Benginmina "Beni" Gumm
Age 27
Resident of Midnight,TX
Witch
Owner of the adult shop of Traverse St
Bengimina Gumm was the other resident witch in Midnight, TX. She was nothing like her older cousin related on her father's side of the family she didn't spend much time with her but when they did Beni often got scolded for the type of magic she practiced. Unlike her older cousin there was no reason for her to stay a virgin. In fact a good amount of her powers came from sexual energy. She was the proud owner of the only adult shop in the town, shure it was a tiny little place with a limited stock compared to larger towns but she always gave her customers exactly what they wanted and exactly what they needed even if they weren't totally sure what that was. Ben's shop was at the end of Traverse St the last little shop on the corner of the building. The shop was located in the basement and was accessed through some stairs that led down to the main door. Above the shop was her apartment. It was a spacious single bedroom. She loved the high ceilings and nearly floor to ceiling windows that were on the west side of the building.
Music was floating through the apartment and Beni was just stepping out of her morning shower. She always had a shower in the morning, it was how she got her days started. On the mornings she didn't have a shower often were days that some would label as 'bad'. Shutting the hot water off Beni reached for her towel that she kept on a hook just outside of the shower only an arms reach away. She wrapped it around herself and then began to dry off. Smiling a humming to the song that was playing she began her morning routine, brushing her teeth and putting in her contacts. Next was preparing a healthy breakfast.
Vao Couer'dor
Age: Human Apperance: 30s actual age 700
Resident of Midnight.Tx
Hellhound
Jack of all trades,resident handy man
Vao Couer'dor walked into his small little home as he shook his head and tapped his dogatgs which caused his soul lantern to appear on his wast which he unclipped from his belt and put it away inside of his desk. "Another day more souls..if anyone needs me i'll be heading to home cooking for a drink..or five." The young hellhound grabbed his jacket as he wrapped his tail around his waist and let his fires flare up for a second to warm himself up as he walked back out as he was heading into the main city. As he head into the city his tail and ears were kept hidden under a long jacket and a black cap he always wore.
Outside of Crystal Desert, Hapdun sat just idly kicking his feet against the old wood porch He was like many others in this town something special. What looked like a jacket that always seemed to be wrapped around his neck was in all actuality his own wings as he was a dragon shifter but he had been exiled to the land below and his wings broken and the bones removed so now he was living among the mortals and living in Midnight.[/spoiler]
Guitar slammed the shovel into the thick clay dirt and wiped his forehead with the back of his gloved hand and glared to his partner,Mika, who was sitting on the trunk of their vehicle smirking as she stared off into the distance. The skyline of Midnight in view to them.
"You could have at least helped or i don't know maybe not killed them." He grumbled at her grabbing her attention. She blinked her heavy deeply set gray eyes and focused them on the man in front of her. Laughing, Mika shrugged her shoulder and jumped off of the trunk.
"Couldn't help myself. The bastard wouldn't stop crying and kept going on and on about all he wanted was to see his family again when he already knew they were dead. What's the point of keeping a nuisance like that around?" She asked and raised her hands high above her head and stretched out her limbs and rolled on to her toes. Then she dropped her arms as she exhaled a deep breath. He grumbled pulling the shovel out of the dirt and walked over to the trunk he popped it open and threw the shovel in hitting the back of the trunk.
"I'm all dirty and sweaty now and it's not even 9am." Guitar groaned and titled his head to look at Mika. "I've got to be so unlucky for getting paired up with the likes of you, and not to mention you are THE MOST disgusting woman I have ever had the displeasure of knowing." Guitar rolled down the sleeves of his white button down shirt and pulled up his suspenders. Next he put back on his double chest holster which held two glock 42s followed by his suit jacket. Out of the breast pocket of the jacket he pulled a cigarette case and lighter. The cigarette case instead held joints he had previously rolled himself. He placed one between his lips and lit. Taking a long drag and blowing the smoke upwards he replaced the items and fished out the car keys from his pocket. He titled his head to glance of her his left shoulder noting that their destination wasn't too much further away.
"I'd say we've got maybe a forty five sixty minute drive before we get there." He said moving top get into the car at the driver's seat.
Mika had already gotten into the passenger seat once Guitar had pulled the keys from his pocket. She pushed her stingy blonde hair out of her face and nodded "Let's get going then. We're supposed to be meeting up with some other's from the organization aren't we, or do you think we'll arrive before them?" She asked and looked over to Guitar who did not answer her. "No matter. I'm just excited." She said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the city of Midnight was waking up the young baker and pet store employee was sitting at one of the outdoor bistro tables in front of the bakery enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee with 10 sugars and a tablespoon of cinnamon creamer and a fresh piece of banana bread smeared heavily with butter. The pet store was owned by the Token family and her love of baking brought her to the bakery.
"Ah just how I like it!" She moaned her hands wrapped firmly around her green coffee mug. The young woman was Tulip Token, she was a werewolf, a special breed that looked more animal than human in her natural state. From what she understood her animal like appearance had to do with a mutation in one of her genes but it seemed to happen to the oldest born female in her family every 2-3 generations. This pattern led some of her older family members to believe that it was from the curse placed upon their family that originally made them into werewolves. It didn't bother her though, at a young age when it became clear she had the mutation her father gifted her with a charm bracelet. The bracelet gave her a human appearance as long as she wore. It was rare for Tulip to be caught without the bracelet and if she wasn't wearing it she was around the people who knew her the best and whom she trusted with all of her life.
