Story: Vincent VS Baron Part 4

## Description

The Agent; Michelle and Flynn make plans to restart FT Daleford. Under a new name Skornhold is established. Taking the fight to the SKOR.

### Saturday; September 20th 2014; 2:14pm

The week passes on by; Skornhold renovations have finished. Trucks from Central are unloading equipment into the building. The Agent is unlocking Roberts office with his key. Michelle looking back at Agent nervously.

The Agent turning to Michelle holding the door handle looking for her approval: “Here we are. You ready?” \*Michelle nodding. The Agent slowly opening the door into the office. Everything as it was. Completely untouched. The Agent: “Well… here we are.” \*Case files out of the drawers but Roberts desk still left with pens and paper. Michelle walking over to the desk sitting on the office chair. Pulling the desk drawers open. Smiling respectfully she picks out a plastic figurine. A soldier putting it on the desk. The agent looking over at Michelle: “There are some things his son didn’t take so we just left them in the drawers. Michelle hasn’t let go of Robert. She closes the drawers back up. Getting emotional she sits and stares at the soldier.

Michelle looking back up at the agent smiling: “I’m sorry.” The agent shaking his head: “No. That’s quite alright take as much time as you need.”

A man dropping a large metal box by The Agent's feet. The agent to the man: “Thank you very much. There should be some files listed for The main office in the back as well if you could just put them by the door.” \*The man nodding going off again. The Agent picking up the box and putting it on the desk showing Michelle: “This is yours.” Michelle looking up at the agent and then down again at the box. The agent passing Michelle the key and smiling. “You’ll like this stuff.” Michelle curiously opening the familiar metal lockbox. Inside is Skornhold equipment. A grey cloth band with Skornhold embroidered on it. A small pistol is lying inside pair with it an ID card attached to a black lanyard.

Michelle taking the ID card out remembering something. “If this makes things official. I need to ask you something.” (Michelle already knowing the answer to the question) The 17 year old Case File with me; Flynn and David. The ongoing one. Was that ever completed by Central?” The Agent scratching his head. “I’m not exactly sure. I mean I could take a look around for that file if you’d like and see it was or check within our databases… do you have the code for it or a specific date?” Michelle: “The case about the hunter.” \*The agent nodding. He is  aware of the case file Michelle is talking about. It was a very notorious case. The Agent looking up at Michelle confused: “Now that you mention it. I don’t think that case was ever marked as finished... “

Michelle now concerned: “So what do you think happened to the hunter? Why was there no follow up…” The Agent going back towards taking boxes that have been placed there by the unloader. He cuts the box open with a small pen knife retrieving the contents which consist of empty files and printouts. The Agent turning back to Michelle: “From what I was aware he vanished. Either went into hiding or was eliminated by a hunter without our knowledge. I could hunt down that case file if you’d like.” \*Michelle hoping the case file is that Elisa receive was not the real case file. “Yes. Please if you can.” The Agent flattening the now empty box. “You know what I can do that and one better now that this is official. Skornhold Operator.” The Agent smiling back at Michelle. Taking an ID card from his pocket. The agent closing the door behind him. “You should be allowed access into the a storage unit we’ve been using temporarily for FT Daleford things. How about as soon as we’ve sorted this stuff here I take you there and we look for it together.” Michelle is thinking it may very well be a waste of time but it’s worth a look.

Saturday; September 20th 2014; 3:03pm ===
Kyle is out at the area of the movie theatre. The Baron is getting angry that she is no closer to finding Elisa; but now she is starting to suspect Kyle is lying to her. Baron has the intention today of luring Elisa out into a place Baron would not usually be in. Baron standing against a wall. Her legs still scarred in the scuffle with Elisa. “You would do well not lying to me. Boy.”

Kyle nervously shaking his head: “I’m not lying. This town is big she must be laying low.” The lady going closer to the boy. Holding his faith with her dirt and blood stained hands. “If you don’t bring me something worthwhile today. I will make things incredibly hard for you. I think you’re forgetting who your loyalty lies with. Runt.” Baron snarling at Kyle. Kyle closing his eyes terrified of Baron. “No… I’ll get her.” Kyle knows how Jane was the last time Baron attacked Elisa. Kyle is considering speaking to Alex about her plans but knows it is likely if Alex fails to fight Baron she’ll return to Kyle and kill Jane. Barons full intent to leave him alone in the world as punishment.

Kyle begins to bolt down the streets running back towards his home. Jane is ironing clothes as Kyle opens the door in a panic slamming it behind him. Tears in his eyes. Kyle pleading to Jane: “Baron is getting worse… she wants Elisa I can’t keep hiding her. She wants Elisa dead.”

Jane hugging Kyle tightly. “What do we do?”

### Saturday; September 20th 2014; 3:22pm

Elisa is in the apartment taking a well earned break. Her feet up against the chair lying back reading though the newspaper. It seems no more reports coming from Earls Close but as she continues reading she can see more and more missing reports coming from near Barons’ Nest.

Elisa is in trouble as she realizes she can’t contact Michelle or fight Baron herself. Not unless she can get the upperhand first. Elisa can hear a buzzing. Her mobile is vibrating on the table. Elisa picking it up. Michelle is on the other end.

