rissen: the vampire sypathy story board

“I am to do what?”

Yuri stared cynically to the red haired woman standing patiently before her clad in a white poly-cotton shirt and skirt to match. She had managed to land herself at a beauty salon, her other consciousness refusing silence until she did otherwise. Getting her normally ponytailed hair washed, the fore done into a series of china bumps, the rest flowing down to her waist and two almost shining strands of grey dangling in front of her line of view, she felt unusually…beautiful.

It was weird that she ever cared too much about her looks but she found the subtle yet still unexplained change to her appearance improved her morale. Or perhaps she had inhaled too vast a quantity of the alcohol-esque spritz they had lathered over her hair? Whatever, she had been content and that was all that had mattered. But when she had reached the spa…and had been ordered to remove her clothing…her good mood vanished instantly.

The woman kept on a broad grin, it was her job to be friendly. Folding her hands, she tilted her head as she held onto a perky smile. “I am sorry, but in order to receive service from the spa…or to be more specific, in order for us to execute one of your requests, you have to remove your clothing. But you will receive a terri-clothe robe in exchange…” Noticing Yuri relax, the woman chuckled as she reached for a pair of sandals and a robe. “I hope you didn’t think we’d have you walk around in the nude…”

Snatching the robe from the woman, Yuri stepped into an empty stall. Undoing her clothes, she scowled. That is exactly what I thought. What ELSE was I to think…? She scoffed, sidling into the robe. Ignoramus… Neatly folding her clothes, she dropped them into a small beige bag, walking out into the spa cautious.

Seeing Yuri on edge, the woman rubbed her shoulder’s gently. “Relax…this’ll take less than an hour,” Motioning her into a chair, she received a gentle massage to her shoulders, hands, and feet, crisp slices of cucumber placed over tired lids. Feeling her whole body loosen up, she sighed, not entirely sure why still felt apprehensive. Needing something to keep busy, she entered into the depths of her mind…

--mind trip—

“I have to admit, while most of the items used around this century are quite…eccentric, this ‘spa’ is absolutely heavenly…” Yuri floated in the star ridden ethereal plane, eyes fixated on the illusionary full moon.

Simone, juxtaposed to Yuri, had her eyes on the northernmost star, the brightest of them all. She smirked. “It better be heavenly considering how much I had to pay in advance…thank god for part time jobs,” Her smirk grew into a weak smile, Simone sitting up. “Although…there is a reason that I got my, your…whatever, why I got my hair all done up. You see, besides getting my pictures taken, like you agreed to do,” she added on quickly. Fiddling with her fingers, she mumbled. “There’s something else that needs to be done…”

Yuri, who had started to drift off into a peaceful oblivion, opened one eye drearily. “What do you mean ‘something else’ needs to be done? After I have taken the time out of my evening to get your hair done and this...wax job was it-”

“Yeah, on retrospect, I don’t really need one of those but it came free with the package so why turn down a good deal?”

“-done to my lower region,” Yuri finished, shaking from a rage. “You have the nerve to ask me for yet, another request?!”

Cringing, Simone held up a finger to dull any further yelling. “I promise, it’ll be the very last request! The pictures have to be taken in the afternoon but I…can you go to,” She sighed, speaking speedily. “I need control over my body for at least two hours tomorrow night.”

Standing up, an imposing figure, Yuri loomed over Simone, glowering at the femme under a hard yellow stare. “Absolutely not.”

On her knees, she clasped her hands together, begging. “Please, Yuri!! I’m begging, I have too much pride to beg so this is f**king serious! It’s the last game of the season and I have to play in it, just one little basketball match. You won’t have any idea what the hell you’re doing so I have to play but I promise it’ll be worth your while-”

“Oh really?!” interjected Yuri, eyes aglow in her steady anger. “Tell me, how will letting you take control benefit me?! Give me one good reason!”

“I can give you one good word,” responded Simone, regaining a little confidence. She put up her forefinger. “Motorcycle…” At seeing Yuri’s eyes light up, amusement claiming her features, she continued. “Obviously you haven’t scourged my mind long enough if you haven’t come across that yet. My pride and joy…currently in the shop getting a minor addition,” Standing up, she looked to the sky. “If you let me do this one task, not only will I never ask for another thing ever again, but my bike will be yours to ride around…get you to and from your assassinations just like that. Well…do we have us a deal?”

Yuri thought about it. She wasn’t keen on the idea of Simone having ANY control over her body unless her life depended on it. But on the other hand…on the other hand, she was almost in love with the strange vehicle and to have it as her own... Brooding on the matter with a vague expression, she finally rose her head up from the ground, cocking a brow. “So what time will you have to be at this…basketball game?”

“Perfect,” A diabolical grin crossed Simone’s lips. She steepled out her fingers. “I’ll explain the details out to you in the morning. It’ll be a piece of cake, promise.”

“Right…” Yuri flinched at feeling something hot placed onto her physical form. She asked, “Tell me, what is this ‘wax’ thing they are applying to me?”

She wasn’t sure if it was possible, but she would’ve sworn Simone’s smile grew wider. Simone started to crack her knuckles. “Well…” Extending a hand upwards, she checked her wristwatch. “They should’ve applied the wax by now so that leaves you a good five seconds. It might hurt a bit…”

Narrowing her eyes, she questioned cautiously. “Simone, just what exact-”

“Four…” counted Simone, starting a countdown.

“Listen, what-”

“Three!” Rang out the excited youth’s voice.

“Sim-”

“Two!”

“Simone, sto-”

“One!!!”

--return--

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the mall parking lot, curious shoppers turned their attention towards the glass entrance of the mall. For a moment, a distant echo of a scream reached their hearing…

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

Two minutes later

Walking awkwardly after the procedure had been done, Yuri stepped into a shallow pool of cool water. Sitting down, she massaged her throat, her scream having managed to make it sore. It wasn’t that it had hurt her too much, it was just the initial surprise of one of the most sensitive areas of her body being disturbed. Cringing, she leaned her head against the cold tiles outside the pool, recovering from the process.

Five minutes and feeling a tad bit better, she jumped out of the pool, picking up her beige canvas bag and entering a stall. Changing back into her jeans and tee-shirt, she threw a bye over her shoulder, forcing herself to stroll normally despite wishing to do nothing but jump back into the icy pool of water.

Standing in front of the brightly lit tree, a solemn spectator to the bustling world of the humans, Yuri stared up into the glass ceiling. From what she could see it was a cold clear night, stars sparkling brighter in reality than they could in any dream. She sighed, allowing the simplistic beauty to overtake her, thinking all the while. Xornon is probably feeding on some fool or killing another. Dante…he should have run away once given the chance but he is probably accompanying Orion to feed on one of his little heavy metal fans…For some strange reason, she felt a pang of…she wasn’t sure, but it was starting to mess with her head.

Simone began to laugh. Was a matter? Jealous the heavy metal vamp might be sinking his fangs into some other femme, leaving you in the dark?

Jealous…jealousy to be exact. That was the word, that’s what Yuri, of all people, was starting to feel. Rubbing at the healing bruises covering her neck, she shuddered, gritting her teeth. She hated the petty emotions that came with the package. She crossed her arms as she came up with a retort. Simone, do me a favor? Go play hide and go f*ck yourself for awhile…

Only able to laugh, Simone shook her head in disbelief at how fast Yuri was starting to adapt, finally mumbling a single word before turning in. Clever…

(OOC: Yeah, i'm the first post...finally 💃 )

Xornon sat on a bench in the mall head in his hands. He hadn't slept for the past few days, and the days events had only added to the tiredness that was now creeping up on him. He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. Xornon had followed Yuri to the spa to make sure she made it there safely. He knew she probably wouldn't need him there if something did happen, but it never hurt to have back up, and the thought of jumping into one of her fights was to good to miss.

Now seated outside the spa, Xornon looked at a clock inside. Yuri would probably be getting out soon, and he didn't want to be seen. The animal-like roar that had echoed through the mall earlier had made Xornon laugh, but he was sure Yuri would not find it so funny that he had been there to hear.

((sry, writers block still idleing. And verizon is going nuts, and my connection is being very sporatic, so if i don't get on for a while, sry))

"Well, what d'ya think?" Dante spun around slowly arms out stretched, his black silk formal shirt shimmering under the flourescent light of the store. He wore black formal trousers held with a leather belt sporting his usual pentagram buckle. Upon his feet were black shoes so polished that Orion could literally see his own reflection in them. The behemoth of a drummer had had his brownish-blonde hair cut short only ten minutes earlier, and he looked evey bit the casual business man in his new get up.

"Well, no one's going to recognise you, that's for sure." Orion flicked the fringe of his own newly cut hair out of his eyes. He'd had it cut short, but part of his fringe left long, so that several pitch black strands hung in his face. He wore a dark maroon silk shirt similar to Dante's, and black leather pants, buckled on with a leather belt sporting a skull and crossbones buckle. A leather trench coat lay draped over the changeing room door, it would complete his new look. Just to make sure, no one would recognise him, he hid his unusual turqiouse eyes beneath deep green contact lenses. No would recognise them for who they were. As far as anyone would know, they were dead, burnt alive in a freak accident.