"I can tell today is going to be a good day!"
Guitar Remess
32
Hunter
Guitar is the second hunter in his family taking after his uncle when his mom was attacked and permanently paralyzed from the waist down when he was just 12 years old. His mother had been attacked by a werecreature one he still intends to hunt down and kill someday. He learned a majority of his skills and gained his knowledge from his Uncle but was recruited by the organization after they heard of his talents when he took down 3 vampires. He deeply dislikes being dirty and prefers methods of killing that will result in him getting dirty the least.
Mika Yonofsky
20
Hunter
Telekinetic powers
Mika was never a normal child. Though abnormality was not how she got to where she is in life. Her mother was never meant to be a parent she was one of those accidental teen moms who was forced into caring for her mistake. Her mother made sure that Mika knew how she felt about her daughter. That she hated and despised her and wanted her out of her life. Sadly these were not empty threats but promises ones she tried to fulfill a number of times but while trying ended up killing herself. It resulted in Mika growing up in the system. She eventually found herself in juvie and then recruited into the organization. She does as she told and enjoys having a purpose in life even if that is killing.
Tulip Token
21
Resident of Midnight
Werewolf
Works at the bakery and her family owned pet shop
Vao kept his jacket wrapped around his body as he made his way to Home cooking as he walked in. He looked over at the bar and gave a little whistle and smiled as he headed over to his normal table. Almost every night and morning Vao would come in and sit at the booth and watch over what was going on though most of the townsfolk knew that the hellhound held a torch so to speak for the beautiful waitresses Though those whom knew what Vao actually was knew not to mess with the main bar in town. He often would come by when done with his work to catch some dwn time and see what was new with the surface world that he often spent time in. It was rare that a hellhound would stay so long on the surface as many concidered it too cold but he was tasked with retrieving someone's soul and when he did he felt sorry for the person so he reported back that he had lost them and so was ordered to stay until he found them and thus he stayed in Midnight. He grabbed one of the menus and looked everything over as he relaxed in his booth while he started to read the newspaper that was placed on the table he was always at.
BOPH, simply known as Voron was a long standing secret society that had tried to safeguard humanity from non-human threats. They had been hunting down any creatures that were not human and either outright killing them or capturing them. What troubled them was how many years ago they had created a prison which held one of the most dangerous threats that humanity had ever faced and now this town was built on top of the prison. They had blended themselves into those whom had settled into the town and when they had learned who was non human they had made their moves against them
----
"with the rate you eat them tulip, we're not going to have any to give to the customers." Mordici just sighed as he shook his head and nursed his cup of tea as he looked at his best friend and coworker. "Just so you kbnow too all those carbs are gonna make ya bloated and fat." He liked to tease Tulip knowing he had seen her go through a day's worth of pastries and not seem to gain a single pound. Mordici was a corvid, a shifter that took a crow form and sometimes in his humanoid form he had wings and was sometimes mistaken as an angel but the black wings were often giving others an impression he was a fallen Angel. During the day Mordici worked with Tulip at the bakery but at night he often took flight and was the town's resident look out, after the past trouble with Patience Lucero and Colconnar it was determined that someone should serve as an early warning system and who better then a crow watching from any high perch in the city
Tulip looked down into her cup of coffee and at her banana bread. She mumbled mocking Morici's words "you're gonna get fat and bloated Tulip." She murmured and rolled her eyes taking a big bite of the bread then stuck her tongue out at him.
"You're just jealous cause I have a perfect figure and don't have to work for it." She laughed and then shrugged her shoulder. "But this is the only one I've eaten this morning." Tulip took her napkin and wiped her mouth. Inhaling deeply she looked up at the bright blue sky. "We should do something fun tonight! I don't have to close the pet store tonight so I'm totally free!"
Mordici looked at Tulip as she mentioned about doing something fun. He then nodded as he swiped some of the bread and ripped off a piece of it before he let her have the rest as he ate the banana bread. "All right if you have a good idea for what we should do tonight im down for it." He normally didn't do much at night as he liked to just keep watch over the city but there were times even he needed a little break and so he felt it would be a good idea to try and do something for the night with Tulip. "So any good ideas?" He mocked her abit as she always had good ideas and most of the time if there was any trouble it was probably come from an idea that Mordici had but they always managed to walk away from it.
The corvid shifter just looked at his best friend and smiled, the pair had always been together from childhood and was always down for whatever his friend wanted to do. People spoke that they would make a cute couple but nothing really ever came of it, Mordici was always at her side which was why he worked at the bakery but also because he was able to get his hands on some of the fresh baked breads.
Benjamina had made her self a simple but healthy and fulfilling breakfast. It was a yogurt parfait made with grape-nuts, because granola didn't hold its crunch, clementine, freeze dried strawberries, and vanilla honey greek yogurt. Typically she ate her breakfast as she got dressed for the day and this morning was no different. She took her bowl with her back to her bedroom and set it on the dresser then went over to her closet. The doors were sliding and she tapped her fingers against her thigh as she stared into the wardrobe wondering what would fit her mood. She snapped her fingers and bounced back over to her bowl, took a bite and then back to her closet. She pulled out a pair of dark bluejeans, a paisley patterned button up shirt and some brown ankle boots. Placing the clothes on her bed she went and took another bite of breakfast and looked at her outfit one more time to confirm that's what she wanted to wear and her answer was still yes. So she got dressed and continued to eat her breakfast.
