Welcome to the home of Vladmir Dracula, Count Dracula.
He has come to this small hamlet, in search of something he’d thought lost many centuries before.
Along with his generals, Emilia and Rheksas, he has plans…many plans…
And this small town will never be the same again.
Vlad remained in his seat as Emilia paced and ranted at him. He wasn’t really listening, but thinking of how much he was disappointed in the young woman. He trusted her above all others, had been honest with her from the very beginning and she still did not heed his warnings. He could not recall one single instance in their centuries together where he encouraged her in her current behavior.
“I did everything you ever asked, including tonight, my….Lord. But again, you only care for that….woman. How many years..no how many centuries has it been? Hmm? And you still pine for her…I may be a General…but I am after all, a woman. A woman who has lived all these years loving but one man. My only crime is that I wasn’t enough for you.” And there it was, in the open for all to hear. He continued to stare at her, expressionless as he thought of what he should do. And still she issued ultimatums. “So, you have a choice, my Lord. End this life or banish me. It’s obvious I am no longer of use to you.” And she dared to stand before him, hands on hips, like a nagging fishwife? It was time to teach her who exactly was the Master and who was the Childe in this relationship.
His body was a blur as he launched himself from his seated position. The chair he had been in, slammed backward into the wall, smashing into pieces with the force of his ire. This went unnoticed as he pressed Emilia across the room into the wall, a single hand around her throat, his talons pressed tightly against her skin. His face was inches from her own and she would be able to see the rage in the blackness of his eyes.
“You dare!” he hissed. “I took you in when you had nowhere else to go! Your own pack tossed you aside and left you to die and out of the KINDNESS of my non-existent heart, I claimed you as My Childe! And you would dare challenge me in such a way!?” It had been many years since Vlad’s temper had been let loose in such a way, the last time had been just before he was turned. This was the first time ever that anyone had felt the full force of his rage. Emilia would be his target. “Not once have I EVER lead you to believe there would be more between us! Not ONCE did I give you ideas that I would take you as a lover! Yes, you are valuable to me! Your skills as an assassin are beyond reproach! But you are my CHILDE! And that is all you will EVER be to me!” he snarled.
Vlad had learned a lot about their race over the years and he had decided at one time that he was never going to do to one of his children that he was about to do to Emilia…but she had brought this upon herself.
“Rheksas! I know you are nearby! Present yourself before me!” he commanded, his aura flaring so heavily in the room that the candles that were lit flickered and died, leaving the room cloaked in shadows. He felt, more than saw Rheksas come up from behind him. Vlad kept his eyes on Emilia and spoke the ritual words to bind her lifeforce to that of Rheksas’s, in a sense, giving Emilia to the man as his blood-wife:
I, Vladmir Dracul, Lord of the Undead
Give of my servant, Emilia
Bound by Blood
To serve for all time
This man of Rheksas.
He shall take of her flesh
To forge this bond
Of Master to Wife
Blood to Blood
Let him forge this bond
With my curse
Forever more bound
Soul to soul.
We are Immortal.
We are Undying.
And nothing can sever
the bond they have sealed.
So I say it…so shall it be.
As Vlad spoke, his power could be felt exponentially and a thin thread of light, as red as blood began to form between Rheksas and Emilia. It was a power neither of them had felt before and had the effect of like being struck by lightning. It was controlled by Vlad alone, the power commanding Rheksas to take Emilia’s blood, to bind her to him forevermore as his Wife.
Was this to be the end of her existance Years, thousands of years and it had all come down to this moment. The Child deifies the Master. Eyes burning as they stared each other down. But they were not alone. No, for the other in the triangle was watching, waiting in the shadows. Rheksas. The General of Vlad had also watched this game for many centuries, and while his own dead heart did smolder for Emilia he knew that he would never get a look in. That was…until now.
Vlad was fast like lightning off his seat and rocketed across the room with Emilia caught in the grasp of his taloned claw. Defiance would never ever be tolerated, but the girl was of worth, there was no mistaking this. As much as he was angered to the point of just ending her, he also realized that he needed her for her skills and loyalty up till now had been flawless. Struggling beneath the cold clasp of Vlad’s hand, electric blue eyes turned to that of Rheksas who was a looming shadow not far in behind. What was he waiting for? The words of his Master of course. He did not want to see Emilia ended this way, but if it was the will of the Master than so be it.
Emilia’s face was riddled in the foul spittle of the Count’s rage as he berated her as a Master would of it’s child. She had disobeyed him one last time and no more shall she ever think of herself as being anything more to him than a child….a servant. Emilia shivered beneath the Count’s grip as the words rained down and hit her with a torrent to make her see just how she was in her longing for something that could never be. She had remembered when the Count had taken her, when she was abandoned by her own – cast into the wilderness only to be accepted to the Count’s coven with an open hand. Emilia would never bite that hand again.
“Rheksas! I know you are nearby! Present yourself before me!” The Count ordered, still with his taloned hand buried deep around Emilia’s neck.
“My lord, I present myself unto you.” This was said with a bow, as he slowly rose and continued to observe what well could be the General’s end. His eyes locked on Emilia’s, waiting for the end.
It was then, much to the shock of both Generals, that the Count made his will known, and effectively gave the unlife of Emilia to the complete control of Rheksas. Both were struck by the same shock of power that came from the Count’s decree. A fine red line joined each to the other, as their bodies both shook and quaked as though struck by a lightning like force. This blood binding was an ancient ritual, designed to ensure that the bond could never be broken, and each would continue to serve Vlad faithfully for eternity. It also meant that Rheksas would gain the prize he had wanted for so long. It was no secret to the Count of the General’s feelings for Emilia and now she could never say no.
The moment the Count released his grip from Emilia and stepped away, the General Rheksas moved to take his place. Emilia was still pinned hard to the wall as though by the force of the ritual’s words. Rheksas stared back at the Count, almost incredulously, before he moved his right hand up and swept back a portion of Emilia’s hair. How he had longed for this moment. He had touched her before, but only in care of her wellbeing. This was to be the first touch of a husband to blood wife. Eternal servants of Vladmir. Emilia had no say. She could not move even if she dared to try. Her steel blue eyes met with the deep chocolate ones of Rheksas. With speed he came down on her, sinking his fangs into the soft skin of her neck, and started to feed as her arms were seen reaching out around his body, fingers curling ever slightly. Rheksas growled and took her with all the enjoyment of a man that loved the woman that was given unto him. She tasted like no other, and he became almost intoxicated by her, her writhing only exciting him all the more. This would surely be a show to watch and enjoy no doubt.
When Rheksas had taken his fill, he withdrew his fangs and then licked at the wound to make it close over. But still his hands continued to wander over her. She was now inside him, and Rheksas wanted to complete this union of blood in the most intimate way. His lips moved from her neck up to her chin, then closed over her mouth and hungrily feasted on her tongue. Emilia put up little resistance to his intentions. She could no longer fight what was her new Master – her husband. Slowing, the General moved back slightly, and then pressed his lips to Emilia’s forehead, before turning back to his Lord, the Count.
“My blood wife will no longer be a problem to you, my Lord.” Rheksas’s lips were still wet from his new bride’s blood and he licked his lips with a half smile. This had worked out better than he imagined. Rheksas would keep Emila well under his watch, and between them, they would continue to serve the Count as they had done…now without issue. Emila remained quiet, the anger had been released out of her when Rheksas fed. She knew best not to disobey and kept close to Rheksas.
Welcome to the home of The Marulos, one of the richest families to ever come out of Europe. The estate covers a very large area as not only Count Virgo Marulo and his wife, Elvira and their 4 children live here, but they also house Virgo’s entire werewolf pack. There is also a smaller house on the grounds of the estate where their only son, Damion lives with his Alpha mate, Sam Malone (who built both the mansion for The Marulos and the smaller house for himself and Damion).
Clan Name:
Lupus Sarcina
Alpha:
Virgo Marulo
Beta:
Elvira Marulo
(A succubus demon, but the acknowledged Beta of the pack)
Next in Line:
Dominique Marulo (their eldest daughter)
Clan Motto:
“Integer ante omnes” (Translation: “Family Before All Others”)
The day was a truly warm one, as the summer sun beat down on the pool area that was at the back of the newly built Marulo estate. Doing laps for the past hour, Virgo was freestyling back and forth, much like an Olympic swimmer, with precision as he went through the tumble turns and back again. The water glistened as it lapped the sides of the pool where Gerald stood faithfully – towel at the ready. Finally Virgo made the last sweeping turn and came back to touch the other end, pleased to having had a good work out. He flipped back his hair, as he swam to the side of the pool and clamboured out. Dripping onto the granite tiled flooring, Gerald was at the ready and handed Virgo his towel. Wearing only small speedos, he was typical of his race – packing those speedos like no one’s business.
“Thanks Gerald. Elvira up yet?” He quizzed, wondering if his wife was enjoying her lie in. With the kids now grown they had more time for each other, but Virgo still had his morning rituals and in summer, the day started with a swim.
“No Sir, I believe Sally is checking in on her now.” Gerald had been with the family as long as could be remembered. A proud and valued member of the Pack, he served his Master and Lord faithfully and flawlessly all this time. Virgo gave Gerald a wolfish grin, as he contemplated going up to their master suite and shaking down the excess water on her while she slept. Gerald knew that wicked glimmer and chuckled. “I know that look Sir. Sally would have your hide tanned, regardless of her place.”
Virgo let out a roar of laughter and slapped Gerald’s back. “A man can dream…can’t he?”
Together the two walked towards the patio entrance, where another staffer was ready with yet another towel. Virgo took it with a wink and wrapped it around himself. He had a tight schedule that day and already was famished for breakfast. No doubt Cookie would need to have her wits about her.
“I could eat a horse.” Virgo stated, rubbing the towel on his head.
“Which one, Sir?” Gerald asked with a bemused expression.
“Yours if you’re not careful.”
Again the two men laughed, but Virgo then looked serious. He really was hungry.
As Virgo was going for his morning swim, his long-time wife and mate, Elvira was in fact sitting at the dining room table, enjoying a cup of coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. Some would be shocked by this as Elvira was a born and bred English woman who lived and died by a great cup of tea. But after a business trip to the Americas with her husband, she had discovered the joy that is Starbucks and had become a convert.
She was also a woman who had become enamored of the current styles of American dress. Her old Victorian-style dresses made way for more modern lines, such as knee-length figure-hugging skirts and tight tops that exposed a nice amount of cleavage. Even her husband loved those types of clothes on her and he did everything possible to try and get her out of them, much to her everlasting amusement.
Sally wandered in from the kitchen, a coffee pot cradled carefully in her hands. She leaned in to refill Elvira’s cup as the latter was reading the newspaper. Elvira glanced up briefly with a smile.
“Thank you, Sally.”
“Mhm.” Sally stated, sounding distracted. Elvira looked at her long-time servant over the top of the paper, one eyebrow arched in question.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Sally muttered.
“Sally, how long have you been my servant?”
“Hmm…a couple of centuries now.”
“I can tell when something is bothering you. Spill.” Elvira pointed to a chair, indicating Sally should sit.
“I miss the girls.” Sally stated after a lengthy silence.
“Athena and Dominique?”
“Yes.”
“I miss them, too.” Elvira sighed.
“Have you heard from them?”
“Athena is with her troupe in Russia and Dominique is in Japan. From what she told me when she called the other night, her latest single has gone Platinum.”
“Did you ever imagine she would be so popular with her music?”
“She was a singer in a burlesque club, for Hell’s sake!” Elvira chuckled. “I never thought her voice would get her this far.”
“Neither did I. And Athena…she’s amazing.” Sally sighed.
“All my girls are amazing. It’s hard to play favorites with them.”
“And you shouldn’t have to.” Sally smiled, getting to her feet. There was the sound of male voices coming nearer and both women turned toward the open doors to see Gerald and Virgo talking animatedly between them. Elvira felt her mouth go dry as she looked over her husband’s well-toned physique. The centuries had been VERY kind to her mate. There wasn’t an anounce of fat on him and he looked very enticing in his choice of swimwear. Even her succubus sat up and took notice. The man never failed to make her melt like butter, no matter what he did or wore.
Sally must have noticed the look on Elvira’s face for she swiftly jabbed her mistress in the shoulder with her elbow. Elvira whipped her head around to glare at her, wondering why she did that.
“You’ve got a bit of drool on your chin.” Sally chuckled before she headed back into the kitchen. Embarassed, Elvira grabbed a napkin to wipe her face before she dived behind the newspaper. It would only server her right if her husband had heard Sally’s remarks.
The sound of voices coming from the dining room, along with the subtle smells of a good morning breakfast had Virgo turn sharply towards the Dining room. He could see Sally and his adored wife Elvira deep in conversation. Course, he was still fresh out of the pool, with just a towel around his waist and one in his hand that he used to dry his hair. Virgo was actually surprised that his beautiful wife was out of bed. Tossing the wet towel over his shoulder to one of the staffers, he sauntered in, bare chested and still glistening in places.
“Good morning, Ladies.”
Virgo made a bee line for the delicious spread, while Cookie came in with a tray covered plate of bacon. She gasped as she saw the near naked Count hovering over the danishes. “Sir!” Cookie said abrubtly, the tray in her hand shaking. Virgo looked up, slightly amused and then took the tray from her trembling hands. Had the woman not seen a man fresh out of the pool before. “I’ll take that off your hands, Cookie.” Gerald couldn’t hide his smile if he tried as the poor woman huffed and then didn’t know where to look. “Oh my!” Cookie blustered, while Gerald coughed loud enough with his curled fist near covering his mouth. Virgo glanced over at him and raised a brow. “Shouldn’t you get dressed, Sir?’ Gerald asked, as a flushed faced Cookie went back to the kitchen empty handed. Virgo looked down at his wet towel around his waist, and then tore it off, leaving only the speedos on. He tossed the second towel to the nearest staffer and then looked back at Gerald and asked; “Better?”
Gerald rolled his eyes, as Virgo took a piece of bacon, and took a bite. He then wandered over to his wife, who was sitting so daintly in her chair at the table. Grinning at Sally, he then rubbed his bulge against the back of the chair that Elvira was sitting in, and chortled. “Elvira loves it.” He bent down and nipped at her neck, his breath ripe with the scent of cooked bacon. Knowing that this was likely to cause a scandal he then grabbed the nearest paper, and went upstairs to get dressed for the day, leaving the rest of those in the room to discuss the morning’s news. From the stairs Virgo sung out;
“Love you, hunny!”
All these years, and Virgo was still as cheeky as when they first met.
Coming back down a good ten minutes later, Virgo was dressed in a day suit in black, with matching shoes and a white shirt, with black tie. He had a business meeting that morning, and having showered and looking presentable, he was ready to join Elvira for breakfast. Taking a seat beside her, he reached for the coffee pot and poured himself a cup. Blowing on the steaming brew, he asked his beloved;
Cookie came in with the tray of bacon she’d been dishing up when she stopped dead in her tracks upon seeing Virgo. The woman, after centuries of being their cook had never gotten used to Virgo’s overt displays of sexuality and today was no exception. The woman was simply scandalized and didn’t know where to turn her gaze.
Virgo, as was his usual, took no notice, even going so far as to take off the towel around his waist and tossing it to Gerald. Elvira nearly swallowed her tongue.
“That is definitely NOT better!” she sent to him through their thoughts.
With a grin, he sauntered up behind her, rubbing his lower body against her back and she had to clamp down tight on the urge to turn in her seat and take him into her mouth then and there. Succubus by nature, it was a struggle not to try and shock the watching staff, although they had done that on more then one occasion over the years.
“Tease!” She snarled as he turned and headed to their room to dress for the day.
He laughed as he left the room, calling out to her as he did. “Love you, hunny!”
“Love you, too.” she giggled.
“He will never change.” Gerald chuckled, shaking his head as bent to kiss Sally on the cheek.
“Do you really expect him to?” Elvira wondered.
“Our lives would be boring if he did.”
“Exactly.”
Virgo came back down ten minutes later, dressed immaculately in a three-piece business suit. He had taken to the current men’s fashions like a child in a candy store and had a whole closet in their room with just these types of suits.
He sat beside her, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He made it to his own specifications before looking at his wife beside him.
“Heard from the kids?”
“Mhm. Dominique called me last night. She’s in Japan at the moment. She tells me the tour is doing really well but she’s feeling a bit homesick. According to her schedule, she has one more date in Italy then she’ll be coming home for the US leg of her tour. After I ended the call with her, I got a text message from Athena. She’s really enjoying Russia.” She sighed, thinking about her two girls. She missed them when they weren’t home with her. Elvira was definitely feeling Empty Nest Syndrome. With Damion and Sam living in their own home (even if it was on the estate) and Artemis working daily at the factory…She sighed again. She needed to find something to do before she went stir-crazy.
As always, Virgo was delighted to get news about the children. Long time grown, they had made names for themselves, in entertainment and business which made Virgo a very proud man. The only down side to this, was that they were so far from home. The Alpha knew that his wife pined for the children, as they were the true light in her life. While having two of them close, such as Damion and Artemis; they had some social interaction. Virgo nodded and showed a wide smile on hearing how well the girls were doing. The years had made the world smaller, what with planes and the newest social technology which Virgo was still trying to embrace. It was one thing to look the part in a modern world, but a whole nother thing to understand the changes. He had long ago accepted his son’s choice to be with a man, and this had led to many happy years for the family. Why, his son in law as he liked to call him, Sam Malone had designed the wonderful mansion that they called home. A credit to his talent and skill.
“Dominique is heading back here? Wonderful. Soon as she touches down, we have to have her come stay. Gerald, make sure her old room is ready for her. I want everything just perfect.”
As Dominique was the next head of the family, Virgo always wanted her to know where her true home was. He reached under the table and ran his hand across his wife’s thigh, smirking as he did so, and a light throaty growl could be heard. He was always touchy feely when it came to Elvira. He knew he teased her terribly when he had come in from the pool, but that was something he just couldn’t help. He was just like that around her. Hell, if he could, he would have gone starkers.
Only a text message from Athena? Virgo took out his cell and checked. Sadly, the girl only seemed to text her mother. He stabbed at the device a few times, then grunted. “Can never understand these things.” Virgo tossed the cell on the table with a dull thud, before looking back at his wife. He could tell she was unsettled. He thought for a moment.
“Did you want to come to the office with me today? Get out of the house? I could suggest we go and…make more babies if that would give you something to do.”
Did he really just suggest that? Gerald coughed. “Remember how sick Elvira got last time she had the twins?”
Virgo suddenly remembered and then frowned. He had totally forgotten about that. He then thought some more. Beaming, he asked her; “How about we get involved with the local horse club? I love seeing you ride…” Again with the innuendo.
Sam Malone was now heralded as a man of vision when it came to the types of buildings and houses that he created with his astute mind for detail and passion for the enviroment. Having created the sprawling Marulo house, he went on to make one for his lover and mate Damion, but one that would fit in perfectly with the charm and serenity of the New Hampshire area. Set within the same grounds as Damion’s parents abode, this charming lake side condo had everything a man could ever dream of. With a spacious floor plan, mutiple levels and walls of glass that allowed the outside to come in, it was a jewel in the estate. No expense was spared in it’s creation, and Sam made sure to put his own special touch on the design, but allowed Damion free reign on the interior design and furnishings. Needless to say the result was simply magnificent.
The modern day Sam Malone, had adjusted to the changes that time brought since the heady days of the roaring twenties, when he first met his lover, Damion Marulo. Their love and courtship was sorely tested by the fact that his father; Virgo had a great deal of trouble accepting the pairing. He had hoped that Damion would be the next great Alpha to lead the family pack. That role would fall instead to his sister, Dominique; who was travelling the world in the modern day. A singer with extroidnary talent, she also had the strong will and determination to one day lead the clan to greatness as her father Virgo had done.
This day had Sam in the kitchen, going over some emails on his notepad while he waited for his coffee to brew. Dressed impeccably in a smart business suit, he had to go into town to visit with a new client, who had come all the way from upstate New York to put forward ideas for a new housing developement. The subtle scent of the coffee brewing would be sure to wake his lover Damion from his slumber.
Finishing his emails, he decided to wander down the hall and see if Damion was awake. He opened the door to their master suite and stepped in with a warm smile.
“Dominique is heading back here? Wonderful. Soon as she touches down, we have to have her come stay. Gerald, make sure her old room is ready for her. I want everything just perfect.”
Elvira felt her husband’s hand caressing her thigh, a light teasing growl rumbling past his lips as he did so. She smirked slightly, feeling her skin heat up a few degrees beneath his hand.
“Don’t start something you can’t finish, darling.” she grinned.
As she had mentioned Athena’s text, he yanked out his phone, pressing random buttons. Annoyed, he tossed it across the table, much to Elvira’s amusement. She patted his arm. “Even the best of us cannot understand technology, my love.” she smiled.
“Did you want to come to the office with me today? Get out of the house? I could suggest we go and…make more babies if that would give you something to do.”
“Remember how sick Elvira got last time she had the twins?” Gerald reminded him. Elvira had to agree. Being sick at the levels she had been when pregnant both times was not something she enjoyed. She loved her children, she hated being sick. And she didn’t think she was ready to breed again. The timing was all wrong.
“Virgo, I know how much you’d like a large family, but I’m not ready just yet.” she told him, hoping he wouldn’t be too disappointed.
“How about we get involved with the local horse club? I love seeing you ride…”
She chuckled darkly and squeezed in closer to him, running her fingers slowly along his inner thigh.
“You just love seeing me in tight pants.” she whispered into his ear, her warm breath sending shivers down his spine.
Sally rolled her eyes at the two of them. After centuries and 4 children together, they were still a couple very much in love.
She shared a look with Gerald, the two of them quietly leaving the Marulos to their breakfast.
——
Sam and Damion’s Bedroom
Sam had been awake for much longer then Damion. Damion had worked late at the plant the night before, crawling into bed just after 2 am that morning. He was still asleep when Sam went to check on him.
Laying in bed, Damion was oblivious to his mate’s presence, still deeply asleep. The sunlight from the wide windows blanketed his skin in its bright hues, turning Damion’s skin nearly bronze. He wore no shirt, choosing to sleep in a pair of loose sleeping pants that rode low on his hips. He had an arm thrown over his eyes, instinctively blocking out the light of the new day as his body caught up on the sleep he had been missing.
His father had delegated more and more work to his only son, and Damion, in typical Marulo fashion, had brought the company from the bottom to the top, making it one the most successful companies in the world. But it was taking its toll on him and it was beginning to show. But Damion hated to disappoint his father and was glad that his sister had decided to help him.
As he swam up from sleep, feeling a bit warm beneath the rays of the morning sun, a muffled sound caught his attention, that of a door opening.
“Early bird gets the coffee.” a familiar voice murmured near his ear. With a sleepy smile, he came to full wakefulness, removing his arm from his eyes to stare groggily at his husband/mate. He wrapped an arm around Sam’s neck and pulled him in for a deep and loving kiss before drawing back with a small smile.
“Mmm. Good morning.” Damion murmured, his eyes sliding closed as his body wanted to go back to sleep. “What time is it?” he wondered, running his fingers through his hair.
Out of the corner of Virgo’s eye he could see Gerald and Sally take their leave, so that the couple could speak more freely without being judged. Virgo as always loved to be touching his wife, and his wandering hand had moved further up her thigh till it slipped to the space within them. Teasing lightly with his fingers, he held a bemused expression when Elvira stated that he loved to see her in tight pants. “Pants or not, it doesn’t matter to me. Watching you ride always has given me a thrill. Why, is that not how I first met you? Riding like a wild woman across that open park?” His voice had a lusty edge – a deep sounding tone that was unmistakable, especially to Elvira. But as much as he wanted to tease her about the happy memories of another era, he knew that something was troubling her and had been for some time. He himself was starting to feel like he was behind the times with his own company. Damion in his mind was doing such a fine job as the new CEO, that Virgo was wondering if he too should start looking at a new venture to keep him busy. With those dark hues, he stared into his wife’s eyes.
“I think we both need to explore our options on how to spend our days. Gerald was right about you and being pregnant, as much as I enjoy making our young. Heh.”
Virgo had not aged in centuries, but time was starting to make things difficult. Not having the children on hand also meant that he was longing for something more. Easing back in his chair, though his hand still firmly placed between her thighs, Virgo mused.
“Do you think I have pushed Damion a bit too far with the business? I mean, its such a success, but I wonder if maybe its time I let go and allow the children to shine.” Virgo obviously was feeling a little bit more like Elvira than he had come to realize.
A buzzing came from Virgo’s cell phone as it was just out of reach. The caller name was….”Roxburg.”
Sam and Damion’s Bedroom.