"Now tell me," said Orion, "Allowing for half an hour for your hair cut, where have you been for the rest of the day?" Orion glanced at his new rolex, noting they had been at the mall for nearly four hours already. He vaguely wondered how Yuri had kept herself occupied whilst he awaited the massive drummer's answer.

Dante didn't need to speak, he lifted the sleeve of his shirt up to reveal a black and grey tattoo of the Grim Reaper, upon the blade of the Reaper's scythe, was tattooed the number 126.

"What does the number stand for?" Orion wondered, unable to come up with the answer himself.

"When we first split up, I went to the Hi-Fi store on the other side of the mall. I saw the news. An estimated 126 people were killed in our little inferno, in my little inferno, that just happened to rip through the entire block." He looked at Orion hard. "I intend to add numbers to my body each time you make me kill somebody, which, I have no doubt, you will do at some point."

Orion nodded in understanding. "We all have our ways to deal with the guilt. For me, my Vampire emotions deal with it subconsciously...well, most of the time, for you, I am sure, your tattooes might work. If I were you, though, I wouldn't bet on it." Orion grinned suddenly. "Estimated? So what are you going to do if they find more...or worse...less?"

"Tattooes can be removed," Dante said simply as he shrugged and let the sleeve of his shirt drop back down over the artwork.

"Well, all that's left is to do something to you that can't be removed."

Dante's face instantly became wary. "What do you mean?"

Orion made sure no one was aorund before opening his mouth and letting his fangs extend slightly. "I will have some fused to your existing teeth. You obviously won't be a real Vampire, but if you are going to co-exist with us, you had better learn to live like on. I do not feed on people to live, like a full blooded Vampire, no, I live to feed on people. You shall be the same, and you will aquire a taste for human blood. You will have to try very hard to be just like us, for whilst the present compant can stand your presence, there may be others who will kill you on the spot for being human."

"But they will be able to sense me, I've noticed you can all sense things like that."

"They will also sense that you have fed on human blood. Whether they like it or not, they will have to recognise that...maybe not respect it, but they will recognise that and give you some sort of acceptance. If they don't, you can be sure, I will kill them before they kill you."

"Whoa, hang on a minute...why can't you just turn me?"

Orion frowned. "Turn you?"

Dante rolled his eyes. "C'mon, you know? Vampire bites human, human turns into Vampire, ring any bells?"

Orion stared at Dante for a full minute before bursting into an uncontrollable fit of laughter.

Dante couldn't help but smile. "What? What's so funny about that?"

"Ahh," Orion forced the laughter down, breathing heavy, eventually able to reply. "Dante, my man, I think you've been watching too many movies, my friend. If we bute someone, you can be sure, they die. Do you really think there'd be so few of us if we could just turn all you humans into our kind? No, of course not, to think that is rediculous. Look, some facts you should really dismiss from the movies. One, we can't turn people. Two, garlic is an ingredient in cooking and has no detrimental effect on us whatsoever. Three, a crucifix is just a religeous symbol and had no power to destroy a Vampire. Four, while, yes, a full blooded Vampire doesn't particularly like the sinlight, and they burn rather easily, it does not kill them, they are not going to crumble to dust and float away on the breeze. Clear enough?"

"I guess," Dante rubbed the back of his neck. "But a steak to the heart still kills you, though, because your..." he trailed of as Orion's lips tightened into a hard line.

The bassist offered a feral grin. "Dante, you seem to forget, that anything dies if a steak is driven through thier heart, including you."

Dante frowned, not quite able to believe just how stupid he had been. Of course anything would die if a steak was driven into its heart. He shook his head, chastising himself inwardly, F*cking twit

"Come," Orion said as he collected his trench coat and shrugged into it, "It's fusion time."

"Will it hurt?" Dante asked, worry clearly evident in his tone.

"Never fear," Orion grinned, "I'll knock you out personally. You won't feel a thing." With a chuckle, he walked on slightly ahead.

Dante swallowed hard, hesitating only slightly before continueing after the bassist, knowing that however much this fusion thing hurt, it'd probably pale in comparison to the pain he'd experience during an existance with Orion's Vampire kind. The behemoth of a drummer steeled himself, he would have to accept his fate, Orion would have it no other way.

"Ah, just one question?" Dante piped up after fourty five minutes of walking through the city and any number of back alleys.

"Hmmm...?"

"Didn't Yuri say she wanted us back in three hours? That was, what, nearly five hours ago?"

Orion shrugged. "She'll get over it. We have more important things to do. I'm sure she'll understand."

"From what I've seen, she's not the sort to let people off lightly for disobeying her."

Orion glanced at the drummer in annoyance. "I am my own man, Dante, and she will have to learn to accept that I have my own things to do, besides helping her cause. And if I remember correctly, I said she had to throw off the darkness that is within her before she had my total alliegence. Now, shut up, I need to think of the route."

((lol...had to shove this in because I forgot that Yuri gave them three ours...lol...ah wells, she'll just have to be pissed of with them.))

Yuri had to wait only a few minutes before she noticed Xornon walking towards her, he acknowledging her presence with a nod of his head. As soon as he reached her, he sat down on a glossy wooden bench, throwing his head back to the ceiling, orange eyes glowing a brilliant amount of hues beneath multicolored holiday lights.

She stared for a moment, spellbound by the color. Quickly shaking her head, she glanced about the area briefly. Satisfied at not seeing any of her other comrades returning as of yet, she crouched down in front of Xornon, tilting her head. She said, “Xornon, I do not want to get in trouble…”

He gave her a weird look, adjusting his posture to get a better view. “What?”

Rolling her eyes, Yuri sighed, taking a seat next to him. “I can not have you completely exhausted once we get back to Khimaria, she will have a few unkind words for me if I manage to work you out before we even start on our campaign. I…” She sighed again. “I guess what I am trying to say is instead of going out for the night we could just go to a…” Thinking, she put a finger to her bottom lip. “To a pub, bar, whatever they are called. I would not…okay, I would mind but…”

Xornon shrugged, resting his hands behind his hair. “Nah, I’m okay. A little tired but I think I can hold out for the rest of the night.”

Yuri nodded her head, crossing her legs as she leaned back casually on the bench. She was grateful she would be able to do something within the night. “Thanks for that…guess we will have to wait on Orion and Dante from here.”

The two waited out the first thirty minutes with no problems, small talk to keep busy. However, as it neared forty five minutes Yuri started to lose what little patience she had. Once a full hour swept by, she started to drum her fingers across the wooden seat, knowing Orion and Dante had gone off on their own little agenda.

“Don’t think they’re coming back…” mused Xornon, starting to get up.

Jumping to her feet after him, Yuri glanced around hopefully, fuming at seeing only the faces of strangers. Closing her eyes, a fist started to shake wildly as she ground her teeth together. “I am starting to believe you are right…” With a growl, she kicked the lower half of the bench, a flurry of woodchips littering the air as she destroyed it.

Widening his eyes at the bench, Xornon pulled her from the scene. “I know you’re a little mad-”

“I am not mad!” snapped Yuri, yanking away her wrist. Still shaking, she blew a strand of grey from her quavering vision. She was slowly becoming blinded by her anger. Forcing it away, she continued. “I am not…mad, I am insulted. He gives me this talk about ME having to be the one to change, I having to earn his respect then he can not do something as simple as meet me in the center of the mall? Or at least, meet me and TELL me he is going off to do whatever bloody thing he is doing!!” She threw a hand in the air, eyes to the ground. “F*ck me, he could have even sent a messenger, as long as he let me know in advance!!!” Breathing heavily, out of breath, she glanced to Xornon curiously. “Did I use that word in its proper context?”

“Yeah, that’s one way to use it,” Ignoring the spectators that had arrived upon Yuri’s yelling, Xornon led her outside, giving Orion the benefit of the doubt in an attempt to calm her down. “Maybe he bumped into some trouble or someone who recognized him and Dante from his band? I don’t know…”

Snorting, Yuri crossed her arms, standing beneath the yellow light of a streetlamp. “He had better have gotten shot multiple times with a submachine gun and be laying in a pool of his own blood…perhaps then I will forgive him,” She sighed heavily, massaging her temples. Letting out one more frustrated growl, she jumped up and down, finally relaxing. “You know what, I’m over it. I’m over it!” Letting out her breath, she gave a weak smile. She was still a little cross but she figured she’d save her last words for Orion and Dante…no need to take out everything on Xornon.

Standing with her back to the stone wall of the mall, Yuri arched her brow. “So what should we do from here? Going from my other consciousness’s input a…move-e? Movie was it called? A horror film sounds interesting,” She pushed off from the wall, watching the sky. “Then while we do not require food to sustain us, a steak dinner would be nice to try…ice cream too, ending it all with a bar before we go our separate ways?”

Xornon made a face. He smirked, starting to walk with his hands pocketed. “Sounds like a date if you ask me…whatever, let’s go.”

Walking next to him, she pocketed her own hands, frowning. “What is a…date?” Guiding her in the direction of a nearby movie house, Xornon explained out the components of a date, purchasing two tickets for a random horror movie still showing there. Leading her into the theatre, Yuri could only stare in amazement as the gargantuan images went across the screen, their loud boom of a voice going past each isle.

