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21
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
“Is this where I point out that Crosby helped?” Morvan asked. “He did chest compressions while I did the breathing. And get this. Crosby announced that he was actually the Master of the City and called out the Tarot killer. Told him to put up an actual challenge or GTFO. Blew my mind. Michael is pissed.” He looked at Klaus. “Did you know?”

Klaus shook his head. “I am not far enough up the food chain to be party to a secret of that magnitude,” he said. “I suspect the only ones who knew were Salvatore, Aguilar and the swans. I doubt that Deidra knew.”

"Wow he actually spilled the beans..." Suki said looking shocked. "When did that happen?"

“You knew?!” Morvan exclaimed. “November second. Nine PM. I am not certain whether what happened to us had any bearing but I like to think it was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Klaus said, not mentioning that he too had been taken by surprise when he learned the news.

"If it helps it wasn't for very long and if I'm being honest I wasn't entirely sure about the confession. I wasn't sold 100% and ruminated on if it was a power play to have Waylon step up to be the Master since they weren't biting with Nigel. I walked away only sold 100% that Miss Betz was truly in love with Mr. Crosby and that it appeared to be mutual." She hung her head, looking sheepish. "Twenty percent of me wasn't willing to accept it. So it was kept off the record when I interviewed the swan queen and him. I did however jot it down elsewhere just in case something happened to me, if the cat's out of the bag now, I can remove that fact from my file of things that my next predecessor will need to know."

Morvan turned the wheelchair around. "Huh. I'm guessing he figured you needed to know. Is he still going to be one of the police liaisons?" "I doubt it," Klaus said. He didn't want to bring up the possibility that the liaison program might go down in any case. Suki's unit had taken a huge hit, leaving it understaffed. There was an equal chance that it would be back filled with rookies or potentially shuttered. If Klaus was forced to bet, he would bet on the latter.

"If there is a squad to come back to, If we have people that want to fill the positions. If the city and the Captain don't shutter the program, I don't know. I don't think it would be wise. It's asking for another out of town vampire to show up and use my guys as bait to get Crosby to react." Suki said and let out a sharp grunt as she shifted in the chair and paled sightly. "No sense running all what if's it will only drive me crazy. We just need to finish cleaning up here and then you two gentlemen can wheel me back up to my room. You are both welcome to stay and visit and talk or you can leave now that the heavy lifting is done. Not sure how well I will be able to communicate once I say yes to drugs, but an attempt can be made."

"You okay?" Morvan asked. "That sounded painful. Smelled painful too. Adrenaline spike. What more needs to be done here? Klaus and I can take care of it, if you are able to wait, otherwise one of us can run you back to your room and the other can stay and do the clean-up. Entirely up to you."

"Kit cleaned normally I'd close the circle with salt, but you've- yeah Rocky is paste, he isn't coming back. The knife needs a better ... cleaning, but we can do that in the hospital. I'm sorry, I'm just about running on fumes." Suki said. "Bodies on - I mean in your truck. Maybe fix the grass so it doesn't look unsightly or ... have someone twist an ankle because they step into the hole and then back to the room, drugs, and rest."

“I can fix this," Morvan said. "My bad for bringing Rocky Raccoon with authentic revenge action. Least I can do is clean up the mess. I've got some granular for the wet spots. Klaus can run you back to your room. I'll be up in a bit. Clean your knife before I turn your kit over to Maria. Easier to get it, if your brother sticks around and you are still in here on the mend." Morvan, it seemed, was feeling quite upset over having brought a murdered raccoon for Suki to animate.
"We will see you upstairs," Klaus said, as he began rolling Suki back towards the hospital entrance.

Upstairs Suki reported back in with the nurses and it didn't take too long to work on getting cleaned up. Wheeled into the bathroom Klaus ran the water and soaked the face cloths for Suki to use as she shrugged half out of her dress to clean up. It wasn't like she was flashing the goodies as she had gently cinched her dress around her waist, after she had unbuttoned it. She wore a bandeaux bra and her torso was covered with a medical compression bandage to keep everything from shifting too much as she healed. "So you've never witnessed an animation go right? I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm sure on the scale of traumatic things to witness, tonight wasn't likely to leave lasting scars." Suki sighed as she wearily rubbed at the grave ointment. "It wasn't my best work tonight. I appreciate the hand. And the offer to come back if I need to do this before they release me. If it helps Adler the birds can be kept in a fridge. They just don't animate well when frozen."

“Fridge, not frozen," Klaus said with a nod. Helping Suki clean up with only one hand was mildly frustrating but he tried not to let it show. "On a list of traumatic events, tonight does not make even the bottom of the list," he said. "No, I have not witnessed a successful animation. The raccoon was not as successful as the previously animated murder victim was. The outcome was of course blamed on the animator who, had he not been a respected member of Thule-Gesellschaft, the Thule Society, he might have faced execution himself. "

"I keep forgetting that the animator things, not as common as I think it is. Stephen was overjoyed when he saw me walk through the door. I'm the 4th animator he knows about that is in the city. " Suki made a face, "Mind you, the pet thing vs people thing makes things harder for him. But he says every dog has its day, so he's working with what I have. I might not be able to do people. I don't know. I've never really wanted to mess around and find out because I am or was a good girl church wise. Jury is out on that one still I'm still not sure where I sit with that. The nights still fuzzy but my crosses were not working the way they should have. I guess that is on me and a clear indicator that I'm on shaky ground with the faith."

Suki paused to look up at the tall German. "Did you mention any of that when you were interviewed by the feds?"

"I was very forthcoming," Klaus answered. "The way your crosses did not react to me, versus the way they flared up so brightly that they melted your vest, was a topic of apparent concern. They, of course were less than forthcoming with their reasoning as to why they were concerned. They were, as a group, quite astute. You would have liked the lead agent. Special agent Anika Diamini, although mini is not a word anyone would apply to her. She was, if anything an inch or so taller than I am. If what is left of her accent is any indication, she is originally South Africa. Picked up very quickly that I had a police background. Her questions changed at that point, from those you would use with a civilian to those you would use interviewing a fellow officer. She seemed pleased when I noticed the difference." Suki had probably had her first interview with the Feds or very soon would. He hoped it was the tall, black agent who came to do the interview. There was likely to be a recognition of ability between the two and Diamini would take Suki more seriously than a male agent.

"Appreciate the heads up." Suki replied as she heard the entrance of one of the nurses enter the room with a medication cart.

"Suki? Are you ready for your medication Miss Neubosato?" A male voice asked. Suki opened her eyes and gently ran her fingers over her skin. It felt clean. She gave the nurse a nod and mouthed a thank you to Klaus as the Nurse set up the IV bag. As he turned on the drip she felt nothing but then a warm rush as if she had been dipped into a vat of warm water that chased the majority of the pain away. Her whole body visibly relaxed and the tension and tightness on her face and brow lessened as she let a long sigh. "She should be resting. So wrap up your visit in 15 or less. She likely will be out by then." The nurse advised as he left.

"He underestimates my power." Suki replied speaking slower than she normally did but the words weren't slurred.

"Yeah but we have the high ground," Morvan said, as he entered the room. Klaus noticed that he'd changed his pants, likely to conceal the damage done by the raccoon. The hospital likely would have had a fit, had they been aware that the wereleopard had been bleeding only minutes earlier. "I'm guessing I missed the chance to visit." He leaned in and gave Suki a kiss on the cheek. "You get some rest. I'll drop by to see you tomorrow after work."

"No-no, no... You can stay warden said fifteen." Suki said. "It be terrible to send you both off without a proper hang rather than having you play nursing vanguard and undertaker. Unless you want to go? Tonight might have been a lot for both of you. If that is the case, I offer apologies and thanks for enduring my requests."

Morvan looked at the nurse, who nodded. "I can stay for a bit," he said, grabbing a chair. "You said you weren't a sci-fi or fantasy fan. If I was going to bring you something to read, what would you want?"


"Crime, mystery, or psychological thrillers." She answered lazily. "Company is always nice too, if you skip the books. I'll have to treat you boys to something nice after this. Think on it then share the ideas. You both did me a solid."

“Not sure about Klaus but a six pack of Coors Lite would do me fine,” Morvan said. Klaus raised his eyebrows.

“Silver Bullet. Interesting choice,” he said. “Morvan chuckled. “I found it kinda funny that it’s the brand I prefer,” he said. He took a Suki’s hand and squeezed it. “We can’t be here all the time, so books will fill in the gaps. Any authors you want me to avoid? Or should I wait until you’re a little more coherent?”

Suki gently squeezed his hand. "I know you're both busy. I'll hold off on visitation requests unless they feel necessary like tonight then..." She closed her eyes feeling emotionally overwhelmed. The pain had been making shielding hard. Apparently pain medication also didn't help. "I'll text authors later. If I remember it can give me something to do. " She paused and slipped her dress on properly fro. Wait to shoulders as she fussed with the buttons slowly. "I wish Razan and I could stop with the arguments and fighting. I worry I'll lose him."

“I doubt either of us would be able to make any headway,” Klaus said. “Although I understand your situation more than most. If I meet him here, I will ask to speak to him privately and see what I can do to make him understand. Sometimes family can be the harshest judges, because they know us best but expect more than we can give.”

Morvan said nothing. He simply sat holding Suki’s hand.

"You could try. You're more likely for him to probably whip it a crucifix and just be like eat IT bloodsucker. " she sighed and looked at Klaus. " You think with me having gone to school to have specialized in Preternatural Sciences would have helped with any biases he had but that is not the case. He hates what he hates and is not likely to change his opinion on things so I wouldn't stress over at Adler. "

“No stress,” Klaus replied. “If I encounter him, which is unlikely, if he is willing to talk to me, if I can convey the facts in a manner that he can understand and accept, I will do so. If any of those factors do not come to pass, I will be disappointed at having been unable to solve a problem for you but I will not see it as a source of stress.”

“Haters gotta hate,” Morvan said. “It’s like Lincoln talking a white supremacist into growing his hair. Possible but not too likely.”

"Yeah I suspect he will be asking Maria or me to cough up cash to send him back to New York for school. After all I am alive and no longer dying so why stay? I will likely be out of the hospital in a week or two if not sooner. So there is no point. It's his final year it be nice to not see him fail it and for me to have to scrape up enough money for an extra semester. I can't unless I remortgage the house."

“There are other ways,” Klaus said. “Perhaps he would look more favourably upon the community were it to assist him in pursuing his educational goals. You have enough on your plate. And if he questions my motives, you saved my life and I am trying to pay you back any way I can.”

“Nice,” Morvan said. “Play the debt of honour card.”

Suki smiled but shook her head. "Honour card. Yeah, I don't know if it comes to that I'll talk about it. But technically that might be considered taking bribes. Its not money going directly to me but a family member. It is a very generous offer, Adler. We can cross those bridges later."

“You do take your professional reputation very seriously,” Klaus said. “You are one of the great ones, captain Neubosato.”

Suki felt the heat rise to her cheeks. "I just take my job seriously. I want to be a good cop like my father. It's also what the city deserves. Too many stories out there about crooked cops and bad cops. I know they exist, but we aren't all like that. My Unit and I strive to show not all cops are bastards."

“You do a good job,” Morvan said. “Five years ago, no shifter would have called 9-1-1. Now, half of them know at least one of the cops on your unit by name.” He didn’t mention the two dead cops. Suki had enough to worry about without the reminder that she’d lost two good officers.

“Yes, I'm guessing I missed Thompson and Polanski's funerals. He was so young. Both of them were done dirty. I really hope the feds can do what I couldn't." Suki said looking weary.

Morvan didn’t say anything. If he did, it would likely reveal how much he wanted to get his hands on the Tarot Killer. Seren deserved a little payback. He would do everything in his power to avenge her. He owed it to her as her Raj. “I suspect being in a coma makes for an acceptable reason to be absent,” Klaus said. He briefly wondered what the result would be if a murder victim was animated after their killer was dead.

"Perhaps. I still feel like I owe it personally to send condolences to the family. I'll have to text Thurgar to see if we have a fund we've been collecting for the families." Suki said looking defeated. "Such a waste of life, all because someone wanted to be dramatic and try to call out the Master of the city from the shadows. Who knows if there is even going to be a challenge or if the perp has skipped town because the Feds are here? It's clear there is no care or concern for human or shifter life here. I do find it interesting that not a single vampire was harmed during this melodrama. You must have some serious rules about not harming each other on the down low in the social circles."

“There are none,” Klaus said. “This was meant to put pressure on the master so he would step out of the shadows. Pressure from his own kind would not be enough. Pressure from an entire city of angry humans, plus their leaders would be significant. This was all done to turn the humans against the vampires. Now that the Master is out in the open, he may face attack from humans. He may not. This vampire does not fear human reprisal. That means he is old. The level of power he has displayed indicates the same thing. He would have no issues rolling and murdering humans to escape justice. I suspect he fears the Federal investigators no more than he fears the local police and I hope that will be his downfall. Local jurisdiction hampered the investigation. The Federal investigators have no such limitation.”

"Are we still under the assumption that these scenes building up to Halloween had him nearby and watching and studying our response reactions. I never put that into any reports but we did touch base on that once Adler." Suki frowned again, her head feeling fuzzy as she forced herself to recall everything she could. "Did I play into their hands on Halloween night? God I hope I didn't?"

"If you did play into their hands, they were not prepared for you," Klaus said. "Or perhaps not prepared for us. We do make an effective team, captain. That evening was a Phyrric victory on both sides but ours has a greater chance to recover and with assistance from the FBI, the pendulum has swung into our favour."

Suki nodded slowly looking unsettled "It doesn't feel like a win. Your arm, my body, one of Morvan's most at risk subs. Part of me is starting to wonder if I woke from my coma nightmare or this is just the latest chapter. Or maybe its just the activity of tonight mixed with the pain medication." She closed her eyes and swallowed her mouth felt dry, eyes heavy. "Everything feels wet and warm and fuzzy. The fog and dark want to press me. I'm too tired to run all I can do is bare teeth and hope it's enough that I'm not dragged away either or eaten... when I'm interviewed. Sorry you two. I think I'm almost at my rope end." She managed to lift Morvan's hand and kissed the back of it.

“Hence the Phyrric victory,” Klaus said. “A victory at such cost that it is almost better to call it a defeat.”

Morvan squeezed Suki’s hand. “If you’re at the end of the rope, tie a knot and hang on,” he said. “If they give you a hard time during your interview, fake a relapse and then tell them to pound salt. You get some rest, okay? I’ll be back tomorrow to see how you’re doing.”

"Thank you." Suki said in earnest "I plan on playing ball. Who knows they might have better luck than we have. They do have a larger talent pool to draw on. They recruit the best of the best. We will be in touch. No need to drop by, we do have working cellphones. No pressure. Now you should go Morvan I'm sure your tribe is missing you."
22
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
Nov16th Monday - 630pm - Morvan- Klaus- Suki
 
When the elevator doors opened, both men knew they were on the ICU floor without reading the sign. The smells in the air gave it away the only areas where the smell of blood would be stronger was of course the ER. Mixed with the smell of blood was of course the cleaning agents, medicines, and the smells of infections . Occasionally there strong hit of perfume or cologne from loved ones who were visiting. Klaus could feel it as they walked to the nurses station to ask what room Suki was located in. There was a cool sensation that lapped against his ankles as tendrils of coolness tried wrap and climb their way up his leg. He had to check twice just to make sure there wasn't something physically there. Despite it being cool it wasn't painful or unpleasant, but trying to precisely address the sensation was difficult. It almost tickled, his mind going back to when he was young a mortal to what it felt like when he swam in that 9ne lake and he had to swim past the seaweed plants to make it out to the diving platform. As a child one tried to not think about what might be lurking in the underwater weeds.

It was a new sensation. Klaus had been in hospitals before, although visits were not frequent. He had never felt this before. He had an idea as to why… After confirming Suki’s room, he looked at Morvan. “I suspect that we are doing this in the nick of time, as they say,” he said. “Equally, I suspect that you are not aware of why I am saying so, because you are fully alive. There is an odd sensation around my ankles, which is remarkably difficult to describe. I think the captain’s energy has started to reach out, looking for a place to go and it is investigating me as a potential outlet.”

“Because you’re dead.”

“Because I’m dead.”

 “What happens when you try to animate a vampire?” Morvan asked.

 “Nothing as far as I am aware, although I suspect the term ‘nothing good’ would fit the situation.”

 Morvan stopped at the appropriate door. “Do you need an invitation?” he asked as he knocked on the frame.
“No,” Klaus answered. “Neither do I need an invitation into a hotel room. No one is actually living there. It would be different in palliative care, where patients are long term or nursing homes where rooms have permanent residents.”
"Come in, Morvan and Alder." Suki called despite not seeing them in the doorway from her bed, she could feel thre presence of a vampire. Razan snorted as he looked at his sister laying on the bed and to the doctor as Suki signed a clip board on her bed table.

"This is beyond stupid." Razan growled.

"And I've explained why it needs to be done to you and the doctor. It won't be like I am out all night. I know the risks why can't you see that what I am doing tonight isn't selfish it's for the safety of this hospital and everyone in it." Suki sighed.

"And what I am saying is you don't even know if any of that could happen. You are so addicted with this magic shit that you can't even stay in bed and focus on healing. You have a problem and those freaks are feeding into it." Razan said his voice rising.

Suki passed the clip board back to the doctor. "In and out shouldn't be more than an hour, if anything feed off I'll immediately stop. No pushing."

The doctor nodded. "I've explained the risks, and you've signed the waiver saying we are not at fault should your condition worsen. We are done here." He explained, his tone neutral as he slipped out of the room past Klaus and Morvan.

Razan glared at the two men that entered the room as he saw the relief in his sister's eyes as she looked at the suitcase that contained her animating kit. He shook his head in disbelief. "You are on the precipice of loosing everything, Suki. Your health, your family, your friends, everything. I can't in good conscience be here for this."

"I'm not forcing you to be here. But thank you for bringing me some clothes. In time, you will understand I'm not crazy Razan I'm really not. Somethings you just refuse to understand because they are so alien. I hope when you go down you can cool down and come to understand things better once you have slept on them."

"Like hell I will." He muttered as he pushed past Morvan and Klaus escaping the room’s confines.

 Suki sagged back into the bed looking exhausted dark circles framed her eyes and she looked pale, except for a mild flush across her cheeks. Morvan could tell she smelled angry. "Gentlemen.” she greeted them as she looked up at them. “You had no issues finding the kit it would seem. How are you both holding up?"

“Beyond an odd sensation around my ankles and an itch on a wrist that does not exist, I am doing well,” Klaus said.