Damion kissed his husband with such love and passion, that Sam couldn’t hold back but return it with his own ignited desire. A minute or two of heavy petting, and Sam finally came up for air. He could see that Damion was still tired after his late night and a tad groggy to boot. Hence the need for coffee. Asking Sam what time it was, Sam answered; “Just before 8am. I am pretty sure your first meeting is at….9am.” Sam it seemed knew Damion’s schedule better than he did. Pulling back, he looked at the clock. “Mhm…you have about an hour to get ready. Want me to go make you some breakfast?” Sam was usually the one to rise and get things ready for them in the morning, as he knew of his lover’s need for sleep. He had been working hard to keep up with his father’s wishes, and Sam worried that Damion may suffer from burnout if he wasn’t careful. Sam went into Damion’s closet and started to hunt for one of Damion’s better suits, leaving his lover to try and wake up some more.
CharlotteCarrendar:- “Understood, Captain.” Charlotte answered before turning to see the many expectant faces of her many children. The two that had spent the last eight months with her on both the Trek and the visit to Arren were worldly in their knowledge of the nation, as well as dealing with those that were not of their own kind. The rest of the children had spent much of their time in either the Spire or beneath the main meeting hall being protected by the Ettercaps. Charlotte had barely had time to reunite with her enormous brood, but she knew that with the present dangers facing the city, that it was foolish to bring them all out into the open – regardless of their powers. Even Seven and Luna had yet to transform into full bebilith, and Charlotte didn’t feel they were ready to do that. With Charlotte delegated to the retrieval and dissemination of Doctor Galventstein’s technology, she knew she was going to have to place the retrieval of the JACK’s to one of her children. She walked up to her son, Seven – a bright boy of fourteen years, with his wild mohawk hair style and cheeky attitude. He had grown up a lot on the last few adventures, but this was no game they were playing. Millions of lives hung in the balance. She raised her hand to cup his cheek. Her eyes showed that she was in fact proud of him, and knew he could lead many of his brothers and sisters to do what must be done.
“Son, I am taking Luna with me to find the laboratory of Doctor Galvenstien. It means we will have to breach the surface, and by the sounds of things, the world above us is taking a hammering. What I want you to do is round up ten to fourteen of your siblings, and taken them back through the monorail line to the old Meeting hall ruins. There, you should be able to find the access to the JACK hanger below the monorail.”
Seven stared up at his mother, whom he had often regarded as being something as irresponsible when it came to the needs of her children. Now he was starting to understand her in a better light. She herself had to save a world at the age of fifteen and without the care and direction of her Mother. He was thankful that he at least had her, for the time that he did. He ran to embrace her – something he was not normally known to do, and he held onto her for a good three or so minutes, before letting go.
“I think we need cousin Billy on this, Mum.” Seven was right. Billy, who was Izu’s youngest son was well known in the family for his work with robotics over on the Island, as well as having a close association with the JACK’s creator. Uncle King. “I will send a distress signal to the space station, that is the fastest way.” Charlotte ruffled her son’s hair, as he set to go get on comms with Tyson, who happened to be Izu’s son stationed on the Space station. Whilst Seven was doing this, Luna came up to her Mother. The lilac haired twin of Seven looked apprehensive about going topside. “Mum, I’m scared.” She had ever right to be, since the sounds coming through the roof of the Spire showed that the battle had well and truly hit the city, or at least that was how it sounded. Charlotte brought her daughter close, and said. “We can’t sit here and do nothing. They are our people out there with little to no defence. Getting those suits is really important, as well as whatever weapons the Doctor made before going back to his world.” Luna tried to look supportive, but she simply had a bad feeling about the mission. In a way, she felt that Seven had the easier job, since he was travelling underground.
In another part of the Spire, Seven was at a large control panel, that was the communications network to the planet. Already he could see that Nixagris was offline, blocked somehow by the Imperials. As he scanned the many screens, the true horror of what had befallen the planet was now becoming evident. This was the first time that Seven had seen the sheer magnitude of the devastation, and he could feel a lump rising up in his throat. He was after all still only a boy of fourteen, and to see this…was a huge wake up call. Darson, one of his brothers who had been spire bound for most of his life came up behind his brother and sighed. “I come in here most nights, and every time I turn on the monitors…this is what I see.” he looked to his brother Seven and asked. “Why are the human’s doing this?” Seven’s eyes remained fixed on the screen. “I don’t think its just humans that caused this. I think everyone had a hand in it.” Darson agreed. “Can you patch through to the space station?’ Darson asked. Seven was way ahead of him, as the symbol for the Carrendar appeared on one of the left hand screens. Seven punched in a code, then sat down in one of the large module chairs.“This is Seven Carrendar from the Spire, trying to reach Arachna 5.” In orbit around Lisega, Tyson was manning Arachna 5 as his other brothers were all on missions in different worlds. Brock was on Earth along with Izu and Orson. The only three remaining was Tyson, Nigel and Billy.
“Yo, Seven. How you doing dude? I got that you are at the Spire. Man, you should see the view I got from here. The Imperials look to have downed the Skycastle. Kinda glad Dad wasn’t on it.” This confirmation about Skycastle brought sighs and gasps from the children that were all in the communications room watching on. Seven looked up at the screen of his cousin, who was a handsome looking lad of about 20 years old. “What do you need, kid?” Tyson asked, his eyes darting to the different screens at his disposal. Seven responded immediately. “Billy, we need him in Lorewall. He is one of the leading operators of the JACK’s and Captain has ordered they be brought into the urban fight.” Tyson grinned at hearing they needed Billy. A gamer by nature, he was a master of all sorts of combat games, but never ever did it for real.“You need Billy. Well Shit, that’s a first. Let me put the call through and have him meet you guys at the JACK’s Hanger. Hehe. Bought time that kid showed ya’ll what he was made of.” He started on putting the call through to Billy, who was left behind on the Island with his brother Nigel.
Billy was working on a rocket project of his, when the beacon came on from Arachnea five. Tyson’s face showed up on the huge monitor in the lab. “Billy!…. Charlotte’s kids need you in Lorewall. Better suit up bro. They are in the middle of a war, and it ain’t looking like they are winning.” Billy’s face looked to be one of shock. “But they have Skycastle. The Sun gun…that thing can melt a space cruiser like it’s butter!” Tyson nodded, knowing full well the capabilities of the Sky castle. “Yeah, well its been downed. Not sure on the stats report, but if you ask me, its in no shape to be used for defence. This war is turning into an Urban warfare squirmish. Seven and his siblings need you on the JACKS.” Slowly Billy rose from his chair, and placed his hand across his chest. “In Nemaues, we trust.” It was the words said by his father Izu in times of war. “I’ll go get Nigel, and tell Seven we will be there in an hour.” Billy left the lab, and Tyson switched back over to the kids in the Spire. [b”Billy and Nigel are on their way. I suggest you guys start making a trek for the Meeting hall ruins, they will meet you there. Arachnea five out.”[/b] The screen switched back to the Carrendar symbol, as the kids all started to make a run for the monorail tunnels.
KingFalthosHellbore: – Treads crushed broken and torn bodies beneath several tonnes of ceramite and plas-steel. They had reached the walls of Lorewall, the marvelous citadel-like walls, crumbled beneath the heavy payloads of the Baneblades, Leman Russ Tanks, and the various heavy munitions used in the Basilisk Cannons. The very earth, trembled at the onslaught. it was only when now, that an order had been sent to withdraw. The Tanks veering back towards the ten mile trenches, located not thirty miles from the very walls that crumbled beneath the hammer stroke of the Emperors Finest. The kriegers, in all of their own bodies, after being stripped of supplies, food, clothes, armor, weapons, and likewise the soldiers of Lorewall, stripped of their uniforms, weapons and clothing, until the field lay witness to nothing more than the bare, burning bodies of the dead. The Kriegers had made sure to be absolutely thorough in maintaining a war of attrition, sending this spectacle as a sign that, they were not to be trifled with.
It had been four hours since the ending of the Siege. Constantines armor scored a few scorch-marks and deep gouged grooves that littered his breastplate, some still radiated heat and glowed from where rounds had tried to strike at the very flesh beneath the armor. He had it removed to be taken to be repaired. He then moved to sit down at the conference table, where assembled there, the command staff had met, only Xith had not been present, as he was attending matters in the Loch. Constantine rubbed his scruffy features a moment, pondering his next move and advances. This had only been a test, a brutal test and a jab at the morale of the very people of Lorewall. He sought to instill fear, to instill doubt, to cause a mass panic and watch the very city tear itself inside out. He wondered if it was working, the mere thought of the cowarding masses, pissing themselves as the very guns of the guard came hammering down the very private, safe portions of their lives they so foolishly thought to be safe from anything. He stood up, fixating his helmet and his regimental unifrom. His silvery breastplate, a replacement from the battleplate he wore, would be strapped to him beneath the long stormcoat he wore. He would say “We need to broadcast the aftermath. We need to show those fools exactly what we do. We must make them fear us. Fear to face us. Fear must spread like the promethium fires we will set to their city, as a testament to the very lives they lead. We must show them the true error of their ways.” A comms officer piped up “Which one sir?”
With very grim look he turned and said “The Error was Following Chaos. Their sins, will know retribution.”
A broadcast was made, the power amplified that, if any other station intervened, it would fry circutry in all televisions, computer networks, and any cellular devices. First, there was blackness, then upon the screen, showed the grinning skulled visage, of the General Himself. The monotone, metallic drone of his speaker-grille would utter the last speech he would give to the enemy.
” Your Troops fought bravely. And much like they lived, they died shamefully. Wasted. They burned and screamed, scratching at the ground for salvation from the promethium fuel that consumed their bodies. Look, at what their sacrifice granted them.” At that moment, there was a livestream video, of the entirety of the battlefield, the naked bodies, without any form of clothes, weapons, or anything to distinguish them apart, burned. Naked, like a babe recently born, now they lay in their death beds, already atop their funeral pyres, of which the flames licked and roiled for miles and miles. This footage was shown for approximately one minute before it flickered over back to the same skulled visage that plagued so many an enemy before.
“This, is the price of Chaos. They were granted the Emperors Peace. This is the Fate of all who worship Chaos. We will Cleanse this land. We will Purge the Unclean. Pray to whatever flase gods you worship, for I assure you, we will send you screaming to them in the void. Join the Emperor, or Die. We will be waiting for an answer, Soon Enough.” With this, the broadcast ended. Constantine would emerge from the broadcast room, awaiting him were the command staff, his personal retinue, and the subordinates of the staff. He turned towards the staff, his look cold, calculating, and with the stare of a man who was ready to set the very heavens aflame. “Dig In. Dig Deep. Lay traps. There are those who wish to kill all of us. Let us make sure they never get the chance. Make sure the trenches are secure. I want full status updates every thirty minutes. I want live bio-feed of every troop walking those trenchworks. I want my gun-emplacements operational.” he paused a moment, a thought had occured to him. “I want the conscripts on the front. Keep the Nixagrisian Auxillary at the front. Keep watch of them. We are assaulting their relatives, one could only imagine the feeling of betrayal. Maybe enough for them to turn traitor. Be sure they set an example, if necessary.” With that, the Command staff dispersed, seeking to continue their duties amongst the panels, comm-channels, as well as studying the battlefield, outlining the camp emplacements for their forward base of operations.
Constantine pondered a moment, what it was like, for just the briefest moments, to be in their shows. He sought to understand his enemies next moves. Perhaps even the rumors were true, that this so called, Captain, had withdrawn to surprise them. He would never get that chance he thought. He withdrew his men back to their lines, and within the next few hours, would rain more fire down from the heavens. He folded his hands across his back, moving up towards one of the monitor screens that survied the area. He stared intently, as if searching for something. A thought had occured, one that would send him into a state of disbelief. A warning rune had been displayed, flashing its angry glowing red hues. Just as it had showed up, so to did a chart that showed energy fluxuations within the Warp and Reality, usually an instrument used to detect interstellar ships entering or exiting realspace. He could barely register what it ment, without missing a beat however, he turned towards his comms officer “Get me Xith. Now.”
<E Pt. 1>
CharlotteCarrendar: As the small group of boys and girls lead by Seven go off down the monorail tunnel towards the JACK’s hanger. Charlotte is left with Luna, whilst many of the other children are begging to come too. Knowing the dangers topside, Charlotte has to insist that she can only take one with her. The risks were simply too great. This brings a large chorus of sad voices, to which Charlotte tries to pacify them in saying that they would all be together one day soon. But for now, she had a job to do. Taking Luna’s hand, she leads her daughter out of the Cathedral of fiends, and towards the outer sanctum of the Spire. Luna, naturally is nervous. “Is it easy to get into the laboratory?” Luna inquires, as Charlotte is getting her barings under ground. “It shouldn’t be too hard, just depends on the defenses he left in place. I just hope it hasn’t been hit.” This truly was a growing concern, with the noise above becoming deafening. Charlotte closed her eyes and let her mind go to that of Doctor Galvenstien’s lab, and then she squeezed her daughter’s hand.“Here we go.” she uttered as the two beblith shimmered out of site from the Spire and to the world above in Lorewall. The two would appear right in front of the Laboratory, but not before they came to witness the magnitude of what had become of the city. Towering clouds of smoke and ash were block out much of the sun, and the clouds were in fact toxic. Car alarms, ambulance and police sirens, along with fire and rescue teams sirens were blaring across the expansive city. Charlotte’s eye were rimmed with tears, feeling her heart ache from the sight of the devastation. “Are we too late?” She uttered feeling so helpless as it was like watching Lacardis all over again. Luna squeezed her Mother’s hand. “Mommy, we have to get the suits. This area looks okay…for now.” Luna seemed to be more determined now that they get the suits and do what they were suppose
d to do. “Captain is counting on us.” Luna was right, and Charlotte squeezed her daughter’s hand. “You’re right, come on.”
They mounted the steps that lead up to the warehouse like storage facility and workshop of the good Doctor. By the look of all the mail and newspapers on the door step, the Doctor must have returned to his world on matters that were of great urgency. Charlotte kicked the mail out of the way and then looked up at the door, that had a DNA imprinter locking mechanism. Luna looked at it and wondered how to open the door. “How does that work?” she asked. Charlotte took off her glove and then pressed her hand up to the strange imprint device. There was a strange green light that ran up and over her palm before the text printed that she was Charlotte Carrendar and access was granted. Letting out a sigh of relief, she pushed the door open and took her daughter, Luna inside.
The lab and the store rooms looked deserted and at first Charlotte was afraid the place had been cleaned out. She remembered having been to visit the Doctor, two years before, and now, the place seemed in ruin. Luna stepped over piles of rubbish on the floor, and she questioned her Mother. “Are you sure this is it?” Charlotte was starting to wonder that herself, until she stepped on a pressure point on the floor, and a holographic image of Doctor Galvenstien appeared.“It is good to see you again, Ms Carrendar.” The Doctor was smiling and looking directly at Charlotte’s form. “Forgive me for not being here to show you the finished products and suits myself, but alas, duty called in another world, so I did the best next thing, and left you …well. me.” The Hologram chuckled, while Luna and Charlotte glanced at one another.“If you are wondering why the lab looks the way it does, I did this on purpose, so to dissuade looters and or the enemy. Clever, huh?” The Doctor let out another laugh before turning and then you could see panels starting to activate, as hidden panels started to open up in the very walls, and expose the real jewel to the Doctor’s work. “Yes, I managed to complete over five hundred suits. Not bad, I must say given my limited resources, and…-cough- funding. But enough with politics. Each suit is crafted to mold explicitly to the wearer, regardless of size. A clever little addition I put in there. Now, before you go putting them on, I must explain one thing. These are bio suits. The highest tech that your world has ever seen. Each suit is linked to a network and over on the bench is the main controller. Guard it with your life.”
The Doctor then activated another panel and this opened a room with walls covered in the specialist weapon, the AR-2. As Charlotte walked into the room and picked one up off the rack, she looked at the Doctor and asked. “Have these been tested?’ The Doctor chuckled, “Oh, have they ever. Rather proud of those I might add. If the enemy are wearing power suits, these beauties are going to give them a real jolt. Hehe.” He seemed to find the whole thing humorous. Sadly, with the war raging outside, Charlotte didn’t feel like laughing, or joking.
“The Captain wants them all, for the cause. I need to take them. Do you have…”
“There is a massive truck in the basement, and equipment to get all this on board. Special trolleys that make lifting all this effortless. So long as you have worked out where you are taking them too.”{/b] Charlotte had a fair idea and smiled at the Doctor. [b]”Thank you…for everything.” The hologram smiled at her as the transmission was about to end.
“As in the old world, as in the new….In Nemaues you trust.”
The Hologram faded out and left the two Carrendars standing there. “What are we waiting for. Let’s get this stuff loaded!” Luna squealed with enthusiasm, as Charlotte and her daughter got to work.
In the air over the sea between the mainland and Carrendar island, Nigel and Billy are flying in Arachnea four. This large plane was equipped to take extra equipment in a large detachable cargo hold, as well as be able to do rescues. You could describe it a flying truck. In the cock pit, both brothers are suited up in Nemauen uniforms, emblazoned with the Carrendar symbol of the spider. Billy was nervous, which was understandable. “I don’t think I have flown into a war zone before…unless you count that game I played last night.” Nigel glanced at his younger brother, knowing of his apprehension. “First time for everything, bro. Let’s just hope the kids made it there safely. The city is coming up on the scanners, and it’s not looking pretty. Lorewall was a vast city. Three times the size of New York, and with as many people inhabiting it. On the radars Nigel could see that Sky Castle had fallen. [b]”Never thought I would see the day that something could take that vessel down. Dad’s going to be pissed.” It was a shame too. Izu had been made Commander for a short time, but there was a new one in charge of it, and to those that were in it as it fell Nigel could only imagine the casualties. The ship continued to spirit on toward the capital, with time now being of the essence. “Billy, jam missile locks should any of the Imperials try to shoot us down out to the sky. Billy was on it immediately. “Rodger that.”They were at least another ten minutes away.
Icetea – He head heard the news of his king and long time freind’s struggle, Ice had gone missing along with it thier home turned to chaos once more. The tavern closed for the night he knew time had come for him to fix the balance of the realm, Ice needed his help and having Ice owe you a favour was indeed a rare treat one he was most certainly going to collecet on when the time was right. It wasn’t hard for him to locate the missing king, with his contacts and who he was it was quite easy really ” Ya tink we should go get the poor lad, aye boys?” he spoke in his thick irish accent as he was addressing his two Hell hounds who laid on the floor tired from a hard day’s play. With a smirk on his lips he clicked his index finger with his thumb, a puff of smoke covered him as his atire changed back to his usual. Hand stitched suit, pure black as the night sky with a pair of dress shoes to follow, a long sleeved red dress shirt underneath as he sported a thin black tie, as usual he had his trademark black ivory walking cane. Striking the cane onto the floor with a rather loud thud in front of him, both palms came to rest on top of the cane’s silver headpiece. ” Right now ye bastard were ya be hidin’ “ His red hues pulsed a glow throughout the room, as he located which realm and Ice’s location, there was no mistake of the power given off this person, it had to be ice. with a two finger salute to his pet hounds, his cane raised up and came to rest under his right armpit. Disappearing in a flash, it was only moments before he appeared in a open field surrounded by tall grass.
CharlotteCarrendar: – In the monorail tunnels beneath the city, Seven and his team of fourteen brothers and sisters, were racing along the tracks to make it to the old Meeting hall ruins. This was where the children were originally brought up, so the kids knew it like the back of their hands. Few though ventured into the JACK’s hanger since that was considered off limits to children. With Billy on the way however, (who had the access codes), they would be able to unite and get the army into the thick of the battle. Darson, Blaze and Trix were running up the front with Seven, all excited to be able to take a part in the war. Having been cooped up in the Spire for so long, the chance for adventure, as they saw it was a welcome escape. Little did they know just what was in store for them. “How far is it, Seven?” Trix said, huffing as she ran along, trying not to trip on the tracks. Seven, who was using his night vision senses to see, scanned further up the track. “We should make the side gate in about five minutes. Just keep up the pace. Come on.” The kids all raised their voices in unison as they hurried to get down further into the tunnel, till finally a red shining light could be seen in the distance.
“There it is.” Seven chortled, his smile widening. “I remember this!” It had been a long time since the kids had been there, but once they approached, it became terribly familiar. The Ettercap guards, who were lumbering giants, were struggling to keep up with the energetic group of teens. They grunted in protest and their large bellied bodies made running for them awkward. As protectors to the young Carrendars, it was their job to watch over them. But times like these it was a big call. Seven was the first to make the gate. He looked back at his siblings as he pulled on the lever, the door sliding sideways, and showing them to a stair well. “Lets go up first. I want to watch Arachnea Four land.” The children all followed Seven up the stairs.
<3>
IceTea:- His hues glance around the open field, taking note of the terrain ” What a bright world.. he thought to himself as his daemonic red hues continue to examine and judge this new realm, what on earth was Ice doing in a place like this? A smirk casually chiseled its way across his face, his right finger’s gripping the silver headpiece on his cane as he casually spun it around in the air on his right side as he started to walk, his shoes kicking up patches of dirt with each step. He knew Ice was close.. around here somewhere, he could feel Ice’s power.. but where was he? Pursing his lips slightly he started to whistle a repetitive irish tune, as he walked through the grassy fields finally coming up to a rather large mound of grass and vines, with a smirk he raised his cane to point the end at the grassy mound “Ter ya are ya bastard ” poking the cane deep into the grassy mound it hit solid form, *Knock Knock* giving it a few good jabs for messure ” Time to wake up lad ” he said out loud and clear, raising his cane he started to hack at the tall grass and pull off the rather thick vines as a statue figure started to appear in view. After a few moments he was finally clean of any grass or vines ” Always gettin ya self in trouble there, aye ice?” he smirked as he placed his cane in between his armpit, his right fingertips searching through Ice’s memories looking for someone.. or something that could help it took awhile for him to find someone but soon he found someone who would fit the bill. “Alright.. where are ya, young lass..” rubbing his palms together as a devilish grin appeared across his face. with a clap of his hands both him and the statue disapepared from this realm.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Up on the surface, a massive storage truck was coming down the main street of Lorewall. Much of the roads were now deserted, with only Neumeaun army trucks and tanks rolling by. All civillians were off the streets and indoors or bunkers if they had access. Charlotte drove the big rig as her daughter sat along side her, both were wearing the power armour suits that they had picked up from Doctor Galvenstien’s lab. Within the cab, they each had an AR-2 assualt weapon as well. Up ahead, Charlotte could make out a group of children that were exiting the old Meeting hall underground – much to her annoyance. “I thought I told them to go to the JACK’s bunker!” she said angrily, as she pulled the massive rig over to the side of the road. But the reason for the children all appearing was not for what Charlotte thought. All the kids were looking to the sky, and sure enough you could make out a massive ship that was coming in from overhead. Of course. It was Nigel and Billy in Arachnea four. The ship had a cargo hold that was more than big enough to accommodate the big rig, and this was when Charlotte had an idea. “Soon as they land, I want to talk to Nigel, about getting this truck on board it and then get it away to Captain.” Luna loved the idea. With the truck’s engine turned off, both Luna and Charlotte got down from the truck cab and joined with the other children as they watched Arachnea four descend. With massive blaster rocket jets it sent up a huge cloud of smoke and debris. Thankfully, Charlotte and Luna both had helms on. The pair looked totally like they had stepped out of a movie. Even Seven had to admit, he was impressed. “I want what Mum has on.” Charlotte shook her head at her son. “You are helping with the JACKS.”
Arachnea Four landed, and from the ground you could see Nigel and Billy in the cockpit. The children waved for their cousins to come down, and Charlotte made sure she was one of the first to greet them. When the ramp lowered, Nigel came down first and beamed as he checked out his Aunt. “Woah..Aunt Charlotte?” She flipped up the visor and he grinned. “Nice suit. Billy is here, he can take the kids down to the JACK hanger. You need anything from me ?’Charlotte explained her plans with the truck, and Nigel loved the idea. “No problem. I think the roads out are going to be chaos anyways. Let me get the ship ready to accept the truck into the hanger bay and we can get these armaments to Captain for the war effort.”
With that taken care of, next it was Billy who came down the ramp. He saluted when he saw his Aunt Charlotte and then looked at the gathered group of kids. “So you guys wanna come see the JACKS or what?!” The kids all cheered with excitement, and Billy winked at Charlotte. “Don’t worry Aunt Charlotte…I got this.” It was what he had been born to do. Work with the JACKs after spending his life dedicated to learning as much as he could about them. With Billy leading the way, the kids took off back down into the stairwell, leaving Charlotte and Luna standing outside the old meeting hall. Charlotte was staring at it, almost whistfully. Luna tugged on her arm. “Did you wanna go inside?” Charlotte felt like this might be the last time she ever saw it. “Yes. You go get ready with the truck. I won’t be long.” That said, and with her AR-2, Charlotte entered the meeting hall for what may be the last time.
