Night of Terrors

#### **Summary**

The group decide to stop in a small town to get clothes for Riley and Aurora, but end up staying the night, only to learn the residents live in fear of fearsome night creatures that terrorize the town after sundown. Aurora meanwhile struggles to contain her disdain for Patrick and Abraham

#### **Plot**

**Hillfar. North Lake Oakroy. 5 Miles West of Draganiza**

The group arrive in a small town. They head to a small hotel in the forested area. Abraham comments how much he loves forests and how it provides a great training area. Aurora scoffs at him, mentioning her disdain for Kemiya's consistent need to train. Patrick retorts saying how its necessary for survival to which Aurora retorts back about how its not needed if they didn't fight so much. Riley quickly diffuses the situation by asking how they are going to pay for the accommodation. Patrick struggles to answer but Abraham approaches the desk, speaking quietly to the clerk. He is then handed two keys, but the clerk suggests they make their stay brief. Abraham takes the keys and walks off with a smile on his face, handing a set of keys to Riley. As they walk upstairs, Patrick asks what he did. Abraham replies, he simply charged the fee to the Crown of The Gold Empire. Everyone is shocked, stating Michael will know where they are. Abraham answers that the invoices charged to the crown aren't totalled until the end of each month, by which time, they will be long gone. Patrick notes it will still create a trail, but Abraham further explains that by then, all 4 of them will be in the Bronze Kingdom. Riley then asks what the plan is. Abraham sighs and explains as they walk up the steps that they will take a train from Draganiza to Lessia, then pass through Rome to Saint Marina and take a boat to Valmala, thus avoiding Gold Empire Territory. Aurora comments on how Abraham is smarter than he looks and takes a set of keys, saying her and Riley will take one room. The girls head into their room while Abraham hits the wall in frustration. Patrick can't help but smile as they both head into the other room

**Draganiza Boundary**

Fabian sits in an SUV, with a small army of Gold Empire soldiers. He looks at his watch and sighs before stepping out and looking down the long road leading up to the city. One soldier approaches, asking how long they will be expected to wait. Fabian forms his sword and holds it to the man's neck, telling them that they will wait until Abraham and his group will show up. But he stops then slams his fist on the SUV. He gets out a map and looks at it, commenting about the commotion in Maillaries and how the group was heading north, but they wouldn't take the most obvious route. He knows they are heading to Draganiza but asks what the next move is. He points to city in the south. Lessia. He folds the map up and tells everyone to take the train to Lessia. One soldier asks why they are abandoning their position. Fabian sighs and tells him, he knows Abraham needs to escape the country and the only way he can, is through the city states. He then tells everyone to get moving

**Hillfar**

The girls find a small clothes shop and are trying on clothes. Patrick and Abraham stand outside, constantly looking at their watches. Abraham complains to the girls about how long it takes to find clothes. Riley replies that she was lucky to get out of where she was with the clothes on her back and even that wasn't much. Aurora chimes in saying she needs a change in her life. Patrick chuckles, saying if she needs a different shade of black. The store clerk informs the group the store will be closing in a few minutes. Patrick looks at his watch, noting its not even 7pm. The clerks acknowledges the time but says all stores close before nightfall. Abraham asks why. The clerk is reluctant to answer but tells them, terrible creatures emerge at night and kill anyone who is out after dark. Aurora steps out in a new outfit. Abraham looks at her and freezes. Patrick slaps him on the back of the head. Aurora asks about the monsters, but the clerk refuses to say anymore and asks that they leave immediately. Abraham once again charges all the clothes to the Gold Empire crown, before they group leave the store. They see everyone else running and scrambling to close up and get home. Patrick asks if maybe they should hurry as well. Abraham almost seems intrigued by the idea of monsters but both girls decide not to test their theory and quickly head back to the hotel