Elisa putting the phone to her ear. Elisas’ eyes being drawn to the case file on the desk. Michelle confused: “That file is missing from storage. Elisa. Who sent you that file?” Elisa unsure: “I couldn’t say.” Michelle querying: “How on earth would they know you even exist… I mean this happened 17 years ago. David found you 15 years ago. That was 2 years after the case. Right?” Elisa agreeing: “That’s true. He found me 15 years ago… so.” Elisa knowing it is unlikely this person is aware she was around prior to that as David kept her a very well guarded secret; Elisa thinking nervously now: “Could he still have access to a database or something… I mean what if he wasn’t the only one that infiltrated HQ.” Michelle now scared: “Great. So now we’ve got someone on the inside.” Elisa cautiously: “He sent it to the house not my current address…” Michelle feels as though the person doesn’t actually know where Elisa lives which means there are pieces they are missing. “So obviously he doesn’t have all of the facts then, right?” Michelle wondering then thinking about it. “Elisa; becareful. There might be someone trying to get close to you. It’s what they do. As soon as I found a picture… something of them. I’ll send it back to you. Until then just don’t expose yourself.”

Elisa grateful: “Thank you Michelle. I will.” Elisa hanging the phone up thinking a lot about this. Elisa is now aware that this could be a very real problem. Not only does she have a mysterious SKOR trying to find her she has to make sure that a SKOR doesn’t kill Kyle or his mother. Thoughts are running through Elisas’ head. Elisa is starting to question how much she really trusts the people who she considers close friends but also thinking about people she has only just met. Time has passed by and she thinks nothing of Alex as he and Mark have become friends but something about the way he acts around her is rubbing Elisa the wrong way.

Elisa feels she is thinking far too much about it so she makes her way to bed.

### Sunday; September 21st 2014; 4:58am

That night Elisa has a nightmare. She is being chased by Mark around the place of work. He is trying to shoot her; as she turns a corner. Mark is there. Gun towards her his face twisting to a SKOR like appearance. Elisa waking up as mark shoots her down. Elisa waking up. The time is 5:00am. Elisa can hear metal clanging about outside nervously she gets up and starts making her way to the window. Nothing.

Elisa is getting paranoid now. She doesn’t feel as safe in her own home but she is thankful that whoever it is that’s getting close to her doesn’t know where she lives. Elisa is having trouble getting back to sleep that night. Worrying about friends turning on her strong in her mind. What if they know what she is. Elisa feels as if she can’t bring Michelle and FT Daleford further into it in case it reveals some secrets about what she is… not to mention the risk of exposing her secrets working unofficially as a hunter. Elisa has an early shower at 7:00am and goes for an early morning walk for some fresh air to help her think.

### Sunday; September 21st 2014; 9:23am

Later that morning; Michelle is sitting in her new office; still thinking about Elisa and the Case File. The database is still offline for the Skornhold building. The Agent is trying to reconnect their database to the Central System which contains a lot of archived data on Daleford prior to its closure. Michelle is looking through the photocopied file. Michelle throwing the photocopy back under her desk as the agent returns to the room. “I can’t seem to get through to the IT guys yet so give me a minute. I might have to call a technician down… and they all seem busy so it might take a week or so. If that’s alright by you.” \*Michelle concerned because of the file and her inability to be able to connect to the systems: “A week? But could Skornhold still operate.”

\*The agent nodding: “Absolutely. You don’t need access to Central Systems to work cases. I guess I didn’t really go over procedures though did I? So I’ll get you trained up on how to use the database properly and then once all that’s sorted out the database should update on Centrals’ side.”

\*The Agent getting beside Michelles’ desk clicking on the software; the computer struggling to load it: “but forget about our servers I think these computers need an upgrade. I’ll bet you they’re still on old processors. The Agent is going over how the computer system works. Pointing to the database tables. Michelle listening intently. Flynn walking in on the two doing a demo. Placing a large file on the table. Flynn asking Michelle: “You’ve got the key? I’ve got my first mission.” \*Michelle taking the file and reading it. She shakes her head. “No Flynn; Take something smaller you have to ease yourself into it.” \*Flynn rolling his eyes. Grunting. “Fine.” Flynn knows he has to but he just wants to kill SKOR.

Agent: “You’ve got some dedication there Flynn. Our training facilities are still open if you need to practice. That goes for any new trainees you pick up as well.”

Flynn turning to the Agent. His offer peaking his interest. Flynn turning to Michelle: “Would that make you feel better?” Michelle nodding. “I am not against that; but please don’t over exert yourself. Nothing is more important than your own health and well being.” Flynn grunting. Michelle knows with how he was after the closure that he didn’t stop wanting to practice; overworking himself to the point of becoming unhealthy.

Preparations in HQ finishing. Baron is out in the cold autumn morning watching the area for potential sites to catch Elisa once and for all. Her bare feet squelching through the mud leaving large footprints eventually approaching a swing set. Baron stands with her human appearance watching Kyle and Jane chat in the park.

Kyle is playing football with his human friends. Baron smilling maliciously. She is beginning to believe that Kyle is lying to her.

Baron begins to follow Kyle and Jane as they go into the car. Baron turning to a familiar vehicle. Vincent’s car. Kyle turning to his friends and his mother exclaiming to wait. Running over to the car he is talking to Vincent. Baron still hiding herself starts to listen to the conversation close her eyes.

