The Elmwood
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July 4th 10:00 am Redmond Street Mission - Domenic
"Father Sozio, are you in here?"
Domenic sighed. Just when I get a few minutes together to try and fix the van. "Yes Mrs. Norton, I'm in here." He rolled out from under the aging Ford Econoline, and looked at his 'executive assistant'. She was fifty, a widow, and probably one of the most devout women he had ever met. She disapproved of Domenic's past, his tattoo and his secular activities as a vampire executioner. She did however, approve of the amount of work he did for the 'downtrodden of the community' as she called them, so it all balanced out. It was one of the reasons she volunteered almost forty hours a week to do his paperwork. Domenic hated paperwork. "What do you need?"
"His Excellency the Bishop would like a word with you."
Domenic inhaled sharply. The Bishop? At this time of day? It could only mean they want me to do another vampire staking. It means somebody else has been attacked. Please God, don't let there be another rogue. "I'll be right there." This is turning into a hell of a way to spend a fourth of July....
"Hello, Your Excellency. What can I do for you?"
"I have a task for you, Father Sozio."
Father Sozio? Whatever happened to calling me Domenic? This isn't a good sign. "I am always willing to do God's work, Your Excellency." If he wants to be formal, so can I.
. "I am always willing to do God's work, Your Excellency." If he wants to be formal, so can I.
There was a pause on the line. Domenic knew that wasn't a good sign either. "I want you to investigate a possible Stigmata. There is a young woman in Seattle that seems to be exhibiting the wounds of Christ."
"Your Excellency, why have me investigate this? Surely there are others better qualified." What is it you aren't telling me?
The bishop paused again, longer this time. "Not in this case, Domenic. I am correct in recalling that you have a degree in predinatural biology?"
It was preternatural biology, but Domenic wasn't going to correct the bishop on so trivial an error. Besides, there was a knot growing in the pit of his stomach. "Yes, your Excellency."
"You have some experience in the field?"
"Some, your Excellency." Just spit it out.....
"Then you'd better come over here, Domenic. This isn't something I'm comfortable discussing over the phone."
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July 4th 11:30 am Bishop's Residence - Domenic
Domenic stepped out of the cab, and looked up at the stairs leading to the bishop's door. They always seemed longer that they were. There were fifteen of them. He had counted twice. There's no sense delaying this. Please, lord, give me the strength to face this, if it is a vampire. I've never dealt with one before in any way other than.... Other than killing them. Domenic had seven confirmed kills under his name. Each of those had been restrained, and it had always been daylight. Now, if he was right, he was going to be asked to sit down and talk to one, after the sun set, when they were strongest, and his belief was weakest. It was hard to believe in the mercy of God, when you know what terrors the night holds. Slowly, carefully, he began climbing the steps. Our Father, who art in Heaven....
Fourteen, fifteen. Domenic paused on the doorstep, his finger an inch from the buzzer. Waiting won't make it go away. You can't run. You can't hide. Suck it up, and ring the bell. Before he could change his mind, Domenic thrust his finger against the doorbell. He heard the chimes from within the house, and waited, fighting the urge to turn and run. His heart was in his throat when the door swung inwards.
Fourteen, fifteen. Domenic paused on the doorstep, his finger an inch from the buzzer. Waiting won't make it go away. You can't run. You can't hide. Suck it up, and ring the bell. Before he could change his mind, Domenic thrust his finger against the doorbell. He heard the chimes from within the house, and waited, fighting the urge to turn and run. His heart was in his throat when the door swung inwards.
The door swung open immediately. Jacob, the bishop's butler/housekeeper opened the door.
"Please come in, Father Sozio. His Excellency is expecting you."
Domenic stepped into the cool foyer. This is not going to be fun, but then, nobody promised that. Not when I was born, and not when I took my vows.... He waited, his palms sweaty. He had time to repeat the 23rd psalm to himself, slowly, before Jacob returned, to usher him into the bishop's office.
"Hello, father Sozio. Please sit down." The bishop did not rise from his seat to great Domenic, but then Domenic hadn't expected him to.
"Thank you your Excellency." The formality was strained. Domenic knew how uncomfortable he was, and was certain that the bishop was aware as well.
"I see no sense in wasting time. What do you know about Stigmata?"
"It is the physical manifestation of the wounds of Christ, on the hands and feet where he was nailed to the cross, and the left side, where he suffered a spear thrust. I don't recall hearing of a manifestation of the wounds from the crown of thorns, but I could be mistaken. The wounds have been known to leak blood or even olive oil, I believe. There have been many reported cases, but I think the Vatican has only declared a handful to be legitimate. I believe there was even a suggested case during his Holiness the Pope's visit to Canada. Toronto I think."
"That sounds accurate enough."
"You said you wanted me to investigate a case of Stigmata. What does my degree have to do with that? Surely there isn't some preternatural creature showing the signs." As soon as he said it, Domenic wished he hadn't. Please, God, don't let it be true.....
The Bishop sighed, and slid an envelope across his desk. "This was delivered to the Vatican eleven days ago. I received it this morning. Have a look."
Domenic took the thick manila envelope and slid the stack of photographs out into his hand. There were ten 8 1/2 x 11 glossy pictures, each one showing a close up of a body part. He shifted through them slowly, until he reached the very last one.
He felt his stomach clench as he looked at it. It was a photograph of a woman's neck, or at least he surmised it was a woman, form the luxurious flowing length of pale blonde hair. It wasn't the hair or the neck that caused his reaction, but the very obvious vampire fangs that were denting, but not yet piercing the flesh at the woman's pale throat.
"Sweet Jesus....."
"My response exactly, father Sozio," said the Bishop grimly.
"That envelope is all we have to go on. The return address is a non-existent number down by the waterfront. Before you ask, yes, there are several vampire owned businesses down there."
"What am I supposed to do with this, Your Excellency?"
The Bishop regarded Domenic for a moment. "I want you to find her, Domenic. Use that degree you worked so hard to get. You are the vampire executioner for Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Use whatever influence you have to find out who she is, and what happened to her. If she is dead, or God help us, undead, do whatever you have to. The church can arrange to apply a little pressure to make certain a warrant is processed for this beast." He sat back, almost as if exhausted by the vehemence of his outburst.
"I will your Excellency."
"Good. Take the envelope with you. I've seen quite enough of what is inside. I don't think I need to remind you about the need for discretion. Go with God, Father Sozio."
I'll need him with me, if I have to face one of those things when it's awake....
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July 4th 10am Seattle- Salvation Army- Braden
The girl turned her collar up, a light drizzle having started but, hey, this was Seattle which meant 360 days of rain the rest overcast and threatening rain. She had been standing outside the Sally Ann for two hours but it was worth it because today they handed out the donated clothes free to the homeless, those who through one reason or another had found themselves without a fixed permanent address. Braden shivered and smiled as the few, who walked up had thought they would get the first spot.
'Sorry you snooze you lose!' she thinks to herself looking hard at the three, older than she by a few years. She slouches against the door and the others eye her coldly and she swallowed softly. One started to walk forward when an employee came and unlocked the door and she hurried in.
The three paced in behind her and the hair on the back of her neck stood up and she got the distinct feeling of being hunted and not in a nice way. She sighed and hurried up to the young woman taking the information and was told to go into the room and take a look about and see what she liked.
You know if I have to change form why not something with some kick-ass respect built in The thought seemed to plague her these days for no one she met could explain the whys or wherefores to this curse. She heard a laugh and saw the three young men walk into the room behind her checking out the jeans and t-shirts. She bit her lip. Definitely were. But were what? That was the question.
The thought seemed to plague her these days for no one she met could explain the whys or wherefores to this curse. She heard a laugh and saw the three young men walk into the room behind her checking out the jeans and t-shirts. She bit her lip. Definitely were. But were what? That was the question.
She had a pair of jeans already, actually her size and two tee shirts both black, one plain the other with a logo of Guns and Roses on it appealing to her dark mood at the moment. The room quickly filled but she managed to come up with a true treasures. The newest outfit consisted of a blouse that was dark blue almost the same deep midnight as her eyes and was paired with a soft as butter black leather mini skirt.
She stepped up and took the offer of a shower going into the woman's bathroom with the mini travel shampoo and soap provided, hoping in her heart that the young weres would have left by the time she was clean and ready to face the world.
The hot water felt wonderful, the tension in her trickling down the drain with the stream of water or evaporating in the rising steam. Braden wasn't sure which but she felt better than she had in days. Quickly she shampooed and soaped up, rising off then stepping out in less than five minutes though she would have loved to stay for a good hour but that was not allowed. Drying off she got dressed, putting on the new clean underwear given to each client as they signed in then pulled on the skirt and blouse. She was delighted that a pair of thick warm tights appeared with a woven diamond pattern down the outside of her legs.
'Kewl' she thought pulling on the boots she had found, a pair of granny boots to complete her outfit. She then folded her lumberjack shirt and put it in the bottom of her backpack along with the socks, pair of jeans and two tees she had managed to snag for herself and a brand new pair of Nikes with the tags still on them. They were last years style, which meant some rich brat had kicked and fussed until Mom caved in and got them the more expensive 'in' pair of sneakers. Finally she pulled out a rabbit fur bomber style jacket and slipped it on, brushed her hair and stepped out of the woman's shower and change area. She scanned the room but didn't see the three weres at all and gave a sigh of relief.
Must have got bored waiting for me to come out she thought and walked over to the area where coffee and donuts were set out for them. She grabbed her coffee adding two sugars and a good spoonful of coffee whitener. There was no cream but then as the old adage went, beggars can't be choosers. She grabbed a donut and put two in the baggies provided if you wanted to take extras and placed them in her backpack too, for later.
she thought and walked over to the area where coffee and donuts were set out for them. She grabbed her coffee adding two sugars and a good spoonful of coffee whitener. There was no cream but then as the old adage went, beggars can't be choosers. She grabbed a donut and put two in the baggies provided if you wanted to take extras and placed them in her backpack too, for later.
Braden then headed towards the main doors but thought for a second and exited a side door, coming out in the parking lot and headed towards the side street, just in case the weres had not gotten bored but decided to move the hunt outside. Her fingers brushed over the silky white rabbit fur and smiled and maybe the scent being messed up would help her too.
She rubbed her arms. Even through the rabbit fur, she shivered. She could hear a dog barking in the distance, not a joyous bark, but a savage one. Whatever it could smell, it wanted to kill.
She turned away from the sound, heading the other way down the street. If the dog didn't like it, chances were good she wouldn't like it either. She shifted the backpack on her shoulders, trying to find a comfortable position for it.
"Hey, pretty-pretty. Want a hand adjusting that?"
Braden looked over her shoulder, to see one of the three weres standing by the door of the Sally Ann. He looked smug in a pair of too tight acid washed jeans, and a Marilyn Manson t-shirt. The leather jacket he had slung over his shoulders was distressed by age, not design. He couldn't have been more of a wannabee street punk without having a sign saying 'LOSER' hung around his neck.
Braden�s heart skipped a beat as she stopped, not wanting to look around but knowing she had no choice but to do so, and see if she could spot his other two companions.
She thought she saw a movement to her right and she slipped the backpack off her shoulder getting ready for a charge, though she glanced at the were by the door with cold glacial eyes her soot dark lashes making the blue of them colder.
"You can't even adjust yourself, fang boy so please pardon the pun, bite me!" Braden looked a lot braver then she felt and she glanced around trying to decide her best route for a quick exit. Just get then ticked enough to charge without thinking about it but not enough to get your head handed to you she counseled herself, but with weres did you truly know where the line was drawn?
She tightened her grip on her backpack thinking I should pack a few rocks in the pockets I don't use to add weight as she moved slowly to try and get past the punk were.
He laughed and spread his arms. "I'm standing in the sunshine, bunny girl. I'm no fang boy." He stepped down one or two of the steps, heavily, as if deliberately making himself less dexterous. "You looked like you were having trouble. I thought maybe you would like a hand. Is that so wrong?"
He smiled; or rather he bared his teeth.
"Dead and fangs, fur and fangs, don't see much difference. Both are trouble with a capital T so if you don't mind I'll take the year supply of Rice-a-roni as my consolation prize and go home now." she gave a saucy wink and prayed she was downwind, because weres could smell fear and she was scared.
Braden edged slowly along the street still trying to gauge where the other two had gone for she did not need to be driven towards them if she ran. She felt the heels of her new granny boots and cursed silently under her breath promising to go to confession if she got of this with only minor bruises. She slung her pack back determined not to lose it in the oncoming pursuit. This was going to be a hunt and she knew who the prey was.
"Actually, my name is Nick with a capital 'N'. I'm not trying to get jiggy, or anything. I thought maybe you'd like being called pretty-pretty. I didn't mean anything by it. Me and the boys were going to hit a house party, and then head out to watch the fireworks. Maybe you'd like to come along. The more the merrier, right?" He smiled, trying to make it look more like a smile than a threat. He was failing miserably.
The smile came off as predatory and that was not good, not good at all in Braden's mind. She thought quickly, a plan, if it could be called that, forming in her head. She closed her eyes and tried to picture the area where the wave of power had come from that had made her dizzy earlier.
It might work girlfriend. If you run, head towards where you felt that spike coming from. Maybe other shape shifters, nastier ones then Nick and his homies anyway. And maybe they will be pissed these boys are hunting in their territory enough to make the hunter the hunted'. She gave a small nod of her head to the plan she just thought up.
"Well Nick you see there are a few problems with this." She continued moving, heading out and away from the were slowly, cautiously. "You see I have some real important shit to take care of. Not that I don't appreciate the offer. And I'm real happy you just want to hang but, well I have to bake a sock and knit a cake before today is over. You see? Time constraints."
Nick's predatory grin became a snarl and she shuddered at the rage boiling up inside him a wave of hot molten power that scalded her or so it seemed. Brilliant Braden piss off a were only hours from full moon. She let the thought go, knowing that if she survived the next few hours it was going to be sure unadulterated horseshoes up the backside luck and nothing more.
With one more quick glance for Nick's friends she turned and started running full out or as fast as she could in the granny boots she wore, heading towards the park and maybe a chance to turn the tables on her pursuers. It was a dead run, no slow start but one that of made an Olympic sprinter proud. She concentrated on two things only: not twisting her ankle and breathing. Feet pounded and the others were a staccato behind her as she headed towards the park. Luck seemed with her a she managed to sprint across the street just before a red light turned green though her pursuers only paced her on the opposite sidewalk darting across as a break came in the traffic.
She skidded around the corner the park gate just a head when the blue flashing light of a cop car told her they had company she passed the park entrance and slowed down catching her breath the three weres drifting away like smoke on a windy morning.
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July 4th 11:30am Seattle- On Patrol- Suki
Officer Suki Neubasato sat in the squad car keeping her eyes open for signs of speeders, J-walkers, anything out of the ordinary. Her partner, Officer Davies sat beside her sipping a fresh cup of coffee.
"You know Pat, that�s not healthy for you. Caffeine is bad for the body." she sighed.
Patrick Davies laughed. "You sound just like your father. He used to lecture me all the time about how I should switch to decaf. Coffees gotten me through the last seven years on duty, I�m not about you kick my best friend to the curb now."
Suki shook her head. "I�m telling you. I could go into a shop and buy you decaf and you would never know the difference."
"I would too. I take it you don�t drink the stuff. I�m telling you it tastes different. You wouldn�t be able to fool me."
"So you say." Suki said with a smile. She stopped her mild jesting with her senior partner as she watched a young teen go sprinting by a few other male teens followed shortly in tow. "I think we have a possible disturbance here." she said as she started the car up and began to follow the teens.
Suki turned the siren and lights on for a moment just to let the kids know she was in the area and aware of them.
"You love playing with them don�t you?" Pat chuckled.
"Just giving them fair warning that�s all. Do you really feel like chasing down kids today?"
Pat shook his head. "No, I tell you these days those little fuckers are fast."
Suki's eyes widened.
"Don't look surprised, Suki. Every cop got a particular thing they hate dealing with. With me, it�s punk ass kids. You haven�t been in the force long enough to develop a grudge. I got mine five years ago when I had to chase a group of kids across the neighborhood, jumped over a fence, cut my hands up to rat shit, landed on the other side of the fence and sprained my ankle. The bastards stood around for a moment to laugh at me before they took off. You�ve only been on the force for a week Suki. Give it time."
"I would not hold a grudge against children. That�s terrible. They�re just misguided Pat."
"You should have gotten into social work," Pat grumbled setting aside his coffee.
Suki ignored the comment and drove up closer to the side walk. The male teens abruptly turned once they saw the cop car and walked into the park.
Pat rolled down the passenger window and looked at the young female. "Miss is there a problem? Anything we can help you with?"
Braden�s back felt exposed as if eyes stared out of the bushes that edged the park. The three weres were still stalking her. She glanced over at the cop car and Patrick saw she didn't go in for 'the policeman is your friend' stuff at all. No, it was a suspicious look she cast towards the two as if trying to figure out their angle. Braden stopped walking and hesitated.
She who hesitates is lost girlfriend. The thought echoed in her head. Yeah but she who stays here is dinner so what is worst juvie or being some were's main course? Yes Hamlet it�s a case of to be or not to be. Braden slowed her walking more and adjusted her backpack, shaking her head slowly. "No officer just a little late is all." She kept her head down and walked on, the cop car crawling beside her.
. The thought echoed in her head. Yeah but she who stays here is dinner so what is worst juvie or being some were's main course? Yes Hamlet it�s a case of to be or not to be. Braden slowed her walking more and adjusted her backpack, shaking her head slowly. "No officer just a little late is all." She kept her head down and walked on, the cop car crawling beside her.
Patrick offered the girl a smile. "Well if you�re late and in a hurry perhaps we can be of service. Normally we aren�t a cab service but it�s been a slow day. Hop in and we can give you a ride to where ever it is you need to go."
Suki looked over to Pat and raised an eyebrow.
"She needs out of here. Us pulling up made those punks wander off into the park, Suki. They could come back,." Patrick said to her in Japanese.
"This is not how it�s done in the books." Suki replied, also in Japanese.
"Not everything is,." Patrick said. Winking he turned his gaze back to the young teen. "So would you be willing to let a couple of officers drive you to where ever it us you�re going Miss...?" he asked, hoping the girl would provide a name. He watched the young teen and didn't move, didn't even breath it seemed. He just quietly urged her to make one wise right decision, silently letting her play things out in her head.
"What do you get out of playing taxi?" Braden asked bluntly weighing things slowly. The warm drizzle was taking on an unexpected chill. Damn the weres were close waiting and she didn't want to be partying with those losers.
Patrick chuckled. "You'd be saving me the paperwork I'd have to fill out today if, and I only say if, those three punks catch up with you. Hey it�s Independence Day. I want to go home and have a barbeque with my wife and kids after I'm done my shift, go watch the fireworks like everyone else and not be kept filling out forms because you got hurt. So what do you say? Where can we take you?"
"I was heading over to St Boniface's Street Mission. I promised to help out in the kitchen today and I am running a bit behind schedule... Missed my bus." She produced a token for the Seattle public transit to prove her story. "Holiday scheduling you know." Braden's voice trailed away her eyes dropping to the ground, her feet shuffling.
The cop gave a smile, one of those friendly �trust me� smiles. Braden was sure they made them practice in the mirror during training. She looked back over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of acid washed denim and black tee shirt through the bushes and took a slow step towards the cop car.
Patrick looked over to Suki "You want me to drive?"
"If you'd like." she replied.
Patrick stepped out of the squad car and opened the door for the teen. "It�s quite a trip getting down to St. Boniface Mission. We could have you there in twenty minutes. That�s twice as fast as the bus. Hop in Kiddo."
Braden stepped towards the door, watching the cop step out of the car. He opened the rear passenger door for her. She felt eyes boring into her back disappointment, like the damp wet air, seemed to permeate the area, as Patrick placed a hand on the top of her head, guiding her in so she wouldn't hurt herself.
Suki watched as the girl cautiously got into the back of the squad car. She changed seats with Patrick, letting him drive. "Oh, in case you�re interested I�m Officer Davies and this is my junior partner Officer Neubasato. Don�t mind her. She�s not used to the street beat yet. First week on the force." patrick said to the teen, giving her a wink. "Still learning the ropes."
His teasing tones brought a smile to Braden�s lips, though her eyes looked past him through the bushes making eye contact briefly. A jolt like an electrical surge ran along her spine and she knew this was far from over. The two officers only offered her a reprieve till later tonight. How she knew this she couldn't say but she did.
Suki nodded to the teen and offered her a small smile. It wasn�t as winning and sure as Patrick�s, but it was sincere. She paused for a slight moment, then offered the girl a bottle of water to help with the heat. She felt the flesh on her arms turn to goose bumps and shuddered. Suki looked into the teens eyes curiously, the puzzlement was there for only a moment before it faded. "Would you like some water? It�s very hot outside. You must be thirsty," she said in a soft voice to the girl. Patrick started up the car and the three of them headed down the street in the direction of St. Boniface Mission.
Braden turned to face the front focusing on what was being said to her by both officers. The look in Officer Neubasato's eyes making her want to distract the young cop. "Thanks. That be nice," she replied to the offer of a bottle of water. "And I'm Braden."
She sat back as the car pulled away from the curb, looking out the passenger window, her eyes searching for the weres that had chased her. She spotted the intense scowl on Nick's face turn to shock and dismay before he vanished, perhaps pulled back away from the fence. Officer Suki Neubasato saw a smile flicker very briefly across Braden's lip.
Suki sat in the passenger seat pleased with the fact that the youngster had given a name. "Perhaps you would like to share why those young men where chasing you. Do you know them? Have you met them before?" she asked softly.
Patrick watched as Braden shifted uncomfortably in the back seat. "Ease up Suki. Braden you don�t have to share if you don�t want to. However the fact is were both cops and we can smell a lie when ones been told. No, I�m not going to bust your ass. It just makes our job easier. If they�re a bunch of street punks we'd like to know. It�s our job to keep the city free of hasslers. If they were causing you trouble, they might be causing others trouble."
Suki nodded. "We saw them chasing you. It might be a habitual thing where they do that to other young girls. I�m just glad we were there to help you out."
The questions started almost immediately and Braden tried hard not to feel resentful after all they had saved her ass. She raised a nervous hand brushed the hair back off her face trying to think of the best noncommittal answer she could think of.
The �Ease up Suki� earned Officer Davies a slight quirk of her lips but the gentle interrogation didn't stop really. No officers don't worry its just a were thing, nothing to worry nice normal folks. Nope nothing at all. Braden realized she couldn't say that, so it left her trying to figure out what to say.
"I... they..." she sighed and sat back "It won't happen again officers." is all she offered her finger nails plucking nervously at nylon straps of her backpack. Gods you are pathetic girlfriend!, she scolded herself in her head. Just sit there and smile prettily and change the friggin' subject. "Do you think it will clear by this evening? It would be sad if the fireworks got rained out wouldn't it?" She gave another small nervous smile and shifted further into the corner of the back seat.
Suki sighed softly. Why won�t she let us help? How am I supposed to do my job when she�s clearly hiding something? Officer Neubasato nodded her head. "It should clear up, by tonight. At least that�s what I heard on the news this morning." Perhaps if Patrick and I hang around this area and patrol it more we can establish a good rapport with the kids in the neighborhood...
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July 4th 6:45am Enroute Seattle- Maya
The cab's engine seemed a constant hum all throughout her sleep, if you could call it sleep. Maya jerked awake as the cab slid off the highway and into the exit. Stretching in the back seat she moaned as bones cracked in her back. Seattle loomed up ahead and she still hadn't thought of a good reason why she had come here. Still, she was more than happy to be away from Vancouver. It was hard to shake the feeling of dread as she entered the city. She had never met or even been near any other pack and now she had to approach one. And a powerful one, if the rumors were true.
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July 4th 10:30a.m. comfort inn -maya
The Comfort Inn was a nice hotel. It wasn't very big, and kind of expensive, but it wasn't like she was paying for any of this. Her room was small but cozy with a large bed and a big screen TV at the foot of it. The bed seemed to call to her but now wasn't the time for sleep. The first thing she had to do was find the local Ulfric. Luckily, Peter--her Ulfric--had called ahead and let this Lobo know she was coming and, of course, she was offered up for anything they needed of an extra wolf for, and a Geri at that. Maya hadn't been too thrilled about that. There could be absolutely anything going on with the local pack right now. Apparently vampires were thick around here. She had no desire to get involved with any blood-suckers. Either way, it was only going to be a quick in-and-out greeting, if she could help it. Not bothering with a coat she picked her black book bag and slung it over her shoulder. With a glance in the mirror above the small dresser she smiled down at the Decepticons symbol covering most of the front of her t-shirt. Her jeans were new but she had had the shirt since she was 16. It still fit except for a slight tightness around the chest. She didn't like wearing new clothes when pack business had a part to play.
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July 4th 11:15am. The Park.
The park was a fitting place to find them. The strange part was that she had only been walking by when a small fenced-in 'Public Gardens' had caught her attention. Thinking it would be nice she turned off the sidewalk and headed in. It was lightly raining now. What a shocker. Shouldn't have worn a white t-shirt... No more than a few feet into the park she felt it. The pack's vargamor had to have a part to play in her sudden decision to enter the park. The thought brought a snarl to her face but she quickly went blank again as she spotted who she was looking for. There was a group of six of them. All of them pack. The scent was thick in the air. Her dark eyes were drawn immediately to the Ulfric. Damn! I can't believe I forgot his real name. Raymond.... No.... Ramone. Yeah! That's it. For some reason she couldn't pick out the vargamor. The park was packed with people milling about but the wolves before her stood out like neon lights. They made no attempt to hide their power.
Maya stopped in front of the Ulfric. She had heard he was new but it was clear to her that he was the strongest Lukoi present. He was clean cut and towering, more than a foot taller than her, even taller than Peter. She didn't move too close, not wanting to have to look up at him. Time passed slowly as they stood watching each other. Maya could feel their eyes burning into her but didn't flinch. Ramone lifted a dark brow and she suddenly realized she was supposed to do something.
Oops.
Moving cautiously forward she leaned into him without looking at his face and gently moved her cheek along his to bury her face into his neck, breathing deeply through her nose and catching his scent. He smelled like deep woods. His power seemed to radiate from him sending shivers down her spine. She felt a stirring of her own power in response but held it in check. If they had not both been werewolves it would have been a very uncomfortable moment for two people having just met. Maya had been forced to plaster her body against his and go up on tip toe to reach his neck.
Finally she breathed a sigh of relief as he returned the greeting. Maya had wondered for a second if she had done the wrong thing. It was how pack mates greeted each other and seemed appropriate. Pulling back from him now she spoke up, "I am Maya Greye. Geri of the Ran Otter Clan." That wasn't so hard......
The corners of Lobo's mouth turned up in a smirk. "Welcome to Seattle. I'm not big on all the ceremony but, as I recall, isn't there a gift that comes with a visitor? Fresh kill? Magic? Or something for my Lupa? I hope you didn't bring anything for her, because I don't have one." His eyes took in the tightness of her t-shirt. "Of course, I am taking applications."
A gift? That's right. Damn Peter! A forced grin tightened her features as she combed her mind for an idea. She openly laughed at the 'applications' part as he got to it and grinned once more as his eyes wandered low. "You wouldn't want me as your Lupa." She paused for a moment. "As for the gift all I can offer is my... Services." Maya watched Lobo's smirk return at that one. She openly returned the look but still added, "For pack business, of course." That got a snicker from a few of the wolves about him. "It seems my Ulfric was trying to make this as hard for me as possible," she commented mostly to herself. Peter had known she wanted to relax but had neglected to tell her she needed a gift. Turning about now, Maya scanned the area. "Perhaps you wouldn't mind letting me know why you're here. I realize my arrival was not such a big concern. I felt drawn into the park but I got the feeling it wasn't me you were trying to draw in."
A forced grin tightened her features as she combed her mind for an idea. She openly laughed at the 'applications' part as he got to it and grinned once more as his eyes wandered low. "You wouldn't want me as your Lupa." She paused for a moment. "As for the gift all I can offer is my... Services." Maya watched Lobo's smirk return at that one. She openly returned the look but still added, "For pack business, of course." That got a snicker from a few of the wolves about him. "It seems my Ulfric was trying to make this as hard for me as possible," she commented mostly to herself. Peter had known she wanted to relax but had neglected to tell her she needed a gift. Turning about now, Maya scanned the area. "Perhaps you wouldn't mind letting me know why you're here. I realize my arrival was not such a big concern. I felt drawn into the park but I got the feeling it wasn't me you were trying to draw in."
Lobo ignored the question. "Why wouldn't I want you for a Lupa? You think I'm a traditionalist, where the Lupa is just fuck toy to the pack leader? No, when I chose a Lupa, it will be because of what she can do for the pack, not because she has a tight ass and perky tits."
He took his eyes off her only for a moment, to flick them around the park behind her. Then he returned his gaze to her face.
Maya scowled at the accurate description of the Lupa position. "Well aren't you something special, Ulfric," she said with a sarcastic drawl, barely bordering on disrespect. Despite the press of his power she had felt a sudden urge to challenge him and barely held it in check. In fact, the only thing that stopped her was the beating she would most likely receive. Still, Maya had been itching for a fight for days now and she had no intention of allowing this Ulfric to be dominant to her or continue to show her disrespect. Not with out a fight anyway. "Believe me; I could do plenty for your pack." Her voice had taken on a bit of a growl. She moved in closer to him and felt her beast, barely contained within, reach out toward his. "Besides, I didn't come here to have to deal with a bunch of she-pups that want to take me out 'cause I just ruined their chance at becoming Lupa and getting in to your pants. That is, if there's any remaining that haven't already been there." She finished with a disgusted glance down his body.
Lobo grinned. "I welcomed you to Seattle. If you want a place within the pack, you can work it out by yourself. Just be aware that I take any challenge seriously. I'm fairly easy going, but don't push. You push, I bury. It's as simple as that. By the way, I don't care how many times your Ulfric has screwed his way through his pack. I'm a believer in the 'mate for life' concept, so don't make assumptions, Chica."
Maya chilled almost immediately. She was not about to openly challenge him and was a little shocked at not getting a back hand across the face for her most recent display of disrespect. She felt a pang of regret for getting up in his face about it. Still, she was too stubborn to admit, even to herself, that she over reacted. If he had not had so much control they probably would of fought right there in the middle of the park. Unwise, when it was packed full of people. Still there was a spark of anger at his own assumption about Peter, her Ulfric. The fact was, he was right. She-wolf after she-wolf jump in and out of Peter's bed. All of them willingly, of course. She had been much less than willing but he had made it seem like a right of passage and Maya had wanted more than anything to be part of the Ran Otter Clan. Either way, she was strong enough now to fight off any of Peter's advances, Ulfric or not, and had thankfully never again been forced to participate in any of his little games.
Turning away from her thoughts Maya met Ramone’s, or rather Lobo's eyes for a moment. Maybe she did want a place in this pack, if fucking the Alphas wasn't part of the initiation. Thinking now was the best time she spoke up. "So what if I do want a place in your pack? Are you ready to have someone mess up your ranks?" she asked carefully. "I wouldn't take me long to work my way up." Her expression was blank but she felt a sudden excitement build within. Of course Peter would probably want to know what was going on with his lost Geri. He might even come looking for her. Her hopes sank a little. He would probably rough her up and drag her back. Then again, she might have a new pack backing her. Maybe......
Lobo looked at her for along time, before he spoke, sizing her up. She could feel the brush of his power against hers, not a challenge so much as a tasting. "I think," he said carefully, "that it is a little soon for you to start kicking ass and taking names. I will not allow you to challenge until I see some sign that you would make a good Geri. I don't care if you can kick the shit out of both my Freki and my Geri at the same time; you don't get your shot at the title until I say you have that privilege. If you don't like that, tuck tail and run back to the Water Otters."
He shifted his weight slightly, looking almost casual, but the warrior in her knew he was prepared, in case she decided to attack.
As they stood there Maya soon realized that she didn’t want to go back to the Ran Otters, and it seemed as if the West Coast Pack could offer her even more. Lobo was studying her for a long time and Maya's thoughts ran on. She would like to remain Geri. It was a position better than Lupa, which he had already seemed to offer her a chance at. The Lupa was no more than the Ulfric's mate, from her experience. Just the wolf the Ulfric enjoyed most. But Geri was a worthy spot, one she did not want to loose. She had hoped that he had no Geri but apparently he did. It mattered little. If she was part of his pack then she would be Geri.
His power brushed against her and Maya felt her own beast rise up in response but it was not a challenge. She had wondered if he could control his power in such a way and had her question answered as he pulled back. He could probably force his wolves to shift, a power even Peter did not possess. A smile crossed her face at his comment on her pack. He moved into a more defensive position and she caught it immediately. He's testing me.... was her first thought but it cut off as she focused on him. Does he want to fight? Watching him carefully she spoke up. "I would be loyal to your pack if it were mine." She realized what he must be thinking, that she was already betraying her own pack. Either way she said nothing, knowing he could smell lies anyway. It was raining a little harder now but Maya didn't notice. She forced her body to relax but it was hard with him so ready for an attack. He wanted to test her. But she wanted to test him as well. Without thinking she leaped at him, her hands extended to take him down. She moved fast, too fast for the people milling past them to notice until she was nearly on him. There was a gasp from a few people. Surely, with that towering body he could not move as fast as she
-
Lobo made no attempt to twist aside, or dodge her attack. With a laugh on his lips he caught her, caught her and fell back. She felt his knee rise, not to strike, but to add impetus. She realized his tactic as gravity took over, and she found herself flying.
With agility that even an Olympic gymnast would envy, Maya twisted in mid-air, landing in a half crouch. She watched as Lobo rolled to his feet. He seemed amused. His pack had not moved to intervene. In fact, they fell back to give the two of them room.
"Peter said you were fast," said Lobo with a grin. "I thought he meant easy."
Maya's reaction to being thrown was automatic as she landed in a crouch position. "Well, I guess you were wrong, 'cause I'm as hard as they come, Wahya." Maya said in a half growl, calling him wolf in her native tongue. Still, she couldn't stop the grin and laugh that lightened her features. She held him suddenly in a new light. He was good. He was better than Peter. "Peter knows that best of all." She had yet to stand up straight and remained in a good strike position. He was too ready for her. His wolves had fanned out a little. One explained to a few men walking by that they were just playing, fooling around. Maya moved in close to him now, the smile never leaving her face. He never moved a muscle, just watched her. She would love to hunt with him, but right now Maya was set on taking him down, now that he had bested her.
When she moved he was ready and the spot he had occupied only a split second before was empty as she lashed out, striking only air as he moved with incredible speed. She fell back again not giving him the chance to counter the attack. Her eyes widened as her beast seemed to flare up with in her. It had been along time since she had shifted, almost since the last full moon. It was the rush of the fight, the nearness of the full moon and the enveloping cloud of the Alpha's power. Stumbling back further she fought it off quickly before she lost her human eyes to the beast and turned back to Lobo. He was watching her as if waiting for her to call it quits. A wide smile showed slightly elongated eyeteeth. "I'm not finished with you." Her voice was slightly deeper than normal as she moved in on him again.
Lobo danced out of reach. "Careful, Chica. The moon is calling you. I can feel your beast rising. You better make friends with it, or I'll slap a leash on it." He moved on his the balls of his feet, circling her, the grin on his face spreading. "Unless of course you want to take this someplace a little less public."
"That would not be so easy for you, wahya ulagu," she said with a grin but did not doubt that the Ulfric probably could take control over her beast. She watched him now as he circled her. For a moment she wanted more than anything to let her wolf burst free as a tremor coursed through her body. Suddenly, like a slap in the face, her common sense came rolling back along with a new rush of people wandering about them. She let out a sigh of regret as she pushed her wolf back. "You're right. Another time. Another place." She let the tension ease out of her body.