With her outfit chosen she finished eating, did her makeup and then got dressed. She grabbed her purse and headed out into town her destination was Home Cooking. Beni liked to come some morning to do the paperwork side of her business until her store opened up at noon.
~~~~~~~~
"I was thinking we can go check out that new roller rink! After 10 on Thursdays it's adults only! They play great music and serve drinks and really good shareable plates, appetizer type food!" Tulip wiggled in her seat and was raising her eyebrows with a big smile on her face as she took her sip, and locked eyes with Mordici knowing he would say yes but none the less waited patiently for an answer from him. For a few weeks now she had been casually mentioning the skating rink to him.
When he smiled at her she clasped her hands together and sighed out yes! "Oooh I', excited now! Let's get to work! Places is about to open." She stood and stretched her hands high above hand and rolled on to her toes and then rocked back on them as she lowered her hands. Grabbing her now empty coffee mug and the plate the bread had say on she went inside.
Vao was sitting in his normal corner booth when he sniffed the air. He smiled as he kept reading his newspaper before he got up and wandered from his booth and made it around until He was able to get behind Benjamina and set his hands upon her waist as he sniffed at her hair and smiled as he let his tail slink out from his coat to wrap around her waist as he nipped at her neck and laughed. "And how is my favorite witch?" He stayed quiet as he waited for her answer as he kept behind her. Many would think with how he acted they were together but Vao himself was a greed hound and saw great potential in Benjamina's powers and so he was always around, though he knew that she was well aware that as a greed hound and would never be satisfied with just one person but that perhaps he truly did care about her but that was a question for another time.
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Mordici just laughed abit as he watched Tulip head back inside. He just shook his head and followed her in. "you just really want to go skating don't you?" He didnt quite see the enjoyment of it but then again he was able to fly and so anything else never would compare to the freedom of flying. He rubbed at his shoulder blades for a second as it had been some time since he had actually stretched them out as he tended to keep them unseen as even those who knew he was a supernatural didn't take too kindly to seeing black wings which were commonly associated with demons and fallen angels and with all the demonic issues that had plagued Midnight in the past it was better safe then sorry..
"So how many sheets do you think you're gonna sell hmm?" He walked to the storage and started to prepare to pull some fresh dough as he then started to work on getting it cut, molded and ready for the oven.
----
Outside of Midnight
Mikhail Andreyevitch Loskov, Also known as Kestrel paced back and forth as he was reading over the papers that he had found in the file cabinent as he had already taken photos and sent copies over to Voron. Once he was done he set the files down as he walked over to the Order members whom he had ambushed and strung up hanging upside down from the rafters of the building as he drew out his knife. "If there is any consolation for you, you can be assured that your friends will be joining you so you wont be lonely for long." He walked behind each of the 4 people who hug there and ran his knife over their throats cutting them as from where he cut and hanging upside down the blood would rush out quickly and they would die quickly.
Kestrel looked at the paper as he grabbed a match and lit it before tossing it onto the paper watching it catch before he started to walk out of the building. He grabbed his radio and keyed in. "Kestrel here, the safehouse has been cleansed and all information acquired."
She squealed happily and leaned her head back and over her shoulder looking at Van! Banie smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before turning back to her her laptop. She had only just opened it but now that Vao was here she figured she wouldn't be getting all that much work done.
"Mmm better now that I'm seeing you this morning. "She paused her fingers slid down and dragged along his tail and she moaned so softly "And my favorite hound? Gonna finally make me yours tonight?" She asked micheviously. She knew that one partner would never be enough for hi and she didn't mind that. In fact Beni never saw her self settling down in the traditional definition of the word, but she did love the idea of being his number one. That's why she asked knowing his answer would most likely be know she hoped one day it would become a yes.
~~~
"YEP!" Tulip yelled out to answer Mordici. "You've just made me a very happy girl." She winked and went to clean her dishes. Once that was done she double checked to make sure the silverware and plates were stocked up and ready to go.
"Probably 3! 4 if were having a great day." She said returning into the back area and leaned against the wall watching him shape the dough. "Have you noticed lately that some of our regulars, haven't been so regular anymore?" She asked and pressed her hand to her stomach. "Like Mrs.Tru, she hasn't come buy in a few weeks! I know she can get tangled up in her books but it's rather odd of her to miss out on goodies for so long. We've really been mostly getting passer-by."She added and titled her head thinking of what could be the possible answer.
~~~
Guitar and Mika had finally made into the city limits of midnight and they both immediately felt a change one so strong it made Mika gag.
"Ugh what the fuck was that! Tell me you felt it too." She mumbled and covered her mouth trying to get her gagging under control.