She can hear them. Vincent to Kyle: “I’ve found Elisa. As have you. I think it’s clear that both of us have a duty still. Keep it between us and I guarantee yours and Jane’s safety. Warn Baron… and I’ll kill both of you.”

Kyle shaking and nodding. Upset. “I haven’t told her… or Elisa I haven’t told her either. I won’t alright? Just tell me what you want me to do!”

Vincent muttering: “befriend her. Get to know her and sweet talk her… if she mentions anything about me or the case relay it to me. I know she is starting to trust you… can you at least do that?”

\*Kyle nodding nervously. Vincent smiling starting the engine up. “Good man.” Vincent driving away. Baron gritting her teeth snarling. Growling quietly to herself: “Equal… you’ve pushed it too far.” Baron getting up from behind the wall looking in the direction Vincent’s car drove off towards. Then turning back to Kyle and Jane. She begins to walk back to Franston and starts to contemplate on her next course of action against Vincent.

### Monday; September 22nd 2014; 9:45am

The following day the tired Elisa has just driven into work. Alex and Mark both waving towards Elisa. Elisa still shaken up by the conversation she had previously with Michelle. Elisa just waving quietly walks towards the printer. Bill approaching Elisa putting his hand out. “Woah! Hold on. How’s your arm doing today? I can’t expect you to lift boxes if you can’t do it. Alright?” \*Elisa nodding. Bill handing Elisa the clipboard. A couple of returns are listed. Bill to Elisa: “Again. Some more easy odd jobs to do. If you seriously injure your arm you’re not going to just be down for a week.”  \*Bill patting Elisa on the back and smiling as he turns around to get back to whatever it was he was doing.

Elisa exhaling in annoyance going back to the easy jobs given again. Alex and Mark looking at Elisa as she wanders off on her own down into the darkness of the warehouse. Elisa thinking to herself: “This is probably for the best. I’d rather be isolated today.”

Without warning the loud and obnoxious voice of Alex echoes down the corridor: “ELISA!” \*Elisa spinning around as alex runs up to her. Alex waving his arms in the air: “Hey me and Mark are going out for dinner today. You want to join us? It’s on the house!” \*Alex smiling. Elisa nodding. Elisa thinking to herself: “I suppose dinner wouldn’t hurt…”

Alex turning back: “See you outside at the end of shift then.” \*Alex walking away back towards Mark.

### Monday; September 22nd 2014; 5:49pm

Later just before the end of Elisas’ shift Baron is making her way towards Jane and Kyle’s house. A large malicious grin across her face; she continues as she approaches the residence closer and closer. The lights are on in the living room. Inside Kyle and Jane are watching television together.

As Baron climbs over the back garden of the house she reveals herself. Using her sharp claws and small slender build she begins to climb up a large water duct up to a bedroom window. Pulling the window further open she climbs her way into the bedroom. As Baron lowers herself into the room she turns away kicking a large glass tumbler from the window ledge. The tumbler smashing against the floor. Kyle and Jane hearing the smash looking up with fright. Kyle fearing Baron’s presence in the house. Baron is walking around upstairs. Her feet making contact with the broken glass on the floor. Blood is trickling down from the soles of her feet trailing blood along the carpet.

Baron not even flinching at the pain continues to walk towards the stair landing. Staring towards the bedrooms in the hallway. All the lights are off upstairs it appears nobody is up there. Baron catches earshot of clanging around downstairs.

Jane making a run towards the kitchen grabbing a knife from off the table.

Kyle looking up the staircase shaking. Baron sniffing the air; he nose picking up on Kyle and Jane downstairs.

The two nervously waiting for the feet to come down the staircase; and just as they predicted. A foot on the staircase. Kyle swallowing has he sees the foot of the familiar; jagged Baron walking down the staircase. Kyle closing his eyes; shivering now at the site of the monstrosity.

Baron mocking Kyle: “You’ve taken too long. Kyle I asked you for the child… you’re going to bring Elisa to me…” \*Jane hiding behind the door. Baron smelling the sweat dripping off of Jane’s back as she is fearful of Baron. She can hear her panicked breathing. Baron turning towards the door.

Baron mocking Jane: “Whatever you’re planning meatbag. It’s futile.” Jane running from behind the wall with the knife in her hand. Baron grabbing Jane’s arms crushing it tightly with her strong grip pulling it above Jane. “Here we are… such a pathetic attempt at my life. I congratulate you for your stupidity.” The Baron kicks Jane to the floor. Taking the knife from her hand and throwing it next to her. The knife narrowly missing her arm as it falls down blade first. Baron placing her foot on Jane’s chest her glass covered feet against her throat. “You don’t realise how lucky you are right now. Runt. If it wasn’t my equal betraying my trust I would’ve torn Jane apart right in front of your eyes… but as it turns out you’re my ticket. So this is how it is going down.”

Baron snarling and growling at Kyle as Kyle looks at Jane worried looking at her face as she is suffering. Worried for her. Kyle nodding as he continues to watch Jane carefully. Pausing then looking up at Baron nodding nervously.

Baron snarling: “You’re going to bring the girl to my nest; and I’m going to take Jane until she arrives and finish her off.