Lobo chuckled, and stood straighter. "There's a game preserve down by Puget Sound. We're all getting together tonight to watch the fireworks, and maybe scare the Hell out of a few drunken deer poachers. I usually turn that over to the newest pack members, and send one or two of my council along to keep an eye on them." His eyes danced as he watched her, knowing she wanted to ask, but also knowing she was too proud and stubborn to do so. Finally, he put her out of her misery. "Feel like coming along?"
Maya was a little shocked that the pups got to run around a game preserve. Well, then again, where else was the pack supposed to play when the city is the part of pack territory? She wondered if "scare the hell out of" meant kill a few poachers. Even for an Ulfric it would be hard to control a bunch of pups under the full moon. Then again he continued to surprise her. There was no way she could resist seeing what this pack was all about, but still she wasn't about to invite herself to his little gathering. No matter how bad she wanted to go. She wasn't about to let him know about her rising excitement either. When finally he asked her to go she breathed a small sigh of relief and nodded her head, smiling all the while.
A smile crossed Lobo's face. "Good. That way, we can see what you're capable of. I guess that means I'll have to come along to watch." The smile widened. "What's your opinion of hunting mice?"
One of the other Lukoi groaned. Lobo laughed. "Dave doesn't like hunting mice. He thinks it's undignified. Personally, I think it's a riot watching somebody who can carry a motorcycle under one arm trying to catch a mouse. Keeps you humble."
"Dave?"
"Dave Banner. He's my Freki." Dave nodded. He wore a black t-shirt that bore the face of a demonic jester. Under it was printed: ELF: THE OTHER WHITE MEAT.
"The short guy," continued Lobo, indicating a man who stood just under five feet tall, but was almost that wide across the shoulder, "Is Tim. We call him 'Tiny Tim'."
"God help us, every one," said Tim, in a voice that sounded like it came from his boots. "Skoll."
"Andrew is my Hati. Don't call him Andy. He almost broke my jaw once for making that mistake, and that was before he was Lukoi. He's a third dan in three different martial arts, two of which I can't pronounce. He was an Olympic silver medalist for the marathon and knows more sleight of hand tricks than David Copperfield."
"Really?" asked Maya, in a tone that indicated more disbelief than awe.
"No," said Andrew. "It was a bronze." He winked at Lobo.
"The bald guy is my Loki, Ryan."
"Loki?" asked Maya. The Ran Otter Clan had no Loki. In fact she had never heard the term.
"It means I'm his official 'No' man," said Ryan. "Any time he comes up with an idea, it's my job to tell him it sucks, and he's full of shit. Just so he doesn't start getting a swelled head."
Lobo chuckled. "And a fine job of it he does. Last, but not least, next to him is my Geri, Tom. I think she wants your job, Tom."
Tom grinned. "As long as she is worthy, I don't mind." He extended his hand. "Welcome to Seattle, Maya."
Hunting mice? Maya hid her scowl with a forced smile. He's got to be kidding. She wasn't sure she was ready to be 'watched' and evaluated by the Ulfric but there was no way she was passing up this chance. She was pleased with the introductions and knew she could get along well with all of them. Lobo had certainly brought enough bodies along. His body guards, of course, but his two seconds as well? Perhaps the Ulfric had a reason to be well protected in public. Maya liked the Loki idea and decided to herself that Peter needed one as well. Automatically she sized Tom up, regretting that fact that the Geri had been present the entire time. When he stuck out his hand she shook it wondering on the greeting. "Thank you," she said, still smiling from Ryan's last comment. Of course, they still wouldn't consider her pack and the usual greeting was reserved for pack mates. "I would not challenge a Geri more worthy than myself." She had no doubt that he was worthy. Perhaps Geri of this pack was not for her.
Tom met her gaze levelly. "As long as we understand each other." He smiled now, and it warmed his face. Of all the Lukoi here, he seemed the best at appearing fully human. His movements were slow and measured; giving no hint of the speed that dwelled beneath is skin. His beast was well in check, even this close to the moon.
"Does anyone feel like lunch?" asked Ryan. "I'm starving."
"If you're hungry, I can recommend a nice place to find a little rat," said Lobo, again looking over Maya's shoulder. "Seems that the bucktooth brigade has crawled out of its hole, and is looking for some scraps from my table."
"We don't want to start anything in public, not this close to the full moon, and definitely not on the fourth of July, especially with a cop car so close," said Ryan immediately, while the others turned to look at the three were-rats that had entered the park. They seemed to be shadowing some one walking along the sidewalk.
Lobo looked at him for a moment. "Keep the fireworks in the sky? Maybe. But they need to learn that this is my city, and they aren't welcome and they don't belong." His eyes were blazing, and Maya could see the beast struggling to break free. Those same eyes met hers for a fraction of a second, and she felt his power spill out, just a little. His eyes were slipping closer to the wolf. "Tom. You and Maya. Go take care of it."
"Is that wise?" asked Ryan. "Sending those two?"
Lobo nodded. "Yes. Consider it the first of the services she owes, for not bringing a gift."
"For Christ's sake, don't kill them," advised Ryan.
"I think I'll let Maya make that call." Those wolf eyes stared at her, never blinking. "Go make sure they know exactly how deep the shit they are in is."
It was hard to catch of glimpse of Tom’s wolf, with any of her senses. Interested, she studied him for a few seconds as Ryan spoke up. She didn't know many Lukoi that didn't like to show their beast within off or one that could control it so well. She had to admit that she enjoyed the looks she got just by walking down the street. Most humans know a predator when they see one. More often then not children were moved quickly from her path by nervous parents.
-
Maya met Lobo's eyes as he looked back at her mentioning rats, and followed his gaze. Three of them. She had never really encountered wererats before, had never gotten close. They were fairly rare and had no King in her territory. Lobo ordered her and Tom to go and deal with the problem. She controlled her features but wanted to scowl. She never liked taking orders. It was a problem she had grown up with and just could never get past. A grin turned her lips as she watched Lobo's beast spill into his eyes... just a little. She felt her own beast shiver at the touch of that power once more and suddenly wanted more than anything to deal with those rats. Her grin turned to a smile as Ryan suggested they not kill them. Of course, any lycanthrope can take a shit-load of damage but she wondered how far Lobo wanted them to go. Clearly the rats around the city had no alliance with the wolves.
There was a little crushing of flowers and disturbing of ducks before Tom and Maya closed in on the three rats. Her eyes flew toward a cop car just across the sidewalk from them as the rats peered toward it. She didn't need to look at Tom to know he was ready for anything. There was a twinge of the so-concealed power beside her that caught her attention as they watched the three watching the cop car. Her wolf flared up in response as it had been dying to do and she forced it Tom's way, wanting him to feel the rush she was getting from this little chase. For some insane reason she wanted more than anything to break past his so very human exterior and find his beast inside, tear it out and... play with it? That brought a smile to her face. She walked beside him and was surprised when he did not take the lead.
The Rats smelled them before they got there, but it was no good. Maya's wolf took hold. Was that why Lobo had sent her along with Tom? Because she was perilously close to the snapping point? With no more than a glance she singled out the leader and was on him. Her hands closed about his neck and squeezed for a second before lifting him, then throwing him down to the ground. She barely contained the growl that would have burst forth had she not kept it in check. Maya's hands spasmed as the skin there rippled, too close to loosing their human skin.
The smell of sweat and fear hit her with a swell of her own power as she closed in on him and caught the ankle behind the foot that came flying at her stomach. The other foot got a good kick in on her thigh, but she yanked him in close to her and kneeled down between his legs. Maya yanked him up by his Mason t-shirt, tearing it. "This is pack territory rodent." Her voice was a deep growl. "It seems you must have forgotten.... I'm going to remind you."
-
July 4th 1:30pm- At work- Lisette
"I understand that sir. I just want you to understand that your wife won't be the same woman you remember. Most of her memories will be gone and she certainly won't...look the same."
It was pointless. She'd been trying to convince Mr. O'Neil that raising his dead wife after five years was not all peachy. She needed his money. Or rather she wanted his money. But she didn't see any reason the memory of his wife should be tainted by a stupid misinformed choice. She wasn't going to pop up, fresh as the day she died, and get to giving him love and making pies. O'Neil was in his fifties and disillusioned with women after several disastrous dates. He thought raising Lydia would ease his loneliness and fix everything.
Her lunch sat oddly in her stomach. As it always did with difficult conversations. Lisette understood, really and honestly she did. Still, it didn't mean she was going to let him dive into this choice without knowing all points.
O'neil nodded. He knew. He wanted to do it anyway. Lisette sighed and nodded, penciling him in for the Friday date he had requested. He wanted Lydia for the weekend.
When he was gone she dropped her cheek to the cool false leather blotter on the desk and rubbed the back of her neck. People just didn't understand the night like she did. Most either thought it was a romantic game or the devil's party. No one saw the gray in between.
There was a knock at her door. Before she could answer, it swung open and Ian walked in. "You didn’t eat a proper lunch again." He waved a bag at her. "I hope you like tuna, because I grabbed you something from the place across the street."
Ian looked like what an animator was supposed to look like. He was tall, and thin, with a shaved head and a neat goatee. He always wore black, and he looked good in it. It was shame that he had the animating ability of a tomato. His talents lay in a far more mundane field. He was a numbers man. He could make then dance on a spreadsheet, wringing every last penny out of the meager profits the office made. He could cook as well, and insisted on keeping the office neat as a pin. Too bad he was gay. There were women lining up, waiting for him.
"Why mother...I wasn't expecting you." Lisette said dryly as she lifted her head. It wasn't that she didn't like being looked after, in fact she loved it. It made her feel wonderful, like she was an irresponsible teenager again but then that thought made her shudder. She didn't want to feel like an irresponsible teenager ever again.
She shook her head languidly. "I'm not much hungry anymore, Ian. Thanks for the thought though." Ian as usual, didn't seem to hear her and sat across from her anyway, setting a small spread before her. Lisette sat back in her chair and sighed. "Why do people insist on thinking there's something in the supernatural that will solve all their problems?"
Ian shrugged. "Everybody is looking for a quick fix. Throw a little fairy dust in the air, and poof, your problems are solved, with just a little bit of magic." He gave her his best queen look, which wasn't very good, because Ian could hardly be described as 'queenie'. "You're just like a fairy godmother." He looked out the office door. "Did I hear right? Is he going to actually try to have sex with his dead wife, once you animate her?"
Lisette shook her head. "I don't know. He kept insisting he just wanted to talk to her to get dating advice. I don't think he could stomach sex but you never can tell."
Lisette took a small bite out of the tuna and smiled to please Ian. "Delicious." She could tell he wasn't fooled however and let it drop. He knew when the smile didn't quite touch her eyes and that disturbed her. The fact that someone knew her well enough to see through her pleasant facade. How long had she been working here? A year and a half? Two almost? It didn't seem like that long.
"How about really helping me out. Got info on anything going down? I mean, something I could use for the paper. Green is gonna fry my ass if I don't come up with something better than the crap I have now. Shifter packs and the youth that want to join them. The same tired bullshit every other reporter has done twice."
"What would you do, if I told you that there is a priest who is investigating a case of Stigmata, right here in Seattle?"
"Stigmata?"
Ian nodded. "The wounds of Christ. I know someone who works for Bishop Randall, and he told me that the bishop received a package from the Vatican, asking him to look into it. Is that newsworthy enough for you?"
A real smile spread across her face. Not necessarily joyous but a sort of hungry and pleased grin that she often wore when she was interested. Lisette nodded. "You're simply too beautiful, Ian. Does this friend have any idea what the package may be or the name of the man investigating the stigmata?" In an age when faith wavered, news like this was gold. No one wanted to know that monsters ready to rip your heart out walked the streets, calm as you please and God did nothing about it. Many cried out for proof that god had not forsaken them. And the fact that this would pay her cell phone bill for the month helped as well. No one could ever say that Lisette wasn't practical.
Ian smiled. "I've seen that look before. Hell, I've worn it, every time I look at the manager at the bank on the corner. In answer to your question, no, I don't know who is investigating, but I can find out. My contact with Bishop Randall is very reliable. I can give you a name hopefully within the hour."
"Please do, darling. I'm simply... beside myself with pleasure." She had wanted to say 'dying to know' but that was too much like tempting fate. Lisette pushed her ebon hair free from her face and smiled. "If you were straight I'd kiss you right now. Such a shame." Her eyes twinkled as they were wont to do when she was pleased. Never, never would she hurt Ian. She knew well enough that he would not be offended. If anything, he smiled and she could see the prepared retort in his eyes.
"Oh, you can kiss me. It just isn't going to get you anything in return." Ian chuckled. "I need to make a phone call, if you want to get that information. Maybe even buy somebody dinner....."
Lisette stood and leaned forward with her knuckles on the desk. Peering at him seductively, she looked surprisingly powerful despite her small stature. "Don't tempt me, Ian. I may take it upon me to help you change your mind."
Her body relaxed and she sat back down. "The phone in here is yours if you'd like," she said and pointed to it. She didn't say she preferred that he use the one in her office so that she could see the number or catch a name he might drop. Just to keep for future reference of course. "As for dinner, as much as I hate parting with money, I'm willing to lay some one a plate. I owe you for this. I can't make you handle it all yourself."
"You're cute, and sexy, but you're the wrong kind of cute and sexy. If you want to grow a little facial hair, I'd consider it, but until then, don't even think about it. And don't even start about the real woman can make a real man out of me. I had to listen to my mother wailing about the fact that I just hadn't met the right girl. I don't need you doing it too." Ian shook his head. "Sorry. Just feeling a little defensive today."
"All is forgiven," Lisette said with a smile. "It always is with you."
"You say it, but you don't mean it," replied Ian with a grin. "By the way, your mystery appointment at 1:45? It's Jonathan Bicker."
"Oh God, not him."
Ian nodded. "The very same. Mister 'I want to animate Lee Harvey Oswald to find out if he shot Kennedy' himself."
"What does he want this time?"
"Who knows? Maybe this time it will be Elvis, just to prove that he's really dead, Marilyn Monroe, to ask her if it really was a vampire that gave her the drug overdose. All I know is that he paid the consultation fee up front, same as usual. Look on the bright side. He only asked for you by name when I told him Godfrey wasn't available."
"Kill me."
"Sorry. They'd just animate you and make you keep working." Ian closed the door, leaving Lisette to await her next client.
As soon as Ian was out of her office, Lisette slumped back in her chair and banged her head against its high back. She was tired of dealing with the odd requests of the living. Sometimes it made her wonder if she had chosen the right line of work. But it really wouldn't do to be caught like this by Bicker. If he saw any sign of weakness in her rigid denial then he would persist until they closed. So she straightened herself and smoothed her skirt and the starched collar of her plain white button-front shirt.
Just in time. Ian tapped on her door and opened it, allowing the impressively annoying and fidgety Mr. Jonathan Bicker to enter the calm of her office. Lisette shot her co-worker a look of mild malice when he grinned impudently at her. She stood and received Bicker with her usual false warmth however, offering him something to drink and the seat across from her desk.
He shook his head to both however. "I was wondering if you would take this new proposition I've got..." he began.
Oh god...It was going to be such a long afternoon.
"That's very interesting, Mr. Bicker." Lisette smiled with blank civility and tried her to fight off a yawn. It was anything but interesting and they both knew it, but played for civility's sake. She eyed him coolly and the silence coupled with the weight of her gaze was enough to make him sit finally.
"Well?" He asked at last.
"My answer is still no," she replied.
"Why not?"
"Because the idea is preposterous. I simply can't raise a celebrity to please your curiosity. I won’t disturb anyone's rest for that."
Bicker rubbed his hands together and shook his pale little head as if he could not believe her. Of all their regulars, he had to be the most persistent and annoying. Well...perhaps not. There was that protestor that came once a week to sit outside their offices and protest their "unclean witchcraft." She really wasn't such a bad gal. Just awfully devoted.
"May I see you out? Mr. Bicker?" She stood and began to usher him to her door, which signaled the end of their conversation, at least in her opinion. In the reception area, their secretary smiled. Janet was rather fond of odd little John Bicker. He was a fixture in their place of business as was Theresa the protester. Both harmless but entertaining.
"Well today can't get any worse at least," Lisette said to Janet once Bicker was gone.
Ian stuck his head into the lobby. "Janet, could you call maintenance, and tell them the toilet in the men's room is broken again? Thanks, Sweetie."
Janet stiffened. "Don't call me Sweetie, unless you intend to back it up," she snorted, picking up the phone. "And since when do I have to call?"
"You get to call because the building superintendent thinks you have a great ass, and he'll get it done today, just in case repairing the men's toilet is the key that unlocks your virtue." Ian smiled. "Has he seen your fiancée?"
"No, thank God. Ryan would kill him, if he knew what kind of a prick he was being."
Ian laughed, and tossed Lisette a folded piece of paper. "You owe me lunch for two, at Bailey's."
Lisette nodded. Bailey's was a trendy gay bar, not far from the Space Needle. It also happened to serve a damned fine lunch, so much so that the straight customers were beginning to push out some of the gays.
Lisette leaned against her office door and watched the banter between Ian and Janet with a carefully composed eye, though she was falling apart with laughter inside. It seemed Janet was still miffed about ‘the incident’. Back when Janet had first started she had taken a great fancy to Ian and had plowed ahead without thought that he might not be as interested as she thought.
Things were much better now. But it was still a source of amusement for the animators and others that worked in the office. As was the building superintendent’s infatuation with her…. Poor Janet.
She caught the paper Ian tossed to her and nodded eagerly. Go figure he would choose a gay bar. Slowly, Lisette unfolded the paper. She was reminded of that scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the one where Charlie opened just a corner of his chocolate bar and then unwrapped it with tender regard. Except, there was nothing to unwrap here but a name. She unfolded the paper, as if she were a child, and it was Christmas.
-
July 4th 1:30pm Alley in Seattle -Katana
They walked down the alley as if they owned it, three young toughs, high on pot and big ideas. They didn't see the young girl cuddled up in the blanket beside the dumpster until they were almost on top of her. "Hey Dave, look. Is that a chick?
"What would a chick be doing in an alley, bonehead?"
"I don't know. Maybe she's a junkie, or a hooker or something."
"If she's a junkie, you think she'll have any junk?" Dave laughed. "Maybe we can get a little pussy outa this. If she's a junkie, maybe we can smoke her up for a little noggin."
The lump huddled under the blanket grumbled as she heard the noise just beside her. Realizing that the voices were just beside her she quickly rolled over and went to take off but found herself running into one of the bigger guys. Her eyes widened. It was apparent that she was paranoid about them.
"Whoa Honey. Chill. Wanna smoke a dube? We'll be friendly if you are." Dave smiled. "Check the get-up. Looks like she dressed out of the laundro-mat's trash."
Her eyes grew cold. "Leave me alone!" she shouted shakily while standing her ground. She could feel her blood boiling and knew that that wasn't a good sign.
"Hey, we're just trying to be friendly. You want a hoot?"
''I want nothing, now leave me alone!" she shouted angered and grabbed her stomach as it began to cramp.
"Whoa, she is a junkie! She's gonna hurl!"
"She’s not gonna hurl on me, man," said Dave, backing away. "Let her go, she's a freak."
Hearing the word that she describes herself coming from someone else’s mouth caused her blood to boil more. She shouted out in pain as her body began to morph and twist into a large spotted cat. The three guys were too stoned to move, thinking they weren't really seeing what they were seeing. They stood still watching for a moment.
The girl collapsed and fell to the ground as her body seemed to turn inside out.
"Run! She's a fucking shape shifter!"
Her head lay on the ground and she watched as the three of them took off down the alley. Her eyes hardened as she pulled her aching body off the ground and out of a warm clear liquid. She then stretched for a moment, and dashed after them. It was broad daylight, and she ran out of the alley and into the side streets. If that didn't draw the attention she didn't want onto herself nothing would. It seemed she caught a few heads turning as they saw a large leopard chasing after three young men.
She heard the sound of screeching tires, and felt a punishing impact against her side, as the car slammed into her. Her body went rolling about 10 feet from the now dented car. She tried to lift her body up, but fell back to the ground with a thud. Her body wanted to change back to a human form but the pain was almost too much for her to do anything but lie there. The broken ribs began to mend themselves as she lifted herself off the ground and began to limp, then walk, then finally to run in the direction the three young men were last headed.
The three boys ran, fear lending their feet wings. Dave let out a cry, when he looked over his shoulder and saw the were-cat gaining fast. "She's gonna kill us!"
July 4th 1:34pm side street in Seattle -Morvan
He didn't see the arm that almost took off his head. Before he realized what was happening, he was flat on his back. He felt first one, then the other of his buddies land on the ground beside him. Gasping for breath, he felt his bladder let go, as pure, raw power flowed over him. He looked up into a pair of mirrored shades, and a feral grin.
"Don't you know that you should never run from a cat? It triggers their hunting instinct." The man sniffed, each of them, almost casually. "Playing rough with a kitten? Naughty boys." The grin vanished, turning into a snarl. "You want to mess with a cat? Mess with me!"
All three of them cowered on the sidewalk. People walking past gave a wide berth to them and their tormentor. No one wanted to get involved.
The shades came off as he looked up at the charging wereleopard. He smiled, a real smile this time, and sent tendrils of his own power snaking out towards hers. They enfolded her, twining themselves around and through her. They calmed her, soothed her, and when he was done, laid her gently on the sidewalk fast asleep.
He turned back to his three prisoners. "I know your scents. I can find you. If she wants, we will hunt you. Fuck with any of us, and you will pay. Have I made myself perfectly clear?" He didn't wait for a response. He simply stepped over them, and picked up the sleeping leopard as if she weighed no more than a kitten.
"Let's get you someplace a little safer, shall we?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th 2:45pm -Union Hotel room -Morvan & Katana
"Welcome back to the land of the living."
She rolled over and looked at him. More than any other she has ever seen, he screamed shapeshifter. The power oozed from every pore. Most tried to disguise their differences, some were good enough to pass as a normal human full time. This one was doing the opposite. He was broadcasting his ability, as if he weren't afraid to let people know. No, that wasn't it. He seemed almost to want people to know.
"There's a track suit beside the bed. I figure it should fit. If you are wondering why you are awake so soon after shifting back, the answer would be me. I fed you enough energy so the change didn't exhaust you."
She looked at the track suit and then back at him. His hair was jet black, and hung loose to his shoulders. He wore a black t-shirt with a yin-yang emblem on it, and black jeans.
"Does your Nimir-Raj let you wander around attacking people in public?"
His eyes never left her face. He had the classic chiseled cheekbones of a native American, but his eyes were scorching blue. His nose lacked the pronounced hook.
"I'm going to tell you straight up. I want his job. Do I have to fight you to prove I'm dominant, or are you going to do the smart thing and just submit and accept my protection?"
He lit a cigarette and smiled again, showing strong white teeth. It was less a smile, and more a baring of fangs. "My name is Morvan Sabrehair. Are you my pack, or my enemy?"
The tiny face looking up at him looked tired, weak and confused. "My what, your huh?" she mumbled as she sat up, holding the blanket around her body. "If you don't mind I would just like to go home in the alley." By the look of her he could tell she was being honest about being confused. Her face went a bit cold. "And… and I don't need anyone to protect me. I protect myself!" she shouted shakily. She took a deep breath and looked at his not impressed face. She looked to the ground and kept it there. "I’m Katana. I'm a runaway. And I wouldn't even stand a chance against you or anyone else for that matter. What do you want with someone like me anyways?"
"Because you are Pard. We are the same, you and I." He frowned. "Don't tell me that there are no others in all of Seattle."
He began to move closer, moving like a cat, each motion seamless. "You think you can protect yourself? I'd have your throat torn out before you could even throw the sheet off. You're meat for whoever can get a collar on you. They'd love you. Chain you down and carve you up, serve you up to any perv who wanted to take a run at fucking a lycanthrope without getting his balls torn off, and you'd hate every second, but you'd heal, just so they could do it all over again."
He stopped at the edge of the bed. "We need each other, Katana. We need to belong to each other, because no one else wants us. The wolves would kill us, or force us into slavery. The blood suckers would hang us on a wall and drain us like an ever refreshing beer keg. We need to be strong together, so we can protect each other. I'm not going to be some fucking figurehead, draining the pack and giving nothing back. You give me loyalty, and by God, I'll give it back. Follow me, and I will lead. Call me and I will come. Need me, and I'll be there."
Morvan smiled, and sat down on the bed. "What do you say? Are you with me, or do I have to beat the crap out of you to get you to follow me?"
A small tear ran down the cheeks of her face. "I still don't know why you really want a little runt like me but, you got me!" She paused and looked up at him an awkwardly happy smile crossing her face. She leaned into him giving him a tight hug forget about the fact she was naked under the blanket. Her bare breasts squeezed tight on his chest as she nuzzled her face to his. She kept her grip tight surprisingly for someone who lived in her conditions. She had potential to become stronger and wiser with his help. "Well-" she paused again looked around a bit then still with her breasts tight against his chest she began to feel for the blanket she forgot about. Her face turned bright red. "Uh can you pass me the blanket?" She laughed a little, her laugh an eerie yet soothing sound not only to him but to herself.
There was something about the way he smelled, something about the way he touched her. It wasn't sexual, but Katana could feel her body responding to his. It just felt so... RIGHT.
"What-" she began, but he placed a finger on her lips.
"You really don't know, do you? How did you turn? Were you bitten?"
-
Still feeling around for the blanket and holding on to him her body seemed to tingle which made her continue and be cheerful. "Well the last normal night I remember was the one Father Giovanni Martello took me down to the clinic. I was close with him. He helped me out a lot when I lived in the alley near the church. Well that will never happen again. I think it was the church but I still blame him. If it wasn't for him trying to ‘save’ me I'd never be like this. And for that I hate all priests and churches." She pulls back from him slightly her bare breasts pulling off his chest just so they showed the top of her nipples. She gave him a questioning look. "You are not a priest are you?" She chuckled a little while saying it.
Morvan laughed. "Do I look like a fucking priest? Katana, I am so far from being a fucking priest." His eyes dropped to her nipples. "So, are you trying to flash me, so I'll want a piece, or are you just relaxing? Don't worry, it's not wrong. We are Pard. A lot of what we do is done naked. It's a closeness thing, not just a sex thing. Besides, you'd still taste like pee."
Her face dropped at his pee comment. She then found herself smacking him across the face. Her face turned shocked at what she had done. "I-I'm sorry I don't know what came over me." She stared at her hand and the next thing she knew she was back handed hard across the face. Her tiny body almost like a rag doll flew backwards.
"You really want to takeme on.....? I am you Nimir-Raj, and you can either obey and belong, or object, and get out!"
She held her tiny face in her hands and didn't turn to face him but spoke loudly though them and the couch. "Not that I don't want to belong. It's just that I don't taste like pee damn it!" Katana might surprise him yet with some kind of back bone yet it’s the male that has dominance and say in anything and she needs to learn when and where her place is.
"You really don't know, do you?" Morvan shook his head. "What I meant was, you're a kid. What are you, sixteen, seventeen maybe? I don't do kids." He crouched down beside her. "Okay, I think it's time somebody told you the rules. Do you have any idea what it means to be Pard?"
Katana continued to stay down for a little while longer grumbling to herself something that Morvan couldn't understand. Katana than sat up while pulling the blanket to her rather obviously almost as if going back to the state she was in when she just woke up... shell-shocked. She then looked to him and waited for a minute. "Well I'm listening," she said with somewhat of an attitude.
"Being a Pard is a lonely and terrible thing. The normal humans hate us and fear us. The wolves hunt us, sometimes, and try to enslave us. All we have is each other. We need to stick together, or we will die. We are pack animals. If we don't have a pack, we have nothing. You can hear all you want about cats not being pack animals, but werecats aren't normal cats. We need the closeness of a Pard to survive."
He reached out, and stroked her face. "There are rules to help things run, inside the Pard. I'll explain them to you. The first rule is Pard comes first, before you, before me, before anything. Once you understand and accept that, the rest is easy. Dominance is based on strength. Right now, you are on the bottom of the food chain, but you are under my protection. If anyone hassles you, you come to me, and I hassle them. That doesn't work, if you start the fight though. You fight your own fights, and if somebody kicks your ass, you move down a step. If you beat them, you move up. You don't have to kill in a dominance fight, but it can happen. I kill anyone who challenges me three times in a row. The third fight is to the death. Any questions?"
"Teach me." She paused. "Teach me how to fight. I've been at the bottom all my life and I don't feel like staying there anymore." Her face was very determined. "I claim my position. There is dominance in each sex isn't there? I don't want to be second or third I want to be number one!" Her face almost coming more cynical then anything but her voice was almost threatening any who would hear her.
Morvan shook his head. "Dominance is based on strength, not sex. There is no 'number one girl, number one guy' thing. If you want to be number one, you have to be able to beat the man at the top. That would be me. If you think you can take my spot, you better be damned sure you're up to the challenge, because you have to kill me to take it. If you think your being Nimir-Ra would be better for the Pard than me being Nimir-Raj, then go for it. Until that point, yeah, I'll teach you how to fight. I'll also teach you how not to fight, and how to not fight. They're different. The first thing you need to learn is how to greet other Pard, and how to offer respect to those above, and accept respect from those below. It's a lot to learn, Katana. Do you think you're up to it? I hope you learn quick, because I'm going out hunting the others tonight."
Katana's eyes told him his answer before she even opened her mouth. "I’m a street kid what do you think?" She laughed a little. "But promise me you'll stick close by. I mean, come on look at me. I'm probably the scrawniest thing you've ever seen." She laughed a little more while now grabbing for the track suit beside the couch.
"In case you haven't noticed, you are strong enough to lift a car, and you're fast, faster than any normal human. That's why they fear us. Once you’re dressed, I'm going to take you out for a decent meal, and some clothes. A word of advice. If you haven't noticed already, changing from one shape to another and back too quickly is exhausting, unless you have the power to control it. I do, you don't. It's part of what marks you as an Alpha. You might develop into an Alpha, but don't count on it."
"What's an Alpha?"
Morvan grinned. "An Alpha is the top of the food chain, when it comes to shapeshifters. They are the biggest, strongest, toughest, fastest, or sometimes just the smartest. Either way, they are powerful. They rule the pack, or the Pard. Their word is law. Cross one at your peril."
"Never cross an Alpha, ok got it. What next?" Her interest to learn was intriguing. Most like to find out on their own nowadays. Her eyes, so confused one moment now looked excited, scared, determined then happy, yet still alone. It was noticeable that she was probably a head case but she was the only head case he had on his side at the moment. So she'd have to do for now. She pulled her body to the edge of the couch and placed her two hands between her slightly spread legs. She clutched the couch like a child who was told to sit still.
"Rule two is, never turn against your own kind. The Pard is more important than any individual member, but all members are entitled to the protection of the Pard. If somebody fucks with you, they fuck with all of us. That includes you, by the way. If you fuck us over, we'll hunt you down and kill you." His eyes never wavered. There was an intensity in him, a drive Katana had never seen before. She realized that he would kill to protect her, or kill her to protect others of their kind, if she betrayed them.
"Rule three is sometimes hard to remember," said Morvan, "especially if your beast form feels better than your human one." His eyes following every movement she made. "If you spend too much time in beast form, you lose the ability to turn fully back. It starts to show around the teeth. If you want to pass as human, you have to be careful about how long you stay as a beast."
"Well speaking because I don't really know how to control anything, it all just happens. That might be a problem but we can work on that later." Her face still lit up like a little kid on Christmas who just saw the presents under the tree. "Now you said we or you but I'm not staying here alone." She laughed a little. "Yeah, so we are going out looking for more Pard. But you said something about proper greetings and stuff right? So how’s that done?"
"You can control it, except during the three days of the full moon," said Morvan. "Then even I have to change. If you're as new as I think you are, then you're still running on instinct. You change when you feel scared. You change when you smell blood. Face it Katana. You aren't human anymore, you're Pard, and there is absolutely nothing better to be in the world."
"How can you make it sound so good? I mean all it’s brought me is pain and people I don't want to know. Well then again, I always attracted the wrong attention. The only thing good about this was that I met you. I mean, I thought I was so alone out there." Her face saddened like a child who just got socks instead of the shiny new Playstation for Christmas. "But I'm not anymore and that’s the main thing right?" She looked up and forced a smile. "Well, there's no time to sulk. I got more learning to do. So, about greeting and stuff, since we are going out tonight, I don't want to piss anyone off."
Morvan smiled. It was a gentle smile, one that seemed slightly out of place on his face. "We've got each other, and soon we'll have more. In a city this size, there's got to be a whole pile of Pard." He chuckled. "Okay, greetings. When you greet a dominant Pard, like a Nimir-Raj, or even just an Alpha, you nuzzle their hand. Lick it, kiss it, whatever. It's more the facial contact than what you do with your mouth." He held out his hand, and nodded, as Katana rubbed her cheek against it.
"Good. Now, if you're in trouble, and you want to ask a Pard for protection, drop to your knees and rub against their legs. If they touch you with their hand, they're agreeing to protect you. Just by asking for protection, you're admitting that they are superior to you. Don't do it unless you want that Pard to be dominant over you, and don't do it unless you really need the help. Most often you'll get protection, but every now and then, all you'll get is a kick in the teeth. Understand?"
Katana looked up at him and made a face. "Teeth kicked in right? Well that’s not very nice now is it?" She laughed slightly, and scratched the back of her head for awhile. "So is that it? Am I done learning? Because I don't know about you but I'm starving." Almost as if on cue her stomach grumbled loudly, like a proud alpha growl. She blushed and laughed a little more, almost uncontolablly for awhile until she caught herself and coughed. "Sorry," she muttered. It felt good to laugh and feel at ease. She hadn't felt this way since she turned.
"There's lots more to learn, but I think your guts are telling you to eat. Hunger can trigger the change too, so let's go grab a burger or two. Not too much though. After dark, we go hunting for real." Morvan smiled, a look of pure delight. "Yeah. We go hunting for real."
"Hunting? As in killing things and eating them? No, no, no, no. I don't do the hunting thing I do the stay in the alley thing." Her face looked panicked and it was. She didn't know what to do or say. "Is this being disobedient? Cuz I'm not trying to be. it's just that I ... I ...I." She stuttered, then paused and took a deep breath. "I've never killed anything before. Maybe a mouse or two but nothing really more then that. I don't really think I can." She once again felt shame and looked to the floor. "Why don't we just go grab a bite to eat then go watch the fireworks? I mean that’s all I hear people talk about as they walk past my alley. It'll be fun and I'm sure there will be others like us there right?"
Morvan stroked her face again. "You can't think like that," he said gently. "Hiding and cowering, that's not our way. We are hunters, not the hunted. You'll see what I mean, when you catch the scent of your prey. When you feel its fear, and taste its blood, you will understand. You're a predator now, not one of the human sheep. Sure, we can join the sheep to watch the fireworks, but we will be hunting tonight, both for the Seattle Pard, and for meat. Deer if we can find some, but there are a few other things that will do. Before you ask, no, people aren't on that list."
His power enveloped her then, like a warm blanket. She could taste his hunger, feel his beast. She knew that she was feeling only a fraction of what she would feel when they hunted for real, and it left her panting, breathless with feelings she couldn't identify. All she knew was that she wanted more.
She found herself almost purring until she snapped herself out of it. "But all I ever wanted to be was one of those sheeps. But it’s too late for that now." She sighed then looked up with this demonic looking smile. "So when do we go?" She licked her lips. added to her saucy voice, the gesture was almost intriguing.
"Why in hell would you want to be a sheep? Sheep are meat for whoever catches them. Even the shepard will eat them eventually." Morvan shook his head. "No one really wants to be sheep." He eyed Katana speculatively. "You're just the epitome of a sex kitten aren't you? All purr and growl, and barely grown into your teeth." He shook his head. "The boys are all going to want a piece of you. I hope you learn quick, or you're going to end up on your back way more often than you want, because I can't keep my eyes on you twenty four/seven."