Morvan watched Razan go. “Maybe you should try explaining it like a full bladder. You can either let it out in a controlled manner or it’s going to come out when you least want it to, with potentially disastrous results. Or maybe something involving money.” The wereleopard Raj was doing a remarkable job of holding onto his emotions. The fact that he hadn’t crossed the room and wrapped his arms around Suki surprised him. “Other than the obvious, you’re looking good,” he said. “Now where would a guy find a loose wheelchair around this place? The lady has an appointment with a raccoon named Rocky.”

"Wheelchairs are out in the hallway. Of course the Doctor advised against this, but I assured him I was in good hands with the selected escort." Suki said as she pushed back the covers and grabbed the sidebar of the bed to sit up. She was wearing a long button-up black dress as she edged herself to the end of the bed and grimaced sucking in air. "We have a chicken waiting outside as well I hope?" With care she managed to get out of the bed without help as she slipped on a par of sandals. It wasn't the best choice for enduring the November chill, but it was the easiest clothing she had in her wardrobe to dress herself and move about in. She watched as Morvan retreated to the hallway to seek out a wheelchair as she leaned against the bed one hand steadying herself with the bed's side railing. "It really is good to see you alive. You've recuperated better than expected." She said, looking at the vampire's arm that stopped at the elbow. "I apologize for the weird feelings you might be picking up, Shielding has been exceptionally difficult."

“I thought perhaps it was you,” Klaus said. “Other than those who already have a connection with death and those with psychic sensitivity, I doubt many would feel it. Yes, we have a chicken outside. Morvan suggested catching a pigeon but I talked him out of it, on the off chance it would die of fright. This one seems well on its way to the same fate. It is still breathing when last I saw it but it fainted twice on the way here, amidst a flurry of clucks.”

“Henrietta does not do well around preternaturals,” Morvan said as he entered with the wheelchair. Your chariot, my lady.”

Suki nodded. "Animals rarely like anyone of a preternatural persuasion because they can feel that you are predators on some innate level that most humans miss." She motioned at the hanger on teh wall that contained a scarlet and white artic fleece zip up and was thankful when it was handed to her and she put it on. With care, she eased herself into the chair. Reaching out she touched Morvans forearm, "Be careful of the bumps please. Docs say I've healed faster than expected, but I'm still being held together with a bunch of stitches staples and a few muttered prayers on the inside and out." She said with a soft forced chuckled that she regretted instantly. Her fingers curled involuntarily as the pain hit. "Sorry no jokes allowed so sayeth the ribs."

“No bumps, no jokes,” Morvan said with a nod. “I will keep my mouth shut and drive slowly. I can’t swear there will be no bumps getting on the elevator or leaving the building but I do have duct tape if we need to do quick repairs before we can get you back inside.”

“Beyond your kit, will you need anything?” Klaus asked. “I assume they are not permitting you solid food?” He held the door open, then moved swiftly to secure an elevator. When Morvan arrived, he assisted in making sure there was as little disturbance of Suki as possible. “Being undead has its advantages,” Klaus said, after the doors closed and the elevator had started moving with only the gentlest of bumps. It was not a particularly fast elevator. “At the very least, we tend not to bleed to death. I am very pleased that you did not bleed to death, captain.”

Morvan chuckled. “I’m Morvan, you’re Adler. I call her Suki, you call her captain. And yet you are probably a closer friend. Bizarre, bizarre.” There was no heat in his tone. He wasn’t complaining that Suki was closer to the vampire than she was to him; he was simply making an observation.

“It is the nature of the relationship,” Klaus answered. “The captain and I have a professional relationship that started from a point where I was not entirely trusted. It began formally. Why the dynamic changed as trust grew, the form of address did not change.”

"Food was had today. A basic consume broth and some crackers and some fruit juice. It stayed down all afternoon. " Suki said as they entered the elevator and she nodded as Klaus and Morvan spoke. "Honestly it would feel weird to call him Klaus, unless he indicated it preferred it. It's habit, he's covered me on so many crime scenes, he gets called by surname like the rest of my task force despite not being on the payroll. Perhaps its bias because I don't do that for the other liaisons. Most prefer first names if not its more formal. Calling him Mr Adler is equally weird. He's Adler that's all because of my address the others have leaned towards it too. Thurgar calls you Katmandu its a term of affection endearment? There's a fondness there, every cop on the team has a preference for which liaisons they like to work with. Even if we try hard to keep things as neutral as possible."

“Family Man may stop calling me that,” Morvan admitted. “I was pretty rough on him when he tried to explain away what happened with Seren.”

Suki blinked as they rode the elevator to the ground floor. She was missing something. She closed her eyes trying to think through the pain. Adler had mentioned were-leopard being ironic in his recovery. Morvan had mentioned Seren. She let out a low exhale "Seren? She was found?" She leaned up to look over at Morvan and Klaus, the pair backlit by the garish ceilings fluorescent light.

Morvan blinked. “I guess they didn’t tell you. That thing that almost killed you was Seren. Crazy as it sounds. She was some weird combination of leopard and zombie or vampire. She was long dead by the time I got there, like days dead. I don’t know how they made her take a hybrid form or how she could see or how she could fight like that, because she couldn’t do any of that before she was taken. That was what Thurgar and I were arguing about. There is no way she Alpha’d up in that short of a time and could suddenly do all that. Whoever did this juiced up her body something festive and put somebody else in the driver’s seat.”

Suki sagged slightly in the wheelchair her voice soft "Oh... I'm so sorry Morvan." Her brow furrowed as she glanced towards Adler. "So Mr. Brick is still out there. We didn't put him down." An sigh escaped her as she fought to calm herself as she gripped the armrest. God damn it. We went through all of that for nothing she bitterly thought. "So that was what was pinging on the radar that night. I thought we had-" She frowned looking back to Morvan. " Never mind. I'm sorry you had to go through that with Thurgar and for you finding Seren the way you did." She swallowed hard forcing the anger down despite the fact that it was bubbling just under the surface. She wanted to scream and lash out. What would the point be there was no one to fight and hurt that deserved it. She white knuckled the chair and it was all she could do to not angry cry. It was certainly a mood at that moment and if it happened it would just piss her off more because Adler and Morvan would think she was weak and fragile and having a mental breakdown. It was bad enough they had to see her stapled and duct taped together on a wish and a prayer.

“Mr Brick has been deprived of one of his major assets,” Klaus pointed out. “The resources required to hold and somehow vampirize a wereleopard, even a weak one, cannot be discounted. You may not have beheaded the dragon but you have certainly severed a leg. It is a wound not easily recovered from.”

“Says the vampire who has three or four time the arm he had the last time I saw him,” Morvan pointed out. “Limbs have a habit of growing back around here.”

"We will see if Brick is a Hydra or if we struck a blow. I feel the cost was too much if he's not been removed from the board. Let me guess Feds have taken over everything and we are sitting blind and in the dark now?" Suki could feel the tension collecting in her jaw as the doors opened and she was wheeled out into the main floor of the hospital lobby.

“You still have a piece on the board,” Klaus said. “A major one, in fact. The FBI are working with a certain Father Marshall Domenic Sozio. He is a past master at bumping heads, having honed his skills against his Bishop. I am an eyewitness, as are you. Morvan and Mr Crosby were first on the scene. There are still pieces on the board. You will not be blind for long.”

"I guess they're will be descending upon me tomorrow or soon after." Suki shrugged. "I can't get mad that the feds are here. This vampire is being a total shit. They likely have brought in the big guns. If Sozio gets to run with them we will hear about somethings perhaps. As long as they can nail this bad guy to the wall I don't care who or how he's caught."

“If there is any way, I will attempt to keep a hand in,” Klaus promised. “And if all else fails, as a federal marshal, father Sozio can elect to deputize, if he feels there is need. I suspect if this happens, he will reach out to your squad first, because he knows their capabilities.”

Suki nodded in agreement but knew she wouldn't be tagging in on that fight any time soon. Knowing and being okay with it were not the same things. The cool evening air hit her lungs as she could smell the bay in the far distance and the damp fallen leaves that littered the ground. "Smells nice out tonight." She said shaking up the conversation turning it towards something lighter and less frustrating.

“It does,” Morvan echoed, not wanting to ruin Suki’s attempt at improving her mood with his description of what he was smelling. “There’s a hot dog vender out by the front of the hospital who wasn’t there when I got here. Want some solid food when we’re done? Or do you want to just drool while I eat one in front of you?” He pointed towards the back of the parking lot. “Last greenery island. Not far from the post with the ‘S’ on it. Felt sort of appropriate. Should be the only place with freshly turned earth. Or relatively fresh anyway. I did it last night.”

"Have a hot dog for me, I'll pass. Likely too rich for me this early into the game." Suki answered. As she was wheeled deeper into the back parking lot as Morvan filled the silence and the blond vampire carried her animator’s suitcase. She cast a look over her shoulder to Morvan " You drove out here last night after our conversation? You must have had no sleep between finding the animal, diving into Seattle, burying it and then driving back home for what? A couple hours to power nap? Thank you."

“It’s not like I would have had time to do it after work,” Morvan said, shrugging. “And don’t worry. I had a cat nap. I’m good to drive.” He stopped near where a small swelling of the soil indicated that something had recently been buried there. “Do I dig it up or is it part of the animation that it rises from the grave like something out of a horror movie?” “It needs to be dug up,” Klaus answered. “The magic simply animates the corpse rather than loosening the soil. If there was a coffin, we’d need to open that as well.” “No coffin,” Morvan said, shaking his head. “Just an old plastic shopping bag. Didn’t want it leaking all over my truck.” He pointed towards where his truck was parked. “Just in case we needed more tools than we had. And for when I have to take Rocky to his final resting place because I don’t think they want him left here.”

"It should be good." Suki interjected. "Maybe for people, never done people, just pets Adler, but I've never had the need to dig them up. My first animation, my cat had no issues digging themselves out of a three foot deep hole." She looked to Morvan "How deep did you go?"

“Couple of feet,” Morvan answered. “Probably less. Foot and a half maybe?” He kicked at the dirty, trying to remember. “Didn’t go below the top of the metal on the shovel.”

"We should be more than fine. This both your first time watching an animation?" Suki asked suddenly aware she had never preformed her side gig in front of anyone she knew. Those that knew her knew her a Captain Neubasato and not Suki the animator. It really was a strange juxtaposition. She realized she was having a little emotional dissonance with the fact that both men standing there were people that she could trust but at the same time it was strange having them present while she performed this ritual. The animating kit now sat open in her lap as she reached for the grave ointment. Some called it corpse paint. She unscrewed the cap on the jar and the familiar and comforting scents of rosemary, sage, thyme, cinnamon, and clove hit her senses. They were standard herbs and oil added to the ointment besides the grave moss that was added. She personally liked to add to the pre-made ointment a little lavender, rose, juniper, and peppermint oil for a bit of an extra protective kick, plus it added a little tingle and glow to her skin afterwards.

Morvan shook his head. “Never seen one,” he said. “It has been some time for me.” Klaus said. “I was still alive.” It was, he recalled, an attempt to find where an old miser had concealed his fortune, having taken the answer to the grave. “ I suspect the technique had not changed much over the years.”

Suki nodded, "Stephan, my other boss at the animation office, says there can be a little difference between ritual's sort of personal touches and occasional flourish, but it is pretty much the same thing. Create a circle kill and animal call upon the spirit to come back off the returned dead blood to show thanks and as your offering, and then you get your dead people time or in my case animal time. If either of you doesn't want to watch, I get it. I really only need one person close by in case I falter and trip over my feet to catch me. I do at least two of these a month and I still think and find them weird, so I won't judge if you don't want to sit in. Her eyes flicked between the two men, and she still felt off about having to raise the dead, but the peculiar factor was better than not raising the animal and someone coming back from the dead. Adler was more aware of her odd little quirks metaphysically than any other person out there besides her white light worker. She herself wasn't an animator, but she had helped Suki accept the gift and how to shield and embrace her talents rather than running from them.

She met Adler's eyes for the briefest of moments, wondering at what moment had she decided he was a friend despite being a vampire. Likewise, she had never expected to strike up any kind of friendship with a vampire, and yet here he was. Furthermore, she never honestly thought Morvan would give her the time of the day once he learned that she had put their child up for adoption. Yet here he was helping her, rather than telling her to go to hell. Would seeing her work the ritual creep him out? Why was she so worried and self-conscious about raising a dead animal tonight, anyhow? Did it really matter if they found it weird and creepy? Anyone that knew, judged her for it or had turned their backs and walked away. Perhaps the reason she was freaking out was because Morvan and Klaus were some very few individuals she still had in her life that hadn't judged or walked away. She didn't want to be alone, not if she could help it. She undid the first few buttons on the top of her dress so when she had to put on the ointment over her chest and heart that it wouldn't be all over the outside of her dress. She began to apply the ointment with sure and steady hands. At least some things were still muscle memory for her. "I'm going to need that chicken really soon, however."

Morvan produced a cage that held a white hen that had puffed up its feathers to make itself look bigger. Having realized that it couldn’t escape Morvan, the chicken was fully prepared to fight him. “One chicken, no waiting,” Morvan said as he set the cage beside Suki’s wheelchair.

“Perhaps it would be best if Morvan assisted,” Klaus suggested. “I am not certain how your mystic circle will affect me. It may spit me out at an inopportune moment.”

"Honestly Adler I have no clue either so I figured you could sit on the outside and just make sure we don't end up with hospital security wandering into the scene and trying to break it up. I wasn't expecting to be practising magic on the property, but the fact we aren't driving or walking blocks away is of comfort. Less strain and jolts to the body which I really appreciate. You said the animal's name was Rocky?" She asked as she finished putting on the last touches of grave ointment, as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and looked at the chicken.

“Rocky Raccoon,” Morvan said, nodding. “Unlike his more well-known cousin Rocket.” He moved closer to Suki. “You just need to tell me what I need to do. The closest thing to animation that I ever did was one of those flip drawing in a thick book.”

Suki nodded, "I just night need you to lean on as we walk the circle. Are you going to be okay when I slit this guy's throat, and we do this because there is no getting around the blood. It's an unfortunate part of the ritual I have to take a life to give something some small semblance of life for a short time, and we need the blood to cast the circle. If it is going to be too much, Adler could just walk to the outside of it for support. I wasn't sure which one of you would be the best choice for this. But keeping Adler on the outside seemed safest if he chose to do this. He might react less to chicken blood, as it really wouldn't be super appetizing since it isn't human blood. On the other hand Morvan I won't need to worry about you being in the middle of the circle, but your inner beast is likely going to start drooling and decide I rang the dinner bell."

Morvan gave Suki a sour look. “I’m a fucking Raj, Suki. If I didn’t take a bite when your entrails were trying to be extrails, I’m sure as shit not going to lose it over a chicken getting its throat slit. I control the Beast, except during the full moon. I’m not going to drool on you. I mean really, I figured you’d give me more credit than that. Leslie? Yeah, you’d probably have an issue. But me? Come on.”

She felt a surge of anger when Morvan snapped at her, hot and very much wanting to fight. She grit her teeth and did her best to not let it loose as she rose from the wheelchair a little too quickly, feeling something inside her tinge painfully. She winced but ignored it. Opening the cage, she quickly jammed her hand inside. The chicken let out a squawk and began to fight back, aggressively pecking at her hand part of her brain wanted to fling the animal to the ground, but that would be pointless. She had a job to do. Fine Morvan was the untouchable infallible holiest of were leopards. Heaven forbid, she tried to be considerate and run on the basic frame that blood was bad. She started the rituals she called on her power, focusing on that and no more determined than ever that she was going to walk this circle unaided. Klaus could feel the magic swirl and form into something more tangible than a miasma tic mist as the coldness intensified and Suki with her own blood beading up on her hands. The chicken had got in a few good pecks while fighting back, it struggled as she brought the knife to its neck slashed at the animals' throat. Both men could hear the slight aggressive growl as she bled the chicken as she walked the circle and called for Rocky the Raccoon to rise once more.

Morvan watched. Her growl caught him by surprise. He certainly hadn’t expected it. She’d passed the full moon without changing; that was the litmus test for shifters, no matter what the medical test said. She wasn’t infected. So why was she growling like that. If all animators growled like that, he was pretty sure there would be fewer animations. Klaus had never considered himself particularly mystically gifted but he could FEEL Suki’s power growing more solid. He wondered briefly if it would be rude to ask to lick the blood from her hand when all was said and done. Then again it would probably be clotted and dried. He’d been willing once to lick it from a concrete culvert in the middle of a construction site. A little clotting wouldn’t be much of an obstacle compared to that. He felt the circle close and just like that, he could not feel her power any more. It was probably a good thing that Morvan was helping her. The magic felt oddly enticing…

The earth began to pulsate and bulge as the earth began to roil. Suki cast the chicken onto the ground a little more forcefully than was needed as her brown eyes settled on the earth/ She leaned down to offer the creature blood. Lord knows there was enough of it, she had almost decapitated the chicken. She just had let Morvan get under her skin, and it was immature, she knew that, but she couldn't shake the hot anger that danced in her belly. It was a surprise when the raccoon by passed her offering of Blood and instead flew out of the dirt still caked in dried blood but looking surprisingly whole and spry. It dove at Morvan and began to savage his leg as it clawed and furiously bit and snarled. Suki tried to call the animal back and to force it back into the grave but it wasn't obeying.

“The fuck!?” Morvan cried out, kicking the raccoon back. “Fuck I think Rocky was fucking rabid!” The animal tumbled several yards but when it stopped rolling, it scrambled back onto its feet and made a bee-line for Morvan, charging the wereleopard like a thing possessed. “I don’t think it is supposed to do that!”

"No it's not. " Suki said her words crisp and precise. "I'm guessing this guy's not someone's loved pet and you instead opted to find and bring me roadkill? Please tell me you didn't kill it."

"He walked out in front of the truck," Morvan replied, watching the raccoon come closer. "I took it as a sign. You don't find fresh road kill quite as often as people think."

“And this is why I stuck with animals, most owners don't decide to murder their pets. Congratulations Leopard Raj, Rocky has dubbed thee a murder hobo, and he won't stop until he gets his vengeance on you." Suki informed him, mildly amused at the tableaux. It was better than being so livid. "You want it to stop? Run to the truck and get your shovel. You will have to bash his brains in. There is nothing else I can do. He destroys you or you destroy him, Morvan."

Klaus watched silently. The firt animation he'd witnessed while still mortal had gone remarkably similarly. A prisoner had died during interrogation, without revealing critical information. He'd been brought in, in the hopes that his less brutal interrogation methods would be helpful. In the end, two guards and the other interrogator had been killed. "I assume that his use of your knife would taint it as a working tool?" he asked, as Morvan sprinted towards his truck. 

