rissen: the vampire sypathy story board

Orion landed lightly on his feet, the massive form of Dante bouncing uncomfortable on his shoulder, the drummer grunting at the impact, eyes snapping open as he came to.

Dante's vision cleared slowly, to be met with the intimidating glare of Xornon, the colour of the Vampires eyes unsettling the confused drummer. His vision shifted to a new figure, one that seemed to be twitching, as if he was about to spring somewhere. Dante realised that it was yet another Vampire, he wasn't sure how, but for some reason it was obvious.

Orion stood the drummer up and lent him against the wall, checking Dante's pupils under the light, giving a satisfied nod. "You'll be fine," he ensured the big man. Turning, Orion look at Xornon. "I want nothing more than to try and get along with you, Xornon. You are right, we haven't exactly been friends, but, I can see that, like Yuri, you are trying to change your ways. I do not believe you are the coward you were in the past."

He clasped Xornons wrist, the Vampire mimicing the gesture, arms locked sealing a tentative truth. With a nod, Orion turned his attention to the so called 'Trickster'."

"I don't have alot of tolerance, and right now, looking at you, I have even less. You know, Xornon himself might have ran, but at least he had some balls. At least he stood on that front line, face to face with the enemy, to learn first hand that the fight was not for him. At least he tried his best to help his people."

Orion lit a cigarette, taking a drag. "I do agree with you on one thing," he said cocking an eyebrow. "I agree the war was folly from the very beginning. But I did not let that be an excuse to just let my people die why I ran and hid. I bared my fangs and I ripped the throats out of as many humans as I possibly could, just to give my people some sort of hope. In doing so i watched my brother die before my eyes and took a steak directly in my chest."

Orion reached out, ramming the lit end of his cigarette into the forehead of the 'Traitor', seering as he stubbed it out, the last whisps of smoke swirling away in the breeze. "To look upon you know makes me physically sick. I am beginning to woder why I didn't just tell Yuri to forget my request just this once and kill you where you stood."

Orion spat at Einari's feet with a sneer and, motioning to Dante, turned on his heel and stalked off into the darkness.

(Posting this ahead of time, will continue later)

Einari ignored the spit, as well as the burn. He had met other vampires in his travels, and all of them had treated him the same. A cigarette, a spittle, a curse. These thing past by him like the wind. He had decided his course. He would indeed go with them, because he had knoledge that would pertain to their interests. He had knowledge of the city. He knew the streets, the alleys, to buildings, all by heart. He knew the thieves, the junkies, the bartenders, the informants, the murders, and more. And whats more, they all knew him, and they more than knew him...They feared him.

Einari stowed his switchblade, pulled the lid off a manhole, and disapeared into it, re-emerging a few moments later, his second blade in his pocket. Grabbing his trucker hat and falling into step behind Xornon, who seemed to be satisfied that his catch would come quietly. Richard piped up from the shadows of Einari's mind, "So the great Einari does have fear?", cursing seconds later when Einari sent a bolt of pain through his subconcious. Richard was quiet on the entire trip to the cave.

(TBC)

(Just to clarify, you seem to percieve my character as a weak coward, what with the nervous twitching, ect. He is not. Although he is slightly on the weak side, he will fight if he needs to. He prefers to use his intelect and manipulative skills over his blades, though. He is a diplomat, not a general.)

As they set off towards the lair, Einari watched Xornon with mild interest. He was a large, muscular vampire, and Einari had no doub that if he had chosen to fight, he would have been beaten easily. Not saying that Einari wasnt strong, he was immensly strong by human standards, but by vampire standards....Well, he wasn't exactly a wrestler. Einari was, however, extremely fast and agile, and his often slower, stronger opponents could not keep up with his swift movements. This would put them off-balance, and then Einari would use their annoyance and lack of balance against them, hitting them with a flurry of jabs, and then a stong kick, which usually sent them sprawling.

If Einari had any strong part of his body, it was his legs, which were toned and muscled from his constant long-distance running. His endurance while running, he was sure, was unmatched by any creature of this world. That was often his tactic, to run until dawn and lose his pursuers far behind. But he had realized his running days were over, it was time to recieve his judgement.

Einari looked back at Xornon, examining the large vampire carefully, and then spoke.

"So you saw the humans? But you turned tail and fled like me?"

Einari did not say it, but it seemed in his mind that Xornon was just as cowardly as him in that aspect. He didnt wait for an answer, but continued.

"You know...we could just pinch a car and you could show me the way to where ever the f*ck we're going..."

Xornon shot him a look of extreme distaste and anger, although there was some interest behind those eyes, and Einari could see it. He pretended he hadn't though, turning back to the pavement and shrugged, a mumble of "Just saying..." coming from his lips. They walked in silence for a few minutes. Einari noticed that they were staying onto the main streets, instead of the alleyways that Einari knew would get them whever they were headed faster.

"You know the street or whatever of where we're going? 'Cause I have the whole city memorized, I could get us us there probably ten times faster than using the main roads."

Einari saw this as an opportunity to prove his worth to the vampires. They would need a navigator through the city if they needed to get somewhere fast, and he was the man for the job. Perhaps Xornon would vouch for his knowledge of the streets when he confronted, or was confronted by, Khimaria.

(I'd play this guys, but noone seems keen on actually telling me what's going on and when I looked back the posts are waaaaay too long for me to catch up with - I don't even know what sort of vamp I'm playing, or the group dynamic. Afraid I went away while it started so missed out on the crucial part.)

((Orion, Xornon, and Yuri are all joined up. Dante is Decmps secondary character, a human who has been converted into a vampire. I've just joined the trio, and am being escorted to confront the wrath of Khimaria. Read my bio if you want to find out why. Yuri is asleep in the lair, Orion, with Dante, is god knows where, and Xornon is my captor. Any other info you'd like?))

(OOC: Cute avatar, dwarfdude…anyways, 😮 Can’t help but to feel that the whole lengthyness of the story is partially my fault. sorry about that…here’s something that wont be too long…compared to what I normally write)

Light broke through the gathering clouds, a trace of yellow determined to pierce through the pearl white snowflakes, unwavering in its attempt to reveal the lightening navy blue skies. Shining down into sparkling glass, it cast a pale glow of light thru a window onto one’s sleeping form, sheer white curtains blowing lithely in the warmth radiating from the heater.