<3>
IceTea: – Appearing in a flash he had phase shifted both himself and Ice into another realm, he knew she would be here, he had seen her in Ice’s memories and she was the one that could help Ice out, They stood in the middle of a great hall, Ice was smack centre in the middle of it as he glanced around for a moment it seemed like a meeting place of some sort, no doubt someone would find him here.. possibly her even. The walls were built tall and made from large stone slabs that were placed ever so carefully to support the slab next to it and above it. It was almost engineering genius the way these places were built. Turning around he looked at Ice with a smile, walking closer to him, his hues studied Ice’s face, it showed such pain and agony, he had never known Ice to feel pain even in the most interesting of fights but Ice’s face did not lie, what ever happened left him in sheer pain. The roar of a truck engine caught his attention as he glanced behind his shoulder, an even louder roar coming from the sky, it seemed people had arived already.. what timing he had as he smirked. Leaning up he pat the side of Ice’s left cheek “Just remember what I did for ya Icey boy. turning on his heel he walked over towards the noise to take a sneaky look, two people standing in suits of rather interesting armor, a few children and some flying machine that he had never seen before. This was the place to leave Ice in his statue form, someone would be smart enough to figure it out, walking back towards Ice he gave him one last look and a freindly nod as he heard footsteps echoing as someone entered the room. “Oh danny boy the pipes the pipes are calling he started singing softly as he walked away and faded into the darkness, phase shifting into his own realm he had left Ice behind in this new realm. It was down to fate to decide what to do next.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Hollowed footsteps from the metallic boots rang out against the stone, as Charlotte entered what was once considered home. Now, it was a shell. A painful reminder of the ravages of war. Yet, here she was again. Her people, her world were on the brink and and once again she was taking up arms. Wearing the specially modifeid powersuit, made for her by Doctor Galvenstien, she approached the inner sanctum. Broken tiles lined her path. Tattered curtains, and loose banners hung and waved slowly in the breeze of the night. Charlotte stopped for a moment. Almost like she could see it so differently. When everything was…perfect. Her eyes cast over towards the remains of the meeting hall table. The one thing that was a constant all her life, now nothing more than kindling. As she approached one of the weathered chairs, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. A large statue. Now, she had known the meeting hall like the back of her hand, and this was the first time she had seen it. Turning full on to face it, she started to walk towards the statue slowly. It was of a man, or a very large man. As she got closer, she saw the expression on his face. Sheer horror. Tortured. What kind of sculptor would dare craft such a thing? Charlotte lifted off her helm and then placed it on part of the ruined table. What was it about the statue that seemed so familiar? She slowly walked around it, studying the form before her. In a way, the look on his face, was much of how she was feeling inside
Dread, terror. But she had to bury hers deep. She was not able to scream in frustration, for that was a sign of weakness. Stopping in front of it again, she heard her daughter Luna cry out. “Nigel is going to be ready for the rig, Mum.” Charlotte glanced back at her and yelled back. “Be right there.” One last look back at the statue, and something in her made her do an unusual act. She moved forward and then planted a kiss on the statue’s lips. That moment, she felt a wave of memories flood through her. She started to remember the pub in Nixagris. A man…A man named Ice.
<3>
IceTea:- His senses were off, so he had no clue as to what had happened.. How gambit had taken him from Nip’s realm and left him in this new realm. Nothing woke him until the touch of someone’s lips pressed against his, his eyes open as his sesnes once again woke, slowly he looked down at the standing female before him as he could feel his body starting to come alive agian ever so slowly. Cracks started to form in his Statue form, slowly small chuncks started to fall off as a bright orange glow squeezed through the forming cracks. He was coming alive again, the kiss that would bond him also freed him from his prsion.. his own personal hell, he had suffered over the years as he gave up all hope shutting himself down to wait and see what happened after an enternal life. The cracks got larger as stone fell off his body and crumbled on the floor, after a few moments his entire body was free from his stone form as he stood towering the female before him in his pair of blackened jeans, his upper torso bare and scarred from the previous fight he had with Nip. Finally able to move he bent his head to the side and cracked his neck as his spine re-adjusted. His daemonic glowing hues meet that of the females as he burrows his brows, he knew her but from where and when? It didn’t take long for him to get back to his usual self as his hues escaped hers and looked around his terrain, but there was something about this female that kept drawing his attention.. he could not pick what it was as he looked down at his collar and chain, it had not been attached to her so that wasn’t the reason. His lips part as his sharp teeth flash, tongue poking out as it licks it’s way across his upper lip “Remind me.. Who are you? He said in a low toned voice. Taking in a deep breath, as his hues venture behind her for a moment before looking back down at her. There were people outside, this place was in ruins.. as he arched a single brow finally noticing her choice of attire some sort of high tech battle suit, were they in some sort of war? He was curious to say the least, but more interested in the female that stood before him, there was no doubt about it though.. She was no Nip, she had a certain.. look about her.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The most astonishing thing happened, when Charlotte drew back from the statue. A simple act of affection in the middle of the ruined meeting hall would result in the statue reacting to her kiss. This was not expected, not at all. She stepped back as the cracks were forming in the very stone. Was this a trick? She glanced about her and there was no movement, or sound, except for the ship that had landed outside and was preparing to take the rig on board in the cargo hull. Chunks of the statue broke free and collected on the floor at his feet, while a strange orange glow came from within. Whatever this was, was alive within the stone, and little did she know her kiss was the key to freeing him. The larger cracks gave way to reveal a chiseled man, much larger than she. With dark jeans and a scarred torso, he moved slowly as his bones all cracked in protest after what had been years in captivity. As he looked about himself in wonder, he then spoke – asking her who she was. “I’m Charlotte…and if I am right, you are Ice. We met in Nixagris a few years ago. There was a war on…as there is now.” She said simply. Her green hues altered slightly, darkening due to the lack of light. She reached for her helm and was about to put it back on. “I don’t know what I just did to you, but were you imprisoned by a mage…or a wizard?’ Charlotte was always curious about such types of magic. <3>
IceTea- He listened as the female introduced herself as Charlotte and to his surprise she knew who he was, folding his arms into eachother on his chest firmly he listened as she explained they met in a previous war, as he nodded in agreement “Now I remember you, you tried to give me a order he smirked as he looked her up and down. he started to stretch as his body poped back into place, after being trapped as a statue for so many era’s it would take time for his body to re adjust to his movements as his bones cracked into place and his muscles flexed. His ears burned as she asked how this had happened to him, if it was by a mage or a wizard as he chuckled lightly and shook his head ” By my own magic more or less, but a wizard was involved.. dirty old bastard, bending over slightly he brought his eyes down to her eye level as he watched her hues darken, with a smirk he came back to a tall stand “Yes, I am Ice. Thank you for the kiss. Not always smart to be kissing a demon.. not very smart to be kissing a demon that owns hell he chuckled as he looked down at her helmet and back up at her ” Nothing stops you from the war huh? ” they had just met again, and like last time it seemed thier meeting was to be short.
CharlotteCarrendar: – It was as though time had stood still, The Ice she remembered had a mouth on him too and didn’t like to be given orders. In fact it almost cost Baldrick his life. Charlotte let out something of a sigh as she shook her head.“I was a lot younger then. Now days…I wouldn’t take no for an answer when I give an order.” she smiled and then countered him well as she was about to put the helmet back on. But one thing stopped her. He thanked her for kissing him. She leaned in and said. “Let’s keep that between us. I don’t want people to think I am into kinks like…kissing objects for fun.” She was about to turn around, when Ice happened to mention one very odd thing. He claimed to be the Demon that owns hell. Well this was interesting. She had not ever heard that before. Charlotte approached him and got closer as she sniffed him. “Well, I’ll be. So you are.” A strange look swept over her features, and as quick as a viper, she snatched his arm and brought it up to her lips. Elongated fangs dropped down momentarily, and she bit down on his arm, drawing blood then secreting in a special blod clotting agent. The act took less than a minute, but the demon within her was sated. His blood was potent. She wiped her mouth and then licked her fingers. “Very nice.” A quirky grin appeared on her lips as she had unknowingly sealed the bond between them. She moved to put her helmet on and then opened the vox grille to talk through the mic. Her voice now having a metallic sound to it. “And you’re right…nothing can stop me in defending my world. I have a truck to move.” she turned and started to make her way out of the rubble, throwing these words back over her shoulder. “You may be the King of Hell, but welcome to my own private one….Lorewall.” And with that she went out to join her daughter. <3>
IceTea:- Laughing lightly at her response to her giving him orders, she indeed was younger back than but her features had not changed, she hardly aged. It was expected, she wasn’t human after all; that much he could tell. So this world was in a war, it seemed like every world had its own little war going on these days, it made it more interesting for him none the less as he watched her with curious eyes. She had requested that they keep the kiss between them as she wasn’t known for kissing objects, taken back for a moment “Did she just call me a object?” he thought to himself and shook his head, she still had all the bite he remembered her for, but perhaps a bit more. He watched as she started to turn around and stopped dead in her tracks as she spun on her heels and walked over to him, she started to smell him.. “Ahh..?” His right arm was snatched up by her hands as she brought his bare skin to her lips, he felt her lips press down as her fangs sunk in deep piercing his skin. Blood rushed into her mouth, after a moment she pulled back licking her lips as she stated he was very nice. She.. just fed off of me? once again thinking to himself, no one has done that before, though many have tried and failed. A simple smirk came across his lips as he watched her explain her situation and then put her helmet on, watching her leave she said her final goodbyes as she walked away. Explaining this place was her own personal hell.. Lorewall, he’ll have to remember the name “Feel free to give me a summon if you need anything.. Beside my blood that was a once off he smirked as his eyes flashed a dark black, the light faded in the room as he exploded into a flock of black birds, they squaked as they flew out in different directions leaving the meeting hall behind.
He had vanished, but to which realam this time? Slowly the light came back into the room as the birds faded away. He was free from his personal hell but neither of them realized the personal bond they had just made between the pair, only time would tell if they would realize it.
CharlotteCarrendar: – As Charlotte ventured back outside, little did Luna realize what had gone on within the ancient hall.“Did you get to say goodbye?” Charlotte smiled behind her helmet and said simply. “No..in fact I got to say hello….to an old friend.” Together Charlotte and Luna headed to the rig and both climbed inside, as she saw the rotating lights of the interior of the loading bay in Arachnea four. Sounding out a loud blare from the air horn on the big rig, she drove it straight on board the vessel’s loading ramp and up inside. As soon as the rig was inside, the large shutters came down, as she ship lowered to cover the cargo hanger once more. With the two safely on board, Nigel gave the order for liftoff, and the ship blasted off from its place on the middle of the freeway and up into the sky, swinging for Captain’s location near Sol’s landing.
Pandora had been surprised when she woke up and discovered that her leg was cast-free, the offending piece of hardware poking its head out of the trash bin. She had sat on her bed, wondering how that had happened when she remembered her little rant the night before. Her face flamed in embarrassment. She had no reason to take it out on the Doc. He was just doing his job and she was being a bitch.
She had gone next door to try and apologize but she received no answer to her knock. She assumed he’d gone out to enjoy his vacation, something she should have been doing herself.
Through that whole first day, she tried to find him or catch him, but he seemed to be dodging her efforts to pin him down, frustrating her to no end.
Ignoring that for now (she’d catch him, she had a feeling she would), she decided it was time to take in the sites and had spent the rest of the day walking along the beach behind the hotel, testing the strength of her slowly healing ankle. She really pushed herself that first time, nearly in tears by the time she got back to her room. The pain was so bad, she had been forced to call the hotel physician, who had scolded her most fiercely for trying it on so soon after such an injury. He had wrapped her ankle in an ace bandage then told her to keep it elevated and iced for the remainder of the day, even managing to bring her refilled prescriptions for her. She bit her tongue, took a pill and followed his orders to the letter, ordering room service and watching TV, taking naps in between.
It was her second full day in Hawaii and she was starting to go stir-crazy. Gathering herself, she got her cane under her and hobbled to her feet, dressing for the day. She decided on a shoulder-baring sundress so she wouldn’t have to struggle with her sling and sandals that she could easily slip onto her uninjured foot.
She got a look at herself in the mirror and was surprised at herself. She actually looked good in colors other then her standard black. Maybe she would update her wardrobe when she got home. Slipping on a pair of sunglasses, she headed out. Melanie was on the desk and suggested that she might like to catch the bus into Honolulu. There was one boarding right outside the hotel and it was free for their guests. Pandora thanked the woman for the suggestion and set out.
Seeing her disabled state, a woman who had been sitting up front, gave up her seat for Pandora. It still surprised her how kind the people were here, as opposed to those she met at her job. She gave the woman a smile as the bus began its journey.
The driver had given her a schedule of times that he would be back and she headed into the town. Everything was so bright and colorful. She browsed shops and stalls, buying a few things here and there for herself. She saw a t-shirt that she thought Mark would like and snapped it up with a laugh. He would appreciate the humor of it.
Feeling more relaxed then she had in a while, she stopped for lunch at a sidewalk bistro, glad to be off her feet for a little while.
“What can I get you today?” A waiter popped up beside her with a jaunty salute. She picked up the menu to give it a look.
“Glass of Chardonnay…and…I’ll try that steak special.”
“You got it. My name is Raymundo and I’ll be your waiter for the day. You need anything, just shout and I’ll come running.” he grinned.
“Thanks.” she smiled as he went to put in her order. As she waited, she pulled out her cell phone and turned it on. There were a couple of texts from Mark, wondering where she was and if she was okay. She replied back that she was fine, that she was out of town, enjoying some much needed time to herself and that she’d come see him when she got back. There were no texts at all from any of her friends. She was shocked to see there was a missed call from the last person she ever expected to hear from; Brock. Her finger hovered over the dial button for only a moment, before she remembered why she was in Hawaii in the first place. Stabbing the delete button with a small amount of anger, she put away the phone and breathed deeply until the anger was once again a memory.
Jason had been enjoying the more adventurous sights by taking a day long trek up into the mountains, and was getting off one of the tour buses in the heart of Honoluu’s restaurant district just around tea time. He put down his back pack between his feet and reached in for a bottle of water, since he was feeling a bit parched. Rising up, he happened to notice Miss LaRue sitting in one of the side walk bistro’s talking to a rather handsome young waiter and ordering a meal. He had to smile to see her finally out and about enjoying herself after he cut the cast off her leg.
Strolling over, he leaned against one of the support poles for the awning, and said in a jovial tone.
“We really should stop meeting like this, Miss LaRue. People might talk.”
Not waiting for her response, he sat down opposite her and gestured for the waiter to come back so he could order. The waiter named Raymundo looked at Pandora, to see if it was okay for the tanned young man to be sitting with her now.
“Is everything alright here?”
Jason took out a roll of notes and then said.
“Yes, I am her personal physician, and may I see the menu please?”
This made it sound more formal, and Jason took off his sunglasses and tossed them on the table as he waited.
Pandora was looking through a magazine she’d picked up when she heard that voice again.
“We really should stop meeting like this, Miss LaRue. People might talk.”
She slowly looked up into the face of the man she had been looking for most of yesterday. Before she could even say a word, he sat down with her at the table. Raymundo saw this and darted over.
“Is everything alright here?”
Pandora moved to speak again but Jason beat her to it.
“Yes, I am her personal physician, and may I see the menu please?”
Raymundo looked at Pandora.
“It’s fine Raymundo. He’s a friend.” she stated. Raymundo nodded and went to grab a menu for Jason. While he was gone, she looked at him.
“Do you always make it a habit of butting in to my life?” She grinned, amusement coloring her tone as she pealed off her sunglasses. “But…I am glad to see you. I wanted to apologize for snapping at you the other night. Sometimes my anger gets the best of me and you weren’t the cause of it. So…I’m sorry.” Her gaze was as honest as the words she spoke and she did not look away from him. It wasn’t very often she apologized to people, but when she does, she means it.
Pandora’s attitude seemed to be unchanged, even with the removal of the cast. Jason toyed casually with a drink coaster as he watched the waiter depart to fetch him a menu. All the while he listened to Pandora make claims that he was butting into her life. It may well seem to be the case, but it was more a sense of happening by chance upon the other.
Jason was about to just pick up his backpack and be on his way rather than sit through more of Miss LaRue’s abuse, when she finally admitted that she was glad to see him after all. This was a turn around from her usual behavior. Being handed a menu by Raymundo, he flipped it open and scanned it, whilst Pandora continued to speak more openly.
I wanted to apologize for snapping at you the other night. Sometimes my anger gets the best of me and you weren’t the cause of it. So…I’m sorry.”
Jason gave off a casual smile, only nodding in reply before putting his order with Raymundo.
“Light beer and I think I will go with the Ham steak with pineapple and salad please.” Handing back the menu he then leaned back and folded his arms. Both of which were rather muscular and it showed by the way they were positioned on his chest that he had something of an athletic build.
“No need to apologize Miss LaRue, in fact its all understandable for a woman in your condition to be a bit nasty. Trust me, its not the first time I have encountered a woman’s wrath over the lack of medication.”
He turned his head as he watched a young couple go by, arm in arm whilst whispering sweet things to each other. Clearly on their honeymoon in this island paradise.
“Yes…I know it all too well.” You could see by the expression on his face he was wistful about seeing the couple, almost sad in a way, before resuming his attention on Miss LaRue.
A couple, obviously in love, picked that moment to walk by the two of them, making Jason get a wistful look on his face and Pandora very uncomfortable. After her own dealings with Brock, she clearly was not relationship material and was coming to realize that.
Jason shook off whatever was bothering him and looked at Pandora.
“Enjoying your holiday, Miss LaRue?”
“I think you can call me Pandora. And yes, I am actually starting to enjoy myself. This is the first time I’ve ever been here and despite my less then stellar start, it’s been great. Did some shopping,” She pointed to the bags at her feet, “And the hotel is hosting a luau tonight that I think I’m going to go watch. Would you care to join me?” After she offered the invite, she wanted to slap herself. “Nevermind, forget I asked.” She hurriedly exclaimed, her face flaming red in embarrassment. She looked down at her hands, wanting a hole to open up in the ground and swallow her away.
Raymundo returned with their orders and Jason’s drink and left them alone. Pandora cut into her steak and took a bite. It had been marinated in pineapple juice and tasted delicious. She looked up at Raymundo standing across the room, giving him a thumbs up sign. He grinned in response and went to serve other customers.
There was a delightful pause after Pandora had made the invitation to attending the Luau with her and then retracting it only seconds later. Such an unusual woman, who one minute was happy go lucky, then down in the dumps, doubting herself….then giving the waiter the thumbs up for the meals that had been brought over. Jason really didn’t know how to cope with this since Pandora was blushing so hard that she looked like a beetroot.
“The Luau that the Resort hosts is a very good one. I remember how much my wife enjoyed it when we were here last. And as much as I am touched by your invitation…or…not, I am sorry but I must decline anyways. It just wouldn’t be the same without her.”
Jason offered a weak smile, then started to carve into his ham and pineapple steak, chewing quietly. What Pandora would not have been aware was that this was a trip to put his wife to rest in his mind. The trek he had just done was to scatter her ashes to the wind. They had been shipped over from the US, and he had gone out early to a mountain peak that they had enjoyed together over a year ago. It was a promise made…and a promise kept.
“The Luau that the Resort hosts is a very good one. I remember how much my wife enjoyed it when we were here last. And as much as I am touched by your invitation…or…not, I am sorry but I must decline anyways. It just wouldn’t be the same without her.”
Pandora’s eyes widened at his short story and her brain caught her mouth before she could say something stupid.
“I am so sorry.” she murmured. Here she was, whining about what a cock-up her life had become and clearly, this man was in mourning. She felt like a heel. “How long has she been gone?” She was genuinely curious about it now that he brought it up. Had it been an accident or something more sinister.
Doctor Jason Lumbard was a huge enigma…and she didn’t do puzzles very well.
“Thought you knew Brock pretty well, too. Shows what you know.” came that evil voice in her mind again.
“I thought I smothered you!” she growled.
“Ha! Fat chance, bitch!” the voice laughed. “Hate to tell ya, but this is one guy not chasing your hot ass. Get used to it.”
Pandora growled and locked that voice away in a safe before burying it in the deepest pit of her mind.
“Six months. The cancer became aggressive and unfortunately though we tried everything her tiny body was just not able to fight any longer. Before she died, she asked me to bring her ashes back here, on the anniversary of when we met. So…here I am.” Jason said with only the barest of smiles. The Doctor who had been putting on such a brave face showed the side of him that he had remained locked away for so long. He went back to cutting up his food, then realized he had lost his appetite. Letting go of the cutlery he let it fall onto his plate with a clatter. A light dab to his lips with the napkin and he tossed that down on the plate as he looked away from Pandora momentarily – probably so she wouldn’t see the red rimming of his eyes.
Composing himself after a moment, he then looked back at the woman sitting across from him, and added.
“When you meet the one, and then lose them so suddenly…it’s very hard to let go.”
The Doctor had still not come to terms with his wife’s death, even after the six months since her passing. This trip was supposed to be part of the healing process.
One can be hurt terribly, and the scars are unseen.
“But enough about me…how is the pain medication? Is it helping you sleep?”
Pandora listened attentively as Jason explained about his wife’s aggressive cancer diagnosis and the real reason he was in Hawaii. She never expected to feel sympathetic for another person’s pain…but there it was.
She looked down at her plate, pushing around her veggies more in an effort to give him the time to compose himself. She would never admit to seeing the tears that lingered in his eyes as he turned away from her.
Her own appetite gone, she set her fork down much more gently then he had.
“When you meet the one, and then lose them so suddenly…it’s very hard to let go.”
She made the comparison of his words to that of her relationship with Brock and mentally snorted. Brock didn’t even try…just went out and fucked the first woman who paid him any sort of attention…that it was Simone disturbed her more then she cared to admit. You would have thought Simone would have at least been one of the first ones to call Pandora. Nothing – not even a text message. The bitch.
She came out of her angry thoughts. smoothing out the frown that had taken over her features without her notice to Jason asking about her medication and sleeping habits.
“Oh, yeah. It’s fine. I’ve been sleeping a lot since I’ve been here. Must be the air.” she smiled. She looked down at her watch and realized she need to get back if she was going to make the last bus back to the hotel. She signaled to Raymundo who jogged over. He frowned when he still saw the partially eaten meal on their plates.
“You didn’t like it?”
“Oh no! I loved it. We just got to talking about some things and lost our appetite. I was going to ask if I could get a box to take back with me.” she smiled, giving him her best charming look. Raymundo was all smiles again and he nodded like an overeager puppy, dashing off to the kitchen for take-home boxes and their checks.
She got to her feet, and gathered her things as she started pulling money out for the bill. “I’ll pay for his, too” she stated, handing over the required amount of money plus an extra $10 for a tip. Raymundo had given them excellent service. She looked at the Doc.
“I hope you find some peace while you’re here. See ya around, Doc.” She took up her cane and started to walk away.
Consumed momentarily by his grief, Jason didn’t realize he may have put Pandora off her meal and this did bother him slightly. He listened thoughtfully to Pandora’s response about her sleeping habits saying that it was the air that attributed to a better sleeping pattern. Seeing her check her watch and call for the waiter, Jason pulled out his wallet since he thought he would shout her dinner, however Pan was quick off the mark to pay for both. She had the waiter in the palm of her hand, and he ambled about like a happy dog with it’s tail wagging at the slightest hint of approval for the meals they ate. Jason slowly put his wallet away, but didn’t say anything as Pandora got up to leave.
“I hope you find some peace while you’re here. See ya around, Doc.”
And there it was, the coldness resurfacing as his former patient limped away with her cane. Jason sat there a moment, lost in thought before saying a quiet “Goodbye Miss LaRue.” She was a patient, nothing more.
The last patient he got involved with….became his wife.
After dropping off her things to her suite, she received a message that the hotel’s physician wanted to see her. After getting directions from the desk clerk, she made her way to the man’s office. He greeted her with a warm smile before leading her to an exam room.
“What’s this about?” she wondered.
“I got permission from your Doctor to look over your x-rays from your injuries. While your ankle is going to take a few more weeks to heal correctly, that sprain in your arm is healing up quite nicely. How would you like to have that sling removed?”
“Oh thank fuck!” she grinned, not even the slight bit embarassed about her language. This stupid arm injury was keeping her from wearing the clothes she wanted and it was annoying.
“Now there are some rules to this. The moment you feel any sort of fatigue or aching sensation, I want you to put it back on. No ifs ands or buts or the sling stays on a more permanent basis.”
“I can handle that.” she chuckled. He grinned at her and helped her remove the sling. She breathed in deep when she immediately felt the muscles pull and stretch from being in disuse for so long. She hissed out in pain when he pressed a sore spot high up on her shoulder.
“There will be some tenderness for a time. Expected but not uncommon.”
