It is truly sad to learn of the passing of Rik Mayall last night. He was a true genius of stand up comedy, script writing, and acting. He was one of the founding members of the Young Ones, and starred alongside Adrian (Vyvyan) in Bottom. Memorable for movies such as Drop Dead Fred, he will forever be remembered for his great comedic timing and outrageous characters.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Rain was slammed into the ground with the force of the tackle from behind by Adam. She went face first into the mud with a loud kesplosh – drenching her in the brown goo. Adam straddled her and yanked her arms back behind her so she couldn’t move. The storm chasers all hesitated at seeing the way she was taken down, but Adam insisted that they take the two cars and leave. They would be rewarded, but what of the girl? It just didn’t seem right. ”Not cool, man” Bean said, as he and the others trudged back to their remaining vehicles, leaving Rain in the custody of the reformed Adam. He whispered in her ear, as the cars engines fired up and they drove around the pair and the remaining van. “How do you know my name” He kept insisting to be told. Rolled over so she had to face him, she stared at him coldly, and spat at him. ”I restored you after Zen took you apart.” This of course he probably wouldn’t remember, till she said. ”My father made you what you are. Now…it looks like you are nothing more than a Zen zombie soldier. Bravo.”She was surprisingly defiant, as she then spat in his face. <3>
IceTe3a: He was watching her as he heard the vans drive off leaving the two alone to what happens next. Copping spit on his face it didn’t bother him as she said she had put him back together after the Zen took him apart “Bullshit!” he chuckled at hearing what she said, shaking his head as she spoke about her father making him and how he was nothing more than a Zen zombie soldier. “Stop lying, I’ve been with the Zen corporation for well over 15 years, I’ve had just about enough of your bullshit” coming to a stand he reached down and yanked her up onto her feet with one hand as he walked towards the van, forcing her to walk backwards “ Where do you come up with this stuff? Honestly they said you would be a difficult target, All I see is your lack of skill in telling lies” he laughed as he dragged her against her will to the side of the van, pushing her up against the van he padded her down, taking everything she had on her besides her clothing. “Should have taken that smoke” he smirked as he tied up her hands and legs then picked her up and threw her in the front passengers seat. Walking around to the other side he hopped in the driver’s seat and lit a cigarette as he started to smoke it, just sitting there and enjoying the moment.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Rain stared at Adam incredulously as he babbled on about being part of Zen for the last fifteen years. Was he for real? How much damage had been done to him, she had to wonder? Did they completely pull him apart and rebuild? It was like she was staring at a different man from the one in the hotel. He firmly believed that she was lying about how she knew his name. Rain was yanked to her feet then forced to the side of the van and pinned in place. His hands roughly felt her up as he searched her body for weapons, or anything that might help in her escape. “Should have taken that smoke” One thing hadn’t changed however, he was still a right bastard. She refused to speak to him as he tied her up, hands and feet bound. He tossed her in the front seat of the van and then causally hopped in the other side, lighting a cigarette and smoking it. Rain stared at the dash board of the car. All of a sudden all the car’s electrics came on. The radio blaring, windscreen wipers, indicators, the cigarette lighter burning. Alarms going on and off, the door locks opening and closing. It was turning into a circus inside the car. Even the storm chaser’s equipment was going bananas, and she was doing it all with her mind. <3>
IceTe3a: He was sitting there smoking as the car started to go haywire, firs the windscreen wipers started wiping and the lights flashing, then everything else went off even the storm equipment the whole van was going haywire like it had a life of its own. He hit the dashboard thinking somehow that would fix the problem it didn’t “Fuck me.. Stupid machine *Wack wack wack* he tried to hit it again as he groaned and sighed “What the hell’s going on with this thing, right.. time to go sunshine” he smirked as he closed his driver’s side door, leaning over he ruffled her hair knowing it would piss her off as he gripped the steering wheel and turned the engine over starting the van it didn’t sound to good and it didn’t drive to well either. “Useless piece of junk…” he sighed as the engine started revving low he needed to wait for the engine to kick over properly before he could drive off. So he decided to light another cigarette and smoke it until he heard the engine click over.
CharlotteCarrendar: – ~Let him have his moment~ Rain thought to herself as he ruffled her hair after seeing the car put on something of a freak show. He had the audacity to call it a stupid machine. Oh how little he realized just who the stupid machine in the van was. Useless piece of junk…” He snarled, as he turned the engine over and it revved on low – not yet ready to go. Slowly Rain turned her head towards Adam, and the engine to the car back fired and died. No matter how many times he would try to start it, the engine went cold as thought something was blocking its starter motor. ”I was thinking the same thing.” Rain said in a cold monotone voice. She meant him. Her eyes swept over him for any technology he was wearing and she zeroed in on his customized M4A1. It slid effortlessly out of its holder and then hovered up and away from him, floating and then turning pointing at his head. It had a hair trigger firing mechanism, and she wasn’t afraid to use it. ”Cut me loose, or I kill you here and now.” <3>
IceTe3a: He kept trying to start the van and each time the motor cut out, this thing really was a piece of shit! He sighed as she stated she agreed with what he had said, then he saw it with his own eyes, if he didn’t he wouldn’t have believed it. His M4A1 lifted off his chest started to float in the air in front of him then turn around and point directly at him as he heard it cock meaning it was ready to fire. “Cut me loose, or I kill you here and now.” he couldn’t believe it, she was doing this to the car and all the equipment, she made his gun float in the air.. what was she? What more could she do? No wonder he was assigned to this mission she was a handful. She gave him a simple choice cut her loose or he dies, he slowly pulls out another cigarette, lighting it and started to smoke it as he slowly turned to face her, his face showing no fear or emotion as he shrugs “I don’t negotiate, nor do I give up. So you’re going to have to kill me because these hands are not setting you free, not now.. not ever” a half smirk appears across his face as she would be able to see he was serious about what he had just said. He closed his eyes and took in one last long drag from his cigarette as he waited for it all to end for him.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain’s heart was beating fast. She had the chance to end it all. Kill Adam and then be free from this continuing nightmare. She cursed the day he came into her life. It was like no matter what she did, he kept turning up. The gun hovered as she grit her teeth. He took her threat so casually, that he would never set her free, even under the threat of death. She hated him, she hated him so much it made her sick. But there was no way she was going to ever go back to Zen. Look at what they had done to him. He now believed he had been serving them for the last fifteen years. Wiping out whole sections of his memory. Rain started to laugh. It was a sick and cruel laugh. She finally remembered something that would be sure to piss him off, even more so than the threat of death from her. ”Of course you’re not afraid to die. You can’t die. Zen will just put you back together like the shit piece of metallic crap that you are. You are no better than this car!” The gun dropped, and the car started but not before she showed her true power. ”I control technology…with my mind. Anything that is a machine is prey for me…including YOU!” That was when she snarled and the interior light to the van turned red. Her face illuminating as she concentrated with all of her being to freeze Adam’s operating systems. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as she got pissed, calling him as useless as this machine was, she thought he was a machine? She must be stupid. He knew very well what he was and what happened to his body, and so he could continue to serve the Zen corporation he allowed these changes to happen so he may do it better and oh has he done a better job since then. “Right, I’m a machine huh? Just a piece of equipment? Don’t make me laugh” he chuckled as he tapped the back of her head, ever since he was reprogrammed he got real touchy towards other people, still didn’t like to be touched himself though. Then the light on the roof started going a bright red he looked up and then back at her what was she doing.. then she said she could control him to? Impossible he wasn’t a machine.. *Error Error* His body stopped moving and went limb as his systems were frozen stiff, he could still see, feel and hear but movement or contact with Zen was out of the question as his heavy body sat there in the driver’s seat motionless.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The moment that Adam went completely still Rain went into action. She got the door on her side to unlock and swing open. Even though she was tied from head to foot, she wasn’t going to stay in that damn van a minute longer. She basically threw herself out of the van and into the mud that awaited her fall. She was a mess. Tied up and covered in mud. The worst was not yet over. She stared at the van and the engine started, and as Adam sat in the driver’s seat unable to move, he would see the car go into gear and then the accelerator pedal being pressed. The van started to drive on down the road before she made the steering wheel turn and go off down an embankment. It vanished from view as she lay there. At least now he was out of the way, but this meant she herself needed saving. As luck would have it, a farmer’s truck was coming along, and with the previous night’s rain it had it’s lights still on. It came to a stop right before Rain’s body and the driver, a farmer named Joe Wiggins got out. He ran to her side and asked. ”Are you alright, Miss?”Rain cried out. ”I was abducted by some bad man, but then he dumped me here.” The farmer’s wife got out of the truck and came over. She could see Rain was in a real mess. ”Help me untie her Greta, and we can get her home to call the authorities.” Greta went to grab a knife from the truck, as Joe tried to undo the ropes. ”They sure knew their scout knots. “ Rain just wished they would hurry so she could get far enough away before her control on Adam ended. ”Please..hurry.”She begged. Soon enough, she was untied and they helped her into their truck. Little did they know the van was down the embankment as they drove on past. As soon as Rain was a kilometre away she released control on Adam. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched helplessly as she jumped out of the van, what was she doing.. he thought to himself as he looked around unable to move. The vans engine started to turn on “Rain.. Don’t you dare.. Raiin!” the van drove off with him in it, but she was controlling it with his mind, if she wanted him dead why didn’t she just shoot him?! The van drove over and through the guardrail straight off the road through the embankment and continued to roll until it toppled down the hill, the van rolling around and around tossing Adam like a rag doll. It finally came to a stop falling on its side as he still couldn’t move as he could smell the petrol was leaking “Fuck my life..” his body still not his own as he knew there was equipment everywhere in this truck any one of them could spark the gas and cause an explosion. Suddenly he was able to move again, why..? what happened did she die? Was she too far? Or did she let him go? It was not the right time to think about it as he needed to get out of the van, kicking the glass window out he crawled out as the fire just started. He came to a quick stand and ran straight ahead, not fast enough *BOOOOOOM* the van exploded sending chunks of metal flying everywhere, a giant fireball shot into the sky as smoke started, he was hit by the explosion as he was sent flying straight into the ground 10 metres in front of him his body skidding across the ground much like a tossed pebble bouncing across a lake. “Ugh… ahh.. yeah.. bitch gonna pay” a last groan came out of him as he passed out on his back, obviously in need of a good rest after what had just happened.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Another ten kilometres down the road, the farmer’s truck pulls onto a dirt road that leads on for another twenty minutes before coming to an old farm house. There was a side barn with horses in the fields, and some crops. Rain had not seen anything like this since she was a child and she was amazed people still lived on the land. The old farming couple were in their late sixties, and were kind enough to offer Rain a place for the night, after she contacted the authorities. Naturally, Rain had no intentions of contacting the Squad. She would be on every wanted poster around. Getting out of the old truck, Greta led Rain inside as Joe started off loading fed bags for his animals. On going inside, the house was like something out of an old western tv show. It actually had Rain smile, for there was very little in the way of technology. No computers, TV, radios, just the most simple refrigerator and washing machine. Rain felt a peace she had not known in forever. ”We will have to take you to McGavin’s store, they have a phone.” Rain looked gobsmacked. ”No phone?” Joe finally came in and nodded. ”Hate those damn contraptions. People gotta learn to talk to each other, not rely on machines and those fancy shiny computers. They be ruining the country.” Was that ever the truth. Rain was then shown to the bathroom, and given a change of clothing. Their daughter had spent time there in the summer and had left behind some things. Grateful, Rain went to go wash up in the bathroom. The shower was a welcome relief after the mud bath she got at Adam’s expense. She probably stayed in the shower a good fifteen minutes, before coming out, clean as a whistle. Dressing up in the stone washed denims and flannelette shirt, Rain looked completely different. She even smiled at herself in the mirror. Looking down, Rain saw a pair of barber’s scissors and this gave her an idea. She started to cut away at her hair, till she cropped it short like that of a boy. If she was going to make hiding from the Zen work, she was going to need to change her look, and possibly her identity. <3>
IceTe3a: He had been asleep for a good thirsty minutes before he woke up with a groan his hands running against his face as he leans up with a sigh “Damn that techno bitch.. he came to a stand as he picked up his rifle and glanced around, the explosion didn’t do much damage to him as he was built for heavy combat. “And the hunt is back on, no more Mr. nice guy” coming up on the road he saw the vans muddied tire tracks and a fresh pair, with a smirk he knew that was his best bet, she wasn’t around.. fresh tires. Someone had picked her up, so he followed the tire tracks as he went into a endless run, having all this Ntech on him allowed him to never run out of breath, he had the best endurance and could go on all night long, he smirked “Pun intended” He was in countryside, not a lot of people stayed out in these parts as it was mostly forgotten that and most people couldn’t survive on the lands because they didn’t know how. It took him the better part of the day but he finally came across a farm ten kilometres down the road. Coming to a crouching walk, he slowly walks over towards the hilltop, once reaching it he laid down flat on his stomach, as he pulled out his M4A1, flicking the 4x variable zoom on he peered down the sights and with his eyes shooting someone from this distance to him would be like pressing a gun to someone’s head, he can’t miss. So there he stood camped out on the hill, his eyes scanning the grounds for movement as his Crosshairs peer over a elderly lady, and when there was a old hag there was a old bull. “Two tango’s, where’s the third.. where’s Rain” he smirked as he turned the safety off, flicking it over to single shot he laid in wait for her to show her face before he started shooting.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain came down the stairs, and patted her newly cut hair. Greta heard her footsteps and then looked surprised to see the girl had cut off her pretty hair. ”Oh why go mess with such pretty hair, child?’ Rain shrugged her shoulders and said. ”Felt like I needed a change.” Course she was lying through her teeth. She spotted an old baseball cap on the wall along with other hats, and put it on. She looked like a tomboy. Rain then got an idea. ”Would you folk mind if I borrowed your truck…just so I can go to that store and call the police? You know…give them descriptions. Some other poor girl might be a target and I would hate for that.” She played the sweet and innocent with them. Joe came in after off loading the feed and heard Rain ask about the truck. ”I don’t know..” He really wasn’t sure about letting Rain have his truck. ”I promise I will bring it right back.” She gave a sweet smile and Greta clasped her hands together.”She seems like such a nice girl.” It appeared to be working. Joe finally relented and gave her the keys. ”Just watch that gear shift…bit temperamental.” Rain took the keys and gave Joe’s cheek a kiss, before running outside. Finally, she had a change of clothes and now a vehicle. She ran to get in, and turned the engine over to make another escape. It was time to run again. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as a younger figure showed its mark, His eyes zoom in scanning the features, she could cut her hair but her face and eyes will always give her away, he smirked as he came up from a prone to a crouch and got closer to the gate he sat in wait for the truck. Hearing her slam the door shut and the engine came alive, he waited for the truck to drive up the drive way and past the gates so the old folk couldn’t see what was going on. Suddenly. *Bang Bang* two shots come out silenced by the attached silencer, hitting straight into the trucks engine block stopping it dead in its tracks. He smirked as he came to a stand and shouldered his weapon. Casually he walked up to the driver’s side door and glanced in, lit smoke hanging from his mouth “Guess you ruined your hair for nothing huh.” glancing directly at her he gave her a wink to basically say fuck you. Opening the door he pulled her out and placed her on the ground “Ain’t getting rid of me that easy” smirking for all to see as he kneeled down to her side and removed the baseball cap and throws it on the ground beside them shaking his head “Honestly, I’m built like this for a reason. You can’t outrun me, now you going to go quietly or am I going to have to put one in your head, either way I get half my mission complete. After you, I just need to wack an old doctor, he shouldn’t be too hard” he chuckled as he came to a stand and looked down at her.