The figure stirred, awake long before the light had come, in waiting for what they knew was expected. Their eyes flickered open and what looked to be a pure argentine glittered underneath the light of dawn. It changed into grey on a blink, the weary silver nothing but a careful illusion.

Skimming fingers through platinum blond hair, piercings carefully placed on the dresser, he rolled onto his back, staring hard to the baby blue painted ceiling. Meticulously, slowly, he extended his hand over the Queen sized bed, hand hovering over an old-fashioned beige phone, it not having the luxury of being cordless.

Before it could ring, shatter the peaceful morning he had yet to enjoy, he picked it up, placing the phone placidly to his ear. Rubbing the sleep, or rather, lack of sleep from his eyes, he said, “Morning…not many call at five thirty in the morning…Yuri.”

On the other end, the female, Yuri, spoke awkwardly into Simone’s cell phone, still not entirely use to the new contraption. She sat up in her own bed, bare feet brushing over the newly carpeted floor. “I am sorry but I did not know what time would be best. Should I call back…?”

Getting up from a thick white comforter, he sighed. “Nah, I’m already awake so no point in doing that. I take it you need something, caramel latte?” Sporting silk forest green boxers, a startling mark was clearly visible decorating his whole back. He threw his hair over his shoulders, it falling down to the middle of the painful design. He made sure to keep it as a short pony in public, most couldn’t get over the length

“How did you know it was me to begin with?” Yuri frowned, speaking in a whisper so as not to be heard. “And caramel latte…?”

Smiling, he, the elusive L, picked up the phone, strolling over to the kitchen inside his studio apartment. “Mocha latte would be pushing it…you’re not light enough to be vanilla, so caramel,” He opened the fridge, taking out batter and sweet rum. “Caramel latte. I think it’s a nice nickname. Anyway,” He glanced to the clock, calculating mentally what time he’d arrive to his new job after doing her little task. “I saw your name on the caller id so I knew it was you…actually, it was some other girlies name but I took a stab in the dark. Taking up on my offer to show you a good time or what?” glazing a pan with butter, he turned on a small shiny black stove.

“You read my mind…I,” She wondered if she should go through with her request to the human stranger. Biting her lip in disbelief, she closed her eyes. She spoke with a hint of shame. “Please excuse it but it…if you can, would you be able to drive me a little out past town this evening…” She balled up a fist, thinking of the motorcycle as a motivation.

Pouring the batter into the pan, he mixed it with a spare banana, removing a porcelain plate from a dishwasher. He adjusted the phone on his ear, settling himself against the fridge. “Where and what time?”

“I need to be there by eight thirty…that is when the whole affair starts. The…” Yuri’s eyes drifted to her closed door. “…Event is near Amethyst Ave and Townsend Rd…”

“Hmm…” He made it as though he were thinking on the matter. In actuality, he already had an idea of how the whole evening would be planned, saying it merely for dramatic effect. Flipping his pancake over, he shrugged. “Alright, I’ll pick you up around six…in front of the central mall, think it has a spa. Try not to be late, alright?”

Yuri was surprised at how easily that had worked. She smiled, “I appreciate it, I will not be, promise. Bye.” She turned off the phone. Throwing her covers back over her head, she now aimed to fall back to sleep what with Simone no longer b*tching for her to call…

L, pouring the remaining rum over his breakfast, hung up the phone with his free hand. Lighting a match, he rolled his eyes tiredly. “She’ll be too early…can’t be helped,” Smiling, his eyes lit up as he ignited the rum, a brilliant blaze appearing, a sweet aroma filling his apartment. He turned off the stove, settling his meal onto a table, perfect pancakes still up in flames.

Heading to the bathroom, he turned on his shower, steaming water settling down into a deep tub. Tossing aside his remaining attire, he stepped inside, pouring water awakening him for the days events to come. Cheerfully, he reached for a fragrantly green bar of soap, in the process, slitting his forefinger on his razor.

He threw the offending item into the trash. He should have done that three days ago. Holding up his forefinger, he lost his smile, eyes growing blank, lost from seeing his own blood freely dripping over his hand. In a trance, he pinned his finger to the wall, starting on a neat circle. “Everything has been preordained…from the moment of my birth, to the place where I now stand,” He continued his recitation in a bored monotony, fancy script filling the shape. “Nothing can change our destiny…no man can alter fate.”

L flattened his palm over the circle, eyes coming back to life. It chilled him, those words. The only truth he knew. Sighing heavily, he drew his hand from the blood stained tiles. Turning the shower stall onto the walls direction, he washed away the mark, washing last a crimson I…

Orion sighed as he stripped off in his room in their appartment...well, it was Dante's appartment, Orion conceeded to himself, he was just staying there until he found his own place, something he had been in the process of doing for...he paused to scan the presence in his head...nearly five years, apparently.

He flicked the lights off and croosed the room, flopping down onto the bed tiredly, only to grunt in pain and be shot back to wakefulness as his cheek connected with something cold and metallic. With a frown, he flicked on his bedside lamp, eyes being drawn to the sapphire that flickered under its glow. He admired the golden pentagram amulet that the sapphire was set into, picking ti up and rubbing his thumb over.

A black cloudy substance swirled within the sapphire and in an instant, a tiny image of the Fang elders head apperaed within its depths. "Greetings, Master Orion."

Orion's frown deepened. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"A matter of great importance, Master Orion. Something you will be very interested in. Please, you must meet us in our current lair...just let the amulet guide you, it knows the way."

Orion shook his head as the Elders image vanished, wondering just how the amulet would show him the way. He didn't have to wait long, yelping as the amulet came to life in his hands, sending him toppling off he bed. As he sat up rubbing the back of his neck, the amulet hovered before him, it now transformed into a tiny golden snake, held aloft by tiny, furiously beating golden wings. A tiny gold forked tongue flicked erratically.

"Thisssss way, Massssster Orion."

Orion hurried afetr the tiny minescule snake, scooping up his pants and struggling into them as he hopped along. He cursed the little creature as it flew out the window, forcing him to ascend down a frozen water pipe, the icicles attaching themselves to his half naked form.