Watching the film, she realized it wasn’t as horrifying as Simone had originally warned. Rather, it was more amusing than anything else and slightly informative. It helped to see others methods she could put to use for her to kill victims, a few techniques she would have to practice whence given the opportunity.

At the finish of the film, the duo left off to a nearby restaurant, Yuri ordering herself a steak and fettuccine meal. The two ate with the occasional chatter, Yuri questioning how the thin bulbs of glass gave off light, what made such monstrous vehicles run on the tarmac roads, how the humans had advanced so in the past centuries. Though…she only talked to distract herself from the sole thing on her mind…most likely a similar idea was on Xornon’s mind as well, they did, after all, think alike. It was a certain f word that she had been dying to do ever since she had gotten bitten in the neck. What Yuri wanted to do above all else, with anyone available, hell, even with Xornon if it came down to it was…

…fight. She was antsy to get into a fight, in Xornon’s case, it would be a friendly spar but she needed something to burn off her anger from Orion and Dante blowing them off. Tapping Xornon beneath the table with the tip of her heel, she raised her brow. “Let us go to a bar now…not a club, too many people, but a bar. Can we?”

He shrugged, motioning for the waiter as he did so. They both paid their own separate bills, departing for a small bar. Before they stopped there, Yuri dragged Xornon to an ice cream parlor, getting a waffle cone filled with one scoop strawberry cheesecake, another rocky road. Content with the creamy confection, she neatly finished up the ice cream as she followed Xornon into a bar.

Settling himself in at a barstool, he ordered himself a whiskey, leaving Yuri free to do whatever she wished. Grabbing a pool stick, Yuri participated in a game of pool, getting the hang of it after a few rounds. Once an hour had passed, figuring she would get herself a glass of Chardonnay, something suggested by her weird bartender friend, she went over to the bar, about to take a seat, frowning as a burly man came from nowhere and sat in place.

Pool stick still hand, Yuri tapped the man on his meaty shoulder. “Excuse me, but I was going to sit here.”

He stirred his shot glass in the air, apparently tipsy judging by the flush in his cheeks. “Well guess what? I got here first…” He spun the chair around to face her. He leered. “Find another seat.”

Stepping closer to the man, Yuri narrowed her eyes, grip tightening on the thin piece of wood. “I am sorry, but I would much prefer to sit here. Is it so problematic for you to move?”

Getting to his feet, he stared down to Yuri. “Yeah, as a matter of fact it is, so I suggest you,” He pointed two stubby fingers into the center of her forehead. “Find another seat,” He pushed her, Yuri stumbling back surprised. Noticing the action done by the man, Xornon tilted his head back, downing the rest of the whiskey. Seconds later, the bulky man who didn’t wish to move, flew across the pool table, crashing into the wall behind it.

Yuri stood calmly after she executed her attack, smirking as a number of the man’s comrades stood up, a bitter glare across each face. There was an estimate of sixteen, no more than twenty, all prepared to jump her for such a move. Xornon got up tiredly, stretching his hands upwards. “You planned this…I don’t know how…I don’t care either…but I know you somehow planned this.”

Twirling the pool stick overhead, Yuri made an innocent face. “Perish the very thought. I would never do such a thing. But on a side note, I will take on the eight to my left, you can do as you wish to the remainder…though, let us not make any fatalities. Agreed?”

He almost grimaced at not being able to make a kill. A toothy smile soon came in its place. “If you wish…a fight is all we’ll do.”

“Lovely,” Twirling the stick one last time, with a demonically broad grin, she swung into battle…

Dante didn't much like the dank, ominous stone room beneath the city in which they stood. He liked even less the thin, gangly looking men in their tattered leathers that stood watching their approach. Between the two was a silver chair, much like a dentists chair, and various pieces of equipment that Dante dared not to dwell on too much.

"Do not speak to the Fang," Orion said quietly as they approached. "They will reply only to Vampires and consider it an insult to have a human voice assaulting their hearing."

"Who are they?" Dante whispered back.

"The Fang are a secret society, ancient beyond belief. Not many knew of them, but they have been associated with my kind for centuries. There are only a handfull left these days."

"Are you telling me they are hundreds of years old, these two here?"

"Look closely, and I think you will see for yourself."

Dante squinted through the gloom, taking a good long look at the two figures and his eyes widened in surprise. Thier skin was tainted, a horrible yellow-black colour, like they were covered in multiple gastly bruises. Part were the skin was missing completely, revealing slightly rotted flesh and stringy tendons. Dante's mouth twisted in distaste. It was if they were only half decayed, like something had tried to preserve them over the years, but only half managed the task. The big drummer shivered, not liking being near these creatures.

"Master Orion," the two bowed their heads, Orion mimicking the gesture, Dante quickly following suit. "It has been quite some time. You were able to find us with relative ease?"

Orion gazed into the amber eyes of the half dead man as his bruised looking hands held up an amulet that hung around his neck. "The amulet calls to me constantly," Orion said in a half daze as he gently took it in his own hands and kissed the sapphire in its centre. He placed it back into the Fang's hand and turned to Dante with glazed eyes.

"Lay in the chair," he ordered with a voice that sounded inhumanly soft.

Dante swallowed hard, asking as he layed on the cold, forbidding metal chair, "And the pain, you are going to knock me out personally?"

Orion gazed at him, smiling crookedly and looking dazed under the strange spell the sighting of the amulet had put him under, a smile that turned almost nasty just as quickly. "Suffer it," the bassist said coldly, turning his back on the drummer as unseen shackled whipped up from the sides of the chair out of nowhere to secure Dante's arms and legs.

Dante struggled for all he was worth when he felt the moist fingers of one of the Fang push down on his temples, holding his head in place as the other inserted a cold metallic intrument designed to keep his mouth from closing. No matter how much he squirmed, he couldn't budge the shackles, but he increased his attempts at seeing the strange instrument with its end glowing red hot in the Fang's hand.

The half dead creature smiled nastily as he placed an ancient and preserved Vampire tooth against one of Dante's teeth, third left from centre. The scream that ripped from the drummers throat when the molten end of the fusion device made contact made even Orion flinch, the Fang holding Dantes head tilted his own head back with a broad smile, as if drinking in the pain of the human.

Eyes wild and breathing hard, Dante tried so hard to escape as the second Vampire tooth was placed third right from centre, that he actually shook the chair. He quickly lost all ability to struggle as the pain ripped through his brain again, causing the viens in his head to almost burst, his eyes to almost pop from their sockets.

Orion watched the entire process with no emotion visible on his face, but if one was to look into his eyes, they would have seen the torment of having to put his friend through such a proceedure. The presence inside his head had retreated completely, surprising Orion with its squirmishness and refusal to watch the proceedure with him.

A moment later it was all over, Dante having finally reached his maximum threshold and passing out from the pain. The Fang stepped back from the table, the one without the amulet carefully packing up their equipment as the other made his way to Orion, wiping his moist hands on a black cloth.

"He will be fine, this human of yours. I must admit, I am impressed. Most pass out on the first tooth."

"He is a tough one, that is for sure," Orion agreed as he crossed the room and hoisted the unconcious form of Dante over his shoulder. He crossed back and took the Fang's amulet in his free hand, kissing the sapphire again and bowing his head to the half dead man. "Your services are greatly appreciated as always."

"We live to serve, Master Orion."

Orion bowed his head and left the room and making his way through the dank hallways that led up to an alley, shaking off the effects of the amulet, his memory of what the Fang looked like becoming distorted in his mind, as if only half a memory remained. With a frown, he adjusted the weight of the behemoth on his shoulder and focused his attention on picking up Yuri's scent. It didn't take long, he could smell the negativity a mile away, he could smeel she was up to no good, and set off at a jog in the scents direction.

ooc: are you psychic decomp, i was planning to have a group of vampire helpers called the fang... not quite as gruesome as you made them but hey. My posts are getting longer, i'm still not to happy with the length and i'm quite pissed off with the content but bare with me

ic: Khimaria stepped into a shop that had the proud name: curl up and dye hair saloon. She was in dire need for a haircut, her hair had curled and reached all the way half way down her spine and became very greasy and unpleasant while she had aged and the name of the hairdressers had been just too enticing.

as she entered the shop a round faced shop assistant came up to her.

"Hi hon." She said in a very bouncy and friendly manner. "What can we do for you."
"As you may see i badly need my hair shortened." Khimaria paused.
"Ask for it to be trimmed just below you shoulders, thinned straightened." Laura chipped in, then stopped and thought for a few seconds. "Then ask for it to be washed dyed bright green and have 666 sprayed in in bright orange dye, that would look cool!"
"NO child" Thought Kimaria violently. "I will have the trim thin and wash but i will not have my hair died so i look like a village jester with the braincells of a dead flee that had its hair squashed."
"Alright it was just a joke" thought Laura back.

Out of her mind trip Khimaria said. "can i have my greasy hair washed drastically trimmed... say down to my shoulders instead of halfway down my back as it is, then thinned... and then to top it off may you straiten it please."
"sure thing." said the woman smiling "that may take almost two Horus and I'll Finnish with my current client then it will be you, we don't get much business of late, i blame the new name." she laughed and went back to some mans hair, he was just getting all his hair shaved off so it wouldn't take too long.

