The Red Ghoul {The Red Good Series: Book Zero}

ARC III: PART IV

In a quiet corner of Gotham City, Drusilla and Laura stood under the dim streetlights, their faces tense with worry. They were talking about the recent murders targeting magic children, and the air felt heavy with fear.

"Laura, we need to stay out of this," Drusilla said urgently. "We promised the Dark Knight we'd keep out of trouble. Getting involved could put us all in danger."

Laura, looking frustrated, shook her head. "But Drusilla, we can't just ignore this. Innocent kids are being targeted," she argued, her voice filled with determination. "We have to protect our own, no matter what."

Drusilla sighed, sounding exasperated. "I know you want to help, Laura, but we agreed that if we wanted to stay in Gotham, we'd only get involved if trouble came to us. This hasn't affected us yet," she said gently but firmly. "Jumping in could make things worse, not just for us, but for everyone."

"But what about our kind?" Laura's voice trembled with urgency, her eyes full of fire. "Are we just going to do nothing while innocent children are hunted?"

Drusilla's response was quick and cutting. "There's no need to worry. The killings are happening outside Gotham. They won't happen here," she snapped. "There are no witches or warlocks in Gotham, and there never will be. The All-Sword wielder has claimed this city, and he'll return to create one of the greatest covens in America."

Laura looked confused. "But I thought Fawcett City was his territory."

Drusilla waved her hand dismissively, looking smug. "The All-Sword wielder was destined for Gotham before he was born. He might not live here now, but he'll come back. No witch or warlock will make this place their home without his say-so," she explained. "Right now, he's protecting Fawcett City for Leukós, making sure its power stays hidden until the time is right. It's the same for Lady Talia and Zamurad's Infinity Island. They're just waiting for the perfect moment."

Laura stood there, fists clenched, frustration radiating from her. "I'm not just going to sit back and do nothing. I have a meeting with Nightwing, and I'll make sure he knows what's going on."

Drusilla raised an eyebrow at Laura's parting words, her amusement deepening as she watched her go. "Suit yourself," she murmured under her breath, her voice barely audible over the rustle of the wind.

With a graceful motion, Drusilla transformed into a bat, her form morphing effortlessly as she took to the sky.

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Nightwing strolled up to the meeting point in Otisburg, where Alpha Laura Hale was waiting for him. She was tall and muscular, with an air of authority that was hard to miss. Her blonde hair caught the sunlight, and her no-nonsense expression was clear in her brown eyes. Nearby, a pair of twin kids, a boy and a girl, were playing with a red-haired boy who looked about thirteen. They zoomed around the street like little lightning bolts, their laughter echoing off the brick walls as they played a wild game of tag.

The red-haired boy, pale and freckled like stars against his ivory skin, chased after the twins with pure determination. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief and happiness, his messy hair bouncing with each step he took. The twins' blonde hair shimmered like strands of gold in the dim light. Their skin glowed with health, kissed by the sun, as they giggled and dodged the red-haired boy's attempts to catch them. Though they looked identical, subtle differences set them apart: the boy's eyes held a warmth and kindness, while the girl's gaze sparkled with playfulness, her determination matching her brother's.

As they zipped around the alley, their laughter and shouts of glee filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension simmering between Nightwing and Laura. Unaware of the seriousness unfolding around them, the kids enjoyed their game. Laura leaned against the building's wall, arms crossed, her expression tired but determined. Nightwing approached her cautiously, his cape billowing behind him in the faint breeze.