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Post by Myrine Leventis on Oct 18, 2021 19:58:26 GMT -5
An hour had passed and no sign of Scarlet or Aiden. It was fine, she had all the time in the world in her eyes to do as Aiden asked and find his long lost sire. Gracefully and silently she'd stand from her seat, moving out of Aiden's office and out of his building to drive back to her haven.
Somewhere, just a little farther north, a phone would ring. It was old, black, with it's rotary dialer covered in dust where it sat untouched for years. The owner of the phone would turn to look at it strangely, clearly not expecting it to ring after all this time but at least thankful it was connected to a secure phone line. It would ring again and this time he knew he was not hallucinating. He'd blow on the device, trying to blow away the dust before picking it up but only making a bigger mess than he anticipated.
"Gah! Ya Ibn el Sharmouta!" He'd curse, waiving his arms in the air to waive away the offensive dust, the action causing the multiple bracelets of gold to jangle together with the action. Again the phone would ring and this time he'd answer it with a sound of uncertainty in his Arabic accent.
"Um. Hello?"
"Good. You answered. I am in need of information."
A pause as he processed the dry feminine voice upon the other end, but once he got it...
"MY FRIEND!! It is so good to hear from you! How many years has it been? Eh? I of course will help you however you need. But first you would do me the honor of telling me.. where you are." His tone changed drastically as he continued on turning from suspicious to jovial in a fraction of a second.
Myrine clicked her tongue on the other end of the phone, pulling the burner cell away from her ear in anticipation of the loud exclamation she was coming once he recognized her voice. She'd lean back upon her sofa, crossing her legs and placing the phone back to her ear.
"A reunion of sorts is being facilitated in Los Angeles. The friends in question might have caused damage to your fair city back in 1955. I am most interested in the whereabouts of one in particular. Ivan Nikolaevich."
Khufu seemed surprised. "The bloody chaplain of Alcatraz?" He'd chuckle, clearly finding himself funny. "My friend, he left town before Alcatraz officially closed in 1963. Why would you think I've kept up with his whereabouts, hm?"
"Fair enough. Tell me what you know about him then."
Again he'd chuckle, his usual jovial nature taking on a dark and menacing tone as he walked towards his antique throne he so loved to sit upon. Myrine could hear on the other end each step he took as his jewelry clinked together. That is until there was a loud bang, a dragging sound, and a muffled curse of "Ya Shar-Moo-Ta" from the other end. It sounded like a scramble until she could hear his voice again. The old Setite loved to walk and talk and had forgotten about the old phone receiver being bound by a cord.
"Yes. Hello? Hello? Kess Ommak have I.... You are there still?"
"I am still here."
"My most sincere apologies. I will tell you. And for this I expect nothing in return. Because we are friends and I have not heard from you in some time. Enoch is gone and the Kuei-jin appreciates their havens to remain in tact. Anything more and there will be a price to pay."
Khufu's jovial tone would be replaced by one of quiet seriousness for once and old names mentioned would give her pause.
"This is fair. My friend."
"HAHA! EXCELLENT! Now, let me tell you about the time a Ravnos named Winston borrowed an ancient staff because Ivan and his group was looking for him. It truly meant nothing my friend! But as expected, Ivan and his friends spent hours trying to figure out what secrets Winston and his friends needed it for."
His exuberance would return as Khufu continued on. Myrine would simply hold the phone up to her ear and listen as he prattled.
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Post by Ariel Hawkins on Oct 20, 2021 21:39:49 GMT -5
Ariel chuckled, taking Rory's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze as he offered to help her down from the truck. She could manage of course, but his little gentlemanly acts made her smile. It reminded her of when she was young, human, and not quite so anxious about things. It was a stressful existence.
She'd pause to look around the skyline. Things had changed. Things had grown. And there were fewer stars in the sky than she remembered from the last time she was here. That was probably the 1960's. It was a shame. She liked the stars. One of the reasons to move to Seattle she supposed.
She'd look over with a twinkle in her eye, about to remark about how much of a romantic he was as he commented about meeting her here only to have the subject changed back to his whatsit. She'd take it in between her two fingers curiously, not at all understanding what she was supposed to do with it or how it worked. She'd bring it to her lips and attempt to inhale. Nothing. She'd bring it up to her gaze to look it over and push the little button, fascinated by the little light and the puff of what appeared to be smoke pop out. She'd bring it to her lips again, thinking to push the button as she inhaled. She'd hold the button down a bit too long though. She didn't need to breathe but she could certainly taste and smell and the burnt flavor from the vapor that she puffed out was simply gross to her. She recalled sneaking her father's cigars in her youth. This was nothing like that or perhaps her tastes were simply more refined.
"Oh. Oh no...."