**Hillfar Hotel**

The Gang return to the hotel. The Clerk ushers them in and locks the door. She then hits a switch that makes metal barriers slide in front of the windows. She tells the gang to go to their rooms and not to make much noise. The gang do so and head upstairs. They each enter their rooms and notice the metal doors over their windows. After a few moments, they start to hear strange noises coming from outside. Riley even hears someone screaming and alerts the others. She rushes downstairs and starts to bang on the metal door but Patrick pulls her back, as does the clerk despite her protests. Patrick berates her. The clerk mentions how she can't hear anyone outside, but Patrick counters, saying she's got good hearing. Patrick ushers Riley upstairs and berates her again for putting them in danger. Aurora defends Riley saying she is just trying to help. Patrick further comments, saying they don't know the situation, and that they can't save everyone. Riley sighs, asking if that phrase is Patrick's tag line. Both boys leave the room and bid the ladies goodnight before Patrick closes the door. Aurora and Riley decide to get some sleep themselves.

The next morning, Patrick and Abraham as usual are eating breakfast. Aurora comes down first, seeing the boys stuffing their faces. She decides to join them asking how they slept. Both say they slept fine, while Patrick suggests Aurora did not sleep well to which she confirms. She then asks what they are going to do about the monsters. Abraham raises his eyebrows, asking what she means and further states once they get a few supplies, they are leaving. Aurora angrily asks how he can just sit back and let such terrors happen. She further asks if he was Emperor, he'd be a very poor one. Abraham retorts, stating such matters as this should be the duty of the King, not him and that they have no time to deal with the situation. Patrick and Abraham finish their meals and leave the table for their early morning training. They pass by Riley, who joins Aurora. Riley sees Aurora's frustration and knows where the boys are going. Aurora tells Riley she's going to look into these monsters. Riley nods and agrees to help. Aurora then asks the waiter how long the night attacks have been happening. He replies that they have been happening for at least 3 months. Riley suggests they contact local authorities but Aurora disagrees, saying they need to be more discreet. While she isn't keen on the Kemiya boys she does agree drawing attention to themselves would not be a good idea. Riley agrees and suggests that they observe the town at least. Aurora agrees as they two have food brought to them

**Gold Palace. Paris**

Michael is outside, reading a book. A man approaches and him bows, telling him he had received a message from Fabian. Michael asks what it was, to which the gentleman tells him Fabian is heading to Lessia. Michael stands up but the gentleman adds that Fabian said he believes that is where Abraham will be heading. Michael stops and smiles, telling the man he now sees how clever Fabian really is. He tells the man to keep him informed. The man bows and tells him he has someone who wishes to see him. Michael waves him off, telling him he doesn't want to see anyone, but the gentleman tells Michael the young woman is insistent that she see him. Michael perks up at the prospect of a woman. The gentleman steps back to reveal, Lara. Michael's face drops as he opens his hand, but Lara raises her amulet, rendering Michael powerless. Michael berates his servant for letting a hunter into his home. Lara turns her amulet off and tells Michael his servant only let her in, because she can do something he needs. Kill, Abraham. Michael's face slowly starts to smile as he offers her a seat

**Hillfar**

Aurora and Riley head out into the town, walking along the street. Aurora asks Riley how them walking about will help, but Riley tells her she can sniff a bullshitter from a mile away. The girls stop and look around but hear a voice asking if they are new. A young man is setting up his coffee shop as he looks at the young ladies. Aurora tells him they are just passing through. The young man nods, telling them its good they are. Riley mentions about the monsters, to which the young man asks if they heard. Both girls nod as an older man approaches, with another man in a black suit behind him, calling the young man son. The young man introduces his father, Mayor Johnson and himself, William. The Mayor shakes the hand of both ladies. Riley asks him about the monsters and how they came about. The Mayor tells them they aren't sure. Aurora looks at the man's wrist, spotting something but she asks if he is at least investigating, asking if they are summoned somehow. The mayor is puzzled, and asks what she is implying. Even Riley isn't sure but Aurora counters, saying she's only speculating. The Mayor acknowledges and tells them both it was good to meet them, but he has business to attend to. He leaves as William invites the ladies to coffee, but Aurora turns him down politely and takes Riley down the street. Riley asks what is going on but Aurora tells her the amulet she saw was familiar and she has a bad feeling about the Mayor. They then run into Abraham who heard them speak. Aurora mockingly asks Abraham if he and Patrick have cut down the forest or turned it metal. Abraham replies that Kemiya's respect nature and both can't and don't transmute living things. He then questions Aurora but Aurora reminds Abraham he wasn't going to help. Abraham takes a moment and tells her he looks around and all he can see if fear in people's eyes, and what she said to him earlier did make him think. Aurora nods and tell Abraham she isn't sure herself but just has a feeling about the Mayor. Abraham encourages her to research what she saw. Aurora agrees as Abraham suggests they keep an eye on the mayor, and his son. Abraham looks at Riley, who immediately protests but Aurora nudges Riley, saying he's a cute one. Riley sighs and whispers something to Aurora. Aurora takes a moment and whispers back to her. Riley is about to protest but she nods and heads back to the cafe. Abraham asks Aurora was all the whispering was about. Aurora tells Abraham is not his business but then asks what Abraham is going to do. He tells her, she is staying outside tonight. Aurora tells him it suicide but he counters, asking how she knows that these monsters are even real. She still does not agree but Abraham reassures her he'll be fine.

