rissen: the vampire sypathy story board

Zen pushed the heavy metal doors of the mansion open slowly, the ominous mist swirling from the void not helping Orion's anxiety one bit. Even more worrying, was the apprehension displayed by Zen, his older brother staring into the blackness beyond the doorway for a long time, before eventually taking a deep breath and easing his way into the building.

"What the hell have we gotten ourselves into?" Orion wondered quietly as the inside of the mansion was revealed to them. Rather than the inside of mansions he had seen in the past, mansions with many rooms and a central staircase, this mansion consisted of just one, absolutely enormous room.

Rich red carpet blanketed the room, paintings and hunting trophies lined the walls. Brown leather couches seemed to have been placed sporadically through the room, as if someone had just tossed them in and left them where they happened to land. Along the edges of the room, standing tall against the walls, were porcelain statues of soldiers, some mordern, some ancient, some, to Orion's suprise, were of Vampire origin.

At the end of the room a large fireplace flickered with orange firelight, next to which a figure sat in a brown leather chair, face hidden in shadow, the only noticable thing visible being its body clothed in a military uniform.

"Zen Tyboltalinar Vagar...it has been a long, long time, ese." The strange accent of the Mexican born, American raised, British soldier known as Jesus Aguera echoed through eerie room.

The two brothers approached the figure cautiosly, the flare of a cigar illuminating the figures face for mere seconds before the shadows claimed it again. To Orion's eyes, there was something not quite right about it. A cloud of smoke rose from the shadows, accompanied by a deep chuckle from the General.

Orion's eyes flicked left and right, assessing everything he could in his uncomfotable state, taking in every detail of theroom acutely, befor ehis gaze finally rested upon a small table in front of the seated figure. Resting upon the table top was a small hammer.

"How do you know my name?" Zen demanded hotly, gaining some of his composure.

Another cigar flare, illuminating a face that seemed to reflect the light in a strange manner, the General chuckling quietly. "Oh, we know each other intimately, ese. Many, many years ago, we had a very personal encounter."

Zen's eyes flashed angrilly, Orion could see he was tiring of the uncomfortable situation very quickly. He knew his brother hated not being in control.

"Cut the crap Aguera! I've never met you before."

"Oh," the figure rose, scooping up the hammer in the process, and revealed himself fully under the firelight. Orion's jaw dropped. The man was made entirely from porcelain. "Haven't you? I think you have, ese. You and your brother both" With a quick motion, Aguera slammed the hammer against his forehead, the porcelain shattering and falling from his body in a million pieces.

Orion gasped despite himself and stumbled back, nearly tripping over his own feet. "No! Impossible! You...Your supposed to be dead!"

Standing before them, fully revealed, was a figure roughly human in shape, only with skin slightly blue in hue. trailing from the figures wrists, up his arms, comtinueing up his neck to his temples and finally spiralling down the bridge of his his nose, were golden metallic scales.

"Appearances can be decieving," the creature replied. "If you had checked my body, you would have discovered I lived. That was a mistake that will cost you your lives."

Orion never thought to see a member of the Tikun race again. Indeed, this very Tikun was the last of their kind, but he and Zen had destroyed him years before the Great Battle....Or so they had thought.

"Mattikon!" Zen snarled. "You snake."

Mattikon chuckled jovially. "Not quite. Ah...after all these years, we shall finish what we began all those years ago. Mattikon versus the both the White Knight and Black Knight. Ebony," He glared at Orion hard, before swinging his gaze to Zen. "And Ivory. The two creatures who single handedly wiped out the one race that nearly destroyed their Vampire kind. The two creatures that wiped out all of my ancestors, leaving me, Mattikon, to defend our race's existance to the very end."

From nowhere, Mattikon produced to glinting lonswords, Orion blinking in disbelief at their sudden appearance. Tossing one to each of the brotthers, he beckoned with one hand. "Come, let us finish this once and for all."

Zen, his hatred more than fueld by the sight of his all time greatest enemy, charged with a cry of rage, swinging the blade hard at Mattikon's head. The Tikun yawned mockingly, catching the blade with a hand, disarming Zne, and slamming his free palm into Zen's chest, sending the White Knight flying more than ten meters across the room.

"Still as rash as ever," Mattikon chuckled. "Did you not learn from your mistakes all those years ago. Patience alone can defeat me."

Zen struggled to his feet, deftly catching the sword that Mattikon tossed back to him, and began circling the Tikun creature. Orion mimiced his brother on the opposite side, ready to spring at his brother's word.

For a long monet Zen sized up the enemy, eyes narrowed in concentration, before the slightest nod of his head sent the borthes into action.

Mattikon responded as if half asleep, taking all the time in the world. Merely twisting his body slightly to avoid Zne's blade, he grabbed it with one hand, yanking it free from the Vampires grasp, and spun, parrying Orion's strike with ease and slamming the hilt into the now off balanced Vampires forehead.

Orion crumpled to the ground unconcious, his human body not able to withstand the punishment that would barely faze a Vampire.

"Oh, pitty," Mattikon smirked at Zen, tossing him one of the swords. "Now it is just the two off us."

"You know what they say...three's a crowd" Zen charged again, raining a furious combo of strikes down upon Mattikon, the Tikun parrying each blow with relative ease, blue sparks flying through the darkness as steel met steel.

"Ah, another touching personal moment between the two of us, eh Ivory? Don't we much such a lovely couple?"

"Beast!" Zen roared, anger getting the better of him. He knew he had made a mistake instantly, going for too much with his swing and over balancing, Mattikon taking advantage and sending him sprawling, sword spinning away across the carpet.

Before he could rise, he found the point of Mattikon's sword was pressed against his throat. "A pity,' the Tikun frowned. "I was looking forward to a good tussle." Mattikon's frown turned into a smirk. "How does it feel to know your death at my hands will signal the end for your kind? You and your brother are only the beginning, Ivory. The blood of your little friends shall soon stain my carpet along with that of yours and your brothers. This I vow to you. Your race shall finally perish at my ha-"

Mattikon didn't get a chance to finish, and didn't even get a chance to scream, before the sword gripped firmly in the recovered Orion's hand sliced him cleanly in half. Both halves of the Tikun stumbled back, but no blood what-so-ever spilled from the creature as both havles stood erect.

For the second time in mere minutes, Orion's jaw dropped, as both halves seemed to sprout something from their sides, and in seconds, two perfectly unharmed Tikun's stood before them.

Both chuckled evilly and spoke at the exact same. "You didn't think it would be that easy did you? I have learnt some new tricks since last we met."

"Apparently," Zen replied dryly as he sprung to his feet, sword in hand.

"How about we invite some others to the party?" both Mattikon's spoke at the same time, lifting their right legs high and slamming them back to the ground, the entire room shaking at the imapct. The sound of shattering porcelain meant the action needed no explanation, as twenty warriors stepped forth from the edges of the room, exact replicas of their porcelain counter parts.

The warriors cirled them, Orion and Zen going back to back, prepared to defend themselves in the wake of the impossible odds. Both brothers instantly coming up with their defence plan.

"Blood whisper, brother?" Queried Orion.

"Blood whisper, brother," Zen replied, pausing until the warriors had closed to a desired distance. "Now!"

At the shout, Orion left directly upwards, Zen turning and grabbing his feet, beginning to spin on his heels in a hammer throwers motion. Orion extended his body out fully, sword outstretched in front of his as his brother levelled him out in the spin until he was in a horizontal position.

Blood showered the duo as the throats of the warriors, with no chance of avoiding the blade, were slit cleanly, all twenty of them dropping to the ground dead in mere seconds.

The Mattikon's raised their brows as Zen brought their spin to a halt. "Impressive. Very impressive indeed."

((To be continued))

The two Tikun creatures glanced at each other. "Perhaps we will have a fight on our hands after all?" They turned with a chuckle to meet the rush of the charging brothers, deftly parrying the sword blades with thier bare hadns alone, letting the brothers tire themselves out.

It didn't take long, Orion's human body beginning to reach the extent of its endurance after roughly ten minutes of intense fighting. "Brother, we must finish this. I am dead in the water."

Zen, sweating profusely, something unusual in a Vampire nodded. "Back to back," he panted, Orion obeying instantly, pressing his back against his brother's. "Blades, to them."

Each tossing a blade to the Tikun mimics, Zen feigned tired defeat. "Enough! We tire of this. Mattikon, you are unbeatable. You..." Zen hung his head. "You have won this day. Let us end this. Finish us and be done with it."

"Spoil sport," the Mattikon's complained, but smirks played across their lips despite their disappointment, eyes glazed over with the thought of victory at long last. "Oh well. To kill you, will be our pleasure."

"Feigned Death," Zen bellowed when the mirrior immages lunged, the borthers relaxing completely and letting their own body weight drop them to the ground like sacks of poptatoes. So furious were the Mattikon's strikes, that they couldn't correct their strokes in time, blades plunging deep into eachothers chest, piercing hearts.

With a duel screetch of pure agony, both versions of Mattikon stumbled back to fall twitching onto the floor, large pools of blueish-black blood oozing from their wounds to stain the crimson carpet.

Rising tiredly to his feet, Zen gazed upon the forms of his arch enemy with a strange relief, having just survived the fight of his life. "One thing you can be sure of, brother. The heart, when it comes down to it, destroys all, one way or another."

"Brother, I think-"

Zen's hand snapped up, Orion falling silent as panic befell his brother's features, an expression that scared the living hell out of Orion. Zen glared at him desperately. "We must get underground!" He bellowed, eues darting around the room.

"What? I dont under-"

"The trap!" Zen shouted. "The giant bubble surrounding this place. It is closing in!" Zen began to run his hands over the stones of the fireplace in desperation. "Come on for f*ck sakes! Do you want to die after everything we've been through this night?"