She'd laugh at herself as she waved her hand in the air in front of her face in an attempt to dissipate the vapor. Her face would twist as if tasting something bitter but still she would laugh. A light and airy sound that helped to accentuate that she truly was only 19 years old when she was turned.
"Oh no that's horrible. You can keep that. And the company. And..." She'd snicker again, looking up to meet his eyes but looking away in a humble manner. "I couldn't model. I'm flattered but.... I'd not want to risk the masquerade."
It was at that time Rory's phone would ring. Her brows raised from the ring tone and she'd look at him curiously. This was not one of his business calls.
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Post by Rory Connoly on Oct 21, 2021 12:04:37 GMT -5
He would nearly cackle at Ariel's reaction to the cigarette, recalling a time when he'd offer stolen hand rolled cigarettes from the Elder's tent to the younger children around the pikey campsite. As they'd try to look cool, then cough and choke, eyes watering, he'd laugh, rustle their hair and send them off to go chase rabbits in the grove while he and the young men would plan their shenanigans for the next few days. While her reaction was not the same, the nostalgia of being human was enough to move his black heart the slightest of inches. Kissing her hand, he'd wink to her, marveling at her youthful spirit.
The sound of Disturbed's Hell split the air a few seconds before the most wicked of grins split Rory's lips. In fact, despite his overwhelming humanity for one of his kind, he grinned so wide that his eyes crinkled and his fangs fully exposed. Faster than the eye could see he'd snatch his phone to his ear and a dark, hungry and gleeful tone emanated from his lips.
"Cuthbert Flynn, ye ol'dog ye! Y'never call nor write, an'twere 'ginnin' tae thin'ye dinnae lov'me nah'mahr! Heh! G'tae 'ear ye rollin'in! Bonnie Ariel n'ah'be close t'th Conservatory o' Flowers - ye 'member it? Curious t'know if th'ever fished tha'car outto th'ocean where y'efted it! Thin'the skeles still be in'th'trunk? HA! Git'ere and we'll catch up fore'n we 'ead tae L.A. fer Aiden's lil'ullabaloo! An'kids y'say? Ariel n'ah've never spoken o'family - bu'ye can mee'me bahys! I dinnae bring'em 'bout if'n Ariel's 'ere, but fer ye, we'll run'way and ye kin'say howdy, yeah? See ye inna few 'ours me ol'bahy!"
Snapping his phone shut, he'd look to Ariel. He knew his 'boys' made her uncomfortable both personally and instinctually, but they were being transported and held at a different place in town. He wanted to remind Aiden and the others of why he was the Prince, after all, given his activities were typically frowned upon by the established ruling body. Sliding his hands into Ariel's, he would begin to playfully waltz with her in the street, positively effervescent to know he'd see his old friend again and to have the love of his life here with him in this city again.
"Aye, love...Bertie's a'our r'two out. He's go'kids! Imagine! Ah know've never asked ye...ah've ye ever tho'oh turnin' ourselves a'younglin'? Ye are ahl'ah need these years, so ah've never asked ye...but ah've nary thou'wha ye might like. True'n if ye'd 'ave asked, ah'd 'ave given ye th'world. S'pose'n ah'should've asked fore'n now, Love..."
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Post by Ariel Hawkins on Oct 23, 2021 23:15:30 GMT -5
Ariel's eyes lit up as she recognized the voice on the other end of the phone. She of course remembered Bert and the time he took her for a ride down Lombard street on the back of his motorcycle. It was the first time she had met Bert, before Rory had gotten in to town even as he wasn't with them that night. Proximity allowed her to listen in to the phone call, certain that Rory wouldn't mind since it was Bert. The almost serene smile would slip from her lips though as as Rory mentioned speaking to her about family. Eyes grew wide as saucers and she hoped he jested or that she might've missed part of the conversation that gave that statement context.
"Rory! What are you...." She'd practically squeak out with a little 'eep' as he snapped the phone shut and grabbed her up in a waltz. It was unexpected, but not unwelcomed, and she could not help but to burst out in giggles at the amusement of it. Her steps were uncertain at first, but seeing as she knew how to properly waltz she'd gain her footing quick enough. She'd pull his right hand up under her arm and settle it upon her shoulder, taking up his left in her right and holding it in a proper waltzing stance with a wide grin.
"Bertie has childer?" She'd ask with a question, spinning under his arm and turning back in with a wide smile as they danced and he continued to speak. But her steps would slow until they'd come to a halt as he asked about embracing. It was just the way everything was phrased, as if they were a normal human couple planning a potential future. Not just his childe or her... but theirs... as if they could do it together. There was a bit of fantasy to the thought. Had her psychosis been as chaotic as their friend Clara's then she might've jumped at the chance for that bit of fantasy. She was perhaps blessed and cursed with one that did not affect all of her reasoning.
