then looks seeing the railing being transmuted into Iron. Even Fabian notices as Anita reforms the railings. Fabian turns to try and attack her but she kicks him in the chest knocking him into Patrick. They both hit the railings, causing them to break and fall from the balcony.

Patrick manages to reform his sword into a wire and throws it out catching a ledge. He swings to his right side and lands into a swimming pool. Fabian throws his own gold piece against the side of the building and swings in, hitting the wall with his feet before he repels down to the ground. Patrick climbs out of the water, Fabian walks to him and starts to attack him. Patrick defends himself, asking if Fabian is serious. Fabian asks why he wouldn't be but Patrick replies that his now ex just tried to kill them both. Fabian presses harder, telling Patrick he had sex with his girlfriend. Patrick manages to knock Fabian down, telling him she knew who he was and they did it anyway without a thought for Fabian and he asks Fabian why he still even cares. Fabian swings up catching Patrick's arm and regains his feet, telling Patrick if he captures Abraham, he can still be welcomed back. Patrick laughs as Fabian goes in for the attack again but is suddenly pushed into the pool. Patrick looks up seeing Abraham and Aurora there. Patrick thanks them for the assistance. Abraham asks if he had fun but Patrick only then realizes something and runs off. Abraham and Aurora follow as Fabian gets out of the pool

Anita steps off the elevator but ducks a sword swing from Patrick then another from Abraham. She turns gracefully and forms her sword and drops her bag. They both move in but she blocks them both off, seemingly with ease, blocking each of them with quick hits and the occasional dodging of their attacks. Anita tell them both to watch and learn as she pulls her sword back and extends it at Patrick. Patrick leans back as Anita's sword strikes the wall behind him. Patrick rolls back unto his feet and pulls his sword back and extends his sword at Anita. She dodges his sword by a whisker. Fabian rushes out but the sword pierces through his upper right chest, impaling him. Patrick sees Fabian hit the ground but he notices someone else was hit by his sword. His face turns white as he sees a woman laying down on the ground, a boy screaming and shaking a woman who was laying on the ground. Abraham turns to see Anita gone then grabs Patrick telling him to get moving. Patrick can't take his eyes off the woman as Casino security arrive, guns drawn. Aurora manages to stay out of sight as Patrick and Abraham make a run for it

Patrick, Abraham and Aurora stand on the platform of the train station. Aurora asks if its really a good idea to take the train. Abraham tells her, Anita retreated and won't confront them now. Aurora asks if Patrick is ok but Abraham isn't sure as he hasn't spoken since the Casino fight. Aurora then asks what happened to Fabian. Abraham is confused, asking why she cares. She replies that if he was injured or arrested, then at least they won't have to worry about it. Abraham is about to reply when Riley runs unto the platform apologizing for being late. The train then pulls unto the platform and stops. The gang step onboard and take their seats. Aurora asks Riley how much she won to which Riley reveals a small bag, filled with cash. Aurora and Abraham's faces light up. Patrick excuses himself but Abraham quickly stands and asks if he's ok. Patrick gives a weak smile and tells him he's fine. Abraham takes a moment and tells Patrick, that he can't imagine how he feels, but to try and remember that what happened wasn't his fault. Patrick takes a moment, telling Abraham that he appreciates his effort but he just needs the bathroom. Patrick walks past Abraham who then looks at Aurora. Patrick looks in the mirror for a few moments before he turns and punches the wall a few times, tears beginning to flow down his face as he then slumps down to the ground, crying

Anita watches as the train leaves the station. She gets a call on her phone. She answers and tells Michael that she met with the gang and even engaged them in combat. Michael asks how it went but Anita tells her it was easier than expected. Michael then asks why she didn't kill them but she tells him she was outnumbered by the Kemiya and the witch and even Fabian. Michael is surprised Fabian is in they city but Anita tells him they are heading for Lisbon and she'll catch them in the city. Michael smiles as Anita asks how the war is going. Michael tells her its going well as Saint Marina is under siege but it will fall soon

Fabian is driving out of the city, holding his chest, struggling slightly to keep on the road. There was not much traffic around but before long he is struggling to stay awake before he finally passes out. The car veers off the road and crashes into a ditch, Fabian's head on the steering wheel

### Quotes

**Aurora:** "Seems you're handling the heat a little better now"

**Riley:** "I'm really not. I just didn't want to be left behind while you all played in the sand. Or not sunbathing"

**Aurora**: "What's that mean?"

**Riley:** "Girl. You're at the beach. Why else do girls come here? Build sandcastles? Yet there you are armoured up instead of showing off that body you got"

**Aurora:** "Riley I'm just...not as confident as you are, something I will admit I'm envious of"

**Riley:** "Girl I....no. Look, I get...you had it hard. But you...are...beautiful. I know for a fact those numskulls would bed you if you batted an eye lash them. Just remember...you...are...beautiful. And speak of those numskulls that cooking meat is driving me nuts"

**Aurora:** "I've never been a great meat eater"

**Abraham**: "Probably should have mentioned that, but sure, we'll buy you both lunch later"

**Aurora:** "Speaking of finances. Since we can't depend on Gold Empire won't be footing our bills anymore"

**Abraham:** "Ha...nicely put. But you're not wrong. We do need money"

**Patrick:** "Why don't we try and casinos?"

**Riley**: "Awesome idea!"

**Aurora:** "Are you sure its a good idea to gamble what we have?"

**Riley:** "No need to worry girlfriend. I'm a killer poker player"

**Patrick:** "You would be, hearing heartbeats and all. Plus Abraham and I can cheat at the crabs tables"

**Aurora:** "I really don't feel comfy with this guys"

**Riley:** "What's the alternative?"

**Aurora:** "Ok fine

**Riley:** "This place is amazing!"

**Abraham:** "Food and drink is free, so long as you are gambling"

**Riley:** "I'll find the poker tables!"

**Patrick:** "And we'll find the crabs tables"

**Anita:** "Mind if I blow on the dice?"

(Patrick holds up his hand as she blows on the dice. Patrick then throws the dice hitting a winning score)