Klaus knew leopards were fast. He'd fought one just over two weeks ago. Seeing Morvan move, he would not have placed a particularly large sum on Morvan if he and the vampiric Seren had come to blows. Morvan turned, shovel in hand, to face the raccoon. For some reason, he was trying hard not to laugh.

"Karmic debt for being an ass earlier," Suki called out. "You should be able to run circles round it." She sighed suddenly feeling a little dizzy and fatigued as she wobbled slightly, Hands sticky from chicken blood but some of her own mingled with it. "I feel a little bad for the little guy murdered a second time in less than 24hours." She watched as Morvan brought the shovel down on the racoon hard enough to hear it still clang on the pavement.

“Are you in need of a steadying hand?” Klaus asked. Morvan needed no help against an angry raccoon, even if it was undead. Suki was barely a day out of her coma. Even if they both needed help, Suki would receive it first.

Suki nodded "I think the circle shouldn't be too much a factor. Its not on holy ground and as far as dead things go. Stephen's said my animating is funky and until I try people he can't get a perfect grasp of how much is going on under the hood. I've never animated anything over a year dead." Technically the ritual was ruined. She wouldn't be able to control the animal now that the head was paste. She took the vampire up on his offer to help steady herself. "Took more out of me than expected. Sometimes I wonder if I tried raising people if I'd have to do this less, " she murmured as she watched Morvan scrape the unmoving racoon off the asphalt.

"There is only one way to find out," Klaus said as he moved closer to Suki.

The shovel rang on the pavement again as Morvan hit the raccoon a second time. "Fucking thing is still moving!"

"Use the point of the shovel and cut the head off," Klaus suggested. "Have you bled off enough of your energy or do we need to find an animal that was not murdered? And what qualifies as an unmurdered animal? Is a sick dog euthanized by a vet a murder victim? Is it the animal's perspective that counts?"

"I think it is the intent. If you have the intent to do harm and cause death. Most animals I've brought back come to think of it died in their sleep by owner account, or they were sick, and it was sudden, some were of course old age. There had also normally been a few days ." Suki explained as she leaned on Klaus and watched Morvan continue trying to put the racoon down. "It brings up a good point. The animating pet thing is still fairly new to me. Maybe it has to do with if the animal spirit feels like it was done dirty. I'm not sure, but I should experiment with that some more. It could have been a case of it remembering its death and the spirit didn't have time to move on. If we have to do this again 3 days dead preferably not murdered. "

“Would birds be acceptable?” Klaus asked. “There are usually several found at the Tower, after hitting the glass. They aren’t as large as Morvan’s new friend but their death was not murder. I can ask the grounds keepers to keep an eye out.”

There was one final ‘Kerwang’ and the raccoon finally stopped twitching. “Jesus fuck,” was all Morvan said. “I’m going to need a bigger bag.”

Suki gave Klaus an appraising look. "I can honestly say I haven't tried birds, they're so little, but we could try. I'm not sure if I would need multiple chickens or if one chicken could raise multiple birds. It really does make me curious to experiment. At the moment, this feels like I've bled off some chaos and build up, that much I do know. I'm not sure if it will last two weeks. Maybe a week? It's hard to say. Experimentation will be the only way we can know for sure." She looked over to where Morvan stood. "You okay? Inside my kit I keep a black garbage bag to put my dead chicken in. I'm sure Rocky can also fit. You are more than welcome to both of the dead animals if you don't mind taking them home to use them for compost or other things"

“I’ve got industrial bags in the back of the truck,” Morvan replied. “I’m going to run Rocky through a wood chipper though. And if he still comes after me, I’m gonna burn him.”

“I’d also advise not eating him,” Klaus said with an amused smile. “Giving him access to your intestines is likely a bad idea.” He turned back to Suki. “Perhaps we will get lucky and it will be a hawk or a seagull,” he said. “Perhaps they will be large enough. Do you have a place where you’d be willing to bury them? Someplace a little more private than a hospital parking lot? And do the animals obey you or will I need to clip their wings?”

"In theory yes, they obey and tend to not be aggressive. Honestly, it's the first time I've seen one go crazy like that. I can only assume that is why Stephen is so insistent on us asking and when booking customers to have them swear they were not a murder victim. I can only imagine how bad it would be if a full-grown adult went berserk on a normal human, I'd be pretty powerless to physically stop that. The dead don't stop and can't be controlled until they have had their revenge. The only way to stop them would be to destroy the brain, which would mean carrying a gun with me to animations." She made a face at the thought of trying to put down a small animal, it would be a harder target to take out than an adult human zombie headshot wise. "Maybe I should but I think once I'm cleared to leave here I should invest in some more time at the firing range to work on my aim."

“I may join you,” Klaus said. “Having a firearm with me might have saved my arm and your intestines. I will need both hands so it might be some time before I can reasonably be expected to handle a weapon properly but rest assured, I am going to ‘get good’ as they say.”

"I look forward to the company." Suki said, giving him a thoughtful nod. She looked back to Morvan her anger had cooled, and she wasn't looking for a fight since she had bled off some of her energy. "I don't have a place to bury them sorry Morvan I just realized a blanked on giving you an answer. Normally the customers have me rebury the animals on their property, it was kind of why I was wondering if you would take them both up to the farm? It feels wrong to bury Rocky and the chicken here."

Morvan chuckled, looking down at his ruined pants. “No worries,” he said. “I will give them both the burial they deserve. And no, I’m not suggesting Henrietta for the next time we need to do this.” He pulled the thick black plastic bag off the roll and shovelled the raccoon’s remains into it. Then he came to get the dead chicken that had finally stopped kicking.  “You doing okay? Bled off enough mojo that you don’t need to worry? Ready to go back inside, so your doctor can stop pacing?” He looked at the knife and her pot of corpse paint. “Anything special need to be done with that or can it just go back into your car, after the knife gets washed?”

"Just need to clean up. There's wet wipes in the kit, so I can clean up. Normally I need to shower to get this off, but I think with multiple wash cloths we can get the rest of the grave paint off. I just need to make sure to avoid the bandages. I'm sorry for being so irritable, I guess the built-up power was making be really irritable. Normally I have much more patience than that," Suki replied as she stepped toward the wheelchair and grabbed the cloth inside to clean the knife. Once cleaned, she reached for the wet wipes and put them to her face. She let out a small shudder at the cool sensation at the wet wipes caressed his face and she rubbed her skin. "I think I need to sit." She said feeling drained.

“Then sit,” Klaus said. “We even have a convenient chair nearby, with wheels. And if all else fails, we will have a nurse clean it off for you. I suspect it will not be the strangest thing they have ever had to do.” Morvan chuckled. “We’ve all heard the ER horror stories,” he said. “Here, give me that. You missed a spot.”

Suki didn't protest as she sank into the chair the kit having been removed as Morvan fussed with her face. She closed her eyes. "Mmm impromptu parking lot sponge bath. Thank you both for the assist tonight. I'm very appreciative that you rallied."

“Anytime,” Morvan said. “Of course there may be exceptions during full moons.” “I may face difficulties during daylight hours but the sentiment is the same,” Klaus said. “I suspect your brush with death has made those who care about you realize how much they care.” Morvan looked at the vampire for a moment, then let the moment pass. He wasn’t going to get jealous over what he only perceived as Klaus expressing feelings for Suki. After all, Klaus had Brandy and Suki hated vampires. Except maybe this one… “Hey Klaus, question for you. Why is it that when people are talking about you, they all say ‘he isn’t like other vampires’?” Klaus chuckled. “It is either because they don’t know vampires or they don’t know me.”

"I think it's because he has retained some of that moral compass he had as a mortal. In time, it is said, most if not all vampires lose it. But maybe it is the social ties he has made outside the vampire community that makes him stand apart. Noah Knolls is the only other one I met that hasn't set my hackles up in my time as a cop. As far as percentages go that's about one percent of the vampires I've encountered that have had that effect on me. Still, out of the two, I'd trust Adler over Mr. Knolls hands down. He didn't have to volunteer to be my shield on Halloween, but he chose to have my back and protect me and in the end had enough restraint that I didn't have to shoot him. That counts for something. You both made sure I didn't die that night. I won't forget that." Suki said as Morvan paused from wiping her face and she looked to the both men and gently touched Morvan's hand. "It's been a hell of a night so far thank you for coming when I asked for aid."



23
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
Nov15th-the-awakening- Hospital Suki.

Suki sat at the campfire with her headphones on and her father's discman in her pocket as she slid another marshmallow onto her stick and held it over the dying fire. Razan had been put to bed, since he was too little to stay up as late as her.  The night was overcast but had held out. Not too far away, her mother Hannah and her father Hiro sat at the picnic table playing cards. She listened to the pounding beat of the song in her ears and the echoy voice as the lyrics flooded her senses.

Don't look don't look the shadows breathe
Whispering me away from you
Don't wake at night to watch her sleep
You know that you will always lose
This trembling
Adored
Tousled bird mad girl
But every night I burn
But every night I call your name
Every night I burn
Every night I fall again

She turned the marshmallow over and gasped as it burst into flames, and quickly pulled it out o the coals to blow on it to put the flame out. She peeled the blackened skin from it and ate it before licking the sticky, sweet sugar from her fingers. Camping really was nice, even if she hadn't mastered making a perfectly golden marshmallow yet. She would get it right before she was told to go to bed, she mentally promised herself. Patience was the key her dad had explained. Practice made perfect.

She bopped her head to the music, happy her father had trusted her with his discman and had let her listen to his music, despite it maybe not being to her taste and too grown up. Again she had taken that as a challenge to like this loud music which was not the norm for their household. As the chorus repeated, she bopped her head as it beat grew on her and the lyrics repeated over again.

She put another marshmallow on the stick, her sixth one since she had been left to entertain herself quietly, as she once again stuck her stick near the coals. This time a few inches higher as she whispered slow and steady. The song finished and looped back to the start, she had lost count that weekend of how many times she had listened to the song. Ten? Twelve? Twenty times, she wasn't sure definitely enough that she had changed the batteries in the discman once.
The wind blew softly that evening as the crickets sang, and young Suki sighed as the marshmallow almost upon being considered perfect slid off the stick onto the coals where it burst into flames again. .

She let out a soft groan of frustration. She reached out for another treat to try with and paused as she noted she had felt a drop of rain hit her face. Suki reached to wipe away the rain, only to notice it wasn't water. Her hand had come back stained and smeared red.

She looked at her hand, realizing it was too large to be her hand, she thought. It was a hand that belonged to a grown up. She rose to stand, the music still playing in her ears, and noted that a fog had begun to roll into the camp. It was tinged with darkness, almost black.

"Mom? Dad?" She called out but noted her voice didn't sound right. She slid the headphones off her ears as her brown eyes darted to the picnic table and she called out again. "Mom? Dad?"

The fog had overtaken the picnic table, and she was correct, her voice sounded strange to her ears. She looked around, noticing now that the fog had encroached the campsite fully and had almost corralled her so she was standing in a twenty-foot radius as if the campfire was the only thing keeping the dark miasma at bay.

"I'm dreaming, aren't I?" She whispered as she reached out to place another log on the fire so it wouldn't burn out. There was a moan from the fog. One of anguish and pain even as the music from the discmans ear phones sat around her neck.

Every night I burn
Waiting for my only friend
Every night I burn
Waiting for the world to end
Just paint your face the shadows smile
Slipping me away from you
Oh it doesn't matter how you hide

She could hear the sound of dragging as it got louder and closer. She felt herself grip her roasting stick tighter until a single pale and blood stained hand broke through the darkness, and her mouth ran dry as the fingers dug into the dirt. She could hear the slow, deliberate dragging continue.

Seconds passed that felt like minutes, before the fog birthed a visage from the dark. Pale and bloody, as if covered in sweat or a bloody water. Blue eyes shone like cobalt Christmas lights as the blond hair tousled and wild danced in the wind that wasn't dispersing the fog,

The face was so familiar as she tried licking her lips as she watched the man's face open their mouth, eyes still glowing and fangs now evident. "Adler?" She asked, her voice cracking.

"Suki you have to get out. Leave here." He gasped, his words a whispered warning. "Only the dead reside here, leave now. It's too dangerous."

She blinked and started as she heard Klaus scream and his face and body were jerked back into the darkness as a feral growl erupted from the dark followed by the sounds of rending and tearing and Klaus screaming.

Suki screamed in terror and confusion as well.

There was an explosion of light and pain as she screamed. She squeezed her eyes shut, the light was so bright as she heard the sound of hissing air and something on her face and the sounds of rapid footsteps.

Two hours later Klaus heard his phone ping letting him know he had a message. Certain tones were preset in his phone and this was one of those, he hadn't heard since Halloween.

CAPTAIN N: News of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Tell me you survived Adler and didn't get put down by the police back up.

Klaus responded immediately.

ADLER: Reports of my death are accurate, assuming they are from 1946. I was able to convince them to feed me rather than execute me. The presence of Mr Crosby was certainly a help. It is good to hear from you. I was worried that you were not going to recover.

CAPTAIN N: Cleared of coma status two hours ago. Officially off ventilator but certainly not at 100% far from it.  After a barrage of questions once they took the vent out the damage sustained is far more than expected, recuperation is going to take some time. I dreamt about you tonight. Can you fill me in on what I missed. Everything is very hazy. We did put it down right? It didn't recover and escape?

ADLER: You put, I think, four bullets in it, including a head shot. It was very dead. It ate one of my arms. Literally swallowed it. Morvan and Mr Crosby were able to keep you alive until ambulance got there. You did well, captain. You fought to the bitter end.
ADLER: Do you remember me telling you to shoot me if I came for you?  I am very happy to report that the bullets you put into me were when I was trying to hold onto that thing and not because I tried to eat you. It was far closer than I would have liked. May I say I am very pleased that you are awake?

CAPTAIN N: Like wise to find out you aren't permanently dead. Good to hear we put it down. Things are still a bit foggy. Hoping it might come back with time. Glad to be alive as well, but everything hurts. Pain is the primary thingthat is a constant. Texting trying to distract from it. They are offering drugs, but I am abstaining due to needing to reach out. Make sure you were good. Your Arm? You still down and out or you recouped?

ADLER: Slowly growing back, thanks to a steady diet of wereleopard. Yes, I realize the irony. The expert says I should have it back in time to hang Christmas decorations. I suspect she was being facetious.

ADLER: Are you permitted visitors?  This would be easier to discuss in person.

CAPTAIN N: Ventilator tube being pulled out has speaking a bit hard to do right now. If one handed typing is too hard, you do know the phones have voice to text to make life easier. Won't keep you too long. Besides the welfare check the reason I reached out is because I need you.

Suki blushed as she realized after hitting send that could be construed a few different ways.

She quickly added.

CAPTAIN N: To do me a solid. And I can trust you. If you are good enough to run an errand perfect, if not can you relay to Morvan and I can get you two to help me.
Things inside are getting restless. I need to Animate soon or I worry something in the hospital could potentially decide to give up being peacefully dead. Last thing I need is Zombie fetuses or someone's great gran deciding to zombie walk around.

CAPTAIN N: Things I need. My kit. It's in my front closet at home or in the trunk of my car. Maria has a set of my car keys and if they aren't there Morvan can get into my home if my brother doesn't want to help. Currently he's stormed off because not even 2 hours out of my coma I've decided to dive back into my devil's work. I also need a live chicken. And to find me a dead cat that you can bury close to the hospital so I can bleed off this build up. Can I count on you Adler to do this solo or team up with Morvan to make this happen for tomorrow night?


ADLER: I will need Morvan at the very least to use the shovel. Digging one handed is difficult. I will get him to reach out to your brother if your kit is not in your car. He will likely be better received, seeing as he has a pulse.  Are you certain this will not take too much out of you?  Do we need to reach out to your animation employer for assistance?

CAPTAIN N: really isn't physically demanding that I've noticed. Besides the doc here already forced me to walk around the hallway once with a nurse to make sure my legs work. The circle that I need to cast won't be that big the only assistance I might need is someone to lean on.  Not likely able to raise the dead  if I'm stoned on painkillers so Im holding off for now. So after the ritual and the animal is put to rest you guys are more than allowed to wheel me back up to my room and have them give me the good drugs. After that I will be a good patient at least for another two weeks when I have to do this again.

ADLER: I will coordinate with Morvan. One small dead animal buried near the hospital. I will try to find an area that is not too public.

ADLER: perhaps you should also give Morvan the heads up that I will be contacting him.

Suki sighed as she read the message. She really didn't want to. Learning she had been in a coma for two weeks meant the cat was out of the bag. It meant she was likely going to have to have a very uncomfortable conversation. Why had she told him to only give it a day or two, she should have told him to wait longer before venturing up into the attic.

Sadly, what was done, was done and there were no take backs.

CAPTAIN N: I'll let him know, give it a half hour before you contact him. You have his number? I guess Brandy could provide it if you don't have it to call and ask if he would help. If he refuses, perhaps we could substitute Brandy in his stead if he refuses. I don't want to put too much strain on anyone.

ADLER: I have many of the leopard numbers. All the donors plus upper management.  I don’t see why he wouldn’t help but I will prepare contingencies.

CAPTAIN N: Thank you, Adler, I appreciate it, truly. I will see you a couple hours after sunset then. Morvan usually finished his work days around five to six so meeting up once he is done somewhere close to here is ideal. The less I have to walk or be pushed about via a wheelchair the better. I don't want to push too hard since I'm still figuring out how broken my body really is. The damage is extensive but the doctors are impressed with how much I've recouped while I've been under.

ADLER:  You are tougher than you realize. And seriously, I am glad you survived.

CAPTAIN N:  Thompson was a good, seasoned tough cop with many more years under his belt than I had. Polanski was strong and fit.  I got lucky, Adler and brought you for ride along. If I hadn't brought you or you had insisted this didn't feel vampire enough and decided to turn back and head home, I'd be just as dead as they were. Thank you for humouring me and coming along.

ADLER:  It was the vest. It made all the difference. Sorry if that made you laugh. See you tomorrow night.

Once he’d sent the text, Klaus called Morvan to set up the acquisition, burial and subsequent animation of a dead animal.

Suki didn't text Morvan immediately. Instead, she lay there trying to find the energy to do so. She hurt, the phone felt as heavy as a brick, and the bright light in her room was giving her a headache. When the nurse checked in on her to see if she needed anything, she asked for a cup of crushed ice and some ibuprofen for the pain. They had of course offered her morphine but she shook her head explaining it wouldn't do much for her headache.