Guitar cut his eyes over to his young partner and saw her reaction to the strong barrier. He sighed "Yeah I do feel it. I forget you haven't been on many missions, some places have strong drawing of supernaturals and as a result things....build up." He said trying to explain in the simplest term she would understand. That concentration can have affects on us humans who know what to look for or rather I should say are more intend with this hidden world adjacent to our own." He added and pulled into the parking lot of the hotel.
"Oh God I'm gonna throw up!" Mika tumbled out of the car the moment it stopped and hurried away immediately vomiting. When she was done she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and then returned to Guitar's side. He had already gotten their bags from the car and was heading inside.
"You need to get that under control. It will either lessen the longer we stay or slowly get worse." He said his words a warning he hoped she took to heart. Mika merely nodded and followed inside.
Vao looked at Benjamina and chuckled abit as he trailed a hand down her back before he gave her rear a playful squeeze before he noticed she had her laptop out as he ran a hand through her hair before he grasped it as he let out a low growl as he whispered into her ears. "why do you ask questions that you already know the answer to. You know thats not who I am, I don't settle..I want everything and everyone." He let his tail play around her waist,threatening to slip into her jeans before he uncoiled his tail from her. He let out a low irritated growl from his throat as he let go of her hair as he then sat beside her and shook his head. He wasn't irritated with her but more so with the Order who worked to protect humans and supernaturals.
"I know you have connections hun..tell the order, that the circles..have decided not to give any assistance citing that the issues they are having are and I quote, human issues that do not have any bearing on use and that it is an internal conflict that humans must deal with on their own." He knew it wasnt going to be a popular desicion or answer since hellhounds were extremely powerful creatures and with their control of fire could do serious harm to any human but the circles didn't want to get involved in human conflicts.
~~~
Mordaci looked at Tulip and smiled abit as he heard her remark how happy he had made her but when she mentioned how some of their regulars weren't showing up he frowned abit. "Yeah, I have noticed that and it does worry me abit but everyone has their lives and sometimes they get busy." he just shrugged as he walked over to place some of the rolls onto the cookie sheets for her to bake the rolls as he started cutting more raw dough and worked it to get more ready so that once the first batch was done the second could be quickly put in.
Bein whined and looked away. She knew she should not have asked that. She hated when his mood changed and it was becuase of her. Bein took her seat and turned her computer back on and pulled a folder out of her bag. Pausing from what she was doing Benjamina turned to Vao with wide eyes.
“That is not the answer that they wanted.” She sighed heavily but nodded her head. “I’ll be sure to pass that message along.” Beni leaned over and placed her hand on his cheek turning his face towards her.
“Vao I love you, and I know I’ll never be enough for you, I just want you to someday say how you feel for me.” Kissing his lips gently Benjamina smiled and let him go.
~~~
Once inside Guitar and Mika went to the front desk and checked in. Keys in hand they headed upstairs to their room. They immediately unpacked their bags And started getting set up. Guitar pulled out a laptop and two other items. The first was a small red box with an antenna on it and then second a cord. The red box was a secure internet connection, one that could not be hacked into and it was how him and Mika would be able to communicate with the organization. With the computer set up and turned on Guitar started a video phone call.
It rang only twice before it was picked up and connected. On the screen set a a man, and you could only see him from the neck down.
“We’ve made it into the city smoothly. We did unfortunately have to kill our informant, he gave us what we needed though. What is our next steps?” Guitar asked and waited patiently for him to answer.
Vao looked at the witch beside him as he nipped at her neck while she worked. He knew how she felt but to him it wasnt anything he could truly say. He was a greed hound and always wanted everything and anything he could get his hands on. He sat beside her and let his tail wrap around her waist. "I know its not the answer they want but its the one they are going to get. Many on the council are greed hounds as well, Plus a few Anger and Lust hounds. They arnt going to take really kindly to poking their noses into human affairs unless there is something that could benefit themselves. I know the order wants help and you know I wish I could do anything but my hands are tied." He motioned to the pair of dogtags that hung around his neck underneath his shirt and tie. "I do anything on the surface without their approval..they'll know As much as I'd want to help I cant."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out what to anyone else would look like a normal cigarette but when in actuality was a hellhound's version. Stronger and had a different smell to it, sometimes a strange sweet smell and other times a bitter and foul smelling scent, much like rotten eggs eggs due to the sulfur that was in it. he tapped it against the bar and sighed. "and tell me my pet, whats wrong with being my favorite..my number one?"
--
It wasnt long for the connection to be picked up and when it was he only allowed his neck and below to be seen, never his face which allowed a brief amount of anonymity and secrecy as the leader of Voron. "You were able to get all the information you could out of him? Well a cleanup team will be sent but as for now your orders are to meet up with the local agent we have here. he's very effective at his job so you wil aid him in whatever task he sees need for you in rooting out the order and the supernatural threat in this world." He hung up the call without giving them a chance for questions or anything.
Guitar clicked his tongue loudly against the back of his teeth and closed the laptop with more force than necessary. "Bastards!" He grumbled and looked around the room his eyes finally landing on Mika. She looked less pale but still pale enough to be concerned. "Come on. Let's go and get some food. I saw a bakery on our way in. Something sweet and simple might help you and it will definitely calm me down." He said standing and smoothed his hands down his pants attempting to eliminate wrinkles.