**Patrick:** "Alright!"

**Abraham:** "Nicely done my bud"

**Patrick:** "You try one of the other tables. Double up our stacks"

**Abraham:** "Good idea...and don't win too much"

(Abraham and Aurora leave as Patrick turns to Anita)

**Patrick:** "What's your name?"

**Anita:** "Anita"

**Patrick:** "So what brings a Kemiya like you to the City?"

**Anita:** "I love the nightlife and its a free city"

**Patrick:** "It does seem a hell of a place. Shame I'm only here for the night"

**Anita:** "That is a shame. Perhaps we should make it memorable"

**Patrick:** "I couldn't agree more"

(Patrick heads to t**h**e cashier, seeing Abraham there as well)

**Abraham:** "How much did you make?"

**Patrick**: "$42,000"

**Abraham:** "$48,000"

**Aurora:** "Does everything have to be a competition between the two of you?"

**Patrick:** "We're Kemiya's. We're going to get a drink. Catch up later?"

(Patrick walks off with Anita)

**Aurora:** "I dunno what it is, but I've a bad feeling about her"

**Abraham:** "Maybe, but he's either looking for a good fight, or a good time"

**Aurora:** "Oh I forgot. You Kemiya's are hopeless romantics"

**Abraham:** "Is that judgement I hear?"

**Anita**: "You never told me why you're in the city"

**Patrick**: "I'm actually just passing through. I'm...kind of on a quest"

**Anita:** "Tell me about it"

**Patrick**: "I...kind of can't. But...maybe someday. Also...if you're a Kemiya, why haven't you challenged either me or my friend?"

**Anita:** "The old ways are dead. Its more fun than life and death"

**Patrick:** "I agree. Plus, you're way too hot to kill"

**Anita:** "Confident. I like that in a man"

**Patrick:** "I've every reason to be so"

**Anita:** "Consider me impressed"

**Abraham:** "Feels good to have money now. Fancy a drink?"

**Aurora:** "Sure. What about Riley?"

**Abraham:** "I wouldn't worry about Riley"

(Looks across seeing Riley with a small mountain of chips)

**Abraham:** "Looks like Patrick is upstairs...having fun"

**Aurora:** "Envious are we?"

**Abraham:** "I guess I am"

**Aurora:** "I'll never understand how you can be like that"

**Abraham:** "Like what?"

**Aurora:** "Treating women like disposable pleasures, rather than meaningful pursuits"

**Abraham:** "Having a significant other is an attachment and attachments can be used against us"

**Aurora:** "So what does that make Riley and I?"

**Abraham:** "Its been done before Aurora. A few days ago with Riley. Remember?"

**Aurora:** "Ok first off...She wasn't being used against you. She was being used to get to the other wolves. And if we're so much of a burden, how about we relieve it from you"

(Aurora gets up but Abraham grabs her wrist)

**Abraham:** "What I said is true. But...doesn't mean that its not worth the risk. I like having you both around. I can't do this alone"

**Anita:** "Fabian?"

**Fabian:** "Anita?"

**Patrick:** "Fabian?!"

(Fabian looks at them both then into the bedroom)

**Fabian:** "Did you have sex with my girlfriend?"

**Patrick:** "Girlfriend?!"

**Anita:** "We're not dating anymore?"

**Fabian:** "What? Since when?!"

**Anita:** "Since Michael fired you and gave me the job. You think I want to date a loser?"

**Patrick:** "There are obviously some issues here so I'm going to let you both sort them out"

(Fabian attacks Patrick, locking their swords and pushing him out the balcony railings)

**Patrick:** "I guess she needed a real man"

**Fabian:** "Don't be stupid Patrick. If I hadn't of come in, you'd be dead"

**Patrick:** "Are you serious?!"

(Fabian swings at Patrick)

**Fabian:** "Why wouldn't I be?"

**Patrick:** "Considering your now ex just tried to kill us both!"

**Fabian:** "You had sex with her!"

(Patrick knees Fabian in the gut and pushes him off)

**Patrick:** "She obviously knew who I was and we still did it with no thought about you. Why do you still care?"

(Fabian swings up catching Patrick's arm)

**Fabian:** "If I bring Abraham back dead, I'll be rewarded for my efforts"

**Aurora:** "Is it really a good idea to be taking a train out of here?"

**Abraham:** "Anita retreated from the fight so she won't come after us now"

**Aurora:** "Is Patrick ok?"

**Abraham:** "I honestly don't know. He hasn't said a word since we left the casino"

**Aurora:** "Does anyone know what happened to Fabian?"

**Abraham:** "And you care because....?"

**Aurora:** "Well I....Isaw him get stabbed, so if he's injured, or if he was arrested, at least we won't have to worry about him chasing us down"

**Riley:** "Sorry I'm late guys!"

**Abraham:** "Cutting it a bit fine aren't we?"

**Michael:** "Anita! How are you?"

**Anita:** "Michael. I'm good. Just had a run in with the group"

**Michael:** "How did it go?"

**Anita:** "Honestly? I little easier than I thought"

**Michael:** "So why didn't you kill them?"

**Anita:** "I was a little outnumbered. The Witch was there and even Fabian. But I'll catch up to them in Lisbon"

**Michael:** "Fabian was there? Interesting"

**Anita:** "So how is the war going?"

**Michael:** "We're actually just outside of Saint Marina. Should fall shortly. Happy hunting!"