My equal will then come looking for the runt… and I’m going to tear him apart as well for his betrayal. If you don’t do it.” Baron pushing harder against Jane.

\*Kyle shaking. Baron glaring at Kyle “Don’t waste my time anymore. Runt.”

\*Kyle shaking his head quickly sobbing: “No. I’ll do it!” Kyle pleads for Baron not to hurt Jane anymore. He walks over to the phone and begins to call up Elisa.

As Elisa is eating pizza with Alex and Mark she takes out her phone and answers it. Elisa putting her hand up telling Alex and Mark that she just needs to take a call goes outside: “Jane..?” \*Kyle is on the other end of the phone: “E… Elisa.” Kyle nervously. Elisa concerned: “What’s wrong Kyle?” Elisa worried for Kyle. Kyle is just sobbing uncontrollably into the phone. Elisa worried Kyle might have done something or something might have happened to Jane. Elisa unnerved asking: “Kyle; Is Jane there with you?” \*Kyle isn’t talking. Elisa to Kyle: “I’ll be right there.”

Elisa hanging the phone up she goes towards Alex; Mark and Lewis apologetically: “I’m sorry you guys. Something has just come up. It’s an emergency.” \*\*Alex and Mark nodding. Alex suspects that whatever it is has something to do with Kyle and Baron. Soon after Elisa leaves Alex sneaks out following behind her. Leaving Mark with Paul and Lewis who are too busy to notice Elisa getting up and leaving.

Back at the home of Kyle and Jane the Baron is smiling. Pleased with herself. “What a performance. I applaud you runt. Don’t think I can’t smell a lie. I can.”

Baron lifting her foot off of Jane. Bending down she picks up the knife ushering Jane to the sofa. Throwing the knife across the room holding her long sharp talons to the throat of Jane. “Here is what’s going to happen you… Jane. You’re coming with me back to my usual location… and Kyle. You’re going to stay here. “ Jane terrified walks with Baron to the car. Jane pulling the car out of the driveway the group speeding down towards the Cinema.

Kyle is left panicking in the living room. He blames himself for not giving up Elisa. He had a choice and he feels he backed the wrong horse. If he didn’t try to save Elisa his mother would have been safe. After 10 minutes Elisa’s car makes it to his house. Parking outside she gets out and knocks on the door. A kyle hastily opening the front door peeking outside nervously. Looking up towards Elisa. His eyes red and his composure panicked.

Kyle is angry at Elisa for getting involved. Blaming her for his mother getting taken yelling towards Elisa: “This is your fault. I choose between you and my own mother and now she’s going to die.” \*Elisa shaking her head feeling sympathetic at Kyle: “No… I didn’t want this.”

Elisa caring for Jane’s safety: “Where is she now?” Kyle looking back down at the door. Speaking solemnly: “Franston…”

\*Elisa running into the kitchen looks for a weapon. Turning to the ground. The large knife Baron threw away earlier. Elisa picking it up off the floor gestures for Kyle to follow her. Running out to her car she gets in the driver's seat. Kyle jumping in a back seat. Elisa driving at great speed towards Franston.

Not much longer. Alex approaches the house of Kyle and Jane. The front door is open. Alex driving continues to follow Elisa. His first plan to check her usual spot he knows this has something to do with Baron.

### Monday; September 22nd 2014; 7:15pm

In what felt like a 30 minutes a whole 10 minutes had passed. Elisa stopping outside the cinema in Franston. Knife in hand. Elisa noticing Jane’s car parked in the parking lot. Nobody is inside. It is likely Jane was dragged out by baron… or threatened out. Elisa walking into the area she first encountered Baron nervously runs down the alleyway… and just as she thought. There stood Baron. Her eyes glaring at Elisa her sharp claws around Jane’s throat. Gripping it tightly. Baron maliciously gloating to Elisa: “You look absolutely terrible. That fight really took it out of you didn’t it?”

\*Baron walking towards Elisa. “If you don’t use your natural instincts now you will die.” \*Elisa nervously looking around towards Kyle. Looking towards Jane as she is panicking. Her breath heavy. Elisa can see the fear in her eyes.

Alex sight on the battlefield. Standing a top of a garage watching Elisa as she slowly approaches Baron. Elisa: “Why does it matter to you what I do. It’s my choice?” \*Elisa clutching the large kitchen knife in her hand. The Baron snorting: “You’re a runt; you don’t get to choice. Those weaker shall serve me… now here is what’s going to happen…” \*Baron pointing to Elisa: “You’re my underling now. Runt.”

Elisa closing her eyes: “Never. I’d never work for you; you’re repulsive.” \*Baron clutching the throat of Jane tighter. Shaking her head. “No… you don’t get to speak in your position.” \*The baron putting her face close to Jane’s face breathing her hot; foul breath on her throat. “I’ve already beaten you so my rules dictate that if you can’t beat me… then you’ve only one option.” \*Elisa shaking her head. “No. I want to fight you again. I was unprepared last time.” \*Elisa looking down at the ground. Baron intrigued smiling sinisterly. She throws Jane to the ground. Releasing the grip on her throat. “Bring it on.” \*Baron raising her arms up in the air in an intimidating pose. “It’s not my fault if you have a deathwish runt.” \*Baron charging towards Elisa at alarming speed.