A gentle smile graced her lips and she'd reach up her hand to cup Rory's chin. Her thoughtful, doting, and ruthless Prince of an Irishman she adored without the need of a blood bond. Her thumb traced over his jawline tenderly. She didn't need to play house to be happy.
"If you wish to embrace another then I will support you. I cannot bring myself to curse another with my tainted blood."
She wouldn't mean to break the fantasy or the mood if her words would even do such a thing. But the reality was the Malkavian blood carried dementation with it. Besides Rory's frowned upon addiction, it was another reason why the act of blood bonding was never mentioned or encouraged by her. The madness was random and in some less fortunate, all consuming.
In an attempt to make sure the mood wasn't spoiled, she'd take up the waltz frame once more. Making sure Rory's hand was placed just so on left shoulder blade and his arm supported hers. Her right hand held aloft at a 90 degree angle would take his and with a little bit of encouragement she'd take a step in a proper waltz there upon the street.
"But you know. Should we decide to raise a family of newly turned vampires our living arrangements would have to change. We'd need a new house, big enough for all of us to be under one roof. I don't really care for white wooden picket fences, for obvious reasons. But a tall slatted fence, maybe metal. With nicely scalloped hedges. And a pool. A pool would be grand. With a small landscaped garden of lavender, roses, delphinium, foxglove, clematis, and lamb's ear. Are you making notes?"
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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Oct 24, 2021 14:54:59 GMT -5
Sewer tunnel drainage room between Rabbit's Revenge and Forest Tower, 9 AM
~SHABOOM!! - click click SHABOOM click click SHABOOM~
Aiden's supernatural hearing had been disabled by the double barrel shotgun in the large chambered room they had cornered the creature in. He could hear nothing but ringing, as he fired repeatedly into the many tentacled mass that had appeared from the grates below them. Briggs had likely not survived, as the thing had clearly ripped his limp body apart. The grate had nearly been torn off by the hinges at this point as the creature forced itself into the room from the sewer line. At this point Aiden had to stand his ground.
"Shit. " He cursed under his breath as he began to reload the weapon. They had underestimated the sheer size of the thing. It would only become more dangerous if allowed to escape.
Virgil had been firing round after round with his .38, but the lower caliber weapon did not seem to be as affective as he liked. He had opted to change tactics with a lead pipe after the gun was knocked from his hand. The creature had managed to wrap a tendril around his waist and was dragging him closer.
The doorman, Sergei had been wounded. He had been thrown a fire axe, which he was using to sever tentacles. He was making progress with celerity in use, but the remaining mass of arms were closing in.
A large arm had wrapped around Aiden's ankles. He had lost his footing, and the shotgun went off as he fell on his back. The gun fell from his grasp as the tentacles pulled him towards the darkness.
And then the arms were severed.
A seven foot tall vampire bat had landed between Aiden and the beast. It extended its wings and roared in fury as it struck at the creature with its talons.
"Fiona! H-Holy shit I'm glad to see you!" Aiden was gushing with admiration, as she struck again and again at the never ending tendrils. She eventually hovered out of the creature's range.
She flew towards the high ceiling as Scarlet shouted.
"Hit the Deck!!" Scarlet had walked back down the tunnel, wearing protective eyewear and goggles with her tasteful miniskirt and heels. She was holding a Lahti L-39 Anti-tank 20mm off of her hip. She had used her potency to bring it, figuring out quickly this was probably going to be necessary. Just as everyone got clear, (Virgil had been saved by Sergei), she gritted her fangs and open fired. The room was filled with powder and deafening sound. Round after round of heavy artillery flooded the large antechamber, as the impacts reduced the mass to a tiny wiggling bloody mess.
She pulled up her goggles and removed her ear protection. As the smoke cleared she clearly saw Aiden sitting on the ground, smiling up at her as he pulled a severed tendril off his ankle.
"Heh heh. Showoff. I guess you deserve an extra bonus this Christmas."
Scarlet smiled wearily. "Damn right I do."
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Post by chaos on Oct 24, 2021 20:57:53 GMT -5
Ahhh, the sand and bright moon light reminds him of home. Although it is hell on his Italian leather shoes. One of his trusted allies, Reggie III approaches and speaks. Ringmaster a parcel has arrived for you he says. As he reaches out to grasp the parcel the gold bracelets jingle and the ruby rings shine in the moon light, a laugh escapes his lips as a thought of a friend that gifted them to him crosses his memory. Pulling open the carefully wrapped package he laughs, and calls one of his familiar Ra from his perch on the wagon.