**Hotel**

Later that night, Aurora looks through her books, but can't seem to find any answers. Abraham stands in the town square as the sun starts to set. Patrick approaches him, asking if he's crazy. Abraham shakes his head, saying he needs to know what they are up against. Patrick takes a moment and stands with Abraham, who then tells Patrick to head back inside, telling Patrick that if anything happens to him he needs to take up the fight. Patrick takes a moment but reluctantly nods but warns Abraham not to die, as he has a promise to keep. Riley joins Aurora, to help her research. Aurora asks how William was. Riley blushes and smiles, saying how nice a guy he was but not her type. She further comments about how she couldn't help but feeling he knew something about what was going on. Riley elaborated, saying the Mayor came to his position shortly after the monsters attacked and killed the last mayor. Aurora can't help but feel the same as she can't find anything in her books. Riley suggests they try the local library or somewhere in the small town. Aurora agrees, but they see the sun go down and the iron windows close over. Abraham forms his sword as the creatures emerge from the forests. Abraham stands ready as the creatures come at him. He swings at them but his sword simply passes through them. He tries a few more times but realises they were illusions. He stands still for a moment before one slashes him on his back. He turns and is slashed a few more times. He tries to fight back but is almost swarmed. He grabs his sword and makes it glow, causing the creatures to scatter. Abraham makes it to his feet but the creatures are not gone. He keeps having to fend them off with his glowing sword. He stumbles back towards the hotel, still occasionally fending off the creatures. He hotels lights were still on and thus Abraham is safe. Patrick forces the doors open and pulls Abraham inside. He helps Abraham upstairs to Riley and Aurora's room. He lays him down on the bed as Aurora grabs one of her potions, feeding it to Abraham. Abraham is in pain but he starts to calm down as the potion works on him. Aurora tells the others the potion is slow and would take a day to heal his wounds. Patrick examines Abraham's wounds and realizes the creatures hate light. Aurora reaches for one of her books and shows Patrick a picture within it. Patrick acknowledges it was the same one but Aurora reads they are not independent thinkers nor are they of the earthly plane. Riley asks if they are being controlled. Aurora concurrs that it was most likely. Patrick theorizes, it would have be someone within the town itself

The next morning Abraham is still out cold. Riley wakes up, seeing Aurora is gone. She rushes to Patrick's room, seeing him shirtless and training. Patrick tells Riley he sensed Aurora leave at sun rise. Patrick gets dressed and heads downstairs with Riley. Riley tells Patrick about her theory that William was hiding something. Patrick asks her to elaborate but she just knows something is wrong. Patrick acknowledges she had good instincts and asks her to investigate further, while he goes to find Aurora. Riley nods as they both go for breakfast

**Library**

Aurora is combing through the books of the library. She comes to a shelf seeing many of the books were dusty, but one book is not and was in fact placed upside down. She reaches up and picks it up. She leans down and drops the book on its spine opening the book at a certain page. She looks down, and turns a few pages, seeing a picture of the amulet she'd seen before. She reads the page then slams it shut. She runs to the end of the shelving but is struck on the head, knocking her unconscious. A voice speaks, saying he doesn't like being accused of crimes.