CharlotteCarrendar:- He had her again. This time however he was not just going on about threatening her, he was talking about another target. An old doctor. She glared at him and said. ”Old doctor? Let me guess….Zen couldn’t use you to make the mass army could they? So now they want you to hunt down me…and my father. The man who made you.”She was right, she could just feel it. He was kneeling before her and this was the perfect opportunity to try something. She quickly gripped the side of his head and felt the pressure pads. ”I don’t care if this is going to damage you this time. Show me the files of my father!. Doctor Wincrest!” The girl had said her father’s name out loud. ”Doctor Ernest Wincrest. Search all files!” <3>
IceTe3a: – What was she on about? Constant bullshit about being made “Look I’m sick of you bullshit, I’m not a machi..”she had put her fingers on his pads, he didn’t know about them. ~Whats going on.. Why can’t I move what are you doing to me?~ he was unable to move but he was talking in her head he didn’t even realize he was, his body collapses on the floor as it was sure to force her to straddle him to keep a connection. *Warning complete search for Doctor Ernest Wincrest memory and data files may harm system would you like to continue?* of course if she were to press yes it would start scanning him for files, delving deep into his mind, the pain would be enough to make him scream out loud and clear, his body if it was able to move would be shaking right now. Soon his screams would be heard by others and they would come investigating, she was going to have to turn his voice off to be safe, a window popped up *Scanning process 2 hours, constant physical touch needed to continue scan process.* the system was advising that it needed a constant physical touch from the person for the scan to continue doing its work, if she were to stop her physical contact with him the scan would pause, but the scanner wasn’t fussy as to what kind of physical contact she needed to provide as long as it was hers.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Naturally Adam fought her ideals that she considered him a machine. This had been from the very start of the time they had met right up till now. Gritting her teeth as she held his head, she saw the prompt that said that a scan would most likely harm his system, but it was a price she was willing to take, her father’s life was at stake. ~Yes~ she said and she pressed. The result of this was Adam letting out pained screams, that were so loud they were sure to alert those in close proximity. Rain couldn’t afford that and switched to a command that he be on mute – in other words that he could scream but no noise would be heard. Evil, but necessary. From there she remained straddled to him, holding her hands to his head, for there had to be physical contact the entire time of the scan. Two hours at least. He was going to be lucid, and in pain, watching her hold him for the duration of the scan. No doubt he would hate her all the more when it was over. Her nails dug into his pressure points, and her legs locked around his hips. Their eyes would be centred on the other….but could she hold out? No doubt she would hear his mind speak of his distress and hatred. <3>
IceTe3a: – ’You can wake up, Adam’ That was the key word now, as to turning his systems back on *Systems restored fully operational* He heard her before he saw her, “Ugh… Evelyn..? Sitting up on the operations table his hues casually glance over his body as he raises his arms and wiggles his fingers. “ Another routine maintenance? Or did something happen?” his hues flicker up to meet hers as he smiles gently whilst watching her. Sliding over to the side of the operation table his legs swing off as his feet touch down firmly against the floor. It always took him a moment to get back into things after being on the ops table. “Ahh.. where’d I put my smokes.. and I suppose the commander will be wanting to see me?” After a moment he came to a stand, stretching his body out as his muscles pop into place, “Mission was a success at least, when all else fails… I don’t” He took pride in the fact that the Zen corporation depended on him solely to do what everyone else was not able. When they needed something done, or it was to high risk they came to him, sent him in alone… and he always found his mark. “Shall we go see him together? I’d like you to keep me company for awhile” he smiled, he was stock naked but it never bothered him, walking over to the counter took his trench coat and put it on, as it wrapped around his muscular frame. “Evelyn… As always, thanks for looking after me; I don’t know what I’d do without you over the years.” he smiled as he opening the door he leaned his back against it waiting for her to exit first.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Waiting for Adam to awaken was a tense moment. Had the programmes she set actually worked? He was something of a rush job to put back together, and Evelyn had been fatigued when she did the reprogramming. She really should have been more confident in her work, since Adam’s reaction on waking was just…perfect. ] “ Another routine maintenance? Or did something happen?” Evelyn smiled and picked up her tablet, switching off the alarm systems, in case it hadn’t gone to plan. ”Routine maintenance. Was scheduled a week ago, but you know how things get. Just glad to see that it’s all running smoothly.” Evelyn kept her cool, as she glanced down at the screen and she pressed in a message to the Commander that Adam was fully functioning and back online. The Doctor took a step back, coughing lightly when Adam stood up off the table and then popped his muscles back into place. He was as naked as a newborn and didn’t seem bothered by it. When Adam asked if they should go see the Commander together, Evelyn again offered him a warm smile. She brought the tablet up to her chest, the screen side facing to her. ”I think that is an excellent idea.” Course it was. The Commander was going to be in for a shock. She watched as he simply put on his trench coat and was ready to leave wearing nothing else. He held the door open for her with his back, and thanked her for the years of service that she had put into him. ”A pleasure as always Adam.” She kept it short and sweet, being careful not to put anything into her words that might trigger something of what had happened. The truth. Now her work done, she left the lab with a courteous nod and headed up to the Commander’s office. The subtle click clack of her shoes in perfect rhythm. No doubt Adam would not be far behind. Reaching the Commander’s door, she knocked twice. ”Enter.” Pushing the door open, she searched his fact to read if he got her message. Thankfully, he had. ”Good job, Doctor. Knew I could count on you.” He then stood as he turned his attention to Adam. Trying his hardest to act naturally. ”Adam.” <3>
IceTe3a: Nodding at Evelyn walked past him and through the door, he followed suit as the door closed behind them. He had been through these halls so many times before he didn’t need his systems to tell him where to go, as they came up to the Commanders office he watched as Evelyn knocked on the door “Enter” Allowing Evelyn to walk in first as he followed up behind, coming to a stop as he stood in front of the Commander, with Evelyn standing on his side. “Adam”Adam came to attention giving the formal salute to that of someone who was a higher rank to him. : Looking over Adam as he came to a salute he smiled as he gave Evelyn a sideways glance, showing her that he was pleased. “At ease soldier, take a seat. You to Evelyn join us.” walking around his office table he sat down in his oversized chair as he watched the two take theirs. “Adam, I have a new mission for you, well it’s more of a high profile target. There are two you see, they keep giving our men the slip and my bosses are riding my ass. So you’re taking over the mission, this means you’ll be away from base in the field for quite some time. Before I can go into more depth I need to know If you will accept this mission, Adam” leaning back in his chair he didn’t know what to expect, until it happened ” It be an honor sir” with a smile across his face he clapped his hands together, bringing up the screen behind him two pictures were shown A younger female and a older male “ These are your targets Adam, the female’s name is Rain. She is highly trained and dangerous, bring her in if you can but we don’t really mind if she dies. This fellow on the other hand, He is a priority target, we need him in alive, Adam.” His screen lit up as he saw that Adam was downloading their full files, everything Zen had on the two targets. Oh he was pleased with how this was going, really pleased. “Rain, for reasons unknown is also looking for the doctor. We don’t care why we must find her and deal with her. She is priority one, if she gets to the other target before we do, than we will never see either of them again. You’re to hunt her down” Glancing casually at Evelyn he gave her a nod, “As always this is a solo mission, contact home base when you need to. Evelyn will be linked into your body’s status, HUD and view at all times. As usual she will be your Code name Guardian angel. You leave tonight, get what you need from the Armory and for god sakes Adam put on some clothes! Dismissed” He watched as Adam came to a stand and gave the formal salute again before looking down at Evelyn and giving her a nod with a smile and exiting the building. “Well done doc, this worked out perfectly. I mean what I said, I want you constantly logged into him, give him free range but be able to take it away and at worse self destruct at any given notice, I’ll let you use your judgment calls on that. Oh and doctor while you’re watching him, study him try to learn something will you, Dismissed” : Adam made a straight heading for the Armory, as he walked out of the science buildings and over the field to the Military section, down into the vault. Soldiers saluting him as he passed, He was a higher rank then they were in the military and he was Black ops so he had their respect. Coming into the vault there was John, he was the guy to talk to about equipment and military guns, if you were his friend well you had benefits to say the least. “Ahh yes Adam, we cleared the room. Commander said you’ll be paying us a visit. He also said to let you have your pick of anything, Big game hunting I hear” john said in a friendly tone as he walked right up to him shaking his hand firmly “That’s right, they let me loose, two big game animals this round, both a old buck and a five star female.” Waiting for the doors to open he walked into the full armory himself, first thing was in order he walked over to his locker and pulled out a new pair of combat boots, black combat jeans, black shirt and his Tactical trench coat, which on the outside looked like a normal blackened trench coat. Getting dressed quickly it was now down to his choice in weaponry, his Ntech was the best of the best so there wasn’t much equipment he needed but weaponry he couldn’t get enough of. Picking up two USB .45 fully automatic customized pistols he slid them in the holsters on each side of his chest under his trench coat. A few balanced throwing knives, a large bowie knife that he strapped to his right leg, and his baby, a fully customized M4A1 with holographic variable sights –switchable to a 4x day optical scope with a click of a button, hairpin trigger, attachable silencer, with different round capabilities from tracer, hollow point, anti tank busters to your stock nasty 5.56x45mm rounds. He could have taken a larger rifle for longer distances but with his accuracy and aim, with a single shot he could take someone down within a 1 mile radios. Walking out of the Armory he was set to go as John gave him a once over and a thumbs up on his choice of gear “Happy hunting,” Giving a backwards wave on his shoulder he walked out to the Warbird pad and knocked on the door as the pilot opened the hold for him “ I need you to drop me off, You’ve been briefed? Good, Drop me off at her last known location” with that he went into the warbird as it took off from the ground and flew off into the air.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Evelyn remained calm throughout the debriefing. It was like no sooner he was back in the hands of the Zen that he was being sent out once again, but this time to hunt down his previous accomplice Rain. The part about Rain’s father; the Good Doctor did make Evelyn feel uncomfortable, thought she did her best not to show it. At least the Commander had not issued a Kill on sight with him. She knew as did everyone else in high ranking positions the importance of the Doctor’s work to the Zen. The Commander dismissed Adam once he had been given his assignment and directives on how to keep in contact with Evelyn, who would be remaining at the base. “Well done doc, this worked out perfectly. I mean what I said, I want you constantly logged into him, give him free range but be able to take it away and at worse self destruct at any given notice, I’ll let you use your judgment calls on that. Oh and doctor while you’re watching him, study him try to learn something will you, Dismissed” Evelyn rose from her seat and kept her tablet close to her body. ”He will be under constant surveillance, Commander. Nothing will escape our attentions.” That said, she saluted, and took her leave. Adam had long gone since he was ordered to go to the Armoury to stock up on his needed supplies, and of course clothes. Evelyn made her way back towards her office, which was not far from the Commanders. Many guards and officials that passed her offered congratulations on bringing Adam back into the fold. She took it all in her stride, however she knew that the recapture was not her doing, all she did was take him apart and put him back together in a way to be useful to the Zen. Reaching her office, she swiped her name tag on the door panel scanner, and it immediately unlocked allowing her entry. Closing the door behind her, she let out something of a sigh, before tossing the tablet on her desk. On one wall, was a barrage of screens and monitors. Computer hardwared that would have many a tech operative salivating. All around her room there was awards, photographs, and the oddest collection of robotic toys. Strange you might think. Evelyn walked past a photograph of her with Rain’s father, which showed him standing proudly with her. She hadn’t aged a day. The photograph must have been twenty years old at least. On her desk was a small techno pup. It instantly picked up on her movements, and cocked its head to the side, then gave a shrill bark like it was happy to see her. The tail thumped on the desk, and Evelyn smiled as she turned around, taking her hair out of her bun and letting it flow free down to her shoulders. ”Miss me?” It responded to her voice and barked again, another thump of its tail on the desk. She ran her hand over the sensor on its head and you could hear an artificial panting sound. This was how the dog reacted to her affections. As she turned her head to the monitors, she could already see Adam’s movements, as she was getting a live feed from the base communications systems. She sat herself down in the large leather chair at her desk, then kicked off her shoes underneath and pushed back to a half recline angle. The techno pup leapt about on the desk and she gave it a special glowing ball to play with, one that contained an energy source to feed the pup with. Content with the ball it growled and made happy sounds, as Evelyn went right on back to studying Adam. She always had a soft spot for him. It was one of the things about Evelyn that made her unique. ”System…rest.” The Doctor’s eyes closed and she went sleep. :: At the roadside Diner, the dishevelled looking Rain entered the cab car, and noted the others that were inside. One man was at the bar, having a cup of coffee, another older couple were in a booth and keeping to themselves. The state broadcaster was playing a rerun of the Price is Right on the tv monitor, and a bored looking waitress was chewing gum, staring at Rain. ”What I get ya?” Rain moved to a vacant bar stool and said. ”Coffee..black.” <3>