"Wait! Slow down!" Not even his Vampire speed could assist him as he stumbled after the snake through the snow, running across deserted streets and into the forest. His head whipped from side to side, desperately trying to find the snake that had vanished into thin air. He stepped forward slowly, yelping as he tumbled down a hole in the ground he hadn't seen, landing hard on a stone floor below.

"Nice entrance," A young Fang chuckled, his hideously bruised looking face splitting into a wide grin, amber eyes sparkling under the light of his flaming torch. "You must be Master Orion. The Elder is expecting you. Come, please, follow me."

The young Fang led him through a series of twisting tunnels that all looked alike to Orion, his attuned Vampire senses unable to help him, as if they were being blocked by some kind of strange aura. He could feel it suffocating his sense of direction.

After walking for what seemed like hours, he was led through an archway into a large circular chamber, in its centre a figure stood, covered by a stark white cloth.

"Welcome, Master Orion," The Elder greeted, startling Orion, who had neither seen, nor sensed him. "I am glad you came," he smiled as the winged snake alighted upon his shoulder.

"You knew I would...you know I wouldn't be able to resist your little golden snake when it beckoned."

The Elder chuckled. "Indeed, it is as I planned. Now, I have someone here I want you to see. You know him very well," the Elder continued as he crossed the chamber, pacing a hand atop the head of the covered figure, clasping it as if ready to pull it away. "We have spent many years training him, perfecting him, and he has changed in unatural ways even you would be hard pressed to believe. Please, brace yourself."

With that, the Elder ripped the sheet from the figure, Orion's jaw slowly dropping open in shock, eyes going wide. Realisation dawned on him quickly, a realisation that the Fang had purposefully taken this person away from him, they had faked his death to take him away for something he could not yet understand

Yet, strangely, he felt no anger as he sunk to his knees, and began to weep openly, happiness, sadness, disbelief, all coursing through him, intertwined together and forcing the tears forth.

Soft, elegant hands cupped his cheeks and made him stare into deep violet eyes. "I am not dead. There is no need for you to cry for me. Be strong for me, and together, we will liberate our people. Together, once again, a perfectly tuned fighting pair."

Orion was forced to his feet by those very same hands. "Tell me, will you fight? Will you stand beside me once more? Well, what say you...Brother?"

Waking up, Yuri struggled severely with letting her head slam back to the pillow. She was completely exhausted from the past few days event and felt like sleeping for at least three more days. “Promise…” She groaned, slipping from the bed to the floor. Rebounding swiftly to her feet, she walked woozily over to the bureau, holding steadfast to the shined wood.

Yuri glared at her reflection, her shadow of a silhouette in the dim room. While her eyes were weary, her hair was perfect, unperturbed by her restless sleep. The ring around her finger sparkled in the darkness, glowing blood red in the gloomy red and black room. Raising the gem to her lips, she kissed it tenderly, eyes closed as she began to wonder where it had come from.

“It is special…precious…” Holding her hand out, she stared in a trance. “Where have you come from…what do you mean?” They were questions in the dark, no answer coming from within the various shadows in her room. Sighing, she kneeled down, pulling out from her bag her last change of clothes. A plain pair of denim jeans and a black shirt with the outline of a pink apple with the words, ‘Bite me’.

Sliding on her surprisingly still intact high heels, Yuri snuck to the door, deciding to stealthily slip out for the remainder of the day. Pulling open the wood entrance, she tiptoed out into the earthen halls, bumping right into a highly amused Khimaria. She crossed her arms, raising a brow. “Were you going someplace?”

“Uh…” caught off-guard by the simple question, Yuri coughed lightly, giving an awkward smile. “Uh…yes, as a matter of fact I was…” She sidled along the wall. “I was just going to head out for awhile, nothing too serious.” Yuri would rather it not be known she was doing favors for her host. It made her seem…nice, a quality she didn’t easily associate herself with.

“Where to?” pondered Khimaria, back to the wall.

“Nowhere in particular,” Yuri made a face, then a look as if seeing Khimaria for the first time. “You changed your hair?”

“Eh?” Khimaria ran her fingers through her hair. “Oh yes, I went to a…salon was it? Went by the name of curl up and dye…”

Yuri smirked. “Interesting name.”

“You’re telling me…” Returning the smirk, she cocked her head. “I will give you that much, that was a nice try at changing the subject. But really, where are you going that it has to be kept so secretive?”

Yuri held back a groan. Silently muttering beneath her breath, she sighed as she came up with her fabrication. “I was scouring my other consciousness hours ago when I came upon this thing by the name of ‘pictures’ so I decided I would like to get one for myself so if you will excuse me…”

“I think I will come with you.”

A nervous smile formed, Yuri rubbing the back of her neck. “No…I really do not think…I mean,” She gained a thoughtful expression. “What of Airy? Should you not see what she had been up to for the past few hours?”

She waved off the matter as trivial. “She is tending to her human associate, Daniel. She will be fine on her own and if any threat comes to the place I am sure she can take care of herself…or possibly Xzaar will wake,” Khimaria shrugged, sweeping her jacket from off a table. She glowered in Yuri’s direction and said with warning. “Though I am sure she will not happen upon trouble from any of us over her little associate, hmm?”

“But of course…” agreed Yuri dismally, zipping up her coat. She wouldn’t have minded the breakfast, a free meal before she went to get these pictures for Simone. Lamenting briefly over her loss, she reached the exit of the grotto. Arching her brow, she swung a hand to her hip as Xornon and Loki hurried into the warmth of the cave. She said, “Hmm…I thought you would have killed him by now. How disappointing…”

Loki, who had been in the process of dusting off his hoodie, paused. He made a curious face. “I wonder if the assassin realizes I am standing in plain sight of her.” He shrugged, continuing in his casual tone. “Obviously not, Yuri may have a quick temper but she isn’t that rude,” He smirked at her face. “Is she?”

Yuri was very slowly beginning to hate that with every other encounter with a new vampire, she could picture a thousand grotesque ways of destroying them. Her temper calmed, only as her nails broke through her palm, fists balled up tightly. She responded. “If you were not here, obviously I would not have said anything but how about this? When I come back, you can tell me just how we knew each other, Loki, as in all honestly, I do not recall you. Possibly I did not want to kill you back then. You tell me.”