**Town Centre**

Later in the morning, Riley is walking through town, towards the coffee shop. William is just setting up as he sees Riley approach. Riley smiles as she approaches, the two engaging in small talk. Riley then starts asking about the monsters. William grows more quiet as Riley inquires further, asking if William has ever seen them. William, obviously in discomfort tries to end the conversation, but Riley back tracks, saying she would like a coffee. William smiles and takes Riley inside

After a while Patrick heads into town as well. He asks around, asking if anyone had seen Aurora. He gets a lead she had gone to the library. Patrick enters, asking the desk clerk if she'd seen her. She said she did, but that she hasn't seen her leave, pointing to where she was last spotted. Patrick walks to the shelving area, not seeing anything. He looks up then down at the floor, seeing two long lines in the floor. He looks down, seeing them lead along the floor and out to a fire escape. He steps out of the library but sees nothing but a set of tire marks. Patrick dials Riley, who answers. Patrick tells her Aurora was taken. Riley's face drops and quickly excuses herself. She quickly rushes over to the library where Patrick is. Patrick explains what he found but Riley sniffs the air. She tells Patrick she knows the scent, the Mayor's bodyguard they met. Patrick nods, confirming the mayor is involved. Riley then leads Patrick on away from the library.

**Unknown location**

Aurora slowly starts to come to. She sees a decently lit study type room. She tries to move but her wrists are chained together and she is tied to a chair, her mouth gagged. The Mayor hears the rattling of her chains. He pours himself a drink then approaches Aurora, undoing her gag. Aurora tells him she knew she was right about him and demands to be released. The Mayor laughs but is glad she is there. Having met her, she had given him an idea, to scape goat her for the attacks. Aurora tells him it won't work, but he counters, stating the people believe in him and trust him. They would never take her word over his. Aurora is about to speak but she looks away, almost like she has accepted his logic. The Mayor smiles, telling her not to worry about her friends, that they will be dealt with

**Hotel**

Two men enter the hotel, wearing suits. They pass the front desk and head upstairs, approaching Patrick and Abraham's room. They open the door and burst into the room, seeing Abraham not on the bed. One of them is stabbed in the back. The second man tries to react but he is cut up the chest both men falling to the ground. Abraham pushes them both into room and closes the door, visibly still hurt but he heads downstairs. Patrick and Riley are walking down a street when two men stand before them. Patrick turns, seeing another two behind them. Patrick chuckles and forms his sword. All 4 men stop and reached for their guns. Riley leaps up, knocking down one of the men then kicks the second man. Patrick cut the other two's guns then proceeds to cut them a few times. Patrick turns to see Riley has dealt with her two. Patrick then looks back down the street seeing a crowd gathering.

**Town Square**

Both run towards the town square as the Mayor has Aurora in her chains, telling everyone he had discovered a witch. The crowd began to shout and jeer at her. The Mayor has a few more guards around him. He kicks Aurora to her knees and points a gun at her head. William shouts to his father to stop. He pushes through to the front, telling everyone Aurora only arrived in town the day before. The Mayor counters, saying she is a witch and she doesn't have to be in the town to terrorise it. The Mayor spots Patrick and Riley approach. He points them both out, telling the people they are co conspirators. Both Patrick and Riley stop as the crowd turn on them. Patrick forms his sword, and tells them all to stand back or he would kill them all. Riley looks to William but William further protests. Aurora tells the people of the Mayors Amulet, telling them she read a book of its ability to control spirits. Another voice spoke. Abraham, limping and still injured confirms the monsters were mere illusions unless willed into corporal being. William asks the people, why Aurora would summon creatures to attack her friend. More and more eyes turn at the Mayor. Aurora reaches up, pulling the Amulet from the Mayor's wrist and pushes him into his body guards. Aurora raises her chained arms up as Abraham forms his sword and extends it, striking the chains off her wrists. Aurora then looks at the amulet and makes a short chant. She turns as the monsters suddenly come flooding out of the forests. The people began to scatter but Aurora focuses and chants again, making the monsters vanish. The people take a moment to calm down but again, all eyes turn to the Mayor. The Mayor orders his men to protect him, but none of them move. The Mayor stands up declaring the old Mayor was weak and he only did it to unite the town and to be its leader. Aurora clenches her fist, causing him to gasp in air, her eyes were burning with hate, but Abraham tells her to stop. Aurora does stop and takes a moment and quickly walks off. Abraham then looks at Patrick and Riley then at the people, telling them he is theirs as he too heads off with Patrick and Riley catching up