"Looks like the Irishmen is thinking of you my friend," as the capuchin scampers down his shoulder grabbing the bananas with a elated screech and running off again. Ra make sure you share with your bothers and sisters is a statement most likely lost on the little devil.
Turning back to Reggie as serious tone as he speaks. "Did you make sure to post the flyers around the streets, as commanded?"
"Yes," Reg replies, "I paid close attention to the club areas as requested."
"Good good." he replies as he dismisses him with a wave of his hand back to the camp fire with the others, "Tell my Medjay that it wont be long be for we move."
He thinks of how restless they get when it has gone to long with out chaos. Li Changru keeps them in line fairly well, but it is not the norm for the mixture of outcast kindred to be in such close proximity to the clans from which they were cast from or run off.
They followed the Gypsy because he promised them that their dislike of the old ways where not wrong. The aristocracy of the vampire only created slaves, no different from the cattle they thought themselves better than. He stares out toward the city lights in the distance, they would come to respect his new clutch, they would know to be ignore and look down upon will bring CHAOS!!
THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN!
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Post by Marlowe Rodrick on Oct 24, 2021 21:00:40 GMT -5
Marlowe's newly arrived trunk was sitting on the front porch of his quaint little guest home. It was decided that once he was settled in they would take a short tour of the small townhouse.
He lifted the heavy trunk without issue, and carried it up the stairs alone into the large bedroom. He sat the trunk on the floor and spied his suitcase had already been brought up. This was all he owned.
He took a look around, and seemed very pleased. Upon the wall, there were several light switches. Marlowe could not resist testing all them. Also, there was a strange button on the wall that was difficult to see with the naked eye.
The lights came on, the ceiling fan activated. But after pressing the button, the bed slid across the floor, and a coffin lid sprang open from a hatch door. The coffin had a matching switch inside.
"Ah, clever mechanism! Zhis vill vork qvite nicely!" He pressed the switch once more and the bed slid back into place. He walked back downstairs to join Elise.
They looked around in the kitchenette, and Marlowe marveled at the modern tools. (this kitchen had been outfitted specifically for Kindred)
"A valk-in frreezer, a large rrefridgerator to storre zhe blood, zhe extra large sink, an industrial grade food and bone disposal unit, and a chute to an incinerator...? I hef to admit, zhis place has it all! You've thought of everyzhink!"
The living area had been outfitted with a large 4K television that displayed a painting. The décor of the small house was clearly Victorian, although the wiring and plumbing had been updated. They went outside via the back door, and admired the view of the courtyard. It contained a hedge maze and a rose garden.
"Vonderbar accommodations! I must zhank you again forr yourr hospitality, Elise. Yourr kindness is vell apprreciated."
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Post by Louis-Joseph de Montcalm on Oct 25, 2021 16:36:49 GMT -5
Louis de Montcalm sat with a rigid posture upon a leather ottoman. He faced away from the master bathroom, and spoke aloud in the darkened bedroom. He had calmed down considerably from the earlier excitement, and had gotten over it all.
"I have grown so weary. We will travel to Elise's estate by carriage tomorrow evening. To be honest, Dreyfus, the infamy of this place has exceeded my expectations. I find it... too modern and unpredictable, and I wish to depart."
Dreyfus was in the seldom used bathroom of Louis's suite, wiping the dark blood coating his skin off with a pile of towels in the tub. He was given some privacy, but he could hear his master well enough. "Yeah, I believe you've got the right idea. Maybe I shouldn't stick around either, because they'll probably lose their shit if they figure out a mortal took one of em' out."
"You are a gem, Dreyfus." Louis smiled warmly. "An imperfect, raw gem.... but rare nonetheless."
"Uh, ...thanks, buddy?" He knew his worth. A vampire hunter turned ally was indeed a rare commodity for a kindred to have access to. Their arrangement was mutual, as well as beneficial to both.
"You are dearly welcome, my friend. Anon, the sun has risen and I must rest. After you cleanse yourself, I will require that you get some sleep, Dreyfus. I will require you to be very alert tomorrow evening."
"Sleep well, master."
"And you as well." Louis stood, and then walked into his custom made casket, closing the lid behind him.
Dreyfus began cleaning his fingernails with a nail file.
~~~
~An hour earlier - Rabbit's Revenge Ground Floor, Parking Garage B~
Murphy "Wheels" Malone sat in Aiden Forest's limo, pumping reggae into a parking garage from a cracked window, allowing the smoke to pour out. He had just finished a blunt with an acquaintance. She had allowed him to feed as well. The pretty blonde was sleeping in the passenger seat, with two Mickey Mouse Band-Aids on her neck. He had restrained himself better than usual, this time. It was a good vibe.