“Story of my life.” she muttered. He had her do some slow rotating exercises on her arm and shoulder. There was some pain, but nothing she couldn’t handle…and now with the sling off, she felt she could speed up the process some with her abilities. Not that she was going to tell him that of course.
“Great. You’re free to go. And remember what I said. The moment you feel-”
“Yadda yadda. I got it Doc. Thanks.” Pandora grinned. He waved her off and she hobbled from the room, the smile never leaving her face.
She got back to her room just as the phone began to ring. She rushed to get it, nearly tripping over her cane as she did so.
“Hello?” she panted, breathless from the quick exercise. There was no sound from the other end. “Hello?” she repeated. Was that a breath she heard. “Who’s there?” she wondered. Still nothing. Shrugging, thinking it may have been a wrong number, she hung up the phone. Looking at the clock, she noticed she had a few hours before the luau began and decided a nap was in order. Pulling the rest of her body up on the bed, she was soon out like a light.
Jason had taken a taxi back to the resort after spending a good hour walking around the shopping district of Honolulu. It was not like he was looking for anything in specific to buy, more to kill the time before heading back. His mind was cluttered with thoughts about his morning trek and releasing his wife’s ashes at the top of the mountain. His therapist said it would bring him the closure he needed, but he was starting to think that it would take a great deal more time to heal the emptiness in his heart.
Soon the sun was starting to set, and Jason finally arrived back at the resort that was lit up like a fairy night. Glittering and beautiful. Jason paid the driver and threw his backpack on his back, heading into the foyer and offering a charming smile to the guest staff as he made his way to the lift. Another couple had arrived, and were waiting for the lift. Entwined in each others arms, sharing soft kisses as they waited for a lift to go up. Jason stood back with his hands to his sides – watching. A year a go that had been him. With her. A lift opened and Jason gestured for the couple to enter as he stepped back and would catch another. He could hardly stand it. Was this God showing him that love continued on? Would he ever find it again?
Another lift came, and he got in – wiping a falling tear from his cheek as he went to his floor. Coming out he passed Miss LaRue’s door and stopped a moment. Hesitating. No, she wasn’t interested in hearing a man’s cry for help? Looking down he kept on his way, reaching his room and inserting the key into the lock. The green light flickered and the door opened.
Alone again.
He walked to the bed where by its side her picture was near the alarm clock. Jason sat down and took the picture up in his hand and wept.
It had been a few days since Simone’s incident in her closet and Erica was pleased with the progress that Simone had made into getting herself sorted out. A trip to meet with a psychologist helped her understand her underlying issues, that had caused the meltdown after the altercation with Pandora’s ex – Brock. On the matter of Brock, Erica contacted Orson; Brock’s brother to let him know in no uncertain terms that Brock needed to make amends with Simone about what happened at the tavern. Since Erica and Orson were now dating, the last thing Orson wanted was to be fighting with Erica over things that happened between his brother and her best friend. It was like the circle of friendship that initially started between Pandora, Kali and Simone had widened, but the break up of Pan and Brock had sent a fracture through that friendship. Brock had been in a terrible mood since he saw Pandora leave the hospital with another guy, an unknown. He started to get weird ideas about the state of Pandora’s relationships with other men, and questioned if she had truly been honest with him about how many men were in her life. She basically flipped him off on the offer of where to stay during her recuperation, opting to stay with Kali, as opposed to staying with him at his apartment. Was she that ashamed of his wealth?
Having Orson on his case about mending things with Simone was now draining him to the point he finally relented, and stopping by a flower shop, he picked up a spray of wild flowers and drove over in his truck to apologize to Simone personally. Maybe in a way this would help him move on with what happened to Pandora, but he truly wasn’t in the right frame of mind to even contemplate seeing her again. He was like a wounded animal – liable to strike out at anything or anyone. Should he really be seeing the recovering Simone?
There was a knock at the door of apartment 3C, and with Erica out on another date with Orson the only one home was Simone. She had been curled up on her couch watching The View and eating out of a tub of Cookie dough icecream with a large spoon when she heard the knock. Surprised that she had a visitor at that hour, she dropped the spoon into the tub and set it down on the coffee table, rising to standing and walked over across the room to the front door. Peering through the peep hole she could see it was Brock Carrendar, and she rolled her eyes as she undid the deadbolts and locks. Pulling the door back, Simone leaned on it casually.
“Come to rip me a new asshole again, Brock?’ Her voice was dripping in sarcasm as she believed he was probably still on the warpath about Pandora. But surprisingly, he pulled out a bunch of flowers from behind his back and offered them.
“I came to apologize, Simone…..here, these are for you.”
Simone paused a moment, looking at the flowers, then up at Brock, whilst creasing her brow. She wasn’t sure how to accept the gift, as it seemed so out of character for him. “For me?” Almost incredulous, before taking the dripping flowers from him.“Uhm…won’t you come in. I’ll find these a vase.” Simone turned slowly and wandered into the kitchen, while Brock teetered on the front door step before finally ambling in. He was shocked at first by the retro decor and was busy looking around taking it all in as Simone peeked her head around the corner to see what was taking him so long. “Can you shut the door. I have some weird neighbors.”
Brock turned and shut the door, but forgot to lock it. This would prove to be disastrous later on.
Simone had found a nice crystal vase in one of the over head pantry cupboards and was filling it with water as she watched Brock pass her and into the lounge. He appeared lost and she said quietly. “Would you like a drink? I have a bar there, if it would make you…relax.” She was indeed worried that he was acting quite high strung around her. The man was troubled, by a lot of things
“I don’t think drinking would do the trick, Simone.” He offered her a throw away look before ramming his hands into his coat pockets. Simone shrugged as she placed the flowers into the vase, arranging them properly, before standing back to admire the overall effect. “There. I’ll put these on the dining room table.” Picking up the vase she walked it over to the small dining table that seated four people. It certainly added colour to the room, and on standing back to appreciate it more, she asked.
“Are you okay?” It was bound to be asked, since he was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. Simone closed the distance between them, regarding him thoughtfully. “I appreciate your gesture, Brock….the flowers and the visit, but…you look like shit.”
It was true, he hadn’t slept in days, and was not eating right. The break up with Pandora had really affected him. Simone sat back down on her couch, and muted the television, picking up her ice cream bucket and the spoon. “Ice cream solves everything, least it seems to at the moment.” Simone was trying to make light of the situation, and then patted the seat.
“Come sit, I don’t bite. Well…I do, but only if you ask nicely.” This was said with a small laugh as she placed a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth. Brock was reluctant at first, nervously running his fingers through his unkept hair. Finally he relented and sat beside her as they both watched the muted commentators on the television. Brock’s inabliltiy to speak was starting to become clear as Simone offered him a spoonful of ice cream.
“Cookie dough. Everyone loves cookie dough.”
Brock looked unimpressed, but for her sake, he took a bite and looked to be getting an ice cream headache. Swallowing he said. “Not bad.” This had Simone chuckle as she started to relax. She drew her bare feet up under her legs and eased back on the cushions. Her blonde hair was swept up into a loose ponytail, and she had on the barest of makeup. It was amazing the difference it made to see her like this and not the ritzy club dancer come broad way starlet.
Setting down the ice cream bucket, Simone grabbed a cushion and pulled it in tight with her arms as she dared to ask the question on her mind.
“Not gotten back with Panda?”
That was the sixty four thousand dollar question, and Brock was slow to respond.
“She found someone else. Some guy….picked her up from the hospital.”
This was news to Simone. She thought that Brock was the only man in Pandora’s life. She was incredulous in her response.“You’re kidding?” Simone started to feel really out of the loop. Why didn’t she tell her about a mysterious new guy? This was starting to get a bit awkward. Simone shifted nervously as Brock then let it out.
“I asked her to move in with me after her folks were hassling her. When she arrived, Pandora seemed to hate my place, like…it was too extravagant, or something. Then…you know about the….dom…thing.”
Simone nodded as she did. “She rejected that off the bat, right?”
“Yeah…and I am so sorry for blaming you for it. Orson told me what Erica said…and I was totally out of line. You were just trying to help and I fucked up and ripped into you.”
It was a first to hear a guy actually admit fault and that he was wrong about what happened. Maybe he was wrong about the mystery guy at the hospital too. Simone wasn’t sure if she should press the matter, since he was on a roll with trying to convey his feelings.
“Yeah…heh, I was not having a good day that day.”
Brock turned to Simone, and he took her hand. At first this stunned her, cause she didn’t think he was the touchy feely type. He stared into her eyes and said what should have been said all along. “I’m truly sorry. I heard about what Kristian did, and then felt like a right asshole to blame you for my mess with Pandora. I’m so glad Erica found you before….”
At this Simone pulled her hand away and turned her head. She didn’t want to go down this road again. Even if he was apologizing. “Thanks…but…yeah, I don’t really want to get into it.”
There was an awkward silence for a moment as Brock was tossing up if he should leave or not. By Simone’s body language he was getting the feeling he should. Rising up, he then asked. “Mind if I use your bathroom?” Simone looked up and then pointed to her bedroom. “Just through my door and to the right.”
Brock raked his fingers through his hair again, and then rose up off the couch, heading off into her bedroom. When he got in there, he was suddenly shocked by what he saw. Art black and white nudes of Simone lined the walls, one of which was with her as a dominatrix, with a man in a mask bent down on all fours, her black pvc boot pressed into his back. Brock had no idea that Simone was into the lifestyle, or if they were just for art. His jaw nearly hit the floor, and he almost forgot about the bathroom. When he did go in there, that was worse. More art pictures, naked and otherwise.
Brock was taking an incredibly long time in the bathroom, and since Simone had finished the ice cream, she was up putting the empty bucket in the trash. Curious, she wandered into her bedroom and then spied him in her bathroom…the thing that was shocking, was that he was beating off to her image on the wall.
“Woah…” Simone said, turning around as though she had just seen something she shouldn’t have. Brock heard the cry and then looked out to see Simone standing there, with a bit of ice cream on her bottom lip. For a moment both just stood there – frozen.
“I …I..err..” Brock stammered as he tried to hide what he was doing, but failing. If anything, Simone found it a bit comical, and she finished his sentence. “You’re an art lover….I like that.” This broke the ice somewhat, and Brock’s cheeks flamed. It was then……the situation changed. Simone wandered into the bathroom, as Brock was still fully erect and with his hand on his member. There was no escaping the fact that he was good looking, and….by all accounts available. Simone reached out and touched his cock, that twitched at the feel of her fingertips. Her eyes cast up to his and she smiled, saying.
“I won’t tell if you won’t.”
Brock bucked into her hand slightly as he looked at the small drop of ice cream on her bottom lip. “You…you have ice cream…there.” Simone licked a bit with her tongue as she started to stroke his length. “Lick it off.” It wasn’t asking, she was telling him too.
Brock lunged at Simone, licking her lips with a hunger that came from seeing all the pictures, as well as the need to be dominated. The ice cream did taste good. Within minutes the pair were kissing each other hungrily, with Simone still teasing his shaft with her vigorous strokes. Brock was moaning between the kisses, as Simone led him out to her bedroom. Fumbling hands removing each other’s clothing, shedding it to the floor. The room would become heated from the eruption of passion between the pair. His cries begging her to fuck him, and her teasing giggles as she took him to the edge and back. Soon they were on the floor, with Simone having mounted her new lover. Riding him hard, as she pinched and teased his nipples. Brock bucking beneath her frantically, as he became intoxicated by her wild ways. Blonde hair falling free down her back, while her nails scratched at his chest. It was not love making…just raw sex.
“Fuck me like you hate me!” Simone cried as Brock gritted his teeth, rolling her over and taking her wildly from behind. Gripping her thighs and pounding into her with wild abandon.
It had been a few days since Pandora had checked herself out of the hospital in order to see Simone. She was pleased to get an update from Erica that Simone was seeing a professional therapist and that she was making progress.
“If only my own life was as easy as that.” she muttered to herself.
Being stuck in her apartment all day, every day was starting to grate on her nerves. She had been on the phone daily with her mechanic, wondering about the state of her bike, hoping she had enough money for whatever repairs were needed. He assured her that everything was good and she would have her bike back before the end of the month.
As far as finishing school, she had contacted her adviser at the college, who told her she had the right amount of credits to graduate with the rest of her class, taking that worry off her mind.
She had wanted to give Simone a few days to herself, limiting her contact by phone calls and text messages. Simone would always tell her about Erica’s new fling with Orson, making Pandora start thinking of Brock for a few minutes before she viciously cut those thoughts off. He hadn’t spoken a word to her since he left the hospital, and on her arrival back at her apartment, had found all her things standing in a neat pile outside of her apartment door with a note from Kali’s driver, Taylor.
“These were dropped off for you upstairs so I brought them down.”
She had shredded the note into tiny bits of smoldering confetti, angrier then she’d ever thought possible.
But she was so bored.
She wanted to go to a movie and thought that maybe she could coax Simone into going with her.
She had tried calling her phone but Simone either had it on silent or it was off because it always went to her voicemail after a few rings. Sighing, she struggled to her one good foot, with the aid of the cane she’d been forced to use. She would simply go downstairs and ask.
Grabbing the vase of flowers she had picked up on one of her rare trips out to give to Simone the next time she saw her, she left her apartment and headed for the elevators.
She hummed along with the music that was playing before the doors opened on the third floor. Hobbling carefully, she made her way to Simone and Erica’s apartment.
Apartment 3C – Simone & Erica
Now as friends often do, there was no problem with them simply showing up unannounced. It made their lives interesting. So Pandora thought nothing of it as she entered Simone and Erica’s apartment. The TV was on and there was a pint of ice cream sitting on the table. She heard a noise coming from Simone’s bedroom and clutching the vase tighter so she wouldn’t drop it, she made her way in.
A single light was on but there was no sign of Simone. The light was on in the bathroom and the door was slightly open. The muffled sound came again and she realized that Simone must be there. Worried for a moment, she made her way over and pushed open the door, Simone’s name on the tip of her tongue.
In life or death situations, sometimes a person’s life would flash before their very eyes. Moments of happiness, sadness, rage, pain and anger, pleasure and love. All running through a person’s mind like a slow motion film.
Pandora wished right then and there the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
She saw too much…and wished she hadn’t.
The vase slipped through her nerveless fingers and smashed to the floor at her feet, startling the two people who had meant the most to her in the entire world.
A pain like she’d never known, stabbed her in the heart.
“The…door…was open…I was…worried…” she whispered, feeling something lodged in her throat. She recognized the feeling. She was going to cry. She never cried. She hated crying. “I’ll go. S-S-Sorry.”
Turning awkwardly, she quickly left, not bothering to speak another word. She was just…numb.
Erica and Orson were coming out of the elevator when Pandora rushed past, tears streaming down her cheeks. She ignored them, needing to get away, needing to be alone…needing something to kill this feeling that had suddenly taken over her body.
She finally recognized it for what it was…
Betrayal.
Not bothering to return to her apartment, she hobbled out to the street and hailed a passing taxi. She just needed to go anywhere but her own apartment. She had to get away from the rage and pain and anger…
Before she committed murder.
“Where to, miss?” the driver asked her as he pulled away from the curb.
She didn’t hesitate.
“King County International.” she stated, swiping at her eyes and struggling to contain her emotions.
“Taking a trip?”
“Yeah.” she admitted, not saying another word until he dropped her off at the terminal.
She made her way to the desk and pulled out her wallet.
“How much for a flight to Hawaii?”
“First class or Economy?”
“First class.” she stated, pointing at her leg. She needed the room to stretch.
“$540 round trip.”
“May I get a ticket please?”
“Do you have any luggage to declare?”
“Just the clothes on my back.” she chuckled, dangerously close to falling apart once more. The clerk sensed that this young woman had been through something horrible, possibly running away from an abusive boyfriend or husband and felt pity for her. She did something in the computer, bringing the price of the ticket down for Pandora.
“That will be $435. I gave you a discount for the non-luggage.” the clerk smiled. Pandora blinked in surprise for a moment before accepting such kindness. “Would you like some help getting to the plane? We can board you first so you don’t have a struggle with the other passengers.”
“I would appreciate it. Thank you.” Pandora nodded, swiping at her tears. The clerk passed her a tissue without a word, calling for someone to take Pandora to her gate.
“Good luck, hon.” the woman called as Pandora was helped onto a motorized cart.
First Class
She thanked the flight attendant for helping her find her seat, and waited anxiously for the other passengers to board. She didn’t relax completely until the plane door was closed and locked and they were taxiing down the runway.
She would call Kali when she got to her hotel so she wouldn’t be worried. But she needed to get away…before she did something unforgivable…
Once the plane was in the air, only then did she allow herself to cry…
Both Simone and Brock were so caught up in the moment, that they didn’t hear the padding of footsteps approaching, until it was too late. The door moved slightly then the crash of the vase on the floor brought them both to their senses as each looked up to see a shocked Pandora standing there.
“The…door…was open…I was…worried…”
“God…Pan?!” Brock blurted out, his brow covered in sweat as he stared up at her with wide eyes. What was she doing there? How much had she seen? Beneath him, Simone was just as shocked, and reached for a towel to try and cover part of herself from view. But really, the cat was out of the bag, and they had been caught having sex.
“I’ll go. S-S-Sorry.”
The tearful expression and the way Pandora fled the room had Brock trying to pull away from Simone, his heart breaking even further. He had thought she had someone else, and had given into temptation with Simone after seeing all the art on the walls. He tried to give chase, only to run into his brother Orson and Erica.
“BRO!…Where’s your pants?”
Erica’s jaw dropped and then cried out. “Where’s Simone?”
Simone came out, having wrapped the towel around herself hastily. “Right here. Where’s Pandora?”
“I want to know why my brother is naked.” Orson said, as Brock ran up and down the hall. “PAN!” He screamed out, as one of the neighbors opened the door to see a naked Brock. She grabbed her baseball bat and ran at him. “PERVERT!”
Nearly being struck with the bat, he ran back for Simone and Erica’s apartment and slammed the door. Erica had her hands on her hips and struck a fierce pose. “WILL SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!” Orson saw the empty ice cream container and then looked at the half naked Simone. “Got anymore of that?” Simone stared at him incredulously, as Brock ran past to go put his clothes back on. He had to find Pandora.
Erica glanced at Simone and said. “Well?”
Simone shrugged her shoulders lightly as you could hear Brock grunting trying to get his pants back on in her bedroom.
“Brock, brought me flowers and apologized….and….then…”
Erica was again looking like she was going to die.
“You….fucked him?”
Simone held up her fingers to make a symbol of only a little bit. But Erica knew Simone, and she never did anything by halves. It was clear that Pandora somehow got in, and caught them. Orson was in the fridge as his brother came back out. Erica whopped him one on the arm. “You fucked my best friend!”
Brock growled at her as he was trying to go catch Pandora.
“It was a mistake.”
At this Simone blinked.
“Oh…so I am the rebound girl. Typical.” She said, sinking back onto the couch. Orson wandered over with another bucket of cookie dough ice cream and two spoons, handing one to Simone. “Ice cream solves everything.”
It seemed to be a common theme for the day.
Simone and Orson started to share the ice cream as Brock did up his jeans.
“I gotta go find Pan.”
This was when Erica piped up. “I saw her get in the lift….but it was going down.”
With that in mind, Brock raced out the door, slamming it behind him. Would he find Pandora….and was it too late to save what they had.
Rolling her eyes, Erica stormed over and grabbed the ice cream bucket from Orson, snaffling up the spoon. It was just one of those days. She shook her head at Simone and sighed as she helped herself to the ice cream.
“I think you just nuked your friendship with Pandora.”
It had taken some time, but Pandora finally got her turbulent emotions under control. The flight attendent that had helped her before kept checking to see if she was okay, having accidentally seen Pandora sobbing her heart out. She had kept the young woman company through the first couple of hours of the flight until she felt Pandora was okay enough to be left alone. She even took the time to call up a hotel in Hawaii to arrange for Pandora’s stay there.
The attendent had pointed out the phone beside Pandora’s arm and told her that if there was someone she needed to call, she was more then welcome to. She then left Pan alone to tend to her other duties.
At first Pandora had no idea who she would call, then decided that Kali needed to be made aware that she was going out of town for a couple of weeks.
She got Kali’s voicemail and left a message.
“Kal..it’s Pan. Listen…um…something’s come up and I need to get out of town for a couple of weeks. I’m on a plane right now, headed for Hawaii. I figure I could use some time in the sun…get away from the problems there and get my head on straight. I’ll call you when I get to my hotel. Love you. Bye.”
She hung up the phone and decided it was safe enough to take a pain pill. Her leg was throbbing something fierce. Looking, she noticed she was running a bit low. Checking the number on her prescription bottle, she called the doctor’s office and got his answering service. She told them her name and let them know she was running low on her pain medication and that she needed a refill wired to the hotel phramacy in Hawaii.
Second call down…one more to go. She called her adviser and let her know that she wouldn’t make graduation ceremonies and that they could mail her diploma to her apartment. She explained that an emergency had come up and she was going to be out of town for a few weeks. Her adviser assured her that her diploma would find its way to her mailbox with no problems.
Pandora thanked the woman for everything before she hung up the phone. She sat back in her seat with a sigh as the flight attendent brought her a small meal to eat. Pandora’s stomach growled as the smells hit her nose and she thanked the attendent once more before she began to eat.
Maybe she needed this time to herself, to make some hard decisions about her life.
She was unaware that her life was about to get even more complicated.
I can’t tell ya baby what went wrong
I can’t make you feel what you felt
So long ago, I’ll let it show
I can’t give you back what’s been hurt
Heartaches come and go and all that’s
left are the words I can’t let go
If we take some time to think it over baby
Take some time let me know
If you really wanna go
Don’t know what you got till it’s gone
Don’t know what it is I did so wrong
Now I know what I got
It’s just this song
And it ain’t easy to get back
Takes so long
I can’t feel the things that cause you pain
I can’t clear my heart of your love
It falls like rain, ain’t the same
I hear you calling far away
Tearing through my soul I just can’t
Take another day, Who’s to blame
If we take some time to think it over baby
Take some time let me know
If you really wanna go
Don’t know what you got till it’s gone
Don’t know what it is I did so wrong
Now I know what I got
It’s just this song
And it ain’t easy to get back
Takes so long
Do you wanna see me beggin’ baby
Can’t you give me just one more day
Can’t you see my heart’s been draggin’ lately
I’ve been lookin’ for the words to say
Don’t know what you got till it’s gone
Don’t know what it is I did so wrong
Now I know what I got
It’s just this song
And it ain’t easy to get back
Takes so long
Brock ran out of the apartment building foyer, his chest pounding as his eyes searched for any trace of Pandora. He can’t believe she caught him in his weak moment with Simone. He was a swirl of emotions, as he turned around and around. But she was gone.
Where could she be? Where did she go? How was he going to find her?
“PANDORA!”
He screamed on the top of his lungs – his face etched in sorrow and pain.
Slowly he lowered his head, defeated. Inside he knew that in his error of judgement, he had just destroyed any level of trust, of friendship with the woman he truly loved. The clouds outside the apartment building started to swirl with a black ominous tone. So much was unsaid…so much unknown. All the things he didn’t tell her….parts of himself that were still a mystery.
Within him, the inner demon roared to be let out.
Clenching his fists, he wandered over to his truck and then smashed his fist hard into the side of it with all his might. Breaking the skin and causing his fingers to bleed. But the pain would not be enough to sate his anger, to hate himself as much as he did. He didn’t deserve her. Fueled with self loathing he got in behind the wheel, and drove off into the night.
Vlad stormed into the mansion, a man on a mission. It was silent through the house and he wondered for a moment where his compatriots were. He sent out his senses to search the house and found only one other person in residence. As the signature wasn’t familiar to him, he knew that it belonged to Danika…the person he wanted to see the most.
He took to the stairs, traversing the steps as if he were simply walking up a hill. It didn’t take him long to discover which room Emilia had designated for Danika’s use, he could smell her scent all over the door handle. He could have easily just barged into the room as it was his home he’d given her sanctuary in, but he was first and foremost a gentleman. He knocked twice.
“Who is it?” he could hear the woman ask.
“It is Vlad. May I come in?” There was silence on the other side of the door before the latch clicked. He pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Danika was laying upon the bed, reading a magazine, but she sat up when he stepped into view.
“Good evening, sir.” she nodded. He closed the door slowly behind him, the creak it emitted sounding ominous before turning to face her.
“Oh come now, Danika.” he chuckled, darkly. If Emilia had been present, she would have known that his chuckles never meant anything good. “You’ve been a guest in my home for nearly a week. Surely we’ve gone beyond such formalities?”
“Yes…I guess.”
“…” he arched an eyebrow.
“…Vlad.” she mumbled but he easily heard it and clapped his hands in delight.
“Wonderful. How are you settling in, by the way? Is the room to your liking?”
