"...In black skies, of roaring and weeping clouds..." The Maskers chanted, "...Under which, chosen five begin their bouts..." They continue.

"Bring forth our esteemed brothers and sisters, and seek out the favored hand of The Smiling One," the Maskers concluded their chant. As they finished their invocation, an orb filled with swirling, ashy smoke illuminated the room, casting an ethereal sheen upon the surroundings. Within the smoky haze emerged a lone Masker, whose appearance seemed unremarkable compared to the others, save for one detail—he was drenched in blood. His trembling figure stood upon a precarious ledge, emanating a mood of palpable rage and haunting remorse.

But then, with a solemn wave of his hand, the blood-soaked Masker caused the swirling orb to conceal its visions once again. "Ensure that He is reminded of his duty. This city will follow him, if not me," boomed the voice of a tall, shadowy figure. The figure had a face with eyes that resembled two full, glowing yet spotless moons, and teeth that had shone brightly as well as being perpetually displayed and arranged in a way that evoked the grin of the Cheshire Cat. His words hung heavily in the air as he commanded his followers. "Ensure that your brothers and your sisters remind him of what he agreed to. Fail, and you all will be rendered mindless husks of the masks you worship,"

"Remind him of his grievance and his duty. Remind him of me, his master, Senyum," He said, right before vanishing into thin air, leaving behind a chilling and haunting laugh that echoed throughout the chamber.

Los Angeles quivered under the weight of His influence, and with the Maskers disappearing into the night, the destiny of those who dared to defy Him teetered on a precipice.

The stage was prepared, and the intricate ballet of shadows had commenced.

------

Charlotte's eyes flew open, and her body was drenched in a cold sweat. She sat up in bed, her heart pounding in her chest.

"What was that? Was it a nightmare?" she muttered, trying to catch her breath. The vivid images from her dream still lingered in her mind, so haunting and mysterious. "It felt so real, like a message from my family. But they're gone... they're supposed to be gone."

Glancing at the window, Charlotte noticed that it was still dark outside. She reached for her phone to check the time. It read 4:37 AM.

"It's still too early. Edel didn't mention when I should be up. I should try to get some more sleep while I can," she sighed. "It's probably going to be a long day anyway."

Charlotte shifted restlessly in her bed, attempting to find a comfortable position that would coax her back into sleep's embrace. However, her mind remained stubbornly awake, swirling with thoughts and unanswered questions.

Charlotte groaned as she tried burying her face into her pillow. "I literally cannot sleep. This is going to be so bad for my skin. Ugh, this is the worst!"

"Maybe I should let my boss know that I won't be returning to work. After what happened, I doubt anyone will be going back," she thought as she sent a quick text to her boss.

With the text sent, she threw her arms down and laid back, her gaze fixed upon the ceiling. "I guess I've also made up my mind about not stealing from Edel," Charlotte reflected. "I feel too ashamed to even admit to having thought of something like that... let alone follow through with it."

"I could use a shower. The sweat is really clinging to my clothes," thought Charlotte as she assessed her damp attire. "I can't sleep anyway." She swung her legs over the side of the bed and made her way to the bathroom.

Turning on the water, she adjusted it to a comfortably warm temperature and stepped into the shower. As the cascading water washed away the physical remnants of her restless night, Charlotte felt a renewed sense of cleanliness and rejuvenation. The steam enveloped her, easing the tension in her muscles and calming her mind.

After she finished her shower, she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel and made her way to the bedroom. She looked at her clothes, still damp and uncomfortable. "That won't do," she murmured to herself. Remembering the clothes Edel had given her, she decided to wear them instead. She quickly slipped into the blouse and black pants.

That's much better, but I'm feeling thirsty and could use some air.

Charlotte brushed her teeth, put on her shoes, and opened the door, walking out of the motel. The cold morning breeze of last night's rain greeted her, causing her to shiver involuntarily.

"Brr, it's cold!" she exclaimed, hugging herself for warmth.

As she looked around, she spotted Edel leaning against the side of her van, sipping something from a black thermal mug.

"Good morning," Edel greeted with a warm smile. "Perfect timing."

"G'morning. How are you up already?" Charlotte replied, walking towards her.

"Oh, this is usually when I wake up. How was your sleep?"

"Not good. I thought I was seeing the ghost of my family. It was nice and all to see them again, but it was also scary," Charlotte sighed as she found a spot to stand next to Edel.