He picked up a black leather jacket, and put it on. The back was taken up by an incredibly detailed picture of a snarling leopard. Across it, in red letters were the words
LEADER of the PACK
"Come on, you. Let's get you fed. What do you feel like, steak or chicken?"
She looked up at him and curled her lip on one side like Elvis. ."Hmpf," she muffled and then starred at the wall in thought for a moment. "Hmm I really haven't had either but I'll go with steak. Medium raw, I believe the term is." She grinned. "Oh and I want a jacket like that. Well at least one with the cool leopard pleeeease?"
"Steak it is." Morvan smiled. "If you want a jacket, you'll have to earn it. Let's go. If we hurry, we'll get there before they kill the cow, and they'll let us do it for them."
Katana made a face that just spelled ‘gross’. She took a deep breath. "You know earning things were never my strong point, especially since it was like ‘earn you room earn your food’. Bloody foster people. Oh and have you ever been cow tipping? Its bloody hard. How do you expect us to ki..." She paused and laughed. "Oh, yeah. Now there are claws teeth and no alcohol involved. That might help." She blushed, almost a blood red.
"Cow tipping. Sport of choice for red-necks everywhere. Piece of advice though. Make damned sure it ain't a bull before you push it over, or at least make sure you're close enough to the fence to get over it before the miserable bastard gets to his feet." Morvan smirked. "The bit about killing the cow was a joke, Katana. Seems to me that you take things a mite too literally." He opened the door, and waited for her to join him, before heading out into the light rain.
There was enough blue in the sky to hint at clearer weather, It might actually be clear enough to sit out and watch the fireworks.
Katana hopped up off the couch and grinned. "Well, maybe if you'd laugh it off or make some kind of face that I know your joking with me then. Sheesh." She laughed a little and scampered over to Morvan. She wrapped her tiny arm around his muscular one and looked up to him with a silly little smile that only she could pull off.
-
July 4th 12:45 am En Route to St Boniface - Braden & Suki
Braden looked up as the young officer sighed and felt a pang of guilt though why she could not say. She gave Suki a truly friendly smile and nodded.
"That's great. The fireworks being free and all. A lot of the little kids will be disappointed if they couldn't fire them off."
Braden stared out the window trying to figure out the right thing to do. She angered herself when she heard words slip very softly from her lips not quite sure why she wanted to make the young officer feel better.
"It's just me they don't like..." Braden stilled hoping she had spoken to softly for either officer to notice.
Suki smiled. "Yes, I would be a shame if the weather wasn't good."
"It's just me they don't like..." Suki heard the young girl say.
Suki asked gently. Kids these days... Why do they have to get involved in all these things these days? They loose their innocence fast enough. Especially the street kids. I wonder if she's one. More than likely if she's wanting to be dropped off at Boniface Mission. Damn it... I wish there was something more we could do for them. "I don't mean to pry, but you seem like a nice kid. Why would those boys want to give you trouble?"
Braden looked into Suki's eyes for a brief moment and then popped open the water bottle her mouth suddenly dry. How could she even begin to explain things to her for no matter how nice people seemed they would look at you cross eyed when you even mentioned being a 'shifter?
Braden shrugged her shoulders "They only like their own kind those that run with them. I don't want to be a ganger... don't want to help... with the ways they make their money. So they try to rough me up or run me off if our paths cross usually I'm fast enough to get away... but I just got this outfit for today. The boots slowed me down."
She looked up into Officer Neubasato eyes trying hard to look unconcerned and give off a 'don't worry' I can take care of myself vibration. "Pretty stupid of me really knowing I'd be in those jerks territory to go for glam over practicality though" she finished softly hoping the topic was now closed.
"No it's not ridiculous. This is supposed to a safe city. The neighborhoods are supposed to be safe for everyone to wander about in. Officer Davies did you know we had a problem in this area with gangs?"
"No I didn't. But youth gangs sprout and pop up over night like bad weeds."
"Then it's settled. I'm asking the chief if we can patrol that area more often. We need to crack down and let these kids know that were serious and that gangs aren't to be tolerated. What the city needs is more youth centers."
"Suki... You can't save the entire world. There isn't enough city funding to put a youth rec center on every block. It would be nice in a perfect world, but this world isn't perfect."
"But... You're saying the chief won't let us stake out this neighborhood for the next few months to monitor possible gang relations and their impact on the area?"
"He might, but remember this is just one small neighborhood. Seattle is a large city. We go where we are needed most. The Chief decides where that will be."
"Fine. It's settled. When were done tonight I am going to request that we can keep a surveillance on this area. We need to let the community know that we are there for them if they need it. Us patrolling the area may keep the kids more in hand."
"Officer Neubasato, I hardly think this is the time and place to have this discussion, especially with a civilian in the car. Let it slide until later. I know you want to help but you're just getting yourself all worked up. Gods you're so much like Haro..."
Suki nodded and slid down a bit into the front seat and opened up a bottle of chilled water from the cooler at her feet. "I'm sorry Braden. My partner is right. I shouldn't have had that outburst. Don't worry though I'm a firm believer that there's good in everyone. I'll do my best to make this city safer."
Officer Davies pulled up in front of the St. Boniface mission. "Well here you go Braden this is your stop St. Boniface Mission. Glad we could help."
Truthfully Suki's vehemence over the gang situation surprised Braden so many cops no so many people accepted this as normal that it was a bit refreshing. She sighed inwardly wondering when she got to be so old and cynical then remembered it seemed she had born that way.
She stepped out of the cop car once Officer Neubasato got out and opened the door for her and she smiled to both officers. "Thanks I owe you one okay?" she stated making sure they knew she didn't accept favors and paid her debts.
She turned in time to see Father Dom walking away from the van and sighed seemed it was going to be one of those days where she was explaining herself often.
-
July 4th 12:35 PM - St Boniface - Braden & Domenic
Father Domenic approached Braden and Officer Neubasato looking a bit worried. "Afternoon officers. Is there a problem?" he asked. Braden threw a look at Suki praying she'd say nothing taking time to stuff her bunny skin jacket into her backpack before turning to face the priest.
"No father she was no problem. We just offered the young lady a ride that's all. Have a good day Father and you too Braden." Suki said smiling. "As much as I'd love to stay and chat we are on duty and have to return to our patrols. Take care both of you."
Suki gave the father a small bow and returned to the car.
Officer Davies pulled away from the curb. "Where to now?"
"Let's get back to the neighborhood and see if we can find ourselves some gang members." Suki said grinning.
Domenic watched the police car pull away. How long has it been? I still get nervous when I see a cruiser. He looked down at Braden and smiled. "If you are feeling particularly civic minded today, I could use some help serving lunch. Half the volunteers are putting in a short day, so they can spend time with their families. Superfresh donated a hundred pounds of hamburger, so we're going to be trying to fake a barbeque. Feel like lending a hand?"
Braden nodded.
"Excellent! Nice jacket, by the way. Did you pick that up at the Sally Ann?"
Braden watched the cruiser pull away before turning to respond to Father Domenic and nodded. "That's what I said yesterday that I would help out. Thanks for the tip about the Sally Ann giving away clothes today" she did a slow graceful pirouette before the priest laughing.
"So here's my new finery Father. Do you think it will make the boys sit up and take notice?" her voice filled with laughter. Before Domenic could answer Braden plunged on needing to chatter a nervous habit as the priest knew from past conversations with her.
"I need to ask two favors Father. One I need to have confession today ASAP but it can wait till after we feed the masses with the loaves and fishes. The second is can you store my backpack for a few days" She paused to draw breath and Domenic chuckled softly.
Domenic laughed. "Yes and yes, Braden. I'll keep it in my office. It'll be safe there. As far as confession is concerned, you're probably at the head of a very short list of people willing to confess today. I suspect Sunday will include a great deal of 'overindulgence' confessions, based on all the patriotic partying that will be going on tonight. Oh, speaking of tonight, can I interest you in a ride to the fireworks? I could use a hand keeping the children in line. There's a dozen going."
Help with little ones I'd be honored Father and point me to a task to be done and I will help get it finished." Three hours later Braden regretted her offer as she dried the last of the serving platters and put them away. She sniffed her hands and even after repeated washing they smelled of onions. Ramona a smiling Hispanic woman brought over a slice of lemon and grinned "Rub the juice on your hands the smell will go and by the time the sunsets your eyes will no longer be red but thank you for helping not many would dice up five pounds of onions for burgers and hot dogs."
Braden laughed as she rubbed the juice on her reddened hands and smiled when she sniffed no longer smelling like a condiment. "Thanks I have to go speak to Father Domenic" Braden disappeared into the quiet of the church genuflecting before the altar and the large crucifix that dominated the one wall. She dipped her fingers into the holy water and was surprised it only felt cool and wet. 'Maybe I'm not cursed to hell after all' she thought as she slipped into the confessional getting comfortable and starting the familiar litany that she had found comfort in as a young girl.
"Forgive me Father for I have sinned." she started then stopped. "Its been almost three years since my last confession and in that time...well I have sinned in many ways but ...I told God today if he got me out of some trouble I'd start coming again ...and he did... Or I think he did..." Braden sat quiet not really knowing how to go from there.
Domenic smiled. I know exactly what it feels like to make that promise, Braden.
"It is always wise to keep a promise made to God, my child," he said. "Any time we make such a promise it is not just to God we make it, but to ourselves. You see, god moves in mysterious ways. I know that's a cliché, but it is also true. Often God gives us a great burden to carry, but it is never more than we can handle. We just sometimes wish God's opinion of us wasn't quite so high."
The warm intimate dimness of the room surrounded Braden and she took a few steadying breaths before finding words ones that hurt but here above all other places she new it had to be total honesty.
"Father I may be getting you into trouble. I know the church view on things like...well... those who are no longer fully human, if we want to be politically correct. You see Father...about three years back I inherited the family curse and it so freaked my mother she ran from it and me." Braden felt Father Domenic still and inwardly winced. 'In for a penny in for a pound girlfriend' she thought to herself.
"The truth is Father that for the next few nights I will be a swan...a big black swan and there ain't no way I can stop it. That's why I need you to watch my stuff... So when the curse leaves me be again I can get it all back." Braden drew a breath and held it wondering if she had defiled the sanctity of the confessional and the church itself by her very presence.
Domenic inhaled sharply. "Braden, I think this conversation should be taking place face to face, rather than in the confessional. I don't know if you know this, but I have a degree in preternatural biology. If your condition is the result of a family curse, then that can be dealt with. It may take a little digging and some research, but it can be done. Do you know how many generations back the curse goes?"
Step out of the confessional and speak with the priest face to face? The question asked of Braden reverberated through her like someone plucking a string on a guitar that's been strung to tight...the very vibration threatening to snap it. She knew every thing said in here was private between her and God once outside Domenic no longer was bound by the oaths which he took at his ordination as a priest. Could she trust him? Braden licked her lips her mouth dry her palms sweaty fear a fist clutching at her heart.
"Father I don't know.... It's hard. I have not really..." Her voice soft, a gentle whisper in the dimness of the beautiful confessional. "Let me finish please...I'm trying to keep my promise to God...unless I'm beyond redemption. I know I have been angry with Him... really angry for a long time and well I stopped praying to him but today, He reached out...to me... maybe... and helped."
"I was in trouble Father and I knew I was going to be hurt... hurt bad...maybe even killed. Swans are considered food... prey... by other lycanthropes...the cool ones anyway like wolves and leopards even rats. Have you ever noticed most are by nature hunters or scavengers?"
She waited for the priest to answer even if he only made a comforting noise... the silence of the cubicle was long and she tried to think of the sins she had committed in the past years. There were so many things she had done knowing they were wrong, but it had to do with surviving. Was living to see the next day so wrong even if you did bad things to be sure you did?
"You are the only person who knows. Outside my family, I guess and I figure God knows. And as you are my line to Him right now I have to tell you everything, be honest. That way God knows I'm serious about keeping my word, by coming back to the fold. Unless he truly hates me now because I'm this freak. Does God hate 'shifters Father?" Braden stilled her jaws tight aching as she fought not to cry not to sound too lost but she had carried this alone for so long.
Thank you, God, for this chance to make a difference. "God loves all His children, Braden. He loves them so much He gave His own son, so that the sins of the world would be washed away. He loves all equally and unconditionally, even those that turn from Him. You are the lost sheep, returned to the fold. The fact that there are a few brambles on your fleece makes no difference to Him." Now there's a stupid analogy.
"Just because you are what you are does not mean that God hates you. The only thing God hates is sin. What you have become is not a sinful thing. Sin is a choice, and you had no choice in what happened to you. How you deal with it will determine what God's opinion is. If you think your problem is a sign that He hates you, you're wrong."
'God loves you, Jesus loves you. Aren't priests supposed to tell you that to make you feel better?' Braden heard the cynical voice in her head and sighed again. She spoke her thoughts softly needing to ask.
"But Father, the Pope said that all were outside the church and her grace. Vampires and those who raise zombies and cursed people like me and infected people like werewolves and such. Doesn't he speak for God?" She shivered softly.
"I loved coming to church Sunday mornings as a little girl maybe because it was the only sure thing in my week but I always felt loved and protected here. And then I got home to find the letter on the floor and Mom gone. I think from the letter she took something sent to me. Most likely a diary or journal to explain things, but she took that too because I'm some horrible person! I have to be; otherwise I wouldn't have been cursed!"
Braden took a deep breath and waited for Father Domenic to speak but added. "Oh I'll confess the rest of my sins in a moment."
Domenic sighed. "There is no sin in what has happened to you. You have not sinned in this. That would be like blaming the victim for being raped. This is not something you chose. If it is a family curse as you suggest, then maybe we can find a way of breaking it. Perhaps your mother will know more. If she too suffers from this affliction, we can likely help both of you. If it is something that passes from mother to child, then what she did was pretty shitty. Do you have any idea where she might have gone?"
She was innocent of any major sin; she wasn't somehow tainted long before the curse actually made her form shift the first time. A long shuddering breath and she smiled and started her list of sins hoping that her penance wouldn't take to long.
"I have taken the lords name and that of our beloved savior in vein countless times Father. I took the money left on tables for waitresses but only when desperate for money still it was not right and a sin Father. Also I have taken stuff. Mostly things like canned spaghetti and tuna fish from stores without paying." She took a deep steadying breath and waited the verdict on her transgressions of God's laws.
Braden settled back as Father Domenic decided her fate with any luck she would still be able to go see the fireworks before the shift became mandatory. She looked down and thought 'Gotta remember to change don't want my new duds ruined.'
"One Hail Mary for each time you've used the Lord's name in vain. You'll know better than I will how many that should be. I also want you to find a waitress, and talk to her about what those tips mean to her. I understand needing money, but you can always come here for a meal and a place to sleep, and I've always got an extra buck or two floating around if you need it. God forgives you, even if the waitress won't, although I would find that surprising. As far as the stolen food goes, the larger stores will be able to handle the loss, but smaller stores sometimes run on a much tighter budget. Try to think about who you will be affecting, when you steal. As penance, when you get some money, I want you to buy some food and donate it to a food bank. Until that time, I want an Our Father for each can you took."
Domenic smiled. "Is there anything else?"
Listening uncomprehendingly as the penance was set down by Father Domenic not quite thinking he had heard properly. Did he not understand the words 'countless'? It was so many she couldn't remember how often she had done it. The rest was reasonable more than fair and she feels tears sting her eyes causing her to blink.
"As many times as I took the Lords name in vain Father? I don't know how many times that was." She didn't care about fireworks or parties or that it was a holiday, and holidays meant little to those without families anyway. Braden nodded slowly. "I'm afraid I will not be able to help you with the children tonight Father as I promised but I'm going to be here a least all night or until I can't well...I am not me Father.." she heaved a sigh and reached into her bag finding her rosary the beads still bringing comfort in their touch " I'd better get started Father its going to be along night"
Domenic chuckled. "You don't have to say them all tonight, Braden. Just say a few at a time, when you get the time. And yes, you can leave your things in my office. Come and see me tomorrow, and we can start working on your problem. It's okay to be different, Braden, and sometimes bad things happen to good people. It doesn't mean God hates you, it just means something bad happened to you. He has given you a chance many people would give a great deal to have. You see it as a curse, but you can fly. Men have wanted to fly since Adam first looked up and saw a bird. Yes, I will help you figure out a way to remove the curse, but take joy in that. If you like, I'll make sure there is a track suit waiting for you, for when you change back. Are you going to stay inside, or are you going out tonight? I need to know whether I have to leave a door open."
"You don't have to say them all tonight, Braden. Just say a few at a time, when you get the time." those words were reassuring to Braden and changed things totally! The fireworks were on again for her, a party for the city that for a few hours she could pretend she fitted in like everyone else.
"Oh Father O'Halligan said penance to be properly seen as atonement had to be done immediately. I thought I was going to be days on my knees saying my Hail Marys Father." Braden's voice took on a child like innocent tone of relieve terrified that she had been going to face an unforgiving parent to find understanding instead. She considered the words of the priest, a tiny suspicion growing that he had made the demands of countless Hail Marys to keep her close where he could keep an eye on her. She pushed aside the tiny voice that whispered so treasonously in her ear and laughed.
"I will help with the little ones then Father. I like the children and helping with them. But I need to get started on my penance and I need to change. May I use the ladies room for that? Then I can give you my backpack to lock up. I hide my clothes when I sense my change is near Father so I should be good to get back here after I'm me again"
She heard Domenic chuckle and agree to her changing in the ladies room. She slipped out of the confessional and hurried off to get change.
Not ten minutes later she was out dressed in Daisy Duke style blue jean cut offs an old blue gingham blouse, the puffed sleeves giving the top a childlike quality, while her having tied it just under her breasts exposing the firm muscles of her stomach and belly button added a Lolita like seductiveness, that girls Braden's age seemed totally unaware of. On her feet was an old pair of Dr Scholl sandals, blue suede uppers that coordinated with the rest of her clothes.
-
"Thank You Father. Here is my stuff. I should be here to get it back late Monday or Tuesday next week." With this she headed to the pew facing the icon of the Virgin Mary, the votive candles in front of the Holy Mother, casting the statue in a soft golden glow that made it seem like an aura enveloped her. Braden reached into the small bag she had on her hip feeling the beads of the rosary touch her fingers and she smiled taking comfort in their familiar smoothness. She spoke up above the normal hush once more "Father let me know when the van is going to leave and I will join you but I want God to know I'm grateful and serious about this."
As the priest turned to see to the further preparations he heard Braden's voice "Hail Mary full of grace...."
July 4th 12:35 PM - St Boniface - Braden & Domenic
Father Domenic approached Braden and Officer Neubasato looking a bit worried. "Afternoon officers. Is there a problem?" he asked. Braden threw a look at Suki praying she'd say nothing taking time to stuff her bunny skin jacket into her backpack before turning to face the priest.
"No father she was no problem. We just offered the young lady a ride that's all. Have a good day Father and you too Braden." Suki said smiling. "As much as I'd love to stay and chat we are on duty and have to return to our patrols. Take care both of you."
Suki gave the father a small bow and returned to the car.
Officer Davies pulled away from the curb. "Where to now?"
"Let's get back to the neighborhood and see if we can find ourselves some gang members." Suki said grinning.
Domenic watched the police car pull away. How long has it been? I still get nervous when I see a cruiser. He looked down at Braden and smiled. "If you are feeling particularly civic minded today, I could use some help serving lunch. Half the volunteers are putting in a short day, so they can spend time with their families. Superfresh donated a hundred pounds of hamburger, so we're going to be trying to fake a barbeque. Feel like lending a hand?"
Braden nodded.
"Excellent! Nice jacket, by the way. Did you pick that up at the Sally Ann?"
Braden watched the cruiser pull away before turning to respond to Father Domenic and nodded. "That's what I said yesterday that I would help out. Thanks for the tip about the Sally Ann giving away clothes today" she did a slow graceful pirouette before the priest laughing.
"So here's my new finery Father. Do you think it will make the boys sit up and take notice?" her voice filled with laughter. Before Domenic could answer Braden plunged on needing to chatter a nervous habit as the priest knew from past conversations with her.
"I need to ask two favors Father. One I need to have confession today ASAP but it can wait till after we feed the masses with the loaves and fishes. The second is can you store my backpack for a few days" She paused to draw breath and Domenic chuckled softly.
Domenic laughed. "Yes and yes, Braden. I'll keep it in my office. It'll be safe there. As far as confession is concerned, you're probably at the head of a very short list of people willing to confess today. I suspect Sunday will include a great deal of 'overindulgence' confessions, based on all the patriotic partying that will be going on tonight. Oh, speaking of tonight, can I interest you in a ride to the fireworks? I could use a hand keeping the children in line. There's a dozen going."
Help with little ones I'd be honored Father and point me to a task to be done and I will help get it finished." Three hours later Braden regretted her offer as she dried the last of the serving platters and put them away. She sniffed her hands and even after repeated washing they smelled of onions. Ramona a smiling Hispanic woman brought over a slice of lemon and grinned "Rub the juice on your hands the smell will go and by the time the sunsets your eyes will no longer be red but thank you for helping not many would dice up five pounds of onions for burgers and hot dogs."
Braden laughed as she rubbed the juice on her reddened hands and smiled when she sniffed no longer smelling like a condiment. "Thanks I have to go speak to Father Domenic" Braden disappeared into the quiet of the church genuflecting before the altar and the large crucifix that dominated the one wall. She dipped her fingers into the holy water and was surprised it only felt cool and wet. 'Maybe I'm not cursed to hell after all' she thought as she slipped into the confessional getting comfortable and starting the familiar litany that she had found comfort in as a young girl.
"Forgive me Father for I have sinned." she started then stopped. "Its been almost three years since my last confession and in that time...well I have sinned in many ways but ...I told God today if he got me out of some trouble I'd start coming again ...and he did... Or I think he did..." Braden sat quiet not really knowing how to go from there.
Domenic smiled. I know exactly what it feels like to make that promise, Braden.
"It is always wise to keep a promise made to God, my child," he said. "Any time we make such a promise it is not just to God we make it, but to ourselves. You see, god moves in mysterious ways. I know that's a cliché, but it is also true. Often God gives us a great burden to carry, but it is never more than we can handle. We just sometimes wish God's opinion of us wasn't quite so high."
The warm intimate dimness of the room surrounded Braden and she took a few steadying breaths before finding words ones that hurt but here above all other places she new it had to be total honesty.
"Father I may be getting you into trouble. I know the church view on things like...well... those who are no longer fully human, if we want to be politically correct. You see Father...about three years back I inherited the family curse and it so freaked my mother she ran from it and me." Braden felt Father Domenic still and inwardly winced. 'In for a penny in for a pound girlfriend' she thought to herself.
"The truth is Father that for the next few nights I will be a swan...a big black swan and there ain't no way I can stop it. That's why I need you to watch my stuff... So when the curse leaves me be again I can get it all back." Braden drew a breath and held it wondering if she had defiled the sanctity of the confessional and the church itself by her very presence.
Domenic inhaled sharply. "Braden, I think this conversation should be taking place face to face, rather than in the confessional. I don't know if you know this, but I have a degree in preternatural biology. If your condition is the result of a family curse, then that can be dealt with. It may take a little digging and some research, but it can be done. Do you know how many generations back the curse goes?"
Step out of the confessional and speak with the priest face to face? The question asked of Braden reverberated through her like someone plucking a string on a guitar that's been strung to tight...the very vibration threatening to snap it. She knew every thing said in here was private between her and God once outside Domenic no longer was bound by the oaths which he took at his ordination as a priest. Could she trust him? Braden licked her lips her mouth dry her palms sweaty fear a fist clutching at her heart.
"Father I don't know.... It's hard. I have not really..." Her voice soft, a gentle whisper in the dimness of the beautiful confessional. "Let me finish please...I'm trying to keep my promise to God...unless I'm beyond redemption. I know I have been angry with Him... really angry for a long time and well I stopped praying to him but today, He reached out...to me... maybe... and helped."
"I was in trouble Father and I knew I was going to be hurt... hurt bad...maybe even killed. Swans are considered food... prey... by other lycanthropes...the cool ones anyway like wolves and leopards even rats. Have you ever noticed most are by nature hunters or scavengers?"
She waited for the priest to answer even if he only made a comforting noise... the silence of the cubicle was long and she tried to think of the sins she had committed in the past years. There were so many things she had done knowing they were wrong, but it had to do with surviving. Was living to see the next day so wrong even if you did bad things to be sure you did?
"You are the only person who knows. Outside my family, I guess and I figure God knows. And as you are my line to Him right now I have to tell you everything, be honest. That way God knows I'm serious about keeping my word, by coming back to the fold. Unless he truly hates me now because I'm this freak. Does God hate 'shifters Father?" Braden stilled her jaws tight aching as she fought not to cry not to sound too lost but she had carried this alone for so long.
Thank you, God, for this chance to make a difference. "God loves all His children, Braden. He loves them so much He gave His own son, so that the sins of the world would be washed away. He loves all equally and unconditionally, even those that turn from Him. You are the lost sheep, returned to the fold. The fact that there are a few brambles on your fleece makes no difference to Him." Now there's a stupid analogy.
"Just because you are what you are does not mean that God hates you. The only thing God hates is sin. What you have become is not a sinful thing. Sin is a choice, and you had no choice in what happened to you. How you deal with it will determine what God's opinion is. If you think your problem is a sign that He hates you, you're wrong."
'God loves you, Jesus loves you. Aren't priests supposed to tell you that to make you feel better?' Braden heard the cynical voice in her head and sighed again. She spoke her thoughts softly needing to ask.
"But Father, the Pope said that all were outside the church and her grace. Vampires and those who raise zombies and cursed people like me and infected people like werewolves and such. Doesn't he speak for God?" She shivered softly.
"I loved coming to church Sunday mornings as a little girl maybe because it was the only sure thing in my week but I always felt loved and protected here. And then I got home to find the letter on the floor and Mom gone. I think from the letter she took something sent to me. Most likely a diary or journal to explain things, but she took that too because I'm some horrible person! I have to be; otherwise I wouldn't have been cursed!"
Braden took a deep breath and waited for Father Domenic to speak but added. "Oh I'll confess the rest of my sins in a moment."
Domenic sighed. "There is no sin in what has happened to you. You have not sinned in this. That would be like blaming the victim for being raped. This is not something you chose. If it is a family curse as you suggest, then maybe we can find a way of breaking it. Perhaps your mother will know more. If she too suffers from this affliction, we can likely help both of you. If it is something that passes from mother to child, then what she did was pretty shitty. Do you have any idea where she might have gone?"
She was innocent of any major sin; she wasn't somehow tainted long before the curse actually made her form shift the first time. A long shuddering breath and she smiled and started her list of sins hoping that her penance wouldn't take to long.
"I have taken the lords name and that of our beloved savior in vein countless times Father. I took the money left on tables for waitresses but only when desperate for money still it was not right and a sin Father. Also I have taken stuff. Mostly things like canned spaghetti and tuna fish from stores without paying." She took a deep steadying breath and waited the verdict on her transgressions of God's laws.
-
Braden settled back as Father Domenic decided her fate with any luck she would still be able to go see the fireworks before the shift became mandatory. She looked down and thought 'Gotta remember to change don't want my new duds ruined.'
"One Hail Mary for each time you've used the Lord's name in vain. You'll know better than I will how many that should be. I also want you to find a waitress, and talk to her about what those tips mean to her. I understand needing money, but you can always come here for a meal and a place to sleep, and I've always got an extra buck or two floating around if you need it. God forgives you, even if the waitress won't, although I would find that surprising. As far as the stolen food goes, the larger stores will be able to handle the loss, but smaller stores sometimes run on a much tighter budget. Try to think about who you will be affecting, when you steal. As penance, when you get some money, I want you to buy some food and donate it to a food bank. Until that time, I want an Our Father for each can you took."
Domenic smiled. "Is there anything else?"
Listening uncomprehendingly as the penance was set down by Father Domenic not quite thinking he had heard properly. Did he not understand the words 'countless'? It was so many she couldn't remember how often she had done it. The rest was reasonable more than fair and she feels tears sting her eyes causing her to blink.
"As many times as I took the Lords name in vain Father? I don't know how many times that was." She didn't care about fireworks or parties or that it was a holiday, and holidays meant little to those without families anyway. Braden nodded slowly. "I'm afraid I will not be able to help you with the children tonight Father as I promised but I'm going to be here a least all night or until I can't well...I am not me Father.." she heaved a sigh and reached into her bag finding her rosary the beads still bringing comfort in their touch " I'd better get started Father its going to be along night"
Domenic chuckled. "You don't have to say them all tonight, Braden. Just say a few at a time, when you get the time. And yes, you can leave your things in my office. Come and see me tomorrow, and we can start working on your problem. It's okay to be different, Braden, and sometimes bad things happen to good people. It doesn't mean God hates you, it just means something bad happened to you. He has given you a chance many people would give a great deal to have. You see it as a curse, but you can fly. Men have wanted to fly since Adam first looked up and saw a bird. Yes, I will help you figure out a way to remove the curse, but take joy in that. If you like, I'll make sure there is a track suit waiting for you, for when you change back. Are you going to stay inside, or are you going out tonight? I need to know whether I have to leave a door open."
"You don't have to say them all tonight, Braden. Just say a few at a time, when you get the time." those words were reassuring to Braden and changed things totally! The fireworks were on again for her, a party for the city that for a few hours she could pretend she fitted in like everyone else.
"Oh Father O'Halligan said penance to be properly seen as atonement had to be done immediately. I thought I was going to be days on my knees saying my Hail Marys Father." Braden's voice took on a child like innocent tone of relieve terrified that she had been going to face an unforgiving parent to find understanding instead. She considered the words of the priest, a tiny suspicion growing that he had made the demands of countless Hail Marys to keep her close where he could keep an eye on her. She pushed aside the tiny voice that whispered so treasonously in her ear and laughed.
"I will help with the little ones then Father. I like the children and helping with them. But I need to get started on my penance and I need to change. May I use the ladies room for that? Then I can give you my backpack to lock up. I hide my clothes when I sense my change is near Father so I should be good to get back here after I'm me again"
She heard Domenic chuckle and agree to her changing in the ladies room. She slipped out of the confessional and hurried off to get change.
Not ten minutes later she was out dressed in Daisy Duke style blue jean cut offs an old blue gingham blouse, the puffed sleeves giving the top a childlike quality, while her having tied it just under her breasts exposing the firm muscles of her stomach and belly button added a Lolita like seductiveness, that girls Braden's age seemed totally unaware of. On her feet was an old pair of Dr Scholl sandals, blue suede uppers that coordinated with the rest of her clothes.
"Thank You Father. Here is my stuff. I should be here to get it back late Monday or Tuesday next week." With this she headed to the pew facing the icon of the Virgin Mary, the votive candles in front of the Holy Mother, casting the statue in a soft golden glow that made it seem like an aura enveloped her. Braden reached into the small bag she had on her hip feeling the beads of the rosary touch her fingers and she smiled taking comfort in their familiar smoothness. She spoke up above the normal hush once more "Father let me know when the van is going to leave and I will join you but I want God to know I'm grateful and serious about this."
As the priest turned to see to the further preparations he heard Braden's voice "Hail Mary full of grace...."
-
July 4th 12:30 pm The Park - Nick, Mike & Don vs Maya & Tom
"Somebody call a cop! This bitch is going kill me! I think she's a fucking werewolf!" The fear was clear in Nick's voice, but there was smugness to his expression. He knew he was overmatched, and was calling for re-enforcements, the kind Maya couldn't just kill. His two friends took up the cry.
Tom stepped out of the shadows. He had circled around to approach from down wind. He flashed his wallet, too quickly for Maya to notice if there was a badge there or not. His other hand was behind his back, as if he were reaching for a gun. "Seattle PD. Break it up. What's going on?"
"She fucking grabbed me, man! Ripped my shirt and everything!" Nick cried out, trying to remain as far from Maya as possible.
Tom looked at the other two. "Haven't I seen you two down at the station before? Or even all three of you? Yeah, something about gang violence. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you all in. You too Miss. Everybody, up against the fence. Happy fourth of July."
Momentarily stunned at Tom's plan of action, Maya stood easily, bringing the rat with her. Then on second thought she shoved him back to the ground, grinning all the while. The grin turned to a frown. Little chicken shit! You'd think they'd be used to taking a beating or two from the wolves. Seeing Tom flash his wallet Maya wondered if Tom really was a cop. If he was, that would explain why he was so good at hiding his beast. The pigs usually didn't allow lycanthropes on the force, as far as she knew. What the hell did he have it mind? "I'll rip more than your shirt, you little-" She cut off as Tom spoke again and moved up to the fence with the three of them, staying close to her target, and took up the usual 'cop groping' position. She eyed Tom over her shoulder, waiting.....
"Hey man, you can't bust us. We belong to the Master of the City."
Whatever the were-rat's intention, it likely got a far different result. Tom's hand lashed out, and soon Nick was on his knees, his forehead jammed up against the fence, the Geri's hand at the back of his head. "You don't look like you're bursting into flames, punk. I guess that means you aren't vampires. What are you then, genius, a walking meal? You a blood donor, kid? Some fucking blood sucker's chew toy? I don't see any teeth marks. Or are they in places that you can't see in public?"
For a moment, it looked as if Tom had called upon the supernatural strength of the werewolf to pin down the were-rat, but then Maya notice the position of Tom's hand.
He's using pressure points. It doesn't matter how strong you are or how fast you heal, pain is pain, and that rat isn't going anywhere.
"You're no fucking cop," said one of the other two. He was about to take a step forward, but then his eyes went to Maya. He shifted uneasily, sniffing the air. Three were-rats against one human and a werewolf were the kind of odds he could handle, but now he could smell Tom, and that meant things were too far out of his favor for him to make any move on his own. "Nick?"
"Yeah, Nick, what's the story? What the fuck are you doing this far away from the sewers?"
"No, I swear, we're the Master's rats. We're just out getting some fresh air. There's no bite marks because they heal real fast. We didn't know this was a wolf neighborhood."
"It's a wolf city, Nick. Your kind isn't welcome here." Tom looked up at Maya. "Well? What do we do with them?"
"I think he's sweating too much already for me to smell the lie." Maya said with a scowl of disappointment. Her eyes moved from the other two to Nick as she moved away from the fence relieved that Tom wasn't actually a cop. Living on the reserve had given Maya quite a distaste for pigs... Hopefully he's not a cop. I'll find out later... Then again, there were those pressure points he was using. Could just be self defense classes... Probably not. Either way, she met his eyes when he looked up at her, "Depends on your pack's situation with the Master of the City... Killing... or... ahh... Beating the Master's pets is never good. He would probably want payment for it... in the form of more pets." Maya commented, speaking from previous experience. "I don't really know what goes on around here...
"It's bad," replied Tom. "Nick, I'd have to say that is the worst excuse for a lie I've heard in years. The Master of the City can't call rats. If he could, you'd know that mentioning that you belong to the Master within the hearing of a werewolf is likely to get the shit beaten out of you. I do have to hand it to you though, you have loyal friends. Nobody is holding them down, and they've stuck around. That shows a good pack bond. Just based on that, I'm going to let you up, without giving you a silver enema."
Tom slowly pulled his hand back. Nick hesitated for a second before climbing to his feet. "So what are you going to do?"
"I figure beating the three of you to a bloody pulp is a good place to start," said Tom calmly. Maya could smell the fear beginning to pour off of Nick in waves. If Tom could smell it, he wasn't reacting.
Nick looked at the other two were-rats. "What if I agree to take the beatings for all of us? Would you let them go?"
"Excuse me?"
"You can kick the shit out of me all you want. I'll take the beatings that were meant for them, without a fight, if you let them go."
Tom inhaled sharply. "Jesus Christ," he said. "We got us a fucking baby Alpha rat."
