Parasite , WITH PLEASURE.

Hope’s Path was a rather ironic name for a place completely devoid of what it was named after. Perhaps it was the region’s humor? She did find it quite funny after all. It wasn’t the best place to meet up with someone either. But it was the place to be for someone who didn’t exactly flourish around crowds.

Athena covered half of her face with her hand, trying to keep most of the fumes away from her respiratory system. She surveyed the area, hoping to catch the image of her guest by the entrance of the tunnel. Around her wreckage was everywhere. Clutter of metal echoed through the vast place. But at a side glance, she saw no one.

The scientist was aware that there were inhabitants who still “hoped” in this area. If she were in need of materials, at the expense of quality and freshness, this would be the perfect place to hunt. Perhaps this was also the reason why her guest had chosen this place.

The only thing she’d found about this person was not much. She sat down on a large rock and crossed her legs, thoughts on compiling her thoughts. Sierra Holmes. Recluse but apparently a “brilliant” scientist whose expertise was closely related to psychochemistry. There were plenty of benefits when studying chemicals and their effects on the brain. However, she would have to check just how brilliant this person was.

Contacting her wasn’t such a difficult feat. Her contact information was part of the Association’s employee roster. But among the many Gijinka working for the Association, she had felt quite a few times the sensation of… something not quite right. Excitement filled with a rush of fear. The Froslass in her had sensed something much more powerful than her and sent danger signals all over her body. Athena thought otherwise. It intrigued her.

One such moment was a brief meeting with Sierra. Just a coincidence as they crossed paths. This short moment led to some research and eventually, a short message left on her contacts.

Athena smiled remembering how subtle she had been at drawing the girl’s attention.

"I know what you are…"She recited out loud, with a small chuckle. "… and I know what you’ve done. Hopefully, she bites the bait. Waiting here is such a bore."