Later that night, the Aethereal Queen and her Crucis Sentinels all came to visit in her guest house around ten o’clock that evening. They all sat around in a living room and made themselves comfortable. The Aethereal Queen addressed her Crucis Sentinels, “Thank you all for coming here. I hope your first day here on this campus was a good one.”

“Yeah, everybody’s on edge,” Chelsea dreaded.

“For good reason. This so-called monster hasn’t been caught. And I do have a feeling we might even have more trouble dealing with the situation,” Lycka stated.

“More glory hogs?” Blair questioned.

“If they’re not a few, they are many,” Lycka answered. “The sooner we get this done, the better off we will be. I don’t want to have other people trying to make a name for themselves and getting themselves killed.”

Blair scoffed. “Of course.”

This had always been a problem with the Crux Nexus. It’s hard enough dealing with situations like the one they’re having now, but having outside interference doesn’t make matters any better. It just leads to many others getting injured or even worse, getting killed. That is why the Crux Nexus pride themselves on being well-educated and always studying. Having the ability and the flexibility to redesign, rebuild, and reclaim had always been their most current motto and their greatest strength. The situation they are dealing with right now is preferably a common one. However, it only takes one simple mistake, or someone else’s monkeyshines to cause so much chaos. That is why they handle no kind of situation lightly.

“I was talking to my sources the other day. Word on the street is that Zayne and the Grandmaster of Oleander are calling a truce,” Cherie gossiped.

Selena cocked an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“And the Grandmaster’s sister and her little psycho friends still want Revan’s wings to get clipped,” Cherie finished.

“And what does this have to do with our mission, Cherie?” Selena questioned as Cherie shrugged her shoulders and explained why.

“Not everybody is cool with Dolph Eichner quietly phasing out the old ways and pushing out the old guard out of the Syndicate, that’s all. Now, he wants to bring Xerxes and the Apex Predators to the table and end this feud between the warring factions.”

“That will never happen. Simone Muertes will eat him alive,” Selena predicted.

Simone Muertes also was known as “Reina Asesina” is the leader of a special operations team known as the Apex Predators under the Oleander Syndicate umbrella. Simone had been fed up with the current Grandmaster for quite some time and even blamed Dolph and her sister for supposedly killing the previous Grandmaster and her family. Hell-bent on proving herself right, she defected herself from the Oleander Syndicate 10 years ago under deplorable terms, taking her team and her contacts along with her.

It has been a game of chicken ever since between the rest of the Oleander Syndicate and the Apex Predators.

It was a situation that Erika is well educated on as she gives her opinion, “Never underestimate the power in the influence of Dolph Eichner. Before him, Simone Muertes and many others had to answer to their previous Grandmaster.”

“And last time I checked, she’s dead. They’re not going to keep this up forever, honoring her last wishes before her death. Eventually, someone will kill him,” Selena contradicted.

“Jim Jones made hundreds and hundreds of people drink poisoned Kool-Aid all because he was captivating enough to do so. Sometimes people just have it in them to make people do what they want them to do,” Erika eerily counterpointed.

Erika’s logic and reasoning had always been a bit morbid and dark for someone who as kindhearted and sweet as she is. Sometimes, her way of thinking scared her friends.

Chelsea was one of them. “That’s a bit harsh… It was on point, but harsh.”

As intriguing the power struggle was between the coalition and the other factions, Selena had to change the subject, “Focusing on what is happening right now, I did some work-ups when we were on our way here. I guess that teaching job that I did paid big dividends. I was looking for a connection to all eleven victims, minus the elderly security guard. Everyone one of them was a male in their mid-twenties to early thirties.”

“No particular race or natural origin. So, it can’t be a hate crime. And the victims were from different religions,” Lycka specified as Selena passed around binders to everyone.

“All of them were at least mauled by a large animal as the medical examiner explained,” Selena continued as everyone went through the medical findings and pictures of the victims. “However, looking at these bite marks and claw marks. The largest animal that could do something like this has to be a lion or a tiger.”

Erika examined the bite marks of the victims, “It’s too big to be a Tiger… Or even a cougar… A mountain lion, maybe… It can be wolves because usually, they hunt in packs.”