Danika looked around her surroundings.
“A bit…bright…for my taste but it’s growing on me. Thank you for its use.”
“And are you getting enough to eat?”
“Yes. Your manservant checks on me often.”
“Ah…Robert is very loyal to me. Much like my Generals, he has been with me for quite some time.” He moved deeper into the room, walking around with a casual air. But only anyone close to him would notice that his casuality was a disguise. He was here for answers to his questions and he would get them.
He turned to lean against the low bureau, striking a pose that made many a woman swoon; ankles and arms crossed, proudly displaying his masculine form and pouring on the sex appeal. Though Danika was a ruthless creature, she was also a woman and was similarly affected by his presence. He could smell the freshly drunk blood rushing through her veins as she caught his dark scent and her eyes flared with lust.
Perfect! he smirked to himself.
“So…tell me…how exactly did you end up locked in the basement. I really didn’t believe that story you gave me, to be honest.”
“Oh…well…I was being punished.” she admitted. The expression on his face indicated she should continue. “My former sire…caught me when I was eavesdropping on something important. I was supposed to be his most trusted…yet he didn’t trust anyone beyond himself and his dark daughter. The bastard.” she snarled. “He’s the one who locked me up to feed on rats and bugs.”
As she was speaking, Vlad was moving toward her until he sat beside her on the bed. She nearly jumped out of her skin when he ran his fingers along her arm. She gulped frantically when he leaned in to sniff at her neck.
“What was your sire being all secretive about?” he whispered, his voice hypnotizing. He trailed his lips along her cheek and her breathing became ragged. “You can tell me. He can’t hurt you here.”
“I-I-I…” she stammered, her eyes falling closed in the wake of his seduction of her senses.
“Danika. Tell me, pet. You can tell me anything.” His voice had gone deeper and darker and his eyes changed to the red of his vampire. His fangs elongated, scraping across the skin of her neck and shoulder. A small amount of blood welled up and he brushed his tongue across it, tasting her and pulling her further into his web of deceit.
“It was the location…of the final resting place…of the Elders.” she moaned.
“For what purpose?” he hissed, licking along her jawline.
“Mmm…uh…to drink…the blood of an Elder…would grant its user the…mmm…power…to…walk in both…day and night…” she whispered.
That caught his attention and quick as a snake, his fangs were in her neck. She cried out at the shock of it and succumbed to his advances. Through her blood, he gained her memories of the event…
Memory:
Danika moved about the house in search of Vincent, wondering why he was hiding himself from her. Hadn’t she given her all to him? Why did he choose to be with his “daughter” and not her? It was disturbing. She heard voices coming from the den and turned in that direction. The door was slightly open and she could see the firelight casting shadows along the wall. She heard him speaking and was about to enter the room when another voice made her pause. He was with HER again.
“Are you sure of this, Father? If you were found out…” Bridgette murmured.
“Do not worry, my Treasure. No one shall find out. After all, it would not do to share such power with those more inferior to you and I.” Vincent chuckled. Danika glared at the wood of the door.
“Where is this place again?”
“A tomb in Egypt. This map…” there was the rustle of paper or parchment, Danika couldn’t tell which. “…is said to lead straight to it without tripping any traps that may be there.” There was a thunk of something heavy being closed. “There…safe and sound.”
“We have company, Father.” she hissed. The door was thrown open and Vincent loomed over her, anger etched in every line in his face.
“Bitch.” he hissed, grabbing her around the throat. She was thrown against the wall where she fell into unconsciousness…
When she next awoke, she was locked in a dark basement and after trying the door and discovering it was thick steel and locked from the outside, she yelled in frustrated anger. “VICTOR!” she roared…
Vlad pulled away from Danika with a final pull of her blood. He sat back with a grin, thinking over all that he had learned. He stared down at her corpse, watching as it slowly disintegrated away to dust.
“Hmm…I wonder where this safe place of Victor’s is.” he murmured to himself. He turned and strode from the room, making a mental note to have the room cleaned. He had work to do.
The soft light of Shane’s desk was cast just slightly out of the office door, as he was working very late at night on some cases that he had been neglecting. Finding the solitude of his den being breached by the ever increasing number of vampires that were living or not, under his roof he found himself going back to his old office just for some peace of mind. Shane had gone through something of a transformation, from the ruthless man he was to one that was more…domesticated. He did much of it out of love for Carmen and yet in a sense he felt he had lost a bit of himself. Much of the anger he held was for someone that was no longer in their lives. Vincent. And of course who could forget Isabella. Shane had not broached the subject of his relationship with Isabella to Carmen, as he felt that it was bad manners to speak of old flames – and no one was older than Isabella. The damage she inflicted on his past life, his family to this day still haunted him, and yet he tried to go beyond that. He had Carmen, his brother and his sired ones. He had a coven, though it was more one that belonged to Carmen as she was the true and rightful Queen.
Across from his desk sat the chess set. The same one he used to sit at for hours, plotting the demise of those around him He even had Carmen on the board as his future Queen. But now that he looked at the board and all its pieces were back in the starting places, he realized something. There was still two Queens. One of black, one of White. Two Kings….but with Vincent gone there should be only one King. At least…that is what he thought. The image from the news station of the coffin like box on the platform with the word “Tepes” made his skin crawl. He kept trying to dismiss it, but something niggled the back of his mind. Like a creeping death approaching from unseen shadows. Taking a sip of his scotch, he looked back at his papers, and then the computer beeped shrilly. Shane tapped a few keys and then an image appeared on skype.
“Sir…you’re not going to believe this.”
It was Nelson, Shane’s own private investigator whom he hired to get the low down on suspects and people on trial. He was standing near his car at Vincent’s Estate. Shane’s brow knitted as he set down his scotch.
“A little late at night to be playing Nancy Drew, Nelson. What are you doing at Vincent’s manor?” His voice dropping a tone as he waited to hear what the detective had to say.
“Remember that ballroom, the one with the wall that had that painting untouched.”
“Yes of course, what about it?”
“We took the painting down, Sir….and uncovered a safe.”
This definitely piqued Shane’s attention. ~A safe?~ He thought.
“Untouched, Sir. Not damaged in any ways. I have organized an old buddy of mine to crack it open, I figured you might want to come down and see it yourself.”
“Damn right I do. I’ll be there in forty five minutes.”
“Yes Sir.” The screen went back to the skype symbol as Shane logged out and then shut down his computer. So, that son of a bitch was hiding something after all. The painting. Of course. Keeping whatever it was safe right behind his throne, that had long since been burnt to ash. Shane got up from his desk and reached for his coat, which he slipped on and did up the buttons. He hadn’t been telling his beautiful wife about his investigations for fear it would simply stir up another hornet’s nest not long after the coven trashed the house. It was not like he was being secretive, but more like the old Shane was back to his old tricks.
~An hour later~
Pulling up in the driveway of the ruined manor, Nelson was waiting just outside the derelict entrance with a smaller built man in a long over coat and boots. He wore a woolen cap and carried what looked to be like an old medical bag from the forties. He was about 70 years old and his face was scarred from years in many institutions. The night air had a slight nip to it, and the safe cracker mumbled about wanting to get this done, so he could go home to the Missus and his fire place. Nelson was trying to settle him, but then straightened as Shane approached.
“Sir, this is Benny Todds, he is one of the best crackers in the business. Done some fantastic robberies in his time.” If that was supposed to add weight to his abilities, it simply amused Shane. He cracked a half smile and then gestured for the door. “Let’s just get this safe opened, and we can all go home.” Nelson nodded, and the trio went inside, where Nelson had set up flood lights in the damaged former ballroom. As Benny walked in he was shocked by the scale of the damage. “Must have been some party.” Shane, who walked with his gloved hands behind his simply said. “Oh you have no idea.”
The painting had been taken down and set to the side, which left the safe now exposed. Benny rubbed his chin before setting down his bag. “They don’t make beauties like this anymore.” Clearly the safe was of a ripe age, and would be difficult to crack. Shane glanced at his watch, as Benny set to get his tools of trade out of his bag. Huffing, he leaned against the safe, and tapped it with his knuckles. This made Shane glance at Nelson who simply shrugged. The old man must know what he was doing. Least that is what they both hoped. Chuckling, the old safe cracker started to sing a song, as he worked. He was enjoying this too much. The safe was of a make he had only ever heard about, and this was the first time he had the chance to break into one. He viewed it as a challenge, more than anything. Benny took out a stethoscope and placed it around his neck, before placing the ear plugs in his ear, and then resting the pad to the safe door, as he started to turn the knob. Again chuckling more, he then reached into his bag and took out a small drill.
“This one is going to run into overtime.”
Shane didn’t feel like being caught out before sunrise and hoped the man could be a bit more diligent.
“You can open it before sunrise?”
“Oh, I think I can.”
Shane rolled his eyes, then took out a handkerchief and patted his brow. Oddly, the waiting was making him perspire.
Benny started to drill a small hole into the safe door, which took some effort. He grunted as the metal shards flew out from the point of the drill’s impact zone – a nice sized hole forming. Taking out the drill he set that aside, and then placed in the hole a special wire tubing, that was connected to a tiny monitor. It was a camera, that allowed the safe cracker to see inside the workings of the locking mechanism. This safe was made well before the age of modern technology, so to have something invade its inner workings would make it easier for the safe cracker.
Now with the camera in place, he went back to listening as he turned the nozzle, and sure enough the clicks engaged with the locks inside. One by one, each was falling into place as the safe cracker hummed to himself. It took another thirty minutes, till there was that sudden shunting sound as the last pin fell into place.
Benny pulled back his camera equipment, as well as the stethoscope and then turned the handle. The door…came open.
He stood back and started to pack away his things, while Shane was given the rights to be the first to look inside the safe. At first, there were boxes of jewels, necklaces, bonds and piles of money. But buried beneath it all, was something totally unexpected.
Shane pulled out a rolled parchment scroll that had Egyptian lettering and symbols on it, along with a box made from stained wood with blood colored symbols. The safe cracker held his hand out to the Private investigator for payment, which Nelson obliged, giving him a wad of about $5000 dollars. Benny was chuff to see that kind of money and pocketed it into his coat. He tipped his hat to Shane and the Detective, before ambling back out to his beaten up old car, no doubt pleased to have gotten the safe open, and now able to go home to his wife and enjoy a nice cup of tea – and plan a vacation.
Nelson looked at the find, and then wondered why there would be Egyptian artifacts in a Vampire’s manor.
“Well, that’s some pretty odd treasure if I do say so myself.”
“Pity I don’t read Egyptian hieroglyphics.” Shane said with a frown. Whatever it was, he had just uncovered yet another mystery…and one he planned to find out more about.
Amelia approached Rae as she came into the clearing. The poor girl was covered in dirt and grass and leaves but there was a determined look in her eyes that even Dyna had never seen before. Rae accepted the woman’s hug and took her words of advice to heart.
“And that is the first part of control. Under great stress, you were able to manipulate the deer horns, and save your Aunt. You really are so gifted, but we know that to use our powers, when at our greatest need. Never for our own gain.”
Charmaine had to add in her two cents. “How about we go back to the pool house for hot chocolate?”
“That sounds nice.” Rae agreed. She looked at Dyna, tossing back her keys. “Um…I kind of damaged your car.”
Dyna looked at her shrewdly. “What do you mean….’kind of’? What did you do to my car?”
“Well…see…um…there was this vampire trying to get in…and I kind of lost it…”
“What did you do…to my car?” she asked again.
“Um…I kind of…threw it…at him…”
“Where…is…my…car?” Dyna grit her teeth as Booker put his hands on her shoulders in case she decided to attack his niece.
“Wrapped around a tree?” Rae laughed hysterically.
There was a full minute of silence before…
“RAELYN CHARMAINE BRADFORD!! YOU WRAPPED MY CAR AROUND A TREE?” followed by gales of laughter from many sources.
Cleaning up after the vampire massacre, the sad state of Dyna’s car around a tree and the blood dolls that needed burying, had the group busy for a good hour or so, before they would be able to head back to Amelia’s pool house. Charmaine who was now dressed was her usual chatty self, as she dropped bits of vampire limbs and possessions into a pit, while David whistled as he dug another hole for his fallen blood dolls. Not your usual affair, for folk that had ventured out into the wood at night, but this was no ordinary group. Jarvis was staying back a bit from the others, still feeling bad after being rejected by Amelia, again.
Once Marissa had cleaned out the back seat of the borrowed sport scar, she offered Dyna and Rae a lift back, promising no funny business. “What can I say? Carmen would torch me alive if I let harm come to you, and besides David is such a good driver.” David ambled up at this point, and smirked.“They can never catch me to give me a ticket.” Marissa gave David a sideways nudge and shook her head. “Really?”
With everyone set to head back, Amelia asked Dyna. “How are we going to explain your car to the insurance company? That, your niece threw it at a tree in a fit of rage?” They both knew that would never wash with the insurance company. David piped up and said. “Just take one of Shane’s. He’s got something like twenty. I think his old flame used to give him a new one each time they fucked.” Amelia knew nothing about an old flame, and asked.“Who was Shane with before Carmen?’ This brought looks from the others as well, and David looked at each in surprise.
“None of you know?”
They all shook their heads in unison.
“Isabella….Isabella Casales. She was Vincent’s ex. A real piece of work.”
Isabella’s mansion
Toying with a blood dolls hair, as he continued to plant kisses across her chest, Isabella turned her head side on, to a picture on her nightstand. It was of Shane. A wry grin formed across her lips, as she reached out to touch it gently. The blood doll moaned her name and she remembered he was still there.
After their night of adventure, Dyna felt it was her duty to inform Carmen and Shane of what happened in the woods with the other vampire coven…and Jarvis.
Needless to say, neither one was happy with Jarvis at the moment. Bianca and Misty had to warn him away from the two or he would have found himself pinned to a wall like a bug in a web.
Jarvis made himself scarce until the fireworks were over.
Carmen checked on Amelia and Charmaine to make sure there were no lasting effects. She came away with the sense something wasn’t quite right with Amelia, but to the young woman’s credit, she hid it very well.
A few nights later…
Carmen, after having told Shane she was going outside the gates for an hour or two, pulled up outside of a building she had been eying for a couple of months. The real estate agent, a plump woman with a strange obsession with the color pink (and smelled like cats for some reason) was waiting for her in the parking lot as she pulled in.
“Mrs Gunderson, I presume?” Carmen asked.
“Mrs Williamson, it is a pleasure to finally meet you.” the woman gushed, grabbing Carmen’s hand and shaking it vigorously.
“Yes…well…” Carmen struggled for a moment to get her hand free (the woman had sweaty palms) before taking a step back. The cat smell was a bit much to her sensitive nose. “…you said you had something to show me?”
“Oh! Yes! I was quite surprised to get your request of an office space. Don’t you work at the Police Station?”
“Yes. Sadly, with the work that I do, there are all sorts of confidentiality laws that I’m afraid may be broken with people coming in and out of my office at all hours. So I’ve decided that I need a private office.” Carmen explained.
“Hmm. Quite right, quite right. Nasty laws.” the woman tittered (actually tittered – Carmen wanted to roll her eyes). “This place I have in mind for you, seems to be what you are looking for. It used to be a medical practice. The man who ran it died last summer, poor man. Cancer, you see.” Mrs Gunderson sighed. “His wife needed the money to pay off his debts, gambling I heard, and this place has stood empty ever since.”
Carmen looked up at the building in front of them with a keen eye.
It looked spacious, but she wanted to see the inside of it before she made a decision. She looked at Mrs Gunderson, who looked back at her expectantly.
“Can we go in?” Carmen finally asked, refraining from gritting her teeth.
“Hmm? Oh! Yes!” the woman giggled like a little girl and Carmen did gnash her teeth that time. Mrs Gunderson pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the door. She flipped on the power switch the the lights came on, illuminating the interior. The walls were made of stucco and painted a mute beige color that Carmen found soothing.
She stepped around the real estate agent to take a look around. There was a moderately-sized waiting room, reception desk and a place to store files behind it. There were at least 4-5 other offices she could see off down the hall and a bathroom and breakroom area in the back. She could easily move her staff into the building with minimal fuss.
She turned back around to the woman. “I’ll take it.”
Mrs Gunderson jumped up and down, screaming like she’d just won the lottery.
Carmen watched her carry on and sent a thought to her husband.
«”Is it murder or justifyable homicide if I kill overenthusiastic real estate agents who wear pink plaid and smell like cats?”» she snarled just as Mrs Gunderson ran to her and hugged her hard. If she wasn’t already dead, she would be as the woman squeezed her hard enough to break a rib.
Soon the papers were signed and with the keys in Carmen’s hands and a check for payment in Mrs Gunderson’s hands, Carmen now found herself a property owner.
David’s crew were already spread out across the site, while Shane and his brother strolled across the burnt lawn. The fractured ruins of what was once Vincent’s estate had brought them back this night but the question was…why? David was looking at his brother with marked concern as Shane stuck his hands in the pockets of his long black coat.
“I thought we razzed this place. All the followers that remained have scattered, or gone into hiding, one or the other.” David said, lighting a cigarette and then exhaling a cloud of smoke. Shane came to a stop, right before where the oak door once stood, and pushed on a charcoal frame that simply buckled and collapsed as he touched it.
“Does Carmen know that you have a renewed interest in this place? Not like you can rebuild. It’s pretty much totaled.” That was putting things in perspective, but Shane had a darkened expression. The reason for it was in the burnt out ballroom, that was still partly intact. Walking through the foyer, he turned and then pushed back one of the blackened doors, that creaked and shuddered violently. “I don’t think this place is sound.” That was a touch of the obvious. “No kidding, Ghost.” Shane said, wiping his hands as the entered the ballroom.
“And this is where the party ended. I’d say a word for the bastard…but, I can’t be assed. I’m glad he’s gone.” David said, kicking a loose brick along the marble floors. But one thing was untouched, at the top of the room. A large portrait that was gilded in a gold frame.
It was a picture…of Isabella.
“The Ice Queen….what a bitch.” David chuffed, taking a drag of his smoke, as Shane stared up at the painting. His eyes focused on the pendent she had around her neck. Shane folded his arms, and didn’t say a word, and this was not lost on David.“Dude…you are so lucky she’s gone. She wrecked your family…hell, she destroyed it.”
Little did either of them know….she was very much in the land of the living…well, unliving.
After doing her business with the realtor, Carmen started to head back home when the shop window of a florist caught her eye. On impulse, she stopped to pick up an arrangement and then headed for the cemetery. It had been a month since Mary was killed and Carmen had only been to her grave one time since.
She felt she was doing Mary’s memory of grave injustice by not visiting more often and made to rectify that.
She parked near to where Mary’s grave was and made her way up the small hill. She had purchased a plot beneath a small grove of trees and made sure it was well-tended. She stared down at the tombstone, embedding each letter of each word into her memories.
“You were like a mother to me, Mary. And I miss you so much.” Dyna whispered, placing the flowers she’d purchased upon the stones. “But we got him for you. He will never harm another person again.”
“Well that’s good to hear.” came a familiar voice from behind her. Carmen whirled around, her mouth open in shock.
“What the hell is this?” she questioned, feeling her legs fall out from beneath her body. Sitting upon an unknown tombstone was Mary, looking vibrant and healthy as if she’d never died. “Are you a ghost? Am I being haunted?” Carmen questioned.
“Calm down, Carm. Far as I know I’m not a ghost.” Mary chuckled, getting to her feet. “You’re going to get your skirt dirty.” She held out a hand to help Carmen to her feet and only succeeded in making Carmen scoot away. She looked so real. Was it possible…?
“Don’t touch me. Who the hell are you? This is some sick joke if that’s what you’re playing at.” Carmen scowled. “You’re dead. I saw your body myself.”
“And wasn’t that a damn surprise when I woke up and found myself in my own coffin.” Mary chuckled. That made Carmen’s confusion mount.
“If you are who you say you are…how did you get here. You were dead. You don’t come back from that.”
“Oh darlin…haven’t you guessed by now?” Mary grinned, flashing her fangs for Carmen to see. Carmen’s eyes went wide. That explained so much. The clues finally clicked in her mind and one word whispered past her lips.
“Vincent.” she growled. If that bastard wasn’t already dead, she’d resurrect him herself just so she could have the pleasure of killing him again.
“Got it in one.” Mary chuckled, holding out her hand again. Carmen accepted it this time and was yanked to her feet by Mary’s strong grip. Carmen didn’t release her hand right away, simply staring at Mary as if she couldn’t believe she was real. Before Mary could ask, Carmen wrapped her in a tight hug. Smiling, Mary returned the gesture. “It’s good to see you again, too, darlin.”
“I thought I’d lost you.” Carmen whispered, surprised by the tears leaking from her eyes.
“You did…for a time. But I didn’t go down without a fight.” Mary grinned. “Ripped that bastard’s ear off with my teeth before he got me.”
Carmen stepped back with a chuckle, wiping her eyes. “I did wonder at the time why he had an ear missing.”
“Please tell me that murdering bastard is dead?” Mary scowled.
“Dead and gone, my dear. Dead and gone.” Carmen grinned. Mary looped an arm through hers and they headed for Carmen’s car.
“I want the entire story and everything that’s gone on since.” Mary demanded. “Damn!”
“What?”
“I imagine my house is gone, and all my things.”
“Yeah. I’m sorry.”
“Not to worry. I had a little nest egg stashed somewhere. I can get it later.”
“Well you can stay with us until you can get your own place again.”
“I wouldn’t want to be an imposition.”
“Nonsense, Mary. You’re family to me. Shane will understand.” Carmen smiled as she started the car.
«”Baby, I have a surprise for you.”» she sent out to her husband through their link as she put her car in drive and headed for home.
Neither woman were aware that someone had been watching them.
——
Vlad had every intention of going to the cemetery in search of Vincent’s coven when he had spotted a woman walking alone among the tombstones. Curious, he followed her at a distance as she made her way up a hill to a single stone beneath some trees. He had heard her words and had seen the other woman when she had appeared and his curiosity had skyrocketed.
He had listened to their conversation from where he was hidden and latched onto the fact that these women had been in contact with Vincent, possibly had been with him in his final moments. He still did not know who had killed him and it was discouraging to say the least.
He heard the one woman, “Carmen”, mention Shane’s name and his gaze narrowed. The only Shane he knew of was a little whelp his Isabella had spawned. Wondering if this was the same man had him very intrigued. As the two women stepped into a patch of moonlight, Carmen’s features stood out in stark relief and to his vampiric senses he could feel the power emanating from her. He felt himself harden in his pants and his nails gouged deep furrows in the tombstone he was hiding behind. He inhaled deeply, drinking in her scent. He had to meet this woman. There was something different about her.
No woman, not even Isabella, had made him react so.
“I must know you.” he whispered to himself. He watched the car as it drove away before he returned to his own vehicle. The driver held the door open for him.
“Where to, boss?”
“Home. There is someone I need to speak with.” Vincent stated, climbing into the limo. The driver nodded and closed the door on his master.
Long ago, no one would dare have thought that so many would live under the roof of the sprawling estate that was owned by Shane and his beautiful wife Carmen. Now though, they had not only the kids – Jarvis Misty and Bianca, but also the Lost boys, which was David’s crew. Amelia – the resident witch took up residency in the pool house, and was able to keep good watch on the property during the daylight hours while the vampires took their rest.
Tonight was a celebration however. The mansion had been restored to its glory after the wild parties that were held during Shane and Carmen’s week away in the mountains. Returning from an investigation at the ruins that were once Vincent’s palatial home, Shane and his brother David were walking up the gravel drive, with a few of David’s boys in tow. Misty was the first to greet them, running into David’s arms. He picked her up and gave her a twirl, before snogging her hard on the front landing. It appeared that the couple finally got together during the wild parties, but that didn’t stop him flirting with the likes of Marissa, who was known to do just about any guy with a raging boner. Vampire or otherwise.
Jarvis was still down in the dumps, found at the back of the house staring at the lights of the Pool house, as Amelia was busy inside cooking her dinner. Jarvis lent against the glass door, his eyes following her movements, as she danced about her kitchen, and could be seen picking up her puppy and nuzzling its nose. What he wouldn’t give to be that puppy. Course the pool house was off limits, and the only vampires allowed access were Carmen and Shane, along with Bianca who would go over to watch the Vampire diaries – her favorite show.
Seeing the boys had come back from their night out, Bianca sang out as she was heading into the media room with a bowl of popcorn. “The Originals is on in thirty minutes.”
David sneered and shook his head at the drama loving vampire. “Why would we want to watch that…when we live it?”Misty was busy nuzzling David’s neck, and strummed his chest, keen for his attentions. Normally she would be joining Bianca in the media room, but after discovering David’s romantic side, she found that the real drama was better. “David’s better than Klaus anyways.” She joked, as the two went down the stairs to make love in one of the many bedrooms.