Razan had also come back from his cool down walk and hunt for coffee. Saving her voice she answered Razan in mostly yes and now answers on the paper pad by her bed and Suki wrote out that her friend Morvan would be coming by the house to pick up something for her.

When pressed why he couldn't, she simply wrote. 'My animators kit'

Razan sighed and frowned, "You should be resting and not wanting to play with dead things." He said sounding frustrated and tired. "I'll be back tomorrow morning with some of your things if you want to put together a list of things that don't involve anything witchy. This metaphysical nonsense is going to be the death of you. Not even a full day out of a coma and you want to play with the dead. You almost died! If you can't be bothered about dying, perhaps I shouldn't care either."

She did just that watching her brother leave, feeling a little sad as Rzan shut down emotionally as she felt his walls come up shutting her out some. Would they ever see eye to eye on things?

To Suki's delight, a half hour later she had received her ice cubes, meds for the headache and the nurse had even brought her a popsicle. She ate the popsicle, thankful for the coolness as it soothed her sore throat. It came as a surprise to find out that removing breathing tubes would cause her discomfort. They never mentioned that in the TV shows or movies.

With a sigh she picked up her phone to  start a Text convo she really didn't want to have...

Morvan hadn’t expected a call from Klaus to contain any good news but the news that Suki had awakened was far better news than he expected. He promised to have a dead animal buried near the hospital parking lot, which would be easily accessible. He certainly was not expecting a text from Suki….

Suki read the message and sardonically smiled, shaking her head at the Typed reply. It felt fitting considering the last thing she had him read was the letter in her attic. It felt ironically proper to start things off where she had left them. There was a dark humor there. She was sure Klaus would have seen and appreciated it. She hit send.

SUKI:Morvan, if you are reading this, things have likely taken a turn for the better, and I am not dead...

MORVAN: Not dead is a huge relief. You were in bad shape last I saw you. Seriously I was worried. Your brother wouldn’t let me in to see you. I was going to sit by your bed and read to you. Good thing I didn’t have to decide whether I thought you would prefer Harry Potter, Game of Thrones or Wheel of Time.

SUKI: Still digesting since I only woke up a couple of hours ago. Haven't read any of those books, by the way. I don't do much Sci-fi and fantasy.  I reached out to Klaus to try to set something up and he will likely be contacting you for details if you are free to assist and wish to see me tomorrow. I won't lie in the fact that I'm still in rough shape. Walked around the floor, did one lap, so I can do limited walking. Hope this isn't too awkward, so don't feel obligated to help if you are too upset. Did you want to air out anything before tomorrow night when Adler is around?

MORVAN:  Yeah he called.  Don't worry about walking.  We can borrow/steal a wheelchair or I can carry you. Let's get you healthy before we worry about anything else. Do you really need to do this a day after you woke up?

SUKI: Its hard to explain. Likely something like how you feel very close to the full moon. I can feel a metaphysical pressure. I'm already a week overdue. Need to take 2 raisings a month with pets to let the pressure subside. Don't want anything potentially coming back to say hello. There are a lot of dead people in hospitals...Doc's say I've healed up well over my time in coma. If I can walk a lap around the ICU wing, I can walk a summoning circle. Once it's done I'll rest up no more antics for another two weeks. Cross my heart.

MORVAN: Don’t want you stressing your pudding. You haven’t eaten in two weeks so you aren’t as strong as you think. Anything you want me to smuggle in as snacks?

SUKI: strange but no? Maybe a Matcha tea latte with almond milk? I'd feel better if we could rip the bandaid off now instead of making me stew. But I get it if you want to wait. I've made you do that since Halloween ????

She closed her eyes while she waited for the phone to vibrate in her hands. The texting was helping with not focusing directly on the pain.

MORVAN:  I’ve had time to stew. You did the right thing. I was in no place to be a father. No education. No job. I’m in a better place now but that is now. And children are not safe around shifters on a full moon.

SUKI: I've sat on things for a long time, but I figured you had a right to know in the end. Holding onto that was horrible. Now you understand why I shied away from the compliments and praise. Do you still think I'm a great person? Do you still want to try to rekindle anything, or have I proven to be a hypocrite now that the curtain has been peeled back? Razan said I was a monster when I did it. But what do you think? I tried my best but it wasn't enough. Certainly I am not winning any parenting awards.

MORVAN: your brother is a fucktard. He was probably adopted.

SUKI: He wasn't. We can talk about it more if you want now or later. I'm guessing if I've woken up chances are I'll be walking out of here and not end up dying. We are through the worst part. I just wanted you to have an option on showing up tomorrow night and to talk things out beforehand if you had some choice things you wanted to say.

MORVAN: you need to focus on healing.  We can talk about things we can't change later after you get released.

SUKI: As you wish. I'll leave things to you and Adler, then, and get some rest. Despite being awake only a few hours, I admit I'm exhaustedt. You will need to get the keys from Maria to get my kit if it is locked in the car. Razan said if it's in the house, you can knock and ask for if it. Sorry I can't remember if its in the house or the car, but I will see you guys tomorrow. Thanks for hearing me out.

MORVAN:  Maria if it is in car. Razan if it is at house. Fingers are crossed that it is in car because I think your brother hates me because I exist. Not even sure he knows I’m a leopard.

SUKI: He isn't stupid so it is possible. Dad I'm sure was sensitive and I am as well so maybe he is picking up vibes. Or he looked at you did the math. Only male showing up that isn't a cop and he clocked you as my potential baby daddy. ????

MORVAN:  he did ask if we were having sex. I told him it was none of his fucking business

Suki groaned  "Of course you did."

SUKI:You know if you responded with the f-bomb... yeah he definitely thinks it's on. Perfect.

MORVAN: it is none of his fucking business. I told him we were friends. Mentioned the koi pond. Told him I knew you from work. I doubt he is aware of the liaison program.

SUKI: I know just giving you the heads up. You likely wont have to deal with him any time soon. Don't worry about it I will deal with him. I'll see you tomorrow night. Until then.

MORVAN:  See you. And if he gives me grief, I will be polite and not pee on his shoes. If he asks again, what do you want me to tell him, since telling him to fuck off seems to be the erong answer.

SUKI: The choice is ultimately yours. Just let me know what you end up sharing so I can steel the defences should it be something he doesn't like. There is no correct answer but you are right he shouldn't pry.

MORVAN: Will figure it out when the time comes. See you tomorrow.
24
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
November 17th Wererat Moving Day

“I’ve got a box here with no label,” Mike called out. “Looks like kitchen stuff. Smells like about six different people so I have no idea who it belongs to. Who uses Corel with a blue flower pattern?”

“Just about anyone who uses Corel,” Tony responded. “Set it by the entrance. Someone will likely recognize it.”

“Sounds good, Boss,” Mike said.

“Bunk bed for the Chandler twins,” Don called out to the former veteran who was organizing the loading of one of the final trucks.

“Left side, as close to the front as you can get,” Tony answered.  “Use it to brace that chest of drawers. We’ve still got half a truck but that doesn’t mean we can afford not to pack it tight.”  He made a note of the added item on his clipboard. “How many trips to get the whole thing?”

“Two more,” Don replied. Having something to do, to take his mind off his recent losses, had done wonders for his mood.

“We’re ahead of schedule,” Tony said, nodding in satisfaction. “Okay, what’s next?”

Adalyn came out with a box in her arms. "I have a box of board games here. It was in the community room so, I guess we can divide it between the families with kids who aren't video game fans." She said with a bit of happiness in her voice even if it felt a tad flat to her.


"Aren't we leaving any of that for the people who are staying?  Joseph, Philip and Carl are planning on staying," Mike said.  "A couple of others too.  They've been down here too long. been homeless too long."

"I understand that," Tony said.  "Hell, I could have been in that boat, except for Lillia and Nick.  It's why I'm going to be staying to keep an eye on them.  They trust me.  Birds of a feather and all that."  He looked at the box.  "Better leave it here.  They'll need something familiar, after everyone's gone.  Change is hard on some."

"Change is hard for most. " Lillia said, joining them.  " But fighting against it just makes it worse.  It will come whether we like it or not." She looked tired, little lines of worry and weariness creasing her red rimmed eyes.  She had been cleaning out Nick's room, and it was obvious she had been crying while doing it.  " How's it coming? Any problems?"

“Unlabeled boxes has been the worst of it,” Tony answered. “Carl had a panic attack and changed.  I was expecting it. We fed him some hamburger and he’s holed up behind the water purifier. He’ll settle down when all the activity is done.”

“He’d probably appreciate you checking on him,” Mike suggested. “I’d place his freak out a little higher on the problem scale than an unlabeled box.”

"I agree. I'll go make sure he's alright. I wish he would move with the rest of us, but I do understand." Lillia said, taking a moment to brush up against each of them both physically and metaphysically. " Be back shortly."

Adalyn nodded and moved back to the common room to return the box of games. "I can always stop by on my way home from work with supplies for you guys," she offered.

“Appreciated,” Tony said. “We could use some TP, although it is not critical. Fruit and veggies are a little thin. There will likely be some complaining but I’d rather not have to deal with a bunch of wererats coming down with rickets or scurvy.”

"No problem, and I'll make sure to pick up some kerosene for the hurricane lamps and heaters in case you lose power," Adalyn offered as well. "I'm sure the snow will be coming soon enough.  Actually, let me go make sure that they didn't pack up all the mummy bags," she muttered.

Lillia poked her head into the space behind the water purifier. "Hey Carl. I heard you're having a rough time.  I know it's difficult dealing with so much change all at once." She moved to the wall and slid down to sit against it, patting her lap.  "Here, put your head on my lap," she said, waiting for him to scoot over to her before continuing.  " I can't fix everything, even though I wish I could.  That's not the way things work.  All I can do is try my best to help," she said, wrapping him in her Beast and stroking his fur.  "Try my best, and hope."

Watching Carl emerge from behind the water purifier was heartbreaking.  He was literally trembling with fear, but he clearly trusted Lillia enough to do as she asked.  Or perhaps he was afraid to disobey.  It was hard to tell.  He was making small noises as he lay there.  Lillia could feel the agitation in his Beast when she touched him.  It seemed like his Beast was running in circles, looking for a safe place and not finding one.  Lillia's lap was safer.  Behind the water purifier was safer.  But no place was safe.  Not right now.

Lillia was quiet for a moment, her fingers running through his fur until a drop of wetness landed there too.  Crying. Again. She had been holding it inside as much as possible, trying to be the pillar for them all as their world turned upside down, but really she was the same, broken hearted, scared, desperately trying to cling to something to regain that feeling of safety.  "I'm sorry," she whispered, hugging him against her.  " I'm so sorry."

Carl curled in tighter, almost burrowing in to Lillia’s body. It took a long time for the trembling to subside as they sat there in their mutual grief. Carl was by no means a strong rat and he was prey to wild swings of emotion that he couldn’t control, nor could he afford the medications that might have helped. His shifter metabolism made determining a proper dosage virtually impossible, so he generally just hid from society. Finding a family with the rats had helped some but his emotions rode him more fiercely than his Beast. He felt things far stronger than most.   That included his love and respect for Nick and Lillia. He felt her pain as keenly as he felt his own and snuggling was his only way to help her.

"Ah, aren't we a mess?"  Lillia half laughed, rubbing her cheeks free of tears.  "I know this is hard for you, and I wish I could change it all.  Nick and I.. We made mistakes.  Mistakes have consequences.  Unfortunately, in this case our mistakes have hurt those we care about the most, and for that I am so terribly sorry.  Still, I believe that Astrid is a good queen, and one that is more experienced and wiser than I.  And even though I no longer have that title, I will always do everything I can for you, and all of our brothers and sisters.  We are a family.  Always."  She kissed the top of his head and stroked his ears.

Carl’s trembling lessened, although it didn’t stop. It seemed to be coming in waves: shudder, still.  Shudder, still. He nuzzled Lillia’s face, trying to help wipe away her tears. The whiskers tickled.

Lillia gave a little laugh at the tickle, burying her face in his fur and breathing deep.  His anxiety was a sourness in his musk, making her sigh.  "I love you all so much," she said softly.  "I really do."

Carl couldn't speak in return, but his actions were louder than words.  He nuzzled Lillian's neck and shoulders, then, with his teeth gently around her wrist, tried to pull her back behind the water purifier.  In his own way, he was trying to protect her.

She let herself be pulled. It wouldn't hurt to humor him for a while.  Perhaps it would even act as a salve to her broken heart. Already she was working to direct the grief towards more productive avenues, after all. Soon she would have the chance at revenge.

The two rats, one in human form, one in rat form, tucked themselves behind the water purifier.  Lillia wasn't sure how long they were there.  It could have been an hour.  It could have been less.  Eventually, Tony stuck his head into the room.  "Lillia?  The last load is packed.  How is Carl doing?"


Lillia looked up.  "Better, I think. Still not good, but better." She continued stroking Carl's furry head.  "Are you staying here or going to help unload?"

"I'm what's left of the security here," Tony answered.  After Lillia lost her crown, she'd also lost her bodyguards.  Tony wasn't happy about it but like the soldier he was, he'd done as he was told.  It didn't stop him from wanting to protect her.  What had started as something akin to infatuation had morphed into far more paternal feelings for the young healer.  "You staying the night?"

"I can, if it will help.  " She said softly.  " I can't be everywhere for everyone, but I can be here tonight if you like."

Tony smiled. Lillia would always be his queen. “I think Carl would like that. I’ll grab a blanket and a pillow for you. Unless you rat out, it will be a little cold, even cuddled up to Carl like that.  Did you want to see if you can get him to come out to the common area?  We could all cuddle. It would probably help everyone. What do you say, Carl?  Cuddle puddle?”

Lillia smiled. “Now that sounds wonderful," she said.  "Come on, Carl. Let's make ourselves a nest to cuddle in."

It took a small amount of coaxing, but Carl eventually allowed Lillia to wriggle free and followed her out of the cramped space. He stayed very close to her, brushing her often as they made their way to where the other remaining rats, the outcasts, holdouts, the lost and the found, were gathering.

Lillia settled in the middle of the space so that anyone who wanted to cuddle close could. It was a definite that by the next morning they would all be a pile of limbs, both human and rat, and that was alright. In fact, it was more than alright.  It was good.

There were, in the end, ten of them cuddled together in the common area. Carl had stayed in rat form and Tony had joined him.  Joseph and Philip had elected to remain in human form. Mike had stayed with them, while Don, in his rat form, had done one last wander through the place that had been his home after being kicked out by his biological family.  He too eventually settled into the pile, burrowing in beside Mike and Lillia.  By that point Carl had drifted off into what seemed to be a dreamless sleep.

Humans would never be able to understand the extent of soothing that physical touch can have.  They were too busy trying to prove that they were independent to remember that even though they are hard wired to live in groups.  That wasn't a problem for lycanthropes usually.  Their animalistic side reminded them of the safety and comfort in numbers.  That was what they all would miss the most by having to move out of their warren.  Certainly, they could all come together for full moons and parties as they had previously, but it wouldn't be the same.  She decided then that it would be worth it to look into an arrangement that would allow at least some of them to live together in a large enough group to feel right.  The leopards had a farmhouse where several of them lived.  That wasn't a bad set up at all, and when discussing the move, there had been some talk of maybe being able to create a commune of sorts, which Lillia liked the idea of.  Astrid just wanted them out of the underground, so she would likely be happy enough if Lillia could find someplace for them to be.

That was something to work on later though.  For now, she wrapped her Beast around those that gathered around her like a shield against the odd quiet of a place that had been like its own city beneath Seattle.  She would miss it almost as much as she missed Nick.

Adalyn watched the group gathering into its cuddle puddle as Tony called it. She sat in silence for a few minutes before she got up and went towards the kitchen area.

As was her new ritual at night she settled herself on a stool that had been left for those staying behind. From her pocket she fished out a silver-colored zippo. For a few minutes she just flicked it open and closed, before she lit it and held it steady.  It was in this quiet moment of the night that she placed her arm over the open flame and let the fire lick at the tender flesh of her arm.   
She grit her teeth so that she made no sound and counted the seconds off in her mind until she'd made it a minute and had nasty blister forming from the burn.  Then she got up and went to the sink and ran some cold water over the burn just to ease the sting, before she returned to the main room and snuggled next to Mike.

“You know I can smell that, right?” Mike whispered, in a voice loud enough only for Adalyn to hear. It wasn’t impossible to whisper around shifters. It was just difficult, especially near those in full rat form. “It’s not healthy.”

Adalyn nodded her head against Mike's shoulder. "I know, but it's the only way I know I can still feel something. Today was rough, and I'm really in a fuzzy and warm place with the new monarchy," she said just as low.

“So, you don’t feel anything?” Mike asked, touching Adalyn’s cheek. “Not even annoyance at me for being such a dick all the time?”  His other hand was on her waist, just making contact so that his Beast could touch hers. He knew he was weaker, FAR weaker than she was, but he firmly believed that it was the subs that supported the Alphas, while the alphas were busy protecting the subs.  Nick had taught him that, after he’d deposed the old king who thought that the subs were there to serve, and the Alphas were there to be served.

"All the time," she returned as she felt his beast touch hers. "But...hell I don't really know how to explain it. Take today, everyone had felt something about the packing, Don is pissed at the world right now. Lillia's dealing with having to move all of us, play peacemaker, and mourn for her lover. Me... nothing...like I'm in a cocoon."

“Maybe you should talk to someone,” Mike suggested. “A grief counsellor?  Feeling nothing is worse than feeling like shit.”

"I know, but I don't want Astrid to have her fingers in the pie," Adalyn confessed, it wasn't that she liked or disliked the other woman, but having to deal with the knowledge that Astrid would know that she need mental health help rankled.

“What pie? I’m confused.”

Somewhere in the pile, a sleepy voice said “Mmm.  Pie.  I like pie.”

"It's a metaphor for being in someone's business and controlling it in some form or fashion," Adalyn whispered and stilled as the sleepy confession was heard. "Maybe we should continue this talk later when folks aren't eavesdropping in their sleep."

“I know what it means,” Mike said. “I can’t see why you’d think she was getting in your business. It’s not like she’d sit in on the sessions.  And yes, we are going to talk about this later.”

Adalyn nodded again and moved in closer. She tried to find an answer as to why she felt the way she did about Astrid as she drifted off to sleep.
25
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
Sat Nov14th 10pm -Malaki and Ronnie

There was no way for Ronnie to tell time in the underground sealed room.

Ashton saw to him at different times of the day to bring him meals, hydration and basic meds.