He casually glanced around, and out of the corner of his eye, he recognized his second cousin, nailing a poster to a telephone pole right outside of the Rabbit's Revenge. They had grown up together in the islands and were technically the same age, although Wheels had stopped aging.
The men spoke a mix of broken English and Patois with familiarity.
"Reggie Tree! Reggie Tree! What kinda nonsense you be doin' wit dem flyers? Yuh inna big chobble, mon!"
The man looked towards him and walked up to his window and shrugged. Wheels rolled it down the rest of the way "Cuz." The kindred and the human greeted one another.
"Cuz." Wheels blinked sleepily. "What business you be havin' in Aiden's turf?" Wheels studied one of the flyers with bloodshot eyes and seemed puzzled. "Circus Chaos, now what dis be?"
Reggie III smirked. "No, no...Nevermind dat." He ran his long fingered hand across the limo door finish. "Mi like yuh cris cyar.”
Wheels shook his head and laughed, with his fangs out. "Heh, heh, heh. No, no, mon. My ride is in de shop. Di chuck want tree new tyres. You fool well know who owns dis whip. Jus' keep ya hands off, cuz.”
He took a step back. "Alright! Alright, I leave it be! Murphy, I not pinch de cyar no more. I went clean to roll me die wit de Ringmaster. Ya know who it be. De only ting I worry bout is why my fambly be workin' for dat no good white boi up in de tower? Hmpfh. Hollywood. Dem a wan no good bunch.”
"But dey pay, Reg! Lots of cheddah, an' all de warm blood I can drink, an' any cyar ah fi mi own. A whole fleet. For de loyalty, I do as I please anywhere in LA, Cuz!" Malone was becoming defensive. "Besides. Do th' circus even be havin' an audience in dis age, mon?"
"Huh!" Reggie seemed insulted as he admonished Wheels. "Tsk. Whatever, cuz. I knew you'd say dis. I see ya forgot ya way. Walk wit us before he get ya killed er' worse." Reggie turned away to continue his work. "Remember what I say. Put ya skills to betta use!"
"Mi cyan ‘elp yuh wit dat problem. Don' stick aroun' here, Reg. Galang bout yuh business an move on before security do a sweep an' cap ya.”
Wheels's buzz was ruined.
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Post by jsmith506 on Oct 27, 2021 20:18:32 GMT -5
Bert slapped his big hand onto his face when he hung up the phone with Rory. Did the events of so long ago stick with him that badly? The invite specifically said L.A., but somehow by fluke he managed to navigate his way back to San Francisco at the same time as Rory did. He wouldn't say anything to his underlings, just leave it as a surprise. Meg and Duncan hadn't met or even heard of Rory before, he grinned and noted their lack of wallet chains.
An hour later, three Harleys would roll up to the conservatory of flowers. All of the mortals in the area would immediately become uneasy and disperse. Bert strolled into the gardens with Meg and Duncan in tow.
"Oi! Where ya hidin' y'old Irish prick!"
Duncan and Meg both reached for their side arms with the sudden boom of their boss' voice. Bert raised his hand motioning for them to stop.
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Post by Elise Beaufort on Oct 29, 2021 20:54:09 GMT -5
Elise remained downstairs while Marlowe took his trunk upstairs. Remington had offered to help but Marlowe insisted he could handle it. She waited patiently while he explored the upstairs. Elise had spared no expense and worked with some of the best when planning the guesthouse. She was delighted at his exclamation upon discovering the bed. She gave him a fangy grin and nodded a bit when he rejoined her downstairs. She watched as he explored the downstairs.
"It wouldn't be proper to have a guest house that didn't cater to Kindred."
She wandered outside with him and took in the courtyard. It was one of her pride and joys. She enjoyed walking the maze to relax. Thank goodness for landscapers though. There was no way she would want to keep it up on her own.
"Thank you."
She smiled graciously at his compliments. They moved back inside and she moved to the door.
"Should you need anything just let me know. I'll see you later this evening then."
The sun would be up soon. It had been a long night for both of them and there would be plenty to do before Louis arrived. They exchanged pleasantries and Elise bid him farewell. Remington had waited patiently outside and was ready to escort her back to the main house. Once there she would make her way up to her room and prepare for bed.
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Post by Rory Connoly on Oct 31, 2021 10:43:25 GMT -5
Whimsical as he often was, her words could not be harmful in any way. For Rory it was often the idea of a thing that held the most sway, the reality of its realization a boring disappointment. In many ways, unlike many of his kind, his burgeoning humanity was both a blessing and a curse. Blinking in feigned shock as Ariel repositioned his hands and took posture, his wiry frame stiffened gently into a more formal posture as they swayed to unheard music in the dark.