Shane was taking his time walking in, taking up some mail when he felt the link between his mind and that of Carmen.
«”Baby, I have a surprise for you.”»
Shane thought for a moment and returned his own message. “Not another wolf, is it?”
Their latest pet was at home in the media room with Bianca, sharing her popcorn.
Jason sighed softly and rubbed his temples before slowly walking past his chambers and making his way towards the chambers that him and Isaballa shared. He knew he had been neglecting her and wanted to just if anything pay her some of the much deserved attention she needed. The vampire had been secluded away in the garage working on a 1968 Corvette that he had found in a local junkyard. As he walked past the chamber he would pause briefly as his eyes flared in scorn upon hearing the moaning of another male in the chambers with Isabella. Slowly Jason would walk into the bedroom and into the sight of Isabella in the act of making love to another male. It was then something snapped within Jason Cox before he offered a keening hiss and rushed forwards in a blur to snag the blood doll by the nape of his neck and drive him into the wall with enough of an impact to give him a concussion as he hissed loud enough for Isabella to hear. “You dare to touch the love of my unlife? Oh how I’ll teach you never to do it again..” Jason then proceeded to throw the unfortunate blood doll out into the hall before slamming the door closed in his face and turning to Isabella with a raised questioning brow. “If you wanted my attention dearest..all you needed to do was come down into the garage and tap on my shoulder…and I’m sorry I haven’t been paying you the attention you desire and deserve.” He then waited in complete and total silence as his grease stained chest heaved with the exertion even though he was fit as a fiddle. After a few moment’s he would lower his hand towards Isabella and look towards the shower knowing he smelled worse then a week’s old carcass at this point as he had been doing alot of manual labor on that 1968 Chevy Corvette.
With her eyes closed, Isabella could feel the heat of the male blood doll rising which meant his blood would be all the more savory to her tastes. Her fangs were extending at just that moment, when the blood doll was ripped from her body and flung far across the room, smashing head first into the wall. The look on Isabella’s face was one of contorted rage.
“MY MEAL!”
Her voice had a shrill edge to it, as she slammed her palms down on the sheets in frustration from hunger. It was not so much the sex she wanted, it was to feed while the blood doll took her. Snorting through her nostrils, she sat up and saw the culprit first hand. Jason. He had finally decided to show himself upstairs after keeping himself busy working on a car in the garage. She pointed at the crumpled blood doll and cried. “You’re not meant to break them.” Isabella had not been out of the mansion much in the past week to feed, so this was a rare chance at a meal. Climbing out of bed, she grabbed her silk robe and threaded her arms through it as Jason explained that if she wanted attention, she could have come down to the garage and tapped his shoulder. There he was, covered in grease and oil…and standing on her best rug.
“You’re sorry? Well, now I’m hungry.”
She waltzed over to the unconscious blood doll, and reefed his head back. You could see he was out for the count. She released his head and it flopped back down and she tapped her foot.
“I don’t eat on the floor!”
Oh…she was an unhappy camper now. Pouting, she pointed at the bathroom.
“I’m not touching you till you are clean. AND DON’T GET OIL STAINS ON MY TOWELS!”
Now in a huff, she stormed down to the kitchen for a few blood packs.
Jason sighed softly and shrugged before stripping out of his clothing and tossing them into the hamper. It was then he strode into the shower and yawned while turning on the water and waiting until it was scalding in temperature. The young vampire would then step into the shower before letting the water run over him for a few moments. As he stood there he would begin to hum softly to himself as he began to scour the grease from his body with a sponge and a bar of the harshest soap he could find. It took him a total of ten minutes to completely scour his body of all the grease that had covered it. Slowly he would step from the shower after turning it off and begin to towel himself dry before replacing the soaked towel on the towel rack only to walk out of the bathroom before dressing himself in a red tank top and a pair of black boxers which where covered by a set of denim jeans. Once he was dressed he would walk down the halls silent as a wraith before slipping into the kitchen. Once inside the kitchen he would sneak up behind Isabella taking great care not to make a sound before slowly attempting to snake his arms around her waist and place a tender kiss upon her neck in an act of supplication. Jason had seen enough fighting to last him a life time in his service to his country as a marine and he would sure as hell like to avoid any undue violence be it verbal or physical. As he attempted to snake his arms around her waist he would whisper against her neck. “Still hungry dearest?” He then proceeded to pull away and attempt to knead her shoulders in a loving manner yet also therapeutic in its effect.
One of the town hot spots for the underground scene was the Pit. A venue that hosted mostly heavy metal and grunge bands, and the feature act of the night was a band from Germany – Voltage. Emilia and Rheksas had spent the past few nights keeping tabs on the young vampire they found in the Count’s manor. As much as they didn’t want to leave the girl to her devices, both the General and Rheksas needed to feed. They both agreed that the Pit was the perfect place and also when Rheksas found out that Voltage was in town, he thought it would be a good chance to catch up with some old friends.
Dressing in their trade mark black leather full length coats and black shirts with pants, Emilia and Rheksas did a last check of the manor, before making their way out to the truck. Both were armed with gun belts carefully concealed beneath their jackets. The new world was not one to be taken lightly. Rheksas had questions about the town’s current vampire population, for he was sure that after the death of Vincent, that there would be pockets of them scattered across the darker parts of town.
“I’m driving.” He boldly announced, taking the keys from the key hook near the front door. Flicking her hair back and then walking solemnly behind him, Emilia said simply. “Wasn’t about to argue.” Rheksas chuckled and patted her shoulder. “I got your back, General. Time to have a bit of down time.” Both vampires left the manor, leaving Danika to her devices. Emilia looked back and wondered if it was such a hot idea, but she knew that Vlad would be back soon from his nightly tours. He could deal with the girl for once.
~An hour later~
Arriving at the club car park, there was already a steady stream of leather and stud covered patrons making their way inside the underground venue. The air was ripe with the scent of sweat and bad perfume. It was almost intoxicating to the two vampires, that stepped out of the van, and locked it up. Rheksas was already grinning. “Easy pickings, General.” It was true, there was so many to choose from that the night was going to be a smorgasbord of the flesh.
Entering the club, the band was already in full swing with the first set. The crush of patrons were all dancing and drinking – the air thick with smoke and the blaze of red lights gave all a crimson hue, as the General and Rheksas walked through the throng. Up on stage, Ustaf Dosselfer was screaming out the lyrics of his latest song. Much of it was near impossible to understand. That and it was in German. The crowd were all in a frenzy, with the electric guitar riffs and heavy drumming whipping them all into an excited state. One of the roadies recognized the General, and waved her towards him. He was a long time member of the band, and helped them set up the gigs during the daylight hours.
“EMILIA…RHEKSAS….Youz a zight vor sore eyes…ya? Comez out the back…..the boyz have a few more songs in thiz set.”
Hard to believe it was that easy to get backstage, but this was often the routine when Emilia used to see the band in Europe. Walking down a dark corridor, that was lined with band groupies and the ever present blood dolls, the General and Rheksas were lead into a special room, specially decked out for the band and its entourage. Black couches lined the walls, and a large buffet table, but it was clear to see that there was little in the way of alcohol. Emilia of course knew the reason why and found a reason to smile.
About fifteen minutes later, you could hear the crowd roar with approval as the band played its last song of the set. It wouldn’t be long before the band were making it’s way to the Green room for a well earned break. Emilia sat herself down on one of the big couches, while Rheksas was already enjoying the attentions of one blood doll, who had a thing for big men. He was toying with her hair and sniffing it as though she was a fine wine. Oh how he enjoyed his women.
The door then burst open as the four band members came in, covered in sweat. Ustaf spotted the General and then let out a hollar of happiness. “Count let you go for the night, Em? Shit you look good, General.” He wasn’t one for subtlety and sat down beside her, planting a huge kiss on her cheek. He was either high from the Adrenalin of performing, or just plain happy to see her. Already, the blood dolls were looming, and Ustaf took one and yanked her into his lap – his fangs elongating. “These bitches know when they are needed.” The singer than bit into his blood dolls neck, and started to feast hungrily, as Emilia watched on, almost salivating at the sight. The air was ripe with the scent of blood, and Emilia was having trouble controlling her own urges. Her eyes darted around and she could see a young fan that was standing in the corridor. He must have been 23 at best. His eyes locked on hers and she rose slowly from her seat, as the band was now all feeding on dolls and fans a like. Even Rheksas had the groupie in the back and was slowly sucking her dry.
The male fan edged up to Emilia and whispered “Are you with the band?” She cocked her head slightly and then said with a purr. “For a long time.” Her eyes darkened as she watched his main artery beating in his neck. She could tell he was getting excited from watching the band play with their food. Mesmerized by her stare, he moved in to kiss her and she obliged him, kissing him back hungrily, but her eyes were wide open. The husky growl from her throat practically had him wanting to hump her, so she let him push her against the wall, kissing her fiercely till she moved her mouth from his and then started to lick the ripe spot on his neck.
“Fuck yeah.” He cried until she bit down hard on his neck, her arms encircling him and locking him in place as he struggled in the pain and exctasy of the moment. Laughter from some of the band members, whose chins were dripping with blood was heard, as they watched one of their true elders feed before them.
Ustaf had knocked him blood doll off him, and rose to standing, letting out a blood curdling roar. Out in the Pit few would know what was really going on back stage. A frenzy of blood taking, death and hunger sated. Emilia let her prize go and he dropped to the floor, her fangs coated, her lips cherry red from the blood she had fed. Ustaf came up and started to lick the blood from her lips. He was always keen on the General. She allowed it as she was still heady from the experience.
“He was a good year…no?” Ustaf joked as he pulled back and kicked the lifeless body. Emilia released a gasp of delight and satisfaction. “Oh I needed that.”
Ustaf leaned against the wall, and toyed with her hair. He had been in the town a month and knew a lot of what was going on in the underworld there.
“You might want to tell your Count. There is a new Queen of the Night. Vincent is dead, andz the one he tried to crown, belongs to another.”
Emilia was trying to compose herself as she listened to what he was saying.
” A new Queen…? Here?”
Ustaf nodded. “A lot of the blood dolls that come here spoke of her. Her name is Carmen…Carmen Williamson.”
xZephyrZ: His gaze met the Ronin’s (Seiyuu) “And just what would you know about my past? Of honour? You are Ronin.. you have lost nothing here, you were not robbed of the chance to get back what you had lost, I can only return to an empty castle, full of men who hate me and subjects who scorn me. You seek to kill me because I raise a hand to a member of your family, would you bar others from protecting theirs so long as yours was safe? I am no longer even able to protect my family because your sister took their lives in cold blood, without so much as a grudge. I attempt only to understand all of this the best I can and you would rob me of this too? Is there anything else you or your family wish to take from me Ronin? My soul perhaps? You say I have insulted you…. You are wrong. I cannot readily accept your word when I have been robbed of everything that meant something to me.” The Young Dragon was calmer now, he paused “Come then, kill me, it’s only fitting you should take my life too, a family of thieves and murderers.” Of course he would hardly sit idly by whilst his life was taken, the Ronin was an ignorant fool, he knew only of his own suffering and his own desires. The Young Dragon would fight the Serpent if it killed him.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The Serpent stood silently while the Son of the Dragon and the Ronin exchanged heated words, riddled with pain and emotion. Each spoke of honour, of being robbed of family. What the Son of the Dragon failed to see or even understand, that they were all more alike than they were different. She stretched her hand out towards one of the guards, and said simply. “Your sword…give it to me.” The guard paused, then brought out his sword and turned the handled end over towards the Serpent, and she wrapped her fingers around it. A sharp nod, and then she padded silently past her brother and then tossed the sword; handle forward towards the Son of the Dragon. “Here, boy. You are now given the chance…and freely I might add, to make redemption for those I killed. But know this. You can kill me, but it won’t bring them back.” A sideways glance, she said in a hushed tone to her brother. “If you ever felt any love for me, you will honour me this one fight, and let the boy have his moment.” If the boy caught the sword, the Serpent would go into a defensive stance. “I am unarmed, but I still plan on fighting you to the death.” A short bow, and then she regained her position. Feet shoulder width apart, left shoulder slightly forward – right elbow pulled back, her fingers curled into a fist. Left hand raised with the palm exposed, fingers pointing to the sky. She then gestured with a finger for him to come at her. :: Kekeyama leaned back on one hand, taking the flask of wine and bringing the nozzle to her lips, taking a good sip of the wine. Its taste was simply divine. Was this what he played his females with? Another sip taken and she set the flask down and mused. “Oh this is good, brother. Wherever did you get it?” <3>
IceTe3a: Ronin shook his head at the young dragon who spoke of loss, such rage filled the young boy blinding him from the truth. He was set on taking his sister in a duel as they continued to argue amongst themselves “ You have no idea of the meaning of pain and loss small boy” he offered more insult to the already insulted young man as he watched his sister come strolling past, throwing a sword at the boys feet. His sister going against his own wishes, his hues glance into hers as she demanded he not interfere if he ever had any love for her, he could not believe she would use that on him; She knew he had devoted his entire life to finding her, did that not show his love for his sister? He was hurt but he tried not to let it show as he turned to the young dragon giving him a deathly look before walking away from the two. Glancing over at Tsunayoshi he sighed as he shook his head, the mentality of kids these days was beyond him, such disrespect and lack of control of emotions taking a seat at the outside table and chairs he did not bother to watch the two have at it. Either way it was to the death, stupid girl she should not have said that; he will have to step in just in time once the other is about to lose. After a few minutes a old man hobbles out of the shadows, carrying three black swords bowing with respect he laid them on the table “MY best work yet, I had these saved for a special warrior; I choose this warrior to be you” before bowing again as he left the same way he came. The craftsmanship was impeccable each blade perfectly built lightweight but strong with a dragon symbol running down each blade to the tip. What an interesting choice of design he thought to himself as he admired his new weaponry, placing them in the usual locations where he kept his blades he was slightly happier now. : Kayne could hear his dear Keke guzzling away at the wine behind him, he smiled lightly as he knew she was enjoying herself, she had enquired to where he obtained such a lovely drop which made him chuckle “From the hands of a dead priest, of all things my dearest” he lays down inbetween her legs as the back of his head lays resting on her soft stomach, her legs on either side of him keeping him warm,a soft and subtle smile creaks across his face, one corner of his lips raised up only as a card appeared out of nowhere in a puff of smoke, it was spinning endlessly on the tip of his index finger with no signs of stopping it was a simple playing card, a black ace of spades the card to trump all cards he did not simply play with his tarot cards as they meant a lot to him. “The cards do not show me anything of this night, My mind must be elsewhere” he blamed himself for not being able to read the cards tonight, it was true his emotions were tied to his powers the more angry he got the more powerful his powers were. If his mind was elsewhere his powers for reading the future and cards were all but lost to him until his mind was back with him. “ I do wonder just what we shall do once we arrive.” As his right hand runs up and down the soft skin of her legs.
xZephyrZ: The Ronin replied, but he was not listening. The Serpent had come outside, uttered something to her brother and lofted a Katana toward him, the sword fell at his feet. The Serpent spoke (Ayame)” I am unarmed, but I still plan on fighting you to the death.” The Dragonling replied (Seiyuu) “I will not spill any more blood..” he muttered before stepping over the sword. The Serpent took a stance he was not familiar with and gestured toward him as if to say “come”. It would be reckless to charge in without any information about the Serpent’s combat capabilities, but he had challenged her. Sliding the sword away from him the Young Dragon took his own stance, feet shoulder width apart, the left forward and turned in forty-five degrees, the other pointing directly toward the Serpent. He raised his hands in front of him, exhaling as he did so, his left leading palm facing down, his right back facing upward, this represented balance, ying and yang. With this he launched of his back foot approaching the Serpent with the usual blinding speed. He aimed to grasp the Serpent’s left hand with his leading arm and pull her off balance whilst stepping around her to the right to avoid retaliation from her free hand, if he was successful a quick strike to her face with his right would follow.
CharlotteCarrendar: – So, the boy would forgo the use of the tossed sword, that clattered to the tiled floor at his feet. Perhaps he had some true fighting spirit after all. The Serpent smiled to see this bravado, as he stepped over the sword; saying he would not spill any more blood. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t. She had beckoned him with her left hand, and he came at her going to strike at her by use of his blinding speed, and she hopped in place keeping her body flight true. His leading arm which would say is the right went to grasp her outstretched left arm – but as he did this and seized her left arm, she stepped into the hold closing the distance between them. The Young dragon goes on a right step to avoid the strike of her free hand but her power is in her right foot planted, her left leg, to kick out towards his exposed lower torso./rib cage. If this landed and she dropped her foot back down, she prepared to be guarded for the next hit. She was not about to run, or give up against him. :: Placing down the flagon of wine, Kekeyama chuckled. “A dead priest? Oh, please I don’t like the idea of some crusty old man having had his lips upon the neck of this flagon.” She shuddered at the thought. Watching her brother play with his cards, and hearing that there would be no readings tonight, for his thoughts were elsewhere. Troubled perhaps? And if so, by what? Kekeyama toyed with the many thoughts of what had transpired at the Warlord’s palace and the aftermath, along with the scar he now bore all due to the Serpent. “When we arrive at the Dragon’s lands, we find out just how big their Empire is, and who is to be the likely victor in this war over a dead Dragon and child bride?” <3>
xZephyrZ: As he grasped the Serpent’s leading arm she had done something unexpected, she moved in further planting her right foot down, avoiding the trajectory of his strike to her face and launching her own kick toward his now open rib cage. If it impacted he would be severely winded and it would be sure to at least crack his bones. Her mistake had been letting him grip her to begin with, he loosened his left hand ever so slightly to slide it up toward her shoulder, giving him better leverage. He then redirected his quick strike downward, opening his palm, aiming to deflect her kick with his palm by striking just above her knee and forcing her downward, which would remove the momentum from her blow. If he was successful here he would use the leverage he had gained over her shoulder to throw her away from him directly backward, if not he would brace as best he could for the impact in order to mitigate the damage he would receive from her kick.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Keeping her close and personal appeared to be his game for now, though his hand moved from her arm up to her shoulder as she was going for the left leg strike. As her left shoulder was facing closer it meant that when he went to redirect a flat palm strike to her left knee to stop the onward kick out to his right side. This acted to counter balance her, from throwing her left side back back, and she powered the right side of her body forward as her left leg was dropped back . He had an opening on his left side and with her right foot planted still forward the power was in her right side. She had her closed right fist all but waiting to deliver the first serious blow. Coming up with force in a rounded arc swing due to the turn in her body, she aimed to smash into his left jaw line to at least rattle his brain around and possibly knock his jaw out of alignment. That would really hurt. <3>
xZephyrZ: He’d been unable to foresee such on obvious consequence of his block, throwing the left side of her body back only gave her more power to redirect toward him, the best he could do was haphazardly raise his left elbow in an attempt to block as the punch sailed in – it glanced off his forearm and caught him in the side of the head, it had lost some power but it would still be enough to rattle him, instinctively he launched back with his right foot, which was leading and switched in to Cat stance, his back foot would be angled at ninety degrees point out toward his left and all his weight would be on it, his right leg would be forward and bent at the knee, with his foot angled at forty-five degrees and his toes pointed at the ground. This would allow him to leap back or forward at a moment’s notice or launch a front kick in to the Serpent if he held his ground. However, he was feeling the full impact of the blow from the Serpent, his vision was blurred and his ears rung, he needed to buy a little time to get his head right.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The Vixen was not about to rest on her laurels during this heated fight, with her blood starting to rise beneath her skin, she snarled from the strike that hit her left knee back and down – a red welt forming. The right handed punch was diverted by the bringing up of his elbow in a sad attempt to block the intended blow, but it only redirected it from the point of impact to the left side of his head. She drew back her arm instinctively, her eyes now darkening as this was angering the Serpent. So he would switch to a cat like stance. The Viper was no longer going to resort to clean fighting tactics, but decided to play dirty. What does a cobra do when threatened? This was what the Son of the Dragon was about to find out. Amassing a fair amount of saliva in her mouth, she was close enough to spit in his face, directed for his eyes, that were already suffering from the head strike. The point of this was to distract him, as she would reach for both his ears. If she gained a hold, she would use them to bring his head down as she raised up her right knee, to land a skull cracking crunch, surely to knock him out. <3>
xZephyrZ: He had anticipated a move forward, some kind of attack, a punch, a kick, an elbow, but instead she showed her true colours. The Serpent was still very much alive, the girl spitting at him, intending to blind him, but he was not so shaken, stepping to his right on to his front foot he returned to Dragon Stance, the spit whizzing past his head. The Ronin was wrong, this girl was not Ayame his sister, she was still very much the cold-blooded assassin that had butchered his father and brother on a whim. Anger welled up in him, she would pay. His hands in their original stance the Serpent reached for the sides of his head in an attempt to grab his ears, this was a mistake. The Young Dragon would wait until she was close enough then throw his hands outward, aiming to strike her on her inner arm directly on her elbow joint with the outer edge of his palms. This would leave the Serpent open to a kick from his right leg aimed at the side of her knee if successful. Alternatively he would leap backward in an attempt to avoid her dirty trick and her lunge for his head.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The spitting viper missed to get his face –the intended mark. Perhaps his brains were not as rattled as first thought. The Serpent let out a scream of rage directed at the Son of the Dragon. With her arms reaching out to gain hold on his ears, the Son of the Dragon smacked his palms hard to her elbows, so that this would deflect her attack, but also open up a window of opportunity, for a kick to be aimed at the left side of her knee. Already struck earlier, she screeched as the strike landed true and sent her back, clattering to the floor. Her hair tossed forward and obscuring her face from view. But then there was a dark and sinister laughter that erupted from her and made the whole room almost seem to have a terrible chill to it, as she snatched up the sword that the Son of the Dragon had rejected. Snaking her fingers around the handle, she scurried to her feet, and tossed her head back, so he could see the crazed look of the Serpent’s face. One that even her brother had never seen before. She hissed with her tongue exposed, and then leapt off on the power of her right foot, the katana gripped tightly with both hands as she swung it to decapitate the Son of the Dragon. “DEATH COMES NOW!” She screamed. <3>
xZephyrZ: The Young Dragon rode to return, word of his failure had been sent forward, he knew Mitsunari would not be pleased to hear of his recklessness, but as ever would maintain his emotionless façade. He had certainly been rash, if only he had stopped.. thought, there had been minor casualties, but casualties none the less and the burden lay on his soul alone. (Seiyuu) “DAMN!” he choked the words out from behind teeth like prison bars. There was simply no way to vent his frustrations, he had to accept what had happened and look to the future. If all those years taught him anything it was exactly that. With that his eyes flicked up to see Takana, returned from relaying the Dragon’s message, he urged his horse forward as the shadowy man re-joined them so that he was by his side. (Seiyuu) “What news? Do we have any orders?” he questioned. Takana bowed his head slightly before replying (Takana) “We do not have any further orders but to stand by Young Dragon, they wish to re-evaluate our strategy now that we are facing a head on conflict with the Warlord, it was also requested you return at once.” The man hesitated for a moment (Seiyuu) “Is that all? If that’s the case we shall return as reque-“ Takana interrupted the Young Dragon, his face of a man who was deep in conflict within himself (Takana) “Dragon… Seiyuu.. Amongst the men.. I had heard of a Ronin who was sent to kill the assassin that murdered your father and rescue the daughter of another Lord who was killed, they were saying he was to return to a certain village, it’s not far from our current position, if you wanted more information about how he died…” he did not finish his sentence. Takana knew what the Young Dragon would do, but he could not afford to betray the orders of the Empire now, he had yet to redeem himself and launching his own personal crusade would fatally wound his chances, he waited for a reply. The Young Dragon looked away for a moment, set adrift in his own mind. He knew Takana would have figured out his dilemma already, the Empire or revenge? The Empire’s War Council would never approve of this kind of behaviour, but his heart was with his father.. he wanted all those who had plotted against him dead and this lead was priceless. (Seiyuu) “Then I ride for this village, how do I get there?” the man attempted to choke back the words, but he was bound by his life to serve the Young Dragon, he simply could not refuse (Takana) “I see you have already decided.. despite the consequences.. I will go with you, you need not face this alone!” Takana was determined to be there for the Young Dragon no matter the consequences, as far as he was concerned his soul belonged to him after back then. (Seiyuu) “No, you will not follow, I must face this alone, you will lead the Eyes in my stead, Mitsunari would be a fool to reject your aid in times such as these…” He paused only for a moment “So, how do I get there?” It was impossible to convince his master once his mind was made up (Takana) “A day north, follow the road you come to, it will be difficult to miss, they said it had been razed to the ground, may your soul be protected…” With that the Young Dragon would ride for the nameless village alone, unable to predict what lay ahead.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Riding high in the saddle, with her chin tilted up, she observed the guard that met them as they entered the land of Rikken. He was not at all happy to see the infamous Serpent, making sure to alert all, screaming her name and making a run at the horse. You could see the Serpent’s body tense as she hissed at the guard, only having the Ronin step in front of the guard – grabbing the man’s neck, and challenging his authority. “Her name is Ayame” This was a name she had not gone by in a very long time. Her brother practically threw the guard to the ground, and summoned the War Horse to come and meet him at once. Easing herself in the saddle once more, the Serpent bowed her head, the faint breeze toying with her hair. She did not like how this was going so far, and was concerned that they would be led into a trap. From a far house, the old warrior; Tyunayoshi appeared. In his right hand his boa staff. A troubled look swept over his features as he approached the Ronin. Casting a glance up at the Serpent, as she sat silently on the back of the horse, the old warrior asked. “I see you brought back a trophy, why is it not just her head?” He was under the impression that the Ronin sought to end the Serpent for her murderous ways, and yet she was sitting without binds on the back of his horse. The Serpent glared at the old warrior from beneath her veil of black hair. “You are still alive… Tyunayoshi. I thought my Master left you for dead.” Her voice had a cruel edge to it, as she made it plainly obvious that she cared little for the one known as War Horse. He chuckled, to hear that she still had a fire in her belly. “Your Master may have taken an eye as a prize…but not my life, my sweet Viper. “ he then shot a look at the Ronin and said. “Feisty, isn’t she?” Course, he had no idea…that the Serpent was Ronin’s sister. That was bound to come as a shock. :: Kekeyama sucked the grape into her mouth, chewing as she listened to her brother recount how the cards were dealt and their meaning. Clearly the Warlord was going to be the one to lose the most in this war with the new Dragon. Youth always has an edge over the frailty of an old man’s mind. Kekeyama pushed back from the edge of the tub, then rose up. Water trickling down across her body, as she reached for a towel, stepping out onto a soft rug. She started to pat herself dry slowly, her eyes locked on her brother. “Then we must choose our path wisely. I don’t fancy dying all for an old man’s misdeeds.” She then licked her lips slowly, as she came to mull over what would be a good option now. “I wonder if the young Dragon has a taste for women, such as myself.” What was she plotting? <3>
IceTe3a: Ronin watched as the old war horse came strolling down the path with a boa in hand, he noticed Tyunayoshi’s confused faucal expressions, this was going to be interesting to explain to him but Ronin was sure that Tyunayoshi would understand. Watching as Tyunayoshi came to a stand before them both he expected exactly what Tyunayoshi was going to say ‘I see you brought back a trophy, why is it not just her head’ Ronin stood there listening to all Tyunayoshi had to say just as Tyunayoshi and Ayame started fighting with each other. “Enough” he said loudly, walking over to Ayame he picked her up off the horse and placed her down to stand before him, placing a hand on her back he lead her in front of Tyunayoshi. “She is my sister, Ayame” he said as he glanced into her eyes with a smile “The warlord took her from my family at a young age, she did not know what she was doing, She is on our side Tyunayoshi” he said in a firm voice showing how serious he was “I have found her and she will never leave my side again. I have returned here to continue our plans If you have issue with her being here. Then you have issue with me as well and we shall take our leave, If you are fine with all of this than can we continue on inside so I can fill you in on what has happened” he glanced over to Ayame and smiled lightly “Be respectful to Tyunayoshi, he did not know your story and nor you his. I expect you both to get along” he demanded. : Kayne was watching Keke closely as she rose from the tub and dried herself off, wrapping a towel around her smooth body. Coming to a stand he heard her talk of their plans as he chuckled slightly, walking around behind her he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closely as he leaned against the wall, her soft skin was hot from the boiling bath as it warmed up his skin in the process “I understand we have to tread lightly dear sister, but never forget we are not like the others around us” he smiled as he kissed the back of her shoulder his eyes started to glow a dull orange as his lips trails across the skin of her shoulder gently kissing her up to her neck he bore his teeth as he lightly nipped her neck. “I trust you to choose our path wisely Keke, you shall lead this one and drag me along as usual” he smiled gently.: The warlords army was preparing for battle, The guildsmen were working on new Battle weaponry as the builders reinforced the gates and walls, upgrading the defences with brand new Archer Towers. The warlord was up in the giant castle on the 12th floor high above the ground as he was surrounded by his new generals in the army. He gave them little power this time as they had to sit and take orders, No advise was to be given nor talking to be had whilst the warlord was in control. “ I want The men’s weapons sharpened all of them, Check the armors. Also make sure the guildsmen are working and not slacking off” as he barked out orders. He may have lost the battle but the war was hardly over, he had lost his advisers and his son but he would have revenge. As he glanced back into the cave “Have we managed to tame that cursed thing yet?” he growled as he looked down to the giant tent near the entrance of the cave, no doubt full of wounded failures. He would have upper hand this time he would make sure of it as a corrupt smile came across his face.