IceTe3a: The warbird flew straight over the diner as usual and straight into the city where they last saw the female, “Last known location was somewhere in this city, she well could have a base set up in here. Fly over I’ll Haho drop” Coming to a stand as the Door slid open, the Pilots fingers were counting down, he secured his gear on his personal, the Pilot giving him the green as he jumped out of the flying Warbird, no parachute in sight but Adam didn’t need one. He had done this many times before as he fell down in a slim line pose heading for the ground, getting close to the ground he flipped so his feet would make first impact, the Ntech in his legs allowing him to drop in like this as his feet hit the ground he automatically comes down to a kneel his fingertips touching the ground as the concrete under him shatters. The Ntech took the blowing force and rebounded it back into the ground. Coming to a stand his HUD pops up on his right eye, “Time to find last known location” he walked over to the very same hotel she was last spotted in, unknown to him that he was with her at the time. Scanning the room for clues and DNA samples, he picks up the tire tracks as he follows them outside, east.. They were heading east. Walking down the steps he had to check a few cars before he found one that would work, busting the window he jumped in and turned it on, as he accessed his personal music in him and played one of his songs AC/DC – Back In Black came screaming out of the cars speakers as he took off towards the direction of the tire tracks, his hues scanning the road and following them directly. After awhile he noticed it was leading him outside of the city, “Lock and load” he said with a half smirk across his face, driving out of the city he hit the only road that there was, bringing up satellite imagery he saw there was a diner further up ahead. Some Chow did sound good right about now, besides the tracks weren’t going anywhere. Eventually the diner showed up as he pulled in and turned the car off, he kept his equipment and weaponry on him, it was easy to see he was Zen and people either loved the Zen or hated them so seeing a Zen soldier walking in would be no surprise to them. Opening the door as it hits the little door bell *Jingle Jingle* he walked up to the main counter which was a old school bar top with stools “Get me the morning special and a black coffee” he said as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it taking in a drag. He didn’t bother checking the room as no one ever bothered him, no one bothered a Zen soldier and if they knew he was no ordinary Zen soldier they’d keep their distance even more so, but he wasn’t as stuck up as the other Zen soldiers could be, flashing their badges to get free food. He threw his credits on the counter and smiled waiting for the order to be complete, taking in a large drag of smoke he let out a sigh of relief.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The waitress had served thousands of cups of coffee over the forty years of service and there had been all types that had wandered into the decrepit diner over time. Rain sat with her head lowered, her wet hair like a veil that masked her identity from the side. The other gentleman at the bar paid her little to no attention; muttering about his wife who would be waiting for him to get home. Course, he had been saying this for twenty years, and his wife had died so long before. His mind nothing but scattered memories and the constant need to remind himself that he had a wife…a wife that would be waiting. The waitress poured Rain a cup of coffee and the cup clinked against the metal of the coffee pot, before the waitress slid it over. ”Two credits.” Rain, thankfully had just enough on her and placed it on the counter, unaware that danger was approaching. When the subtle sound of the door bell rang, her head moved slightly while her right hand was gripping the hot cup of coffee. The chill of the breeze that came in with the unknown traveller made Rain shudder slightly, till the door closed once again. The clank of his boots on the floor got her attention, and then she stole a glance, only to be horrified at who she saw. It was Adam, and he walked right past her as though he didn’t even recognise her. He was dressed differently. He was wearing an NTech uniform. Rain’s head lowered again as the cup she held shook against the saucer. She had to steady her hand, not to bring attention to herself. What the hell happened after she escaped the hotel? Had he been recaptured? God How long had she been at the diner? She brought her left hand up to her temple and rubbed it, clearly confused by this turn of events. “Get me the morning special and a black coffee” He spoke to the waitress who simply popped an old piece of gum that she had made into a small bubble and went to write down the order. She placed it on the order wheel and pressed her hand on the bell. ”Morning special, Joe.” Joe, the cook took the order and then spied the NTech soldier. ”One morning special coming up. Always good to serve the Zen soldiers. You keeping those rebels on their toes, I bet.” the Cook said with a drawl, having no love for the rebels since many had killed his business trade in the last few months. The waitress walked along the bar with the coffee pot, offering refills. She stopped in front of Rain and offered some. Rain simply moved her hand over her cup, rather than speak. ~Is he ignoring me?~ She thought to herself, and then picked up her cup, downing the hot coffee way too fast. Not wanting to find out, she went to get off the barstool, when a new report flashed on the TV screen. ”Breaking news, the leader of the Source known as the rogue Phoenix is said to have been attacked by his own men. More news at 11.” Hearing this, Rain made a beeline for the door, and to get into her damaged truck, to high tail it out of there. <3>
IceTe3a: – He watched the waitress take his order and give it to Joe, as Joe exclaimed how he hated the rebels and asked if he kept them on his toes. “Sure do Joe, Proudly serving the Zen for the last 14 years. They send me in when all else fails” he chuckled as he gave Joe a military Salute, there was no doubt that Rain would have heard this even though he didn’t know it was her or that she was in the very same room. The TV showed breaking news of how the Phoenix was being attacked by his own men “ Heh, would have love to tag him, but I have bigger fish to fry.” that would be the last thing Rain heard of him as she ran out the door. He heard the door slam open as he turned around casually, he saw the back of a female running out to her car as he shrugged and turned back to the counter “ What’s her problem” he said as he casually glanced over to the waitress, he could smell Joe’s cooking as he was getting hungry. Taking a sip from his coffee as he let out a sigh of relief, placing his Assault rifle on the counter he leaned against the counter waiting for his meal to arrive. Eventually his meal was given to him as it didn’t take him long to scoff it down, walking outside he casually strolled in the car park as he took out another cigarette. Lighting the Cigarette he took in a deep drag as he glanced around the terrain not looking for anything just passing time.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Once out in the car park, Rain’s mind was racing as to the change in Adam. Saying he worked for Zen for 14 years. Acting like a totally different man. What the hell happened? She had to admit to herself, though she hated him for what he had done to her back at the hotel, part of her questioned if he had been taken in by the Zen, had they reprogrammed him? They had to have. The last part of his speech to the cook was that they sent him in when everyone else fails. Also that he had bigger fish to fry than go after the Phoenix. There was no one bigger than the Phoenix in her books….unless. Rain ran to her damaged truck, getting in behind the wheel. She watched Adam emerge from the diner and then enjoy his cigarette. He looked like he was on down time, yet armed to the teeth. Rain was in two minds of what to do. Should she dare approach him, after all he could be looking for her. But who else? Surely the Zen had no use for her or rather they saw her as a threat to their operations. She took Adam down before…she could do it again. Minutes passed. He clearly didn’t recognise the truck she was driving, even with all the damage. ~I should just get the fuck out of here.~ she thought to herself. But she didn’t know where to go. Just as she was about to place her hand on the door handle to get out, another three vehicles pulled up in the car park. They had satellite tracking beacons on their roofs, and all kinds of electrical equipment. One of the leaders got out of the car, with tin cans falling on the ground as his boot hit a mud puddle. He sung out to his off sider, a large man in a bomber jacket and matching coloured beanie. ”Did you see the readings on that mother fucker? I can’t wait to crunch the numbers. Come on, let’s get inside, grab some grub and back on the road east!” His mate who had tomato ketchup stains on his Nirvana Tshirt made a strange salute, kinda like one off some old vintage Sci fi show. About six men in all got out of various vehicles, and headed inside the diner, the leader however spotted the NTech soldier and ambled up to him. ”Dude…see that storm last night. Off the charts, man…off the fucking charts. “ The group of men were storm chasers, men that took scientific data off the storms and tornados that hit the country’s mid west. <3>
IceTe3a: – He heard three cars pulled up as he casually glanced over to them, not scanning but generally looking out of boredom as they passed him, one came right up to him talking about the storm. “ No, Unfortunately I was busy last night in another part of the country. “ he flicked his used cigarette on the floor as his hand rest on his holstered assault rifle, glancing at the man casually. Who comes up to a Zen soldier like that and randomly blurts out about storms and nonsense? Smirking to him lightly as he had almost forgot how crazy some people can be. “ So apparently the rebels turned on Phoenix, it should be on the news very soon” His glance casually looking through the people as he notices the female that ran off earlier was now sitting in her car; she had a good body from behind as he wondered how she looked up close and personal. Passing the man with a pat on his shoulder “Keep out of trouble you lot” he walked over to her truck in a casual manner, his green piercing eyes looking at her as she probably noticed he was walking her way by now, he was curious to see what she looked like exactly and if he could possibly get her number at the very least. As he came up to her window smiling, he leaned against the truck, looking through the glass window at her “Everything alright in there Hun?” he didn’t realize who it was he was talking to, he wasn’t even scanning her face so there was no way for him to know it was Rain he was talking to. “For someone who ran out of the dinner that quickly you sure don’t look like you’re in a rush. Smoke?” He pulled out his packet of Cigarettes placing them against the window he offered her a smoke, to try and get her talking; he wasn’t looking for any information more attempting to hit on her. 3
CharlotteCarrendar: – The Storm Chaser, known as Bean shrugs his shoulders at the Soldier when he speaks about the Phoenix. To guys like them, it was a war of ideology and nothing to do with the betterment of the planet. [b]”Yeah…whatever. Guys, wait up.” He hurries in after his comerades, leaving the Soldier to go about his business. But then, Adam turns his attention on Rain’s truck. ~Oh no~ She thinks to herself, seeing him starting to walk towards her car. Did he suddenly identify her? She was about to roll up the window, right as the handle came off in her hand. ~Shit~ Adam came up to the window and then spoke to her in a strangely…friendly manner. “Everything alright in there Hun?” Rain almost turned fully to face him, but then kept her head down enough to use her hair as a veil. ”Err..I just remembered I had..an appointment.” Not the cleverest thing to say, but she battled on. ”To see…my Doctor.” This could be enough to deter Adam, if he truly didn’t recognise her. ~He had to be reprogrammed~ she continued to think, as he then offered her a cigarette. She shook her head and said. ”I…I don’t smoke, but thank you.” Her fingers gripped the steering wheel, and if he observed, he would see the dried blood trails from when she got out of the bathroom at the hotel. She then reached for the ignition to start the truck. <3>
IceTe3a: He arched a brow as she said she didn’t smoke he shrugged as he put his packet back in his pocket, glancing around casually as she said she needed to see her doctor. “Doctor? Hope it’s not serious” he said with a smile, as he looked her over head to toe. He saw her hands tighten around the steering wheel was she angry? Or was something else wrong. His right foot hits the sidestep of the truck landing firmly as he stood there casually, trying to lighten up the mood but then he saw her hand going for the ignition, bloodstained. He pulled his pistol out with his right hand and held the roof of the truck with his left. “Don’t move, there better be a good reason why you have blood on your hands. Out of the car now” he cocked the pistol with a single finger, not knowing that it was Rain he just thought he was dealing with either a murderer or someone injured either way he was about to find out. He hopped up onto the roof of the truck and tapped the roof with his foot so she could get out of the driver’s side door. “Trust me when I say this, I can see you perfectly though the roof of your truck now step out of the truck with your hands up. this was the tricky part, he had no reason to shoot her but if she took off he would fall into the back tray for sure, possibly even cause some damage. “I don’t want to hurt you, I just want to get your side of the story before we continue.” he let off a warning shot as it hit the ground near the car, his aim was deadly accurate as he waited for her to comply.
CharlotteCarrendar: – That one movement of showing her blooded hand had given Adam cause for concern, and more than that he reached for his gun. Instantly, Rain panicked. What was he doing? Did he suddenly remember her? It became clear when he spoke “Don’t move, there better be a good reason why you have blood on your hands. Out of the car now” There was no way in God’s earth she was getting out of the car. ”It’s…just a cut..I have to go to my Doctor.” She replied, but he jumped up on the roof of her car, and tapped the roof with his foot. Rain instantly looked up even though she could no longer see him. ”The hell?” Was he going to just shoot her for not getting out of the car? Rain’s eyes darted around for something to lock onto with her mind, something that could help her. Just then she spotted the electrical storm chaser’s equipment. She concentrated and then all three cars alarms started to sound, that there was a big storm coming. You could see all the men inside the diner jump out of their seats and make a run for the door, some getting jammed in the door way. ”COME ON!” Bean cried out as he was first out. Rain’s truck started with a big roar as she had the storm chasers as a distraction. One of them saw the soldier standing on Rain’s car and stopped. ”What are you doing to that girl, dude?” It was the tubby guy from Bean’s car. He was one that liked the ladies. Bean didn’t want to get involved. ”Might be how he picks up girls…come on!” All the other storm chasers got in their cars. Rain threw the truck into reverse at speed, so the force of the truck going backwards might throw Adam off. If it did, she would then put it back into first and drive over the top of him, as she followed the storm chasers out of the car park at speed. <3>
IceTe3a: – Alarms went off as he glanced over to the three vans, a storm was coming? He scanned the area, yes now he was scanning; looking for a storm warning of any kind… nothing? He watched as the fat storm chasers ran for their equipment one getting stuck in the dinner door. The one who came up to him earlier asked him what he was doing with the lady, as if Zen soldiers business was any business of his, as he glared the fat storm chaser down. Suddenly the truck goes into reverse as he falls forward on the roof his hands stabilizing him as he fell into a crouch “Miss… Don’t you even think about doing that agaii…” she had kicked it into first gear as the truck roared and moved forward, he was already off balance as it where. From the momentum of the truck he was completely off balance and sent flying backwards as he landed head first in the tray of the truck *BANG* his head hit the tray as he dropped his pistol by accident, the truck screaming off as he laid there in the back, leaning up he looked at the review mirror at her reflection. His scanning went off and matched… it was her “rain…? RAIN!! By the order of the Zen I demand you pull over, you’re under arrest comply or be terminated!” he had matched her, how stupid could he have been, it was her all along in the dinner, in the truck he was so close to her he should have known better but pretty ladies where his weakness. The truck was speeding as it swerved it made it hard for him to keep balance and not hit his head again as he scrambled to try and grab his pistol which was now sliding around the closed tray freely.