Maya turned her eyes away from Tom. He was more interesting than the baby rat. His lack of reaction... Or well anything was odd so close to the full moon. Her eyes widened as the wererat's words sunk in. Tom vocalized her thoughts and she nodded. She had to admit, it was strange and only something a leader or protector would do. The smell of fear and sweat rolling off the rats was clouding her senses. Was he strong enough to be anything more than a baby rat? A rat king even? She looked to the two hovering near the leader. Why hadn't they fled already? Maya shook her head, "This seems acceptable to me. It would perhaps strengthen the rat pack if those two were made to see their little rat... Prince take a beating for them." She said sarcastically, her eyes never leaving Nick. Maya's body was radiating heat and a fine trembling had started all over her body. Force of will was keeping her body completely human and little else, still she waited for the Geri to make his decision.
"It's your call. You heard what the Alpha said. Do you want me to beat him, or do you want to do it?" His eyes twinkled for just a second. "Or would you rather have these two do the dirty work for you?"
Maya smiled at the rat practically shaking in his boots. She was almost certain that she could see a little blood now with out falling completely into the change, now that her control was returning. "If it's going to be one of us then I want my pound." Maya said with a smirk. Then as Tom continued she looked to the other two, "These two?" She asked not certain as to how he meant.
Tom smiled. "Yes. We have the two lesser ratlings beat the baby rat king. It strikes me as a kind of poetic justice. Sort of like the way I'd feel if someone forced me to lay a beating on Lobo. I know he'd forgive me, but I'd never forgive myself."
Still not really sure how they were going to force the two rats to beat their leader, Maya nodded, enjoying the rodent's fear. "Fine with me," She said, as she moved closer to the two ratlings.
Maya felt movement and tried to turn, but it was too late. Arms wrapped around her throat, and legs wrapped around her arms. "Run!" screamed Nick.
She could feel the fear pouring off of him in waves, each one more exciting than that last. She felt a warm wet patch against her back, and knew before she could smell it that it was urine. His head was dug into her shoulder, and as she twisted to break free she saw that his eyes were screwed tightly shut. She felt the tremor, and realized he was fighting his beast even as he was clinging desperately to her. With an almost casual flick, she threw Nick off.
Tom, she noted, had gone in pursuit of the fleeing rats, who had wasted no time obeying their leader. It was likely that one would escape, if they had any brains at all.
Nick was quick to gain is feet. He was fast, but young and not particularly strong, and it was clear who the dominant animal was. Still, he balled his fists and stood waiting for her to come at him. It might have been amusing, if things hadn't been so serious.
His scent changed, as Maya began slowly stalking him. The fear was fading, as if he were running out of it. It took a moment for her to realize why. He was cornered, and facing a superior opponent. He expected her to kill him for his little stunt. There was nothing in the world more dangerous than someone with nothing to lose.
Always be wary of a cornered rat.....
The scent of the rat was almost intoxicating. She was almost disappointed. She had really wanted to see how Tom planned to do what he said. Then again, this was better... And what she had been waiting for. Maya lightened her step as she moved near. Despite the fact that the smell of urine and sweat remained she knew she was right about the fear. That got her adrenaline pumping. His beast so near the surface had energy rolling off him and he was swimming in it. If he turns here I'll kill him... Maya decided to herself. If I don't turn first that is... The thought brought on a surge of her own power and she enjoyed it. It was beautiful, the feeling. She wanted pack there to feel it with her. Oh well. He didn't seem to be cowering anymore.
"Are you so ready to leave them leaderless, Rat King?" She gave it a mocking tone but she was serious. She wanted to remind him of the position he had perhaps unknowingly taken. Her fist swung at him. Too fast for humans to see but he saw and moved. It grazed his jaw. The second caught him in the side of the face and knocked him into the fence. He whipped around, blood oozing from red welts. He came at her hissing and they went down, rolling. She pinned him down and pelted him with hits that could crush internal organs. His nails raked down her back then his fists when hit her repeatedly in the sides. They rolled again and she threw him back. He fell away leaving cuts on her upper arms. Claws? She felt her own thick claws sliding out with a rush that had her moving. Get behind him. Her arms seemed to wrap around his head on their own. She was a millisecond from breaking his neck. Kill him! Kill him! Her mind screamed.
Nick continued to struggle vainly, his beast barely contained. A strangled cry came from his lips, as if he knew his life hung by a thread. There was no fear left in him, but hot anger and a determination to not die quietly. Perhaps he even felt a sense of irony, that the fight would end with the two of them in the reverse of the position it had started in. Perhaps he even felt regret for not trying to break her neck when he had the chance. It didn't matter. Maya began to twist. The cry became a wail.
She felt, almost heard the rush of power. It surrounded her with a thick fog, loosening muscles against her will. She fought it, straining to hang onto the fierce thrill that having the rat's life in her hands had given her. It didn't matter. A strange calm was filling her, quenching the thirst for blood and battle. Her grip on the were-rat slackened, and he slipped away.
Maya rolled to her feet, not to continue the battle, but just to get up off the ground. The fog was beginning to recede. She turned, looking for the baby rat-king, not to continue the fight, but just to know where he was.
Nick lay curled at Tom's feet, sobbing. Maya looked up, meeting Tom's eyes, and for the first time got a clear look at his beast, just before the fog disappeared entirely, taking the beast with it.
How can he be Lukoi, and yet be so calm?
Maya didn't much like that little show of power even though she knew it was for good. She said nothing as she shock of the power that had soaked into her and forced another will on her as easily as one might control a puppy wore away. It was not pleasant and she was even less sure about Tom. How the hell did he do that? He's clearly an Alpha but still... He could be Ulfric with that kind of power... Turning from her thoughts, she wasn't even certain Tom was a wolf anymore. Not with that iron will so close to the full moon... Still she had seen it there, only for a second, but it was there. She had no right to be angry at Tom but she was. Obviously he had saved her from making a mistake she may have regretted. Still, it was a macho thing. She was a Geri too but only a minor power compared to him. Jealous? No! Yes. Maya jerked toward Tom. "How did you-" She cut off and just stared at him. "You had no right to stop me! It was my choice... I-I... no forget I said that... I just want to know how you can be Lukoi and still be so calm and cool so close to the full?" She said echoing her earlier thoughts. She shut up at that, realizing her jealousy was childish... Still she did want to know and waited while listening to the rat's whimpers.
Tom shrugged. "They call me the Peacemaker. It's my Gift. Lobo can crush your beast into submission, but my way is much more gentle. It works on other were-types as well. As far as I know, in that I am unique." He smiled gently. "I am very much Lukoi. You'll see that tonight. I'm a little bit like the Fenris wolf, chained by a thread. All Hell breaks loose when I slip my collar. I don't do it often." He looked at Nick, sobbing at his feet. "Any ideas as to what we should do with our little friend here, now that he's had what is likely his first near death experience?"
His Gift? He says that like we all have one... Maya nodded as he spoke, feeling childish, and let that bit of information sink in. What does it really matter to me anyway? I'll enjoying seeing that tonight... Turning from her thoughts Maya looked down at the rat and scowled. "I think I broke him... Maybe now he'll think twice before coming back to pack territory. Isn't that all your Ulfric wanted? What else is there to do with him? That is, unless you want me to finish it..." Maya leaned forward to tried and brush some of the dirt off herself, frowning at the blood quickly drying on her arms. Tonight couldn't come any sooner...
Maya nodded as he spoke, feeling childish, and let that bit of information sink in. What does it really matter to me anyway? I'll enjoying seeing that tonight... Turning from her thoughts Maya looked down at the rat and scowled. "I think I broke him... Maybe now he'll think twice before coming back to pack territory. Isn't that all your Ulfric wanted? What else is there to do with him? That is, unless you want me to finish it..." Maya leaned forward to tried and brush some of the dirt off herself, frowning at the blood quickly drying on her arms. Tonight couldn't come any sooner...
Tom shook his head. "I don't think he'd learn anything that way. You're right though, I think it will be a long time before he comes back here again." He smiled and stepped over Nick's body. He offered Maya his arm. "Shall we go back to Lobo? I think he's got a bit of a bash scheduled to welcome you, before the fireworks and the hunt."
Maya met Tom's eyes for a moment before looping her arm through his. It seemed odd to leave the rat sobbing on the ground in the middle of the park. In fact, it brought a smile to her face. A bash? This may not be the best time, considering how close I've come to shifting already... Or perhaps it would help to relieve some of the tension. Maya looked back at the rat as they moved away and wondered if he'd have nightmares about her... She hoped...
-
July 4th 1:30 pm The Rat Warren - Mike, Don, Nick & Ann
The rat king looked up as two of his minions came running into the meeting hall. "Where the hell have you two been?"
"Topside with Nick. We spotted this sweet Chica, but Nick said there was something weird about her, so we followed her."
"Followed her. I know what you bastards mean by followed her. What happened?"
"We didn't do nothing. We got jumped by a bunch of wolves. Nick was gonna take the beating for all of us, but they were gonna make us do it, so he jumped on the one wolf and told us to run. So we ran."
The rat king glowered. "So you just left him there to fend off the wolves?" The pair nodded nervously. The rat king had a notoriously bad temper, and everyone knew Nick wasn't one of his favorite people. It was going to come down to which was worse, saving Nick, or abandoning a fellow rat. Everyone held their breath.
Finally the rat king nodded. "Good. Sacrifice one to save two. Better that then all three of you dying."
"I don't think they wanted to kill him. It was the Peacemaker that had him." The room went suddenly silent. The rat king's hatred of that particular wolf was well known.
"Ann," he said in a voice that sounded like the voice of doom, "go topside. If he's still alive, take him out. I don't want to think about what kind of a hazard he'd be to us after that fucking werewolf has brainwashed him."
Ann nodded. "Take these two with you, and make sure none of them come back," the rat king hissed into her torn ear. She nodded again.
"Come on, you two. Show me the way."
Ann grinned greedily as she followed the other rats. She loved it when she got to hurt someone and hey this time she gets to hurt three. The grin was large across her face and it was if the other two knew their time was up. She followed them through the many streets and alleys and with every turn she combed her long skinny fingers through her hair so it covered her torn ear.
The two rats knew Ann by reputation, as well as by sight. It was rumored that the nick in here ear had been from a dominance battle with the rat king. It was rumored that he had spared her life, in exchange for not letting the wound heal, and in exchange for her services as an executioner. How much was rumor and how much was true no one knew.
It was also rumored that Nick was beginning to reach the point where he might be able to threaten the position of the rat king. True, he was young, but he had been growing in power of late. He was a newly fledged Alpha, of that there was no doubt. Whether he would be a powerful one or not, remained to be seen. Already, it was rumored, there were those who were considering him as a successor to the current rat king. It was rumored that he already had a few rats in his corner, should he decide to take the throne. Again, how much was rumor and how much was true was unknown.
The two ratlings walked silently in front of Ann. They exchanged occasional nervous glances, but said nothing. Occasionally one would look over his shoulder at Ann, but neither would make eye contact.
The ladder that led out of the rat king's domain was in the basement of an old apartment building. People had long grown used to the comings and goings of the lycanthropes. Those that had objected had moved or simply disappeared. Those that remained often left 'tributes' of food and clothing for the rat king's minions, and kept the area freshly scrubbed, to disguise any scent trail, in the hopes that it would win them some measure of protection. Sometimes it did.
The park where the were-rats had run afoul of the were-wolves was only a few blocks from the apartment building. The were-wolf Alpha had claimed all of Seattle for his own, but it was virtually impossible to root out the rats. Not only were they masters of stealth and intimately acquainted with the cities sewers system, there were five different factions, and a bargain made with one did not hold with any of the other groups.
As they slowly began to approach the park Ann walked quickly up too the two other rats and but her arms around their shoulders. "So is this where is happened?" she asked. They both nodded with a slight tremble in her arms. She grabbed their faces with her hand and applied a little bit of pressure as if about to break their necks until she threw them both to the ground and spit beside them. "Now listen and listen good! My orders are to kill you both and if it were anyone else I would. So leave town and never come back or I swear next time I won't let you off the hook for doing something for you fellow rat!" she snarled trying to look mean in tough but rumor also had it she had a soft spot if Nick. Whether she was really being merciful or thanking them for the information where he would be was a different story that she didn't think either of them would ask. "Consider it your lucky day boys that the rat king didn't ask for proof of death this time" it was true the rat king had not once merciful bone in his body, a real prick and usually asked for the heads of the ones she was told to kill. Before they could stand she turned her back to them and started walking into the park
There was a rustling of trees, and Nick dropped to the ground in front of her. His face was streaked with dirt and tears. There was a large wet stain on the front of his pants. And much of his clothing was tattered. Ann didn't notice these details at first. She was looking at his eyes.
There was a fierce light burning in them. At first she thought it might be insanity, but there was reason behind them. His eyes were burning with something more dangerous than lunacy. They burned with purpose.
"The rat fink's killer spares two of mine, when he has called for their deaths? Very odd," he said, as he began to circle Ann. His two friends moved to surround her, but Nick waved them off.
With only one opponent to worry about, Ann turned with him, keeping him in front of her. "Maybe I can guess why," said Nick. "Maybe Ann has had enough of the king of rats. Maybe Ann was going to keep going, because someone somewhere would have found out, and the rat bastard would have taken her eyes as punishment. Maybe Ann didn't think of that. Maybe Ann thinks she can take the crown."
There was power pouring off of Nick, more power than Ann had ever seen in him before. Suddenly he stopped circling. "Maybe Ann realizes that she is looking at a newly crowned rat prince, and thinks I would be a more merciful lord. If she does, then she is right." He blinked, almost as if he was coming out of a trace. He extended his hand.
"What do you say, Ann? Will you join me in a new rat pack, or will you go back and tell his highness that there is a new faction in town?" He grinned suddenly. "Or will you carry my challenge back to the son of a bitch who sits on my throne? There's a full moon tonight, and I say it's time for a fight."
"Do you want me to go get you some clothes, Nick?" asked one of his henchmen. "You'd look really fucking gay going down there with piss on your pants."
Ann glared back at the one that spoke but quickly turned her attention back to Nick. She stepped into him and raised a hand and softly placed it against his chest and moved in closer so her breath would tickle his neck. "No. You see, Ann has realized that lazy SOB has been on the throne far too long. Ann tried to get him off the throne over a year ago while someone else was still getting into his Alpha skin. Ann is tired of being beaten and tired of killing many good rats." She chuckled. "Oh don't get me wrong I love to torture but killing I don't like. You see Ann can be very helpful in many ways but there is only so many times one can be beaten before loyalty is gone. Now there is but one thing you have forgotten there Nick." She backed off and looked at the other two for a quick second before turning back to Nick. "Before you get to him you have to go through me. And you know very well someone in my position can't just very well give in or the present king will have my head and you know it. So for a little exchange I'm willing to help you if you help me."
"I'm listening...."
"I know the rat kings largest weaknesses, ones that will let you over come him in no time at all making him look old and weak. But for that information you and your buddies are going to have to beat me and drag me back. Make it look like you kicked my ass in a dominance fight for if you loose, no offence but one in my position has to look out for me. So what do you say?" her eyes starred at him almost pleading to take the offer. Everyone knew how the present king was to her, mean, cold and painful.
Nick nodded. "If you kill them, they can't be afraid of you. It's the fear you need to feel alive. I understand."
He looked at his friends. "Mike, Don, go get me some clothes. Something black, with lots of buckles and zippers. Leather if you can get it, but denim if you can't. Try to avoid fetish gear. I don't want to look like an S&M bitch when I walk in." They nodded, looked once at Ann, and then departed.
"If I'm going to do this Ann, I'm going to have to do if for real, no holds barred. That includes beating you in a dominance battle. If I can't take you, then I can't take him. I know he'll kill me if I lose." Nick slipped into a fighting crouch. "Will you?"
Ann smiled softly and walked to him as if he weren't even standing ready to fight. She slide a fingernail down his chest and with a grin spoke softly "I'd let to see you in some fetish gear." She backed off with a wink and placed her foot back sliding it into the dirt. "Before you beat me to a pulp just a few things first. Kingies weakness is his rage. If you get him mad enough he'll loose perspective of the whole fight and the thing that enrages him the most that I personally found out too late. Touch his tail. It's his pride and joy he keeps it out always to show it off because that's how he defeated the last rat King with a blow to the head with it." She smiled a bit as she starred into his eyes. Her eyes on the other hand were frightened as she spoke about the king everyone has heard her screaming when he gets mad she always took the blows. In behind that fear was hope that Nick would win and take over for she was tired of the King's temper.
"Now what would you do, if you saw me in fetish gear?" asked Nick, all wide eyed innocence.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I would." Nick was eyeing her speculatively, and his crouch lessened slightly. Seeing the weakness, Ann moved to exploit it. If he does that against the king, he's dead for certain.
Her arms closed on empty air. Somehow, Nick wasn't there. She felt hands around her ankles, and her feet were torn out from under her. She twisted in the air, taking the impact of the ground on her shoulder, rolling away from Nick and back onto her feet. She smiled. "You lured me in."
"Guilty as charged." Nick smiled back. "Shall we do this for real?"
She dusted herself off. "Damn I liked these jeans," she mumbled while looking at the grass stain she sighed and slide back into her fighting stance. She grinned from ear to ear. "But I was serious about seeing you in that fetish gear.'' She winked a bit evilly.
She ran in quickly and grabbed his arm flipping him tot he ground she straddled him and had his hands pinned back above his head. She leaned down and softly kissed while she punched him in the stomach. The fight had now officially started.
Blows went back and forth for a long period of time. Both were bleeding and both were sore, almost having a hard time standing up. Most fights were quick and to the point but this one had lasted for quite sometime. The other two were already back with clothes. But it was when she glanced over at them a fist cracked her right in the head sending her flying hitting her head hard on a huge rock. Her head bounced a good foot into the air her hair began to become sticky with blood. She wasn't moving and was knocked out cold. She could hear muffled voices and her body being moved just before everything was black and silent
-
July 4th 2:00 pm En Route to the preserve - Tom & Maya
Maya soon found herself in the passenger seat of Tom's Jimmy. Ryan and Dave were in the back seat. Lobo and his two bodyguards had elected to travel in a separate vehicle. Lobo had promised her a 'party you won't remember, as opposed to one you won't forget'.
They drove to an area just south of the beaches at Puget Sound, and passed through a fence gate. The fence was almost twelve feet high. There were signs posted everywhere, announcing that this was private property, and the fence was electrified. She looked at Tom.
"Is that really an electric fence?"
"Only the top half."
"What's it for?"
"To keep things in and to keep other things out. This is the Pack's private hunting preserve. We've got about two hundred acres. Lobo inherited it from the last Ulfric. We use it as a party zone." Maya could already hear the music, and the truck's windows were closed. She couldn't see the source
"Speaking of which, did you bring the beer?" asked Ryan.
"It's in the cooler in the back. Two cases."
"Can I crack one open?"
"Not while I'm driving."
The Jimmy pulled into a parking lot that held over a hundred vehicles ranging from motorcycles to an old school bus painted black with violent purple flames.
"Welcome to Seattle," said Tom. "Do you want a beer now, or do you want to meet the rest of the partiers stone cold sober?"
"I'll pass on that for now." Maya said as she glanced down at the beer. Her throat seemed suddenly dry as nervousness crept up on her. She wasn't used to meeting new wolves and was having second thoughts about offering herself up as a 'gift'. That had obviously been a load of bullshit anyway... Way to leave yourself in debt, Maya... The sound of music blaring was much louder now. Didn't seem very wise to have parties on the Pack's hunting preserve. Oh well, it was all about the hunt anyway, why not make it hard for the pups... Then again, this may be the perfect place for a werewolf party, as long as there was lots of game around. Maya looked over all the cars again as they started toward the sound of the music. Damn... "So how many wolves are here anyway?" Maya asked, turning to Tom.
"Lupanar on the fourth of July? Every damned one of them. Five hundred and three at last count." Tom grinned. "Biggest pack in the country, as far as I know."
"This is going to be one to remember," said Ryan.
"I'll drink to that," said Dave.
"Dave is the original party animal. He's got a calendar at home that gives a reason to celebrate each day of the year," said Ryan. "You've parked. Can I break the beer out now?"
Five hundred and three!!! Fuck! Maya was too stunned to speak for the next few moments as the others talked. "Maybe I will have one of those beers." Maya said, still in shock. She barely caught the one that came flying at her. Smiling at Ryan's comment, Maya spoke up as they walked past the cars, "I'm going to assume this isn't a formal introduction to the pack, right? I mean there's no way I can greet 500 wolves all in the same night. I've never even heard of a pack this size... That's amazing... It must be impossible to keep them in line... My pack has maybe 70..." Maya cut off when she realized she was rambling and felt the dawning of a new respect for Lobo...
Tom chuckled. "Yeah, it's a bit of an administrative nightmare. The tithing alone takes a full day."
"Lobo demands tithe?"
"Well, not a full tenth. With this many pack members, he's dropped it to one percent. Even then he's making a killing. That's how we maintain this preserve. It eats huge into the budget." Tom caught the beer Ryan tossed him. Already he was loosening up, a grin spreading across his face. The diamond hard control Maya had seen in the park was relaxing, and so was Tom. He twisted the cap off and took a swig, already beginning to move with the music. "Don't worry, Maya. We'll do formal introductions tomorrow. Tonight, we'll just tell everyone that you are a visitor, and not to hassle you too much."
Dave chuckled. He had finished his first beer, and was already on his second. "Yeah. We won't bother mentioning that you're a Geri, though. We've got a pool going as to how many scraps you'll get into before they all wise up. My bet was for ten."
The latest bit of info on the West Coast Pack was little surprise to Maya. Peter would do the same if he could... Luckily there aren't enough willing to stay in his pack and pay as well.... Maya turned to Tom as he continued. Everyone... Well that was a relief anyway. Tonight was probably going to be like nothing she'd ever experienced. She watched as Tom visibly loosened up and couldn't help but grin. Maya, herself, couldn't seem to loosen up despite the beer that she took a few gulps from. The base of the booming music had the ground shaking. As if the ground was as unstable as she was feeling. It had been long time since she had been so far from her packmates. Ryan's comment brought her back, "Oh great..." She laughed out loud, then slung an arm over Tom's shoulders, "I'm sure no one will get to badly hurt. Not with Tom around... Right?" Maya asked, actually wondering if Tom used his gift to help with pack brawls.
"I only step in if things start to get out of hand, like a dominance fight that is going to turn lethal when those weren't the original terms. As long as it's all in fun, and nobody is getting hurt, I keep my nose out."
Ryan chuckled. "What he means is, he gets to drink just like the rest of us. If he had to play ref, he'd have to stay sober." He paused, sniffing the air. "Is that what I think it is?"
Dave sniffed deeply, as did Maya. A tantalizing odor teases her nose, making her mouth water. It was alive, and frightened. It was prey, and called to her beast in a way only prey could. Dave let out a whoop. "Lobo got the goats!"
"Goats?" asked Maya, but Dave and Ryan were already racing ahead.
"A few years ago, Lobo imported about a dozen goats, from Peru, or Ecuador, or something like that," explained Tom. "Anyway, it was a mountain region, and the little buggers were the most agile things I've ever seen. It took us half the night to run the last ones down. Best damned hunt anyone can remember. If Lobo got the goats again this year, this promises to be one Hell of a night." Tom smirked then, a rakishly handsome expression. "Damn, this is going to be fun."
Maya felt his beast slip free, and she could almost feel it brushing against her skin as it stretched outwards. There were answering howls from all around, most from human throats, but a few from lupine. Tom threw back his head, and howled in response, a long joyful howl that spoke of the pack, and the pleasure of being Lukoi.
Maya couldn't help, but laugh at the idea of hunting goats. It was going to be a new experience for certain. Her smile faded as the scent hit her. Worse was when Tom's beast crawled across her skin and his howl boomed in her head. She loved the sound of it and the calls that answered it. She felt her own howl building in her chest and echoed Tom's call, smiling all the while. The beginnings of fangs glinted there. The force of her beast reacting to everything at once after being so carefully restrained was overwhelming. She let her beast roll over her, barely restraining it. Maya started forward and forced herself to walk. Running would be too much... Not yet. Let the others go a head. It would be more fun that way... Much more fun.
Tom moved a head of her. She enjoyed watching him move. He was a predator and there was prey so very close. So close she could already taste it; she could already feel flesh tearing beneath her claws. I'll get my kill tonight... Maya thought with a grin. Her eyes were trained on Tom as they moved on. The Geri... She desired to challenge him. She desired to... Maya quickly turned her thoughts away from that and her eyes away from the play of muscles in Tom's back. No need to jump any males right yet... The hunt was more important. If the goats were already freed, then the others would be after them... Too many others, unless Lobo was holding them back. She hoped that was the case or she would already be too far behind...
They crested the hill, and the sound hit Maya like a wave. There was a stage set up, and a live band was playing. Literally hundreds of people were dancing. There was just something fascinating about watching their bodies move, as if there were muscles in places no human was supposed to have muscles.
She could see a truck parked beside the stage. There were a dozen very large werewolves standing near it all of them in half human form. They had their hands full keeping people away from it. It wasn't difficult to tell why. Maya could see the occasional flash of white through the air holes in the truck body. They were protecting the goats.
Before she could comment, Tom grabbed her hand. "Come on, I'll introduce you around." And then it began.
There were hundreds of faces dozens of names. She met six Stevens and a Stephen, all within a half hour. They all welcomed her. Several of the males looked at her with obvious interest, but apparently Tom's presence was enough of a deterrent that no one said anything overtly sexual. Maya was sure there would be a few comments made when she was out of earshot, but she felt more than able to dish out as well as take, in any verbal challenge.
There was food in abundance, ranging from thick burgers to juicy steaks, and Maya could see at least one pig roasting on a spit. Tom suggested they eat, because the hunt was still some time away. He quite cheerfully accepted any food or alcohol that was pushed into his hand, and there was plenty of it. He sampled all of it, and it took a while for Maya to notice that he passed it on almost as quickly as it was handed to him.
"You the local food tester?" she asked finally.
"Just being friendly," Tom replied. "I like my food, and everybody knows that. They all know I make my rounds, and I'll eat what and where I chose. Sometimes I feel like it's almost a competition to see gets the privilege of feeding the Geri."
"Do they do this with Lobo?"
Tom shook his head. "No, he leaves the circulating to me. I'll fill him in later on what's going on in the pack. You know how it is. No one will bitch to the Ulfric, but the Geri is fair game. Hey! I love this song! Want to dance?"
Maya listened for a moment then laughed. The band was playing a cover of Duran Duran's 'Hungry like the Wolf'.
Maya felt a rush of relief at the sight of the goats still caged. That was better. She had never seen so many wolves in one place at one time. It was intoxicating all in itself. The air was full of... Wolf. She tried to memorize at least a few of the faces along with the names, but it was no easy task. Maya was more than pleased to be welcomed so easily and even more pleased at the lack of any of the usual pack responses to a new wolf. The booming music had her moving to the beat as she headed into the crowd with Tom. Perfect song for what she was feeling. She was hungry for just about everything. It was hard to believe the amount of respect shown to the Geri. It wasn't like that in her pack. Apparently Tom was the one to impress around here... The crowd closed in around them as they got closer to the stage. The lycanthropes packed in together were giving off an intense amount of heat. Maya couldn't help but smile as the vocalist sang the next line, I'm lost in a crowd and I'm hungry like the wolf... Laughing, she moved with Tom in time with the music, running her hands down his sides, drinking in his heat. She felt hands on her back... Probably one of the Stevens. She turned to find one of the men she had met before... She wasn't sure if it was a Steven or not. Either way she moved with him, her arms up over her head, feeling the beat of the music as it shook the ground underfoot. She slid away as he reached for her again, back to Tom who had turned to another and closed in on him, running her hands over his back and never missing the beat. It was definitely going to be a night to remember...
Again she felt fingers, inches from her skin, as if the wolf was stroking her aura, rather than her flesh. It raised goosebumps. He leaned closer, and she could detect the smell of vodka and cigarettes on his breath. He was tall and slender, bordering on thin. His face was deeply pockmarked and craggy. He could have been a well preserved fifty, or a really hard living thirty. He wore a black leather vest over a Harley t-shirt, black jeans and cowboy boots. His hair was long and black, heavily streaked with grey, and carelessly tied back with a red bandanna. He was the ultimate picture of bad ass.
"Hey, Maya," he said, by way of greeting. "You want to go someplace, and try to make a few puppies, before the real fun begins?"
He must be desperate... Or just stupid... "Not interested." She said easily, with no intention of offending the wolf. "I don't plan on making any puppies tonight." Maya couldn't help but laugh at that... Or maybe it was all the beer that kept coming her way that had her laughing. She turned and started to make her way out of the crowd.
... "Not interested." She said easily, with no intention of offending the wolf. "I don't plan on making any puppies tonight." Maya couldn't help but laugh at that... Or maybe it was all the beer that kept coming her way that had her laughing. She turned and started to make her way out of the crowd.
"Yeah well, I woulda thought otherwise... The way you're all over our Geri's dick..." That stopped her, instantly awakening the alpha in her. "Or maybe you're just one a those power sluts... You think you can get to the top by fuckin' your way there. You might as well start with me." Maya turned back to him now, going still. "Hey, if you're as good as you look I'll put a word in with Lo-" The force of her back hand cut him off and sent him reeling backward, and into a few people that shoved him back toward her. Maya's slight beer fog drained away almost instantly and left her frowning. So much for getting a good buzz on... He straightened up and wiped the corner of his mouth. The look he gave her was pure hate, "Bitch!" He yelled as he came at her fast. Not fast enough. Maya caught his wrist and pulled him into her raised knee. She heard the crunch and felt a rib or two crack on impact as all the breath left him in a gasp. He fell away and lay at her feet gasping for breath as Maya smiled down at him, waiting. After some time he pulled himself to his feet and moved to her. It was a slow movement as he held his damaged ribs. She was dominant to him and they both knew it, she only waited for him to show it. In one quick move he moved in and flicked his tongue across her lower lip. Relaxing, she turned her back on him and looked the stage. One down... 500 more to go...
"That was quick. You okay, Maya?"
She nodded. "Didn't even break a sweat."
"Good. Benjamin? You going to be okay?"
The beaten wolf nodded. "I'll be good for the hunt. Better watch this one if she stays, Tom. She's good enough to take Patrick."
Tom smiled. "Then maybe you should warn Patrick." He patted the injured werewolf gently on the shoulder. "See you later Benjamin."
"Who is Patrick?"
"He's the wolf just below me. Rumor is he's challenging me for the Geri post tonight." Tom checked his watch. "Lobo should be getting things started soon. The moon will be up in about half an hour." He looked over the crowd. There were some who were slipping into their other forms, adding to those who had already shifted. Soon, the human shape would be the minority.
Maya shuddered at the feel of wolves shifting in the crowd. She was happy about taking down Benjamin. Maybe he had underestimated her. As a lot of the wolves had underestimated her in the past... At least she hoped as much. It was obvious that she had pounced on the chance to fight and had been the instigator. You don't just slap another wolf from another pack if you don't want to fight. Not that she felt remorse for doing it. She had always fought to get what she had... That wasn't about to change. She was still fighting. If there was anything she had learned after becoming what she is, it was how to fight well. She had been in over 15 dominance fights and hadn't lost more than four. In fact, those four fights had been with her Ulfric. The sound of someone's voice cracking on the mike made her wince. Apparently it was karaoke time for the West Coast Pack...
Tom shook his head. "Every time we do karaoke, he sings that song. Have you ever heard 'Feelings' sung in the key of W before?"
Maya shook her head. "No, I haven't. I almost wish I hadn't either." She looked around for a moment. "What does Patrick look like?"
"He's not too hard to find. Just look for the guy who looks like he stepped out of GQ. That will be him."
"I'll be back," said Maya as she slipped through the crowd.
"If I'm not here, I'll be back stage. I have to head there in about ten minutes anyway."
Maya searched the crowd, but did not immediately spot anyone who looked like a 'Mr. GQ'. Not knowing how long it would take her by herself, Maya decided to recruit someone she knew would help. He at least wasn't hard to find.
"Hello Benjamin."
Benjamin turned around. "Hi." He eyed her suspiciously. "Something I can do for you, that doesn't involve breaking more ribs?"
Maya nodded, and slipped her arm through his. "Help me find Patrick."
Maya smiled as Benjamin guessed her reasons for seeking out the wolf who would possibly be challenging their Geri. He didn't look like he overly wanted to help her out. "Come on, wouldn't you enjoy seeing me get my ass kicked?" Maya said, grinning. The people with Benjamin gave her cold looks which she decided it best to ignore.
"If only for that..." He said and Maya wasn't really sure whether he meant it or not as he headed off. She followed him for about a minute through the huge crowd when he finally stopped. She spotted Patrick on her own. He stood out clad in a pair of expensive looking slacks and what was probably a designer jacket. Not clothes the average werewolf would want to shift in. He wasn't alone. It seemed like a lot of women were hoping to get his attention. In fact, a few of them were literally panting as he laughed and smoothed back a piece of hair that fell out of place. Maya reached him in a few strides, "Patrick?" That got his attention.
"Yes?" He replied, looking her over. They hadn't been introduced. Benjamin, who had moved up to Patrick with her, spoke up.
"Patrick, this is Maya. She's new."
"I noticed." Patrick responded and gave her a perfect, sparkling smile.
"I heard you planned to challenge your Geri and..." He waited, looking at her. "I would like to challenge your Geri for his position."
-
July 4th 3:50 pm -Union Hotel - Morvan & Katana
Morvan slipped his arm around her. "I'll try to let you know, next time I'm kidding. In the meantime, there's a steak with my name on it, wait about two blocks down the street. I hope you're hungry, because I'm starving." He didn't wait for her to answer, he just guided her out the door, and down the hallway to the exit.
Morvan slipped his arm around her. "I'll try to let you know, next time I'm kidding. In the meantime, there's a steak with my name on it, wait about two blocks down the street. I hope you're hungry, because I'm starving." He didn't wait for her to answer, he just guided her out the door, and down the hallway to the exit.
Katana smiled as they walked down the streets. She was starving, yet it only took her a few bites to actually get full. The smile was wiped clear off her face as she noticed a church. Her eyes narrowed and went cold she knew that Morvan would notice. Once past the smile slowly began to return as if she never saw a thing.
"You not a fan of the church?" Morvan asked, as he held open the restaurant door. They were seated quickly by a very nervous waiter. Morvan waved away the menus and ordered two large steaks, extra rare.
She laughed as the waiters ran around all jittery. It was amazing how quickly everything was ready for them. She heard a lady from behind her complaining that she was there first and where was her food. Katana turned and glared. "Aww, cry me a river," she grumbled while trying to eat her steak. She looked up to Morvan with a content looking face. "These things are good. And about earlier... was it that obvious I don't like churches?" She laughed. "So what's next on the list of things to do before the fireworks?" She smiled softly, her steak almost gone.
"Oh yeah, it was obvious, even if I couldn't smell the change in your scent, I could see the change in your attitude," said Morvan. "Besides, you told me that you hated priests and churches, because some priest had taken you down to a clinic and you ended up getting a bad batch of serum. It happens, Katana. Unless this priest did something else to piss you off, he's actually done you a favor. He made you one of us, and there is nothing better to be."
Katana chuckled a little "Oh, I guess my attempt at being funny wasn't." She then looked to her steak and poked it a few times. "The priest was a jerk. I swear if I could find him today I'd tear him to shreds. Let's just say he's a priest going to hell. I know what he did to other girls on the street and it was nothing close to holy." A low growl came from her throat. Morvan was amused that such a pissed-off growl was actually coming from the tiny girl in front of him. With some training she definitely would become stronger and on top of that she was young and naive and would probably do anything he said.