A loud crunch brought both brothers heads snapping up, a large crack visible in the roof as plaster began to shower down. A second or two later, a chunk of the roof fell in with a crash, revealing the clear bubble closing in around them.

Frantically, Orion began mimicking his brothers actions, his palm hitting a stone that slid back into the wall, the fire place reacting by sliding out with a screetch, revealing a staircase leading downwards.

"How did you know?!"

"Lucky guess," Zen shouted as he dove down, the bubble now mere feet from their head as the mansion crumbled around them.

"Guess!" Orion shouted incredulous as he followed suit, barely making it in before the bubble enclosed the last of the mansion.

Panting heavily, Orion rolled onto his back and let the cool breeze filtering down soothe him gazed up through what was now nothing more than a hole in the ground, watching the bubble rise from his position halfway down the stone staircase. Now just two feet in radius, Orion found it hard to believe that the brownish grey mass within the bubble was, just a few minutes earlier, a gigantic mansion.

He rose to his feet and took a deep breath, eyes not leaving the bubble that hovered some ten metres above the ground.

"Down!" Zen's shout caught him off guard, and his brother yanked him down to the steps hard, billowing his white long coat over their forms as a massive explosion rocked the area, shards of stone and slate dust raining down upon them heavily.

Ears ringing and choking on dust, Orion struggled free of his brother's grasp, throwing the coat off and sprinting up the steps. Shoving his fingers down his throat, he forced himself to throw up in an effort to clear the dust from his system and gasped in much needed oxygen, collapsing on the rubble strewn grass sucking in large lungfulls of air.

He heard, more than saw Zen flop down on the turf next to him, breathing just as hard he. "I don't know about you," his brother panted, "but I need a good strong drink."

"Ditto," Orion breathed. "And a smoke. I am desperate for a f*cking drag."

Zen chuckeld weakly. "Pathetic human addiction."

Orion could only smile in response, before his body gave out and he slipped into blissful unconciousness.

((ooc: wow…thanks, wasn’t really expecting all that since I…umm…sorta rushed the ending what w/ it being late…anyways, here’s something though the beginning will seem off and a little on the ‘attempting romance’ side. Though, the romance –anything sexual- area’s neva’ been my thing so that’s one thing anybodys got me beat in. well, w/o further ado…))

Flicking open a pair of surreal hazel eyes, Yuri waited plainly as her eyes adjusted to the setting, the fuzzy haze starting to leave her vision. A few seconds into the process, the earthen ceiling finally came into view, multiple shiny green vines dangling down from the soil. Glancing to her left, she instinctively shied away from a sunbeam piercing through the green canopy of the forest and striking down into her eyes. She didn’t care if the forest was supposedly enchanted or not, the light had never been her thing.

Now fully conscious, a sharp pain flew from her chest to her head, causing her to wince as she massaged the latter. She groaned, unsure of what was going on, where she was. Frowning, a foul, plant like flavor in her mouth, she turned her head to the second occupant of the cave.

His eyes gave off an effervescent sparkle, charcoal grey illuminated beneath the afternoon sun. The atmosphere sticky and hot, his upper attire had been folded away neatly into a corner, that, along with a bloodied clothe, two polished katana sheaths resting lightly on the pile. Resting at his heels were a pestle and mortar, a few feet away something brewing in a small iron pot.

He sighed, leaning his head back against the strangely cool dirt wall. Black hair currently out and hanging a little past his shoulders, despite holding a youthful appearance, he looked overly weary from the day’s events. The only way to tell he was use to hard labor or strenuous tasks being the various scars adorning his from infinite battles fought. His most previous wound was a small scratch along a tanned cheek, another three days or so until it would be healed all the way.

Yuri smiled at the mark, proud of the scar she had added onto him. She started to sit up, the pain shooting through her forcing her back onto the ground. Massaging her forehead, partial concentration on pushing away the pain, she asked unusually quietly. “How long have I been asleep?”

Startled at hearing her voice, he turned his eyes from the inviting summer day onto Yuri. Eyes falling to the pestle and mortar in his front, he continued to grind up a mushy green paste inside the wooden bowl. He sighed heavily. “It has been two days. You had me worried…” He grinded the mixture of herbs pensively.

Knowing she was currently on his bad side, Yuri stared down to her body, making a face at the sight. She had on a makeshift leather top, short enough so that the bloodied clothe around her chest wouldn’t ruin the material. Poking at a soaked through part of the clothe, she instantly regretted it at feeling a sharp pain. Sucking in her breath, she held back a scream, voice coming strained with her next question. “What happened?”

“An accident,” He answered simply, pouring a portion over the green mush into a new piece of clothe. He shook his head as he prepared her new bandage. “Then again, it is, in part, my fault. I should have known you would have some other business besides to just enjoy yourself,” He crawled over to her, peeling off the stained pink clothe decorating her ribs. Applying the fresh bandage to the slowly healing gash across her ribs, he continued on with a bitter tone. “You could not go on seven days without killing at least one person. I was expecting far too much when I said thirty.” He bundled up the old bandages.

Yuri turned her gaze away from his eyes, upset at his disappointment. Staring out into the darker section of the caves, she dug her nails through the soil, swallowing hard. “I am sorry…I did not want you mad at me…I did not mean to ruin our venture, it is just…” She forced her gaze back in his direction, frowning at the small cup of steaming liquid in his hand. “What is that?” she inquired suspiciously.

With his free hand, he stroked back a strand of unsettling dark raven off Yuri’s forehead, the rest entwined neatly in a long winding braid. Adjusting her into a sitting position, he blew steam from the liquid before speaking. “I am not ‘mad’ at you, Yuri. You are who you are. I just happen to hate it when you get hurt…because then I end up killing people…and then you complain that you should have done that to begin with,” Noticing her smirk, he held out the cup to her. “This is a mixture of comfrey, wormwood, and lobelia. It will help your recovery-”

“No,” interrupted Yuri flatly, eyes narrowed. She drummed her nails along her arm, stare growing steely. “I rarely eat…and while I do partake in some liquids…that is NOT touching my lips,” He opened his mouth to protest, Yuri raising her voice. “I am NOT drinking it, I might as well eat shrubbery!”

Very placidly, he placed the cup onto the cave floor. Wrapping his hair in a pony, he questioned. “Tell me…do you think Airy would have followed you out into this forest?” Yuri made a face, he repeating himself. “Would Airy have followed you?” She shook her head with a bewildered expression, he raising the cup back up with a skeptical expression. “Well, is that not a pity? Considering she is not around to heal you, you will have to deal with the second best thing. Drink.” He ordered, grey eyes narrowed.

Unable to come up with a sound agreement, Yuri held back a curse, placing the smoldering liquid to her lips. With the help of her associate, she finished off most the liquid, an evil look to her eyes. Her brow twitched. “You do realize if this manages to make me better, I WILL kill you, right?”

He set aside the empty cup. “That is quite alright. I happen to like your death attempts. They make for such interesting evenings…which soon turn to mornings. But we both end up satisfied all the same.” He gave a sly smile.

Yuri gave a small chuckle, pulling him close. “Then let us skip the fight phase and move straight to the point, hmm?” He gave her a look of surprise, Yuri pulling him down to the ground. A shot of pain went through her, stopping her antics prior to their start. She held back a grimace, merely stroking his hair. “Can we…?”

He planted a kiss on her forehead. “Sure…not here though. We can ride out to the closest town…stay at a little inn,” He buried his head into her chest, Yuri bursting into a fit of ecstatic laughter. “…Get a scream out of you before the end of the night.” He kissed at her neck, tickling her waist, Yuri squirming playfully in his hold.

She snagged hold of his wrists for real, looking inquisitively into his eyes. “Would you really? In the state I am in, would you?”

Moving his wrists effortlessly from her taut hold, he kissed a hand gently. He said simply, “No,” Playing with each finger, he explained. “My focus is not solely on sleeping with you, I do care about your well being. Your wound is healing slower than predicted so I would not want to risk reopening it even wider than it had been before. In all honesty…we should rest now, come twilight, we can set off for town and get you proper care.”

Nodding her head in agreement, Yuri snuggled up next to her grey eyed companion, covering up her legs with a rich, black velvet cloak. Hearing a small rumble escape his stomach, she frowned. He had a tendency to eat food more than to indulge in blood but…she slit her thumb open with a fang…but, it would have to do for the moment.

Running her bleeding finger up to his lips, she slipped her thumb into his mouth, he showing no objection over being forced the liquid. Seeing him content, her free hand slid downwards, a smile curling her lips at the sudden shift to his expression. He grinded his teeth to hold back a groan, opening tired eyes onto Yuri. “That is hardly fair. You are teasing…”

“Then let me tease…” She whispered, climbing on top of him gently. Leaning down, she tugged softly at his lips, soon giving a kiss as prowling hands handled her body. She wanted to make him give in even if it would be at a benefit to her health…unfortunately, a pain struck through her at a caress, forcing her to flinch.

Rolling his eyes, he made a face. “Yuri…” She jutted out her bottom lip, hugging his neck innocently. He rolled her onto her side, tapping her nose with a warning smile. “Go to sleep.”

She exhaled heavily. “Fine then,” Grumbling, she snuggled herself closer to him, he wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I was not going to do anything regardless,” She continued a low sort of cursing, he humming a calm melody to cool her temper. She relaxed, lids heavy as she began to stroke his chest, the black necklace resting neatly on its center. After awhile, she spoke. “You still have it…?”

Knowing what she was speaking of without taking a glance, he nodded. “Of course. It is your gift to me…I treasure it.”