It was during Malaki's meal that Ashton had reported in that Ronnie was in poor condition. Withdrawals had wreaked havoc on the boy. He was rarely eating or drinking without it coming back up. Ronnie had recently found the energy to bust the rooms light and claw at the door until his fingernails tore leaving his hands bloody and sore.

Ronnie did not hear Malaki approach until the door began to open. Light poured in from behind the lean vampire making him physically more menacing.

"Tsk tsk. Destroying my property will not do." It was unclear if he was talking about the light or Ronnie himself. With a graceful step backwards, Ashton entered the room moving to replace the light bulb.

The light hurt his eyes as he backed up into a corner as he trembled. Partially due to being naked, the room wasn't freezing but it wasn't warm. Partially due to low blood sugars as the food that was provided lay mostly untouched and partially because... well fear. He wasn't sure where he was and why he was here.

He made the softest of noises, a failed attempt to speak, his throat was too sore, lips too cracked and dry from the stress of licking at them and chewing at them.  He had thought that it would be easy to rush the door and escape, but every time the moment came, he had balked.

Even now he didn't have the energy to do much as a voice chided him and another person the one that normally came to bring him his food for the day entered to change that light. He wasn't sure what was worse the light always being on or the darkness he had been sitting in.

Ronnie looked up at the man with the two-toned hair before just curling up and giving him his back. Hope wasn't something he had much of. How long had he been in here? It had to be weeks?  Then again maybe it had only been days. Most people ate three times a day? Or were they only feeding him once a day or every few days? He wasn't sure nor was he sure that the food was safe to eat. A few attempts had been made but nothing stayed down.

The time down in the room had done things to Ronnie. The first was a detox to his body of the illicit drugs he liked to sample. The food provided was healthy as per Malaki's request and had the additional benefits of being garlic free. Ashton was just thoughtful like that.

It has come as a surprise that the teen would turn down the food. He normally turned down the beverages as well unless it was soda pop in a sealed can.  If that wasn't provided Ronnie removed the top of the toilet tank and would occasionally drink the water from there. "Home please." Ronnie whispered into the corner.

Ashton was emotionless as he moved towards the curled form in the now lit room. He said nothing but his touch was incredibly gentle as he tried to manipulate Ronnies body in a way to inspect his hands. Words would fall on deaf ears both the boys and his masters.

"Oooh home. This is your new home until I deem it so." Malaki leisurely entered the room.  His presence a stark contrast to the gentle man beside Ronnie.

"Please. You hear that Ashton, he is aware of the word. I wonder how many times the girl pleaded, begged or whispered that word into the void inside her head. How odd you think invoking please could help you here." Malaki looked to the untouched food. "Worse than owning a cat." He clicked his tongue. "I suppose we could always strap him to a chair and IV some fluids into him. It would let me practice my rigger skills it has been a long time. Be a lamb Ronnie and let Ashton look at those hands. Do not think I will not put you in a straitjacket if I must." Malaki grinned maliciously.

Ronnie wasn't following everything, it was confusing, but he offered hands as he squinted against the harsh light in the room. His throat was raw from the screaming he had done. Why he was locked in this room was a mystery due to Malaki's earlier mindfucks. Ronnie just knew he had been locked up for what felt like an eternity, but this two-toned haired man was a new addition to things. His stomach twisted and churned in on itself as Malaki entered the room. He showed his hands to the old man, proving he had nothing hidden in them as he nervously felt himself back into the corner of the room as the pale vampire approached. He wasn't sure why, but the man made him feel very unsafe despite having done nothing more than speak. His heart beat faster, and he shivered slightly trying to do his best to look small and nonthreatening, his head lowered to look at the concrete floor.

Ashton’s gentle touch was warm as he tended to Ronnie’s fingers and hands. His gaze shifted to Malaki who scoffed.

"Fine. Do not look at me that way. We will increase the heat, but he will not receive clothing. If left to his own devices I refuse to allow him to water board himself on his own vomit." Malaki crouched down drinking in the boy’s fear. He didn't have ability to sustain himself on others fear or the nose of a shifter, but it was palpable all the same.

His mouth opened slightly scenting the air in an animalistic manner. He sighed as he shot unraveled back to a standing position. "This will not do. How ever will we play our games in these conditions. Hydration should be our focus. How do you feel about an I.V. bag? Would you like to feel hydrated?"

"No thanks." Ronnie murmured as he winced when Ashton poured Hydrogen peroxide on his infected fingers. His mouth was dry, talking felt like a chore and currently he was trying hard to not whine like an injured dog from the first aid he was getting from the old man. "Why so this? Ransom? You picked a shitty target for that, I ain't got anyone."

"Oh no, you see I have the perfect target because you have no one. Well, there is that pesky older brother, but I digress. The fact you have devolved into this state is a tad disappointing for all the huffing and puffing you do. I suppose I'll have to chop that one up to the drugs. Have you always liked picking on the weak Ronnie?" Malaki asked casually as he examined his fingernails. It was not long since they tasted blood and the sensation of tearing flesh. But they yearned for it and so did Malaki. There were good points to their kind coming out of the shadows and for awhile it was the most interesting thing to happen in years. Human law came alongside it however, making an already long life dull and boring.  It would seem Klaus had gotten a good position, at least he still got to have a little sanctioned fun.

"I usually don't start fights. But I do my best to finish them. Quash beefs as soon as you can." Ronnie replied as he stayed curled up on himself.

"So dear Ronnie this quashing of beef. This is by any means necessary? Including dragging other people into said beef that had nothing to do with the situation? Or is that only when someone hurts your pride?" His once disinterested glance at his fingers turned artic while it shifted to the coiled form. Part of Malaki wanted so desperately to end the boy’s life here and now.

Ashton pulled away slowly standing to his feet. He glanced to Malaki with a raised brow. "Sir, if you over load his brain in this fragile state it could not be fatuitous."

Malaki sighed. "Fine, answer me this Ronnie. What type of beef deems multiple men to beat, rape and leave a young girl for dead?”

Ronnie thought about it. "Stealing from me or anyone else on the street that ran with me would do it. Mad disrespect might do it too.  Ratting someone out to the popo, that gets you in deep shit. You need street cred and for peeps to know they can't be hustling or disrespecting you or your crew. You let that slide and then everyone thinks you a chump.  Then you get played."

"Well in that dear Ronnie. I feel madly disrespected. You and your crew picked the wrong person to play with." Malaki’s voice shifted adding many minced phrases and wording. "So, I suppose I should quash my beef with you and yours as soon as I can based on your logic." Malaki closed the gap between him and Ronnie in a blink his voice quivering with rage as he spoke with purposely exposed fang.

"But you see Ronnie I have nothing BUT time. Time, I intend to take again and again and again." Malaki pulled back slowly as he restrained himself taking in a habit like calming breath.

"Alas I do not wish to play with broken toys. So, get better Ronnie. I so wish to quash my beef thoroughly." Malaki’s words were cold and detached.

"Fix him Ashton. By force or restraints if you must."

Ronnie paled as he spotted the fangs. A silent internal struggle of rage and panic swept over him as he tried to find words and say something clever. However, the words didn't come as he was chilled to the core. Malaki's rolling had muddled his memory enough that he couldn't connect all the dots, but he knew enough that he had a pissed off vampire in the room with him.

He wanted to snarl that the laws of the streets didn't pertain to this vampire who clearly had enough money to have a hide-out to house him in and a person to watch over him and to 'take care' of him.

He waited until the vampire wasn't in the room as he finally found a voice and muttered that the vampire didn't know shit.

Ashton let out a sigh as he stood and began to clean up. "It's because he knows shit that you are in this situation. Alas it is not my story to tell. Keep the spark kid. Any requests of something you will eat? I will tube feed you if I have to and I think neither of us want that." Ashton asked as he moved towards the heavy door.

"Chef Boyardee beefaroni?" Ronnie asked. The food that had been pushed on him had been a little strange and not anything he had wanted to try. But the canned pasta was a mental comfort from back when he was a tiny child in the single digits before his life had gone to shit. It was familiar, nostalgic, and comforting.

Ashton stopped on the threshold "That can be arranged. Cold or hot?"

Ronnie lifted his head looking confused. "Who would eat that cold. Warm right? It's got meat in it. You have to cook it."

"Then it shall be. Rest now." Ashton said as he closed the heavy door behind him leaving Ronnie alone with the hum of the fluorescent lighting over head out of the boys reach after the echo of locks stopped. It was not long after that Ronnie felt the gentle breeze of warm air touch his exposed flesh. It would seem the heat had finally been turned up.
26
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
Nov 13th 6pm Archangel Industries- Nigel and Carmen

Carmen let out a delighted laugh as she and Nigel snuggled on his couch watching the antics of Satan.
"I freely admit you didn't disappoint; your cat is highly entertaining and a thing of beauty. Such beautiful coloration." She watched as the cat wandered around in circles with a cardboard box stuck on its head and laughed again. "Though it is abundantly clear that the girl's awkwardness does bleed through into the cat, or perhaps it was the catnip from earlier?"

“It is the catnip,” Nigel said, chirruping to catch Satan’s attention. “He is usually quite agile.”  He didn’t want to use his ability to call cats to bring the cat to him; he wanted it to come of its own volition because it knew he was going to help, rather than because there was no choice. “He frequently acts out, likely because of a lack of stimulation.  Would you perhaps be open to accompanying me when I take him for a walk?”

"Oh! I think I could be persuaded. My lovelies need a walk as well. My bitches had their litters, the paperwork to get them back into Italy is going to be a whole process, but yes, an evening walk sounds well. Do you think that- Satan can get along with a few dogs walking in his proximity?" Carmen asked, tilting her head as she sat up straighter, the prospect of a mini adventure intrigued her.

“He will likely think that he is the toughest animal on the block, with utter distain for your dogs and yet he will choose not to prove this superiority by provoking them. I think we should be fine. And if not, I can control him.”  Nigel chirruped again, patiently waiting for Satan to come closer. “Besides, given his current state, he might not even notice the dogs.”

Carmen nodded "That might be the case if you decide to leave the box on his head."

Satan backed up quickly in an attempt to free himself whipping his head back and forth, tail lashing about angrily ignoring Nigel's calls.  Carmen watched curiously "I still find it interesting that you opt to not use metaphysics to train him." The marbled cat let out a muffled yowl before drastically plunking down on the office floor. Head tilting for a brief moment before blindly panning the room.

“I am attempting to win loyalty, rather than compel obedience,” Nigel said, as he stood. “Come here, Satan.  Let me fix that for you.”  He made deliberate amounts of noise as he approached the large cat.  “Let me get that box for you.”

"Do you really think trying to win loyalty over forced compulsion makes a difference? Or is this due to it being more complicated with your American consent laws. I'm honestly curious since I normally compel my dogs. As time goes by, they don't resist, and it becomes second nature. They accept that I am their master. Their adoration comes in time. Having them from when they are birthed lessens many of the aforementioned challenges. I of course reward and spoil them when time permits. I'm not certain what I would do if I found a were-dog that met my expectations." Carmen asked as she watched Nigel pull the box from the cat’s head.

“Having the ability to command and control cats does not necessarily extend to lycanthropes,” Nigel said as he reached out to touch Satan. “It does in this case, but it is not a guarantee. You may not be able to affect were dogs. And yes, the laws do play a major factor. Use of vampiric power on an unwilling victim is a felony that warrants the death penalty.”

"And how do your laws prove this if it is done behind closed doors? I've not met many were-dogs. The ones I have met, were controllable. I've taken a page from your book and have held out on claiming one as a Beast to call. What will you do with this one? Win over beast and woman to finally get you Beast to call or pass and hope another springs into being." Carmen could not help but smile as the free cat bounded over to the couch and perched on the back of it looking down at her before it began to groom itself.

“I try not to get in the habit of breaking too many laws behind closed doors,” Nigel said, clearly being facetious.  “I would rather have Katherine choose to join me of her own free will.  It would be taxing to compel Satan’s loyalty.  With true loyalty comes a willingness to go above and beyond and if I was to grant her immortality, I would want to know that I would not be fighting him for all eternity.  This is my only opportunity, because Katherine was created. She is unique.”

"So how long do you hold out before you say enough is enough? A year? Five? Ten? I recall you telling me she was fond of Maria, but not so much yourself." She said, rising to her feet readying to go as she texted for her two bitches to be brought down to the lobby leashed and ready to have a short adventure. “It is a good thing you like the occasional challenge."

"I will try to win Satan within the next five years," Nigel said.  "That should give her enough time to discover that she is alone in the world.  Once her remaining family has passed, Maria and I will be essentially all she has left.  She will come to us in the end."

"I'm surprised at the soft approach. No disrespect is meant. As my mentor you taught and shaped me. Studying and learning from Ceasar's Dark Horse was a privilege. But I remember your teachings to be more Machiavellian when dealing with others. You've changed tactics opting for a velvet glove over the iron gauntlet. Do know if her family isn't long lived due to genetics or are you assuming that they might have an accident?"

Satan finished with his grooming jumped off the couch and made his way to the double doors of his office now that the stress of the entrapment was mostly forgotten.  Rising onto haunches the cat swatted at one of handles a few times.

“Caesar’s Dark Horse.  Now there is a name I have not heard in a long time.”  Nigel smiled. “There are times where the velvet glove is to be used. There is also the limited chance that she is not unique. If I could find a stronger cat, I would certainly prefer it. It would be similar to finding a wet dog chihuahua. Would you bind it to yourself for all eternity or would you wait for a Cane Corso?”

He extended a hand to Carmen. “Shall we take in the night air?”

"We shall. I am sure wrangling a cat for a walk is going to be entertaining." She mused.

True to that fact Carmen had enjoyed watching Nigel chase the cat around the office at preternatural speeds. If the cat enjoyed walks it was clear it did not like the harness Nigel had to wrestle the cat into. The clear winner for the evening however was Nigel. He was faster than the cat even if the cat had great cornering speed and a certain unpredictability to it. In the end it was Maria who helped sooth the speckled cat, and it wasn't either long before the vampires made their way out into the night air, Carmen with her two bitches and Nigel with his cat. Two of her were-wolf bodyguards trailed close by.

There were of course many who gave the pair curious looks and had the gall to snap photos and ask what sort of breed Satan was.  But in time they got away from the people and made their way to a park that evening where Carmen visibly relaxed. "Is it always like that? The people clambering up to you to ask questions and take photographs? I don't know how you put up with it. How does one get any peace around here unless you shut yourself in?"

“It depends on who you are,” Nigel said. “I have been the public face of the vampires in Seattle for many years, so I am something of a celebrity. Satan of course draws attention for his size and coloration. You being with me will draw attention in most places. There are, of course, less public venues but it is rare to find an American vampire who is not an attention whore.”

Nigel clicked a button on the leash handle, allowing Satan more range. “He will find a tree he likes and attempt to jump to one of the lower branches,” he predicted. “He has yet to figure out that the leash works vertically as well as horizontally.”

Satan padded silently through the grass ignoring the dogs as they sniffed about.  Eventually he froze eyes large and focused on a tree as he began excitedly chattering at a leafless maple that was home to several squirrel nests.

Carmen paused to watch. "Oh my, isn't he quite the hunter tracker."

“I believe the proper term is murder hobo,” Nigel said with a chuckle as he unclipped the cat’s leash. The harness remained on, but Satan was now free to commit his atrocities against the unwary squirrels.   “Do your dog’s enjoy raw meat?” he asked. “There may be some available very shortly.”

"Murder Hobo? Goodness gracious me..." Amber eyes watched as the cat took to the tree with ease. "My dogs do on occasion. Do you ever marvel or frown at how hard English is? I struggle because there is so much slang. The English speaking on my security staff do try to help. Hobo... a vagrant, murder, to end a life usually violently.... you put the two together and... " She watched as the cat crawled up onto a branch tail twitching as the rest of the body stilled. "It's bizarre because your cat has a home. But I do agree on the murder part. Your cat has keen hunting instincts."

“Satan likes two things,” Nigel said. “Catnip and murder. In this case hobo refers not to a vagrant but simply to one who does.  Murder hobo. One who does murder.  English can be difficult to keep up with, I agree. Even when one is fluent, the vocabulary changes. It is likely the same in Italy. My Italian would be a few decades out of date.”  He placed a hand on Carmen’s arm. “You see the way his tail is moving? He’s going to creep up, rather than pounce.”

"You read him like a book." Carmen whispered as she stood beside Nigel, slipping an arm around him to rest her hand on his hip, her head against his chest. “I suppose the same can be said in Italy, but a lot of English has also bled into the language. It seems very had to escape, so it seems a good time to learn it.”

The black and white cat slid along the branch on his belly, inching closer to the squirrel's home.   “He’s a cat,” Nigel said. “I read them all like books.”  He too put his arm around Carmen. “I have missed you,” he said. “And I miss Italy. Perhaps one day I will be able to visit.  We can terrorize Venice one night for old time’s sake. One wonders if they still talk of the Night of Howls.”

Carmen laughed softly. "Sadly, anyone that could have shared that story is dead unless they are like us. I've missed you too. You seem really happy here. But that is to be expected when you have many fewer vampires that can dictate what you can do. I am one of Caesars dogs and I owe that to you. Had you not taken me under your wing, I would have been less than that, likely a dead and discarded pawn. At least now I am one seen semi favorably. Enough so to be allowed to come here to visit so I shouldn't complain. But the freedom you must experience...Ah... I can only dream of such things."

Satan sprang into action, slamming his paws against the nest as there was an explosion of leaves that flew into the air, along with fur and the screams of confused squirrels. A small family rained onto the ground, their winter home demolished.

“You would never have been a discarded pawn,” Nigel said. “Others would have seen what I saw. It might have taken a little longer, but your assets would have been recognized.  I am grateful that I was able to help turn you into the powerful woman you are.”  He chuckled at Satan’s antics. The slaughter was about to begin, as soon as Satan realized his claws were empty. “The black one with the crooked tail. I think that will be the sole survivor.”

Satan flew off the branch, pouncing on one squirrel as he picked it up and shook it before tearing off after a very large, fat grey one.

Carmen shook her head, amused at the chaos as she watched. "So you say, but there are many vampires that don't appreciate the fairer sex still.  Our uses are rather limited unless you have the power to back up your claims and to silence the naysayers. Is your Master here in Seattle harsh and cruel? Or do you like working under him? Do you ever wish you had someone else running the show? Back home one could hardly imagine that anyone except the council could or would ever come to Italy to dethrone Caesar."