When it came to Khimaria's turn she sat on a comfortable chair while the woman who had greeted her in the first place heated the hair straightener and put warm water and soap into a sink, the woman then pressed a button and the chair slowly reclined so Laura's hair was submerged in water.

Then the woman used the hair straightener to get her hair easier to cut and started the long process of shortening and thinning.

When Khimaria was finished her hair looked allot better. She searched her pockets and to her dismay found no money. Not worrying she made a simple illusion of money and handed it over with a smile and said her goodbyes. After that simple illusion she felt absolutely drained and decided too go back to the cave for a nap, evidently Laura wasn't used to having any magical energy running through her body. Quickly Khimaria checked too see if she could find Yuri, failing this she made her own way back to the cave

( Long time no post well I should b back now 4 good)

Xzaar managed to quickly cut the guy off standing infront pf him. "Where are you going."Xzaar asked not moving. "To catch up with a friend." Daniel said getting ready to walk around Xzaar. "I cant let you go this way." Xzaar said continuing to block Daniels path. "I dont remember asking you to get involved in my business." Daniel said getting aggravated. "Look unless you want to be someone's meal I suggest you turn around and leave right now." Xzaar said but soon the feeling came back as Xzaar vision began to blurr and his head began to spin. Daniel then took this opprotunity to continue running in the direction of Airy's footprints. As soon as Xzaar regained his sight and realized where he was at and that Daniel had continued in the directionhe had told him not to go in. Xzaar brgan to run after him. But it was too late Daniel had already reached the cave where Xzaar saw Daniel stop directly infront of Airy. "Daniel What are you doing here?" Airy asked in a low tone. "Where is Khimaria" Xzaar asked approaching both her and Daniel. "She's on her way back." Airy said turning her attention back to Daniel. "I had to find you I wanted to ask you something." Daniel said walking closer to Airy. "No time Khimaria is on her way back" Xzaar said interupting as he reached to grab Daniels arm but before he could Xzaar fell to the ground holding his head. Soon Xzaar started to feel the overwhelming tiredness and he knew it was back Xzaar once again lost in the blurring of vision and the disconnecting of reality. Before Airy could see what happened with Xzaar. Khimaria came back ready to go inside when she suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. Wothout even seeing Daniel her and Airy rushed to Xzaar's side helping him up and carrying him to his room. Where they laid him down. "What is happening to me?" Xzaar asked Ken. " I dont know it would seem as though you are tired and that you are growing weaker. But my body isnt the least bit tired so it has to be you. I suggest you rest deep within your mind where theres peace and quiet and there's no disturbances." Ken suggested. "Alright that sounds good I'm going to put myself in a deep sleep so no matter what dont let anybody wake me." Xzaar said retreating deep within his mind. Witnessing this a Ken began to smile a mischevious smile.

Einari sat in the back of the pub, watching the fight with slight amusment and interest. He thought the two to be human. But how had they gained such quick reflexes, and amazing strength? He shrugged, figuring that they were rugby players, or something of that nature. He sipped his Coke and whiskey mix, fake id weaving between his fingers subconciously.

Then he felt it, a sudden surge of power that only a vampire could emit. He nearly spat out his drink in surprise. But where had it come from? He quickly looked through the crowd watching the barfight, scanning for any new faces from under the shadow cast by the brim of his crooked hat. Then it smacked him, stright across the face. Of course! Had he been so oblivious, so ignorant? The two fighters, they were the vampires. There was no better explanation for their speed and strength. But how? Einari had been sure that he had been the last of them, except for the occasional half-breed. But no, these were pures.

Einari lept to his feet, draining the remains of his drink. He put his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, walking towards the exit as quickly as possible, and supressing his own vampiric presence at the same time, letting the human mind gain some control, but Einari's mind still in control of most of it. His hands clenched around his switchblades, he quickly and quietly made his way through the crowd, disturbing no one.

He made it to the door and breathed a deep sigh, leaning on the threshold. He was just glad he had made it out alive, without one of the pures recognizing his presence. If they had, he would have had to fight, and battling one vs. two of his own kind was not Einari's idea of a night on the town. He would have had to run, far, far away, for they would have known that he was still alive, the Traitor.

Not that it would change much. Einari would have to conceal himself now, coming out of his small lair less. At least until these unexpected nuisences left.

Richard's mind gave a tiny struggle, but Einari subconciously sent a shock of pain through the human mind, a shock of pain that would have alerted another vampire of his presence from over 100 yards away.

The two other pures were fighting only 15 yards away.

Realizing his mistake as soon as he had done it, he made no attempt to hide his presence now. Taking full control of the human body, he sped off at amazing speed, the humans who he passed cracking their necks in trying to keep up with his movements. He sped off for downtown, running the entire way, never waning in his speed.

After about fifteen minutes of running, he turned off into a dark alleyway, vaulting over the 7 foot high fence with grace and ease, then running, faster still, into a metal scrap yard. He kicked one barking dog out of his way, sending it flying ((poor doggie)) then dived into a metal pipe, crawling the length of it, into a small pen for the dogs. He opened the door and rushed outside, finding himself, as he intended, outside the junkyard on the opposite side.

Einari took only a moments pause to get his bearings, then set off at an amazing pace, as fast if not faster than before. He was fairly sure he had recognized one of the presences as Yuri, who was the fastest and most agile vampire he had ever known, save maybe himself. He would have to work hard to lose her.

He made a few more turns down intersections and dark alleys, ending up at a building in the process of being built. All there was was the skeleton iron of the building. He easily scaled the ten foot wooden wall and landed, perhaps not so safely, on the other side. He rolled as he landed, and was up and running immeadiatly, heading for a ladder, knowing the elevator wasnt fast enough. He took the rungs three as a time, quickly moving up to the top (9th) level of iron, then balanced his way across to the edge of the skeleton, and jumped the six foot gap between him and the next, fully built, building. He made a few other jumps, and then headed down an emergency escape, jumping down from level to level.

He hit the ground and kept running, he seemed to never tire. Heading towards downtown again, just straight running. He made another turn into another alley, between two particularly old buildings, and climbed up the left one's emergency escape, to the roof, were he hid in the shadowed nook of a gargoyle's wing.

He was safe, he assured himself. Of course, he didnt know Yuri that well, so he didnt know how fast she was, exactly, nor how much endurence she had. Einari, on the other hand, was hardly tired by the run, he had trained himself to be able to run at top speed for hours on end, and this little jog was hardly a tiring experience, he wasnt even panting. Whether that was of fear that they would hear him or because he wasnt tired is another thing.

((OOC: Damn, dwarfdude, your character really jetted the hell outta there. There’s no way I could get my character right up to him after all THAT…not in a post that wouldn’t be half-assed…ah wells for now))

Finishing up on the man’s crew, working on her adrenaline rush, her senses were on a high, her only focus being on the men who dared to attack her. Leaning to the side, she avoided a knife lunge, spinning out the way to deliver an elbow into the center of a lanky man’s nose, Xornon turning towards the knife holder, a sick crack ripping through the air as he broke his arm in a swift execution.

Both men falling to the ground in crumpled heaps of pain, Yuri and Xornon turned to their last opponent, a 6’5 behemoth nearly in rival to Dante’s size. Tapping her cue stick onto the wooden floor, Yuri glanced to Xornon, satisfied that he hadn’t even broken a sweat. She motioned a hand in the thick man’s direction, talking to Xornon. “Would you care to do the honors?”

Xornon cracked his knuckles, devious smile in play. “It’s tempting…” He almost revealed a fang, orange eyes flashing mischievously. “…but considering you got us into this mess, you can get us out. I insist.”

Yuri practically beamed at his response. “Lovely…I will make this short,” Spinning the stick overhead, strutting slowly up to the man in three inch heels, she prepared for what would be the last strike, a swift execution to the side of his neck. He’d be out for day.

Dodging the thick man’s first sloppy punch, Yuri pulled back the stick, hesitating inches away from the man’s skin, a cold gust entering the bar as the door opened up. She turned, the rage she had burned off quickly returning. In the doorway stood Orion, giving her a look of disdain over the multiple unconscious or groaning men lying on the floor. She sneered. “Long time no see…”

The man, seeing her distracted, took from a back pocket a Swiss army knife, raising it back in the hopes of impaling Yuri. Fortunately, she had managed to catch a glint of the shining silver, making a side step, the cold metal plunging into her left shoulder.

She frowned at how easily Orion’s presence had distracted her, more annoyed than bitter that the human had stabbed her. Grabbing his wrist, she twisted, the man screaming as she broke his arm. Growing enraged, she snatched the knife from her arm, stabbing it into the palm of the man. He cried out in pain, Yuri bringing him silence with a kick that sent him flying onto one of several glass vases decorating the bar.

“You said no fatalities…” murmured Xornon, watching with trace amusement as blood began to seep from the tip of the man’s head.

Yuri arched her brow. “And I meant it,” Rubbing her bruise, she gave it a good day or two until a scar would be left. She scanned the bleeding man. “He is not dead, just barely alive. There IS a difference.”

