With that chorus of laughter, their pact had been sealed. Taylor was not wrong. The second they stepped into the theater, they had already fallen to a side. On some level, every single person felt it; the world gauged their steps as they walked in, weighing the intentions that was at their core against the question that would be asked in that theater, and after that was done, it allowed them to walk into the building.

At that point it was no longer a question of choosing the side with a better chance of winning; no, at that point it became about acceptance for the situation and it became about gathering their will while pointing their aggression at the correct target. Their side had already been chosen. Now, it was time to fight it out; it was time to play the game.

The supernatural creatures that had gathered there came from various backgrounds and had claimed their territories in places all around the world. But they wouldn’t be able to guard the Naturalists everywhere. The best they could do was damage control. The group had decided on setting up several strike teams across the world, managed by an information network that monitored possible attacks against the Naturalists. They would strike back where they could, and the attention of the attacking supernatural groups would be forced to divide between them and the Naturalists. They would have to risk their lives to do this, but this was a tribulation, and no one intended to back down.

With this effort, a few years for the Naturalists wasn’t impossible. And those assholes grow quick. After a few years, we really might be able to establish a new order with those dicks. Taylor thinks, processing the flow of their plan.

But, the work for that was tomorrow’s problem. As it was rare for so many supernatural creatures of such high levels to gather in one place, it naturally had to be celebrated. That night, before the work, before the fighting, and before the struggle to survive, they would have to release the tension in the place of their future selves… because everyone there knew… This would be a long and bitter fight…

…

…

Taylor had immediately chugged bottle of whiskey and proceeded to mingle with the others in a haze of drowsiness and booze-filled satiation.

…

…

“Taylor, my boy. Not bad. You could’ve had more passion but overall I’m satisfied with your performance. You get a passing grade. Now, if you lead us out of this pit we’re following you into, I’ll be even more impressed.” Taylor’s dad says, already a little drunk.

“Don’t listen to him, baby. We’re very proud of you. Whether we win or lose, we’ll do it as a family.” Taylor’s mom says with a caress to Taylor’s cheek.

Taylor immediately chuckles. Are these words people say before a war? He asks himself, amused. “Don’t worry, mom. With me here, nothing can go wrong.” He says shamelessly without regard for the thorn-filled path they were about to walk.

Taylor’s dad laughs. “That’s the right attitude!” He says with a smile. “Come, let’s get another drink!” He says jovially, grabbing onto Taylor’s shoulders and leading him to the bar.

…

…

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to die, Taylor. I mean, I’ve seen shitty leaders before, but look who’s leading the crowd. It’s a little turd that still looks at me like I’m his dad.” Johan says before bursting out into laughter.

“Fuck you, Johan. We’re going to win this fight. Just watch. After that, I’ll offer a toast to you on your wedding day.” Taylor says, swaying along with the gestures from his hand as he held a cup filled with hard alcohol.

Johan lets out another laugh. “Are you finally over it? I thought you would wallow about it for the rest of our relationship!” He says with a smile.

“Nah, fuck it. You guys took the long way ‘round and still ended up together. What can I even fucking say after that? Now, all I can hope for is that she sometimes thinks of me you’re fucking her.” Taylor says drunkenly before letting out a loud laugh.

Johan’s eyes widen. “Taylor, I think it’s been a while since I’ve kicked your ass.” He says, drunk but ready to throw down.

…

…

“Hey! Charles! Buddy old pal! You came! So the Demon Heart Vampires, eh? You guys are walking into this shit hole too?” Taylor says as he struggles to approach Charles.

“Fuck off, Taylor. Just because we happened to land on the same side in this war, doesn’t mean we’re friends. You can fuck off to the other side of this party.” Charles says ruthlessly, without regard for their previous relationship.

Taylor spreads his arms, confused. “Aw, c’mon. Don’t say that buddy! We’re still friends! Say, how was that girl I sent you? Did she make it?” Taylor asks, genuinely curious.

Charles lets out a sigh. “Yes, Taylor she made it. But like the Naturalists, she’s also a baby. She won’t be taking part in this war. Now leave me the fuck alone.” He says before walking away, avoiding Taylor’s clumsy attempts to grab his shoulder.

…

…

“Take me back, Jesse! I beg you! We were so good together! Remember all the good times we had?” Taylor says, tears lingering in his eyes.

Jesse’s eyes widen. What the fuck is happening right now? She asks herself.

“Okay, big boy.” Sylvie says as she grabs onto Taylor’s collar and pulls him back. “C’mon. It’s time to go home.” She says as she picks Taylor up like a child and puts him on her shoulder. With that, Sylvie carried him away to rest. They would need it for the days to come.