"What about our assignment?" Mika asked her voice soft and caring little, the thought food made her stomach tighten but she begrudgingly followed behind Guitar. In no time the two were back down in the lobby, then out the front door and heading towards the bakery. Guitar allowed for his focus to be split, half was making sure Mika didn't puke before he could get some food into her and the rest was observing his surroundings, making mental notes of what he felt were supernatural auras.
Out the corner of his eye he saw a woman with strawberry blonde hair and though her outfit was well put together she didn't seem so. Her har was so tangled it would be a miracle if all the knots could be combed out. Her clothes had a mixture of blood and dirt on them and he could see that she was limping her right hand holding tight of her left arm. He wondered if she was supernatural or just a woman having a really fucked up day.
~~~~~~~
The woman Guitar made note of was the absolute last soul the residents of midnight expected to see walking their mortal plane once again. Her eyes were wide with terror, her makeup smudged and her hair wild. Her $1000 pant suit had been reduced to second hand goods and even then the goodwill wouldn't take it. She put all her strength into walking. The only thought going through her head was get to Home Cooking. If I can just make it there, just a little further and then I'll get some help, they'll help me. These were her only thoughts and They helped her get to her destination despite the pain, fatigue, and dehydration her body was feeling. Leaning all her weight into the doors she pushed them open and stumbled past a man who was exiting. She looked around and gasped
"Someone please...please help me." She said and those were the only words she spoke as she fell to the ground and not gracefully at all. Just about every patron had their eyes on the now collapsed woman.
Benjamina's eyes went to the woman just like everyone else but unlike these people who only saw this woman as a stranger Beni saw her as evil and was torn between shock and confusion. She simply turned her head to Vao and just the look on her face he would know what was going through her mind.
Vao looked at Benji before he turned as he heard someone stumble into home cooking. Unlike many other people in the town, Vao was unknowing to the damage and threat that Patience was to the town. He showed up a few months after the whole debacle as the circles had tracked down a soul that had picked up residence in Midnight.
"Hold on easy there." He got up and walked over to Patience and took hold of her good arm and helped her to the bar. "Rags,water, some food." He could tell that she probably had gone through the ringer. "What happened to you? You look like you went twelve rounds with Mack truck going 90 mph on the highway." He looked at Benji before motioning for her to get some help for Patience.
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Mordaci finished pulling some finished pastries out as he started to put them out on display before looking out to the main street as he saw Guitar and Mika walking in the direction of the Bakery. "Look alive lips, we're going to have some company." He laughed calling her by the nickname he had given her many years back. He made sure that all of the pastries were freshot and kept under the heat lamps on display as he also turned on the small fan that would work to spread the lovely smells around the shop.
Patience was just barely holding on to her consciousness, and with that she held on tightly to the strong arms that had picked her up.
"You should take her into the back room." Beni said and sighed heavily as Vao listed off things to help clean her up and treat her wounds if she had any. Begrudgingly she went to get the things he had asked for. When she had gathered all of them she made her way to the back room where Patience was lying on the table knocked out cold. It was as if she had finally given in now that she had found some help. She set the items on the table around Patience then turned and shut the door.
"This women doesn't deserve our help." She said dipping the rag into the hot water and wringing it out. She then wiped off Patience's face then her arms. "You came to town just after she had done all that damage. She shouldn't even be alive." Beni commented and checked her for wounds but saw none. The blood must not have been her own. She did have some bad bruises though.
~~~
Tulip rolled her eyes at the nickname and was about to scold him for using it but stopped when the bell over the door rang. "Good morning! Welcome in." She said cheery and with a bright smile. "What can I get you folks this morning?" She asked and handed them some menus. "Oh and we have some bread and biscuits just coming out of the oven, and I highly recommend either on any of our sandwiches." She said smiling and looked them both over.
Guitar nodded and gave a friendly smile. "Thank you." He said and looked over the menu but it didn't hold a lot of interest to him he handed it to Mika who glanced over it.
"I...I'll take a peppermint tea and one of those biscuits you mentioned."Mika said and then turned away and took a seat at one of the tables that sat in the corner.
"Great! And for you sir?" Tulip asked turning her eyes to Guitar.
"A coffee, largest size you've got and one of those cherry cream-cheese danishes." He said pointing to them in the display case. Tulip totaled up his order and took his payment. She told him once it was ready she would bring it over for them. Guitar went and joined Mika she was starting to look less pale but that wasn't really saying a whole lot.
"Well if she shouldn't be alive and yet she is so that demands answers to questions that everyone will have including you and so it will be better to have her in a place where we can keep her contained until we can figure out just why she is here, or is that not a good thought and you rather just toss her out into the streets where anyone could find her and then who knows how this town will react hmm?"
He just shook his head as he pulled out a knife and worked on cutting away Patience's clothing as he sniffed the blood then sniffed at her body. "It doesn't belong to her or else it would smell like her. I'll see about having the scent given to someone whom I can trust will find out who it does belong to. In the meantime Beni, be a good girl and get some fresh clothes for her." Vao let his tail unfurl from his waist as he looked at Benjamin. "Consider this an order, keep her alive and here."
