High school is great. Ever since her asthma cleared up, her fellow students have been much friendlier. Athletic accomplishments more than make up for her rapidly falling grades. Besides, amateur heroics keep her busy most nights.

She's eating lunch, as expected.

A shadow falls across her table.

"Fleming. Got a minute?"

"We could make a minute for you."

"Ignore him. What do you need?"

"We need to talk. Just us girls."

"Ty, we'll be back in a few minutes."

"Fine. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

It's crowded inside the cafeteria, but they can find a quiet spot outside.

Ellie checks to make sure no one's listening, then speaks quietly.

"Have you been to the city recently?"

"Not recently. Why?"

"Word is there's a bunch of new girls. Came over from Japan. Recruiting for some kind of corporation."

"They want recruits? That's different. Are you thinking about it?"

"No. It sounds complicated. Don't need complicated."

Nod.

"Do you want me to check them out, or do you think they could trace me back to you?"

"Don't borrow trouble. If they come looking, don't do anything stupid."

"Alright. Thanks for the warning."

"We're doing good. Just keep your head down and keep killing wraiths."

"I'll try my best. See you around."

Ellie nods, and wanders off.

Probably going to skip the rest of the day. Afternoon classes don't matter.

Gwen gets to her classes, thinking about what the other girls might be like.

They don't show up that day. Or the day after.

Late in the evening her soul gem starts pulsing. There's a large concentration of wraiths somewhere towards the north end of town, near Ellie's territory.

That's more important than math. She goes.

Turns out it's not near Ellie's territory, it is actually in Ellie's territory.

Any sign of Ellie from outside it?

Nope.