Eyes sealing shut, she smiled. “I am glad…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Springing up with a start, Yuri gulped, massaging the cool gem around her neck. She stared down to the black marble of the universe, the shell enclosed around it. It is mine… It was why it had fascinated her so, it belonged to her. But how…? She struggled to remember the rest of her flights of fancy, an aching headache coming in place.

Wincing at the sharp out-of-place pain, Yuri wiped away tears from her eyes. She scanned the area, a warm fire by her side, a wound just by her heart neatly patched up. Khimaria was resting by her side, apparently having to have done most the work by skill alone. Xornon, noticing her awake, gave a look of relief.

She gave a weak smile at how quickly her unsealed memory had been locked away, how she had barely managed to avoid a fatal wound, how, Xornon, the vampire she had been so eager to kill had, in part, saved her life.

“What a night…”

((ooc: And here i thought i had the vivid imagination, lol...though i'm curious how the enemies from the past play into the taking over of the weapon and drugs syndicate...hmm, but enough of my ponderin's/ramblin' outloud, let me just get to muh post...))

Falling back to the ground with a small chuckle, Yuri gave up on swatting away the tears from her headache…no, migraine, the beginning of what appeared to be a very strong migraine. Holding back a groan along with a wave of nausea to the new sensation arising, Yuri rolled onto her stomach, biting her lip at the pain. Her vision grew blurry from her one movement. Damn it all… She was starting to hate her human form, at least as a vampire she could deal with the pain.

Blowing a strand of damp grey from her forehead, she gritted her teeth, blinking rapidly in a futile attempt to clear up her vision. Knowing it wouldn’t work, she yielded in her efforts, going towards a more attainable goal. Putting some pressure onto the ground, she picked herself up off from the ground.

Standing up, vertigo struck, Yuri finding the fire and the grotto around her swirling rapidly. With the spiraling world that was her sight came a lack of balance, Yuri tilting sideways as she tried to walk. She began to fall smoothly through the air, being caught before she actually hit the ground.

Frowning at her face resting against a cool soft like shirt, she raised her head, looking up into a pair of orange eyes. Orange eyes, Xornon adjusted her arm over his shoulders, assisting her to her room. While she wasn’t keen on the idea of having to be helped in order to walk…she wasn’t too keen on sleeping on the ground either.

As they walked, she grumbled miserably in Latin, debating over saying something. Sighing, she muttered. “Thanks…” glancing to Xornon briefly, she kept her hazy attention forward, nudging him softly to the left. He turned, Yuri trying to speak above a whisper. “Thanks for…helping me…and getting me here. I…appreciate it,” she finished darkly, closing her eyes at another wave of nausea.

He nodded with a vague expression. Making a right, at seeing her start to speak, he said, “You should conserve your energy…just a suggestion.”

Yuri shook her head in complaint, wincing at the pain coming from the simple gesture. Stopping him outside her door, she allowed him to open the door for her and discreetly place her temporarily fragile form into bed. He turned to walk away, Yuri raising a brow with her cheek to the pillow. “Why so morose?” He glanced back, Yuri motioning him close as she continued, looking him over. “You hold no wounds and seem to have come out fine from the night’s events.”

He stood over her, gaze falling to her wound. “Wish I could say the same for you…”

“Some things occurred that even I could not predict,” Yuri shrugged, nails digging through her mattress in an attempt to fight off a surge of nausea and pain. Clarifying, she offered a weak smile. “Or in other words, shit happens…” Seeing no change in his expression, she frowned, hesitating before she asked. “You do not think it is your fault…?”

“I never said that.”

Yuri analyzed his features. “You did not have to…” She gulped in air, for a minute wishing for water. Dispelling away the human necessity, she started with a warning. “This is a rare nice/honest moment…I tend to be that way when…weakened…or euphoric,” She narrowed her eyes, one nail pointed in his direction. “Do not ever bring it up in the future,” She coughed lightly before she began. “While I normally would not admit it, I have to say I am beginning to enjoy having you around as…as a friend. And after you accompanied me on a hit, even did so much as to bring me back and patch me up…” She smiled genuinely. “I respect you.”

He returned a similar smile. Despite it all, he still didn’t seem completely content with the fact that he was on par with Yuri in skills and yet couldn’t have stopped her from becoming wounded. Summoning what little strength she had, Yuri pulled him down, staring him in the eye. “You do realize I would have killed you if this was your fault?”

He smirked. “You probably would’ve tried.”

“Tried…” she drawled out his last word, letting him go. Cringing as she rolled onto her back, she took a heavy breath. “You mock me, you know this, right?” Smiling all the while, she drew her fingers across her scalp, resting her hands behind her head. She sighed. “I do believe I should be getting to sleep…I do have another target I would like to get rid of before the end of the week.” She knew her wound wouldn’t be properly healed for at least another two weeks or until Airy arrived on the premises but she wanted her three month vacation.

He stared in disbelief at her relaxing form. “Even after all that, you’re going to go on another kill? You didn’t learn anything from tonight?”

“As a matter of fact, I have,” She leaned over the edge of the bed, rummaging around in her bureau. “First lesson, its good to have a comrade every so often on the field. Two, do not let loud organ music blaring from all around distract you. Three, do not waste time monologuing, you can get stabbed in the back. But…” Yuri finally pulled from the drawer a series of pictures, all of a female in her mid-twenties. “She will not be as much of an effort…or as unusual as tonight’s target.”

Xornon shook his head with a small smile at her lessons learned, crouching down to get a better look at the picture from beneath the flickering candlelight. The most notable feature was her eyes, a lively hazel on a pretty face. Her hair was a bit of a mystery to Yuri, she unsure whether to call it raven or dark blue. She eventually settled on raven blue as the color.

Making a face, he narrowed his eyes, tapping the picture. “I…hmm, I think I’ve seen her before,” Yuri raised a brow, curious. Xornon nodded his head. “Yeah, I think she’s been on TV. Though I don’t think she’s famous, more has something to do with her husband.”

“Really…?” Yuri picked off a picture from the rushed file made by Loth, eyes glowing in wonder. “To marry at such a young age…such interesting times we live in.” She slid the pictures into her drawer, figuring she’d go over the file later. Burying her face into the pillow, she closed her eyes. “If I do not happen to die from blood loss as I sleep, please make a mental note to not disturb me come morning for I will be less than sociable.”

“Right…” Xornon burned out the candles on her dresser, exiting the room. “Night,” he closed the door gently, Yuri already in a deep, serene slumber…

(Wait, can vamps survive sunlight?)

Zechariahs tried all the pedals in the car, getting more and more frustrated. Finally, he turned to Ken,
"Xzaar, brother, how do these devices work? My host has never rode one, and so I do not know!"

Ken wracked his brains for an adequate answer, something that Xzaar would give. He said,
"Each mortal has a lot to learn about driving, as it is called. My human didn't drive a car, but if only you had access to memories of somebody that did!"

"Of course. Thank you brother," he laughed, turning to their passenger. Reaching over, he took the man's head in one hand and dragged him over the gear stick toward the vampire's gaping jaw, "Look what I have learned, brother," he said. Plunging his fangs into the man's neck, he drained him dry, continuing to feed even when there was nothing left. Finally finished, he lifted the man and threw him through the open roof to the middle of the road. Blinking, Zechariahs put the key into the ignition and turned it, the car rumbling to life.
"His memories are now mine. But it exhausts me, and I cannot keep too many."

A while later, he was pulling up outside the cave, and both he and Ken got out the car, looking around for more of their kind,
"Who survives, Xzaar?" Zechariahs asked.

(Who controls Khimeria? I need some interaction!)

(ooc: to the first question I'm not really sure of that myself. To be on the safe side, I've just made ev'ry day cloudy or snowy. And as for the controlling of Khimeria, that's done by Seriph...anyway, something shorter than usual...oh, and hope you don't mind the little control over your character, trickster)

Yuri woke up with a start, clammy and covered with perspiration. Sitting up in the stuffy air making up the darkness of her room, she found herself surprised to be alive. She was almost certain the lack of blood would’ve killed her but she had been too tired to care.

She moved to get out of bed, suffering from a sharp pain. She groaned, forcing herself to her feet. Vertigo didn’t hit as strongly as earlier, but she found strangely enough all her senses were heightened. Her vision had cleared tenfold as she slept, the vague shapes of weapons and dressers visible in her pitch black room

Raising a hand to her mouth, she found her nails completely elongated, fangs bared in her ravenous thirst. She needed to feed, she was desperate to do so. Not bothering to change out of her leather pants and shirt, both caked with drying blood, she kicked open the door of her room, it nearly flying off its hinges.

She squinted at the sudden surge of lighting in the area. Eyes watering as her pupils adjusted to the flames of the candles, she half walked, mostly staggered to the entrance. Her vision becoming clear once more, her pace grew confident, Yuri trotting heavily past a befuddled Xornon and out into the early morning.

Growling lowly in her blind hunger, she let out a low hiss at a familiar scent. Stomping through the thick build-up of snow, Yuri stared at two men coming out a vehicle, one the vessel holding Xzaar. Calming her bloodlust somewhat, she inched her way to the two men, the stranger examining her blood covered figure. “Who are you?”

“Spare me the bullshit,” Yuri folded her arms over her chest, arching a skeptical brow at his expression. “Miserable demeanor, apparent scowl, gaping wound near her heart, nails sharp and ready to kill. Zechariah’s...whoever could I be?”

“Yuri,” He guessed, offering a smile. “It's been awhile...” She narrowed her eyes, tapping a foot as she drummed her nails rapidly along her arm. Noting her cross expression, he asked. “I...you wouldn't happen to still be sore over that small spar I won about...several centuries ago?” He finished flatly.