"Ah'luv...'twas jus'a question....a'multifacete'uriositeh o'mine. Buh'loo'atcah...ye'll ma'ah proper gent o'me yet, wah'wit y'proper dancin' an'ye elegan'beauty! Buh notes luv? Nay...I nary take a'note from'ye...'ow cannae 'ang on y'every word if'n ah b'scribblin' 'way in some book, yeah? Thas' wha'ah 'ave them fer!"
He'd snap his head towards the driver with a grin, who was furiously scribbling notes while the relief driver in the vehicle held a small dome shaped device in their directions, looking sheepish as he wore his headphones and ensured the digital recording was on. As Rory twirled her like a feather on the air, in a blink his hand went to his hip and drew his switchblade, winging it at the driver and cutting the eraser clean off the man's pencil before it bounced off the armor plated door and stuck in the ground neatly between one of the shoelace loops. With a playful wink, he nodded, and the man coughed.
"Tall slatted fence, possibly metal...scalloped hedges...pool...landscaped garden...lavender, roses, delphinium, foxglove, clematis, lamb's ear?"
Rory's face would turn to utter frustration, pausing in mid-dance. Turning his head slowly, a slight hint of fang crept out of his lips.
"Nicely....th'lady sai' nicely scallo'edges...."
He'd reach for his pistol, thumbing the hammer with a disgusted sigh. The man's eyes went wide as he saw the barrel that never missed pointed at his forehead. A small puddle formed in his crotch and down his thigh. He knew better than to beg for his life - the Irishman would simply make it hurt worse. A soft breeze blew and in a strange moment a piece of paper flipped through the air and slapped Rory in the face, sticking there. His eyebrow went up in calm frustration, peeling it off slowly. Glancing at the audacious page, his whimsy immediately as he grinned to Ariel, holstering his sidearm as the driver exhaled heavily. Saved by a flier of all things.
"Well ah'll be jiggered n'swagged....Fate b'showin' 'er hand heavy taenight! Seems a circus be comin'tae San Fran...an'lookie 'ho the ringleader o'these clowns is! S'gonna be ah'party fer sure! Come Love, let's get ready fer Bertie!"
*~*~*
A wave of near sickness washed over him as Bert's voice boomed out through the night air. Like a inkling of nausea, he suppressed his urge to simply run. Cuthbert had gotten even stronger, even as one might expect, and his presence affected even his good friend. Swallowing as he pushed it down into this stomach, he grinned darkly. As if all at once, 5 shots rang out as one from the belltower. One hit the holster strap of each of Bert's childer, dropping the guns to the earth before their hands could have found them even if Bert hadn't called them off. The outside earlobe of each would also be nicked just enough to scratch. The last would skip off the rivet on Bert's wallet chain. Standing in full view then with a playful grin, he threw Ariel from the tower, his Mosin Nagant down to his driver who caught it and began to polish and oil it faithfully. Leaping to the earth, almost at the same second his feet touched the ground he vanished from sight, moving so fast the unprepared eye couldn't track him. Less than a quarter second later, he'd be standing before Bert, the wallets of each of his team in the Irishman's hands, open and being gone through idly. The dark green eye moved from the ID's slowly up to Bert as a wry, playful grin split his lips. Dropping the wallets unceremoniously to the ground, his arms went wide with a mirthful, joyful laugh.
"Bertie m'bahy! Nearly mis'took ye fer an'ol'oak tree! Jaysus Mary n'Joseph...ye're a'sigh'fer sore ahys!! C'mere y'lug!"
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Post by Myrine Leventis on Nov 1, 2021 17:20:26 GMT -5
The phone call to Khufu lasted longer than Myrine had anticipated. It had been decades since she had spoken to the old snake and she had nearly forgotten about his gift for gab. But she supposed there were things she learned that made the conversation less of a waste of her time.
For one, names. Names that correlated a little more closely with Aiden's guest list. How all of these names ended up as Princes of their own territories was a strange phenomenon but there it was. Clara of Las Vegas, Charles Henry of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Rory of Seattle, Washington, Cuthbert Flynn of Anaconda, Montana, Fiona McIntyre of Portland, Oregon, and Luna Marie Giovanni of Phoenix, Arizona. There were others mentioned in this group of miscreants from San Francisco in the mid 50's that didn't move on to lofty standards but judging by this list... maybe they didn't want to.
Myrine stood from her couch then, picking up her phone once more and calling her trusty right hand. Arthur, as always, would pick up on the second ring.
"Yeah Boss?"
"I need a status report on half the guest list. Vegas, Cheyenne, Seattle, Anaconda, Portland, and Phoenix."
There would be some flipping of pages from the other end, some scribbles, and then some typing of keys.
