Path of the Hunters [PART 2]

"He is a Laroche," she said simply.

"I think she's talking about sensing metal the way you do," Nova said, to which Crescent nodded. "Didn't you mention that that skill wasn't common, even among the Laroches?"

She nodded. "Oui. My grandparents 'ad never 'eard of it."

"Yet it's appeared in you, Crescent, and quite possibly Kane... I don't know for sure, but I'm starting to see a recurring theme here..."

She lifted a brow. "And that would be?"

"If what I think about Kane is true, then you're all only part-Laroche."

"I told you, Nova, ma mère was a duchess." She shook her head. "And I 'ave researched 'er family 'istory. She..." Aurélie blinked. "Well, she 'as no ties to the Laroche clan... Most of my family wed distant cousins and such. I think you are on to something."

"It must be a repressed family trait that only appears in half-bloods. Do you think Kane knew this? Do you think he confided in you two because of this?"

"That would be interesting... Crescent, don't think so 'ard about it. Your 'eart is racing."

"...Right." With a deep breath, Crescent cleared her mind, feeling her heart rate slow.

"Look, we'll think this stuff through a little later. We don't want any accidents."

"Agreed."

Aurélie nodded, smiling slightly. If it makes you feel any better, I had one knife in my 'ead and one in my 'eart. You are lucky to only 'ave to focus on one."

"I will have to try that when I'm alone. Wouldn't want to make people here feel uneasy."

"Non." Her voice was uncharacteristically firm.

Crescent was silent, surprised by the dog's sudden firmness.

"Don't get so worked up about it," Nova told his cousin. "Rush into things like that, and you'll only end up dead."

She relaxed again, nodding slowly.

"It isn't even about rushing into it. Can you even compre'end 'ow difficult it is? You 'ave metal in your 'eart and in your brain. One movement and you are dead. One stray thought and you are dead. If your 'eart speeds or slows, you are dead. Do not ever try it." She stood abruptly. "Pardon," she muttered and walked off.

Nova watched her as she left. He looked down to his clenched fists.

"Was the training really that monstrous?" Crescent asked, voicing his thoughts.

"Apparently so..." He got up from the booth as well. "Stay focused, all right?" With that, he moved to follow Aurélie.

Aurélie stood just outside the door of the small diner, eyes closed, holding herself together. She knew when Nova stepped out. "You should go back. If someone sees 'er with that knife, they will try and yank it out. It would kill 'er," she murmured.

"I think she's a bit more aware than that," Nova said. "She'll most likely cover it with her book or something like that."

"D'accord..." She sighed. "This is why I do not stay in one place for very long..."

Nova sighed. "Aurélie, we talked about this. Why didn't you leave that first second?"

"It is not my connection to you that troubles me now. That is easily set aside. What is now an upset is my connection to 'er. She is... She is me, but much different. Baudoins. They train differently, but no less..." She shook her head. "It does not matter. She is your problem and not mine."

"Yeah, she is my problem. So what if she's so much like you? Doesn't mean you have to do something about it."

"No, logically, it does not. Though logic does not 'elp take away the feeling..."

He chuckled. "If emotion could be erased by mere logic, we'd all be Vulcan."

Aurélie sighed. "This is true... I am fond of your cousin, all the same. When I said I would 'elp 'er if she wished to return to France, I meant it. She will only 'ave to call." She walked over and licked his cheek before starting back inside.