“Our forensic team down in Quantico took blood samples and swabbed the bite marks for clues. It’s indeed a wolf,” Selena corrected.

“But?” Lycka questioned.

“They couldn’t pinpoint what kind of wolf it was…” Selena said with a sigh of doubt.

The group looked over the findings for a good few minutes. They didn’t want to blurt out possibilities. That would be a waste of time.

Yet, Erika came up with a plausible culprit, “Lycanthrope. We are looking for a lycanthrope.”

It was a possible scenario, but they had to go through the myths and the realities of the probable culprit behind the murders.

“According to the moon cycles, there was no full moon when most of the men were killed,” Cherie added.

“That is an old myth,” Selena debunked. “Lycanthropes don’t transform under the full moon. One scratch or one bite will not turn you into a werewolf either. And no, Blair, you don’t turn into one if you have unprotected sex with them.”

Blair was highly offended at Selena and her claims, “I wasn’t thinking about it!”

In an instant, everyone’s undivided attention was towards Blair. Not because she defended herself. But, deep down she knew she was lying.

“Okay, maybe a little…” Blair regretfully admitted as she looked away.

Getting back on topic, Selena explained, “It’s all based on genetics. They are some lycanthropes around campus right now. Most of them know about their heritage and live amongst us without incident. Others can entirely transform into werewolves and typically live like everyone else without murdering and raping anyone. However, the vast majority usually have it in their blood and, yet it lies dormant within them, causing no physical change. Lycanthropes and their truths about their origins have been lost in translation for many generations.

“All thanks to the entertainment industry glorifying them as monsters,” Chelsea added as Selena agreed with a nod.

“Always one rotten apple among them,” Cherie said.

“It seems like the case,” the Aethereal Queen pondered. She was proud of her girls. They all came together and immediately discovered a possible scenario and suspect. Now there is only one thing left to do: find the possible suspect before it kills anyone else in which was going to be very fun for everyone.

The Aethereal Queen laid out her plan, “I don’t think the assailant will strike. Not tonight, at least. Just to make sure, let’s patrol the area. Take it simple. Blair, you’re in charge of the Eastern campus tonight; Cherie, you take the Western campus; Chelsea, you take the north; Selena, you take the south, which leaves Erika the central part of the campus. I took the liberty of ‘borrowing’ some camera drones that big stud muffin left us last time you ran into him, Erika.”

“More like, you stole it from him behind his back, your Majesty,” Erika corrected as this made the Aethereal Queen a bit flustered.

“It’s not like he’s going to be using it anytime soon. Besides, I felt like recruiting him after our little run-in with those four-legged bitches the Grandmaster has on his leash a few years back. Even though he couldn’t be a full-time member with us, he could’ve been a great outside consultant. So much potential that big guy has. What a waste…” the Aethereal Queen bashfully reminisced.

And you thought I treated men like objects, Blair thought.

Even though it was a baseless rumor, there had been some rumblings around the Crux Nexus that Erika was either dating somebody from the Oleander Syndicate, or a big muscular man was smitten with Erika. As a matter of fact, the encounter was a harmless one.

They were stranded behind enemy lines in the rural parts of London five years ago, and they had to work together to get themselves out of trouble. They were found being together, and since then, both sides playfully teased them about what might have happened. Yet, they would make a cute couple if the two of them were willing to give that a shot.

Crazy enough, it was the Aethereal Queen who started the sophomoric rumor from the very beginning, having much embarrassment. Saving face, the Aethereal Queen decided to give her ladies a valuable gift, “Also, you have new battle gear.”

This made the ladies happy. They’ve always wanted new gear. But these sudden stopping and starting on new developmental projects halted the progression for new Aethereal-sensitive gear.

Even though Selena was happy, she still had her reasons, “So soon?”

“I felt it was about time we upgraded, so I halted a few projects, so we can focus primarily on your new gear,” the Aethereal Queen explained as she went over the gear mock-ups. “Bio-weave stitching with materials that are sensitive to the Aether for better control. Bulletproof, weatherproof, tear-resistant, aura-camouflaged so no one can ever recognize or sense your presence. It even negates and absorbs weaker magic from the Aether and the Nether. Self-regeneration as well. It’s even super lightweight and breathable, too. No stink.”