"Did he actually do the bump and tickle with you, or did he just march you down to some clinic to get you a shot?" Morvan's hand tightened on his steak knife, until the wood began to crack and splinter under the pressure. He looked down at the knife for a moment, and then placed it carefully on the table. "We could always pay this priest a visit, tonight. It's the full moon. You'll want to hunt."
Katana pouted. "But I wanted to watch the fireworks." She paused. "But then again we could always do both." An evil grin crossed her face. "The fire works don't start until nine." She licked her lips a little. "And as for the priest, let's just say another one saved my skin. Yet he too wanted favors for his help. They are all tainted bastards!" She growled angrily. "The one that saved me was the bastard that took me for the shot and then wanted a little favor later that night. Luckily I just kicked him in the nuts and ran. Hated the church ever since." She looked at the floor ashamed. "But I think I might like the church once it's painted in their blood."
"This isn't exactly something that should be discussed here," said Morvan, so softly that Katana had to strain to hear. "We'll talk about it more later. After the fireworks. I think you've picked the next few lessons for yourself. The Hunt. The Kill." He smiled, and it was entirely a predatory expression. "The Feast."
Katana made a disgusted face. "Feast? No not with him. Just tear him to shreds," she whispered as softly as he had. Her eyes seemed to sparkle at the thought for a moment." So the fireworks, then we have more fun. Also do you really think we will find others there? I mean at the fire works? I know it's a big thing more or less like a Meals on Wheels." She grinned a little then frowned. "Poor animals."
They left the restaurant, and began heading towards the waterfront. "What you're talking about is what I would consider a huge waste of food. Also, Seattle is not just a big buffet. There are laws. Any law broken by a shapeshifter results in a death penalty. I mean, any real law. You can still spit on the sidewalk, and jaywalk, but if you try anything like shoplifting, car theft, mugging or rape, they'll axe you real good. It sucks, but they can't hold a shapeshifter that doesn't want to be held. Same goes for vampires, animators and wizards. Anyone who is better or different gets to take a long dirt nap, if they break any of the little people's laws."
He crossed the street against the light, dragging Katana with him.
"OUCH! Do you have to drag so hard?" She looked up at him, pouting. Then she turned serious. "Okay I get it. Break the rules you get your neck broke. Gee, it was so much simpler in the alley. Lonely but simple. Except for those bastards that poked fun at me. That wasn't nice of them." She pouted again, and then giggled. "Uhm, where exactly are we headed?"
"You wanted to go to the fireworks, right? Well, we're going to have to walk. Besides, I can get a better idea as to what kind of a mix of shapeshifters this city has, if I walk through it sniffing. It will let me figure out territories too. I'm new here, so I don't know what is where. Yet."
Katana sniffed at the air "Smell? I can't smell anything but sewer gasses and pollution. How can you smell them? I smell absolutely nothing like usual. Well I know you're better then me, so that could be one reason you can smell them." She paused for a moment. "You'll know your way around here soon enough don't worry. But then again before that time happens you can just have others doing erands for you." She looked up at him and smiled. As they walked she noticed a group of guys on the other side of the street. They were whispering and pointing and soon they were crossing the street. As they got closer, Katana tugged lightly on Morvan's jacket. She couldn't help stare at one of the five in particular. His face was a little fuzzy and his teeth just didn't seem right. "Morvan, I think we have company."
"I know. I've been smelling them for a while now." He looked at her. "You're serious, you can't smell them? It's sort of a dusty, sour smell, underneath the smell of the car exhaust. It's there, and I know you've got the goods to smell it. Try again. In the meantime, I think I'm going to go scrap it up with a few rats. Feel free to join in, if you want to."
Cars screeched to a halt as Morvan stepped out onto the street. He ignored them and kept going. The rats were aware of his approach. It would have been difficult for them not to be aware of it. He stopped on the sidewalk in front of them.
"You guys got any cheese?"
"Fuck you, cat man. This is our turf." The leader of the small group was over a foot taller than Morvan. His incisors were pronounced, as if he had spent too much time in rat form. He stepped in close, trying to intimidate the were-leopard with his bulk.
It was a mistake. Morvan's hand moved faster than Katana could see, and suddenly the were-rat was on the ground, blood pouring out of his mouth. Morvan held up his hand. He was holding the were-rat's teeth. There was only a second of hesitation, before the were-rat screamed out something unintelligible. The others took it as a command to attack.
Katana tired not to blink, because each time she did, Morvan was in a different place. At any particular moment, two of the five were on the ground, wounded or winded. It didn't seem like any of them were even likely to lay a hand on him, until he suddenly stood stock still. They were on him in a flash. Two grabbed his arms and a third began raining blows on him as quickly as they could be thrown.
Katana began to move forward, but suddenly there was a wail, loud and piercing. She covered her ears and turned to locate the source, only to see a car screech to a stop only yards from her.
"Seattle PD! Everybody freeze!" commanded a young woman, aiming her pistol across the trunk of the car.
-
July 4th 4:30 pm - Walking to the fireworks - Morvan, Katana & Suki
Katana stood in the middle of the road covering her ears as the cop car pulled up with sirens wailing. When the noise stopped she looked up to see the two free rats frozen only a few feet away from her. She glared at them. "How dare they go two on one against little me!" she thought angrily. She then turned her attention to the cop. She wanted to say something but what? She knew the cop had to have known this was a were fight, and since Morvan ripped out the leaders teeth this wasn't going to be pretty. But she on the other hand might be able to pass as a normal person. She always had. She was weak, not like Morvan, who had the energy and power seeping out his pores like he had just eaten a pound of garlic. She looked to Morvan a bit panicked and then at the cop.
"Arrest those five, officer. Please, Morvan are you okay? Ma'am we were on our way to the park to watch the fireworks when these five started shouting dirty things at me. My friend there went across the street to talk to them about how it's not nice to say things like that when they all jumped him. "Her eyes were shaky and a bit filled with frightened tears as she looked to the cop. Her face was so innocent that it would be hard not to believe her and what she was saying.
"Everyone, don't move." Suki commanded in a tight voice gripping her pistol. "You say you were assaulted? Officer Davies Cover me."
The Oriental cop moved from behind the car. "Everyone up against the fence for the time being. Hands were I can see them." She slowly approached the group and felt the rolling power coming from the group of people. Shape shifters, damn it. Why here?! If any of them move, I'm going to have to shoot them.... "I want you from the beginning to tell me how this all happened."
Damn! She's trying the innocent routine, not realizing that she's got shapeshifter written all over her. She hasn't had enough time to learn to hide it. Let's hope we got dumb cops.... Morvan raised his hands over his head. "Can I ask why the victim is being held a gunpoint?"
Morvan raised his hands over his head. "Can I ask why the victim is being held a gunpoint?"
"Up against the wall. We can sort this out downtown. Officer Davis, call for back-up. We need a van down here to help transport them all."
Morvan didn't move. "Are you sure? We're all shapeshifters. Is it really worth executing us for getting a little rowdy? I mean, is a little public disturbance worth the electric chair?" He looked at the rats. "Are you guys going to press charges? I won't if you won't."
The rats looked uncomfortable, shifting from side to side. One of them nudged the leader. "Hey, what's your name?" He asked.
What the fuck? Morvan knew something was up, but had no idea what.
Morvan knew something was up, but had no idea what.
"Paul Legget," the leader replied, the words distorted by the lack of incisors, but still clear.
It was a signal to bolt. Each of the rats sprinted in a different direction. Morvan couldn't help but laugh.
Once told to go up against the wall she did but found herself being stuck on the opposite side of the rats and not beside Morvan. She took deep breaths and tried to relax. She could smell their fear and couldn't help but want to 'play' with one. She closed her eyes and continued her deep breathing. It usually helps her stay calm. But as the rats scattered they all ran into her causing her to open her eyes and watch them run. It also broke her concentration on the breathing. Her face grew very pale and she grabbed her stomach in pain as she could feel her insides shifting. To anyone else it would appear she was about to vomit but she knew that Morvan knew. "Morvan I don't feel so good," she grumbled, before she falling to her knees. She looked up to the cop her eyes begging for her to stop the pain. Her shaky eyes looked to Morvan. "I'm sorry I tried not to."
Damn, why me? "Stop or I'll shoot!" Suki cried out. She didn't wait for a response as she squeezed the trigger and heard a scream as one of the wererats stumbled. A quick explosion of crimson mist erupted from the perpetrators leg. "The next person that moves I shoot!"
"Stop or I'll shoot!" Suki cried out. She didn't wait for a response as she squeezed the trigger and heard a scream as one of the wererats stumbled. A quick explosion of crimson mist erupted from the perpetrators leg. "The next person that moves I shoot!"
Anger and frustration rolled off Suki along with the faint scent of fear and excitement. The weres could all smell it.
"No one is under arrest yet we just want answers as to what happened here. How did this start?" Suki asked.
"Bitch! You fucking bitch you shot me!" cried the man that Suki had shot. Suki looked down at him, then to the girl on the ground clutching her stomach. "We can call a paramedic for both you. Please remain calm."
"Calm? You want me to stay calm? You just shot out my god damned knee you zipperhead," the wererat said through clenched teeth.
"Be glad that it wasn't silver bullets." Suki said. "I can arrange it if you want however."
Officer Davies winced at Suki's words. I guess it didn't take as long as I had thought for Suki to find out what types of people she doesn't like dealing with. Figures it had to be lycanthropes....
Katana looked up, then stuck her head between her knees. She rocked back and forth her hands rested on the back of her head. Her hands began to go a bit yellow and her fingers began to go claw-like. As she rocked she continued her breathing, paying no attention to anyone around her. She was in her own little world and state of mind. As she concentrated on her breathing, her hands went back to normal and she felt her insides shifting again, back to where they should be. Within a few seconds of breathing everything seemed to be fine and the pain was now a memory. She lifted her head and wiped away the sweat that was on her brow. She then remained on the ground, remembering what the cop had said. She looked around, not once even looking at Morvan almost as if she could care or less if he was there or not. At the moment the only thing in her mind was staying a live and not trying to change. Her deep breathing was steady as she tried to listen to the cop but her ears were still ringing from the sirens from earlier.
Morvan watched as Katana began to shift. He willed his beat to the surface, his power drifted out like tendrils to seek out the young girl.
Katana felt his warmth and power flow across her skin, cool and comforting she felt the pain fade slightly.
"Focus on your breathing and be calm." He gently told her.
Katana obeyed and took deep cleansing breaths. She felt his power enfold her, the feeling similar to being wrapped up in a soothing blanket of fur and power. She realized that her claws were reverting back to fingers. It seemed that the beast was somehow under control.
Morvan sniffed the air his eyes turning to the street. He moved in a blur of speed and heard the female officer let out a shout as he rolled across the street pulling a four year old child out from almost under the tires of a car.
He handed the child back to the mother, giving her a smile and returned to the other side of the street to rest his hands back against the fence. "Sorry about that. Didn't mean to disobey officer, but I couldn't very well let a child get hurt."
Suki remained silent for a moment. The shock of seeing the man move that quickly left her with a loss of words. Finally she spoke. "That is fine. Just don't move again. No more superman antics."
Morvan smiled "Funny. For a cop you sure as hell aren't the usual sort. I think you're a little trigger happy Officer."
Suki shook her head in disagreement. "I am not sir."
"So you are usually in the habit of shooting citizens if they don't listen to you?"
"He will be fine." Suki said. "He's a shifter and I didn't hit him with silver."
"Ah I see. So it's okay to shoot citizens as long as they're lycanthropes. That's discrimination officer and excessive force. I want your badge number."
Suki groaned inwardly and felt the anger well up inside her. She approached the were with a fiery intensity in her eyes pausing only a moment as she felt the power flowing off him. It prickled over her skin with a heat and intensity that she had never felt.
It only made her angrier that he was using such a tactic to intimidate her. I'm not backing down and giving him the satisfaction. He's probably used to humans cowering from him. He will learn we don't all react like that. "Listen here. I am trying to do my job, do you understand me? This is a residential neighborhood and no one needs shit like this. Your fighting out in public could get you or others killed or injured. It's my duty as an officer of this city to protect everyone. That includes you guys too! I want to help you but I can't do that unless you guys are going to help me by answering a few questions. Your friend said you were assaulted by these other guys. Start from the beginning." She holstered the gun and pulled out a note pad and pen violently jabbing the depressor for the pen, it clicked loudly into place.
"You aren't very smart for a cop. Are you a little wet behind the ears? A rookie maybe? Didn't they teach you in cop school how dangerous we are? How you shouldn't approach one in certain situations." He smirked slightly genuinely surprised that the cop has walked into his aura of power to give him a piece of her mind.
-
Suki glared at him. "I am trying to help you. Just co-operate sir. You wouldn't hurt an officer. That would be a death sentence. So let's just lay off the attitude and let me do my job. I want to help. So how did this all start?" She asked looking to those around her.
The wererat spat out a mouthful of blood. "Don't know. Can't remember."
Morvan looked to the cop. "I am aware that if I do anything to you it's a death sentence, but what I'm getting at is this. If we press charges they die. Maybe I don't want to press charges. It was a misunderstanding that's all. I don't want to see anyone fry just because we had a misunderstanding."
"I can understand. So you don't want to press charges, sir?" Suki asked incredulously.
Morvan shook his head. "I just want to go to the park and watch the fireworks. It's the fourth of July no sense in tying you two up with the paper work. I'm sure you both have families you want to see tonight also."
Officer Davis listened and nodded.
"So were going to just let them all go?!" Suki said.
"If they don't want to press charges they don't have to tell you what happened Officer Neubasato."
"What about you miss? You said earlier you wanted to have these men charged have you changed your mind too?" She asked looking at the young girl who sat on the side walk.
"Can I put my arms down yet?" asked Morvan.
A soft mumble came from the concentrating heap on the side walk. "I just want to be left alone. So, no." Her voice sounded exhausted
"Yes, put your arms down sir. I'm sorry about my partner she gets a bit zealous." Officer Davies said giving the short man a smile.
Suki looked to the girl. "Are you going to be okay, Miss?"
Morvan snorted. "Yeah she will be fine." He squatted down and rested a hand on Katana's shoulder.
"Does she need to see a doctor?" Suki asked.
"No! No doctors." She began to shake. She feared them just as much as the church.
Morvan shook his head. "Doctors can't do much. It's just because it's close to the full moon. Now, if you officers are finished with us, I think my friend and I will be leaving soon. Are you two officers going down to the park tonight as well?"
Suki nodded "Maybe."
She watched as the young man helped the girl up. "Easy, Kitten. There will be no doctors tonight. I promise. Just relax. Everything is fine now. Here. Do you mind holding these for me? Consider them a souvenir." Morvan asked, extending a closed fist out to Suki.
Suki reached out and felt something fall into her palm. "We're not all monsters you know." Morvan said. "Come to the fireworks tonight. "I'll find you and tell you more."
She watched as the man wrapped an arm around the girl's waist and walked down the street.
Katana looked back at the cop with a glare, then turned back cuddling up against Morvan. It was apparent that she didn't like the thought of her coming.
Morvan watched as the cruiser drove past and gave Katana's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Before the fireworks tonight, we need to make sure you hunt for real."
"Yeah sure whatever," she mumbled, glaring at the cop car as it drove away.
"Chill out Katana. Were lucky we got out of that. You need to learn how to keep your beast in check when it's this close to the full moon. It's best if we find somewhere with less people later on in the evening. You can probably resist the change until midnight so you can see the fire works, but afterwards we need to leave."
Katana rolled her eyes and rolled her shoulders knocking his arm off of her ''I don't need help walking any more. I can walk on my own I'm not that young," she grumbled through her teeth, trying to be pleasant.
Katana stood in the middle of the road covering her ears as the cop car pulled up with sirens wailing. When the noise stopped she looked up to see the two free rats frozen only a few feet away from her. She glared at them. "How dare they go two on one against little me!" she thought angrily. She then turned her attention to the cop. She wanted to say something but what? She knew the cop had to have known this was a were fight, and since Morvan ripped out the leaders teeth this wasn't going to be pretty. But she on the other hand might be able to pass as a normal person. She always had. She was weak, not like Morvan, who had the energy and power seeping out his pores like he had just eaten a pound of garlic. She looked to Morvan a bit panicked and then at the cop.
"Arrest those five, officer. Please, Morvan are you okay? Ma'am we were on our way to the park to watch the fireworks when these five started shouting dirty things at me. My friend there went across the street to talk to them about how it's not nice to say things like that when they all jumped him. "Her eyes were shaky and a bit filled with frightened tears as she looked to the cop. Her face was so innocent that it would be hard not to believe her and what she was saying.
"Everyone, don't move." Suki commanded in a tight voice gripping her pistol. "You say you were assaulted? Officer Davies Cover me."
The Oriental cop moved from behind the car. "Everyone up against the fence for the time being. Hands were I can see them." She slowly approached the group and felt the rolling power coming from the group of people. Shape shifters, damn it. Why here?! If any of them move, I'm going to have to shoot them.... "I want you from the beginning to tell me how this all happened."
Damn! She's trying the innocent routine, not realizing that she's got shapeshifter written all over her. She hasn't had enough time to learn to hide it. Let's hope we got dumb cops.... Morvan raised his hands over his head. "Can I ask why the victim is being held a gunpoint?"
Morvan raised his hands over his head. "Can I ask why the victim is being held a gunpoint?"
"Up against the wall. We can sort this out downtown. Officer Davis, call for back-up. We need a van down here to help transport them all."
Morvan didn't move. "Are you sure? We're all shapeshifters. Is it really worth executing us for getting a little rowdy? I mean, is a little public disturbance worth the electric chair?" He looked at the rats. "Are you guys going to press charges? I won't if you won't."
The rats looked uncomfortable, shifting from side to side. One of them nudged the leader. "Hey, what's your name?" He asked.
What the fuck? Morvan knew something was up, but had no idea what.
Morvan knew something was up, but had no idea what.
"Paul Legget," the leader replied, the words distorted by the lack of incisors, but still clear.
It was a signal to bolt. Each of the rats sprinted in a different direction. Morvan couldn't help but laugh.
Once told to go up against the wall she did but found herself being stuck on the opposite side of the rats and not beside Morvan. She took deep breaths and tried to relax. She could smell their fear and couldn't help but want to 'play' with one. She closed her eyes and continued her deep breathing. It usually helps her stay calm. But as the rats scattered they all ran into her causing her to open her eyes and watch them run. It also broke her concentration on the breathing. Her face grew very pale and she grabbed her stomach in pain as she could feel her insides shifting. To anyone else it would appear she was about to vomit but she knew that Morvan knew. "Morvan I don't feel so good," she grumbled, before she falling to her knees. She looked up to the cop her eyes begging for her to stop the pain. Her shaky eyes looked to Morvan. "I'm sorry I tried not to."
Damn, why me? "Stop or I'll shoot!" Suki cried out. She didn't wait for a response as she squeezed the trigger and heard a scream as one of the wererats stumbled. A quick explosion of crimson mist erupted from the perpetrators leg. "The next person that moves I shoot!"
"Stop or I'll shoot!" Suki cried out. She didn't wait for a response as she squeezed the trigger and heard a scream as one of the wererats stumbled. A quick explosion of crimson mist erupted from the perpetrators leg. "The next person that moves I shoot!"
Anger and frustration rolled off Suki along with the faint scent of fear and excitement. The weres could all smell it.
"No one is under arrest yet we just want answers as to what happened here. How did this start?" Suki asked.
"Bitch! You fucking bitch you shot me!" cried the man that Suki had shot. Suki looked down at him, then to the girl on the ground clutching her stomach. "We can call a paramedic for both you. Please remain calm."
"Calm? You want me to stay calm? You just shot out my god damned knee you zipperhead," the wererat said through clenched teeth.
"Be glad that it wasn't silver bullets." Suki said. "I can arrange it if you want however."
Officer Davies winced at Suki's words. I guess it didn't take as long as I had thought for Suki to find out what types of people she doesn't like dealing with. Figures it had to be lycanthropes....
Katana looked up, then stuck her head between her knees. She rocked back and forth her hands rested on the back of her head. Her hands began to go a bit yellow and her fingers began to go claw-like. As she rocked she continued her breathing, paying no attention to anyone around her. She was in her own little world and state of mind. As she concentrated on her breathing, her hands went back to normal and she felt her insides shifting again, back to where they should be. Within a few seconds of breathing everything seemed to be fine and the pain was now a memory. She lifted her head and wiped away the sweat that was on her brow. She then remained on the ground, remembering what the cop had said. She looked around, not once even looking at Morvan almost as if she could care or less if he was there or not. At the moment the only thing in her mind was staying a live and not trying to change. Her deep breathing was steady as she tried to listen to the cop but her ears were still ringing from the sirens from earlier.
Morvan watched as Katana began to shift. He willed his beat to the surface, his power drifted out like tendrils to seek out the young girl.
Katana felt his warmth and power flow across her skin, cool and comforting she felt the pain fade slightly.
"Focus on your breathing and be calm." He gently told her.
Katana obeyed and took deep cleansing breaths. She felt his power enfold her, the feeling similar to being wrapped up in a soothing blanket of fur and power. She realized that her claws were reverting back to fingers. It seemed that the beast was somehow under control.
Morvan sniffed the air his eyes turning to the street. He moved in a blur of speed and heard the female officer let out a shout as he rolled across the street pulling a four year old child out from almost under the tires of a car.
He handed the child back to the mother, giving her a smile and returned to the other side of the street to rest his hands back against the fence. "Sorry about that. Didn't mean to disobey officer, but I couldn't very well let a child get hurt."
Suki remained silent for a moment. The shock of seeing the man move that quickly left her with a loss of words. Finally she spoke. "That is fine. Just don't move again. No more superman antics."
Morvan smiled "Funny. For a cop you sure as hell aren't the usual sort. I think you're a little trigger happy Officer."
Suki shook her head in disagreement. "I am not sir."
"So you are usually in the habit of shooting citizens if they don't listen to you?"
"He will be fine." Suki said. "He's a shifter and I didn't hit him with silver."
"Ah I see. So it's okay to shoot citizens as long as they're lycanthropes. That's discrimination officer and excessive force. I want your badge number."
Suki groaned inwardly and felt the anger well up inside her. She approached the were with a fiery intensity in her eyes pausing only a moment as she felt the power flowing off him. It prickled over her skin with a heat and intensity that she had never felt.
It only made her angrier that he was using such a tactic to intimidate her. I'm not backing down and giving him the satisfaction. He's probably used to humans cowering from him. He will learn we don't all react like that. "Listen here. I am trying to do my job, do you understand me? This is a residential neighborhood and no one needs shit like this. Your fighting out in public could get you or others killed or injured. It's my duty as an officer of this city to protect everyone. That includes you guys too! I want to help you but I can't do that unless you guys are going to help me by answering a few questions. Your friend said you were assaulted by these other guys. Start from the beginning." She holstered the gun and pulled out a note pad and pen violently jabbing the depressor for the pen, it clicked loudly into place.
"You aren't very smart for a cop. Are you a little wet behind the ears? A rookie maybe? Didn't they teach you in cop school how dangerous we are? How you shouldn't approach one in certain situations." He smirked slightly genuinely surprised that the cop has walked into his aura of power to give him a piece of her mind.
Suki glared at him. "I am trying to help you. Just co-operate sir. You wouldn't hurt an officer. That would be a death sentence. So let's just lay off the attitude and let me do my job. I want to help. So how did this all start?" She asked looking to those around her.
The wererat spat out a mouthful of blood. "Don't know. Can't remember."
Morvan looked to the cop. "I am aware that if I do anything to you it's a death sentence, but what I'm getting at is this. If we press charges they die. Maybe I don't want to press charges. It was a misunderstanding that's all. I don't want to see anyone fry just because we had a misunderstanding."
"I can understand. So you don't want to press charges, sir?" Suki asked incredulously.
Morvan shook his head. "I just want to go to the park and watch the fireworks. It's the fourth of July no sense in tying you two up with the paper work. I'm sure you both have families you want to see tonight also."
Officer Davis listened and nodded.
"So were going to just let them all go?!" Suki said.
"If they don't want to press charges they don't have to tell you what happened Officer Neubasato."
"What about you miss? You said earlier you wanted to have these men charged have you changed your mind too?" She asked looking at the young girl who sat on the side walk.
"Can I put my arms down yet?" asked Morvan.
A soft mumble came from the concentrating heap on the side walk. "I just want to be left alone. So, no." Her voice sounded exhausted
"Yes, put your arms down sir. I'm sorry about my partner she gets a bit zealous." Officer Davies said giving the short man a smile.
Suki looked to the girl. "Are you going to be okay, Miss?"
Morvan snorted. "Yeah she will be fine." He squatted down and rested a hand on Katana's shoulder.
"Does she need to see a doctor?" Suki asked.
"No! No doctors." She began to shake. She feared them just as much as the church.
Morvan shook his head. "Doctors can't do much. It's just because it's close to the full moon. Now, if you officers are finished with us, I think my friend and I will be leaving soon. Are you two officers going down to the park tonight as well?"
Suki nodded "Maybe."
She watched as the young man helped the girl up. "Easy, Kitten. There will be no doctors tonight. I promise. Just relax. Everything is fine now. Here. Do you mind holding these for me? Consider them a souvenir." Morvan asked, extending a closed fist out to Suki.
Suki reached out and felt something fall into her palm. "We're not all monsters you know." Morvan said. "Come to the fireworks tonight. "I'll find you and tell you more."
She watched as the man wrapped an arm around the girl's waist and walked down the street.
Katana looked back at the cop with a glare, then turned back cuddling up against Morvan. It was apparent that she didn't like the thought of her coming.
Morvan watched as the cruiser drove past and gave Katana's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Before the fireworks tonight, we need to make sure you hunt for real."
"Yeah sure whatever," she mumbled, glaring at the cop car as it drove away.
"Chill out Katana. Were lucky we got out of that. You need to learn how to keep your beast in check when it's this close to the full moon. It's best if we find somewhere with less people later on in the evening. You can probably resist the change until midnight so you can see the fire works, but afterwards we need to leave."
Katana rolled her eyes and rolled her shoulders knocking his arm off of her ''I don't need help walking any more. I can walk on my own I'm not that young," she grumbled through her teeth, trying to be pleasant.
-
July 4th 4:40 pm -Heading for the station - Suki
Suki turned her attention back to the object in her hand and started in shock. A pair of large rat-like incisors lay in her palm, covered with blood. Her eyes widened and she turned to see that the other were had vanished from off the ground.
Patrick pulled out his walkie-talkie "Cancel that van. We no longer need it."
He turned to look at Suki and what she held in her hand. "It looks like we were dealing with two separate factions. Wererats and something else."
"Yeah." Suki said numbly as she stared at the teeth.
"Wipe the blood off your hands, Suki. The day is over with. Go home to your family and we will see you tomorrow. For now let's just get back to the station."
Suki nodded and stepped into the car. She took the incisors and placed them into a plastic evidence bag.
"Quite the grisly souvenir, eh?" Patrick said as he started up the car.
Suki nodded "Yeah it is." she replied as she examined the teeth through the plastic bag,
"You're keeping it?"
Suki nodded. "Yeah I think I will."
Patrick laughed. "You're one strange girl you know that. I don't think they're safe though, with all that lycanthrope blood on it."
"I'll take them home and bleach them then."
"That works," Patrick said as he eased the cruiser into the traffic and headed back to the police station. He groaned as he maneuvered though rush hour traffic. He turned to his partner. "I need to talk to you before we get down to the station, Suki."
Suki turned to look at him and nodded noting the dark tone in his voice.
"What you did out there with those weres was a big no-no. You fucked up Suki. I'm not going to mention it to the chief. You're just lucky as hell that guy didn't get your badge number. You could have lost your badge for going off half cocked like that. He was right. You shot some one without fair cause Suki and that doesn't sit well with anyone. Not even the other cops. It doesn't matter how you feel about them Suki."
"I am sorry."
"Well, sorry doesn't help the fact that you shot some guy out in the park. Were you a hundred percent sure he was a shifter or were you figuring that just because you felt one that they all had to be lycanthropes? It was stupid Suki. I didn't grill your ass about it until now because this isn't something a cop does out in public. But I needed to address this. I'm very disappointed with the way you handled yourself out there." Patrick said evenly.
Suki slouched lower into the seat. "I know. I don't know what happened it was so automatic like instinct. You're right. What I did was wrong. You have every right to report me to the chief."
"I'm not going to this time Suki. I just want to make sure that you're aware of how badly you screwed up and that it won't happen again. You're a good cop Suki or at least I know you will become a good cop. Just like your father."
Suki nodded, staring at the wererat incisors in the bag and felling despondent. "I can't believe he died like that to ... by... by one of them."
"Looks like you found out what gets under your skin. For me it's punks. Your personal grudge is a lot more dangerous Suki. They're able to tear you apart. The worst I get is them coping me lip and laugh at my ass when I have to run after them. But we got lucky today. That shifter was right. Your getting into his face like that was extremely foolish. You weren't packing silver Suki and neither was I. We were out numbered. One shifter could kill the two of us in seconds. We were dealing with a lot more than just one. It could have gone very bad. You got too close Suki. Always remember to keep some distance. At least far enough to pull your gun. They're fast Suki and I don't think you realized how fast they can be. Did you see that guy save that kid? I didn't even know that there was a problem, and he was already across the street. Sure, you've read about them in your university text books but you've never seen one up close. Scary isn't it?"
Suki nodded. "I've never seen anything that fast. You're right though I was stupid. It's... It's just he got me so angry. Why do they have to be that way? All cocky and arrogant and non co-operative?"
"Well we're cops. They screw up at all we are the ones that can sign their death warrants. It's sort of a scary thought. A human commits a B&E that's a few months to a few years in jail. For a lycanthrope that's the death penalty."
"That's not totally fair." She said "we don't actively hunt them down to arrest them. We're trying to do our job."
"Regardless I think you're lying to yourself now kiddo. You shot one today. You did it because they were a shifter. If you knew they were human you would have never done that. I know you wouldn't have." Patrick said sighing.
"Okay you're right. But I don't think the laws are totally right. I just try to follow them. Today I did a lousy job."
"I'm not trying to be a prick Suki. I just don't want to see you get hurt or killed. I don't want to lose another partner. It's hard to lose a partner; you might have to deal with it someday too. If not a partner I can promise you you're going to see a few of your co-workers and friends at the station die. It's a fact of life. Our job is dangerous and sometimes we get killed on duty. I just want to tell you I'm doing this and saying all this cause I consider you a good partner and a friend. I want to keep you around."
"Thanks Pat." Suki whispered.
"Don't worry and don't let that guy get to you. You're a rookie but in a year from now maybe even less that shiny finish will tarnish and you'll be a hardened cop, just you wait and see. When that happens the world has gotta look out!"
She smiled at her partner. He had kicked her spiritually and now he was picking her up. "Thanks. You're a good partner. I'm glad the Chief hooked us up."
"So you are going to see the fire works?"
"Yes My mother will want to see them so it will be me and her for sure."
"What about your brother?"
"Razan will probably come too."
"Well if I don't bump into you at the fire works to night say hello to Hana for me. Tell her it's been too long since I came by for her tea."
Suki smiled. "I will let my mother know."
Patrick pulled the cruiser into the stations parking lot. It had been a long day and he was glad he was getting to go home.
-
July 4th- 4:50 pm- Animator's Office - Lisette
Patience had never been her strong point and as Lisette ushered out her 4:30 appointment, she bravely contained the urge to pull out her hair. The woman had gibbered on about her freshly departed son, a star on the football team and such. Lisette had thought she would never get to the point. It wasn't that she didn't care. It was just that she dealt in too much death to be highly affected by such a story. She'd heard it a thousand times with only slight variation.
She came back to glare at the clock on her desk and willed it to move faster but the damned thing seemed to defy her. "Screw this!" she cried. It was near enough five to suit her. Lisette took a moment to reapply her lipstick, color bordering near blood, and check her clothing for wrinkles. Sitting in the padded office chair had been good for it. Not a line on her. She wore a slim black skirt that just hit below the knees and a crisp white shirt that wrapped and tied neatly on the side. Very modest and bland with her moderate pumps.
Lisette could change that in a second though. It usually didn't take more than a smile to make men melt but coupled with such a simple outfit... It got some men to fantasizing, whether they preferred the dominant or subordinate. In one's eyes Lisette could be a power hungry business woman with a voracious sexual appetite and to another she might have been the very prim and proper girl they longed to... well... corrupt.
At any rate, she let them think what they wished if it benefited her. Lisette could take care of herself.
She closed the door behind her and said goodbye to Janet and Ian, the latter of which was wandering about like the wonderful gossip he could be. "Lunch for two remember," he called as she left.
For a holiday, the traffic was light. Or, perhaps it was just luck that kept the car's moving. Lisette wasn't going to worry either way. She was out of the office, and free, at least until her appointment book drew her back. She sighed. Work was the curse of those who liked to eat.
She passed a sign that announced the construction of the worship hall of the Church of Eternal Life. Some one had scrawled across the white and black sign with red spray paint, and some one else had added something in black marker.
kill the vampires
three strikes you're out!
sorry, wrong game...
-
July 4th- 5:20 pm- St Boniface - Lisette & Domenic
Almost immediately she was met by a woman in her fifties or so that introduced herself as a Mrs. Norton. A little huffy but she didn't seem like a bad old dame. She appeared to take stock of Lisette and approved of her modest attire, deeming her worthy to enter. She led the young animator to an office and tapped lightly on the door before peeking in.
"Father Sozio? Are you busy at the moment? There's a Miss Cordova to see you."
"Actually, yes, Mrs. Norton, I am rather busy," replied Domenic. "Is it important? I've got a lot to do to get ready for the fireworks this evening. Oh, would you do me a favor and call Carmen Domingo's mother? She forgot to sign his permission slip. Carmen can't go unless she does."
"This will only take a moment, father Sozio," said Lisette, stepping into the office. She got her first look at the priest. He wasn't at all what she had expected.
He looked like he was in his thirties, and was far too cute to be a priest. He looked up from behind his desk, and slid a number of photographs back inside an envelope. He sighed. "What can I do for you, Miss Cordova?"
What could he do for her? Some things that shouldn't have been floating about her mind given the place she was in and the subject of interest.
Lisette was left nearly slack jawed with surprise. He was certainly not what Lisette had expected. She had been picturing a dignified scholar or...well anything but the darkly handsome man that sat at the desk before her. A moment before she had been feeling mildly silly for having taken such pains with her looks and now she was very glad she had. His gaze was very direct and piercing, sure to make the worst of sinners squirm. It was certainly making Lisette want to squirm though she wasn't sure if that was all guilt.
What was she thinking? Domenic Sozio was a priest! Not some guy she'd met at a bar over a beer. That certainly cleaned out her impure thoughts. Lisette half expected God to strike her down for having had such improper thoughts about a man of the cloth.
"I need to know everything you know about stigmata. Everything..." Lisette said after a moment's pause. She sat on the free chair across from his desk, crossing her legs modestly and watching his face with a casual eye. If he was surprised or found the question ironic then he was awfully good at hiding it. Lisette read no visible change in his face but perhaps he thought she was asking an innocent enough question. Better to act innocent until she knew how he wanted to play.
It took a few moments for the question to sink in, and while it did, Domenic sat there with a blank expression on his face. It quickly faded, as all the blood drained away from his face. "Excuse me?"
Jackpot. He's not the poker face I thought he was.
"I need to know about stigmata."
Domenic thought furiously. How does she know? How did she find out? "Why are you coming to me, Miss...? Cordova, was it? You'd probably be able to find a more comprehensive description in a library or, God forbid, the internet." Unconsciously, he placed his hand on the envelope, as if to protect it.
He looked guilty, and he knew it. Skidmark could have lied his way out of this, but I'm not him anymore. Thank God....