CharlotteCarrendar:- The truck tore off down the road, well ahead of the storm chasers, who unbeknownst to them were following her due to her techonpathic link to their computer equipment. The roads were still in a terrible state from the storm the night before, and keeping the truck on the road was a mean feat. Much of the sides of the road had potholes and every few metres Rain would inadvertently hit one..or more. With Adam screaming at her in the back of the truck threatening her with arrest by the Zen, she was in a mass panic. What was worse? Dealing with Adam again, or being handed over to the Zen, probably to be executed for crimes against society. Rain gripped the wheel hard showing white knuckles as she powered down the road. Lights were flashing in behind her as the storm chasers were on her tail. Hearing Adam in the back, the gun rolling around the floor of the tray, she feared he was going to pick it up and shoot her in the back of the head as she drove. One wrong move, and she checked over her shoulder, only to miss seeing a large pothole, that the wheel hit so violently it jarred her hand on the wheel and knocked her off course. The truck careened down a small embankment and rolled, leaving Rain trapped inside. The vehicle was upside with Adam beneath, he would have a hard time getting out, since the earth beneath him was like a slick sludge. The storm chasers came up, as Rain was fighting to get out of the battered truck. ”Help me!” she cried. Bean jumped out of his truck, as the fuel tank was leaking gasoline onto the road. He struggled to get the door open and then pulled her out through the window.”Quck…she’s gonna blow!’ Pulling her out just in time he raced her to his truck. The fat storm chaser from before yelled out. ”What about the soldier?” Rain looked around and then she set off a spark in the truck engine, causing it to ignite. The storm chasers took off in a trice as the truck was set to explode. (<3)>
IceTe3a: The truck his a pothole as it swerved around on the road, she was losing control as the storm chasers were following them, oh they were going to cop it from him. As she completely lost control and swerved around on the thick muddy ground the truck rolled over trapping him in the tray as he groaned, he could hear Rain trying to escape as one of the storm chasers obviously helped her out. Grabbing his pistol he put it in his holster as he grabbed his assault rifle and started kicking the door of the tray, it flew off as he saw Rain get in the van. Coming out from under the tray Assault rifle in hand locked and loaded “DO NOT MOVE, YOU ARE HABOURING A WANTED CRIMINAL, SHE IS DANGEROUS” slowly he came to a stand his rifle pointed at the men in the van, it wouldn’t take much for him to shoot them dead or disable the van but he wanted to try and not harm the men “Throw the keys to the van to me, step out of the van and hit the ground. NO charges will be made to you boys unless you refuse to comply then I will shoot to kill.. and I’m a hell lot faster than your van is. RAIN put your hands up, you have three seconds to comply before I shoot, do not test me on this” He was creeping closer to the van, his trigger finger on the trigger ready to fire at any moment’s notice, he hoped the boys would comply and throw him the keys and lay down in the mud. He stood there about 3 meters away it was a standoff, with Rain, Adam and the boys; which one of the two Rain or the boys would be stupid enough to give him reason to fire.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The boys all got out of their cars and vans, hands up as soon as they saw the Zen soldier with his assault weapon aimed at the leader of the group and Rain. It was becoming clear that she was a fugitive and that the soldier was trying to take her into custody. The electric equipment inside the trucks were all blaring from the signals that Rain was sending to them, as she tried to get that to act as a distraction. The storm chasers were all fearing for their lives.”Look man…just saved her from the truck, we didn’t know she was a criminal.” Bean said, tossing the keys to his van to Adam as he tried to diffuse the situation. All the lads then got down on their knees and laid down in the mud leaving Rain as the last one standing. So much for heroes these days. Rain was in a standoff with Adam…again. But this time, she was not going to come quietly. ”I’m not coming with you Adam.” She started to walk to the lead storm chaser car. If he wanted to shoot her in the back, now was a good time. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as the boys all got out of the van slowly, their hands raised in the air. One false move and he would shoot them where they stand, the keys were sent flying towards Adam, as he catches it then grabs his weapon again.“That’s it lads… Nice and easy, get down. I’ll forget all about this and nothing will happen to you lot.” He watched as Rain was staring at him, she wasn’t going to get down or make this easy.. “I’m not coming with you Adam” How’d she know his name.. they’ve never met before. He watched as she turned her back to him and started to walk “Rain DOWN NOW.. Boys don’t you move until I say so, otherwise you’ll get shot” She was heading for the car as he ran into a sprint and tackled her landing on top he straddled her back pulling her arms behind her back and holding them there with one hand. “How do you know my name” he said as he leaned down on her whispering. There was no escape for her now, not while he had her under him, he spun her around so she was laying on her back, letting go of her hands he straddled her waist. “Boys take the other two cars and leave, I’m borrowing the third car. You will be rewarded for your aid and your truck will be returned to you.. You have five seconds to comply and leave the area without interfering” he didn’t bother looking at the boys he knew they would comply as he glanced down at Rain, he was scanning her features trying to locate if they have met before and how she knew his name. “Tell me how you knew my name!”
As Isabella sat on Jason’s lap curling her fingers under his chin in a bid to show some affection she noted something out of the corner of her eye. A flash of silver and red, but as soon as it was gone she dismissed it as her imagination. She explained about Vlad…about the threat but little did she know that downstairs, her most trusted and loyal was taking his last breathes as a murderous Emilia went about doing her Master’s orders. Sending a message that when read was going to shock and scare Isabella to the core.
The vampire Mistress curled in closer to Jason with her head pressed to his chest. Trying to compose herself, when all of a sudden she felt as though her very heart was being ripped from her body. She lurched back, clutching her chest. Her mouth wide open as she was experiencing a reaction to that of what was happening to Luther downstairs. So close was their bond, that she could see his final moment right before her eyes. It was as though it was happening to her.
The name “Luther” escaped her lips in almost a dry rattle as she slipped off Jason’s lap and crumpled to the floor. Gasping as though taking her last breath. It was only then that the cord that bound her to Luther snapped and her eyes reverted to near normal. Hissing in protest she pushed herself to her feet. Both her hands reaching up to her head as she let out a terrible scream. Running from the room, she dashed down the hall at speed, her robe fluttering behind her. Down the stair well, as the echo of a dying heart beat its last.
Turning the corner she came into the kitchen, and there he was. Driven into the wall by a butcher’s knife through the forehead, and a message scrawled in blood that was meant for Isabella herself. Tearful she approached the body of Luther. A shaking hand reaching out to touch his horrified face. Blood tears fell from her eyes as she released a sob that was etched in sorrow and grief. A large hole was in his chest cavity showing where his heart had been ripped out.
Jason cradled Isabella in his strong caring arms before her form slipped from his arms and to the ground. He could only watch helplessly as she went through what seemed to be her last moments before she took off down the hall leaving a bewildered Jason behind. Upon hearing her sob Jason would tear down the hall at speed before skidding to a stop as his blood ran cold. Oh yes Vlad had found them but that was no worry for the former Marine and cop now vampire. Even though Vlad was by far older then him Jason held no fear for the man or the people under his employ. He would walk slowly towards Isabella before turning her into his chest and rubbing her back soothingly. As he did so his eyes would narrow to slits as they dilated while his form rippled for the barest of moments before stopping. Jason was beyond livid he was rightfully enraged in his eyes as nobody deserved to die the way Luther had. Jason would mutter softly before pulling away from Isabella slowly to look her in the eyes. “Hell will pale in comparison to what I will do them as vengeance for Luther my love…”
One thing that Rheksas was very good at was his high level of contacts in various state departments, and also some shady investigators who were used on missing person cases. Often it was to cover tracks and get rid of the evidence, but this time, Rheksas was on the hunt for the woman in the photograph that the Count had provided. Seated in the back part of the Rough nights bar, he stared at his watch again, before checking the door, when a disheveled looking man in a dark wool coat came in the door. He was wearing ill fitted clothes that looked like he got them from the Thrift store, and when he approached Rheksas the over powering smell of urine and cigarette smoke was enough to make Rheksas want to gag. Detective Whines was booted off the force some ten years ago after he had been caught with his pants down literally servicing the acting Police Commisioner’s daughter. The last ten years he made a dime here and there doing investigations, and when he got the call from the mysterious Rheksas, all he could think of was the dollar signs.
“Nice place for a meet up, General. So, what can I do you for?” the detective asked, as Rheksas pointed for him to take a seat and wait for further instructions. Once he was sure no one else was paying attention to the pair, he took out the folded photograph and slid it picture side down for the Detective to look at.
“My employer seeks information on this woman.”
As soon as Detective Whines saw the picture he cracked up laughing. “Well fuck me. If its not the broad that had me booted from the force. Why…if I could get my hands on her…” Clearly he had unresolved issues with Carmen, and this only made Rheksas concerned. “You will not lay a finger on that woman. All we want to know is who she is and how to find her.”
The detective flicked the picture back to Rheksas and leaned back in the booth, twirling a toothpick between his teeth. He was about to make Rheksas’s night.
“She is Carmen Williamson, formerly Carmen Marquez . Word on the street is she married the DA. Shane Williamson and lives in his estate up on the hill. She was framed for murder at some point, but the DA got her off. If you ask me the whole thing stinks to high heaven. She was also promoted to the State officer for Internal police investigations. Got some new digs for an office, for reasons that allude me. She’s a looker, I’ll grant you that, but a fucking Iron maiden who would crush your balls no sooner than look at you.”
Rheksas started to grin. She sounded like the kind of woman the Count would find….interesting. “So, where would I find this…office?” Rheksas asked, and the Detective pulled out his cell and started to google the information.
“Here we go…1108 Sandstone Drive. Pink building. Ew.”
Rheksas took down the information and then went to leave the table. The Detective coughed and held out his hand, expecting payment. The General turned and smiled at him before reaching across to slap his face. “You will get paid soon as this lead is valid. Till then, you can wait.”
The Detective grumbled and tossed his cell across the booth. he didn’t know what was worse? Working for Vampires or someone like Carmen.
The black saloon sped into the gravel driveway of the Estate and came to stop only after doing a drift slide – clouds of pebbles and gravel cascading behind the vehicle. The engine growled one last time, as Emilia sat behind the wheel still listening to the rock classic “Let the bodies hit the floor” that pumped through the speakers of the car. She finally cut the lights and the engine, opening the driver’s side door, and her long black blood covered boot stepped out onto the gravel.
Something changed in Emilia this night. A fire burned behind her irises that was not there before. In all the thousands of years of service she had never been one to disobey orders from her Lord. But this night, as she held the pumping heart of Luther in her hand, and licked his blood from her fingers after scrawling the message for the slut Isabella, her patience with all those around her was now at it’s end.
The pawn had just elevated herself to the status of Knight.
Emilia slammed the car door, and pivoted on her right boot to head towards the entrance of Vlad’s manor, where no doubt the Count would be waiting for his report. Emilia had sprayed marks of blood all over her black leather jacket and she reeked of death. A fresh kill. Her face was like stone, with red rings around her eyes. She walked with a pronounced swagger, her guns glistening beneath the flaps of her coat. Figure hugging black leather pants with tears in them only showed her victim struggled. She got her job done, and sent home a message to Isabella that was sure to have her already packing her bags.
Outside the Manor, Rheksas’s truck pulled up and the hulking Vampire general spotted the saloon. So, Emilia beat him back. He had to admit, he was impressed. “Damn girl.”
He used vampiric speed to enter the house so he could catch up with the General and both would present their findings to the Count, but when he spotted Emilia from behind, he got an eerie sense…that all was not well. A prickling sensation in the back of the neck. His foot falls caused her to stop, and she glanced over her shoulder. The look in her eyes….pure evil.
iceTe3a: -*Snoring* he was asleep and enjoying his sleep immensely as he laid there sprawled out on the couch **Beep Beep Beep Beep* his alarm goes off, as he groans. “At this time of night?” he said to himself as he came to sit upright on the couch, tossing the old cigarette for a brand new one he took a drag in as he brought up the message. A new bounty? He checked who it came from.. The resistance huh, “Interesting” he got up as he walked over and picked up his coat. Putting it back on, he checked he had his equipment as he went out the door and was on the hunt for his new target, but who was his target?
He flicked open the file as the HUD system came up with the profile of a female Squad member. “Oh you’re fucken kidding me” he said as he shook his head, the same female from before? He activated the tracker as it turned on and showed him her real time location. That far down town? What’s she doing down there, he thought to himself as he walked the street until he came to a old car, opening the door he turned the car down as it flew down the street. Car’s were left in the Dead zone when someone wanted to get rid of evidence no doubt this car was used in some kind of crime and left here to rot away with time.