Rolling her eyes, Yuri brushed past the two vampires, out into the cold blinding white composing the day. Pocketing her hands, she began on her ridiculous journey to get her pictures taken…

--4 Hours later-- (ooc: yeah, I did plan on going in length on the whole ordeal but I got preoccupied so I guess the imagination will have to be used on that segment…)

Yuri dropped her cordial smile and the friendly face in the warm, aromatic atmosphere. After she had gotten her pictures taken and nearly blinded from the flash, she had decided on a venture to the mall. There was nothing wrong with being early.

However, as she and Khimaria had started to enjoy their surroundings, an Asian girl wearing a green apron dragged her into a…café? Coffee shop was it? It was some odd place by the name of ‘Starbucks’. Apparently, Simone had forgotten to mention she worked there…and apparently, the red headed Asian girl required some much needed assistance, the cold of outside attracting various people in the need of caffeinated warmth or the rich taste of melted dark chocolate in an overpriced six ounce cup.

Not wanting to make a scene, and in the need of cash, Yuri begrudgingly agreed to the task, Khimaria going off on her own to tour the mall. For the past two hours, going by Simone’s knowledge, she made frappucino after macchiata after chantico, the only thing keeping her from killing half her customers being the promised paycheck she’d receive for her extended services.

Once the initial crowd had died down, most going back to their shopping or the annoying of another food vendor, Yuri disgustedly pulled off a green cap. Forcing a smile as the red-headed girl thanked her, she made herself two drinks, hopping over the counter and settling herself in at a square table with what she recognized as chess symbols.

Sipping lightly on the cold confection, Yuri waited for a few minutes, an eye flicking open as the seat opposite her became occupied. Sliding her second drink across the table, Khimaria deftly caught it, staring to the grande container in apt wondering. “What exactly is this?” She poked at the green straw jutting out from the center hole.

“Caramel frappucino,” responded Yuri in-between a sip. She had tried out the latte but found it held more flavor cold. Sitting up, she rested her elbows on the brown knights designing the table. “Thought it would be interesting to try…though I modified the recipe a bit, added nutmeg and cinnamon…it is not too bad,” She took another sip, resting her elbow on the back of her chair. “Not bad at all…”

Khimaria took a taste of the beverage, making no response over the flavor. She smirked. “You seem in a much better mood than hours ago. What, pray tell, changed?”

“This,” Yuri held in her hand a thin piece of paper, just taken out from her apron. Tossing it through the air, Khimaria snatched it away from her face, staring confused. Yuri explained. “Simone had not received a paycheck after a month of working, her manager was quite the stingy one. But with a little intimidation, he paid me in full for my…her days. Nine hundred dollars…” Taking back the check, she snuggled it against her cheek. “I do not know why but just the thought of having cash excites me. This world is corrupting me to no end!” She laughed slightly, slipping the money into her backpack.

In an overall good mood, Yuri stared out into the hustling humans going past. She narrowed her eyes, straw playing at her bottom lip. “Khimaria…where do you think Loth has gone? I have not seen him for the past…four, five days now.”

Khimaria took a long sip, stopping after ten seconds. She massaged her temples, eyes squinted in brain freeze. Recovering, she shrugged as she sat back. “I have not the slightest…it is as if he disappeared.”

“Hmm…” Yuri popped the top off her drink, placing it neatly on the table. “Perhaps something came up? He has gone on one of his exotic travels around the world to perfect his magics before he comes back to you…” Dipping her straw in the leftover whip cream, she innocently scooped a portion into her mouth, carefully watching Khimaria.

Taking a relatively slower sip, Khimaria paused. She drummed her nails along the table, crossing her legs. “Why do I have the strangest feeling that statement had some ulterior meaning…?” She placed the cup onto the table. “Some carefully veiled allusion inside of it.” She finished flatly, tapping her foot against the one leg of the table.

Yuri smiled deviously. “Never…” She took another taste of the whip cream, moving her eyes to the oval lamps. “What you and Loth did in your own free time is strictly between you…and Loth.”

Sighing heavily, she picked up her drink. “I never questioned you over your little excursions so I don’t see why my life has to be minded.”

She tilted her head obliquely, ring finger circling the rim of the glass. Yuri frowned. “Excursions…”

“Oh yes,” Khimaria popped the lid of her drink, stirring the whip cream gingerly. “The past ten years before the war, you would go off for days and months at a time, giving word to none,” She sipped up the milky cream. “Playing naïve will get you nowhere.”

“I am not playing naïve…” murmured Yuri, somber at the news. She squeezed the top of her straw. “I have no recall over most of the events before the war, I-,” She held onto the cup, unable to hide her concern. Sighing, she asked, “Can you tell me what you know? What you remember?”

Khimaria stared to Yuri in worry and speculation. Placing her cup aside, she contemplated how to begin. “Ten years before the war…I will call that year one. It was actually quite odd. You had disappeared earlier in the evening for a spar but surprisingly enough, returned covered in the scent of blood-”

Yuri scoffed. “That is normal, I am after all, an assassin-”

“You’re blood,” clarified Khimaria, eyes sparkling. Yuri instantly silenced herself, urging her to continue as she finished her drink. Khimaria said, “You were covered with the scent of your blood…a tad bit of another, but no visible wound in sight. You said nothing and went off to rest. This continued on for every other month or so to the point where it became typical. Year two…you would disappear every night. Sometimes you would come back, other times you would go missing for no more than three days. You still carried out your assassinations but in your free time it was safe to assume you were…preoccupied. Year five…you had this period where I had never seen you so miserable in my lifetime. Not even a kill pleased you.”

“Creepy…” commented Yuri, enthralled by the vague tale of her life.

“That is too small a word,” Khimaria shook her head with a smile. Leaning close, she folded her hands. “It did not last that way for long. Again, you disappeared, came back in one of your scary moods as in you were euphoric. Year seven, something you will have to explain if you ever remember it, you disappeared for a full thirty days with no explanation whatsoever. Year nine,” She tapped the red ring around Yuri’s finger with the tip of her straw. “You started to carry that around and when any asked where it might have come from, you blushed and either changed the subject or said nothing. Year ten…the night of the war…” She hesitated, biting her straw.

“What Khimaria…?” her voice come out strained, furious and upset she couldn’t remember a thing. “Please tell me,” implored Yuri, face serious, eyes desperate.