“There has only been one moment when I was concerned,” Nigel confessed. “I was asked where my loyalty would lie, should there be a dispute between the Master of the City and the Arctic Wolf, because I have had a longstanding friendship with the latter.  I know on which side my bread is buttered as they say. Waylon is a fair master. I do not know how things will change, now that he had stepped from the shadows. Perhaps I will still be running things, only this time I will not have the target on my back.  If I needed to leave the city, I would ask Caesar if he had an opening in a heartbeat. Perhaps he would have use for one who knows the ways of the New World.”  He licked his lips at a sudden spray of blood. Satan was certainly not failing to entertain this evening. “Now imagine this without the catnip slowing him down.”

The Vampiress rubbed his hip. "I understand the given name now. I thought it a little over the top at first, but watching him and hearing your stories, it is a name that suits."

Carmen's dogs watched as Satan sprinted off after his next squirrel target as the dogs sniffed at the blood in the air whining softly. "I've not encountered the Arctic Wolf personally, my status in the vampire world isn't at a level where he would give me a place except perhaps as a bed partner. I never found that an appealing job and was quite happy to work my way out of that particular chapter of my unlife. You would come to Italy rather than rule by your friend's side? I delight in that answer, but I have to ask why would you give up all this freedom? Do you miss Italy that much?"

“It is the degree of familiarity,” Nigel said. “My association with the Arctic Wolf is long past and was far more savage than this new world permits. We were conquerors and I have found the wholesale spilling of blood has lost its charm. Now the Arctic Wolf surrounds himself with children and I have never been a fan. Besides, Italy would require a sharper edge and returning to it would bring back a part of me that does not get to see many stars here. Do you think your dogs would be interested in a treat?  Satan revels more in the kill than the feast.”

"No disrespect to your current city but Italy and its cities do hold their charm. The oceanside ones have always been sought after to rule.  Should you decide you want a change of scenery please let me know."
She let go of Nigel to let her bitches approach the dead squirrels that Nigel's cat was dispatching.

“Old World charm they call it and for good reason.”  He watched as a skinny squirrel with amazing cornering abilities led Satan on a merry chase.  “The architecture is unmatched, even centuries later. The art….”  he gave a chef’s kiss. “And of course the women are without peer. Let the Americans worship their pasty blondes. Give me a woman with dark hair, dark eyes and a fire in her soul.  Yes, Carmen, if I found myself without a home here, I would return to the Old World. To the true courts. We grow lethargic here, where we can walk the streets openly and yet are forced to endure the ridicule and scorn of lesser beings. I long to be feared, Carmen. I miss it.”

"It is very different here. The photos, the curiosity from our prey. The lack of hunters and also the amount of vampires. To hear there were seven hundred in this city alone?  Pure insanity, if I can speak in earnest. How does one decide who they gift with the dark kiss? I'm still trying to figure it out. They all can't be as I was born. Born of an accident having crawled from a pile of corpses my neck not properly broken." Carmen said quietly.

“Some come to us and ask, although I do not think it is a gift for the asking,” Nigel said. “Yes, there are seven hundred. The majority work for Archangel but it is not a requirement. I have recently rewarded my pomme for twenty-five years of loyal service with the gift of immortality.  One of our accountants opted for immortality to stave off death from brain cancer. Some are chosen. Some are accidents. The accidents frequently lead to the death of the sire because if there is no permission, it is a crime. There is one human who serves as the legal executioner.  His name is Father Domenic Sozio. He is at the same time a Catholic priest, federal marshal and court appointed executioner of vampires, shapeshifters and other preternatural beings that are considered unsafe to imprison.”  He leaned over and kissed the nape of Carmen’s neck. “I am very glad your neck was improperly broken. You would not be here otherwise.”

"As am I overly joyed that you took me on as an apprentice despite being a woman.  I can remember Caesar giving you the option to reject me openly. The surprise that was had when you said yes. Such suppressed ecstasy. Should you decide to come down please do so, Caesar would love to pick your brain about America and would find your were-cat to be a great source of amusement." Carmen gently kissed the side of Nigel's mouth, enough for contact but to not leave lipstick behind as she whispered. "You could cement things with Katherine as well without all the complications that stem from living here."  The sound of another squirrel letting out a death cry echoed through the park. Carmen shook her head focusing on the here and now.  "Are you not worried the cat will attack any humans?"

“Not while I am here,” Nigel answered. “Neither does he seek larger prey except for me.” He chuckled softly and moved closer to whisper in her ear. “That suggestion justifies every moment I spent teaching you. And where are those who mocked you? Certainly not in as auspicious a place as we find ourselves now.”

Carmen let out a delighted shiver. The praise was something she savored "Such praise..." She softly whispered, "I thank you. You were a phenomenal teacher.  Even the wild cat pays you heed despite it not truly being collared."

“And yet I lament that I can only control cats,” Nigel said. “If I could expand it. Civets. Servals.  Tiny steps larger that would eventually lead to a bigger cat. Ocelot.  Lynx. Perhaps even one day tigers or leopards.”

"The question you need to ask yourself is do you let this moment pass in hopes that a few hundred years from now that you can do this, or do you seize the moment now and hope as time passes that you can grow the power base as a thrupple? Questions I need to ask myself as well. As long as there are witches, we will have more were-dogs. I choose to wait because I want a strong one, even if it means I am currently weaker than my betters. I have however told myself there is a time limit to this being finicky.  If I haven't found my perfect were-dog in a hundred years, I will settle for less than. If I come across something that is close to perfection, I would consider that as well." Carmen said, staring up at the night sky.

“There are two in the city that I am aware of,” Nigel said. “I will arrange a meeting. Harry and Rufus.  Harry is a hereditary; I’m not certain about Rufus. You would need to talk to Noah. And yes, I am aware that I may never get another chance.  Have you considered finding an appropriate candidate then finding a witch to curse him?  Weredog made to order.”  Nigel pointed. “Look. The one with the crooked tail has decided he’s safe on that branch. I’ve seen Satan jump twice that high.”

Carmen smiled softly as she tracked where Nigel pointed. "I had thought about that but much like normal lycanthropy there is no guarantee that a skilled man will grow into being strong. It's almost like the curse is designed to keep them weak so the rest of the community can have at them. Thus, I do understand your frustration with having to decide."

“I’ve always thought the strength of the dog would be based on the strength of the witch placing the curse,” Nigel said. “A powerful witch could create a Pomeranian or a Rottweiler as they preferred.  But finding a hereditary weredog?  You would have a loyal family of them in time.  Perhaps that would be a better choice.”

"Yes, it seems rather random maybe you have better ties with the witches here, and they are willing to openly work with you but in Italy, you know how it is, everyone wants to be separate unless you can strong-arm them or entice them. " She said as she watched Satan spring into the air and snatch the squirrel from the branch, ending the killing streak.

“If he had been less foolish, that squirrel would have lived,” Nigel said. “Much like the witches. They seem to think they are outside our grasp, only to turn around to find us emerging from the shadows, too close for them to react.”  He chuckled. “You remind me of the old ways,” he said. “You should have come to visit sooner. I am realizing how soft this country has made me.”

"If I have stirred things and reawaken them, take to heart that, with this second awakening, many of those that you keep company with are likely still walking through the night eyes wide shut. Embrace that knowledge, it might be of value to you,” she counselled. "Though I do see the appeal of living in this wonderland playground where the laws protect, and the sheep throw themselves before your feet. If you keep your wits and don't succumb to the sweet excess, you could do much to stake a claim and claw out a handhold in this country, of that I have no doubt. The issue is doing so with finesse and not attracting the attention of the mortals. Your Master had an interesting idea to let you be in the public eye, but I can also see why some old ones would be unhappy to see this ruse working for him."

Satan came back with the head and de-gloved portion of the crooked tailed squirrel as he threw it down on Nigel's shoes. He licked his blood-stained maw as if he expected accolades for ridding the park of part of its squirrel population.

Nigel stroked Satan’s head. “Well done,” the vampire crooned. “So many dead.  So much blood. You did a fine job.”  Praise was something Satan understood; Nigel was well aware of that. He picked up the squirrel, sniffing it thoroughly, before holding it out to the big cat again. “A fine piece. You should enjoy it.”

The cat took the dead animal and scooted back up the tree that had multiple nests. The vampires watched as the cat flung the remains as it landed on one of the squirrels winter homes.

Carmen let out a soft amused snort as she watched the cat begin to groom.

“He does indeed have a unique approach to life,” Nigel said. “One wonders if he is going to purge this tree or whether he sees his task as complete.” Perhaps the disturbed nest would disgorge its population. Perhaps they would remain hidden and escape Satan’s wrath.

"I assume we will find out shortly." Carmen replied as the pair watched Satan climb up higher after several seconds. "In regard to the were-dog visitation, besides the no feeding from them unless they allow for it, what other rules should I be aware of? "

"One of the Were-dogs is part of another vampire's entourage," Nigel explained.  "Have you met Noah? He's here because he managed to convince the Master of the City that he has value, which protected him from the Arctic Wolf's wrath.  He won a rigged poker game and absconded with a young were-swan that was intended to be a future gift to the Master and used her to buy favor.  He also managed to arrange for an alliance with the local werewolves that put wolf blood on the menu, at the cost of barring Master Volkov from the city for twenty years.  He's been spending his summers here, to avoid the midnight sun.  Noah has a bad habit of annoying vampires more powerful than he is but somehow managing to find a patron who can protect him.  I suspect his days are numbered but he seems to have the Devil's own luck.  The other were-dog is free and therefore subject to the protections of American laws.  In other words, treat him as if he were your equal, even though he is not."

"Interesting. So how many vampires are there on this list? I'll take a mental note of the fact one of the dogs is in fact a part of an entourage. He's not a Pomme, is he?"

“At least three,” Nigel answered, pointing to himself.  “Obviously he is rather reticent about revealing the other names on the list, but it includes his sire, whoever they are. As far as I am aware, Noah has no pomme. He has no human servant, and he has no animal to call. One would not consider him a candidate for mastery if not for his ability to manage an entire coterie of different types of shapeshifters, including a lion, a tiger, a leopard, a mated pair of wolves and the dog. He had a bear, but she decided vampire politics was a little too intense for her and went home. That seems to be another element of his mystery. They are with him out of some form of loyalty, rather than compulsion. They all seem to owe him some debt or other and it seems to rarely involve actual debt. Rufus is an exception, because Noah essentially bought him from his previous employer, who used him as a ringer in dogfighting.”

"From what has been gleaned from other vampires the angry master is common enough. But he must be very young if he has no powers that set him apart from normal vampires aside from being able to sustain his spark.  So, he tricked a rather older vampire so I can understand this dislike there. No vampire likes to have egg on their face and for that to end up out in the public eye. So, what did he do to anger you and the Arctic Wolf and gain you as enemies? I pity the fool. " She said softly as the large cat smacked another squirrel nest sending leaves and squirrels flying.

Nigel went to speak several times, frowning each time.  "I cannot quite put my finger on it," he said finally.  "I would almost call it jealousy but that isn't it.  He has this ability to pull luck out of his ass.  Right place, right time.  Gaining success in places where the reward does not merit the risk.  Achieving things that he has no right to achieve in the timeframe involved.  He had a treaty with the werewolves in weeks after arriving in the city for the first time.  People trust him almost instinctively and that is what makes me not trust him.  He's playing a game where only he knows the rules and he's too young to be having this much success against people who have played similar games longer."

"Perhaps he uses a talisman or spell of some sort? My knowledge on such things is rather limited but we do have adages such as the luck of the Irish. And there are apparently creatures out there like jinn and fey." Carmen offered as she took Nigel's hand giving it a gentle squeeze as they watched Satan pounce on the fleeing squirrels not bothering to properly dispatch them.

"Oh, he's not Fae.  We have one on the payroll.  He's restricted to interacting with female guests, because the men want to punch him in the face."  Nigel watched as Satan smacked a half-stunned squirrel with one paw and when it changed direction, smacked it with the other paw.  "As far as I know, the use of magic by us is very rare.  If it turns out that is what he's been up to, I'll personally tie him to a flagpole and set up a camera to record the sunrise."

"Perhaps he is not a magic user himself but has found others to give him an edge.  You speak of him having incredible luck and his dealings with others going positively. If you think it is unnatural and beyond his ability due to age, what other conclusions are there other than outside influences, or you happen to be incorrect, and he has a natural affinity for being a likeable individual.  I met him once while out with Malaki. Although we didn't have much conversation that evening. Maybe I can look into him more deeply to draw my own conclusions on why he is so liked or disliked by those he meets."

"He does have some interesting associates," Nigel said nodding.  "Although magic among shapeshifters is slightly more common than among us, it is still rare.  Do not allow my bias to affect your opinion.  You should learn to despise him on his own merits."

Carmen let out a delighted laugh. "Oh my, he has gotten under your skin. He is but a child. I don't remember you disliking the young ones so intensely. Perhaps it is just a case of you spend so little time with the younger ones now that you have your glass tower and cultivated distractions, that they seemingly annoying you more. May I ask if you have tried to work past your resentment? If he is a new denizen of your city, should you not try to put him to work and use those talents? Would that not be better to use his abilities to improve our vampiric holdings in the city so that our kind thrive more and gain better advantageous foot holds?"

“He’s not staying,” Nigel said. “He’s searching for his animal to call. He might return if he finds it quickly enough, to entrench himself within the next twenty years. If he does return, I will put him to good use, but I will not protect him from his own folly.”

Carmen listened "And how is the local vampire youth in this city?  The vampiric population dwarfs what you would find in any Italian city. Do you have any whelps that would be worthy to study under you? With your population sitting close to the 700 mark if that is accurate, you must have to have a handful of up and coming contenders."

“A handful with promise,” Nigel replied. “Many who would not have survived their first nights in Europe. The Schoolmaster teaches them to survive here, where we are legal. Were our status to change, I suspect his lessons would not serve them particularly well. Perhaps I should speak with the Master and see if he would find value in teaching those who are worthy some of the old ways.  Just in case.”

"Do you worry that they could repeal legal status for our kind? I can't see this as sustainable if the vampiric population continues to grow. Blood wise, there is going to come a day when there is a strain. Blood banks and hospitals must be in competition and have to see our existence as direct competition. I worry that you have put yourself into a position where your face is well known now, disappearing into the shadows if this country decides to change its stance on vampires should be concerning." Carmen said as she gently linked her arm through his as the continued their evening stroll.

“Of course I worry,” Nigel said. “We are not so secure in our place that we can think ourselves safe and secure. The humans gave us these rights and they can take them away. I can rely on my power to protect myself and those I care for. There are cats everywhere in this country and where there are cats, I have reliable allies.”

"That is very reasonable. So, if you lost legality you would still choose to remain in this country," she mused.

"I was here before we became legal.  I would be quite comfortable if our status was revoked."  He smiled.  "I might also be open to returning to Europe.  I have not forgotten the old ways.  I might be a touch soft at first, but a decade would have me back to my old self, much to the chagrin of those who thought my softness went to the core."

"Do you have concerns over the number of vampires traversing your city? Do you not think that you might need to have a cleansing? Such things happen in Europe from time to time and our numbers are much smaller, though I suspect the overall quality of the vampires residing within is superior. If one needs a large amount of shock troops they can be made, but the punishment for making without authorization by your city ruler is great. Do you have anything in place for that? Or is that why you have the large numbers you have?" she asked as she watched Nigel's cat climb another tree in the distance.

"Sadly, the law protects those vampires.  We cannot purge, although there are some that need to be expunged.  We can only hope that they improve enough that they will be able to serve in a crisis."  Nigel chirped at Satan.  "There are some who have potential that they refuse to realize, and the law prevents us from taking the necessary steps."

"It must be frustrating to have so many restrictions holding you back from taking care of business. Is it honestly worth the legality of existing amongst the humans, or do you secretly wish for the days before all of this?" Carmen asked as she watched the black and white speckled cat sprint back to Nigel to drop a decapitated squirrel head down at Nigel's feet. "The view from your tower certainly is nice, but how do you go about making the children grow and realize their potential if there is no whip or stick. Do you really just offer carrots?"

The pair converse for another half hour until Satan got tired of hunting squirrels. Nigel called the large cat back and clipped onto the leash again the pair of vampires made their way out of the park. "You do know I'd love to help you. Should you think of a vampire that could benefit from some time at the Italian courts, I could be persuaded to make sure we have space for an extra coffin. " She said flashing him a smile as they approached the entrance of the park.

"Is that space for an extra coffin in addition to mine?" Nigel asked with a chuckle.  "Because you make a compelling argument.  I would like to visit the old places, with you at my side.  You bring back many fond memories.   I will need to think about who would most benefit from exposure to the old ways.  It would need to be someone who has a degree of power, so they would not be crushed, as well as a nature that would absorb the lessons that they were being taught.  A lesser master perhaps or one who had potential to become one.  I will discuss it with Waylon and see who he suggests.  In the meantime, how have you found America?  Existing openly, without needing to put the fear of our wrath into those around us?"

"Last night was interesting. I was invited to an intimate gathering being held by one of this cities blossoming Masters. An incubus from Belle’s line. I was intrigued to find out Seattle seems to be home to several young Master vampires," Carmen explained. "As for space on the plane if you wished to come back with me, I would make space. I could understand the desire to potentially come along to keep watch on your selected protégé. Given my choice, I'd be over the moon if you were to accompany us back to Italy. By all means bring Maria and your Cat."
27
Announcements / Re: Chapter 17 Fall into Darkness Recap
« Last post by LadyJallyn on  »
nov-13th- Vampires Nigel and Carmen go on a stroll to catch up and discuss life in America

nov-14 Vampire malaki checks in on his secret house guest ronnie

nov15th-Lilia and her wererat friends pack up and discuss their future on the horizon

nov15th Captain Neubosato awakes in her hospital as she tries to piece together what had happened to herself

nov16th-the-request-klaus and Morvan visit Suki at the hospital to help assist her with her metaphysical request.

nov17th The wererats launch their plan to seek vengeance on their vampiric rat controlling enemy

nov-20th Were-dogs Harry and Rufus meet with the vampiress Carmen

Nov 23 Justin and tana do dinner as a thank-you for saving Justin's bacon during their
California Adventure
nov-26th-The were leopards gather at the farmhouse to ring in Thanksgiving
28
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
November 13 6:30 PM - Ramone calls Sebastian
It had been almost two weeks since their seance in the cemetery.  Ramone wasn’t entirely certain that he’d brought Andrew home with him. Certainly, he had the occasional feeling that Andrew was there, but he wasn’t too entirely certain that he wasn’t trying to convince himself.

For the first few days, he’d kept Andrew’s medal on his nightstand. After that, he’d found someone to build a display case for it. The plaque read

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANDREW McKAY
Werewolf - Olympian - Friend

Ramone picked up the phone twice, setting it back down each time. The third time, he finally dialed the number for BITTEN.  “Hey. Good evening.  Is Sebastian Roberts available?  It’s Ramone Valenzuela.”