Elisa knowing that this time  she has to use her abilities or it will very likely end badly for her. Elisa still disguised begins to run around in circles as she considers her options. Baron yelling: “You don’t have time to think about it. Stop wussing out and show me what you look like already!” \*Baron slashing her claws above Elisa’s head. Elisa dodging out of the way. Hitting the ground. Elisa can feel the pain on her arm as she rolls against the floor. Getting up quick she continues running. Elisa now un-disguising her body. Relaxing herself. Her body growing sharper and twisted. Elisa now moving much faster her body more suited for running in this state starts using obstacles. Jumping over bin she starts to create unnecessary trouble for Baron. Clawing the cans away.

The can hitting Elisa knocking her over. Baron approaching Elisa as she lays on the floor clutching her shoulder. The blood leaking through the bandage. Baron hissing at Elisa: “I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep things up for much longer. Why aren’t you even fighting me?” \*Elisa smiling closing her eyes. She bought enough time to get Jane and Kyle away. Baron looking around. “Where is… the runt… the human.” Baron snarling and hissing at Elisa. “You stupid runt!” \*Baron throwing her claws towards Elisas’ face. Elisa lifting the knife up jabbing it into the palm of Baron’s hand kicking her off. Baron flying backwards clumsily landing on her blood stained feet. The blade is wedged into Baron’s hand penetrating right through it. Blood dripping onto Elisa. Baron is laughing. “Oh my. You actually got me. Just think how much better things could have gone in our first fight.” \*The baron walking close to Elisa. Elisa holding her shoulder still.

\*Baron looking down towards Elisa: “I don’t want to kill you runt. I want to see too it that you’re forever scarred. A fate worse than death for you would be a future where you cannot walk the streets of these humans without people seeing you for what you really are.” \*Baron pulling the knife out from her hand. The blood soaking Elisa’s clothing as she lies in pain on the floor.

Without warning 3 gunshots can be heard in the distance. Elisa panicking looking up; behind Baron the silhouette of another SKOR turning around and bolting away. The barons word cease. Baron snarling turning around to the direction of the bullets. Before knowing who it was the black figure who fired the gun is now gone. Baron laughing again. “My equal… Of course.” Baron continues laughing manically as the Skor walks away bleeding from the chest. Elisa out of breath getting up slowly off of the floor. Baron walking away speaking incoherently to herself.

Elisa watching closely as Baron walks away. Elisa following after her still exhausted. Picking up the large kitchen knife from off the floor. Elisa hoping to get answers from Baron. Baron leaving a trail of blood as she bleeds from a wound in her upper and lower back.

Baron turning around to Elisa. Elisa with the knife in her hand. Baron is still smiling maliciously: “He doesn’t see it yet.” Elisa confused: “See what?” Baron turning around leaning against the brick wall. “He hopes to change you… but it’s pretty obvious to me that won’t happen... “ Baron smiling “He likes you.” Elisa unsure what Baron is talking about. “Who? Who are you talking about?”

Baron lowering to her knees as she continues to bleed out. “My equal.” Elisa getting tired of Baron concealing his identity: “Who. Surely you know his name.” \*Baron struggling to her feet. “Finish me off. Go on I’m right in front of you in no condition to fight. Elisa shaking her head. Elisa dropping the knife to the floor. “I need answers… and I don’t want to kill you. Not when you’re already dead.” Elisa glaring at Baron. Baron clapping Elisa: “Oh my. That is a beautiful sentiment…” Baron laughing again. Coughing up blood. Baron looking up at Elisa as Elisa towers over her. “Titled the redeemer… I think he sees himself in you. Perhaps he is hoping you come to the same realisation as he did… or perhaps he is just holding onto false hope; but I see you’re too far gone. There is no redemption for you, you’re going to learn the hard way when the human friends turn their guns on you. What would you do then?”

\*Elisa shaking her head: “They won’t.” \*Elisa clenching her fists. Baron weakly laughing at Elisa. “Oh? You really believe they’d still care about you if they find you out to be one of us? As soon as that happens you’ll be hunted down just like my Equal was.” \*Elisa shaking her head. “No. Vincent turned his gun on the hunters and began hunting them down. I’m not hunting down my allies.” \*Elisa bending down picking the knife from off the floor. She stares at Baron. Baron smiling. “Finish me off. Kill me.” Elisa contemplating. Clutching the knife tightly. Elisa pausing. Elisa thinking: “The Baron is going to die if I leave her to bleed out.” Elisa looking into the reflection of the knife up at her face. Her human face. Elisa turning back to Baron. Baron growing weaker. Elisa turning around walks away from Baron. Baron is now snarling at Elisa. “You’re walking away? You’ve got nothing inside you… Just what kind of hunter are you? We’re prime hunters. Killing machines and you… you just prance about like the humans. Pathetic! Absolutely pathetic!” Baron gasping as she begins to growl at Elisa. Hissing. Coughing up more blood. Elisa continues walk back towards her car. The knife stained with the blood of Baron.

Baron closing her eyes as her energy leaves her body. Elisa getting into the car putting the knife on her dashboard. Making her way back home.