**Hotel**

Riley is packing up her suitcase as Aurora is sitting quietly. Riley tries to reassure Aurora but she does not respond. Abraham stands at the doorway, telling the girls they are ready. Riley takes her bags and heads out of the room. Abraham smiles, telling Aurora it was rich that she had berated them for their instincts when she nearly did the same thing. Aurora is appalled by his comparison but Abraham replies that he wasn't judging her, and that sometimes. Killing, is the only way. He heads downstairs, followed by Aurora. The gang have their car all packed up as Patrick spots someone approach. Riley sees it is William. Riley walks to him as he apologises for his father's actions and wishes she could stay. She tells him she may return. She just has a favor to owe. William leans down to kiss her but Riley places her hand on his chest and bids him farewell and joins the others in the car. Everyone in the car can't help but smile before they drive out of the town

**Quotes**

**Abraham:** "God I love forests. So much beauty and a great place to train"

**Aurora:** "Maybe if you guys didn't fight so much wouldn't need a place to train"

**Abraham:** "Its our bread and butter. Much like your books and spells"

**Aurora:** "Only difference is, we don't hurt people"

**Patrick**: "Oh I beg to differ..."

**Riley:** "Anyone any idea how we're going to pay for a hotel?"

**Abraham:** "Well actually um....I know!"

**Riley:** "Ok...what did you tell her?"

**Abraham:** "I just told her to charge the bill to the Gold Crown"

**Patrick:** "You what?!"

**Riley:** "Are you insane?!"

**Abraham:** "You guys forget, I was once the Gold Emperor. All expenses aren't totalled up until the end of the month, at which time an invoice is then set to the crown"

**Patrick:** "That will still leave a paper trail"

**Abraham**: "By the time they pick it up...we'll be in the Bronze Kingdom"

**Riley:** "Is that the plan? How we going to get there?"

**Abraham:** "Once we make it Draganiza, we take a train to Lessia, Rome, Saint Marina then a boat to Vienna"

**Patrick**: "Good god, how long does it take you girls to find clothes?"

**Riley:** "I would have thought you boys would love to see two girls in hot clothing"

**Patrick:** "Oh don't try that one on me Riley"

**Store Clerk:** "Pardon, but the shop will be closing soon"

**Abraham:** (Abraham looks at his watch) "Its not even 7pm"

**Store Clerk**: "I know...its just we need to close before sundown"

**Patrick:** "What happens at Sundown"

**Store Clerk:** (Looks around) The Monsters come into town

**Abraham:** (Raises his eyebrows) "Monsters huh?"

**Aurora:** "Figures you boys would be down here stuffing your faces"

**Patrick:** "Early start, you know how it is"

**Riley:** "So...what are we going to do about these Monsters?"

**Abraham**: "Uh...we are leaving here once we get supplies. We don't have time for this"

**Aurora:** (Looks at Abraham) "I thought an Emperor's duty is to his people"

**Abraham:** (Returns her look) This is the job of the country's King"

**Aurora:** "You would make a horrible Emperor"

**Abraham:** "We have training to do, so if you don't mind"

**Servant:** "My Lord. I have received word from Fabian"

**Michael:** "Yes?"

**Servant:** "Fabian has abandoned his position at Draganiza and is heading to Lessia"

**Michael:** (Stood up quickly) "He what?!"

**Servant:** "He said to tell you Abraham will seek to travel through the City States to avoid conflict with your forces"