Xornon chuckled. Orion, however, did not seem as amused. Shaking his head, he stepped into the bar area. “You have done so well with toning down your anger…” He rolled his eyes at his sarcasm, sighing frustrated.

Her fury took over, Yuri allowing herself to be consumed by it. She wasn’t sure whether to scream, attack, or both all at once. Pounding her fist into a flimsy table, she stomped up to Orion and said the only two words that came to mind, courtesy of Simone. “F*ck…you.” Pushing him from her way, she left the bar.

“F*ck me?” Orion sat the unconscious Dante into a chair, following after Yuri with a bitter expression. Snatching her arm as she attempted to dash off, he said,” If that’s your way of gaining respect and loyalty, let me tell you-”

“NO!” roared Yuri, fiercely yanking herself away. She turned to face Orion, pushing him into the wall. “No, let ME tell you! Maybe I was out of line with the profanity but I am making the smallest effort,” Her voice started to quaver, emotions building up. “I am making the best effort I can to try and coexist, to try and be cordial, try and be ‘nice’. If it were back in my old days, everyone would have been slaughtered, those who bore witness would have been hunted down and killed. You! You would have been dead just for existing!!”

Yuri cringed, letting go of the vampire and burying her face into her hands. Her little human emotions were really starting to screw with her. “You can take it as sincerity or bullshit,” She rose up her head to stare into his eyes, just now noticing the change in color. Saving questions for later, she continued, “But I know I am attempting to…change and I know I will not be able to do such a thing overnight so if you were honestly expecting miracles, I fear I will disappoint you endlessly.”

Sighing heavily, Yuri massaged her face, rubbing away fury visible in her expression, the emotions coming to view in her eyes. Bringing about an apathetic stance, she stared to the heavy metal vamp, his eyes having taken on a cold hue. “I have for you only two questions. Please, may I?” He nodded cautiously for her to continue. She asked, “Where were you?”

Pushing himself back to the wall, Orion crossed his arms over his chest. “Dante and I took a stroll around town…though to be more specific, underground to a certain society.”

The fang… It was the only people she could come up with, the only one’s that would seem to matter to Orion. She stepped up to him, asking her second question. “Why could you not have told me you were going to see them?”

He answered this simply. “Because you are neither my mother, in charge, or in control of me, Yuri. Last time I checked, I am a grown man and I am free to do as I please without having to report back to you.”

She was taken aback. Rubbing at her wound subconsciously, Yuri’s eyes wandered to the concrete. “I see…” Gaining a strange tone, she maintained her nonchalance, forcing her eyes to Orion. “Thank you for the explanation. Goodnight, Orion.”

With that, Yuri left Orion to his own agenda, figuring Xornon would go back to the cave once she did not return. Walking briskly for a half an hour, once positive she had reached out of the range of the others, she stepped into an alleyway near a construction site, broken glass and shattered windows for miles.

Stopping herself halfway through the damp cramped corridor, Yuri very calmly pulled back a fist, and with fierce rapidity, slammed her fist into the wall. Not satisfied with the small amount of red dust, she repeated the procedure, only ceasing her brutal assault against the wall at finally breaking a hole through the brick.

Out of breath, starting to grow weary, Yuri climbed the steep walls of the building, dazedly falling down onto the roof in a haphazard sitting position. She wanted to scream and destroy everything but her pride was holding her back, she not wanting to reach her ‘breaking point’, her point of no return. Closing her eyes, she pressed her back against the roof entrance, starting to dream…

--mind trip—

Yuri sat very calmly in the center of a raging maelstrom, not seeming to care that she was so close to the edge. Hair flaring wildly about her form, her fangs were bared, she trying to contain her newfound emotions.

Simone, a silent observer to it all, walked across Yuri’s illusion, kneeling down in front of the vampire. She sighed. “Poor you, I’m starting to hate I can read you like a card,” Getting comfy, she sat with her legs crossed, examining the meditating femme. “You’re so angry…no surprise there. But at the same time…and here’s a first, you’re hurt.”

An eye snapped open, yellow glaring ominously to Simone. Ignoring the deadly look, she persisted in getting Yuri to admit what she already knew. “You’re hurt over the fact that Orion here doesn’t seem to give two shits about you one way or the other…that his little bite was probably nothing but mind games and nothing more. Guy problems…that can be a-”

Cutting off Simone with a grab to her throat, both eyes opened, glowing moodily. “Can you please be as kind as to not point out what I already know? It is already in my head I do NOT need it TOLD to me OUT LOUD!!!” Loosening her grasp, she buried her face in her hands once more. “Gods…how can you humans stand these feelings? They are so completely wretched…and I am talking about both sadness and ecstasy. Both manage to screw with one’s head…”

“Well…” Simone got to her feet, hovering over Yuri. “While I’m still…pissed over the takeover of my body, you can feel free to cry on me.”

Yuri scoffed, shoulders starting to shake with laughter. “I do NOT cry,” Getting to her feet, she patted the youth’s shoulder. “As a matter of fact, the only time I have ever cried…” Laughter dying down, her eyes narrowed. “It was…during…the war.”

“Plot thickens!” Simone pulled Yuri close. “Alright, so…why were you crying?”

“I… Yuri frowned, finger to her lip, her earlier troubles being forgotten. “I do not know. I do not remember…but I cried…something made me cry…” She started to brood over the matter.

Bending the rules of reality, Simone crossed her legs in an Indian style sitting position mid-air, twisting herself upside down. “Take it it’s the censored part of your mind. I cant gain access, neither can you. Ooh!!” Clapping, she turned herself right side up. “I bet its some tragic story of lust, betrayal, revenge, love…” she drifted off, seeing Yuri about to gag.

“What are you on? Where are you getting this from?”

Turning about, she replied. “Novels.”

“Stop reading them.” Having talked enough to last the evening, she woke up into reality…

--return—

Springing up to her feet, Yuri immediately analyzed her surroundings. No one had happened upon her as she slept, the trace amount of snow would have revealed as much. Sliding down the side of the asymmetrical building, Yuri came about a construction site, settling herself at the top of a metal beam.

“This will be my calm moment…then I will prowl the streets…be back by four,” She threw her head up to the stars, the cold no longer affecting her. “And live a day in the life of the troublesome teen…”

((These posts didnt really come out as well as I wanted 'em to but I'm beat and it cant get any better than that...))

Why did you do that? the presence in Orion's mind queried him as he used a cloth to sponge Dante's forehead. Why did you treat her like that?

Orion blinked in surprise, thrown off guard by the subject of the question.

Why would you do that, when you so obviously wanted to tell her she was right, that you were sorry, and that she deserved to be informed of your trapesing about? Why would you do that, when it was you who said, if she changed, you would give her your respect and loyalty?

Orion frowned. Because she...

Don't say she hasn't changed. You know that is untrue. She was right, when she said that she was changing, and that you shouldn't expect miracles over night. She has been who she is for hundreds upon hundreds of years, and yet you expect her to change in a heartbeat? Don't you think that is just a little unfair on her? For christ sakes, give her a chance...she may just surprise you.

Orion stared off at nothing, letting those words sink in as the cloth dropped from his hands unnoticed. "Think you can do me a favour?" he asked Xornon without looking at him, and without waiting for an answer, he continued, "take Dante back to the cave with you when you go."

Not waiting around to hear Xornon's assured protest, Orion strode from the bar, whisking through the night, his sense focused on the trail of Yuri. He soon found where she had been sleeping near the construction site, kneeling down and scooping up some snow in his right hand, bringing it to his nose to take a long sniff, drinking in her scent. "Not that long ago..." he trailed off as his head whipped around, senses twitching at feeling something in the night.

Shaking his head and putting it down to his mind playing tricks on him, he focused on the one he was seeking, stealing through the night, a sleek shadow that light refused to reveal. It wasn't long before her form was in sight, and he had designs to follow her and watch what she did before making his presence known. It only took a moment to realise his folly, as she stopped dead on the ppot, turned around quite deliberately, and focused her piercing gaze upon him, the beginnings of anger showing at his intrusion. Surprisingly, he could sense her fight the emotions.

Placing his hands in the deep pockets of his leather trench coat, Orion walked out into the street light, expression neutral as he stepped up close to her. "I don't really know how to say this very well, so, I guess I'm just going to say it."

He took a breath, looking her directly in the eyes. "I apologise. It was wrong of me to treat you that way. It was wrong of me to expect things of you so fast." He reached out and gently took hold of her shoulders. "I can see you are trying. I can see the changes within, if I but look hard enough. So...yeah, I'm sorry I guess." He stepped back, rubbing his neck nervously. He gave a little half chuckle. "Well, I guess it's official. I pretty much suck at apologising, but, well, there it is."

((w00t! I win the chase then. This is going to be super short, I'll probably continue it later))

Einari felt the preseence of a pure, and again suppressed his own presence. He recogized this one as Yuri, and quickly withdrew his switchblades, flicking the blades out of their handles. He held one in each hand, an prepared for a running fight. He knew he should have run 'til dawn, he knew it. His intincts had told him to. But he had taken the chance and stopped. Idiot.