---
Mordecai looked at Tulip and smiled before he went back to get the fresh biscuits that were ordered as he grabbed a small basket and put the biscuits together before he pulled out a nice warm one and handed it over to tulip once the tea was ready as he went to get the coffee pot all set up. Once it was done he poured it into one of their largest mugs before he handed it over for Tulip to bring to the customers who were sitting at their inside table. He didn't recognize them but didn't worry about it too much as coffee and food was always going to draw people from near and far.
Blinking she stared dumb founded at him as he left the room closing the double sliding doors behind him. She was alone with an unconscious Patience.
“Order?!? ORDER!” She practically screamed and turned her gaze to the woman. Her clothes were ruined so Beni didn’t take any care in trying to perseve them. She began to tear at them. “How dare he! He...he...he can’t even be honest with me about his feelings and now he’s giving me orders like...like I’m some kind of servant? That bastard! I’m gonna—“ Beni jumped back when Patience inhaled deeply and began to cough, it appeared almost as if she was taking a large gulp of air after having held her breath for a period of time.
Thinking quickly Beni ran to the storage closet and grabbed a thick pair of workers gloves and heavy iron chain that had been placed there for a situation just as this one. The gloves were to protect Beni as she was vulnerable to iron as well. She went back to Patience who was coming to. She intended to wrap the chain around her ankles and wrist to keep her from doing anything that could harm her.
“Where....where am I ?” Patience mumbled as her eyes slowly fluttered open.
~~~~~~~~
Tulip placed the items on to her serving tray and walked over to her new customers. “Alright here you go.” She said and set each item down gently and carefully so not to spill anything. “Anything else I can get you? Flavored creamer, honey and butter or maybe some jam?” She asked
“Some lemon slices and honey and butter would be nice.” Mika said taking the cup in her hands and inhaling the scent of peppermint deeply.
“I’m good with just this.” Guitar said and lifted the cup to his lips. He blew on the hot liquid then took a sip. He smiled savoring the flavor. It was a well brewed cup. Sadly to say he had expected it to be burnt tasting and would have to add cream and sugar to get past the bad bitter.
“I’ll get those for you right now!” She said and walked off to behind the counter once again.
Vao didn't take long to come back though he had a small bag with him when he returned. He looked at Benji before glancing back over at Patience before he set his bag down. "Brought some things that may help to ease your mind my dear." He grabbed his bag and pulled out bracelets and put them around Patience's wrists and locked them with a small key before he put a necklace around her neck and locked it as well. "A tampering tool us hounds have when dealing with demon kin. It can render their powers dead and if you so worry about this woman I'm sure these will work."
He looked at the heavy iron and shook his head, that was old witch knowledge and the hounds used more powerful and modern techniques but he enjoyed having some of the old power at his side which is why he kept Benji around. "I'll take her and see what I can find out my dear and when I do you know that you will be the first I will tell." He removed the heavy iron and set them aside as he helped Patience stand up. "Easy now, Beni I'll take her out the back as to not startle your patrons." He looked at Patience and started to lead her out the back to his own place. "I'll have some questions for you but first to get you cleaned up." He lead her through back ways and shadows to get to his apartment without being spotted by the townsfolk as he ushered her inside.
----
Mordicai watched Tulips and smiled abit before he headed back into the kitchen and started to look around before sighing. "Great and here I thought I had gotten all the spices we needed, lips! I'm going over to Home cooking to see about borrowing some spices we need otherwise it's a trip to the store to buy them, think you can hold down the fort?" He laughed abit knowing all too well the young woman could hold her own but he had no idea about the danger that was sitting right inside of their store or what was looming in the city.
He walked out before heading over to home cooking but stepping in he could easily detect an air of hostility before he glanced around before heading to the back. In doing so he saw Benji and the iron and could tell she was upset. "Another fight with Vao was it? Finally smack him with some iron hmm?" He knew the young witch favored the hound and he often spoke with her about him, listening to her when the two had a argument or something.
Patience hissed at the feeling of the iron against her skin. She was just regaining her consciousness when she was hoisted to her feet and pulled out of the room and out the back of the restaurant.
“What’s happing...I need to tell them.”She said trying to get through the fog that her mind was in. Everything seemed to be moving at hyper speed while her mind was swimming though cold molasses. “I have to warn them.” She said softly closing her eyes and leaned onto who ever it was that was holding her up.
“Benjamina will listen. She’ll listen to me.“ Patience sighed and lifted a hand to her head. “She has to listen to me.”
~~~~~
Beni groaned in response to Vao and watched as he escorted Patience away. “Bastard” She took off the gloves and tossed them on to the table. She then plopped down into a chair and folded her arms across her chest and Anglican tapped her foot. “This is all-“ She looked to the door and saw Mordi coming in.
“No...but he deserves it this time. More than previously.” She mumbled and took a deep breath holding it for a bit. “What are you doing over here? Isn’t the shop open?” She asked looking him over.
~~~
“Of course!” Tulip was gathering the few items the customers had requested.
Guitar’s eyes followed the man as he crossed the floor and headed out. He wondered why he left but figured it wouldn’t be long before he was back. “How are you feeling? Any better?” He asked his voice soft and low so that Tulip couldn’t hear their conversation. Mika nodded her head taking another sip of the tea and tore off a piece of the biscuit.
“Yeah I actually am. Much better.” She said looking down into the cup of tea. “She’s not human.” Mika whispered to Guitar cutting her eyes to Tulip as she walked over holding a plate with the things she had asked for. Guitar nodded slipping his hand into his pocket.