"Scary? How?" Edel asked, raising an eyebrow. Perhaps she's experiencing the same thing? she thought.

"Well... ghosts aren't supposed to be real. I mean, if they are, they might haunt us, you know?"

"But your family wouldn't haunt you. They're supposed to be there for you."

"True but... I don't know. Maybe curses and bad omens are real too, and I'm scared of that."

Edel observed Charlotte, who was looking at the moon.

She does have a point, Edel thought. When I strengthen the connection of the spiritual realm to the physical world, I might bring some of that bad karma with me. But... Can it really be all that bad? My family can even help me find their murderers. Then, I'll be able to avenge them and the people who died last night.

"Anyway, what do you have there?" Charlotte pointed to the thermal mug.

"It's coffee. Want some?" Edel offered.

"Sure! This is just exactly what I need!" Charlotte took a sip of the drink, but immediately spat it out. "Ew, gross! How do you drink this?"

"You don't drink black coffee?" Edel said as Charlotte handed her back the mug.

"No, I prefer my coffee to be filled to the brim with cream and sugar," Charlotte coughed and gagged. "It's so bitter! Do you really like that?"

"You get used to it," Edel took another sip. "Plus, it's healthier."

"Whatever. Do you have anything else?"

"Do you want water?"

"Yes, please," Charlotte said gratefully.

Edel rummaged through a small cooler in the van and handed Charlotte a bottle of water. Charlotte gratefully accepted it, unscrewed the cap, and took a long, refreshing drink. The cool water quenched her thirst and provided a much-needed break from the bitter taste of the coffee.

"Ah, that's better," Charlotte said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Thank you for the water!"

"No problem. Are the clothes alright, by the way?"

"Yeah, they're super comfortable! The pants are a little too long, but it's okay!" Charlotte inspected herself.

"That's good. I hope it's comfortable enough for your training with Tabo later."

"Oh... right," said Charlotte nervously. I hope she doesn't notice how bad I am with physical activities, she thought. "Where's Tabo anyway?"

"Still sleeping, I suspect," answered Edel, until Tabo showed up right beside them. "Well, speak of the devil."

"Good morning, Tabo!" Charlotte waved. Tabo only waved back in response.

"It's still really dark, but if you want to get your training over with, then this might be a good time," said Edel.

"Are any of you hungry? I have bagel sandwiches here," Edel announced, pulling out two wrapped sandwiches from her cooler.

Charlotte's face instantly lit up. "ME! I've been starving since last night!" she exclaimed eagerly, raising her hand. Edel handed her a sandwich, and Charlotte wasted no time unwrapping it.

Tabo stood silently by the side, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance. Edel noticed his reserved demeanor and called out to him, offering him a sandwich. Tabo hesitated for a moment before accepting it with both hands, his gratitude expressed through a quiet "Thank you."

"What is this? Lox?" Charlotte asked, pulling out thin slices of pink meat from her cream cheese bagel sandwich. Her face scrunched up in disappointment. "Ugh! Edel, you and I have completely opposite tastes!"

Edel chuckled apologetically. "I'm sorry. I really don't have anything else."

"That's fine... But I guess I was kind of expecting like, a Continental breakfast or something," frowned Charlotte.

"Hah! I too would love a petit déjeuner to start off my mornings, but we're in a life-or-death situation right now," laughed Edel. "After you're done eating, I want you to train in self-defense, especially against weapons. Tabo, you can help her with that right?"

Tabo nodded.

"Great. I'll be in the van if you need me for anything."

With that, Edel made her way to the van, leaving Charlotte and Tabo alone to finish their sandwiches. Charlotte felt a sense of awkwardness settle between them, prompting her to break the silence.

"So, it's just you and me now, Tabo," she commented, trying to engage in conversation. "Do you have any ideas on how you're going to train me?"

"Mhm. We'll start with the basics and work our way up," Tabo said cooly, who had already finished his sandwich. "Let's train over there."

"Wait! I'm not even done eating yet!" Charlotte exclaimed, hastily finishing her meal as she hurried to catch up with Tabo in the open space under a solitary streetlight.

------

"Potential evidence of a spiritual presence include," Edel read from her laptop. "Freezing temperatures, communication via spirit box or ouija board, ghost orbs..."