xZephyrZ: As the Young Dragon rode the storm which had been brewing within his mind unleashed all it had. Had he made the right decision? Should he turn back now? Would it look like he was running from his failure… again? What could he possibly do about his father’s death like this anyway? The Young Dragon shook his head in frustration, he was but a man, young at that, not wise, nor experienced, he could only take all this as it came. By now the Warlord would be preparing for war, the Ronin had to be back in the Lord’s lands, there was no trace of him at the fortress. The Serpent, the assassin that had been responsible for his father’s death, was also nowhere to be found, what had become of her? This future was too uncertain.. he longed for the peaceful days he had spent in the mountains with the men and women of the Eyes. How had it come to this? Fate was fickle.. why did the path to his destiny have to be so rocky and harsh, it was as if he was bound to the rocks at the mercy of the waves.. But he would take control of his destiny, that’s what he was doing now, he need not worry about his decision, as long as it was his own it would all work out. The Young Dragon reassured himself of this (Seiyuu) “Get it together.. you’re being stupid” he muttered urging his horse forward, he had found the path Takana mentioned, he need only follow it to find the Ronin, unaware of what surprises wait for him.
CharlotteCarrendar: – It was like watching two cock fighters squaring off against each other –feathers all ruffled and angry. It would take something special to stop it from turning into a physical battle. That is where the Ronin stepped in. He boldly called “Enough” and it was enough to make the pair fall silent. The Ronin reached for Ayame and lifted her from the horse, placing her down gently upon the ground. Her dress shimmering; smoothing to her frame as it settled upon the dust. Ayame felt the press of her brother’s hand to her back pushing her forward. She was introduced as his sister. This came as a complete shock to the old warrior, who stared at the Serpent more closely. The Ronin put forth his case, that she was stolen at a young age, and moulded into the very woman that stood before them. Problem was, Tyunayoshi knew the Serpent a lot longer than Ronin did. He didn’t trust her at all. The issue was that they needed the Ronin in that town, what with the likelihood of another attack, possibly from the Dragon Empire over the death of their leaders in this very square. Tyunayoshi frowned at what Ronin has said, about either accepting the fact of who she was, or that they would leave. “Keep her caged….I trust you, my friend, but not her. Trust is to be earnt, and she has a long way to prove that I am wrong.” Wise words, it would seem. The Serpent only nodded with a soft “yes”, when Ronin asked her to be respectful of Tyunayoshi . Would she hold to her word? :: Kekeyama exhaled loudly as her brother took her in his arms, and pushed her to the nearest wall. Her head tilting to allow his kisses that caressed her skin. His teeth raking her flesh. “Mmmm, my darling brother, I do not plan to let you down. You are my first concern, and I plan to provide you with enough females to sate your lust.” This was said with a heavy undertone as her own lust was rising. She brought both arms up and over her head – fingers interlocking as they shared a quiet and poignant moment. The siblings bond practically unbreakable. One would die for the other, and vice versa. “No doubt, the dragon will want to hear his future. We have quite the show to perform. Her eyes turning a sweet red as she gazed into her brother’s. “I’ll make you proud. I promise.” <3>
IceTe3a: Ronin nodded slightly “She will be by my side at all times, I trust her with my life just as I trust you Tyunayoshi” he shook his head slightly, People allowing past and emotions to run over their judgments such a unmediated and unconditioned thing they were showing.. Like untrained students rivaling each other. Grabbing Ayame’s hand he started to walk up to Rikken’s old place “How is the change over, are the guards and other lords accepting the young ladies claim to the title?” he said as he guided them both towards a outside table, taking a seat he let go of Ayame’s hand as he continued to glance at Tyunayoshi “The warlord was under attack as we left, it did not look good he was losing the battle.” He said as he went on and on filling in Tyunayoshi all about what had happened with the warlord explaining how he got caught, about Keke and Kayne and everyone else. He glanced to his dear sister and smiled “What are your thoughts sister? What would he do in this situation”: Kayne was kissing and nipping Keke’s neck and shoulder softly as she spoke of promises and safety “Oh Keke, you know I would do anything for you, there is no need for such promises.” As he leaned back and smiled His lust was outrageous that he was in agreement of, Only Keke could keep him on a tight leash, any mere normal female would suffer a painful fate if Kayne was released onto her. His eyes smiled with a devilish gleam “As you wish sister, I shall read him the cards. Just ask and I will do” he said in an almost submissive way although Kayne was anything but submissive, Keke just had that kind of control over him “ You would like to see this world at civil war yes? Burning in fire, the pain and screams of those dying under you” he boasted her title for her as he bit down on his own lip drawing blood as it trickled across his bottom lip. His body was warming up as he touched his lip with his finger glancing at his own blood “It’s been awhile..” he was stating how long it had been since he last bled, although he loved the feeling of pain being what he was it brought him pleasure.: The warlord grumbled slightly as he had learned the beast was not yet tame “How can you not tame it, we’ve been at it for years!” he barked as he sighed slightly “Get the magic council to study on it, figure out a way to tame it” he growled under his breath as a guard ran off with his orders, The magic council… gathered in the Warlords lands as they tapped into ancient and dark magics they were a peaceful bunch never going to war, but were useful for their healing abilities and knowledge on Lore among other things. They escaped their own lands coming here promising their wealth in all the knowledge for safety and the right to do as they please, the warlord accepted this as he knew they would be a very valuable ally.
xZephyrZ: It was finally in front of him, what would be a nothing to most experienced travellers the Young Dragon had been unable to escape the bombardment of this thoughts. He slowed his horse to a Canter now, one by one villagers passed him, throwing glares and strange looks at him without remorse, it was only natural they would fear outsiders. Approaching the one closest him the Young Dragon spoke up (Seiyuu) “I am looking for a Ronin, do you know anything of him?” The villager shot him a glance and kept on their way, head down. He tried again (Seiyuu) “Does anyone know anything of a Ronin? I heard he was in these lands, is he still here?” No replies came, it was clear the townspeople were wary of strangers now and who could blame them, these people had been visited by death, reaper of souls, they had lost loved ones without so much as a word. He gave up for now, riding further toward the town, coming toward the gate two guards noticed him and approached immediately spears pointed directly at him (Guard) “Halt! What business have you here? Identify yourself at once and state your purpose!” Once more it painfully obvious what had happened to these people, they were right not to trust him, with a slight sigh he spoke (Seiyuu) “I do not mean you or these people any harm, I am an envoy of the Dragon, his Youngest Son, I seek out the Ronin who recently graced these lands, please, I only seek more information about my father’s death” Of course he didn’t expect the guard to be convinced. The guard replied eyeing him grudgingly, he had recognised the tattered garb of the Dragon’s Empire, but this only served to make him more suspicious (Guard) “Do you expect us to believe this, it is impossible to prove what you say, and even if it is true, you could be the herald for an attack upon our lands, for the death of the Dragon and his Son… for revenge..” With this the Young Dragon dismounted his horse immediately falling to his knees and bowing on all fours (Seiyuu) “I am sincerely sorry for the losses you have had to endure, I will accept full responsibility on behalf of my father, you may take all my weapons and have me escorted by as many men as you please, I wish only to speak with the Ronin if he is still here”. Now it would be impossible for the guard to refuse, reluctantly he took the Young Dragon’s blade and pistol, taking a moment to gaze upon the Lorenzoni repeating flintlock pistol such technology was extremely rare in these lands. He nodded and replied (Guard) “Fine, we received the Ronin not long ago, we will escort you in to the town and inform them of your presence, your belongings will be returned when you leave, you may tie your horse up outside town, we will ensure it is not stolen” it was clear the guard felt a little uncomfortable addressing the Young Dragon in this way, perhaps no one had presented themselves so humbly before him in such a way, at any rate the Young Dragon was being taken to meet the Ronin, his heart jumped, this was it.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The stares and whispers didn’t go unnoticed by the Serpent, whose hand was taken by her brother; the Ronin. He led her into Rikken’s old place. The old warrior walked just behind them, still keeping a close watch on the Serpent. To him, she was like a coiled viper that could lash out in the blink of an eye. Hearing the Ronin’s query about the Child bride of Rikken, he was able to answer. “So far there has been no disputing her right to title. She was upset naturally to be brought back, but on hearing of the atrocities that occurred to these her people, she suddenly had to grow up, very fast.” Walking with the aid of his boa staff, he made a constant clacking sound against the tiled floor of the large house. As he passed those elders that had come out to see the arrival of the Ronin and his sister, again there was much whispered discussion. Coming to an outdoor patio area, the Serpent was lead to a seat at a table, where the Ronin sat right beside her, finally releasing her hand. The old warrior joined them, but remained tight lipped as he heard of how the Warlord faired in the past few days. “What of the Warlord’s son? Surely he will try to come for the child bride.” This was a good question, and the Serpent interjected. “He’s dead. You shan’t have a problem from him.” She didn’t say how he died or who killed him, but the old warrior already knew. “Turned on them as well, no doubt.” He said, staring into her eyes, as though trying to pierce her cold veneer. “An eye for an eye.” The Serpent said simply. “Touche’” Tyunayoshi uttered, looking back at the Ronin. Asked by the Ronin for her thoughts on the situation, she spelt it out clearly. “The Warlord has lost many to his cause, but don’t underestimate him. He didn’t survive this long purely on luck.” That was a fair warning, if ever there were one. :: Kekeyama was released from her brother’s hold, and she glided over to start dressing in a simple silk dress. The colour was blood red, fitting for a such a woman as Kekeyama. She smoothed her hands across the silken fabric, making sure it hugged her figure to perfection. Kayne assured her that he would read the cards, and play his part. Glancing over her shoulder she purred. “I want to be able to sip from a chalice made from the skull of the most powerful man in this conflict, as I watch the world burn at my feet.” She crossed the floor and ran her finger tip across her brother’s lip, before sucking her finger slowly and demurely. “You always did taste good.” <3>
IceTe3a: Ronin listened to everything they both had to say, as he didn’t bother paying attention to those around them staring and whispering, it was always going to happen; just something his sister was going to have to get used to, as he rubbed her hand for reassurance he smiled to her. “Right, I agree, we should not count the warlord down and out. And what of the Dragons army, We should expect retaliation from them as well” he sighed slightly as he rubbed his head, so much was going on he could hardly keep up with it all, “I am going to need three new blades eventually, I lost mine back at the warlords castle” he chuckled. “Tyunayoshi I want you to take charge of Rikken’s men, we need to make sure this place can be defendable and the men ready. We also need to inform the young lady of our plans” he nodded as he glanced over to his sister “Ayame? Will you help me defend this village when the time comes?” he knew she would answer yes; at least he hoped she would. As he smiled lightly, he glanced around the place it was clean as if nothing ever happened but Ronin knew better this was where he first laid eyes on his sister and where so many had died. After awhile of chatting Ronin’s ears twitch as he heard two sets of footsteps coming closer “Someone’s coming” he said softly as his eyes darted to the location from where the sound came from, he was on high guard having his sister near him, he would not let anyone harm her that’s for sure. A guard appeared around the corner leading a young adult male behind him, who could this young man be and why is he with the guard? Has he caused some sort of trouble only time would tell. :: Kayne leaned against the wall his back pressed against it firmly as his hues follow Keke as she glided across the floor with such grace it looked like she was floating. She placed on a simple silken dress, dyed the colour of blood red; He had to smirk at her choice in colours ironic really, as his dull orange hues were pulsing as they followed her. The blood on his bottom lip was collecting as it started to tip over and drip down towards his chin ‘I want to be able to sip from a chalice made from the skull of the most powerful man in this conflict, as I watch the world burn at my feet’ with a devilish smile creeping across his face he stated “And so you shall bask in the blood of the fallen their blood will fill your tub in which you will soak your beauty in, as you sit upon your throne with skull in hand and mere men at your feet, I shall see this happen for you my dear keke” He really would do anything for her, but from time to time he has gone off course and thrown a power play out no one knew which of the two were stronger, all that was certain was that when he went off the tracks from keke she pulled him back in. His hues following her as she crossed the floor towards him, her arm extending in front of his face as a single digit touched the bottom of his lip, soaking up some of his blood she retracted her hand and sucked the blood off her finger ‘You always did taste good’ she stated to him which was met with an arched brow “Shall you have only but a taste? Or will you indulge yourself in a feast.” He questioned her as he watched her carefully. He knew if this went down one path he would suffer some interestingly new scars upon his flesh. : The guard facing the old magic council had informed them of exactly what they were asked to do, “Tame a beast of the ancient times such as this one, is no easy task” one stated as the rest agreed “It can be done though, but not without repercussions” another stated at this point the guard was confused as to exactly what to report back with “ We shall have the beast tame to a point, were it will feel the need to protect this land but no more, This will not allow control of any kind” the guard nodded as he finally got an answer he could understand running off to tell the warlord, the dark mages formed a circle in their magical chamber, as they chanted (( [www.youtube.com] )) It sounded like singing to those who were not trained in their ways, it was actually an ancient language they used to consult with the dead, summoning and most magic they used.: The Warlord hearing this from the guards report nodded sending the guard away, ‘ so.. They knew a way after all.. no control but protection, that will have to do’ he thought to himself, The warlord had his army preparing itself and training, the blacksmiths making new weaponry and armors, the guildsmen creating new battle weaponry and upgrading the defenses of the town. All was going to plan, as he sat back in his throne closing his eyes he started to drift off to sleep
xZephyrZ: Stripped of his gear and separated from his steed the Young Dragon was led through the village, he noticed a few choice words and glances being fired in his direction but he did not allow this to bother him. As they moved further through the village towards what appeared to be the Lord’s manor the people became older and more refined, most likely nobles meeting to discuss the course of action they would take. It seemed as though everyone had been shaken by this, the ripples were inescapable even by those who had not seen fit to enter such waters. All was quiet as they delved further in to the Lord’s manor, the occasional snicker could be heard but every other voice grew distant except for just one, someone had noticed they were coming, perhaps this was the Ronin. As they rounded the corner he was the group for the first time: one man, not unlike himself, rugged and unkempt and woefully under-armed if he was to be a wandering swordsman, the next a woman of porcelain, her features elegant, her skin flawless, one might say the incarnation of a goddess, finally an older man, boa staff in hand, he was extremely well travelled and it was plain to see. The relationship between these people was unclear, however a child could see that there was a great tension between the old man and the beautiful girl, what part the other man played here was unknown. Before he could go any further the guard stopped in front of him (Guard) “Wait here, I’ll introduce you” he walked over to the three and continued “This man came looking for a Ronin, he claims to be the son of the recently deceased Dragon, he has surrendered all his weapons and his horse is tied up outside the city, how would you like to proceed” this final comment was directed toward the older gentleman, apparently he acted as some kind of advisor here, this meant he could not be the Ronin, this meant then it must be the ragged looking man, for the world of the Samurai was not one for a woman to enter. The Young Dragon waited silently for a reply from the Old man, by now all three of them were staring at him and it was obvious each was skilled in their own way, he bowed to show his respect and continued to wait.
CharlotteCarrendar: – No one could have forseen that the youngest Son of the Dragon would enter the house of Rikken without weapons or even his own men. After discussing plans on how to gather defences, who would lead the people of the village – namely Tyunayoshi, and that the Serpent would also do her bit to protect these people, everything came to a halt, as the guard announced the unexpected guest. Tyunayoshi rose slowly from his chair, looking at the Serpent with a hard stare, before he made an odd grunting sound under his breath. It took a great deal of honor for the youngest Dragon to wish to come and have talks with those of Rikken’s lands. Little did he know, the very murderer of his father sat at that table. The Serpent remained perfectly still, not speaking or even looking at the young dragon. Already in her cold heart she knew the truth would come to light. Who would dare be the one to say it? Tyunayoshi? Her newly found brother? The old warrior walked with a slight limp towards the young Dragon and then bowed low in a show of utmost respect. “Emperor, welcome to the land of the fallen Rikken. I am Tyunayoshi, I once served your father in the War of a thousand moons.” He was the fabled War Horse, a legend that had become a ghost with the days of the conflict that had long since passed. So, this would be news to the ears of the Ronin. More of the old warrior’s life was slowly coming out into the open. He gestured towards those at the table. His hand had a slight shudder, a tremor if you will. “This is the Ronin….and the woman, is….” At this he paused, as though waiting for her to announce herself. “Ayame.” You could hear the softness in her voice, as she slowly turned her head towards the Son of the Dragon. She did not give out her last name, for she did not see the need. She was a woman in the midst of the affairs of men. The Serpent did not smile, but she rose and bowed graciously. What if the guard whispered the truth of her identity? It was a case of wait and see. :: “Shall you have only but a taste? Or will you indulge yourself in a feast.” Kayne was more or less offering himself to her, his beloved sister, and as tempting as that was, she did not want to leave him with more scars than he currently had. “You know of my hunger, and while I appreciate your offer I must say no. I will feed when I am in the land of the Dragon. So many many soldiers on which to dine.” She curled her lips into an evil smile and winked. “Time is a wasting. Let us find this new Dragon, and bend him to our will.” <3>
IceTe3a: Ronin watches the strange young man as he is introduced as the young dragon, so the dragon had a younger son, how interesting but what exactly is he here for? He glances over to Ayame and smiles as he comes to a stand. Slowly he walks over to Tyunayoshi quietly as his eyes fall upon the young man before him, Ronin did not bow before the young dragon as he was not his emperor. He imagined someone from the Dragon’s bloodline to be… Taller to say the least, as he glanced over to Tyunayoshi who had just shared more of his past with everyone “What exactly is it you seek Young dragon?” he said in his low tone, before extending his arm for his sister to come join him near his side. “I am Ronin, I believe you have been looking for me” he knew his sister was indirectly to blame for the dragon’s death, but he would not admit to that nor would he inform the young dragon of this instead if the young dragon asked he would intervene and explain to him how the warlord hired mercs and snuck in his own men as monks, placing full blame onto the warlord where it should be. This would allow Ayame to move on from her past and not have the repercussions of something she had no control over come back and bite her in the ass.
IceTe3a: Kayne arched a brow as Keke declined this was unusual, she did not wish to leave her mark on his skin? Perhaps she still felt bad about the scar on his neck, or perhaps he wasn’t what she wanted; Either way it was the first time he’s been rejected from a female after offering himself which he hardly ever offered himself most females offer themselves to him. In keke’s case she just did as she pleased, never asked not requested something he was used to. He kept it in the back of his mind so it would not distract him as he gave his usual bow one arm extended outward to his side the other tucked in onto his stomach “As you wish Keke” he said gently, as he walked over to the table and gathered his guitar strapping it onto his back. Walking over to he casually he raised his palm and gently stroked her cheek as he glanced into her eyes “Shall we?” he smiled once more awaiting her
xZephyrZ: The Young Dragon was a little overcome by this greeting, it seems they didn’t know much about what had transpired between the Young Dragon and his father. (Seiyuu) “Please do not bow, do not address me as Emperor, I have not earned it.. I have been away from my home for many years, I am heir by blood only, not by right.” He paused for a moment, he had not heard of the War of a Thousand Moons, not that he had paid particular attention to wasteful details like that back then “I apologise, Tsunayoshi” he continued, with a small bow “I have not heard of such a war, it must have been before my time, nevertheless, I am honoured to meet you.” It occurred to him Mitsunari would certainly know something about this subject, having been advisor to his father for as long as he could remember, of course it wouldn’t hurt to make inquiry “Tsunayoshi, I wonder if you had served under my father if you know of any man named Mitsunari? He had always been one of the closest advisors to the Dragon” without waiting for an answer he turned to see the Ronin approach, he bowed respectfully as he had done before, he seemed cautious wasting no time before asking questions (Ronin) “What exactly is it you seek Young Dragon… I am Ronin, I believe you have been looking for me”. Of course it didn’t bother Seiyuu, this was his reason from coming to these lands (Seiyuu) “Ronin, I am pleased to meet you, you are correct I have been searching for you. I was informed you had recently been tracking an assassin by the name The Serpent in the lands, this assassin was responsible for my father’s death, I wish to find them, have you got any information?” Even as he spoke something seemed amiss, the girl had not paid him any attention since entering, the tension in the air had grown ever so slightly, the old man seemed at odds with one of them and it did not seem to be the Young Dragon. He bowed once more “I apologise, have I interrupted something?”