Meanwhile Alex is returning to where Baron is lying. Alex satisfied. Mocking Baron as she lies unconscious: “You looked so pathetic. Even Elisa didn’t want to kill you.”

Alex walking towards Baron a text on his phone from Mark. Realizing he needs to return to the restaurant he does a U Turn leaving Baron alone. Driving back towards Mark.

At daybreak. The body of Baron lying still. Her eyes blinking open.

### Tuesday; September 23rd 2014;  6:04am

Michelle waking up. Her head resting against Roberts desk.

Michelle realizing she must’ve fell asleep after sitting up all night in the office. Association

Michelle looking through the case file that Flynn took out and left on the desk. It reports of multiple SKOR sightings at Franston. Michelle flicking through the file her eyes staring intently at the pictures in the case file. A large feral SKOR unlike any she has seen before. More animalistic and wild in appearance.

Michelle imitating what the Agent taught her about the database. Michelle creating an entry on the potential SKOR. Filing it under the title “The Street Devil” after the familiar pictures from the viral video. Michelle taking her phone out begins to contact Flynn. The phone ringing Flynn picking it up: “Michelle; What is it?”

Flynn curious as to why Michelle decided to call so early in the morning. Michelle responding: “I just started reading that case file you picked up. I know I said we shouldn’t take up anything… big but well given that the other cases are more speculative at best I think it might pay to at least have a look.” Michelle pausing then realizing. “Together though Flynn.”

That putting a smile on his face. Flynn remarking: “Just like old times then. Flynn just glad to be getting back out in the field again getting tired of chasing up false leads a lot of them small references to Elisa’s exploits but with nowhere near enough detail to make it noticeable or even traceable. Michelle commanding Flynn or at least attempting to: “Swing by the office as soon as you can… that is an order.” Michelle failing to sound authoritative. Flynn just smiling; mocking Michelle in good fun: “Aye aye captain.”

### Monday; September 22nd 2014; 06:42am

Back at home Elisa is lying on the bed in her apartment thinking hard about the SKOR behind her. Elisa now truly believing Vincent is back. Elisa wondering what Vincent was saying: “So; Vincent… somehow he knows who I am but if that was Vincent how and why did he save me?

Maybe what the Baron said is true… but what on earth did she mean. ‘Same Realisation? He sees himself in me. A hunter… He killed his own kind? so what changed what made him attack Daleford... “ Elisa putting her hands on her face still thinking “I don’t even know who Vincent is… if Michelle would just hurry up with that picture…: \*Elisas phone buzzing. A call from Michelle on the other end. Elisa picking up the phone off the nightstand answering it.

Michelle talking curiously to Elisa: “Do you have an hour or so to spare?” Elisa turning her head to the clock. 6:48am she has time to kill. Elisa responding back. “I have time what do you need?

Michelle to Elisa: “If you know where Franston is could you swing by me and Flynn are working on a case file. I don’t know since are talk at HQ I thought it might help us get some answers about who sent you that case file. Drop by as soon as you can.”

Elisa responding: “I will come by as soon as I can.” \*Elisa getting up off the bed as Elisa does so Michelle quietly: “That case file you have is the real case file Elisa. Whoever sent it wanted your attention for one reason or another. So just becareful. Make sure you aren’t being followed.”

Michelle hanging up the phone the conversation ending on Michelle’s advice. Elisa putting the phone down next to the sink grabs a fresh towel and clean clothes.

### Monday; September 22nd 2014; 7:03am

Later in Franston; Michelle and Flynn are looking at the street.

Michelle to Flynn: “This place is starting to go the way of Crawsons Street. What a dump.” Fear greatly affecting the area just as it is with the others.

Flynn turning to Michelle: “The Crawsons effect… that’s what you and him called it.” Michelle nodding and smiling. The group continuing down the litter infested streets. Many of the shops shuttered down with to let signs.

Michelle and Flynn continuing towards the cinema. Michelle looking up the sign. Michelle reminiscing; “My mum took me over here when I was a kid. Can’t say the movie was any good… the popcorn was expensive and all I can remember is this tall guys head in my face. My mum noticed me getting frustrated so we swapped seats. Didn’t really make a difference I wasn’t much a fan of cartoons when I was younger.” Flynn shaking his head: “Never went at all. My parents were always busy… and not here and all.” \*Michelle looking at Flynn. “I forgot you said you moved here in 1997. Right?”

Flynn nodding. “It must’ve been winter here.” Michelle disagreeing laughing to herself: “Or you weren’t used to this classic British weather.” Flynn looking back at the cinema a sad expression on his face.

Michelle remembering: “You lost them a few years later. I did too.”

Flynn leaning against a wall. Sadness in his eyes: “It was June of 1997. I was in the living room watching a rerun of a sci fi tv show. I start hearing this noise outside… at the time you know I don’t think much of it but then it just grows more and more intense.

A scratching sound and the sound of a knife cutting into meat or… I don’t know. As I looked out the window to check I just caught glimpse of a silhouette in the shed across the yard. This things face turns to me and looks at me. I stare at it… I couldn’t move the face on that thing was… it was wrong. I backed up nearly tripping on the coffee table the eyes still focused on me. The thing then starts walking out of the shed. I nearly throw up. That bastard covered head to toe in blood and god knows what. I bolt out of the living room and shut the living room door behind me and I just… “

Michelle shaking her head. Suggesting Flynn to stop. Michelle removing a tissue from a small black pouch handing it to flynn. Flynn smiling at Michelle: “I’m good.” passing up on Michelle’s offer. Michelle pocketing the ticket.