“The last two things I remember…halfway into fighting. I saw you…I saw you with Xzaar and it was…” She narrowed her eyes to the table, the image dancing across the surface of the polished wood. “Your eyes…they were glossy as if you had been in tears. They held…the deepest melancholy, this unfathomable loss, as if you had lost the world on the battlefield. As if…you had nothing to live for…as if…” She stared up to Yuri. “as if…you wanted to die,” She gulped, eyes to the tiles. “Though the last image trumps them all. It was when we had to retreat. You were completely apathetic, no sign of the earlier emotions that had filled your face there. It was…it seemed,” She motioned with her left and right hand an invisible timeline. “One moment you were near the point of falling on your blade…then the next you had completely forgotten the entire incident. Within less than a four hour time interval, you had managed to have no recall over your life, whatever had came to pass no longer held significance, I…” She placed a hand on Yuri’s, leaning closer as she whispered. “You’re breaking your cup.”

Caught up completely in the last chapter her life, Yuri had pierced through the flimsy plastic cup with her nails, shaking at her lack of memory. Closing her eyes, she removed her nails from the drink, whipped cream threatening to spill forth from the five little slits.

Khimaria cleaned up the spilt frappucino, stuffing the soggy napkin into her empty cup. Getting up, she squeezed Yuri’s shoulder. “I think it is about time we head back to the cavern, no?”

“You go,” murmured Yuri tonelessly, gaze into her cup. “I will return a little late.” Khimaria nodded in a silent understanding, exiting the quant little coffee-shop, leaving Yuri to her thoughts…

(OOC: not as short as I had planned but i'm trying to do that 'slow uncovering of the past' thing so it might gets a little lengthy/off world domination topic at times so I apologize in advance for that...)

Orion's body, no matter how hard he tried, refused to react. He was numb, numb from head to toe, his vision transfixed on the eyes of a man he never thought to see again in the world of the living.

Slowly, ever so slowly, his head twitched from side to side, a poor imitation of a shake, but all that he could muster. "Wha...?" He squeaked, unable to even finish the simple one word question.

"You don't understand? But of course you don't. I wouldn't expect that, not even of a Vampire." Zen Vagar smiled as his younger brother, placing Orion's arm over his shoulders to support the heavy metal Vampire and leading him to a stone bench against the wall of the rounded chamber.

"It is simple really. The method may have been a long one, but, really, it is easy to explain. You see," Zen paused to lean Orion up against the wall. "You see, much like yourself, the Fang and I could see form the outset that the war all those years ago was folly. The Fang came up with the idea of taking one of us, in the end it happened to be me, away, to fake their death and turn them into an ultimate warrior. I know what you are thinking, and it took me a while to figure out why they needed to fake my death."

Zen gazed directly into Orion's eyes. "Tell me brother, if I had just disappeared...or if the Fang had shown up and taken me before your eyes, would you have remained idle? Would you have rested?" Zen smiled broadly. "I think not. You would not have rested at all. You would have siphoned through every corner of the globe in search of me until the day you died. eventually, the humans would have disovered something was happening...we just couldn't take that chance. But now...now I have returned, and the humans are ignorant of what is happening around them. Before they realise, it will be far too late for them, and our kind will rise from the ashes to claim what is rightfully ours."

Zen gripped his brother's shoulders hard. "That being the world,Orion. Your little friend Yuri shall have her wish...our kind will break the chains and ascend to power once and for all."

Orion's jaw worked, finally starting to respond. He chewed on nothing, trying to work some saliva into his mouth, a tongue running across his pearly fangs. Oriona gazed deep into Zen's eyes and after an eternity, spoke the only words he could muster.

"I will fight."

(Here comes a long one...)

Xornon pushed Einari into the earth halls, and Einari stumbled into the cave, looking around him, impressed with his surroundings. He sat on the foor, back to the wall, and examined his surroundings with more detail. Earth walls, and a five pronged star in the center; at the tips of three prongs were sleeping figures, that Einari guessed to be the other generals.

Einari drew one of his switchblades out of his pocket, and Xornon's hand tightened around his blade, his muscles tensing. Einari raised his hands non-agressively, flicking out the switchblade and taking aim at a door on the other side of the room. His hand wove a deadly dance for less than a second, and his fangers were on the blade of his weapon. Just as quickly the knife had lift his hand, and was quivering in the middle of the door, half its blade buried in the wood. Xornon clapped, a slight look of amusement and, Einari was sure he had seen a flicker of, admiration.

Einari walked over and pulled the knife from its hold. Xornon motioned to the knife. "May I have a go?"

Einari nodded and tossed his the knife, Xornon catching it easily. He too took aim at the door, throwing the knife and burying the blade deeper into the hole that Einari had already made. Einari clapped as well, a gleeful look on his face, glad that he had finally found someone who could match his skill with the throwing knife. He took the knife again, taking aim at a small peg on the wall. Einari threw again, splitting the peg cleanly in half and burying the blade in the wall. Xornon did the same, the pegnext to Einari's split cleanly into two parts. This went on for a while, Einari guessed an hour.

Then Einari took out his second blade. Xornon looked at him curiously. Taking one blade in one hand and the other in the other, Einari threw them so that they hit, again, the door, making marks on either side of the original. This went on for another hour, the two making hardly any noise except for the occasional muttering of "Good throw" or grunts of excersion.

Einari, now fully impressed with Xornon's talent, revealed something that he knew Xornon could not do, at least not accuratly. Einari took the two blades, and placed the tips of their blades between his second knuckles on either side of the middle finger. He looked at the slightly incredulous looking Xornon.

"You are very good with knives, but can you do this?"

Einari picked his target, a fly on the wall. He crouched and threw, the switch blades rocketing from his hand like SCUD missles, so wuick that the eye couldn't follow. They ended up in the wall, their blades pinning the fly's wings to the wall.

The fly was still alive.

Xornon clapped heartily and raised his hands in submission, then, realizing that he was supposed to be watching this outlaw, not making freinds with him, his face turned to stone, and he jerked his head towards the wall. Einari's smiled faded, and he shrugged slightly, retrieving his knives and moving towards the wall. He slid down to its base, his knives stowed, and rested his head against the earth. It was going to be a long day, and he would need sleep. He closed his eyes, and drifted into a doze...