CharlotteCarrendar; – The young Dragon was to the point as to his reasons for coming to the land of Rikken. To find the one known as the Serpent. The one that was responsible for the death of his father and many others. While the old Warrior and the Ronin spoke with such a politeness, the Serpent held back, even though her brother had offered his arm to her to come stand at his side. There was something in this about honor, that was mentioned time and time again. They were all warriors in their own rights, fighting for their land, and what they believe to be true. Ayame was really no different from them, but for the first time, the Serpent was about to come out of the shadows, and reveal herself. If she was going to start a new life, it was going to have to be clean. The Serpent glided from the table and headed straight for the young Dragon. Past her brother and the old Warrior. You could hear the growl under the old man’s breath as he sensed something was about to happen. “I can give you the information you seek on this…assassin.” She said simply, holding her head up. Could one believe a creature as fair as Ayame was capable of committing murder? Tyunayoshi could not hold back, he could feel it in his bones what she was doing. “Ayame…sit down.” His voice grumbling like thunder. She shrugged her shoulders and then glanced at the old War Horse. “You have killed countless men, War Horse when engaged in battle, why am I any different? Why try to cover up the fact of what I did?” The Serpent then rounded on the young Dragon and said simply. “The one you seek, is me. I am the Serpent. I killed your father on the orders of the Warlord.” She then stood with a cold hard expression, ready to defend herself, should he lash out in rage. :: The innkeeper had arranged horses for his guests, after Kekeyama had tickled his fancy and made promises that he hoped she would one day keep. Heading out of the inn, she took the reigns of a mare, as a stallion was waiting for Kayne. “I don’t plan on walking.” The gypsy said, mounting the horse and patting it’s neck. <3>
CharlotteCarrendar: – Tito was already out on the pavement, putting up the easel open sign for the passing trade to hopefully get a few extra customers this early. Inside, you could smell the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee and bagels, as Dixie was putting on breakfast for the pair. The joys of living behind where she worked, meant that the cheeky Australian didn’t have to rush in the morning, but take her time and actually serve breakfast to a starving Tito, who had to drive through thirty minutes of traffic to make it to the shop. Dixie was always waiting, opening the doors, and smiling at those pedestrians that ventured past the old shop. With a grunge pair of jeans and a black Sabbath t-shirt, Dixie looked in her element set against the walls that were lined with art work, pictures of famous customers, and of course the neon signs of the Tattoo parlour. With a steady beat coming from Dixie’s iPod stereo speaker stand, she was already bopping around the floor. Taking up a broom, she started to sweep the lower floor, as Tito came back inside, and sniffed that wonderful aroma. “Ah…Dixie..You do a good a coffee. This is the best parta of my day.” Naturally he would say that, after being kept up half the night by his aging mother. Was often the case he would come in with bags under his eyes, after she did one of her random escapes and terrorized the neighbourhood in her underwear. But that is another story. Tito poured himself a good mug of coffee, turning his head to the busy Aussie girl. “You wanna cup?” he asked, holding up her favourite skippy mug from home. “Nah, I want to put the finishing touches to that Ned Kelly design I was busting my gut on last night.” Tito gave a quick nod. “Ahh for the Aussie Logan mate. He good man. How you a say…Top blokea?” Dixie chuckled and replied “Yeah, something like that. He should be coming by soon.” Least that was what she had hoped. Sitting down at her art desk, she flipped open her work folder, and did the last of the shading on her Ned Kelly tattoo design. It was looking pretty damn good so far. <3>
IceTe3a: The morning air still crisp in the wind, the sun’s rays slowly glancing through the shades of the cheap motel room Logan had passed out in last night after having a few, he was resting peacefully ** BUUZ BUUUZ BEEEP BEEP WOOP WOOOP * The alarm clock in the room goes off “Awww bugger off” yelled loudly followed suit with a *SMASH* *groaning noises* rolling onto his back, he slept in his jeans and boots as usual, his vest thrown on the floor near his pistol, Rug sack, and his belt with his now attached large blade. “Ugh… what bloody time..” he glances at his phone for the time “WHO IN THE BLAZING HELL SET THAT” he blurted out loudly, as the alarm was set off for an early morning rise “Strewth mate” he said as he came to a stand letting out a rather long stretch “right then, spoze it’s time to go get me tatt” he grumbled as he put his vest and belt on. Placing his pistol behind his back under his vest and in his jeans, he repositioned his knife’s brown leather pouch letting it hang on right right leg. Walking out to his bike he gives her a well deserved pat * Thump Thump* “ Atta girl, ready to wake up love?” he smiled as he turned the key in the ignition, kick starting her; she revved over, and started purring. Pulling out a ciggy and lighting it, he smoked it for about five minutes to allow his baby to wake up before tossing the smoke and riding off towards the Tattoo shop. Thankfully he remembered the way, as he wasn’t too far away from their shop he rented the room back there for that purpose. As he came roaring down the street the tattoo shop was in, he gave some loud revs allowing Dixie and tito to hear of his arrival before parking his baby. “KOOOOWEIII!”” he hollered out of the top of his lungs as he got off his bike, a typical sign of a aussie asking where you at? Loudly. Casually strolling up to the door of the shop he glanced in.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie was busy sketching the last parts of her design, when she heard this monstrous bush call. Stone the flaming crows. She had not heard that kind of call since she went out on a bush trek with her Uncle Pete. It actually made her drop her pencil and jump up from her chair. Tito poked his head out from the supply room, where he was getting the dyes, and his eyebrows had shot up fair into his scalp. “MOMMA MIA!” Dixie laughter could be heard just from his reaction alone. “I know right?!” It was clear she was excited about their client, mainly since he was a blast from the past of her life back home in Australia. “I think I heard the bush call before the bike.” Dixie said, heading to the door, only to see Logan strutting in. She pointed her finger at him with a cheeky wink. “Just the man I wanted to see. I do believe we are going to put some Aussie flavour on your back today.” Her bright smile was infectious, as she gestured him to come in, and take a seat on one of the comfy leather couches. “I have just about done the design, Logan. Fancy a cup of coffee?” She asked. <3>
IceTe3a: He overheard something about a mother? “Is someone’s mother ere?” he said suggestively as his hues glance over to Dixie who gave him a wink whilst pointing at him ‘Just the man I wanted to see. I do believe we are going to put some Aussie flavour on your back today’ a cheeky smirk appeared across his face “Hope I’m to your liking love “ he said as he showed off his two arm guns as a joke, the young 28 year old bikie was fit that’s for sure but he never really boasted it more just did the cheeky cheesey lines once in awhile as he gives her the once over again, before giving her a sexy whistle “Smokin love, Can’t wait to ave her on me skin I’ll wear that one with pride kinda like that shirt you wear with pride, Rock on” giving her the rocker tongue and fist. He followed her in dropping down into the lounge harshly “Ahhh, Sure doll, Love a cuppa” he smiled lightly as he glanced around the room looking for Tito “Aye love where’s the drongo at?” Stretching out so his legs took up the entirety of the couch his elbow rested on the arm rest as his hues flickered around “Who’s doing the damage to me today?”
CharlotteCarrendar:- Dixie blushed as Logan paid her a compliment, blurting. “Ah, go on.” A red rose appearing on her cheeks, as the lanky Italian came out of the supply room with a small box of dye. He caught on how Logan behaved his mannerisms and the rocker fist he used to end his sentence. So this was the epitome of Aussie cool? Tito went on to take the dyes up to his studio at the second level, while Dixie continued to play hostess to Logan. Hearing Logan’ sexy whistle, Dixie did a little wiggle as she went off to get Logan a cup of coffee, while Tito leaned on the bar rail that separated the lower floor from the top. “The Dixie…she do a good a coffee…mate.” He gave a cheesy big thumbs up, before adding. “I am the drongo…doing the ink today for you.” Least you had to give the poor bloke a few points for trying. As Dixie brought out the hot cup of coffee and offered it to Logan, Tito added. “Dixie just has to put her art through…the err scanner, and I print out the copy to place on your back…then..WE BEGIN!” The last part of his sentence was said with an exuberance, as he was pretty excited to be doing the Ned Kelly tatt. He had never been asked to do an Australian design before, so this was a first. Dixie left Logan to enjoy his coffee, as she quickly went back to her art desk, and did the final touches to her work. “And ready. I will just go do the scanning, and get the art copy ready to do the stencil.” <3>
IceTe3a: Logan arched a brow as she did a small wiggle, coming to a chuckle he clapped his hands together in applause, his ears tingle as he hears the voice of Tito ‘The Dixie…she do a good a coffee…mate.” He gave a cheesy big thumbs up, before adding.’ “THERE HE IS, Where you been mate? Round back?” he laughed as he nodded his head to, Tito saying he was the one doing the inking today “Righto mate, you’re a walley that’s what you are” he chuckled as he finally understood Tito didn’t know what Drongo meant. “Ahh tourists Eh love?” he smirked as he sipped his coffee, glancing around at the famous people in the photo’s and art work he admired them all “Love the chicken scratch doll, Yours?” he was referring to the artwork on the wall, as he continued to sip his coffee. Coming to a stand he got curious of how the sketching was going “Come on love gimme a gander” he smirked as he didn’t know if she’d be upset if he took a peek before she finished so he just leaned his back on hers playfully until she said it was fine to look. “So Mate, what’s your story; You ain’t from here” he was referring to Tito but would Tito register that he was being talked to?
CharlotteCarrendar: – “Walley?” Tito asked, confused about what a Wally was. Dixie could be heard chuckling as she had finished the art work. “Wally…uhm…I think he was the Wallpamur chimpanzee in the 80’s on the telly.” Tito didn’t like the sound of that. “I’m a Wally?” Dixie nodded. “Everyone loves a Wally.” This didn’t really make him feel better, but he tried to keep from getting cross, since…well, Logan was packing heat, and he didn’t fancy being gunned down over being called a Wally. Logan was admiring some of the sketches that adorned the walls of the Tattoo shop, asking if the chicken scratching was hers. “Yeah, its kinda my thing. Aside from tossing bottles and serving up drinks at my old work place, the Death Club.” Now bringing up the Death Club made Tito upset and he waggled a finger at her. “No talkie Death Club. That place bring nothing…butta pain and death. Look at Dem…Huh?! He off in the Russia…fighting…who knows who he killing…ALL OVER THAT CLUB!” Dixie took a bit of a step back at his reaction, and hoped Logan wouldn’t be offended. “Settle ya petals, Tito. I won’t bring it up again.” She rolled her eyes, then went to show Logan the tattoo design of Ned Kelly. It had come up beautifully. From the intricate detail of the body armour plates, to the revolver that he was holding in his hand. The swirl of the lettering, all melded perfectly. <3>
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IceTe3a: He smiles at Dixie who was chuckling at the language barrier between himself and Tito “AHh don’t worry mate, You’re a top bloke” he gave a half salute with his right arm as he glanced back to Dixie who started explaining about her sketches, and then her old job back at Death club which seemed to tick Tito off. His hues glance over at Tito as he watched him start rambling on, Death, killing and fighting? What’s this girl got herself into? Glancing down at her just after Tito had finished ranting on, he arched a brow but didn’t ask as everyone had their own secrets. ‘ Settle ya petals, Tito. I won’t bring it up again.’ She threw that back at tito pretty fast. Noticing she started to show him the drawing his hues examined it, as he rubbed his chin “You’re a born natural doll, Love it” he chuckles as he gives her a playful nudge with his knuckles. Glancing from Tito back to her “Righto, spoze I should strip before I get up there?” he said as he ripped his vest off and folds it up “Ahh right” he pulls his gun out and rests it on the top of the vest “Mind if you look after these for me love?” he said standing there half naked, “I’ll keep me knife on me, Won’t do anything stupid promise” he gave her a wink as he waited for her to go off and scan the picture so they could imprint it onto his skin.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Tito started to relax a bit, when Logan called him a Top bloke. There was a commerardery between men, and if you sort your differences out, with a few friendly words, everything is kosher. Dixie took Logan’s shirt and vest going through this drill often. “Don’t worry, I will hang your things out back.” Taking the gun along with it, she said. “And, I will keep these locked in the store room so they are safe.” It wasn’t like she wasn’t used to handling firearms before, and casually walked out back, as Tito took Dixie’s artwork and ran it through the scanner. This brought it up on screen and he played around with the size, to get it the right fit for Logan’s back. “If ya you take a seat over on the chair there, butta your stomach facing the back, I can start to prepare. Okay? Okay.” Dixie came back up, as Tito went to get the equipment on his trolley, including the disinfectant swatches, and the needle gun. He had his dyes all sorted, the colours arranged, and now just waiting on the imprint stencil that was coming out the printer. It was coming up pretty well so far, and Dixie took a seat on a swivel stool on the other side of Logan. Tito snapped on some latex gloves, before he started to clean down Logan’s back. The oddest song came on the iPod. It was Dean Martin’s “Everybody loves somebody…sometime” Tito started to tap his toes in time to the song, as he worked. <3>
IceTe3a: He watches as Dixie strolls into the back insuring his gear would be safe back there “Yeah I think the safeties on love” he chuckled as he glanced over at Tito who was now asking him to go sit down allowing Tito access to his back, Nodding he casually strolled up to the chair where Tito had asked him to sit, spinning the chair around so the backrest was facing the opposite way, he sat down and leaned his chest on the backrest, as his arms rested ontop of the backrest. “Lets get started shall we” he was excited to see how the tattoo would look, as he waited for Tito to finish prepping his things. He glanced over at Dixie who was now sitting next to him, giving her a wink “Ready to watch me become one of your pieces of art?” he chuckles slightly at the pun. Tito started to clean down his back, he could feel the cold air rubbing up against his skin, The smell of Disinfectant was thick through the air “I love getting tattoo’s, The smell of the disinfectant, the noise of the gun and the warmth of the needle going against your cold skin just feels awesome” he chuckled slightly as he arched a brow to the now playing song of Dean martin everybody loves somebody “ Top song, bloke’s got a voice that’s for sure. Sway ain’t to bad either” he smiled as he glanced over to Dixie “Although nothing beats the good olds 50’s to 80’s in my eyes.”
CharlotteCarrendar: “Nothing beats…Dean.” Tito said proudly, finished with cleaning Logan’s back and tossing the wipes into the bin beside him. He took up the fine trace paper that had the outline of Dixie’s sketch and placed it smooth on Logan’s back, humming to himself in time to the music. He wanted to make sure he got it centred and the angle just right. It was an impressive piece of artwork, and even Tito had to comment. “Dixie…how you get this so good, huh?” Even he was curious. “You would be amazed what watching the Ned Kelly film, along with archive drawings of it can do for an artist.” Dixie was a bit chuff herself with the way it had come out. Tito pressed his hands on the imprinted paper, and smoothed it over, leaving it for a few minutes, and reaching for his coffee cup to take a sip. While he did that, Dixie answered Logan’s question about how she felt of him being a walking piece of her art. “I always love watching. I know Tito is one of the best in the game. You are in good hands, Logan.” She said with a cheery wink, resting her forearms on the swivel chair back which she was straddling. When the time was right, Tito pulled off the stencil marked paper, to reveal Dixie’s outline of Ned Kelly on Logan’s back. “BEEEAUTIFUL…now, I begin.” You could hear the hum of the needle gun machine firing up, as he placed the ink vial in the compartment, so it was ready to start. He then pressed down on the start of the outline, and the tattooing began. <3>
IceTe3a: He nodded at what Dixie had to say in return, commenting on how Tito was the best in the game “Righto, I’ll trust ya on that one” he smiled as he felt Tito press the Imprinted paper onto his back, smoothing it over as he left it there for a few minutes. His skin soaking in the fresh ink, allowing the outline to transfer from the paper to the skin on his back perfectly, after awhile Tito took the paper off to reveal the outline, hearing Tito praise the work so far he arched a brow “Look good eh?” as he remained still, his ears twitched as he heard the buzzing of the gun, time to get this started “Righto game on” he said just as Tito started to tattoo the outline, He didn’t flinch even once his body was that used to being tattoo’d that it never flinched, as for the pain it wasn’t unbearable but rather comforting as he suggested earlier “ We’re in for the long haul now, Ain’t we. So what shall we ‘ave a yarn about?” as he could feel Tito working away back there, he could feel his skills in tattooing being shown as Tito knew exactly how long his skin could handle one firm press before having to lift it before the skin burned from the friction.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Skilfully Tito worked the outline of the Ned Kelly sketch – lifting the needle back at the right time, and then wiping away the excess before setting the needle back in place and starting again. The drone of the machine rose and fell as it was put in use and then moved away. Tito didn’t talk much as he worked, preferring to hum along to the tunes being played at the time. Dixie on the other hand, was right there and able to keep Logan company as he was being worked on. No doubt this was going to take a while, and Logan’s ability to hold still as the needle was applied, showed that he knew this procedure down pact. Dixie tapped her lip for a moment, and then said. “I happen to have found this cute little cafe…kinda cool and its not far from here. The guy who owns it is from the Gold Coast, can you believe it? Sells all kinda home grown foods, and beers. Must have got some special licence, I don’t know. But anyway, I thought if you like, we could pop by there for a meal. He gets all the footy and cricket.” Dixie said with a firm nod. <3>
IceTe3a: He could feel exactly where Tito was working from the feel of his back, his piercing blue hues glance at Dixie as she taps her lips, he arches a brow and then hears her talk about some café she knows about ‘kinda cool and it’s not far from here. The guy who owns it is from the Gold Coast, can you believe it? Sells all kinda home grown foods, and beers. Must have got some special licence, I don’t know. But anyway, I thought if you like, we could pop by there for a meal. He gets all the footy and cricket’ he smiles lightly at the invite “Aussie food, Footy and beer? Say no more love, it’s a date” he nodded slightly to reconfirm this “So, what are your plan’s love? You gonna stay in this place for the rest of your life? Or is there more to you than that beautiful smile.” Arching a brow once more he wondered how the tattoo was looking, he really couldn’t wait to see how it faired as time passed by.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Logan’s question about what Dixie’s plans were for the future made her stop and think for a moment. “I know I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in a garage, that’s for sure. Maybe..open my own gallery. That would be the top of my list of lifelong goals.” She spoke with a sincerity as she showed of a shy smile, right as the bell to the shop rang. It was Roberto, Tito’s baby brother who had with him…Mamma. “Tito…I gotta leave the Mamma here. I got a rehearsel at the studio and they ban a Mamma.” Mamma was a grumpy frail looking old woman dressed in all black, with a black scarf on her head. She took up her hand bag and started to beat Roberto’s back with it. Abusing him in Italian as he cowered from the strikes. “Mamma mamma…I can’t a take you. You abuse the guests…and you peed on the couch in the green room. Mamma Mia!’ Without a second word he fled out the door, with Mamma chasing after him, tossing her bag at him before storming back inside. She stood there with a foul look on her face, as the sound of tyres screeching was heard. Roberto making a clean getaway. Dixie cringed, as Tito looked up from his work. “Oh..notta now. Dixie..please..get Mamma something to do…a magazine…or..or put on a movie outta back. Anything, but I can’t deal with dat woman. I worka.” Dixie did a small salute before approaching the elderly Mamma like she was approaching a great white. “Mamma..remember me? Dixie.” This, the Mamma did remember. She knew Tito liked her and then smiled a toothless grin. “Dixie!” Dixie nodded and led Mamma out back to put on a movie for her and make her a cup of tea. <3>
IceTe3a: He was busy talking to Dixie as someone else came in, talking about mamma he put it down to they were related as he glanced at the old woman and made a scrunched up face “ Bloody oath, what a old bat” he said reffering to the old lady, who was obviously Tito’s old mother he could not help but shake his head at the fact he had just insulted Tito’s mother.
IceTe3a: Glancing at the other man it kinda looked like Tito as well must be his brother, giving the bloke a slight nod he watched as he ran off out of the shop hearing tires screeched he arched a brow “If your brother hits my bike driving like a hoon, I’ll drag him round the shed” he said in a low tone, as he watched Dixie run off to take the elderly lady out round back. “Righto love, take er round the back of the shed” he said with a cheeky tone as she walked off. “Aye Tito mate, the hell’s all that about?” he chuckled slightly as he went over his head what exactly just happened, back in aussie the oldies weren’t that useless, but they were a hand full that’s for sure. “Tito, wanna see something mate? Course ya do” he chucked slightly as he glanced around the room to see if Dixie was back. “Tito, when Dixie come’s back look at her dead in the eyes and say Help a dingo stole my baby, watch and see what happens eh?” he said in a low tone so Tito could hear it but not Dixie unless she was right next to him. He hoped Tito would do as he requested, it be interesting to see her reaction to Tito saying it, “Why not put your mother in a care house mate, that way she’s off your back quicker than a jack rabbit on heat in spring”
CharlotteCarrendar: Dixie had set up Mamma out back with a nice cup of tea, and happened to find some old Rat pack movies on DVD for her to watch. Apparently she was a huge fan of old Blue eyes, and made herself comfortable, with some biscuits and her tea. The anger having left her as soon as the television came on. Least for now, she was under some control, but Dixie did worry about the couch. Leaving Mamma with a soft smile she came back around the corner, and shook her head. “Roberto is an idiot. What was he thinking bringing her here?” Dixie said, knowing how this was going to be answered. “Since Papa passed away, me and Roberto we share the care. I usually up all night with the Mamma. He supposed to take the day.” Clearly, he couldn’t cope with Mamma at his work, after she got banned for bad behaviour. Tito apologised to Logan saying. “Eh…family you know. Blood is thicker, but it’s a bitch.” That was all he could think of to say, as he tried to get back into doing the Ned Kelly tatt properly, which was coming along well, as he was near completed the outline. The shading was going to take a lot of work though. When Dixie did come back, Tito stuttered a moment, then said….”Helpa…a dingo steals my baby.” This had Dixie stop in her tracks, and she then burst out laughing. “You wally.” <3>
IceTe3a: Logan nodded as Tito explained his situation about his mother, so their father has died and tito and his brother look after their mother, Good on them. “Understandable mate, Family is family” He had no family of his own, his father had passed away 2 years ago and his mother died when he was 20, Only sibling although he did have cousins and aunts so forth, but they hardly got together and saw each other, he was mainly shunned from the family due to his lifestyle choices, a bad influence on the kids they told him. “Pfft”. He could feel the tattoo was coming along from where the needle has been and where it is now, but it wasn’t even half way done yet. His hues pick up Dixie’s movements as she came closer, he wondered if Tito was going to ‘Helpa…a dingo steals my baby.’ He smirked as he glanced up at Dixie “I’ll ave him true blue in no time, How’s it looking?” he arched a brow as he glanced up at the clock to see how long they’ve been sitting for, and then back to Dixie “So, I’ve been asking questions all morning, Anything eating at you that you’d like to ask? I know there must be something.” He chuckles slightly “I am a bikie after all, that’s usually the topic most choose to talk to me about” he said as he lifted his arm up and scratched his nose
CharlotteCarrendar: – Dixie checked the progression of the tattoo and so far Tito had managed to do most of the outline, which was pretty good going considering the distractions earlier. Dixie returned to sitting on the stool and rested her arms on the rounded back rest. “It’s looking ace from where I am sitting. Spot on to my illustration.” Dixie said confidently. Time was always the killer with tattoos, and Dixie was more than happy to strike up a conversation whilst the shop was reasonably quiet. All you could hear was the odd chatter coming from Mamma, when a favourite song came on. But going back to Logan, Dixie did have some curious questions. “Have you ever been really seriously injured riding your bike…and what make it is?” <3>
IceTe3a: He smiles as she said his tattoo is ace, sounds like he’ll love it; can’t wait until its finished so he can lay his eyes on his new tattoo. Of course allowing others to ask any questions they wanted to him there would be the odd weird one but generally it was all the same, so he listened to Dixie asking her questions before he rubbed his chin “Hurt eh? Never fallen off her before so there’s a good thing, I’ve been clipped by a stray bullet before” he points to the circler scar on his left shoulder, actually if someone knew what they were looking for they’d notice he’s had a couple different weapon scars across his body among them 3 bullet wounds. Chuckling slightly he was reminded of a past time “There was this one time, I was sleeping on the side of the road after a long drive, leaning against me bike. She decided I’d had enough sleep and fell on top of me” he shook his head in laughter “Apart from that, not really, Oh I once got a stray part of my jeans caught in the chain whilst riding” he said as he pulled out the big blade and pointed the hilt of the blade towards her as he held the point “Cut er out whilst riding with this, otherwise I doubt I’d be here today.” as he glanced out of the window to his bike “Yeah love she’s a 2003 Anniversary Softail Harley Davidson, Love her with all my heart, Like your bikes doll?” his hues glance back at hers as he waits for her to answer.