“It’s about time. The ones we had last time were chafing me,” Blair commented.

“That will not be a problem now. The gear is not only form fitting but also flexible and can fit anyone with no effort,” the Aethereal Queen bragged.

“Awesome!” Blair shouted in excitement.

“Would you all like to try them on? We just recalibrated them to the Aether a while ago. According to our technicians and spell casters, they are available,” Lycka offered.

“Sure!” Blair yelled as everyone stood up. One by one they recanted their own battle cry which was their enchantment to call upon their Aethereal gear.

With their fists in the air, they screamed in unison, “FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE VERY END!”

“ALPHA CRUCIS, RISE UP!” Selena called out.

“BETA CRUCIS, RISE UP!” Erika called out.

“GAMMA CRUCIS, RISE UP!” Chelsea called out.

“DELTA CRUCIS, RISE UP!” Cherie called out.

“EPSILON CRUCIS, RISE UP!” Blair called out.

Suddenly, their respected crests appeared on the back of their hands. Glowing radiantly as a glow surrounded their bodies. Then, a blinding light engulfed their bodies only leaving a multicolored silhouette behind. Their original clothing disappeared as their gear took shape and form.

As the light dissipated, their bodies retook shape. The light dissipated, and all that remained were the five dressed in their new Aethereal gear. The form-fitting battle costume consists of a long sleeve top with mesh cut outs and thumb-holes and a short skirt with leggings underneath. The foot varied from sentinel to sentinel matching their disciplines and personality.

Naturally, they had to close her eyes so the light wouldn’t blind them. It took them a while to open their eyes, so they can readjust. But it was well worth it.

Cherie was in love with her new battle costume and had to take a couple of selfies. Blair thought it covered up most of her assets, but she loved just how badass it made her look. Erika loved how flexible and breathable it was as she maneuvered around, showing off her martial arts skills. Chelsea immediately looked in the mirror, and she blushed at the sight of herself. She even turned around just to see the back of her as she tossed her white hair aside. It also had their individual brands on the back of their tops. However, Selena felt a bit disappointed by the new outfit. She felt a bit sexualized by wearing it.

Selena was grateful, but she couldn’t help noticing, “Your Majesty, I’m not complaining. But--”

“Trust me, it works. Blair, care for a demonstration?” the Aethereal Queen offered.

“For some odd reason, I do, and I don’t know why…” Blair was very much eager to try out her new battle outfit. To her, this was Christmas, and she wanted to play with all her toys.

Fortunately for Blair, her sister thought otherwise, “Because you’re insane…”

All Blair did was shrug her shoulders, “At least I’m not chicken.”

It was right then, and there everyone took a few steps back as Blair stood her ground in the middle of the living room. In an instant, the Aethereal Queen effortlessly channeled her Aethereal energy and formed a ball of raw energy from her hand. She aimed at Blair and hurled an energy ball at Blair, hitting her in the stomach and sending her flying through the living room window.

“Oh, my God! Blair!” Immediately, Chelsea ran outside to the front lawn and ran to her fallen sister who was flat on her back and gasping for air, “Are you okay?!”

Getting her second wind, Blair coughed and try to suck up as much oxygen as she could, “Yeah, I’m good! Usually, I would break a rib from something like this!”

“That’s a relaxing thought,” Chelsea relented.

All the others joined both sisters out the front lawn. With a big smile on her face, the Aethereal Queen gave her two thumbs up to Blair as the smiling Blair herself gave her a thumbs up in return.

Knowing that Blair was okay, Selena had something else to worry about, “But, our guest house! The living room is completely destroyed!”

“It’s only four walls and a roof. They’ll get over it,” the Aethereal Queen blew off as she addressed everyone. “Ladies, you should all thank the tireless work of everybody at the Crux Nexus. Making sure you have not only the best state-of-the-art armor and weaponry but also an enormous vast understanding and knowledge of the Aether. May the heavens be with you tonight.”