“Could be,” answered Yuri coolly, in a petty mood from her hunger. “You would be surprised at just how long I could hold a grudge,” He rolled his eyes, Yuri smirking weakly. “Though seriously, nice to have you back. And you were even so kind as to bring back Xzaar. Khimaria is in the cave, resting, along with a vampire by the name of Xornon. Einari, he is another vampire recently...cursed by Khimaria, he is out on the streets. As are a few others...” Yuri frowned, just realizing she hadn't seen Orion or Dante in the past few days.

Shaking away her minor concerns, Yuri brushed past Zechariah's and Xzaar to her motorcycle. Mounting it deftly, she mumbled something about 'food' before speeding off into the city...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
An hour later...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lying back in bed, Yuri sulked heavily beneath her satin covers. The lights on her cypress bureau flickered brightly, casting a soft glow on the files spread across her red sheets. She had come in ten minutes earlier; full after feeding on her share of human's by a nearby pharmacy. Completely recharged, sleep wouldn't come to her, the only other option being to study her new target.

However, she found her concentration was feeble. Her thoughts would wander to her carelessness in the earlier fight, the smell of sweat and blood coveting her form, even to the whereabouts of Orion and Dante. Grumbling at the last two even being on her mind she cheered up at the debt Dante would eventually have to pay over her killing of Vorgal. She wasn’t sure how he fit into the grand design of things but if she had chosen to do a favor for him, she knew he’d have his uses someday.

Cracking her knuckles, Yuri mumbled the tidbits of information her brain had soaked up. “Alright, let’s see what I’m working with. Maiden name: Jasmine Flores, twenty five years old, married roughly six months ago to some Minister of yaddi ya, changed last name to Kain, no children, rather small frame, young and beautiful,” She tossed the files to the ground, falling back to the bed. “Your almost everyday average human female.”

Though there is something special about her… Yuri arched a brow at the weak voice in the back of her mind. Simone continued in a low whisper. There has to be, I’m sure not only the men are ancients beings or have some sort of magic.

Abilities, corrected Yuri, fingernail tracing the outline of her wound carefully. Although, hers are in dormancy so it matters little…but I feel you will want an explanation regardless.

Damn straight!

It can wait, said Yuri with a fierce finality. The youth glowered, sinking back into the shadows as Yuri swung herself out of bed. Stretching, she remembered an item she brought with her that might be of some use in patching up her wound. She exited her room and walked to a main room of the cave, her bag dropped against the wall in her earlier rush.

Xornon sat nearby, head tossed back to the wall in sleep. Xzaar was in a similar motion, Zechariah’s awake and staring bored into the fire, waiting for Khimaria’s presence. Arching her brow at her assumption, Yuri rummaged through her bag for a needle and thread, a question nagging at the back of her mind. “Where’ve you been…?” She thought out loud.

“Hmm?”

She asked the question once more to Zechariah’s, intent still on finding her needle. “For the past few days since we have awakened, where have you been? What kept you?”

(ooc: and that’s about it for now. alzough…what a co-in-ci-dence, Yuri’s next target goes by the last name of Kain…hmm, and I know I saw that same name a few pages back in quite a lovely –depending on your perspective- post. Wonder what it means….)

Orion accepted the ice pack from Dante and held it to the large knot on his head gratefully. "Thanks."

"No problem. Rough night?"

Orion smiled, rolling his eyes. "If nearly dying several times is your idea of a rough night, then yes, you could say we had a rough night." He frowned suddenly at a thought. "And don't worry, I'll be packed and gone before the night's out."

Dante rubbed the back of his neck, eyes downcast. "Look Orion...ah...perhaps I was a little hasty last night...You can stay here, my friend...Truth is..." Dante paused, stopping himself from blurting the fact that he didn't trust the white clad fellow, who's name he still hadn't caught, amending his sentence to continue, "The truth is I need you. I mean, you are the only constant thing in my life, and you've turned me to a lifestyle I wouldn't know how to handle on my own...and besides, didn't you want to teach me how to feed like a Vampire?"

From his position sprawled on the couch, Zen chuckled, brow rising. "I like this human."

Orion ignored his brother, holding out a hand to Dante, who shook it to seal the truce. "Thank you."

Dante nodded, waving haphazardly towards the door of the apartment. "Make sure your friend locks it on the way out...I'm off to bed. Night."

"Good night."

Once Dante had left the room, Zen spoke. "So, brother, what part do you think Mattikon plays in the grand scheme of things?"

"I thought of that in the car on the way home. The fact that Mattikon was alive is strange, but I really cant see how he has managed to worm his way into the current picture."

"Niether do I, and it pisses me off to no end. Though, you didn't fail to notice the significance of the statues in that mansion? One thing we could be sure of all those years back, dear brother, was what?"

"That wherever Mattikon was, the Porcelain Child was never far behind."

Zen nodded emphatically. "Exactly. Which brings us to the next question. What part does she play in the grand sceme of things? I have picked my brain and can come up with only one answer. I believe that Marty Verrell is, in fact, the Porcelain Child."

Orion laughed aloud. "Right, and how, prey tell, would she disguise herself as a man?"

"Her body is infused with so many porcelain shards, how could one tell what gender she is. A fony deep voice and she instantly becomes a man."

"Get real brother. No one with breasts as large as the Porcelain Child's could ever disguise themselves as a man!"

"She is a creature of some magic," Zen reminded him. "Back in the day, when people believed in magic and hadn't a clue about science, regular people discovered its many forms of power."

"I know the story. An experiment with her powers gone wrong, the resulting explosion sending shards of porcelain statues into her body, the intense power of the magic fusing the two together. Yadda yadda yadda. I don't care how magical you are, you can't hide breasts that big."

Zen glanced at him strangely, a smirk playing at his lips. "You always did have an infatuation with her, didn't little brother? Indeed, despite the fact that she was a nemisis nearly as great as Mattikon, you still decided to play with fire and f*ck her."

"And nearly died trying," Orion laughed throatilly. "I remember waking the next morning and having to think fast. One second too slow, and that damn bone dagger of hers would have sailed through my heart. She really was a twisted b*tch."

Zen shook his head with a chuckle. "Still, you know her better than anybody. Why do you think she is here alive and well, when, like Mattikon, she should be dead?"

"I've no idea. But know that she is human beneath all the porcelain. You can bet that she will stand with them at the crunch...especially when she discovers we are on the opposing side."

"Do you think she predicted this, predicted we, along with Khimeria and the others, would rise once again to claim what, by rights, should be ours?"

"There is only one way to find out."

"And how would that be, brother?"

Orion rolled his eyes. "Ask the Porcelain Child herself. As the humans like to say, 'Ask and you shall recieve'."

((OOC: Not exactly how I wanted it to come out, but it'll have to do...lol...and yeah...what a coincidence about that Kain name popping up...I'm interested to know what you have planned with that, Midnite...something good I bet, and seeing as though everything you write is good, that is an assured bet."😉)

Daniel smiled amused at Airy's question.Before he could open his mouth to answer the question a sound of glass shattering could be heard.All of a sudden a figure dressed in all black with a black mask jumped off the balcony and landed on it's feet. With a burlap sack in hand the figure ran straight through the glass creating an exit of its own."Could it be another vampire?"Airy asked herself.Not waiting another moment she began to chase the figure.Making a sharp turn into an alley Airy chased the figure relentlessly.Jumping over walls and fences cutting corners.Finally Airy chased the figure to a dead end but to Airy's surprise the figure jumped inhumanly high and began to scale the tall building.Airy did the same catching up to the figure but when Airy got to the rooftop she lost sight of the figure but stood alert ready for an attack from all directions.Suddenly a dagger could be heard sailing in the wind.Airy tilted her head to the left as the dagger impaled the wall behind her.Airy looked up just in time to block a kick intended for her throat.Grabbing the figures leg the figure twisted backwards hitting Airy with its other leg.Airy then stumbled back as the figure hit her in the stomach and grabbed her by her arm and threw her into a stone arch.Airy landed on the edge of the rooftop suprised by the incredible strength and speed.She scrambled to get her senses together but before she could completely the figure launched itself towards her but Airy used her foot as a catapault Airy sent the figure flying over the rooftop and into a pile of garbage cans.Airy then extended her nails and fangs.Airy then quickly jumped down after it in preparation to finish it off.The figure jumped out with a second dagger really to stab Airy.She quickly dodged and slashed the figure across the chest.Shocked the figure kicked Airy in the knee did a backflip and disappeared into the shadows.Airy knowing with the damage she just received to her knee there was no way she could follow.Airy turned and began to head back to the cave.Once at the cave Airy busted in ignoring everyone's presence in the main room heading back to the study she swung open the door to see Khimaria calmly reading a spell book she had gotten earlier."Airy is there something wrong?"Khimaria asked definately sensing something wrong."I was attacked by an unknown figure."Airy said."Was it another vampire?"Khimaria asked standing up."No I dont think so.It was too strong and fast to be another vampire.Only you,Yuri,Xzaar,and Zechariahs are stronger and can move faster than me.But I did managed to get some of its blood."Airy said holding up her extended nail."I'll use this sample to cast a locater spell but for now I think you need to get some rest."Khimaria said sitting back down.Airy then turned to leave when she sensed a presence she hadnt sensed in a long time running to the room she hugged Zechariahs tight temporaily forgetting her problems."Its been a long time.Now we are a family again."Airy said smiling but her smile soon faded when she looked up and saw a wounded Yuri.

(Um, could you use like paragraphs to seperate the combat? I find it really difficult to read through blocks of text like that, especially when it has speech in. Sorry. 😮)

Zechariahs turned slightly, his eyes adjusting to the darkness away from the fire. He looked at Yuri, straight on,
"I had things I had to attend to. Things that I needed to do before I took a mortal body. I don't believe, however, that it is any concern of yours...
Especially not until I have talked to Khimiria. Then, we'll see."