He waited for Yuri to kick the gargoyle's wing to gravel, revealing him. It did not come. Einari waited and waited to be found. Yuri's presence remained, athough her presence subdued itself a little. He did not move, fearing any slight noise could give him away. It could have been minutes, maybe hours, Einari didn't know nor care. He was stock still. The presence faded slightly again, and Einari heard, his senses at their peak because of the adrenaline, footsteps on metal. She had moved way from him?

Einari sighed in relief, stowing his blades. Then he felt a second presence, not the same as the one at he bar. He moved quickly, quietly, and steathily as a shadow, moving to the right, then back towards his would-be-captors. He was interested in what was blinding Yuri's senses so much that she could not sense his presence. He hid behind another gargoyle, south of the building under construction, and lisened to their converosation with interest.

Yuri blinked, the anger that had started to come just by catching his scent alone fading away. She had been surprised he had followed but even more so by his apology. Content, a small smile started to form though not wanting him to notice, she dropped it immediately, pocketing her hands. “I…forgive you, Orion. I…” she sighed, thinking. “Perhaps it would be best if I thought of it as a challenge…maybe then the process would not seem so tedious?”

Shrugging, Yuri started to walk off, pausing down the block. Pivoting around, she arched her brow to Orion, curious. “Care to accompany me for a walk?” Seeing him look unsure, she added on, “I promise it will not be too long, just a…meager way to make up for earlier.”

Orion gained a thoughtful expression as if considering the idea. A smile played at the corner of his lips. Catching up to her, he walked at a slower pace to keep up with Yuri, she taking her time to admire the glistening frost of the winter coated city. The two vampires walked in mostly silence, Yuri’s thoughts preoccupied with suppressing namely all her emotions, upset at how she had acted earlier. So concentrated was she, she barely managed to catch Orion’s question.

“How come you did not evade the attack from the last man at the bar? I would think you capable enough to not get hurt against one like him." His gaze stayed forward, green eyes illuminated under the orange flame of a lighter.

Seeming to think on how her next words would sound, after a while, she murmured. “I was startled…” She turned to face Orion, he starting to light a cigarette.

Taking a drag, he glanced to her with a strange hue to his eyes. “Why? During a battle, from what little I’ve managed to see, I don’t see how he could’ve-”

“It was not him who startled me,” corrected Yuri, eyes on her shadow. Chipping away the black polish on her nails, she mumbled with a trace of embarrassment. “I was surprised at your arrival. When you did not come back to the mall…I had…falsely presumed you had taken your leave from our group to live with the humans…or just to get away from me what with us not being on the best of terms-”

“You mean your general dislike of me…” he murmured, not realizing he had said it out loud. Noting the scowl Yuri made, he took another drag to distract himself.

A visible frown came, Yuri shaking her head. Finger to her lip, she said, “That is not true…” He gave her a skeptical look, she cracking a smile. “I am serious, I do not dislike you, it is not that, it’s…” She brooded over the best way to put it. “I…you are just new to me. I am not use to vampires carrying themselves around me without at least a little respect over my name. It…bothers me, just makes me feel…odd,” Averting the subject away from her feelings, she looked Orion up and down. “Now what is with your sudden change?”

“Well…” He buried his hands deeper into his pockets, shaking off the approaching cold. “Dante and I are supposed to be deceased after the underground blaze we died in so I thought it best to get a new identity.”

“Congratulations,” smirked Yuri, a small flurry landing on her forehead. She raised her hands behind her head, explaining to the bemused Orion. “I am, after all, still an assassin, so when one makes a successful kill, I give them their praise. Though, this is all in the presumption that you and Dante set the raging inferno who I am guessing again, killed the drunken clubbers. Am I correct?”

He nodded, Yuri giving a light clap as several more drops of cold white fell from the sky. Beneath the bright light of a streetlamp, she frowned at seeing a weird plant hanging just a few feet overhead. She touched at the red circles, the texture plastic like. “How…I do not even have the word for it,” She gave a light laugh, tilting the plant to Orion. “What is this?”

Orion, finished with his cig, tossed aside the filter as he glanced up, shaking his head with a trace grin. “It’s mistletoe. Something the humans put up and when you stand beneath it…” Smiling, he shook his head, glance to the side. “Forget it, that’s not important.”

“If you say so…” Getting off her tiptoes, Yuri released the plant, gaze on Orion. Stepping up to him, she hesitated before clasping his face gently, pulling him close. She stared into his eyes mystified. “I do not get how your eyes have changed from blue to green. Is it some new ability?”

“Contacts,” Yuri showed no recognition, Orion elaborating. “It’s this thin circular piece of plastic one places over their eyes that changes the color of the iris. Its not permanent, mainly used for fashion…”

“Interesting…” whispered Yuri, seeing no need to talk loud in the unusual quiet of the night. Hands still on his face, she mumbled a sorry beneath her breath, remembering his earlier words over her touching him. One silent minute passed between the assassin and the bassist, neither making no show of budging.

A chill wind blew with the increase of the snow, Yuri closing her eyes as a shiver raced down her spine. She opened her eyes to see Orion holding what was probably the same expression in her eyes. He said, “You felt it too?”

“Yeah…” correcting her speech, Yuri slid her hands down from his face. “Yes,” Hazel eyes holding a malevolent hue, she glanced around to the multiple stone gargoyles in the area, each one a spectator, one a blockade. Taking a breath, she shouted into the open air. “SOMEONE or to be more exact, A VAMPIRE has been eavesdropping on our little conversation. Show yourself before I make you do so!!” She ordered.

Instinctively, Yuri started to dig into her boot. From there, she would have taken out her dagger and flung it into the shadows, she always managing to hit something. However, she was trying not to be completely horrible…she was trying to change. Fidgeting in her step, hand twitching, she waited to see if the vampire would show himself or if it was just a paranoia courtesy of her emotions…

Einari froze where he was, and thought quickly. He knew if he ran, he would have a chance of survival, although slim. She did not seem to recognize his presence, though, as Einari Lochkin, although, before the war, he had seen and talked with her several times beforehand. If he could persuade them he was someone else...Which way which way, he thought, knowing that the chances were even either way. Einari sighed, knowing that the gig was up, and that if he ran for it, they would eventually recognize his presence anyway. And then the chase over the continents would begin.

Einari sighed again, slowly gaining his composure. He was about to face death, he knew it, and knew it well. Upon hearing a shout of "I'm losing my patience!" he stepped out of the shadows, revealing himself in his black hoodie, jeans, and crooked trucker hat. One of his hands was clenched around a switchblade inside his pocket, for if it came to a duel, he did intend to fight back, and the other was raised in surrender. His head was down, the brim of his cap casting a shadow over his features.

"You caught me...Pity, I was just getting into the story-"

He dodged the kinfe that flew from Yuri's fingers, tilting his head so it missed him by less than an inch. He knew that wasnt her fastest, unless the new human body was slowing her reflexes, because he had seen his blades at work, and seen human's throats slit before they realize she had a knife in her hands. He flciked his own knife's blade out, but did not remove it from his hoodie pocket.

"Tut tut...Temper...You always had a short fuse, as I remember, Yuri...But whats this...Who's the strapping young lad we have here?"

Einari looked at the bassist with interest. Obviously he was a vampire, he could sense as much, but he had no recollections of him at the plains...Of course, there were a ton of vampires there, so he might have been there afterall.

Einari looked at Yuri, who seemed deep in concentration, and Einari knew why. He had mentioned her name, but she could not recall him. He lept down from his perch a-top the building and walked towards them slowly, his face slowly becoming visible, until he stood under the street light, his face still in half shadow.

"Cant remember? I'm disapointed...Fine, we'll play a name game!"

Einari put on a look of mock delight.

"See if any of these nicknames ring a bell...The Betrayer? The Traitor? The Trickster? Maybe your freind will know this one - Loki?"

He waited, a satisfied look at his face, sticking his other hand inside the other hoodie pocket and readying the other switchblade. He saw a look of comprehension dawn on Yuri's face at long last. He smiled in a twisted way.

"Thats right....Kin of the Lake.....Lochkin.....Einari Lochkin."

He removed his trucker hat so they could view his full face. From his grey tainted-white eyes to his twisted and malovent smile. He sighed, throwing his hat to the ground.

"Well....I guess the gig is up then....Unless you want to be merciful?"

He gave a short, hollow, sardonic laugh.

Xornon dropped to the ground from the biulding he standing on, landing almost completly silent behind the strange vampire. "Mercy is not a virtue that I have," Xornon said, pleased as the stranger spun around to face him, an obvious look of surprise on his face. He threw a switch blade toward Xornon, who had expected it and caught it perfectly between his fingers by the handle.

Yuri, thrown off by Xornon sudden appreace, recovered well. "Nor I," she said. The two closed the distance between themselves and the stranger. Xornon cocked his head to the side and smiled. "So you are the famous traitor." Yuri's eyes erupted into internal flame as she heard the name spoken again. She was not happy about this at all.

Xornon shook his head at her, silently telling her to hold her temper for just a few moments. He was gonna have fun with this. "So, traitor, tell me, did you turn your back on your people because you thought we would loose the war?" Xornon smiled mischeviously. "Or because you didn't have the balls to fight?"