Flynn curious: “Who are we waiting for?”

Michelle turning to Flynn. Elisa’s car parking up besides them. Flynn confused. Elisa getting out of the car.

Flynn rolls his eye. Judgingly “David's adopted daughter?” Michelle annoyed at Flynn: “You make it sound like a bad thing but you and I both know you’d be judging me no matter who I brought here. Forget that… she has something to share.”

Elisa shutting door catching sight of Flynn. Becoming nervous. Elisa thinking to herself: “What if he can tell… he has been fooled before. If I knew Flynn was coming I would of stayed at home. Let’s just hope to hell he doesn’t notice me.” Elisa waving smiling at Flynn and Michelle.

Flynn remaining quiet in the presence of Elisa. Michelle elbowing Flynn. Michelle annoyed to Flynn: “Well. Go on.” Flynn turning his head away from Elisa. Pausing for a moment. Then looking back towards Elisa again. “Sorry.” Flynn apologetic. Elisa shaking her head: “I get it. So what is this about Michelle?”

Michelle shrugging. “Did you see the video that went Viral?” \*Elisa shaking her head. “No I don’t tend to keep up with anything on the internet.” \*Michelle getting her phone out browsing the internet. Holding her other finger up as she scrolls through the news feed. “Hold on a second.” Michelle eventually finding the video. Passing the phone to Elisa. Elisa checking the video.

Michelle: “Anything like the SKOR that attacked you?” \*Flynn confused looking at Elisa. Michelle turning to Flynn: “Oh… right. Elisa was attacked by a SKOR.” Almost as a switch flicks on Flynn’s head. Flynn starting to speak up. Flynn believing truthfully that if Elisa was SKOR she’d have not been attacked by her own kind. For now Elisa is kept safe.

Flynn turning to Elisa: “You should have told me sooner Michelle. If I knew that…” \*Michelle shaking her head. “Yes. You’re right. I completely forgot; sorry about that. Anyway; looking into that case file it would appear to be a perfect example of living in the shadows.

That video seems to match the SKOR in the description of the case file. There aren’t any… obvious photos given the age of this file…” Flynn interrupting Michelle to bash on Central: “I was under the impression a Central Agent or Specialist was supposed to take over any contract or bounties here. That’s what they promised when they closed the facility… but that case file. It hasn’t been touched since May last year. What a joke.”

Michelle groaning quietly. “Yes… it has been open for a while. Meaning this SKOR has been hunting under our very noses for a while. It has done a good job surviving for this long. It seems to change up where it gets its food but… not quite enough and too frequent. There is a pattern as I’ve marked up on this here.” \*Michelle showing Flynn a hand drawn map of feeding grounds. There are 4 feeding grounds in proximity to Franston. Flynn looking on surprised. “So… we’re right in the middle…?” Michelle responding: “We may very well be in the centre.”

Flynn: “Perhaps they don’t want to shit where they eat.” Flynn suggesting. Michelle nodding: “It would seem likely. This place has the tell tale signs of a nest… now if this viral video is correct. This SKOR is no doubt an alpha type.” Flynn agreeing. “The body proportions very indicative of an Alpha variety. Which is troubling to say the least.”

Elisa looking up at Michelle: “An Alpha Variety. Stronger right?” Michelle nodding: “Faster…” Flynn replying: “And their senses are above average.” Elisa looking around Franston nervous about Baron still. Elisa thinking to herself: “Baron was an alpha type SKOR. She is dead now thanks to me and I assume Vincent earlier… but I’m sure it won’t be long for another SKOR to take her place. She was dominant in this place. It’s likely someone will  want to claim that title.” Michelle subtly checking her holster making sure her pistol is loaded. Michelle to the group: “I say we do a quick sweep of the area. What about you guys?” Flynn nodding: “but I suggest we stick together.” \*Michelle agreeing and turning to Elisa. Elisa looking up at Michelle confused. Michelle questioning Elisa: “Are you alright with helping us out?” \*Elisa nodding “I don’t mind. I want to understand what my father did with his… time. Hopefully learn where he went. You know?” Michelle smiling: “I understand; Elisa this may very well be for the best.” Flynn looking to Michelle judging her again. Michelle responding: “It’s okay. Following the guidelines provided we don’t let her fight she can observe. We can also give her training whilst not exactly popular with the FT Financial department things are alright. That is provided ss long as Elisa doesn’t start working as a hunter and uses the skills taught only in self defense it’s alright.” \*Flynn nodding the answer Michelle gave him satisfying him for now.

Flynn to Elisa: “I cannot blame you. I would feel a lot more comfortable at night knowing my big brother could protect himself but I don’t trust him enough not to blab. His big mouth would cost me a lot of money than I could ever hope to afford.” Flynn folding his arms.

Michelle gesturing Elisa and Flynn to follow after her. They trio begin to make their way down the street. As they make their way down the street Michelle catches sight of blood droplets on the pavement. Michelle bending down. The trail leading away from the battlefield of Baron from last night.