He had always taken light things too seriously, and serious things too lightly, and time asleep had obviously not changed that. A shadow of concern passed over his face as he asked Yuri a question,
"What happened to Xzaar? He seems distant from me. Like he is not quite there."

Pushing himself up, Zechariahs strode to one of the exits, where he paused,
"Yuri, would you be kind enough to take me to a place I can get, or if needs must, fashion, myself a blade? I do not know this town, nor its customs."

(BTW, is Khimiria in charge? Or are we a more we do what we want, group? Because if so, then Zechariahs will probably not have said what he just said.)

Billy Verlot walked into town and looked down the high street. It was late not many people around. He put down his hood his blonde hair moving in the cold, fresh breeze.

He walked down the street for a block or two, the odd car passing by. He turned off the high street and down a side street, he walked to the end of the block and came to a city park area.

He walked in trees rustling in the breeze, he went on to the clearing where there was a bench at the side. He tucked his black leather coat under his legs and sat down, looking out onto a big green clearing with trees dotted about.

He shook his head just moving his hair about abit, then put his hood back up and closed his eyes and thought about his new suroundings.

((Sorry its been so long for me to start hope that this is an ok start.))

((ooc: Hmm...well, to answer those two questions, Trickster, I think it would be a little bit of both. Khimaria is the strongest, most revered vampire in the group but at the same time everyone is allowed to do as they wish...at least thats what I think...long time, no see Bildo. yeah, that's an okay start...thanx for that Decomp, you'll see what I have in store all in due time...anyways, hope you don’t mind the minor control, Zernad))

Yuri chuckled slightly, no longer in need of a needle and thread. She had originally intended to stitch up her gashes. That way, she would be able to bathe without the worries of the hot spring causing her wound to bleed freely. However, with Airy around, she no longer saw the point of going through the tedious process.

“Maybe it is not Xzaar…” Yuri whispered mysteriously to answer Zechariah’s first question. Carefully forcing herself into a standing position, Yuri shook her head with a small smile in his direction. “As a matter of fact, I happen to know of this place halfway across town. They mend and fashion blades but oddly enough, they carry no visible blacksmith materials. Though…in case you did not notice,” She folded her arms across her chest, a skeptical brow shooting up. “I am sort of bleeding from a two sided wounded.”

“I did not notice...” murmured Zechariah's dryly to the side, not placing too much importance on the life threatening wound.

“I noticed.” said Airy, walking up to Yuri with a strange expression.

Yuri stuck her tongue out in Zechariah's direction. “Nice to know someone gives a s-” Before she could finish her curse, a sharp blow was landed to the side of her head, courtesy of Airy. She scowled heavily to the healer, hazel eyes aflame in her anger. “What the hell was that about?! You do not make the injured suff-”

“Hush!” interrupted Airy hotly, snatching Yuri's jaw with a hand. She turned her face from side to side, healing the minor cut in Yuri’s cheek. “I leave for less than a day and as soon as I come back I find you bleeding and battered. Can you not take better care of yourself?”

Sulking, Yuri rolled her eyes up to the ceiling. “It is not as bad as it seems...” A pressure started to build in her chest and before she could stop herself, a series of hacking coughs came, discrediting her earlier statement. She felt her hands grow sticky, already knowing the liquid that covered them.

Trying to hide her hands, Airy took notice, pulling them close to the fire to get a better view. “It is not as bad as it seems,” Airy mocked, adopting Yuri’s tone. She shook her head dismayed at the pink staining Yuri’s palms. “Internal bleeding to?” She sighed, pulling loose the bandages adorning her waist. She held her hands over the freely bleeding wound. “Perhaps if you knew how much this took out of me you would take better care of yourself. A hole all the way through your insides and you try to say it is minor, it is not-”

“Nice shirt,” complimented Yuri, fingering the pink and white shirt casually while Airy healed her.

“I know it is a nice shirt that is why I bought it!” she snapped. Nearly finished up, Airy glanced up to Yuri. “Do not try and change the subject.”

“I am not…” mumbled Yuri, wincing at the small pain felt at her skin being melded together. “What I am trying to do,” She twitched at a second pain, holding back a grimace. “What I am trying to understand is what happened to my shirt,” Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed the healer falter in her job. Yuri arched her brow. “Yes, my black shirt, the one with the words, ‘Bite me’. You would not happen to know the whereabouts of it, would you…?”

Leaving Yuri with only the lightest of scars along her chest and back, Airy glanced to the side, scratching absentmindedly at her head. “No…never seen it in my life…actually,” She coughed downwards. “What had happened was…”

“Save it,” Cut off Yuri, grateful over the job done by Airy. Content with the two battle scars, she smiled happily, a rare sight. “I thought of an idea. You can buy it back later, is that not the loveliest thing you have ever heard?”

Not waiting for the expected complaint, Yuri skipped past the vampires and down towards the spring. Stripping out of her sullied clothing, Yuri dove into the waters, enjoying the heat of the liquid before actually starting to cleanse herself. She scrubbed until her skin sparkled and her hair shined, diving beneath the surface one more time before popping up with a blissful expression. “Better than sex, god damn!” She fell back in delirious laughter, voice ringing out in the small underground cavern.

Pulling herself from the water, Yuri squeezed out any excess water left in her hair before dropping the sopping wet raven to her back. She snuck back into her dwelling, cursing herself over being so hasty as to not bring a robe or towel. Dressing quickly inside the security of her dwelling, she threw on a pair of denim jeans and a pink shirt holding the words ‘FIGHT CRIME’ in black bold print. Beneath it, in relatively smaller font were the words, ‘shoot back’.

“Should I be surprised?” Yuri chuckled quietly at the shirt, slipping into a pair of sneakers. She frowned, not use to the flat shoes but her high heels couldn’t put up with any more abuse. She stroked the black stilettos with disdain. “I should have been more careful.”

Dropping them to the ground, Yuri put on her short black Northface jacket, hurrying out her room to the waiting Zechariah’s. She motioned him to follow her, he frowning. Yuri sighed exasperated. “Do you want me to take you to the sword place or not? Come along now, we have not all day!”

With a scowl, Zechariah’s followed after Yuri out of the grotto and to her parked motorcycle. Hopping on after the anxious assassin, Zechariah’s glanced to the side of the road, wondering if Yuri would be able to knock him off successfully at the speed they were going. Doubting it possible, he murmured. “…Better than sex…?”

Yuri smiled guiltily with a blush. She tilted her head, careening to the right. “You must remember that did come from the woman who has not gotten laid in the past several hundred centuries and still has not gotten anything as of yet. As it stands, my statement is justified, thank you very much.” Slowing down, Yuri came to a stop outside of the blade shop Loth had dropped her off in, Zechariah’s jumping off. “This store holds your destiny…your weapons, whatever. I find they have a motley of items though you will need a debit card or cash. For the former,” She started up her bike, glance to the cloudy skies. “You will need to search your host’s memory for a pin number.”

“And where will you be during all this?” inquired Zechariah’s, not looking very amused at what her answer would be.

Winking playfully, Yuri found her balance. “I will be back, that is all you need to know.” Revving the bike, she sped off to her destination.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Twenty minutes later
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Subconsciously, Yuri formed the sign of the cross, knowing it wouldn’t do someone like her any good. She couldn’t help it, she had never seen, never heard anything on such a grand scale, of such a large caliber. Sure, the sleek silver trains were something else but…her jaw dropped at the monstrous white metal vehicle soaring through the sky, the mock wings of a bird seemingly keeping it in play…but then again, Yuri had never seen an airplane before that.

Going by the information provided by Loth, Yuri had found her target was to go on a two month vacation with her husband approximately two days earlier. When Jasmine had come back from the vacation it would have been just around the time Yuri would’ve been hunting her down. Unfortunately, while Yuri had changed her plans, Jasmine hadn’t and where exactly she was heading had yet to be disclosed.

“Though I am sure the people…here,” Yuri was still in awe over the place, wondering if Simone had directed her to the right location. “I am sure they can help me somewhat…” Parking her motorcycle, she walked in a daze towards the airport terminal, twitching at the take-off of multiple planes. She was positive her ears would bleed from the noise if she weren’t too careful.

Ten minutes of wandering through the chattering crowds of families heading on holiday vacations and countless fast food restaurants, Yuri dashed to the counter of a smiling woman. She thought fast before speaking. “Good afternoon, my name is Kristin. A few days ago, a friend of mine went on vacation, Jasmine Kain. She went with her husband, Flight 827 but I,” She laughed, maintaining eye contact all the while. “I forgot where she’s heading and if it wouldn’t be too much trouble could you find where Flight 827-”

“-To Aruba!” Finished the woman, smiling at her success. A newcomer to the job, she didn’t think it odd of Yuri asking such a question. Plus, she couldn’t risk a complaint being made and getting fired from her third job within the month. Typing rapidly onto her keyboard from inch long tips, she frowned before smiling awkwardly to Yuri. “I am sorry, Kristin was it? I’m sorry but Mr. and Mrs. Kain never boarded Flight 827 to Aruba. They checked in their luggage but apparently they missed their flight. Odd…”

Yuri, who had been about to ask how much a flight to Aruba would cost, removed her hand from her oversized wallet. Her expression shifted from lighthearted to apathetic. “I see…” She glanced to the dismayed woman’s name tag, she upset at being unable to properly help. “Karen, are you positive?”

The woman bit her lip, typing rapidly against the black keyboard. She shook her head with a sigh. “I’m sorry Kristin, Mr. and Mrs. Kain never boarded their flight. But on a bright side, the airport in Aruba has some very well to do people’s stuff,” She placed a hand over her mouth, blushing. “Sorry, that’s your friend’s stuff after all, I mean, I’m sure she misses it or…” Karen trailed off, not sure of an adequate way to end the conversation.