Yuri raised an eyebrow at the comment. Xornon had practically just bashed himself. She smiled and shook her head. She saw where X was going though. He was playing mind games.

The other vampire's eyes narrowed at Xornons comment. "That must be it. It obviously strikes a cord with you," said Xornon, his smile getting even more toothy. He was having to much fun. He had always enjoyed playing games with peoples mind. When he was young, that was how he would "beat up" people. He had not always been strong, but his mind had always been sharp.

He could out wit, and talk circles around anyone, and they would always walk away feeling stupid. Or if they did fight, they would be to pissed, and would fight in a rage, easy to beat.

Xornon would play this game with this new vampire. And we would enjoy it. And if he was smarter then he looked, he could always kill him the hard way. He was good at that too.

((didn't mean to turn that into a char history lesson, but hey, its there, might as well keep it))

Einari wanted to lash out at the man, but he mastered his impulse. He knew of people like Xornon, who played with people's minds. He knew one very well indeed. Who that was? Himself of course. They would lure their enemies into a great rage, blinding them, and then easily avoid the furious, un-tactful attacks, slowly killing their opponents with small counters and slashes. Einari quickly calmed himself, the rage he had suppressed for so long boiling up. He quickly withdrew his second switchblade, though slowly enough to have the others realize he did not wish to make any attacks with it, and dropped it into the gutter, into the dark and dank sewers.

"Oh dear...It seems I have dropped my knife into your home..."

It was Einari's turn to catch the blade. He, however, caught it as it went past him, holding it by the handle. He had barely managed to get out its way, even though all he had to do was move his head an inch to the left. This one was a powerful fighter, that much was obvious. Einari, however, did not prepare for a fight, as he knew they were expecting. He instead flicked the blade back into the handle and put the knife into his back pocket. He saw a flicker of a confused look cross Xornon's face, but it was quickly replaced by the apathetic look that he had worn before.

"Actually, the reason I fled was because I thought that our, rather your, people could not win. Proud and blinded by their asinine ignorance. True, humans in small groups are no match for vampires, but the army you faced was no small group. I counted at least forty-thousand spears as they passed me. Their column was over two miles long. How many vampires were at the plains?"

Einari waited for a response for about five seconds, and recieved none.

"How could you presume to beat such impossible odds? I dont know if you have realized this yet, but it is the pride and ignorance of our kind that has led to our downfall. I did not run because I was frightened by humans. I ran because I knew that I would die if I did not. Some say that I have shamed myself, that I'm a coward, and that I betrayed my noble kin. I respond to those with these words: I am not ashamed of my actions. The new game of this world is survival, and the so called 'cowards' are always the ones to survive, while the vain 'heros' die. And lastly, I have no kin. Anyone who is as vain, as ignorant, as proud, and as downright stupid as those who stayed behind to fight on the plains is not of my namesake. I live to survive. I do not live to die fighting for such a noble cause as extinction."

Einari finished his small speech, hatred burning in his eyes, for he had meant every word of it. He looked at the three who surrounded him. They all had the same look of being slapped to the face, and knew they deserved it, but were anger none the less. A look of mixed anger, confusion, and grudging resignation. Einari, satisfied he had made a small impression on them, prepared to be slaughtered, for he knew that out of those emotions, the vainity and pride of vampires would always lead them to anger. But that was his only defense for his actions of one and a half centuries previous. There was a slight chance he would recieve a small bit of mercy, but Einari dismessed the thought as quickly as it had come to him. He knew that he would recieve no mercy from the leaders of the forces he had just insulted, although he might find some in the vampire who's name he did not know.

Taking his remaining switchblade in his right hand, he fell into a fighting position, his knife twirling dangerously between his fingers. He laid out his plan as they recovered from the shock of his accusations. He would fight only a little, then, as soon as he could find a route, he would run. Run for his very life, to the end of his endurance, or to dawn, which ever came first.

Xornon smile grew as he saw the men get into a fighting stance. "I also have a blade," he said, drawing his sword from its hiding place behind his back. "However, mine is slightly bigger then yours."

The mans face flickered with a look of anger and fear, then was dissmissed at once. He hadn't expected Xornon to pull a knife, much less a sword.

"I also ran from that battle," Xornon said, moving closer to vampire, twirling his sword gracefully. "I was a coward, and I did shame myself, but I am working to regain it. Nothing you said has offended me. Her on the other hand," he pointed to Yuri, who had the look of someone that was about to spontaneously combust. "She is one of the spirits. She found till the end, and she doesn't take well to deserters."

The stranger looked at Yuri and obviously saw the hate in her eyes, for he turned most of his attention to her. Seeing the oppurtunity he was waiting for, Xornon pulled his throwing knife from his boot, and threw it. It sailing over the traitors shoulder, toward Orion, who caught it gracefully.

A small dropplet of blood came from the strangers earlobe, exactly where X had aimed. The smile returned to Xornons face. "As you can see friend, you are sorely out matched. I suggest you come with us, and we will take you to be judged by Khimaria."

The name of his former Emporess seemed to frighten the vampire. Xornon made his way to Yuri. "Hold your anger for just a while Yuri. I'm sure Khimaria will judge a traitor harder then me. And if she just happens to want him to continue to live, I'm sure we could make his life miserable for a while."

The seething Yuri spun on her heels in a fury. As she passed Orion though, his looked seemed to help her control her anger. Shifting his gaze to Orion, Xornon spoke. "I know we have not been the best of friends thus far, but now that you're part of the team, I might as well try to get along." He looked back at the traitor.

"I'll take care of him. Dante is on the roof. Get him then come back here to give me a little more cover for this guy."

((hope that post is ok with everyone. if not, just tell me, and we'll ignore it))

As Airy and Khimaria left Xzaar's room.Khimaria looked up quickly finally noticing Daniel's presence."How did you get in here"Khimaria said walking towards Daniel ready to attack.But Airy jumped infront of her cutting Khimarias path off from Daniel."Khimaria dont he only came here because of me"Airy said.Khimaria relaxed her claws and stood straight after a minute or two she motioned for Airy to follow her to the back.Once in the back Khimaria leaned against the wall and finally asked."Why in the world did you lead him here for?"Khimaria asked sounding more curious then angered."I didnt lead him here he followed me on the account that he had something important to tell me."Airy said."I hope you arent thinking of turning him into one of us."Khimaria said raising an eyebrow."No of course not.Once he tells me whatever it is that he has to tell me I'll send him out on his way.Promise."Airy said shifting her weight."Oh ok well just tell him to make it quick wouldnt want the other's to come back and he end up being someones midnight snack."Khimaria said walking away.Not pleased with Khimarias last remark Airy turned to search for Daniel but found him standing in the doorway."So tell me why have you followed me here?What exactly do you want to tell me?"Airy asked walking over to a small wooden table and taking a seat."Well earlier when I told you my life story I wasnt completely honest with you.You see when I was younger my parents were part of this society.They were a modernized vampire hunter clan except they had the latest in technology at the time.The society went by the name S.T.R.I.K.E. just an evolved form of the ancient Belmont clan.Anyway thier main purpose was to track down the small traces of vampires that remained whether they were escapees of the war or if they were made after the war.So things were going plenty good with my life I must have been about 12 years old I had started with my training to become a vampire hunter I was to follow in the footsteps of my father who was a famous vampire hunter.So one day about a hundred or so vampires were found in a Romanian town and my father being the great general he was volunteered to lead the army.My mother not wanting to leave his side accompanied him for support.I can still remember seeing the men pack onto the jets armed and ready to fight of course I was left at the headquarters with all of the inexperienced soldiers so I just sat and waited and waited for the day my father would return with the good news of our victory but that day never came infact I never saw anyone who set out on that mission again.Finally the news of the defeat had gotten back and I just lost it temporaily going crazy I killed three people while in my crazed state.Seeing me as a danger I was locked away in a black hole.After being ther for what seemed like months I had slowly began to regain my sanity.And after waiting awhile to be released I had found a way to break out on my ownand when I came out to my surprise everyone there was dead.They were slaughtered an I just stood there realizing I had lost the remainder of what I felt like was my family.Not only had I lost my parents but I had lost my entire clan as well.So I began to live on the streets commiting petty crimes just to get by and thats when I met Charles and joined the skullz gang I know it was stupid but I felt accepted and I felt like once again I had a family.And even though we were committing crimes and doing wrong they still had my undying loyalty"Daniel said moving closer."But why are you telling me all of this?"Airy asked curiously."Because you are the first person in a long time I've felt some sort of connection to I dont know how or why but I trust you and I feel a strong connection towards you"Daniel said stepping back alittle.Airy nodded her head and walked up slowly to Daniel she slowly lifted his shirt revealing a cross branded on his upper left shoulder."So you do speak the truth.Who would have thought the Belmont clan would have survived all these years?I bet there are other branches of vampire hunters"Airy said as her mind wondered off but she soon brought all of her attention back to Daniel."But I'm a vampire you're a vampire hunter not to mention the fact that your family was killed by my kind.You should hate me."Airy said putting his shirt back over him."I should and perhaps I should even try and kill you but what good would that do?Besides I doubt I could kill you even if I had the chance."Daniel said.Not sure that was supposed to mean Airy soon thought of Khimarias words and looking at the clock it was nearing the hour of four and knowing the others would be returning any minute she quickly grabbed Daniels arm and leading him to the door."Wait you are not going to kick me out are you?It's the middle of the night I have no where else to go and the skullz gang is probably looking for me right now."Daniel said with a pleading look in his eyes."You're right it would be rude to just throw you out well come with me."Airy said leading him to a room in the farthest back part of the cave."This is where you will sleep for the night oh and by the way I hope you dont mind rats"Airy said slamming the door shut.She smiled at her attempt to scare him but the smile soon faded and she silently hoped Daniel had locked his door.