“Here you go. Lemons, butter, and honey.” Tulip said giving them both a smile she looked down at their cups and noted Guitar’s was ready for a refill. “Can I get you some more coffee?” She asked and turned her head to Mika surprised when she grabbed on to her wrist. “Ummm”
Mika gave a soft smile and shake of her head “Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you it’s just this bracelet.” She said lifting Tulip’s hand to examine it. She touched each charm but focused on one in particular. It looked like someone combined a cross and question mark with a star. Tulip tried to pull away but Mika held onto her tightly. “Now this one here is interesting. I’ve never seen anything like it. What is it?” She asked
“Oh it’s my family symbol.” Tulip began to explain but as she did she felt a sharp pinch in her hip. She screamed out and jumped away looking down to her hip she saw Guitar had stabbed her with syringe full of a bright yellow-green liquid. “Let me go.” She growled and snatched her hand away from Mika as she did the charm Mika was examining broke off of her bracelet. Tulip stumbled back falling into a table and knocking the items on it off and ultimately the table over. She scooted away from them and her vision began to get blurry. “What’s happening?! Who are you people” She growled as her eyes began to glow and she started to transform into her true form.
“Oh my,” Mika said watching as Tulip stumbled back and she looked at the charm that broke off. “Well you certainly are not human.” She said and picked up a lemon squeezing it into her tea and added a little honey. She stirred it all and then took a sip and nodded “Mm so much better.” She said and tilted her head watching Tulip’s transformation.
“Don’t worry. You’re not gonna remember any of this.” Guitar said standing up and adjusted his jacket and walked over to Tulip who was struggling to keep her eyes open.
“I...wont...wont forget.” She said and Eiht that she was knocked out. Guitar squatted down and examined the girl. Her pulled a second syringe from his jacket and pressed this one against her upper arm. He pressed it firmly to her arm and filled with her blood. “Never seen a werewolf like you.” He whispered and turned to Mika who was still eating her food and drinking her tea. “Hurry up! We have to make it seem like we left before she was knocked out.” He said and placed the vial of blood back into his jacket along with the first one he used to knock her out. Mika did as she was told and decided it’d be a good idea to take a picture of the charm. She then did her best to reattach it to the bracelet but couldn’t so she placed the charm in the girls hand and closed her hand around the charm. They made it look like some one had tried to rob the place but was scared off by Tulip.
“Well that was a cute little bakery. We should go back tomorrow.” Mika said as they left the bakery to return to the hotel “I’m also pretty sure that guy was a super too.” She said to Guitar who only nodded.
“We’re off to a good start. Hopefully her blood can tell us a good amount about exactly what she is.” He said and patted his jacket pocket.
Vao looked at Patience and helped her sit down on his couch. He looked around before he pulled up a small stool. "Right now she doesnt seem to be in the mood to speak to you and well currently you arnt in the condition either. You need a good shower and some food and clothes. I'll get it all handled but it will take time and resources. I will take care of you but it goes both ways as well and for that you will serve me for now, with whatever I need." He let his tail flick from side to side as he got up and walked to his kitchen. "Bathroom is down the hall and to the left. Take a good hot shower and get cleaned up. Tell me when you are done and I will have some clothes waiting for you. "
---
Mordicai looked at Benji and nodded. "Yeah we are open and running but I came by to see about getting some more salt. What I did have it seems like we have run out so I was seeing if I could snag some more from here." He tilted his head as he watched the young witch. "" so what is it this time, what's got you so bothered with that hellhound anyway?" He knew that they liked to be side by side but even couples could have friction against each other from time to time.
Beni simply nodded her head and told him he was welcome to whatever he needed and knew where to find it. “Well...” She took a long deep breath and stood up to retrieve her bag. She dug her hand into it and pulled out a tarnished cigarette case. She didn’t smoke cigarettes but it instead healed joints. Pulling one out and then her zippo lighter she placed it between her lips, lit it and took a long deep drag. “About 20 ish minutes ago Patience stumbled through those doors and just before you got here he just whisked her off. Not giving me a single iota what he’s doing with her or better yet why he took her.” She grumbled and tapped the ashes on to the floor.
~~~
Patience’s mind had finally come out of the fog that it was swimming in and as she did she was her surrounding were unfamiliar and further more she didn’t recognize the voice speaking to her.
“Serve?” She repeated and looked around taking in the living room “I don’t serve anyone, especially dogs like yourself.” She stood looking about the place again. “I am in Midnight, I can feel it, and if you won’t take me to Benjamina then I’ll just find her myself.” She stood up wobbling as she did. She used the arm of the couch to steady herself before heading to the door. It doesn’t matter how she feels. She needs to hear what I have to say, or even Bobo or Manfred. Joe...he’d listen regardless of how he feels.
Mordicai looked at Benji and thought about it for a while before nodding to himself. "Well you can think of it like this, would you rather want to deal with her here where anyone could walk in, see her and cause a big reaction and problrm before we even figure out why she is back or would you rather want him to question her in a private place and keep her out of the sight of the townsfolk." He just shook his head thinking about it before he grabbed the bag of salt.