Interference… In her mind, she burst into a fit of curses. Forcing a cordial smile, she said, “Karen, thank you for your time.” Turning on her heel, Yuri swiftly exited the airport, mounting her back with heavy disdain, a sour expression on her face.

What do you think it means…? Questioned Simone.

No idea… Yuri rested her head on the handlebars, nails growing in her agitation. If I had to form a conspiracy theory, it would be that someone intercepted the couple and warned Jasmine. Though, it would not make much sense to keep her inside the city considering she would be safe anywhere BUT here. She frowned, shaking her head. I do not like this set up…I do not like it all…

Let’s not form any hypotheses yet. We should at least visit her house before we make any sound theories, inputted Simone.

Starting up her motorcycle, Yuri chuckled. So it is ‘we’ now?

‘We’ during the reconnaissance and information gathering process. ‘You’ during the killing thing. I’m trying to be more of a associate than an accomplice.

Rolling her eyes at the youth’s thoughts, Yuri drove away from the airport to pick up a probably more than pissed Zechariah’s. After she dropped him back to the grotto, her next mission would be to pay a visit to the Kain’s residence. Hopefully, things weren’t as unusual as they seemed…

(ooc: A lot long and a little rushed but I didn’t have much time to write this so…)

Billy felt a breeze on his face. His eyes shot open and his hands clenched...................

((Thx Midnite hun))

Orion clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly, trying to work some blood through his arms to counter the bite of the chill wind, his leather armbands craking slightly. In truth, however, this was only part of the reason. The other, he was trying to control his temper, something he was rapidly loosing amidst the incessant buzzing of wings, those of the tiny golden snake perched on his shoulder.

Orion had no idea why it was there, but when he had tried to shoo it away, Zen chastised him, bidding him to leave the creature alone. Perhaps the little creature would play some role...perhaps Zen thought that, being a woman, the Porcelain Child might find the little creature cute.

Orion shook his head, if his brother did think that, then he was being rather sexist. Even he himself found the little creature rather cute, even if it did annoy the living hell out of him.

"Are you listening?!" Zen snapped loudly, startling Orion out of his thoughts."

Orion shook his head to clear it. "Pardon?"

"I said, your mission will be simple, brother," Zen's voice, slightly shakey from the cold, cut at him hard, his brother's anger evident. "You must butter her up. I want her wrapped around your little finger."

"Ha! You just said it would be easy."

Zen shrugged with a frown. "So, I lied. Okay, maybe not wrapped around your little finger. But you must at least make her see that it is time for our kind to rise to dominance. Make her see that she will benefit more from aiding us, than she would from helping these pathetically-easy-to-kill humans. In short brother, you must get close to her, as you wanted all those years ago...as she obviously wanted all those years ago."

"Right," Orion grinnned and continued sarcastically, "so all I've got to do is f*ck her, is that it? Bloody hell, I guess this is going to be a walk in the park."

Zen rolled his eyes heavenwards, shaking his head. "Play your cards right, brother, and it will be just that." Zen turned suddenly and grabbed Orion by his collar, yanking him close and staring directly into his eyes from an inch away. "This is important for our people, Orion, very important. It could give us the edge in the coming war. So to you I say this; Don't f*ck this up brother, or I will f*ck you up. I will f*ck you up so badly, that you'll be begging the devil to appear and whisk you away to hell. For the torture you suffer in Satan's fires will be nothing compared to what I will do to you. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal," Orion ground out through gritted teeth, surprised and outraged that his own flesh and blood would threaten him so.

I warned you, came the voice of the presence within his mind. Orion slapped it away so furiously that for a moment he couldn't feel it within him. It soon creeped back into existance though, and Orion found himself strangely glad that he hadn't destroyed it.

Turning his attention to his brother, he bore a hole into the man's eyes with his own. "I will not fail you, brother...and I don't take kindly to threats. I don't give a rats ass if you are my blood, and I don't give a flying f*ck who you think you are...if you ever threaten me like that again, I will not give you the chance to carry out the actions of your threats."

For a long moment Zen glared at him, then, a satisfied smirk played at the corner of his lips. "That is what I wanted...Finally my brother has grown some balls! Now, use them wisely!" With a maniacle chuckle, Zen tunred and sauntered ahead.

Shaking his head a the sudden mood swing, Orion shoved his hands in the pockets of his trench coat and trudged, head down into the wind, after him. Upon his shoulder, the little snake whispered sweet reassurances into his ear, but deep in his mind, Orion knew that this could be the last night he ever walked this Earth...For he had a date with the Porcelain Child, and few ever survived one of those.

((ooc: no prob, bildo, but you might wanna make it a littles more than one line next time 😂 ))

“Apologies I was a little tardy,” said Yuri guiltily, winter air tearing through her hair as she sped down the highway. She shrugged, making a sharp curve onto the back roads. “But on a side note, I am sure you had plenty of time to tell the blacksmith how you wanted your blades fashioned.”

Zechariah’s glowered dangerously behind Yuri, arms wrapped tightly around her waist. “If that is an attempt at humor, it was not very funny. I was waiting for at least an hour, Yuri! What were you doing that could not wait until I had finished?”

Yuri chuckled, dimming her laughter down somewhat at feeling an evil gaze drilling into the back of her neck. She sighed. “You know jokes have never been my thing, apologies yet again. I was doing a bit of early reconnaissance on a target but things are going…strangely,” She formed a sour expression, slowing down outside the grotto.

Swinging a leg over the side of the bike, she parked it, engine still running. Hurrying past Zechariah’s into the cavern, Yuri ran to Simone’s bag, removing a small item from the side. She stared hard to the platinum and black handheld device. Even if she didn’t understand the technology around the area properly, it might have its uses. Just as long as it stays on the ‘vibrate’ setting. I can not risk a ring…

Attaching the cell phone to her hip, Yuri ran out from the cave, frowning at the gathering storm clouds above. What had started out as a nice day was quickly turning into an overcast shadowed afternoon. An ominous warning to what she’d find at the end of the day.

A white streak of lightning decorated the sky, a golden flash briefly visiting Yuri’s eyes as she started off on the bike. Ten minutes into riding came the expected roll of thunder. She had taken the change in the air as a severe warning but the storm was far off from reaching her as of yet. Gulping, she forced her gaze onto the roads, headlights highlighting the goose bumps rising along the back of her neck. She didn’t care if she was being illogical or just stupid, it was a bad sign. She shook her head, no longer able to hide it. She was scared.

Simulating apathy as best as she could, Yuri continued on her course to the Kain manor, hoping her mind would clear up once a smiling hazel eyed Jasmine opened the eye. She asked for at least that much to whoever was watching the scene unfold, whoever was seaming together this patchwork of ill-fated events.

Two hours of driving on the roads, Yuri came to a slow outside the white iron gates of the Kain manor, a small golden horse serving as a lock and beautifully crafted centerpiece. She’d give them that much, they did live in style. Hopping off her bike, she eased herself over the iron gate, walking up the steep serpentine hill to the startling white mansion in the distance

Glistening white cloaked the lawns, the path only visible by tire tracks embedded in the snow. Yuri pulled her jacket tighter about her form, skirting around a parked red Ferrari and to the back of the house, the backyard flawless. Flowers of every nature were in bloom, some possibly artificial, others showing no signs of meeting winter. A few silver poles stood erected from the ground, string connected every other one. Glancing sideways, Yuri noticed the back door open, a little light from inside falling on the salted cement steps leading to it.

Body snatcher, FYI, here’s a little something I learned from a story. If a door is open, it means one of two things. One, nobody’s left to close it or two…you were expected.

Yuri’s brow twitched at the very idea, she preparing to throw caution to the wind as she approached the swinging door. Remember what I said about you needing to stop reading your little novels? Yeah… Despite her reprimanding thought, her hand was already sliding down to the hilt of a golden dagger, perfectly preserved over time.

Sneakers grinding salt crystals to dust, Yuri pushed in the door, managing to stop herself from pulling out her dagger to a very startled middle aged woman carrying a basket of laundry. The basket flew in the air, the woman growing wide-eyed as she gasped, “Dios mio!!” She clutched at her heart, backing up.

Holding out her hands, Yuri shook her head, offering a kind smile. “I mean no harm, I just was not sure if anybody was home and-”

“The front door?!” The woman gingerly massaged her heart, free hand motioning down the elegant wooden kitchen, down the long winding hall to a pair of mahogany and glass double doors. She pulled at her curly graying hair, voice thick with an Italian accent. “Child, the front door, ring the front door! I-,” She frowned, hand sliding up to her rosary beads. “How did you get past the gates?”

“I…” Yuri blushed, a little embarrassed that she didn’t try a conventional method of gaining access to the house. She cleared up her throat. “I…umm, sorta climbed over them. But I am no thief, I can assure you that much. A friend of mine lives here, Jasmine, and I wanted to see…” She closed her eyes, a small shiver escaping her.

“Come, come!” The woman would allow no room for Yuri to argue, quickly pulling her from the cold and into the dwelling. Picking up the fallen laundry, she closed the door, this time making sure to lock it. She sighed. “I was going to hang laundry out to dry; the dryer is in need of repairs. But something is coming along-”

“A storm,” clarified Yuri, eyes engrossed with the sparkling crystal chandelier.

“Something…” corrected the woman, anxiously rubbing her Rosary, a sign of the cross forming. She was the superstitious type and when a storm rose with no heed or warning, she couldn’t help but be a little frightened. Placing down the basket, she motioned Yuri to a pot of stew, offering her a bowl. “What business would you have with Miss Jasmine?”