((OOC: Fine with me, Xornon…Dwarfdude hope you don’t mind too badly if I just referred to your character as Loki…anywho, sorry, but Tuesday’s and Thursday’s are my blah days so excuse it if my posts aren’t up to par but my brains a little fried 🙁…))

Yuri had started to shake rather fiercely as she walked. She paused in her heavy steps, grinding her teeth as she balled up a fist continuously, digging her nails into her palm, forcing herself to retain control. Must be…calm. Said I would try and change, Her nails finally broke through her skin, eyes aglow in rage. Must not…kill Loki…!!

Knowing what she was going to do before logic could kick in, Yuri stylishly pivoted in her step, facing the three men, she relatively composed. It changed in a heartbeat. Fangs bared, she dashed towards Loki, hand falling to her side. Orion noticed first, hand reaching out to catch her. She evaded his grab, twirling from Xornon’s way, once up to Loki, performing an immediate spin, blade up to his throat from almost literally anywhere.

Loki glowered down to her, switchblade still playing through his fingers. Cocking her head, her voice unnaturally cold, Yuri said, “I am not going to kill you…oh, I desperately want to, but I am not. I just wish to have my say in this,” To his surprise, she lowered her twisted dagger from his throat, sliding it back into the sleeve of her NorthFace.

Reducing the length of her nails, she sighed. “First of all, I am tired of happening upon people like you who can not accept themselves for what they are. You may not be pleased with the choices made by the other vampires to fight, but regardless, you are and will always be a vampire, therefore, it was not only our,” She motioned a finger to Orion and Xornon. “…people that went to war but your people as well.”

For her second part, Yuri pulled him close, voice coming in a low, dangerous growl. “Second of all, how dare you…I guess I have always been the offensive type so excuse me if I happened to be one of those asinine ignorant vampires, so marvelously blinded by my proud and vanity,” She released him, hands thrown upwards to the snowing skies, speaking mockingly. “So confident our kind would win in this unjustified war the humans brought upon us! It’s even funnier that I have yet to find the reason behind it…could it be because…?” She gasped. “There was none?!?

Cutting her theatrics, she arched her brow. “You say you are not ashamed you ran off, you have no kin? That is all too fine with me. I happen to be proud I fought till the very end as running from a battle has never been my thing and I think negotiations were far from possible. As a matter of fact, Loki,” She rested a hand on his shoulder apathetically. “You continue to run from all your confrontations and battles like the coward you are. I am sure that will get you so far in life,” She let him go, rolling her tongue across a fang. “I would not be in the least surprised if that was not going to be your course of action for the remainder of the night. Xornon may stop you, Orion may care, but personally I do not. Run away like the fatuous child you are. Please, I insist…”

Smiling cordially, Yuri glanced upwards to a huge neon blue LCD timepiece on a shining building. She frowned. “Almost four o clock…” She yawned, tired from the day’s events, tired from what had to be her second confrontation in a row. She was confident she’d scream if another vampire –or anyone for that matter- began to preach to her over how wrong her people had been to fight in the war.

Pocketing her hands, Yuri gently placed on her hood, shrugging. “Xornon, Orion, I bid you goodnight. Though one of you should work on getting Dante from the rooftop. It is a little chilly this evening,” Not even acknowledging the trickster, Yuri began on a sprint back to the cave.

A half an hour later, Yuri pushed herself into her living quarters of the ancient grotto, either too tired to notice Daniel’s presence or too distracted to care. Slamming the door, in one of her moods, she threw off most of her attire, slipping in between the red and black satin sheets placed on her bed.

Starting to burn out the candles lighting her room, Yuri paused on the last red candle. Even though she had a minor obligation to keep for Simone, she held no urge to fall asleep so soon. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she started to try and imitate Dante’s earlier drum playing, slapping on her desk with a small grin, intensifying the rhythm every five seconds.

Pounding her palm on a corner of the desk as she began the finale, she made a face, the poor man’s concert thrown off. Tapping the corresponding corner, she got the beat back on track. Trying again for the upper left corner of her dresser, she scowled, it causing her to go off beat.

Stopping completely, she started to rap lightly along the surface of the dresser, tapping very lightly the off-beat area. It was hollow. Moving the desk from the side of her bed, she tapped on the side, shaking loose a wooden panel. Pulling out a mini-compartment, she found two items astonishingly preserved over time.

One item confused her to no end. It was what looked to be…ivory sutra beads. They held a tinge of pink, possibly blood, the scent no longer detectable. The second item stunned her…it was a small gold ring, the centerpiece being a small red gem, a philosopher’s stone.

Putting the item on her ring finger, Yuri stared in delighted wonder, her anger from earlier purged by the warm jewelry. Moving back into bed, she found she couldn’t take her eyes from the ring, she was entranced. Stroking the gem as if it were the only thing in the world that mattered, she mumbled something vaguely, closing her eyes as the last candle burnt out, Yuri falling asleep…

--mind trip—

Despite herself, Simone couldn’t help it. Creeping over to the sleeping Yuri, she extended a hand to wake her, a yellow eye snapping open instantly. Startled, she jumped back aghast, Yuri staring carefully under an ominous yellow. Gulping, Simone massaged her chest, finally speaking in a whisper. “Who did you love…?”

Yuri blinked at the question, not quite in her proper mind state. She was bordering between sleep and consciousness. Too tired to speak, she used her thoughts to project what she had to ask. “What are you talking about, child?”

“Before you fell asleep…” murmured Simone, crossing her legs. “With this tone…um, melancholic? Yeah…you whispered, ‘I loved you’ then fell asleep…who was it?”

Hearing her question quite clearly, Yuri adjusted herself onto her side, staring skeptically. “I said no such thing,” She narrowed her eyes. “Or to be more precise, I do not recollect saying that…did I?”

Nodding her head as if the answer was obvious, watching Yuri gain a worried expression, she realized she had no idea what she was talking about. Simone stood up, pacing back and forth. “This makes things interesting…” She stroked a non-existent beard. “Me thinks the jewelry and that war of yours somehow connects. Obviously, the ring holds some significance to you. A past lover, best friend…” She stared curiously to Yuri. “Ever had a child?”

At this, Yuri doubled over, laughing. She laughed for a good five minutes, wiping away a constant stream of tears. “I do not know about the best friend but I doubt it has to do with a child! I think I would at least know of that. Very doubtful on the lover part as…” Getting to her feet, she declared. “I have never fallen in love and no one ever falls in love with me. That is my source of balance in this world.”

“Yeah, but that directly contradicts your love comment and considering your memory’s on lock, I’m not going to rule that out yet. So it comes down to a best friend…hmm…” thinking deeply on Yuri’s affairs, she snapped her fingers. “Maybe you were married…or one’s fiancé?”

Yuri snorted. “Maybe not,” Amused by Simone’s confusion, she explained. “Marriage to another vampire is a life long commitment, two beings joined in an immortal union. I would have to be psychotic to agree to such a travesty, it is my equivalent to suicide.”

“Harsh…” commented Simone, rubbing at her elbow unconsciously. She perked up. “Though nowadays there is always divorce so…” she lied flat on her back. “Try asking that Khimaria chica. She’d know-”

“No she would not,” interrupted Yuri briskly, eyes closed wearily. “I had always been a private person when it regarded my life and Khimaria happened to trust me well enough to not spy on me…not to mention, she had several hundred others to keep watch over. I have high doubts I would be high on her list of priorities,”

Growing uncomfortable with the subject matter and the youth’s fascination in wanting to unlock her past, she arched her brow. “Now what exactly have you wakened me for?”

“Oh right!” Clapping her hands together excitedly, Simone said, “We have to set up your game plan. To save you the trouble, head to get my pictures taken around eleven, you should reach the locale by twelve. That’s an hour long process. Then…ohh…” She made a face as if she’d tasted something sour.

“What…?”

“I…” Simone analyzed the tired vampire nervously. “I know when I travel with my teammates sometimes I want to kill them so I know you will. And where my game’s located, there is a train station. But from there it’s a good hour drive to the court…”

“I hope you do not expect me to entertain your little friends or run from the train to the court, then allow you to play,” Yuri opened her eyes, sitting up. “Your body would be worn out,” She crossed her arms curious. “What is your move from here, dear one?”

Simone seemed to be deep in thought, thinking on all the possible ways she could get there. After a minute, her brow arched, a crooked grin appearing. Hazel eyes sparkling, she asked, “Remember L...?”