"I wouldn't worry too much about him. He is a tough hellhound and if anyone can handle her then it is him." He gently placed a hand upon her shoulder as he started to walk out of the back room before turning back. "Stop by the bakery some time, i am sure that Tulip would love to chat with you and see you." He then walked out of the back room and headed back to the bakery. As he headed to the bakery he had to wonder just why Patience had shown back up.
As he made his way back to the bakery he noticed that the lights were out which was odd since the place was open. Walking in from the back he set the bag down and called out. "'Lips, im back and got the salt that was needed." After hearing no reply he ealked out to the front and saw her laying there. Rushing over to her he gently lifted her to sit up as he sat down by her. "Tulips, can you hear me? What happened?"
---
Vao let out a low growl at the insult as he made a fist and a chain of fore sprung up from the collar that was around her neck as he yanked her back aeay from the door as he growled. "Do not think i am some fool, I can tell there is something very off about you, it comes off of you and it is very strong." He watched Patience and let his tail swing from side to side. "This is MY town and i am not about to just let you go wandering about and starting issues with people. The look Benji had for you was one of shock and anger so if she acts that way then the town will only act much worse as Benji is the heart of this town. So how about we try this again. I keep you safe and you answer sone questions for and help out around to pull your weight."
Benji grumbled Does he have to be so logical? "Yeah I'll stop by later, I have some work stuff I have to get done." She patted his hand and smiled at him as he left with the spices he came for. She tapped the ashes on to the floor and relaxed back into her chair once more closing her eyes to calm herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Tulip slowly opened her eyes when Mordicai pulled her into his arms and began to rouse her. "Mordi" She whispered wincing and looked up at him. "I....I don't know....my head hurts." She groaned and turned into his arms. "I don't know." She repeated.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Patience stumbled backward falling to the floor from him yanking her. Her hands went up to the collar touching it and then looked down to the leash made of flames. She clicked her tongue and gathered herself standing to her feet once again. She let his words sink in and waited for him to finish speaking.
"I don't need your protection. From this ridiculous collar you've put on me you're not trying to protect me instead I'm a prisoner." Patience glared at him and left the living room and went to the bathroom to shower up. "You are a fool thinking keeping me like this will be of benefit to anyone." She then slammed the bathroom door and locked it.
"Its okay 'Lips lets just get you up off this cold floor and get you something for your head." He gently held onto his closest friend and gently helped her up and ushered her to a chair. "Ill make you some tea and something for your head." After he set her at the table he went to the back room to find some ibprophine and then started to boil some water for the tea. "Lips, is there anything you can remember about what happened?" He was curious as he had only been gone for a short period of tiime and they only had the two customers who had come in and yet now thery were gone.
He heard the whistle of the teapot and got up to get thebhot water and make Tulips some tea to relax. Along with his baking skills it was truly his tea that was the best in the bakery for whatever need you had he would have a tea for it. He came back with a mug and handed it over to the young lycan. "Here, drink thisbto relax and here is somerhing for your head." He smiled and set down 2 small pills that would help with her head.
--
Vao watched Patience go into the bathroom and shut the door. He let his fires flare up for a second before he turned amd went back to the living room. He could tell that she was strong but there was something else and if the feeling he got from Benji was the feeling of the whole town then it was wise to keep her whwre he could question her and kerp an eye on her but what he didnt know was that she wasnt alone.
Inside of the bathroom was a good sized shower that probably could hold more than one person but the materials arpund the bathroom only suggested one person resided here. There were lights but also high up torches that lit and yet their flame did not burn anything which suggested they were not ordinary flames. Patience's shadow moved and ran a hand over her shoulder. "A great start. But really my dear i think that you can do better." While he wasnt able to take physcial form yet he was still attached to her. He was the crawler's second in command and the one who made it possible for her to return to the living world. He was known as Jack of Blades.
Tulip sat in the chair, the whole time she had been clutching on to her bracelet tightly and didn’t realize until she was sitting upright. She opened her hand to see the broken charm and sighed. She removed her bracelet and tried to reattach the charm she fiddled with it for a few minutes before giving up and knowing it needed to be repaired by a professional. Lucky for her, her mother would be able to fix it but for now she tucked it into her pocket. Though it wasn’t ideal but as long as she carried it on her person the charm would be effective, the glamor masking her identity.
“Mordi” She spoke softly and looked up at him when he placed the pills and tea on the table. She took the pills and swallowed them down then sipped the tea. “Thank you. I...I just can’t remember. I know that the two customers had paid and left and maybe I had started to clean up then...then....”She closed her eyes frowning and her brow knitting together in frustration. “I must have hit my head.” She thought on that statement for a bit. That made sense why else’s would her head be hurting so much and her memory fail her if she hadn’t hurt it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Jack...” She spoke softly looking at his shadow figure in the mirror. “I’m weak, you did not prepare me well enough to come back. Now look!” She groaned gesturing to the collar. “I won’t be able to remove this disgusting thing for several days! Why did you allow this to happen? You could have easily prevented it.” She growled and turned away from the mirror and moved to the shower. She turned the hot water one and waited for it to warm up. Once it did she stepped under the hot stream and moaned happily at the feeling of it on her.
“So wonderful” She sighed happily her hands running over her body teasing her breast and nipples as she did.
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