It was a short wait before the phone was picked up. "Good evening Ramone, Sebastian speaking. I take it this call is to touch base. I have held up my end of things so whenever you have the free time let me know?"

"Yeah," Ramone said.  "I'm trying to figure out whether Andrew came home with me.  How can you tell if you've got a ghost living with you or just an old noisy house?  I'm hearing things but that might have been there all along and now I'm just listening for them.  You know what I mean?  And am I supposed to treat him like a regular guest?  I'm out of my depth here."

"That can be tricky without being able to personally check, and I wouldn't dream of coming over to inspect given your history. Why don't you come over, I do have a drive here for you of our recorded session. Bring your medal and your cellphone, and we could discuss it over a coffee?"

Ramone looked over at the medal. “Will that work?  Is he attached to the medal?  I’ve tried the phone thing, but it made no sense.  Give me an hour and I can be there.”

True to his world Ramone showed up to the well-lit little cafe. There was some comfort to know that the only vampire he could smell on scene was Sebastian and that the little shop had over a dozen people inside enjoying drinks as they entertained themselves with cellphones or chatting with friends.

Sebastain emerged from the back rooms as he brought in two boxes of cups for restock passing them to a coworker. "Thanks Wren you can get these restocked now that were going to experience a little lull. If you need me, I'll be..." He looked to Ramone "In the back booths? Or My office?" Clearly letting the massive werewolf determine where they were going to have the meeting.

“What is the appropriate venue for this sort of conversation?” Ramone asked. “Andrew would have said out here, rather than out back.  He liked watching people.”

"Either is fine for me. The office gives you more privacy, whereas the back booths do have a privacy partition you could have eavesdroppers if their ears are good. The back booths are where we have live donors go, not that you are one, but given your history I wanted to give you the option of a space that wasn't primarily designed for such things to put you more at ease." Sebastian explained.

“Yeah, let’s avoid donorville,” Ramone said.  He patted the bag he was carrying. “Sorry, buddy. No people watching for you tonight.  Maybe we’ll go to the park later.”

The office Ramone was led to wasn't fancy, nor was it very large. It was slightly larger than the interrogation rooms you saw on TV shows. It wasn't decorated in a boastful way. If anything, it was devoid of anything interesting to look at.

It held the same lime green paint as the outer shop, a simple wooden desk, a laptop, a file cabinet, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and two guitar cases tucked into the corner beside Sebastian.

"I know it's a bit small, but it does offer privacy and isn't a place where anyone drinks blood." Sebastian said as he offered Ramone a seat as he slid behind his desk. Reaching behind himself to the leather jacket dropped over his chair, he pulled out a thumb drive. "Your copy of the Halloween session as promised. There are time stamped notes for you in there, document wise, as well as the smaller snippets that were pulled as singular files for the EVP's that were caught. It took a little longer than I would have liked to put it together but considering it's a hobby and I have responsibilities here; I've done what I can. Hopefully it brings you some peace."

“It’s not me I’m worried about,” Ramone said. “It’s Andrew. If he’s sticking around because he feels the needs to protect me, I want to know how to let him know that he doesn’t need to. He was the bodyguard to the head werewolf and that isn’t me anymore.”

Ramone sank down into the chair. He looked like an adult sitting at a grade school student’s desk. “Is there a way I can talk to him?  I tried the phone thing. It didn’t make any sense.”

"Alright, things with Ghosts are weird.  I'm not an expert but here's what I can say, and maybe it will give you some peace of mind. Two weeks ago, we called him up, and he had a good chat that would burn a lot of spiritual juice on his end. If he made the jump to that medal, he's likely recouping. Your boy drained my derrière way more than I thought possible so, if he was able to move real estate with what he took, I'm going to say if it was possible to do so he likely did..." Sebastian began as he reached into his desk to slip on a pair of sunglasses to put the werewolf more at ease.

Ramone watched the vampire don the sunglasses, unaware that it was for his benefit. He assumed they were glasses that helped Sebastian see spirits.

“So, he exhausted himself and needs to rest up,” Ramone said. “Got it. Is there a way to feed him energy?  I mean beyond lightning storms?”

"It's not so black and white Ramone. I really understand the desire to see your friend be set to rest but he will go on his terms if he's ready. As to if he is in the coin I don't know. Carrying it on your person at all times might work better. Or he, if possible, might have detached and attached to your home. I couldn't say without inspection and given your past, I can't see you being alright with inviting me into your abode even if you could snap me like a twig or revoke the invitation. What I could do on the next time I have a night off from work, would be to check the cemetery to see if Andrew is still there. If not, it would mean he passed on or took haven in your coin or attached to you or one of your friends. But that normally has signs..." Sebastian explained calmly. "Would a coffee soothe your nerves a bit?"

“I’m not nervous,” Ramone said, perhaps a little too forcefully. “It seems like instead of answers, I’m ending up with more questions. Not your fault. It’s just a lot more complicated than I thought it was going to be. Thanks for trying.  I appreciate the effort.”

"You just are putting off these very rushed vibes. And you can't really rush the dead Ramone. Would keeping the office door open make this more comfortable? I'm trying to make this as easy as possible for you. Sunglasses so you don't have to worry about eye contact and letting you choose where we sit to talk about Andrew and your concerns. Are you sure you wouldn't like a coffee? If caffeine would key you up too much, we have hot chocolate and tea? We can then go over how these phone apps work. Show me which one you've downloaded because there are a large amount to choose and some are completely useless." He said trying to be helpful.

“I’m not rushing,” Ramone said letting his irritation leak into his voice. “Can’t rush the dead. I get that. Done deal. I am no longer rushing. And I’m fine. Stop trying to get me to drink something. I don’t want anything to drink.”

The werewolf’s Beast had its hackles up, more because of Sebastian’s attempts to be a gracious host than because he was a vampire.  He pulled out his phone.

“I downloaded a couple of the apps. According to one of them, I’ve got the spirit of a serial killer possessed by a demon living in my hall closet. According to the other, my place is empty.  So yeah, both are useless in completely opposite ways.”

Sebastian nodded "Understandable, many are made for the entertainment of children looking for spooky thrills." He explained trying to ignore the were-wolfs irritation. "Let’s have you delete those apps shall we and see if we can get you set up with something. You don't mind spending a small fee for something that isn't a free app, do you?"

“Depends on how small the small fee is,” Ramone answered, as he deleted the two apps. “Are these add to your phone bill fees or grab a credit card fee?”

"A one-time credit card fee." Sebastian answered promptly.

The phone in Ramones hand dinged. The drop-down notifications showed it was Josie who had been making a habit of texting around the same time when they weren't together.

JOSIE: This Break Time I miss your face message is brought to you by, me.

“Well, let’s get it downloaded,” Ramone said. He ignored the text ping. If it was important, they would call him.

"At four bucks it won't break the bank." Sebastian said as he walked Ramone through the app store to download the SpirtTalker App. "With that downloaded, you have half of what you need. The apps can spit out false positives, but this one by far has been the most accurate for me. When you go back to listen to the Halloween session, you still be able to hear the apps compared to some of the EVP's we caught. While not exactly word for word what is spoken, the spirit and intention of the message is there. For the next part, you would do good to invest in something that isn't a phone app. There are a few options out there on the market so you can cross compare since you can't speak to or see ghosts directly. You find both the app and the spoken word generator are saying the same things, it means you are likely in business and not dealing with false positives. I use an Ovilus device, but at almost eight hundred dollars you might want to gravitate towards something with a lower price point like the Spirit Chat box. It has 10550 words in its dictionary so it's a sound option. It just lacks the other modes that the other device doesn't have like true false mode, phonetic mode, draw mode, as well as energy and proximity modes."

" My device I use has a limited dictionary of- "He paused to remember, "I think it was 2050 words but phonetic mode. However, if you are in contact with a spirit that can figure out how to work the device it can generate whatever words it wants and that is why I use it. But again, the Spirit Chat device doesn't have those other modes, but the robust dictionary makes it a good buy at around the three-hundred-dollar mark. It does have a screen that's large, easy to read and does store the words up on it for you to look at later. And before you ask, no I don't have stock in any of these items, it's personal preference of the user and how much you want to invest as to why I am tossing these options out on the table."

Ramone had been silent for several seconds, so Sebastian rose from his desk to open the small window in the office hoping to let in some of the board walks oceanic air into the room to perk the were wolf up some, without annoying him with questions.

“Fresh air.  Good idea.”  Ramone sighed. “Not going to lie, halfway through that my brain went to the Windows circle of death. I’m going to rely on your expertise. And if things work well with the cheaper one, maybe I will get to Oculus. No, wait, that is the VR thing. Ovulus? That thing. Start with the Navajos spirit talker and invest more if things go well. Unless you think the Ovulus is a better choice right out of the gate, with money not being an object. “

"I would say the Spirit chat box is a good option for the price point. If you want to build up your collection fantastic, you can do that. And if your friend moves on, you can resell this stuff. Some models are really sought out since they are produced in such small batches." Sebastian said glad to see the air had breathed some life into Ramone. "Anything else?"

Ramone paused, considering. Then he slowly shook his head.  “No, I think we’re good. Don’t rush it. I’ll probably have eight million questions the minute I walk out or ten seconds after dawn.”

The werewolf stood, towering over the vampire in the small office. He extended his hand. “Thank you.  You’ve been very patient and very helpful. I haven’t had the best history with vampires and dealing with you has been one of my more positive encounters.”

Sebastian slowly rose, closing and locking the small window. "Well, I'm here all night as they say, and you have my cell number.  Text or call at your leisure. I hope this brought you some clarity. In the meantime, try keeping the coin on you and see what happens. Keep a journal of any little changes you might notice."

“Clarity. And hopefully closure,” Ramone answered. “Keep the medal close and keep a journal. Got it. Thanks again.  And for even reaching out in the first place. Hopefully we can help Andrew find some peace.”  He looked at his phone. There was a text. Probably from Josie. She usually texted around this time if she wasn’t busy.

"In the end we all deserve a little peace. I'll see you out then." Sebastian replied as he opened the office door.

With luck Ramone would have some more precise results once he could cross reference with multiple tools.
“I will let you know,” Ramone said. The corner of his mouth twitched. “I will try not to ghost you on this.”
As he walked to his SUV, he pulled out his phone.

WOLF DADDY:  Was in a meeting.  Hopeful I didn’t waste your break. Miss your… face… too
29
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
Nov12th 7pm Malaki- Home Sweet Home- Malaki and K


There was a light knock at Kay's bedroom. A muffled, now familiar voice spoke through the door. "Miss K? Master Malaki would like to know if you'd care to join him in the music room for an evening snack." Ashton waited patiently on the other side of the door as he rolled down his sleeve that was up from feeding Malaki minutes earlier.

Kay had settled into the new place as best as she could. It still didn't feel real, like one wrong thing said or done would have her current reality pop like a bubble. She still wasn't sure about living with the vampire and his employees, but so far nothing bad had happened. She was slowly on the mend, although her broken fingers were holding her back from really doing any serious work at the manor.  She had of course still done what she could to help. That day, while they still had light, she had helped hold the collection bags and helped fill them with the fallen leaves from the trees. With it now being almost halfway through the month, all trees had finally given up their last leaves, which meant it was time to collect them to ready the grounds for winter. It had taken most of the day to do so, since the property that Malaki resided on was a good two acres in size. An admirable sized property to own given that it was inside the Seattle city borders.

The knock on the door made her start.

"Coming." She called as she rose from her bed as Kay cracked the door and looked up seeing Ashton, Malakai's older male human butler standing there.

She tensed involuntarily. "Yes? What can I do for you? Do we have more chores?" She asked anxiously.

Ashton offered a polite smile. "Master Malaki just wishes for your company should you wish to give it." He leaned in a little. "He is hoping to bribe your answer with tea and sweets." With a small chuckle he pulled away once more, giving the skittish girl her space with most of his presence before a slow gentle finger poked her forehead between her eyes. "There is no right or wrong answer by the way. Don't think too much into it," his hand pulled back to him.

"If Music man wants a visit who am I to say no." Kay said as she opened the door. "He doesn't expect me to get changed into anything fancy,” she said looking down at the track suit she was wearing. "Does he?"

"Not in the slightest. You could wear a garbage bag, no scratch that thought he would care. Rephrased as long as you are comfortable, he would not care. Do you wish for me to escort you, or do you remember the way to that room?" Ashton asked.

"I can manage. No need to escort." Kay said. "I mean the house is big, but it isn't that big."

Ashton nodded. "Glad it is becoming more comfortable to move about the house. Have a lovely evening Miss K." Ashton stepped aside before turning and moving down the hallway.

Kay could hear the sounds of a piano growing louder as she approached the room.  There was a small fire crackling in the fireplace. Between the two red wing back chairs was a small table with a plate of petit fours and a small teapot. Malaki was sitting behind a baby grand piano on the opposite side of the room fingers moving deftly across the keys. His face scrunched up at every wrong note or missed key. It was obvious either he had not played for a very long time or was trying to learn something new. The music stopped as he noted Kay's presence in the doorway. Warmth spread across his face.  "Evening Kay. How are you feeling?"

"Hey Music-man no need to stop on my account. I didn't know you played piano, you only ever played flute on open mike nights," Kay said as she stopped short of sitting down at any of the chairs, opting to stand behind one instead. She thought about holding onto the chair but stopped because they looked expensive.
She appreciated the illusion it gave her of being able to shield herself in some small way, as she reminded herself that he had asked a question. "I'm doing alright, sore, but you know, healing a bit more every day."
She felt self-conscious due to the black eye she still sported, which was starting to shift from that dark ugly blue and purple into shades of dark green and yellow mixed with ruddy purples. She licked her lips nervously as she shifted from foot to foot. "I helped Ashton with the yard work today. Your lawn's now been raided and removed of all...what did Ashton call it? Ung... Leaf litter? I'm trying my best to make myself as useful as I can even with you know..." She waved her hand that had the splinted broken fingers. "The limitations."

Malaki chuckled. "Thank you. I am sure Ashton appreciated the help. You can sit if you want. Cakes and tea are for you if you want a snack. As for the piano, I don't really play. Most instruments I have played or learned through my time. None have really stuck other than the flute. My fingers work on muscle memory by this point. But for others it isn't that simple, and the small miscalculations can become irritating." His face screwed up like the thought of not being able to do something flawlessly as distasteful.

"So, with the attack on leaf litter complete what is next on the agenda?"

"I get it. Nailing a piece can feel really good. It’s the difference between a coin tossed in my case or people not doing that because they heard a sour note." She nervously sat down, perching on the very edge of the chair as if she was afraid her very presence was an affront to the expensive furniture, as she let out a nervous chuckle. She noted the tiny fancy cakes noting how pretty and fancy they had been decorated. They likely cost close to ten bucks a pop or more depending on where he got them from.  "I'll take the tea and snacks to go, maybe? I don't want to accidentally spill or get crumbs on anything.  As for the agenda, I don't know what you mean exactly. Like, what else do you want me to do task wise? If you want me to clean something or do something tonight, I'll get to it and try my best. What do you need doing?"

Anxiety began to unfurl in her belly as it whispered into her mind that she needed to earn her keep, or her ass would be out on the street. Of course, helping with leaves like a small child wasn't much, and she should have known that. She closed her eyes and gently rubbed at them as she told herself to chill out and mentally touch grass. "Did you want to set up a chore or errand list for me? I mean... Obviously you are likely super busy with stuff, so if you don't want to, do you want me to ask Ashton to do it for you? I know this isn’t a free ride and I will make good on it, it's just I can't give you 100% yet and I'm sorry for that."

Malaki shook his head. "It is okay Kay. I have all the time in the world. You'd be surprised how much I can get accomplished while I toil at the little joys of life. If it made you feel more at ease Ashton could draft a chore list if you'd like. Is there a hobby you'd like to take up? A new instrument or perhaps reading by the fire would be preferable? Though I do not think I own any books a young woman would enjoy. Oh, it never occurred to me. We did not get you a television for your bedroom, did we?"

"It's okay, I don't need a television. Eventually maybe I'll get my phone back, but my mom used to say TV rotted your brain, so no worries. You've let me crash here, that's more than enough. I just don't want you thinking I'm a leech. If you don't care about chore lists and stuff, I'm good with not having them, but I just need to make sure you and I are good. I don't want to wake up and out of the blue hear that I need to pack my shit and GTFO you know what I mean? As for picking up anything new, I don't know how successful I'm going to be at much of anything until my right hand and these fingers heal. I can't even google it because I don't have a phone to do that, so I'm taking it day by day. The pain's less than when I broke them, but I did notice while out helping with the leaves that listing things and trying to use the hand too much caused things to really act up." She rambled nervously. "I really hope things heal up soon I would love to get back to playing my violin if it ever turns up. If not, I guess I work hard and just get a new one once I can afford it.  Playing always made things suck less. I might never get a chance to go pro like my mom because schooling is really expensive but it’s something I've always been passionate about. Kind of like you and your flute music you know?"

"I have no intention of kicking you out." He waved his hand in front of his face. "So, because you like pulling your own weight and to not be in debt with me I have a task for you. For the next two weeks, accompany Ashton or his mother Anastasia to the grocery store. Following that you shall help then cook meals. Feel like you can do these tasks? If your things are not recovered by then we can grab you a new phone for completing the task, acceptable?" He titled his head quizzically.

Kay nodded "Yeah that’s fair." She sniffed slightly looking at the treats on the plate and then back to the vampire. "So I'm not sure if its rude or not but like can you tell me what your sister was like. I apparently look a bit like her minus the crazy hair, but I was kind of curious."

"Sure thing." Malaki got up and moved to the wingback chair opposite Kay. He took a seat and smiled. "Let them eat cake Kay please enjoy them." Malaki sunk into the chair. His eyes shut as the silence stretched on between them. He was struggling with both the topic and the memory.

"Clara, she..." he trailed off. "She used to make me flower crowns." He let out one puff of air out his nose in a soft laugh. "We were so poor that she always wanted to make me a proper one, but I told her the ones she made of wheat were special. Just for me. She told me I looked like an angel with a halo and all." His eyes opened slowly shifting to the flame dancing in the hearth.

"If it hurts too much, you don't have to share." Kay said as she poked at one of the cakes and licked the chocolate from her finger, feeling guilty for asking. "I just thought she had to be a pretty amazing person if you still..." Kay sighed and made a face. "It might sound cheesy, but I'm not meaning to be an ass. But you know because you keep her in your heart still. I never asked how old you were, but clearly you think of her a lot I guess."