"None I see have officially checked in. Phoenix and Portland have at least RSVP'd they will be taking up our Prince's accommodations. Phoenix is likely to arrive any night now given who it is. It is assumed Cheyenne will make their own accommodations."
"Seattle's entourage?"
"Haven't been seen."
"Anaconda and Vegas?"
"Have at least said they were coming but did not RSVP as far as when or where they were staying."
"I need word on when at least one of these six decide to land."
"Will do. Maybe a little extra info. The other six have landed and checked in, taking up Aiden on his accommodations. Word on the street is Aiden and maybe a few met with some trouble in his tunnels."
"Did he die?" She'd ask in her usual flat and un empathetic voice.
"Well, not that I can tell. Aiden that is. But I think someone did. Just don't know who. Do you want to know?"
Myrine paused on this. Did she want to know? No, not really. Unless it tied directly to her current assignment then it meant little to her.
"It doesn't matter. Unless it is one of Aiden's direct entourage or the six I am looking for."
"Good deal. Lot of strange stuff happening all at once. Weird monster in the tunnels and now a 'night only' circus. Beginning to feel as if I'm in one already."
Arthur would let out a good natured chuckle, expecting to hear nothing from Myrine as usual except a parting word if she didn't just out right hang up on him. Instead he'd get a curious response.
"What?"
Myrine pulled the phone from her ear and moved towards her door, taking a step outside. Time would begin to slow as rats, people, and cars all began to creep along at a snails pace as she moved towards Arthur's location. Even the birds seemed to pause mid-air and she travelled.
Arthur chuckled again, leaning back in his chair and rotating around as he spoke.
"You interested Boss? How long his it been since you had any FUUUUUUU....UUUCK A DUCK! Seriously woman will you not do that to me! Creeps me the fuck out!"
Arthur would turn and Myrine would just be there behind him, the sound of his own voice echoing in her cell phone. He startled and leapt to his feet, his chair turning over from the sudden movement.
"You mentioned a circus?"
Arthur just shook his head, moving to his desk to look for the flyer he found while out on his nightly walk abouts. Once found he'd hand it over, looking to the woman's dispassionate face and thinking... she'd be prettier if she smiled more. He didn't think he had ever seen any kind of expression on her face.
There was a name she recognized, one of those that didn't rise to Princedom later on in unlife. Looks like it was currently in San Francisco with dates in Las Angeles afterwards. How incredibly ironic. She'd look up to Arthur with a nod, folding the poster in half and sliding it into her jacket. If this Ivan liked to play a long game as Khufu had indicated, then this conference would seem a prime time to act with all of his friends in town.
"Be prepared to investigate this as well. I need to hunt now before daybreak."
Arthur would just watch as she'd turn to leave, still a little dumbstruck she did her little appearing act for a poster he could've just snapped a picture of. He guessed these old ones just still had some habits they clung too, even for one who was as seemingly adjusted to technology as Myrine.
"Okay. Well. Bye then?"
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Post by Ariel Hawkins on Nov 1, 2021 19:52:30 GMT -5
Ariel would tisk and shake her head as the dancing stopped and Rory drew his gun over such a trivial thing. She'd reach out and trace her fingers town the length of his arm, knowing full well that if he really wanted to pull the trigger she wouldn't be fast enough to stop him.
"Now now dearest. There's no need for...."
THWAP.
The sound of paper smacking against Rory's face would catch her off guard. She'd look up at him with wide blue eyes. She'd blink, her lips beginning to twitch as she fought to contain the giggles until she couldn't any more. She'd laugh, reaching up to wipe away a non-existent tear as Rory pulled the paper away.
"There is no way. Just how." Snicker. "This is getting too weird."
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Ariel's arms almost reflexively reached up to wrap around herself as Bert's voice called out through the night air of the gardens. She'd not break her obfuscate though and remain hidden within the shadows. She'd move a little bit, looking out over the trio as Bert's childer reached for their weapons, watching their aura shift in a twist of purples and greens.
Shots rang out. Ariel watched as both their aura's shifted to a mottled mess of colors. She would only needed that moment of confusion and uncertainty to stir it within Meg and Duncan, brining it to a boil, but she would hold off. A Brujah's reaction to being uncertain is never certain after all. One may fight or one may run. But she would do what she needed to protect Rory if they decided to wig out. She'd stay obfuscated and ready until she was certain Bert had a hold on his associates. He at least seemed happy to be there.
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Post by jsmith506 on Nov 1, 2021 21:23:22 GMT -5
Bert looked down at his hip and chuckled, he turned to give a quick red eyed fear of death glare to Meg and Duncan, an unspoken, 'don't fuck around look'. They both let out a simultaneous "Sorry Boss" and sheepishly bent over to pick up their side arms and stuff them in their pants behind their belts. Duncan reached up to touch his ear... his cheeks flushed red matching the curly red locks that hung out of his bandana. He was definitely restraining himself from this hefty bruise to the ego. Meg on the other hand seemed indifferent, she simply chewed on her toothpick with her arms crossed. She was more concerned about this strange man that approached her sire and caught them all off guard and stole their wallets.