Turning the streets with ease he turned on a one way signal to her earpiece allowing him to listen in, another male voice? She just can’t stay out of trouble can she. But he only got the ass end of it “Bexter’s Beat” the run down hotel for people looking to hide? The engine screamed down the street, this would be an easy one he just had to get there first. He had passed her signal as he kept roaring down the street and came close to the Beat. Ditching the car he pulled out his pistol as he walked up to the dodgy hotel. He walks in and sure enough there was a fat short man with a wife basher singlet on, stained to the shithouse he was watching TV.
He grabbed Bexter by his head and slammed it into his desk before letting go and pointing the pistol at his head “A female will rock up in here soon, She’s from the Squad. Though she will say she’s not. Give her your cleanest room with running water. I’ll take care of the rest.” He leans down as he swipes his credit swipe over Bexters as credits transfer, a Threat, a bribe, and a tip all in one sitting? Bexter should feel privileged. “Unit… 49 top floor..” Bexter said shaking uncontrollably. He turns to walk away as he slides his pistol into his coat. “Tip her off.. and I’ll skin you alive” he growled softly. With that he disappeared up the stairs, he prepares his body as he makes It up to room 49, he opens the door and locks it behind him.
“Right.. I’m going to need maintenance after this..” he said as he pressed a few buttons on his forearm’s holographic keyboard and disappeared, he was invisible and was able to hold it like that for quite awhile. Unfortunately this drained him a lot forcing his body to need maintenance; he laid in wait for her as he was standing near the bed. As he waited for her to come into the room, he started to search for her file in the military database.
**Beep Beep** Case close Case Close, the warnings popped up, she had a dark secret.. What was it exactly? He started running a hacking tool to allow him to open up her entire file, this will show him what she is who she is and what she’s done. But it will take awhile for it to load up and open once it’s hacked. It will pop up on his right eyes HUD once its all done that much was for sure, but for now he would need to wait for it to run its course, so he turned his immediate attention to the female and when she would arrive.
CharlotteCarrendar: – A short time later; Rayne walked in the door of the Bexter’s Box and noticed what a nasty hell hole it was. She could see the furnishings were well dated, something like the last century – possibly 1980’s. So garish. The man behind the counter had a terrible welt on his forehead and tried to smile, though his teeth showing signs of blood. Had he just been robbed, or smacked about by the wife. He had a glazed look to his eyes and when he spotted Rayne, he let out an odd sound, like a pig being slaughtered. “What I do ya for?” His pitch rather high. Rayne approached cautiously and said quietly. “I need a room, just for the night.” Bexter quickly rummaged around under his desk and pulled out the key card for Unit 49 on the top floor. “Only one I got.” Surprisingly, he didn’t ask for ID or a down payment. Just pointed her to the lift and went back to reading a book.
Rayne took the card, and then headed for the lift, only glancing back to catch Bexter watching her. Strange man, she thought to herself, before getting in the lift when the door opened. It was a quick ride up to the top floor, and when the doors opened, the stink of the place really got up her nose. It seriously smelt like someone died up there, or was cooking something nasty. Sounds of people arguing could be heard through the walls. A baby was crying. Yeah, this was the bad end of town. Reaching her apartment, she swiped the key and the door swung open automatically.
Entering the room, she nearly tripped over a large lump in the carpet and let out a curse as she righted herself. The bed had a faded flower quilt cover, the TV didn’t appear to work. She’d not seen one of that vintage before. Everything was antiquated. Taking off her utility belt, she sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, and put her head in her hands. How the hell did she wind up in this mess? What were her Commanders going to say? There would be an investigation for sure.
Getting up, she went to turn a light on, and that was when she saw him. A man in the damn room! She immediately panicked and then went straight for him, curled fist thrown forward and fast, and she attempted to knock him out in one swift punch. <3>
IceTe3a: He stood there for awhile, being invisible was draining him as he sighed slightly; he really could use a smoke right about now. As he grumbled and walked around the room waiting for the right time to prepare himself, he decided to light a smoke anyway as he took a drag in and let it back out with a sigh of relief. He walked over to the window as he looked out of it *Bzzt Bzzt* He flickered back out of Invisibility and back into it, Shit the gears fucking up. He had neglected to do self maintenance on his own body the last time he needed it, One he still didn’t like seeing himself like that and two more to the point He had no clue what he was doing nothing more than a basic idea.
The sound of people in the apartment blocks echoed easily throughout the rooms, he sighed as he flicked the smoke out of the window *Ding* the elevator had reached the bottom floor, this could be her. He readied himself as his invisibility started to flicker again, “Oh not now” he grumbled as he popped out of invisibility, and back into it again. ‘That was close, I have to get around to finding someone to help me out with this..’ he thought to himself as he sighed. He heard the elevator doors open up as he popped out of invisibility again.
“Shit” he said in a soft voice as he smacked his forearm, he disappeared once more just in time as well, she opens the door and walks straight into the room not noticing him at all, good he was still invisible. He watched as she undid her belt and sat on the bed, he smirked as he turned his back to her and watched as the door closed quietly shut. Suddenly *Bzzzt* Oh god, this isn’t the time for my body to be needing maintenance and fucking up on me’ he thought to himself as he popped out of invisibility. He didn’t bother to turn around as he hoped he would have enough time to get back into invisibility before she even noticed him. He was wrong as he felt a smack on the back of his head, he was knocked out cold as he fell down onto the floor face first.
He laid there on his chest on the floor unconscious, his trench coat covering just what he was, if she were to remove it she would be able to see he was 70% machine/computer, nothing anyone would ever had seen before. His style of Tech was above military grade, it was one off, adaptable and upgradable to the full extent while even Black ops military tech had to be replaced his didn’t, it was there for life. Suddenly, **Beep Beep** her file had been completely hacked, as her entire life was now visible through his right eye, timing was everything or so everyone kept saying.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The first thing Rayne did as the unconscious man lay on the floor, was go lock the door, making sure no one else could enter. Then she made her way back to the body, crouching down, and opening his jacket to frisk him over. What she found, was shocking to say the least. He was not a man, not in the true sense of the word. He was more like a machine than anything else. He wasn’t part of any Squad operation that was for sure. She kept searching for a wallet or something to give her his identity when his right eye flickered.
Rayne looked closely, and that was when it happened. What she watched, was her life being played out like a confidential file being unlocked. She collapsed to her knees and continued to watch, though holding her breath. Everything about her what she had thought to be…was not. This portrayed her as someone else. A high level operative, clearance into some of the most powerful parts of the Zen.
She fell back slightly, clasping her hand over her mouth to stifle a cry. Her eyes welled with tears as she came to realize that she had been rewired – on purpose. Clearly she knew too much, but for some reason they kept her in a place where they could monitor her till such time that they needed her for their own agenda.
“The dreams were real” She whispered out what she was thinking. She’d been living a lie. That is why the borg was after her, and probably why this man…this machine was knocked out in the apartment. She had a code name. “Rain” A play on the name she had now, but was that even her true name?
Like a flood gate being let open, she suddenly started to have flashes of her old life. Memories that had been locked away for so long. She reached up and gripped the sides of her head as the enormity was sinking in. Her parents, her siblings…her life. They took everything away. Rayne looked to the floor, sitting in front of what may well be a merc for hire. Sent in by God knows who. She gripped his right arm and started to feel about for a panel, and sure enough she found it. Pressing down, a latch came up and a holographic display. She ran her finger across, swiping through countless streams of data till hitting on his. His name was Adam. As the constant pages showed up details on the man before her, she kept stealing glances at his face before finally figuring him out. She tapped in a code, and the holographic signal ended, the panel closing.
“Alright Adam…Wake up!”
<3>
IceTe3a: His body was hers to use, as she typed away on him using him like a laptop, she watched her life unfold as she continued to delve deeper into more and more information. She then looks him up, learning about his past, what he was, and who he was now. She types in a code into him as his system accepts it, rebooting his eyelids close and open several times as he groans “Jesus fucken Christ” he said as he had just woken up, he looks around the room as he glances over at the female kneeling before him. She had knocked him out cold and by the looks of things accessed him, using him to her needs.
His systems not allowing him to move for the moment as he laid still, only his head was given access to move around, allowing him to breath talk and stay awake for the time being. *Groans* “What have you…” his right eye was flashing at him *Intelligence Agent Highly trained – Rated Lethal – Direct Link access Augmentation. So. She was a somebody, and it looks like he had just rewired her back to her old self, so now she remembers everything and how to do everything. She had a Direct link augmentation in her brain great.. Direct access to anything mechanical or Tech based.. That meant him as well.
Explains why he couldn’t move at all as he glanced over at her and groaned again “What do you want” he sighed as he tried to move again, “You were a simple job ok. Nothing more, Nothing less.” He groaned again knowing full well she’d want to know why he was after her, but something told him she would have already looked that up. “You’re just lucky I didn’t turn around instead of trying to fix my damn self” he cursed himself for not giving himself a Maintenance now look what it’s gotten himself into, he really needed to find someone who could help with that.
“You’re not getting anything else out of me” he said as he closed his eyes, he wished he could have a smoke right about now, as he thought about earlier, this will teach him for not minding his own business, he had the chance to not go to the roof top, and then he had the chance not to go find her and hunt her down. But he did any way; I don’t think she’ll take to kindly to having him hunt her down and drag her to the resistance to be used as their tool of use. But now, he was hers for the time being anyway, but did she realize it? He starts to search his network, she’d only reprogrammed him temporarily, and only his movement. Nothing more, so she doesn’t know what she has in front of her.. Or does she? Just what was she going to do with him. He was a useful tool to have on someone’s belt, he was worth a lot to either side, but what exactly was her aim in this? Either way he would not play part in her game, at least not willingly.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain reached inside Adam’s coat pocket and took out a packet of cigarettes. She flicked the lid open and withdrew two, placing one partially in between his lips, then did the same for herself. She then dug deeper for his lighter and snatched that out too. Lighting her cigarette, she then pressed their cigarettes together and lit his for him, before tossing the lighter on the bed nearest them. Awakened into her true self, she was a lot more ballsy than the Officer known as Rayne Redding.
“I’ll be the judge of that. So, according to your files you were out for an easy bounty and came across me. I guess I should be thanking you for saving me in that alley. That..was you, wasn’t it?” She said, taking a long drag, before tilting her head back and releasing a ring of smoke. She lowered her head and stared at him directly.
“The resistance need my help, huh? Nice way to go about it. Sending you in as the warm up act. Fuck.” She leaned back against the bed and drew up one knee, which she eased her forearm onto. It was all becoming clear what was going on. “That man…or should I say Borg in the alley. He is an example of what happens when you play with fire.” She stared at Adam and then asked. “You were human once, weren’t you? What did they do to you?” She presumed that the Brotherhood had something to do with it.
“Universal soldier gone AWOL?”
She took another drag of her cigarette and waited to hear it from him directly.
<3>
IceTe3a: He sighed as she started asking questions, she had lit a cigarette for him and left it in between his lips for him to smoke it, he took a drag and let it out moments later with a sigh of relief. He was true to what he said earlier, he wasn’t going to give her any information willingly. She had asked if it was him that saved her in the alley, he didn’t bother answering that she already knew the answer. She was just trying a tactic to get him to talk, a real smooth one but he’s been through all this before; He knew how this game worked.
His eyes flicked over to her as he glanced her over once more, he could see she had changed, ever since she got her memory back she was less of a rookie that has seen no action. Now she was more.. gutsy, more bad assed to put it simply, as she asked if he was ever truly a man, he knew the answer, but didn’t see why she needed to know this information. Either way, if she really wanted to know anything about anything all she needed to do was access him once more and start searching through his database, he was one big walking laptop with every record on everything placed into him. So she just wanted to see if she could make him talk? Or to try and make some sort of emotional connection between two humans.
He took another drag of the cigarette as he blew the smoke out again, He was refusing to talk or even give her any recognition as he stared up at the ceiling, lying perfectly still. He could just continue to state his name, old rank and where he was from like they taught the military to do when being questioned by the enemy, but this was no enemy of war. She was a Intelligence agent, if she wanted to get information He doubt anything would stop her from trying to gain that information as it was her job, among other things.
CharlotteCarrendar: Rain shook her head, seeing he was responsive but unwilling to speak to her on a human level. She actually made the move to straddle him as he lay on the floor, looking at the ceiling to avoid eye contact. She leaned forward and rested her forearms on his chest. This was pretty forward considering what he was.
“Monkey see no evil, speak or hear it, right?” She blew a cloud of smoke on his face, before continuing. “I get it. Well, if I wanted I could just flip top that wrist panel and get the details myself, but I won’t.” Rain let out a sigh before sitting back up again and relaxing. “You have no idea what it feels like to have everything you thought you knew to be a big fat lie. The very bastards I worked for demoting me to this life. If you can even call it a life.”
She pushed herself up and off him, rising to standing. She could see the blaze of lights hitting the streets outside. Making her way to the window, she peered out into the night and saw it for herself. Legion gunners ships. The Zen must know she is missing. “Shit!” she cried when she saw them, falling back behind the curtain, as a massive ship went past the window. The emblem of Zen on the side. It was no longer safe there. It was no longer safe anywhere.
“I gotta get out of here.”
<3>
IceTe3a: He watched as she came to a stand, and walked over to him, she than straddled his waist and leaned down onto his chest as she looked down to him, he had no choice but to see her in his field of view. She basically stated to him she understood he was purposely not talking to her, but at any given time she would be able to flip open his hatch and get the details she needed without his consent. ‘Not while I still live and breathe’ he thought to himself as he watched her let out a sigh and sat back up on him. ‘You have no idea what it feels like to have everything you thought you knew to be a big fat lie.’ She had stated, If only she knew just exactly who she was using as a chair at this very moment and just how he got to be like this, perhaps she would reword what she had just said.