A smile touched her red lips when she knew she had caught him. The moment he had gone pale, Lisette had raised a triumphant cheer in her head. Her eyes went to the envelope he protected but she made no move besides her smug smile.
"I've heard that you're a rather new authority on the subject," Lisette countered. Once more her words were met with a blank look and she stood impatiently, palms flat on the desk before her in an instinctive show of force. She was not a woman prone to using violence or force but the years had given her a stronger will. Nowadays, when Lisette set her mind on something she got it.
"Come off it, Father Sozio. There's no need to play dumb. I know the Bishop has asked you to investigate a case of stigmata and I want to details."
Domenic very pointedly slid the envelope into his desk, and equally pointedly locked it. Then he stood, and very deliberately placed his hands on the desk, bringing his face within inches of Lisette's. If prison had taught him anything, it had taught him how to react to intimidation.
"I don't know how you found that out, but let me tell you that you now know exactly as much as I do. The details, as I know them, are these. Stigmata is the spontaneous manifestation of the wounds of Christ on a person's body. Beyond that, I don't know shit."
Mrs. Norton gasped. "Father Sozio! Such language!"
It was rather tempting; being in such close proximity to Sozio...She glanced back at the scandalized Mrs. Norton and decided that it was best to keep such thoughts to herself, given the circumstances.
Lisette looked down at the worn wood of the desk and sighed. He had to be lying to her. There had to be more to this. Or...if he was telling the truth she could ingratiate herself in some way. She could make him think she was useful in some way at least and in turn stay right on top of the story.
"I can't tell you where I got the information," Lisette continued in calmer tones. "But there has to be more to this than you're saying. Why would the Bishop have called you in unless it's a case of real stigmata? Do you have any idea what this could do to the religious community? You know the renewed interest a story like this could bring? People would drop the Church of Eternal Life and all it's fucked up doctrine if they had something tangible. Something to assure them."
She didn't care what happened to all the assholes that had joined THAT church. They could burn with the vampires they worshipped as far as Lisette was concerned. But she had let her voice grow earnest and her eyes bright so that Father Sozio saw nothing but "genuine" interest. Perhaps Domenic preferred demure and excitable women. If that was what it took to get the story she would play the part and get him to loosen up to her.
Easing back to allow him dominance over the desk, Lisette smiled charmingly. "I could help you if you need. I have access to some things as a reporter. Please let me help you...I promise if there's a story here I'll present it as tastefully as possible."
"You want a story? Fine. You're going to earn it. I just so happen to be short a volunteer or two for a field trip this evening. If you want to get any information out of me at all, you're going to have to help me first. 'Quid pro quo', as Hannibal Lecter would say."
Domenic handed Lisette a short list. "Call these people and verify the fact that the children on the list are indeed coming, and that the parents know when to bring them here. Do you speak Spanish, or Italian, Miss Cordova?"
Yes! Yes! Yes! You beautiful man! This was good. Not exactly a warm hearted welcome full of hugs and kisses but it was a start. Better than being thrown out of his office and forbidden to return to the church.
This was good. Not exactly a warm hearted welcome full of hugs and kisses but it was a start. Better than being thrown out of his office and forbidden to return to the church.
If he was willing to trust her with the kids then how long before he allowed her access to this story? So she had never really looked after kids. Who was to know? Keeping the little monsters in line for a night couldn't possibly be beyond her skills. Lisette took the list with a smile she could barely keep at acceptable. Any slack in the reins and it would become a grin of self-satisfaction.
"Hablo espanol muy bien, Padre Sozio. Lamento que solamente entiendo Italiano. So, what time should I tell the parents and what time should I arrive?"
-
July 4th 5:00 pm 'The Runway' (access to the rat warren) - Nick, Mike, Don & Ann
"Welcome back," said Nick, as Ann's eyes fluttered open. "Thanks for not taking it easy on me. Now I know how hard it will be to take the rat king, it's almost enough to make me reconsider." He smiled. "Almost."
"How long has it been?"
"A few hours. Most of it was just bruising, so you should be fine by nightfall. I think having the boys drag you into the warren bound in chains should make a suitable impression." He pointed to a warehouse skid, and a pile of chain in the corner. Mike and Don grinned.
"It will definitely look like you beat me," replied Ann. She looked at Nick, noting that he did indeed look good in black leather. He had managed to push the limits of fashion, making himself look impressive, without looking like an advertisement for a fetish bar. She wasn't sure if she was disappointed or pleased.
"I have one question for you, Ann. Are you my rat? There is something I want to share with you if you are....."
Ann smiled softly at Nick and with a grin. "You know I could take that more then one way." She winked a bit and a tear rolled down her face. "But yes I've always been yours." She then looked over to the other two grinning. "Hey you can chain me but if they even as much as stare at my ass...," she growled
Nick leaned in as if to kiss her, but instead he looked deep into her eyes. A wave of dizziness passed over Ann, as if she had not full recovered from the blow to her head. It passed quickly, and Nick smiled. His lips brushed hers on for the briefest moment.
"Welcome to my Warren, Ann. I name you my second. When the time comes for me to choose a Queen to reign beside me, will you be her?"
Ann's mouth went dry. She had heard the words, but Nick's lips had not moved.
"Welcome to the Warren," said Mike. Don just grinned.
Ann sat there blinking and the blushing. She didn't know what to say until she heard the welcome. She turned her head and smiled. "Thank you," she paused for a moment and looked back to Nick. ''I don't like the way Don's grinning at me." It was one of those creepy grins, the one stalkers use just before they attack and now she was going to be tied up unable to do anything. Some how she knew that with that grin and those chains something bad was going to happen, not only to the Rat King but to herself. Regardless how much the King beat her Ann knew that everyone else knew how protective of her he really was.
They chained Ann to the skid, but not so tightly that she couldn't move. It wouldn't take much for her to break free. Normally it would have been difficult for two teens to carry a warehouse skid with a woman chained to it, but since each of them was capable of lifting a motorcycle, between then Mike and Don had no trouble. Nick led the way. It took only a few moments to reach the entrance to the wererat warren. They could smell the food being prepared at the end of the passage.
"Evening meal. Something to tide them over before the hunt tonight," said Nick. "Maybe I should wait until after he's eaten. It will slow him down." He grinned again. "But then, what is dinner without a little entertainment?"
-
Thursday July 4th Dusk - Somewhere near Puget Sound - Jules Xavier Chalice
Jules looked out the window, towards Puget Sound. He was high enough up that he could see the water, sparkling under the harbor lights.
There are hundreds of them in this city. Some of them will surely be there. Surely some of them will be useful.
He paused, as if listening to a voice only he could hear. The phone rang.
"Yes?"
"All teams are in place. Glen wants to know how many."
Jules thought for a moment before answering. "Get one of each, for now. Make sure they're male. Make sure they're perfect. I don't want any that show any signs of injury, from either their capture or their past. Any damage I find on them, I will inflict on the team that brings them in. Is that clearly understood?"
There was a moment of silence on the phone. "Perfectly, Mr. Chalice."
Jules hung up. Machiavelli was right. It is better to be feared than loved....
-
July 4th 6:16 p.m. Jonah's Place - Jonah
Not to far away from the local businesses Jonah walks up to his home. Just as he was placing his key into the keyhole, he heard a squeaky voice from an annoying human neighbor. "Hey Joe I see yer all dressed up. So where did ya go man?"
"Nowhere of importance." Jonah huffed a bit and walked into his home. "Have a good night Sarah." With that he shut the door before she could say anymore. He shook his head as he listened to her leave. "Why must she always persist? I told her I did not want friends. He took off his top hat and coat and went to the back room to get the thing he came home for. He then brewed him some tea. After about thirty minutes he was back out the door.
"Hey Joe where ya goin'?" asked the squeaky Sarah as she walked to him.
"That does not concern you my dear." He said this as calmly as he could he then turned to her and placed a gentle hand on her cheek. "But I would be proud to have you as my assistant."
"Really you mean." Sarah went from curious to very cheery. "What would you like me to do?"
"Make sure no one enters my home. I will be back by later. Do not say anything just do it ok." He said this in a soft tone just before kissing her cheek.
Sarah swooned like a school girl and scampered off. Jonah chuckled, went out to his car and left.
Sarah watched him go. He is soooo tasty.... Somebody please wrap him up and give him to me for my birthday.... A guy that hot.... He's got to be gay....
She turned to go back into her house, not noticing the car that pulled away from the curb to follow Jonah.
Jonah was on his way to his place of business when he felt the cringe in his gut. He looked into his rear view mirror and noticed something behind him. Is he following me? Why?
Jonah's first plan was to go to his business and get a few things straightened out but he had the sinking feeling the car behind him was following him. Jonah growled and turned down a road. The car behind him followed. "Fine you want to follow me I will let you."
Jonah turned into a parking lot and turned around heading back to another direction. He was going to go where there were lots of people. He then turned down another road to try to loose them. After a while it would SEEM he did. However, he was not going to be over confident. He stuck to the back roads to look for a place where there were lots of people.
Jonah found some place that seemed to have a lot of people. He had a very normal looking car with a very common color so not to stand out. He found a parking spot that was near other cars that looked similar to his. He sat in his car for a while watching for anything suspicious. As he sat there he removed his top hat and jacket. He placed these things under his seat.
Jonah pulled out a wet nap from his glove department and whipped his face and hands. He undid his shirt a bit then took a rubber band to tie his long red hair back. "I still look a bit fancy but nothing that would stand out to much." Jonah looked pretty no matter what he did.
He then got out of his car and shut and locked the door. He stuck his keys in his pocket then stuck his hands in his pocket. As he walked he whistled a tune. He was going to be confident today and try not to stand out. Once at the door of this place he glanced around to see if there was anyone still following him..........
"Do you think he's spotted us?"
"No, you idiot, he's just decided to take evasive action for the hell of it."
"Should we drop the tail?"
The tall man looked at his passenger. They both wore suits, but the smaller man looked like he had been born in one. "Do you want to tell Chalice that we lost him?"
The skinny man paled, and shook his head. "N-no. W-we'd better get out and follow."
They parked not far from Jonah's car. The tall man stopped by the rear of the were-fox's car, and knelt down to tie his shoelace. As he came up, he slipped something under the car.
"What was that?"
"Tracking device, in case we do lose him."
"What if he slips out while we're inside?"
The tall man stopped. "What is it exactly that you do for Chalice?" He was ex-military, and he was looking at the shorter man as if he were a brand new officer that needed to be either shown his place or disposed of.
The little man chuckled. "I'm his field observer. I can spot a lycanthrope from a hundred yards, no matter how good they are. I also act as a procurer, of sorts."
The big man frowned. "What the fuck is a procurer?"
The little man smiled, and the bigger man was astonished at the predatory nature that emerged from beneath the little man's timid exterior. "Would you understand if I called myself a pimp, Collin?"
The big man nodded. "You little bastard. You've been putting me on, all this time. You've been playing the pansy, trying to feel me out."
"That's right, Collin. I've been testing you. You know your stuff, but you don't like incompetence. You wouldn't make a good trainer or a team leader, but with an experienced team, you'll do well. Now, shall we go see what Reddy Fox is up to?"
As Jonah entered the place he found a seat some where and sat there watching the door. He then pulled out a pen a tiny note pad and a small calculator. He kept his guard up as he punched in some figures and wrote things in his note book. That was when he noticed a couple of people watching him. Being as paranoid as he was he got up and went to the phone. He called a toe company to have his own car towed.
Jonah then looked and noticed the two men were trying to play like they were not watching. Jonah waited for one of the men to look up and winked at him.
After he was done he disappeared into the crowd. He was short and crafty like a fox of course so he slipped through making sure he was unseen. He hated crowds but he wanted to get away. He most especially wanted to get to his business. Slipping out the back he walked out to the back road and walked some ways. He made sure to cover his tracks. Jonah then reached for his cell and called a cab.
Once there he made the driver take him a few blocks away from his business. He walked the rest of the way and went in through the back. "GOD DAMN PEOPLE! All I want is to run a business with out this disturbance. They're probably a couple of watch dogs from a local pack." Jonah growled a bit and went to his office to do some work. "I am sure I will see those idiots again."
"Slippery little bastard, isn't he?"
"He's a fox. What did you expect? Deception is his stock in trade."
"How did you know he was going to end up here?"
"I'm beginning to understand how he thinks. Now is the time to put a little pressure on him, and see who he runs to. I'm going to call in and have somebody steal his car from the towing compound. He won't find out until he goes to pick it up, or calls to have it delivered."
Collin looked down at the smaller man with growing respect. "You're good."
The smaller man didn't smile. "I can't afford not to be."
-
July 4th 8:00 pm Getting ready for the Fireworks - Jonah
Jonah began work on his computer that night making sure everything is in order. He also cleaned up a few things around his desk. Doing all this took some time. He did not mind because it helped him get his mind off of things. He then began to search the web for something of fashion. He smiled when he saw this nice Victorian style suit. "That one is nice... And for a good price too." He smiled real big and took out his pen and his note pad. He wrote down info and began to shut down his computer.
He then fished out his cell phone. Cause of a moment of paranoia he had no car at the moment. He really did not want to call a cab either. He began to click his pen and think about what he will do. Suddenly he remembered he had Sarah's number. He fished the note pad once again and dialed the number on the page. I really should put this on my phone. It looks like I have been.. "Sarah! Hey it's me, Jonah....Yes it is me....Sarah....Sarah... Do you have a car? I will need a ride home....Long story...Yes I will tell you about it soon.... Yes I promise..........No I was not in the mood to call a cab but I can if.... Okay, okay. Yes I am at work.... I will wait at the corner of Clifford and Wilcox. Yes....Yes....I WHAT? I owe you? You know Sarah I could-.... AM I GAY?! Do you want me to be?" Jonah laughed. "No Sarah I am not entirely gay. Maybe one day I will tell you all about it......Yes I promise.....ok....See you in a few. Thank you Sarah."
Jonah sighed and went to the front door after gathering his things. "God woman sometimes I wonder why I bother." Jonah shook his head then grinned evilly as he walked out the door.
The car pulled up out front, and Jonah knew it was Sarah. He stepped away from the curb, and slid into the passenger seat in one seamless motion. Sarah sat looking at him for a moment. He could smell the desire on her like cheap perfume. It was likely to be a long ride home.
"I packed a picnic supper," said Sarah as she pulled away from the curb. "That's what took so long. I thought maybe if you didn't mind, we could stop down by the beach. The fireworks should still be on, and we could.... sit and watch them together."
Jonah rubbed his forehead and began to relax. "That is fine Sarah what ever you want as long as it is reasonable. I do however have another request."
Jonah looked at her and then looked out the window. He really did not want to have to depend on her. "I need you to give me a ride to pick up my car. It was towed. Long story I promise to tell you later. I can pay you a reasonable amount if you do this for me. Hell I will even take you out of something. Maybe. Just could you take me tomorrow? I am having a hard time trusting people and you seem like you're a good person."
He has a hard time trusting.... Some bitch broke his heart, poor bastard! You've got to take it slow, so you won't frighten him away. You've just got to make sure he knows that you can kiss it all better....
"I hope you like tuna. I packed some egg salad too. I brought a blanket, so we can spread it out and lie down. If it gets too cool, we can cuddle and keep warm. I'm not meaning make out or anything. I just mean cuddle." Sarah looked at Jonah briefly, and then dropped her eyes. "I mean, you aren't the only one who's been hurt before."
Sarah, you are sooooo getting laid tonight.....
Jonah you are in for a big ride. Just cuddling huh this girl is in heat you can smell it. Jonah chuckled as he rolled down the window. He wanted to feel a cool breeze and maybe cool down the heat coming from her. Although he had to admit it was cute how hard she was trying. The girl was very persistent. "You have no idea my dear."
Jonah chuckled as he rolled down the window. He wanted to feel a cool breeze and maybe cool down the heat coming from her. Although he had to admit it was cute how hard she was trying. The girl was very persistent. "You have no idea my dear."
He smiled at her a charming smile at that. Sometimes Sarah was annoying but sometimes she was pleasant and maybe even attractive. He never thought such a beautiful thing would drive him crazy but this girl definitely left a mark. "I suppose it would not hurt to cuddle. Friends cuddle. I think."
Sarah chuckled. "You've never just cuddled with a friend?"
"No."
"I'll show you. You just hold each other. There's nothing sexual about it. It's just a comfort thing. Okay, maybe it's a little bit sexual, but it doesn't count unless clothes come off."
They drove in silence for a moment. The streets were almost clear. Everyone had somewhere to be on the evening of July fourth. Finally Sarah spoke, her voice tentative.
"Jonah? Will you tell me about her?"
"Her? Her who?"
"The one who broke your heart. The one who took away your ability to trust. It's okay if it's too painful. I've been through it, and I know what you're feeling."
Jonah growled. "NO YOU DON'T KNOW!" He glanced at her and saw a hurt look on her face. "She did not break my heart. She and Lucky were taken away from me by them. They killed my friends and my family do you understand. Is that fine with you is that what you wanted to know."
She could see how hurt he looked. She could almost see his eyes water up. "I am sorry Sarah I did not mean to talk to you like that. Forgive me please."
"Oh my God! I am so sorry. I didn't know. I feel like such an idiot. I'm didn't mean to pry. I just thought....." Sarah stopped. "I just thought I could help."
Jonah watched her for a moment. He slowly began to smile as he gently took her hand. "It is ok Sarah. I am fine and you do help your a big help."
-
Dusk - July 4th Puget Sound
It was difficult to miss the billboard proclaiming that the fireworks had been sponsored by Archangel Industries Incorporated. It was right beside the gate that blocked the road leading down to the beach. If you wanted to park, you drove past it. If you wanted to walk, you walked under it.
At some point, some one had climbed the billboard and added black eyes and fangs to the stick figure angel that was the emblem of Archangel Industries. It was clearly meant as a slur against the reclusive CEO of Archangel Industries. Even before vampires gained civil rights it was rumored that he was undead. Now it was openly suggested that not only was he a vampire, he was the Master of Seattle.
The Master of the City chose to ignore the rumors, and there was, as always, silence from the offices of Archangel. Any questions put to Nigel Salvatore were answered with a polite smile, but a firm refusal to comment, one way or the other. Some suggested that Nigel himself was the Master of the City, acting as his own stalking horse. His comments on that were restricted to the suggestion that it would have been a deception worthy of Sun Tzu. Although he was indeed a master vampire, he had neither the power nor the desire to assume the position of Master of the City. He was content to be the Master's public face, and the director of all his legal matters. It was only coincidence that he also handled the same duties for Archangel Industries. Few believed him.
The crowd didn't really care one way or the other. The fact that some one other than the city was paying for the event meant that their taxes would be spent on more important things. It was the fourth of July, and it was a day that could not pass without fireworks. If a vampire chose to provide them, then for one evening at least they would accept his generosity. They waited in eager anticipation, not caring for the moment whether monsters walked among them or not. It was known that the Master of Seattle had put out a warning to his kindred. No one was to be taken against their will that night, under penalty of death. There were enough willing donors to make such acts unnecessary. No one was to be dominated. It was to be a day and night of celebration and on one was to be made to suffer. Many of the vampires were unhappy, but few were willing to disobey. The Master of the City had a reputation among his own kind for inventive punishments.....
-
Dusk - July 4th Puget Sound - Katana & Morvan
Katana stared straight ahead with her arms wrapped tight around her stomach. We do this we do that. Like hell for once I have enough guts to get out of those alleys and look what it brought me. Sure he knows best so then I guess I'll never learn anything on my own. And that nerve that cop had... I mean come on you're human he's Pard. That's a real winning relationship combo there" she continued her mindless grumbling until she saw a billboard in the distance she then read it and looked to Morvan. Breaking her silence she spoke. "Archangel... isn't that another term for vampires?" She began to laugh. "I could see it now... one messes up and catches in flames." She chuckled. She had a dislike for them ever since one of her foster parents scared her half to death about them. She sighed, knowing the only reason she bashed them was because she was truly scared and it was okay to talk big in your head or at least around someone you trust.
"No, archangels are servants of God, or at least they were, since I think Lucifer was one before he got kicked out," said Morvan. "Lucifer was the light bringer, so given the candle he's carrying, I figure that guy up on that billboard there works for the wrong side to be called an angel."
Morvan paused for a moment. "Are you going to tell me why you're being so pissy, or are you just going to give me the silent treatment? Don't deny it, I can smell it. Ever since that cop, you've been copping attitude. I don't need it. Keep it up, and I'll give you a demonstration as to why I'm dominant. Eventually you're going to get the shit kicked out of you by some one you think you can beat, so if you really want we can get that little step out of the way right here and now. Or would you rather hunt first, make a proper kill, and have a good time, because if you want to start pulling this kind of power trip on me, I'll tell you right now, you won't enjoy the way the game plays out."
Morvan wasn't happy about having to play the heavy, but he knew that Katana needed to learn her place. They were a Pard of two, which left no room for her at the top. If they could find more Pard, then there was a chance that she would find somebody to dominate. It wasn't likely, given her youth as a lycanthrope. Most shapeshifters didn't come into their full power for a year, sometimes more. In that year, they would grow in power, but it was other things that determined how much power they would gain. Katana didn't seem to have the potential to become an Alpha, but perhaps it was too soon to tell. It was unlikely that she would stay a bottom, however. There was fire in her, even if it was unharnessed and misdirected. She would be successful, if she could get a handle on her wildly fluctuating moods.
Katana stopped in mid stepped and looked at him with a slight glare but mostly tear-filled eyes. "Oh, so what because I'm Pard now I can't think? I have to talk all the time now. Also getting a shit kicking isn't exactly what I sign up for on a regular basis." She sighed heavily. "You really want to know what's bothering me then you better be prepared for the aftermath of it." She paused. She wasn't trying to be dominant; she was just angry and hurt. The power flowing off of her was stronger then one would anticipate from someone as tiny as her and the power was still growing.
"You think I'm supposed to just stand there and not be jealous. I saw the way you looked at her and the way she looked at you. Then you go about asking if she's going to the fireworks! You think I'm not supposed to feel bad when the only person that ever looked at me was a fucking priest before he tried to rape me!" A few tears rolled down her face as she stood, still not moving into him for comfort. The power emitting from her began to fade quickly. It would appear that only when she was angry that she could become strong. "Not one. Not a single person." Then blinked and with a chuckle trying to make things lighter. "And why did I even think you would?" She shrugged. She wanted to turn and run back to her home in the alley but knew damn well he'd beat her if she even moved an inch away. So, she stood there with her face in her cupped hands crying.
"Is that what you're all huffy about? Trust your nose, Katana. There wasn't anything even remotely like an attraction going on there. She was excited, yes, but it sure as hell wasn't by me. It was because she got to shoot a shifter. She's a twisted little bitch, but she's a cop, and cops are useful. She can help us find out where the others are, if we can't find them tonight. That is, assuming you don't get in her face and turn her into an enemy if she does show up tonight. I'm not putting money on her showing though."
He reached out to stroke her face. "Being Pard isn't about being the toughest or the strongest or the prettiest, or the Nimir-Raj's favorite. It's about being family. It's about belonging. It's about looking out for each other. You're young, Katana. You have a lot to learn, and not all of it can be taught to you by someone. One of the things I can't teach you is where you will fit into a Pard structure. You're too young to be dominant, physically. Give it time. Wanting to be dominant doesn't mean you will be dominant, just like wanting to be an Alpha doesn't make you an Alpha. It's more complicated then that."
Morvan took off his mirrored shades, and tucked them into his pocket. "Now, as far as people looking at you, that's no big deal. When you change tonight, your beast will want one of two things, sex or blood. I'd recommend the blood, because I don't think you're ready for the casual nature of sex within a Pard. Just because you fuck someone doesn't mean there is any emotional attachment beyond the boundaries of the Pard. Hell, I've seen people in a Pard pile after a big hunt going at it with somebody they couldn't even see, and had no idea who it was. If you thought you had a liberal attitude towards sex, you are about to have that thought put to the test, over the next little while."
Just wait until you hit your period around a Pard male. You'll be so horny it won't matter how ugly they are, or how much you hate them. You'll just throw them down and climb on top.....
Katana looked through her fingers and up at his face. "Oh great, something to look forward to. Yippee." She seemed to be feeling better. "You say trust my nose. Well even though I've been like this for two years. I've stayed in an alley with really bad smells. I think my noise just doesn't work that well anymore." She laughed with her small innocent smile now with her hands at her sides. She then grabbed at his arm and started to tug lightly. "Come on, come on I don't want to miss them. I like fire." Another evil grin crossed her face. She definitely had issues and it showed. Her mind was warped too many problems in such a young mind seemed almost impossible but she showed them.
Morvan shook his head, and allowed himself to be dragged along. Great.... the first Pard I run into is a borderline psychotic. Pyromaniac, insanely jealous of that cop.... What the hell am I supposed to do with her?
His answer came on a shift in the wind. The rain was slowly clearing, and the sun was finally showing its face. With the changing wind came the unmistakable smell of popcorn.
Katana closed her eyes and turned her face up. She smiled at the warmth caressing her face. Then with a grin she turned to Morvan. "What you thinking?" she asked in a childish manner.
"I'm thinking there's a popcorn vendor down there who is in desperate need of having some of his popcorn purchased," replied Morvan as he began walking down the hill.
"Ooh yummy. I hope it's salty. I like salt." She grinned. It was amazing how many things she liked and how happy she could be over something as small as salt and how bad her temper was.
"Likely. They'll sell more pop that way." He sniffed deeply, not smelling any lycanthropes. Maybe it's too early for them...
She cocked her head to the side. "You don't smell anything bad do you?" She clutched tighter to his arm.
"What do you smell? Your nose can't be that bad."
She tilted her head back slightly, stuck her noise up in the air and sniffed. "I smell... popcorn, hotdogs, and sweat - oh that's a lovely smell- and something weird I can't place it." She continued to sniff for a minute. "Oh yes, the lovely smell of mixed garbage fermenting in the sun." She wrinkled her face and then rubbed her nose.
"Was that the weird thing you smelled?"
"I'm not sure. You try smelling it. It's almost within the fermenting garbage smell. It's different, not just funky garbage but like I said, my noise isn't that good." She continued to rub her noise at the dreadful smells she now couldn't seem to get out of her nose.
Morvan sniffed. "Kind of a rotten eggs smell?"
"Yeah something like that but it's not eggs."
"Sulphur," said Morvan. "For the fireworks. Don't go trying to tell me that your nose doesn't work, picking that smell out of all the rotting fish and other crap down here."
She looked at him a bit confused. "Well, hell I never really had to use it before." She grinned. "There's not too much to smell in an alley other then puke, piss and garbage." She chuckled.
"Yeah, not a whole lot else. Well, we've got a few things to smell here. Let's start working on the more common odors, shall we. Can you tell me if you smell onion?"
She nodded, closed her eyes and tilted her head up to the sky yet again. She took in a deep breath through her nose and the smells rushed in. She then let out with a heavy breath and looked to him her eyes watering a little. "Yep I smell 'em." She wiped her eyes.
"Fresh cut or cooked?"
"Both. I can smell the stuff that makes your eyes water and I can smell the caramelizing outside of the cooked ones."
"Good. Now, without tilting your head up or closing your eyes, which one is closer?"
She looked around and smelled a little. "I think they are both coming from the same vendor. The hot dog guy by the photo booth."
"Want a hot dog?"
She grinned happily. "Did I earn one then? Can we have some super salty popcorn too?"
"Yes, you earned one. And yes, you can have both....."
A large childish smile crept across Katana's face. She looked up to the sun and grinned at the warmth on her face for the short time before the sun was clouded up again. She then looked to Morvan and skipped ahead down the hill towards the hot dog stand by the stage. left foot right foot left foot right foot left foot......she stood dead in her tracks her right foot extended to step but instead she stood there balancing starring almost horrified. A low growl began to emit from her throat as she continued to stare. The women felt strange to her almost all the spider senses were tingling. Or would it be kitty sense? Katana thought for a moment but her eyes stayed on the girl watching her. She could smell something different but couldn't place it but knew it was coming from her. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she continued to growl, staring and waiting for Morvan to catch up to her.
-
Dusk - July 4th Puget Sound Morvan Katana & Jynxe
Morvan watch in surprise as Katana responded to Jynxe's touch. I'll be damned. She's a hell of a lot more fragile than I thought. God, I can smell the fear just pouring off of her. We're going to need to hunt soon, or all three of us are going to go ballistic all over the beach....
"Jynxe, one of the reason's I came down here was to get in touch with the local Pard. I'm new to Seattle, and I just picked Katana up today. She was chasing three guys down the street, looking to turn them into hamburger. She doesn't know a lot about being Pard, so I've given her the first few lessons. We need to hook up with the rest of your Pard, and get a little hunting done, because time is passing. The moon is calling."
He moved to lay his hands on their shoulders but stopped. Katana is my Pard, but Jynxe isn't. She did accept my dominance, though, so I guess touching her is okay. His fingers came down, feather light, on their shoulders. He stroked, feeling the power that stirred under their skin, touching their beasts. Rather than inflaming his, the contact calmed it. The moon was close, but there was still time for control.
A tiny hand left Jynxe's back and wrapped around Morvan's."I don't like the moon it hurts."she mubbled while looking up to the sky a bit. Then with a smirk and a sigh looked Jynxe."Also Jynxe just for the record. I wouldn't of made them hambuger. Maybe hot dogs. I like hot dogs."
"Well then, it's hot dogs first, then we look for the others," said Morvan. He chuckled. "Although eating before a hunt is sort of pointless."
My Pard, huh? Jynxe thought as she bit the inside of her cheek and smiled down at Katana, and then up at Morvan, uneasily. Too bad they live a continent and an ocean away. The odor of sulfur once again tickled her nostrils and Jynxe quickly stepped back away from them so she could sneeze.
"Another reason to hate fireworks," she muttered as she wiped off her tearing eyes. "That God damn sulfur."
"If you hate fireworks, then why are you here?" Morvan asked her with something like a smirk, but softer.
"The leash my parents still have attatched," Jynxe said with an inward sigh. "My mother heard about an American Independance celebration and insisted I check it out so I can tell her what it's like first hand. I guess I owe to her, since I haven't been home in four years."
"Your parents..." Morvan looked a little intreagued and slightly confused as to Jynxe's meaning.
"Makers, really," she explained. "They sort of adopted me when I was around three or four, and made me their child."
"Where are they now?" Katana inquired. Jynxe was amused that these shifter, whom she had just met, would ask her so much when no others had.
"In Arabia. Through some clever manipulation they came to be the chairmen of a prestigious emerald mining and cutting company. It keeps me on my feet and supports my roaming and helped to fund education, but other than that I could care less. Money doesn't last forever, after all, and you can't take it with you." Jay felt a little uncomfortable tlaking about her parents and their business so soon. After all, they might take her to be some rich bitch just out for herself-
Stop thinking like a human, Jynxe snapped at herself. And I didn't start out like that. A south African jungle is hardly a place for a wealthy manipulativeb whore to grow up and anyway, I never wanted all that money-we could have lived fine without it once they stopped hunting us...
"So," she said brightly, cutting off her thoughts, "I'm pretty new as well, but I've heard that there's a game reserve near here. Either of you been there yet?"
Morvan shook his head. "Never even heard of it. I guess it's as good a spot as any to hunt." He looked at Jynxe, and she could almost feel the disappointment. "You aren't local then? Are you planning on sticking around long enough to hook up with the locals, or are you going to continue drifting?"
Drifting.... It was a life Morvan couldn't imagine anyone making by choice. Pard needed Pard. They were not a solitary breed. No lycanthrope was. He couldn't fathom why anyone would chose to live that way, when there was comfort and companionship to be found within any Pard.
Jynxe sighed. It was painful, to be reminded that she really did have no place to go. I haven't made anything for myself...I haven't even found a home....
"I should be around for a while," she replied, trying to soften his mood a little. Disappointment was one of the worst emotions to have to deal with, especially when one was aware that they were the cause of the disapointment...
"I'm just so....tired," Jynxe muttered, staring at the ground. Emotionally exaysted from moving and moving and just trying to find something that fit. But when something got too plain, too common place, there was nothing that could make her stay, until she realized that the bridges were burned and, despite the fact she knew everything in her territory like the back of her hand, she missed it and she loved it and those she found there....And when Jynxe beccame acutely aware of how livid and betrayed that they must feel at her leaving them with no warning, no reason....
No place to go. But Jynxe was determined to never make that mistake again. I guess now that I have found these two, my chance to try and make up for all those mistakes came a little sooner than I thought...But I wish I could have chosen when, and where.
Katana rocked from her heels to the balls of her toes a few times then skipped down the hill back to the very same vendor she terrorized earlier. A huge child like grin painted on her face
"Hot dog please"she smiled chessily while saying please"oh with just catsup too but not too much catsup 'cause then I'll get it all over me"
"Would you like to put the katchup on then miss?"
"okay" her grin grew bigger most would of thought it couldn't. It was almost as if she had walked into willie wanka's chocolate factory and was told it was her's. She turned and glanced back up at Morvan and Jynxe with the same chessy smile she gave a few moments ago.
Morvan paid for the hotdog, then turned and put his arms around Jynxe. Power flowed out of him, surrounding her with the essense of a Pard Alpha. He had heard the note of resignation in her voice. She needed more than just the touch of her own kind. She needed to swim in their power.
I need to find the others fast. Both of them are broken in their own way, and I need a healthy Pard to heal them. I can't do it alone.
I need to find the others fast. Both of them are broken in their own way, and I need a healthy Pard to heal them. I can't do it alone.
After a moment, he withdrew his power, aware that there was suddenly a large space around them where the crowd had withdrawn. Slowly he pulled away. "Jynxe, Katana can I get you two to keep an eye on each other? I'm going to do a run through the crowd, to see if I can find any others."
The emptiness that Jynxe had felt for so long evaporated. This was what her life had been missing-what she had yearned for, but at that time she didn't know what she needed or wanted. Now she was well aware. And I won't make the same mistake another time.
"We'll be fine," Jay said as she smiled down at Katana."Go ahead -and happy hunting." The she-cat was wise enough to know that with just Katana and herself -both hurting, both just beginning to get on the mend- their Pard was weak and incomplete; there were pieces yet to be filled within the ranks and within mental stability in order to make this pack whole.
Katana wanted to sit down but knew the grass was wet from the earlier rains so instead she leaned up against a tree. She chewed on her hotdog with a grin on her face but her eyes carefully watched everyone. Her eyes landed on a group of older guys icking on a little girl.She leaned forward and then backward and rocked a little until she finally pushed herself off the tree and began to pace a bit.She remebered being tormented like that and how bad it felt she wanted to do something so bad but knew it would get her in trouble again so she continued to pace looking at the sky
Katana continued to pace and her body felt like it was going to jump out of her skin. She scratched at her arms until they bleed. Trying to take her mind off of the pain that was inside her. Her insides were beging to shift,split and morph preparing for what will happen in but a few minutes. She was good at keeping the change almost completely at bay until the moon was fully out but at the cost of a great deal of pain. She looked to Jynxe not really sure what to say or do. the only thing that could come out her mouth was "I'm going insane" while she continued to pace.
-
Dusk - July 4th Puget Sound Suki & Morvan
Suki and her family arrived at the park as dusk settled across the bays horrizon the throngs of people pushed past her laughter and the smell of popcorn and candy apples wafted through the night air.
The atmosphere was full of excitement and a festivness that only the holidays could bring. She herself wasnt in a festive mood. Her thoughts turned back to to the jar of rubbing alcohol and peroxide she had tucked away in the closet of her room that contained her grusome trophy.
She had changed her clothing for plain clothes a simple pair of white kahki shorts and a dark crimson tank top. She kept her gun and badge on her out of habit but both were tucked out of sight under the shirt and her shorts.