A young lad wanders among the ruins of a village. He is cyring out for his mother and father, and dodging around the falling, burning timbers. He sees a dark figure in the night, and runs towards it, thinking it to be his father. But it is not. It is one of them, one of the raiders, he is scooped up and bitten, then taking to some place, everything goes black...

Now an older lad is wandering through a forest. He is pale, and there are fangs in his smile. A girl comes running up to him, and kisses him on the cheek. He kisses his back, and they walk hand in hand to a lake on the edge of the forest. They sit, holding each other, looking out onto the moonlit lake. Then there is a scream, and the vampire boy springs to his feet, scanning the lake side. A few miles to the east, he can see a small tent village burning, humans fighting the boy's younger kin, armed with stakes. The vampire boy kisses the girl goodnight and good bye, and then races off to the village.

When he reaches the village, ten men armed with stakes come at him. He kicks away the stakes, drawing two dirks from his belt. He quickly makes work of them all, and then rushes off to find his small family. He finds them huddled in a protective circle, using spears and halberds to protect the ever lunging spears from a score and more of mounted horsemen. A few of the younger vampires have fallen already, stakes impaled in their hearts.

The vampire boy, roaring in fury, grabs a nearby spear and leaps onto the back of the nearest horseman, making short work of him with his dirks. The vampire kicks the horse into motion, and throws his dirks, felling two more men. He twirls the spear above his head in a dance of death, cutting, parrying, and lunging with the spear head, and thwacking tohers around the head with the butt. The remaining raiders flee from this enraged warrior of the damned, leaving their horses and weapons behind.

The vampire boy helps the living onto the remaining horses, and the wounded onto them, and they ride off into the overcast dawn.

Black again....

An older vampire packs the thing he will need for his journey. His two dirks, a spare cloak, and a small, emerald encrusted, dodecahedronal almulet, no more than half an inch in diameter, the contents of which jingled slightly. He set of into the night, avoiding other tents and making his way into the night...

Blackness yet again....

The same older vampire looks to be in shock. He falls to his knees, he seems to be in some sort of cemetary. A single tear falls from his pale gray eyes, and he looks down onto the ground, a small "Damn" coming from his lips. He stood up and looked around, spotting a small garden patch nearby. He pick the least withered flower, althugh it is growing dry around the edges, and pulls it up, leaving it on the grave to wilt and die in a different way. Einari's subconcious urges the dream to show him the gravestone, but the vampire simply turns and walks away with a small sniff, his hand immeadiatly shooting up to his eye...

And dark again.

Einari woke up with a jolt, rubbing his ribs where Xornon had kicked him. He quickly wiped away a threatening tear, and stood, drusting off his hoodie and jeans. He spotted a young girl in the room, though Einari could sense a presence that sent shivers through his spine, knowing this young girl to be the oldest of them all. He bowed his head.

"My Lady Khimaria..."

She hissed at him. Einari had been expecting as much. She spat at him.

"You are no kin of mine, Traitor. Coward! Trickster! Betrayer!"

Einari flinched at each of the insults. They didnt hurt him, but Khimaria's mere voice did sting his ears. He tried to respond.

"My Lady, I thought that if I were to stay-"

"Then you would have died honorably! You would have not been in a position like this!"

Einari nodded in sublime agreement.

"This may be true, but, please My Lady, hear me out-"

Khimaria looked even more outraged than before.

"Here you out?! HERE YOU BLOODY WELL OUT?!?! I will hear you out when you scream in pain before you die!!"

Einari had no doubt she would. He nodded conceedingly, but then went on as if he had not been interrupted.

"I have information, or rather the ability to gather information, that might be of interest to you."

Khimaria's rage seem to fade a little, though it was not by all means gone, and was replaced by a small amount of interest.

"I have dwelt for many years in this city, and I know all the thieves, the crooks, the informants, the assasins, the mercenaries, the killers, the bosses, the -"

"Yes yes, I get the point. And how can these people help me?"

Einari sumblimed his joy. He made his face seem apathetic, as if he had made all these freinds with the intention of helping Khimaria when she came back.

"They know me and fear me. They do what I tell them to do. If I say to them 'Listen to Khimaria and do her every bidding', then they will...The streets are a powerful ally in this day and age, My Queen, and those that can control the streets can control the city. And since this city is the capital of the country..."

He left the sentence unfinished, leaving her to ponder the possibilities. Of course, they both knew, that she could gain the street's alliance on her own, but that might take months, and this would be an easy way out of the hassle. Khimaria looked at Einari and nodded.

"Fine. I will let you live, but under one condition..."

The evil smile on her face told her that the condition was not going to help him in the slightest.

"You will have a spell placed upon you so that three things will happen. One, you cannot leave the country. Two, you will suffer immense pain for an hour a day for one week, then once a week, then once a month, a year, and so on, depending upon how well you serve me. And lastly, you will never be able to sleep again."

Einari was hesitant, not thrilled with the prospect of never sleeping and the immense pain, but what other choice did he have? These were probably the best ever terms a betrayer had gotten with Khimaria, and so he took them. He fell to one knee.

"Only too happily, My Queen. I thank you for your gracious mercy and-"

"Oh shut up and strip to your diapers."

Einari stood, sublimating his joy. He quickly took off everything besides his boxers. Khimaria swept all the items off a table, and Einari laid down upon it.

Khimaria bound him down with ropes and began muttering an ancient spell. Einari felt a slight tingling in his body, one that was quickly gone.

"The first condition is done."

She bega muttering another spell, and this time Einari felt a buring sensation along his spine, and it hurt as if he was being flayed open with the Devil's own whip. He writhed in torment for a hour, the unbearable pain coursing through his body. He felt like he was going to die several times, but he never did, and he knew that was the work of Khimaria. She watched his torture, a gleeful smile on her face, recovering fro the two spells that had drained her body. When the pain ended, Einari felt numb, and he panted heavily, cursing that he had to go through that same pain every day. Khimaria stood, her magical powers regained, and began the last spell. The spell felt like cool water washing over Einari's whole body, cooling his still smoldering back. He sighed in relief. Khimaria sighed and collapsed onto the floor in exaustion. She was asleep in seconds.