Not wanting to seem rude, Yuri sipped reluctantly to the blood red soup, surprised at the bold peppery flavor. Seating herself at the rectangular marble table, Yuri played with the meaty chunks bobbing the surface of the liquid. “I’m visiting out of state and I lost Jasmine’s number but she gave me her new address about a month ago and I figured, what the hell, I’d pay her a visit. Uh…” Yuri dropped the spoon into the soup, scanning her surroundings. “But I do not think she is here either.”

Filling a silver kettle with distilled water, the woman turned on the stove, shaking her head with a small smile. “I am sorry, no, she was to go on vacation a few days ago with Mr. Kain. She left the grounds at eight o clock in the evening. They had a midnight flight. But something came up with her studies. Mr. Kain dropped her off at the University but I do hate it so when he comes in late.”

“How late?” queried Yuri innocently, finishing up the last of the soup.

“Hmm…” She pulled a teacup from a glass cupboard. “Roughly three in the morning. He left almost four hours later, off on business with an associate of his. But I never mind his business too greatly, that is not my job!” She smiled, a teabag dropped into the porcelain cup. “Though how about this? I can give you Jasmine’s dorm number-”

“Or better yet,” cut off Yuri, eyes dazzling beneath the light. She murmured her apologies for interrupting before she continued. “I wanted to surprise her so how about you call her and see if you can convince her to come home. I think she’ll be pleased…” Yuri smiled at the idea, an easy way to lure her victim.

The woman smiled at the idea though not for the same reasons as Yuri. Picking up the wireless phone, she made a call, speaking brightly into the receiver. “Hello, yes? Hi, its Consolata, is Mrs. Kain on the campus? I…yes, yes, I know she was to go on vacation, that is all she’d speak of. I…” She frowned. “That is odd…yes, you think so? Okay, well, enjoy the holidays.” With a beep, the phone turned off.

Feeling the handle of the spoon bend in her grasp, Yuri risked a question, her voice heavily strained. “She is not there either?”

“I…” Consolata shook her head, brown eyes returning from the haze. She glanced up to Yuri. “No, they say they haven’t seen her at all. But perhaps she went on one of her little alcohol rounds, she does that when depressed. You should try…” Snatching a blue post-it from off the fridge, from her apron, she removed a pen. She scribbled down the name and address of a club. “This place! It is one of her favorite places if I remember correctly. You can possibly find her whereabouts or better yet…” She looked up to an ancient timepiece hanging over the doorway. “Mr. Kain should be back within the hour, you could ask him for Jasmine.”

“Thanks but…” Yuri pushed away the bowl, abruptly getting up from her seat. She smiled oddly. “I really should get going. But how about this?” Borrowing the pen from the maid, she scribbled Simone’s cell number onto the paper, writing the name Kristin in indecipherable script. She handed both to Consolata. “If you don’t see Jasmine first, give this to Mr. Kain. I’m sure he knows of his wife’s whereabouts so if he could just give this to Jasmine and have her call me, I would greatly appreciate it.” Turning to the exit, she paused, brows scrunched up in curiosity. “How come without question you let me into the mansion?”

Sitting down with her cup of tea, the maid smiled. “Jasmine gives out her name to only those close with her. Ever since she married Mr. Kain she has refused the title of anything other than Mrs. Kain. She likes the power accompanied with the title,” She gulped at her simmering liquid, growing forlorn. “Please do find her, it is not like her to be away for too long.”

“I…right,” Yuri offered one last smile before briskly making her leave off the mansion grounds. Back to her bike, she slowly counted to five, clenched fists growing tighter with each number said. On the five, her eyes snapped open, nails cutting deeply into her palm, crimson spilling from her hand to the snow. The pain sating her anger, she licked up the gash to the best of her ability, heading out to the highway.

Besides the name of a club Jasmine ‘might’ be in, we haven’t learned shit… scowled Simone bitterly.

Oh, but we have… Yuri took in a large gulp of the chill winter air. Mr. and Mrs. Kain departed their homes at approximately 8:00 pm. From here to the airport is a good hour long drive. Their flight left at midnight so going by knowledge from you they would have been required to check in their bags at 10:00 pm, then going through security measures before the boarding of the plane. So what do we know…? She allowed Simone to fill in the gap.

That…from 10:00 to 12:00 something occurred that in result, led to Jasmine’s disappearance. However, the husband was obviously seen after the event so either he doesn’t realize she’s gone, he’s under political pressure to keep it on the down low or… Simone’s voice increased with her last theory. He drove her out to some desolate place and chopped her body up in itty bitty pieces after finding she had an affair with a college professor-

Cut, you lost it, its over, Yuri shook her head in disbelief, chuckling at the youth’s imagination. Wincing at a roll of thunder and the light drizzle starting to fall, she smiled nervously, increasing her speed. The maid was right, SOMETHING is going on. What, however, has yet to be determined. However, one thing that is certain, Yuri smiled broadly, demonically speeding to the grotto. We are going clubbing tonight.

Simone cheered up at the thought, glad reconnaissance could equal a good time. Amen to that…

Airy awoke realizing that she had left Daniel wondering whether she should go look for him or leave him be but her thoughts were interupted when she heard Khimaria call her name."Yes Khimaria"Airy asked walking into the study slowly."I've Located your mystery adversary."Khimaria said writing down the location on a sheet of paper. Airy looked at it and smiled."Now dont be too hasty and dont go there alone."Khimaria ordered laying her head down signalling her exhaustion from the spell.

Airy walked into the main room she thought of asking the orange eyed vampire to accompany her but was sort of just intimidated by his presence so decided against it.She turned to ask Xzaar but was afraid he would snap on her like he did earlier.Airy already knew she wasnt going to ask Zechariahs.He seemed to have some sort of grudge against her and not wanting him to feel like she's confronting him she decided not to mention it.And with Yuri gone Airy didnt have anyone else to turn to she walked outside into the rainy afternoon."Its strange the sun hasnt come out since I've awakened.Its safe to guess that some magical presence is at work here."Airy said walking up to a street corner.Airy stood there for a couple of seconds before yelling out the word "Taxi" almost immediately a yellow vehicle stopped and Airy jumped in."Where to ma'am?"The man asked.airy handed the man the sheet of paper that read an olde english college.

Airy sat back as she began to drift off. Before long the vehicle came to a sudden stop as Airy reached into her purse and gave the man more money than she needed to pay.She looked up and saw an old gray building with three huge towers.The middle tower had an old clock in the middle.Airy began to walk along the sone pathway.Soon she stopped a boy dressed in all black."Excuse me but where is the campus library."Airy asked."Follow ths path turn to the left and walk all the way to the middle of 7th and 15th."Airy smiled as she proceded down the path Airy figured even if the figure wasnt there she may be aable to pick upsome sort of scent.

Once she got there she didnt see anything but a small door and a couple of benches and trees that surrounded the area.Airy began to try and sniff out some sort of scent."Excuse me what in the hell are you doing."Buffy asked."Not now Buffy I have more important matters to attend to than listen to you and your cheer squad."Airy said going back to sniffing up a scent."You're stupid Samantha.I cant believe you're just going to throw it all away Airy."Airy was still trying to pick up a scent when she suddenly stopped.She slowly turned and walked over to Buffy."What did you just call me?"Airy asked slowly."Samantha."Buffy clarified.

Airy looked closely at Buffy's open blouse and pulled it open alittle more to reveal a scratch mark across her chest looking surprised but soon found herself crashing through a bench."It was you."Airy said shocked."It sure was."Buffy said lifting Airy yup by her throat and throwing her backfirst into a tree."But how youre not a vampire you're human."Airy said trying to stand up."NOt quite."Buffy said holding Airy up by her throat"What did you want when you broke into the mall?"Airy asked gasping for air."I was searching for the amulet my master wishes to acquire.Unfortunately it was yet another fake."Buffy said but soon her grip tightened and her eyes gew dark black."This should be fun Airy.Now that the five generals have reawakened my plan can truly be set in motion.And it starts with you Airy.With your blood I will set free the beast within.Be happy Airy you are a worthy sacrifice."A deep voice said forcing Buffy to squeeze even tighter.Airy was helpless and knew that soon she would pass out.

But Airy heard a loud sound of metal connecting with skin.Buffy suddenly loosened her grip and fell to the ground.Airy looked up to see Einari and his switchblade sticking out of Buffy.Einari helped her up."Quickly the splicers recover quickly."Einari said carrying Airy over to a cherry red sleek sportscar.As soon as they got in the car Airy asked."What are splicers?"

(Is that better Trickster?)

Khimaria pored over the plans, it was all to no avail, her master plan could not be pulled off. She was furious. The blueprints she held in her hands showed a large mansion with an extremely complex protection, it even had some advanced magic put in place over it. She carefully read the notes, they were wright en in a bold scrawl that looked like it had been wright en extremely quickly by someone who was not used to writing, and it was wright en in old English with extremely bad spelling, but Khimaria could deceiver what it said quite easily.

there are several spells put in place over the mansion, mainly don't in the year 1110 by a group of very powerful warlocks, we have no idea were they came from, or were they are now, but we believe they may have been powerful enough to keep there existence a secret, but we also believe as the count was a very nerves man (mainly as he had failed in killing the lady Khimaria on several occasions,) so it is fairly likely they have been slaughtered as they finished there spells.

We know for a fact that protection from evil was cast on the house to keep out werewolf vampires and dark wizards out, but also many more powerful enemy's. there is a loophole in the system, all it takes is a strong arcane item (nothing specific) to take out this enchantment. we also know that in the year 1200 the count had found a elixir of life, we believe he may still be alive now, but our records show very little activity on his part, mainly from his many offspring.

Past the protection from evil we have reason to believe (but we cant be sure) There is some kind of spell of disintegration or some other spell of the sort that is harder to disab

The letter broke off there and it was covered in blood. Khimaria wasn't too happy that there was nothing more up to date, as she wasn't even sure the count was alive now, or if he was living in this mansion. and she wasn't at all sure of passing the magic missiles. The very fact the fang had not that much information about the place indicated to Khimaria very plainly that she would have a hard time killing her target.