Her mother and her younger brother Razan found an open bit of ground and spread out their blanket. Razan and Hana sat down but Suki scanned the crowd out of habit. It was hard to stay out of cop mode. This many people a mix of vampire human and lycanthrope wandering about could lead to a potentially volitile situation. She excused herself asking if any one was in need of something from the concession booths and once their orders had been taken Suki sliped back into the crowd to watch the people and get her mother a candy apple and her brother some cotton candy.
He slipped through the crowd like a ghost. Fat chance of that. They feel me coming and get the hell out of the way.
Morvan's search was proving fruitless. He could smell the rats. There were a few dozen of them, spread out across the beach, in small pockets. Nowhere did he find even the faintest trace of a Pard.
A city this big... it has to have a Pard. It HAS to. No Pard, no wolves.... Do the rats run this city? It's too early for vampire to be out, so I won't know how common they are, but I can't believe there are no wolves and no Pard.
Then the wind shifted, and he caught the scent them. It made him stagger. There were wolves in Seattle, hundreds of them. Hundreds. The scent was faint, so they were some distance away, but they were there. He started to make his way back towards Jynxe and Katana.
He caught the scent of gun oil, and smiled. It would be child's play to track her through the crowd, stalking her like prey. To pounce, to sink teeth and talon into soft flesh.....
Morvan shook his head. It was too close to moonrise to play those kinds of games. He walked up behind Suki and coughed politely. "Can I have a word with you, officer?"
Suki had just finished paying the vendor for the candy apple and cotton candy when she head someone cough behind her.
"Can I have a word with you, officer?"
Suki turned around and her eyes widened slightly. "You! From the park. How on gods green earth did you find me?" She looked at the small man and shifted the bag containing the sweets to her off hand. She was suddenly aware of the weight of the gun against her hip under her shirt. There was small comfort knowing that she was packing silver tonight instead of lead. With the full moon around, even if she was off duty she was going to make sure she was prepared. Suki shook her head "Never mind that was a relatively stupid question with you being what you are. What can I do for you Mr.....?"
"Morvan."
"What can I do for you Mr Morvan?"
"Just Morvan. I have a favour to ask. I know we didn't get to meet or part under the best conditions, but I'm running out of options. I'm new in town, and I'm trying to locate some of my own kind. I thought maybe I'd be able to find some here, but the only one I've been able to find with any kind of a clue isn't local either."
"You've already met the rats, and that didn't go over well, so I'm going to assume you aren't a rat. Not a were-rat anyway."
Morvan chuckled. "No, I'm not a rat."
"It isn't hard to locate the wolves. They have a number in the phone book. 1-800- SEAWOLF, or something like that."
"That's very clever. I'm not a wolf, though, officer. I'm a were-leopard, and I doubt the wolves would be willing to help. Most lycanthropes don't get along too well with others of a different nature."
"So why come to me?"
"Because you're a cop. You can find things out easier than I can. I'd really appreciate the help. The two leopards I have now are desperately in need of a full Pa- full group. They need one, because neither of them is all that healthy, and it takes kind to help heal."
"Kind?"
"Yeah. Your kind. My kind. They need more of my kind to make themselves whole again. A lonely lycanthrope is a terrible thing."
"I don't see how I can help you, Morvan."
"You can look in places I can't. People will talk to you where they won't talk to me. As you've noticed, I give of a 'predator' vibe. It makes people nervous."
"Shapeshifters don't trust the police. We're a walking death sentence for you, if you break even the tiniest law."
"It cuts both ways, officer. The police don't like the shapeshifters, because even if you are packing silver, the slowest of us is faster than the fastest of you. Shapeshifter criminals have no reason not to kill a cop if they get caught, because they already know it's death sentence they're facing. When you fight for your life, you fight to win."
"I still don't know what I can do for you."
"Ask around. I'm not asking you to look into restricted files, or pull up somebody's criminal record, but surely some of the cops you know must know something." Morvan shuddered slightly. "It's getting late. I have to go. The moon is going to rise soon, and I have two shapeshifters I have to get off the beach. We're probably the last three here, and I want to make damned sure all these people are out of harms way."
"There's a park not far from here. It'll be deserted by now. I can give you cab fare if you need it," offered Suki.
Morvan shook his head. "It'll take too long for the cab to get here. I can smell a seagull colony to the south. We can hunt there. Is there a number I can call you at?"
Suki sighed, and pulled a card from her wallet. Morvan looked at it. "Thank you officer Neubasato. I hope I didn't butcher your name too badly." He was gone in a flash, cutting through the crowd like some phantom, moving past and around so quickly that the reaction was to his passing, rather than his presence.
-
Thursday July 4th Dusk - Puget Sound- Domenic, Braden & Lisette
Domenic parked the van and turned to look at his passengers. They immediately sat still, as if he had almsot caught them in the middle of something.
"Alright, " he said. "Your parents have allowed me to bring you all here, and I have agreed, on one condition. You all have to listen to me, and do what I tell you, understood? Because if it isn't understood, we turn around and go right back to the mission."
There was a chorus of agreement from the children. There were eight of them, ranging from seven to eleven. Domenic hoped that he and Braden would be enough to keep an eye on them all. There were three vehicles full of children from the mission neighbourhood that could not have made it down to the display without the help of a number of volunteers. Once again he said a silent prayer of thanks for the goodheartedness of those who made up his flock. They were a little rough around the edges, but they were good people.
A few of the volunteers were homeless people from the hostel. Domenic had selected them carefully, not just for their reliability, but for the effect such trust would have on them. Many had been distrusted for most of their existance, and he was pleased to see them beginning to blossom when some one finally gave them a little responsibility.
"Braden is going to help me keep track of you little hooligans. If you give either of us a hard time, you will never, EVER get to come on one of these trips again, and you will not get a hotdog or a treat, because I have enough money to get one hotdog and either a candy apple or some cotton candy for each of you, but I'm only going to buy them for kids who behave. Who's going to behave?"
Father Domenic had called her liked he had promised when he went to round up the last of the children and collect permission sheets which he put on a clip board. Braden smiled 'Four Hail Marys God I think I used more profanity the day Mom disappeared then that but hey its a start. Be patient okay it took me a long time to get this far" She was walking by the tiny alter dedicated to the Virgin and stopped slowly taking a votive candle and lighting it from one of the tapers in front of 'The Mother of God'. She placed it in one of the crimson glass holders.
"I hope you are happy Mom wherever you are" she whispered softly then turned to hurry out of the chapel and into the van filled with over excited children.
Braden was about to scream for the kids were singing 'The Song That Never Ends' for the umpteenth verse. Father Domenic shut the car off and she undid her seat belt so she could help the littlest ones with theirs and the kids fell blissfully silent.
"Alright, " Father Domenic said. "Your parents have allowed me to bring you all here, and I have agreed, on one condition. You all have to listen to me, and do what I tell you, understood? Because if it isn't understood, we turn around and go right back to the mission."
Bright happy faces looked up into the priest's and Braden smiled " Braden is going to help me keep track of you little hooligans. If you give either of us a hard time, you will never, EVER get to come on one of these trips again, and you will not get a hot dog or a treat, because I have enough money to get one hot dog and either a candy apple or some cotton candy for each of you, but I'm only going to buy them for kids who behave. Who's going to behave?"
A cacophony of voices yelling out "ME!" as loud as they could met this wondrous announcement and everyone piled out of the van shouting at each other to obey to listen not to run off. Braden put her thumb and index fingers into her mouth a blew a loud piercing whistle cutting through the noise the children stopping in mid word to looked back a bit sheepishly.
"Hey is this listening to me or Father Domenic?" she asked quietly once all eyes were focus on her. "In two lines now so we can stay together" The kids formed up and she scooped up little Juanita Martinez and balanced the four year old on her hip. She did a quick head count then. "All present and accounted for Father so let the party begin"
Domenic smiled, as he saw Lisette get out of her car. I'd lay even money that Theresa Galiano threw up in her front seat. Seventeen and still gets car sick... "Thank you, Braden. Now, first things first. You guys need to get fed. I want everyone who wants a hot dog to put up there hand." Roughly half the children did so. "Okay, who wants a hamburger?" The rest of the children put their hands up, including two of the boys who had wanted hotdogs. Domenic chuckled.
"Okay. Mr Wilcox knows that we are all coming, so we'll go to his wagon first. I don't want any pushing or shoving, or running off. What do you do if you get lost?"
"Head for the big sign!" answered eight voices.
"Right. If I can't find you after five minutes, I'll come look there. Anyone I find there, I will beat with a stick." The children giggled.
"Okay, I want you all to listen." Domenic crouched down, and waved the children into a group around him. "I want to enjoy myself too, but if anything happens to any of you, I won't be able to enjoy myself. If any of you get hurt or lost, that would be bad enough. But if any of you deliberately run off and hide, just to becasue you think it is a big joke, I will be very very disappointed." He looked at them all, and gave the group of them a hug. "Thanks for listening, guys." He looked up. "Thanks for helping Braden."
"No problem, father."
Okay, I see the Spencers with the choir, and there's Mike. God, he looks like he's going to burst, he's so proud to be here as one of the guardians. Tony is looking nervous as Hell. I guess he's not used to such big crowds. I'll have to keep an eye on him. Winston.... Oh, there he is with Mrs Norton. Bless her long suffering soul. How many is that? Eight, thirteen, eighteen, twenty one, and the four with Cordova and Theresa....
"Everything under control, Miss Cordova? Four in your backseat wasn't too many, was it?"
"Of course not." Lisette answered tightly. Father Sozio was really making her earn this damned story. She didn't care to mention the fact that one of the little hoodlums had kicked the back of her seat the entire way. Or the fact that her quick reflexes had saved her car upholstry from being decorated with whatever Theresa Galiano had last eaten. She had practically shoved her head out the window.
She had been properly apologetic at least. Lisette still owed plenty of payments on her year old Toyota Corolla. She was certain the bit of spray that had fallen on the door would haunt her car like an odorous specter.
Other than that it hadn't been so bad. The little girl sitting behind Theresa had been very sweet and well-mannered. She had reminded Lisette of another little girl that would have loved to watch the fire works. Once upon a time...
It was getting darker slowly now the clouds that had hung over the city all day shredded and drifted away. Braden though not tied to it felt the moon on the horizon and the subtle waves of power pulsing here and there as all went out to celebrate the nations birthday. Damn its like the shifters here alone could light up the sky this night she thought as shifted little Juanita to her other hip and joined the priest in time to hear his question to the new face who had shown up at the last minute.
Braden wondered what Miss Cordova truly wanted she wasn't the type to be helping out of the goodness of her heart. Years of dealing with organizations that dealt with the needy and underprivileged had given her a pretty good sense for volunteers which fell into three groups in her experience. The first where those who got a high from helping others. They were, in a sense, the heart soul and backbones of all charity organizations. The second group were those forced to help out usually rich people doing community service for some minor infractions like being caught driving under the influence and they did the penance and left as quickly as possible. The last group were selfserving, those who did it for personal gain. This is where you found politicians and their ilk taking on the cause celebre for no other reason then they got something out of it. Miss Cordova in Braden's opinion was here for a reason other than being a good Samaritan. Not that it was her worry.
She listened to Father Domenic cajole and threaten the kids and she started to make notes who wanted what to eat. She had to chuckle when Enrico Del'Veccio asked in all seriousness "If I don't have either a hot dog or a hamburger Father, can I have both ice cream and cotton candy?"
Her eyes lifted and noticed the moon starting to make its appearance a sliver on the horizon all orange and glowing. Juanita looked at Braden as a shiver ran up her spine "Are you cold Braden? Maybe you should have worn more clothes. You can puts my blankie around your shoulders if you are cold."
"No thank you sweetie I just..well ..lets say someone stepped on my grave. Its nothing see" She set the child down and smiled at Father Domenic. "Lets get those hot dogs and hamburgers Father cuz these kids are hungry."
Domenic nodded. "Okay everybody, let's go get food! The first person that runs goes to the back of the line." He set the small army in motion, and made sure to thank each volunteer as they went past.
He had noticed the look on Lisette's face, and touched her arm as she went past with her group. "Is there a problem? For a moment there, it looked as if you had seen a ghost."
She opened her mouth to give him a biting remark about keeping his nose out of her business but thought better of it. He sounded as if he genuinely cared and, even if it was his job, she appreciated it. How many people actually cared nowadays?
Lisette shrugged her slim dusky shoulders. "She may as well be a ghost."
The look on Domenic's face brought a smile to her own. He was instantly curious and concerned. Probably thinking of ways to protect the children if anything should occur.
"Don't worry. Memories that shouldn't trouble me anymore. They linger...but it's all right." She touched a hand to her head to illustrate her point and moved her group along. Lisette stopped and looked at him over her shoulder, regarding him critically. "Don't trouble yourself, Domenic. It's no concern of yours."
"If afraid, I'm professionally required to be a busybody, and to offer comfort to everyone, whether they want it or not," said Domenic. He smiled. "It's no trouble. I'm a professional shoulder to cry on, and I actually enjoy helping people take their mind off their troubles. A burden shared is a burden eased. Or is that the wrong cliché?"
The children ate quickly thinking the sooner the food was gone the sooner the fireworks would commence. They ran around chasing each other and Braden laughingly chased after them playing tag and other games for a short while being just another teenager.
Time seemed to pass slowly dark falling by inches it seemed the children getting more and more excited. Juanita was sticky from sharing ice cream and cotton candy with her brother and tended to want to cling to Braden's hand as the night moved in. Braden felt the prickling along her spine that always meant were or vampires were near and she looked up noticing father Domenic if not chasing after one of his youthful flock chatting with the woman who she felt was after something though what she couldn't say.what was her name.oh yeah Ms Cordova.
Braden picked up Juanita and headed towards the priest her body starting to feel well tingly and things getting stretched tight inside. Damn she would be changing soon...and she needed to be away from crowds to do that..
"Are you heading out Braden? I know you can't stay for the whole evening." Domenic gave the swanmay a small smile. "I appreciate the help you've been. You have a good way with children. Are you going to be able to make it back by yourself?" He shook his head and chuckled. "I'm sorry; I'm treating you like a child. Go with God, Braden. Bless you for your help."
God protect you in your time of need, my child, and bring back your mother, so we can end this curse once and for all. All I need to do is find out who laid the curse, and if they're still alive, ask them to remove it. If they're dead, then I'm going to have a little problem. The church takes a dim view of animators, and those that talk to them.....
...
Braden was about to thank Father Domenic when an orchestra started the first stirring notes music. The crowd cheered and the first fiery flares in red gold silver green and blue trailed upward climbing to the heavens exploding within seconds of each other. The sky lit up and it rained sunbursts of phosphorescent beauty. The crowd gasp in unison and faces turned upward the children stilling all the eyes filled with wonder and the sulphurous cloud from the far side of the park ,beyond the guards and sawhorses and tape marking off where the fireworks were setup, drifted towards the crowds.
"I will be fine Father, honest! I...am pretty good at this now. See you in a few days" She wiped up Juanita's hands and face with a wet wipe and sighed wishing she could stay, but the fireworks were set to run close to an hour a huge spectacular display and she new she would not be able to keep the change under control that long. She pressed little Juanita's hand into the priests and stood up. The third volley of explosions had started as she drifted back away moving into the crowd. Her footsteps moved her towards the stink of the fireworks was strongest away from people the press of energies that pushed against her skin like a physical brush against her flesh. She felt hot feverish and was happy she only wore the old shirt and low hip hugging cut offs it would only be seconds to shed her clothes in some bushes maybe with a bit of luck she could stuff them into the plastic bag and hide them before she actually shifted.
-
Thursday July 4th Moonrise - Puget Sound- Domenic & Lisette
Domenic pressed only a little for more information but he let that part of the conversation drop rather easily when he saw he would get nothing further from her. They talked of other things instead, like the children and Domenic's work at the church. Surprisingly, Lisette found that she was enjoying herself. She was conversing with a handsome man, no subterfuge whatsoever. It was just a casual conversation. Little Susana Vasquez was clinging to her hand and singing a nursery rhyme under her breath as she watched the sky for fireworks.
It felt very right and very soothing. Her stomach suddenly clenched with a dreadful realization. Lisette had been lying to herself all these years. Every time she ended a relationship she had brushed it aside as if it didn't matter.
Who needs him anyway? Not like I wanna get married and a tied down. Party girls aren't meant to marry. Even former ones.
.
That had been the exact thing she had told herself for five years. She had lied to herself those five years. Lisette did want family. She did want love. She wanted something to belong to. She sighed inwardly; turning her full attention to Susana when Father Sozio was called away by another volunteer. She thought her name was Braden or some such.
Susana squealed and clapped happily when the sky lit up with colorful explosions of light. Lisette laughed in response and picked her up, leaning Susanna on her hip so that the little girl could get a better view. Lisette watched the other children carefully while conversing with her favorite charge and decided that perhaps this wasn't so bad after all.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," said Domenic. Lisette started. She hadn't noticed his approach. "Don't be embarrassed. A lot of people secretly like children. They just don't admit it."
He paused, looking at the sky. "So, how did you find out about the Stigmata?" he asked, almost casually.
Lisette didn't keep what she liked a secret. She just hadn't gotten a chance to interact with too many children before. Or at least that was the excuse she gave herself. She shifted Susana to her other hip and followed Father Sozio's gaze to the brilliant night sky.
"I asked around. I needed a decent story and I got stigmata. Someone I know just happened to get me a hot tip and it paid off," she replied with a relaxed shrug. Lisette had told him she could not reveal her source and she wasn't going to. Besides, she had plenty of questions of her own.
"How did you? I mean...why did the Bishop ask you to take on this particular case?"
"Your informant is worth his weight in gold. I only found out about it a few hours before you walked into the mission. As to why me, I believe I asked the bishop the same thing." Speaking of the bishop, I have to tell him there is a leak.
"What did he say?"
"He told me that I was the one least likely to attract attention. They want this investigated without any fuss, in case it's bogus. No fuss means no story, Miss Cordova."
There was a ripple going through the crowd, and the disturbance drew Domenic's attention. It didn't feel like the response a vampire would create, so he relaxed a little and kept tabs on the crowd just to make sure there was no danger to the children.
The Master of the City declared tonight a night of peace. No vampires are permitted to feed on the unwilling tonight. No one can be rolled. That's probably one of the reasons I was willing to bring the children down here....
No fuss, no story? What the hell did that mean? Domenic had told her she could! Or very nearly had. It had been plain to Lisette at any rate.
Susana had no interest in adult conversations and wriggled free of Lisette's grip to lose herself among the other children she had come with. Lisette watched her chatter excitedly for a moment and then shook her head. "You told me I could earn my story and here I am. You can't tell me I can't sell it once I've got it."
"Hmm? I'm sorry, what was that? I was distracted." There was something disturbing the crowd and Domenic could only offer Lisette half of his attention while he tried to determine what it was. He made a quick survey, to make sure all the children were accounted for, as well as all the adults. Some people, Domenic knew, had an affinity for the dead, an ability to detect their presence. At times he wished that he possessed it.
If there are vampires in the crowd, they know they can't feed tonight except from a willing victim. The Master of the City made that perfectly clear. Please God, let them just be here because they work for Archangel, not because they're breaking the rules. I've only got one wrist launcher with me, and I'm not wearing my gorget....
"Will you excuse me for a moment, Miss Cordova? I just want to check on something."
What the hell was he doing ignoring her? Lisette glared daggers at his back as he left, hardly having waited for a reply from her. She petulantly decided he was not as handsome as she had originally thought. He was a horrid man. Domenic didn't deserve her attention at all.
She knew it was a childish reaction but Lisette thought she deserved it given all she was putting up with. Lisette turned to the children only to turn back a second later, scanning the crowd warily. There was a prickling down her spine and a chill she knew meant only one thing. It was a feeling she had learned to ignore but she couldn't now.
There were dead here and the fact that they were enjoying themselves so near the children bothered her. Vampires perhaps? Hadn't the Master forbidden any such happenings tonight? Whatever it was...it was doing that great a job hiding its presence.
Suki wandered back through the crowds the first of the fireworks had begun and she was certain her mother and brother would be wondering where she had gotten to. Her thoughts drifted back to Morvan and she wondered what exactly she could do to help a shifter.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a child's scream pierced the night air.
-
Thursday July 4th Moonrise - Puget Sound- Suki, Domenic & Lisette
Suki could hear a man screaming "Noooooo!"
People up in front of her began to scatter and scream. The crowd began to panic and Suki pressed forward drawing her gun out of her inner pants holster. Her eyes took a second to make out the scene.
A man lay on top of a small child that was wailing in terror and on top of the man was a furry form. She saw blood though she didn't have time to figure out whether it belonged to man child or beast. Her reflexes took over and she brought her gun up into firing position.
A pair of beady eyes raised to regarded Suki as she pulled the trigger twice the sound of gunshots exploded into the night air but were partially masked due to the fireworks display.
A spray of blood showered the man and child as the bullets found their home in the werebeasts muzzle. The monster collapsed missing half of its head.
Suki felt the adrenaline surging through her veins and ran over to the tangled trio.
Upon closer inspection her brain was able to make out that the thing she had fired at had been a wererat. She savagely kicked the body off the man and child and looked at them.
The man gasped his eyes white as she looked at the man's torn T-shirt and saw his innards hanging out. His blood was staining his vibrant yellow t-shirt.
"Please stay calm sir, I'm with the Seattle PD I'm going to call you an ambulance." Suki pulled out her cell phone and dialed 911.
"The girl. Is she alright? Please tell Father Sozio I -I am sorry. She ...She wandered a way but...I - I found her before it did. Take Jenny back to Father Sozio he's.. here in the park... With the rest of the St.Boniface volunteers."
"Don't talk sir please."
"It's Tony Ma'am.... Just Tony." He said panting sweat beaded to his forehead and he shivered violently.
Too late... Domenic felt his blood curdle when he heard the scream. He bolted towards it, calling to Mrs Norton to gather the children.
Domenic felt his blood curdle when he heard the scream. He bolted towards it, calling to Mrs Norton to gather the children.
No vampire victim reacts like that.... Sweet mother of God, that's Tony's voice!
"Tony!"
Domenic heard the shots, and used them as a beacon. The crowd was surging, not in panic, but swirling around the noise as if it were some kind of focus. He pushed his way through, and saw Tony lying on the ground, his stomach and chest a bloody mess. One look at the still quivering corpse of the were-rat told him all he needed to know.
"I'm here Tony." Domenic knelt beside the wounded man. "Don't talk. Just hold my hand, and try not to move."
Were-rat attack. The poor bastard probably lost track of time. He left it too long, and changed on the beach, and now he's dead, and if Tony lives, likely he'll be infected. Jenny, where's Jenny?
The wailing child was not hard to locate. She was safe in the hands of one of the vendors, who was stroking her hair, and uttering soothing words in spanish. Tony was in more immediate danger. Domenic pulled off his jacket, and used it to apply pressure to some of the wounds, while the woman with the gun used the remains of Tony's shirt to do the same.
Suki stayed by the man's side until the ambulance and the police arrived. She had to identify herself as an officer and from there in they began to take her statement as to what had happened.
Suki sighed It's going to be a long night. Mother is going to disappointed that I wasn't there to watch the fireworks but I'm sure she'll understand. An officer is always on duty....
The ambulance seemed to take forever to arrive, and an eternity to load Tony. Domenic hoped their hesitation was not due to Tony's lack of health coverage. He hoped it was just his imagination that things moved a little smoother when he assured them St Boniface would cover the bills.
He looked down at his shirt and vest, wet with Tony's blood. He sighed, and turned away.
"Thank you for your help, Father."
Domenic turned back and smiled weakly. "Thank you, officer. If you hadn't reacted so quickly Tony would have been torn to shreds, and likely Jenny would have followed. I just wish I'd been able to perform last rites for the were-rat before he died."
"Did you know him?"
Domenic shook his head. "No, but he deserved the chance to confess. This wasn't his fault. Were-rats are predators, and a small moving target right after a forced change must have been too much of an instinct trigger to resist."
Suki opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly there was a presence, when none had been there before.
"I thought I smelled blood."
"This is a crime scene, sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," said Suki, looking vary pointedly at the vampire's chest. Her hand was on her gun, but she had yet to pull it.
"Surely officer, you can't mean that." His voice traveled across her skin like soft cloth, raising goosebumps.
"She does," said Domenic. The silver cross in his hand flared brilliant white. "Back off, jack-ass!"
The vampire took several steps back, shielding his eyes. "As you command. I suppose I could point out that I am part of the Archangel security team assigned to patrol the fireworks, but I doubt that either of you would see that as being sufficient credentials to allow me to examine the scene. Pity. With so much blood, it's almost certain to attract... others."
"I'm certain the police are capable of handling this," replied Domenic. "Now go."
The vampire gave a mocking bow. "How can I resist such a command from the lips of Sister Mary Sunshine?" It turned and vanished into the darkness, as suddenly as it had come.
"Sister Mary Sunshine?" Suki looked mildly amused, but her eyes were searching the crowd, in case the vampire returned.
"It's their nickname for me. I'm the vampire executioner for the North Western U.S."
"Impressive."
"Not really. I'd love to chat further, officer, but I have children that I need to take care of. I'll meet you at the hospital. I need to pick up Jenny, and give the hospital Tony's information."
"Sorry about that," said Domenic as her arrived back at the parking lot. All of the St Boniface volunteers were there, as were all the children.
Except for Braden, Tony and Jenny.....
"I want everyone to pay attention," said Domenic. "Tony has been hurt, but the ambulance took him away, so I think he's going to be okay. They took Jenny too, but she's not hurt, only scared. We're going to go home now, and after you're all home, I'm going to the hospital to get Jenny and see how Tony is."
"Tony is creepy," said a small voice. There were murmurs of agreement.
"Tony is a hero. He saved Jenny's life. He acted without thinking about whether he was going to be hurt or not. He saw something that needed to be done, and he did it. Heroes don't all wear capes, and some of them have no super powers beyond the love they bear for their fellow man. Now let's all go home. If your parents have any questions, have them call me."
He watched as the children and the adults climbed back into their vehicles, with far less enthusiasm than when they had arrived. Domenic tried not to let his own shoulders sag. He looked at Lisette. "It might not have been the story you were looking for, but it's a story. If you follow me to Seattle General, I'll fill you in on exactly who that was that just risked his life to save a child he barely knows."
The moment the screams had started, Lisette had dropped into a somewhat protective stance and searched for the source. She had managed to make sure the kids were alright but had done little else. Now she faced Domenic, feeling a tad useless.
She nodded, and looked back at her car and the children climbing into various vehicles. "I'll take it. Not often you hear about a selfless act like this," Lisette said as she shook her head though she wasn't quite sure why she was shaking her head. Disapproval and disappointment perhaps. The violence...She was certain this guy was going to be infected and Jenny...she was going to be fighting nightmares for some time.
"Damn....I should have known. I mean, things felt weird but I kept chalking it up to vamps. Patrolling for Archangel or something. I figured I was getting crossed signals, not a taste of were."
Lisette was babbling now but she couldn't stop herself. The surprised look had returned to Father Sozio's face and she stopped. He didn't know she was an animator and she didn't know his stance on that. Most Catholics didn't approve... Revealing her other job might screw her chances of getting a decent lead with him.
"You felt it too didn't you? I mean, you're not a null. Somehow like that doesn't fit you."
Domenic shook his head. "No, I was watching the crowd's reaction. As far as I'm aware, I am a null, or close to it. I've never been tested. I'll meet you at the front desk in about forty minutes?"
"Eh...Yes. Forty minutes it is. You can count on me being there," Lisette replied hastily. She retreated to the relative safety of her car, expecting to be bombarded with questions from the children. Oddly enough they were silent and she found this disturbing. Silence was so unnatural in a car full of children that it frankly unsettled her. But it gave her time to think.
The ride back to St. Boniface to drop off the kids was simply time for her to scheme a way back into this stigmata story. It must have been something. Why the hell wouldn't the church want to capitalize on physical manifestations of their power. Err...their god's power as it were.
However, by the time the children dismounted and were back in the hands of their respective parents...Lisette was no closer to figuring out how to get near it.
Something tells me Domenic's going to have to become my new best friend...
-
July 4th - After moonrise - woods by Puget Sound - Braden & Others...
Braden stopped and looked skyward now and then watching the beauty of the display and tried to remember how long it was since she had just been able to enjoy such things simply.
Her mother's mercurial mood shifts had always left her watching, waiting for the next explosion, much like the crowd but somehow though spectacular it was always uncomfortable for Braden. She shook her head and finished making her way to the trees slipping into the shadows cast by the trunks and gave a sigh of relieve.
"Made it Braden" she whispered softly her body slicked with sweat now as she fought not to change yet, needing to get further, close to fresh water would be good, but not necessary, just out of sight of prying eyes and a spot hidden yet open enough to let her shift unhindered.
As she hurried deeper into the black and silvered depths of the trees, she missed the man stepping away from the trees, a few feet from where she had entered, his face paler than most.
Her feet now lead her no real thoughts just the feeling of things changing. She made it into a clearing that was remote enough or so she thought and pulled her clothing off fingers clumsy as her nerve endings burned and her body seemed to glow with an energy all its own. Quickly her eyes filled with panic she stuffed shorts panties shirt and runners into a plastic bag and tied it shut. This she stuffed up in the branches of a tree and looked about. She could smell fresh water close by and smiled..."Good I will have a refuge where I can watch for the predators" she again whispered softly moving in the moonlight to the middle of the clearing and surrendered to the inevitable curling down onto herself in a movement reminiscent of the swan princess dying in the ballet Swan Lake. Light played over her shuddering form and it seemed as if she drew the shadows into herself as bones and muscles reformed changed snapped and tore till she felt like she would die. The fireworks boomed and lit up the area in weird flashes of light bathing her form temporarily in different colors blue silver gold red and the change seemed to ripple with the music of the orchestra that played The 1812 Overture.
As the finale approached Braden arose no longer a young woman but as majestic swan her plumage a deep blue black her beak preening feathers into place.
Cold eyes watched as Braden slipped deeper into the woods. He followed. There was a prohibition on violent feeding on this particular night, but punishment was only possible if anyone found out. There were enough rats around to dispose of anything he left behind. No one would know.
He paused when she began to disrobe. A lover's tryst? Surely not. A shapeshifter? Perhaps, but she did not give off any of the other signs. He continued to watch, curiosity temporarily overruling his mild hunger.
His eyes widened, when he saw here start to change. He smiled, and the smile revealed tiny fangs. He was only five years old as a vampire, and hadn't yet learned the knack of hiding his fangs and smiling at the same time.
A swan....
He watched as Braden moved away towards the open water, and followed. He made note of the area, then moved away. It didn't take long for him to find a payphone.
"This is Grant. Put me through to Nigel please. I've found a swan."
Things seemed simpler now to Braden it always did after she was a swan. She waited the time needed for her feathers to get properly dry, and then ran in the clumsy way of all water birds flapping her wings till she was airborne. She missed the eyes following her flight to the pond. The water rippling around her as she landed then glided silently over the moon dappled surface of the pond checking the area for dangers.
Nigel picked up the telephone, and paused for a moment before touching the flashing button to connect the line.
"Hello Grant."
"Greetings of the night, servant of the Master."
Nigel sighed. "You needn't be so formal, Grant."
"I apologize if my formality offends you. I have no desire to offend you or the Master. I know what punishments follow your displeasure, or his."
Nigel touched a key on his computer. Yes Grant, I see that you do.... "Why are you calling me, Grant?"
"Didn't they tell you? I found a swanmane. A black one."
A second black one? How intriguing. "Go on, Grant."
. "Go on, Grant."
"I was down by the fireworks, and I saw this girl slipping into the woods. I followed, and I watched her change. She flew south east, to a pond, I think. I don't think she's going too far."
"Why did you follow her into the woods, Grant?" Nigel already knew the answer, but he wanted to know if Grant was going to be honest. It would affect the severity of the punishment he was about to mete out.
There was a long silence before Grant spoke. "I was going to find out if I could feed."
"Were you going to ask, Gant?"
"I didn't get the chance to find out."
A surprisingly devious response, from so simple a mind. "You know the Master's orders for this evening."
. "You know the Master's orders for this evening."
"I wasn't planning on disobeying, but she looked so.... ripe."
"The Master will reward you for finding the swanmane, Grant, if it can be found. He will also punish you for disobeying. You will present yourself at the west gate at exactly midnight. Do not be late Grant." He didn't wait for the young vampire to respond before he hung up the phone.
He made a small note in Grant's file, and then picked up the phone again. The Master will indeed reward you Grant, for finding a new swam for him. Unfortunately for you, that reward will be in the form of a swift and merciful death. Can't have the rest of our kind thinking they can break the rules and get away with it. How ironic that one who is to be rewarded is to be punished as well. It will serve the greater purpose of showing that forgiveness is not available at any price.....
There was a tiny splash not far from Braden, as a fish made a grab of one of the insects buzzing above the water's surface. It disturbed the perfection of the mirror surface. She turned and watched the ripples spreading. The pond was so peaceful, and yet so vibrant with life. It such a change from the frantic comings and goings of the city that surrounded it.
There were other creatures taking refuge in the peace of the pond. She lost count of the number of beasts that came to drink of the cool water. She knew she would be safe here, because nothing could reach her before she could become airborne. There were worse places she could have been spending the night. She thought of the were-rats from the morning, and shivered.
The screams from the park should have meant something to her and the swan dipped its head under water coming up shaking moonlit droplets of water off herself and fluttering her wings slightly. She swam in a circle trying to figure out if she should go find another spot but here she was already safe and there were an abundance of succulent water plants to munch on.
Time passed unnoticed except for the passage of the moon rising higher glowing white in the sky and painting the pond and trees into a contrast of dark shadows and silver highlights. She was dozing lightly when a noise caught her attention something in the bushes and she turned studying the shore.
-
Thursday July 4th 9:00 pm - Somewhere near Puget Sound - Jules Xavier Chalice
The phone rang. Jules had been waiting for it to ring for several minutes, and reached out rather languidly to answer it.
"Yes?"
"Devon here, sir. The capture went perfectly."
Jules listened for a moment to his secret voices. "What aren't you telling me?"
There was barely a second's hesitation. "They're all the same type, sir."
"Oh? Why?"
"There was only one type present. Well, there was one other, but he was much too short. A leopard, mid twenties, but barely over five feet. He looked Native American. He was there with a pair of females, also leopards."
"You did well not to include him. I would have been most displeased if you had. What were you able to get?"
"Rats, sir. In a variety of colors."
Jules frowned. "Colors?"
"Yes sir. One black, one white, two shades of grey, one tawny and a black and white patched one."
Jules thought for a moment. "Dispose of the white one, and the piebald. I will come and inspect the others shortly."
"Do you mean release, sir?"
"I said 'dispose', Devon. I meant dispose."
-
July 4th Minutes before moonrise Puget Sound - Jonah
As soon as Sarah turned off the engine Jonah got out. He then helped with the picnic basket and walked with her to a spot of her choice. After that he set out a blanket. "There we can relax now. See? A shooting star. See I believe you are to make a wish right?"
Sarah laughed. It was a bright, cheerful sound. "That's not a shooting star. It's a trailer from the fireworks. I saw a real shooting start when I was camping once. It went from horizon to horizon, and left a trail you could see for almost ten seconds. I was so amazed that I didn't even make a wish." She grinned. "I suppose we can wish on the fireworks, since I think I'm owed one for the wish I didn't make. What would you wish for, Jonah?"
Jonah smiled and sat down on the blanket to take off his shoes. Once off he set them aside and suddenly felt a twinge in his gut. He paused and looked up seeing the moon. With out realizing it he ignored this slight feeling. He somehow avoided it for a little while.
Full moon... Fucking Christ, a full moon. How could I have forgotten about that? What will I do I can not change here not....in front...of her. Oh god here it comes and at full force...