He’d never tell her though, what was the use of sharing past life experiences with someone you’re hired to take out? He felt her shift her weight as she came to a stand, walking over to the window she peered out into the night and glanced back into the room “Shit!” she cried out as she stated that she had to get out of here. Fortunately she had given him access to use his head as he changed his field of view to allow him to see what was outside, Zen Legion gunner ships, armed to the teeth with rather nasty guns, amongst that they could carry up to 10 troops each also armed up with rather nasty guns. He could withstand quiet the punishment as his body displaced most the pressure from any bullet outwards, this in turn made the impact force lessen thus allowing his body to get shot at quiet a lot more. Normal bullets could never take him down, he was designed to single handily win wars, not to die from a single shot high powered rifle.
She was in a spot of trouble and they both knew it, he smirked as his lips part “Run rabbit, Run” he arched a brow as his hues glanced down to her, he wasn’t going to help her; Not this time. But just what exactly was she going to do to get out of this situation? Not like she had the equipment or knowledge of the area to escape here unscaved. Either way looks like people were starting to realize she had gone missing and they wanted her back badly, and once they figured out she had remembered, they’d rewire her again. “Enjoy being rewired back to a brand new life again” he chuckled as he laid there on the floor waiting for her next move.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Turning slowly, she heard the snide comments coming from the merc called Adam. “Oh sure..now you decide to flap your gums.” She knew he had a point, but did he have to rub it in. She moved quickly across the room, and started to take off all his weapons –basically arming herself since she would need to make her way back out onto the street. Till she could hot wire a car and get out of the Dead Zone fast. She took off his M1911 holster and gun, then unceremoniously relived him of his trench coat, and any other weapons he had upon his person. He was a touch heavy so this made it awkward but she managed it.
Putting on his weapons and his trench coat, the last thing she took was his cigarettes packet, the lighter off the bed and his account card. The coat was a touch big on her but for now it would have to do. She went to head for the door, as the timer for the code was counting down to the dying seconds.
“I’d ask you to wish me luck, but…we both know that won’t happen. So let’s hope not to meet again, eh? Chow.”
And with that, she left the apartment.
<3>
IceTe3a: He watched as she came back from the window over to him, she started going through his pockets as she started stripping him of everything he had on his self, first she took his custom M1911, then his smokes and credit swipe. Lastly she literally took the shirt off his back, leaving him laying on the floor unarmed, she came to stand as he watched her carefully, oh he’d get her back for this one. He didn’t bother saying anything as she stripped him of all he had, that he was expecting, he would have to return back to his place and re gear up then hunt her down for his equipment back.
She went for the door as she looked back, she said ‘I’d ask you to wish me luck, but we both know that won’t happen. So let’s hope not to meet again, eh? Chow.’ And with that she disappeared out of the door leaving him on the floor, Oh he was planning on meeting her again that much was for sure. The code she had input into his systems was about to remove itself allowing his systems to reboot and he would have full access again. She would be long gone by now into the darkness out of the way of the Zen.
Footsteps could be heard marching in the hotel as doors slammed open and people were screaming, they were doing a room to room search. “Fuck…” he said out loudly, if they found him, he’d be screwed. Finally the code was removed, now only his system needed to reboot, his system started to reboot slowly, but he already knew it was too late. *Boom* the door slams open as Zen soldiers rush in and surround his body, they scan his eyes as a call comes through one of their headsets *It’s Him, we finally found him, bring him back to base We’ll have the scientists ready to dissect him so we can finally mass produce” His systems rebooted fully but it was already too late, several of the guards shove tazers into his body, attempting to overload his systems. “AARRRRGH” It didn’t overload him but it made him scream loudly before passing out. The Zen warships flew off into the night sky as it left a transport truck for the soldiers to place Adam in along with them for the ride home.
It took 6 guys to pick him up and drag him down the stairs and out to the street where they dumped his unconscious body, he was heavy too heavy for them to lift anymore, one good thing about his body some would say. As they started to discuss just how they were going to lift his body up into the truck, he laid there able to see everything but his systems were unconscious once more. He had been put back on the radar and now he was captured, they were going to tear him open and find out what they did right so they could mass produce more like him for their own personal use.
He laid there as 3 soldiers went into the truck and drove off, leaving the last three soldiers to surround his body and keep a look out, they were obviously waiting for something with a bit more power to come pick him up, so they were left to make sure he didn’t escape their grasp this time otherwise it would mean their heads. He was awake to his entire surroundings but unable to do anything about it, as he cursed himself for even going to the rooftop tonight. He will know better next time that much was for sure, just how was he going to get out of this one.
Eyyrs had been traveling most of the day and both she and Vor were beginning to tire. She felt as if she’d put enough distance between herself and her home and decided to stop for the night. She released the carrier from the saddle and removed the saddle from Vor’s back before letting him free to forage for food. There seemed to be an abundance of it in the lush grasses she could see, and with the lake a few feet away, they had plenty of water.
She set up her tent before taking up her makeshift fishing nets to see what she could catch for her supper. She made sure the nets were securely tied before she cast them into the water and then went to look for wood for her fire. Once that was set up, the waters of the lake looked inviting and she hadn’t bathed in so long, she felt that this was an opportunity that she could not let pass. She pulled out a new set of clothing and some soap before she found a spot that was still visible from her camp but away from where she was fishing. She removed her soiled garments before wading into the cold waters. She inhaled sharply as cold seeped into her bones, but she was used to such temperatures and waded in until the water reached her waist. She set about cleaning her body and washing her hair, not bothered in the least about being nude in the open. There was no one around for miles that she could see or sense and didn’t feel threatened.
Clean, she then set about washing her dirtied clothing before removing them and herself from the water. Draping them over some branches, she put on her dry clothing before going to check her nets. There were two large trout caught within and her mouth watered at the sight of them.
She took them to her camp and set about removing the scales and bones before she began to cook them over her fires. The smell made her stomach rumble and she realized she hadn’t eaten since she woke that morning.
Fish cooked, she began to eat hungrily as she watched Vor move around close by. She smiled at him. He was the only male she felt she could trust herself to be around, even if he was a horse. Dinner eaten and the remains disposed off so no wild animals could sniff them out, she felt herself becoming sleepy.
“Good night, my friend.” she whispered to Vor. “We will begin our travels again at first light.” Crawling into her tent and beneath the furs, it took her no time at all to fall asleep, as the night around her encampment came alive with the sounds of its nocturnal breathren.
As the horse stood and grazed on the grasses around the campsite that Eyyrs had made, a dark figure was making its way through the trees. The night time creatures, that were normally creating chatter all suddenly stopped, and this would have Vor bring his head up and his ears twitch for the oncoming sound. The horse whinnied and snorted, braying and dragging it’s hoof through the underbrush as danger appeared to be approaching.
He had been following her closely. Each time she stopped she would leave a trail, till finally making her new camp. Even though it was dark he was hugely impressed by how she had set up camp on her own. Worthy of her name she was. Valkrik could see the scales and bones of a fish she must have caught, and he smirked to himself.
It would be good to partake in a meal with her again. Now, he could see her tent, and he began to approach it, as the horse reared up in fright.
Rough hands traveled over her naked body, causing her to shiver with need. A breathy moan escaped her lips as her body undulated beneath the hardened peaks of the body that was draped across her own. There was a very distinct hardness pressed into her thigh and her legs opened like a flower in bloom.
“Oh…” she moaned. Lips traveled across her neck, nipping and biting, teasing her into an erotic frenzy.
“What do you want?” whispered a dark voice. “Tell me and it shall be yours.”
“You. Just you.” she answered honestly. Her eyes remained closed as her lover hungrily kissed her, his steel shaft sliding into her body in one hard thrust. She gasped and her eyes flew open…
~End Dream~
…to the sound of Vor whinnying in fright. She swiped a hand across her sweaty brow as the last vestages of the dream left her feeling trembling and weak all over. Her heart was beating fiercely in her chest. Before she could analyze that, something more pressing caught her attention: her horse was truly frightened of something. Taking up her sword, she ran from her tent and saw Vor was rearing back and pawing the air with his hooves, the whites of his eyes showing how frightened he really was.
“Whoa boy! Whoa! Be calm! Shhh! Calm down! Shhh!” she whispered soothingly, remaining slightly out of reach of the sharp hooves. The last thing she needed was to be knocked in the head by her own horse. Vor slowly began to calm down, dropping down to the ground before he moved to her side and allowed her to pet his muzzle. “Good boy. That’s a good boy.” she soothed, taking up his reigns and leading him to the tent, where she tied him to one of the poles. She turned her attention to the night around her, trying to pierce the dark with her eyes to see what had frightened her horse so much. She heard nothing, saw nothing and smelled nothing. But she had the strange sense of being watched.
“Who’s there?” she demanded, brandishing her sword.
There it was. The beauty of his life, his sister emerging from her tent to sooth the horse’s nerves having been fraught with fear from the approaching viking. A man that the horse should well know, but he was not a man at all. The dull embers from the fire would brighten – their sparks bursting into flame at the presence of one that was heralded to be the son of a King, and a dark Queen.
“Whoa boy! Whoa! Be calm! Shhh! Calm down! Shhh!”
Her whispers were like a warm hand being guided across a face lovingly, and even Valkrik could feel it as it passed over him too like a wave on a summer’s night. The horse calmed, and dropped down on the ground obediently. How good she was with beasts. All to fall at her hand and adore her all the more. Would he be the same.
After tying up her horse, she instinctively turned around, sensing someone….danger. She demanded answers, brandishing her sword before her. It gleamed even in the shadows of the night.
Finally he broke from the shadows, his face now plainly visible. He had traveled all this way, to bring her back to her people…to him.
“You didn’t even say goodbye, Eyyrs.”
Valkrik put his hand out to stop her from using the blade against him. “Put that down, now.” His voice had a sense of finality to it, like he would not argue with her. She was a woman, and would do as she was told.
There was the rustle of brush nearby and then someone stepped from the woods and into the light provided by her fire. Although his face was shadowed, she would know those steel blue eyes even from a distance.
Her sword remained aloft as she stared at Valkrik. How had he found her? She’d been gone for nearly 2 days. It shouldn’t have been possible for anyone to find her.
“What are you doing here?” she demanded, ignoring his order to relinquish her sword. “You need to leave. You canna be here!”
It was truly worrying for the young woman. She had been told, quite emphathetically that she was to steer clear of him. He had been raised as her brother, and yet…he was not a brother of her blood.
And that made it all the more dangerous to be around him, considering what she was feeling, and the dream she was woken from.
She heard the words of the witch echoing over and over in her head like a curse. He needed to return home and pretend he had never found her.
“Did you hear what I said? You need to leave!” she scowled. She didn’t want to raise her sword against him…but to protect them both, she would.
Valkrik watched her with those cool blue eyes of his. She did not lower her weapon, but did re-sheath it. At first she let fly with questions of why he was there, but she should well know the answer to that. She was the Chieftain’s daughter and belonged with the clan. He could see in her eyes, worry…fear. What was wrong with her to feel this way with him, her brother.
Valkrik moved towards her and reached to grab her right hand. To bring her towards him as he stared down at her. “Did you hear what I said? You need to leave!”
“Only if you are with me, Eyyrs.” His voice was deep like that of the man in her dream. “I have not come all this way to go back empty handed.”
Valkrik paused as he smelt her feminine musk, a fragrance that was truly unique to her. At first it made him heady and he had to blink to clear his mind.
“You can sleep here, then in the morning we go back.”
It was like he was talking to her as if he owned her.
Titanpad Roleplay Session: May 16, 2014
Roleplay Group: Mirari: Forest of Ashes – Lands of Old
Players: CharlotteCarrendar as Valkrik and LadyBelz as Eyyrs
LadyBelz: She stared at him as if he had lost his head. Go back? It would be a cold day in Hel before she went back. He moved to reach for her hand to draw her close to him, successfully. The touch of his hand set off a tingling through her entire body. She grit her teeth and ignored it.
But as she listened to him state that he was taking her back, she found her voice and yanked her arm away from him, taking a couple of steps back in the process. “I’m not going back and you can’t make me. I refuse!” she glared, pointing her sword at him. “You are neither my father nor my brother and you have NO rights to me whatsoever.”
——
CharlotteCarrendar; The tone which she used only showed her annoyance that he would go as far as to act as the Elder in this situation. Naturally he was, but she was not buying any of it. Gritting her teeth like an angered animal, she drew her sword and took steps back in order to be on her guard if he tried another attempt to bend her to his will.
“You are Daughter of Ghar and will obey law of our people. You can’t just run off as you so please.” He glanced down as she brandished the sword at her, with all the determination of one of his own men. Valkrik narrowed his gaze as she squared off, but it was the part where she announced that he was not her brother, that it was like a bolt had been fired right through him.
“No rights? You disown me as blood and say I have no rights?”
You could see a darkness creeping up his skin as he fought to restrain his inner demon, who was now rejoicing at the encounter.
“I have been there, for you all my life. If ANYONE has rights…it is me.”
He then did the unthinkable and walked right up so that the tip of her blade would be pointed into his chest.
“Eyyrs…return with me, or kill me here.”
——-
LadyBelz: It seemed as if Valkrik was not going to be dissuaded from his task by her words alone. What did she have to do to make him return to their people? Didn’t he understand that to be near him, close to him, would mean the destruction of their people? Why were men so damn stubborn?
“I know you have been there for me, and I appreciate it more then I can say. But Valkrik, to go with you now…I simply can’t. You are going to have to haul me off in chains if that’s what it takes, but I refuse to go back.”
Her eyes widened when he walked right up to her, the blade of her sword now pressed against his strong chest. “What are you doing?” she questioned, back away from him once more. His plea of returning with him or killing him had her blood boiling.