Elisa thinking to herself panicking: “Shit. Did I leave a trail of blood last night… or god no.”

Flynn seeing the same blood trail walks slowly into the alleyway his hand hovering over the holster. Flynn to Michelle: “I’ll watch the front; keep on my six would you Michelle?” \*Michelle agreeing: “Roger that.”

Michelle watching closely Elisa knowing full well that she could quite easily defend herself is she needed too. Flynn making his way over to the bins. Elisa’s eyes towards it. Staring nervously. The trail of blood extends too far. Flynn looking around the bins. Baron is gone.

Elisa’s breath growing manic; her chest tightening.

Elisa panicked; Elisa looking around the trail going the opposite way. Flynn turning to Michelle and Elisa: “It must’ve fled. Seems to be injured though. They can’t have gone far.” Michelle to Flynn: “We need to find it and fast. It’s likely going to be quite easy to spot.”

Michelle and Flynn turning around following the trail of blood back around. The trail of blood extending for quite a while before stopping. Elisa nervously trailing further behind. Michelle turning noticing Elisa distancing herself: “No need to be scared Elisa. Stick with us you’ll be safe I promise.” \*Elisa nodding timidly. Elisa isn’t scared of Baron she is scared of meeting Baron and having them identify her. It would be a very difficult conversation to explain to Flynn and Michelle that she had attempted to fight Baron. Not just that but also having Baron potentially expose Elisa as a SKOR.

Elisa can smell that the blood of Baron is faint. It’s likely she was here but she walked away. Either that or her body was moved. Elisa thinking again at the SKOR that she saw last night save her life. Wondering who it was. Elisa looking at Flynn and Michelle contemplating to herself: “If the Baron sees me she could quite easily identify me… Baron sustained multiple gunshot wounds. There was no way she could have survived that… not without help. So who helped Baron? For the blood trail to stop she must’ve gotten into a vehicle. It ends right at this footpath. Have Michelle and Flynn not noticed?”

Flynn to the two: “I think the trail has gone cold. If the SKOR was here it is gone now. That was an awful lot of blood around the bins.” Michelle agreeing: “It seems this SKOR isn’t working alone. Which honestly confuses me. Just who are they working with?” Michelle shrugging: “Maybe it was a different SKOR… I mean just how many are there in town. It must’ve been years since any of them were cleared out. This has grown to be a safe space for them.”

Elisa thinking to herself: “Not as many as people think… not as many who are out in the wild anyway. No thanks to Central” Flynn turning to Elisa and Michelle: “So what do we do. It’s obviously still out there.” Michelle cutting Flynn short: “Here is hoping they succumb to their injuries.” Flynn questioning the situation: “and if they don’t?” Michelle sighing: “Well they’ve got to eat sometime…” Flynn shaking his head unsatisfied with the response: “So they’re just going to kill again. Son of a bitch…”

Michelle turning up noticing a CCTV camera attached to a shop. Elisa looking in the direction Michelle is facing. Michelle turning around smiling at Flynn. Michelle: “We could try and check that.” \*Michelle pointing to the CCTV camera. Elisa nervous. Elisa worrying now to herself: “Shit. I’ll be on that. I need to think of something before they view the hard drive.”

Michelle looking both ways starts to cross the road over to the small corner shop.

Elisa gasping for breath. The CCTV camera appears to be out of action. The wires are sticking out and the camera is smashed. Michelle disappointed.

Flynn shrugging: “It’s not looking so good but maybe we could still try and get something of of it. Let’s not give up now.” \*Flynn walking around to the back of the corner shop. Knocking on the back alley door hard.

Michelle turning the corner to Flynn as he folds his arms waiting patiently outside. After 2 minutes of constant pounding Michelle remarks: “I don’t think anybody's home.” On queue as Michelle says that a frail old clerk pulls the heavy wooden door open. Adjusting his glasses looking rather disgruntled.

The angry old shop clerk groaning: “It’s early. The shop isn’t opening what do you want?” The old man lifts up his glasses and starts to rub his eyes. Readjusting his glasses again. It appears he has just gotten out of bed.

Flynn shaking his head: “Look. We need to ask you about the CCTV camera outside your shop. Does it still work?” The shop clerk shaking his head: “No of course it doesn’t. I can barely afford to keep this shop running let alone pay to repair that camera out there.”
Michelle trying to be polite: “We’re working on behalf of the law sir; may we come in and ask you some questions?” The old man shaking his head. “Who are you? I need to see som I.D.” Michelle sighing. Something she remembers from her time trying to gather intel. Michelle pulling out her wallet an ID card with her face on labelled “Skornhold” in small text below it “In association with FT.” The man squinting closely at the I.D card holding his glasses up. The old man shaking his head. “What is skrohole?” badly mispronouncing the name of Skornhold. Michelle shaking her head. “Skornhold, sir. We’re a private company investigating something on behalf of a client.” The man holding his glasses towards Michelle. The old man also misreading Michelle’s name “Mickelle? Why I can help you… if this is in regards to the noise I keep hearing across the road. I need someone to deal with those people they’re scaring away my business… even that viral video has completely destroyed any hope I had of this dump.” \*The man throwing his arms in the air as he invites Michelle; Flynn and Elisa inside. Slamming the door behind him.