Xornon tore Einari free of the bonds, and then simply turned around and headed back into his room. Einari re-dressed himself and headed out into the cold, his mind turning over the dream from an hour ago in his mind.

He found himself in a bar, and drank himself into another sleep.

Khimaria was profoundly confused and fairly worried for Yuri... Although on that battlefield so long ago yuri had seemed to forget her sadness Khimaria had expected her to remember some of he previous excursions.

Still there was far more on her mind, she hated loki and she knew that she would be expected to murder him or give him to yuri to kill, and this didn't cause her conscience any problems, unlike Xornon who Khimaria was beginning to like and Orion who... she was beginning to tolerate, loki was striking her as very bitter and for all his "Great tactics." He didn't seem to properly understand that fighting was there only choice. There were to many vampires to keep hidden, and so few humans in the area that people noticed bite marks very fast and then the whole village knew. hiding hadn't been an option, nor was running, they had to fight and fight they did. But khimaria still wasn't sure what to do about him. She put these thoughts to the back of her mind, she had more important things to do.

((Sorry if I controlled Khimaria a bit too much on that last post seriph, I just wanted that done and over with))

Zechariahs moved silently through the alleyways of the streets, having finally awoken from the depths. He needed a body, and as always he chose based on appearances. What other use was there for a body?

Eventually he spotted somebody he believed beautiful enough to take on his soul, and drifted toward him. The man was walking home from a lecture at his college, and collapsed as Zechariahs possessed him. Suprisingly the man's spirit was strong too, and it was almost ten minutes before Zechariahs had complete control over the vessel. Now it's original spirit was gone, he was ready to look around. First he'd search out his old queen, Khimaria, and then find a way to regain the power he'd once had.

((Sorry for the delay, things took off too quickly and I lost track of the storyline. Hopefully I'll discover what's going on soon enough though.))

(OOC: Just a side-story on my part, but nice to see ya joined, Trickster. Dwarfdude...how could loki drink himself into another sleep if he can never sleep again 😖 anyways, that small point aside, here’s something a little shorter than usual)

Brushing off a blanket of snow from a surprisingly warm long black leather jacket, L threw off his hood, rubbing some warmth into his face. Despite the brisk weather, it still remained pale, unaffected by the bitter cold falling snow, the icy droplets of water. Checking his reflection in a display case, he shrugged. He had decided on something casual, a pair of navy blue jeans, tan timberlands, and a plain black shirt.

Wincing slightly at the defrosting pieces of metal adorning his face, he continued his walk through the mall, rubbing his hands together for warmth. Catching a glimpse of a clock holding a jolly red Santa Clause, he expressed a mixture of disgust and being pleased. He hated the holidays; they had all but lost their true meanings and were nothing but a form of commercialism.

The only reason why he had perked up in the least was seeing the time the red clothed man’s hands were pointing to. Five thirty on the dot…he knew Yuri had been waiting in the mall much longer than that. Running his fingers over his neatly braided hair, he sighed. “Knew she would be early…”

Hiding an odd necklace beneath his shirt, with a sigh, he pocketed his hands, making his way onto the second level of the mall. Strolling through the mall with a blatant indifference, he poked his head inside one of several Starbucks, narrowing his eyes to the back of Yuri.

In front of her was a very small green cup, its contents still steaming out from the small drinking hole, one hand wrapped around the cup. The other was beneath the table, squeezing her leg every so often in a weird nervousness. Creeping up behind her, feathery unheard footsteps, he slid his hands across her face, resting his chin on her head. “I thought I told you six o clock, caramel.”

“Normally if someone did that to me they would be wearing my drink,” said Yuri coldly, grip loosening on her thigh. Her statement had actually been a vast understatement, if one even touched her in her current bitter mood, they would have died on the spot. But for some incomprehensible reason, she didn’t lash out to the bartender, she didn’t even curse.

Shifting her head up from beneath his chin, Yuri looked up to him, brow raised. “You are early.”

He tapped her nose lightly. “As are you…” He soon pouted, eyes over to the cashier counter. “I wanted to get myself a gingerbread latte before I began to wait for you, it is pretty cold outside…but I guess,” he kicked half-heartedly to the ground. “That’s a lost cause, now isn’t it?”

“Help yourself…” Yuri stared passively to the opposite wall, sipping drearily at thick melted dark chocolate. It was slowly starting to calm her emotions, the weakness starting to overwhelm her at her lack of memories.

Giving a smile of encouragement, he squeezed Yuri’s shoulder lightly, making his way to the counter. Five minutes later he came back with his drink along with a small milk chocolate. Tossing it in her direction, she caught it instinctively, frowning at the small piece of candy. He smiled. “Can’t stand to see a girly down for too long so try this out…might just cheer you up, if only for a minute,” Winking, he stared upwards to the ceiling, grey gaze piercing through mist and fog to the coming storm outside. “We should leave now…weather like this causes accidents. Ready?” he glanced back down to her.

Nodding, Yuri gulped down the remaining chocolate, throwing away the cup. Picking up her backpack from the floor, she followed L out of the mall, he leading her to a silver Lexus slowly becoming coated in crisp white. Opening her door, Yuri went inside the vehicle apprehensively, only able to stare at the weird knobs and slots making up the front. L quickly entered in after, slamming the door shut.

Leaning his head back, he started up the car, letting it warm up for the next five minutes. As he did so, Yuri took the time to examine her surroundings. With leather seating and a sweet scent in the air not completely overwhelming, she found the car comfy. In the back seat, a small pillow was propped up against the right door, a folded blanket resting on the left seat.

Picking up a can of Redbull bought in bulk, Yuri lifted the container curiously. L, who had been watching Yuri’s darting eyes with a hint of amusement, cracked a smile. Kneading his forehead, he explained, “My step-sister comes into town every so often and takes the liberty of sleeping in the backseat, hence the pillow and blanket. And considering I can actually get tired, you’d be surprised what a little vodka and redbull can do…”

“Really…?” Yuri clamored out of the seatbelt she had put on, jumping into the backseat. Glaring into the mirror, her brow arched. “I am going to rest for awhile,” Curling herself up, she rested her head onto the pillow. “Wake me when we arrive…?” She didn’t wait for a response, drifting off immediately.