“Are you out of your ever blooming mind? I will not kill you! You canna ask that of me! And I still refuse to go back!” she shouted, turning on her heel and striding away, sheathing her sword as she did so. She didn’t care what direction she was going, she just needed to get away before she did something stupid. The longer he was around her, the harder it was becoming to not simply fall into his arms. She could not have these kinds of feelings.
Not even bothering to see where he was, she broke into a run, hoping to put some distance between them.
——
CharlotteCarrendar: – A silence fell over the area, as Eyyrs turned her back on Valkrik and ran. Ran as far away as she could through the dark of night. Only thing she didn’t understand was just how fast he was and not only that, as he sought to end this and complete the task he had started, his own powers rippled beneath the surface. She questioned him, his mind and his sanity. All of which were perfectly fine, since he had come to accept what he was, even if he had no heart to tell those he loved the truth.
But she had seen him. She knew the truth. Darting through the scrub land like a blur, keeping up with her till finally leaping high over a tree, around a rock and then coming down the same track she was on, but being in front of her, he spoke words that may well shake her to the core.
“I know why you run. Now I tell you why you go back. I know what I feel, Eyyrs. I only seek to protect you, and to do that you NEED to be with the Ghar. I return you…and then I leave.”
It would come as a shock to her possibly, but he was doing all this…because he loved her.
“Come home. That is all I ask. You will not suffer out here alone because of me.”
——-
LadyBelz: On she ran, not bothering to take note of where she was or where she was heading to. She only knew that she had to get away from him. How was it possible that two people, with two different tasks, set out to do the exact same thing? To protect one another from The Fates.
She jumped with fright when she looked up to see him standing stock still in front of her and slid to a halt along the loose earth beneath her feet. She’d forgotten about his powers for a moment.
He knew why she ran? Odin’s teeth! He was driving her insane!
“There is no need for you to leave the Ghar because I am not going back. How many times must I tell you this?” She waved her hands about in exasperation, nearly ready to tear her own hair out in frustration. Growling under her breath, she stalked right up to him and pulled her arm back to punch him in the stomach.
“Listen well, Valkrik of Ghar! I AM NOT NOW NOR WILL I EVER GO BACK THERE!”
She moved to turn away from him for a (hopefully) final time, sure she had made her point.
She threw one more parting shot over her shoulder. “I have my reasons for not going back and they involve you and I in some capacity. So return to the Ghar. Pretend you never sought me out. I no longer exist. I am not a wayward child. I am a full-fledged woman, capable of making my own decisions about my life.”
At that she paused and turned to face him, the light in her eyes suddenly bright and she let out a harsh bark of laughter.
“I get it now. Father sent you after me. Yes…that’s it…he wants to marry off like some brood mare and become the perfect little Viking wife and raise a bunch of snotty nosed little brats! That will never happen! I won’t allow it!”
She turned and stormed away from him, heading back to her tent. The conversation, as far as she was concerned, was over.
——
CharlotteCarrendar: What is it about a woman like Eyyrs, who speaks with all the conviction of an Elder at council, and yet she was defending her right to leave and go where she liked, regardless of the fact of her place in society. She screamed that she would never go back. Valkrik continued to watch the tirade being played out as though she had the stick and was given right to speak freely before men. Only thing different was the fact she shouted a lot. Her voice spooking the night time creatures back to their nests and burrows.
But the part where she was wrong, was where she accused her Father of sending him. If anything he wanted other men to do it, but Valkrik kept insisting it be him to bring her back. She was his responsibility since he made a vow to his mother to always protect her, regardless of the consequences.
The rant turned in a sense to advising him on how to speak to those when he goes back empty handed. That she is this strong, capable woman that can do just fine on her own, and didn’t need a man or a family….or a clan for that matter.
It was then that Valkrik picked his turn to talk…..and boy was this going to be good.
“Father does want to marry you off. Yes, he sees you as a prize mare, but he also knows you have the heart of a warrior within you and that you would not settle for just anyone. If you did, they would have to be of very high honour, and capture the violent heart that beats within you.”
He walked over to her tent, and held up the flap as he continued.
“You won’t settle for anyone. You won’t be tamed. But as Odin is my witness, I know of a man that can make you bend. That can make that heart of yours feel.”
He approached her now and gripped her hair behind her head so she would have to stare at him. She would not be able to escape the fire in his eyes.
“All my life…I have lived for one. Do you know who that is? The one that I have watched over, and even killed for. The one….” His voice trailed off as he found a lump rising in his throat. “….that would settle for no other.. Do you even know why I do not lay with other women? My nights are filled with but one….the one I can never have.”
Valkrik exhaled sharply through his nostrils. His fingers pulling a bit harder on her hair as the swelling of emotions only increased..
Without warning…he crushed his lips to hers in a fiery kiss that would leave her gasping. She would know the one…the answer to his riddles.
It was her.
——
LadyBelz: Again, he was right behind her, pelting her ears with questions and riddles that she did not want the answers to. A sharp pain went through her head and she turned slightly to see that he had her long blond hair wrapped around his fist and it didn’t look like he was going to release her any time soon.
His words struck her a physical blow as if he had laid a hand on her and it left her gasping. This could not be happening? She placed her hands over her ears and began humming loudly to try and drown out his words, but it was as if he was speaking directly into her head.
She shook her head in denial. “No! No! No! This cannot be happening! She said this was dangerous! She said it would mean doom! Let me go! Please for the love of Odin! Let me go!” She struggled to release her hair from his grip but it seemed as if her pleas had fallen on deaf ears.
Without warning, he hauled her tight against his body and crushed his lips over hers in a passionate kiss that left her weak in the knees and sent her heart careening around her chest as if it were on a spring.
All thoughts of resistance flew from her mind in the wake of such a kiss. It brought back to mind her dream, and the owner of those lips within.
She gasped sharply at that.
It had been Valkrik in her most deepest dreams. The man who had stolen her heart.
Once more, the witch’s words clamored for attention in her mind and her eyes flew open. She struggled against him, trying to push herself away, despite the fact his arms were like steel bands around her, and his mouth was still plundering hers, making her dizzy.
She prided herself on her will to fight whatever battles came at her. But this was one battle she was in danger of losing…and losing everything else in the process.
Didn’t he realize what he was doing to her? Couldn’t he feel the conflict within her?
But her mind and her heart were two different entities and her heart was slowly winning the battle. Her struggles began to lessen the longer he kissed her. The witch’s voice in her head was beginning to fade away into the nothingness. And her arms, of their own volition, moved to wrap around his neck.
She had lost the battle in the most spectacular of ways.
——
CharlotteCarrendar: What was to be sin, was truly not. They were not of blood, but simply siblings in name. That moment, when Valkrik seized the chance to prove that he was the one – the man that could tame her wild heart, then he gave it his all.
He slowly released her hair, so she had freedom to move her head, but his hand wandered. Down..lower down her back till cupping her ass and pulling her body closer into his. A kiss of power and dominance soon started to change, as her struggles became less. The winding of her arms around his neck showed her give herself to him. It was victory….and it was sweet.
Valkrik pulled his head back, panting heavily as he gazed upon her with an almost incredulous expression. He had tasted heaven – Valhalla.
So many nights, the dreams were the same, and that was of love making that would even have the Gods blush. Not through force though. He knew she was wild, and that was exactly how he wanted her to be.
Words unspoken, with large hands he started to untie her bodice and expose her to him as nature intended. His blue eyes cast down and a sense of awe hit him. She was magnificent. A body sculpted by the hands of Goddesses. He had tasted her lips, and now he wanted far more. His hand quickly came up to her head again, and tipped it so her neck was exposed. So fine and supple, with the veins beating blood from her heart to her brain. Again he snorted as he took to her neck with a hunger – a burning need. Lips, grazing teeth. A wicked tongue that flickered and tasted her flesh, while his own body was rigid and hard pressed to her hips.
She may have had others, used them for her own simple pleasures, but Valkrik was no mere mortal. A nip from his dog teeth came as his heart did race from the excitement – marking her for the first time. This would be the start of many, as in his frenzied mind, he scooped her up by the round globes of her ass, and again his lips took possession of hers. A feeding of frenzied lust, that would be infectious as his male scent grew and swirled around them.
Would she fight his advances, and beat his chest with closed fists….or would she melt upon him, and liquefy with raw appeal?
—–
LadyBelz: She felt his hand move lower on her body until he was cupping her ass tightly to him and she groaned at the feel of him pressed against her. She felt like if she died right at this moment, she would probably die happy.
There was a light and floating feeling within her, chasing away the last of her dark thoughts. It was too late to take back what he had wrought. It was too late to say no and running was no longer an option.
He was staking his claim in the most spectacular way and though she was a warrior, there was no fight left in her against him.
Dreams did not compare to the reality as his teeth and tongue went at her neck, tasting her skin for the first time, her body now exposed to his hungry gaze.
She panted heatedly, her neck bared for his pleasure, her body becoming caught in a blaze of fire and passion she’d never felt before. Again his lips claimed hers, his hands grabbing at her ass and she undulated her lower body against his, very much like she had done in her dreams.
Thinking became a moot point. Now she wanted to just simply feel. Her hands tore at his garments, ripping them from his body and tossing them wherever they lay. She wanted to feel his naked body pressed thoroughly against her own. Her hands roamed over his now-exposed chest and back, feeling his muscles tighten with tension. Her head fell back with a throaty laugh. She was feeling dizzy and weak with need.
She had never wanted anyone more than she wanted him in that moment. Valkrik – the man of her heart.
“Please?” she begged him in a husky whisper.
——
CharlotteCarrendar: Valkrik answered her plea but without word, as he carried her to her tent and then lowered so he could place her well inside. She had torn from him his cloth, and now he returned the favour, only with his hands moving slowly so she would feel the coarseness of his flesh drag across hers exposing each part of her to the air. Her body laid out on the travel furs within the humble tent would become the bed of a Queen. He hovered over her, and could hear her panting, watching her chest with the ripe mounds and stung nipples heaving from her exertions. He never wanted a woman so much, but he knew that to have this creature…to truly experience her was to savor her like she was a fine wine. To drink her in. Her very essence would he extract and this was done with surprisingly tender hands. His knees straddled her thighs, and he began at her chin, so her head was tilted back. Almost wolf like in his manner but this was to heighten her own desires to the point she was a writhing mess. She would watch as he shadowed her with his form, hard and rigid. Thick and muscular.
Each kiss, that blazed a trail across her would soon leave small marks as he found himself biting her in places where the skin was rounded – from her shoulders to her breasts. She would feel every part a woman as his heated passion only rose higher with each passing moment.
Valkrik had all night, and he planned this to be the first of many conquests of her body. She surrended, a captive to his desires and he was going to pay her the highest compliment. Reward her for her submission. With a knee he parted her legs, while his arms moved to go under her own, lifting her off the floor slightly as he moved to position himself so he would be able to thrust within in her aching body at will. He even rubbed his swollen head along the ripe lips of her nether regions, to tease her of what was to come. But in the final moments, as eyes locked, and hearts became one, he used his body two fold. Bringing her body forward, as his pelvis descended to make the ultimate claim. Pushing solidly into her with his thickened member – threatening to erupt as it delved deeper within her. His face a mix of joy, love and shock at how it felt.
Even dreams cannot create this kind of fantasy…that had just become real.
Watch Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart perform this amazing classic, this gave me such a rush. This is an emotional moment as well, because the son of their dear friend and drummer John Bonham is playing the drums. John passed away right after the height of Led Zeppelin.
[Verse 1: Nate Ruess]
Mom, I know I let you down
And though you say the days are happy
Why is the power off, and I’m fucked up?
And, Mom, I know he’s not around
But don’t you place the blame on me
As you pour yourself another drink, yeah.
[Hook: Nate Ruess]
I guess we are who we are
Headlights shining in the dark night I drive on
Maybe we took this too far
[Verse 2: Eminem]
I went in headfirst
Never thinking about who what I said hurt, in what verse
My mom probably got it the worst
The brunt of it, but as stubborn as we are
Did I take it too far?
“Cleaning Out My Closet” and all them other songs
But regardless I don’t hate you ’cause, Ma,
You’re still beautiful to me, ’cause you’re my mom
Though far be it from you to be calm, our house was Vietnam
Desert Storm and both of us put together can form an atomic bomb equivalent to Chemical warfare
And forever we can drag this on and on
But, agree to disagree
That gift from me up under the Christmas tree don’t mean shit to me
You’re kicking me out? It’s 15 degrees and it’s Christmas Eve (little prick just leave)
Ma, let me grab my fucking coat, anything to have each other’s goats
Why we always at each other’s throats?