Malaki smiled at Kay. "I am old. Memories fade like sand through an hourglass. The pieces that have hung on are ones of misery and pain. Like an old black and white movie reel stuck on a loop." He shifted in his pulling out an old bone flute around his neck that he began to fiddle with.

"However every now and then something or someone comes along. They flip that hourglass. A face in a crowd, a giggle heard like a lyric above a sea of noise. Those old movies briefly change to something happy. The latter is a welcome change. With you around it is the little memories that I thought were long forgotten that come back to me. I can't express how grateful I am for that."

Kay smiled shyly unsure of what to say. It was profound and deep, and how could she answer it and not make the moment seem cheap. "Maybe once I heal up, and I can look into getting on YouTube to research finer exercises for physio, maybe once that's taken care of, I can play for you if you would like that. Heck, perhaps a jam session if you're down for that. I know you've taken a risk by having me here, with me being a minor and all that. Maybe once I'm not so I can't be forced back to where I come from, I can share more with you, but just know I do appreciate it."

The scarlet-haired teen grimaced slightly as she tried to find the right words and felt that she was coming up short. "I don't have the fancy words like you do. And that is going to be an ongoing thing, likely. At some point, I do want to finish my schooling, but I can't have my name hit any databases in case it flags something. I'm not going back home. It's not like I’m there as a criminal. Might be listed as a missing person definitely, but yeah, I choose this over living there. I mean living here right now is a massive upgrade from living on the streets, so I don't want to mess this up."

Malaki tucked the flute back under his shirt before getting up from the chair. Slowly he closed the small distance between himself and Kay placing one large hand atop her head. His smile was soft but slightly bitter.

"You worry too much. I think you've got issues with trust." He pulled away speaking as he went to sit back in front of the piano. "You still live with the ghost of people you needed the most that let you down. Not uncommon, in fact it’s disgustingly frequent. But Kay, I hope you know you can talk to me. You can let your skeletons scream. I promise mine are far worse." He let out a small chuckle as he began to play a soft tune on the piano. "Let me be clear. You are not a burden to me. Have a great rest of your evening Kay. I'll let you get back to whatever it is you were doing. Please do not forget the cakes. I will look into that phone we discussed later."

"Trust is hard. And I know I'm a little messed up.  Practically every adult in my life has done things to make me not want to trust and then living on the streets, there are a lot of shady people there. I'm not perfect and I've done some things in the past I'm not proud of, but I will try to work on this. Just know it will be slow and I might mess up occasionally," she said, her voice soft and a little shaky as she took the plate and headed for the door since it was clear she was dismissed. She paused, looking to the vampire. "Umm thanks again for giving me a shot and for the cakes I'm sure they will taste amazing. There's enough to go around to share with the others so I'll take this back and make sure everyone gets a little sample. Thanks."

Kay left the room with her plate and wondered if she had also taken the teapot and cup with her. Would it be rude to go back and take it with her or at least back to the kitchen? Or would he tell her she was being a weirdo worrying about it. Surely it would be cleaned up but that would mean more work for Ashton and whoever was tasked for cleaning the room.

She sighed, turned around and returned to the room slipping in. "Don't mind me just going to take this too, sorry for intruding she said quickly as she put the cake on the tray that contained the cup of tea and teapot. With everything gathered, she made her way to the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, she set things down on the island and tore into the small chocolate treat not bothering with the small fork and licked her fingers clean. She looked at the other cakes on the plate and frowned. The part of her brain that was used to life on the street was whispering to eat everything, but she shook her head. She didn't have to wolf down food because who knew where the next meal was coming from. She found the plastic food wrap and put it over the cake. Taking a sticky post note from the fridge, she wrote on it a Treat for Ashton and crew and put it back into the fridge.

Hours later when nothing or no one else stirred, Ashton  made his way down a corridor turning into an office. The typical office furniture decorated the room, but Ashton stopped in front of the wall to wall book shelving. Like something out of old mystery novels he pulled a book off the shelf revealing a latch allowing him to pull it off the wall. Ashton walked down the dimly lit set of stairs. He pulled open a large heavy oak door where Malaki sat inside with a thick musty text.

"She's a good kid." Ashton stated drawing Malaki’s attention towards him a brow raised. "Sorry Sir yes that was obvious, and we will strive to keep it that way. Is there anything else I can do for you this evening?"
Malaki sighed, closing the text. "Why do you feel the need to do that?"

"A form of respect and selfishness to hear you speak. I will go check in with our other guest. 'Til the morrow." Ashton turned and left the elder vampire alone.
30
Anita Blake RP / Re: Chapter 17: Fall into Darkness
« Last post by Maxx on  »
Nov 12th Archangel Industries- 6pm -Thomas and Adam

Adam sat in the lobby of Arcangel Industries as he had asked for one Thomas Malone. The crew cut ginger haired man nervously waited looking shabby in his track pants and over sized jacket. It was worn for warmth not style.

Thomas had been straight with him about what to potentially suspect when dealing with vampires on the night he and his brother and brothers friends had been kidnapped. Malaki had waved him off as not being really relevant but he still wanted to make sure the man hadn't had a change of heart so he had been hot on the trail of trying to find his pets missing items.

Morbid curiousity had consumed Adam into learning more about Thomas and through some detective work. He had found himself here at the company despite Thomas having not given him a sur name. He figured the showing up at work to pass on news wouldn't be seen as a faux pas hopefully as scanned the lobby in hopes of spotting the helicopter loving vampire.

It was half an hour before Thomas could work his way to the lobby. He was wearing his black security uniform, complete with flak vest and what was essentially a utility belt. There was a holstered Glock at his hip. He smiled cheerfully when he saw Adam. He extended a hand. “Mr Kray,” he said in greeting, using Mr to convey respect for the poorly dressed man, so the other staff would not treat him like a second class citizen. “Welcome to Archangel Tower. What can I do for you on this fine November evening?”

"Krayton, Sir." Adam said rising to meet Thomas and shake his hand. "My appologies for showing up without a heads up but my phone had a bit of an accident. I just wanted to pass on the news that I found it sir, the violin as well as the retro backpack."

“Krayton.” Thomas smacked his forehead. “My sincere apologies. No worries about the lack of a heads up. Excellent work. Come with me. We’ll stash this in the security office.”

Once they were heading towards the elevator, Thomas continued. “Once we’re done there, we can head to the cafeteria. You can get something to eat and we can discuss whether you want to put an application in here. Sucks that things happened the way they did because if we had met before, your benefits from working here could have paid for your brother’s meds. There is still a chance that we can do something for him. Just need to dangle a new toy in front of Malaki.”

Adam held up his hands in placation. "Oh this backpacks mine. I don't have the things I just know where they are. Didn't have the cash to buy the items. Barneys Jewelry & Loan is holding them." Adam explained as he paused at the elevator not wanting to lead the vampire on despite the offer of a warm meal. "As for Ronnie he likely isn't doing too hot. With the meth habbit he has and with no meth where he's staying he's likely a hot mess. Not that your pal cares..."

He shuffled nervously "If you want the pack and the violin they said they could do both for like Four fifty. Apparently the backpacks vintage but a big enough group of folks would doll out one fifty on it but if I wanted the violin he could knock off fifty from the price if we bought both a small discount for the pack. He wont budge on the violin thats a solid three fifty.

Thomas stopped. “In which case we go to the cafeteria first. Unless this place is closing soon. If they’re closing soon, we go to the garage and we’ll hit the drive through. Unless you want to wait for the cafeteria. It is worth the wait.”

Thomas hit the elevator button for the parking garage, then pulled out his phone. “Hey, it’s Malone. Taking a car and running out on a quick errand. Should be less than an hour. No, nothing fancy. Just a set of wheels. Yeah, that works. Thank you much.”

When he hung up, he looked at Adam. “Coming off meth will delight Malaki. It will also help your brother, believe it or not. Once he’s clean, maybe he can get the help he needs. So, about the application? I interview the candidates and we do have a few openings.”

Adam nodded unsure what to say to Thomas on the Malaki front. But he was willing to follow the vampire. The past several days had been rough for Adam. Returning to his encampment he discovered his stuff had been thoroughly picked clean except for his tent and then empty backpack. He had of course tried to figure out who had taken his stuff and a fight had ensued. It was how his cellphone had gotten damaged. With the squat spot no longer friendly he had to move on and spent his time looking into the city pawn shops hoping he could find any of the items that Thomas had rattled off. "I can put in an application, but it seems a waste of time to slot in a human when you have vampires and were-critters to cover everything. Compared to that I'm nothing special."

“Who do you think watches this place during the daylight hours around the full moon?” Thomas asked. “I’ll give you a hint. Not shapeshifters and not vampires. Besides there are people who don’t want to have to deal with either, so having humans on the crew is pretty much mandatory. And don’t kid yourself. You have got a lot going in your favour. You’re smart and I don’t care about education. Facts can be taught. Intelligence can’t. You have good instincts, which are also hard to teach. The boxes you don’t tick, we can help you fill in. We can even provide housing. Two bedroom, for when your brother finally gets shot out by the latest system that is abusing him. For what it is worth, I’m not in favour of Malaki’s torture porn attitude but he’s a lot higher up the food chain and there isn’t much I can do to stop him. All I can do is make my opinion known and see if that has an effect. Usually doesn’t. But if you have a job here, all he can do is piss up a rope. Employees are off limits. If your brother cleans up, maybe we can find something for him. Cleaning staff. Not glorious but it pays the bills.”

Adam nodded slowly as he followed Thomas "Everything you are laying down makes sense. How long do you think he will hold my brother before he gets...bored? Is there really a good chance that he will let Ronnie go? He is terrifying, really all your- friends are."

“Some put on a better game face than others,” Thomas admitted. “And Malaki is a scary mutherfucker. Ronnie didn’t kill anybody but he did damage something a vampire valued, so he’s going to hurt but he shouldn’t die. No promises. But chances are good. What condition he is in when he comes out the other side? There are laws but they can be stretched and old vampires have had to work around them for centuries. Let’s just say they know how to get those laws to squeak.”

"I don't doubt that for a minute." Adam said with a shiver. "I've seen and heard enough to last me a lifetime. I wasn't a fan of Ronnie's friend choices. He wasn't always this bad, losing pops and then being in the system did a number on him, and then I wasn't there for him through any of that. It changed him. It isn't me making excuses for him, what he did wasn't cool. You should never harm a woman or kids, basic code right there. I guess we wait and see, and hopefully he comes out the other end okay. Or as okay as things can be, if that makes sense."

“Counselling is part of the benefits package,” Thomas said. “Do you have a driver’s license? Easier to get there when the driver knows the way, rather than the navigator?” Thomas waved at a guard and grabbed a set of keys off a rack labeled ‘MOTOR POOL’. He clicked the fob and a black Chrysler 300 beeped in response. “Automatic, in case you can’t drive stick. Although we do have some classics, because old vampires like old shit.”

"As I said the night I met, I used to drive the big wigs around. So yes, I can drive. " Adam said as he looked over to the vehicle. "You sure you won't get in trouble for slipping out while on duty?"

“I told them I was going to run an errand. There are some advantages to being at the top of the ladder,” Thomas said. “Delegating is one of them. And if anybody objects, consider this your interview and evaluation.”

"Well I didn't know there was going to be a driving test but here we are. Jump on in and let's roll out, Sir. Won't be much of a test since we aren't on a proper driving course but I can display that I know how to obey the traffic laws." Adam said sliding into the driver's seat as he started up the vehicle.

They eased out of the parking garage and Adam let out a low whistle. "She's a nice ride. Going to be a buttery smooth ride, I suspect. She handles nice, how's the acceleration on her?" He asked as he slipped out into the traffic.

“Obeying traffic laws is primary,” Thomas pointed out. “If you get assigned to the driver’s pool, we’ll see how you handle evasive maneuvers. You’ll find out about acceleration if you feather the gas pedal too much. She’s got a big engine in her.”

"Come to papa." Adam said nodding and smiled. It was the first time Thomas had seen that. Apparently, Adam liked to drive. That was a good thing to know.

“Be gentle with my girl,” Thomas said with a chuckle. “Don’t want her getting too excited. What time does this place close?”

He contemplated sending Malaki a text letting him know about locating K’s belongings but thought better of it. Best not remind him about Adam until they had the violin and vintage bag in their hands.

"I'll treat her right. It's not too far from OHM Nightclub off Second Ave and South Washington." Adam said as they drove. It wasn't going to be too long of a drive from the Tower which was really fortunate.

Thomas Googled Barney’s Jewelry & Loan. They would be open for another two hours. “Lots of time,” he said. “Did you want to hit a drive through before we get there?”

Adam shook his head no. "I'd rather see this through first, and I noticed your cafeteria is open 24/7 while I was waiting for you to show. I can wait. The mission comes first, Sir."

“Mission comes first.” Thomas chuckled, nodding. “I had a feeling about you. I just had a feeling. You’re going to do well here, Adam. Once you’re hired, I won’t cut you any breaks, not that you would expect them. Once you sign on the dotted line, anything after that you will have earned for yourself. We’ll treat you better than Uncle Sam did. You put your ass on the line for the US? You pay your money and you take your chances. You put your ass on the line for us? We pay the money for you to take the chances. You’ll probably never even draw your gun. Baton and taser see more use than your sidearm.”

"Understood, and that is reassuring. I've had my fill of blood, but I could get used to this." The ginger haired man replied as he hit the brakes and avoided hitting a kid that whizzed across the street on an electric scooter. Worst idea to have brought those goddamned things into the city for people to ride. They think they're untouchable." Adam groused as he hit the horn.

“I hear that,” Thomas said. “Of course they’ve been saying some variation on ‘kids these days’ since Roman times. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Hell, I can remember being a snot nosed little shit who thought I knew what was going on. Sure as shit, I did not know what was going on.”

"Hell, I don't know what's going on even at my age, clearly. I guess time brings clarity or some other sage bullshit new age affirmation." Adam said as he finally saw they were close to the store and eased into a parking spot on the street.

Thomas put the magazine back in his Glock, before getting out of the car. It was illegal in Washington state to have a loaded weapon in a car, even with a permit. “Let’s do this,” he said.

A few minutes later, they were back in the car with the violin and the bag. “Good thing you were there,” Thomas said. “Bitch was gonna call the cops on me because I was armed and black.” He pulled the magazine out of his gun again. “Like the uniform saying ‘security’ didn’t count for shit. Racist mutherfucker.”

"Sadly, it is still a thing." Adam said ruefully as he started the engine and began driving back to the Towers. "I take it you got things from here and you can get it back to where it needs to go without me."

“I can,” Thomas said, nodding. “I will make sure it is known how they were found but not until after you’ve signed the paperwork. Nobody fucks with my MIBs.”

"That there is more than enough motivation to sign on the dotted line." Adam said grimly. "Hopefully all your job interviews don't go down the same way."

“Better than the ones with punk ass kids who think they should be running the place, without putting in the time,” Thomas answered. “I’ll take one of you over ten of them. I don’t give a shit whether their Grandpa is a vampire that’s worked in Accounts fucking Payable for twenty years. Get a job in the fucking mailroom.”

Adam couldn't help but laugh. "You aren't wrong, but it's good you give chances. You won't regret it."

“I give chances where they are deserved,” Thomas corrected. “You know the old saying. Fool me once. Oh, that reminds me. Gotta warn you. You know what a Selkie is?”

"Uh...No. I ain't even gonna try and bullshit my way around what that is. Is it preternatural? Some sort of witch? A Hexer? Or something. I'm not up to speed on all that. They had vampires in serbia guess they're everywhere and there's shifters and back. But yeah I can't say I know Selkie." Adam said.

“It’s a type of fae. Irish or Scottish. We have one on staff. hospitality, not security. He has some kind of magic that he can’t turn off. Women love him, which is why he’s in hospitality. Dogs bark at them, including were-dogs, which is hilarious to watch, because they can’t stop. Big problem is the way men react. They hate him as much as the women love him. Actually had a vampire attack him in the elevator once. So you need to watch out for a guy that makes you want to take a swing and you need to keep an eye out for other guys that want to take a swing at him.”

"R-right so hypothetical question besides radioing in for muscle hell the hell am I supposed to stop a male shifter or vampire from you know wanting a piece of him. I mean wouldn't I just be all shrugs, let god sort it out?"

“You would remind them that what they are considering carries the death penalty,” Thomas answered. “There are cameras everywhere. Witnesses aren’t required. Not to mention buddy can turn into a couple of hundred pounds of muscle and blubber, so he’s hard to hurt. You can resist the urge too, except under extreme circumstances. He’s bleeding. It’s the full moon. He’s fucking your girlfriend.”

Adam snickered. "Hmm. So he suffers from punchmouth. Remember to remind them they has so much to live for, gotcha."

“It will all be covered in the training,” Thomas said. “Park on the third level. We didn’t use enough fuel for them to need to top it up. Any vehicle under three quarters gets filled up.”

Adam did as instructed, and Thomas and him sat down to go through his application form in good time. Adam sighed, "So wander by in a week to see if I made the cut since I'm down a phone, Sir, or you want to play this a different way?"

“Considering that I do the interviewing for security, we just need to figure out when you start,” Thomas said. “You will need a mailing address and a bank account. If you have issues with either, we can work that out but they need to be in place before I can issue a job offer letter. I can loan you a phone until you can replace yours. A post office box is acceptable, especially if you are going to be living on site. That has the additional advantage of having you on hand for any emergency, which means more hours, which means more money. You know the drill. We provide uniforms. You will be starting by the end of next week.”

Adam paused, "The address and the PO box will be an issue until I have money." He frowned, unsure how to get around that.

“Just go to a post office and rent a box for the month,” Thomas said. “I can float you the cost of it temporarily.”

"If you can float then it can be done." Adam said slowly, "I'll of course pay you back. The phone should help too. The SIM card in the phone I had wasn't damaged so if you have a loaner that should help with staying in contact."

Thomas pulled out a pair of wrinkled twenties and a ten.  “If it costs more than that for a month, they are fucking robbing you,” he said. “And let me grab you a phone. Screen might be cracked but it’s not like you’re going to be looking at fine detail through it.  If you need anything else, let me know.  Text me the address when you get it, I will add it to the paperwork and I will have an offer letter for you asap.  Then we’ll get you in, get you measured and start your training.  Anything else you need?”

Adam shrugged. "At the start you did mention food? If that is still on the table, I wouldn't say no to a bite to eat at your cafeteria? You know to put something in the tank before I head back to the shelter to see if they can give me a bed for the night. It will be good to get off the streets before the snow comes. Winters here aren't pretty, Sir."
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