Backing out the lot, L shrugged, beguiling expression replaced with the smallest hint of melancholy. He glanced back to the sleeping Yuri. “As you wish…”

((*cough* Blah, cut me some slack, I was super tired when I wrote that. I meant unconcious. Just because he can't sleep doesnt mean he cant pass out from the alcohol...))

After hours of sleep Ken awoke. And with Xzaar still asleep a devious smile crept across Ken's face. He began to move his fingers slowly then looked around. "Just as I thought I now have full control over my body once again. And not only that but now I have control over Xzaar's vampire capabilities as well." Ken said to himself in thought. Pleased with the turn of events Ken quickly dressed and began headed for the door but was stopped by Airy. "Where are you going Xzaar?" Airy asked slightly tilting her head. Ken knew he couldnt say somewhere to interesting or Airy would want to accompany him. "I'm going to school." Ken said quickly. "Why go to school?" Airy asked. "Whats with all these questions I'm minding my own business so why dont you do the same." Ken said storming out the cave. He hated to have been so mean to Airy but it was the only way he could think of to ditch her before she realized that it wasnt Xzaar who she was really talking to. "Where do I want to go?" Ken asked himself as he neared the main road. He hadnt really intended on heading to school besides it was alittle after five no way they would still be open anyway. Ken quickly decided he would go to the store to visit Mary. Ken began to walk the same alleyway where he was attacked by Paul and his goons and the memories flashed through his head. "I was a weakling then but I'm not weak anymore!" Ken said angerily as he neared the shop. "Looking for a good time?" A voice asked behind him. He turned around to see a woman with a short miniskirt an open blouse and ruffled hair looking at him He knew right away who she was and what she wanted. "How much will this cost me?" Ken asked as if his interest had been sparked. "Since this is my first time seeing you it's on the house. Just follow me." The woman said as she began to lead Ken in the opposite direction through different alleyways until finally they were in a secluded area away from people. "Okay your little friends can come out now. I know they've been following us for the last ten minutes" Ken said pleased at how well he had adapted to Xzaar's vampire powers. "NOW" the woman yelled and about ten men surrounded Ken. One of the men was very familiar. "Did you think I was bluffing when I told you that you were an enemy of the skullz gang" Charles said smiling at Ken. "This should be fun." Ken said cracking a smile."Yes its going to fun alright fun for us." Charles said as he motioned for the men to attack Ken. But ken only smiled as he threw punch after punch kick after kick knocking down everything in his path. One man charged Ken with a knife but Ken dodged and the man accidentally cut his own ally and with that the scent of blood filled the air and Xzaar's hunger filled Ken's stomach. Turning to the man who had been cut Ken did the instinctual thing any vampire would have done and that was to sink his teeth into the man's neck draining him of his life force. At first Ken choked but soon he adjusted to the crimson fluid flowing down his throat by the time the man was completely drained he looked up to see Charles had already fled but Ken spotted the woman who had led him there and he smiled as he approached her. She was in a ball crying obviously scared for her life. "Please dont kill me they made me do it just please let me live" The woman said continuing to cry. Ken wanted to let her live but his lust for blood had overcome him and he wanted to taste the fluid once again."I'll tell you what I'm going to be nice and give you a two minute head start." Ken said laughing before long the woman took off running turning corners cutting through small walk ways the woman was indeed running for her life. Finally she made out of the alleyway maze but still was nowhere near the main road but she continued to run only to trip and fall. She could hear Ken laugh from a distance but got up and continued to run. She decided to run into a near by office building to ask for help. Inside the building she ran through the hallways yelling for help she kept running until she reached a door that wouldnt budge she turned around to see a fast approaching figure she almost had the door open when the figure grabbed her."Gotcha" Ken laughed but his laugh was cut short when the woman kicked him in the groin and opened the door and slammed it back. She ran as Ken recovered and struggled to get the door open. The woman had ran to the emergency exit but it was bolted shut she had no choice but to take the stairs she ran all the way up to the rooftop and began to slow her pace hoping Ken wouldnt find her she then turned around and looked at the door ready to take off if he showed up. She was walking backwards but stopped when she bumped into something. She turned around to see Ken smiling. "I took the elevator" KEn laughed as he slung the woman to the ground. Ken was ready to finish her off when a man grabbed his hand Ken tried to pull away but the man was of equal strength. "Xzaar its been awhile hasnt it." The man said Ken had recongnised the scent but still had no clue to who it was he needed entry into Xzaar's mind to find out. " Dont tell me you forgot about me already its me Zechariahs." Ken just stood there not knowing whether to be suprised or upset.

"Come now, you knew I'd be here eventually, didn't you?" Zechariahs asked, smiling coldly, "And you knew I'd be hungry. So why didn't you wake me up?"

A movement from the woman startled both of them as she turned to flee. A pair of hands grabbed her and she was knocked to the ground. She yelled out as she fell, but the sound was cut short by a sickening thud as her head hit the ground. Shaking his head, Zechariahs let out a chuckle,
"They never get it, do they? We'll always catch them."

Bending over, he hauled the woman's body from the floor and sunk his teeth into her neck. Releasing Xzaar's arm, the vampire's mortal body stumbled backward after the shock of the sudden freedom. Tossing aside the corpse, Zechariahs looked intently at Ken.
"So, Xzaar, where's Khimaria?"

(Edit - apologies for the short posts - I'm just testing the waters 😉)

"Khimaria is at the cave come on I'll show you the way." Ken said motioning for Zechariahs to follow him. Ken was stuck in deep thought but soon was cut short when Zechariahs asked him a question."I may not remember to well but I dont remember you being as aggressive or bloodthirsty. You were always sort of well Sympathetic." He said as they continued to walk."Well Zechariahs things change dont they" Ken said beginning to look in Xzaar's mind for an explanation as to who this Zechariahs character is. What he found shocked him and worried him at the same time. Zechariahs was close to Xzaar he even considered him as a brother. This worried Ken because he just might realize that he isnt Xzaar at all."Are you ok? It seems something is deeply troubling you what's wrong" Zechariahs asked sounding somewhat concerned. "I'm mad you took it upon yourself to eat my meal." Realizing that didnt sound like anything Xzaar would say he quickly turned around and said "I'm just kidding you Im full anyway." Zechariahs just nodded as they continued to walk but then he stopped and asked "Do you know where a local pub is located?