Especially when dad, he fucked us both
We’re in the same fucking boat, you’d think that it’d make us close (nope)
Further away it drove us, but together headlights shine, a car full of belongings
Still got a ways to go, back to grandma’s house it’s straight up the road
And I was the man of the house, the oldest, so my shoulders carried the weight of the load
Then Nate got taken away by the state at eight years old,
And that’s when I realized you were sick and it wasn’t fixable or changeable
And to this day we remained estranged and I hate it though, but
[Hook]
[Verse 3: Eminem]
‘Cause to this day we remain estranged and I hate it though
‘Cause you ain’t even get to witness your grand babies grow
But I’m sorry, Mama, for “Cleaning Out My Closet”, at the time I was angry
Rightfully maybe so, never meant that far to take it though,
’cause now I know it’s not your fault, and I’m not making jokes
That song I no longer play at shows and I cringe every time it’s on the radio
And I think of Nathan being placed in a home
And all the medicine you fed us
And how I just wanted you to taste your own,
But now the medications taken over
And your mental state’s deteriorating slow
And I’m way too old to cry, the shit is painful though
But, Ma, I forgive you, so does Nathan, yo
All you did, all you said, you did your best to raise us both
Foster care, that cross you bear, few may be as heavy as yours
But I love you, Debbie Mathers, oh, what a tangled web we have,
’cause one thing I never asked was
Where the fuck my deadbeat dad was
Fuck it, I guess he had trouble keeping up with every address
But I’d have flipped every mattress, every rock and desert cactus
Own a collection of maps and followed my kids to the edge of the atlas
Someone ever moved them from me? That you coulda bet your asses
If I had to come down the chimney dressed as Santa, kidnap them
And although one has only met their grandma once
You pulled up in our drive one night as we were leaving to get some hamburgers
Me, her and Nate, we introduced you, hugged you
And as you left I had this overwhelming sadness come over me
As we pulled off to go our separate paths,
And I saw your headlights as I looked back
And I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my Mom and my Dad
So, Mom, please accept this as a tribute I wrote this on the jet
I guess I had to get this off my chest,
I hope I get the chance to lay it before I’m dead
The stewardess said to fasten my seatbelt, I guess we’re crashing
So if I’m not dreaming, I hope you get this message that I’ll always love you from afar
‘Cause you’re my Ma
[Hook]
[Verse 4: Nate Ruess]
I want a new life (start over)
One without a cause (clean slate)
So I’m coming home tonight (yeah)
Well, no matter what the cost
And if the plane goes down
Or if the crew can’t wake me up
Well, just know that I’m alright
I was not afraid to die
Oh, even if there’s songs to sing
Well, my children will carry me
Just know that I’m alright
I was not afraid to die
Because I put my faith in my little girls
So I never say, “Goodbye, cruel world.”
Just know that I’m alright
I am not afraid to die
The sun had long set and yet the two of them had remained on the beach, sitting in the sand and staring out at the water. The ruined remains of their untouched dinner lay somewhere behind them, as each contemplated their roles in their relationship.
For Pandora, it was an eye-opening experience. How had a daughter she had never expected to have, come before her and give her the strength and hope she needed to forgive her man? And who exactly was Charlotte to Brock?
So many questions she had that she needed the answers to.
She looked up from where she had been resting her head on his shoulder, and saw the damage she’d caused him…the hurt and pain she had caused him. She reached up and shyly touched the scars along his face and jaw.
“I am so sorry about these. I wish there was something I could do to heal them.” she murmured, pressing a kiss to his bare shoulder. “But I understand so much now, why you wanted me to be that way with you.”
He remained quiet, didn’t look at her. Sighing, she got to her feet, dusting off her clothes. Her back was to him as she spoke once more.
“If that is what you want…all I can tell you is that I can try. I don’t like causing pain, I don’t like feeling dominate over someone else, stealing their free will. But I’ll try…for you.”
He still said nothing and she bowed her head.
“I’m staying at the Kahala Hotel, Suite 104…if you wish to talk more.” she added. “Good night, Brock.”
She strode back up the beach toward the hotel, leaving Brock with his thoughts. They still had some things to work through and she sincerely hoped he didn’t shut her out again. She was sure she would not survive a second time.
The waves continued to roll in with the white foam riding up the sand till almost touching Brock’s feet then ebbing away just as quickly. The night hadn’t gone according to play, not in the real sense. In a way he had a chance again, but in a way things would be different between them. Pandora saw what he truly was. Masked well beneath the glamorous facade that she had come to know, the hideous truth was exposed. The Beast. It was what he was. It was what his family were. It…was what his daughter would be. Though more a hybrid – one that held Brock and Pandora’s powers.
Brock’s punishment for his betrayal would forever more be seen. His face now disfigured and under certain light, his eyes had a sickly yellow hue. He was no longer…what women would consider attractive, not that he was ever vain about such things. The wounds were still raw, still fresh. Emblazoned upon his skin. His kind can heal such scars….but he chose not too. He felt the same way inside as he did outside. There would be no more lies…no more half truths. This was who he was. The path now taken would mean….he would have Hope. One way or another.
The young spider demon didn’t watch Pandora leave, for he knew which way she went. He needed a bit more time to gather himself before he would venture back to the hotel.
Pandora’s words washed over him, that she would try to be what he wanted…needed.It was what got them into the mess in the first place. Trying to achieve what came naturally for his kind. The women of his species were dominant. Charlotte was a perfect example of this. It was how it was. Brock had a lot to explain….and a lot of changes to make. He continued to watch the waves, till he pushed himself to standing and then headed back to the hotel. First, he would go to his room and change…then…face her.
Pandora’s apartment – Suite 104
There would be a knock at the door, as Brock stood outside dressed in a simple smart shirt and jeans. His hair still unkempt and that roguish look about him. One couple walked past him in the corridor, then whispered about his appearance. Brock didn’t comment but waited for Pandora to answer the door.
Once she did, he would walk in slowly till standing in the centre of the room. There was no mad embrace, no lover’s kiss. It was time to confess…to tell her everything.
Slowly he raised his gaze to hers.
“You probably have..a million questions. And I guess it would be only fair to let you ask them, but before you do, I need to explain…my behavior.” – he looked down a moment, and stared at the floor.- “The race my family is is known as Bebilith…demon spiders. I’m a demon.” He paused then looked up slowly. “We only change…to what you saw when threatened or…about to attack another.”
Taking a breath he then continued. “Our kind has a matriarch system. The…female is the dominant sex. Charlotte, my aunt is…the current Matriarch. She is the keeper and carer of the entire family. As I mentioned long ago, my mother died after childbirth from a virus. Ever since then Charlotte has played a key role in caring for our well being. It’s…why she came when she did….and it’s why she…had our daughter.”
Now was the tricky part. How did their daughter cross time?
“One of our abilities is to move from one plane of existence to another. Our…daughter can do it, like I can.”
“I should have explained…why…I asked you to…dominate me. It wasn’t cause I am some guy who is into kinks…I…experienced a need…that came from being what I am.” He sighed, for he knew her feelings on it. “I can fight..my own instinct if it means that you will have me again.”
The walk back to her room was slow and steady as she became lost in her own thoughts. Would he come see her, as she hoped? Or would he need more time?
So many revelations made this night…and in space of a few hours. Life was certainly full of surprises.
Reaching her door, she was about to press the key into the lock when she heard something strange…a rhythmic thumping noise coming from the direction of Jason’s room. Frowning, she stepped away from her own door and moved down the hall. The noises were louder and they were definitely coming from his room. She reached a hand up to knock when she was startled from doing so by a sharp feminine cry coming from behind the door.
“Yes! Oh God, Jason!”
“Jane…oh fuck!”
Stunned and wondering what the hell went on between those two while she was away, she quietly crept away from the door and went to her own room, a wry smile on her face.
She stripped out of her dress and ducked into the shower to wash the grime and sand off of her body.
Once cleaned and dried again, she slipped into her nightie and then a short robe before she ran a comb through her damp hair. She had just finished doing that when there was a tentative knock on her door. Nervous, she set down the comb and got to her feet, approaching the door slowly.
She grasped the knob and took a deep breath before she opened it to see Brock standing on the threshhold. In the light of the room, the scars stood out in stark relief against his skin and yet he never looked more handsome. She stepped aside to allow him entry before closing the door.
He stood in the center of the room, not moving to embrace her, which she was slightly thankful for, given the chaotic nature of her thoughts. He seemed to be gathering himself before he finally brought his gaze to hers. She felt her heart sink as she took in the yellowish hue of one of his eyes. Was that her doing, or the result of his spider demon? She swallowed past the lump in her throat and waited for him to speak.
And speak he did, explaining to her who and what he was, his family geneology and how their daughter was able to come to this plane of existence. He even explained why he had wanted her to dominate him, it was how their society worked.
It went a long way to explaining why he had wanted her to be that way with him.
“I can fight..my own instinct if it means that you will have me again.”
She was silent for a few moments as she gathered her thoughts. But there was simply only one thing she could say.
“Why didn’t you tell me all this sooner, Brock? Did you think I wouldn’t understand? Leave you? Call you a liar? What?” There was no anguish or anger in her tone. It was genuine curiosity and concern. She really wanted to understand him more. If they had that, they would be able to move on. He would be able to hear the concern in her tone.
“Why didn’t you tell me all this sooner, Brock? Did you think I wouldn’t understand? Leave you? Call you a liar? What?”
Brock sighed and then he explained the truth from his perspective.
“I don’t know if you remember…but, you are the first real relationship I have had. I learnt from my brothers how women reacted to the …truth. Orson…he just is able to control himself I guess, either that or he is a total man whore.”
This might have brought some laughter from Pandora, maybe not.
“I tried to be how human men are….taking their ladies to dinner, lunches..cooking food…women like that, I think.”He was trying not to dig a hole too deep, but either way at least it was the truth. “I was afraid you wouldn’t understand if I acted like…I’m supposed too. It’s hard living as something you’re not..”
He rang his hands as he spoke, and then winced as one of the scars seemed to be weeping. Then came the horrible part of his confession. “Then when I went into Simone’s room…bathroom was littered with images of dominating…she..uhm…and, I don’t know what came over me.” it was probably dangerous ground on which to be treading, but he felt he needed to be heard.
“I don’t know if you remember…but, you are the first real relationship I have had. I learnt from my brothers how women reacted to the …truth. Orson…he just is able to control himself I guess, either that or he is a total man whore.” he grinned, somewhat shyly at her.
Pandora couldn’t help herself. She chuckled at that. Having met Orson the one time, she got the sense he didn’t care what woman warmed his sheets so long as he had one to do so.
Brock took a deep breath and continued speaking; how he tried to be like a normal, mortal man – trying to do the things those men do, such as dates and cooking.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t understand if I acted like…I’m supposed too. It’s hard living as something you’re not..”
She watched his hands twist together and stared at him critically when one of the wounds along his cheek seemed to break open and begin weeping. If he didn’t take care of it, infection was sure to set in. She frowned and got to her feet as he continued speaking, going into the bathroom and getting the first aid kit the hotel left for their guests to use if needed. She returned to the room and took Brock’s hand, pushing him to sit upon her bed.
She let him continue talking as she poured some anticeptic upon a sterilized cloth.
“Then when I went into Simone’s room…bathroom was littered with images of dominating…she..uhm…and, I don’t know what came over me….You probably didn’t want to hear that….”
She dabbed at the wound on his face as she thought about what she would say.
“No…I didn’t want to hear about it…but I’m glad you told me.” she stated in a soft voice. “And I understand now…your instincts were calling to you. And she’s pretty domineering. Doesn’t excuse what you did, mind you. But I understand it. And Brock…” she turned his face so that she could see his eyes, “I do know what it’s like to try to be something you’re not. My mother tried to sell me out to her child-raping, drug-addicted husband. And I kept that secret deep within me for a long time. I tried to be the tough bitch everyone was used to seeing…but you…tore down the walls that I built like they were tissue paper. You made it seem so easy.” She ran her fingers through his hair, marvelling at its soft texture. “I think that’s when I realized that I was starting to love you. And I tried to hide that too.”
She taped a dry bandage over his face, after applying some first aid gel to keep the wound clean. It was the least she could do for causing his injuries. She didn’t know that he could have healed them with a thought. He did not move from her side and feeling empowered, she pressed a light kiss to his forehead.
Brock sat perfectly still as Pandora cleaned the wound. it stung each time she pressed the cloth against her skin. He didn’t speak as she accepted what he had told her. He had been hiding his true self for so long that he had forgotten what he was. The truth in a way was liberating. Brock’s eyes darted to hers and held them.
“The time apart from you taught me a lot. About myself, and all I had done wrong. Not just with you but with others. I let my anger lash out and…instead of being true, I made it worse.” As she pressed her lips to his forehead he closed his eyes, and a single tear fell. It rolled down over the cleaned wounds and through it.
“I could say I am sorry every day for the rest of my life….or I could be a better man, and step up like I should have.”He opened his sickly yellow eyes and whispered. “I just want to find my way back to you.”
A single light was on in the room, lending an almost intimate setting between the two of them. She drew back from her kiss to see a tear roll down his cheek, soaking into the bandage on his face.
“Brock…” she whispered, but he continued to speak as if he hadn’t heard her.
“I could say I am sorry every day for the rest of my life….or I could be a better man, and step up like I should have…I just want to find my way back to you.”
And just like that, his words freed her heart from the pain she had suffered for the past week. She got to her feet, returning the first aid supplies to the bathroom and disposing of what she had used. She didn’t return to his side right way. She moved to turn off the light, allowing the moon to provide all the light they needed.
She moved to stand between his spread legs, close enough that he could smell the lavendar lotion she used from her shower. She reached for the tie of her robe, slowly drawing it away from her body and allowing the material to slide down her arms. She caught it with one hand and tossed it away from her. She stood before him in a simple nightie. It wasn’t her usual black, but a nice floral pattern that had never been seen on her body, ever.
She spoke not a word and when it looked as if he wanted to say something, she gently pressed a finger to his lips and shushed him.
She reached for his hands and rested his palms on her shoulders, before dropping her own hands. She had just given him permission to touch her in any way he wanted.
A moon beam illuminated the beauty that was Pandora. In a light slip of fabric that was so soft and pretty. Flowers of spring woven into silk. No words left his lips for she had already silenced him with just a simple finger. Taking his hands and placing them upon her shoulders and then letting her hands fall free. His large calloused digits ran over the silky smoothness of her skin. So warm beneath his fingers. Her supple shoulders so rounded and he let his hands smooth over her gentle curves before bringing a hand back up to place behind her neck – fingers feeling their way through her hair. She smelt so wonderful; of lavender and this relaxed him further. Gently he pulled her towards him as he enjoyed what would be the first kiss that night of many. Lips pressed to hers as he savored her taste.
Brock could feel her surrender as she would return his kisses with her own. His other hand ran down her spine till resting upon her rounded globes, which he caressed lovingly. There was no rush..no burning need to be sated. Brock wanted to enjoy her…this single moment. For it was the beginning of their new found love. Brock would show her this night what true love was. He pledged his heart and soul to her at that moment. Never again to venture from her side.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.