So...what do you think happened?

“Hmm?” Yuri paused at an intersection, traffic blazing by in the chill downtown weather. Clad in a thin black mini-skirt and ruffled midnight blue top, she was more than thankful for the thick jacket she had put on at the last minute. And the new pair of stilettos helped out as well.

What do you think happened...to Jasmine I mean? clarified Simone.

Yuri shrugged, starting up the bike at the turn of the light. For once, she was wearing her hair out and though the wind tousled it about severely, it was an exhilarating feeling having her hair being whipped about in the cold. She frowned. I am not certain. I can not rule out her husband as suspect...I might interrogate him if this lead does not work. She sighed, shaking her head. However, that did not answer your question, did it?

Simone made no comment, her silence enough. Yuri pressed her lips together, grip tightening on the handlebars. Darkness quickly descending over the city, she glanced to the storm clouds in her rearview mirror, displeased by the look of things. Finally, she thought, Child, there are only three things that I can imagine happened to my target and I do not wish to consider either. The first thing would be her untimely death...in that case, the murderer would serve as the replacement to my target. The second would be by some stroke of fate, she found out I was to assassinate her-

It could be her ability... mused Simone.

Yuri shook her head in doubt. Trust, it has nothing to do with her ability. I never did explain it out. Her ability is in dormancy mainly because it only goes into effect once she is dead.

She snorted. Seems like a waste. Not unless she goes all exorcist or possesses people. Or maybe, she'll forever haunt her killer until the end of time... At this, Simone burst into mocking laughter.

Rolling her eyes, Yuri explained humorlessly. She is not an evil woman so once she is dead she can not A) possess others or B) haunt me. Rather, her ability would keep her stuck in limbo until her condition was fulfilled. However...I think this will be far more easier to tell once I kill her. That way, you can see for yourself.

Yuh huh... murmured Simone skeptically, annoyed at not finding out just what the hell made the woman special. Brushing it off, she asked. Qualms aside...what's the third thing that could've happened to little Mrs. Kain?

A kidnapping perhaps? Though other than ransom reasons, I can not imagine why they would keep her captive for nearly three days now... As soon as the thought slipped her mind, she instantly regretted it, riding the motorcycle one handed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Do not say it. Please do not say it. I am beg-

Rape. They...whoever they are could have raped her for the past few days...then held her at ransom and forced her husband not to leak anything out to the press, Simone gained a sardonic tone. Don't tell me little Miss Assassin has a sense of morals...

As a matter of fact, I do, responded Yuri coolly, turning left onto an isolated road. I have never approved of rape...the desecration of another. It is a vile act to commit and before you dare make a comparison between my job and that at least at the end of the day I don't feel dirty over what I do.

What makes you think rapists give a f**k? questioned Simone, surprisingly bitter.

A long pause followed after the question, Yuri closing her eyes as she stopped at the last light. She sighed heavily. I doubt they care about what they do as well...but answer me this, She opened her eyes, coming to a slow outside the entrance of the club. Would you rather it that I killed people or raped people?

Simone scoured her mind for a proper rebuttal, neither option sounding best. She sneered, thinking the only thing left. F**k you.

Yuri laughed at the youth's comment, swinging a leg off her bike. I thought so...

Smiling at her small triumph, Yuri parked her motorcycle, pushing her way through the black doors of the club. The first thing to hit her was the lights, flashing red, yellow, blue and orange across the wooden dance floor. The second thing was the gargantuan size of the building though you could hardly tell considering the mass amount of people grinding to the beat of the music blaring out the countless speakers adorning the room.

Though it was the last thing that got Yuri. She blinked at the movements made by clubbers in disbelief, so stunned she managed to ignore the bumps received by a few erratic dancers but still had enough sense to ask a question. What the hell is going on?

Simone laughed at her response in higher spirits than earlier. I love this place…but on-topic. Its called dancing…its just a little…raunchy is all.

I had another name for it, Yuri’s brow shot up at a curly haired man with a laughing Spanish girl's legs wrapped tightly around him, his face buried in her crouch. ...Like foreplay to an extreme.

Blushing over the whole ordeal and the crazy set of music blasting out the speakers, Yuri pushed her way past several, searching the area for nearly a half hour before coming to her conclusion. Jasmine was not there...but she couldn't risk her coming by once she left. She sat herself at the bar, glum. “Guess I will have to wait the night out...”

To her side, came a muffled offer, the scent of smoke in the air. “Would you like to wait it out with a drink?”

“Pass.” Yuri didn't even bother to look to whoever it would be. She wanted...no, needed to be left alone. A slow anxiety had started to creep over her as to where Jasmine could be.

The voice continued regardless. “Huh, that's alright. I prefer making drinks more than buying them...especially for someone who can easily afford two Long Island Ice teas and a Screaming O no problem.”

Despite herself, Yuri took a peek, the voice sparking some recognition in her mind. A steady stream of smoke left his nose, L staring to his cigarette in avid wonder. Seeing he caught her attention, he smiled beguilingly, grey eyes glittering under a motley of lights. He turned his full attention on Yuri. “I'm beginning to wonder if you're following me.”

Yuri scoffed, snatching the cigarette from his fingers. Taking a drag, she relaxed, a small smile forming. “That's my line. Especially considering where we first met. Didn't think you'd be the type to listen to this kind of music.”

He laughed. Pulling the cigarette from Yuri's lips, he stared to the filter apprehensively. Had to be my last cigarette... He bit his lip, pierced brow raising as he shrugged. What the f**k, not like I'm kissing her. Shrugging, he took a long satisfying drag before burning out the cig against a charred ashtray. He blew a stream of smoke upwards in content. “I listen to almost all kinds of music. And I needed a break away from that mind-numbing trash played 24-7 at my job. This happened to be the closest place. What's your excuse?”

She stared ahead blankly, the song changing from one foreign language to another. “I'm looking for a frie...” She trailed off at feeling a hand on her arm. The same said arm then yanked her onto her feet. She stared confused to L's back, he leading her out to the dance floor. “What are you doing?!”

The bartender pulled her close, chuckling at her bewilderment. Spinning her back to his chest, he started to sway to the beat of the Spanish reggae music. He whispered quietly into her ear. “Dance with me, caramel...”"

“Your drunk,” It was the only excuse Yuri could come up with, the only plausible reason she could think of why he'd pull her out of her seat. She blushed at the hands being wrapped around her waist, hazel gaze forward. She mumbled. “Besides, I do not dance...and I do not understand the words.”

“La intimidad...” he sang, hands sliding up from her waist to her hands. “It's Spanish, but use the last word as a hint, hint. And as for the dancing, it’s not like I want you to grind me,” He laughed a bit, hands moving back to her waist. “Just catch the rhythm and go with the music...”

Yuri bit her lip with a guilty smile, lithely rotating her waist about, more belly-dancing than anything else. Throwing her head back, she closed her eyes against the bartender, enjoying the dance far more than she should. A simple question brought her back from her serene mind-state.

“Caramel, what are you doing here...?”

Opening her eyes, Yuri found her arms wrapped around herself, finger entwined with the bartender. She shrugged, rocking from side to side. “I came in search of a friend. I have not seen her around for awhile so I began to worry. I thought she would be here but...”

“Name...description? Maybe I might've seen her.”

She closed her eyes pensively. “Hazel eyes, raven blue hair, in her mid-twenties, a little shorter than me, her maiden name is Jasmine Flores but now she only goes by Mrs. Kain. She was supposed to go to Aruba two days ago but something came up with the University. But it turns out she never arrived there so the whole situations becoming more enigmatic than it should've been. I just can't find her...” Yuri sighed, wondering what the hell she was doing.

The bartender frowned in careful deliberation. He extended her arms outwards, leaning his lips to her ear. “I'll find her for you,” Yuri glanced up to him suspiciously, L laughing. “I'm serious but honestly, I'm not expecting anything for my services.”

Yuri smirked, closing her eyes as she danced. “So you say...friend.”

He pulled her close, partially insulted by her tone. “I was serious,” He breathed into her ear, neither angry nor friendly. “Perhaps I've mislead you, Yuri, but I hold no intentions of screwing/f**king or being with you.”

“I take it you only like me, then?” inquired Yuri nonchalantly.

He shook his head. “No, not that either. I respect you, caramel.”

Yuri narrowed her eyes, trying to fully grasp what he was saying. “You do not like me, but strangely enough, you respect me. And why exactly do you respect me?”

He briefly buried his face into her neck before he moved his hands from hers. Angling her face upwards, he looked down to her solemnly. “That, I can not say...” Spinning her away, he broke into a smile, chuckling at her recovery. “End of the song, caramel. End of my break as well. I'll find Jasmine by tomorrow, promise,” He winked in her direction. “Goodbye caramel.”

“Goodnight, L,” corrected Yuri, watching him walk off with an awkward smile. Seeing him leave, she felt a small flare of anger. I really hate the males within this era...vampire and human alike.

Why so, body snatcher? You seemed to be enjoying yourself...

That is what I hate. They manage to make you enjoy yourself up to the point where you’re wrapped around their finger. And once they have you right where they want you...

They leave you at a sort of cliffhanger over what'll happen from there?

Yuri tilted her head, walking back to the bar. For lack of a better term, yes. I swear I am going to go mad before this world take over scheme is done with.

Simone laughed with a sigh. Like I said earlier, you need ****.

Ordering a strawberry daiquiri, Yuri shook her head with a weak smile. “Ain't it the truth...” She sipped at the cold red liquid, knowing the rest of her night would be spent at the bar...