Rossie Prepares for the Warehouse Mission.
The sterile waiting area of St. Mary's Hospital was quiet except for the faint hum of medical equipment and the occasional soft footsteps of nurses passing by.
The sharp scent of antiseptic hung in the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood from the nearby trauma ward.
Rossie Carter stood near the exit, her backpack slung over one shoulder, the precious moonflower tucked safely inside its hidden compartment.
The delicate flower, with its luminescent petals, was a rare and powerful artifact - one that could sever the entity's hold on the world.
Outside, ten hired men waited by two unmarked vans parked under the hospital's overhang. The men were a mix of gruff, capable figures - ex-security guards, seasoned trackers, and tactical operatives.
Their faces were lined with experience, their eyes sharp and alert. They checked their gear silently, their presence a stark contrast to the sterile calm inside.
Inside, Rossie faced her wounded friends—Michael, Ethan, Becky, and Angela—along with her mother, Clara Carter.
Each of them bore the marks of their recent battles: Michael's ribs were tightly bandaged, Ethan's arm was in a sling, Becky hobbled slightly on a sprained ankle, and Angela leaned weakly against the wall, dark circles under her eyes betraying sleepless nights.
The weight of their injuries pressed heavily on Rossie's mind as she prepared to leave.
••••••Behind Michael stepped forward, his voice rough but resolute.
"Rossie, you're not going alone. We've faced worse together. Let us come with you."
Rossie shook her head, her expression a mixture of resolve and tenderness.
"No, Michael. Look at you _your ribs are cracked. Ethan's arm is in a sling, Becky's hobbling on a sprained ankle, and Angela's barely standing after everything we've been through.
You're all hurt, and I won't let you risk yourselves further."
Ethan frowned, cradling his slung arm protectively. "But Rossie, what if you need backup? We can't just sit here while you go in alone."
"I'm not alone," Rossie said firmly, gesturing toward the door where the hired men waited.
"These guys are professionals. They're trained for this kind of mission. You need to rest and heal.....that's how you help me most right now." Her tone softened, eyes pleading.
"Please, I can't lose any of you. Stay here."
Angela sighed, the exhaustion evident in her voice.
"You're stubborn as hell, Rossie. But fine - I get it."
Becky adjusted her glasses, wincing as she shifted her weight off her injured ankle.
"We'll stay, but you'd better come back in one piece."
Rossie's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "I will. I promise."
Michael took a deep breath, his face tight with frustration but understanding. "Alright. But if you get into trouble, you call us. No heroics."
Rossie nodded. "Deal."
Carter stepped closer, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her eyes shimmered with a mixture of pride and fear as she looked at her daughter.
"Rossie, I can't believe how brave you are. You're just like your father—taking charge, facing danger head-on. I'm so proud of you, but… it's hard to watch you go."
Rossie turned to her mother, stepping forward to squeeze her hands gently.
"Thanks, Mom. I have to do this—for Dad, for everyone.
I'll be careful, okay?
Clara pulled Rossie into a tight hug, her voice trembling.
"You're growing up so fast. Just come back to us, sweetheart."
"I will," Rossie whispered, hugging her back before pulling away, her resolve hardening. "I promise."
Clara's eyes lingered on her daughter as Rossie turned toward the door, the weight of the moment settling heavily on both of them.
•••••Rossie glanced at Becky, her analytical friend who had already proven her knack for organization and quick thinking.
"Becky, one more thing - can you keep an eye on Mr. Harl? He's stable now, but if the entity tries anything or if something goes wrong, I need to know right away."
Becky nodded, her expression serious.
"Got it. I've already talked to the nurses - they'll let me know if his condition changes.
I'll set up a call system so I can reach you instantly."
"Thanks," Rossie said, relieved. "I don't trust that thing to stay quiet, even after the eclipse. Mr. Harl's still a target."
Angela smirked faintly, crossing her arms. "I'll hover around his room too. No creepy occult weirdos are getting past me."
Rossie chuckled despite the tension. "Appreciate it, Angela."
Michael added, "We'll keep the hospital secure. Nobody gets in or out without us knowing."
The group shared a brief moment of solidarity before Rossie turned toward the waiting vans.
Strategic Planning for the Warehouse
Rossie moved to a small table in the waiting area, unfolding a crumpled map of the old warehouse district.
The hired men's leader, Marcus.....a grizzled man with a scar running across his jaw—joined her. His team crowded around as she outlined the plan.
"This warehouse is their stronghold," Rossie began, pointing to a large, shaded building on the map.
"They're regrouping after we stopped the some of them at the woods, but they're not done. We need to get in, disrupt whatever they're planning next, and seal the entity's influence for good."
Marcus tapped the map's eastern edge with a calloused finger.
"Main entrance is guarded—probably armed lookouts. We'll split into two teams. Team A creates a diversion here, loud and messy, to pull their focus."
Rossie nodded, tracing a line to the west. "Good. Team B—me included—will use this old service tunnel. It's narrow and forgotten; they won't expect us there. Once inside, we find their altar or ritual site.
I'll use the moonflower to break their connection to the entity."
A wiry tracker named Finn spoke up, holding a case of tranquilizer darts.
"We've got these for the guards—non-lethal, but they'll drop fast. If that entity's boosted their strength, though, we might need more firepower."
i can assure you I'll respond to any tricks they are up to ; I just need everyone to carry out the plan well and fast enough.
We move fast - hit them before they can react. Marcus, you lead Team A. Finn, you're with me in Team B."
Marcus grunted in approval. "Risky, but solid. We'll load up and roll out in five."
Rossie straightened, folding the map carefully.
"The entity's desperate now. We can't let them get another shot at this.
Let's go."
•••••••√√√√
As the hired men filed out to the vans, Rossie cast one last look at her friends and mother.
• Michael gave her a reluctant nod, Ethan a worried wave, Becky a thumbs-up, and Angela a tired salute.
Clara mouthed, "Be safe."
Rossie's chest tightened, but she squared her shoulders, stepping into the sunlight where the team awaited.
The late morning sun cast long shadows on the cracked pavement, the heat already rising. The air smelled faintly of dust and rust from the old industrial district ahead.
With determination burning in her eyes, Rossie climbed into the van, ready to infiltrate the occultic warehouse and end the threat once and for all.