Maybe that's why I felt a slight chill in my room, thought Edel. But it was generally chilly last night.

"How to strengthen a spirit's connection to the physical world" Edel typed in the search bar.  

"Potential methods to strengthen a spirit's connection," Edel muttered to herself, summarizing the information she came across. "Focusing on their presence through meditation, conducting séances or rituals, creating an environment conducive to spiritual energy..."

Some sources claimed that certain crystals or talismans could amplify spiritual energy, while others suggested using incense or candles to create a sacred space.

I don't know how I'm going to get all of that, and I don't even have the space for it. Edel ran her hand through her hair in frustration.

Let's check the algorithm to see if there are any potential threats. I'm afraid I might lose a lot of time devoting myself to this. Edel turned to her trusty program. 

Hmm, there's none at the moment, but that's not to say there might not be another threat sooner or later. It's hard to tell given that there's not much of a pattern established with the recent murders. The perpetrators appear highly capable, and no matter how close I get to them, they slip through my fingers, thought Edel. The fact that many of them wear masks suggests they may be part of a cult or some organized group. As for the suited men from last night, they seem to be connected to a gang or  mafia. But what brings them all to the port? And what is their relationship with each other?

Could it be an alliance or a business arrangement? Edel speculated. Regardless, they are all connected to the murder of my family, and I will eliminate them.

Edel closed her eyes, deep in thought, as she retraced her steps and analyzed every clue she might have overlooked. It felt like she was playing a high-stakes game of 5D chess, but she was determined not to be outwitted. The answers she sought were within reach, she just had to connect the dots.

Why had the masked people chosen to reveal themselves now, after operating in the shadows for so long? Perhaps there is a hidden agenda at play, or they are deliberately revealing themselves for a specific reason. Or something had shifted within their organization, prompting them to change their tactics.

They hold incredible capability for violence, which could explain their relation to the mob. But what purpose do the masked individuals serve for some mobsters? What could they bring to the table?

The masked thugs, let's call them "Maskers," could be used as assets to carry out the mob's interests. As enforcers, they can ensure compliance to the mob's interests. Or maybe they're collaborating based on an alliance of convenience? This way, they can expand their influence and power.

It seems that the Maskers hold significant leverage over the mobsters in this situation. But I need more information on their activities and–

"EDEL!" Charlotte's voice echoed through the van, cutting through Edel's train of thought.

Startled, Edel turned her attention to Charlotte, who was sweating bullets. "What is it, Charlotte? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong! Sorry, I just wanted to check to see if you're okay," said Charlotte. 

"I appreciate that, Charlotte. I'm fine, really," replied Edel, who was slightly annoyed to have her thought process interrupted. "How's your training going?"

"It's going great! Tabo taught me this move called... Actually, I don't know what it's called, but basically, when someone is grabbing me from behind, I stomp, step back, and drop? If that makes sense? But it's super useful! I wish I knew this sooner," grinned Charlotte. "Tabo is a great teacher. I just wish he talked more though. I want to learn more about him!"

"That's good to hear," Edel commented.

"Hey, Edel. We're going shopping later, right?" Charlotte asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Edel nodded. "Yes, if there are no imminent threats. Besides, it's still too early for the shops to be open."

Charlotte's excitement dimmed slightly. "So when can we go?"

Edel checked her watch. "Around 10 AM."

Charlotte sighed in frustration. "And what time is it now?"

"7:14," Edel replied.

"So I have to practice for three more hours?!" Charlotte groaned.

"It's lifesaving stuff, you know."

Charlotte grumbled, "Fine. I guess this might be the last chance I have to go shopping for a long time."

"That might be true," Edel stated sympathetically. "And after your practice, make sure to get everything you need from your room."

"Oh, right! I still need to give you my phone, don't I?"

"Mhm. I know it's not ideal, but some protective measures must be taken," Edel answered. Edel saw Charlotte's face drop and said, "I'm piecing together the evidence right now, and I have a better idea of who we're after."

"Really? Who is it?"

"Based on what I've gathered, it seems to be a secret organization operating in the shadows. They're working with mobsters in order to gain more resources and influence, I'm assuming."

"A secret organization? The mob? That sounds like something straight out of a movie."

"I wish I could say it was," Edel sighed. "However, that means we're dealing with even more dangerous individuals. It's best to get as much training as you can today to prevent yourself from getting hurt."