**Michael:** (Thought for a moment then smiled) "Clever man. That will be all"

**Servant:** "Pardon Sir, but there is someone who wishes to see you"

**Michael:** "Tell them to get lost, I'm not taking any more visits"

**Servant:** "She is most insistent one seeing you Sir"

**Michael:** "She?"

**Servant:** (Steps back to reveal Lara. Michael opens his hand but Lara holds up her Amulet, forcing him to his knees)

**Michael:** "Idiot. Did you not see she's a Hunter!"

**Lara:** (Lowers her wrist, as Michael stands up) "I'm not here to kill you. I'm here to offer...my services"

**Michael:** "For what exactly?"

**Lara:** "Killing Abraham"

**Riley:** "What was that about?"

**Aurora:** "That amulet. I'm sure I've seen it before"

**Riley:** "You sure?"

**Aurora:** "I know I have"

**Abraham:** "Any idea where?"

**Aurora:** "Oh...didn't see you there. Done cutting down the forests or turning it metal?"

**Abraham:** "For your information, we respect nature and we both can't and won't transmute living things. Now, back to the situation. You think he's hiding something?"

**Aurora:** "So you decided to help afterall?"

**Abraham:** "Yes. I walk through this town and all I see if fear in people's eyes. And I guess...what you said to me earlier got me thinking"

**Aurora:** (Nods)

**Abraham:** "Patrick's agreed too. So...you think he's hiding something?"

**Aurora:** "I'm not sure. Just a feeling I have"

**Abraham:** "Maybe worth keeping an eye on them both" (Looks at Riley)

**Riley:** "Oh come on!"

**Aurora**: (Nudging Riley) "Don't be shy sweetie. He's a cute guy"

**Riley:** (Whispers to Aurora. She takes a moment and whispers back to Riley who sighs again) "Oh alright" (She walks off)

**Abraham:** "What the hell was that about?"

**Riley:** "Business that is not yours

**Abraham:** "Think you can find out about that amulet?"

**Aurora:** "I'll look about. What are you going to do?"

**Abraham:** "I'm staying out tonight. I need to see what we're up against"

**Aurora:** "Strange. This book's been picked up" (Picks up the book. She drops the book directly unto its spine, opening the book) "Old PI trick"

**Mayor:** "Ah, you're awake. And don't bother with your magic. Those chains are specially designed to suppress magic"

**Aurora:** "So...it was you. You are summoning the monsters!"

**Mayor:** "Correct. But don't get me wrong. I only did it to unite the people...through fear. But...I'm so glad you're here"

**Aurora:** "Why's that?"

**Mayor:** "Well, I think its time to end the charade, but I need a scapegoat. And since you're a Witch. Easy sell"

**Aurora:** "People know I've only just arrived"

**Mayor:** "I doubt a witch would need to be far away to cast a spell. The people here know me. Trust me. Believe me in. Who are they going to believe. You, a stranger. Or me, their Mayor?"

**Mayor:** "Citizens! I give you, the witch who has been summoning the Monsters!"

(Shouts and jeers come from the crowd)

**Mayor:** "With her death, these monsters will cease to plague our town!"

**William:** "Father!"

**Mayor:** "Its finally over son"

**William:** She only just arrived here the day before today"

**Mayor:** "I doubt she would need to in town to cast her spells"

(Patrick and Riley arrive)

**Mayor:** "Her co conspirators!"

(The crowds turn to them as Patrick forms his sword)

**Patrick:** "Stand back...or more will die!"

**William:** "You can't do this father!"

**Aurora:** "Its his amulet. It summons the monsters. I researched it in a book in the library"

**Abraham:** "She's right! I was attacked the other night by the monsters. They are illusions unless they are made Corporeal

**William:** "Why would she attack one of her own friends"

(The Crowd starts to look towards the Mayor)

**Aurora:** "He united the the town, through fear and he's been controlling you all ever since!"

**Abraham:** "Not long ago you were criticizing Patrick and I for our kill first attitude and yet you almost did the same thing"

**Aurora:** "Really don't need this now Abraham"

**Abraham:** "I'm not judging. Just saying sometimes....Killing is the only way"