Jonah clenched at the ground he could feel his body changing. He tried desperately to fight it but he struggle was of no effect. "S Sarah I am really sorry I have to leave I am so sorry." Bones were are ready starting to crack and form luckily nothing was noticeable yet. He reached up and pulled her to him to kiss her. Her lips were so soft and sweet he just wanted to...... He pulled away and stood. "I am sorry Sarah please do not follow me."
Before Sarah could say anything, Jonah took off running trying to find a safe place to change and not be seen. At the same time he tried to pull off his shirt. The shirt was expensive and he would rather have it lost then torn to shreds. When he found a place he had already taken most of his form. He had soft fox like features including his tale. His beautiful fluffy fox was long and very soft.
The red fox lycanthrope was just as beautiful in this form as he was in his human form. Lucky knew that when he made Jonah into what he is now. Jonah clinched at the ground as the form took completion. He was still kind of small but then again the fox was a small creature. Jonah was crafty still. Even more so in this form then as a human. He took off again slipping into shadow (so to speak) to hunt for a small prey. No mater how desperate he was he would do what he could to avoid humans at any cost. So he would hope anyway........
Though a good ways away from everyone including Sarah, Jonah was still on the beach near salt water. He hated salt water it always made him feel sticky. He needed to feed though and a few fish would be good enough for him. After a while of catching fish he lay on the beach with his fish eating his fish when he heard something.
Jonah's ears perked as he tried to pinpoint where it was coming from. He then growled a bit and picked up one of the fish as if to say 'damn it let me eat in peace'. He backed away from the direction of the sound and then turned in order to take off away from it.
What the fuck.....?
Sarah watched as Jonah ran. She followed him for a short distance, but stopped to pick up his silk shirt. She closed her eyes for a moment, and held it against her face, savoring the feel of the material.
We were having such a good time, and then he ran off. It's just like in those movies, where the moon comes up and.... Oh. My. God.... This IS like one of those movies. He's a werewolf! Oh my god. I've got to get back to my car, got to get out of here, before he comes back and eats me....
There was, Jonah realized, very little choice of direction. The ocean claimed the west. The noise he wanted to avoid was from the south, and the crowded beach was to the north. East was his only direction. He began moving that way.
"Why is it we always get stuck doing the dirty jobs?"
Jonah froze for a moment, and then melted into the shadows. There were four men, heading his way and carrying something heavy. They were human, he could tell by the smell, and they were carrying two were-rats. Two dead wererats. They had died a very bloody death. Jonah tried to press himself even further into the shadows.
The four men walked past him, not even noticing his presence. They were focused fully on their conversation and their grisly cargo.
"Here?"
"Here's good. Make sure there's nothing on the bodies for the cops to find. Once they're in the water, we can get back to celebrating the fourth like it was supposed to be celebrated."
"Here, here!"
"Don't you mean 'beer, beer'?" There was a loud splash, followed by a second one. "Come on, let's go."
For a long time after they left, Jonah waited, not moving a muscle and barely daring to breath....
Jonah plopped his fish down on the ground. What now. Maybe it would be best I leave the beach. Tonight is a bad night to be a full moon. Too many people here to many. Those men came from the South. I assume that is where the rats were killed. To the North are a great deal of people. Then there is water and this. AND RATS! I HATE RATS!
Jonah plopped down his golden eyes on the rats hoping they were as dead as dead as they seem to be. He then finished his fish. Now where do I go? I am not that big. I can always try and pass it off as a dog. A good sized dog, but a dog. It also seems that those men were only concerned with getting drunk. Maybe it is just them. Or maybe there is a group of them and they have kids who like dogs and would want to come pet me and..... Jonah growled he did not want so much attention but he really wanted to get off the beach. Especially since the sand was clinging to his beautiful fur.
Jonah lay there for a minute staring at the rats. His tail curled around. He huffed stared to one direction then at the smelly dead rats. He growled a bit realizing that the people in the south were most likely able to deal with Lycanthrope. Fuck that I am going to just sneak further away then head up land.
Jonah got to his paws and turned one direction and took off. As he ran he thought of Sarah. I really hate leaving her like that. Most of all I probably upset her. I really owe her big. I guess this also means I will have to get my car my self.
He was, for the moment, safe. He could see the crowd, from his place in the bushes, but was quite well hidden. He was facing a long walk home, unless he managed to figure out a way to hitch a ride.
He had managed to retrieve the remains of his pants, jacket and cell phone. Fortunately his note book was still in the pocket. His shirt had vanished, however.
I've got about two hours before I can change back safely, without exhausting myself. Am I going to spend two hours hiding in a bush, until it's safe to leave?
As he sat in the bushes wondering what the hell he would do, Jonah caught the sent of fresh water near by. He looked in one direction then looked at the people. Should I risk it? I mean I would like to get this sand and sticky crap off me but what if they see me when I take of....
Jonah growled quietly and looked back again. After a moment he slouched low as a drunken man walked toward him. Fuck. Does he see......oh good god he is taking a piss.......oh god that smell is horrible.
After the man left Jonah whimpered. He was not about to spend two hours smelling human waste. With out another thought he took off in the direct the fresh water smell came from which was not too far.
Once he got to the banks of what seem to be a pond he began digging a whole. After he was done he barred his stuff in it and raked his claws down the dirt pile hoping he will remember later that is where his stuff is.
Jonah panted, but since he was near fresh water he was happy. The first thing he did was leaned down to drink. He knew it was possible that humans and other things could have spoiled this water but he really was very thirsty and he really did not want to think of that at the moment. He then got in hoping it was deep enough to swim and not noticing something else was in the water.
When he finally noticed the swan in the water, it seemed about to fly away because of him. Since he was not about to eat her cause of the fact he had his fill with the fish, he watched her. He was not too snobbish to not think the creature was beautiful. Just because a bird can be a good meal does not mean it can't be admired. Not sure he would be understood he spoke anyway. "I am sorry beautiful swan I will leave to your pond. I did not mean to scare you. "
With that he turned started for shore....
-
July Fourth - moonrise - Leaving Puget Sound - Jynxe, Katana & Morvan
Morvan caught Katana and Jynxe around the waists. "Let's go. We should have just enough time to make it. South. There are birds there. Not my first choice, but right now, we don't have a choice. Sorry I took so long, but I went through the crowd twice. I couldn't find anyone, and I wanted to be sure...."
Letting her body move with Morvan's, Jynxe focused her mind on other things, besides the here and now and the fact that the moon was on the horizon and they were still surrounded by people. But it was easier for her than it must have been for Katana; Jynxe was older, and had been in similar situations before. Besides, Morvan had a calming effect on her.
"At this point, birds sound just fine," she muttered, closing her eyes for a second, wishing that everyone would just disappear.
He could feel the moon calling his beast, and the beast was responding. He was sweating with the effort of holding back the change. The three of them were clear of the beach, clear of the crowds, when Katana doubled over.
Morvan had just enough time to throw off his leather jacket, and kick off his boots before he joined her. He let his beast slip through his body, rolling him inside out. He savored the sensations, marveling at the feeling of his flesh shifting.
He stood, casting aside the ruins of the t-shirt. The jeans were in shreds as well. Only the waist was intact, and it circled him like some bizarre harness. He swept it aside with a single claw, cutting through the denim like paper.
Morvan sniffed deeply, making sure they were safe, before he surrendered to the hunger. "This way," he said, his voice as warm and tawny as his flesh. "Let us hunt together."
As katana doubled over, she felt something snap under her. A blood curdling snap but being in too much pain she paid little attention to it. For Morvan who loved the change Katana hated it. So much pain for someone so young it was a hard thing to bear. By the time it was over there were no clothes left. They were all in shreds from her scratching at her crawling skin. As Morvan spoke the surprisingly large leopard turned around with an ear to ear grin.
Out of the corner of her mouth was a frog minus one leg that was being held in her mouth. A kill was a kill right? Even if you fell on top of it while changing. She pranced over to Morvan all happy and placed it down before him. She rubbed her body along his legs with her head and did the same with Jynxe trying to grab her attention to come see the frog.
I must be a masochist, Jynxe thought as her hands and knees hit the sand. The pressure building inside of her body finally broke loose, and she could feel her flesh rolling as if from the inside out. But being so used to it, the pain of bones shifting and organs moving and flesh stretching wasn't as bad. In fact, it was rather enjoyable. It was like being on a roller coaster, right before a big drop: the beginning of the change was like the adrenaline rush before the coaster plunged down.
, Jynxe thought as her hands and knees hit the sand. The pressure building inside of her body finally broke loose, and she could feel her flesh rolling as if from the inside out. But being so used to it, the pain of bones shifting and organs moving and flesh stretching wasn't as bad. In fact, it was rather enjoyable. It was like being on a roller coaster, right before a big drop: the beginning of the change was like the adrenaline rush before the coaster plunged down.
The tickling over her skin let Jynxe know that hair was beginning to blanket her limbs. And then the full blown senses of the leopard kicked in. Scent and smell and hearing amplified, and she loved it all. The hunt, the Kill, the Pard.
Opening her amber cat eyes, Jynxe looked down her lithe form. Shit, she thought when the realization that she hadn't remove her clothing kicked in; her clothing were in tatters and the low rise jeans she had just bought...
And I liked those, too! Ah, oh well...
"This way," he said, his voice as warm and tawny as his flesh. "Let us hunt together."
Those words had the effect of an electric shock down Jynxe's spine. Her eyes focused on her alpha, and she felt her heart rate increase tempo with anticipation. That's when Katana rubbed up against her legs, purring like a little kitten. Jynxe looked at the ground in front of Morvan's forepaws and smiled. It was so sweet, when a young one would feel such bliss over such a little victory. Jynxe had known kittens like that as she traveled across the North American Continent, living on the fringes of Pard society. But this was much better, and Jynxe didn't ever want to leave them.
Jynxe rubbed her muzzle against Katana's, and then bumped foreheads with the little she-leopard. "There will be more victories, lit- uh, Katana. Many more. Come; let's go."
Morvan nodded and led the two females down the beach, Katana still walking with a little prance and a bounce in her step. Jynxe smiled. She had reason to be proud; a kill was a kill, no matter how small, and if that frog had been Katana's first kill, then it was cause for delight.
Morvan looked down at the frog at his feet. He slowly knelt, and lifted the tiny creature in his claws. "Come," he said. "Katana honors us with her kill."
It was difficult to divide the frog into three pieces, but Morvan did an admirable job. He laid the pieces out, one for each of them. "We must honor her efforts to feed the Pard."
If the tone had been mocking, it would have been an insult to Katana's efforts, but his voice was steady, almost solemn. He looked at Katana, and nodded. "For one who has been alone for so long, you think of the Pard first. I think you will do well with us."
A low rumble came from him, and took a moment for Katana to realize it was a laugh. "Give the usual size of a Pard, and the usual size of a first kill, we are actually getting more." He tossed his portion of the frog into his mouth, and crunched loudly, savoring the taste of the still warm blood.
Katana's cat face had a huge grin if cats did grin that is. She chewed loudly on her frog portion then stood up and pranced around some more. She did a few half summersaults and began to kick her chin with her massive back paws almost wanting someone to play with her. When no one came she rolled over and yawned, her large white fangs glistening in the moonlight. Then something caught her eye. She crouched down low with her butt high in the air. It wiggled back and forth as she watched what had caught her eye. With a large pounce she pressed her large front paws down but felt nothing between them she lifted one up to look under when the moth flew into the air quickly. She chased after it swatting with almost every step. For someone who hated being called little one or kitten in a pure leopard form it was very apparent that she was all though the body was larger for a kitten almost twice the size someone in her human form should have but none the less she couldn't help but chase the tiny moth around until Morvan told them to move on.
Jynxe took the piece of frog up between her claws and licked at its flesh daintily. Then she scarfed the meat down, swallowing and licking her chops, looking like a pampered house cat snug with a bowl of warm milk. Katana's sudden movement made her blink in surprise, and Jynxe had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing. Gods, she's so cute, the she-cat thought. I wonder if I was ever that playful when I was a Kitten?
Jay stretched her lithe body out and rolled her shoulders, loosening up. If the continued hunt required a run, she wanted to be limber.
Morvan watched Katana with a bemused look on his face, not unlike the expression in Jynxe's. And there was that protective element in his gaze, something unique to a were Alpha. He loved them...Jynxe liked the assurance in that thought, that nothing would happen to her or Katana without Morvan having a say in it. It was a safety net that she hadn't been able to depend on in a long time, and now that Jynxe had found a place that felt like home, with a Pard, if not small and slightly broken, she realized that she had missed that element of protection in her life as a drifter.
He watched as Katana played. She is so young. How can she have been one of us for two years and never known the joys of this. It will be like watching a flower blossom, or a butterfly take flight....
"Come, Katana. Now we hunt as a pack. Smell the scent of our prey. Tonight it is birds, but there are many things we can prey upon. Rabbits. Deer. Stray dogs." He chuckled as said the last. "Remind me to tell you about my neighbor's Rottwieler some day."
He moved through the patch of trees, his feet making no sound. The others followed. He paused at the edge of the cover, listening to the shrill cry of the sea birds settling into their colony for the night.
"Pick your prey," he said, his voice a low rumbling whisper. "We must all go at once, because if we do not, the first to break cover will alert the birds, and we may not get the chance to bring any down. Katana, you take that one, the limping one. His crippled foot will make him slower to get into the air. Do not think I am giving you the sick, because I do not think you can hunt. Your instincts will not fail you. I give you that task of the predator, to weed out the old and the sick, so the flock can stay strong."
Katana nodded. She sunk into a crouch, her entire body quivering with an excitement and an anticipation she had never felt before.
Morvan looked at Jynxe. "You have yours?"
She nodded. "Far left."
"Then I shall take the right. Ready? Now!"
Katana took off from the brush like a lightening bolt after her given target. It swerved from her as she clipped its good foot with her claws. It began to take flight when she jumped up into the air ripping it wind to pieces. It fell to the ground and squawked loudly while trying to escape from under her paw. With pressure she stepped on its head squeezing it like a juice box. Blood and brains squirted out. The other birds finally tuned back to her ears as she watched them squawk and fly away. She noticed Morvan and Jynxe still going after there's after all hers was easier to take down. She picked it up in her mouth and pranced back to the bush where they were hiding a few minutes before. When she returned she could smell something that she didn't smell before leaving the dead bird on the side of the bush and leaving her tiny Pard she followed the smell intrigued. She stalked through the bushes following the smell as it got stronger just up ahead she could see movement. The large thing was chewing on what looked to be a bird when a twig snapped under Katana's foot. The large thing turned quickly to look at her with large yellow eyes. Katana slowly began to back away as it began to approach. She really didn't know what to do she had never seen anything like it before. The only thing running through her mind was to get back to Morvan and Jynxe without provoking the thing to case her.
Digging her claws into the ground underneath her, Jynxe rocketed off after her target stretched out and low to the ground. As she crossed the open area between herself and the bird, she felt an eerie tingling on the back of her neck-animal instinct version of Spider Sense. Whatever had alerted her had just come closer to the small Pard. But then her molten gold eyes landed on the bird, which hadn't turned its head yet from scratching its wing. And Jynxe could tell that at her speed and the rate at which she was closing in, the poor little birdie would never know what hit him...
She had an advantage, being one of the black leopard variety-also called panthers. So Jay was able to pass almost invisible in the night, save when the full moon shone down on her...
The bird looked up. He blinked, turned back around and started to make a running start, preparing to fly. Jynxe coiled her hind legs like steel springs and launched herself long and low over the sand. Her bird flapped into the air- and he made it about half a foot off of the ground before her claws raked out and pinned his wings to the side of his body, then penetrated his sides and pierced his lungs. And if that didn't kill him, her slightly bovine weight as she landed on top of him, crushing his fragile body against the hard parched earth most certainly did.
-
Letting her body move with Morvan's, Jynxe focused her mind on other things, besides the here and now and the fact that the moon was on the horizon and they were still surrounded by people. But it was easier for her than it must have been for Katana; Jynxe was older, and had been in similar situations before. Besides, Morvan had a calming effect on her.
"At this point, birds sound just fine," she muttered, closing her eyes for a second, wishing that everyone would just disappear.
He could feel the moon calling his beast, and the beast was responding. He was sweating with the effort of holding back the change. The three of them were clear of the beach, clear of the crowds, when Katana doubled over.
Morvan had just enough time to throw off his leather jacket, and kick off his boots before he joined her. He let his beast slip through his body, rolling him inside out. He savored the sensations, marveling at the feeling of his flesh shifting.
He stood, casting aside the ruins of the t-shirt. The jeans were in shreds as well. Only the waist was intact, and it circled him like some bizarre harness. He swept it aside with a single claw, cutting through the denim like paper.
Morvan sniffed deeply, making sure they were safe, before he surrendered to the hunger. "This way," he said, his voice as warm and tawny as his flesh. "Let us hunt together."
As katana doubled over, she felt something snap under her. A blood curdling snap but being in too much pain she paid little attention to it. For Morvan who loved the change Katana hated it. So much pain for someone so young it was a hard thing to bear. By the time it was over there were no clothes left. They were all in shreds from her scratching at her crawling skin. As Morvan spoke the surprisingly large leopard turned around with an ear to ear grin.
Out of the corner of her mouth was a frog minus one leg that was being held in her mouth. A kill was a kill right? Even if you fell on top of it while changing. She pranced over to Morvan all happy and placed it down before him. She rubbed her body along his legs with her head and did the same with Jynxe trying to grab her attention to come see the frog.
I must be a masochist, Jynxe thought as her hands and knees hit the sand. The pressure building inside of her body finally broke loose, and she could feel her flesh rolling as if from the inside out. But being so used to it, the pain of bones shifting and organs moving and flesh stretching wasn't as bad. In fact, it was rather enjoyable. It was like being on a roller coaster, right before a big drop: the beginning of the change was like the adrenaline rush before the coaster plunged down.
, Jynxe thought as her hands and knees hit the sand. The pressure building inside of her body finally broke loose, and she could feel her flesh rolling as if from the inside out. But being so used to it, the pain of bones shifting and organs moving and flesh stretching wasn't as bad. In fact, it was rather enjoyable. It was like being on a roller coaster, right before a big drop: the beginning of the change was like the adrenaline rush before the coaster plunged down.
The tickling over her skin let Jynxe know that hair was beginning to blanket her limbs. And then the full blown senses of the leopard kicked in. Scent and smell and hearing amplified, and she loved it all. The hunt, the Kill, the Pard.
Opening her amber cat eyes, Jynxe looked down her lithe form. Shit, she thought when the realization that she hadn't remove her clothing kicked in; her clothing were in tatters and the low rise jeans she had just bought...
And I liked those, too! Ah, oh well...
"This way," he said, his voice as warm and tawny as his flesh. "Let us hunt together."
Those words had the effect of an electric shock down Jynxe's spine. Her eyes focused on her alpha, and she felt her heart rate increase tempo with anticipation. That's when Katana rubbed up against her legs, purring like a little kitten. Jynxe looked at the ground in front of Morvan's forepaws and smiled. It was so sweet, when a young one would feel such bliss over such a little victory. Jynxe had known kittens like that as she traveled across the North American Continent, living on the fringes of Pard society. But this was much better, and Jynxe didn't ever want to leave them.
Jynxe rubbed her muzzle against Katana's, and then bumped foreheads with the little she-leopard. "There will be more victories, lit- uh, Katana. Many more. Come; let's go."
Morvan nodded and led the two females down the beach, Katana still walking with a little prance and a bounce in her step. Jynxe smiled. She had reason to be proud; a kill was a kill, no matter how small, and if that frog had been Katana's first kill, then it was cause for delight.
Morvan looked down at the frog at his feet. He slowly knelt, and lifted the tiny creature in his claws. "Come," he said. "Katana honors us with her kill."
It was difficult to divide the frog into three pieces, but Morvan did an admirable job. He laid the pieces out, one for each of them. "We must honor her efforts to feed the Pard."
If the tone had been mocking, it would have been an insult to Katana's efforts, but his voice was steady, almost solemn. He looked at Katana, and nodded. "For one who has been alone for so long, you think of the Pard first. I think you will do well with us."
A low rumble came from him, and took a moment for Katana to realize it was a laugh. "Give the usual size of a Pard, and the usual size of a first kill, we are actually getting more." He tossed his portion of the frog into his mouth, and crunched loudly, savoring the taste of the still warm blood.
Katana's cat face had a huge grin if cats did grin that is. She chewed loudly on her frog portion then stood up and pranced around some more. She did a few half summersaults and began to kick her chin with her massive back paws almost wanting someone to play with her. When no one came she rolled over and yawned, her large white fangs glistening in the moonlight. Then something caught her eye. She crouched down low with her butt high in the air. It wiggled back and forth as she watched what had caught her eye. With a large pounce she pressed her large front paws down but felt nothing between them she lifted one up to look under when the moth flew into the air quickly. She chased after it swatting with almost every step. For someone who hated being called little one or kitten in a pure leopard form it was very apparent that she was all though the body was larger for a kitten almost twice the size someone in her human form should have but none the less she couldn't help but chase the tiny moth around until Morvan told them to move on.
Jynxe took the piece of frog up between her claws and licked at its flesh daintily. Then she scarfed the meat down, swallowing and licking her chops, looking like a pampered house cat snug with a bowl of warm milk. Katana's sudden movement made her blink in surprise, and Jynxe had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing. Gods, she's so cute, the she-cat thought. I wonder if I was ever that playful when I was a Kitten?
Jay stretched her lithe body out and rolled her shoulders, loosening up. If the continued hunt required a run, she wanted to be limber.
Morvan watched Katana with a bemused look on his face, not unlike the expression in Jynxe's. And there was that protective element in his gaze, something unique to a were Alpha. He loved them...Jynxe liked the assurance in that thought, that nothing would happen to her or Katana without Morvan having a say in it. It was a safety net that she hadn't been able to depend on in a long time, and now that Jynxe had found a place that felt like home, with a Pard, if not small and slightly broken, she realized that she had missed that element of protection in her life as a drifter.
He watched as Katana played. She is so young. How can she have been one of us for two years and never known the joys of this. It will be like watching a flower blossom, or a butterfly take flight....
"Come, Katana. Now we hunt as a pack. Smell the scent of our prey. Tonight it is birds, but there are many things we can prey upon. Rabbits. Deer. Stray dogs." He chuckled as said the last. "Remind me to tell you about my neighbor's Rottwieler some day."
He moved through the patch of trees, his feet making no sound. The others followed. He paused at the edge of the cover, listening to the shrill cry of the sea birds settling into their colony for the night.
"Pick your prey," he said, his voice a low rumbling whisper. "We must all go at once, because if we do not, the first to break cover will alert the birds, and we may not get the chance to bring any down. Katana, you take that one, the limping one. His crippled foot will make him slower to get into the air. Do not think I am giving you the sick, because I do not think you can hunt. Your instincts will not fail you. I give you that task of the predator, to weed out the old and the sick, so the flock can stay strong."
Katana nodded. She sunk into a crouch, her entire body quivering with an excitement and an anticipation she had never felt before.
Morvan looked at Jynxe. "You have yours?"
She nodded. "Far left."
"Then I shall take the right. Ready? Now!"
Katana took off from the brush like a lightening bolt after her given target. It swerved from her as she clipped its good foot with her claws. It began to take flight when she jumped up into the air ripping it wind to pieces. It fell to the ground and squawked loudly while trying to escape from under her paw. With pressure she stepped on its head squeezing it like a juice box. Blood and brains squirted out. The other birds finally tuned back to her ears as she watched them squawk and fly away. She noticed Morvan and Jynxe still going after there's after all hers was easier to take down. She picked it up in her mouth and pranced back to the bush where they were hiding a few minutes before. When she returned she could smell something that she didn't smell before leaving the dead bird on the side of the bush and leaving her tiny Pard she followed the smell intrigued. She stalked through the bushes following the smell as it got stronger just up ahead she could see movement. The large thing was chewing on what looked to be a bird when a twig snapped under Katana's foot. The large thing turned quickly to look at her with large yellow eyes. Katana slowly began to back away as it began to approach. She really didn't know what to do she had never seen anything like it before. The only thing running through her mind was to get back to Morvan and Jynxe without provoking the thing to case her.
Digging her claws into the ground underneath her, Jynxe rocketed off after her target stretched out and low to the ground. As she crossed the open area between herself and the bird, she felt an eerie tingling on the back of her neck-animal instinct version of Spider Sense. Whatever had alerted her had just come closer to the small Pard. But then her molten gold eyes landed on the bird, which hadn't turned its head yet from scratching its wing. And Jynxe could tell that at her speed and the rate at which she was closing in, the poor little birdie would never know what hit him...
She had an advantage, being one of the black leopard variety-also called panthers. So Jay was able to pass almost invisible in the night, save when the full moon shone down on her...
The bird looked up. He blinked, turned back around and started to make a running start, preparing to fly. Jynxe coiled her hind legs like steel springs and launched herself long and low over the sand. Her bird flapped into the air- and he made it about half a foot off of the ground before her claws raked out and pinned his wings to the side of his body, then penetrated his sides and pierced his lungs. And if that didn't kill him, her slightly bovine weight as she landed on top of him, crushing his fragile body against the hard parched earth most certainly did.
Growling her triumph, Jynxe stood and picked the bird up in her teeth, not noticing the huge colony taking to the sky around her. The flurry of wings and the sad cries of the sea birds meant little at this moment, not just because blood was pouring into her mouth and cascading over her tongue, but because she was sensing that other presence again. She couldn't tell exactly what it was, but it had 'shape shifter' stamped onto the small amounts of aura that made the hairs along Jynxe's spine stand on end. Looking around, the she-leopard saw neither Morvan nor Katana, and that had her ever so slightly worried. Thinking they may have moved back into the line of foliage from where they had planned their strike, Jynxe jogged in that direction. She came close in time to see Katana backing tail first out of the brush. She was almost tempted to ask what was wrong, but Jynxe never made a habit about asking questions that she knew the answers to. Instead she moved to stand next to the Kitten, startling the young one a bit.
"What kind of were is it?" Jynxe asked Katana after she had set her kill down at her feet. It was moving in the shrubs, and although whatever it was, it was close. She still couldn't tag a species name on how it felt.
The werewolf stalked forward, its legs stiff and its head low. Katana didn't need instruction to realize that this was an aggressive stance, a prelude to a potential attack. It growled low in its throat, and Katana could feel the beast within it gathering for the attack.
When the other shifter growled, Jynxe felt her hackles rise again. Just fucking great, she thought. A werewolf. Oh that's lovely.
Peering into the brush, Jynxe watched as the wolf stalked forward, preparing to attack. Looking to the side at Katana, Jynxe was almost at a loss. This kitten surely didn't have the strength to take on a wolf, nor the skill for that matter. And she had doubts about whether or not she could dispose of this threat by herself.
Jynxe subconsciously slipped into a defensive stance, ready and waiting for what the werewolf would do. Katana wisely did not rush in to attack, and for that Jay was grateful. That would have been the absolute worst thing that could happen right now...unless there were more wolves.
Shit! Jynxe thought, sniffing the air and stretching her senses for other weres. Where ever there was one wolf, it was more than likely that another two or three were somewhere close by...
Katana walked backwards, low to the ground. Almost submissively, not knowing what to do. But regardless of how she tried to look submissive, she knew all too well that the wolf didn't care. The wolf lunged from the bush attacking her. There was a blood sickening whelp as the wolf bit into Katana's shoulder.
Just as Jynxe was about to step in another pair of yellow eyes emerged from the bushes glaring at her. Another wolf emerged from the bushes almost as if to block Jynxe form getting into the fight.
Katana managed to knock him off but was lying on the ground on her back as he jumped back on top of her. Her back claws raise high and dug right into the wolf's lower stomach. She raised her legs high as he snapped at her face and tried to bite her neck. The wolf's paws moved quickly across her front arms as she tried to protect her face. The Blood splattered and shimmered in the moonlight as he cut into her more. She lowered her legs just a bit and then pushed with all her might throwing him off and into a near by tree trunk. A loud thump echoed as the wolf hit the tree and feel to the ground on its side. Before it hade a chance to get up Katana was already in there taking jabs at the lower stomach again the weakest part of any animal. Yep she was fighting dirty and it was surprising how good she was at it. Her many years on the streets may have caused her mental trauma but she knew how to fight those bigger and stronger then her at least until the cavalry arrived.
There was a flash of tawny fur, and suddenly Morvan was on Katana's wolf, his fangs in the back of its neck. With a heave, he threw it aside. Great gobbets of meat torn from its flesh splattered the ground.
"If you seek blood, seek it here, hunters of children!" he snarled. "Or do you fear that it will be your own you find? Go. Find your pack. Seek your prey elsewhere. I protect these two, and if you would harm them, you must first kill me, and you are not beast enough to do it."
There was no question as to whose beast was stronger. Morvan's beast, aroused into a rage by the threat to his Pard was reaching out in a wave that was almost visible, a heavy, smothering aura. The wolves pulled back, scrambling to get away from the ferocity of the wereleopard Alpha. They fled into the trees, silent until they were well away. Then their howls filled the night.
Morvan looked at the other two. "We must go. They will be back with others. I would have killed them both, but that would have brought the fury of the entire wolf pack against us. We need to get further south. They won't risk hunting us through the crowds of humans. Jynxe you lead. I'll bring up the rear, in case we're pursued. Katana...." He stopped, and moved over to the kitten.
He looked at her for a moment, and then ruffled the fur between her ears. "You fight well."
Katana's face light up with a grin and went to prance but found herself falling on her face. She struggled to her feet and found her right front leg having a sharp white bone covered in blood protruding from her skin. Her nice yellow coat of fur was stained and sticky with blood. Her shoulder bite still oozed out blood a little as it slowly and painfully began to heal. But with a broken bone with it would need to be reset before the skin and muscle could heal properly. So she rolled overlaying on it forcing the bone to press into her arm yet again. It worked at least to the point the bone could start to heal but that was going to take a lot of energy and time something she didn't have. She pushed her bloody body up against Morvan thanking him for protecting her and Jynxe and then limped off after Jynxe surprisingly still with a happy bounce in her three legged step.
-
July 5th Seattle General Hospital 2:00 am Suki, Domenic & Lisette
Suki yawned and rubbed her eyes wearily. She had taken Father Sozio's account of what had happened as they sat in the waiting room of the hospital waiting for word on how Tony was fairing.
The florescent lights buzzed and flickered slightly while the hum of the vending machines in the background soothed her. Suki was surprised to see so few people in the waiting room since it was the full moon she figured there would be many more than there were. Maybe I'm being biased, she thought to herself.
Sleep tugged at her senses but Suki stubbornly ignored it. She wanted to find out if Tony was going to make it. She also wanted to know what the test results said about his possible infection with lycanthropy. It took a maximum time of 24 hours to find out. The clock hand moved slowly on the wall finally striking 2:00 a.m. and Suki silently prayed that the man wouldn't be turning fuzzy on the next full moon.
"You look tired officer why don't you go home?" Domenic asked.
"Truthfully I'm worried about your friend |Father Sozio. I pray to god that he isn't going to be infected. I couldn't imagine living a life like that." She shuddered, thinking about how horrible it would be. To crave blood, to be controlled by the moon and primal urges. It was almost too much for her. She found her thoughts drifting back to her father and how he had died. She remembered the phone call that night from the police chief and her mother crying. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to block out the memories. Memories that were still painful to think about. She knew she was biased against shifters in particular rats. "Maybe Tony had gotten an immunization shot. Maybe he will be okay." she said finally.
Domenic shook his head. "Tony was homeless. Immunization shots aren't provided to the public for free Officer Neubasato. It is very unlikely he was vaccinated."
"God, why do they let them wander the streets like that? I wish the legal system was different. It's not safe Father. I follow the laws we have set but I think it's a terrible thing they did passing that law to let the vampires and the shifters legal citizens. Too many people suffer because of it. I understand why they did it but morally I have a hard time accepting it as the right thing to do."
A doctor walked in and looked around the room his eyes fell upon Father Sozio and he solemnly approached the Priest. "Father Sozio?"
Domenic nodded.
"Your friend Tony McCarthy has been moved out of surgery. The surgery went well and he's been resting for the last hour in observation. We have been conducting the blood tests searching for signs of lycanthropic infection. It can take up to twenty four hours to detect rat lycanthropy but we have done the first set of screening tests and have detected the beginning stages of infection. I'm sorry Father but your friend looks like he's been infected."
Suki sighed and closed her eyes. "Could there have been a mistake doctor?" Suki asked.
The doctor turned his cold grey eyes to Suki "We have no room for Mistakes Officer. The blood screening tests are done not once but three separate times in a testing period. All three test results came up with the same trace."
"Damn it." Suki softly said clenching her fists. "This isn't fair!" She knew then that she was over reacting that her emotions were getting the better of her and that she was in need of sleep. This wasn't her case to pursue anyhow. The other officers would wait until Tony McCarthy awoke and would question him on the events that transpired. "You have my deepest sympathies Father. However I should be leaving here is my card in case you ever need to get in touch with me."
Suki yawned and rubbed her eyes wearily. She had taken Father Sozio's account of what had happened as they sat in the waiting room of the hospital waiting for word on how Tony was fairing.
The florescent lights buzzed and flickered slightly while the hum of the vending machines in the background soothed her. Suki was surprised to see so few people in the waiting room since it was the full moon she figured there would be many more than there were. Maybe I'm being biased, she thought to herself.
Sleep tugged at her senses but Suki stubbornly ignored it. She wanted to find out if Tony was going to make it. She also wanted to know what the test results said about his possible infection with lycanthropy. It took a maximum time of 24 hours to find out. The clock hand moved slowly on the wall finally striking 2:00 a.m. and Suki silently prayed that the man wouldn't be turning fuzzy on the next full moon.
"You look tired officer why don't you go home?" Domenic asked.
"Truthfully I'm worried about your friend |Father Sozio. I pray to god that he isn't going to be infected. I couldn't imagine living a life like that." She shuddered, thinking about how horrible it would be. To crave blood, to be controlled by the moon and primal urges. It was almost too much for her. She found her thoughts drifting back to her father and how he had died. She remembered the phone call that night from the police chief and her mother crying. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to block out the memories. Memories that were still painful to think about. She knew she was biased against shifters in particular rats. "Maybe Tony had gotten an immunization shot. Maybe he will be okay." she said finally.
Domenic shook his head. "Tony was homeless. Immunization shots aren't provided to the public for free Officer Neubasato. It is very unlikely he was vaccinated."
"God, why do they let them wander the streets like that? I wish the legal system was different. It's not safe Father. I follow the laws we have set but I think it's a terrible thing they did passing that law to let the vampires and the shifters legal citizens. Too many people suffer because of it. I understand why they did it but morally I have a hard time accepting it as the right thing to do."
A doctor walked in and looked around the room his eyes fell upon Father Sozio and he solemnly approached the Priest. "Father Sozio?"
Domenic nodded.
"Your friend Tony McCarthy has been moved out of surgery. The surgery went well and he's been resting for the last hour in observation. We have been conducting the blood tests searching for signs of lycanthropic infection. It can take up to twenty four hours to detect rat lycanthropy but we have done the first set of screening tests and have detected the beginning stages of infection. I'm sorry Father but your friend looks like he's been infected."
Suki sighed and closed her eyes. "Could there have been a mistake doctor?" Suki asked.
The doctor turned his cold grey eyes to Suki "We have no room for Mistakes Officer. The blood screening tests are done not once but three separate times in a testing period. All three test results came up with the same trace."
"Damn it." Suki softly said clenching her fists. "This isn't fair!" She knew then that she was over reacting that her emotions were getting the better of her and that she was in need of sleep. This wasn't her case to pursue anyhow. The other officers would wait until Tony McCarthy awoke and would question him on the events that transpired. "You have my deepest sympathies Father. However I should be leaving here is my card in case you ever need to get in touch with me."