Bert opened his arms wide and threw them around Rory. The Irishman practically disappeared in the giant's embrace and would find his feet leave the ground for a moment before being set back down. "Ahh Rory, good to see you. These are my lieutenants, Meg, and Duncan O'Finney."
Meg tipped an index finger from her forehead out in a mock salute and Duncan let out a sneer, "Touch me foken wallet again..." Bert growled under his breath and turned with a glare. "That's enough childe, be greatful your brains aren't all over the ground. Calm your Irish titties, we'll find you another one legged whoore around here someplace ya sick fuck."
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Post by Prince Aiden Forest on Nov 2, 2021 16:20:11 GMT -5
~The following night... One week before the Summit~
6:30 P.M. Forest Tower Boardroom C.
Aiden hadn't bothered with sleep. His eyes were bloodshot. He finished pacing in the boardroom and sat down at the sprawling table, finally speaking as his mind raced. Scarlet Hendricks stood by, as a ghoul approached with two large chalices of rich, dark blood. The creepy goth kid ducked out of the room as quickly she had appeared. Scarlet began flipping through the pages of her clipboard, patiently awaiting for Aiden to wind back down. She was on the clock.
"Let's be honest, Ms. Hendricks." Aiden was in rare form, appearing to be thinking on his feet. "That undead creature... you so graciously disposed of... was NOT created in a lab somewhere around here. It didn't look like the visceral gunk of Pentax. This was most likely a Sabbat or Mage creation that was brought here in a damn shipping crate or something."
Aiden took a long sip of blood, and licked his lips as he paused to ponder.
"Just hear me out.... I've thought about this all day. No one Kindred on the west coast has all of the resources to make an abomination that huge. Think about it. Who do we know has a penchant for necromancy? Luna Giovanni. Who do we know has connections to the Tzimisce? Ivan Nikolaevich! I swear to fucking Cain, Scarlet. This stinks of him. Doesn't his sire even own and operate a state of the art research facility???"
Scarlet hesitated a moment, but replied. "Yes, it is true, Fiona has a research lab that specializes in mental afflictions. Yes. Yes. I suppose you could be right, but I think you are overthinking all of this, Aiden. My point being, you are now dealing with a Prince assassination that may threaten the safety of the Summit. If we are even having one..."
Aiden frowned, and slapped his open palm on the table, cracking the oak. He shook, as a bit of blood dripped from his nose as he growled. "Oh, the Summit is still fucking on. I've already spent too much on deposits to back out now. All the witnesses were my people, so nobody needs to really know what happened down there. Believe me when I say, we will be ready!"
Scarlet smirked. "Almost."
"Almost?
... huh?
What in the hell do you mean by that?" Aiden squinted.
"No, I mean, almost all of the witnesses. There's Montcalm. You said all the witnesses were 'your people'. He's not on the payroll, last I checked."
Aiden flipped his shades on, to hide his puffy red eyes. "Well... you know. Louie... He's an old friend. I think I can reason with him to keep quiet. He doesn't owe Briggs anything. As a matter of fact I think he hated the guy... something about losing a federal vote to transport blood across the New Mexico and Colorado border duty free... you know, he does stand to gain quite a bit from Brigg's demise. Could be a useful point to bring up if it becomes a problem."
"I found it very odd that he did not seem to want to fight the beast. I was told he was a warrior with ancient renown from the days of muskets and cannon fire."
"Yeah, at least he was back in the day. I'll have to ask him about it after breakfast."
"Well, I'm sorry about this, sir. But you can't. He's gone."
"What do you mean? Like... gone, gone? Why did nobody call me?"
"His thrall checked them out in the afternoon during your debrief with the staff, and then they must have slipped out just before nightfall. When I got in this evening, the daylight doorman recalls he had seen a black carriage arrive shortly before sunset. He never saw anyone leave or enter it."
"Pah! Humans are so unreliable sometimes." Aiden seemed a bit uncomfortable. "Do you think it was something I said?"
"No. Louis just told the receptionist that he was overwhelmed with the height of the tower vista, and that he'd prefer to stay in a more stately abode."
"Oh." Aiden scratched his head in thought, then snapped his fingers.
"He's going to Elise's. Of course he is. Get Myrine on it, Virgil is handling the cleanup down below. It is apparent that I need to make some phone calls."
"I'll make it happen, Aiden." Scarlet pushed her glasses up and headed towards her office.
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